bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How are people with obesity managed in primary care? – results of a qualitative, exploratory study in Germany 2022
Authors: Wangler Julian , Jansky Michael
Published: November 2023

Background

Counselling and management of overweight and obesity are tasks for which general practitioners possess favourable qualifications. Based on a long-term doctor-patient relationship, GPs have various options for actions to deal with overweight problems. To date, however, there is only little evidence on the experiences which people with obesity have made with the primary physician model and the care needs and wishes they actually address to their GPs. This study investigated what experiences people with obesity have had with GP care and what care needs and wishes they communicated to their GPs. The results will be used to derive starting points for optimising the primary healthcare setting.

Methods

A total of 32 individuals affected by obesity were recruited over 24 online health forums. With them, we conducted qualitative interviews in the time between April and October 2022.

Results

The respondents considered the primary care physician to be the central contact person when they sought advice and support with weight problems. The advice of the GP was associated with an increased willingness to deal with reducing one’s own weight. Despite this positive perception, widespread drawbacks existed from the perspective of the respondents: (1) incidental or late discovery of obesity, (2) absence of continuous weight counselling, (3) no agreement on specific weight reduction goals, (4) no referrals to help and support services, (5) insensitive discussion. Only some of the respondents who have recently been able to reduce their weight sustainably attributed their success primarily to the support they received from their GP.

Conclusion

GPs should be encouraged to address obesity consistently and promptly. In addition, concrete recommendations and realistic goals for weight loss should be formulated. Continuous and motivating discussions are crucial in this regard. A focus on nutrition and exercise counselling in the GP’s office should also be encouraged. GPs should be strengthened in their role as mediators by integrating their patients into a network of further assistance as needed. The development of care structures for obesity management should be promoted.
“…Because we do so together”: A Mixed-Methods Analysis of Assistant Teacher’s Work Environment, Conditions, and Teamwork Experiences
Authors: Schlieber Marisa , Adejumo Tobi , Knight Jenna , Valencia Lopez Enrique , Pufall Jones Elizabeth
Published: November 2023

Quality improvement strategies largely focus on lead teachers’ qualifications with little regard to their work environment, while also overlooking a significant segment of the workforce—assistant teachers. Early educators work in teams, and assistant teachers play an important role planning, implementing, and supporting classroom activities. Using an explanatory mixed-methods design, the present United States based study examines assistant teachers’ (N = 436) assessments of their work environment, with a focus on teamwork. Findings reveal how features of the work environment are related to assistant teachers’ assessments of teamwork. Implications for policy, practice, and future research are discussed to address the work environment factors that support the ability of assistant teachers to collaborate and meaningfully contribute to the functioning and quality of children’s learning environment.
The frequency of various spinal cord tumors (SCTs) in surgically treated patients at Shiraz Shahid Chamran Hospital from 2012 to 2022
Authors: Iravanpour Farideh , Farrokhi Majid Reza , Mousavi Seyed Reza , Soltani Ahmad , Hosseini Mahshid
Published: November 2023

Aim

The incidence of spinal cord tumors (SCTs) in a population considering sex, age, histopathology, and emplacement position of tumors is different between various regions. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the frequency of various SCTs in surgically treated patients in a reference spinal surgery center in Shiraz, Iran.

Method

Documented information related to 109 SCT patients surgically treated was collected from the archive of Shahid Chamran Hospital (the reference center of spinal cord surgery in the south of Iran) in Shiraz from 2012 to 2022. This information includes demographics, medical history, histology, and position of SCTs within the spinal cord.

Result

The population of patients included 65 men and 44 women, with a mean age of 44.7 years old. Most patients (26 cases) were in the age group of 50–59 years. Neurological function in most patients (51 cases) was equivalent to level D of the ASIA impairment scale (AIS), and the most common complaints of patients (83 cases) were related to pain. Finally, anatomic and histologic evaluations indicated that intradural and schwannoma tumors were the most common types of tumors, with 64 and 25 cases, respectively.

Conclusions

In the present study, most of the findings are consistent with the previous reports. Schwannoma and ependymoma tumors were the most common types of SCTs and the most common types of intramedullary tumors, respectively. The sixth decade of life was the most common age of incidence. Neurological function in most patients with SCT was equivalent to levels of D and E of AIS. However, regarding the factor of gender, our results are similar to those of the Asian population. More comprehensive studies in the future likely reveal the probable role of environmental, genetic, and hormonal factors in the etiology of SCTs.
Optimization of metal dopant effect on ZnO nanoparticles for enhanced visible LED photocatalytic degradation of citalopram: comparative study and application to pharmaceutical cleaning validation
Authors: Nazim Veronia S. , El-Sayed Ghada M. , Amer Sawsan M. , Nadim Ahmed H.
Published: November 2023

Metal doping is an effective method to tune the optical and chemical properties of nanoparticles. Herein, a comparative study was conducted to assess the effect of metal dopant (Mg, Cu and Sn) on ZnO nanoparticles for visible LED photocatalysis. The photocatalysts were synthesized via a facile co-precipitation method. Doped ZnO nanoparticles were employed for photodegradation of citalopram; a commonly used antidepressant drug. The structural, morphological and optical properties of the nanoparticles were analyzed using high resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller measurements and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. A decrease in band gap energy was obtained for Mg (3.21 eV), Cu (3.15 eV) and Sn (3.05 eV) compared to undoped ZnO (3.34 eV). Results showed that the photocatalytic activity of ZnO nanoparticles towards citalopram degradation under visible light was enhanced by doping with Sn which showed superior photocatalytic performance compared to Cu. Whereas, Mg doped ZnO demonstrated the lowest photocatalytic activity. Full factorial design (24) was conducted to investigate the effect of dopant, pH, catalyst loading and initial citalopram concentration on the efficiency of the treatment process. The interaction between the metal dopant and pH had significant impact on photodegradation efficiency. At optimum conditions, 80% degradation of 25 µg mL−1 citalopram was obtained in 2 h using commercially available LED light using 0.5 mg mL−1 Sn doped ZnO. Kinetics of citalopram degradation was also investigated and was found to follow pseudo-first order kinetics. The optimized photocatalytic protocol was successfully applied for treatment of water samples obtained from production lines during the cleaning validation cycles of citalopram. Sn and Cu doped ZnO nanoparticles had great sustainability for wastewater treatment as it kept its catalytic behavior up to three cycles without significant decrease in photocatalytic activity. The integration of such an approach into the currently employed cleaning validation protocols would offer an economical advantage for pharmaceutical wastewater treatment.

Graphical Abstract
Stability analysis of reference station and compensation for monitoring stations in GNSS landslide monitoring
Authors: Wang Duo , Huang Guanwen , Du Yuan , Zhang Qin , Bai Zhengwei , Tian Jing
Published: November 2023

The Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) positioning method of the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) has been widely used for landslide monitoring. The stability of its reference station is crucial to obtain accurate and reliable monitoring results. Unstable reference stations due to the geological environment and human activities are difficult to detect and in practical applications often ignored. As a result, it affects the positioning solutions and subsequently the interpretation and detection of landslide motions, which must be addressed in GNSS landslide monitoring. To solve this problem, we propose using the Precise Point Positioning (PPP) technique to analyze the stability of the reference station by verifying its position. The deformations of the monitoring stations are then compensated. First, the reference station coordinates are obtained by the PPP technique and tectonic motion is considered in data processing. The change or breakout of the reference station position is then determined using a cumulative sum control chart method. Finally, each monitoring station’s displacements are compensated according to the displacements of the reference station. According to the results of the Tengqing landslide experiment, the PPP technique can be used in GNSS landslide monitoring to analyze the stability of reference stations. With PPP, millimeter-level accuracy for the coordinates of reference stations is achieved. Compared to the traditional deformation series, the compensated displacement series more reliably reflects the landslide motions. This study will increase the reliability of monitoring results and contribute to implementing GNSS in monitoring landslides.
Cannabis use and psychosis among patients hospitalized in psychiatric wards in Lebanon: a retrospective chart review
Authors: Ghanimé Pia Maria , Bazzi Zeinab , Kazan Joseph , Bou Saba Ghassan , El Hayek Samer , Saad Halim , Talih Farid
Published: November 2023

Background

Trends in cannabis use suggest a global increase in the past decade. Current evidence associates cannabis use with an increased risk of psychosis. This association has prompted a growing research interest in the association between cannabis use and psychiatric disorders, especially psychotic disorders. This study aims to gain a better understanding of the effect of cannabis on psychosis and its clinical progression.

Results

We conducted a retrospective chart review of cannabis use in patients hospitalized for a psychosis episode over five years at the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC). Cannabis users were more likely to be young single males using other substances compared to non-cannabis users. Frequent cannabis use was associated with a higher likelihood of paranoia and legal problems. Other psychotic symptoms did not significantly differ between frequent cannabis users and non-users. The length of hospital stay and the duration of the psychotic episode did not significantly differ between cannabis users and non-users. Family stressors and family history of a psychotic disorder were associated with a higher likelihood of personal history of violence.

Conclusions

This study is the first in Lebanon to reproduce findings supporting the association between cannabis and psychosis previously highlighted in other populations. Further prospective research is needed to better understand the effect of cannabis use on psychosis and to accordingly revise policies on cannabis legalization to reduce the global burden of psychotic disorders.
The synergy between AI and radiologist in advancing digital mammography: comparative study between stand-alone radiologist and concurrent use of artificial intelligence in BIRADS 4 and 5 female patients
Authors: Badawy Eman , Shalaby Fatma S. , Saif-El-nasr Safaa Ibrahim , Elyamany Aya Magdy , Hegazy Rania Mohamed Abbas
Published: November 2023

Background

Recent significant advancements in speed and machine learning have profoundly changed artificial intelligence (AI). In order to evaluate the value of AI in the detection and diagnosis of BIRADS 4 and 5 breast lesions visible on digital mammography pictures, we compared it to a radiologist. The gold standard was tissue core biopsy and pathology. A total of 130 individuals with 134 BIRADS 4 or 5 mammography lesions were included in the study, and all relevant digital mammography pictures were exported to an AI software system.

Objectives

The goal of this investigation was to determine how well artificial intelligence performs in digital mammography when compared to a radiologist in identifying and diagnosing BIRADS 4 and 5 breast lesions.

Methods

A total of 134 BIRADS 4 and 5 breast lesions in 130 female patients were discovered using digital mammography on both the craniocaudal and mediolateral oblique planes. All mammograms were transferred to an AI software system for analysis, and the results were compared in accordance with the histopathological results, which served as standard of reference in all lesions.

Results

Artificial intelligence was found to be more accurate (90.30%) than radiologist (82.84%) and shows higher positive predictive value (94.5%) than radiologist (82.8%) regarding suspecting malignancy in digital mammography with BIRADS 4 and 5 lesions, while the radiologist achieved higher sensitivity (100%) than AI (93.7%) in detecting malignancy in BIRADS 4 and 5 lesions.

Conclusions

Radiologist was found to be more sensitive than AI in detecting malignancy in BIRADS 4 and 5 lesions but AI had a higher positive predictive value. However, specificity as well as negative predictive value could not be assessed for the radiologist, hence could not be compared with AI values because the inclusion criteria of the study did not include BIRADS 1, 2 and 3 so benign-looking lesions by digital mammography were not involved to measure specificity and negative predictive values. All in all, based on the available data, AI was found to be more accurate than radiologist regarding suspecting malignancy in digital mammography. AI can run hand in hand with human experience to give best health-care service in screening and/or diagnosing patients with breast cancer.
IVIVC assessment, pharmacokinetic evaluation, and X-ray radiography mapping of Novel Parteck® SRP 80 and hypromellose-loaded LTD4 receptor antagonist chronosystem
Authors: Jawed Saniya , Satish C. S.
Published: November 2023

Background

The current research aims to determine the pharmacokinetic parameters, mucoadhesive strength, and IVIVC correlation of the novel chronotherapeutic drug delivery system of montelukast sodium (MTS) loaded Parteck® SRP80 and hypromellose system. To accomplish this, an HPLC method was developed which is highly sensitive, precise, and rapid for quantifying pure MTS in rabbit plasma. Mucoadhesive strength and time-dependent mobility of developed formulation were established by ex-vivo study and X-ray radiography, respectively. Using a fraction of drug absorbed (FDA) and a fraction of drug released (FDR), Level-A in-vitro in-vivo correlation (IVIVC) was developed. According to ICH Q1A (R2) standards, stability experiments were conducted for 180 days.

Result

MTS retention time came as 3.971 min with a mobile phase of methanol: acetonitrile: 0.2 mM sodium acetate buffer (5:90:5). In-vitro dissolution showed pulsatile release of the drug up to 24 h with two lag phases. The in-vivo study showed a Cmax of 490.16 ± 33.95 ng/ml, Tmax of 9 h, and MRT of 14.08 ± 1.21 h. The correlation coefficient of 0.9899 confirmed the level-A IVIVC. Uncoated matrix tablet of Parteck® SRP 80 displayed mucoadhesive strength 1.25-fold higher than hypromellose. Stability experiments found no significant changes in drug content, physical appearance, and cumulative percentage release with a similarity factor of 87–90.

Conclusion

A single oral dose in-vivo study proved the sustained release of the drug for 24 h with satisfactory mucoadhesive strength. Moreover, X-ray radiography has confirmed the time-dependent presence of formulation at the needed spot. This study fulfilled all the requirements for chronotherapy of asthma and can be scaled up in the future.

Graphical abstract
Exploration of the aptitude to alleviate oxidative impairment and curb colorectal cancer manifestation by Nostoc calcicola in HT-29 adenocarcinoma cells
Authors: Gupta Pragati , Khader Syed Zameer Ahmed , Syed Zameer Ahmed Sidhra , Kaliyannan Rajavel Abithaa , Sawant Sameer , Manickam Paulpandian
Published: November 2023

Background

Marine cyanobacteria have been known to contain several unique bioactive compounds which have different therapeutic potentials. The current research focuses to identify the efficacy of Nostoc calcicola to counteract the harmful effects of free radicals and testing its anticancer activity against colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (HT-29).

Results

Methanol is used as a solvent for the extraction of bioactive metabolites from Nostoc calcicola followed by phytochemical screening representing the presence of flavonoids, phenols, tannins, saponins, and steroids to find out bioactive metabolites. Furthermore, evaluation of the extract efficacy revealed the profound ability of Nostoc calcicola to scavenge free radicals by neutralizing different reactive oxygen species. At 100 µg/mL concentration, it inhibited DPPH radicals (73.4%), enhanced phosphomolybdenum reduction (53.5%), displayed ferric-reducing power (55.1%), and finally the extract revealed remarkable hydroxyl radicals scavenging capacity (94.8%), compared to the standards. These compelling results emphasize the robust antioxidant potential of the Nostoc calcicola extract. In vitro, studies demonstrated the selective cytotoxic effects of methanol extracts of Nostoc calcicola on the HT-29 human colorectal cancer cell line, as indicated by IC50 values of 25 µg/mL for the extracts. Treatment with me Nostoc calcicola decreased the cell viability of HT-29 cells followed by consistent morphological changes leading to cytotoxicity. Nuclear condensation and DNA fragmentation were observed using AO/EtBr and DAPI staining. Flow cytometry analysis further confirmed the incidence of apoptosis during the S phase of the cell cycle. Furthermore, western blotting analysis confirmed the activation of caspase 9, a pivotal enzyme in the intrinsic apoptosis pathway, suggesting the ability of Nostoc calcicola to induce apoptosis in HT-29 colorectal cancer cells.

Conclusion

These findings underscore the potential of Nostoc calcicola as a valuable source of bioactive compounds with antioxidant and anticancer properties, warranting further investigation for their potential therapeutic applications in colorectal cancer.

Graphical Abstract
Clinical features and 28-day mortality predictors of vaccinated patients admitted to a COVID-19 ICU hub in Italy
Authors: Stella Claudia , Berardi Cecilia , Chiarito Annalisa , Gennenzi Veronica , Postorino Stefania , Settanni Donatella , Cesarano Melania , Xhemalaj Rikardo , Tanzarella Eloisa Sofia , Cutuli Salvatore Lucio , Grieco Domenico Luca , Conti Giorgio , Antonelli Massimo , De Pascale Gennaro
Published: November 2023

Background

COVID-19 vaccination has been proved to be effective in preventing hospitalization and illness progression, even though data on mortality of vaccinated patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) are conflicting. The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics of vaccinated patients admitted to ICU according to their immunization cycle and to outline the risk factors for 28-day mortality. This observational study included adult patients admitted to ICU for acute respiratory failure (ARF) due to SARS-CoV-2 and who had received at least one dose of vaccine.

Results

Fully vaccination was defined as a complete primary cycle from < 120 days or a booster dose from > 14 days. All the other patients were named partially vaccinated. One-hundred sixty patients (91 fully and 69 partially vaccinated) resulted eligible, showing a 28-day mortality rate of 51.9%. Compared to partially vaccinated, fully vaccinated were younger (69 [60–77.5] vs. 74 [66–79] years, p 0.029), more frequently immunocompromised (39.56% vs. 14.39%, p 0.003), and affected by at least one comorbidity (90.11% vs 78.26%, p 0.045), mainly chronic kidney disease (CKD) (36.26% vs 20.29%, p 0.035). At multivariable analysis, independent predictors of 28-day mortality were as follows: older age [OR 1.05 (CI 95% 1.01–1.08), p 0.005], history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) [OR 3.05 (CI 95% 1.28–7.30), p 0.012], immunosuppression [OR 3.70 (CI 95% 1.63–8.40), p 0.002], and admission respiratory and hemodynamic status [PaO2/FiO2 and septic shock: OR 0.99 (CI 95% 0.98–0.99), p 0.009 and 2.74 (CI 95% 1.16–6.48), p 0.022, respectively].

Conclusions

Despite a full vaccination cycle, severe COVID-19 may occur in patients with relevant comorbidities, especially immunosuppression and CKD. Regardless the immunization status, predisposing conditions (i.e., older age, COPD, and immunosuppression) and a severe clinical presentation were predictors of 28-day mortality.
When Cancer Centers Snooze, Patients Lose: It is Time to Make Insomnia a Priority for Survivors
Authors: Zhou Eric S. , Recklitis Christopher J. , Partridge Ann H.
Published: November 2023

Insomnia is a big problem for cancer survivors. Prioritizing evaluation and treatment is essential!
Το συγκριτικό προφίλ του ψηφοφόρου της Κρήτης με σύγχρονες μεθόδους στατιστικής ανάλυσης
Authors: Σφακιανάκης Θεόδωρος
Published: November 2023

Η τελευταία δεκαετία, αποτελεί για την Ελλάδα μια περίοδο συνεχών κοινωνικών, οικονομικών και πολιτικών μεταβολών. Η οικονομική κρίση, λειτούργησε σαν καταλύτης των κοινωνικό-πολιτικών μεταβολών που επιτελέστηκαν και οδήγησαν στην αναδιαμόρφωση του πολιτικού σκηνικού, υπό την μορφή την οποία υφίσταται σήμερα. Δεδομένου, ότι η Ελλάδα είναι μια χώρα με αρκετές διαφοροποιήσεις στο εσωτερικό της, γεωγραφικές, οικονομικές, αναπτυξιακές κ.α., αναμένεται πως η ένταση των φαινομένων που περιεγράφηκαν παραπάνω θα διαφοροποιείται κατά τόπους.Υπό το πρίσμα αυτό, σχεδιάστηκε και εκπονήθηκε η παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή με στόχο τη σκιαγράφηση του προφίλ του ψηφοφόρου της Κρήτης, στο πλαίσιο μιας συγκριτικής μελέτης ως προς τον ψηφοφόρο της παλιάς Β΄ Αθηνών. Για την επίτευξη του στόχου της διατριβής, πραγματοποιήθηκαν τρεις ποσοτικές έρευνες, μέσω τηλεφωνικών συνεντεύξεων. Δικαίωμα συμμετοχής στις έρευνες είχαν όλοι οι πολίτες με δικαίωμα ψήφου στις εκλογικές περιφέρειες της Κρήτης και της παλιάς Β΄ Αθηνών. Για κάθε έρευνα, το δείγμα συλλέχθηκε με τη μέθοδο της απλής τυχαίας δειγματοληψίας με χρήση quota. Συνοπτικά, στο πρώτο κεφάλαιο της παρούσας διατριβής παρουσιάζεται ο σκοπός, οι στόχοι και η μεθοδολογία της έρευνας που ακολουθήθηκε. Στο δεύτερο κεφάλαιο πραγματοποιείται μια ιστορική αναδρομή στα αποτελέσματα των εκλογών των τελευταίων 40 ετών, για τις εκλογικές περιφέρειες Κρήτης και παλιάς Β΄ Αθηνών. Στο τρίτο κεφάλαιο, πραγματοποιείται μια συνοπτική παρουσίαση των μοντέλων εκλογικής συμπεριφοράς, βάση της χρονολογικής σειράς της οποίας αναπτύχθηκαν. Ακολουθεί η στατιστική ανάλυση και ο έλεγχος ερευνητικών υποθέσεων τριών διαφορετικών ερευνών, αναφορικά με Θεσμικά, Εθνικά και Διεθνή θέματα (στο 4ο, 5ο και 6ο Κεφάλαιο, αντίστοιχα). Τέλος, στο έβδομο κεφάλαιο πραγματοποιείται σύνθεση και παρουσίαση των συμπερασμάτων των τριών ερευνών, με σκοπό την σκιαγράφηση χαρακτηριστικών του προφίλ του ψηφοφόρου της Κρήτης, συγκριτικά με τον ψηφοφόρο της παλιάς Β΄ Αθηνών.
Wellbeing, loneliness, health-related quality of life and perception of technology of older adults in Slovenian senior homes: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Lipovac Dean , Erce Mateja
Published: November 2023

Background: Older adults can experience loneliness, low wellbeing, and poor health, while certain technologies could alleviate some of these issues. This paper presents findings from a study conducted in Slovenian senior homes, examining the wellbeing, loneliness, health-related quality of life, and perceptions of technology among older adults without significant cognitive issues. 

Methods: Older adults (n = 73) responded to questionnaires on wellbeing, loneliness, and health-related quality of life. They also provided their opinion on four different types of technology: a smartphone (SeniorsPhone) and television-based video calling system adapted to older adults (Daisy), a smartwatch (Fitbit), and an air quality sensor. 

Results: The results indicate that most examined older adults experience low or moderate levels of loneliness, and most are characterized by average or high levels of wellbeing. The participants also report no significant issues with self-care and accomplishing daily activities. However, more than half of the participants report experiencing some problems with pain/discomfort and mobility. Older adults generally trust evaluated technologies with their personal data, believe that the technologies provide reliable information, and perceive technologies as useful. Interestingly, older adults that reported higher levels of wellbeing and lower levels of loneliness tended to perceive the smartwatch as more usable. This suggests that at least for some technologies, the perception of usability depends on how people feel in general. 

Conclusions: Residents of Slovenian senior homes that do not have significant cognitive issues report relatively high wellbeing and health-related quality of life and low loneliness, together with positive perceptions of different technologies. These findings can be used to inform the development of age-appropriate technologies for senior home residents.
Kailo: a systemic approach to addressing the social determinants of young people’s mental health and wellbeing at the local level
Authors: Hobbs Tim , Santana De Lima Ediane , Bevington Dickon , Preece Cristina , Allen Kate , Barna Pia , Berry Vashti , Booker Thomas , Davies Karuna , Davis George , Deighton Jessica , Freeman Leanne , Fuggle Peter , Goddard Ellen , Greene Barker Tamsin , Harris Julie , Heather Amy , Jardiel Mary-France , Joshi Krishna , Keenan Megan , Kennedy Laura , Malhotra Tamanna , March Anna , Pilling Steve , Pitt Martin , Potter Katie , Rehill Nirandeep , Shand Jenny , Surtees Rachel , Fonagy Peter
Published: November 2023

The mental health and wellbeing of children and young people is deteriorating. It is increasingly recognised that mental health is a systemic issue, with a wide range of contributing and interacting factors. However, the vast majority of attention and resources are focused on the identification and treatment of mental health disorders, with relatively scant attention on the social determinants of mental health and wellbeing and investment in preventative approaches. Furthermore, there is little attention on how the social determinants manifest or may be influenced at the local level, impeding the design of contextually nuanced preventative approaches. This paper describes a major research and design initiative called Kailo that aims to support the design and implementation of local and contextually nuanced preventative strategies to improve children's and young people’s mental health and wellbeing. The Kailo Framework involves structured engagement with a wide range of local partners and stakeholders - including young people, community partners, practitioners and local system leaders - to better understand local systemic influences and support programmes of youth-centred and evidence-informed co-design, prototyping and testing. It is hypothesised that integrating different sources of knowledge, experience, insight and evidence will result in better embedded, more sustainable and more impactful strategies that address the social determinants of young people’s mental health and wellbeing at the local level.
The genome sequence of the Wasp Spider, Argiope bruennichi (Scopoli, 1772)
Authors: Crowley Liam M. , Hutchinson Finley ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: November 2023

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Argiope bruennichi (the Wasp Spider; Arthropoda; Arachnida; Araneae; Araneidae). The genome sequence is 1,778.4 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 13 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the X1 and X2 sex chromosomes. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 14.06 kilobases in length.
Antycypując przyszłość – diagnoza a doświadczenie w chorobach rzadkich w Polsce
Authors: Rajtar Małgorzata
Published: November 2023

Rozwój biotechnologii i badania przesiewowe noworodków umożliwiają wcześniejsze wykrycie i zdiagnozowanie choroby zanim pojawią się jej pierwsze objawy. Pozwalają tym samym na wprowadzenie leczenia niektórych chorób rzadkich na bardzo wczesnym etapie życia. Niemniej, w przypadku chorób rzadkich nawet prawidłowo i wcześnie postawiona diagnoza wyznacza niejednoznaczny horyzont czasowy i naraża na niepewną przyszłość.
W niniejszym artykule analizuję wyniki badań etnograficznych prowadzonych wśród osób z wrodzonymi wadami metabolizmu, ich rodzicami i lekarzami w Polsce. Proponuję spojrzenie na technologię, jaką są badania przesiewowe przez pryzmat koncepcji „antycypacji” w jej wymiarze makrospołecznym i doświadczeniowym (Adams i in. 2009; Jae 2018; Stephan i Flaherty 2019). Wychodząc od tej koncepcji, w artykule przyglądam się zarówno perspektywie lekarzy, jak i doświadczeniom rodzin dzieci w wrodzonymi wadami metabolizmu, dla których „moment diagnostyczny” (Jutel 2016) naraża na przesiąkniętą antycypacją przyszłość. Argumentuję, że badania przesiewowe noworodków otwierają na niepewną terapeutycznie przyszłość, która wymyka się wiedzy i doświadczeniu eksperckiemu. Przyszłość ta wiąże się nieodłącznie ze zmianami patologicznymi w ciele, takimi jak retinopatia, która przynależy do obrazu choroby w jednej z wrodzonych wad metabolizmu. Przewlekłe skutki uboczne choroby sprawiają, że niektórzy rodzice aktywnie poszukują możliwości oddziaływania na niepewną przyszłość dzieci.
In pursuit of the rejected "Jew from the Golah”. On life and works of dr. Jacob (Kobi) Weitzner
Authors: Lewkowicz-Shenholz Lior Ester
Published: November 2023

Since the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948 everything related to the Diaspora (“Golah”) such as culture, language, or mentality was considered despicable and Israelis tried to keep away from it. Dr. Jacob (Kobi) Weitzner a writer, playwright and Yiddish theater director. This article is not about his academic achievements or artistic works, but his seminal activity for the preservation of Jewish culture in the Diaspora.
The Puzzle of the Origin of Human Persons
Authors: Driessen Alfred
Published: November 2023

The fundamental question about the origin of human persons asks for a multidisciplinary approach. Biology and genetics have made remarkable progress in the last two decades. In addition, (pre-) history, philosophy, and anthropology could contribute significantly to a correct solution. Also, the Jewish-Christian tradition could provide elements to the complex puzzle. The present study attempts to show that recent genetic data can be an integrated part of a coherent view of the origin of human persons.
The eternal return: an immanent eschatology
Authors: Guibert  Elizalde María
Published: November 2023

Franz Overbeck asocia el eterno retorno con una pasión de Nietzsche por el ideal de lo extremo, una pulsión por las cosas últimas que está relacionada con la noción del superhombre nietzscheano. El objetivo de este artículo es traer a la luz y analizar la comprensión nietzscheana sobre las cosas últimas, partiendo de Overbeck y poniendo de manifiesto la concepción de la escatología cristiana presupuesta en el análisis del resentimiento y del ideal ascético. Explicitar la escatología de la que Nietzsche parte ayudará a profundizar en la doctrina del eterno retorno, explorando cómo pesa en ella la herencia cristiana de la que Nietzsche bebió.
Follicular cholangitis: a rare cause of benign biliary stricture
Authors: Lampropoulou Virginia , Sioulas Athanasios , Papadaki Konstantina , Pagkratis Spyridon , Papaioannou Dimitrios , Tzimas George , Scotiniotis Ilias
Published: November 2023

Introduction: The differential diagnosis of focal biliary strictures comprises both malignant and benign conditions. We report a rare case of follicular cholangitis presenting with segmental stricture of the left hepatic duct. Case description: An asymptomatic 59-year-old male with no past medical history presented with dilation of the left intrahepatic bile ducts revealed as an incidental finding on an abdominal ultrasound. Blood examinations showed only a slightly elevated gamma- glutamyl transferase (gammaGT) value, while carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (Ca 19-9) and serum immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) were within normal range. Abdominal computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging/magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRI/MRCP) scans revealed a high grade focal intrahepatic stricture of the left hepatic duct (FIHS type III) with proximal dilatation. Given that a diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma could not be ruled out, the patient was referred for a left hepatectomy with regional lymph node dissection. Histological analysis showed a lymphoplasmacytic infiltration of the left hepatic duct with fibrosis and follicle formations in the submucosa, findings consistent with follicular cholangitis. The postoperative course was uneventful and there is no evidence of recurrence 8 months after the surgery. Discussion: The clinical and imaging presentation of follicular cholangitis is very similar to cholangiocarcinoma, rendering it a challenging diagnosis preoperatively. Conclusion: The approach to these cases should be primarily surgical. Even though it is very rare -- our report is the 13th case reported worldwide -- follicular cholangitis should be included in the differential diagnosis of focal biliary strictures.
Influence of hamstrings flexibility on the knee joint position sense
Authors: Joana Azevedo  , Isabel Moreira-Silva  , Ricardo Cardoso  , Nuno Ventura
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Different factors have been suggested to positively or negatively influence the knee joint position sense; however, the effect of hamstrings’ flexibility is poorly investigated. Objective: To investigate the influence of hamstrings’ flexibility on the knee joint position sense. Methods: Knee joint position sense of 31 adults was tested actively to extension for the range of 45º of knee flexion, in both the dominant and non-dominant limb. Hamstring’s flexibility was assessed through the sit and reach test, and considering these results, participants were divided into high and low flexibility categories. Intergroup analysis and the association between flexibility and repositioning errors were performed. Results: No significant differences were found between flexibility categories and repositioning accuracy. Similarly, no significant associations were found between flexibility and the repositioning errors (p>0.05). Conclusions: These results propose that hamstrings’ flexibility does not influence the knee repositioning accuracy, suggesting that both a lower or higher flexibility does not impair the knee joint position sense.
Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in children with sickle cell anemia: a systematic review
Authors: Isabela G. Bristotte  , Natália V. S. Daniel  , Luciana Pietro
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Sickle cell anemia is a highly prevalent genetic disease in the Brazilian population, mainly present in black ethnic groups from slave migration, as well as from the miscegenation process. It is a disease of clinical expression of the homozygosity of the hemoglobin S gene, which may be a genetic and/or hereditary disease, caused by the replacement of the normal residue of glutamic acid by the amino acid valine in the sixth position of the polypeptide chains of the beta-globin protein, generating biochemical alteration in the hemoglobin S molecules, which polymerize inside the erythrocyte and transform into a sickle cell. The possible lack of vitamin D may be linked to disease processes, as well as to the individual's painful crises. Objectives: To analyze whether or not there was a prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in children with sickle cell anemia, through a systematic review. Methodology: A systematic review was carried out by searching for original articles in the scientific databases: Pubmed, Science Direct, Lilacs and Scielo in the languages: English and Portuguese. Results: It was found that out of 10 articles, 8 showed the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (< 20 ng/ml) in children with sickle cell anemia. Conclusion: The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was high in patients with the disease, so that its supplementation may serve as a means of assisting in the treatment to improve the condition and prevent deficiency. However, more targeted studies with this association and/or intervention are needed to have more concrete results.
o governo da infância: para uma ontologia histórica do desenvolvimento infantil e a delimitação de modos de ser criança
Authors: Almeida Tiago
Published: November 2023

O objetivo deste texto é questionar, no contexto sócio-histórico da modernidade europeia, o modo como se forjou no interior do “novo sentimento de infância” uma vida por etapas que outorga às pessoas de pouca idade a urgência de uma existência em permanente desenvolvimento. Problematizar a “ideia” de desenvolvimento, mais concretamente de desenvolvimento infantil e as suas implicações na produção de modos de ser criança, permite avançar pistas sobre como é que a narrativa desenvolvimentista se tornou hegemónica e inquestionável nos contextos educativos destinados a pessoas de pouca idade. Em concreto, interessa-me pensar os agenciamentos históricos que vinculam a infância (enquanto tempo cronológico) a uma certa ideia de desenvolvimento.
Active Job Behaviors of Generation Z Elementary School Teachers
Authors: Lee Sungsim , Jun JuSung
Published: November 2023

The purpose of this study was to classify the active job behaviors of Generation Z (Gen Z, born after 1995) elementary school teachers and investigate relevant variables that significantly affect such a classification. A total of 375 Gen Z elementary school teachers who passed the National Elementary Teacher Qualification Test and had worked in elementary schools in South Korea participated in this study. The data collected identified the types of active job behaviors among Gen Z elementary school teachers using cross-tabulation through Latent Profile Analysis (LPA). A multinomial logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the predictors that influence the types of active job behaviors of Gen Z elementary school teachers. The results were as follows: First, there are four types of active job behaviors of Gen Z elementary school teachers: Ideal, relational, non-participatory, and passive job performance types. Second, teacher efficacy, learning agility, organizational commitment, and principals’ transformational leadership influenced the types of active job behaviors of Gen Z elementary school teachers. The results offer insights into the human resource management of Gen Z elementary school teachers and have significant implications for improving the active job behavior of Gen Z elementary school teachers.
Self-powered photodetector based on a CsPbBr3/n-Si Schottky junction
Authors: Hua Feng , Du Xin , Huang Zhenyu , Gu Yiting , Wen Jianfeng , Liu Fuchi , Chen Junxue , Tang Tao
Published: November 2023

Self-powered photodetectors (SPPDs) are attracting considerable publicity due to their superiority over conventional photodetectors (PDs) in terms of high sensitivity, fast response, and no need for an external power supply. Halide perovskites are much anticipated in SPPDs for their unusual photoelectronic properties. This work developed a Schottky junction CsPbBr3/n-Si SPPD by growing stable all-inorganic CsPbBr3 microcrystals on an n-Si substrate using a solution method. At zero bias, such Schottky SPPD has a very weak dark current (0.3 pA), a wide linear dynamic range (LDR, 110 dB), a sizeable on–off ratio (>103), and high detectivity (1.05×1011Jones). Through the research of this project, it is expected to obtain a way to prepare Schottky photodiodes with high stability and self-driving capability.
Bond-selective full-field optical coherence tomography
Authors: Zong Haonan , Yurdakul Celalettin , Zhao Jian , Wang Zian , Chen Fukai , Ünlü M. Selim , Cheng Ji-Xin
Published: November 2023

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a label-free, non-invasive 3D imaging tool widely used in both biological research and clinical diagnosis. Conventional OCT modalities can only visualize specimen tomography without chemical information. Here, we report a bond-selective full-field OCT (BS-FF-OCT), in which a pulsed mid-infrared laser is used to modulate the OCT signal through the photothermal effect, achieving label-free bond-selective 3D sectioned imaging of highly scattering samples. We first demonstrate BS-FF-OCT imaging of 1 µm PMMA beads embedded in agarose gel. Next, we show 3D hyperspectral imaging of up to 75 µm of polypropylene fiber mattress from a standard surgical mask. We then demonstrate BS-FF-OCT imaging on biological samples, including cancer cell spheroids and C. elegans. Using an alternative pulse timing configuration, we finally demonstrate the capability of BS-FF-OCT on imaging a highly scattering myelinated axons region in a mouse brain tissue slice.
Laminated structural Al2O3/YAG:Ce composite ceramic phosphor with high front light emission for transmissive laser lighting
Authors: Wang Jinhua , Zhang Le , Kang Jian , Li MingZhou , Shi ChaoFan , Yang Peng , Sun Bingheng , Li Yang , Strek Wieslaw , Chen Hao
Published: November 2023

The realization of high front light emission in laser lighting under transmissive modes is heavily constrained by low thermal stability and light extraction efficiency of color converter materials. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the heat dissipation capacity and light utilization efficiency of the color converter through appropriate microstructural adjustments. In this study, what we believe to be a novel laminated structure consisting of Al2O3 and YAG:Ce was designed and fabricated for transmissive laser lighting. Through this design, it was possible to change the phosphor emission angle, overcoming the limitations of total internal reflection and enabling maximal emission of yellow phosphor from the ceramic surface. This laminated structure enhanced the front light emission efficiency by 24.4% compared to composite ceramic phosphor. In addition, the thermal conduction area between the phosphor layer and the heat dissipation layer have been effectively enhanced. Ultimately, under a high-power density of 47.6 W/mm2, all ceramics showed no luminous saturation threshold. A high-brightness front light with a luminous flux of 651 lm, a luminous efficiency of 144 lm/W, a correlated color temperature of 6419 K and the operating temperature as low as 84.9 °C was obtained. These results suggest that laminated structural Al2O3/YAG:Ce composite ceramic is a promising candidate for transmissive mode laser lighting.
General phase-shifting algorithm for hybrid errors suppression using variable-frequency fringes
Authors: Wang Junxue , Ma Suodong , Wang Chinhua , Pu Donglin , Shen Xianmeng
Published: November 2023

In measurements based on phase-shifting fringe pattern analysis, residual ripple-like artifacts often appear due to the co-influence of several error sources, e.g., phase-shifting errors, temporal intensity fluctuations and high-order fringe harmonics, when existing algorithms are adopted to retrieve phase using limited number of fringe patterns. To overcome this issue, a general phase-shifting algorithm for hybrid errors suppression by variable-frequency fringes is proposed in this paper for what we believe to be the first time. A corresponding fringe model is deduced to represent real patterns more accurately under the co-influence of these error factors. Variable-frequency fringes are introduced to provide a least and sufficient system of equations, while a least-squares iterative technique with a grouped step-by-step strategy is adopted for stable calculating a larger number of desired parameters in the constructed model. For the phase jump problem caused by non-full rank matrices at certain sampling points, a regularization combined with constraints between coefficients of high-order fringe harmonics is further proposed for identification and processing. Simulations and experimental results have shown that compared with the prior techniques, the accuracies of the proposed algorithm have been significantly enhanced at least 2.1 (simulations) and 1.5 (experiments) times respectively using bi-frequency equal three-step as an example in the study.
Multi-dimensional information sensing of complex surfaces based on fringe projection profilometry
Authors: Chen Zhengdong , Li Xunren , Wang Haoran , Chen Zhaosheng , Zhang Qican , Wu Zhoujie
Published: November 2023

Multi-dimensional and high-resolution information sensing of complex surface profiles is critical for investigating various structures and analyzing their mechanical properties. This information is currently accessed separately through different technologies and devices. Fringe projection profilometry (FPP) has been widely applied in shape measurement of complex surfaces. Since structured light information is projected instead of being attached onto the surface, it holds back accurately tracking corresponding points and fails to further analyze deformation and strain. To address this issue, we propose a multi-dimensional information sensing method based on digital image correction (DIC)-assisted FPP. Firstly, colorful fluorescent markers are introduced to produce modulated information with both high-intensity reflectivity and color difference. And then, the general information separation method is presented to simultaneously acquire speckle-free texture, fringe patterns and high-contrast speckle patterns for multi-dimensional information sensing. To the best of our knowledge, this proposed method, for the first time, simultaneously realizes accurate and high-resolution 2D texture (T), 4D shape (x, y, z, t) and analytical dimensional mechanical parameters (deformation (d), strain (s)) information sensing based on the FPP system. Experimental results demonstrate the proposed method can measure and analyze 3D geometry and mechanical state of complex surfaces, expanding the measuring dimension of the off-the-shelf FPP system without any extra hardware cost.