bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal qualitative assessment of meaningful symptoms and relevance of WATCH-PD digital measures for people with early Parkinson’s
Authors: Mammen Jennifer R. , Lerner Aaron , Al-Rubayie Raunak , Kostrzebski Melissa , Stephenson Diane , Xiao Yuge , Redmond Chris , Tyo Mirinda , Reddy Varun G. , Auinger Peggy , Dorsey E. Ray , Adams Jamie L.
Published: January 2025

Background

Longitudinal qualitative data on what matters to people with Parkinson’s disease are lacking and needed to guide patient-centered clinical care and development of outcome measures.

Objective

To evaluate change over time in symptoms, impacts, and relevance of digital measures to monitor disease progression in early Parkinson’s.

Methods

In-depth, online symptom mapping interviews were conducted with 33 people with early Parkinson’s at baseline and 1 year later to evaluate (A) symptoms, (B) impacts, and (C) relevance of digital measures to monitor personally relevant symptoms. Maps and transcripts were coded for frequencies, Likert scale rankings (0 = not present to 4 = most bothersome), and thematic findings. Wilcoxon Signed Rank test was used to evaluate change over time.

Results

Other than walking and balance, most motor symptoms did not change significantly from baseline to 1 year later. Multiple significant changes were observed in non-motor areas (cognition, speech, sleep, mood, fatigue, pain; p < 0.05) and functional impacts (mobility, effort to do usual activities, personal comfort; p < 0.05). Thematic analysis revealed ability to cope with and compensate for actual or anticipated symptoms reduced disruptions to well-being and changed how bothersome symptoms were. All digital measures targeted symptoms that were personally important to most participants (> 80%).

Conclusion

Non-motor and walking/balance symptoms changed sooner than other motor symptoms during the course of 1 year. Evaluation of coping and compensatory mechanisms may be essential to understanding symptom bothersomeness at a given point in time. Smartphone and smartwatch digital measures were relevant to personally meaningful symptoms of early PD.
Benefits of a 12-week psychotherapy course for people with Parkinson’s disease: a service improvement project
Authors: Roussakis Andreas-Antonios , Hawkins Rima , Mackley Cara , Piccini Paola
Published: January 2025

The psychological symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD) worsen the quality of life of patients and their partners. However, these non-motor symptoms (mainly anxiety and depression) remain undiagnosed and undertreated in PD. Here, we report the benefits of a 12-week intervention using talking therapy (psychotherapy and counselling). This work was conducted in a group of individuals (people living with PD, and partners) with mild-to-moderate anxiety and depression. We discuss our results in context and conclude that short-term talking therapy should be integrated into PD therapeutics.
Impulse control and correlation to dopamine agonist serum concentrations in people with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Staubo Sara C. , Fuskevåg Ole Martin , Toft Mathias , Lie Ingeborg H. , Alvik Kirsti M. J. , Jostad Pål , Tingvoll Stein H. , Lilleng Hallvard , Rosqvist Kristina , Størset Elisabet , Odin Per , Dietrichs Espen , Dietrichs Erik Sveberg
Published: January 2025

Background

Impaired impulse control is often seen in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients using dopamine agonists.

Methods

We performed a therapeutic drug monitoring study of 100 PD patients using ropinirole or pramipexole extended release. Three blood samples were collected on the same day. Serum concentrations were measured, and 24 h area under the curve (AUC) calculated. The validated Questionnaire for Impulsive-Compulsive Disorders in Parkinson's Disease-Rating Scale (QUIP-RS) was used for assessing impulse control.

Results

Total ropinirole drug exposure showed weak, but significant correlation to the QUIP-RS score. No correlation between pramipexole serum concentrations and QUIP-RS was found. In ropinirole patients, both agonist dose and total dopaminergic treatment were correlated with QUIP-RS. Duration of ropinirole treatment correlated with impaired impulse control, and duration of dopaminergic treatment of any type correlated with QUIP-RS scores in both ropinirole and pramipexole patients.

Conclusions

Our main finding is that impaired impulse control is correlated to both total drug exposure (AUC) and dopamine agonist dose for ropinirole, but not for pramipexole. These observations indicate that different strategies may be useful for treating PD patients with impaired impulse control: ropinirole dose reduction could be beneficial, whereas pramipexole treatment may have to be stopped.
BDNF levels in serum and CSF are associated with clinicoradiological characteristics of aggressive disease in MS patients
Authors: Maiworm Michelle , Koerbel Kimberly , Anschütz Victoria , Jakob Jasmin , Schaller-Paule Martin A. , Schäfer Jan Hendrik , Friedauer Lucie , Wenger Katharina J. , Hoelter Maya C. , Steffen Falk , Bittner Stefan , Foerch Christian , Yalachkov Yavor
Published: January 2025

Background

BDNF has increasingly gained attention as a key molecule controlling remyelination with a prominent role in neuroplasticity and neuroprotection. Still, it remains unclear how BDNF relates to clinicoradiological characteristics particularly at the early stage of the disease where precise prognosis for the further MS course is crucial.

Methods

BDNF, NfL and GFAP concentrations in serum and CSF were assessed in 106 treatment na﻿ïve patients with MS (pwMS) as well as 73 patients with other inflammatory/non-inflammatory neurological or somatoform disorders using a single molecule array HD-1 analyser. PwMS were evaluated for highly active profiles by applying the aggressive disease course criteria proposed by ECTRIMS. Serum/CSF values were logarithmically transformed and compared across groups using one-way ANOVA, while correlations were calculated using Pearson’s correlations. ROC analysis and AUC comparisons for diagnostic performance of the three biomarkers were computed in an explorative analysis.

Results

Serum BDNF (sBDNF) concentrations were higher in treatment naïve pwMS with disease onset after the age of 40 years (p = 0.029), in pwMS with ≥2 gadolinium-enhancing lesions (p = 0.009) and with motor, cerebellar, cognitive or sphincter symptoms at onset (p = 0.036). BDNF correlated positively with NfL (r = 0.198, p = 0.014) and GFAP (r = 0.253, p = 0.002) in serum, but not in CSF. Neurological patients with an acute inflammatory relapse showed significantly higher sBDNF levels (p = 0.03) compared to somatoform controls, while patients without acute relapse did not differ from somatoform controls (p = 0.4). Better diagnostic performance was found for sBDNF than sNfL and sGFAP in differentiating between patients with vs. without 2 or more gadolinium-enhancing lesions (p < 0.05) and for sBDNF as compared to sNfL for separating patients with disease onset after vs. before age of 40 years.

Conclusion

In pwMS, BDNF serum levels differ depending on disease-related characteristics, suggesting that not only inflammatory activity but also remyelination capacities may vary with disease severity. BDNF is increased when other biomarkers of neuroaxonal damage and neurodegeneration, such as NfL and GFAP, are elevated, possibly as a compensatory mechanism, and reflect possibly further pathophysiological aspects in MS beyond NfL and GFAP, probably including an apoptotic role for BDNF in neuroinflammation.
Long-term cultivation of retinal pigment epithelium cells on nanofiber scaffolds
Authors: Zimmermann Julian A. , Irlenbusch Lucy , Hansen Uwe , Himmler Marcus , Zeng Chun , Eter Nicole , Fuchsluger Thomas , Heiduschka Peter
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and other retinal degenerative diseases. The introduction of healthy RPE cell cultures into the subretinal space offers a potential treatment strategy. The aim of this study was the long-term culture and characterisation of RPE cells on nanofiber scaffolds.

Methods

Nanofiber scaffolds consisting of polycaprolactone (PCL) and collagen were prepared by electrospinning. Porcine RPE cell cultures were maintained on PCL scaffolds, PCL-collagen scaffolds, and controls at the bottom of 24-well plates. Cell culture analysis was performed by immunohistochemistry, while the release of inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, and PDGF-β was measured by ELISA and multiplex assays. Ultrastructural features were examined by transmission electron microscopy.

Results

The observation period averaged 42.7 weeks for controls, 38.7 weeks for PCL scaffold cultures, and 36.1 weeks for PCL-collagen scaffold cultures, with cell number and morphology remaining stable. TNF-α levels in the supernatants were minimal, IL-6 levels were consistently low, and IL-8 levels decreased from initially high to lower levels over time.

Conclusion

RPE cells were stably cultured on nanofiber scaffolds for extended periods of time. The long-term physiological properties of RPE cells, including phagocytic ability and visual cycle enzyme activity, need to be further investigated before clinical application. In addition, controlling the expression of inflammatory mediators is a major challenge. Despite these hurdles, overcoming them is critical given the increasing prevalence of retinal degenerative diseases.
Diagnostic value of CT scans in pediatric patients with acute non-traumatic altered mental status: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Alsabri Mohammed , Ayyad Mohammed , Aziz Mayar M. , Zaazouee Mohamed Sayed , Elshanbary Alaa Ahmed , Shafique Muhammad Ashir , Sarieddine Lamar , Qattea Ibrahim , Waseem Muhammad , Gamboa Luis L.
Published: January 2025

Background

Computed tomography (CT) scans are widely used for evaluating children with acute atraumatic altered mental status (AMS) despite concerns about radiation exposure and limited diagnostic yield. This study aims to assess the efficacy of CT scans in this population and provide evidence-based recommendations.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Comprehensive searches were performed in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science for studies involving pediatric patients with acute atraumatic AMS undergoing head CT scans. Two independent reviewers conducted the literature search, extracted data, and assessed study quality.

Results

From 4,739 identified studies, 13 met the inclusion criteria. The overall positive diagnostic yield of head CT scans was 35.9% (95% CI: 6.1%–65.7%). Subgroup analyses revealed that the diagnostic yield varied by clinical setting, age group, and presenting symptoms.

Conclusion: Head CT scans are frequently performed in pediatric patients with AMS, but their diagnostic usefulness is limited. Evidence-based guidelines and risk stratification methods are necessary to improve imaging utilization and minimize radiation exposure risks.

What is Known• Computed tomography (CT) scans are commonly used to evaluate pediatric patients with acute atraumatic altered mental status (AMS).• There are concerns about radiation exposure from CT scans, especially in children due to their increased sensitivity and longer life expectancy.• Previous studies suggest a low diagnostic yield of CT scans in certain pediatric conditions, indicating potential overuse.

What is New• This systematic review and meta-analysis specifically assess the diagnostic value of CT scans in pediatric patients with acute atraumatic AMS.• Findings reveal a relatively low positive diagnostic yield, indicating that CT scans may be overutilized in this population.• Subgroup analyses highlight variability in outcomes based on clinical setting, patient age, and presenting symptoms.• The study underscores the need for evidence-based guidelines and risk stratification tools to optimize imaging decisions and reduce unnecessary radiation exposure in children.
Shape-Dependent Behavior of Intact Rock Under Creep Loading
Authors: Aghajanzadeh Mohammadreza , Li Danqi , Heidarpour Amin , Bahaaddini Mojtaba , Masoumi Hossein
Published: January 2025

Many underground mining operations require the design of pillars that their long-term structural integrity under creep loading is essential for sustainable operation of mines and safety of personnel. Characterizing the mechanical behavior of rocks at different shapes over the long-term can assist in efficient design of underground pillars. Over the past 4 decades, a large number of studies have examined the shape effect and long-term behavior of rocks separately, while consideration of these two together is essential. Accordingly, a comprehensive investigation is needed to assess the influence of shape on the mechanical behavior of intact rocks under long term or creep loading. Thus, in this work, an extensive laboratory experiments were conducted on a shaly sandstone, known as “Gosford” sandstone, with various length-to-diameter or “slenderness” ratios under both quasi-static and creep compressive loadings. The uniaxial compressive tests were performed on a number of cylindrical samples with constant diameter of 54 mm and varying slenderness ratios of 0.5, 1, 2, and 4. Also, a set of single and multi-step creep experiments were carried out on the samples with different slenderness ratios. Eighteen cylindrical samples were subjected to single-step creep loading at the slenderness ratios of 1, 2, and 4 and their corresponding instantaneous strains, apparent secondary creep strain rates, axial creep strains at the failure and times to failure were analyzed. The results showed that a decrease in the slenderness ratio led to an increase in the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) of tested samples under quasi-static loading. Also, under single-step creep loading, the samples with the slenderness ratios of 2 and 4 exhibited classical creep behavior including distinct primary, secondary, and tertiary phases, whereas samples with the 1:1 ratio demonstrated localized failure. The multi-step creep tests endorsed these findings in which, the samples with smaller slenderness ratios resulted in larger cumulative strains and higher apparent secondary creep strain rate at the various creep stress ratios (the ratio of applied stress over the mean UCS). Finally, it was concluded that the resulting failure patterns from the tested samples are highly shape dependent under both quasi-static and creep loading conditions.
The effects of turbulence modeling on dynamic stall
Authors: Baldan Giacomo , Manara Francesco , Frassoldati Gregorio , Guardone Alberto
Published: January 2025

A numerical investigation of the flow evolution over a pitching NACA 0012 airfoil incurring in deep dynamic stall phenomena is presented. The experimental data at Reynolds number Re = 135, 000 and reduced frequency k = 0.1, provided by Lee and Gerontakos, are compared to numerical simulations using different turbulence models. After a preliminary space and time convergence study, two- and three-dimensional URANS with different turbulence models are explored, highlighting the advantages and the drawbacks. Then, the turbulence-resolving capabilities of hybrid RANS/LES strategies are exploited to recover and better represent the dynamic stall vortex. In detail, scale-adaptive simulations (SASs) and stress-blended eddy simulations (SBESs) are adopted. Furthermore, the LES-resolved portion allows a spectral analysis of the force and moment coefficients to investigate the contribution of frequency lower than the pitching one. Finally, a comparison of the proposed approaches with other numerical simulations is given.
Chronic kidney disease is a major risk factor for mortality in triglyceride deposit cardiomyovasculopathy patients
Authors: Nagasawa Yasuyuki , Okamura Satomi , Nishimura Yuki , Yamada Tomomi , Miyauchi Hideyuki , Nakano Yusuke , Amano Tetsuya , Kawaguchi Yuko , Fujimoto Shinichiro , Hirano Ken-ichi ,   the Japan TGCV study group
Published: January 2025

Triglyceride deposit cardiomyovasculopathy (TGCV) is a rare cardiovascular disorder caused by defective intracellular lipolysis of triglyceride, resulting in heart failure and diffuse narrowing atherosclerosis. Recently, the registry of TGCV patients in Japan revealed that the 3-year overall survival rate was 80.1% and the 5-year overall survival rate was 71.8%. In this study, the effect on mortality of chronic kidney disease (CKD), diabetes malleus (DM), hypertension (HT), and dyslipidemia (DL) was analyzed using this retrospective registry of TGCV patients. The 3-year survival rate was 71.3% in the CKD group and 91.7% in the non-CKD group, and the 5-year survival rate was 61.8% in CKD group and 84.4% in the non-CKD group. The Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that CKD is a risk factor for mortality in TGCV patients (p = 0.006). Although TGCV patients with CKD were older than those without CKD, Cox proportional hazard model analyses including age indicated that CKD has a significant association of the prognosis of TGCV patients (hazard ratio 2.33 [1.12–4.86], p = 0.024). DM, HT, and DL did not increase mortality in TGCV patients, although these risk factors were established in the general population. TGCV might cause cardiac disorders and kidney disease at the same time, because podocyte foot process disorder in the glomeruli might be caused by TGCV itself, while CKD should be a risk factor for mortality in TGCV patients as is true in the general population. In conclusion, CKD is a major risk factor for mortality in TGCV patients and thus should be paid attention to in these patients.
Systematic evaluation of adhesives for implant fixation in multimodal functional brain MRI
Authors: Szinyei Anna Zsófia , Maus Bastian , Schmid Jonas Q. , Klimek Matthias , Segelcke Daniel , Pogatzki-Zahn Esther M. , Pradier Bruno , Faber Cornelius
Published: January 2025

Objective

Invasive multimodal fMRI in rodents is often compromised by susceptibility artifacts from adhesives used to secure cranial implants. We hypothesized that adhesive type, shape, and field strength significantly affect susceptibility artifacts, and systematically evaluated various adhesives.

Materials and methods

Thirty-one adhesives were applied in constrained/unconstrained geometries and imaged with T2*-weighted EPI at 7.0 and 9.4 T to assess artifact depths. Spherical and flat patch shapes, both unconstrained geometries, were compared for artifact depth in vitro and in vivo. Adhesion strength was assessed on post-mortem mouse crania. Finally, an integrative scoring system rated adhesive properties, including artifact depth, handling, and adhesion strength.

Results

Susceptibility artifacts were two times larger at 9.4 than at 7.0 T (p < 0.001), strongest at the patch edges, and deeper with spherical than flat patches (p < 0.05). Artifact size depended more on shape and volume after curing than adhesive type. Our integrative scoring system showed resins, bonding agents, and acrylics offered the best overall properties, while silicones and cements were less favorable.

Discussion

Adhesive selection requires balancing handling, curing time, strength, and artifact depth. To minimize artifacts, adhesives should be applied in a spread-out, flat and thin layer. Our integrative scoring system supports classification of future classes of adhesives.
Palaeoenvironmental implications and genesis of lacustrine Lower Triassic giant ooids
Authors: Mono Phyllis , Hoffmann René , Jöns Niels , Klügel Andreas , Stevens Kevin , Brachert Thomas C. , Immenhauser Adrian
Published: January 2025

The sedimentary environment and mechanisms of formation of giant ooids (> 2 mm) are not well understood. Here, we use petrographical, mineralogical and geochemical data of giant ooids from the Lower Triassic Buntsandstein Formation of central Germany to develop a coherent formation model. Structural preservation of calcite crystallites in ooid cortices in combination with comparatively low strontium concentrations (< 545 μg/g) and the absence of dolomite in the cortex suggest a primary low-Mg calcite composition. Shale-normalised rare earth elements plus yttrium (REE + Y) patterns lack a pronounced heavy REE over light REE enrichment and show a positive cerium anomaly (Ce/Ce*SN = 1.9–3.9). Together with a missing yttrium anomaly and low Y/Ho ratios (< 40), these data are largely consistent with ooid formation in a lacustrine environment. Positive cerium and lanthanum anomalies further point to formation and deposition in an alkaline to hypersaline playa-lake environment. Based on our findings, a five-stage formation model is proposed. We suggest nucleus formation by microbial spheres, followed by calcite crystal nucleation on biofilm templates at the sediment–water interface, and crystal/cortex growth inside the sediment pile. The spherical ooid form is achieved by wave-induced physical rolling motion after exhumation. Ooid growth ceases when the ooid reaches a critical size (here 4 mm), depending on local hydrodynamic properties. Inhomogeneous crystal growth and the inclusion of exogenous particles lead to structural and geochemical anomalies in the ooid cortex. Results presented here have far-reaching implications for the application of REE and other trace elements as environmental proxies in ancient carbonates.
Skeletal Findings Consistent with Signs of Rigorous Jewish Religious Practice in Four Skeletons from Qumran (Near-East), First-Century CE
Authors: Charlier P. , Conlon E. , Huynh I. , Humbert J. B.
Published: January 2025

Anthropological and palaeopathological examination of four male skeletons from Qumran (Near-East) revealed skeletal lesions that may be linked to an intense practice of traditional Jewish rituals within this hyper-religious community of the first-century CE: chronic inflammation of the external auditory canals linked to frequent immersion in sacred baths (mikvah), and osteo-articular lesions following intense and repeated genuflection and anteflexion of the trunk.
Good classification matters: conceptual engineering in data science
Authors: Köhler Sebastian
Published: January 2025

Recent years have seen incredible advances in our abilities to gather and store data, as well as in the computational power and methods—most prominently in machine learning—to do things with those data. These advances have given rise to the emerging field “data science.” Because of its immense power for providing practically useful information about the world, data science is a field of increasing importance. This paper argues that a core part of what data scientists are doing should be understood as conceptual engineering. At all stages of the data science process, data scientists need to deliberate about, evaluate, and make classificatory choices in a variety of ways, including as part of training and evaluating machine learning models. Viewing these activities as involved in conceptual engineering offers a new way to think about them, one that helps to clarify what is at stake in them, what sorts of considerations are relevant, and how to systematically think about the choices faced. Given the increasing importance of data science, if conceptual engineering is relevant for activities in data science, this also highlights the relevance and impact of conceptual engineering as a method. Furthermore, the paper also suggests that machine learning opens distinctive and novel ways in which data scientists engage in conceptual engineering.
Deep learning reveals diverging effects of altitude on aging
Authors: Teklu Amanuel Abraha , Heckenbach Indra , Petr Michael Angelo , Bakula Daniela , Keijzers Guido , Scheibye-Knudsen Morten
Published: January 2025

Aging is influenced by a complex interplay of multifarious factors, including an individual’s genetics, environment, and lifestyle. Notably, high altitude may impact aging and age-related diseases through exposures such as hypoxia and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. To investigate this, we mined risk exposure data (summary exposure value), disease burden data (disability-adjusted life years (DALYs)), and death rates and life expectancy from the Global Health Data Exchange (GHDx) and National Data Management Center for Health of Ethiopia for each subnational region of Ethiopia, a country with considerable differences in the living altitude. We conducted a cross-sectional clinical trial involving 227 highland and 202 lowland dwellers from the Tigray region in Northern Ethiopia to gain a general insight into the biological aging at high altitudes. Notably, we observed significantly lower risk exposure rates and a reduced disease burden as well as increased life expectancy by lower mortality rates in higher-altitude regions of Ethiopia. When assessing biological aging using facial photographs, we found a faster rate of aging with increasing elevation, likely due to greater UV exposure. Conversely, analysis of nuclear morphologies of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in blood smears with five different senescence predictors revealed a significant decrease in DNA damage-induced senescence in both monocytes and lymphocytes with increasing elevation. Overall, our findings suggest that disease and DNA damage-induced senescence decreases with altitude in agreement with the idea that oxidative stress may drive aging.
Pedagogical AI conversational agents in higher education: a conceptual framework and survey of the state of the art
Authors: Yusuf Habeeb , Money Arthur , Daylamani-Zad Damon
Published: January 2025

The ever-changing global educational landscape, coupled with the advancement of Web3, is seeing rapid changes in the ways pedagogical artificially intelligent conversational agents are being developed and used to advance teaching and learning in higher education. Given the rapidly evolving research landscape, there is a need to establish what the current state of the art is in terms of the pedagogical applications and technological functions of these conversational agents and to identify the key existing research gaps, and future research directions, in the field. A literature survey of the state of the art of pedagogical AI conversational agents in higher education was conducted. The resulting literature sample (n = 92) was analysed using thematic template analysis, the results of which were used to develop a conceptual framework of pedagogical conversational agents in higher education. Furthermore, a survey of the state of the art was then presented as a function of the framework. The conceptual framework proposes that pedagogical AI conversational agents can primarily be considered in terms of their pedagogical applications and their pedagogical purposes, which include pastoral, instructional and cognitive, and are further considered in terms of mode of study and intent. The technological functions of the agents are also considered in terms of embodiment (embodied/disembodied) and functional type and features. This research proposes that there are numerous opportunities for future research, such as, the use of conversational agents for enhancing assessment, reflective practice and to support more effective administration and management practice. In terms of technological functions, future research would benefit from focusing on enhancing the level of personalisation and media richness of interaction that can be achieved by AI conversational agents.
Wie kann Gender Mainstreaming-Beratung für Fachvorhaben in einer Landesverwaltung gelingen?
Authors: Thege Britta , Jansen-Schulz Bettina
Published: January 2025

Der Beitrag beschreibt erste Erfahrungen einer externen Gender Mainstreaming Beratung von Beteiligten verschiedener Fachvorhaben einer Landesverwaltung. Darin wurden die Anwendung einer 4‑Schritte-Matrix zur Genderanalyse erprobt und chancengerechte Umsetzungsmaßnahmen für die jeweiligen Fachvorhaben entwickelt. Die Beratung bezog sich auf die Befähigung der Beteiligten, gleichstellungsrelevante Aspekte bereits in der Planung eines Vorhabens identifizieren zu können, um mögliche geschlechtsspezifische Diskriminierungen zu vermeiden oder bestehende Nachteile auszugleichen.
Lipid Changes 10–15 Years After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Barkhall Eirin Rosø , Tro Johanne , Sandvik Jorunn , Nymo Siren , Kulseng Bård , Johnsen Gjermund , Hoff Dag Arne Lihaug , Hole Torstein
Published: January 2025

Background

Several studies have documented a beneficial short-term effect on lipid profile after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), but there is limited data on long-term changes.

Objectives

To describe long-term (> 10 years) changes in lipid profile after RYGB and to explore the relationship of lipid changes to changes in weight and baseline and demographic parameters.

Methods

The BAROBS study is a prospective observational study post RYGB conducted at three different hospitals. Surgical procedures were performed between 2003 and 2009, and the collection of data was in 2018–2020. Data on lipid profile, weight, body mass index (BMI), percentage of total weight loss (%TWL), and pre- and postoperative type II diabetes mellitus (DMII) was collected at baseline, 1–2, 5, and 10 years post-surgery and was available for 314 of 546 patients in the study.

Results

The mean (SD) follow-up was 11.5(± 1.5) years, with a mean reduction of 11.7% for LDL, 29.7% for TG, and 7.7% for total cholesterol compared to baseline. Except for HDL and total-/HDL-cholesterol-ratio, all lipid variables reached their greatest change after 1–2 years with an attenuation of changes at end of study. HDL and total-/HDL-cholesterol-ratio had stable values from 5 to 10 years post-surgery. Lipid profile improved more in patients with greater weight loss. There was a 59% reduction in DMII at end of study, and there was a significant relation between preoperative DMII and long-term lipid values.

Conclusion

There is an improvement of all lipid parameters after 10 years post RYGB related to both the magnitude of weight loss and the presence of DMII.

Graphical Abstract
Meta-Analysis of Larval Bivalve Growth in Response to Ocean Acidification and its Application to Sea Scallop Larval Dispersal in the Mid-Atlantic Bight
Authors: Wright-Fairbanks Elizabeth K. , Munroe Daphne M. , Hunter Elias J. , Wilkin John , Saba Grace K.
Published: January 2025

Ocean acidification, caused by increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide and coastal physical, biological, and chemical processes, is an ongoing threat to carbonate-utilizing organisms living in productive coastal shelves. Bivalves exposed to acidification have shown reduced growth, reproduction, and metabolic processes, with larval stages exhibiting the greatest susceptibility. Here, we compile results from published studies on larval bivalve growth responses to acidification to estimate a relationship between larval growth and seawater aragonite saturation state. We then apply this relationship to a larval dispersal individual-based model for Atlantic sea scallops (Placopecten magellanicus), an economically vital species in the Mid-Atlantic Bight that is historically under-studied in acidification research. To date, there have been no published studies on sea scallop larval response to ocean acidification. Model simulations allowed the identification of potential impacts of acidification on scallop success in the region. Results show that larval sea scallops that are sensitive to ocean acidification had a 17% lower settlement success rate and over 50% reduction in larval passage between major Mid Atlantic Bight fisheries habitats than those that are not sensitive to acidification. Additionally, temperature and ocean acidification interact as drivers of larval success, with aragonite saturation states > 3.0 compensating for temperature-induced mortality (> 19 ˚C) in some cases. This balance between drivers influences larval settlement success across spatial and interannual scales in the Mid Atlantic Bight.
Fördern Frauen in politischen Ämtern auf lokaler Ebene die politische Deliberation?
Authors: Stocker Simon
Published: January 2025

Der Beitrag geht der Frage nach, welchen Einfluss Frauen in kommunalpolitischen Ämtern auf die Nutzung dialogorientierter Beteiligungsverfahren haben. Grundlage der Analyse ist eine einzigartige Zusammenstellung makro-quantitativer Daten aus 817 Gemeinden in Baden-Württemberg. Die Ergebnisse zeigen einen signifikanten positiven Einfluss ausgehend von der Frauenpräsenz im Gemeinderat und dem Bürgermeister*innenamt auf die Anzahl in den Gemeinden stattfindender dialogischer Beteiligungsereignisse. Außerdem zeigt sich, dass ein höherer Sitzanteil der Grünen in den Gemeinderäten mit mehr dialogischer Beteiligung assoziiert ist, wobei ein Teil dieses Zusammenhangs durch den Frauenanteil im Gemeinderat mediiert wird.
Causally Mapping the Cerebellum in Children and Young Adults: from Motor to Cognition
Authors: Veyrie Marina , Beffara Bertrand , Richard Nathalie , Mottolese Carmine , Szathmari Alexandru , Di Rocco Federico , Faure Conter Cécile , Leblond Pierre , Desmurget Michel , Cristofori Irene , Beuriat Pierre-Aurélien
Published: January 2025

While the cerebellum’s role in orchestrating motor execution and routines is well established, its functional role in supporting cognition is less clear. Previous studies claim that motricity and cognition are mapped in different areas of the cerebellar cortex, with an anterior/posterior dichotomy. However, most of the studies supporting this claim either use correlational methods (neuroimaging) or are lesion studies that did not consider central covariates (such as age, gender, treatment presence, and deep nuclei impairment) known to influence motor and cognitive recoveries in patients. Here, we used voxel-based lesion-symptom mapping (VLSM) on children and young adults having undergone cerebellar tumor resection. This approach allows to control for these covariates and evaluate causal relationships between brain anatomy and behavioral performances to disentangle the anatomic substrate of motor and cognitive functions. VLSM analyses showed that both motor and cognitive impairments were greater in children and young adults with lesions of the posterior cerebellum. These results highlight distinct and overlapping structural correlates of motor and cognitive performance in the cerebellum and are consistent with structural and functional hypotheses of integration of the cerebellum in motor and cognitive functions.
Promoting inclusion of peers with special educational needs: effects of a curriculum-based diversity awareness program
Authors: Wüthrich Sergej , Sahli Lozano Caroline , Wicki Matthias
Published: January 2025

Students with special educational needs (SEN) often face rejection from peers. Research suggests that intervention programs can enhance students’ attitudes and social participation of peers with SEN. However, many teachers lack the resources or time to implement comprehensive programs. The extent to what easy-to-implement teaching units have positive effects is less clear. Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior, this study assessed the effect of a series of classroom lessons based on the teaching resource Prinzip Vielfalt on students’ attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control (PBC), and their intentions to include peers with SEN.

In a cluster-controlled trial, 51 elementary school classes (3rd–6th grade) were assigned to either the experimental or waiting-control group based on the timing of teachers’ registration for a continuing education course. The experimental group consisted of 34 classes (652 students), where teachers implemented a standardized 12-lesson plan over a 6-week period, while the control group continued with their regular curriculum. Data were collected at three points: pre-test, post-test, and follow-up three months later. Student self-report measures were analyzed using mixed-effects and mediation models in R.

Analyses indicated no significant long-term effects for PBC or inclusion intentions. However, attitudes and subjective norms toward peers with disabilities improved significantly. Further, mediation analyses revealed significant indirect effects of attitudes and subjective norms on inclusion intentions. Thus, while the intervention did not directly influence intentions, it had a positive effect on attitudes and subjective norms, which could enhance inclusive behavior over time. Thus, carefully constructed, accessible, and easy-to-implement teaching resources such as Prinzip Vielfalt demonstrate promising effects on inclusive peer behavior.
A novel group-based framework for nature-inspired optimization algorithms with adaptive movement behavior
Authors: Robson Adam , Mistry Kamlesh , Woo Wai-Lok
Published: January 2025

This paper proposes two novel group-based frameworks that can be implemented into almost any nature-inspired optimization algorithm. The proposed Group-Based (GB) and Cross Group-Based (XGB) framework implements a strategy which modifies the attraction and movement behaviors of base nature-inspired optimization algorithms and a mechanism that creates a continuing variance within population groupings, while attempting to maintain levels of computational simplicity that have helped nature-inspired optimization algorithms gain notoriety within the field of feature selection. Through this functionality, the proposed framework seeks to increase search diversity within the population swarm to address issues such as premature convergence, and oscillations within the swarm. The proposed frameworks have shown promising results when implemented into the Bat algorithm (BA), Firefly algorithm (FA), and Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm (PSO), all of which are popular when applied to the field of feature selection, and have been shown to perform well in a variety of domains, gaining notoriety due to their powerful search capabilities.
Preference learning based deep reinforcement learning for flexible job shop scheduling problem
Authors: Liu Xinning , Han Li , Kang Ling , Liu Jiannan , Miao Huadong
Published: January 2025

The flexible job shop scheduling problem (FJSP) holds significant importance in both theoretical research and practical applications. Given the complexity and diversity of FJSP, improving the generalization and quality of scheduling methods has become a hot topic of interest in both industry and academia. To address this, this paper proposes a Preference-Based Mask-PPO (PBMP) algorithm, which leverages the strengths of preference learning and invalid action masking to optimize FJSP solutions. First, a reward predictor based on preference learning is designed to model reward prediction by comparing random fragments, eliminating the need for complex reward function design. Second, a novel intelligent switching mechanism is introduced, where proximal policy optimization (PPO) is employed to enhance exploration during sampling, and masked proximal policy optimization (Mask-PPO) refines the action space during training, significantly improving efficiency and solution quality. Furthermore, the Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC) is used to evaluate the performance of the preference model. Finally, comparative experiments on FJSP benchmark instances of varying sizes demonstrate that PBMP outperforms traditional scheduling strategies such as dispatching rules, OR-Tools, and other deep reinforcement learning (DRL) algorithms, achieving superior scheduling policies and faster convergence. Even with increasing instance sizes, preference learning proves to be an effective reward mechanism in reinforcement learning for FJSP. The ablation study further highlights the advantages of each key component in the PBMP algorithm across performance metrics.
Chevalley groups over $${{\mathbb {Z}}}$$: a representation-theoretic approach
Authors: Ali Abid , Carbone Lisa , Murray Scott H.
Published: January 2025

Let

$$G({{\mathbb {Q}}})$$

G
(
Q
)

be a simply connected Chevalley group over

$${{\mathbb {Q}}}$$

Q

corresponding to a simple Lie algebra

$${\mathfrak {g}}$$

g

over

$${{\mathbb {C}}}$$

C

. Let V be a finite-dimensional faithful highest weight

$${\mathfrak {g}}$$

g

-module and let

$$V_{{\mathbb {Z}}}$$

V
Z

be a Chevalley

$${{\mathbb {Z}}}$$

Z

-form of V. Let

$$\Gamma ({{\mathbb {Z}}})$$

Γ
(
Z
)

be the subgroup of

$$G({{\mathbb {Q}}})$$

G
(
Q
)

that preserves

$$V_{{{\mathbb {Z}}}}$$

V
Z

and let

$$G({{\mathbb {Z}}})$$

G
(
Z
)

be the group of

$${{\mathbb {Z}}}$$

Z

-points of

$$G({{\mathbb {Q}}})$$

G
(
Q
)

. Then

$$G({{\mathbb {Q}}})$$

G
(
Q
)

is integral if

$$G({{\mathbb {Z}}})=\Gamma ({{\mathbb {Z}}})$$

G
(
Z
)
=
Γ
(
Z
)

. Chevalley’s original work constructs a scheme-theoretic integral form of

$$G({{\mathbb {Q}}})$$

G
(
Q
)

which equals

$$\Gamma ({{\mathbb {Z}}})$$

Γ
(
Z
)

. Here we give a representation-theoretic proof of integrality of

$$G({{\mathbb {Q}}})$$

G
(
Q
)

using only the action of

$$G({{\mathbb {Q}}})$$

G
(
Q
)

on V, rather than the language of group schemes. We discuss the challenges and open problems that arise in trying to extend this to a proof of integrality for Kac–Moody groups over

$${{\mathbb {Q}}}$$

Q

.
Association of frailty index with incidence of chronic kidney disease: China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study
Authors: Zhang Lisha , Zhang Yan , He Yanru , Deng Fuxue , Xue Jiahong
Published: January 2025

Aim

Frailty is an important risk factor for a wide range of chronic diseases and for mortality risk. This study aims to explore the relationship between frailty and incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD), particularly on the change and accumulation of frailty.

Methods

Frailty status was assessed using the frailty index (FI, constructed by 31 items) and categorized as robust, pre-frail, and frail. The accumulation and change in frailty were assessed on the basis of frailty status at baseline and a second survey 4 years after baseline. Logistic regression was used to estimate the association between frailty and developing CKD.

Results

A total of 3597 participants (mean age: 59.08 ± 8.94 years old, male: 49.9%) from CHARLS were included. Participants with pre-frailty or frailty status had a higher risk of developing CKD compared with robust participants (pre-frail vs robust, OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.37–2.32, p < 0.001; frail vs robust, OR 2.52, 95% CI 1.67–3.79, p < 0.001). Participants who had a robust status in the two surveys had a significantly lower risk of developing CKD (OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.36–0.75, p < 0.001) compared with those who never had a robust status.

Conclusion

Frailty status is significantly associated with the incidence of CKD. The risk of CKD was lower in those who ever had a robust status than in participants who never had a robust status.
Adapting to climate change and multi-risk governance: toward sustainable adaptation and enhancing urban resilience—Indonesia
Authors: Abdillah Abdillah , Widianingsih Ida , Buchari Rd Ahmad , Nurasa Heru
Published: January 2025

Climate change has contributed to an increase in natural catastrophes over the past five years in Indonesia, causing various forms of damage in urban areas and posing a severe danger to multi-risk governance for municipal governments in Indonesia. This study explores how multi-risk governance strategies encourage sustainable adaptation to climate change and increase urban resilience in Bandung and Makassar City, Indonesia. This study method uses a qualitative-exploratory approach with a case study in two (2) climate-vulnerable cities in Indonesia. Data analysis uses qualitative-interactive analysis. The results of this study show that the impact of climate change in Bandung and Makassar City, Indonesia has caused an increase in the potential for erosion, reduced wetlands along the coast, an increase in the rate of seawater intrusion, a decrease in food production, damage to infrastructure, a reduction in clean water sources, an increase in disease. respiratory, floods, droughts, and other hydrological disasters. This has resulted in many climate approaches and actions being taken to respond to the impact of climate change in Indonesia (Bandung and Makassar City), the results of which are still not optimal to date. This study suggests a sustainable adaptation approach to climate action in Bandung and Makassar City which prioritizes social justice and environmental integrity so that it has a real impact on community vulnerability and environmental damage due to the impacts of climate change. The contribution of this study provides sufficient insight into the institutional approaches and adaptive sustainability measures needed to promote resilience in Indonesia. At the same time, this study will be a useful reference in future research on multi-risk governance and sustainable adaptation strategy for climate action and enhancing urban governance.
Discovering the potential of serious games for transformative sustainability research
Authors: Motlagh Mahsa , Horcea-Milcu Andra-Ioana , König Bettina
Published: January 2025

Serious Games (SG) have shown potential as transformative tools in sustainability research. Despite the diverse and widespread adoption of SG as multifunctional tools within collaborative forms of knowledge production, their contribution to transformative research processes is underexplored. Likewise, the selection, alignment, and integration of appropriate SG tailored to specific stages of a transformative research process lacks clear guidelines. To fill this gap, we aim to map the potential of SG in transformative research. We propose to facilitate the assessment of SG alignment and to guide their integration within a transformative research process based on three dimensions: SG complexity levels, SG collaborative engagement levels, and generic stages of transformative research processes. This study explores and organizes the space of potential uses of SG in transformative research based on the three aforementioned dimensions. It provides guidelines to facilitate the assessment of each SG's suitability and its integration within the transformative research process. It operationalizes the proposed conceptual mapping and guidelines with the help of two SG examples. Future work should empirically validate the approach across diverse contexts and address scalability, long-term impacts, and ethical considerations in resource-constrained settings.
Caesarean Section Delivery
Authors: Dahlke Joshua D. , Chauhan Suneet P.
Published: January 2025

Caesarean section delivery (CD) is the most common surgical operation performed in the world. Since first described 400 years ago, surgical rates continue to rise globally. Caesarean rates are now reported from South American countries of over 50% and rates of over 32% are currently being reported from the United States, China, England and Scotland. Surgical complications can occur at the time of operation and there are major implications for future pregnancies, including increased rates of placenta previa/accreta, stillbirth and preterm labour. This Element discusses many aspects of CD, including the Robson 10 group classification system, which classifies populations by characteristics such as parity, presentation of the fetus and the history of previous births, an evidencebased approach to surgical techniques, recommendations of the major guidelines and recommendations concerning trial of labour after previous caesarean.
Diabetes in Pregnancy
Authors: Ryan Lee Wai Kheong , Weiying Lim , Wright Ann Margaret , Tan Lay-Kok
Published: January 2025

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common and important medical complications affecting pregnancy. It can predate the pregnancy ('pre-existing diabetes') or arise during pregnancy ('gestational diabetes', GDM). Typically, GDM resolves once the pregnancy has ended. However, about 3% of women with a diagnosis of GDM have type 2 diabetes diagnosed for the first time in pregnancy, which persists beyond pregnancy. The coexistence of diabetes of any type and pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes for both the woman and baby. However, with appropriate management by a multidisciplinary team before, during and after delivery these risks can be minimised. Optimising blood glucose control, screening for maternal and fetal complications and a discussion about delivery are key strategies. During pregnancy, all women should be offered screening for GDM. After pregnancy, all women with GDM should be offered annual screening to identify the development of type 2 diabetes.