bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dispatches from the Land of Alzheimer's
Authors: Gibbs Daniel
Published: January 2024

In 2006, Daniel Gibbs, author of A Tattoo on my Brain: A Neurologist's Personal Battle against Alzheimer's Disease (soon to be a documentary produced by MTV/Paramount+), first noticed symptoms which he now knows to have been early signs of his Alzheimer's Disease. Daniel still writes every day, something he credits with keeping his mind sharper and his demons at bay.
This book is a personal collection of essays written over the past two years that describe his own personal experiences, first treating patients with Alzheimer's, and now living with the disease himself. The book presents an up-to-date discussion of recent advances and setbacks in Alzheimer's research. Humane and hopeful, this book offers evidence-based information on how it may be possible even now to slow progression of the disease.
Local weak limit of preferential attachment random trees with additive fitness
Authors: Lo Tiffany Y. Y.
Published: January 2024

We consider linear preferential attachment trees with additive fitness, where fitness is the random initial vertex attractiveness. We show that when the fitnesses are independent and identically distributed and have positive bounded support, the local weak limit can be constructed using a sequence of mixed Poisson point processes. We also provide a rate of convergence for the total variation distance between the r-neighbourhoods of a uniformly chosen vertex in the preferential attachment tree and the root vertex of the local weak limit. The proof uses a Pólya urn representation of the model, for which we give new estimates for the beta and product beta variables in its construction. As applications, we obtain limiting results and convergence rates for the degrees of the uniformly chosen vertex and its ancestors, where the latter are the vertices that are on the path between the uniformly chosen vertex and the initial vertex.
Central limit theorem for a birth–growth model with poisson arrivals and random growth speed
Authors: Bhattacharjee Chinmoy , Molchanov Ilya , Turin Riccardo
Published: January 2024

We consider Gaussian approximation in a variant of the classical Johnson–Mehl birth–growth model with random growth speed. Seeds appear randomly in
$\mathbb{R}^d$
at random times and start growing instantaneously in all directions with a random speed. The locations, birth times, and growth speeds of the seeds are given by a Poisson process. Under suitable conditions on the random growth speed, the time distribution, and a weight function
$h\;:\;\mathbb{R}^d \times [0,\infty) \to [0,\infty)$
, we prove a Gaussian convergence of the sum of the weights at the exposed points, which are those seeds in the model that are not covered at the time of their birth. Such models have previously been considered, albeit with fixed growth speed. Moreover, using recent results on stabilization regions, we provide non-asymptotic bounds on the distance between the normalized sum of weights and a standard Gaussian random variable in the Wasserstein and Kolmogorov metrics.
Determinants of anxiety and depression among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: A hospital-based study in Bangladesh amid the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Hossen Md. Toufik , Shuvo Suvasish Das , Mazumdar Sanaullah , Hossain Md. Sakhawot , Riazuddin Md. , Roy Deepa , Mondal Bappa Kumar , Parvin Rashida , Paul Dipak Kumar , Adnan Md. Moshiuzzaman
Published: January 2024

Anxiety and depression are common psychological disorders in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which was upsurging worldwide amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to explore factors associated with anxiety and depression among T2DM patients in Bangladesh during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study was conducted among T2DM patients using face-to-face interviews. Anxiety and depressive symptoms were measured using the CAS and PHQ-9 scales. Outcomes were assessed including sociodemographic, lifestyle, anthropometric, and challenges of getting routine medical and healthcare access-related questions. The prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms were 29.8% and 22.7%, respectively. Regression analysis reported that males older than 50 years, illiterate, unemployed or retired, urban residents, below the recommended level of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), low dietary diversity score (DDS) and obese respondents were associated with higher odds of anxiety and depressive symptoms. Moreover, respondents with transport difficulties, unaffordable medicine, medicine shortages, close friends or family members diagnosed with COVID-19 and financial problems during COVID-19 had higher odds of anxiety and depressive symptoms than their counterparts, respectively. Our study suggests providing psychological support, such as home-based psychological interventions, and highlighting policy implications to ensure the well-being of T2DM patients in Bangladesh during the pandemic.
Croatian Homeland War Memorial Museums – Exhibiting Urbicides and Concentration Camps
Authors: Radonić Ljiljana
Published: January 2024

Recently opened memorial museums and exhibitions in Croatia museumize the “Homeland War” of 1991 to 1995. This article examines the four major institutions, the Museum of the Homeland War in Karlovac as well as three sites in Vukovar: The Memorial Center for the Homeland War, the Memorial Hospital and the Ovčara Memorial Home. This first systematic site analysis compares 1) the overall narratives; 2) how enemy images from World War II are reactivated to demonize “the other”; 3) how women are represented in these war exhibitions; and 4) the topics that are left out. I argue that while there is still no national museum that includes war developments in all of the country, the two big institutions, the Museum in Karlovac and the Center in Vukovar, focus on the “defenders,” as the Croatian fighters are called – while in Karlovac strikingly marginalizing and at the Center completely omitting civilians. War here means (male) soldiers and weapons, while the other two institutions portray individual victims without discussing their biographies. In all sites, Serbs are depicted with reference to World War II: as Chetniks, running “concentration camps” who committed either “urbicide and culturocide” or a “holocaust” against Croats.
The population ecology of interest groups and counter-mobilization: reproductive rights organizations in the United States, 1920–1985
Authors: Hightower Tristan M.
Published: January 2024

This research note builds upon a number of important articles published in a variety of outlets concerning the population ecology of interest groups. Importantly, Lowery and Gray (1995), Nownes (2004), and Nownes and Lipinski (2005) empirically demonstrated the dependence on the density of pre-existing, similar groups when predicting new group formations. In this letter, I add to this research by modeling the density of ideologically divergent reproductive rights groups as well as offer supporting evidence for the popularEnergy-Stability-Areamodel. The former is a novel consideration in the field of population ecology which primarily examines ideologically similar groups. I show that density dependence is at play among these polarized groups. I also provide insight into counter-mobilization movements of group formation by empirically demonstrating which groups are initial movers versus reactionary formers. In doing so, I raise important questions for researchers concerned with the emergence, longevity, and impact of interest groups over long periods of time. Finally, this research provides some insight into the expectations of group formation behavior in light of the landmarkDobbsdecision.
Using Digitized Newspapers to Address Measurement Error in Historical Data
Authors: Ferrara Andreas , Ha Joung Yeob , Walsh Randall
Published: January 2024

This paper shows how to remove attenuation bias in regression analyses due to measurement error in historical data for a given variable of interest by using a secondary measure that can be easily generated from digitized newspapers. We provide three methods for using this secondary variable to deal with non-classical measurement error in a binary treatment: set identification, bias reduction via sample restriction, and a parametric bias correction. We demonstrate the usefulness of our methods by replicating four recent economic history papers. Relative to the initial analyses, our results yield markedly larger coefficient estimates.
New species ofDermoergasilusHo & Do, 1982 (Copepoda: Cyclopoida: Ergasilidae) parasitizing endemic cichlidParetroplus polyactis(Bleeker) in Madagascar
Authors: Míč Robert , Řehulková Eva , Šimková Andrea , Razanabolana Jeanne Rasamy , Seifertová Mária
Published: January 2024

Dermoergasilus madagascarensisn. sp. is described from the gills ofParetroplus polyactis, an endemic cichlid fish in Madagascar, using a combined morphological (light microscopy and SEM) and molecular approach (partial 18S rDNA, 28S rDNA, and COI sequences). The new species is characterized mainly by possessing: (i) roughly pentagonal cephalosome; (ii) antennal endopodal segments covered with slightly inflated membrane; (iii) maxillule bearing 2 equally long outer setae and a minute inner seta; (iv) interpodal sternites of swimming legs ornamented with 3–4 rows of spinules; (v) genital segment and first abdominal somite both barrel-shaped; and (vi) a caudal ramus projecting into a digitiform process with inconspicuous terminal seta and bearing 3 terminal setae. The obtained DNA sequences of Malagasy species represent the first molecular data for species ofDermoergasilus. The 28S rDNA phylogeny showed the affiliation ofD. madagascarensisn. sp. to Ergasilidae and its sister relationship with cosmopolitanErgasilus sieboldivon Nordmann, 1832. The first checklist for all species ofDermoergasilusis provided.
Collaring nature: The use of foxes to find and rescue the members of the lost Franklin expedition
Authors: Peck Robert M.
Published: January 2024

The mysterious disappearance ofHMS ErebusandHMS Terrorwhile searching for the Northwest Passage under the leadership of Sir John Franklin in the 1840s led to more than thirty different expeditions seeking to find the lost ships and their 129-man crews. It also fostered the first and only use of wild animals as a means of communication in such a rescue operation. Since covering the vast search areas was challenging, if not impossible during sub-freezing winter conditions, some of the would-be rescuers turned to Arctic foxes as couriers of information that they hoped might direct the lost explorers to safety. Based on excerpts from the participants’ diaries and published reports from the period, and on the physical evidence that survives, this paper describes the role Arctic foxes were asked to play in one of the greatest (unsuccessful) rescue efforts ever undertaken in the Far North.
Coping with COVID-19 lockdown: a qualitative study of older adults in alcohol treatment
Authors: Trevena Paulina , Seddon Jennifer , Elliott Lawrie , Wadd Sarah , Dutton Maureen
Published: January 2024

The COVID-19 global pandemic had a major impact on older people's mental health and resulted in changes in alcohol use, with more older adults increasing than decreasing consumption levels among the general population. So far, no studies have focused on older people who were already experiencing problem alcohol use. This qualitative research is the first to provide a nuanced understanding of changes to drinking patterns among older adults engaged in alcohol treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the implications of these for practice. We conducted 30 semi-structured interviews with people in alcohol treatment aged 55+ living in urban and rural areas across the UK. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. We found that changes in alcohol use varied depending on the social, economic and health impacts of the pandemic on older adults. Boredom, lack of adequate medical or emotional support, and key life changes experienced during the pandemic (such as bereavement or retirement) increased the risk of increased drinking. Moreover, some people in longer-term alcohol treatment were struggling to maintain abstinence due to lack of face-to-face peer support. For others, decreased drinking levels were a side-effect of lockdown policies and restrictions, such as alcohol-related hospitalisations, closure of social spaces or inability to source alcohol; these also supported those who decided to cut down on drinking shortly before the pandemic. Generally, older adults who developed home-based interests and self-care practices managed lockdown best, maintaining abstinence or lower risk drinking levels. Based on these results, we argue that multilevel interventions aimed at strengthening resilience are required to reduce drinking or maintain abstinence among older adults. Such interventions should address three domains: individual (coping strategies and mindset), social (support networks), and structural (access to resources). In preparation for supporting older alcohol users through prospective future pandemics, building digital literacy and inclusion are essential.
A Christmas Eve Murder and the Notorious Georges: Community Identity in Northern British Columbia, 1913/14
Authors: Swainger Jonathan
Published: January 2024

Based upon archival and newspaper sources, this article explores the relationship between the notoriety of South Fort George, Fort George, and Prince George (the Georges) in British Columbia's northern interior, and the sense of self and place for residents on the eve of World War I. The investigation of Harry Porters’ Christmas Eve murder glimpses gender, class, and ethnic sensibilities linking the region with the rest of the province and nation, along with the British Columbia Provincial Police force's reliance on peace keeping in an era that was beginning to reassess what professional policing might entail. The result demonstrates that while the Georges imagined themselves as resting on the periphery of the white settlement frontier, the evidence indicates that in seeking acceptance by opinion leaders elsewhere in the nation, locally self-identified respectable people eagerly embraced the norms of post-Edwardian Canada. That the Georges tawdry reputation persists into the early twenty-first century suggests that the resilience of this notoriety reflects forces at play well-beyond British Columbia's northern interior. Framed in this fashion, the Christmas Eve murder sheds light on the legacies of reputation on the white settlement frontier, the influence of gender, class, and ethnicity in the construction of crime, and the evolution of professional policing.
In Pursuit of Freedom: Oaths, Slave Agency, and the Abolition of Slavery in Western Tanzania, 1905–1930
Authors: Nyanto Salvatory S. , Becker Felicitas M.
Published: January 2024

This article examines ways in which slaves and missionaries used public declarations before witnesses to carve out a distinctive space of legal proceedings in pursuit of emancipation in western Tanzania. This way of pursuing emancipation shows slaves deploying their intellectual creativity and cultural knowledge to shape the German and British colonial legal systems. Interviews provide evidence that these public declarations drew on long-standing practices of oathing in western Tanzanian societies, while administrative sources indicate that oaths had been used in Islamic legal practice. Both mission and administrative sources show that these public declarations became a fairly routine means to facilitate slave emancipation between about 1907 and the 1920s. They were seen as legitimate by both (ex)owners and (ex)slaves, and were welcomed by officials as they mitigated tensions between owners and slaves, and between slave owners and missions. This legal practice was not codified in either the gradualist German-era laws on slavery or the more proactive abolitionist laws enacted by the British. It was a bottom-up innovation, developed in a context in which effective emancipation depended on drawn-out struggles and negotiations over personal autonomy and malleable social norms.
The fully parabolic multi-species chemotaxis system in
Authors: Lin Ke
Published: January 2024

This article is devoted to the analysis of the parabolic–parabolic chemotaxis system with multi-components over
$\mathbb{R}^2$
. The optimal small initial condition on the global existence of solutions for multi-species chemotaxis model in the fully parabolic situation had not been attained as far as the author knows. In this paper, we prove that under the sub-critical mass condition, any solutions to conflict-free system exist globally. Moreover, the global existence of solutions to system with strong self-repelling effect has been discussed even for large initial data. The proof is based on the modified free energy functional and the Moser–Trudinger inequality for system.
Harmonising dietary datasets for global surveillance: methods and findings from the Global Dietary Database
Authors: Karageorgou Dimitra , Lara Castor Laura , Padula de Quadros Victoria , Ferreira de Sousa Rita , Holmes Bridget Anna , Ioannidou Sofia , Mozaffarian Dariush , Micha Renata
Published: January 2024

Objective:

The Global Dietary Database (GDD) expanded its previous methods to harmonise and publicly disseminate individual-level dietary data from nutrition surveys worldwide.

Design:

Analysis of cross-sectional data.

Setting:

Global.

Participants:

General population.

Methods:

Comprehensive methods to streamline the harmonisation of primary, individual-level 24-h recall and food record data worldwide were developed. To standardise the varying food descriptions, FoodEx2 was used, a highly detailed food classification and description system developed and adapted for international use by European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Standardised processes were developed to: identify eligible surveys; contact data owners; screen surveys for inclusion; harmonise data structure, variable definition and unit and food characterisation; perform data checks and publicly disseminate the harmonised datasets. The GDD joined forces with FAO and EFSA, given the shared goal of harmonising individual-level dietary data worldwide.

Results:

Of 1500 dietary surveys identified, 600 met the eligibility criteria, and 156 were prioritised and contacted; fifty-five surveys were included for harmonisation and, ultimately, fifty two were harmonised. The included surveys were primarily nationally representative (59 %); included high- (39 %), upper-middle (21 %), lower-middle (27 %) and low- (13 %) income countries; usually collected multiple recalls/ records (64 %) and largely captured both sexes, all ages and both rural and urban areas. Surveys from low- and lower-middle v. high- and upper-middle income countries reported fewer nutrients (median 17 v. 30) and rarely included nutrients relevant to diet-related chronic diseases, such as n-3 fatty acids and Na.

Conclusions:

Diverse 24-h recalls/records can be harmonised to provide highly granular, standardised data, supporting nutrition programming, research and capacity development worldwide.
From Bad Student to Transnational Activist: Netiwit Chotiphatphaisal and Transnational Activism in Northeast and Southeast Asia
Authors: Phattharathanasut Tuwanont
Published: January 2024

This study explores and understands transnational activism in Asia, specifically focusing on the crucial role played by individuals, particularly Thai youth activist Netiwit Chotiphatphaisal, in shaping and constructing transnational networks and relations. The study argues that the networks individuals establish with other transnational actors serve as the primary source of inspiration for other individuals to engage in transnational activism. These networks are rooted in everyday life interactions in the era of globalisation, with activism reflecting this embeddedness and interconnectedness. The case study of Netiwit demonstrates how connections between Thai activists and activists in Hong Kong and Taiwan stem from the increased mobility of individuals in the globalised world, facilitating physical interactions. By analysing this dynamic, the study aims to offer a more nuanced explanation of transnational activism, the movement of knowledge, and the concept of globalisation in Asia.
Sleep, Media Use, and Sociopolitical Attitudes
Authors: Mustafaj Matea , Soroka Stuart , Van den Bulck Jan
Published: January 2024

Abstract: The relationship between sleep and media use is well established, as is the effect of sleep deprivation and fatigue on decision-making. Our paper connects these disparate literatures to consider the ways in which a combination of sleep and media use affect sociopolitical attitudes related to risk and/or threat perception. Using novel data from a large US survey, we found that participants who consume high levels of media coverage in a more fatigued state tend to be most supportive of a US border wall and of increased spending on defense and police. Analyses further suggest an association between sleep, media use, and risk preferences. These results offer preliminary evidence for an as-yet wholly under-explored and likely increasingly important moderator for those interested in the effects of media use: sleep.
Land and Atmosphere Precursors to Fuel Loading, Wildfire Ignition and Post‐Fire Recovery
Authors: Alizadeh Mohammad Reza , Adamowski Jan , Entekhabi Dara
Published: January 2024

Land surface‐atmosphere coupling and soil moisture memory are shown to combine into a distinct temporal pattern for wildfire incidents across the western United States. We investigate the dynamic interplay of observed soil moisture, vegetation water content, and atmospheric dryness in relation to fuel loading, fire ignition and post‐fire recovery. We find that positive soil moisture anomalies around 5 months before fire ignition increase biomass growth in the subsequent months, thereby shaping fire‐prone vegetation conditions. Then, concurrent decrease in soil moisture, vegetation dehydration, and atmospheric dryness collectively contribute to the occurrence of fire ignition events. This is followed by a rapid recovery in both soil and atmospheric moisture within several weeks after the fire incidents. Our findings provide insights into understanding of wildfire ignition dynamics, supporting fire modeling and enabling improved fire predictions, early warning systems, and mitigation strategies.
Low Vp/VsValues as an Indicator for Fractures in the Critical Zone
Authors: Flinchum B. A. , Grana D. , Carr B. J. , Ravichandran N. , Eppinger B. , Holbrook W. S.
Published: January 2024

Poisson's ratio for earth materials is usually assumed to be positive (Vp/Vs > 1.4). However, this assumption may not be valid in the critical zone because near Earth's surface effective pressures are low (<1 MPa), porosity has a wide range (0%–60%), there are significant texture changes (e.g., unconsolidated vs. fractured media), and saturation ranges from 0% to 100%. We present P‐wave (Vp) and S‐wave (Vs) velocities from seismic refraction profiles collected in weathered crystalline environments in South Carolina and Wyoming. Our data show that ∼20% of the subsurface has negative Poisson's ratios (Vp/Vsvalues < 1.4), a conclusion supported by borehole sonic logs. The low Vp/Vsvalues are confined to the fractured bedrock and saprolite. Our data support the hypothesis that weathering‐generated microcracks can produce a negative Poisson's ratio and that Vp/Vsvalues can thus provide insight into important critical zone weathering processes.
Volcanic Eruption Triggers a Rare Meteotsunami in the Indian Ocean
Authors: Anup N. , Rohith B. , Vijith V. , Rose L. , Sreeraj P. , Sabu A. , Krishnamohan K. S. , Sudeepkumar B. L. , Sunil A. S. , Sunil P. S.
Published: January 2024

This study presents the observation and evaluation of a meteotsunami in the Indian Ocean triggered by the Hunga‐Tonga volcanic eruption. The event was detected through tide gauges and bottom‐pressure recordings across the Indian Ocean, with an amplitude of 10–15 cm, lasting for a few days. A numerical model was used to understand the ocean's response to meteotsunami and evaluate the dynamics behind it. The model results show that the sea‐level oscillations result from the ocean waves generated by a propagating Lamb wave. In addition to interaction with bathymetry, refracted and reflected waves also determine the sea‐level variability. Our analysis shows that bathymetric slope plays a vital role in near‐shore processes. The spectral and spatial characteristics of the meteotsunami were reminiscent of seismic tsunamis. Our research on this rare event elucidates the unresolved issues and eventually leads to designing a blueprint for future observation and modeling of meteotsunamis and seismic tsunamis.
Selective Sorting and Degradation of Permafrost Organic Matter in the Nearshore Zone of Herschel Island (Yukon, Canada)
Authors: Jong Dirk , Bröder Lisa , Tesi Tommaso , Tanski George , Oudenhuijsen Mickolai , Fritz Michael , Lantuit Hugues , Haghipour Negar , Eglinton Timothy , Vonk Jorien
Published: January 2024

Erosion of permafrost coasts due to climate warming releases large quantities of organic carbon (OC) into the Arctic Ocean. While burial of permafrost OC in marine sediments potentially limits degradation, resuspension of sediments in the nearshore zone potentially enhances degradation and greenhouse gas production, adding to the “permafrost carbon feedback.” Recent studies, focusing on bulk sediments, suggest that permafrost OC derived from coastal erosion is predominantly deposited close to shore. However, bulk approaches disregard sorting processes in the coastal zone, which strongly influence the OC distribution and fate. We studied soils and sediments along a transect from the fast‐eroding shoreline of Herschel Island—Qikiqtaruk (Yukon, Canada) to a depositional basin offshore. Sample material was fractionated by density (1.8 g cm−3) and size (63 μm), separating loose OC from mineral‐associated OC. Each fraction was analyzed for element content (TOC, TN), carbon isotopes (δ13C, Δ14C), molecular biomarkers (n‐alkanes, n‐alkanoic acids, lignin phenols, cutin acids), and mineral surface area. The OC partitioning between fractions changes considerably along the transect, highlighting the importance of hydrodynamic sorting in the nearshore zone. Additionally, OC and biomarker loadings decrease along the land‐ocean transect, indicating significant loss of OC during transport. However, molecular proxies for degradation show contrasting trends, suggesting that OC losses are not always well reflected in its degradation state. This study, using fraction partitioning that crosses land‐ocean boundaries in a way not done before, aids to disentangle sorting processes from degradation patterns, and provides quantitative insight into losses of thawed and eroded permafrost OC.
Groundwater Basin Openness and Sustainability
Authors: Wang Chao , Fogg Graham E. , Pauloo Richard A.
Published: January 2024

Groundwater pumping from wells, together with water uses such as agricultural irrigation have been converting formerly open groundwater basins into closed systems that accumulate total dissolved solids (TDS). This process of anthropogenic basin closure and salinization (ABCSal) would appear to pose a threat to groundwater sustainability that is at least as formidable as groundwater overdraft and contamination from the surface, yet has been little explored. Models of groundwater flow and solute transport herein show that groundwater basin openness itself should be considered a primary determinant of sustainability. Results show that groundwater basin closure is a threshold condition that sets the aquifer system on a path of increasing salinity that can only be halted by opening the basin. Further, the magnitude of groundwater pumping and degree of basin closure significantly influence the spatial distribution of salinity. In open basins, salinity approaches dynamic equilibrium over long‐term conditions. Stratification of higher‐TDS groundwater overlying lower‐TDS groundwater occurs below farmlands whose irrigation‐supplying wells are impacted by irrigation return flow from upstream farmlands, and act to redistribute relatively saline groundwater to the land surface. More intensive pumping leads to groundwater basin closure and more vertically‐oriented groundwater flow toward pumping wells. TDS retainment in the basin and repeated well capture, re‐distribution as irrigation water, and evapoconcentration lead to progressive salinization. Regardless of basin closure status, fresh recharge protects nearby downstream portions of the basin from salinization, indicating that managing or limiting the spread of contaminated groundwater may be achieved via managed aquifer recharge of good quality water.
The Importance of Archiving the Seafloor
Authors: DiCenzo Christina , Kelley Katherine , Anest Nichole , Fritz Cara , Donnelly Jeff
Published: January 2024

Marine geological sample repositories are vital for ocean science, climate change studies, and more. The value of their collections is growing amid efforts to meet rising demand for their services.
Risk of subsequent gliomas and meningiomas among 69,460 5-year survivors of childhood and adolescent cancer in Europe: the PanCareSurFup study
Authors: Heymer Emma J. , Hawkins Michael M. , Winter David L. , Teepen Jop C. , Sunguc Ceren , Ronckers Cécile M. , Allodji Rodrigue S. , Alessi Daniela , Sugden Elaine , Belle Fabiën N. , Bagnasco Francesca , Byrne Julianne , Bárdi Edit , Garwicz Stanislaw , Grabow Desiree , Jankovic Momcilo , Kaatsch Peter , Kaiser Melanie , Michel Gisela , Schindera Christina , Haddy Nadia , Journy Neige , Česen Mazić Maja , Skinner Roderick , Kok Judith L. , Gunnes Maria W. , Wiebe Thomas , Sacerdote Carlotta , Maule Milena M. , Terenziani Monica , Jakab Zsuzsanna , Winther Jeanette F. , Lähteenmäki Päivi M. , Zadravec Zaletel Lorna , Haupt Riccardo , Kuehni Claudia E. , Kremer Leontien C. , de Vathaire Florent , Hjorth Lars , Reulen Raoul C.
Published: January 2024

Background

Childhood cancer survivors are at risk of subsequent gliomas and meningiomas, but the risks beyond age 40 years are uncertain. We quantified these risks in the largest ever cohort.

Methods

Using data from 69,460 5-year childhood cancer survivors (diagnosed 1940–2008), across Europe, standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) and cumulative incidence were calculated.

Results

In total, 279 glioma and 761 meningioma were identified. CNS tumour (SIR: 16.2, 95% CI: 13.7, 19.2) and leukaemia (SIR: 11.2, 95% CI: 8.8, 14.2) survivors were at greatest risk of glioma. The SIR for CNS tumour survivors was still 4.3-fold after age 50 (95% CI: 1.9, 9.6), and for leukaemia survivors still 10.2-fold after age 40 (95% CI: 4.9, 21.4). Following cranial radiotherapy (CRT), the cumulative incidence of a glioma in CNS tumour survivors was 2.7%, 3.7% and 5.0% by ages 40, 50 and 60, respectively, whilst for leukaemia this was 1.2% and 1.7% by ages 40 and 50. The cumulative incidence of a meningioma after CRT in CNS tumour survivors doubled from 5.9% to 12.5% between ages 40 and 60, and in leukaemia survivors increased from 5.8% to 10.2% between ages 40 and 50.

Discussion

Clinicians following up survivors should be aware that the substantial risks of meningioma and glioma following CRT are sustained beyond age 40 and be vigilant for symptoms.
Biomaterial-based regenerative therapeutic strategies for spinal cord injury
Authors: Chen Keyi , Yu Wei , Zheng Genjiang , Xu Zeng , Yang Chen , Wang Yunhao , Yue Zhihao , Yuan Weien , Hu Bo , Chen Huajiang
Published: January 2024

As one of the most intractable neurological diseases, spinal cord injury (SCI) often leads to permanent neurological impairment in patients. Unfortunately, due to the complex pathological mechanisms and unique postinjury microenvironment, there is currently no way to completely repair the injured spinal cord. In recent years, with the rapid development of tissue engineering technology, the combination of biomaterials and medicine has provided a new idea for treating SCI. Here, we systematically summarize representative biomaterials, including natural, synthetic, nano, and hybrid materials, and their applications in SCI treatment. In addition, we describe several state-of-the-art fabrication techniques for tissue engineering. Importantly, we provide novel insights for the use of biomaterial-based therapeutic strategies to reduce secondary damage and promote repair. Finally, we discuss several biomaterial clinical studies. This review aims to provide a reference and new insights for the future exploration of spinal cord regeneration strategies.
Active mid-infrared ring resonators
Authors: Kazakov Dmitry , Letsou Theodore P. , Beiser Maximilian , Zhi Yiyang , Opačak Nikola , Piccardo Marco , Schwarz Benedikt , Capasso Federico
Published: January 2024

High-quality optical ring resonators can confine light in a small volume and store it for millions of roundtrips. They have enabled the dramatic size reduction from laboratory scale to chip level of optical filters, modulators, frequency converters, and frequency comb generators in the visible and the near-infrared. The mid-infrared spectral region (3−12 μm), as important as it is for molecular gas sensing and spectroscopy, lags behind in development of integrated photonic components. Here we demonstrate the integration of mid-infrared ring resonators and directional couplers, incorporating a quantum cascade active region in the waveguide core. It enables electrical control of the resonant frequency, its quality factor, the coupling regime and the coupling coefficient. We show that one device, depending on its operating point, can act as a tunable filter, a nonlinear frequency converter, or a frequency comb generator. These concepts extend to the integration of multiple active resonators and waveguides in arbitrary configurations, thus allowing the implementation of purpose-specific mid-infrared active photonic integrated circuits for spectroscopy, communication, and microwave generation.
Two mitochondrial DNA polymorphisms modulate cardiolipin binding and lead to synthetic lethality
Authors: Chiang Ason C. Y. , Ježek Jan , Mu Peiqiang , Di Ying , Klucnika Anna , Jabůrek Martin , Ježek Petr , Ma Hansong
Published: January 2024

Genetic screens have been used extensively to probe interactions between nuclear genes and their impact on phenotypes. Probing interactions between mitochondrial genes and their phenotypic outcome, however, has not been possible due to a lack of tools to map the responsible polymorphisms. Here, using a toolkit we previously established in Drosophila, we isolate over 300 recombinant mitochondrial genomes and map a naturally occurring polymorphism at the cytochrome c oxidase III residue 109 (CoIII109) that fully rescues the lethality and other defects associated with a point mutation in cytochrome c oxidase I (CoIT300I). Through lipidomics profiling, biochemical assays and phenotypic analyses, we show that the CoIII109 polymorphism modulates cardiolipin binding to prevent complex IV instability caused by the CoIT300I mutation. This study demonstrates the feasibility of genetic interaction screens in animal mitochondrial DNA. It unwraps the complex intra-genomic interplays underlying disorders linked to mitochondrial DNA and how they influence disease expression.
Selection of appropriate biomarkers to monitor effectiveness of ovarian function suppression in pre-menopausal patients with ER+ breast cancer
Authors: McCann Kelly E. , Goldfarb Shari B. , Traina Tiffany A. , Regan Meredith M. , Vidula Neelima , Kaklamani Virginia
Published: January 2024

Use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists has been widely adopted to provide reversible ovarian function suppression for pre-menopausal breast cancer patients who are also receiving aromatase inhibitor or tamoxifen therapy based on results of 25 randomized trials representing almost 15,000 women demonstrating a survival benefit with this approach. Past clinical trials designed to establish the efficacy of GnRH agonists have monitored testosterone in the prostate cancer setting and estradiol in the breast cancer setting. We explore the merits of various biomarkers including estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) and their utility for informing GnRH agonist treatment decisions in breast cancer. Estradiol remains our biomarker of choice in ensuring adequate ovarian function suppression with GnRH agonist therapy among pre-menopausal women with breast cancer. We recommend future trials to continue to focus on estradiol levels as the primary endpoint, as they have in the past.
Dynamic and selective engrams emerge with memory consolidation
Authors: Tomé Douglas Feitosa , Zhang Ying , Aida Tomomi , Mosto Olivia , Lu Yifeng , Chen Mandy , Sadeh Sadra , Roy Dheeraj S. , Clopath Claudia
Published: January 2024

Episodic memories are encoded by experience-activated neuronal ensembles that remain necessary and sufficient for recall. However, the temporal evolution of memory engrams after initial encoding is unclear. In this study, we employed computational and experimental approaches to examine how the neural composition and selectivity of engrams change with memory consolidation. Our spiking neural network model yielded testable predictions: memories transition from unselective to selective as neurons drop out of and drop into engrams; inhibitory activity during recall is essential for memory selectivity; and inhibitory synaptic plasticity during memory consolidation is critical for engrams to become selective. Using activity-dependent labeling, longitudinal calcium imaging and a combination of optogenetic and chemogenetic manipulations in mouse dentate gyrus, we conducted contextual fear conditioning experiments that supported our model’s predictions. Our results reveal that memory engrams are dynamic and that changes in engram composition mediated by inhibitory plasticity are crucial for the emergence of memory selectivity.
Simulation study of a practical approach to enhance cadmium removal via biological treatment by controlling the concentration of MLSS
Authors: Nile Basim K. , Faris Ahmed M. , Alesary Hasan F. , Jafar Nadhir N. A. , Ismail Hani K. , Abdulredha Muhammad , Al Juboury Maad F. , Hassan Waqed H. , Ahmed Luma M. , Abid Hussein Rasool , Barton Stephen
Published: January 2024

The fate of cadmium at the Muharram Aisha wastewater treatment plant in Karbala governorate, Iraq was studied using the TOXCHEM model. Cadmium, a known carcinogen, and is considered one of the most dangerous heavy metals and high concentrations, greater than permissible limits, were found in the treated wastewater. The plant operates using an activated sludge system and this was modeled via TOXCHEM with a sensitivity analysis carried out on the extended aeration system. Prior to analysis, the model was calibrated and validated for cadmium, with the adjustments leading to a mean square error (RMSE) and correlation coefficient (R) of 0.0001 and 0.81, respectively. The mass balance of cadmium in the Muharram Aisha treatment plant was found to be 4832.44 g/day (37.1726%) in the treated wastewater and 8164.52 g/day (62.804%) in the sludge, which indicated that the mix liquor suspended solid (MLSS) was the most sensitive factor. The sensitivity to cadmium was analyzed via MLSS in the extended aeration system and the results o indicated that the higher the MLSS concentration (mg/L), the greater the removal of cadmium in the treated wastewater. It was found that increasing the MLSS through a biological treatment method reduced the concentration of cadmium without the need for additional of any (potentially harmful) chemical treatments. The plant was subsequently operated for a period of 5 months with the MLSS increased from 1500 to 4500 mg/L, and this reduced the concentration of cadmium in the wastewater from 0.36 to 0.01 mg/L as a consequence. This research demonstrates how the novel application of TOXCHEM can be a useful tool in the reduction of heavy metal contamination in the environment.
Serum calcium is associated with sudden cardiac arrest in stroke patients from ICU: a multicenter retrospective study based on the eICU collaborative research database
Authors: Hou Jianfei , Huang Zhenhua , Zeng Wenfei , Wu Zhanxing , Zhang Lingna
Published: January 2024

This primary objective of our study was to investigate the relationship between serum calcium levels and the occurrence of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in stroke patients. We analyzed the clinical data of 10,423 acute stroke patients admitted to the intensive care unit. The association between serum calcium and SCA following an acute stroke was assessed through multivariate logistic regression. We explored the non-linear connection between serum calcium levels and SCA in stroke patients using a generalized additive model and smooth curve fitting. Our study uncovered that serum calcium serves as an independent risk factor for sudden cardiac arrest in stroke patients. Notably, we observed that the relationship between serum calcium levels upon admission and the occurrence of SCA in stroke patients within the hospital was non-linear. Furthermore, we identified inflection points in serum calcium levels at 8.2 and 10.4 mg/dL. These findings emphasize a non-linear relationship between serum calcium levels and the risk of SCA in stroke patients. Maintaining serum calcium within the range of 8.2–10.4 mg/dL could lead to a significant reduction in the incidence of cardiac arrest among stroke patients.
Gastroprotective effect of rhodanine and 2,4-thiazolidinediones scaffolds in rat stomachs by contribution of anti-apoptotic (BCL-2) and tumor suppressor (P53) proteins
Authors: Ameen Rozh Q. , Amin Zahra A. , Ahmad Hiwa O. , Ghafur Diler D. , Toma Melodya G. , Sabah Nyan , Fakhir Muhammad , Abdulla Gardoon
Published: January 2024

In recent times, the methods used to evaluate gastric ulcer healing worldwide have been based on visual examinations and estimating ulcer dimensions in experimental animals. In this study, the protective effect of rhodanine and 2,4-thiazolidinediones scaffolds compared to esomeprazole was investigated in an ethanol model of stomach ulcers in rats. Pretreatment with experimental treatments or esomeprazole prevented the development of ethanol-induced gastric ulcers. The severity of the lesions and injuries was significantly lower than that of vehicle (10% Tween 80) treated rats. Significant and excellent results were obtained with the compound 6 group, with inhibition percentage and ulcer area values of 97.8% and 12.8 ± 1.1 mm2, respectively. Synthesized compounds 2, 7 and 8 exhibited inhibition percentages and ulcer areas of 94.3% and 31.2 ± 1.1 mm2, 91. 3% and 48.1 ± 0. 8 mm2, 89. 5% and 57. 6 ± 1. 2 mm2, and 89. 1% and 60.3 ± 0. 8 mm2, respectively. These biological outcomes are consistent with the docking studies in which Compounds 7 and 8 showed remarkable binding site affinities toward human H+/K+-ATPase α protein (ID: P20648), rat H+/K+-ATPase α protein (ID: P09626), and Na+/K+-ATPase crystal structure (PDB ID:2ZXE) with binding site energies of − 10.7, − 9.0, and − 10.4 (kcal/mol) and − 8.7, − 8.5, and − 8.0 (kcal/mol), respectively. These results indicate that these test samples were as effective as esomeprazole. Likewise, immunohistochemical staining of antiapoptotic (BCL2) and tumor suppressor (P53) proteins showed strong positive marks in the10% Tween 80- treated group, opposing the mild staining results for the esomeprazole-treated group. Similarly, the staining intensity of the group treated with Compounds 2–8 was variable for both proteins.
Effects of treatment with clopidogrel with or without proton pump inhibitor omeprazole on the risk of ischemic stroke: a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Chang Chao-Chien , Chou Yu-Ching , Chang Jin-Yin , Sun Chien-An
Published: January 2024

Most proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) inhibit the bioactivation of clopidogrel to its active metabolite. There is controversy concerning whether PPIs alter the effectiveness of clopidogrel in reducing the risk of ischemic stroke (IS). We therefore aimed to examine the risk of IS associated with concomitant use of clopidogrel and omeprazole, a PPI commonly used in clinical settings. We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan dated from 2000 to 2013. The study cohorts comprised 407 patients diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and with concomitant use of clopidogrel and omeprazole (the exposed cohort), 814 ACS patients with single use of clopidogrel (the comparison cohort), and 230 ACS patients with concurrent use of clopidogrel and pantoprazole (the reference cohort). The primary outcome was incident IS. The hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) derived from the time-dependent Cox regression model were used to assess the association between concomitant use of clopidogrel and omeprazole and the risk of IS. The incidence rate of IS was significantly higher in the exposed cohort (81.67 per 1000 person-years) than in the comparison cohort (57.45 per 1000 person-years), resulting in an adjusted HR of 1.39 (95% CI 1.03–1.74). By contrast, there was no significant difference in the risk of IS between the exposed and reference cohorts (adjusted HR 1.11; 95% CI 0.81–1.52). The present study revealed that patients taking both clopidogrel and omeprazole was associated with an increased risk of IS.
The causal effect of Helicobacter pylori infection on coronary heart disease is mediated by the body mass index: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Li Bing , Zhang Yaoting , Zheng Yang , Cai He
Published: January 2024

The association between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and coronary heart disease (CHD) remains controversial, with an unclear causal link. This study employed bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) method, using H. pylori infection as the exposure, to investigate its causal relationship with CHD diagnosis, prognosis, and potential pathogenesis. H. pylori infection exhibited a causal association with body mass index (BMI) (β = 0.022; 95% CI 0.008–0.036; p = 0.001). Conversely, there was no discernible connection between H. pylori infection and the diagnosis of CHD (OR = 0.991; 95% CI 0.904–1.078; p = 0.842; IEU database; OR = 1.049; 95% CI 0.980–1.118; p = 0.178; FinnGen database) or CHD prognosis (OR = 0.999; 95% CI 0.997–1.001; p = 0.391; IEU database; OR = 1.022; 95% CI 0.922–1.123; p = 0.663; FinnGen database). Reverse MR analysis showed no causal effect of CHD on H. pylori infection. Our findings further support that H. pylori infection exerts a causal effect on CHD incidence, mediated by BMI. Consequently, eradicating or preventing H. pylori infection may provide an indirect clinical benefit for patients with CHD.
Characterization of new cellulose fiber extracted from second generation Bitter Albizia tree
Authors: Sathishkumar T. P. , Shah Mohd Asif , Panchal Hitesh , Sharma Kamal , Gopinath R. , Sanjay M. R. , Siengchin Suchart , Rajesh Kumar L. , Rampradheep G. S.
Published: January 2024

The present work examines the physical, thermal tensile, and chemical properties of wood skin fibers obtained from second generation Bitter Albizia (BA) tree skin. Chemical characterization of BA fibers showed the presence of various chemical contents such as cellulose of 74.89 wt. %, hemicellulose of 14.50 wt. %, wax of 0.31 wt. %, lignin of 12.8 wt. %, moisture of 11.71 wt. %, and ash of 19.29 wt. %. The density of BA fibers (BAFs) was showed 1285 kg/m3. XRD analysis of BAFs showed a crystallinity index (CI) of 57.20% and size of crystallite of 1.68 nm. Tensile strength and strain to failure of BAFs examined through tensile test were 513–1226 MPa and 0.8–1.37% respectively. TGA portrayed the thermal steadiness of BAFs as 339 °C with 55.295 kJ/mol kinetic activation energy, its residual mass was 23.35% at 548 °C. BAFs with high CI, less wax content, and better tensile strength make more suitable for making polymer matrix composites. SEM images of the BAFs surface depicted that the fiber outer surface has more rough which shows that they can contribute to hige fiber-matrix adhesion during composites preparation.