bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Care needs and self-induced measures of women with postpartum pelvic floor disorder- Results of a social media-based survey of 2930 women
Authors: Thangarajah Fabinshy , Soff Johannes , Lenz Caroline , Jeschke Janice , Kössendrup Jan , Papior David , Hagenbeck Carsten , Kirn Verena , Scholten Nadine
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Pelvic floor disorders (PFD) occur in about 40% of women after delivery. Less is known about the intervention and care needs of women with postpartum PFD. The aim of this analysis was to analyze care needs and self-initiated measures to strengthen the pelvic floor in postpartum women in relation to incontinence and sexual dysfunction. Furthermore, influencing factors for self-initiated measures were evaluated.

Patients and methods

An anonymous online survey (via LimeSurvey) was conducted between September and October 2022 and distributed via social media (Instagram and Facebook). The survey explicitly addressed mothers with and without pelvic floor disorders up to 5 years postpartum (inclusion criteria). Validated instruments were employed to assess incontinence (ICIQ-SF) and sexual functioning (PISQ-IR: Condition Impact). The questions on the use of services and preventive measures, as well as on the interaction with a gynecologist, were based on self-developed items.

Results

In total, 49.4% of the participants of the survey showed symptoms of urinary incontinence (UI). Furthermore, only 40.3% (n = 241) of women were actively asked by their gynecologists for the occurrence of UI or PFD among those who suffered from PFD. Overall, 79.3% of the participants of the survey with UI underwent measures to deal with the complaints. The ICIQ-SF Score was significantly associated with all self-induced measures. High School diplomas and academic degrees were associated with the use of love balls (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The results of the study show the unmet needs of postpartum women. PFD should be addressed more frequently in the outpatient setting. Furthermore, more systematic information about the treatment of PFD could help to address unmet information needs and improve interventions.
Midbrain lesion-induced disconjugate gaze: a unifying circuit mechanism of ocular alignment?
Authors: Friedrich Maximilian U. , Schappe Laurin , Prasad Sashank , Friedrich Helen , Fox Michael D. , Zwergal Andreas , Zee David S. , Faßbender Klaus , Dillmann Klaus-Ulrich
Published: February 2024

Background

Disconjugate eye movements are essential for depth perception in frontal-eyed species, but their underlying neural substrates are largely unknown. Lesions in the midbrain can cause disconjugate eye movements. While vertically disconjugate eye movements have been linked to defective visuo-vestibular integration, the pathophysiology and neuroanatomy of horizontally disconjugate eye movements remains elusive.

Methods

A patient with a solitary focal midbrain lesion was examined using detailed clinical ocular motor assessments, binocular videooculography and diffusion-weighted MRI, which was co-registered to a high-resolution cytoarchitectonic MR-atlas.

Results

The patient exhibited both vertically and horizontally disconjugate eye alignment and nystagmus. Binocular videooculography showed a strong correlation of vertical and horizontal oscillations during fixation but not in darkness. Oscillation intensities and waveforms were modulated by fixation, illumination, and gaze position, suggesting shared visual- and vestibular-related mechanisms. The lesion was mapped to a functionally ill-defined area of the dorsal midbrain, adjacent to the posterior commissure and sparing nuclei with known roles in vertical gaze control.

Conclusion

A circumscribed region in the dorsal midbrain appears to be a key node for disconjugate eye movements in both vertical and horizontal planes. Lesioning this area produces a unique ocular motor syndrome mirroring hallmarks of developmental strabismus and nystagmus. Further circuit-level studies could offer pivotal insights into shared pathomechanisms of acquired and developmental disorders affecting eye alignment.
Optimizing the management of thyroid specimens to efficiently generate whole slide images for diagnosis
Authors: Eloy Catarina , Vale João , Barros Mariana , Oliveira Diana , Mesquita Morgana , Curado Mónica , Pinto João , Polónia António
Published: February 2024

Transition from optical to digital observation requires an additional procedure in the pathology laboratory, the scanning of glass slides, leading to increased time and digital archive consumption. Thyroid surgical samples often carry the need to collect several tissue fragments that generate many slides to be scanned. This study evaluated the impact of using different inking colours for the surgical margin, section thickness, and glass slide type, in the consumption of time and archive. The series comprehended 40 nodules from 30 patients, including 34 benign nodules in follicular nodular disease, 1 NIFTP, and 5 papillary carcinomas. In 12 nodules, the dominant pattern was microfollicular/solid and in 28 it was macrofollicular. Scanning times/mm2 were longer in red-inked fragments in comparison to green (p = 0.04) and black ones (p = 0.024), and in blue-inked in comparison to green ones (p = 0.043). File sizes/mm2 were larger in red-inked fragments in comparison to green (p = 0.008) and black ones (p = 0.002). The dominant pattern microfollicular/solid was associated with bigger file size/mm2 in comparison with the macrofollicular one (p < 0.001). All scanner outputs increase significantly with the thickness of the section. All scanning outputs increase with the usage of adhesive glass slides in comparison to non-adhesive ones. Small interventions in thyroid sample management that can help optimizing the digital workflow include to prefer black and green inking colours for the surgical margins and 2 µm section in non-adhesive glass slides for increased efficiency.
Association between co-sleeping in the first year of life and preschoolers´ sleep patterns
Authors: Garrido Felipe , González-Caballero Juan-Luis , García Pilar , Gianni Maria-Lorella , Garrido Silvia , González Lucía , Atance Verónica , Raffaeli Genny , Cavallaro Giacomo
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to investigate the association between co-sleeping practiced during the first year of life and preschoolers' sleep patterns. A cross-sectional study including toddlers was designed to analyze their sleep patterns. The Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire, validated in Spanish, was used to measure sleep quality. A latent class analysis was performed to identify qualitative subgroups in the sample and explore the effects of co-sleeping. The sleep patterns of 276 children were analyzed. A total of 181 (65%) parents reported having practiced co-sleeping with their children. The latent class analysis identified a two-class solution with two different sleep patterns. One of them showed a worse quality sleep pattern, which had a significant association with having practiced co-sleeping during the first year of life, and with the fact that they were still sleeping in the parents' room, among other characteristics related to co-sleeping and parental concerns. Breastfeeding also showed association with a worse quality sleep pattern.

  Conclusion: Based on the present findings, co-sleeping during the first year of life appears to be associated with poor sleep patterns in young preschoolers.

What is Known:• Co-sleeping shows benefits for infants and parents, mainly facilitating successful breastfeeding.• Literature on the effect of co-sleeping in lately sleep quality in children and their parents is very limited.

What is New:• Co-sleeping practiced during the first year of life could be associated with a worse sleep pattern measured with BISQ-E tool.• A balance between the correct practice of co-sleeping and the achievement of a healthy sleep routine in preschool should probably be part of parents' health education.
POC device for rapid oral pH determination based on a smartphone platform
Authors: Arroyo Manuel J. , Escobedo Pablo , Ruiz-García Isidoro , Palma Alberto J. , Santoyo Francisco , Ortega-Muñoz Mariano , Capitán-Vallvey Luis Fermín , Erenas Miguel M.
Published: February 2024

Salivary pH serves as a valuable and useful diagnostic marker for periodontal disease, as it not only plays a critical role in disease prevention but also in its development. Typically, saliva sampling is collected by draining and spitting it into collection tubes or using swabs. In this study, we have developed a Point-of-Care (POC) device for in situ determination of oral pH without the need for complex instruments, relying solely on a smartphone as the detection device. Our system utilizes a non-toxic vegetable colourimetric indicator, immobilized on a chitosan membrane located on a disposable stick, enabling direct sampling within the buccal cavity. An ad hoc designed 3D-printed attachment is used to ensure accurate positioning and alignment of the stick, as well as isolation from external lighting conditions. A custom-developed smartphone application captures and automatically processes the image of the sensing membrane, providing the salivary pH results. After optimizing the cocktail composition, the developed sensors demonstrated the capacity to determine pH within a range of 5.4 to 8.1 with a remarkable precision of 0.6%, achieving a very short analysis time of just 1 min. A stability study conducted on the sensing membranes revealed a lifetime of 50 days. To validate the performance of our analytical device, we compared its results against those obtained from a calibrated pH-meter, using a group of individuals. The device exhibited an average error of 2.4% when compared with the pH-meter results, confirming its reliability and accuracy.

Graphical abstract
A novel alkane monooxygenase evolved from a broken piece of ribonucleotide reductase in Geobacillus kaustophilus HTA426 isolated from Mariana Trench
Authors: Nithimethachoke Tanasap , Boonmak Chanita , Morikawa Masaaki
Published: February 2024

We have accidentally found that a thermophilic Geobacillus kaustophilus HTA426 is capable of degrading alkanes although it has no alkane oxygenating enzyme genes. Our experimental results revealed that a putative ribonucleotide reductase small subunit GkR2loxI (GK2771) gene encodes a novel heterodinuclear Mn–Fe alkane monooxygenase/hydroxylase. GkR2loxI protein can perform two-electron oxidations similar to homonuclear diiron bacterial multicomponent soluble methane monooxygenases. This finding not only answers a long-standing question about the substrate of the R2lox protein clade, but also expands our understanding of the vast diversity and new evolutionary lineage of the bacterial alkane monooxygenase/hydroxylase family.
Reaching interactions in virtual reality: the effect of movement direction, hand dominance, and hemispace on the kinematic properties of inward and outward reaches
Authors: Clark Logan , Iskandarani Mohamad El , Riggs Sara
Published: February 2024

Recent literature has revealed that when users reach to select objects in VR, they can adapt how they move (i.e., the kinematic properties of their reaches) depending on the: (1) direction they move, (2) hand they use, and (3) side of the body where the movement occurs. In the present work, we took a more detailed look at how kinematic properties of reaching movements performed in VR change as a function of movement direction for reaches performed on each side of the body using each hand. We focused on reaches in 12 different directions that either involved moving inward (toward the body midline) or outward (away from the body midline). Twenty users reached in each direction on both left and right sides of their body, using both their dominant and non-dominant hands. The results provided a fine-grained account of how kinematic properties of virtual hand reaches change as a function of movement direction when users reach on either side of their body using either hand. The findings provide practitioners insights on how to interpret the kinematic properties of reaching behaviors in VR, which has applicability in emerging contexts that include detecting VR usability issues and using VR for stroke rehabilitation.
Forest Landscape Restoration and Its Impact on Social Cohesion, Ecosystems, and Rural Livelihoods: Lessons Learned from Pakistan
Authors: Ullah Ayat
Published: February 2024

This paper explores community perspectives on forest landscape restoration (FLR) initiatives and their impacts on ecosystems, livelihoods and social cohesion. The study is based on data collected from 08 focus group discussions (FGDs) conducted in local communities involved in FLR activities. A coding process was used to identify key themes and patterns that shed light on the impacts of FLR. The results show that FLR initiatives have led to social cohesion and conflict resolution, including the establishment of community-based organizations (CBOs), the involvement of community volunteers in various FLR tasks, a cooperative/collaborative approach to forest management, conflict resolution, and the empowerment of local communities. In addition, the results of the study showed that FLRs have successfully regenerated and restored the forest ecosystem, including restoration of biodiversity, plant diversity, improvement of animal populations and livestock health, soil health, and water quality. Ecosystem restoration has improved community livelihoods, including increased crop productivity, access to education, affordable health care, improved economic conditions, and food security. Based on the findings, policy recommendations include strengthening support for community FLR initiatives, promoting stakeholder collaboration, and promoting social equity.
Developing questions to assess and measure patients’ perceived survival benefit from adjuvant endocrine therapy in breast cancer: a mixed methods pilot study
Authors: Tawfik Bernard , Jacobson Kendal , Brown-Glaberman Ursa , Kosich Mikaela , Van Horn M. Lee , Nemunaitis Jacklyn , Dayao Zoneddy , Pankratz V. Shane , Sussman Andrew L. , Guest Dolores D.
Published: February 2024

This mixed method study developed multiple question types to understand and measure women’s perceived benefit from adjuvant endocrine therapy. We hypothesis that patients do not understand this benefit and sought to develop the questions needed to test this hypothesis and obtain initial patient estimates. From 8/2022 to 3/2023, qualitative interviews focused on assessing and modifying 9 initial varied question types asking about the overall survival (OS) benefit from adjuvant endocrine therapy. Subsequent focus groups modified and selected the optimal questions. Patients’ self-assessment of their OS benefit was compared to their individualized PREDICT model results. Fifty-three patients completed the survey; 42% Hispanic, 30% rural, and 47% with income < $39,999 per year. Patients reported adequate health care literacy (61.5%) and average confidence about treatment and medication decisions 49.4 (95% CI 24.4–59.5). From the original 9 questions, 3 modified questions were ultimately found to capture patients’ perception of this OS benefit, focusing on graphical and prose styles. Patients estimated an OS benefit of 42% compared to 4.4% calculated from the PREDICT model (p < 0.001). In this group with considerable representation from ethnic minority, rural and low-income patients, qualitative data showed that more than one modality of question type was needed to clearly capture patients’ understanding of treatment benefit. Women with breast cancer significantly overestimated their 10-year OS benefit from adjuvant endocrine therapy compared to the PREDICT model.
Update in Sachen Umwelt-Rechtsbehelfsgesetz
Authors: Guckelberger Annette
Published: February 2024

Das Enumerationsprinzip des §1 Abs. 1 UmwRG lässt sich nach der Entscheidung des EuGH in
Bezug auf Kfz-Typengenehmigungen nur noch schwer aufrechterhalten. Auch im Hinblick auf die Anerkennungsvoraussetzungen
von Umweltvereinigungen besteht nach einer Entscheidung der Vertragsstaatenkonferenz zur Aarhuskonvention
Änderungsbedarf. Der Beitrag gibt insbesondere einen Überblick zu aktuellen Entwicklungen in
der Rechtsprechung zum UmwRG sowie dem jüngst geänderten §6 UmwRG.
Acceptability of a Randomized Trial of Anti-depressant Medication or Interpersonal Therapy for Treatment of Perinatal Depression in Women with HIV
Authors: Bridget Spelke M. , Okumu Eunice , Perry Nzi R. , Blette Bryan S. , Paul Ravi , Schiller Crystal E. , Ncheka J. M. , Kasaro Margaret P. , Price Joan T. , Meltzer-Brody Samantha , Stringer Jeffrey S. A. , Stringer Elizabeth M.
Published: February 2024

Postpartum depression (PPD) affects nearly 20% of postpartum women in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where HIV prevalence is high. Depression is associated with worse HIV outcomes in non-pregnant adults and mental health disorders may worsen HIV outcomes for postpartum women and their infants. PPD is effectively treated with psychosocial or pharmacologic interventions; however, few studies have evaluated the acceptability of treatment modalities in SSA. We analyzed interviews with 23 postpartum women with HIV to assess the acceptability of two depression treatments provided in the context of a randomized trial. Most participants expressed acceptability of treatment randomization and study visit procedures. Participants shared perceptions of high treatment efficacy of their assigned intervention. They reported ongoing HIV and mental health stigma in their communities and emphasized the importance of social support from clinic staff. Our findings suggest a full-scale trial of PPD treatment will be acceptable among women with HIV in Zambia.
Value Judgments in Mathematics: G. H. Hardy and the (Non-)seriousness of Mathematical Theorems
Authors: Weisgerber Simon
Published: February 2024

One of the general criteria G. H. Hardy identifies and discusses in his famous essay A Mathematician’s Apology, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1940) by which a mathematician’s patterns must be judged is seriousness. This article focuses on one of Hardy’s examples of a non-serious theorem, namely that 8712 and 9801 are the only numbers below 10000 which are integral multiples of their reversals, in the sense that $$8712=4\cdot 2178$$

8712
=
4
·
2178

, and $$9801=9\cdot 1089$$

9801
=
9
·
1089

. In the context of a discussion of generality, which he considers an essential quality of seriousness, he explains that there is nothing in this example which “appeals much to a mathematician” and that it is “not capable of any significant generalization.” Interestingly, since the publication of the Apology, more than a dozen papers—including one by the renowned mathematician Neil Sloane—have been published that discuss generalizations of Hardy’s example. By identifying the most important aspect of Hardy’s notion of generality, it is argued that, contrary to the views of several researchers, Hardy’s claim regarding the non-capability of any significant generalization is still tenable. Furthermore, this case study is presented and discussed as an example of the multifaceted nature of mathematical interest.
Statistical inference of inverted Nadarajah–Haghighi distribution under type-II generalized hybrid censoring competing risks data
Authors: Abushal Tahani A. , AL-Zaydi Areej M.
Published: February 2024

Tahir et al. (J Stat Comput Simul 88(14):2775–2798, 2018) introduced the inverse Nadarajah–Haghighi distribution (INHD) and demonstrated its ability to model positive real data sets with decreasing and upside-down bathtub hazard rate shapes. This article focuses on the inference of unknown parameters using a generalized Type-II hybrid censoring scheme (GT-II HCS) for the INHD in the presence of competing risks. The maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayes approaches are used to estimate the model parameters. Based on the squared error loss function, we compute Bayes estimates using Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) by applying Metropolis-Hasting (M-H) algorithm. Furthermore, the asymptotic confidence intervals, bootstrap confidence intervals (BCIs) and the highest posterior density (HPD) credible intervals are constructed. Using real data sets and simulation studies, we examined the introduced methods of inference with different sample sizes.
pH dependence of perturbed angular correlation in DOTA chelated $$^{111}$$In measured with ring-shape gamma-ray detectors
Authors: Shimazoe Kenji , Donghwan Kim , Mineo Tomoko , Sato Takeshi , Ohta Seiichi , Tatsumi Toshifumi , Sugiyama Akira , Yamatsugu Kenzo , Nomura Sachiyo , Terabayashi Ryohei , Tomita Hideki , Sonoda Tetsu , Shigekawa Yudai , Yokokita Takuya , Uenomachi Mizuki
Published: February 2024

The conventional nuclear medical imaging, such as PET and SPECT, visualizes the accumulation of radioisotopes in the human body and has been widely used for diagnosis of cancer and other diseases. Perturbed angular correlation is a powerful sensing tool detecting local electro-magnetic environment and has been used for chemical analysis or nuclear physics research. The use of perturbed angular correlation in nuclear medicine is recently proposed and pH sensing capability with liquid $$^{111}$$

111

In has been confirmed. In more practical applications, DOTA based radioisotope labeled drug delivery is common in nuclear medicine. This study aims to characterize the pH dependance of perturbed angular correlation in Psyche-DOTA chelated $$^{111}$$

111

In with the custom ring-shape gamma-ray detectors. The observed transition in anisotropy of cascade gamma-ray emission can contribute to the detection of a specific phenomenon changing pH inside the human body.
Diving into Clarity: Restoring Underwater Images using Deep Learning
Authors: Martinho Laura A. , Calvalcanti João M. B. , Pio José L. S. , Oliveira Felipe G.
Published: February 2024

In this paper we propose a learning-based restoration approach to learn the optimal parameters for enhancing the quality of different types of underwater images and apply a set of intensity transformation techniques to process raw underwater images. The methodology comprises two steps. Firstly, a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) Regression model is employed to learn enhancing parameters for each underwater image type. Trained on a diverse dataset, the CNN captures complex relationships, enabling generalization to various underwater conditions. Secondly, we apply intensity transformation techniques to raw underwater images. These transformations collectively compensate for visual information loss due to underwater degradation, enhancing overall image quality. In order to evaluate the performance of our proposed approach, we conducted qualitative and quantitative experiments using well-known underwater image datasets (U45 and UIEB), and using the proposed challenging dataset composed by 276 underwater images from the Amazon region (AUID). The results demonstrate that our approach achieves an impressive accuracy rate in different underwater image datasets. For U45 and UIEB datasets, regarding PSNR and SSIM quality metrics, we achieved 26.967, 0.847, 27.299 and 0.793, respectively. Meanwhile, the best comparison techniques achieved 26.879, 0.831, 27.157 and 0.788, respectively.
Artificial Intelligence in Operating Room Management
Authors: Bellini Valentina , Russo Michele , Domenichetti Tania , Panizzi Matteo , Allai Simone , Bignami Elena Giovanna
Published: February 2024

This systematic review examines the recent use of artificial intelligence, particularly machine learning, in the management of operating rooms. A total of 22 selected studies from February 2019 to September 2023 are analyzed. The review emphasizes the significant impact of AI on predicting surgical case durations, optimizing post-anesthesia care unit resource allocation, and detecting surgical case cancellations. Machine learning algorithms such as XGBoost, random forest, and neural networks have demonstrated their effectiveness in improving prediction accuracy and resource utilization. However, challenges such as data access and privacy concerns are acknowledged. The review highlights the evolving nature of artificial intelligence in perioperative medicine research and the need for continued innovation to harness artificial intelligence’s transformative potential for healthcare administrators, practitioners, and patients. Ultimately, artificial intelligence integration in operative room management promises to enhance healthcare efficiency and patient outcomes.
Does respondent motivation affect item-nonresponse for split-ballot designed survey data? Comparative evidence from the European Social Survey
Authors: Saraç Melike
Published: February 2024

Survey quality would be enhanced if respondents willingly and accurately provided their responses. This seems feasible in ideal interview settings where respondents fully understand questions and provide truthful responses. Therefore, survey outcomes may be impacted by respondents’ feelings during the interview. The purpose of this study is to determine whether there is any relationship between respondent motivation, as operationalized by willingness and ability, and the item-nonresponse level for split-ballot designed questions. The 9th round of the European Social Survey (ESS9), a cross-national survey conducted across Europe, is the source of the data. This study assesses item-nonresponse using “don’t know” and “no answer” response choices for a set of questions designed with the split-ballot technique, which has not been dealt with much. In addition to the percentage distribution of item-nonresponse levels, the correlation analysis is used to understand the relationship between respondent motivation and item-nonresponse descriptively. Multivariable analyses use multiple linear regression modeling to explore the impact of respondent motivation on item-nonresponse, controlling for respondent and interviewer characteristics. Furthermore, bivariate relationships between outcome variable and covariates in the models were assessed using design-adjusted Wald-F tests. The findings pointed out that respondent motivation and item-nonresponse have a significant, negative, and moderate association. According to the complex sample design adjusted estimates of the statistical models, it may be able to reduce item-nonresponse with the increased motivation of respondents. This study offers several recommendations for questionnaire design, interviewing techniques, and interviewer evaluations for each respondent at the end.
Next-level vegetation health index forecasting: A ConvLSTM study using MODIS Time Series
Authors: KARTAL Serkan , IBAN Muzaffer Can , SEKERTEKIN Aliihsan
Published: February 2024

The Vegetation Health Index (VHI) is a metric used to assess the health and condition of vegetation, based on satellite-derived data. It offers a comprehensive indicator of stress or vigor, commonly used in agriculture, ecology, and environmental monitoring for forecasting changes in vegetation health. Despite its advantages, there are few studies on forecasting VHI as a future projection, particularly using up-to-date and effective machine learning methods. Hence, the primary objective of this study is to forecast VHI values by utilizing remotely sensed images. To achieve this objective, the study proposes employing a combined Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and a specific type of Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) called Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), known as ConvLSTM. The VHI time series images are calculated based on the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Land Surface Temperature (LST) data obtained from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) aboard the Terra and Aqua satellites. In addition to the traditional image-based calculation, the study suggests using global minimum and global maximum values (global scale) of NDVI and LST time series for calculating the VHI. The results of the study showed that the ConvLSTM with a 1-layer structure generally provided better forecasts than 2-layer and 3-layer structures. The average Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) values for the 1-step, 2-step, and 3-step ahead VHI forecasts were 0.025, 0.026, and 0.026, respectively, with each step representing an 8-day forecast horizon. Moreover, the proposed global scale model using the applied ConvLSTM structures outperformed the traditional VHI calculation method.
Development and Validation of an Optoelectronic Method for the Assessment of Frying Colours of French Fries Based on RGB Colour Values
Authors: Laumer Michaela , Kellermann Adolf , Maidl Franz-Xaver , Hülsbergen Kurt-Jürgen , Ebertseder Thomas
Published: February 2024

High frying quality in terms of frying colour is an important trait for potatoes meant for French fry production. Determination of frying colour is often performed visually, which might be affected by biases and is therefore less suitable for research. Available laboratory methods also lack the capability to cover the whole sample and distinguish between tuber parts. Additionally, sample destruction is often required for colour analysis. Therefore, a new approach using RGB colour values and the subsequent R/G ratio of French fries to assess frying colour was tested in this research. Over the course of 3 years, 673 samples of the cultivar Innovator were assessed and compared to visual scoring, and some samples were also assessed for glucose content. A high correlation of R2 = 0.8346 between the visual scoring and the optoelectronic assessment was found for 633 samples. The validation data set of 40 samples reached a correlation of R2 = 0.7850 with the implemented model. These results show that French fry frying colour can be described using the R/G ratio. This promising approach is suitable for other researchers as well as industry professionals with further research.
Gesundheitsförderung, Stresserleben und Arbeitszufriedenheit bei Pflegeauszubildenden
Authors: Schönfeld Simone , Rathmer Ines , Kobs Jule , Onescheit Miriam , Langer Lena , Michaelsen Maren M. , Esch Tobias , Hötger Cosima
Published: February 2024

Hintergrund

Der Fachkräftemangel erfordert die Förderung der Gesundheit und Arbeitszufriedenheit von angehenden Pflegefachpersonen. Ziel war es, die Wirksamkeit einer Teilnahme an einer dreiteiligen Präsenz-Workshopreihe „Gesunder Start“ (Bedarfserhebung, Bewegung, Entspannung) auf gesundheits- und arbeitsbezogene Outcomes bei Pflegeauszubildenden zu prüfen.

Material und Methoden

Für die quasirandomisierte kontrollierte Studie (DRKS00026027) wurden Pflegeauszubildende im ersten Ausbildungsjahr rekrutiert. Pro Pflegeschule (n = 3) wurde eine Klasse der Interventionsgruppe (IG; n = 47) und eine der Wartekontrollgruppe (WKG; n = 52) zugeteilt. Das primäre Outcome war das Stresserleben (Perceived Stress Scale [PSS-10]). Sekundäre Outcomes beinhalteten weitere gesundheits- und arbeitsbezogene Endpunkte sowie die subjektive Bewertung der Workshops. Die Teilnehmenden wurden vor dem Start des ersten Workshops und 0,5, 2,5 sowie 4 Monate nach dem letzten Workshop (nur IG) per Online-Survey befragt. Nach 2,5 Monaten erhielt die WKG die Intervention.

Ergebnisse

Nach 0,5 Monaten verbesserte sich der PSS-10-Score der IG, wohingegen sich die Werte der WKG verschlechterten. Der Unterschied zwischen den Gruppen war bei der Gesamtskala des PSS-10 nicht signifikant (p = 0,06). Der Unterschied zwischen den Gruppen war für die PSS-10-Subskala „Hilflosigkeit“ signifikant (p = 0,01; d = 0,67; 95 %-KI: 0,14–1,20). Nach 2,5 Monaten gab es keinen Unterschied mehr zwischen den Gruppen (PSS-10-Gesamtskala p = 0,87). Bei den sekundären Outcomes zeigten sich ebenfalls Unterschiede zwischen den Gruppen (p < 0,05), die auf Veränderungen nach 2,5 als auch 4 Monaten hindeuten. Die Zufriedenheit mit den Workshops war insgesamt eher hoch (M = 4,0; SD = 1,0; Skala 1–5).

Schlussfolgerung

Die langfristige Wirksamkeit von Interventionen für Auszubildende in der Krankenpflege sollte verbessert werden, um den schädlichen Folgen der zunehmenden Arbeitsanforderungen dieser Gruppe entgegenzuwirken.
Sodium–glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors in heart failure patients across the range of body mass index: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Adamou Anastasia , Chlorogiannis David Dimitris , Kyriakoulis Ioannis G. , Stamatiou Iliana , Koukousaki Despoina , Kardoutsos Ioannis , Sagris Dimitrios , Doehner Wolfram , Ntaios George
Published: February 2024

Sodium–glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors improve outcomes in patients with heart failure, with or without diabetes. We sought to assess whether there is an interaction of these effects with body mass index (BMI). A systematic review of the MEDLINE and Scopus databases (last search: November 15th, 2022) was performed according to the PRISMA statement. Studies eligible for this review were randomized control trials (RCTs) with patients with chronic heart failure with either preserved or reduced ejection fraction randomly assigned to SGLT2 inhibitors or placebo. Data were extracted independently by two reviewers. BMI was classified according to the WHO classification into under/normal weight (BMI: < 25 kg/m2), overweight (BMI: 25–29.9 kg/m2), obesity class I (BMI: 30–34.9 kg/m2), and obesity classes II/III (BMI: ≥ 35 kg/m2). All analyses were performed using RevMan 5.4. Among 1461 studies identified in the literature search, 3 were eligible and included in the meta-analysis. Among 14,737 patients (32.2% were women), 7,367 were randomized to an SGLT2 inhibitor (dapagliflozin or empagliflozin) and 7,370 to placebo. There were significantly fewer hospitalizations for HF (OR: 0.70, 95%CI: 0.64–0.76), cardiovascular deaths (OR:0.86, 95%CI: 0.77–0.97) and all-cause deaths (OR:0.90, 95%CI: 0.82–0.98) in the SGLT2 inhibitors group compared to the placebo group, without any interaction with BMI group (test for subgroup differences: x2 = 1.79, p = 0.62; x2 = 0.27, p = 0.97; x2 = 0.39, p = 0.94, respectively). There is no interaction between the efficacy of SGLT2 inhibitors and BMI in patients with HF with either preserved or reduced ejection fraction. SGLT2 inhibitors are associated with improved outcomes regardless of the BMI.

Trial registration: PROSPERO ID: CRD42022383643.
Chronic health conditions after childhood Langerhans cell histiocytosis: Results from the Swiss Childhood Cancer Survivor Study
Authors: Sláma Tomáš , Mader Luzius , Žarković Maša , Malär Reta , Schifferli Alexandra , von der Weid Nicolas X. , Kuehni Claudia E. , Schindera Christina
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare disease characterized by dysregulated proliferation of myeloid marrow progenitors and subsequent organ infiltration. While LCH is associated with a favorable prognosis, some survivors may develop chronic health conditions (CHC) because of the disease. In this study, we aimed to assess the spectrum and prevalence of CHC among LCH survivors compared with siblings and identify factors associated with the development of CHC.

Methods

The Swiss Childhood Cancer Survivor Study sent questionnaires to all ≥ 5-year LCH survivors registered in the Swiss Childhood Cancer Registry and diagnosed between 1976 and 2015. Siblings also received similar questionnaires. We compared CHC prevalence between LCH survivors and siblings and used logistic regression to identify determinants of CHC.

Results

A total of 123 LCH survivors participated in the study, with a response rate of 69%. Median time since diagnosis was 13 years (interquartile range 9–20). Among LCH survivors, 59% had at least one CHC. Cardiovascular (13% vs. 6%), endocrine (15% vs. 2%), musculoskeletal (22% vs. 13%), and digestive (15% vs. 8%) CHC were more common among LCH survivors compared to siblings (all p < 0.05). Factors most strongly associated with the occurrence of CHC were multisystem LCH, multifocal bone involvement, and involvement of the pituitary gland.

Conclusions

More than half of long-term LCH survivors suffered from one or more CHC and were affected considerably more than siblings.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

LCH survivors in follow-up care should be screened especially for cardiovascular, endocrine, musculoskeletal, and digestive conditions.
The successful posterior sectionectomy accompanied with caudate lobectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma located in segment 1 after LEN-TACE: a case report
Authors: Nanashima Atsushi , Hamada Takeomi , Hiyoshi Masahide , Imamura Naoya , Tsuchimochi Yuki , Shimizu Ikko , Nagata Kenji , Kawakami Hiroshi
Published: February 2024

Nowadays, the novel molecular targeting chemotherapy provides possibility of safe hepatectomy for progressive hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Further, combination of the conventional transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) may add an effect of tumor shrink. We present a successful radical hepatectomy for a large HCC located in segment 1 accompanied with the preoperative Lenvatinib (LEN)-TACE sequential treatment. We present a woman patient without any complaints who had a 7 cm-in-size of solitary HCC compressing vena cava and right portal pedicle. To achieve radical hepatectomy by tumor shrinking, LEN-TACE for 2 months. After confirming downsizing or devascularization of the HCC, we scheduled radical posterior sectionectomy combined with caudate lobectomy according to tumor location and expected future remnant liver volume from three-dimensional computed tomography simulation before surgery. Under the thoraco-abdominal incision laparotomy, we safely achieved scheduled radical hepatectomy without any vascular injuries. The postoperative course was uneventful and no tumor recurrence were observed for 1 year. Histological findings showed the Japan TNM stage III HCC with 70% necrosis. The multi-modal strategy of LEN-TACE followed by radical hepatectomy by confirming downsizing or devascularization in tumor is supposed to be useful and would be a preoperative chemotherapy option, and promising for curative treatment in HCC patients with progressive or large HCC, which may lead to safety by prevention surrounding major vascular injury.
Practices of French General Practitioners Regarding Vaccination of Boys Against Human Papillomavirus (HPV), One Year After the Application of Its Official Recommendation
Authors: Hurtaud Aline , Tara Alexandre Abou , Bouazzi Leïla , Pacquelet Yannick , Boiteux-Chabrier Marie , Pham Bach-Nga , Pierre Cavard Hélène , Barbe Coralie
Published: February 2024

In 2019, French health authorities extended the recommendation for human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination to include boys aged 11 to 19 years. We describe HPV vaccination practices among French general practitioners (GPs) since this recommendation wasapplied. We also identified factors associated with the propensity to propose HPV vaccination to boys. Cross-sectional study, between May and August 2022, among French GPs using a questionnaire asking about the GPs, their practices, and opinions regarding HPV vaccination, including whether they systematically proposed HPV vaccination to eligible boys or not. We investigated factors associated with systematic proposal of HPV vaccination, using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. In total, 360 GPs participated (76.6% females; mean age 34.7 ± 7.8 years; 22.9% had additional training in gynecology or pediatrics); 5.5% reported that they systematically offered HPV vaccination to boys prior to the recommendation, whereas 61.2% do so systematically since the recommendation. Factors associated with systematic proposal to boys (post recommendation) were female GP sex (78.6% versus 66.2%; OR = 2.0 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2–3.3]; p = 0.007) and systematic proposal prior to the recommendation (8.5% versus 0.7%; OR = 13.3 [1.7–101.7]; p = 0.01). Protection against HPV-induced cancer was cited as an argument to vaccinate girls (98.3% versus 89.2%; p < 0.0001); while reducing the risk of transmission was more commonly an argument to vaccinate boys (78.1% versus 51.8%; p < 0.0001). This study underlines the positive impact of the official recommendation for HPV vaccination of boys on the attitude of GPs, with an increase in the systematic proposal of HPV vaccination to boys.
Diallel analysis of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) genotypes for seed dietary fibre, carbohydrate, calcium and phosphorus contents
Authors: Ibram Aladji Abatchoua Madi Madi , Taidi Yadji Haman , Benoit-Constant Likeng Li Ngue , Jean-Baptiste Noubissié Tchiagam , Adamou Ibrahima
Published: February 2024

Genetic information of bean seed traits can be an immense help to the breeder in selection of suitable genotypes and the appropriate breeding strategies. Therefore, the investigation aims to assess the genetic variability and to elucidate the genetic analysis of seed dietary fibre, carbohydrate, seed calcium and phosphorus contents of Phaseolus vulgaris in the high Guinean Savannah zone conditions. 5 × 5 half-diallel crosses of these traits were conducted in randomized complete block design with three replications. Results revealed high differences between five lines beans (p < 0.05), suggesting the sufficient genetic diversity for these traits. High broad sense heritability values were recorded for seed dietary fibre, carbohydrate and seed calcium content, attesting a strong implication of the genetic factors in the control of these traits; thereby, these traits can be improved through regular selection. The ratio GCA/SCA was greater than unity only for seed phosphorus content. It indicates the prevalence of additive gene effect in the involvement of the genetic control for this trait. The combining ability analysis revealed highly significant differences between parental GCA effects and F1 cross SCA effects. The PB, BI, CT and PR lines beans will prove useful in common bean breeding programmes as donor genotypes, in the development of bean genetic resources for betterment improvement of nutritional traits.
Multimorbidity and frailty are associated with poorer SARS-CoV-2-related outcomes: systematic review of population-based studies
Authors: Makovski Tatjana T. , Ghattas Jinane , Monnier-Besnard Stéphanie , Cavillot Lisa , Ambrožová Monika , Vašinová Barbora , Feteira-Santos Rodrigo , Bezzegh Peter , Bollmann Felipe Ponce , Cottam James , Haneef Romana , Devleesschauwer Brecht , Speybroeck Niko , Nogueira Paulo Jorge , Forjaz Maria João , Coste Joël , Carcaillon-Bentata Laure
Published: February 2024

Background

Estimating the risks and impacts of COVID-19 for different health groups at the population level is essential for orienting public health measures. Adopting a population-based approach, we conducted a systematic review to explore: (1) the etiological role of multimorbidity and frailty in developing SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19-related short-term outcomes; and (2) the prognostic role of multimorbidity and frailty in developing short- and long-term outcomes. This review presents the state of the evidence in the early years of the pandemic. It was conducted within the European Union Horizon 2020 program (No: 101018317); Prospero registration: CRD42021249444.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, World Health Organisation COVID-19 Global literature on coronavirus disease, and PsycINFO were searched between January 2020 and 7 April 2021 for multimorbidity and 1 February 2022 for frailty. Quantitative peer-reviewed studies published in English with population-representative samples and validated multimorbidity and frailty tools were considered.

Results

Overall, 9,701 records were screened by title/abstract and 267 with full text. Finally, 14 studies were retained for multimorbidity (etiological role, n = 2; prognostic, n = 13) and 5 for frailty (etiological role, n = 2; prognostic, n = 4). Only short-term outcomes, mainly mortality, were identified. An elevated likelihood of poorer outcomes was associated with an increasing number of diseases, a higher Charlson Comorbidity Index, different disease combinations, and an increasing frailty level.

Discussion

Future studies, which include the effects of recent virus variants, repeated exposure and vaccination, will be useful for comparing the possible evolution of the associations observed in the earlier waves.
The Future of Equivalence in the EU Financial Sector
Authors: Busch Danny
Published: February 2024

The future of equivalence in the EU financial sector does not look all that bright. Granting third-country entities access to the EU financial markets is increasingly less about reliance on equivalent third-country rules and equivalent third-country supervision. Considerations other than equivalence are increasingly given more relative weight, either explicitly or implicitly, in particular (i) EU financial stability risks, (ii) EU market integrity, (iii) EU retail investor protection, (iv) preserving or regaining EU autonomy in an increasingly complex world (e.g., Brexit and the economic rise of China), (v) protecting EU entities against competitors from third countries, (vi) trying to conquer market share in a lucrative business (e.g., derivatives clearing), and (vii) other EU policy considerations. These considerations are gaining ground not merely in relation to the question of whether an equivalence framework should even be in place, and if so, whether equivalence decisions should indeed be taken, but also with regard to the regulatory and supervisory framework that the EU applies to (1) entities established in third countries for which the Commission has adopted equivalence decisions, and (2) third-country branches established in the EU. In view of this, the Territorial Approach and the Extra-Territorial Approach are clearly on the rise, in each case to the detriment of the Equivalence Approach. At the same time, loopholes in the execution of the Territorial Approach continue to exist at the national level, at least for the time being.
Covalently Bonded Ni Sites in Black Phosphorene with Electron Redistribution for Efficient Metal-Lightweighted Water Electrolysis
Authors: Zhai Wenfang , Chen Ya , Liu Yaoda , Ma Yuanyuan , Vijayakumar Paranthaman , Qin Yuanbin , Qu Yongquan , Dai Zhengfei
Published: February 2024

The metal-lightweighted electrocatalysts for water splitting are highly desired for sustainable and economic hydrogen energy deployments, but challengeable. In this work, a low-content Ni-functionalized approach triggers the high capability of black phosphorene (BP) with hydrogen and oxygen evolution reaction (HER/OER) bifunctionality. Through a facile in situ electro-exfoliation route, the ionized Ni sites are covalently functionalized in BP nanosheets with electron redistribution and controllable metal contents. It is found that the as-fabricated Ni-BP electrocatalysts can drive the water splitting with much enhanced HER and OER activities. In 1.0 M KOH electrolyte, the optimized 1.5 wt% Ni-functionalized BP nanosheets have readily achieved low overpotentials of 136 mV for HER and 230 mV for OER at 10 mA cm−2. Moreover, the covalently bonding between Ni and P has also strengthened the catalytic stability of the Ni-functionalized BP electrocatalyst, stably delivering the overall water splitting for 50 h at 20 mA cm−2. Theoretical calculations have revealed that Ni–P covalent binding can regulate the electronic structure and optimize the reaction energy barrier to improve the catalytic activity effectively. This work confirms that Ni-functionalized BP is a suitable candidate for electrocatalytic overall water splitting, and provides effective strategies for constructing metal-lightweighted economic electrocatalysts.