bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Response of Freezing/Thawing Indexes to the Wetting Trend under Warming Climate Conditions over the Qinghai -Tibetan Plateau during 1961–2010: A Numerical Simulation
Authors: Fang Xuewei , Li Zhi , Cheng Chen , Fraedrich Klaus , Wang Anqi , Chen Yihui , Xu Yige , Lyu Shihua
Published: December 2022

Since the 1990s, the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP) has experienced a strikingly warming and wetter climate that alters the thermal and hydrological properties of frozen ground. A positive correlation between the warming and thermal degradation in permafrost or seasonally frozen ground (SFG) has long been recognized. Still, a predictive relationship between historical wetting under warming climate conditions and frozen ground has not yet been well demonstrated, despite the expectation that it will become even more important because precipitation over the QTP has been projected to increase continuously in the near future. This study investigates the response of the thermal regime to historical wetting in both permafrost and SFG areas and examines their relationships separately using the Community Land Surface Model version 4.5. Results show that wetting before the 1990s across the QTP mainly cooled the permafrost body in the arid and semiarid zones, with significant correlation coefficients of 0.60 and 0.48, respectively. Precipitation increased continually at the rate of 6.16 mm decade−1 in the arid zone after the 1990s but had a contrasting warming effect on permafrost through a significant shortening of the thawing duration within the active layer. However, diminished rainfall in the humid zone after the 1990s also significantly extended the thawing duration of SFG. The relationship between the ground thawing index and precipitation was significantly negatively correlated (−0.75). The dual effects of wetting on the thermal dynamics of the QTP are becoming critical because of the projected increases in future precipitation.
Dietary fat intake is associated with insulin resistance and an adverse vascular profile in patients with T1D: a pooled analysis
Authors: Kietsiriroje Noppadol , Shah Hanya , Zare Marios , O’Mahoney Lauren L. , West Daniel J. , Pearson Sam M. , Ajjan Ramzi A. , Campbell Matthew D.
Published: December 2022

Background

Insulin resistance (IR) increases vascular risk in individuals with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). We aimed to investigate the relationship between dietary intake and IR, as well as vascular biomarkers in T1D.

Methods

Baseline data from three randomised controlled trials were pooled. Estimated glucose disposal rate (eGDR) was used as an IR marker. Employing multivariate nutrient density substitution models, we examined the association between macronutrient composition and IR/vascular biomarkers (tumour necrosis factor-α, fibrinogen, tissue factor activity, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1).

Results

Of the 107 patients, 50.5% were male with mean age of 29 ± 6 years. Those with lower eGDR were older with a longer diabetes duration, higher insulin requirements, and an adverse vascular profile (p < 0.05). Patients with higher degrees of IR had higher total energy intake (3192 ± 566 vs. 2772 ± 268 vs. 2626 ± 395 kcal/d for eGDR < 5.1 vs. 5.1–8.6 vs. ≥ 8.7 mg/kg/min, p < 0.001) and consumed a higher absolute and proportional amount of fat (47.6 ± 18.6 vs. 30.4 ± 8.1 vs. 25.8 ± 10.4%, p < 0.001). After adjusting for total energy intake, age, sex, and diabetes duration, increased carbohydrate intake offset by an isoenergetic decrease in fat was associated with higher eGDR (β = 0.103, 95% CI 0.044–0.163). In contrast, increased dietary fat at the expense of dietary protein intake was associated with lower eGDR (β = − 0.119, 95% CI − 0.199 to − 0.040). Replacing fat with 5% isoenergetic amount of carbohydrate resulted in decreased vascular biomarkers (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Higher fat, but not carbohydrate, intake is associated with increased IR and an adverse vascular profile in patients with T1D.
Fatigue-induced changes in hamstrings’ active muscle stiffness: effect of contraction type and implications for strain injuries
Authors: Evangelidis Pavlos E. , Shan Xiyao , Otsuka Shun , Yang Chi , Yamagishi Takaki , Kawakami Yasuo
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Hamstring strain injuries may occur due to differential fatigue and compromised mechanical properties among the hamstring muscles. We examined (1) the effect of fatigue on hamstrings active muscle stiffness, and (2) whether contraction type affects active muscle stiffness changes during a submaximal fatiguing task.

Methods

Nine healthy males completed 99 submaximal knee flexions in isometric (ISO), concentric (CON), and eccentric (ECC) conditions. We measured the knee flexor maximal voluntary torque (MVT) (pre/post), shear wave velocity (SWV) during contraction and transverse relaxation times (T2) (pre/post) in biceps femoris long head (BFlh), semitendinosus (ST), and semimembranosus (SM) muscles.

Results

MVT decreased substantially after all conditions (− 18.4 to − 33.6%). The average relative torque sustained during the task was lower in CON than ISO and ECC, but absolute torque was similar. SWV interindividual responses were highly variable across muscles and contraction types. On average, BFlh SWV tended to increase in ISO (0.4 m/s, 4.5%, p = 0.064) but decreased in ECC condition (− 0.8 m/s, − 7.7%, p < 0.01). ST SWV decreased in CON (− 1.1 m/s, − 9.0%, p < 0.01), while it remained unchanged in ISO and ECC. SM SWV decreased in CON (− 0.8 m/s, − 8.1%, p < 0.01), but it was unaffected in ISO and variable in ECC.

Conclusion

Fatigue has a differential effect on the mechanical properties of the constituent hamstring muscles, as measured with shear wave elastography, depending upon contraction type. We found preliminary evidence that BFlh is more fatigued than ST or SM during eccentric contractions, which may explain its susceptibility to strain injuries.
Impact of patient nationality on the severity of early side effects after radiotherapy
Authors: Köksal Mümtaz , Streppel Romy , Hauser Stefan , Abramian Alina , Kaiser Christina , Gonzalez-Carmona Maria , Feldmann Georg , Schäfer Niklas , Koob Sebastian , Banat Mohammed , Hamed Motaz , Giordano Frank A. , Schmeel Leonard C.
Published: December 2022

Background

Major demographical changes in Germany commenced in the 1960s. Ongoing humanitarian crises in the Ukraine with subsequent immigration will have also long-range effects on national provision of cancer treatment. Ensuring the best possible outcomes for each cancer patient undergoing radiotherapy requires the prediction and prevention of unfavorable side effects. Given that recent research has primarily focused on clinical outcome indicators solely, less is known regarding sociodemographic predictors of therapeutic outcomes, such as patient nationality. Here, we investigated whether the severity of early side effects after radiotherapy are associated with patient nationality and other sociodemographic and clinical characteristics.

Methods

Out of 9187 patients treated at a German university medical center between 2017 and 2021, 178 German and 178 non-German patients were selected for matched-pair analysis based on diagnostic and demographic criteria. For all 356 patients, data on side effects from follow-up care after radiotherapy were collected.

Results

Non-German patients were more likely to have severe side effects than German patients. Side effect severity was also associated with tumor entity, concomitant therapy, body mass index, and age.

Conclusion

Foreign cancer patients are at higher risk of experiencing severe side effects of radiotherapy, suggesting a need to develop and implement targeted preventive measures for these patients. Further research investigating factors predicting the occurrence of radiotherapy side effects, including other sociodemographic characteristics, is needed to better personalize therapy regimens for cancer.
Gp130 is expressed in pancreatic cancer and can be targeted by the small inhibitor molecule SC144
Authors: Pozios Ioannis , Hering Nina A. , Guenzler Emily , Arndt Marco , Elezkurtaj Sefer , Knösel Thomas , Bruns Christiane J. , Margonis Georgios A. , Beyer Katharina , Seeliger Hendrik
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Interleukin 6 (IL-6), Oncostatin M (OSM), and downstream effector STAT3 are pro-tumorigenic agents in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Glycoprotein 130 (gp130) is a compound of the IL-6 and OSM receptor complex that triggers STAT3 signaling. SC144 is a small molecule gp130 inhibitor with anticancer activity. This study examines the gp130 expression in human PDAC specimens and the in vitro effects of SC144 in PDAC cell lines.

Methods

Tissue micro-arrays were constructed from 175 resected human PDAC. The gp130 expression in tumor epithelium and stroma was determined by immunohistochemistry, and survival analysis was performed. Growth inhibition by SC144 was assessed in vitro using BrdU and MTT assays. Western blotting was performed to evaluate the SC144 effect on IL-6 and OSM signaling.

Results

Gp130 was expressed in the epithelium of 78.8% and the stroma of 9.4% of the tumor samples. The median overall survival for patients with or without epithelial gp130 expression was 16.7 months and 15.9 months, respectively (p = 0.830). Patients with no stromal gp130 expression showed poorer survival than patients with stromal gp130 expression (median 16.2 and 22.9 months, respectively), but this difference did not reach significance (p = 0.144). SC144 inhibited cell proliferation and viability and suppressed IL-6- and OSM-stimulated STAT3Y705 phosphorylation in PDAC cells.

Conclusion

Gp130 is expressed in the epithelium of most human PDAC, but stromal expression is rare. The small molecule gp130 inhibitor SC144 potently inhibits PDAC progression in vitro and may abrogate IL-6 or OSM/gp130/STAT3 signaling. These results suggest gp130 as a novel drug target for pancreatic cancer therapy.
Synthesis and conformational analysis of a potentially super-armed glucuronidation donor
Authors: Steinacher Michael , Svatunek Dennis , Weil Matthias , Mohammadi Bagher , Gärtner Peter
Published: December 2022

The concise synthesis of a potentially “super-armed” glucuronidation donor is reported. The α-anomer was crystallized and analyzed by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The pyranose ring was found to be in a twist-boat conformation in the solid state. To confirm the relevance of this finding for the solution state, and explain the failure of analysis by NMR, DFT calculations were performed. They revealed the twist-boat to be the dominant among a group of several possible conformers at ambient temperature.

Graphical abstract
A systematic review exploring youth peer support for young people with mental health problems
Authors: de Beer C. R. M. , Nooteboom L. A. , van Domburgh L. , de Vreugd M. , Schoones J. W. , Vermeiren R. R. J. M.
Published: December 2022

Youth peer support workers (YPSWs) are young adults with lived experience of mental illness during childhood or adolescence who support young people receiving treatment in mental health services. The contributions made by YPSWs are a promising development to facilitate consumer-centered and recovery-oriented care. Although the youth peer support workforce is expanding rapidly, structurally embedding YPSWs in practice is challenging. To overcome these challenges and thereby improve care for young people, insight into YPSW roles, barriers and facilitators for implementing and pursuing youth peer support (YPS) is a necessity. This systematic review examined the published literature to identify existing knowledge on YPSW roles in treatment settings, and the barriers and facilitators for implementing and pursuing YPS in practice. A total of 24 studies from a variety of youth serving contexts were included in this review. Thematic synthesis resulted in six YPSW roles and five themes with barriers and facilitators. The roles included the: engagement role, emotional support role, navigating and planning role, advocacy role, research role and the educational role. The themes explored the needs of YPSWs, experiences of YPSWs, relationships between service users and YPSWs, the collaboration process between YPSWs and non-peer staff, and organizational readiness. This review underlines that YPSWs likely are a valuable addition to numerous youth treatment contexts. Overall, the implementation of YPSWs is a multifaceted operation that requires careful planning. We recommend services to set clear and realistic expectations for YPSWs, to consider potential power imbalances between YPSWs and non-peer staff, to provide adequate resources to pursue YPS, and to approach the implementation of YPSWs with a growth mindset.
Local and Global Canonical Forms for Differential-Algebraic Equations with Symmetries
Authors: Kunkel Peter , Mehrmann Volker
Published: December 2022

Linear time-varying differential-algebraic equations with symmetries are studied. The structures that we address are self-adjoint and skew-adjoint systems. Local and global canonical forms under congruence are presented and used to classify the geometric properties of the flow associated with the differential equation as symplectic or generalized orthogonal flow. As applications, the results are applied to the analysis of dissipative Hamiltonian systems arising from circuit simulation and incompressible flow.
The dynamic functions of IRF4 in B cell malignancies
Authors: Maffei Rossana , Fiorcari Stefania , Atene Claudio Giacinto , Martinelli Silvia , Mesini Nicolò , Pilato Flora , Lagreca Ivana , Barozzi Patrizia , Riva Giovanni , Nasillo Vincenzo , Paolini Ambra , Forghieri Fabio , Potenza Leonardo , Trenti Tommaso , Tagliafico Enrico , Luppi Mario , Marasca Roberto
Published: December 2022

The trajectory of B cell development goes through subsequent steps governed by complex genetic programs, strictly regulated by multiple transcription factors. Interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) regulates key points from pre-B cell development and receptor editing to germinal center formation, class-switch recombination and plasma cell differentiation. The pleiotropic ability of IRF4 is mediated by its “kinetic control”, allowing different IRF4 expression levels to activate distinct genetic programs due to modulation of IRF4 DNA-binding affinity. IRF4 is implicated in B cell malignancies, acting both as tumor suppressor and as tumor oncogene in different types of precursors and mature B cell neoplasia. Here, we summarize the complexity of IRF4 functions related to different DNA-binding affinity, multiple IRF4-specific target DNA motif, and interactions with transcriptional partners. Moreover, we describe the unique role of IRF4 in acute leukemias and B cell mature neoplasia, focusing on pathogenetic implications and possible therapeutic strategies in multiple myeloma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
Kinematics of the Cervical Spine Under Healthy and Degenerative Conditions: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lindenmann Sara , Tsagkaris Christos , Farshad Mazda , Widmer Jonas
Published: December 2022

Knowledge of spinal kinematics is essential for the diagnosis and management of spinal diseases. Distinguishing between physiological and pathological motion patterns can help diagnose these diseases, plan surgical interventions and improve relevant tools and software. During the last decades, numerous studies based on diverse methodologies attempted to elucidate spinal mobility in different planes of motion. The authors aimed to summarize and compare the evidence about cervical spine kinematics under healthy and degenerative conditions. This includes an illustrated description of the spectrum of physiological cervical spine kinematics, followed by a comparable presentation of kinematics of the degenerative cervical spine. Data was obtained through a systematic MEDLINE search including studies on angular/translational segmental motion contribution, range of motion, coupling and center of rotation. As far as the degenerative conditions are concerned, kinematic data regarding disc degeneration and spondylolisthesis were available. Although the majority of the studies identified repeating motion patterns for most motion planes, discrepancies associated with limited sample sizes and different imaging techniques and/or spine configurations, were noted. Among healthy/asymptomatic individuals, flexion extension (FE) and lateral bending (LB) are mainly facilitated by the subaxial cervical spine. C4–C5 and C5–C6 were the major FE contributors in the reported studies, exceeding the motion contribution of sub-adjacent segments. Axial rotation (AR) greatly depends on C1–C2. FE range of motion (ROM) is distributed between the atlantoaxial and subaxial segments, while AR ROM stems mainly from the former and LB ROM from the latter. In coupled motion rotation is quantitatively predominant over translation. Motion migrates caudally from C1–C2 and the center of rotation (COR) translocates anteriorly and superiorly for each successive subaxial segment. In degenerative settings, concurrent or subsequent lesions render the association between diseases and mobility alterations challenging. The affected segments seem to maintain translational and angular motion in early and moderate degeneration. However, the progression of degeneration restrains mobility, which seems to be maintained or compensated by adjacent non-affected segments. While the kinematics of the healthy cervical spine have been addressed by multiple studies, the entire nosological and kinematic spectrum of cervical spine degeneration is partially addressed. Large—scale in vivo studies can complement the existing evidence, cover the gaps and pave the way to technological and clinical breakthroughs.
Rapid extraction of skin physiological parameters from hyperspectral images using machine learning
Authors: Manojlović Teo , Tomanič Tadej , Štajduhar Ivan , Milanič Matija
Published: December 2022

Noninvasive assessment of skin structure using hyperspectral images has been intensively studied in recent years. Due to the high computational cost of the classical methods, such as the inverse Monte Carlo (IMC), much research has been done with the aim of using machine learning (ML) methods to reduce the time required for estimating parameters. This study aims to evaluate the accuracy and the estimation speed of the ML methods for this purpose and compare them to the traditionally used inverse adding-doubling (IAD) algorithm. We trained three models – an artificial neural network (ANN), a 1D convolutional neural network (CNN), and a random forests (RF) model – to predict seven skin parameters. The models were trained on simulated data computed using the adding-doubling algorithm. To improve predictive performance, we introduced a stacked dynamic weighting (SDW) model combining the predictions of all three individually trained models. SDW model was trained by using only a handful of real-world spectra on top of the ANN, CNN and RF models that were trained using simulated data. Models were evaluated based on the estimated parameters’ mean absolute error (MAE), considering the surface inclination angle and comparing skin spectra with spectra fitted by the IAD algorithm. On simulated data, the lowest MAE was achieved by the RF model (0.0030), while the SDW model achieved the lowest MAE on in vivo measured spectra (0.0113). The shortest time to estimate parameters for a single spectrum was 93.05 μs. Results suggest that ML algorithms can produce accurate estimates of human skin optical parameters in near real-time.
Understanding conversational interaction in multiparty conversations: the EVA Corpus
Authors: Mlakar Izidor , Verdonik Darinka , Majhenič Simona , Rojc Matej
Published: December 2022

This paper focuses on gaining new knowledge through observation, qualitative analytics, and cross-modal fusion of rich multi-layered conversational features expressed during multiparty discourse. The outlined research stems from the theory that speech and co-speech gestures originate from the same representation; however, the representation is not solely limited to the speech production process. Thus, the nature of how information is conveyed by synchronously fusing speech and gestures must be investigated in detail. Therefore, this paper introduces an integrated annotation scheme and methodology which opens the opportunity to study verbal (i.e., speech) and non-verbal (i.e., visual cues with a communicative intent) components independently, however, still interconnected over a common timeline. To analyse this interaction between linguistic, paralinguistic, and non-verbal components in multiparty discourse and to help improve natural language generation in embodied conversational agents, a high-quality multimodal corpus, consisting of several annotation layers spanning syntax, POS, dialogue acts, discourse markers, sentiment, emotions, non-verbal behaviour, and gesture units was built and is represented in detail. It is the first of its kind for the Slovenian language. Moreover, detailed case studies show the tendency of metadiscourse to coincide with non-verbal behaviour of non-propositional origin. The case analysis further highlights how the newly created conversational model and the corresponding information-rich consistent corpus can be exploited to deepen the understanding of multiparty discourse.
The potential and shortcomings of mitochondrial DNA analysis for cheetah conservation management
Authors: Meißner René , Winter Sven , Westerhüs Uta , Sliwa Alexander , Greve Carola , Bottriell Lena Godsall , Bottriell Paul , Fernandes Carlos Rodríguez , Vercammen Paul , Hunter Luke T. B. , Abramov Alexei V. , Khalatbari Leili , Horin Petr , Burger Pamela A. , Prost Stefan
Published: December 2022

There are only about 7,100 adolescent and adult cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) remaining in the wild. With the majority occurring outside protected areas, their numbers are rapidly declining. Evidence-based conservation measures are essential for the survival of this species. Genetic data is routinely used to inform conservation strategies, e.g., by establishing conservation units (CU). A commonly used marker in conservation genetics is mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Here, we investigated the cheetah’s phylogeography using a large-scale mtDNA data set to refine subspecies distributions and better assign individuals to CUs. Our dataset mostly consisted of historic samples to cover the cheetah’s whole range as the species has been extinct in most of its former distribution. While our genetic data largely agree with geography-based subspecies assignments, several geographic regions show conflicting mtDNA signals. Our analyses support previous findings that evolutionary forces such as incomplete lineage sorting or mitochondrial capture likely confound the mitochondrial phylogeography of this species, especially in East and, to some extent, in Northeast Africa. We caution that subspecies assignments solely based on mtDNA should be treated carefully and argue for an additional standardized nuclear single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) marker set for subspecies identification and monitoring. However, the detection of the A. j. soemmeringii specific haplogroup by a newly designed Amplification-Refractory Mutation System (ARMS) can already provide support for conservation measures.
On my critical understandings about ‘modern epidemiology’
Authors: Miettinen Olli S.
Published: December 2022

Editor’s Note: This Essay is the last paper of Olli Miettinen. I discussed it with him until about a week before his death on November 24, 2021. The article had gone through many iterations, as was the case with all his contributions to the European Journal of Epidemiology over the years. As Miettinen writes, it can be viewed as his academic mini-bio. Albert Hofman
Hyperintensionality and Ontological Categories
Authors: Miller J. T. M.
Published: December 2022

In this paper, I discuss how to distinguish between ontological categories and ordinary categories. Using an argument against van Inwagen’s proposed account of what makes a category ontological as a springboard, I argue that if ontological categories are modally robust, then ontological categories need to be understood hyperintensionally. This conclusion opens up a wide range of new ways to define ‘ontological category’, and I close by briefly outlining one such way in order to illustrate the advantages of embracing hyperintensionality in this debate.
Usability Evaluation of Imikode Virtual Reality Game to Facilitate Learning of Object-Oriented Programming
Authors: Sunday Kissinger , Oyelere Solomon Sunday , Agbo Friday Joseph , Aliyu Muhammad Bello , Balogun Oluwafemi Samson , Bouali Nacir
Published: December 2022

Many empirical studies have shown that educational games and recent technologies impact education and increase learning effectiveness, students’ motivation and engagement. The overall aim of this study is to evaluate the usability of Imikode, a virtual reality (VR) game that was developed to introduce the concepts of object-oriented programming to novices. The improved version of the Imikode VR game consists of three features: An artificial intelligence component designed to provide real-time error feedback to users, an intelligent agent that guides and teaches users how to play the game and finally, the integration of multiple game play that gives learners more opportunities to explore the VR environment for greater immersive learning experience. This study adopted a survey approach and recruited first-year computer science students to measure learner satisfaction with educational virtual reality games and examined the correlations among the attributes of the Usefulness, Satisfaction and Ease of Use questionnaire of usage of Imikode. The results showed that the students were satisfied with Imikode and perceived the virtual reality educational game as very useful for learning object-oriented programming concepts. In addition, there was a correlation among the questionnaire variables, which means that researchers can use the instrument for future usability studies in the context. We further proffered some design recommendations for building software tools.
No Evidence of Responding Individuals Constraining the Evolution of the Pheromone Signal in the Pine Engraver Ips avulsus
Authors: Queffelec Joséphine , Sullivan Brian , Mckenney Jessica L , Allison Jeremy D
Published: December 2022

Chemical signals are important mediators of interactions within forest ecosystems. In insects, pheromone signals mediate intraspecific interactions such as mate location and acceptance. The evolution of pheromones in insects has been mostly studied from a theoretical perspective in the Lepidoptera. With this study, we aimed to broaden our understanding of pheromone communication in bark beetles. We first demonstrated that the enantiomeric ratios of ipsdienol produced by maleI. avulsus, showed little variation. Subsequently, with field trapping trials we characterized the influence of the enantiomeric ratio of ipsdienol (pheromone component ofI. avulsus) onI. avulsuscaptures and observed a great amount of variation in the receiver preference function. Most importantly, we demonstrated that responding individuals responded indiscriminately to all the enantiomeric ratios produced by the emitting individuals. These observations are consistent with the asymmetric tracking model which postulates that if the limiting sex is the emitting sex, responding individuals should not discriminate between emitted ratios. Consequently, responding individuals do not constrain the evolution of the signal. Our data suggest that, inI. avulsus, the composition of the aggregation pheromone signal might be more responsive to external selection forces, such as predation and metabolic constraints, as suggested by the asymmetric tracking model.
A new one-step method with three intermediate points in a variable step-size mode for stiff differential systems
Authors: Ramos Higinio , Rufai Mufutau Ajani
Published: December 2022

This work introduces a new one-step method with three intermediate points for solving stiff differential systems. These types of problems appear in different disciplines and, in particular, in problems derived from chemical reactions. In fact, the term “stiff”’ was coined by Curtiss and Hirschfelder in an article on problems of chemical kinetics (Hirschfelder, Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 38:235–243, 1952). The techniques of interpolation and collocation are used in the construction of the scheme. We consider a suitable polynomial to approximate the theoretical solution of the problem under consideration. The basic properties of the new scheme are analyzed. An embedded strategy is adopted to formulate the proposed scheme in a variable stepsize mode to get better performance. Finally, some models of initial-value problems, including ordinary and time-dependent partial differential equations, are solved numerically to assess the performance and efficiency of the proposed technique, with applications to real-world problems.
Intercomparison exercise on difficult to measure radionuclides in spent ion exchange resin
Authors: Leskinen Anumaija , Dorval Eric , Baudat Emilie , Gautier Celine , Stordal Solveig , Salminen-Paatero Susanna
Published: December 2022

A need for method validation in radiochemical analyses of decommissioning waste is a challenging task due to lack of commercial reference materials. Participation in an intercomparison exercise is one way for a laboratory to assess their performance and validate their analysis results. A three-year project within the Nordic Nuclear Safety Research (NKS) community was initiated in order to carry out intercomparison exercises on difficult to measure (DTM) radionuclides in real decommissioning waste. Both Nordic and Non-Nordic laboratories participated. This paper reports the results from the final year of the project focusing on beta- and gamma emitter (i.e., easy to measure, ETM) analysis in spent ion exchange resin. The assigned values were derived from the participants’ results according to ISO 13528 standard and the performances were assessed using z scores. The results showed generally good performances for both DTMs and ETMs.
The representation of feedback literature in classroom observation frameworks: an exploratory study
Authors: Ruelmann Merle , Charalambous Charalambos Y. , Praetorius Anna-Katharina
Published: December 2022

Feedback is considered of great relevance for supporting student learning. It is therefore the focus of a significant body of theoretical work and is included in many observation frameworks for measuring teaching quality. However, little is currently known about the extent to which the theoretical and empirical knowledge of feedback from the literature is represented in operationalizations of feedback in observation frameworks. In this exploratory study, we first reviewed the literature and identified nine quality criteria for effective feedback. Using content analysis, we then explored the extent to which 12 widely used observation frameworks for teaching quality reflect these criteria and the similarities and differences in their approaches to capturing feedback quality. Only ten of the 12 frameworks measured feedback. Nine frameworks addressed feedback directly, while one framework only captured feedback indirectly. All frameworks differed in the number of feedback quality criteria they captured, the aspects they focused on for each one, and the detail in which they described them. One criterion (Feed Up) was not captured by any framework. The results show that more clarity is needed about which facets of feedback are integrated into frameworks and why. The study also highlights the importance of finding ways to complement observation frameworks with other measures so that feedback quality is captured in a more comprehensive fashion.
An experience- and preference-based EQ-5D-3L value set derived using 18 months of longitudinal data in patients who sustained a fracture: results from the ICUROS
Authors: Svedbom Axel , Borgstöm Fredrik , Hernlund Emma , Alekna Vidmantas , Bianchi Maria Luisa , Clark Patricia , Diaz-Curiel Manuel , Dimai Hans Peter , Jürisson Mikk , Lesnyak Olga , McCloskey Eugene , Sanders Kerrie M. , Silverman Stuart , Tamulaitiene Marija , Thomas Thierry , Tosteson Anna N. A. , Jönsson Bengt , Kanis John A.
Published: December 2022

Introduction

EQ-5D-3L preference-based value sets are predominately based on hypothetical health states and derived in cross-sectional settings. Therefore, we derived an experience-based value set from a prospective observational study.

Methods

The International Costs and Utilities Related to Osteoporotic fractures Study (ICUROS) was a multinational study on fragility fractures, prospectively collecting EQ-5D-3L and Time trade-off (TTO) within two weeks after fracture (including pre-fracture recall), and at 4, 12, and 18 months thereafter. We derived an EQ-5D-3L value set by regressing the TTO values on the ten impairment levels in the EQ-5D-3L. We explored the potential for response shift and whether preferences for domains vary systematically with prior impairment in that domain. Finally, we compared the value set to 25 other EQ-5D-3L preference-based value sets.

Results

TTO data were available for 12,954 EQ-5D-3L health states in 4683 patients. All coefficients in the value set had the expected sign, were statistically significant, and increased monotonically with severity of impairment. We found evidence for response shift in mobility, self-care, and usual activities. The value set had good agreement with the only other experience- and preference-based value set, but poor agreement with all hypothetical value sets.

Conclusions

We present an experience- and preference-based value set with high face validity. The study indicates that response shift may be important to account for when deriving value sets. Furthermore, the study suggests that perspective (experienced versus hypothetical) is more important than country setting or demographics for valuation of EQ-5D-3L health states.
Outward-facing epistemic vice
Authors: Harris Keith Raymond
Published: December 2022

The epistemic virtues and vices are typically defined in terms of effects or motivations related to the epistemic states of their possessors. However, philosophers have recently begun to consider other-regarding epistemic virtues, traits oriented toward the epistemic flourishing of others. In a similar vein, this paper discusses outward-facing epistemic vices, properties oriented toward the epistemic languishing of others. I argue for the existence of both reliabilist and responsibilist outward-facing vices, and illustrate how such vices negatively bear on the epistemic prospects of others. I pay special attention to how outward-facing epistemic vices may manifest in online activities that promote the epistemic languishing of others by negatively influencing the online epistemic environment.
Game analogy in law reconsidered: is evidence at stake?
Authors: Dybowski Maciej , Dzięgielewska Weronika , Rzepiński Wojciech
Published: December 2022

The aim of this paper is to show that the meaning and significance of legal evidence is being constituted throughout the course of a singular instance of legal proceedings. This is to be achieved by describing what legal agents do while appealing to different propositions of fact and inferring from them throughout the course of legal proceedings. The authors claim that the process of applying the law is ultimately rooted in the inferential discursive practices of exchanging reasons on the part of the participants of legal proceedings. Therefore, they set forth a model of legal proceedings that consists of an interplay between three types of reasons, which are exchanged by the participants of legal proceedings: i.e. legal reasons, epistemic reasons and stake reasons. To illustrate this interplay, the authors deploy a metaphor of law as a game, and provide a description of legal proceedings as a particular instance of playing a game of law. The conclusion is that the legal concept of evidence is (at least in part) constituted by the role that evidence plays in affecting which reasons for action the participants to legal proceedings choose to act on. The other final assumption of this paper is metatheoretical: authors want to show that when analyzing what legal evidence is, one should begin from the perspective of a singular instance of legal proceedings, rather than from the perspective of law in general.
Independent risk factors for an increased incidence of thromboembolism after lung transplantation
Authors: Moneke Isabelle , Ogutur Ecem Deniz , Kalbhenn Johannes , Hettich Ina , Passlick Bernward , Jungraithmayr Wolfgang , Senbaklavaci Omer
Published: December 2022

Background

Thromboembolism (TE) after lung transplantation (LTX) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to analyze the incidence and outcome of venous and arterial thromboembolic complications and to identify independent risk factors.

Patients and methods

We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 221 patients who underwent LTX at our institution between 2002 and 2021. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS and GraphPad software.

Results

74 LTX recipients (33%) developed TE. The 30-days incidence and 12-months incidence were 12% and 23%, respectively. Nearly half of the patients (48%) developed pulmonary embolism, 10% ischemic stroke. Arterial hypertension (p = 0.006), a body mass index (BMI) > 30 (p = 0.006) and diabetes mellitus (p = 0.041) were independent predictors for TE. Moreover, a BMI of > 25 at the time of transplantation was associated with an increased risk for TE (43% vs. 32%, p = 0.035). At the time of LTX, 65% of the patients were older than 55 years. An age > 55 years also correlated with the incidence of TE (p = 0.037) and these patients had reduced overall post-transplant survival when the event occurred within the first postoperative year (59% vs. 72%, p = 0.028).

Conclusions

The incidence of TE after LTX is high, especially in lung transplant recipients with a BMI > 25 and an age > 55 years as well as cardiovascular risk factors closely associated with the metabolic syndrome. As these patients comprise a growing recipient fraction, intensified research should focus on the risks and benefits of regular screening or a prolonged TE prophylaxis in these patients.

Trial registration number DKRS: 00021501.
The impact of environmental change on landslides, fatal landslides, and their triggers in Pakistan (2003–2019)
Authors: Shabbir Waqas , Omer Talha , Pilz Jürgen
Published: December 2022

The actual impact of landslides in Pakistan is highly underestimated and has not been addressed to its full extent. This study focuses on the impact which landslides had in the last 17 years, with focus on mortality, gender of deceased, main triggers (landslides and fatal landslides), and regional identification of the hotspots in Pakistan. Our study identified 1089 landslides (including rockfalls, rockslides, mudslides, mudflows, debris flows) out of which 180 landslides were fatal and claimed lives of 1072 people. We found that rain (rainfall and heavy rainfall)-related landslides were the deadliest over the entire study period. The main trigger of landslides in Pakistan is heavy rainfall which comprises over 50% of the triggers for the landslide, and combined with normal rainfall, this rate climbs to over 63%. The second main reason for landslide occurrence is spontaneous (due to rock instability, erosion, climate change, and other geological elements) with landslides accounting for 22.3% of all the landslides. Landslides caused by rain-related events amounted to 41.67% of the fatalities, whereas spontaneous landslides caused 29.44% of the deaths and the human induced events accounted for 25.5% of the fatalities. The fatal landslides accounted for 19.53% deaths of the children. Our study also found that more than 48% of the deadly landslides occurred between the months of January to April, whereas the least fatal landslides occurred in the month of June which accounted for only 3% of all the fatal landslides in Pakistan.
Developmental exposure to triclosan and benzophenone-2 causes morphological alterations in zebrafish (Danio rerio) thyroid follicles and eyes
Authors: Kraft Maximilian , Gölz Lisa , Rinderknecht Maximilian , Koegst Johannes , Braunbeck Thomas , Baumann Lisa
Published: December 2022

Thyroid hormones (THs) regulate a multitude of developmental and metabolic processes, which are responsible for vertebrate development, growth, and maintenance of homeostasis. THs also play a key role in neurogenesis of vertebrates and thus affect eye development, which is vital for foraging efficiency and for effective escape from predation. Currently, there are no validated test guidelines for the assessment of TH system-disrupting chemicals (THSDCs) in fish. Consequently, the present study was designed to demonstrate the suitability of novel thyroid-related endpoints in early life-stages of fish. Embryos of a transgenic zebrafish (Danio rerio) line expressing the reporter gene tg:mCherry in their thyrocytes were used to investigate the effects of the environmental THSDCs triclosan (TCS, antibacterial agent) and benzophenone-2 (BP-2, UV filter) on thyroid follicle and eye development. Both BP-2 and TCS caused thyroid follicle hyperplasia in transgenic zebrafish, thus confirming their role as THSDCs. The effect intensity on follicle size and fluorescence was comparable with a 1.7-fold increase for BP-2 and 1.6-fold for TCS. Alterations of the cellular structures of the retina indicate an impact of both substances on eye development, with a stronger impact of TCS. With respect to guideline development, results provide further evidence for the suitability of morphological changes in thyroid follicles and the eyes as novel endpoints for the sensitive assessment of THSD-related effects in fish.
Living in the twilight zone: a qualitative study on the experiences of patients with advanced cancer obtaining long-term response to immunotherapy or targeted therapy
Authors: Zwanenburg Laura C. , Suijkerbuijk Karijn P. M. , van Dongen Sophie I. , Koldenhof José J. , van Roozendaal Anne S. , van der Lee Marije L. , Schellekens Melanie P. J.
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The introduction of immunotherapy and targeted therapy has drastically improved the life expectancy of patients with advanced cancer. Despite improved survival, obtaining long-term response can be highly distressing and comes with uncertainties that affect several life domains. The aim of this study is to gain a deeper understanding of long-term responders’ lived experiences with obtaining long-term response to immunotherapy or targeted therapy.

Methods

We conducted an exploratory qualitative study using thematic data analysis. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 17 patients with advanced melanoma or lung cancer who had a confirmed response to or long-term stable disease while on immunotherapy or targeted therapy.

Results

Long-term responders are living in a twilight zone, where they neither feel like a patient, nor feel healthy. This impacts their self-image, interactions with their social environment, and feelings of uncertainty. Due to their uncertain life perspective, long-term responders are going back and forth between hope and despair, while they are longing for their ‘old’ life, several barriers, such as protective behavior of the social environment, force them to adjust to a life with cancer.

Conclusion

Long-term responders are facing many challenges, such as searching for a renewed identity, dealing with ongoing uncertainty, and having to adapt to a new normal. This emphasizes the importance of providing this new patient group with tailored information and support.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

Healthcare professionals can support patients by normalizing their feelings and providing space for varying emotions. Using patient-tailored scan frequencies could help temper fear of progression.
Hope in the Sociological Thoughts of some Founding Fathers
Authors: Greco Silvana
Published: December 2022

Not all hope is equal. For the Christian religion, hope is a theological virtue, and refers to the expectation of future life, beyond death. With the transformation of European society in a secular sense and the rise of individualism between the 17th and 18th centuries, hope becomes a program of political and social transformation, aimed at this world. In my contribution I trace the emergence of the concept of hope in social thought and, then, in sociology. My analysis begins with the Philosophie sociale (Paris, 1793) by Moses Dobruska (1753–1794), a pioneering and largely overlooked text that founds a new vision of social science. After Dobruska, I then devote my attention to the great thinkers of the early nineteenth century, Henri de Saint-Simon (1760–1825) and Auguste Comte (1798–1857), and then I move on to the work of Émile Durkheim (1858–1917). It is a historical perspective that has been neglected until now, and that allows us to appreciate the construction of an idea of hope that frees itself from religious determinants and is oriented toward society and the individuals who live in it, and that anticipates the utopias and failures of the social ideologies of the 20th century.
What seems to explain suicidality in Yucatan Mexican young adults? Findings from an app-based mental health screening test using the SMART-SCREEN protocol
Authors: Martínez-Nicolás Ismael , Molina-Pizarro Cristian Antonio , Franco Arsenio Rosado , Arenas Castañeda Pavel E. , Maya Cynthya , Barahona Igor , Martínez-Alés Gonzalo , Bisquert Fuensanta Aroca , Delgado-Gomez David , Dervic Kanita , Lopez-Fernandez Olatz , Baca-García Enrique , Barrigón María Luisa
Published: December 2022

The relationship between suicidality, depression, anxiety, and well-being was explored in young adults (median age 20.7 years) from the State of Yucatan (Mexico), which has a suicide rate double that of other Mexican states. A cross-sectional study was carried out in 20 universities in Yucatan and 9,366 students were surveyed using validated questionnaires built into a smartphone app, applying partial least squares structural equation models. High suicide risk was assessed in 10.8% of the sample. Clinically relevant depression and anxiety levels were found in 6.6% and 10.5% of the sample, respectively, and 67.8% reported high well-being. Comparably higher levels of suicide risk, depression and anxiety, and lower well-being were found in women, who were also somewhat older than men in our study. Furthermore, path analysis in the structural equation model revealed that depression was the main predictor of suicidal behaviour as well as of higher anxiety levels and lower self-perceived well-being in the total sample and in both genders. Our findings draw attention to the association between suicidality, depression, anxiety, and well-being in Yucatan young adults and gender differences with this regard. Mental health screening via smartphone might be a useful tool to reach large populations and contribute to mental health policies, including regional suicide prevention efforts.