bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recommendations on the surveillance and supplementation of vitamins and minerals for upper gastrointestinal cancer survivors: a scoping review
Authors: Tan Sim Yee , Tsoukalas Tiffany , Javier Kirsten , Fazon Tiffany , Singh Sheena , Vardy Janette
Published: August 2024

Background

Early-stage upper gastrointestinal (UGI) cancer patients, after surgery, have altered gastrointestinal functions, compromising their nutritional status and health outcomes. Nutritional care provision to UGI survivors rarely focuses on long-term survivorship. Here, we explore recommendations for surveillance of micronutrient deficiency and supplementation for UGI cancer survivors after surgery.

Methods

A scoping review, based on the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews. Six databases (Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane, Scopus, and PsycINFO) and 21 cancer-related organisation websites were searched. Publications between 2010 and March 2024 with recommendations aimed at adult UGI cancer (oesophageal, gastric, pancreatic, small bowel, and biliary tract) survivors were included.

Results

Twenty-six publications met the selection criteria: 11 reviews (8 narrative reviews, 2 systematic, 1 meta-analysis), 7 expert opinions, 6 guidelines, and 2 consensus papers. Twenty-two publications recommended monitoring of micronutrient deficiencies, and 23 suggested supplementation, with 8 lacking details. Most were targeted at patients with gastric cancer (n = 19), followed by pancreatic cancer (n = 7) and oesophageal cancer (n = 3) with none for biliary tract and small bowel cancers. Vitamin B12 and iron were the most consistently recommended micronutrients across the three tumour groups.

Conclusion

Limited publications recommend surveillance of micronutrient status in UGI cancer survivors during the survivorship phase, especially for oesophageal and pancreatic cancer survivors; most were narrative reviews. These recommendations lacked details, and information was inconsistent.

Implications for cancer survivors

Long-term UGI cancer survivors are at risk of micronutrient deficiency after surgery. A standardised approach to prevent, monitor, and treat micronutrient deficiencies is needed.
Understanding self-esteem in the consumer journey: A model of purchase self-esteem antecedents
Authors: Razmus Wiktor , Laguna Mariola
Published: August 2024

While the significance of self-esteem in various consumer behaviors has been well recognized, there is still a noticeable research gap in understanding its specific determinants, especially in the context of the purchase process. The purpose of our study is to fill this gap by elucidating the factors shaping consumers’ self-esteem throughout the purchase journey utilizing our model of purchase self-esteem antecedents. Based on social exchange theory and affect theory of social exchange our model proposes that consumer brand engagement (CBE) and feelings of authentic pride play an important role in predicting self-esteem. We tested this model with longitudinal data collected at two measurement times: 1 week before a purchase (n = 111) and around 1 week after a purchase (n = 99). The longitudinal structural equation modeling results revealed that CBE elicited feelings of authentic pride, and feelings of authentic pride led to higher self-esteem. Both relationships were statistically significant within and between measurement times. The results confirmed that authentic pride mediated the relationship between CBE and self-esteem. These findings provide strong support for our model of purchase self-esteem antecedents.
BCAM (basal cell adhesion molecule) protein expression in different tumor populations
Authors: Burela Sneha , He Mengni , Trontzas Ioannis P. , Gavrielatou Niki , Schalper Kurt A. , Langermann Solomon , Flies Dallas B. , Rimm David L. , Aung Thazin N.
Published: August 2024

Basal Cell Adhesion Molecule (BCAM), a receptor for laminin subunit α5, plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of various malignancies. Notably, evidence of hypermethylation at multiple immune checkpoints in patients with low BCAM expression suggests these individuals may respond favorably to immunotherapy using ICIs (immune checkpoint inhibitors). This finding lays the foundation for the hypothesis that BCAM may serve as an important biomarker in cancer patients. To investigate this potential, we evaluated BCAM expression patterns in 3114 patients from both discovery and validation cohorts, spanning seven cancer types, using quantitative immunofluorescence (QIF). We also explored the correlation between BCAM and PD-L1 expressions within these cohorts, aiming to establish its potential predictive value for immunotherapy response. Our findings indicate that BCAM was highly expressed in ovarian (79.2%) and lung (78.5%) tumors, with lower yet significant expression in breast (37.7%), head and neck (31.3%), and bladder-urothelial tumors (27.6%). Notably, high BCAM expression was associated with better OS in NSCLC. More importantly, BCAM expression did not correlate with PD-L1 protein expression in any of these tumors, highlighting its independent predictive potential. The widespread expression of BCAM across multiple tumor types, coupled with its lack of correlation with PD-L1 expression, highlights its potential as a predictive novel biomarker across various cancer types.
Bayesian Approaches to Proxy Uncertainty Quantification in Paleoecology: A Mathematical Justification and Practical Integration
Authors: Aquino-López Marco A. , Anderson Lysanna , Sanchez-Cabeza Joan-Albert , Ruiz-Fernández Ana Carolina , Christen J. Andrés
Published: August 2024

Paleoenvironmental data are essential for reconstructing environmental conditions in the distant past, and these reconstructions strongly depend on proxies and age–depth models. Proxies are indirect measurements that substitute for variables that cannot be directly measured, such as past precipitation. Conversely, an age–depth model is a tool that correlates the observed proxy with a specific moment in time. Bayesian age–depth modelling has proved to be a powerful method for estimating sediment ages and their associated uncertainties. However, there remains considerable potential for further integration into proxy analysis. In this paper, we explore a mathematical justification and a computational approach that integrates uncertainty at the age–depth level and propagates it to the proxy scale in the form of a posterior predictive distribution. This method mitigates potential biases and errors by removing the need to assign a single age to a given proxy measurement. It allows for quantifying the likelihood that proxy data values correspond to modelled ages, thus enabling the quantification of uncertainty in both the temporal and proxy value domains. The use of Bayesian statistics in proxy analysis represents a relatively recent advancement. We aim to mathematically justify incorporating the Markov chain Monte Carlo output from age–depth models into proxy analysis and to present a novel methodology for constructing environmental reconstructions using this approach.
The use of match-based exact movement activities to classify elite rugby league players into positional groups
Authors: Adeyemo Victor Elijah , Palczewska Anna , Jones Ben , Weaving Dan
Published: August 2024

The cluster analysis of elite rugby league players identified groups of distinct playing positions that can be referred to as broad positional groups. However, the identified positional groups were based on traditional indicators (physical and technical–tactical) that provided no information about the exact match-based movement activities that led to such similarity grouping and the classification of elite rugby league players into these broad positional groups remains unexplored. Hence, this study finds the best model to classify elite rugby league players into positional groups, using data characterised by movement patterns to uncover the similar movement activities of distinct playing positions within a positional group. Key movement patterns for the positional group classification and differences between the groups were also investigated. A total of 18,173 unique movement patterns were derived from 422 players’ GPS data across the 2019 and 2020 seasons, where only 36 were identified as key patterns. The highest classification accuracy of 77.58% using all unique patterns and 74.5% accuracy using the key patterns was achieved, outperforming studies that used traditional indicators. Further analyses based on key patterns revealed differences between forwards and backs. These findings establish movement patterns as viable indicators to classify rugby league players into positional groups, enabling coaches and trainers to develop position-specific training programmes that cater to the unique physical demands of each position, leading to better player development and team performance. Movement patterns are therefore recommended as an alternative approach to quantifying players’ external loads and obtaining granular information.
Sleep alterations in treatment-resistant depression patients undergoing ketamine treatment
Authors: Kwaśny Aleksander , Cubała Wiesław Jerzy , Włodarczyk Adam , Pastuszak Krzysztof
Published: August 2024

Background

This study examines self-reported sleep alterations in treatment-resistant depression (TRD) inpatients following intravenous ketamine administration.

Methods

This is a post-hoc analysis of a naturalistic observational study, which enrolled 28 inpatients with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder and analyzed self-reported sleep changes (items 1–4; ‘insomnia’, ‘nighttime restlessness’, ‘early morning waking’, ‘hypersomnia’) in Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology 30-item (IDS SR-30) in responders and non-responders stratified per Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) during short-term ketamine treatment.

Results

Responders, as well as non-responders, did not experience significant changes in IDS SR-30 sleep items (‘insomnia’, ‘nighttime restlessness’, ‘early morning waking’, ‘hypersomnia’) (p’s > 0.05) at 7-day follow-up after eight intravenous ketamine infusions as compared to baseline.

Conclusion

Neither responders, nor non-responders reported any significant alterations in sleep patterns during ketamine infusions. These findings are not in line with current literature, as so far modest improvements in sleep during ketamine treatment have been reported. Results should be interpreted with caution, primarily due to the small sample size.
A q-SUPERCONGRUENCE ARISING FROM ANDREWS’ IDENTITY
Authors: LIU JI-CAI , LIU JING
Published: August 2024

We establish a q-analogue of a supercongruence related to a supercongruence of Rodriguez-Villegas, which extends a q-congruence of Guo and Zeng [‘Some q-analogues of supercongruences of Rodriguez-Villegas’, J. Number Theory145 (2014), 301–316]. The important ingredients in the proof include Andrews’

$_4\phi _3$

terminating identity.
The right lymphatic duct: basic anatomy and clinical	relevance
Authors: Kanavaros Panagiotis , Karatzias Georgios , Papoudou-Bai Alexandra , Barbouti Alexandra , Troupis Theodoros
Published: August 2024

Summary: The anatomical variability of the thoracic duct and the right lymphatic duct predisposes them to inadvertent damage following head and neck surgery thereby leading to chyle leak which is an uncommon complication with potentially significant associated morbidity. Although chyle leak is predominately associated with left-sided neck surgery, it also occurs as a complication of the right-sided neck dissection. Variable figures concerning chyle leakage after right-sided neck dissections were reported, ranging from 0 per cent to higher prevalences such as 14%, 24%, 33% and 60% of total cases of chyle leakages associated with neck surgery. The right-sided complications may implicate the right lymphatic duct and right-sided terminations of the thoracic duct into the venous system which occur in about 1-6% of humans. Other clinically relevant conditions involving the right-sided major lymphatic vessels include chyle leaks following right anterior cervical spine surgery, cysts of the right lymphatic duct and dilatation of the right lymphatic duct in the setting of recurrent cervical swelling. This article presents a review of the literature concerning the basic anatomy and the clinical relevance of the right lymphatic duct and the right-sided terminations of the thoracic duct into the venous circulation.
Psychotherapeutische Interventionen bei Personen mit Multipler Sklerose (MS)
Authors: Sauder Torsten , Keune Philipp M. , Schenk Thomas , Hansen Sascha
Published: August 2024

Zusammenfassung: Der psychotherapeutischen Versorgung von Personen mit Multipler Sklerose (MS) kommt eine hohe Relevanz zu. Denn neben den offensichtlichen motorischen und sensorischen Dysfunktionen ist die Lebensqualität der Betroffenen auch durch die sogenannten „unsichtbaren Symptome“ der MS eingeschränkt. Zu diesen unsichtbaren Symptomen zählen depressive Symptome, Fatigue, Angst, Schmerz und kognitive Defizite. Ziel dieses Reviews ist es, einen Überblick über die psychotherapeutischen Behandlungsmöglichkeiten hinsichtlich der einzelnen Symptome, sowie eine Handlungsempfehlung für behandelnde (Neuro-)Psychologinnen und Psychologen und Therapeutinnen und Therapeuten zu geben. Zu diesem Zweck wurde eine (nicht-systematische) Literaturrecherche über PubMed durchgeführt. Der Review ergibt, dass die Verhaltenstherapie (KVT) und Achtsamkeitsbasierte Interventionen (AIs) potenziell wirksame Methoden zur Reduktion der genannten Symptome darstellen, jedoch noch qualitativ hochwertige Studien mit ausreichender Stichprobengröße in diesem Forschungsfeld fehlen.
Teach the teachers
Authors: Schochow Maximilian , Schneeberg Sina , Portius Dorothea , Wick Katharina , Trummer Anja , Ramminger Sara , Ernst Alexander , Paridon Hiltraut
Published: August 2024

Zusammenfassung: Kommunikative Kompetenzen sind nicht nur für Lehrkräfte in den Gesundheitsberufen zentral für ihren Arbeitsalltag. Sie müssen während des Studiums erworben und im Verlauf des Berufslebens weitergebildet werden. In einer Umfrage unter Lehrkräften wurden Einstellungen zur eigenen Kommunikationsfähigkeit sowie zum Einfluss von Trainings auf die kommunikative Kompetenz erfragt.
Sensitivity Analysis in the Presence of Intrinsic Stochasticity for Discrete Fracture Network Simulations
Authors: Murph A. C. , Strait J. D. , Moran K. R. , Hyman J. D. , Viswanathan H. S. , Stauffer P. H.
Published: August 2024

Large‐scale discrete fracture network (DFN) simulators are standard fare for studies involving the sub‐surface transport of particles since direct observation of real world underground fracture networks is generally infeasible. While these simulators have successfully been used in several engineering applications, estimates of output quantities of interest (QoI) — such as breakthrough time of particles reaching the edge of the system — suffer from two distinct types of uncertainty. A run of a DFN simulator requires several parameters to be set that dictate the placement and size of fractures, the density of fractures, and the overall permeability of the system; uncertainty on the proper parameters will lead to uncertainty in the QoI, called epistemic uncertainty. Furthermore, since these input settings to DFN simulators control the stochastic processes which place fractures and govern flow, understanding how this randomness affects the QoI requires several runs of the simulator at distinct random seeds. The uncertainty in the QoI attributed to different realizations (i.e., different seeds) of the same random process (i.e., identical input parameters) leads to a second type of uncertainty, called aleatoric uncertainty. In this paper, we perform a Sensitivity Analysis, which directly attributes the uncertainty observed in the QoI to the epistemic uncertainty from each input parameter and to the aleatoric uncertainty. Beyond the specific takeaways on which input variables influence uncertainty in the QoI the most, a major contribution of this paper is the introduction of a statistically rigorous workflow for characterizing the uncertainty in DFN flow simulations that exhibit heteroskedasticity.
Snow Distribution Patterns Revisited: A Physics‐Based and Machine Learning Hybrid Approach to Snow Distribution Mapping in the Sub‐Arctic
Authors: Crumley R. L. , Bachand C. L. , Bennett K. E.
Published: August 2024

Snowpack distribution in Arctic and alpine landscapes often occurs in repeating, year‐to‐year patterns due to local topographic, weather, and vegetation characteristics. Previous studies have suggested that with years of observational data, these snow distribution patterns can be statistically integrated into a snow process modeling workflow. Recent advances in snow hydrology and machine learning (ML) have increased our ability to predict snowpack distribution using in‐situ observations, remote sensing data sets, and simple landscape characteristics that can be easily obtained for most environments. Here, we propose a hybrid approach to couple a ML snow distribution pattern (MLSDP) map with a physics‐based, snow process model. We trained a random forest ML algorithm on tens of thousands of snow survey observations from a subarctic study area on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska, collected during peak snow water equivalent (SWE). We validated hybrid model outputs using in‐situ snow depth and SWE observations, as well as a light detection and ranging data set and a distributed temperature profiling sensor data set. When the hybrid results were compared with the physics‐based method, the hybrid method more accurately depicted the spatial patterns of the snowpack, areas of drifting snow, and years when no in‐situ observations were used in the random forest ML training data set. The hybrid method also showed improvements in root mean squared error at 61% of locations where time‐series estimations of snow depth were observed. These results can be applied to any physics‐based model to improve the snow distribution patterning to reflect observed conditions in high latitude and high elevation cold region environments.
Non‐Synchronization of the Decadal Transition in Winter Near‐Surface Wind Speed Across Northern and Southern China
Authors: Chuan Ting , Zha Jinlin , Wu Jian , Zhao Deming , Fan Wenxuan , Jiang Huiping , Lyu Yanjun
Published: August 2024

Decadal variations in near‐surface wind speed (NSWS) and their causes are poorly understood. We found that the decadal transition of winter NSWS in northern China (NC) was 10 years earlier than in southern China (SC), which could be linked to the changes in intensities of the eastward wave‐activity flux and Siberian High (SH) induced by the Warm Arctic‐Cold Eurasia (WACE) dipole pattern. From 1973 to 1990, the WACE pattern from positive to negative phases confined the eastward wave trains to high latitudes with a decreasing SH, inducing an NSWS reduction. From 1991 to 2000, the WACE strengthened from negative to positive phases, causing a decadal transition in NSWS first in NC. After 2000, accompanied by the strengthening of the positive WACE, the eastward wave trains propagated downstream to lower latitudes, the SH and the meridional pressure gradient enhanced. Therefore, the transition of decadal NSWS occurred in SC until 2000.
Parametric Study of the Harmonic Structure of Lower Hybrid Waves Driven by Energetic Ions
Authors: Kotani Tsubasa , Toida Mieko , Moritaka Toseo , Taguchi Satoshi
Published: August 2024

The harmonic structure of lower hybrid waves (LHWs) driven by energetic ions can be generated through non‐linear wave‐wave coupling. We investigate the parameter dependence of the excitation and time evolution of this structure, using one‐dimensional electromagnetic particle‐in‐cell (PIC) simulations. Focusing on two parameters, (ratio of the electron plasma to electron gyro frequencies) and (ratio of energetic‐ion to Alfvén velocities), we analyze the fluctuation spectra in the wavenumber‐frequency plane and demonstrate that the harmonic structure can be excited across wide parameter ranges of and , indicating a weak parameter dependence. However, the excitation region and time evolution of the harmonic structure can be significantly affected by these parameters. We find that conditions of low and intermediate are preferable for the excitation and survival of the harmonic structure. Previous observations have reported the harmonic structure of LHWs in the polar region at 4,000 km altitude and in the plasma sheet at XGSM 17 . Nevertheless, this study predicts that the harmonic structure can also be excited in other regions of the magnetosphere where energetic ions are present.
Wilson disease (novel ATP7B variants) with concomitant FLNC-related cardiomyopathy
Authors: Imai Takeshi , Mitsuhashi Satomi , Isahaya Kenji , Shibata Soichiro , Kawai Yosuke , Omae Yosuke , Tokunaga Katsushi ,   NCBN Controls WGS Consortium, Ishibashi-Ueda Hatsue , Tomita Tsutomu , Noguchi Michio , Takahashi Ayako , Goto Yu-ichi , Yoshida Sumiko , Hattori Kotaro , Matsumura Ryo , Iida Aritoshi , Maruoka Yutaka , Gatanaga Hiroyuki , Shimomura Akihiko , Sugiyama Masaya , Suzuki Satoshi , Miyo Kengo , Matsubara Yoichi , Umezawa Akihiro , Hata Kenichiro , Kaname Tadashi , Ozaki Kouichi , Tokuda Haruhiko , Watanabe Hiroshi , Niida Shumpei , Noiri Eisei , Kitajima Koji , Omae Yosuke , Miyahara Reiko , Shimanuki Hideyuki , Kawai Yosuke , Tokunaga Katsushi , Yamano Yoshihisa
Published: August 2024

We report a case of Wilson disease (WD) with dilated cardiomyopathy in which whole-genome sequencing (WGS) revealed the rare co-occurrence of two novel compound heterozygous ATP7B pathogenic variants (NM_001005918.3:c.2250del/p.N751Tfs*9 and c.3496C>T/p.L1166F) and a known FLNC pathogenic variant. Our results highlight the usefulness of WGS, even in the diagnosis of well-characterized genetic diseases such as WD.
Exploring the interactions between Nosema ceranae infection and the honey bee gut microbiome
Authors: Lau Edmund , Maccaro Jessica , McFrederick Quinn S , Nieh James C.
Published: August 2024

Managed colonies of the European honey bee, Apis mellifera, have faced considerable losses in recent years. A widespread contributing factor is a microsporidian pathogen, Nosema ceranae, which occurs worldwide, is increasingly resistant to antibiotic treatment, and can alter the host’s immune response and nutritional uptake. These obligate gut pathogens share their environment with a natural honey bee microbiome whose composition can affect pathogen resistance. We tested the effect of N. ceranae infection on this microbiome by feeding 5 day-old adult bees that had natural, fully developed microbiomes with live N. ceranae spores (40,000 per bee) or a sham inoculation, sterile 2.0 M sucrose solution. We caged and reared these bees in a controlled lab environment and tracked their mortality over 12 d, after which we dissected them, measured their infection levels (gut spore counts), and analyzed their microbiomes. Bees fed live spores had two-fold higher mortality by 12 d and 36.5-fold more spores per bee than controls. There were also strong colony effects on infection levels, and 9% of spore-inoculated bees had no spore counts at all (defined as fed-spores-but-not-infected). Nosema ceranae infection had significant but subtle effects on the gut microbiomes of experimentally infected bees, bees with different infection levels, and fed-spores-but-not-infected vs. bees with gut spores. Specific bacteria, including Gilliamella ASVs, were positively associated with infection, indicating that multiple strains of core gut microbes either facilitate or resist N. ceranae infection. Future studies on the interactions between bacterial, pathogen, and host genotypes would be illuminating.
Analysis of crude wastewater from two treatment plants in South Wales for 35 new psychoactive substances and cocaine, and cannabis
Authors: Davies Bethan , Paul Richard , Osselton David , Woolley Timothy
Published: August 2024

This study investigates the presence of new psychoactive substances (NPS) and their metabolites in two wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) situated in South Wales, UK (WWTP-1 and WWTP-2). Analysis was conducted for 35 NPS and metabolites, along with the inclusion of benzoylecgonine (main cocaine metabolite) and cannabis, the most detected illicit substances. Benzoylecgonine was identified as the predominant substance in both WWTPs. Epidemiological calculations revealed the average population consumption of cocaine to be 3.88 mg/d/1000 inhabitants around WWTP-1 and 1.97 mg/d/1000 inhabitants for WWTP-2. The removal efficiency of benzoylecgonine across both WWTPs was observed at an average of 73%. Subsequent qualitative analyses on randomly selected wastewater samples detected medicinal compounds including buprenorphine, methadone, and codeine in both WWTPs. An additional experiment employing enzymatic hydrolysis revealed the presence of morphine, an increased presence of codeine, and 11-Nor-9-Carboxy-THC (THC-COOH) post-hydrolysis. These findings underscore the significant presence of illicit substances and medicinal compounds in wastewater systems with the absence of NPS within the South Wales area, highlighting the necessity for enhanced monitoring and treatment strategies to address public health and environmental concerns.
Modified Harris Hawks optimization for the 3E feasibility assessment of a hybrid renewable energy system
Authors: Rathod Asmita Ajay , S Balaji
Published: August 2024

The off-grid Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems (HRES) demonstrate great potential to be sustainable and economically feasible options to meet the growing energy needs and counter the depletion of conventional energy sources. Therefore, it is crucial to optimize the size of HRES components to assess system cost and dependability. This paper presents the optimal sizing of HRES to provide a very cost-effective and efficient solution for supplying power to a rural region. This study develops a PV-Wind-Battery-DG system with an objective of 3E analysis which includes Energy, Economic, and Environmental CO2 emissions. Indispensable parameters like technical parameters (Loss of Power Supply Probability, Renewable factor, PV fraction, and Wind fraction) and social factor (Human Developing Index) are evaluated to show the proposed modified Harris Hawks Optimization (mHHO) algorithm’s merits over the existing algorithms. To achieve the objectives, the proposed mHHO algorithm uses nine distinct operators to obtain simultaneous optimization. Furthermore, the performance of mHHO is evaluated by using the CEC 2019 test suite and the most optimal mHHO is chosen for sizing and 3E analysis of HRES. The findings demonstrate that the mHHO has achieved optimized values for Cost of Energy (COE), Net Present Cost (NPC), and Annualized System Cost (ASC) with the lowest values being 0.14130 $/kWh, 1,649,900$, and 1,16,090$/year respectively. The reduction in COE value using the proposed mHHO approach is 0.49% in comparison with most of the other MH-algorithms. Additionally, the system primarily relies on renewable sources, with diesel usage accounting for only 0.03% of power generation. Overall, this study effectively addresses the challenge of performing a 3E analysis with mHHO algorithm which exhibits excellent convergence and is capable of producing high-quality outcomes in the design of HRES. The mHHO algorithm attains optimal economic efficiency while simultaneously minimizing the impact on the environment and maintaining a high human development index.
Results of two cross-sectional database analyses regarding nap-induced modulations of tinnitus
Authors: Guillard Robin , Schecklmann Martin , Simoes Jorge , Langguth Berthold , Londero Alain , Congedo Marco , Michiels Sarah , Vesala Markku , Goedhart Hazel , Wetter Thomas , Weber Franziska C.
Published: August 2024

The influence of naps on tinnitus was systematically assessed by exploring the frequency, clinical and demographic characteristics of this phenomenon. 9,724 data from two different tinnitus databases (Tinnitus Hub: n = 6115; Tinnitus Research Initiative (TRI): n = 3627) were included. After separate analysis of the databases, these results were then compared with each other. In the Tinnitus Hub survey database, a total of 31.1% reported an influence on tinnitus by taking a nap (26.9% in the TRI database), with much more frequent worsening after a nap than improvement (23.0% a little or a lot worse; TRI: 17.7% worse; 8.1% a little or a lot better; TRI: 9.2% better). The influence of napping on tinnitus was associated in both databases with other clinical features, such as the dependence of tinnitus on night quality, stress and somatosensory maneuvers. The present study confirms the clinical observation that more tinnitus sufferers report worsening after a nap than tinnitus sufferers reporting an improvement. It was consistently shown that tinnitus sufferers reporting nap-induced modulation of tinnitus also report more frequently an influence of night sleep on their tinnitus. Further clinical and polysomnographic research is warranted to better understand the interaction between sleep and tinnitus.
Progress in phenanthroline-derived extractants for trivalent actinides and lanthanides separation: where to next?
Authors: Yang Xiaofan , Xu Lei , Fang Dong , Zhang Anyun , Xiao Chengliang
Published: August 2024

This feature article introduces phenanthroline-derived extractants for Ln(iii)/An(iii) separation and provides insights and guidance for future development.
Preparation and characterization of a ciprofloxacin-loaded nanoparticles incorporated polymeric film dressing
Authors: Alsaidan Omar A. , Ahmad Naveed , Ejaz Hasan , Hussain Muhammad Ajaz , Zafar Ameeduzzafar , Alhassan Hassan H.
Published: August 2024

Antibiotic (ciprofloxacin)-loaded sodium alginate (SA)–chitosan (CS) nanoparticles (NPs) were incorporated into novel arabinoxylan (AX)–pectin (PC) polymeric films and characterized for application in wound dressing.
Using a cellulose-complementary oligosaccharide as a tool to probe exposed cellulosic surfaces in cotton fibres and growing plant cell walls
Authors: Imran Mahnoor , Franková Lenka , Qaisar Uzma , Fry Stephen C.
Published: August 2024

Cellulosic microfibrils in plant cell walls are largely ensheathed and probably tethered by hydrogen-bonded hemicelluloses. Ensheathing may vary developmentally as hemicelluloses are peeled to enable cell expansion. We characterised a simple method to quantify ensheathed versus naked cellulosic surfaces based on the ability to adsorb a radiolabelled ‘cellulose-complementary oligosaccharide’, [3H]cellopentaitol. Filter-paper (cellulose) adsorbed 40% and >80% of aqueous 5nM [3H]cellopentaitol within ~1h and ~20h respectively. When [3H]cellopentaitol was rapidly dried onto filter-paper, ~50% of it was desorbable by water, whereas after ~1d annealing in aqueous medium the adsorption became too strong to be reversible in water. ‘Strongly’ adsorbed [3H]cellopentaitol was, however, ~98% desorbed by 6M NaOH, ~50% by 0.2M cellobiose, and ~30% by 8M urea, indicating a role for hydrogen-bonding reinforced by complementarity of shape. Gradual adsorption was promoted by kosmotropes (1.4M Na2SO4 or 30% methanol), and inhibited by chaotropes (8M urea), supporting a role for hydrogen-bonding. [3H]Cellopentaitol adsorption was strongly competed by non-radioactive cello-oligosaccharides (Cell2–6), the IC50 (half-inhibitory concentration) being highly size-dependent: Cell2, ~70 mM; Cell3, ~7 mM; and Cell4-6, ~0.05 mM. Malto-oligosaccharides (400mM) had no effect, confirming the role of complementarity. The quantity of adsorbed [3H]cellopentaitol was proportional to mass of cellulose. Of seven cottons tested, wild-type Gossypium arboreum fibres were least capable of adsorbing [3H]cellopentaitol, indicating ensheathment of their microfibrillar surfaces, confirmed by their resistance to cellulase digestion, and potentially attributable to a high glucuronoarabinoxylan content. In conclusion, [3H]cellopentaitol adsorption is a simple, sensitive and quantitative way of titrating ‘naked’ cellulose surfaces.
Kompetenzen: Mitarbeitende im Beschaffungsmanagement – eine besondere Herausforderung?!
Authors: Reeck Adrian
Published: August 2024

In fast allen Einrichtungen des Gesundheitswesens sind sie vorhanden: die Mitarbeitenden im Beschaffungsmanagement, umgangssprachlich auch oft als Einkaufsabteilung oder kurz Einkauf bezeichnet. Dabei müssen mehrere Aspekte und Themenfelder differenziert betrachtet werden, denn „den“ Einkauf bzw. „das“ Beschaffungsmanagement ist dabei zu allgemein in der Bezeichnung.
The Effect of the HALP Score on the Development of Bladder Cancer Recurrence in Patients Undergoing Radical Nephroureterectomy for Upper Urinary Tract Tumours
Authors: Yoldas Mehmet , Arikan Yusuf , Kuvvet Yoldas Tuba
Published: August 2024

Background We aimed to investigate the effect of the haemoglobin, albumin, lymphocyte and platelet (HALP) score on pathologic results and bladder cancer recurrence (BCR) in patients operated for upper urinary tract tumours (UTUCs).

Material and Methods HALP scores of all patients were calculated. Demographic data, preoperative blood parameters, pathologic data and the BCR development status of patients with low and high HALP scores were compared.

Results Haemoglobin (11.2±2.3 g/dL vs. 12.9±2.4 g/dL), albumin (4.0±0.8 g/dL vs. 4.4±0.9 g/dL) and HALP score (38.2±2.9 vs. 43.4±3.1) were statistically lower in the BCR (+) group compared with the BCR (–) group (p<0.001). The ROC curve showed that the optimal cut-off point for the HALP score was 40.8. Multivariate analyses showed that the HALP score was effective on Tumour Grade, Tumour Stage, BCR.

Conclusion We have shown that patients with lower HALP scores have a more advanced stage and higher-grade pathologic outcomes and have a higher risk of developing BCR.
A Single Sauna Session Does Not Improve Postprandial Blood Glucose
Handling in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-Over, Randomized,
Controlled Trial
Authors: Schenaarts Laura , Hendriks Floris K , Fuchs Cas J , Sluijsmans Wendy EM , Snijders Tim , van Loon Luc JC
Published: August 2024

Introduction Passive heat treatment has been suggested to improve glycemic
control in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Previous studies
have focused predominantly on hot water immersion and traditional sauna bathing,
as opposed to the more novel method of infrared-based sauna bathing. Here, the
impact of a single infrared sauna session on post-prandial glycemic control was
assessed in older individuals with T2DM.

Methods In this randomized controlled crossover trial, 12 participants
with T2DM (male/female: 10/2, age: 69±7 y, BMI: 27.5±2.9 kg/m2)
rested in an infrared sauna twice: once in a heated (60°C) and once in a
thermoneutral (21°C) condition for 40 min, immediately followed by a 2-h oral
glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Venous blood samples were obtained to assess
plasma glucose and insulin concentrations and to determine the whole-body
composite insulin sensitivity index.

Results Body core and leg skin temperature were higher following the
heated condition compared to the thermoneutral condition (38.0±0.3 vs.
36.6±0.2°C and 39.4±0.8 vs. 31.3±0.8°C, respectively; P<0.001 for both). The
incremental area under the curve (iAUC) of plasma glucose concentrations during
the OGTT was higher after the heated condition compared to the thermoneutral
condition (17.7±3.1 vs. 14.8±2.8 mmol/L/120 min; P<0.001). No differences
were observed in plasma insulin concentrations (heated: 380±194 vs.
thermoneutral: 376±210 pmol/L/120 min; P=0.93) or whole-body composite insulin
sensitivity indexes (4.5±2.8 vs. 4.5±2.1; P=0.67).

Conclusions A single infrared sauna session does not improve postprandial
blood glucose handling in individuals with T2DM. Future studies should assess
the effect of more prolonged application of infrared sauna bathing on daily
glycemic control.
Primary Breast Lymphoma: A Rare but Important Differential Diagnosis in Patients with Breast Malignancy
Authors: Madabhavi Irappa , Sarkar Malay , Sagar Raghavendra , Revannasiddaiah Swaroop , Kumar Vineet
Published: August 2024

This report is based upon the case of a young lady who presented with a history of a breast lump, which despite clinically resembling a carcinoma, was subsequently diagnosed to be a primary breast lymphoma (PBL). Though rare in incidence, PBL may masquerade as breast carcinoma. PBL accounts for about 1.7–2.2% of all extranodal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and is accountable for up to 0.5% of all breast malignancies. Given that the treatments of breast carcinoma and PBL are markedly different, it is very essential that core-biopsy be preferred in every patient being evaluated for carcinoma of the breast. The diagnosis of diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) was confirmed by immunohistochemistry, and the patient has been treated with six-cycles of chemotherapy followed by involved field-radiotherapy to the right breast. After a year's follow-up, the patient remains free of disease.
Traumatic Intracranial Intrusion of the Mandibular Condyle in the Middle Fossa: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Meneses-Santos Daniela , Sol Izabella , Rodrigues Cristóvão Marcondes de Castro , Oliveira Rodolfo Evangelista Pinto de , Silva Cláudia Jordão , Silva Marcelo Caetano Parreira da
Published: August 2024

The displacement of the condyle into the middle cranial fossa after a high kinetic trauma represents a rare and low prevalence situation in the clinical routine of the maxillofacial surgeon. After a motorcycle accident, a 19-year-old male patient evolves with displacement of the left mandibular condyle to the middle cranial fossa, requiring surgical management in association with the neurosurgical team for repositioning and reconstruction of the glenoid fossa. After craniotomy, the condyle was visualized in the middle fossa. After bone disimpaction with a driller, the condyle was repositioned and the glenoid fossa was reconstructed with a titanium mesh. After 12 months of follow-up, no neurological or functional sequela was observed. The displacement of the mandibular condyle to the cranial fossa is rarely reported in the literature. It requires a multidisciplinary team for its management. Long-term follow-up is also necessary, especially in young patients.
Social-ecological factors associated with trajectories of adolescent sexual and reproductive health stigma: longitudinal cohort findings with urban refugee youth in Kampala
Authors: Logie Carmen H. , Okumu Moses , MacKenzie Frannie , Kibuuka-Musoke Daniel , Hakiza Robert , Katisi Brenda , Nakitende Aidah , Mbuagbaw Lawrence , Kyambadde Peter , Admassu Zerihun
Published: August 2024

Background Stigma towards sexually active young people presents profound barriers to uptake of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, including HIV testing and contraception. Yet, few studies have examined adolescent SRH stigma trajectories over time. To address this knowledge gap, we examined associations between social-ecological factors and trajectories of adolescent SRH stigma among urban refugee youth in Kampala, Uganda. Methods This longitudinal cohort study with refugee youth in Kampala collected data on adolescent SRH stigma at four time-points between 2022 and 2024. We used latent class growth analyses to examine distinct trajectories of adolescent SRH stigma, and examined baseline social-ecological and socio-demographic factors associated with class membership using multivariable logistic regression. Results Among the participants (n = 164 with n = 668 observations; mean age 19.9 years, standard deviation 2.5 years; 52.8% cisgender women), we categorised two distinct adolescent SRH stigma trajectories: consistently high (n = 496; 74.2%) and sustained low (n = 172; 25.8%). In multivariable analyses, living in Uganda ≥1 year at baseline assessment (1–5 years: adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 5.28, confidence interval [CI] 2.29–12.19, P < 0.001; 6–10 years: aOR 6.20, CI 2.61–14.69, P < 0.001; or >10 years: aOR 3.89, CI 1.56–9.68, P < 0.01) compared with <1 year, unemployment (aOR 1.62, CI 1.02–2.56, P < 0.05), having children (aOR 2.84, CI 1.30–6.21, P < 0.05), past 3-month multiple sexual partners (aOR 6.14, CI 1.73–21.75, P < 0.01) and higher depression symptoms (aOR 1.04, CI 1.01–1.08, P < 0.01) were associated with the consistently high (vs sustained low) adolescent SRH stigma trajectory. Conclusions Social-ecological and socio-demographic factors were associated with consistently high levels of adolescent SRH stigma over 2 years. Multi-level strategies can meaningfully engage youth in developing stigma reduction strategies for SRH service delivery.
Peripheral-derived regulatory T cells contribute to tumor-mediated immune suppression in a nonredundant manner
Authors: Hossain Md Moazzem , King Paul , Hackett Justin , Gerard Herve C. , Niwinski Rajmund , Wu Lan , Van Kaer Luc , Dyson Gregory , Gibson Heather , Borowsky Alexander D. , Sebzda Eric
Published: August 2024

Identifying tumor-mediated mechanisms that impair immunity is instrumental for the design of new cancer therapies. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a key component of cancer-derived immune suppression; however, these lymphocytes are necessary to prevent systemic autoimmunity in mice and humans, and thus, direct targeting of Tregs is not a clinical option for cancer patients. We have previously demonstrated that excising transcription factor Kruppel-like factor 2 (
Klf2
) within the T cell lineage blocks the generation of peripheral-derived Tregs (pTregs) without impairing production of thymic-derived Tregs. Using this mouse model, we have now demonstrated that eliminating pTregs is sufficient to delay/prevent tumor malignancy without causing autoimmunity. Cancer-bearing mice that expressed KLF2 converted tumor-specific CD4
+
T cells into pTregs, which accumulated in secondary lymphoid organs and impaired further T cell effector activity. In contrast, pTreg-deficient mice retained cancer-specific immunity, including improved T cell infiltration into “cold” tumors, reduced T cell exhaustion in tumor beds, restricted generation of tumor-associated myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and the continued production of circulating effector T cells that arose in a cancer-dependent manner. Results indicate that tumor-specific pTregs are critical for early stages of cancer progression and blocking the generation of these inhibitory lymphocytes safely delays/prevents malignancy in preclinical models of melanoma and prostate cancer.
Alternating binding and p97-mediated dissociation of SDS22 and I3 recycles active PP1 between holophosphatases
Authors: Kueck Anja F. , van den Boom Johannes , Koska Sandra , Ron David , Meyer Hemmo
Published: August 2024

Protein phosphatase-1 catalytic subunit (PP1) joins diverse targeting subunits to form holophosphatases that regulate many cellular processes. Newly synthesized PP1 is known to be transiently sequestered in an inhibitory complex with Suppressor-of-Dis2-number-2 (SDS22) and Inhibitor-3 (I3), which is disassembled by the ATPases Associated with diverse cellular Activities plus (AAA+) protein p97. Here, we show that the SDS22-PP1-I3 complex also acts as a thermodynamic sink for mature PP1 and that cycles of SDS22-PP1-I3 formation and p97-driven disassembly regulate PP1 function and subunit exchange beyond PP1 biogenesis. Förster Resonance energy transfer (FRET) analysis of labeled proteins in vitro revealed that in the p97-mediated disassembly step, both SDS22 and I3 dissociate concomitantly, releasing PP1. In presence of a targeting subunit, for instance Growth Arrest and DNA Damage-inducible protein 34 (GADD34), liberated PP1 formed an active holophosphatase that dephosphorylated its substrate, eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 alpha (eIF2α). Inhibition of p97 results in displacement of the GADD34 targeting subunit by rebinding of PP1 to SDS22 and I3 indicating that the SDS22-PP1-I3 complex is thermodynamically favored. Likewise, p97 inhibition in cells causes rapid sequestration of PP1 by free SDS22 and I3 at the expense of other subunits. This suggests that PP1 exists in a steady state maintained by spontaneous SDS22-PP1-I3 formation and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) hydrolysis, p97-driven disassembly that recycles active PP1 between different holophosphatase complexes to warrant a dynamic holophosphatase landscape.
Pedagogical potential of Cognitive Grammar descriptions for the pluperfect in Spanish
Authors: Sánchez Cuadrado Adolfo , Castañeda Castro Alejandro
Published: August 2024

Second/foreign language grammar studies usually focus on the validation of grammatical conceptualizations with
learners, sometimes overlooking the paramount need to test these conceptualizations against users’ judgements and corpus searches
as a way of verifying the relevance, frequency and suitability of the items, examples or explanations before the experimental
phases. This paper deals with three pre-experimental validation criteria employed to measure the pedagogical potential of
Cognitive Grammar descriptions for the Spanish pluperfect: (1) learner corpus searches based on caes – Corpus de
Aprendices de Español –, (2) native-speaker corpus searches by means of EsTenTen-18-subcorpus from Sketch Engine, and (3) language
users’ judgements. This tense rarely receives enough attention in learning materials due to its apparent simplicity in terms of
both morphology and functional import. However, learner corpus searches show certain instability in its use. This paper explores
the steps taken within the research project imagine in relation to this tense, including grammatical descriptions
developed within the Cognitive Grammar framework and from a temporal-epistemic perspective in an attempt to account for the
variety of uses of this tense.
Owner-Directed Aggression in a Golden Retriever Male – A Case Study
Authors: Pooley Roz
Published: August 2024

A Golden Retriever male was exhibiting owner-directed aggression (growling, snarling and baring teeth) and occasional avoidance behaviour of the male owner within the home environment. Blood tests and X-rays prior to assessment were unremarkable in addition to an unsuccessful analgesic trial. Extensive information gathering was undertaken during the assessment and in the months that followed. Potential motivating factors identified, including gastro-intestinal discomfort, frustration, physical stress (lack of appetite and lack of rest) and defensive behaviour, proved challenging to isolate. A multi-modal approach to behaviour modification was applied, including further exploration of the dog’s health to rule out undiagnosed pain. giardiasis antigen was identified during a faecal screen and treated, resulting in an improved appetite. Potential gait abnormalities were observed leading to examination by a hydro therapist and registered physiotherapist, both of whom could not identify any concern. Following the owner reporting a potential pain response to the dog’s hind-foot being touched, the referring veterinarian opted to prescribe a second analgesic trial using a different medication. Aggressive incidents ceased to occur while the dog was on pain relief, and the aggressive behaviour returned once the trial was completed. This led to the continued use of analgesia and a further cessation of aggressive behaviour, despite no formal health diagnosis being made by the referring veterinarian to date.

Information

© The Author 2024