bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atrial fibrillation-specific refinement of the STOP-Bang sleep apnoea screening questionnaire: insights from the Virtual-SAFARI study
Authors: Betz Konstanze , Verhaert Dominique V. M. , Gawalko Monika , Hermans Astrid N. L. , Habibi Zarina , Pluymaekers Nikki A. H. A. , van der Velden Rachel M. J. , Homberg Marloes , Philippens Suzanne , Hereijgers Maartje J. M. , Vorstermans Bianca , Simons Sami O. , den Uijl Dennis W. , Chaldoupi Sevasti-Maria , Luermans Justin G. L. M. , Westra Sjoerd W. , Lankveld Theo , van Steenwijk Reindert P. , Hol Bernard , Schotten Ulrich , Vernooy Kevin , Hendriks Jeroen M. , Linz Dominik
Published: February 2023

Background

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is prevalent in up to 50% of patients referred for atrial fibrillation (AF) catheter ablation (CA). Currently, it remains unclear how to improve pre-selection for SDB screening in patients with AF.

Aim

We aimed to (1) assess the accuracy of the STOP-Bang screening questionnaire for detection of SDB within an AF population referred for CA; (2) derive a refined, AF-specific SDB score to improve pre-selection.

Methods

Consecutive AF patients referred for CA without a history of SDB and/or SDB screening were included. Patients were digitally referred to the previously implemented Virtual-SAFARI SDB screening and management pathway including a home sleep test. An apnoea–hypopnoea index (AHI) of  ≥ 15 was interpreted as moderate-to-severe SDB. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess characteristics associated with moderate-to-severe SDB to refine pre-selection for SDB screening.

Results

Of 206 included patients, 51% were diagnosed with moderate-to-severe SDB. The STOP-Bang questionnaire performed poorly in detecting SDB, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.647 (95% Confidence-Interval (CI) 0.573–0.721). AF-specific refinement resulted in the BOSS-GAP score. Therein, BMI with cut-off point ≥ 27 kg/m2 and previous stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) were added, while tiredness and neck circumference were removed. The BOSS-GAP score performed better with an AUROC of 0.738 (95% CI 0.672–0.805) in the overall population.

Conclusion

AF-specific refinement of the STOP-Bang questionnaire moderately improved detection of SDB in AF patients referred for CA. Whether questionnaires bring benefits for pre-selection of SDB compared to structural screening in patients with AF requires further studies.

Trial registration number

ISOLATION was registered NCT04342312, 13-04-2020.

Graphical Abstract
Implementation of the ESC STEMI guidelines in female and elderly patients over a 20-year period in a large German registry
Authors: Riehle Leonhard , Gothe Raffaella M. , Ebbinghaus Jan , Maier Birga , Bruch Leonhard , Röhnisch Jens-Uwe , Schühlen Helmut , Fried Andreas , Stockburger Martin , Theres Heinz , Dreger Henryk , Leistner David M. , Landmesser Ulf , Fröhlich Georg M.
Published: February 2023

Aims

We investigated the implementation of new guidelines in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients in a large real-world patient population in the metropolitan area of Berlin (Germany) over a 20-year period.

Methods

From January 2000 to December 2019, a total of 25 792 patients were admitted with STEMI to one of the 34 member hospitals of the Berlin-Brandenburg Myocardial Infarction Registry (B2HIR) and were stratified for sex and age < 75 and ≥ 75 years.

Results

The median age of women was 72 years (IQR 61–81) compared to 61 years in men (IQR 51–71). PCI treatment as a standard of care was implemented in men earlier than in women across all age groups. It took two years from the 2017 class IA ESC STEMI guideline recommendation to prefer the radial access route rather than femoral until > 60% of patients were treated accordingly. In 2019, less than 60% of elderly women were treated via a radial access. While the majority of patients < 75 years already received ticagrelor or prasugrel as antiplatelet agent in the year of the class IA ESC STEMI guideline recommendation in 2012, men ≥ 75 years lagged two years and women ≥ 75 three years behind. Amongst the elderly, in-hospital mortality was 22.6% (737) for women and 17.3% (523) for men (p < 0.001). In patients < 75 years fatal outcome was less likely with 7.2% (305) in women and 5.8% (833) in men (p < 0.001). After adjustment for confounding variables, female sex was an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality in patients ≥ 75 years (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.12–1.68, p = 0.002), but not in patients < 75 years (p = 0.076).

Conclusion

In-hospital mortality differs considerably by age and sex and remains highest in elderly patients and in particular in elderly females. In these patient groups, guideline recommended therapies were implemented with a significant delay.

Graphical abstract
Ultrasound-guided injection into the lateral crico-arytenoid muscle: a pilot study
Authors: Schneider-Stickler Berit , Ho Guan-Yuh , Moriggl Bernhard
Published: February 2023

Objectives

The anterior, percutaneous Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) injection in the lateral cricoarytenoid muscle (LCA) guided by laryngeal electromyography (LEMG) is considered the golden standard treatment for several neurolaryngological disorders. The study presented in this article aims to assess the effectiveness of an alternative approach by which the injection is performed laterally under ultrasound monitoring.

Study design

Anatomical dissection study in human cadavers.

Settings

Academic health care center.

Methods

Ultrasound-guided bilateral dye (0.1 mL of dye solution containing cold-curing polymers, latex, acrylates, acrylic esters, alcohol, and green color) injection in the LCA was performed by means of 24G needles and 1 mL syringes using the lateral approach. The dye location and distribution were assessed by anatomic dissection, performed immediately after the injection.

Results

In 9/10 specimens, the dye was exclusively detectable in the LCA. In 1/10 case (left side), the dye could not be delivered in the LCA because of unintended penetration of the thyroid cartilage by the needle during injection. Anatomic dissection confirmed that the dye spread neither into the thyroarytenoid (TA) nor the cricothyroid muscle (CT).

Conclusions

The anatomic dissection following lateral dye injection in the LCA under ultrasound guide confirmed the precision of this approach in delivery a substance exclusively in a pre-determined target. This feature makes this method an interesting addition or alternative to the standard LEMG-guided BoNT injection at least when the LCA is its target.

Level of evidence

III.
Blood taken immediately after fatal resuscitation attempts yields higher quality DNA for genetic studies as compared to autopsy samples
Authors: Stanasiuk Caroline , Milting Hendrik , Homm Sören , Persson Jan , Holtz Lars , Wittmer Axel , Fox Henrik , Laser Thorsten , Knöll Ralph , Pohl Greta Marie , Paluszkiewicz Lech , Jakob Thomas , Bachmann-Mennenga Bernd , Henzler Dietrich , Grautoff Steffen , Veit Gunter , Klingel Karin , Hori Erika , Kellner Udo , Karger Bernd , Schlepper Stefanie , Pfeiffer Heidi , Gummert Jan , Gärtner Anna , Tiesmeier Jens
Published: February 2023

Background

The out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in the young may be associated with a genetic predisposition which is relevant even for genetic counseling of relatives. The identification of genetic variants depends on the availability of intact genomic DNA. DNA from autopsy may be not available due to low autopsy frequencies or not suitable for high-throughput DNA sequencing (NGS). The emergency medical service (EMS) plays an important role to save biomaterial for subsequent molecular autopsy. It is not known whether the DNA integrity of samples collected by the EMS is better suited for NGS than autopsy specimens.

Material and methods

DNA integrity was analyzed by standardized protocols. Fourteen blood samples collected by the EMS and biomaterials from autopsy were compared. We collected 172 autopsy samples from different tissues and blood with postmortem intervals of 14–168 h. For comparison, DNA integrity derived from blood stored under experimental conditions was checked against autopsy blood after different time intervals.

Results

DNA integrity and extraction yield were higher in EMS blood compared to any autopsy tissue. DNA stability in autopsy specimens was highly variable and had unpredictable quality. In contrast, collecting blood samples by the EMS is feasible and delivered comparably the highest DNA integrity.

Conclusions

Isolation yield and DNA integrity from blood samples collected by the EMS is superior in comparison to autopsy specimens. DNA from blood samples collected by the EMS on scene is stable at room temperature or even for days at 4 °C. We conclude that the EMS personnel should always save a blood sample of young fatal OHCA cases died on scene to enable subsequent genetic analysis.
Long-term field study reveals that warmer summers lead to larger and longer-lived females only in northern populations of Natterer’s bats
Authors: Stapelfeldt Bianca , Tress Christoph , Koch Ralf , Tress Johannes , Kerth Gerald , Scheuerlein Alexander
Published: February 2023

Animals often respond to climate change with changes in morphology, e.g., shrinking body size with increasing temperatures, as expected by Bergmann’s rule. Because small body size can have fitness costs for individuals, this trend could threaten populations. Recent studies, however, show that morphological responses to climate change and the resulting fitness consequences cannot be generalized even among related species. In this long-term study, we investigate the interaction between ambient temperature, body size and survival probability in a large number of individually marked wild adult female Natterer’s bats (Myotis nattereri). We compare populations from two geographical regions in Germany with a different climate. In a sliding window analysis, we found larger body sizes in adult females that were raised in warmer summers only in the northern population, but not in the southern population that experienced an overall warmer climate. With a capture-mark-recapture approach, we showed that larger individuals had higher survival rates, demonstrating that weather conditions in early life could have long-lasting fitness effects. The different responses in body size to warmer temperatures in the two regions highlight that fitness-relevant morphological responses to climate change have to be viewed on a regional scale and may affect local populations differently.
A comparative study of machine learning and deep learning algorithms for padel tennis shot classification
Authors: Domínguez Guillermo Cartes , Álvarez Evelia Franco , Córdoba Alejandro Tapia , Reina Daniel Gutiérrez
Published: February 2023

Data processing in sports is a phenomenon increasingly present at all levels, from professionals in search of tools to improve their performance to beginners motivated by the quantification of their physical activity. In this work, a comparison between some of the main machine learning and deep learning algorithms is carried out in order to classify padel tennis strokes. Up to 13 representative padel tennis strokes are classified. Before a classification of padel tennis strokes is performed, a sufficiently representative data set is needed that collects numerous examples of the performance of these strokes. Since there was no similar data set in the literature, we proceeded to the creation of such a data set, for which we developed a data collection system based on an electronic device with an inertial measurement unit. Using the developed data set, the machine learning and deep learning algorithms were hyperparameterized to compare their performance under the best possible configurations. The algorithms were fed with both the temporal series of the acceleration and speed of the six degrees of freedom and also with feature engineering input, consisting in calculating the mean, maximum, and minimum values for each axis. The algorithms evaluated are: fully connected or dense neural networks, 1D convolutional neural networks, decision tree, K nearest neighbors, support vector machines, and eigenvalue classification. According to the results achieved, the best algorithm is the 1D convolutional neural network with temporal series input that achieves an accuracy higher than 93%. However, other simpler algorithms such as dense networks and support vector machines achieve similar results.
Leveling the curve of Spee using different sized archwires: a randomized clinical trial of blood flow changes
Authors: Ba-Hattab Raidan , Abu Alhaija Elham S. , Nasrawi Yousef H. , Taha Nessrin , Daher Hasan , Daher Saba
Published: February 2023

Objectives

To compare blood flow (BF) changes of teeth subjected to orthodontic forces during curve of Spee (COS) leveling using different archwires (AW).

Material and methods

Thirty subjects with COS > 5 mm were randomly assigned (1:1:1) into three groups based on the AW used: group 1: 0.017 × 0.025-inch stainless-steel (SS)AW, group 2: 0.019 × 0.025-inch SSAW, and group 3: 0.021 × 0.025-inch β-titanium (TMA)AW. In the 3 groups, a 5 mm-depth reverse COS was placed in the AWs. A laser Doppler flowmeter was used to measure BF at different time intervals (T0–T4).

Results

In the 3 AWs group, BF of all measured teeth was reduced 20 min after force application. Afterwards, the BF values started to increase until the baseline values were almost restored within 1 week. Differences in BF changes between the extrusion and intrusion subgroups were observed within groups 1 and 3 during the first 20 min of force application (P < 0.05). Similar BF changes were recorded using the 3 different AWs. BF changes were associated with tooth type and the amount of COS depth change.

Conclusions

During CoS leveling, similar BF changes were recorded using the 3 different AWs. Tooth type and the amount of COS depth change were associated with BF changes within the first 20 min of force application. Greater BF reduction was found in premolars compared to incisors during the first 20 min of AW placement.

Clinical relevance

It is important to select a type of applied forces that minimally affect the BF. Intrusive forces appeared to have lower negative effects on the BF of teeth during COS leveling.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrial.gov (# NCT04549948).
Lower range of serum uric acid level increases risk of rapid decline of kidney function in young and middle-aged adults: the Yuport Medical Checkup Center Study
Authors: Ueda Hitomi , Inoue Kazuo , Seki Reiko , Nemoto Yoshikazu , Terawaki Hiroyuki
Published: February 2023

Background

The effect of low serum uric acid (sUA) levels on kidney function is unclear. This study aimed to clarify the relationship between low sUA levels and the rapid decline in kidney function.

Methods

We examined the relationship between sUA levels and kidney function decline in health check-up examinees. A total of 10,547 participants were enrolled using data from the Yuport Medical Checkup Center Study between 1998 and 2002 for baseline and data from 2002 to 2006 as the follow-up period in Japan. According to sUA level (mg/dL), we classified the participants into the following six groups: (1) 2.0–2.9 (n = 247), (2) 3.0–3.9 (n = 1457), (3) 4.0–4.9 (n = 2883), (4) 5.0–5.9 (n = 2899), (5) 6.0–6.9 (n = 2010), and (6) 7.0–7.9 (n = 1,051). The relationship between sUA level and rapid decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (ΔeGFR ≥ 3 mL/min/1.73 m2/year) was examined using a logistic regression model.

Results

During study period (5.4 ± 1.6 years), the incidence of rapid eGFR decline for the respective sUA groups (2.0–2.9, 3.0–3.9, 4.0–4.9, 5.0–5.9, 6.0–6.9, 7.0–7.9) were as follows: 4.5%, 4.0%, 2.4%, 3.3%, 3.1%, 3.4%. The crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR) for rapid eGFR decline were significantly higher in the 2.0–2.9 (OR:1.93 and 1.86) and 3.0–3.9 (OR:1.72 and 1.73) groups than in the 4.0–4.9 groups (reference). Stratified analysis of age differences revealed that the detrimental effect of low sUA was not evident in older adults (age ≥ 65 years).

Conclusion

A lower normal sUA level is related to an increased risk for a rapid decline in kidney function.
Endoscopic visualization of the inferior alveolar nerve associated with somatosensory changes after impacted mandibular third molar extraction
Authors: Jiang Jun-Qi , Kang Yan-Feng , Chen Ke-Nan , Cui Nian-Hui , Yan Zi-Yu , Guo Chuan-Bin , Wang En-Bo , Xu Xiang-Liang
Published: February 2023

The aim of this study is to assess the relationship between somatosensory functional changes and inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) exposure after impacted mandibular third molars (M3M) removal. We recruited 35 patients who underwent impacted M3M extraction near the IAN. The M3Ms were extracted by combined endoscopy, piezosurgery, and contra-angle high-speed turbine handpiece. All IAN canal perforations and exposed regions were recorded and measured by endoscopy after extraction and on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images before extraction. The patients were followed up 1, 7, and 35 days after surgery. A standardized quantitative sensory testing (QST) battery was performed on the lower lip skin. All of 35 cases had exposed IAN on CBCT images, 5 of which had no exposed IAN under endoscopy. For the other 30 cases, the endoscopy-measured IAN length and width were shorter than the CBCT measurements (P < 0.001). The warm and mechanical detection thresholds (MDT) on the operation side were significantly higher than the contralateral side after surgery (P < 0.05). Thermal sensory limen, MDT, and cold pain threshold were strongly correlated with the exposed IAN length and MDT also with the exposed IAN width one day after surgery. In conclusion, it was found that not all exposed IAN in CBCT images were real exposure after surgery. The intraoperative exposed IAN endoscopic measurements were smaller than by CBCT and strongly correlated with some QST parameters.
The role of the microencruster-microbial reef-building consortium in organic reefs evolution (Late Jurassic, northern Tethys shelf, southern Poland)
Authors: Krajewski Marcin , Olchowy Piotr
Published: February 2023

The carbonate sediments of the Polish part of Tethys shelf containCrescentiella-microbial-cement facies. The facies is associated with Middle Oxfordian-Lower Kimmeridgian microbial-grain dominated reefs, microbial-sponge dual hybride reefs, and less frequently sponge/coral-microbial-abiotic triple hybride reefs. TheCrescentiella(incertae sedis) and microbialites form numerous cluster bioconstructions with stromatactis-like cavities in which rapid lithification was supported by early marine cementation. However, the factors controlling the development of such bioconstructions and the role ofCrescentiellain the development of reef frameworks remain enigmatic. The sediments from five localities were investigated using thin-sections analyses supported by cathodoluminescence observations, stable oxygen and carbon isotope analyses and dispersive X-ray spectrometry. The development ofCrescentiella-microbial-cement facies took place in three intervals spanning the Transversarium, Upper Bifurcatus, and Planula zones and coinciding with the period of maximum development of the Late Jurassic reefs in Poland. The reefs contain microencrusterCrescentiellawhich was an important rigid framework constructor among the microbialites while the skeletal metazoans were rare. The inferred palaeosetting of the facies ranges from the seaward steep-fronted outer margin to the upper slope broad reef complex/microplatform where the development of skeletal metazoans was limited and mainly formed stratiform microbialites binding coated grain-bioclastic dominated sediments. The occurrence ofCrescentiella-microbial-cement boundstone facies is useful for palaeogeographic, palaeobathymetric, and palaeotectonic investigations.
The Ethical Implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) For Meaningful Work
Authors: Bankins Sarah , Formosa Paul
Published: February 2023

The increasing workplace use of artificially intelligent (AI) technologies has implications for the experience of meaningful human work. Meaningful work refers to the perception that one’s work has worth, significance, or a higher purpose. The development and organisational deployment of AI is accelerating, but the ways in which this will support or diminish opportunities for meaningful work and the ethical implications of these changes remain under-explored. This conceptual paper is positioned at the intersection of the meaningful work and ethical AI literatures and offers a detailed assessment of the ways in which the deployment of AI can enhance or diminish employees’ experiences of meaningful work. We first outline the nature of meaningful work and draw on philosophical and business ethics accounts to establish its ethical importance. We then explore the impacts of three paths of AI deployment (replacing some tasks, ‘tending the machine’, and amplifying human skills) across five dimensions constituting a holistic account of meaningful work, and finally assess the ethical implications. In doing so we help to contextualise the meaningful work literature for the era of AI, extend the ethical AI literature into the workplace, and conclude with a range of practical implications and future research directions.
Enzyme-Linked Metal Organic Frameworks for Biocatalytic Degradation of Antibiotics
Authors: Saddique Zohaib , Imran Muhammad , Javaid Ayesha , Rizvi Nayab Batool , Akhtar Muhammad Nadeem , Iqbal Hafiz M. N. , Bilal Muhammad
Published: February 2023

Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are multi-dimensional network of crystalline material held together by bonding of metal atoms and organic ligands. Owing to unique structural, chemical, and physical properties, MOFs has been used for enzyme immobilization to be employed in different catalytic process, including catalytic degradation of antibiotics. Immobilization process other than providing large surface provides enzyme with enhanced stability, catalytic activity, reusability, and selectivity. There are various approaches of enzyme immobilization over MOFs including physical adsorption, chemical bonding, diffusion and in situ encapsulation. In situ encapsulation is one the best approach that provides extra stability from unfolding and denaturation in harsh industrial conditions. Presence of antibiotic in environment is highly damaging for human in particular and ecosystem in general. Different methods such as ozonation, oxidation, chlorination and catalysis are available for degradation or removal of antibiotics from environment, however these are associated with several issues. Contrary to these, enzyme immobilized MOFs are novel system to be used in catalytic degradation of antibiotics. Enzyme@MOFs are more stable, reusable and more efficient owing to additional support of MOFs to natural enzymes in well-established process of photocatalysis for degradation of antibiotics aimed at environmental remediation. Prime focus of this review is to present catalytic degradation of antibiotics by enzyme@MOFs while outlining their synthetics approaches, characterization, and mechanism of degradation. Furthermore, this review highlights the significance of enzyme@MOFs system for antibiotics degradation in particular and environmental remediation in general. Current challenges and future perspective of research in this field are also outlined along with concluding comments.

Graphical Abstract
The carcinogenicity of opium consumption: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: M. Filho Adalberto , Turner Michelle C. , Warnakulasuriya Saman , Richardson David B. , Hosseini Bayan , Kamangar Farin , Pourshams Akram , Sewram Vikash , Cronin-Fenton Deirdre , Etemadi Arash , Glass Deborah C. , Rahimi-Movaghar Afarin , Sheikh Mahdi , Malekzadeh Reza , Schubauer-Berigan Mary K.
Published: February 2023

The carcinogenicity of opium consumption was recently evaluated by a Working Group convened by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). We supplement the recent IARC evaluation by conducting an extended systematic review as well as a quantitative meta-analytic assessment of the role of opium consumption and risk for selected cancers, evaluating in detail various aspects of study quality on meta-analytic findings. We searched the published literature to identify all relevant studies on opium consumption and risk of selected cancers in humans through 31 October, 2022. Meta-relative risks (mRRs) and associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using random-effects models for studies of cancer of the urinary bladder, larynx, lung, oesophagus, pancreas, and stomach. Heterogeneity among studies was assessed using the I2 statistic. We assessed study quality and conducted sensitivity analyses to evaluate the impact of potential reverse causation, protopathic bias, selection bias, information bias, and confounding.
In total, 2 prospective cohort studies and 33 case–control studies were included. The overall pooled mRR estimated for ‘ever or regular’ versus ‘never’ use of opium ranged from 1.50 (95% CI 1.13–1.99, I2 = 0%, 6 studies) for oesophageal cancer to 7.97 (95% CI 4.79–13.3, I2 = 62%, 7 studies) for laryngeal cancer. Analyses of cumulative opium exposure suggested greater risk of cancer associated with higher opium consumption. Findings were robust in sensitivity analyses excluding studies prone to potential methodological sources of biases and confounding. Findings support an adverse association between opium consumption and cancers of the urinary bladder, larynx, lung, oesophagus, pancreas and stomach.
Phosphorus sustainability through coordinated stakeholder engagement: a perspective
Authors: Deviney Alison , Grieger Khara , Merck Ashton , Classen John , Marshall Anna-Maria
Published: February 2023

In this Perspective we take an in-depth look at what coordinated stakeholder engagement could entail for phosphorus sustainability. The element phosphorus is critical to life on Earth and to the continued functioning of society as we know it. Yet, how society uses phosphorus is currently unsustainable, both as a resource in support of global food production where inequitable distribution creates food security challenges, but also from an environmental aspect, where mismanagement has led to negative impacts on the quality of agricultural soils, human health, and freshwater and marine ecosystems. A number of initiatives and cross-sector consortia have come together to address sustainable phosphorus management at either global or regional scales. However, these efforts could benefit from a more coordinated approach to stakeholder engagement to identify the diversity of needs and perspectives involved in this complex challenge. Herein we examine some examples of different approaches to developing such coordinated stakeholder engagement in other areas of environmental sustainability. We consider how to apply the lessons learned from those efforts toward stakeholder coordination in the realm of phosphorus sustainability. Particularly, we discuss the value of a coordinating body to manage the communications and knowledge sharing necessary to develop trust and cooperation among diverse stakeholder groups and to transition society to more sustainable phosphorus use.
Measuring scientific reasoning in kindergarten and elementary school: validating the Chinese version of the Science-K Inventory
Authors: Osterhaus Christopher , Lin Xiya , Koerber Susanne
Published: February 2023

Scientific reasoning is a twenty-first century skill that is important for economic growth and social prosperity. A growing body of research documents that basic scientific reasoning skills develop much earlier than initially assumed, with many young elementary school and even kindergarten-aged children showing emergent scientific reasoning skills. Many studies on early scientific reasoning have been conducted in Western countries, and there is a lack of validated instruments that can be used in cross-cultural work. The present paper reports on the findings of a study assessing the psychometric properties of the shortened Chinese version of the Science-K(indergarten) Inventory (SC-SKI). The SC-SKI consists of 10 items that assess children’s understanding of the nature of science, as well as their experimentation and data interpretation skills. Sixty-nine 6- to 7-year-olds from urban and rural schools in the Hunan province (China) participated in the study. The results showed an acceptable reliability of the SC-SKI (McDonald’s ωt = 0.60). The ability estimates obtained for children’s scientific reasoning (average performance was 47.5% correct) were comparable to those measured in German 6-year-olds (45.1% correct), and the urban sample outperformed the rural sample, supporting the ability of the SC-SKI to detect expected performance differences in young children’s scientific reasoning. A significant correlation between scientific reasoning and language skills (r = 0.54, p < 0.05) confirms earlier findings and indicates construct validity. Taken together, the present study shows that the SC-SKI is a reliable and valid instrument that can be used to measure scientific reasoning in Chinese-speaking 6- to 7-year-olds.
The Village, the Elephant, and the State: Land Access and Vulnerability in Rural Botswana
Authors: Redmore Lauren , Katholo Ipolokeng , Sene-Harper Aby , Songhurst Anna , McCulloch Graham , Stronza Amanda
Published: February 2023

Throughout the world, people resettle to reduce vulnerability to potentially dangerous wildlife, including elephants. In turn, they may become subject to development policies and practices that can either exacerbate or alleviate their vulnerability. Our ethnographic study in the Okavango Delta of Botswana, where 18,000 elephants share territory with 16,000 people, examines how resettlement decisions and settlement policies impacted vulnerability to elephants. We found that people who came into regular conflict with elephants frequently relocated from cattleposts to villages. Although people historically resettled near family, in 2015 a newly introduced “first-come, first-served” residential plot allocation policy spatially separated families within the village, creating further vulnerability for households relying on kinship networks. We found that government planning that incorporates locally available strategies, such as the ability to access support from kinship networks, may reduce vulnerability for those forced to resettle by elephant encroachment on their land.
Bioactive fraction from Plumeria obtusa L. attenuates LPS-induced acute lung injury in mice and inflammation in RAW 264.7 macrophages: LC/QToF-MS and molecular docking
Authors: Eloutify Yousra T. , El-Shiekh Riham A. , Ibrahim Khaled Meselhy , Hamed Ahmed R. , Al-Karmalawy Ahmed A. , Shokry Aya A. , Ahmed Yasmine H. , Avula Bharathi , Katragunta Kumar , Khan Ikhlas A. , Meselhy Meselhy R.
Published: February 2023

In this study, the anti-inflammatory effects of the methanolic extract (TE) of Plumeria obtusa L. (aerial parts) and its fractions were evaluated in vitro, and active fraction was evaluated in vivo. Among tested extracts, dichloromethane fraction (DCM-F) exhibited the strongest inhibition of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) in RAW 264.7 macrophages. The effect of DCM-F on LPS-induced acute lung injury (ALI) in mice was studied. The animals were divided into five groups (n = 7) randomly; Gp I: negative control, GP II: positive control (LPS group), GP III: standard (dexamethasone, 2 mg/kg b.wt), GP IV and V: DCM-F (100 mg/kg), and DEM-F (200 mg/kg), respectively. DCM-F at a dose of 200 mg/kg suppressed the ability of LPS to increase the levels of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), NO, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin 6 (IL-6), as measured by ELISA. In addition, the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) was reduced (determined by immunohistochemistry) and the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) was decreased while that of catalase was restored to the normal values. Furthermore, the histopathological scores of inflammation induced by LPS were reduced. Twenty-two compounds were tentatively identified in DCM-F using LC/ESI-QToF with iridoids, phenolic derivatives and flavonoids as major constituents. Identified compounds were subjected to two different molecular docking processes against iNOS and prostaglandin E synthase-1 target receptors. Notably, protoplumericin A and 13-O-coumaroyl plumeride were the most promising members compared to the co-crystallized inhibitor in each case. These findings suggested that DCM-F attenuates the LPS-induced ALI in experimental animals through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential.
Color tuneability behaviour and energy transfer analysis on Dy3+-Eu3+ co-doped glasses for NUV-WLEDs application
Authors: Monisha M. , Sayyed M. I. , Mazumder Nirmal , Arayro Jack , Kamath Sudha D.
Published: February 2023

A series of Dy3+ and Eu3+ co-doped zinc aluminoborosilicate (ZABS) glasses were synthesized by a high-temperature melt-quenching method. Visible and NIR transitions of Dy3+-Eu3+ ions are observed through absorption spectra. A reverse trend in the optical band gap values and Urbach energy are seen with addition of Eu3+ ions. Photoluminescence studies recorded under different excitation wavelengths showed a variation in the emission intensities and prevailed the color tuneability behaviour of dopants. The energy transfer between Dy3+ and Eu3+ ions are studied through emission profiles, energy level diagram, and decay curves. The type of multipolar interaction between Dy3+ and Eu3+ are understood via Inokuti-Hirayama (IH) model and Dexter energy model. The CIE chromaticity coordinates, and correlated color temperature (CCT) values suggest that the prepared glasses can be used for light emitting diode application when excited at near-ultraviolet region.
The Role of Attachment Styles on Quality of Life and Distress Among Early-Stage Female Breast Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review
Authors: Karveli Spyridoula , Galanis Petros , Mitropoulou Eirini Marina , Karademas Evangelos , Markopoulos Christos
Published: February 2023

Cancer patients’ quality of life (QoL) and distress are affected by dispositional factors such as attachment anxiety or avoidance. In this review, we aimed to provide a thorough overview of the relationship between attachment dimensions and QoL and distress among early-stage breast cancer patients. Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic search using PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, Cinahl, Google Scholar, and PMC Europe. We reviewed 8 eligible studies describing 1180 patients. Insecure attachment appeared to be related to poorer QoL and higher distress levels. Avoidant attachment was more frequent and was more often associated with more negative outcomes. Healthcare providers should consider investigating modifiable personality traits in the immediate post diagnosis period to identify patients more vulnerable to mental health problems, deliver personalized care, and reduce emotional burden.
Hydrogen Sulphide-Based Therapeutics for Neurological Conditions: Perspectives and Challenges
Authors: Sharif Amir H. , Iqbal Mohammed , Manhoosh Bahareh , Gholampoor Negin , Ma Dan , Marwah Mandeep , Sanchez-Aranguren Lissette
Published: February 2023

Central nervous system (CNS)-related conditions are currently the leading cause of disability worldwide, posing a significant burden to health systems, individuals and their families. Although the molecular mechanisms implicated in these disorders may be varied, neurological conditions have been increasingly associated with inflammation and/or impaired oxidative response leading to further neural cell damages. Therefore, therapeutic approaches targeting these defective molecular mechanisms have been vastly explored. Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) has emerged as a modulator of both inflammation and oxidative stress with a neuroprotective role, therefore, has gained interest in the treatment of neurological disorders. H2S, produced by endogenous sources, is maintained at low levels in the CNS. However, defects in the biosynthetic and catabolic routes for H2S metabolism have been identified in CNS-related disorders. Approaches to restore H2S availability using H2S-donating compounds have been recently explored in many models of neurological conditions. Nonetheless, we still need to elucidate the potential for these compounds not only to ameliorate defective biological routes, but also to better comprehend the implications on H2S delivery, dosage regimes and feasibility to successfully target CNS tissues. Here, we highlight the molecular mechanisms of H2S-dependent restoration of neurological functions in different models of CNS disease whilst summarising current administration approaches for these H2S-based compounds. We also address existing barriers in H2S donor delivery by showcasing current advances in mediating these constrains through novel biomaterial-based carriers for H2S donors.
Dynamics of a mechanical system with a spherical pendulum subjected to fractional damping: analytical analysis
Authors: Freundlich Jan , Sado Danuta
Published: February 2023

In the paper, nonlinear vibrations of a system with three degrees of freedom having a spherical pendulum are considered. The system comprises a mass element suspended from a linear spring and a viscous damper, and a spherical pendulum swung from the mass element. It is assumed that the fractional viscous damping occurs in the viscous damper and at the pendulum pivot point. The viscoelastic properties of damping are assumed to be described using the Riemann–Liouville fractional derivative. The fractional derivative of an order of $$ 0 < \alpha \le 1$$

0
<
α
≤
1

is assumed. The nonlinear vibrations of the system near internal and external resonances are analyzed. The equations of motion of the analyzed system are solved using the multiple-scale method. The steady-state approximate solution is studied. The effect of a fractional-order derivative on the system vibrations is examined.
Pharmacists’ clinical roles and activities in inpatient hospice and palliative care: a scoping review
Authors: Wernli Ursina , Hischier Désirée , Meier Christoph R. , Jean-Petit-Matile Sibylle , Kobleder Andrea , Meyer-Massetti Carla
Published: February 2023

Background

Pharmacists contribute to medication safety by providing their services in various settings. However, standardized definitions of the role of pharmacists in hospice and palliative care (HPC) are lacking.

Aim

The purpose of this scoping review was to provide an overview of the evidence on the role of pharmacists and to map clinical activities in inpatient HPC.

Method

We performed a scoping review according to the PRISMA-ScR extension in CINAHL, Embase, and PubMed. We used the American Society of Hospital Pharmacists (ASHP) Guidelines on the Pharmacist’s Role in Palliative and Hospice Care as a framework for standardized categorization of the identified roles and clinical activities.

Results

After screening 635 records (published after January 1st, 2000), the scoping review yielded 23 publications reporting various pharmacy services in HPC. The articles addressed the five main categories in the following descending order: ‘Medication order review and reconciliation’, ‘Medication counseling, education and training’, ‘Administrative Roles’, ‘Direct patient care’, and ‘Education and scholarship’. A total of 172 entries were mapped to the subcategories that were added to the main categories.

Conclusion

This scoping review identified a variety of pharmacists’ roles and clinical activities. The gathered evidence will help to establish and define the role of pharmacists in inpatient hospice and palliative care.
Plant-soil feedback: incorporating untested influential drivers and reconciling terminology
Authors: De Long Jonathan R. , Heinen Robin , Heinze Johannes , Morriën Elly , Png G. Kenny , Sapsford Sarah J. , Teste François P. , Fry Ellen L.
Published: February 2023

Background

Plants condition the soil in which they grow, thereby altering the performance of subsequent plants growing in this soil. This phenomenon, known as plant-soil feedback (PSF), has garnered increasing interest. Experiments are moving from single species soil pairings in the glasshouse to community-level field trials. Consequently, our knowledge of the role PSF plays in shaping ecosystem functions has advanced. However, knowledge gaps remain.

Scope

Here, we explore intrinsic and extrinsic abiotic and biotic drivers of PSF such as maternal effects, plant functional traits, self-DNA, plant-plant competition, herbivory, interactions between soil organisms, temperature, drought, flooding, greenhouse gases, (micro)nutrients, plant-litter-soil feedback and priority effects. These drivers have begun to feature in experiments, thereby increasing our mechanistic understanding of PSF. Nonetheless, many of these topics have received insufficient coverage to determine general principles across larger temporal and spatial scales. Further, conflicting terminology has excluded PSF studies from reviews and meta-analyses. We review terms such as soil sickness, Janzen-Connell hypothesis, soil-related invasive species work, soil legacies, allelopathy and soil-related succession that overlap with PSF but are generally not named as such.

Conclusion

Holistic experimental designs that consider the continual reciprocal feedback between the extrinsic environment, plants and soil, as well as the unification of terminologies are necessary if we are to realise the full potential of PSF for understanding and steering ecosystem processes. Here, we compile outstanding questions related to PSF research that emphasis the aforementioned topics and suggest ways to incorporate them into future research in order to advance plant-soil ecology.
Impact of the number and rank of coauthors on h-index and π-index. The part-impact method
Authors: Vinkler Péter
Published: February 2023

The publication activity of 20 Price-medallists was analysed by calculating several scientometric indices from data of elite sets of their publications. The following elite sets (i.e. most cited papers within the total) were obtained:π-set (where the number of papers is equal to √P, andPis the number of total papers),h-set (in which the number of papers equals to the Hirsch index), 2π-set, 2h-set, and the set of papers (ECP) which are cited more frequently than the average. The percentage share of papers and citations was found to increase in the mentioned rank of the elite sets, except ECP-set. The number of publications and citations in the elite sets was calculated also by different part-impact methods forsharing credit among the coauthors.The applied methods take into account the number or number and rank of coauthors in the by-line of the papers. It was demostrated that any of the methods changes bothπandh-index significantly related to the value calculated by attributing total credit to the evaluated individual. The changes strongly depend on the number of coauthors and rank of the studied author in the by-line of the papers. Consequently, in assessing personal contribution of scientists by scientometric indices, sharing credit of publications and citations among the coauthors of publications seems to be highly relevant. Selecting the appropriate impact sharing method depends on the purpose of the evaluation.
Empirical relationship between the number of review and research articles
Authors: Praus Petr
Published: February 2023

In this contribution, an empirical relationship between the number of review and research articles published per year was searched. The simple idea based on proportionality (linearity) between the numbers of both kinds of articles was expressed in terms of a quadratic relationship, in which the quadratic member can reflect negative or positive deviations from the assumed linearity. The quadratic relationship was able to describe beginning periods of research fields as well as their mature phases and to detect the unpredictably high number of review articles. It was verified by the articles published in 20 various research fields taken from the Web of Science during different time spans.
Novel inducible promoter DREB1G cloned from date palm exhibits high fold expression over AtRD29 to drought and salinity stress
Authors: Kodackattumannil Preshobha , Whitley Kenna , Sasi Shina , Lekshmi Geetha , Krishnan Saranya , Al Senaani Salima , Kottackal Martin , Amiri Khaled M. A.
Published: February 2023

Right and timely expression of the stress regulatory genes is required for plants to compete against abiotic stresses; it necessitates the isolation and characterization of stress-responsive promoters for improving crops' tolerance to abiotic stresses. Dehydration Responsive Element Binding (DREB) regulates the expression of numerous stress-responsive genes in plants and leads an inevitable role in the adaptation of plants to abiotic stresses. In this study, the promoter region of Phoenix dactylifera (Date palm, a major fruit crop of the arid region) PdDREB1G gene was isolated and characterized for the first time. A comparison of the activity of two promoter fragments, 880 bp (DS) and 1.6 kb (DF) of PdDREB1G to AtRD29A was performed. Histochemical assay displayed remarkable GUS staining and RT-qPCR analysis confirmed the induction of GUS expression in T3 plants of transformed tobacco subjected to different abiotic stresses. Furthermore, compared with the widely used AtRD29A promoter, the relative expression of GUS in leaves by DS and DF was three and twofold higher under salt stress, respectively, while it was twofold in polyethylene glycol (PEG) and abscisic acid (ABA) for DS. Under SA stress, DF and DS displayed 1.5 and onefold expression in leaves, respectively. In the root, DS showed a fourfold increased expression in salt, threefold in PEG and ABA, and twofold in SA. Hence, the DS promoter characterized in the present study becomes a choice over RD29A for abiotic stress responses and is useful to develop stress-tolerant transgenic plants by inducing the expression of stress-inducible genes on stress.
Effect of canola oil supplementation level on total tract digestion, ruminal fermentation, and methane emissions of cows grazing Urochloa sp. supplemented with a fixed amount of concentrate
Authors: Avilés-Nieto Jonathan Noe , Márquez-Mota Claudia Cecilia , Hernández-Medrano Juan Hebert , Ramírez-Bribiesca Jacinto Efrén , Castillo-Gallegos Epigmenio , Plascencia Alejandro , Castrejón-Pineda Francisco Alejandro , Corona Luis
Published: February 2023

Four rumen-cannulated cows (Bos taurus × Bos indicus, 657 ± 92 kg body weight, BW) in a rotational grazing (Urochloa sp.) system were assigned to different canola oil (CO) inclusion levels, 0.0, 0.40, 0.80, and 1.2 g/kg according to shrunk body weight (SBW, BW adjusted for gastrointestinal filling) in a 4 × 4 Latin Square design to evaluate CO on the CH4 emissions and dietary energy intake. CH4 emissions were estimated using an infrared analyzer methodology (Sniffer method). Grass intake and fecal production were estimated using Cr2O3 as an external marker. CO supplementation increased (linear effect, P ≤ 0.05) total dry matter and gross energy intake with a linear increase (P = 0.09) in neutral detergent fiber (NDF) intake. While digestible energy (Mcal/kg) linearly increased with increasing CO supplementation level (linear effect, P < 0.05), total tract digestion of organic matter, NDF, and CP was comparable (P > 0.05) between levels. Maximal CO supplementation (1.2 g/kg SBW) significantly decreased total ruminal protozoa population, acetate:propionate ratio, and enteric methane production (g/kg DMI) by 9, 5.3, and 17.5%, respectively. This study showed that, for cows grazing tropical forages, CO can be supplemented up to 1.2 g/kg SBW (5.8% of the total diet) without negatively affecting intake and nutrient digestion while reducing ruminal fermentation efficiency and enteric methane emission (≤ 17.5%).