bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Logic Control of Directional Long‐Range Resonance Energy Transfer On 2D DNA Nanosheet
Authors: Li Chunhong , Lv Wenyi , Yang Feifan , Li Chunmei , Huang Chengzhi , Zhen Shujun
Published: April 2023

By arranging fluorophores in a directional way on a 2D DNA nanosheet that transfers energy from the initial donor to the acceptor through homogeneous Förster resonance energy transfer (homo‐FRET), it is found that the photonic wires (PWs) based on cascade long‐range resonance energy transfer (LrRET) up to 15.6 nm can be effectively achieved through the rational selection of the fluorophores and the adjustment of their position with different distance. Then, logic control of directional energy transfer is achieved with the blocking of the energy transfer pathway, making two tumor‐associated microRNA (miRNA) inputs produce an obvious output with the association of tumor diagnosis only when they present simultaneously. This research provides a new thought for development of PWs on 2D DNA nanosheets and a smart application of LrRET‐based DNA AND logic control of intracellular miRNA imaging and tumor cells recognition.
Stability of DNA Origami Nanostructures in Physiological Media: The Role of Molecular Interactions
Authors: Linko Veikko , Keller Adrian
Published: April 2023

Programmable, custom‐shaped, and nanometer‐precise DNA origami nanostructures have rapidly emerged as prospective and versatile tools in bionanotechnology and biomedicine. Despite tremendous progress in their utilization in these fields, essential questions related to their structural stability under physiological conditions remain unanswered. Here, DNA origami stability is explored by strictly focusing on distinct molecular‐level interactions. In this regard, the fundamental stabilizing and destabilizing ionic interactions as well as interactions involving various enzymes and other proteins are discussed, and their role in maintaining, modulating, or decreasing the structural integrity and colloidal stability of DNA origami nanostructures is summarized. Additionally, specific issues demanding further investigation are identified. This review – through its specific viewpoint – may serve as a primer for designing new, stable DNA objects and for adapting their use in applications dealing with physiological media.
Multi‐Responsive Supercapacitors from Chiral Nematic Cellulose Nanocrystal‐Based Activated Carbon Aerogels
Authors: Andrew Lucas J. , Gillman Emma R. , Walters Christopher M. , Lizundia Erlantz , MacLachlan Mark J.
Published: April 2023

The development of long‐lived electrochemical energy storage systems based on renewable materials is integral for the transition toward a more sustainable society. Supercapacitors have garnered considerable interest given their impressive cycling performance, low cost, and safety. Here, the first example of a chiral nematic activated carbon aerogel is shown. Specifically, supercapacitor materials are developed based on cellulose, a non‐toxic and biodegradable material. The chiral nematic structure of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) is harnessed to obtain free‐standing hierarchically ordered activated carbon aerogels. To impart multifunctionality, iron‐ and cobalt‐oxide nanoparticles are incorporated within the CNC matrix. The hierarchical structure remains intact even at nanoparticle concentrations of ≈70 wt%. The aerogels are highly porous, with specific surface areas up to 820 m2 g−1. A maximum magnetization of 17.8 ± 0.1 emu g−1 with superparamagnetic behavior is obtained, providing a base for actuator applications. These materials are employed as symmetric supercapacitors; owing to the concomitant effect of the hierarchically arranged carbon skeleton and KOH activation, a maximum Cp of 294 F g−1 with a capacitance retention of 93% after 2500 cycles at 50 mV s−1 is achieved. The multifunctionality of the composite aerogels opens new possibilities for the use of biomass‐derived materials in energy storage and sensing applications.
Efficient Self‐Powered Overall Water Splitting by Ni4Mo/MoO2 Heterogeneous Nanorods Trifunctional Electrocatalysts
Authors: Xiao Ran , Wang Fenfen , Luo Li , Yao Xincheng , Huang Yongchao , Wang Zhongmin , Balogun M.‐Sadeeq
Published: April 2023

The exploration of cost‐effective multifunctional electrodes with high activity toward energy storage and conversion systems, such as self‐powered alkaline water electrolysis, is very meaningful, although studies remain quite limited. Herein, a heterogeneous nickel‐molybdenum (NiMo)‐based electrode is fabricated for the first time as a trifunctional electrode for asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC), hydrogen evolution reaction, and oxygen evolution reaction. The trifunctional electrode consists of Ni4Mo and MoO2 (denoted Ni4Mo/MoO2) with hierarchical nanorod heterostructure and abundant heterogeneous nanointerfaces creating sufficient active sites and efficient charge transfer for achieving high performance self‐power electrochemical devices. The ASC consists of the as‐prepared Ni4Mo/MoO2 positive electrode, showing a broad potential window of 1.6 V, and a maximum energy density of 115.6 Wh kg−1, while the alkaline overall water splitting (OWS) assembled using the as‐prepared Ni4Mo/MoO2 as bifunctional catalysts only requires a low cell voltage of 1.48 V to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm−2 in aqueous alkaline electrolyte. Finally, by integrating the Ni4Mo/MoO2‐based ASC and OWS devices, an aqueous self‐powered OWS is assembled, which self‐power the OWS to generate hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, verifying great potential of the as‐prepared Ni4Mo/MoO2 for sustainable and renewable energy storage and conversion system.
Catalytic VS2–VO2 Heterostructure that Enables a Self‐Supporting Li2S Cathode for Superior Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Deng Yirui , Tang Wenhao , Zhu Yifei , Ma Jingru , Zhou Miaomiao , Shi Yiliang , Yan Peng , Liu Ruiping
Published: April 2023

Lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) have become very promising next‐generation energy‐storage technologies owing to their high energy densities and cost‐effectiveness. However, the poor electrical conductivity of the active material, volume changes that occur during cycling, the “shuttle effect” involving lithium polysulfides (LiPSs), and lithium dendrite growth limit their commercializability. Herein, the preparation of a CC@VS2–VO2@Li2S@C electrode prepared by the in situ growth of a VS2–VO2 heterostructure on carbon cloth (CC), loaded with Li2S, and finally coated with a carbon shell, is reported. The cell with the CC@VS2–VO2@Li2S@C cathode exhibits superior cycling stability and rate performance owing to synergy between its various components. The cell delivers a high discharge specific capacity of 919.8 mA g−1 at 0.2 C, with a capacity of 588.9 mAh g−1 retained after 500 cycles with an average capacity attenuation of 0.072% per cycle. The cell exhibits discharge capacities of 937.6, 780.2, 641.9, 541, and 462.8 mAh g−1 at current densities of 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, and 3 C, respectively. This study provides a new approach for catalyzing LiPS conversion and promoting LSB applications.
Morphological and Physicochemical Properties of Pine Seed Starch Nanoparticles
Authors: Leandro Gabriel Coelho , Cesca Karina , Monteiro Alcilene Rodrigues , Valencia Germán Ayala
Published: April 2023

This study aims to characterize pine starch (PS) and pine starch nanoparticles (PSNPs) produced by anti‐solvent precipitation (ASP). PS and PSNPs are characterized by particle size, surface charge, morphology, crystalline structure, chemical bonds, thermal properties, moisture content (MC), water activity, solubility in water (SW), swelling factor (SF), water and oil absorption, and stability in water. PS shows typical starch particle size distribution, while PSNPs display a size distribution varying between 230 and 1300 nm. The crystalline structure is modified from A‐type structure (native starch) to V6h structure (PSNPs) after ASP. PSNPs SW at 25 and 90 °C, as well as oil and water absorption capacities are greatly improved when compared with PS. Furthermore, PSNPs have high stability in water at 25 °C, forming homogeneous dispersions. This research provides information about the valorization of pine seed as a possible starch source to produce nanoparticles
Rheology guiding the design and printability of aqueous colloidal composites for additive manufacturing
Authors: Bean Ren H. , Rau Daniel A. , Williams Christopher B. , Long Timothy E.
Published: April 2023

Vat photopolymerization (VP) and direct ink write (DIW) additive manufacturing (AM) provide complex geometries with precise spatial control employing a vast array of photo‐reactive polymeric systems. Although VP is recognized for superior resolution and surface finish, DIW provides versatility for higher viscosity systems. However, each AM platform presents specific rheological requirements that are essential for successful 3D printing. First, viscosity requirements constrain VP polymeric materials to viscosities below 10 Pa s. Thus, this requirement presents a challenging paradox that must be overcome to attain the physical performance of high molecular weight polymers while maintaining suitable viscosities for VP polymeric materials. Second, the necessary rheological complexity that is required for DIW pastes requires additional rheological measurements to ensure desirable thixotropic behavior. This manuscript describes the importance of rheological measurements when designing polymeric latexes for AM. Latexes effectively decouple the dependency of viscosity on molecular weight, thus enabling high molecular weight polymers with low viscosities. Photo‐crosslinking of water‐soluble monomers and telechelic oligomeric diacrylates in the presence of the latex enables the fabrication of a scaffold, which is restricted to the continuous aqueous phase and effectively surrounds the latex nanoparticles enabling the printing of otherwise inaccessible high molecular weight polymers. Rheological testing, including both steady and oscillatory shear experiments, provides insights into system properties and provides predictability for successful printing. This perspective article aims to provide an understanding of both chemical functionality (photo‐ and thermal‐reactivity) and rheological response and their importance for the successful design and evaluation of VP and DIW processable latex formulations.
MRI and CT findings of compressive cervical myelopathy in a dog with suspected immune‐mediated polyarthritis presenting with tetraparesis
Authors: Karpozilou Athina , Baptista Lara , Moreno‐Aguado Beatriz , Kelly Darren , Fernandes Ricardo
Published: April 2023

An 11‐month‐old, male, entire Great Dane dog presented with acute‐onset non‐ambulatory tetraparesis. Three months before presentation, the dog was treated for a suspected dog bite injury. Examination revealed pyrexia (39.7°C) and marked multiple joint swelling, with cervicalgia and non‐ambulatory tetraparesis. Based on clinicopathological findings and diagnostic imaging, a diagnosis of type II immune‐mediated polyarthritis was reached. The tetraparesis was investigated using magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography, allowing the identification of compressive cranial cervical myelopathy secondary to severe occipitoatlantoaxial joint and multiple facet joint distension. The patient was initially treated with antimicrobial therapy with resolution of the pyrexia. Given the persistent severe multiple joint swelling and tetraparesis, immunosuppressive therapy was started. Due to refractory disease and poor prognosis, euthanasia was elected 97 days following presentation. To the authors’ knowledge, compressive cervical myelopathy associated with immune‐mediated polyarthritis has not been previously reported in the veterinary literature.
From Dansō to Genderless: Mediating Queer Styles and Androgynous Bodies in Japan
Authors: Ho Michelle H. S.
Published: April 2023

This chapter explores androgynous bodies and styles in contemporary Japan throughdansō(female-to-male crossdressing) and “genderless” (jendāresu).Dansōrefers to gender-crossing practices by individuals who are assigned female at birth, whereas genderless is a fashion mode which denotes styles that do not distinguish between genders. Drawing on media coverage ofdansōindividuals and genderlessjoshi(girls) in the 2010s, supplemented by ethnographic research conducted in a Tokyodansōcafe-and-bar, I argue that through their androgynous practices, these individuals construct alternative ways of being before they are labeled as “doing”dansōor genderless. Ultimately, I suggest thatdansōand genderless allow us to rethink the gender binary, particularly in queer studies and transgender studies in a transnational context, and the connections between style and gender and sexual subjectivities.
Hybrid Masculinities? Reflexive Accounts of Japanese Youth at University Josō Contests
Authors: Miyazaki Ayumi
Published: April 2023

In gender and sexuality studies, recent diversifications and changes in masculinities have garnered much attention. In particular, the concept of hybrid masculinities is a useful tool to understand the complexity of masculinity construction. This chapter examines how Japanese youth at university josō (male-to-female cross-dressing) contests negotiate the meanings of gender and femininities through their josō practice. Many contestants explained that their motivations for josō are either internal and gender-based or external with social and performative purposes. By closely analyzing the reflexive accounts of these contestants, however, it will become evident that their motivations are too complex to analyze either with the internal/external axis or using the notion of hybrid masculinities, because their femininities and masculinities are deeply intertwined in different ways, hence escaping from a binary framework. I conclude that josō practitioners engage in complex negotiations of gender and sexual normativities, while simultaneously blurring and reinforcing gender hegemony.
The Neoliberal Foundations of Fundraising, 1995–2008
Authors: Raddon Mary-Beth
Published: April 2023

This chapter identifies the policy changes, trends, and debates in the years 1995–2008 pivotal to understanding the neoliberal foundations of fundraising in Canada. Neoliberal policy restructured the relationship of government to the nonprofit and voluntary sector by making government funding scarce and conditional on winning short-term contracts. New representatives of the sector did not contest these changes but sought consensus-oriented partnerships with government. Resulting trends included intense competition between nonprofit organizations and growth in the size and number of major gifts, but fewer charitable donations from ordinary Canadians. To keep major gifts flowing and growing, fundraising bodies lobbied successfully for augmented income tax incentives for charitable donations primarily benefitting the wealthiest donors.
Turning the Welfare-Migration Nexus Upside-Down: The Case of European Retirees in Spain
Authors: Finotelli Claudia
Published: April 2023

This chapter analyses the welfare-migration nexus by looking at the relationship between intra-EU mobility and welfare restrictions in Southern Europe. Specifically, the chapter addresses the provision of healthcare assistance regulated by European law, exploring the extent to which the generally welcome non-labour-motivated inflows from Northern European countries to Southern Europe may lead to welfare restrictions and challenge EU citizenship as a source of equal access to welfare. The increasing demand for healthcare services by elderly EU citizens has triggered unexpected forms of welfare chauvinism in Spain, leading to restricted access to public healthcare for EU citizens without full residency in Spain. The results therefore confirm that the restrictionist turn in regulating EU citizens’ access to welfare has not been limited to South-North labour-motivated mobility, but can be easily extended to intra-EU non-labour-motivated mobility to Southern Europe. However, Spain’s inertia in revising the reimbursement procedures for healthcare treatment provided primarily to elderly European migrants also indicates that intra-EU mobility is deeply embedded in a complex system where the “protection” of public services is one state interest out of many.
Looking Into Policy Change: How the Italian Asylum Regime Came of Age
Authors: Ponzo Irene
Published: April 2023

The chapter illustrates how Italy’s frames, strategies and practices concerning asylum have changed over the last three decades, and how the country has passed from what I have called, using a biological metaphor, infancy to adulthood. For a long time, European pressure and norms over asylum affected Italian legislation without significantly impacting policy frames and actual practices: Italy perceived itself as a transit country and, as a consequence, allowed and even fostered secondary movements of asylum seekers towards other countries and kept its asylum system underdeveloped. Since 2011, those solutions started failing because of the modifications in the social phenomenon of migration (the sharp increase of unplanned inflows) and in the institutional settings where negotiations among Member States occur (the full inclusion of Italy into the Schengen Area and the CEAS). Those failures resulted in a policy change so that the Italian asylum regime came of age: the country adopted a new policy frame by acknowledging itself as a destination country for asylum seekers, overcame ad hoc emergency solutions, and joined the Northern European countries’ call for more responsibility-sharing. However, Italy’s weak political-institutional capacity has slowed down the consolidation of the new practices. At the same time, it appears as largely responsible for the gaps with older destination countries in the management of asylum whereas divergence in policy frames and goals has lost relevance.
Practices of External Control: Is There a North-South Divide?
Authors: Infantino Federica
Published: April 2023

In the making of the European Union, external border and migration control are key concerns. While uniform legal frameworks have been designed to regulate those policy areas, their implementation is within the remit of Member States. How do national practices translate EU policy on paper? What are the determinants of cross-national differences in policy practice? Do practices of external control support the thesis of a North-South divide within the EU? To reply to those questions, this chapter focuses on the ways in which one European instrument of external control -the Schengen visa policy- is put into action. I use the case of Italy, a southern European country and one of the countries that issues the highest numbers of Schengen visas, to shed light on how and why day-to-day implementation practices challenge national paths as well as the thesis of a divide between Northern and Southern European countries. The analysis focuses on the entanglements of logics on paper, policy narratives and organizational practices while looking at continuities and novelties. It puts forward that the logics and practices governing Italy’s visa policy are historically distant from the EU model, which builds on the Northern countries initiators of the Schengen process. Nevertheless, such a distance diminishes at the stage of the implementation. National boundaries of organizational action are blurred on the ground. Dynamics of policy change are triggered from below.
A “European” Externalisation Strategy? A Transnational Perspective on Aid, Border Regimes, and the EU Trust Fund for Africa in Morocco
Authors: Gazzotti Lorena , Jiménez Álvarez Mercedes G. , Espiñeira Keina
Published: April 2023

This paper questions the existence of a European externalisation front as a coherent and unified process. Instead, it advances a complex understanding of the political dynamics surrounding the externalisation of European borders as embedded in development cooperation and aid policies. Drawing on the concepts of transnational social field and transnational governmentality, we examine the case of the EU Trust Fund for Africa and development projects funded in Morocco in the field of migration. The implementation of development cooperation funds in Morocco stands as a case in point for understanding what externalisation means on the ground, as it shows the performance of heterogeneous cooperation strategies that resemanticise the North-South divide in the role played by European countries. Our analysis attempts to illustrate these changes by first examining Morocco’s reconfiguration in the EU’s funding allocation strategy –shifting to more or less central positions depending on punctual “migration crises”. Second, discussing the process of EU delegated cooperation and the NGO-isation of EU Member States. Thirdly, by considering the agency countries from the Global South can deploy through the migration diplomacy, shaping even the implementation of migration containment projects funded by the EU or its Member States.
Infrared finite semi-inclusive cross section in two dimensional type 0B string theory
Authors: Sen Ashoke
Published: April 2023

Abstract

D-instanton induced S-matrix in type 0B string theory in two dimensions suffers from infrared divergences. This can be traced to the fact that these processes produce low energy rolling tachyon states that cannot be regarded as linear combination of finite number of closed string states. We compute semi-inclusive cross sections in this theory where we allow in the final state a fixed set of closed strings carrying given energies and any number of other closed string states carrying the rest of the energy. The result is infrared finite and agrees with the results in the dual matrix model, described by non-relativistic fermions moving in an inverted harmonic oscillator potential. In the matrix model the role of ‘any number of other closed string states’ is played by a fermion hole pair on opposite sides of the potential barrier.
Bootstrapping one-loop inflation correlators with the spectral decomposition
Authors: Xianyu Zhong-Zhi , Zhang Hongyu
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Phenomenological studies of cosmological collider physics in recent years have identified many 1-loop inflation correlators as leading channels for discovering heavy new particles around or above the inflation scale. However, complete analytical results for these massive 1-loop correlators are currently unavailable. In this work, we embark on a program of bootstrapping inflation correlators with massive exchanges at 1-loop order, with the input of tree-level inflation correlators and the techniques of spectral decomposition in dS. As a first step, we present for the first time the complete and analytical results for a class of 4-point and 3-point inflation correlators mediated by massive scalar fields at the 1-loop order. Using the full result, we provide simple and reliable analytical approximations for the signals and the background in the squeezed limit. We also identify configurations of the scalar trispectrum where the oscillatory signal from the loop is dominant over the background.
O-DEM: ein neues kognitives Screening bei Schwerhörigkeit
Authors: Ballasch I. , De Kruif A. , Hendel M. K. , Rohr C. , Brünecke I. , Kalbe E. , Völter C. , Kessler J.
Published: April 2023

Hintergrund

Schwerhörigkeit ist ein relevanter Risikofaktor einer Demenz. Bisher kann eine kognitive Beeinträchtigung oder Demenz von Personen mit Hörbeeinträchtigungen (HB) wegen des eingeschränkten Sensoriums von gängigen kognitiven Screeningverfahren nicht adäquat erfasst werden. Deshalb besteht ein Bedarf eines solchen an Hörgeschädigte angepassten Screenings. Ziel der Studie war es, ein kognitives Screening für Menschen mit HB zu entwickeln und zu evaluieren.

Material und Methoden

Hierzu wurden drei Aufgaben, eine Wortflüssigkeitsaufgabe, der Trail Making Test A (TMT-A) und eine Subtraktionsaufgabe in einem neuen kognitiven Screening, dem O‑DEM, zusammengefasst. Dieser wurde in einem ersten Schritt an 2837 Patient*innen ohne subjektive HB und anschließend an 213 Patient*innen mit objektiv erfassten HB evaluiert und mit dem Hearing-Impaired Montreal Cognitive Assessment (HI-MoCA) verglichen.

Ergebnisse

Es zeigte sich, dass jeder O‑DEM-Subtest signifikant zwischen keinen, leichten und mittleren bis ausgeprägten kognitiven Beeinträchtigungen unterscheiden kann. Basierend auf dem Mittelwert und der Standardabweichung der Menschen ohne kognitive Beeinträchtigungen wurde eine Transformation der Rohwerte vorgenommen und ein Gesamtscore mit einer maximalen Ausprägung von 10 festgelegt. Ebenso zeigte die Untersuchung an den hörgeschädigten Patient*innen, dass der O‑DEM genauso sensitiv wie der HI-MoCA zwischen Menschen mit und ohne kognitive Beeinträchtigungen differenzieren kann.

Schlussfolgerungen

Der O‑DEM ist gegenüber anderen Verfahren ein vergleichbar schnell durchzuführendes Screening zur Detektion von leichten und mittleren kognitiven Beeinträchtigungen bei Menschen mit HB.
Social anxiety in Finnish adolescents from 2013 to 2021: change from pre-COVID-19 to COVID-19 era, and mid-pandemic correlates
Authors: Ranta Klaus , Aalto-Setälä Terhi , Heikkinen Tiina , Kiviruusu Olli
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is prevalent in adolescents. Increase in levels of general anxiety since 2010’s has been observed in young people. Little is known of time trends in symptoms of social anxiety during 2010’s, of pre- to during-COVID-19 era changes, or of associations between social anxiety symptoms and pandemic severity, distance education, and COVID-19-related experiences in young people.

Methods

We examined social anxiety symptoms, their temporal changes, and their associations with COVID-19 related factors in a sample of 450 000 13-to-20-year-old Finns in 2013–2021. Data from nationwide School Health Promotion study was used. Social anxiety symptoms were assessed with the Mini-SPIN using cut-off score ≥ 6 as indicator of high social anxiety. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used, controlling for gender, age, family SES, and symptoms of general anxiety and depression.

Results

High-level social anxiety symptoms increased markedly from 2013/2015 to 2021 among both sexes. A steeper increase was found among females. In 2021, 47% of females self-reported high social anxiety, a two-fold increase relative to 2013/2015. No association between regional COVID-19 incidence and change in social anxiety symptoms was found. No clear associations between time spent in distance education and social anxiety symptoms were found. Fears of getting infected or transmitting coronavirus, and reports of not getting needed support for schoolwork during distance education were all associated with high social anxiety.

Conclusion

Prevalence of high social anxiety in young people aged 13–20 has increased considerably from 2013 to 2021, especially among girls. During COVID-19 pandemic, socially anxious young people report a need for educational support and suffer from infection-related fears.
The separate and joint effects of recent interpersonal abuse and cannabis use on psychotic experiences: findings from students in higher education in the United States
Authors: Oh Hans , Du Jinyu , Karcher Nicole R. , van der Ven Els , DeVylder Jordan E. , Smith Lee , Koyanagi Ai
Published: April 2023

Background

Various forms of interpersonal abuse (e.g., physical, emotional, sexual) and cannabis use across the lifespan have both been known to increase odds of psychotic experiences; however, there have been few studies examining their separate and joint effects in the United States.

Methods

We analyzed data from the Healthy Minds Study (2020–2021) and used multivariable logistic regression and interaction contrast ratios to assess separate and joint effects of interpersonal abuse (past 12 months) and cannabis use (past 30 days) on psychotic experiences (past 12 months).

Results

Students who only used cannabis had significantly greater odds of psychotic experiences (aOR: 1.70; 95% CI 1.58–1.82), as well as those who only experienced interpersonal abuse (aOR: 2.40; 95% CI 2.25–2.56). However, those who reported both cannabis use and interpersonal abuse had the greatest odds, exceeding the sum of these individual effects (the combined effect aOR: 3.46; 95% CI 3.19–3.76).

Conclusions

Recent interpersonal abuse and recent cannabis use both separately and jointly increase odds of having recent psychotic experiences. Future research should continue to examine the potential interactive and additive impact of multiple known exposures to better inform primary and secondary prevention efforts.
Evaluation of bone density and hand grip strength in the course of drug treatment for osteoporosis
Authors: Schröder Guido , Hoth Ivonne , Flachsmeyer Dirk , Dutzke Mario , Andresen Julian Ramin , Andresen Reimer , Schober Hans-Christof
Published: April 2023

Background

The aim of this clinical investigation was to assess the physical performance in osteoporotic patients undergoing drug treatment (DT) for years by measuring hand grip strength (HGS) and bone mineral density (BMD). A further aim was to detect the time until the occurrence of vertebral fractures (VF) and influencing factors.

Material and methods

The investigation comprised 346 persons (276 women, 70 men) aged on average 66.9 ± 10.7 years with confirmed osteoporosis (OP). Over a mean period of 1384 ± 727 days, OP was assessed every 2 years, including a bone densitometry by dual X‑ray absorptiometry and HGS measurement. In subgroups OP patients were analyzed with and without a bone density (BMD) increase, and with and without VFs.

Results

Under DT, calcium and vitamin D substitution, the median T‑score improved in the entire group from −3.2 to −3.1 standard deviations (SD; p = 0.002). HGS was reduced (median) from 26 kg to 24 kg (p < 0.001). The median interval until the occurrence of VF was 2652 days (95% confidence interval [CI] 1825.2–3478.8 days) and 1461 days (95% CI 1246.5–1675.5, p < 0.001) in those with and without a BMD increase, respectively.

Discussion

Guideline-based DT improves bone density and causes a longer interval without VF. The HGS falls independent of BMD. The association between bone and muscle in patients with a deterioration of the musculoskeletal system is known as osteosarcopenia. Early muscle exercises would be meaningful in this setting.

Graphic abstract
A flexible two-piece normal dynamic linear model
Authors: Aliverti Emanuele , Arellano-Valle Reinaldo B. , Kahrari Fereshteh , Scarpa Bruno
Published: April 2023

We construct a flexible dynamic linear model for the analysis and prediction of multivariate time series, assuming a two-piece normal initial distribution for the state vector. We derive a novel Kalman filter for this model, obtaining a two components mixture as predictive and filtering distributions. In order to estimate the covariance of the error sequences, we develop a Gibbs-sampling algorithm to perform Bayesian inference. The proposed approach is validated and compared with a Gaussian dynamic linear model in simulations and on a real data set.
Development and validation of a GC × GC-ToFMS method for the quantification of pesticides in environmental waters
Authors: Romagnoli Monica , Scarparo Andrea , Catani Martina , Giannì Biagio , Pasti Luisa , Cavazzini Alberto , Franchina Flavio A.
Published: April 2023

Water is a fundamental resource for living things, which is why its control is necessary. The widespread use of pesticides for agricultural and non-agricultural purposes has resulted in the presence of their residues in surface water and groundwater resources. Their presence in water is regulated through different directives, such as the Groundwater Directive, the Drinking Water Directive, and the Water Framework Directive, modified later several times, setting a maximum concentration of 0.1 µg.L−1 for individual pesticides and their degradation products, and 0.5 µg.L−1 for total pesticide residues present in a sample. There are different kinds of pesticides (e.g., organophosphorus and organochlorine pesticides, triazines, chloroacetamides, triazoles, (thio)carbamates) that have diverse chemical structures. Their determination and monitoring in a single analytical procedure are possible through multiresidue methods. In this study, 53 pesticides belonging to different chemical classes and their metabolites were selected based on their local occurrence and investigated in surface water and groundwater from agricultural areas susceptible to pesticide contamination. The methodology consisted of a classical solid-phase extraction (SPE) for the purification and enrichment of the pesticides, with a subsequent analysis in multidimensional gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC×GC-MS). The quantification method was validated according to the Eurachem Guide in terms of linearity, precision, accuracy, limit of detection, and limit of quantification. After validation, the method was applied to 34 real-world water samples, and the results were compared with those obtained by a GC-QMS routine method.
Hive Transplantation Has Minimal Impact on the Core Gut Microbiome of the Australian Stingless Bee, Tetragonula carbonaria
Authors: Mills T. J. T. , Nelson T. M. , Pearson L. A. , Neilan B. A.
Published: April 2023

Bacteria residing in the guts of pollinating insects play a key role in nutrient acquisition, digestion, and resistance to pests and diseases. Imbalances in microbial flora in response to environmental change and stress can therefore impact insect health and resilience. This study is aimed at defining the core gut microbiome of the Australian native stingless bee, Tetragonula carbonaria, and exploring the impact of colony transplantation on gut health. The gut microbiomes of nine forager bees from natural (log) and manufactured (box) hives were examined via 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Some differences were observed at the ASV level between the microbiomes of log and box hive bees. However, a core microbiome, dominated by Lactobacillus spp., unclassified Acetobacteraceae spp., and Bombella spp., was maintained. Further, the inferred functional potential of the microbiomes was consistent across all individuals. This study highlights that although hive transplantation has an impact on the overall diversity of stingless bee gut microbiomes, it is unlikely to have a significant negative impact on the overall health and resilience of the colony.
Immunoreactivity to WT1 peptide vaccine is associated with prognosis in elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia: follow-up study of randomized phase II trial of OCV-501, an HLA class II-binding WT1 polypeptide
Authors: Naoe Tomoki , Saito Akiko , Hosono Nahoko , Kasahara Senji , Muto Hideharu , Hatano Kaoru , Ogura Mizuki , Masunari Taro , Tanaka Masatsugu , Usuki Kensuke , Ishikawa Yuichi , Ando Koji , Kondo Yukio , Takagi Yusuke , Takada Satoru , Ishikawa Maho , Choi Ilseung , Sano Akihiro , Nagai Hirokazu
Published: April 2023

We previously conducted a randomized phase II trial of OCV-501, a WT1 peptide presented by helper T cells, in elderly AML (acute myeloid leukemia) patients in first remission, indicating no difference in 2-year disease-free survival (DSF) between the OCV-501 and placebo groups. Here, we analyzed 5-year outcome and biomarkers. Five-year DFS was 36.0% in the OCV-501 group (N = 52) and 33.7% in the placebo group (N = 53), with no significant difference (p = 0.74). The peripheral WT1 mRNA levels were marginally suppressed in the OCV-501 group compared with the placebo group. Enhanced anti-OCV-501 IgG response by the 25th week was an independent favorable prognostic factor. Anti-OCV-501 IFNγ responses were less frequent than the IgG reactions. These findings suggest that host immunoreactivity has a significant impact on the prognosis of AML and that further improvement of the WT1 peptide vaccine is needed.
Efficacy of non-surgical interventions for midfoot osteoarthritis: a systematic review
Authors: Lim Polly Q. X. , Lithgow Merridy J. , Kaminski Michelle R. , Landorf Karl B. , Menz Hylton B. , Munteanu Shannon E.
Published: April 2023

This systematic review aims to investigate the efficacy of non-surgical interventions for midfoot osteoarthritis (OA). Key databases and trial registries were searched from inception to 23 February 2023. All trials investigating non-surgical interventions for midfoot OA were included. Quality assessment was performed using the National Institutes of Health Quality Assessment Tool. Outcomes were pain, function, health-related quality of life, and adverse events. Effects (mean differences, standardised mean differences, risk ratios) were calculated where possible for the short (0 to 12 weeks), medium (> 12 to 52 weeks), and long (> 52 weeks) term. Six trials (231 participants) were included (one feasibility trial and five case series) — all were judged to be of poor methodological quality. Two trials reported arch contouring foot orthoses to exert no-to-large effects on pain in the short and medium term, and small-to-very-large effects on function in the short and medium term. Two trials reported shoe stiffening inserts to exert medium-to-huge effects on pain in the short term, and small effects on function in the short term. Two trials of image-guided intra-articular corticosteroid injections reported favourable effects on pain in the short term, small effects on pain and function in the medium term, and minimal long term effects. Two trials reported minor adverse events, and none reported health-related quality of life outcomes. The current evidence suggests that arch contouring foot orthoses, shoe stiffening inserts and corticosteroid injections may be effective for midfoot OA. Rigorous randomised trials are required to evaluate the efficacy of non-surgical interventions for midfoot OA.
Impact of smoking on urologic cancers: a snapshot of current evidence
Authors: Kumar Raj , Matulewicz Richard , Mari Andrea , Moschini Marco , Ghodoussipour Saum , Pradere Benjamin , Rink Michael , Autorino Riccardo , Desai Mihir M. , Gill Inderbir , Cacciamani Giovanni E.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present evidence regarding the associations between smoking and the following urologic cancers: prostate, bladder, renal, and upper tract urothelial cancer (UTUC).

Methods

This is a narrative review. PubMed was queried for evidence-based analyses and trials regarding the associations between smoking and prostate, bladder, renal, and UTUC tumors from inception to September 1, 2022. Emphasis was placed on articles referenced in national guidelines and protocols.

Results

Prostate—multiple studies associate smoking with higher Gleason score, higher tumor stage, and extracapsular invasion. Though smoking has not yet been linked to tumorigenesis, there is evidence that it plays a role in biochemical recurrence and cancer-specific mortality. Bladder—smoking is strongly associated with bladder cancer, likely due to DNA damage from the release of carcinogenic compounds. Additionally, smoking has been linked to increased cancer-specific mortality and higher risk of tumor recurrence. Renal—smoking tobacco has been associated with tumorigenesis, higher tumor grade and stage, poorer mortality rates, and a greater risk of tumor recurrence. UTUC—tumorigenesis has been associated with smoking tobacco. Additionally, more advanced disease, higher stage, lymph node metastases, poorer survival outcomes, and tumor recurrence have been linked to smoking.

Conclusion

Smoking has been shown to significantly affect most urologic cancers and has been associated with more aggressive disease, poorer outcomes, and tumor recurrence. The role of smoking cessation is still unclear, but appears to provide some protective effect. Urologists have an opportunity to engage in primary prevention by encouraging cessation practices.
Intergenerational equity and sustainability: a large population approach
Authors: Khan Urmee , Stinchcombe Maxwell B.
Published: April 2023

Patient and Pareto responsive (pPr) societal preferences were introduced and studied in Khan and Stinchcombe (2018). This paper develops a tractable subclass of the pPr preferences that satisfy a strong equity criterion formulated to match intuitions and results for large but finite models. In population models where the number and happiness of future people is stochastic, the only optimal policies require sustainability (resp. an abundance of effort) in the presence of irreversible (resp. difficult to reverse) negative externalities suffered by future generations. Partially ordering the preferences by increasing degrees of inequality aversion over generations, more inequality averse preferences give rise to choices that are counterintutive from population ethics viewpoint in smaller sets of problems.
Crafting During Coronavirus: participatory methods with older adults during COVID-19
Authors: Clarke Naomi
Published: April 2023

When coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) took hold, the everyday voices of older adults were frequently overlooked politically, socially and economically. The Crafting During Coronavirus creative, participatory project sought to explore the everyday role of crafting during COVID-19. It was imperative to conduct research with participants in a way that could be a source of positivity especially during a crisis. Using a combination of digital and tangible methods (diaries, photographs, emails and crafted postcards), this project aimed to create a space where participants could narrate, shape, revisit and reflect upon their experiences and their making at a time that suited them. Combining these approaches in a flexible manner, allowed data to be collected and pieced together with older participants to form a patchwork with breadth and depth of everyday narratives during COVID-19.
Cation release from different carboxymethyl cellulose hydrogels
Authors: Qu Yi , Haverkamp René , Jakobs-Schönwandt Désirée , Vazquez Jorge Miguel Esteban , Hellweg Thomas , Patel Anant V.
Published: April 2023

Biodegradable hydrogels have great potential in agriculture. In this study, hydrogel prototypes of biodegradable slow-release fertilizers were formulated by a Schiff base reaction between dialdehyde carboxymethyl cellulose and gelatin. The release behavior of iron cations from these carboxymethyl cellulose-based hydrogels with different degrees of substitution was studied. The analyses of the relation between correlation length of the cross-linked hydrogels and the degree of substitution, i.e., the amount of negatively charged positions in the hydrogels, allowed to determine the influence of structure and electrostatic interaction on cation release kinetics, which was successfully described by Peleg’s Model. The hydrogel with the lowest degree of substitution reveals the slowest release of cations due to the smallest correlation length. These results demonstrate that the correlation length is dominant for the release of divalent cations. Moreover, this also shows the potential of the DACMC-Gelatin hydrogels as matrix for slow-release fertilizers.
Hybrid umbilical cord blood banking: literature review
Authors: Laue Jessica , Ambühl Johanna , Surbek Daniel
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Interest gaps between public and private umbilical cord blood banks have led to the introduction of hybrid banking options. Hybrid models combine features of private and public banks as well as interests of parents, children and of patients, in order to find an optimized solution. While several different models of hybrid banks exist, there is a lack of literature about this novel model of cord blood stem cell banking. Therefore, the aim of this literature review is to assess different options of umbilical cord blood banking and whether hybrid banking could be a valuable alternative to the existing public and private cord blood banking models.

Methods

We performed a systematic literature search, using five main databases. Five hybrid models regarding their advantages as well as their challenges are discussed in this review.

Results

We found that a wealth of literature exists about public cord blood banking, while private and hybrid banking are understudied. Different modalities of hybrid cord blood banking are being described in several publications, providing the basis to assess different advantages and disadvantages as well as practicability.

Conclusion

Hybrid banks, especially the sequential model, seem to have potential as an alternative to the existing banking models worldwide. A previously conducted survey among pregnant women showed a preference for hybrid banking, if such an option was available. Nevertheless, opinions among stakeholders differ and more research is needed to evaluate, if hybrid banking provides the expected benefits.
Accurate localization and coactivation profiles of the frontal eye field and inferior frontal junction: an ALE and MACM fMRI meta-analysis
Authors: Bedini Marco , Olivetti Emanuele , Avesani Paolo , Baldauf Daniel
Published: April 2023

The frontal eye field (FEF) and the inferior frontal junction (IFJ) are prefrontal structures involved in mediating multiple aspects of goal-driven behavior. Despite being recognized as prominent nodes of the networks underlying spatial attention and oculomotor control, and working memory and cognitive control, respectively, the limited quantitative evidence on their precise localization has considerably impeded the detailed understanding of their structure and connectivity. In this study, we performed an activation likelihood estimation (ALE) fMRI meta-analysis by selecting studies that employed standard paradigms to accurately infer the localization of these regions in stereotaxic space. For the FEF, we found the highest spatial convergence of activations for prosaccade and antisaccade paradigms at the junction of the precentral sulcus and superior frontal sulcus. For the IFJ, we found consistent activations across oddball/attention, working memory, task-switching and Stroop paradigms at the junction of the inferior precentral sulcus and inferior frontal sulcus. We related these clusters to previous meta-analyses, sulcal/gyral neuroanatomy, and a comprehensive brain parcellation, highlighting important differences compared to their results and taxonomy. Finally, we leveraged the ALE peak coordinates as seeds to perform a meta-analytic connectivity modeling (MACM) analysis, which revealed systematic coactivation patterns spanning the frontal, parietal, and temporal cortices. We decoded the behavioral domains associated with these coactivations, suggesting that these may allow FEF and IFJ to support their specialized roles in flexible behavior. Our study provides the meta-analytic groundwork for investigating the relationship between functional specialization and connectivity of two crucial control structures of the prefrontal cortex.