bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Response surface methodology optimization of extraction and enrichment conditions of total triterpenoid saponins from Celosiae Semen and evaluation of its lipid‐lowering activity
Authors: Yang Lu‐Lu , Zhou Qi‐Qi , Fan Song , Liu Chun‐Lu , Li Hui‐Jun
Published: February 2024

The saponin‐enriched extract from Celosiae Semen is a promising resource owing to its lipid‐lowering activity. However, triterpenoid saponins are difficult to extract owing to their high molecular weight and strong water solubility. The aim of this paper was to explore an eco‐friendly and effective technology of extraction and enrichment of total triterpenoid saponins to obtain high lipid‐lowering fractions. Initially, Box–Behnken design experiments were employed to optimize the heat reflux extraction process on the basic of mono‐factor experiments. Afterwards, the crude extract was further purified using D‐101 resin, and the purification parameters were investigated based on adsorption/desorption experiments and biological activity assay. Under optimal conditions, the purity of the finally obtained total triterpenoid saponins was increased by 7.28‐fold. The lipid‐lowering activities of the six main triterpenoid saponins were evaluated in HepG2 cells induced by palmitic acid. The results of Oil Red O staining showed that the compounds all exhibited potential lipid‐lowering activity. The structure–activity relationship analysis suggested that the oligosaccharide chain at C‐28 played an essential role in their lipid‐lowering activity and the substituent group at C‐23 site also showed important effects. The optimal extraction and purification methods may facilitate the utilization of Celosiae Semen for the industrial production as a functional food and drug.
Quantitative Analysis of Bioaccessible Phenolic Compounds in Aegean Bee Bread Using LC‐HRMS Coupled with a Human Digestive System Model
Authors: Erol Ebru
Published: February 2024

Bee bread, a valuable bee product that has recently attracted significant public interest as a nutritional supplement. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of phenolic compounds in bee bread samples from the Aegean Region and assess their bioaccessibility using a simulated human digestion model. Various extraction techniques, such as maceration, ultrasound‐assisted extraction, and supercritical fluid extraction were employed to obtain extracts of bee bread. The antioxidant capabilities of these extracts were carried out using assays like DPPH⋅, ABTS⋅+, CUPRAC, and β‐carotene linoleic acid bleaching, and their effectiveness was quantified through IC50 values. The bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds was analysed by using LC‐HRMS in a simulated human digestive system using ethanol extracts obtained from bee bread samples of each season by ultrasound‐assisted extraction, which has the highest antioxidant activity. In the Aegean bee bread, a total of 25 phenolic compounds which were major phenolics including quercetin, ascorbic acid, isorhamnetin, kaempferol, and hyperoside were identified and quantified. Also, ascorbic acid was the one of the most bioaccessible compounds with the bioaccessibility index 35.38 % for 2021, 16.79 % for 2022. These findings underscore the substantial transformation of the phenolic profile of bee bread as it traverses the human digestive system.
Temporal and differential proteomic profile of molecular mediators associated with chronic and acute wound healing
Authors: Zaidi Midhat Batool , Khan Faisal , Jameel Fatima , Khan Irfan , Musharraf Syed Ghulam , Salim Asmat
Published: February 2024

The underlying pathophysiology of nonhealing chronic wounds is poorly understood due to the changes occurring at the gene level and the complexity arising in their proteomic profile. Here, we elucidated the temporal and differential profile of the normal and diabetic wound‐healing mediators along with their interactions and associated pathways. Skin tissues corresponding to normal and diabetic wounds were isolated at Days 0, 3, 6, and 9 representing different healing phases. Temporal gene expression was analyzed by quantitative real‐time PCR. Concurrently, differential protein patterns in the wound tissues were identified by Nano LC‐ESI‐TOF mass spectrometry and later confirmed by Western blot analysis. Gene ontology annotation, protein‐protein interaction, and protein pathway analysis were performed using DAVID, PANTHER, and STRING bioinformatics resources. Uniquely identified proteins (complement C3, amyloid beta precursor protein, and cytoplasmic linker associated protein 2) in the diabetic wound tissue implied that these proteins are involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic wound. They exhibit enhanced catalytic activity, trigger pathways linked with inflammation, and negatively regulate wound healing. However, in the normal wound tissue, axin 1, chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4, and sphingosine‐1‐phosphate receptor were identified, which are involved in proliferation, angiogenesis, and remodeling. Our findings demonstrate the correlation between elevated gene expression of tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin (IL)‐1β, and identified mediators: aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator, 5′‐aminolevulinate synthase 2, and CXC‐family, that inflicted an inflammatory response by activating downstream MAPK, JAK‐STAT, and NF‐κB pathways. Similarly, in normal wound tissue, the upregulated IL‐4 and hepatocyte growth factor levels in conjunction with the identified proteins, serine/threonine‐protein kinase mTOR and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma, played a significant role in the cellular response to platelet‐derived growth factor stimulus, dermal epithelialization, and cell proliferation, processes associated with the repair mechanism. Furthermore, Western blot analysis indicated elevated levels of inflammatory markers and reduced levels of proliferative and angiogenic factors in the diabetic wound.
An Algebraic Blueprint for Predicting Turnover Numbers and Endpoints in Photocatalysis
Authors: Klingler Sarah , Hlavatsch Michael , Bagemihl Benedikt , Mengele Alexander K. , Gaus Anna‐Laurine , von Delius Max , Rau Sven , Mizaikoff Boris
Published: February 2024

The front cover artwork is provided by the Institute of Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry and the Institute of Inorganic Chemistry I at Ulm University within the Collaborative Research Center TRR 234 CataLight. The image shows an algebraic approach to generically calculate and predict the turnover number (TON) and the endpoint of photocatalytic hydrogen gas evolution experiments. Read the full text of the Research Article at 10.1002/cphc.202300767.
Concurrent threats and extinction risk in a long‐lived, highly fecund vertebrate with parental care
Authors: Brooks George C. , Hopkins William A. , Kindsvater Holly K.
Published: February 2024

Detecting declines and quantifying extinction risk of long‐lived, highly fecund vertebrates, including fishes, reptiles, and amphibians, can be challenging. In addition to the false notion that large clutches always buffer against population declines, the imperiled status of long‐lived species can often be masked by extinction debt, wherein adults persist on the landscape for several years after populations cease to be viable. Here we develop a demographic model for the eastern hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis), an imperiled aquatic salamander with paternal care. We examined the individual and interactive effects of three of the leading threats hypothesized to contribute to the species' demise: habitat loss due to siltation, high rates of nest failure, and excess adult mortality caused by fishing and harvest. We parameterized the model using data on their life history and reproductive ecology to model the fates of individual nests and address multiple sources of density‐dependent mortality under both deterministic and stochastic environmental conditions. Our model suggests that high rates of nest failure observed in the field are sufficient to drive hellbender populations toward a geriatric age distribution and eventually to localized extinction but that this process takes decades. Moreover, the combination of limited nest site availability due to siltation, nest failure, and stochastic adult mortality can interact to increase the likelihood and pace of extinction, which was particularly evident under stochastic scenarios. Density dependence in larval survival and recruitment can severely hamper a population's ability to recover from declines. Our model helps to identify tipping points beyond which extinction becomes certain and management interventions become necessary. Our approach can be generalized to understand the interactive effects of various threats to the extinction risk of other long‐lived vertebrates. As we face unprecedented rates of environmental change, holistic approaches incorporating multiple concurrent threats and their impacts on different aspects of life history will be necessary to proactively conserve long‐lived species.
Oridonin from Rabdosia rubescens: An emerging potential in cancer therapy – A comprehensive review
Authors: Ali Muhammad Asif , Khan Noohela , Ali Ahmad , Akram Hira , Zafar Noushaba , Imran Kinza , Khan Tooba , Khan Khushbukhat , Armaghan Muhammad , Palma‐Morales Marta , Rodríguez‐Pérez Celia , Caunii Angela , Butnariu Monica , Habtemariam Solomon , Sharifi‐Rad Javad
Published: February 2024

Cancer incidences are rising each year. In 2020, approximately 20 million new cancer cases and 10 million cancer‐related deaths were recorded. The World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that by 2024 the incidence of cancer will increase to 30.2 million individuals annually. Considering the invasive characteristics of its diagnostic procedures and therapeutic methods side effects, scientists are searching for different solutions, including using plant‐derived bioactive compounds, that could reduce the probability of cancer occurrence and make its treatment more comfortable. In this regard, oridonin (ORI), an ent‐kaurane diterpenoid, naturally found in the leaves of Rabdosia rubescens species, has been found to have antitumor, antiangiogenesis, antiasthmatic, antiinflammatory, and apoptosis induction properties. Extensive research has been performed on ORI to find various mechanisms involved in its anticancer activities. This review article provides an overview of ORI's effectiveness on murine and human cancer populations from 1976 to 2022 and provides insight into the future application of ORI in different cancer therapies.
‘I mean, I wouldn't say I was sober’: Exploring the psychosocial impact of e‐scooter injuries and aligning a collaborative public health response
Authors: Piatkowski Timothy , Moran James , Canty Ruth , Wright Cassandra J. C.
Published: February 2024

Issue Addressed

E‐scooters are sought after for their cost‐effectiveness, sustainability, and efficiency in urban transportation. However, this popularity has been accompanied by a surge in injuries, prompting a deeper investigation into the factors influencing risk perceptions among e‐scooter users.

Methods

Using a qualitative approach, we conducted 19 interviews with those who attended an emergency department as a result of e‐scooter injury. We aimed to understand the psychosocial effects of these incidents and employed thematic analysis to discern recurrent patterns in participants' experiences, focusing on alterations in daily life, community response, perception shifts, and avenues to enhance safety awareness.

Results

The findings underscored significant disruptions to daily life due to injuries, demonstrating enduring impacts on lifestyle and wellbeing. Participants exhibited a perceptual shift, transitioning from perceiving e‐scooters as enjoyable to viewing them as dangerous. Recommendations for enhancing safety awareness included accessible and clear safety education, pre‐ride briefings, real‐time safety guidance, temporal rental restrictions, and mandatory breathalysers before e‐scooter use.

Conclusions

The study underscores the importance of considering not only the individual experiences and perceptions of e‐scooter injuries but also the broader social context, including the night‐time economy. Leveraging peer narratives and community engagement is vital to reshape risk perceptions and promote harm reduction messages.

So What?

A comprehensive approach through proactive interventions and robust educational strategies is essential to foster responsible e‐scooter usage and prioritise public safety.
War‐associated geopolitical risks and uncertainty: Implications for real wages
Authors: Nasir Muhammad Ali , Spencer David
Published: February 2024

This paper studies the effects of geopolitical risks and uncertainty on real wages. Employing UK data from 2000: Q1 to 2022: Q2 and a partial Nonlinear‐Autoregressive Distributed Lag (NARDL) framework, we find that war‐associated geopolitical risks and uncertainty have a statistically significant though mild positive impact on real wages. We find that domestic factors including economic policy uncertainty, productivity, economic growth, unemployment, inflation expectations and unionization play a stronger role in affecting real wages. Our findings suggest that the direct effects of war‐associated geopolitical risks and uncertainty on real wages are temporary. From a policy perspective, the course of real wages will depend more on inflation expectations, productivity and most importantly unionization. We conclude that if real wages in the UK are to rise on a consistent basis then workers and particularly unions will have to gain more bargaining leverage.
The COVID‐19 pandemic and European trade patterns: A sectoral analysis
Authors: Caporale Guglielmo Maria , Sova Anamaria Diana , Sova Robert
Published: February 2024

This article examines how the COVID‐19 pandemic affected European trade patterns. Specifically, dynamic panel data models are estimated over the period 2019M1–2021M12 to assess the effects on exports and imports of various sectors and products (selected on the basis of their trading volume or strategic importance) of the restrictions and of other policy measures adopted by national governments during the crisis. The results suggest that the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic was heterogeneous across sectors and product types, both the initial drop and the subsequent rebound being different depending on sectoral characteristics and the degree of resilience. In particular, trade flows of durable products were more significantly affected by the pandemic compared to those of non‐durable ones.
A comparison of parental attention and preferred items during tummy time: A consecutive controlled case series evaluation
Authors: Kanazawa Rika , Jessel Joshua , Park Minjung , Fienup Daniel , Dowdy Art
Published: February 2024

Tummy time is an activity for infants to practice their early motor skills. Although most pediatricians recommend tummy time, parents may avoid the procedures due to indices of infant discomfort during this period. This consecutive controlled case series evaluation compared the effects of preferred items selected from a preference assessment with those of parental attention on head evaluation and negative vocalizations during tummy time. In addition, we directly evaluated parental choice by inviting parents to select which tummy time treatment they wanted to implement. We found that both preferred items and parental attention effectively increased head elevation and decreased negative vocalizations during tummy time; however, parents tended to prefer the treatment that included the preferred item.
High glucose promotes osteogenic differentiation of human lens epithelial cells through hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF) activation
Authors: Ababneh Haneen , Balogh Enikő , Csiki Dávid Máté , Lente Gréta , Fenyvesi Ferenc , Tóth Andrea , Jeney Viktória
Published: February 2024

Cataract, a leading cause of blindness, is characterised by lens opacification. Type 2 diabetes is associated with a two‐ to fivefold higher prevalence of cataracts. The risk of cataract formation increases with the duration of diabetes and the severity of hyperglycaemia. Hydroxyapatite deposition is present in cataractous lenses that could be the consequence of osteogenic differentiation and calcification of lens epithelial cells (LECs). We hypothesised that hyperglycaemia might promote the osteogenic differentiation of human LECs (HuLECs). Osteogenic medium (OM) containing excess phosphate and calcium with normal (1 g/L) or high (4.5 g/L) glucose was used to induce HuLEC calcification. High glucose accelerated and intensified OM‐induced calcification of HuLECs, which was accompanied by hyperglycaemia‐induced upregulation of the osteogenic markers Runx2, Sox9, alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin, as well as nuclear translocation of Runx2. High glucose‐induced calcification was abolished in Runx2‐deficient HuLECs. Additionally, high glucose stabilised the regulatory alpha subunits of hypoxia‐inducible factor 1 (HIF‐1), triggered nuclear translocation of HIF‐1α and increased the expression of HIF‐1 target genes. Gene silencing of HIF‐1α or HIF‐2α attenuated hyperglycaemia‐induced calcification of HuLECs, while hypoxia mimetics (desferrioxamine, CoCl2) enhanced calcification of HuLECs under normal glucose conditions. Overall, this study suggests that high glucose promotes HuLEC calcification via Runx2 and the activation of the HIF‐1 signalling pathway. These findings may provide new insights into the pathogenesis of diabetic cataracts, shedding light on potential factors for intervention to treat this sight‐threatening condition.
Developing a comparative photon‐proton planning service in Victoria: the experience at PeterMacCallumCancer Centre
Authors: Gunewardena Roshini , Hall Lisa , Li Michelle , Drum Gabrielle , Le Dianna , Nigro Emily , Houlder Bridget , Phillips Claire , Wheeler Greg , Wiltshire Kirsty , Kron Tomas , Yeo Adam
Published: February 2024

Proton‐beam therapy (PBT) is a cutting‐edge radiation therapy modality that is currently not available in Australia. Comparative photon‐proton (CPP) planning is required for the medical treatment overseas programme (MTOP) and will be required for access to PBT in Australia in the future. Comparative planning brings professional development benefits to all members of the radiation therapy team. This service was also created to support future proposals for a PBT facility in Victoria. We report our experience developing an in‐house CPP service at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. A set of resources to support CPP planning was established. Training of relevant staff was undertaken after which an in‐house training programme was developed. A standard protocol for PBT planning parameters was established. All CPP plans were reviewed. Future goals for the CPP planning programme were described. In total, 62 cases were comparatively planned over 54 months. Of these, 60% were paediatric cases, 14% were adolescents and young adults (15–25 years) and 26% were adults. The vast majority (over 75%) of patients comparatively planned required irradiation to the central nervous system including brain and cranio‐spinal irradiation. A variety of proton plans were reviewed by international PBT experts to confirm their deliverability. Our team at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre has gained significant experience in CPP planning and will continue to develop this further. Local expertise will help support decentralisation of patient selection for proton treatments in the near future and the PBT business case in Victoria.
Histological examination of skin tissue in the porcine animal model after application of a new monopolar radiofrequency
Authors: Zhang Chong , Wang Meng , Li Yi , Yan Yan
Published: February 2024

Objectives

This study aims to evaluate the safety of the radiofrequency device and its efficacy in various treatment and refrigeration modes.

Methods

Four 4‐week Bama miniature pigs were used in this study, and four repeated treatment sites were selected on the pig's abdomen, each site consisting of 6 different treatment and cooling modes, with radiofrequency device (YouMagic; WE Medical Technology Co., Ltd.) administered every 3–5 s for a total of five treatments. The handheld infrared thermometer (HIKMICRO; Hangzhou Hikmicro Sensing Technology Co., Ltd.) was used to monitor the surface temperature of skin. Twenty minutes after the completion of treatment, a biopsy of the treatment and control area was performed on the pigs using a 4‐mm biopsy punch. One‐month after the treatment, samples were obtained using surgical scalpels. After that we used proper staining to estimate the therapeutic efficacy. At last, SPSS and Image J were used to proceed to the next step of analysis.

Results

During the therapy, no side effects were observed apart from mild transient erythema caused by the heating of skin temperature, staining of biopsy samples taken 20 min after treatment showed no serious damage of dermis. After 1 month of treatment, it can increase collagen I and elastin production. In addition, increases in energy setting at a standard pass number also increased the expression of collagen I. Meanwhile, we also found an increase in the thickness of the dermal layer among all treatment groups.

Conclusions

The new monopolar radiofrequency instrument possesses excellent therapeutic safety. After 1 month of treatment, it can increase collagen I and elastin production in 2‐month‐old Bama miniature pigs.
Natural products as IL‐6 inhibitors for inflammatory diseases: Synthetic and SAR perspective
Authors: Harmalkar Dipesh S. , Sivaraman Aneesh , Nada Hossam , Lee Joohan , Kang Hyeseul , Choi Yongseok , Lee Kyeong
Published: February 2024

Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), a pleiotropic cytokine, plays a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of various diseases including diabetes, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, multiple myeloma, rheumatoid arthritis, and prostate cancer. The signaling pathways associated with IL‐6 offer promising targets for therapeutic interventions in inflammatory diseases and IL‐6‐dependent tumors. Although certain anti‐IL‐6 monoclonal antibodies are currently employed clinically, their usage is hampered by drawbacks such as high cost and potential immunogenicity, limiting their application. Thus, the imperative arises to develop novel small non‐peptide molecules acting as IL‐6 inhibitors. Various natural products derived from diverse sources have been investigated for their potential to inhibit IL‐6 activity. Nevertheless, these natural products remain inadequately explored in terms of their structure‐activity relationships. In response, our review aims to provide syntheses and structure activity perspective of natural IL‐6 inhibitors. The comprehensive amalgamation of information presented in this review holds the potential to serve as a foundation for forthcoming research endeavors by medicinal chemists, facilitating the design of innovative IL‐6 inhibitors to address the complexities of inflammatory diseases.
Compact metal‐printed filtering antenna with wideband performance
Authors: Xu Lang , Xu Li‐jie , Wu Xian‐min , Li Bo , Huang Feng
Published: February 2024

In this letter, a wideband cavity‐backed filtering antenna based on 3‐D printing technology is proposed for millimeter wave applications. This antenna is made up of an air‐filled metal cavity, attached with two transverse slots on its upper surface. By exciting one TE110 cavity mode and two slot modes simultaneously, wideband performance can be obtained. Besides, by properly bending one slot into U‐shape, two radiation nulls appear at two sides of the passband, yet causing the increase of the cross‐polarization in H‐plane. To remedy this, the U‐shaped slot is further bent at its ends, successfully suppressing the cross‐polarization by 7 dB. The final proposed filtering antenna is implemented and measured, showing a wide bandwidth of 37.3%, covering from 21.4 to 31.2 GHz. And the measured maximum gain is 6.6 dBi in band, with two radiation nulls at 14.6 and 40 GHz.
A wideband X‐band circularly polarized printed monopole antenna backed by AMC reflector for 5G/IoT CubeSat applications
Authors: El Hammoumi Mohamed , Tubbal Faisel , Idrissi Najiba El Amrani El , Theoharis Panagiotis I. , Abulgasem Suhila , Raad Raad
Published: February 2024

This letter presents a coplanar waveguide‐fed printed monopole antenna backed by an artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) reflector. The proposed monopole antenna achieves circular polarization by loading the monopole with a printed coil and using an asymmetric ground plane. In addition, the AMC increases the antenna gain while maintaining a wide axial ratio (AR) bandwidth. The unit cell of the AMC is based on a Minkowski‐like prefractal geometry. The antenna is fabricated and measured with a total size of 1.07 λ0 × 1.07 λ0 × 0.25 λ0 at the operating frequency of 8.5 GHz. The measured results show a wide −10 dB impedance bandwidth of 26.9% (7.12–9.38 GHz), a wide 3 dB AR bandwidth of 22.23% (8–9.89 GHz) as well as a peak gain of 8.3 dBi at 8.5 GHz. This is significantly better than comparable antennas in addition to this design being the smallest in size.
A review on key factors influencing the electrical conductivity of proton exchange membrane fuel cell composite bipolar plates
Authors: Shojaei Sahar , Rostami‐Tapeh‐Esmaeil Ehsan , Mighri Frej
Published: February 2024

Fuel cells are gaining increasing importance as a promising alternative to traditional energy sources, primarily due to their exceptional efficiency and environmental advantages. The electrical performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) largely depends on the effectiveness of proton and electron transport within the cell components. A critical factor impacting this efficiency is the electrical conductivity of polymer‐based bipolar plates (BPPs), which play a fundamental role as current collectors. BPPs in PEMFCs can be made from various materials including coated metallic materials, graphitic materials, and polymer composites. This review exclusively concentrates on polymer composite BPPs. Enhancing the overall cell performance is achievable through the integration of electrically conductive additives into the polymer matrix of these plates. Graphite (GR), carbon black (CB), carbon fibers (CF), carbon nanotubes (CNT), and graphene (Gr) all emerge as highly promising functional materials capable of substantially elevating BPPs performance. This study, among its various objectives, delves into the synergistic effects of these electrically conductive additives and their capacity to enhance the electrical conductivity within polymeric matrices. Furthermore, this review article thoroughly explores the influence of the polymeric matrix, encompassing co‐continuous morphology and processing conditions. In essence, it focuses on the improvement of BPPs electrical conductivity through innovative designs of their polymer‐based composites and nanocomposites and the particular selection of the electrically conductive fillers. The insights derived from this study significantly contribute to a more profound understanding of how to effectively harness the potential of this vital PEMFC component.
Diabetes in pregnancy: from preconception to postnatal
Authors: O’Donnell Emer , Bisland Jennifer , Fincham Donna
Published: February 2024

Diabetes is a worldwide problem that has a growing prevalence. With advancing maternal age and rising rates of obesity, diabetes in pregnancy is on the rise. The complications it brings to antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal care are causing an increase to maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity.

Two‐thirds of the women who died in the UK in pregnancy (2018–2020) were known to have a pre‐existing medical condition such as diabetes. This highlights the need for excellence in preconception care and counselling, to enable the optimisation of glycaemic control and therefore pregnancy outcomes.

Without a multidisciplinary team approach, the optimisation of glycaemic management of these patients cannot occur, which will increase complications and therefore the overall financial burden to the NHS. Copyright © 2024 John Wiley & Sons.
Resistance exercise in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes: what clinicians need to know
Authors: Ruffell Joanne , Andrews Edward T
Published: February 2024

The benefits of regular exercise in children and young people (CYP) with type 1 diabetes (T1D) are undisputed. Although encouraged, the total amount of exercise in this cohort remains suboptimal, with uncertainty of glycaemic response a barrier to exercise involvement. The bulk of the exercise literature for T1D concentrates on aerobic activities, but resistance exercise (RE) must not be overlooked. There are many benefits of RE – including physiological, psychological, musculoskeletal and cardiovascular effects – and emerging evidence highlights the possible glucose‐stabilising impact for individuals with T1D. In this review we describe the evidence base for the safety and benefits of RE in CYP with T1D, alongside strategies for optimising glycaemic management when engaging in this exercise modality, to minimise perceived barriers. Copyright © 2024 John Wiley & Sons.
Double trouble – men and obesity
Authors: DeVille‐Almond Jane
Published: February 2024

We know that boys take more risks than girls,1 are six times more likely to have an accident, four times more likely to take their own life,2 and twice as likely not to seek medical health when they are unwell.3 Yet despite knowing men are less likely to engage in the health service, more likely to develop long‐term chronic disease and more likely to die earlier than women,4 we continue to offer services for our patients in a generic way.

Men often have little opportunity to engage with health care professionals until they are sick. My ambition is to de‐medicalise men's health in primary care and develop more innovative, gender‐specific services, to capture men's attention. If we are trying to sell something, that men don’t realise they want, we should try and think about selling it in the same way other products are sold. We need to invest in innovation and social marketing. Copyright © 2024 John Wiley & Sons.
Sonographic imaging education for sonographers versus health professionals: A literature review
Authors: Stoodley Paul , Mason Glenn
Published: February 2024

Background

Sonographers are tertiary qualified health professionals who acquire, measure, and interpret diagnostic ultrasound images. Ultrasound is also used by many health professionals other than sonographers. As the imaging objectives of these two groups differs, and in the interest of enhancing education, we performed a literature review.

Method

Research questions drove the literature search that initially yielded >4,000 articles: subject and theme relevance checks reduced this to a final selection of 44. Based on dominant themes within articles, the final 44 were placed into 7 categories, 3 in ‘skills development’ and 4 in ‘educational methods’ domains. In each category, articles were grouped by research participant type: 1. Sonographer or 2. Health Professional, and citation frequency used to measure impact.

Result

Six sonographer‐focused and 16 health professional focused articles were assigned to the skills development domain. The highest impact sonographer‐focused article emphasised psychomotor skills for optimal development, the highest impact health professional focused article centered on rapid image acquisition and interpretation. Six sonographer‐focused and 16 health professional focused articles were assigned to the educational methods domain. The highest impact sonographer‐focused article identified a limitation of high‐fidelity simulators, the highest impact health professional focused article cited a limitation of education delivery.

Conclusion

Different sonographic imaging skills and educational methods are used for sonographers and health professionals. Sonographers utilise a wide range of imaging skills: teaching methods should be tailored accordingly. Health professionals rely on condensed imaging skills and standardised protocols: this requires a customised approach and may be enhanced by sonographer involvement.
Experimental study on axial compressive behavior of steel tube‐reinforced recycled aggregate concrete composite columns with steel bars
Authors: Niu Haicheng , Gao Jinlong , Li Bixia , Xie Shu , Ding Yahong
Published: February 2024

In this paper, five specimens were designed to test under monotonic static loading to study the axial compression performance of steel tube‐reinforced high‐strength recycled aggregate concrete composite columns with steel bars. The design parameters for these specimens include the type of concrete, the sectional shape of the steel tube (circular or square), and the internal structure of the core column, specifically the presence or absence of cross‐shaped tie bars in the square steel tube. The effects of different parameters on the axial load–displacement curve, bearing capacity, and ductility were analyzed. The test results show that the failure of all specimens was caused by the concrete cover spalling of outer reinforced concrete, which occurred after the longitudinal strain of the steel tube exceeded the yield strain. The ultimate bearing capacity of the recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) specimen is higher than that of the natural aggregate concrete (NAC) specimen, but the latter has a more robust deformation performance. Furthermore, under the condition of the same steel tube cross‐sectional area and similar material strength, the bearing capacity and deformation capacity of specimens with circular steel tubes are higher than those of specimens with square steel tubes. A similar conclusion was also obtained for square steel tube specimens with cross‐shaped tie bars. Finally, four international design methods were applied to estimate the axial compression capacity of 40 composite columns, as detailed in this paper and other sources.
A Novel Hybrid Deep Learning Model for Photovoltaic Power Forecasting Based on Feature Extraction and BiLSTM
Authors: Lin Wenshuai , Zhang Bin , Lu Renquan
Published: February 2024

In this paper, a hybrid photovoltaic power forecasting model is proposed based on bidirectional long‐short‐term memory network. Firstly, the photovoltaic power and meteorological data are decomposed by ensemble empirical mode decomposition. Secondly, key features in the meteorological subsequences are extracted by kernel principal component analysis method to eliminate the correlation and redundancy in the original meteorological sequence and reduce the input dimension of the model, then the coupling time characteristics between meteorological subsequences and photovoltaic power subsequence are further explored. Thirdly, a bidirectional long‐short‐term memory network optimized by improved particle swarm optimization based on inertia weight of anti‐sine function is proposed, and then the eventual photovoltaic power forecasting results are obtained by superimposing the predicted values of each prediction component. The experiment is carried out with the operation data of the Inner Mongolia power grid, and the results show that the proposed forecasting model exhibits higher prediction accuracy. © 2023 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Anti-Poverty Transfers: Policy Successions with Little Success
Authors: Rahman Andaleeb , Pingali Prabhu
Published: February 2024

Indian social welfare policy has traditionally considered poverty to be synonymous with hunger and famines in rural areas. Ongoing changes in the demographic and economic structure of the country, however, require a reorientation of anti-poverty policies toward the various emerging sources of poverty and vulnerability to foster a resilient development process. In this chapter, we identify the following key aspects of livelihood risks in the wake of India’s stunted structural transformation—smaller landholding size, low skill levels among workers, the dominance of informal employment, the slow pace of urbanization, and an aging population. We further suggest ways to adapt to these changing economic realities.
Welfare Reforms and the Leviathan State
Authors: Rahman Andaleeb , Pingali Prabhu
Published: February 2024

Should cash transfers replace targeted in-kind food transfers and public works program? Can making welfare provisions universally applicable make the program more effective? Would technological innovations help overcome implementational deficits in the welfare delivery systems? Why not introduce a singular program of universal basic income (UBI) as an alternative to the array of poorly implemented welfare schemes? But does India have the fiscal and organization capability to manage and fund an expansive set of social safety nets? Social safety net debates in the country are currently organized around these questions. In this chapter, we unpack the arguments and evidence on either side of the debate and offer suggestions for future policy.
Jugendliche Freizeitorte in Berlin – polyzentral oder segregiert?
Authors: Merten Moritz
Published: February 2024

Im dritten Kapitel werden die für eine Großstadt typischen Merkmale ebenso wie die Besonderheiten Berlins herausgearbeitet. Dafür werden die physische und sozialräumliche Struktur der Stadt beschrieben und ihre Bedeutung für das räumliche Freizeitverhalten von Jugendlichen analysiert. Auch die jugendbezogene Infrastruktur Berlins und ihre räumliche Verteilung werden eingehend betrachtet. Es folgt die Zusammenfassung bestehender empirischer Befunde zu Jugendlichen und Aktivitätsräumen in Berlin. Die gewonnenen Erkenntnisse werden abschließend genutzt, um die im vorangegangenen Kapitel aufgestellten Hypothesen anzupassen und zu erweitern.
Die Wahrnehmung von Stadträumen – präferierte und gemiedene Orte
Authors: Merten Moritz
Published: February 2024

Im zweiten empirischen Teil, dem sechsten Kapitel, werden die Ergebnisse der qualitativen Forschungsphase dargelegt. Zunächst werden die herausgearbeiteten Typen jugendlichen Freizeitverhaltens vorgestellt und mithilfe beispielhafter Porträts einzelner Interviewpartner*innen veranschaulicht. Entlang offener Fragen aus der quantitativen Forschungsphase werden danach die Interviews ausgewertet, um die Ergebnisse der quantitativen Erhebung zu vertiefen. Den Abschluss bildet ein zusammenfassendes Unterkapitel.
Discussion
Authors: Damrau Milena
Published: February 2024

In this chapter, the research findings presented in the previous chapter are interpreted and discussed in detail with respect to prior research. Further, the author reflects on methodological decisions and the adapted framework on proof-related activities, identifies potential limitations, and outlines implications for the teaching of proof and for future research.
Skalierungseffekte in einer Fließstrecke mit deklinanten Buhnen in Modellversuchen mit den Maßstäben 1:1 und 1:5
Authors: Sindelar Christine , Lichtneger Petr , Buchinger Matthias , Worf Dominik , Pessenlehner Sebastian , Habersack Helmut
Published: February 2024

Diese Studie befasst sich mit Skalierungseffekten anhand einer Modellfamilie. Zwei Versuchsanordnungen in den Maßstäben 1:1 und 1:5 wurden untersucht, die bis auf den Maßstab gleich waren. Aufgrund der Skalierung nach Froude-Ähnlichkeit waren die Reynolds-Zahlen in der Größenordnung 105für den Maßstab 1:5 und 106für den Naturmaßstab. In einer gerade Fließstrecke mit einer Kiessohle wurden linksufrig vier deklinante Buhnen angeordnet. Die Buhnen waren leicht überströmt. Es wurden zeitaufgelöste 3D-Geschwindigkeiten gemessen, woraus zeitlich gemittelte Geschwindigkeiten und die turbulente kinetische Energie (TKE) berechnet und anschließend normiert wurden. In Übereinstimmung mit früheren Studien und einer komplementären numerischen Studie zeigte sich, dass die zeitlich gemittelten Geschwindigkeiten in Hauptfließrichtung gut in den beiden untersuchten Maßstäben übereinstimmten. Die normierte TKE hingegen wies deutliche Unterschiede in den beiden Maßstäben auf. Sie war im Maßstab 1:1 größer als im Maßstab 1:5. Besonders groß waren die Unterschiede im Bereich hinter der Buhne, wo sich die Strömung ablöste. Dies ist ein starkes Indiz für einen Skalierungseffekt aufgrund der unterschiedlichen Reynolds-Zahlen. Die Reynolds-Zahlen der Studie lagen in einem Bereich, in dem sich häufig das Widerstandsverhalten umströmter Körper ändert. Das liefert eine Erklärung, warum sich die Unterschiede in TKE vor allem im Bereich des Buhnenfelds zeigten.

Die Studie unterstreicht die Wichtigkeit von 1:1-Versuchen, wenn turbulente Vorgänge oder das Widerstandsverhalten umströmter Körper oder der Sedimenttransport eine wesentliche Rolle spielen. Das neue BOKU-Wasserbaulabor bietet mit Durchflüssen bis zu 10 m3/s ideale und einzigartige Voraussetzungen für (nahe) 1:1-Versuche.
Lq-norm multiple kernel fusion regression for self-cleansing sediment transport
Authors: Safari Mir Jafar Sadegh , Rahimzadeh Arashloo Shervin , Kohandel Gargari Mehrnoush
Published: February 2024

Experimental and modeling studies have been conducted to develop an approach for self-cleansing rigid boundary open channel design such as drainage and sewer systems. Self-cleansing experiments in the literature are mostly performed on circular channel cross-section, while a few studies considered self-cleansing sediment transport in small rectangular channels. Experiments in this study were carried out in a rectangular channel with a length of 12.5 m, a width of 0.6 m, a depth of 0.7 m and having an automatic control system for regulating channel slope, discharge and sediment rate. Behind utilizing collected experimental data in this study, existing data in the literature for rectangular channels are used to develop self-cleansing models applicable for channel design. Through the modeling procedure, this study recommends Lq-norm multiple kernel fusion regression (LMKFR) techniques for self-cleansing sediment transport. The LMKFR is a regression technique based on the regularized kernel regression method which benefits from the combination of multiple information sources to improve the performance using the Lq-norm multiple kernel learning framework. The results obtained by LMKFR are compared to support vector regression benchmark and existing conventional regression self-cleansing sediment transport models in the literature for rectangular channels. The superiority of LMKFR is illustrated in an accurate modeling as compared with its alternatives in terms of various statistical error measurement criteria. The encouraging results of LMKFR can be linked to utilization of several kernels which are fused effectively using an Lq-norm prior that captures the intrinsic sparsity of the problem at hand. Promising performance of LMKFR technique in this study suggests it as an effective technique to be examined in similar environmental, hydrological and hydraulic problems.
Attachment-based Prevention Program Involving Mothers and Fathers: Seven-year Post-Intervention Outcomes of a Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Walter Isabelle , Quehenberger Julia , Landers Swinde , Brisch Karl Heinz
Published: February 2024

The effects of a holistic attachment-based primary prevention program (SAFE), which is aimed at fathers and mothers during the transition to parenthood, were assessed over the 7-year post-intervention follow-up of a randomized control trial. A non-clinical German sample was included in the trial (fathers:n= 58, mothers:n= 71; children:n= 72). The children’s mean age was 7.30 years (SD= 0.41) and their attachment representations were assessed using a doll play procedure. Among the group of insecure mothers (n= 58), significantly more children (50%) in the SAFE group displayed a secure attachment representation compared to the control group (25%). No children of mothers with unresolved trauma displayed a disorganized attachment representation. In the parent domain, the increase in couple discord over time perceived by the SAFE mothers was significantly lower than that for the mothers in the control group. Furthermore, mothers in the SAFE group reported significantly higher partnership quality than the control mothers. The perceived benefits of the programs were significantly higher, in multiple domains, among SAFE fathers and mothers compared to control parents. The effect sizes were medium to large. Even after 7 years, program participation continues to have a positive impact on the children, and their fathers and mothers. The most important implication of this study for clinical practice is the need to support mothers with insecure or unresolved trauma in order to promote healthy child development. In addition, we think that it is important to support both parents during the transition to parenthood. TRN: DRKS00017050 (retrospectively registered, March, 28th 2019)
A Comparative Analysis of Spiritual Care Needs Among Cancer Patients Receiving Home Care and Their Caregivers in Turkey
Authors: Üstündağ Sema , Çekiç Yasemin , Kurtoğlu Yasemin , Ünver Gamze
Published: February 2024

This study was conducted to determine and compare the spiritual care needs of cancer patients and their caregivers. A comparative descriptive, cross-sectional design was employed in this study. The study comprised 102 patients who were registered in the hospital’s home care unit, as well as their caregivers (total number = 204). The data were collected using a personal information form and the Spiritual Care Needs Inventory. The cancer patients had a mean age of 69.5 years, while their caregivers’ mean age was 53.1 years. According to the results, the cancer patients needed more spiritual care than their caregivers (p < 0.01). Patients’ spiritual care needs differed significantly by employment status (p  < 0.05). However, gender, educational level, and marital status did not have a significant difference in the spiritual care needs of the patients and their caregivers (p > 0.05). Moderately positive and significant (p < 0.05) correlations between patients and their caregivers were found for the total Spiritual Care Needs Inventory scores (r = 0.449), the meaning and hope subscale (r = 0.378), and the caring and respect subscale (r = 0.546). It is important to evaluate the spiritual needs of patients with cancer and their caregivers. In this evaluation, it is essential to elicit the perspectives of cancer patients and their caregivers concerning spiritual needs and religion. Effective spiritual care for patients and their caregivers can only be provided if their beliefs and priorities are taken into consideration.