bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A systematic review of the critical success factors for implementing circular economy in construction projects
Authors: Wuni Ibrahim Yahaya
Published: November 2022

The transition to a circular economy in the construction industry provides enormous opportunities to decouple construction activities, processes, and practices from finite consumption of natural resources and environmental externalities. Circular construction leverages the interconnected models of narrowing, slowing, and closing resource loops to minimize extractive and wasteful use of natural resources, eliminate waste and pollution from the outset, and retain construction products and materials in use for a longer duration. However, construction practitioners have struggled to implement circular economy principles into construction projects successfully. This study systematically reviewed the critical success factors for implementing circular construction projects. The results revealed 51 critical success factors for circular construction projects, clustered into six typologies: technological (n = 10, ∑ = 93, μ = 9.30), supply chain (n = 14, ∑ = 84, μ = 6.00), organizational (n = 9, ∑ = 82, μ = 9.11), institutional (n = 7, ∑ = 43, μ = 6.14), stakeholder success (n = 7, ∑ = 73, μ = 10.43), and management success factors (n = 4, ∑ = 27, μ = 6.75). A Pareto analysis revealed 30 vital critical success factors for circular construction projects. Thus, the study established the first comprehensive set of critical success strategies for circular construction projects and enriches the knowledge of construction organizations and project team members on how best to implement circular economy principles in construction projects.
Ultra‐Strong Comprehensive Radiation Effect Tolerance in Carbon Nanotube Electronics
Authors: Zhu Maguang , Lu Peng , Wang Xuan , Chen Qian , Zhu Huiping , Zhang Yajie , Zhou Jianshuo , Xu Haitao , Han Zhengsheng , Han Jianwei , Chen Rui , Li Bo , Peng Lian‐Mao , Zhang Zhiyong
Published: November 2022

Carbon nanotube (CNT) field‐effect transistors (FETs) have been considered ideal building blocks for radiation‐hard integrated circuits (ICs), the demand for which is exponentially growing, especially in outer space exploration and the nuclear industry. Many studies on the radiation tolerance of CNT‐based electronics have focused on the total ionizing dose (TID) effect, while few works have considered the single event effects (SEEs) and displacement damage (DD) effect, which are more difficult to measure but may be more important in practical applications. Measurements of the SEEs and DD effect of CNT FETs and ICs are first executed and then presented a comprehensive radiation effect analysis of CNT electronics. The CNT ICs without special irradiation reinforcement technology exhibit a comprehensive radiation tolerance, including a 1 × 104 MeVcm2 mg−1 level of the laser‐equivalent threshold linear energy transfer (LET) for SEEs, 2.8 × 1013 MeV g−1 for DD and 2 Mrad (Si) for TID, which are at least four times higher than those in conventional radiation‐hardened ICs. The ultrahigh intrinsic comprehensive radiation tolerance will promote the applications of CNT ICs in high‐energy solar and cosmic radiation environments.
Constructing Biomass‐Based Ultrahigh‐Rate Performance SnOy@C/SiOx Anode for LIBs via Disproportionation Effect
Authors: Zhang Ning , Liu Kun , Zhang Haibai , Wang Xiaofei , Zhou Yuhao , He Wenxiu , Cui Jinlong , Sun Juncai
Published: November 2022

To break the stereotype that silica can only be reduced via a magnesiothermic and aluminothermic method at low‐temperature condition, the novel strategy for converting silica to SiOx using disproportionation effect of SnO generated via low‐temperature pyrolysis coreduction reaction between SnO2 and rice husk is proposed, without any raw materials waste and environmental hazards. After the low‐temperature pyrolysis reaction, SnOy@C/SiOx composites with unique structure (Sn/SnO2 dispersed on the surface and within pores of biochar as well as SiOx residing in the interior) are obtained due to the exclusive biological properties of rice husk. Such unique structural features render SnOy@C/SiOx composites with an excellent talent for repairing the damaged structure and the highly electrochemical storage ability (530.8 mAh g−1 at 10 A g−1 after 7500 cycles). Furthermore, assembled LiFePO4||SnOy‐50@C/SiOx full cell displays a high discharge capacity of 463.7 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at 0.2 A g−1. The Li+ transport mechanism is revealed by density functional theory calculations. This work provides references and ideas for green, efficient, and high‐value to reduce SiO2, especially in biomass, which also avoids the waste of raw materials in the production process, and becomes an essential step in sustainable development.
A survey of recent advances in image steganography
Authors: Kumar Akshay , Rani Rajneesh , Singh Samayveer
Published: November 2022

Over the course of technological development, data security while transmission and storing has always been a field of continuous advancements and key importance. In the recent times, its importance has increased even further and the main reason behind this is the increase in the amount of data that is being transferred over internet and various networks. Although there are cryptographic approaches to handle these situations, steganography provides a different aspect to the solution. While cryptography encrypts the data such that the cipher text is visible to human eye, but the meaning of that encrypted text is never known. Steganography is the process of hiding data in plain sight inside some images, audio, video and so on, such that it is very difficult for the viewer to directly differentiate if there is some data hidden in the host or not. This paper consists a study of various methodologies to implement Image steganography like spatial domain manipulation, encryption based and deep learning approaches. The paper focuses upon recent advances in all these approaches for image steganography and aims to help other researches in this domain to understand recent developments as well future advancements possible in the same field. Furthermore, this paper illustrates about how different image formats effect various image steganography methods and how the various image color models interact with image steganography. Later this article sheds some light on the domain of steganalysis and reports about the fundamental principles as well as various implementations of steganalysis systems in recent times.
Seroepidemiology of peste des petits ruminants virus in small ruminants in selected districts in Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Abesha Habtamu , Teshome Yechale , Alemu Yeshwas Ferede , Dejene Haileyesus , Tarekegn Zewdu Seyoum , Assefa Ayalew
Published: November 2022

Background

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is one of the most severe diseases of small ruminants, causing the loss of millions of dollars annually. A cross‐sectional study was conducted to determine the seroepidemiology of peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) in unvaccinated sheep and goats in selected districts in Northwest Ethiopia.

Objectives

The study was designed to investigate the epidemiology of PPRV in unvaccinated sheep and goats and risk factors in the study areas.

Methods

A multi‐stage sampling was used to select study districts, villages and households with a random sampling approach. Study animals (403 sheep and goats) older than 5 months were selected with a systematic random sampling approach. From the animals, blood samples were aseptically collected and PPRV antibodies from the serum were analysed with enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

The overall seroprevalence of antibodies to PPRV was 32.5% in both species. It was higher in goats with a prevalence of 34.7% than in sheep (28.3%). District, herd size, sex, animal origin and grazing management were significantly associated with seropositivity of animals to PPRV antibodies. If an animal was from the Dangur district, it had 2.6 times higher chance of being positive than in the Dibati district (OR = 2.6, p = 0.01 and 95% CI = 1.2– 5.6). Herd size was also significantly correlated with the seropositivity with (OR = 4, p = 0.001, and 95% CI = 1.8–9). Also, male animals had 1.7 times higher chance of being positive than females. Further, if an animal comes from the market, it has 2.7 times higher chance of being positive compared to animals born and raised on the farm.

Conclusions

The seropositivity indicates that the disease is circulating in the study areas. Hence, preventive approaches, like vaccination campaigns and strict biosecurity measures, are highly advised to avoid the catastrophic impact of the diseases if an outbreak occurs.
Mitochondrial DNA D‐loop hyper‐variable region 1 variability in Kurdish horse breed
Authors: Nikbakhsh Milad , Varkoohi Sheida , Seyedabadi Hamid Reza
Published: November 2022

Background

Kurdish horse is one of the most valuable horse genetic resources in the Middle East.

Objectives

To assess the genetic diversity of Kurdish horses, Mitochondrial DNA D‐loop hyper‐variable region1 (HVR1) was sequenced in 29 non‐related Kurdish horses which were sampled from diverse geographic regions of Iran.

Methods

Total DNA was extracted from the collected blood samples by modified salting out method. The HVR1 was amplified by PCR and then sequenced using ABI PRISM BigDyeTM Terminator Cycle Sequencing Ready Reaction Kit. Consequently, the sequences were trimmed to 294 bp using BIOEDIT to become comparable with other reported HVR1 sequences in GeneBank. Sequence alignment was performed using CLUSTALW package. Haplotype and nucleotide diversity were estimated using DNASP5.10 and phylogenetic tree was constructed by neighbour joining method.

Results

Fourteen different haplotypes and 22 polymorphic sites were detected. Haplotype diversity, nucleotide diversity and Tajima D values were 0.901 ± 0.001, 0.01153 ± 0.0020 and −1.378, respectively. Kurdish horse showed a high haplotype and low nucleotide diversity. The compositional frequency of consensus sequences for base A was the highest (29.93%) compared to other three nucleotides (C = 28.91%, T = 26.53% and G = 14.63%). As expected, all of the detected Kurdish horse haplotypes belonged to haplogroup K (i.e., Kurdish horses).

Conclusions

According to the phylogenetic analysis, Kurdish horses were genetically more closely related to Tibetan, Chinese, Bulgarian and Iranian native horse breeds, compared to other Asian horse breeds, but some traces of European horse breeds were detected in their maternal lines.
Large eddy simulations of a utility‐scale horizontal axis wind turbine including unsteady aerodynamics and fluid‐structure interaction modelling
Authors: Della Posta Giacomo , Leonardi Stefano , Bernardini Matteo
Published: November 2022

Growing horizontal axis wind turbines are increasingly exposed to significant sources of unsteadiness, such as tower shadowing, yawed or waked conditions and environmental effects. Due to increased dimensions, the use of steady tabulated airfoil coefficients to determine the airloads along long blades can be questioned in those numerical fluid models that do not have the sufficient resolution to solve explicitly and dynamically the flow close to the blade. Various models exist to describe unsteady aerodynamics (UA). However, they have been mainly implemented in engineering models, which lack the complete capability of describing the unsteady and multiscale nature of wind energy. To improve the description of the blades' aerodynamic response, a 2D unsteady aerodynamics model is used in this work to estimate the airloads of the actuator line model in our fluid–structure interaction (FSI) solver, based on 3D large eddy simulation. At each section along the actuator lines, a semi‐empirical Beddoes‐Leishman model includes the effects of noncirculatory terms, unsteady trailing edge separation, and dynamic stall in the dynamic evaluation of the airfoils' aerodynamic coefficients. The aeroelastic response of a utility‐scale wind turbine under uniform, laminar and turbulent, sheared inflows is examined with one‐ and two‐way FSI coupling between the blades' structural dynamics and local airloads, with and without the enhanced aerodynamics' description. The results show that the external half of the blade is dominated by aeroelastic effects, whereas the internal one is dominated by significant UA phenomena, which was possible to represent only thanks to the additional model implemented.
Confusing the Spatial with the Social: Can Ethnography Offer a Way Out?
Authors: Mosseray Jeanne , Aernouts Nele
Published: November 2022

Urban renewal policies applied over Europe since the 1990s have been characterized by an integrated approach towards neighbourhood regeneration, combining an interplay of social and spatial intentions and strategies. In this contribution, we develop an ethnographic account of the occupation of the ground floors in the social high-rise estate of Peterbos, Brussels, in order to show the necessity for studying and translating such interplay locally. While over time, urban designers and spatial planners developed several proposals to include facilities in the plinths of the buildings in order to ‘activate’ the neighbourhood and make it livelier and more vibrant, we highlight such ‘activation’ by shopkeepers, social and community workers is less straightforward. The current occupancy of these spaces is characterized by the embodiment of the spaces by facility managers; their strategies, and those of their clients within and outside the spaces; and different forms of in- and exclusion. As such, the contribution highlights how an ethnographic approach could contribute to making more informed decisions on the design of such spaces.
Beyond a Buzzword: Situated Participation Through Socially Oriented Urban Living Labs
Authors: Cognetti Francesca
Published: November 2022

In the broader framework of Living Labs and participatory planning, the essay proposes socially-oriented Urban Living Labs (ULLs) as a possible way of understanding and experimenting with participation in marginalized contexts. It does so by applying a focus on individual/collective capacities and enabling processes to support them. Drawing on the literature and the observation and implementation of concrete cases, the essay proposes a reflection on ULLs as situated environments in which “everyone’s” capacities are formed and tested, thus challenging the functioning of local democracy. This implies a focus as much on residents and local agents as on institutions. The essay proposes a shift from Living Labs to socially oriented Urban Living Labs, in order to foster the social dimension of planning, questioning the mechanisms of involvement and support of the most fragile profiles, often excluded from the political process. The perspective is the implementation of an enabling and mutual learning process through devices to reinforce organizations and people’s ability to reflect on, aspire to, and take action for the transformation of their life context, becoming real agents of change.
Adapting the Living Lab Methodology: The Prefix ‘Co’ as an Empowerment Tool for Urban Regeneration in Large-Scale Social-Housing Estates
Authors: Cognetti Francesca , Maranghi Elena
Published: November 2022

In recent years, Urban Living Labs (ULLs) have acquired an ever greater resonance in the field of spatial and urban regeneration. Indeed, the promotion of a collaborative approach turns out to be decisive if one wishes to include a multiplicity of social actors in these processes, an indispensable aspect today of promoting effective physical and social transformations of the urban environment. However, which specific adjustments must a ULL make in order to be configured as a truly inclusive tool within marginalized urban areas, such as public-housing neighbourhoods, where access to decision-making processes is structurally limited? Departing from a European perspective, reinterpreted through the specific Milanese context of the San Siro district, the paper reflects on the approach of ULLs in marginalized areas: material and immaterial work platforms where different languages, knowledge, values, and visions meet through an active—even conflictual—encounter which is crucial for the promotion of local regeneration processes.
From a Community of Practice to a Community of Planning: The Case of the Sansheroes Network in the San Siro Neighbourhood in Milan
Authors: Maranghi Elena
Published: November 2022

In the current framework of welfare shrinking, it is highly necessary to transform citizens and local organizations from targets into co-producers of urban policies. Moreover, even though large-scale social housing estates are often characterized by social exclusion and high levels of socio-economic vulnerabilities, they at the same time represent ‘local tanks’ of competencies and social resources. In these regards, the ‘empowering planning’ approach—referring to the valourization of local competences and expertise within urban regeneration processes—has positive impacts, both in terms of socio-economic inclusion and the ‘expansion’ of active citizenship among local actors and in terms of designing more effective policies, enriched by local perspectives and know-how. Based on the analysis of a pilot action developed within the SoHoLab project in the San Siro neighbourhood that fostered the empowerment of a local grassroots network, the chapter examines processes of recognition and reinforcement and the promotion of local competencies, outlining their different phases and the characteristics of the groups involved. It will highlight the transition from a community of practice to a community of planning that is able to develop visions and actions aimed at a shared regeneration of a certain area.
Simplified models for resonant neutral scalar production with missing transverse energy final states
Authors: Bahl Henning , Lozano Victor Martin , Weiglein Georg
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Additional Higgs bosons appear in many extensions of the Standard Model (SM). While most existing searches for additional Higgs bosons concentrate on final states consisting of SM particles, final states containing beyond the SM (BSM) particles play an important role in many BSM models. In order to facilitate future searches for such final states, we develop a simplified model framework for heavy Higgs boson decays to a massive SM boson as well as one or more invisible particles. Allowing one kind of BSM mediator in each decay chain, we classify the possible decay topologies for each final state, taking into account all different possibilities for the spin of the mediator and the invisible particles. Our comparison of the kinematic distributions for each possible model realization reveals that the distributions corresponding to the different simplified model topologies are only mildly affected by the different spin hypotheses, while there is significant sensitivity for distinguishing between the different decay topologies. As a consequence, we point out that expressing the results of experimental searches in terms of the proposed simplified model topologies will allow one to constrain wide classes of different BSM models. The application of the proposed simplified model framework is explicitly demonstrated for the example of a mono-Higgs search. For each of the simplified models that are proposed in this paper we provide all necessary ingredients for performing Monte-Carlo simulations such that they can readily be applied in experimental analyses.
Metrological traceability in process analytical technologies and point-of-need technologies for food safety and quality control: not a straightforward issue
Authors: Mattarozzi Monica , Laski Eleni , Bertucci Alessandro , Giannetto Marco , Bianchi Federica , Zoani Claudia , Careri Maria
Published: November 2022

Traditional techniques for food analysis are based on off-line laboratory methods that are expensive and time-consuming and often require qualified personnel. Despite the high standards of accuracy and metrological traceability, these well-established methods do not facilitate real-time process monitoring and timely on-site decision-making as required for food safety and quality control. The future of food testing includes rapid, cost-effective, portable, and simple methods for both qualitative screening and quantification of food contaminants, as well as continuous, real-time measurement in production lines. Process automatization through process analytical technologies (PAT) is an increasing trend in the food industry as a way to achieve improved product quality, safety, and consistency, reduced production cycle times, minimal product waste or reworks, and the possibility for real-time product release. Novel methods of analysis for point-of-need (PON) screening could greatly improve food testing by allowing non-experts, such as consumers, to test in situ food products using portable instruments, smartphones, or even visual naked-eye inspections, or farmers and small producers to monitor products in the field. This requires the attention of the research community and devices manufacturers to ensure reliability of measurement results from PAT strategy and PON tests through the demonstration and critical evaluation of performance characteristics. The fitness for purpose of methods in real-life conditions is a priority that should not be overlooked in order to maintain an effective and harmonized food safety policy.

Graphical Abstract
Non-responsiveness to cardioprotection by ischaemic preconditioning in Ossabaw minipigs with genetic predisposition to, but without the phenotype of the metabolic syndrome
Authors: Kleinbongard Petra , Lieder Helmut Raphael , Skyschally Andreas , Alloosh Mouhamad , Gödecke Axel , Rahmann Sven , Sturek Michael , Heusch Gerd
Published: November 2022

The translation of successful preclinical and clinical proof-of-concept studies on cardioprotection to the benefit of patients with reperfused acute myocardial infarction has been difficult so far. This difficulty has been attributed to confounders which patients with myocardial infarction typically have but experimental animals usually not have. The metabolic syndrome is a typical confounder. We hypothesised that there may also be a genuine non-responsiveness to cardioprotection and used Ossabaw minipigs which have the genetic predisposition to develop a diet-induced metabolic syndrome, but before they had developed the diseased phenotype. Using a prospective study design, a reperfused acute myocardial infarction was induced in 62 lean Ossabaw minipigs by 60 min coronary occlusion and 180 min reperfusion. Ischaemic preconditioning by 3 cycles of 5 min coronary occlusion and 10 min reperfusion was used as cardioprotective intervention. Ossabaw minipigs were stratified for their single nucleotide polymorphism as homozygous for valine (V/V) or isoleucine (I/I)) in the γ-subunit of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase. Endpoints were infarct size and area of no-reflow. Infarct size (V/V: 54 ± 8, I/I: 54 ± 13% of area at risk, respectively) was not reduced by ischaemic preconditioning (V/V: 55 ± 11, I/I: 46 ± 11%) nor was the area of no-reflow (V/V: 57 ± 18, I/I: 49 ± 21 vs. V/V: 57 ± 21, I/I: 47 ± 21% of infarct size). Bioinformatic comparison of the Ossabaw genome to that of Sus scrofa and Göttingen minipigs identified differences in clusters of genes encoding mitochondrial and inflammatory proteins, including the janus kinase (JAK)—signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway. The phosphorylation of STAT3 at early reperfusion was not increased by ischaemic preconditioning, different from the established STAT3 activation by cardioprotective interventions in other pig strains. Ossabaw pigs have not only the genetic predisposition to develop a metabolic syndrome but also are not amenable to cardioprotection by ischaemic preconditioning.
Novel point-of-care biomarkers of the dry anophthalmic socket syndrome: tear film osmolarity and matrix metalloproteinase 9 immunoassay
Authors: Rokohl Alexander C. , Wall Katharina , Trester Marc , Wawer Matos Philomena A. , Guo Yongwei , Adler Werner , Pine Keith R. , Heindl Ludwig M.
Published: November 2022

Purpose

To compare tear film osmolarity (TFO) values and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) levels between anophthalmic sockets and healthy fellow eyes and to assess the use of the MMP-9 and TFO as objective biomarkers for the dry anophthalmic socket syndrome (DASS).

Methods

In this prospective single-center study, the anophthalmic sockets and healthy fellow eyes of 98 unilateral anophthalmic patients were assessed using the ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire, InflammaDry® MMP-9 point-of-care immunoassay, TFO with TearLab™ Osmolarity System, and clinical conjunctival inflammation. MMP-9 concentration and conjunctival inflammation were graded semi-quantitatively. Differences between anophthalmic sockets and the healthy fellow eyes for OSDI scores, MMP-9, TFO values, clinical conjunctival inflammation, and eyelid abnormalities as well as the correlation between these factors and demographic data were evaluated.

Results

Patients had significantly higher OSDI, MMP-9, and TFO values, as well as higher conjunctival inflammation on the anophthalmic side, compared to the healthy side (p ≤ 0.002, respectively). For anophthalmic sockets, there was a significant positive correlation between OSDI scores and TFO values (p = 0.007), between the grade of posterior blepharitis and TFO values (p = 0.026), and between the conjunctival inflammation and MMP-9 values (p < 0.001), as well as between MMP-9 levels and time since eye loss (p = 0.004).

Conclusions

Measuring MMP-9 and TFO may be helpful tools as efficient, quantifiable biomarkers, disease course parameters, or predictors for treatment response in the clinical management of patients with DASS or future therapy studies. Ophthalmologists should consider the updated diagnosis criteria including TFO and the definition for DASS proposed in this study.
Subjective estimates of total processing time in dual-tasking: (some) good news for bad introspection
Authors: Bratzke Daniel , Bryce Donna
Published: November 2022

Previous studies have shown severe distortions of introspection about dual-task interference in the Psychological Refractory Period (PRP) paradigm. The present study investigated participants’ ability to introspect about the total trial time in this paradigm, as this temporal information may arguably be more relevant for strategic task scheduling than subjective estimates of each task within the dual task. To this end, participants provided estimates of their reaction times (IRTs) for the two subtasks in one half of the experiment, and estimates of the total trial time (ITTs) in the other half of the experiment. Although the IRT results showed the typical unawareness of the PRP effect, ITTs reflected the effects of SOA and Task 2 difficulty on objective total trial time. Additional analyses showed that IRTs were influenced by the introspective task order; that is, the ITT pattern carried over to IRTs when IRTs were assessed in the second half of the experiment. Overall, the present results show that people are able to accurately introspect about total trial time in the PRP paradigm and thus provide some good news for bad introspection in the PRP paradigm.
Proficiency testing of PIK3CA mutations in HR+/HER2-breast cancer on liquid biopsy and tissue
Authors: Vollbrecht Claudia , Hoffmann Inga , Lehmann Annika , Merkelbach-Bruse Sabine , Fassunke Jana , Wagener-Ryczek Svenja , Ball Markus , Dimitrova Lora , Hartmann Arndt , Stöhr Robert , Erber Ramona , Weichert Wilko , Pfarr Nicole , Bohlmann Lisa , Jung Andreas , Dietmaier Wolfgang , Dietel Manfred , Horst David , Hummel Michael
Published: November 2022

Precision oncology based on specific molecular alterations requires precise and reliable detection of therapeutic targets in order to initiate the optimal treatment. In many European countries—including Germany—assays employed for this purpose are highly diverse and not prescribed by authorities, making inter-laboratory comparison difficult. To ensure reproducible molecular diagnostic results across many laboratories and different assays, ring trials are essential and a well-established tool. Here, we describe the design and results of the ring trial for the detection of therapeutically relevant PIK3CA hotspot mutations in HR+/HER2-breast cancer tissue and liquid biopsy (LB). For PIK3CA mutation detection in tissue samples, 43 of the 54 participants (80%) provided results compliant with the reference values. Participants using NGS-based assays showed higher success rate (82%) than those employing Sanger sequencing (57%). LB testing was performed with two reference materials differing in the length of the mutated DNA fragments. Most participants used NGS-based or commercial real-time PCR assays (70%). The 167 bp fragments led to a successful PIK3CA mutation detection by only 31% of participants whereas longer fragments of 490 bp were detectable even by non-optimal assays (83%). In conclusion, the first ring trial for PIK3CA mutation detection in Germany showed that PIK3CA mutation analysis is broadly established for tissue samples and that NGS-based tests seem to be more suitable than Sanger sequencing. PIK3CA mutation detection in LB should be carried out with assays specifically designed for this purpose in order to avoid false-negative results.
Reach and efficacy of the eHealth application Oncokompas, facilitating partners of incurably ill cancer patients to self-manage their caregiver needs: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Schuit Anouk S. , Rienks Michelle M. , Hooghiemstra Nienke , Jansen Femke , Lissenberg-Witte Birgit I. , Cuijpers Pim , Verdonck-de Leeuw Irma M. , Holtmaat Karen
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Many partners of incurably ill cancer patients experience caregiver burden. The eHealth application “Oncokompas” supports these partners to manage their caregiver needs and to find optimal supportive care for themselves. The aim of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) was to investigate the reach of Oncokompas and its efficacy on caregiver burden, self-efficacy, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL).

Methods

The reach was estimated based on eligibility, participation rate, and an evaluation of the recruitment process. Efficacy on caregiver burden was measured using the Caregiver Strain Index + (CSI +). Secondary outcomes were self-efficacy (General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE)) and HRQOL (EQ-5D VAS). Assessments were scheduled at baseline, 2 weeks after randomization and 3 months after baseline. Linear mixed models were used to compare longitudinal changes between the experimental and control group from baseline to the 3-month follow-up.

Results

The reach, in terms of eligibility and participation rate, was estimated at 83–91%. Partners were most likely reached via palliative care consultants, patient organizations, and palliative care networks. In the one-and-a-half-year recruitment period and via the 101 organizations involved, 58 partners were included. There were no significant effects of Oncokompas on caregiver burden, self-efficacy, or HRQOL.

Conclusion

The reach of Oncokompas among interested individuals was high, but the difficulties that were encountered to include partners suggest that the reach in real life may be lower. This study showed no effect of Oncokompas on caregiver burden, self-efficacy, or HRQOL in partners of incurably ill cancer patients.

Relevance

The results of this study may be used in the process of developing, efficacy testing, and implementing eHealth applications for caregivers of incurably ill cancer patients.

Trial registration

Netherlands Trial Register identifier: NTR7636/NL7411. Registered on November 23, 2018 (https://www.trialregister.nl/).
Comparative proteomic analyses of Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum) seeds at three stages of development
Authors: Deng Jiao , Zhao Jiali , Huang Juan , Damaris Rebecca Njeri , Li Hongyou , Shi Taoxiong , Zhu Liwei , Cai Fang , Zhang Xiaona , Chen Qingfu
Published: November 2022

Tartary buckwheat is among the valuable crops, utilized as both food and Chinese herbal medicine. To uncover the accumulation dynamics of the main nutrients and their regulatory mechanism of Tartary buckwheat seeds, microscopic observations and nutrient analysis were conducted which suggested that starch, proteins as well as flavonoid gradually accumulated among seed development. Comparative proteomic analysis of rice Tartary buckwheat at three different developmental stages was performed. A total of 78 protein spots showed differential expression with 74 of them being successfully identified by MALDI-TOF/TOF MS. Among them, granule bound starch synthase (GBSS1) might be the critical enzyme that determines starch biosynthesis, while 11 S seed storage protein and vicilin seemed to be the main globulin and affect seed storage protein accumulation in Tartary buckwheat seeds. Two enzymes, flavanone 3-hydroxylase (F3H) and anthocyanidin reductase (ANR), involved in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway were identified. Further analysis on the expression profiles of flavonoid biosynthetic genes revealed that F3H might be the key enzyme that promote flavonoid accumulation. This study provides insights into the mechanism of nutrition accumulation at the protein level in Tartary buckwheat seeds and may facilitate in the breeding and enhancement of Tartary buckwheat germplasm.
The value of comorbidities and illness severity scores as prognostic tools for early outcome estimation in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Malinova Vesna , Sheri Tuzi , Kranawetter Beate , Moerer Onnen , Rohde Veit , Mielke Dorothee
Published: November 2022

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is a severe cerebrovascular disease not only causing brain injury but also frequently inducing a significant systemic reaction affecting multiple organ systems. In addition to hemorrhage severity, comorbidities and acute extracerebral organ dysfunction may impact the prognosis after aSAH as well. The study objective was to assess the value of illness severity scores for early outcome estimation after aSAH. A retrospective analysis of consecutive aSAH patients treated from 2012 to 2020 was performed. Comorbidities were evaluated applying the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) and the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification. Organ dysfunction was assessed by calculating the simplified acute physiology score (SAPS II) 24 h after admission. Modified Rankin scale (mRS) at 3 months was documented. The outcome discrimination power was evaluated. A total of 315 patients were analyzed. Significant comorbidities (CCI > 3) and physical performance impairment (ASA > 3) were found in 15% and 12% of all patients, respectively. The best outcome discrimination power showed SAPS II (AUC 0.76), whereas ASA (AUC 0.65) and CCI (AUC 0.64) exhibited lower discrimination power. A SAPS II cutoff of 40 could reliably discriminate patients with good (mRS ≤ 3) from those with poor outcome (p < 0.0001). Calculation of SAPS II allowed a comprehensive depiction of acute organ dysfunctions and facilitated a reliable early prognosis estimation in our study. In direct comparison to CCI and ASA, SAPS II demonstrated the highest discrimination power and deserves a consideration as a prognostic tool after aSAH.
Asymptotic properties and convolutions of some almost periodic functions with applications
Authors: Bugajewski Dariusz , Kasprzak Kosma , Nawrocki Adam
Published: November 2022

In this note we are going to continue investigation concerning the asymptotic behavior of some Levitan almost periodic functions or almost periodic functions in view of the Lebesgue measure as well as their convolutions with some functions naturally arising in the theory of ordinary linear differential equations. In particular, we obtain some estimations for functions (1), where $$\alpha$$
α
is an irrational number of finite irrationality measure or a Liouville number. We also focus on the set of all irrational numbers for which the convolution of function (1) with function (2) exists. In particular, we characterize it from the topological and set-theoretical point of view.
Speckle-tracking echocardiography for predicting improvement of myocardial contractile function after revascularization: a meta-analysis of prospective trials
Authors: Ballo Haitham , Doghman Fatma , Hartikainen Juha , Saraste Antti , Knuuti Juhani
Published: November 2022

Some studies have indicated that the use of 2D-Speckle tracking echocardiography (2DSTE) aids in predicting recovery of myocardial contractile function after revascularization in patients with chronic ischemic left ventricular (LV) dysfunction or acute myocardial infarction (MI). The purpose of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of 2DSTE strain in the detection of myocardial viability at rest and during low-dose dobutamine (LDD) stress. A systematic review for all prospective trials using 2DSTE to assess myocardial viability until January 2019 was done. Using a standard approach of meta-analysis for diagnostic tests. Overall, nine studies including 525 patients with either chronic ischemic heart disease or acute MI fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Seven studies used longitudinal strain (LS) at rest, nine studies used circumferential strain (CS) at rest, four studies used LS during LDD stress, and four studies used CS during LDD stress. LS and CS during LDD stress showed equally high sensitivity (81.5% and 81.5% respectively) and specificity (81.3% and 81.4% respectively) for detecting reversible dysfunction. At rest, LS and CS showed equally lower sensitivity (67.1%, p < 0.0001 vs. LDD stress and 68.7%, p < 0.0001, vs. LDD stress, respectively) and specificity (64%, p < 0.0001 vs. LDD stress and 65.7%, p = 0.0008 vs. LDD stress, respectively) as compared with LDD stress. LS and CS by 2DSTE during LDD stress accurately identify reversible ischemic myocardial dysfunction in patients with chronic ischemic LV dysfunction or after MI. The use of LDD stress can be recommended over resting strain measures in this setting.
Biodegradable PEG-PCL Nanoparticles for Co-delivery of MUC1 Inhibitor and Doxorubicin for the Confinement of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Behl Akanksha , Solanki Subhash , Paswan Shravan K. , Datta Tirtha K. , Saini Adesh K. , Saini Reena V. , Parmar Virinder S. , Thakur Vijay Kumar , Malhotra Shashwat , Chhillar Anil K.
Published: November 2022

Combating triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is still a problem, despite the development of numerous drug delivery approaches. Mucin1 (MUC1), a glycoprotein linked to chemo-resistance and progressive malignancy, is unregulated in TNBC. GO-201, a MUC1 peptide inhibitor that impairs MUC1 activity, promotes necrotic cell death by binding to the MUC1-C unit. The current study deals with the synthesis and development of a novel nano-formulation (DM-PEG-PCL NPs) comprising of polyethylene glycol-polycaprolactone (PEG-PCL) polymer loaded with MUC1 inhibitor and an effective anticancer drug, doxorubicin (DOX). The DOX and MUC1 loaded nanoparticles were fully characterized, and their different physicochemical properties, viz. size, shape, surface charge, entrapment efficiencies, release behavior, etc., were determined. With IC50 values of 5.8 and 2.4 nm on breast cancer cell lines, accordingly, and a combination index (CI) of < 1.0, DM-PEG-PCL NPs displayed enhanced toxicity towards breast cancer cells (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) than DOX-PEG-PCL and MUC1i-PEG-PCL nanoparticles. Fluorescence microscopy analysis revealed DOX localization in the nucleus and MUC1 inhibitor in the mitochondria.

Further, DM-PEG-PCL NPs treated breast cancer cells showed increased mitochondrial damage with enhancement in caspase-3 expression and reduction in Bcl-2 expression.In vivo evaluation using Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma bearing mice explicitly stated that DM-PEG-PCL NPs therapy minimized tumor growth relative to control treatment. Further, acute toxicity studies did not reveal any adverse effects on organs and their functions, as no mortalities were observed.

The current research reports for the first time the synergistic approach of combination entrapment of a clinical chemotherapeutic (DOX) and an anticancer peptide (MUC1 inhibitor) encased in a diblock PEG-PCL copolymer. Incorporating both DOX and MUC1 inhibitors in PEG-PCL NPs in the designed nanoformulation has provided chances and insights for treating triple-negative breast tumors. Our controlled delivery technology is biodegradable, non-toxic, and anti-multidrug-resistant. In addition, this tailored smart nanoformulation has been particularly effective in the therapy of triple-negative breast cancer.
Influence of drying technique on Pt/In2O3 aerogels for methanol steam reforming
Authors: Thoni Lukas , Metzkow Nadia , Eychmüller Alexander
Published: November 2022

In this paper we present a comparison of aerogels which are dried under different conditions. Of those, most important are the solvent, temperature, and pressure. Criteria of comparison rely mostly on results from analysis of nitrogen adsorption experiments, as well as transmission electron microscopy imaging. Platinum loaded indium oxide aerogels were picked as a model system for this study as they can be used as highly effective heterogeneous catalysts in methanol steam reforming. The compared drying methods include supercritical drying from CO2, supercritical CO2 - ethanol mixture, freeze drying from tert-butanol and ambient conditions drying from acetone and 1-Methoxyheptafluoropropane. High porosities and large specific surface areas can be achieved via supercritical, freeze- and ambient conditions drying, while retaining the original gel morphology in this system for most methods except freeze drying and ambient conditions drying from acetone.
The Effects of Medical Male Circumcision on Female Partners’ Sexual and Reproductive Health
Authors: Mehta Supriya D.
Published: November 2022

Purpose of Review

Voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) reduces the risk of HIV acquisition by 60% among heterosexual men, provides protection against certain sexually transmitted infections (STI), and leads to penile microbiome composition changes associated with reduced risk of HIV infection. Intuitively, the benefits of VMMC for female sex partners in relation to STI are likely and have been evaluated. The purpose of this review is to examine emerging findings of broader sexual and reproductive health (SRH) benefits of VMMC for female sex partners.

Recent Findings

Systematic reviews find strong evidence for beneficial effects of VMMC on female sex partners risk of HPV, cervical dysplasia, cervical cancer, and with likely protection against trichomoniasis and certain genital ulcerative infections. Few studies assess the direct impact of VMMC on the vaginal microbiome (VMB), though several studies demonstrate reductions in BV, which is mediated by the VMB. Studies are lacking regarding male circumcision status and outcomes associated with non-optimal VMB, such as female infertility and adverse pregnancy outcomes. VMMC has positive effects on women’s perceptions of sexual function and satisfaction, and perceptions of disease risk and hygiene, without evidence of risk compensation.

VMMC has consistent association with a broad range of women’s SRH outcomes, highlighting the biological and non-biological interdependencies within sexual relationships, and need for couples-level approaches to optimize SRH for men and women. The paucity of information on VMMC and influence on VMB is a barrier to optimizing VMB-associated SRH outcomes in female partners.
Defining the Global Research and Programmatic Agenda and Priority Actions for Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision for HIV Prevention
Authors: Peck Megan E. , Lucas Todd , Ong Katherine S. , Grund Jonathan M. , Davis Stephanie , Yansaneh Aisha , Kiggundu Valerian L. , Thomas Anne G. , Curran Kelly , Laube Catharine , Sundaram Maaya , Ameyan Wole , Zembe Lycias , Toledo Carlos
Published: November 2022

Purpose of Review

Since 2007, voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) programs have been associated with substantially reduced HIV incidence across 15 prioritized countries in Eastern and Southern Africa. Drawing on the programmatic experience of global VMMC leaders, this report reviews progress made in the first 15 years of the program, describes programmatic and research gaps, and presents considerations to maximize the impact of VMMC.

Recent Findings

Overall, key programmatic and research gaps include a lack of robust male circumcision coverage estimates due to limitations to the data and a lack of standardized approaches across programs; challenges enhancing VMMC uptake include difficulties reaching populations at higher risk for HIV infection and men 30 years and older; limitations to program and procedural quality and safety including variations in approaches used by programs; and lastly, sustainability with limited evidence-based practices. Considerations to address these gaps include the need for global guidance on estimating coverage, conducting additional research on specific sub-populations to improve VMMC uptake, implementation of responsive and comprehensive approaches to adverse event surveillance, and diversifying financing streams to progress towards sustainability.

This report’s findings may help establish a global VMMC research and programmatic agenda to inform policy, research, and capacity-building activities at the national and global levels.
Insomnia symptoms do, but chronotype does not show relevant associations with mental well-being and negative dream experiences
Authors: Benkő Zsófia , Köteles Ferenc , Simor Péter
Published: November 2022

Chronotypes are diversely associated with sleep quality and mental health. Eveningness is generally associated with lower sleep quality and with increased risk for mental health complaints. Along with insomnia symptoms, frequent dysphoric dreams might be key elements of disturbed sleep, and may also indicate psychological imbalance. Our cross-sectional online study aimed to examine whether eveningness can be considered as an independent risk factor of poor mental well-being or whether this association is explained by symptoms of insomnia. Secondly, we examined the associations between eveningness and frequent dysphoric dreaming taking into account the influence of mental well-being and insomnia complaints. Method: We released an online survey with Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire, Athens Insomnia Scale, General Mental Health, and frequency of dysphoric dreaming: nightmares and bad dreams separately. We analyzed the data of 2077 participants (MAGE = 28.5, SD = 9.6). Eveningness showed a weak but independent association with mental well-being. Additional analyses showed no signs of associations between eveningness and dysphoric dreaming, such as nightmares and bad dreams. The frequency of bad dreams was associated with insomnia complaints and mental well-being, but nightmare frequency was only linked to insomnia symptoms, but not to mental well-being. Insomnia complaints emerged as a more robust factor in poorer mental well-being than the eveningness preference. Eveningness was not associated with dysphoric dreaming. Restoring insomnia might be essential in individuals at risk for mental health complaints.