bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Home‐based high‐intensity interval training for people with Parkinson's: Protocol for the HIIT‐Home4Parkinson's randomized, controlled feasibility study
Authors: Harpham Conrad , Gunn Hilary , Marsden Jonathan , Bescos Garcia Raul , Connolly Luke
Published: January 2024

Background

High‐intensity interval training (HIIT) is feasible and beneficial for some people with Parkinson's (PwP), although adherence to extended programs may be problematic. PwP face barriers to exercise such as lack of time, expense, and difficulty with travel logistics due to motor symptoms. HIIT based in the home setting if practical, could therefore be apposite for PwP by overcoming these barriers. However, until now, no home‐based HIIT program for PwP has been developed. Cocreated by PwP, clinicians, and family members, the HIIT‐Home4Parkinson's (HH4P) program is an innovative, 12‐week home‐based HIIT program for PwP. This protocol describes a feasibility study designed to assess the feasibility and safety of the HH4P program, explore outcomes that may be sensitive to change, and inform the implementation of a potential full trial.

Methods/design

Using a randomized controlled parallel group design, 24 independently mobile people with Parkinson's of mild to moderate disease severity will be randomized 1:1 to either the HH4P program plus usual care, or usual care alone. Both groups will be assessed at baseline, and upon the completion of the program. Outcomes will include feasibility and safety factors such as recruitment, completion, adverse events, and intervention fidelity with qualitative evaluation along with mechanistic, physiological, and clinical outcomes.

Discussion

Results of this study will inform the rationale and methodological considerations for a full trial with long‐term follow‐up. Ultimately, further establishing the practicality and utility of home‐based HIIT could provide an important exercise option for PwP, potentially leading to extended participation and increased health and well‐being for this population.
Onset of instability in Darcy–Forchheimer porous layer with power‐law saturating fluid
Authors: EL Fakiri Hanae , Lagziri Hajar , Lahlaouti Mohammed Lhassane , Bouardi Abdelmajid El
Published: January 2024

The paper investigates the effects of the Forchheimer term (form drag) and vertical pressure gradient on the buoyancy‐induced instability of power‐law saturating fluid in a porous plane medium. Two isobaric permeable layers are assumed to sandwich the horizontal porous plane. In the meantime, Dirichlet and Neumann equations are the thermal boundary conditions considered for the lower and upper layers. A base flow developed analytically via the governing equations is just in function of the Péclet number , with no dependence on the characteristic parameter of the power law fluid. A linear stability analysis consists of substituting a base flow with a small perturbation into the governing equations leads to a four‐order eigenvalue problem. An analytical solution is performed for the asymptotic cases of an infinite wavelength. The Runge–Kutta solver is applied together with the shooting technique to evaluate numerical solutions for the general case of nonnegligible wave numbers. Among the findings is the contribution of the Forchheimer term in the variation of the threshold Péclet number whose value can switch the wave numbers from zero to nonzero and increase the stability of the system.
Bottom‐up DNA nanostructure‐based paper as point‐of‐care diagnostic: From method to device
Authors: Gao Xueping , Feng Liu , Deng Ruijia , Wang Binpan , He Yuan , Zhang Ligai , Luo Dan , Chen Ming , Chang Kai
Published: January 2024

Paper‐based devices have attracted considerable attention in point‐of‐care testing (POCT) due to their simple operation and portability. The performance of paper‐based POC assays is further enhanced by coupling with functional nucleic acids (FNAs), which are able to selectively recognize and bind to targets, amplify and transduce signals. Several high‐performance paper‐based POC assays have been developed, resulting from the different spatial structures of the paper‐based device and detection strategies using different FNAs. In this review, we first introduce FNAs and paper‐based devices, including their concepts, classifications and advances. The following section focuses on the application of these FNAs in POC assays using paper‐based devices, taking into account their spatial one‐, two‐ and three‐dimensional structures. Finally, the challenges and perspectives of the application of FNAs in paper‐based POCT are discussed.
Land suitability for irrigation of small reservoirs using spatial techniques in the upper regions of Ghana
Authors: Shaibu Abdul‐Ganiyu , Kpiebaya Prosper , Salifu Eliasu , Oka Naoko
Published: January 2024

Recent climatic variations have hindered the potential of irrigation in Sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). This study presents a suitability analysis of irrigable areas for irrigation using spatial techniques. The focus of this paper was to examine regions that may be viable for irrigation for four small reservoirs constructed under the ‘One Village One Dam’ (1V1D) initiative. The thematic factors used were distance to water, soil type, soil depth, slope, pH, electrical conductivity, hydraulic conductivity, land use–land cover, organic carbon and organic matter. The land cover was classified using high‐resolution imagery from SAS Planet because of the small land size. The pairwise ranking found soil type to have an overall higher weight of approximately 15% and electrical conductivity to have the lowest weight. The highly suitable areas were found very close to the dam, and the permanently not suitable areas were located at the far end of the dam. From the area computation, it was found that the highly suitable regions in Kataa, Degri, Napaadi and Zansibulga were 10.52, 55.41, 1.01 and 3.77 ha, respectively. In conclusion, it was found that the majority of irrigable land was within the marginally to highly suitable class.
Impacts of H2O2, SARM1 inhibition, and high NAm concentrations on Huntington's disease laser‐induced degeneration
Authors: Barber Sophia , Gomez‐Godinez Veronica , Young Joy , Wei Abigail , Chen Sarah , Snissarenko Anna , Chan Sze Sze , Wu Chengbiao , Shi Linda
Published: January 2024

Axonal degeneration is a key component of neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington's disease (HD), Alzheimer's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Nicotinamide, an NAD+ precursor, has long since been implicated in axonal protection and reduction of degeneration. However, studies on nicotinamide (NAm) supplementation in humans indicate that NAm has no protective effect. Sterile alpha and toll/interleukin receptor motif‐containing protein 1 (SARM1) regulates several cell responses to axonal damage and has been implicated in promoting neuronal degeneration. SARM1 inhibition seems to result in protection from neuronal degeneration while hydrogen peroxide has been implicated in oxidative stress and axonal degeneration. The effects of laser‐induced axonal damage in wild‐type and HD dorsal root ganglion cells treated with NAm, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and SARM1 inhibitor DSRM‐3716 were investigated and the cell body width, axon width, axonal strength, and axon shrinkage post laser‐induced injury were measured.
Skin dehydration monitoring with optical spectroscopy allows assessment of water content in the organism: Thermal and physical loads, diuretic therapy
Authors: Davydov Denis А. , Budylin Gleb S. , Baev Alexey V. , Vaipan Daniil V. , Seredenina Elena M. , Kamalov Armais A. , Shirshin Evgeny A.
Published: January 2024

This study investigates the relationship between body hydration levels and skin hydration using spatially resolved diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The research involved monitoring skin dehydration and rehydration under various conditions, including thermal and physical loads on healthy volunteers, and diuretic therapy in patients with edema syndrome. Findings indicate a correlation between body mass reduction and skin hydration: a 1% loss in body mass corresponds to a 10% decrease in skin hydration. During thermal stress, water absorption at 970 nm decreased monotonically without recovery. Physical activity resulted in approximately 10% changes in skin water content within 20 min, followed by rehydration. Patients with edema syndrome exhibited the most substantial decrease in water absorption amplitude, at nearly 30%, during diuretic treatment. These results support optical spectroscopy as a non‐invasive tool for assessing body hydration, with implications for developing portable hydration monitoring devices for clinical and sports applications.
Sc(OTf)3‐catalyzed tandem (3+3)‐annulation/lactonization of cyclopropanes with salicylaldehyde nitrones to access polycyclic 1,2‐oxazines
Authors: Liu Zhiping , Pang Jie , Che Lijie , Pang Liping , Gan Chunfang , Cui Jianguo , Huang Yanmin
Published: January 2024

A Sc(OTf)3‐catalyzed tandem (3 + 3)‐annulation/lactonization of donor‐acceptor cyclopropane 1,1‐dieters with salicylaldehyde nitrones has been reported, affording a wide range of tetrahydrochromeno[4,3‐c][1,2]oxazin‐5(1H)‐ones in moderate yields with excellent diastereoselectivities. Besides, the gram‐scale reaction has also been explored to demonstrate the utility of this protocol. Moreover, the mechanism was investigated through control experiments, which show the reaction proceeds via a tandem (3 + 3)‐annulation/lactonization reaction.
Barriers to radiographers' use of radiation safety principles: A qualitative perspective
Authors: Christensen Berit Møller , Bjällmark Anna , Ndipen Irine Maghanwi , Afram Shilan Shamon , Bazzi May
Published: January 2024

Introduction

To minimise the risks associated with ionising radiation, it is necessary for all staff involved to employ specific techniques to reduce radiation exposure of the patient. These techniques include using compression during examinations of the pelvic region and lumbar spine, using a gonad shield, and asking women if they are pregnant. However, some staff do not use these techniques consistently. Increasing compliance requires determining why staff are non‐compliant. Thus, this study aims to qualitatively investigate why radiographers do not use these techniques.

Methods

This qualitative study is based on a cross‐sectional electronic survey with open‐ended questions. The data were analysed using an inductive qualitative content analysis with quantification of the findings. In total, 111 radiographers from 20 hospitals in Sweden participated.

Results

Three categories appear related to barriers that could obstruct the radiographer from using compression, gonad shields and asking about pregnancy: patient characteristics, interaction between the patient and the radiographer and issues related to the situation and examination.

Conclusions

The barriers to not using radiation protection measures varied depending on the specific measure. However, the barriers were mainly related to the patient experiencing pain, communication difficulties and cultural reasons. In addition, the lack of adequate and user‐friendly equipment was seen as a barrier to applying compression and using gonad shielding.
Vertical acoustic blanking in seismic data from the German North Sea: a spotlight to shallow gas‐bearing incised channels
Authors: Ahlrichs Niklas , Ehrhardt Axel , Schnabel Michael , Berndt Christian
Published: January 2024

Seismic data from the North Sea commonly show vertical acoustic blanking (VAB) often interpreted as fluid conduits with implications for Quaternary development. The robustness of this interpretation has long been controversial as the infill of tunnel valleys can also cause vertical blanking. Using 2D and 3D seismic data and sediment echosounder data from the German North Sea, we investigate VAB to determine a geological or imaging origin of these anomalies. We detected multiple VAB occurrences throughout the North Sea. 3D data from the Ducks Beak (‘Entenschnabel’) reveal a correlation of VAB with bright spots in incised channels directly below the seafloor. Large source–receiver distances allow imaging the subsurface below the channel without signal penetrating through it (undershooting). This method removes the blanking. Energy absorption by shallow biogenic gas trapped within the channels explains the observed VAB. Hence, the blanking represents an imaging artifact, highlighting the need for careful seismic processing with sufficient offset before interpreting such anomalies as fluid pathways. The channels belong to a postglacial channel system related to the now submerged lowlands of Doggerland. This work demonstrates the usability of mapping VAB to detect shallow features for paleo‐landscape reconstruction and identification of shallow gas for hazard assessments, for example.
Study on the Consistency Between Automatic Measurement Based on Convolutional Neural Network Technology and Manual Visual Evaluation in Intracavitary Ultrasonic Cine of Anterior Pelvic
Authors: Wei Ni‐ya , Li Xiao‐kun , Lu Xi‐duo , Liu Xin‐ting , Sun Rui‐jie , Wang Yue
Published: January 2024

Objectives

This study was to evaluate the application of automatic measurement based on convolutional neural network (CNN) technology in intracavitary ultrasound cine of anterior pelvic.

Methods

A total of 500 patients who underwent pelvic floor ultrasound examination at Peking University Shenzhen Hospital from July 2021 to February 2022 were retrospectively retrieved by the picture archiving and communication system (PACS) system, and 300 cases were used as a training set. The training set was labeled by three experienced ultrasound physicians to train CNN models and develop an automatic measurement software. The remaining 200 cases were used as a test set. Automatic measurement software identified relevant anatomical structures frame by frame and determined the two frames with the greatest difference, calculated the bladder neck descent (BND), urethral rotation angle (URA), and retrovesical angle (RA). Meanwhile, two experienced ultrasound physicians evaluated the resting frame and the maximum Valsalva frame on the cines by manual visual evaluation, labeled the anatomical structures in the corresponding frame, such as the inferoposterior margin of pubic symphysis, the mid‐axis of pubic symphysis, bladder contour, and urethra in the front, and calculated BND, URA, and RA. Considering that the residual urine volume (RUV) in the bladder may affect the results, enrolled patients were grouped according to the RUV (10–50 mL, 50–100 mL, and >100 mL). The consistency of the results by automatic measurement and manual visual evaluation was evaluated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the Bland–Altman graph.

Results

Of the 200 cases in the test set, 120 cases were successfully identified by the CNN automatic software with a 60% recognition rate. In the case of successful identification, the ICC of manual visual evaluation measurement and automatic measurement was 0.936 (BND), 0.911 (URA), 0.756 (RA in rest), and 0.877 (RA at maximum Valsalva), respectively. In addition, the RUV had a negligible effect on the consistency. The Bland–Altman plot shows the proportion of samples outside the limit was below 5%.

Conclusions

CNN‐based automatic measurement software exhibited high reliability in anterior pelvic measurement, which results in a significantly enhanced measurement efficiency.
Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasound of the Chest in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Park Halley J. , Winant Abbey J. , Lee Edward Y. , Kim Wendy G. , Shashi Kumar , Stamoulis Catherine , Paltiel Harriet J.
Published: January 2024

Objectives

To determine the added diagnostic value of contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in pediatric chest abnormalities by comparing interpretation of CEUS studies and confidence level to conventional US studies.

Methods

CEUS studies in patients with a variety of clinically suspected chest abnormalities performed between 2016 and 2020 were reviewed and compared to same‐day conventional US studies. Examinations were independently interpreted by 4 radiologists blinded to clinical and other imaging data. Rater confidence was classified as low, moderate, or high. Diagnostic accuracy was determined by comparing image interpretation to patient outcome as the ground truth. Interobserver agreement was also assessed.

Results

Sixteen patients (10 male) with 18 CEUS studies were included. Median rater agreement with ground truth was significantly higher for CEUS (100%) than conventional US (50%; P = .004). Median rater confidence was high (3.0) for CEUS, and low‐moderate (1.5) for conventional US (P < .001). CEUS sensitivity (54.6–81.8%) and specificity (63.4–100.0%) were greater than conventional US (45.5–72.7% and 12.5–63.5%, respectively). CEUS false positives (0–4) and false negatives (2–5) were fewer than conventional US (4–7 and 3–6, respectively). Except for one rater pair where agreement was substantial (κ = .78, P < .01), inter‐rater agreement for CEUS for all other rater pairs was nonsignificant (κ = .25–0.51, P ≥ .07). Agreement for conventional US was moderate and statistically significant for 3 rater pairs (κ = .55–0.78) and nonsignificant for the remaining 3 rater pairs (P ≥ .06).

Conclusions

CEUS adds diagnostic value to the assessment of a variety of chest abnormalities. The data support further evaluation of the role of CEUS as a non‐invasive, problem‐solving technique in children.
MiR‐214‐3p overexpression‐triggered chondroitin polymerizing factor (CHPF) inhibition modulates the ferroptosis and metabolism in colon cancer
Authors: Yun Zhi‐Yuan , Wu Di , Wang Xin , Huang Peng , Li Na
Published: January 2024

Colon cancer is a common cancer with high mortality globally. The role of chondroitin polymerizing factor (CHPF) has been elucidated in various cancers. However, its role and mechanism remain unknown in colon cancer. CHPF expression was examined by GEPIA database, reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot. The relationship between CHPF expression and the clinicopathologic characteristics as well as miR‐214‐3p level was determined in colon cancer patients. The role and mechanism of CHPF in the growth, ferroptosis, and glycolysis of colon cancer cells were evaluated by cell counting kit‐8, biochemical detections, luciferase, and western blot experiments. Additionally, the role of CHPF was explored in xenografted mice. CHPF expression was increased and was related to advanced TNM stage, poor differentiation and shorter overall survival in patients with colon cancer. Knockdown of CHPF inhibited colon cancer cell growth, and downregulated the expression of proteins involving in ferroptosis and glycolysis both in vitro and in vivo. Besides, CHPF silencing increased the levels of ferrous iron and ROS, but decreased glucose uptake, lactate product, and ATP level in vitro. Mechanically, miR‐214‐3p directly targeted CHPF and negatively regulated its expression. Upregulation of miR‐214‐3p reduced cell viability, glucose uptake, lactate product, and ATP level, but increased the levels of ferrous iron and ROS, which were reversed by the overexpression of CHPF. Upregulation of CHPF predicted poor prognosis, and miR‐214‐3p/CHPF axis inhibited growth, downregulated the levels of glycolysis‐related indexes, and promoted ferroptosis in colon cancer cells.
Corrosion resistance and mechanism of high‐entropy alloys: A review
Authors: Liang Jinqing , Wang Wei , Cao Zhenghang , Guo Jianwen , Sun Zhenzhong , Hai Yang
Published: January 2024

Environmental corrosion inevitably occurs during the use of alloys, making their corrosion resistance a special requirement for their application under specific conditions. The environmental corrosion behavior of alloys, seawater corrosion behavior, corrosion resistance, and microstructure of high‐entropy alloys (HEAs) have been prominent research topics over the past decade, all of which warrant further investigation. The corrosion resistance and passivation film strength of HEAs could be enhanced by improving their microstructure with appropriate adjustments of their elemental composition and content. In this review, the research status and corrosion mechanism of HEAs in seawater solutions with NaCl as the main component were examined. Moreover, the correlation between the microstructure, elemental composition, and corrosion resistance of HEAs was revealed.
Comparative study of alternating dry and wet corrosion behavior of Q345qDNH steel and Q420qENH steel in industrial atmospheric media containing PM2.5
Authors: Guo Tieming , Zhou Guiyi , Wu Weihong , Nan Xueli , Zhang Lishuai , Hu Yanwen , Yi Xiangbin
Published: January 2024

The corrosion behavior of Q345qDNH steel and Q420qENH steel under the industrial atmosphere containing PM2.5, as well as the effect of PM2.5 on the rust layer were studied by dry–wet alternating accelerated corrosion experiment. The results show that the corrosion rate of Q345qDNH is always less than that of Q420qENH, the Cr content of rust layer is higher than that of Q420qENH steel. After 30 days of corrosion, compared with Q420qENH steel, the self‐corrosion potential of Q345qDNH is larger, the self‐corrosion current density is smaller, and the rust resistance is 1.49 times of Q420qENH steel, the Iα‐FeOOH/Iγ‐FeOOH ratio is 1.29 times of Q420qENH, indicating that the protection of the rust layer of Q345qDNH is better than that of Q420qENH. This is due to the effect of microstructure factors in the early stage of corrosion and alloying elements in the late stage of corrosion. PM2.5 with SiO2 as the main component is easy to deposit at cracks and holes, which becomes the nucleation substrate for corrosion products, promotes the nonuniform nucleation of corrosion products, making the rust layer develop unevenly, leading to an increase in holes in the outer rust layer.
Fractional commensurate model on COVID‐19 with microbial co‐infection: An optimal control analysis
Authors: Vijayalakshmi G. M. , Roselyn Besi P. , Akgül Ali
Published: January 2024

Crossover behaviors have always existed in the history of infectious pandemics due to a few distinct, erratic spread outlines. This research aims to investigate the crossover behavior of the proposed SVICR commensurate fractional model for the COVID‐19 delta variant, considering microbial coinfections. A mathematical model in terms of Atangana–Baleanu Caputo (ABC) category fractional integrals takes into account the co‐infection of mucormycosis in immunocompromised COVID‐19 patients caused by microbial infections. ABC operators preserve the intact history of the happenings under contemplation through its nonsingular kernel. It is observed that the framed five‐compartmental SVICR model is positively bounded on R5, the solution space. Two equilibrium points representing the survival and annihilation of sickness respectively are contributed by the single population N(t), which is counted in five dependent compartments: The bilinear growth rate of new additional infections from the contagious infectives over time ‘t’ is viewed through the threshold metric Lyapunov's stability function examines the parametric influences over the virulent spread globally. The significant focus is to investigate the Mucormycosis cases in COVID‐19 patients with underlying diabetic complications. Diabetes mellitus is the major concern for several coinfections among COVID‐19 recoveries. Aiming to minimalize the critical states, an Lagrangian–Hamiltonian optimum control structure is also performed for the SVICR model by introducing control variables in effect to tri‐control probes of minimized contact rates, persuasive vaccinations, and glycemic control of post recovered diabetic patients. The hike in the Severity of the ailment due to fungal pathogens is studied through numerical convergence of predictor–corrector scheme and simulations. Using estimated parametric values from the statistical data of mucormycosis and infections of COVID‐19 reported cases in India, the prominence of control effects are visualized graphically. To conclude, a complete qualitative analysis of the minimization problem is executed for different levels of control values. We avow that effective control intrusions would almost certainly decline the complexities associated with the viral pathogens.
What informs human–nature connection? An exploration of factors in the context of urban park visitors and wildlife
Authors: Hayes Hursh Sheryl , Perry Elizabeth , Drake David
Published: January 2024

Human–nature connection (HNC) is a concept derived from investigating the formulation and extent of an individual's identification with the natural world. This relationship is often characterized as an emotional bond to nature that develops from the contextualized, physical interactions of an individual, beginning in childhood. This outcome presents complexity in evaluating the development of HNC but suggests optimism in the pathways for enhancing lifelong HNC.

As urban populations increase, there is a growing recognition worldwide of the potential for urban green space to cultivate HNC and thus shape the environmental identity of urban residents.

The results of an online survey of 560 visitors to three community parks (managed primarily to provide a variety of physical, social and cultural opportunities) and three conservation parks (managed primarily to protect native plants and wildlife) in Madison, Wisconsin, USA, were used to investigate HNC.

Linear mixed effects models evaluated visitors' HNC as a function of their (1) literacy and sentiment about wildlife species, (2) park experience, (3) number and frequency of nine childhood and adult recreation experiences, and (4) demographics.

Across the park response groups, the number and frequency of childhood and adult recreation experiences was significantly associated with HNC, and this positive association persisted in multiple recreation activities. Furthermore, species literacy and sentiment, visiting a park for ‘Nature’, and frequent and extended visitation also was significantly associated with HNC by park type.

Our research demonstrates the importance of lifelong recreation experiences in the development and enhancement of HNC and provides evidence for differences in the expression of HNC associated with particular attributes of urban park visitors and their views of wildlife.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Applying machine learning to identify pediatric patients with newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia using administrative data
Authors: Cao Lusha , Huang Yuan‐shung , Getz Kelly D. , Seif Alix E. , Ruiz Jenny , Miller Tamara P. , Fisher Brian T. , Aplenc Richard , Li Yimei
Published: January 2024

Case identification in administrative databases is challenging as diagnosis codes alone are not adequate for case ascertainment. We utilized machine learning (ML) to efficiently identify pediatric patients with newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia. We tested nine ML models and validated the best model internally and externally. The optimal model had 97% positive predictive value (PPV) and 99% sensitivity in internal validation; 94% PPV and 82% sensitivity in external validation. Our ML model identified a large cohort of 21,044 patients, demonstrating an efficient approach for cohort assembly and enhancing the usability of administrative data.
Implementation Security in Quantum Key Distribution
Authors: Zapatero Víctor , Navarrete Álvaro , Curty Marcos
Published: January 2024

The problem of implementation security in quantum key distribution (QKD) refers to the difficulty of meeting the requirements of mathematical security proofs in real‐life QKD systems. Here, a succint review is provided on this topic, focusing on discrete‐variable QKD setups. Particularly, we discuss some of their main vulnerabilities and comment on possible approaches to overcome them.
Policy integration through the Sustainable Development Goals? The case of the German Federal Government
Authors: Birner Jana , Bornemann Basil , Biermann Frank
Published: January 2024

In 2015, the United Nations adopted 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with 169 targets as part of its 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The launch of this comprehensive and inclusive set of global goals was expected to lead, among other things, to more integrative policymaking, which is widely seen as important for sustainability governance. In this article, we draw on a detailed empirical case study of the German government to analyze whether the launch of the SDGs has indeed strengthened policy integration and which mechanisms may account for this. With statistical methods and extensive network analysis, our analysis captures changes in horizontal, vertical, and sectoral policy integration between 2012 and 2019. In addition, we use semi‐structured interviews to explore institutional, leadership, and ideational integration mechanisms. The study shows that sectoral and horizontal policy integration has increased after 2015, but that the SDGs still have not changed the conditions for system‐wide policy integration. Our findings shed new light on the possibilities and limitations of integrative sustainability governance through global goals.
Monitoring SDG 4.7: Assessing Education for Sustainable Development in policies, curricula, training of educators and student assessment (input‐indicator)
Authors: Holst Jorrit , Singer‐Brodowski Mandy , Brock Antje , de Haan Gerhard
Published: January 2024

Education is viewed as a critical keystone in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Specifically, Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is meant to enable everyone to contribute to sustainable development (SDG 4.7). This target is monitored using the global indicator 4.7.1 – mainstreaming of ESD in policies, curricula, training of educators and student assessment. Here, we offer a conceptual and methodological framework for assessments of SDG 4.7.1 (input‐level) that addresses both quality and depth of implementation and speed of change. The approach combines document analysis with external expert evaluation and is applied to 10‐year data (>11,000 documents) from all formal areas of education in Germany (early childhood education, school education, vocational education and training, higher education). Currently, ESD is mostly implemented in Germany as an “add‐on” to the educational system, with all sub‐indicators ranging from “isolated mentioning” of ESD and related concepts to “partial integration”. Across most areas of education, the sub‐indicator training of educators was evaluated as most deficient. With regard to the speed of change, it was found that the implementation of ESD is dynamic, with all sub‐indicators having been evaluated as increasing. The proposed framework can increase the validity, reliability, and comparability of both country reporting and scientific assessments of SDG 4.7.1. We argue for independent and integrative monitoring across input, process, output and outcome to complement self‐reporting and to support evidence‐informed policymaking on sustainability in education.
Papular Lesion Occurring Within a Longstanding Warty Plaque, in Skin of Colour Fitzpatrick Type 4–5
Authors: Teoh Joelle , Gan Alex , Ramalingam Joshua , Elsheikh Somaia , Jerrom Richard
Published: January 2024

A 23-year-old man of South Asian descent, Fitzpatrick type 4–5 skin, usually fit and well, presented with a 6-month history of a darkly-pigmented papular lesion growing within a pre-existing warty plaque on the left parietal scalp, present since birth. The base plaque measured 30 × 10 mm, whilst the new papule measured approximately 3 × 3 mm. These were asymptomatic and there was no preceding trauma to the area. Examination revealed a pearlescent darkly pigmented papule, growing within a warty pink-yellow hairless plaque. Dermoscopy showed non-specific features with evidence of some disorganized vasculature. A punch excisional biopsy of the papular lesion was obtained, histopathology indicated a polypoid lesion with basaloid nests in a superficial and nodular distribution extending to the superficial dermis. The base plaque was then completely excised, showing dermal scarring related to the previous excision, along with the presence of large sebaceous glands, heterotopic apocrine glands, defective hair follicles, acanthosis and epithelial papillomatosis. This is a case of a basal cell carcinoma (BCC) arising within a sebaceous naevus on the scalp, in a skin of colour patient. Sebaceous naevi (SN), also known as naevus sebaceous of Jadassohn, are benign hamartomatous malformations comprised of predominantly sebaceous glands. SN appear most commonly on the scalp, and start off as smooth yellowish well-circumscribed plaques in infancy which then develops a verrucous appearance in adolescence due to hormonally-driven maturation of sebaceous and apocrine glands. It is well known that benign neoplasms of various lineages of differentiation including follicular, sebaceous, apocrine or eccrine, may arise within SN. Malignant neoplasms occurring within SN almost exclusively occur in adults, and arise in about 2.5% of lesions. BCCs are the most common among these, and occur in 0.8% of SN. Other malignant tumours such as squamous cell carcinoma, sebaceous carcinoma, microcystic adnexal carcinoma and porocarcinoma can also arise within SN, but these are rarer. Our case is notable as our patient had Fitzpatrick skin type 4–5, hence may have been perceived to have a lower risk of developing BCCs. We hope that this report will highlight that BCCs do arise even in skin of colour.
DFT and Docking Calculations of the Structural, Electronic, Biological and Conductivity Properties of the Synthetic Complex [Cu(hfac)2(L)2][PF6]2
Authors: Belhouchat Saliha , Zeroual Samira , Benbellat Noura , Khaoua Oussama , Bouchekioua Saad , Menacer Rafik , Chermette Henry
Published: January 2024

In the present research, we report a theoretical study of Cu II complex based on TTF ligand [Cu(hfac)2(L)2][PF6]2 (in neutral and oxidized states +1 and +2, of biological interest and various applications in magnetic conducting materials. It is an organic/inorganic hybrid material involving a coordination between a paramagnetic transition metal and a nitrogenous aromatic TTF linked through a covalent transition conjugate bridge. The optimized structures of neutral and oxidized metal transition complexes obtained using the Density Functional Theory (DFT) method are consistent with the experimental results. Several properties including geometrical parameters, Hirshfeld atomic charges, energies of Frontier Molecular Orbitals (FMOs), and energy gap (ΔEgap) between the Highest Occupied Molecular Orbital (HOMO), and the Lowest Unoccupied Molecular Orbital (LUMO) are calculated for optimized complexes. The results reveal that oxidation leads to more stable aromatic systems and reduces the energy gap. The analysis of the charges as well as the distribution of the spin density in the frontier orbitals shows that the oxidation takes place at the ligand level. More precisely the ylidene C3=C4 bond is the most sensitive molecular part to oxidation. A significant degeneracy of molecular orbitals is also observed. No metallic contribution in the HOMO of Cu complex reveals a strong electronic localization at the end of the chain, and, at the same time a delocalization along the chain, this is also in favor of a good conductivity and excellent catalytic activity of this compounds.
Copper Dispersed Covalent Organic Framework for Azide–Alkyne Cycloaddition and Fast Synthesis of Rufinamide in Water
Authors: Xue Fei , Zhang Jun , Ma Zhongcheng , Wang Zhonggang
Published: January 2024

A crystalline porous bipyridine‐based Bpy‐COF with a high BET surface area (1864 m2 g−1) and uniform mesopore (4.0 nm) is successfully synthesized from 1,3,5‐tris‐(4’‐formyl‐biphenyl‐4‐yl)triazine and 5,5'‐diamino‐2,2'‐bipyridine via a solvothermal method. After Cu(I)‐loading, the resultant Cu(I)‐Bpy‐COF remained the ordered porous structure with evenly distributed Cu(I) ions at a single‐atom level. Using Cu(I)‐Bpy‐COF as a heterogeneous catalyst, high conversions for cycloaddition reactions are achieved within a short time (40 min) at 25 °C in water medium. Moreover, Cu(I)‐Bpy‐COF proves to be applicable for aromatic and aliphatic azides and alkynes bearing various substituents such as ester, hydroxyl, amido, pyridyl, thienyl, bulky triphenylamine, fluorine, and trifluoromethyl groups. The high conversions remain almost constant after five cycles. Additionally, the antiepileptic drug (rufinamide) is successfully prepared by a simple one‐step reaction using Cu(I)‐Bpy‐COF, proving its practical feasibility for pharmaceutical synthesis.
Experimental investigation of the effect of e‐waste fillers on the mechanical properties of Kenaf woven fiber composites
Authors: Raj J. Immanuel Durai , Durairaj R. B. , Ananth S. Vijay , Barmavatu Praveen
Published: January 2024

Electronic waste is one of the environmental issues that is worsening rapidly around the globe and is of particular concern to developing nations. A significant quantity of e‐waste is dumped in landfills without regard for the recycling process, which has a potentially adverse impact on the global ecosystem. In this work, waste printed circuit boards (WPCB) and cassette discs (CD) are grinded into powder form and used as fillers with lignocellulosic kenaf woven fabric blended with epoxy resin. Fabrication is carried out by hand lay‐up techniques assisted by vacuum bagging. Laminates are made with different proportions of 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% of e‐waste filler by weight percentage of kenaf fabric. Mechanical, water absorption, and surface roughness tests were carried out. The result shows that a 5% addition of waste printed circuit board filler and a 10% addition of waste cassette disc (WCD) filler gave better results. In comparison, waste printed circuit board filler laminates show higher strength than waste cassette disc filler laminates. Experimental results indicate that e‐waste filler can be reinforced with lignocellulosic biomass fiber composites and better used for domestic and industrial applications instead of being dumped into landfills, which causes environmental and health hazards.
Moving from supported to independent living: what are the barriers and facilitators for individuals with psychosis?
Authors: Poppe Anika , Tiles-Sar Natalia , Konings Stefan R. A. , Habtewold Tesfa Dejenie ,   GROUP Investigators, Alizadeh Behrooz Z. , van Amelsvoort Therese , Bartels-Velthuis Agna A. , Bruggeman Richard , Cahn Wiepke , de Haan Lieuwe , Schirmbeck Frederike , Simons Claudia J. P. , van Os Jim , Bruggeman Richard , Alizadeh Behrooz Z. , van der Meer Lisette
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Living independently, as opposed to in sheltered housing or with caregivers, is an important aim in the recovery of individuals with psychosis, but the transition to independence can be challenging. This study aims to investigate how individuals with psychosis move between living arrangements and to identify the barriers and facilitators of moving towards independence.

Methods

The living arrangements of 1119 individuals with non-affective psychosis from the Genetic Risk and Outcome of Psychosis study were assessed at baseline, at three- and six-year follow-ups and further categorized as either supported (sheltered housing or with parents) or independent (single or with partner/family). We estimated the probabilities of transitioning between the living statuses and investigated the influence of demographic characteristics, symptomatology, cognition, social support, and premorbid social adjustment on transition using Markov chain modelling.

Results

The majority of individuals living in supported housing remained there during the six-year follow-up period (~ 60%). The likelihood of moving from supported to independent living was twice as high for participants who were younger, five-to-six times higher for women, twice as high for individuals with better overall cognition, and five times higher for those with a course of low positive symptoms.

Conclusion

This study highlights that a large group of individuals with psychosis in supported housing is unlikely to move to independent living. Older men with cognitive impairments and who show continuous severe positive symptoms are the least likely to move living independently. Tailored interventions for these at-risk individuals could increase their chances of moving to independent living.
An improved equation of latitude and a global system of graticule distance coordinates
Authors: Blewitt Geoffrey
Published: January 2024

Two innovations are presented for coordinate time-series computation. First, an improved solution is given to a century-old problem, that is the non-iterative computation of conventional geodetic (CG: latitude, longitude, height) coordinates from geocentric Cartesian (GC: x, y, z) coordinates. The accuracy is 1 nm for heights < 500 km and < 10−15 rad for latitude at any point, terrestrial or outer space. This can be 3 orders of magnitude more accurate than published non-iterative methods. Secondly, CG time series are transformed into a practical system of “graticule distance” (GD: easting, northing, height) curvilinear coordinates that, unlike the commonly used system of topocentric Cartesian (TC: east, north, up) coordinates, is global in nature without arbitrary specification of GC reference coordinates for every geodetic station. Since 2011, Nevada Geodetic Laboratory has publicly produced time series for 20,000 GPS stations in GD form that have been cited by hundreds of studies. The GD system facilitates direct comparison of positions for co-located stations. Users of GD time series are able: (1) to resolve different historical station names that have been assigned to the same physical benchmark and (2) to resolve different physical benchmarks that have been assigned the same name. This benefits historical reconstruction of benchmark occupation and local site tie analysis for reference frame integrity. GD coordinates have archival value, in that inversion back to GC coordinates is practically exact. For geodetic stations, GD time series closely emulate TC time series with rates agreeing to 0.01 mm/yr, and so can be used interchangeably.
Human milk oligosaccharides and the association with microbiota in colostrum: a pilot study
Authors: Sun Wen , Tao Lin , Qian Chen , Xue Peipei , Tong Xiankun , Yang Li , Lu Fang , Wan Hua , Tao Yingna
Published: January 2024

HMOs (Human milk oligosaccharide) has an impact on maternal and infant health. Colostrum samples of 70 breastfeeding women in China were collected and recorded clinical characteristics. The major oligosaccharides and microbiota were quantitated in colostrum. The concentration of fucosylated HMOs in primipara was higher than that of multipara (p = 0.030). The concentration of N-acetylated HMOs in vaginal delivery milk was less than that of cesarean (p = 0.038). Non-fucosylated HMOs of breastfeeding women were less than that of breast pump (p = 0.038). Meanwhile, the concentration of LNT was positively correlated with Lactobacillus (r = 0.250, p = 0.037). DS-LNT was negatively correlated with Staphylococcus (r = – 0.240, p = 0.045). There was a positive correlation of Streptococcus with LNFP II (r = 0.314, p = 0.011) and 3-SL (r = 0.322, p = 0.009). In addition, there was a negative correlation between 2'-FL and 3-FL (r = – 0.465, p = 0.001). There was a positive correlation between LNT and LNnT (r = 0.778, p = 0.001). Therefore, the concentration of HMOs is related to number of deliveries, delivery mode, lactation mode and perinatal antibiotic. The concentration of HMOs is related to Lactobacillus, Streptococcus and Streptococcus in colostrum. In addition, there are connections between different oligosaccharides in content. The study protocol was also registered in the ClinicalTrails.gov (ChiCTR2200064454) (Oct. 2022).
Long-term consumption of rooibos herbal tea affects hypothalamic neurotransmission and social behavior of adult Sprague–Dawley male rats
Authors: Pyrzanowska Justyna , Joniec-Maciejak Ilona , Wawer Adriana , Machaj Ewa , Blecharz-Klin Kamilla , Piechal Agnieszka , Widy-Tyszkiewicz Ewa , Mirowska-Guzel Dagmara
Published: January 2024

Abundant in phenolic compounds, “fermented” rooibos herbal tea (FRHT) improves the cognitive performance and exploration of rats, as well as alters the content of monoamines and amino acids in some brain structures. Here, we aim to extend knowledge about the neurochemical and behavioral outcomes of long-term oral FRHT consumption by examining its impact on hypothalamus functions. FRHTs of different leaf-to-water ratios were given to adult male SD rats for 3 months. Their behavior was evaluated in social interaction test. The concentration of hypothalamic monoamines and amino acids was analyzed by HPLC-ECD whereas BDNF/TrkB by Elisa method. It was shown that sustained FRHT consumption did not affect aggression of the rats but was able to increase social deficits, expressed as diminished total time of contact and shorter active social interaction. Upon biochemical investigation, the changes were primarily linked to serotonergic, glutaminergic, and BDNF/TrkB pathway. Decreased 5-HT and TrkB content in the hypothalamus could be linked with social deficits and suggested positive effect on central energy balance, yet the main body mass of animals in the experiment remained unaffected. On the other hand, the reduced hypothalamic serotonin signaling anticipated the influence on hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis and possible diminution of plasma corticosterone level with subsequent behavioral aftermath and lower obesity risk. Our research contributes toward better understanding of the mechanism of action of rooibos tea and its effects within the central nervous system.

Graphical abstract
Digitalisierung der histopathologischen Routinediagnostik
Authors: Iwuajoku Viola , Haas Anette , Ekici Kübra , Khan Mohammad Zaid , Stögbauer Fabian , Steiger Katja , Mogler Carolin , Schüffler Peter J.
Published: January 2024

Die Digitalisierung des histopathologischen Eingangslabors ist ein wichtiger und entscheidender Schritt in der digitalen Transformation der Pathologie. Digitalisierung ermöglicht zahlreiche neue Optionen wie den Zugang zu großen Datensätzen für KI-gestützte Auswertungen, mobiles Arbeiten und Homeoffice für FachärztInnen sowie eine schnellere und vereinfachte Bereitstellung von Bildern und Daten für Forschungsarbeiten, Konferenzen und Tumorboards. Dennoch bedeutet die Umstellung zu einem vollständig digitalen Workflow auch erheblichen Aufwand im technischen und personellen Bereich und benötigt ein durchdachtes und flexibles Changemanagement, um Reibungsverluste gerade im personellen Bereich möglichst gering zu halten und wertvolles Potenzial talentierter, aber möglicherweise veränderungsscheuer Mitarbeiter nicht zu verlieren. Dieser Artikel fasst die Erfahrungswerte unseres Institutes im Hinblick auf technische und personelle Herausforderungen während der Transformation zur digitalen Pathologie zusammen und bietet einen umfassenden Überblick über potenziell problematische Schnittstellen bei der Umstellung des Routinebetriebes auf einen digitalen Workflow.