bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Democratic Nowtopias from the Educational Commonsverse in Greece
Authors: Pechtelidis Yannis , Chronaki Anna , Tselepi Naya
Published: April 2024

The chapter examines the role educational commons can play in addressing inequities, advancing democracy, and fostering inclusion by allowing teaching and learning to be shaped by students and teachers through values of equality, freedom, and creativity. The case studies discussed have been conducted in formal and non-formal settings in Greece comprising a self-organized autonomous libertarian educational community, three public preschool classrooms, of which one cooperated with university students, and a primary and secondary school. They sought to establish the preconditions for co-creating a community that offers opportunities for self-formation and equal participation. The paper argues that, under certain circumstances, the logic of the commons can flourish in pedagogical settings through enhancing active participation and inclusionary practices. However, the co-production and co-management of the teaching and learning process enacted by all members of the educational community in its everyday life and on a footing of equality, solidarity, autonomy, sharing and caring, still have a long way to go. Despite this fact, the diverse case studies presented here as examples of the Greek ‘commonsverse’ can operate as ‘crack’ in the education status quo inspiring new conceptualizations, methods, and actions pertaining to the educational commons.
Commoning for Social Justice: Redistribution, Recognition, and Participation in Two Learning Environments
Authors: Moreno-Romero Carlos , Savvani Stamatia , Enn Ülly , Pantazis Alekos
Published: April 2024

This study delves into the relationship between education for social justice and the concept of educational commons, seeking to elucidate the connections that exist between these two distinct yet complementary components of inclusive and humanistic pedagogy. Education for social justice represents a fundamental tenet in contemporary educational discourse, emphasising the imperative of fostering equitable opportunities and social cohesion among learners. Educational commons, as an emerging paradigm, embodies the idea of shared and open educational resources, knowledge, and practices that are accessible to all, co-designed, co-assessed and serve the whole learning community, transcending traditional notions of ownership and hierarchy in education. This study explores the diverse strategies that are based on or are aligning with commoning principles as enacted in two educational contexts in Estonia. Through Action Research, which included observations in a formal and a non-formal learning environment, and focus groups interviews, these practices were documented and are discussed in relation to the principles of social justice, namely: redistribution, recognition, and participation. By investigating the interplay between these two pedagogical approaches, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the potential synergy between education for social justice and educational commons, highlighting their capacity to catalyse positive change within education systems.
The Challenges of Children’s Participation, Sharing, Collaboration, and Care in Non-formal Education Contexts: Insights from the SMOOTH Project
Authors: Fernandes Natália , Barra Marlene , Martins Fernanda , Silva Daniela , Casanova Joana R. , Sarmento Teresa , Madalozzo Vivian Agnolo , do Ó Corrêa Erika Machado
Published: April 2024

The SMOOTH project is grounded in the collaboration between children, youth, children/youth and adults for the establishment of shared spaces that enable the co-production of knowledge and foster alternative modes of thinking among children, youth, and adults as interdependent subjects, considering both intra-generational and intergenerational relationships. Building upon the concept of Education as a Common Good, the project embraces dimensions such as collective freedom and experimentation, equal participation, solidarity, unity, care, and sharing. These dimensions will influence a set of objectives, including challenging dominant discourses regarding the role of education and inclusion, childhood, and youth; fostering a critical perspective on normative frameworks pertaining to childhood and youth; promoting shared governance where children and adults are subjected to less control, opening up new possibilities for a balanced exercise of power; and learning through co-construction (local and emancipatory knowledge). Specifically, at the University of Minho, in collaboration with a non-governmental institution, two projects were developed: the Children’s Club and the Children’s Advisory Board. These projects involved children aged 8–12 years, from disadvantaged socio-economic and cultural backgrounds, characterized by a disruptive interaction and a lack of material resources. This text brings up the dynamics and challenges of participation, sharing, collaboration, and care in those non-formal education contexts during the projects’ implementation.
Young People in Vulnerable Contexts: Shaping Collective Views Through Media and Educational Commons
Authors: Palacios-Esparza Maria-Jose , Arciniega-Cáceres Mittzy , Cox Macarena Vallejos , Figueras-Maz Mònica
Published: April 2024

This book chapter presents the results of a case study conducted by Pompeu Fabra University with young people aged between 16 and 18 years who worked together on the creation of audiovisual pieces at workshops run in accordance with the participatory audiovisual methodology, a combination of alternative audiovisual approaches and the postulates of educational commons. The case study was carried out in two rounds at a non-formal education association in the Raval neighbourhood (Barcelona). The results show how these adolescents deal with the commoners role and how commoning practices emerge in the group. They also revealed how their media skills were improved, showing progress from instrumental to more reflexive use. Finally, we analyse how this reflection and creation process promotes the generation of spaces for action and offers the participants a platform on which to get their opinions heard.
On some classes of multiplicative functions
Authors: Haukkanen Pentti
Published: April 2024

An arithmetical function f is multiplicative if $$f(1)=1$$

f
(
1
)
=
1

and $$f(mn)=f(m)f(n)$$

f
(
m
n
)
=
f
(
m
)
f
(
n
)

whenever m and n are coprime. We study connections between certain subclasses of multiplicative functions, such as strongly multiplicative functions, over-multiplicative functions and totients. It appears, among others, that the over-multiplicative functions are exactly same as the totients and the strongly multiplicative functions are exactly same as the so-called level totients. All these functions satisfy nice arithmetical identities which are recursive in character.
Fubini’s theorem for Daniell integrals
Authors: Kersting Götz , Rompf Gerhard
Published: April 2024

We show that in the theory of Daniell integration iterated integrals may always be formed, and the order of integration may always be interchanged. By this means, we discuss product integrals and show that the related Fubini theorem holds in full generality. The results build on a density theorem on Riesz tensor products due to Fremlin, and on the Fubini–Stone theorem.
2D FDM Simulation of Seismic Waves and Tsunamis Based on Improved Coupling Equations Under Gravity
Authors: Someya Masayoshi , Watada Shingo , Furumura Takashi
Published: April 2024

To understand the characteristics of seismic waves and tsunamis recorded simultaneously by the ocean-bottom observation networks, the coupling between the solid Earth and the ocean has to be modeled in the presence of gravity. However, previous coupled simulations adopted approximate equations that did not fully incorporate the effects of gravity. In this study, we derived correctly linearized governing equations under gravity and compared them with those of previous studies. Numerical experiments were performed for a two-dimensional P-SV wavefield, using the finite difference method (FDM). To validate the accuracy of the calculated tsunamis, we computed the theoretical tsunami dispersion relation using a propagator matrix and compared it with our results and those of previous studies. We found that our proposed method provided more accurate results than those of previous studies, particularly in the short-period band. We also investigated the applicability of the proposed method to distant tsunamis by examining the difference between calculated and theoretical tsunami phase velocities in the long-period band. The proposed formulation provides accurate results that properly incorporate gravity into the simultaneous simulation of seismic waves and tsunamis.
The Josefson–Nissenzweig theorem and filters on $$\omega $$
Authors: Marciszewski Witold , Sobota Damian
Published: April 2024

For a free filter F on $$\omega $$
ω
, endow the space $$N_F=\omega \cup \{p_F\}$$

N
F

=
ω
∪

{

p
F

}

, where $$p_F\not \in \omega $$

p
F

∉
ω

, with the topology in which every element of $$\omega $$
ω
is isolated whereas all open neighborhoods of $$p_F$$

p
F

are of the form $$A\cup \{p_F\}$$

A
∪
{

p
F

}

for $$A\in F$$

A
∈
F

. Spaces of the form $$N_F$$

N
F

constitute the class of the simplest non-discrete Tychonoff spaces. The aim of this paper is to study them in the context of the celebrated Josefson–Nissenzweig theorem from Banach space theory. We prove, e.g., that, for a filter F, the space $$N_F$$

N
F

carries a sequence $$\langle \mu _n:n\in \omega \rangle $$

⟨

μ
n

:
n
∈
ω
⟩

of normalized finitely supported signed measures such that $$\mu _n(f)\rightarrow 0$$

μ
n

(
f
)

→
0

for every bounded continuous real-valued function f on $$N_F$$

N
F

if and only if $$F^*\le _K{\mathcal {Z}}$$

F
∗

≤
K

Z

, that is, the dual ideal $$F^*$$

F
∗

is Katětov below the asymptotic density ideal $${\mathcal {Z}}$$
Z
. Consequently, we get that if $$F^*\le _K{\mathcal {Z}}$$

F
∗

≤
K

Z

, then: (1) if X is a Tychonoff space and $$N_F$$

N
F

is homeomorphic to a subspace of X, then the space $$C_p^*(X)$$

C
p
∗

(
X
)

of bounded continuous real-valued functions on X contains a complemented copy of the space $$c_0$$

c
0

endowed with the pointwise topology, (2) if K is a compact Hausdorff space and $$N_F$$

N
F

is homeomorphic to a subspace of K, then the Banach space C(K) of continuous real-valued functions on K is not a Grothendieck space. The latter result generalizes the well-known fact stating that if a compact Hausdorff space K contains a non-trivial convergent sequence, then the space C(K) is not Grothendieck.
Quantum Talagrand, KKL and Friedgut’s Theorems and the Learnability of Quantum Boolean Functions
Authors: Rouzé Cambyse , Wirth Melchior , Zhang Haonan
Published: April 2024

We extend three related results from the analysis of influences of Boolean functions to the quantum setting, namely the KKL theorem, Friedgut’s Junta theorem and Talagrand’s variance inequality for geometric influences. Our results are derived by a joint use of recently studied hypercontractivity and gradient estimates. These generic tools also allow us to derive generalizations of these results in a general von Neumann algebraic setting beyond the case of the quantum hypercube, including examples in infinite dimensions relevant to quantum information theory such as continuous variables quantum systems. Finally, we comment on the implications of our results as regards to noncommutative extensions of isoperimetric type inequalities, quantum circuit complexity lower bounds and the learnability of quantum observables.
Transient hygro- and hydro-expansion of freely and restrained dried paper: the fiber-network coupling
Authors: Vonk Niels H. , van Spreuwel Eline P. C. , Anijs Thomas , Peerlings Ron H. J. , Geers Marc G. D. , Hoefnagels Johan P. M.
Published: April 2024

The transient dimensional changes during hygro-expansion and hydro-expansion of freely and restrained dried, softwood and hardwood sheets and fibers is monitored, to unravel the governing micro-mechanisms occurring during gradual water saturation. The response of individual fibers is measured using a full-field global digital height correlation method, which has been extended to monitor the transient hydro-expansion of fibers from dry to fully saturated. The hygro- and hydro-expansion is larger for freely versus restrained dried and softwood versus hardwood handsheets. The transient sheet-scale hydro-expansion reveals a sudden strain and moisture content step. It is postulated that the driving mechanism is the moisture-induced softening of the so-called ”dislocated regions” in the fiber’s cellulose micro-fibrils, unlocking further fiber swelling. The strain step is negligible for restrained dried handsheets, which is attributed to the ”dislocated cellulose regions” being locked in their stretched configuration during restrained drying, which is supported by the single fiber hydro-expansion measurements. Finally, an inter-fiber bond model is exploited and adapted to predict the sheet-scale hygro-expansion from the fiber level characteristics. The model correctly predicts the qualitative differences between freely versus restrained dried and softwood versus hardwood handsheets, yet, its simplified geometry does not allow for more quantitative predictions of the sheet-scale hydro-expansion.
Interactions between the calanoid copepod Acartia hongi and the bloom-forming dinoflagellates Karenia bicuneiformis and K. selliformis
Authors: Ok Jin Hee , Jeong Hae Jin , You Ji Hyun , Park Sang Ah , Kang Hee Chang , Eom Se Hee , Lee Moo Joon , Rho Jung-Rae
Published: April 2024

Copepods are a major component of metazooplankton and important prey for fish and invertebrates such as crabs, shrimps, and flatworms. Certain bloom-forming dinoflagellates can kill copepods, but there is little research on the interactions between copepods and the bloom-forming dinoflagellates Karenia bicuneiformis and K. selliformis. In this study, the survival and ingestion rates of the calanoid copepod Acartia hongi feeding on K. bicuneiformis and K. selliformis were determined as a function of prey concentration. On day 2, the survival of A. hongi incubated with K. bicuneiformis was 90–100% at all the tested prey concentrations, while that with K. selliformis was 0–20% at ≥ 582 ng C mL−1. Compared to other harmful dinoflagellates from the literature, K. bicuneiformis caused low mortality of Acartia; however, K. selliformis caused almost the highest mortality at similar dinoflagellate concentrations. With increasing mean prey concentration, the ingestion rates of A. hongi feeding on K. bicuneiformis increased on day 1, but those on K. selliformis did not increase. Acartia hongi stopped feeding on K. bicuneiformis at mean prey concentrations of ≥ 341 ng C mL−1 and K. selliformis at all prey concentrations on day 2. At the prey concentration of 1000 ng C mL−1, the ingestion rate of A. hongi feeding on K. bicuneiformis was moderate among the rates of Acartia spp. feeding on harmful dinoflagellates; however, that on K. selliformis was the lowest. These results indicate that K. bicuneiformis and K. selliformis differentially affect the survival and ingestion rates of A. hongi.
Transcriptome analysis of Kluyveromyces marxianus under succinic acid stress and development of robust strains
Authors: Zeng Du-Wen , Yang Yong-Qiang , Wang Qi , Zhang Feng-Li , Zhang Mao-Dong , Liao Sha , Liu Zhi-Qiang , Fan Ya-Chao , Liu Chen-Guang , Zhang Lin , Zhao Xin-Qing
Published: April 2024

Kluyveromyces marxianus has become an attractive non-conventional yeast cell factory due to its advantageous properties such as high thermal tolerance and rapid growth. Succinic acid (SA) is an important platform molecule that has been applied in various industries such as food, material, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. SA bioproduction may be compromised by its toxicity. Besides, metabolite-responsive promoters are known to be important for dynamic control of gene transcription. Therefore, studies on global gene transcription under various SA concentrations are of great importance. Here, comparative transcriptome changes of K. marxianus exposed to various concentrations of SA were analyzed. Enrichment and analysis of gene clusters revealed repression of the tricarboxylic acid cycle and glyoxylate cycle, also activation of the glycolysis pathway and genes related to ergosterol synthesis. Based on the analyses, potential SA-responsive promoters were investigated, among which the promoter strength of IMTCP2 and KLMA_50231 increased 43.4% and 154.7% in response to 15 g/L SA. In addition, overexpression of the transcription factors Gcr1, Upc2, and Ndt80 significantly increased growth under SA stress. Our results benefit understanding SA toxicity mechanisms and the development of robust yeast for organic acid production.

Key points

• Global gene transcription of K. marxianus is changed by succinic acid (SA)

• Promoter activities of IMTCP2 and KLMA_50123 are regulated by SA

• Overexpression of Gcr1, Upc2, and Ndt80 enhanced SA tolerance

Graphical Abstract
Detection of structural lesions of the sacroiliac joints in patients with spondyloarthritis: A comparison of T1-weighted 3D spoiled gradient echo MRI and MRI-based synthetic CT versus T1-weighted turbo spin echo MRI
Authors: Krabbe Simon , Møller Jakob M. , Hadsbjerg Anna E. F. , Ewald Anne , Hangaard Stine , Pedersen Susanne J. , Østergaard Mikkel
Published: April 2024

Objectives

To investigate the detection of erosion, sclerosis and ankylosis using 1 mm 3D T1-weighted spoiled gradient echo (T1w-GRE) MRI and 1 mm MRI-based synthetic CT (sCT), compared with conventional 4 mm T1w-TSE.

Materials and methods

Prospective, cross-sectional study. Semi-coronal 4 mm T1w-TSE and axial T1w-GRE with 1.6 mm slice thickness and 0.8 mm spacing between overlapping slices were performed. The T1w-GRE images were processed into sCT images using a commercial deep learning algorithm, BoneMRI. Both were reconstructed into 1 mm semi-coronal images. T1w-TSE, T1w-GRE and sCT images were assessed independently by 3 expert and 4 non-expert readers for erosion, sclerosis and ankylosis. Cohen’s kappa for inter-reader agreement, exact McNemar test for lesion frequencies and Wilcoxon signed-rank test for confidence in lesion detection were used.

Results

Nineteen patients with axial spondyloarthritis were evaluated. T1w-GRE increased inter-reader agreement for detecting erosion (kappa 0.42 vs 0.21 in non-experts), increased detection of erosion (57 vs 43 of 152 joint quadrants) and sclerosis (26 vs 17 of 152 joint quadrants) among experts, and increased reader confidence for scoring erosion and sclerosis. sCT increased inter-reader agreement for detecting sclerosis (kappa 0.69 vs 0.37 in experts) and ankylosis (0.71 vs 0.52 in non-experts), increased detection of sclerosis (34 vs 17 of 152 joint quadrants) and ankylosis (20 vs 13 of 76 joint halves) among experts, and increased reader confidence for scoring erosion, sclerosis and ankylosis.

Conclusion

T1w-GRE and sCT increase sensitivity and reader confidence for the detection of erosion, sclerosis and ankylosis, compared with T1w-TSE.

Clinical relevance statement

These methods improve the detection of sacroiliac joint structural lesions and might be a useful addition to SIJ MRI protocols both in routine clinical care and as structural outcome measures in clinical trials.
Computed tomography in patients with sepsis presenting to the emergency department: exploring its role in light of patient outcomes
Authors: Pohlan Julian , Möckel Martin , Slagman Anna , Tenenbaum Hannah , Stolz Jules , Rubarth Kerstin , Winning Johannes , Bauer Michael , Reinhart Konrad , Stacke Angelika , Dewey Marc , Bolanaki Myrto
Published: April 2024

Objectives

This study aimed to explore the role of CT in septic patients presenting to the emergency department (ED).

Materials and methods

We performed a retrospective secondary analysis of 192 septic patients from a prospective observational study, i.e., the “LIFE POC” study. Sepsis was diagnosed in accordance with the Sepsis-3 definition. Clinical and radiological data were collected from the hospital administration and radiological systems. Information on mortality and morbidity was collected. Time-to-CT between CT scan and sepsis diagnosis (ttCTsd) was calculated. Diagnostic accuracy was assessed with the final sepsis source as reference standard. The reference standard was established through the treating team of the patient based on all available clinical, imaging, and microbiological data.

Results

Sixty-two of 192 patients underwent a CT examination for sepsis focus detection. The final septic source was identified by CT in 69.4% (n = 43). CT detected septic foci with 81.1% sensitivity (95% CI, 68.0–90.6%) and 55.6% specificity (95% CI, 21.2–86.3%). Patients with short versus long ttCTsd did not differ in terms of mortality (16.1%, n = 5 vs 9.7, n = 3; p = 0.449), length of hospital stay (median 16 d, IQR 9 d 12 h–23 d 18 h vs median 13 d, IQR 10 d 00 h–24 d 00 h; p = 0.863), or duration of intensive care (median 3d 12 h, IQR 2 d 6 h–7 d 18 h vs median 5d, IQR 2 d–11 d; p = 0.800).

Conclusions

Our findings show a high sensitivity of CT in ED patients with sepsis, confirming its relevance in guiding treatment decisions. The low specificity suggests that a negative CT requires further ancillary diagnostic tests for focus detection. The timing of CT did not affect morbidity or mortality outcomes.

Clinical relevance statement

In patients with sepsis who present to the ED, CT can be used to identify infectious foci on the basis of clinical suspicion, but should not be used as a rule-out test. Scientific evidence for the optimal timing of CT beyond clinical decision-making is currently missing, as potential mortality benefits are clouded by differences in clinical severity at the time of ED presentation.

Key Points

• In patients with sepsis who present to the ED, CT for focus identification has a high sensitivity and can thereby be valuable for patient management.

• As the specificity is considerably lower, a thorough microbiological assessment is important in these cases.

• The timing of CT did not affect morbidity and mortality outcomes in this study, which might be due to variability in clinical severity at the time of ED presentation.
Inactivation Pathway of Diterpenoid Regulator in the Moss Physcomitrium patens
Authors: Miyazaki Sho , Kawaide Hiroshi , Nakajima Masatoshi
Published: April 2024

The endogenous levels of plant hormones, including gibberellins (GAs), are strictly regulated and maintained during growth and development in seed plants. The regulation of endogenous levels of bioactive GAs is mediated by the mechanisms of their biosynthesis and inactivation. The moss Physcomitrium patens harbors a partial GA biosynthetic pathway from geranylgeranyl diphosphate to ent-kaurenoic acid (KA). Recently, we have identified ent-3β-hydroxy kaurenoic acid (3OH-KA) as a biologically active metabolite of KA to control the protonemal cell differentiation. In addition, ent-2α-hydroxy kaurenoic acid catalyzed by KA 2-oxidase (KA2ox) was also identified as inactive product. Although the activation and inactivation pathways from KA have been identified, the inactivation pathway of 3OH-KA remains to be elucidated. Considering the GA inactivation mechanism of flowering plants, in which GA2ox hydroxylates the C-2 position of GAs as part of the biosynthetic pathway, it was presumed that 3OH-KA was converted to 2,3-dihydroxy KA by PpKA2ox; however, this work shows that PpKA2ox undergoes hydroxylation at the C-16 position to synthesize a new compound ent-3β,16β-dihydroxy kaurenoic acid (3,16diOH-KA) from 3OH-KA. The protonemal cell differentiation activity of 3,16diOH-KA was low, and 3,16diOH-KA was detected in wild-type strains. These results indicate that 3,16diOH-KA was the major inactivating metabolite of 3OH-KA.
Common soil history is more important than plant history for arbuscular mycorrhizal community assembly in an experimental grassland diversity gradient
Authors: Albracht Cynthia , Solbach Marcel Dominik , Hennecke Justus , Bassi Leonardo , van der Ploeg Geert Roelof , Eisenhauer Nico , Weigelt Alexandra , Buscot François , Heintz-Buschart Anna
Published: April 2024

The relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning strengthens with ecosystem age. However, the interplay between the plant diversity - ecosystem functioning relationship and Glomeromycotinian arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) community assembly has not yet been scrutinized in this context, despite AMF’s role in plant survival and niche exploration. We study the development of AMF communities by disentangling soil- and plant-driven effects from calendar year effects. Within a long-term grassland biodiversity experiment, the pre-existing plant communities of varying plant diversity were re-established as split plots with combinations of common plant and soil histories: split plots with neither common plant nor soil history, with only soil but no plant history, and with both common plant and soil history. We found that bulk soil AMF communities were primarily shaped by common soil history, and additional common plant history had little effect. Further, the steepness of AMF diversity and plant diversity relationship did not strengthen over time, but AMF community evenness increased with common history. Specialisation of AMF towards plant species was low throughout, giving no indication of AMF communities specialising or diversifying over time. The potential of bulk soil AMF as mediators of variation in plant and microbial biomass over time and hence as drivers of biodiversity and ecosystem relationships was low. Our results suggest that soil processes may be key for the build-up of plant community-specific mycorrhizal communities with likely feedback effects on ecosystem productivity, but the plant-available mycorrhizal pool in bulk soil itself does not explain the strengthening of biodiversity and ecosystem relationships over time.
Long-term results of etiology-based thoracic endovascular aortic repair: a single-center experience
Authors: Takazawa Akitoshi , Asakura Toshihisa , Nakazawa Ken , Kinoshita Osamu , Nakajima Hiroyuki , Yoshitake Akihiro
Published: April 2024

The use of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) and Stanford type B aortic dissection (TBAD) has been increasing; however, in terms of etiology, the differences of long term after TEVAR outcomes remain unexplored. Thus, we investigated etiology-specific long-term results of TEVAR for TAA and TBAD. A total of 421 TEVAR procedures were performed at our institution from July 2007 to December 2021; 249 TAA cases and 172 TBAD cases were included. Traumatic aortic dissection and aortic injury cases were excluded. The mean observation duration was 5.7 years. The overall 30-day mortality rate was 1.4% (n = 6), with 1.2% (n = 3) in the TAA group and 1.7% (n = 3) in the TBAD group. The overall incidence of postoperative stroke was 0.9% (n = 4), with 1.2% (n = 3) and 0.6% (n = 1) in the TAA and TBAD groups, respectively (p = 0.90). Paraplegia developed in 1.7% (n = 7) of patients, with 2.4% (n = 6) in the TAA group and 0.6% (n = 1) in the TBAD group. Freedom from aortic-related death was not significantly different between the two etiologies; however, thoracic reintervention was more common in the TBAD group (p = 0.003), with endoleak being the most common indication for reintervention. Additionally, retrograde type A aortic dissection occurred in four TBAD cases, while migration occurred in three TAA cases. The perioperative results of TEVAR for TAA and TBAD were satisfactory. The long-term results were unfavorable owing to the occurrence of etiology-specific and common complications. In terms of the high frequency of reintervention, the long-term complications associated with TEVAR are etiology specific.
Common and specific activations supporting optic flow processing and navigation as revealed by a meta-analysis of neuroimaging studies
Authors: Sulpizio Valentina , Teghil Alice , Pitzalis Sabrina , Boccia Maddalena
Published: April 2024

Optic flow provides useful information in service of spatial navigation. However, whether brain networks supporting these two functions overlap is still unclear. Here we used Activation Likelihood Estimation (ALE) to assess the correspondence between brain correlates of optic flow processing and spatial navigation and their specific neural activations. Since computational and connectivity evidence suggests that visual input from optic flow provides information mainly during egocentric navigation, we further tested the correspondence between brain correlates of optic flow processing and that of both egocentric and allocentric navigation. Optic flow processing shared activation with egocentric (but not allocentric) navigation in the anterior precuneus, suggesting its role in providing information about self-motion, as derived from the analysis of optic flow, in service of egocentric navigation. We further documented that optic flow perception and navigation are partially segregated into two functional and anatomical networks, i.e., the dorsal and the ventromedial networks. Present results point to a dynamic interplay between the dorsal and ventral visual pathways aimed at coordinating visually guided navigation in the environment.
Perspectives of refugee parents and unaccompanied minors on initial health assessment and access to care
Authors: Baauw Albertine , Brouwers Chanine F. S. , Afshar Sogol Fathi , van Goudoever Johannes B. , Chinapaw Mai J. M. , Hoogsteder Mariëtte H. H.
Published: April 2024

To explore the needs, expectations, and experiences of asylum-seeking parents and unaccompanied minors under the age of 18 years on the initial health assessment for children and adolescents and access to care upon entry in the Netherlands, We conducted five semi-structured focus group discussions with asylum-seeking parents and unaccompanied minors, from Syria, Eritrea, Afghanistan, and other Middle-East and African countries, supported by professional interpreters. To triangulate findings, semi-structured interviews with health care professionals involved in care for refugee children were conducted. Transcripts of focus group discussions were inductively and deductively coded and content analyzed; transcripts of interviews were deductively coded and content analyzed. In total, 31 asylum-seeking participants: 23 parents of 101 children (between 0 and 18 years old), 8 unaccompanied minors (between 15 and 17 years), and 6 healthcare professionals participated. Parents and minors expressed that upon entry, their needs were met for vaccinations, but not for screening or care for physical and mental health problems. Parents, minors, and health professionals emphasized the necessity of appropriate information and education about health, diseases, and the health system. Cultural change was mentioned as stressful for the parent–child interaction and parental well-being.

     Conclusion: The perspectives of refugee parents and unaccompanied minors revealed opportunities to improve the experience of and access to health care of refugees entering the Netherlands, especially risk-specific screening and more adequate education about health, diseases, and the Dutch health care system.

What is Known:•  Refugees have specific health needs due to pre-flight, flight, and resettlement conditions. Health assessment upon entry was non-obligatory in the Netherlands, except for the tuberculosis screening. Health needs were not always met, and refugees experienced barriers in access to care.

What is New:• The initial health assessment met the needs concerning vaccinations but mismatched the needs regarding physical and mental health assessment. Screening for specific risk-related diseases and mental health could enable refugee parents and minors to engage better with the health system.
Why all newborn hip screening programs have same results—a mini review
Authors: BM Matias Vaajala , Pakarinen Oskari , Helenius Ilkka , Uimonen Mikko M , Ponkilainen Ville T , Kuitunen Ilari
Published: April 2024

All newborns are screened for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), but countries have varying screening practices. The aim of this narrative mini review is to discuss the controversies of the screening and why it seems that all screening programs are likely to have same outcome. Different screening strategies are discussed alongside with other factors influencing DDH in this review. Universal ultrasound (US) has been praised as it finds more immature hips than clinical examination, but it has not been proven to reduce the rates of late-detected DDH or surgical management. Universal US screening increases initial treatment rates, while selective US and clinical screening have similar outcomes regarding late detection rates than universal US. This can be explained by the extrinsic factor affecting the development of the hip joint after birth and thus initial screening during the early weeks cannot find these cases.

  Conclusion: It seems that DDH screening strategies have strengths and limitations without notable differences in the most severe outcomes (late-detected cases requiring operative treatment). Thus, it is important to acknowledge that the used screening policy is a combination of values and available resources rather than a decision based on clear evidence.
Comparison of the efficacy of enfortumab vedotin between patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma who were treated with avelumab or pembrolizumab: real-world data from a multi-institutional study in Japan
Authors: Hirasawa Yosuke , Adachi Takahiro , Hashimoto Takeshi , Fukuokaya Wataru , Koike Yuhei , Yata Yuji , Komura Kazumasa , Uchimoto Taizo , Tsujino Takuya , Nishimura Kazuki , Takahara Kiyoshi , Saruta Masanobu , Fujita Kazutoshi , Hashimoto Mamoru , Uemura Hirotsugu , Shiroki Ryoichi , Azuma Takashi , Kimura Takahiro , Ohno Yoshio
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Enfortumab vedotin (EV) is a novel antibody–drug conjugate approved for metastatic urothelial carcinoma (UC) refractory to prior treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). However, the difference in efficacy of EV after each ICIs and prognostic factors are not well known. We aimed to compare the efficacy of EV in patients with metastatic UC who were treated with avelumab or pembrolizumab and to identify the prognostic factors.

Methods

The records of 100 patients with advanced metastatic UC who received EV after the administration of either avelumab or pembrolizumab were retrospectively collected from five academic hospitals in Japan.

Results

The median follow-up period was 6.7 months. The median overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in the EV after avelumab/pembrolizumab group were not reached/14.7 months (p = 0.17) and 10.4/5.2 months (p = 0.039), respectively. The objective response rates (ORR) were 66.6% and 46.8% in EV after avelumab and EV after pembrolizumab groups, respectively (p = 0.14). Multivariate analysis identified histological variants, liver metastasis, low serum albumin levels, and high serum CRP level as significant poor prognostic factors. The median OS and PFS of cachexia patients with both low serum albumin levels and high serum CRP levels were 6.0 months and 0.93 months, respectively.

Conclusion

PFS was superior in patients treated with EV after avelumab to EV after pembrolizumab. However, OS showed no significant difference between the two groups. Because the prognosis of patients with cachexia is extremely poor, the initiation of EV should be discussed in these patients.
Clinical and neuroimaging characterization of the first frontotemporal dementia family carrying the MAPT p.K298E mutation
Authors: Pozzi Federico Emanuele , Aprea Vittoria , Giovannelli Ginevra , Lattuada Francesca , Crivellaro Cinzia , Bertola Francesca , Castelnovo Veronica , Canu Elisa , Filippi Massimo , Appollonio Ildebrando , Ferrarese Carlo , Agosta Federica , Tremolizzo Lucio
Published: April 2024

We present an in-depth clinical and neuroimaging analysis of a family carrying the MAPT K298E mutation associated with frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Initial identification of this mutation in a single clinical case led to a comprehensive investigation involving four affected siblings allowing to elucidate the mutation's phenotypic expression.

A 60-year-old male presented with significant behavioral changes and progressed rapidly, exhibiting speech difficulties and cognitive decline. Neuroimaging via FDG-PET revealed asymmetrical frontotemporal hypometabolism. Three siblings subsequently showed varied but consistent clinical manifestations, including abnormal behavior, speech impairments, memory deficits, and motor symptoms correlating with asymmetric frontotemporal atrophy observed in MRI scans.

Based on the genotype–phenotype correlation, we propose that the p.K298E mutation results in early-onset behavioral variant FTD, accompanied by a various constellation of speech and motor impairment.

This detailed characterization expands the understanding of the p.K298E mutation's clinical and neuroimaging features, underlining its role in the pathogenesis of FTD. Further research is crucial to comprehensively delineate the clinical and epidemiological implications of the MAPT p.K298E mutation.
Processing of metal-free end-of-life tyres (EOLTs) to fuels and products: an experimental study with process simulation and economic analysis from an Australian perspective
Authors: Kibria Mahmud Arman , Thomas Bennet Sam , Bhattacharya Mita , Bhattacharya Sankar
Published: April 2024

The aim of this experimental study, process simulation and economic analysis is to assess the applicability of pyrolysis technology for processing end-of-life tyres and to evaluate the economic viability of a 60 ton/day EOLT processing facility: a case-specific study within Australia. The experimental work and characterization of feedstock and products were carried out in-house. Capital costs for major equipment were collected from suppliers. The running cost of the processing facility is calculated on the basis of the current labour and utility costs. An economic model is developed based on the information generated from the experimental program and those obtained from suppliers. From the analysis, it is evident that the pyrolysis process for processing EOLT promises a significant upside in economic terms. A conservative conclusion of 20% light oil, ~ 65% furnace oil and 7% carbon black, generated as pyrolysis products, depicts a cash-flow positivity for a 60 tonne per day (TPD) plant that can be run using the generated fuel gas for under 4 years. This is in addition to the benefit of the zero landfill requirement. Apart from the base calculations, the sensitivity of six different scenarios is analysed by mainly changing the land cost and bank investment. Depending on the scenario, the calculated internal rate of return varies between 15 and 35%. While Australia generates significant quantities of EOLT, the techno-economic results confirm that pyrolysis technology for processing EOLT is a viable solution in Australia. However, a dedicated supply chain needs to exist to make pyrolysis plants an attractive investment at defined locations.

Graphical abstract
Cross section sensitivity to perturbation strengths in distorted waves for double electron capture by alpha particles from helium targets
Authors: Belkić Dževad
Published: April 2024

Computer experiments are performed on total cross sections for capture of both electrons from helium targets at 100-10000 keV. Employed are four quantum-mechanical perturbative four-body distorted wave methods (one of the first and three of the second order). The goal is to determine the cross section sensitivity to the perturbation strengths in distorted waves from the second-order methods. The perturbation strength is parametrized by the Sommerfeld factor (the quotient of the nuclear charge and the relative velocity of the colliding particles). At each fixed impact energy, the sought sensitivity is monitored by gradually modifying the nuclear charges in the Sommerfeld factors. These factors reside in the Coulomb distortions of the unperturbed channels states. The focus is on the electronic distortions through the eikonal Coulomb logarithmic phases and the full Coulomb waves. The logarithmic phases are the constituents of the compound phases for the net charges of the two heavy scattering aggregates in relative motions. A striking perturbation strength sensitivity of the obtained total cross sections is recorded.
Hordatines, dimerised hydroxycinnamoylagmatine conjugates of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.): an appraisal of the biosynthesis, chemistry, identification and bioactivities
Authors: Hamany Djande Claude Y. , Dubery Ian A.
Published: April 2024

Hydroxycinnamoylamides are specialised metabolites widely distributed in the plant kingdom. These are phenolic moieties covalently linked to mono- or polyamines through amide bonds. Their oxidative coupling (dimerisation) leads to neolignanamides, a group of compounds showing high chemical, structural and functional diversity. Typical to barley, dehydro dimers of hydroxycinnamoylagmatines, hordatines are primarily found in germinated seeds and at the seedling stage. The first step in the biosynthesis of hordatines is catalysed by acyl-coenzyme A-dependent N-hydroxycinnamoyltransferases, and lead to the formation of hydroxycinnamoylagmatines (HCAgms). The oxidative homo- or hetero-dimerisation of the latter results in different hordatines (A, B, C or D). Hordatines can also undergo various types of conjugation and form hydroxylated, methylated or glycosylated derivatives. Although the research on the bioactivities of the hordatines is still nascent, the in planta antifungal properties have long been recognised. While hordatines are naturally and uniquely synthesised in barley plants, these molecules or lead compounds derived therefrom, also exhibit medicinal and pharmaceutical uses important for human health, stimulating research into the utilisation of biotechnology in alternative production hosts and to enhance agricultural yields and value-added production. This review summarises the older and recent knowledge about hordatines and derivatives and may serve as a springboard for future research on this intriguing class of secondary plant metabolites.
Probabilistic justice against status defense: inequality, uncertainty, and the future of the welfare state
Authors: Friedman Rachel Z. , Iversen Torben
Published: April 2024

The postwar welfare state provides social insurance against economic, health, and related risks in an uncertain world. Because everyone can envision themselves to be among the unfortunate, social insurance fuses self-interest and solidarism in a normative principle Friedman (2020) calls probabilistic justice. But there is a competing principle of status defense, where the aim is to erect boundaries between socioeconomic strata and discourage cross-class mobility. We argue that this principle dominates when inequality is high and uncertainty low. The current moment is one of high inequality and high uncertainty, which results in intense status anxiety, yet does not rule out solidaristic solutions. Our contributions are to diagnose the causes of our current malaise, and to theorize the normative bases for the political choice facing contemporary western democracies.
Interview with Keti Chukhrov
Authors: Chukhrov Keti , Potapov Kyrill
Published: April 2024

This short interview explores the influence of Evald Ilyenkov’s work on contemporary philosopher, art theorist, and writer Keti Chukhrov. The interview focuses on Evald Ilyenkov’s contributions to Soviet culture, dialectics, and epistemology. She reflects on the distinct intellectual milieu of Soviet thinkers like Ilyenkov, Vygotsky, Davidov, and Lifshitz, who established connections between Marx and the broader world culture. The interview also addresses Žižek’s interpretation of Ilyenkov’s cosmology, emphasizing the ethical dimension of Ilyenkov’s communist spirit. Furthermore, Chukhrov touches on Ilyenkov’s critique of cybernetics and its relevance in contemporary discussions about AI and philosophy.
Bone evaluation study-2: update on the epidemiology of osteoporosis in Germany
Authors: Hadji Peyman , Esterberg Elizabeth , Obermüller Dominik , Bartsch Robert
Published: April 2024

Osteoporosis is the most common bone disorder. Our data gives an estimate of around 5.87 million cases of osteoporosis in the general German population in 2018. Only 30% of insured individuals who suffered an osteoporotic fracture and/or had a confirmed diagnosis of osteoporosis, received an appropriate prescription.

Purpose

Osteoporosis is the most common bone disorder. It particularly affects elderly people and increases the risk of atraumatic fractures. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of osteoporosis in the general German population aged ≥ 50 years and to collect data on the frequency of prescription of osteoporosis-specific medication in order to assess the treatment gap.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of anonymized data of individuals aged ≥ 50 years insured under statutory healthcare schemes from the database of the Institute for Applied Health Research Berlin (InGef) for 2018 (study population). Insured individuals with osteoporosis were identified based on osteoporosis diagnoses, osteoporosis-specific prescriptions, or osteoporotic fractures. Thus, we estimated the prevalence of osteoporosis in the general German population aged ≥ 50 years. The prevalence of diagnoses, fractures, and prescriptions was determined for the study population and stratified by age and gender.

Results

Within the study population of 1,599,299 insured individuals, a prevalence of osteoporosis of 15.9% was determined. This estimated approximately 5.87 million cases of osteoporosis for the general German population. 81.6% of the cases were women. Osteoporosis-specific prescriptions were received by 30.0% of the insured individuals in the study population who had been diagnosed with osteoporosis and/or suffered an osteoporotic fracture.

Conclusions

Germany has a high prevalence of osteoporosis. Only a small portion of individuals who may require osteoporosis-specific treatment actually receive it.
The projected increase of vertebral osteomyelitis in Germany implies a demanding challenge for future healthcare management of aging populations
Authors: Heck Vincent Johann , Prasse Tobias , Klug Kristina , Vinas-Rios Juan Manuel , Oikonomidis Stavros , Klug Alexander , Kernich Nikolaus , Weber Maximilian , von der Höh Nicolas , Lenz Maximilian , Walter Sebastian Gottfried , Himpe Bastian , Eysel Peer , Scheyerer Max Joseph
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Since an increase in the occurrence of native vertebral osteomyelitis (VO) is expected and reliable projections are missing, it is urgent to provide a reliable forecast model and make it a part of future health care considerations.

Methods

Comprehensive nationwide data provided by the Federal Statistical Office of Germany were used to forecast total numbers and incidence rates (IR) of VO as a function of age and gender until 2040. Projections were done using autoregressive integrated moving average model on historical data from 2005 to 2019 in relation to official population projections from 2020 to 2040.

Results

The IR of VO is expected to increase from 12.4 in 2019 to 21.5 per 100,000 inhabitants [95% CI 20.9–22.1] in 2040. The highest increase is predicted in patients over 75 years of age for both men and women leading to a steep increase in absolute numbers, which is fourfold higher compared to patients younger than 75 years. While the IR per age group will not increase any further after 2035, the subsequent increase is due to a higher number of individuals aged 75 years or older.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that increasing IR of VO will seriously challenge healthcare systems, particularly due to demographic change and increasing proportions of populations turning 75 years and older. With respect to globally fast aging populations, future health care policies need to address this burden by anticipating limitations in financial and human resources and developing high-level evidence-based guidelines for prevention and interdisciplinary treatment.