bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
iRhom2 deficiency reduces sepsis-induced mortality associated with the attenuation of lung macrophages in mice
Authors: Kim Jihye , Kim Jee Hyun , Kim Younghoon , Lee Jooyoung , Lee Hyun Jung , Koh Seong-Joon , Im Jong Pil , Kim Joo Sung
Published: August 2024

Sepsis has a high mortality rate and leads to multi-organ failure, including lung injury. Inactive rhomboid protease family protein (iRhom2) has been identified as accountable for the release of TNF-α, a crucial mediator in the development of sepsis. This study aimed to evaluate the role of iRhom2 in sepsis and sepsis-induced acute lung injury (ALI). TNF-α and IL-6 secretion in vitro by peritoneal macrophages from wild-type (WT) and iRhom2 knoukout (KO) mice was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced murine sepsis model was used for in vivo experiments. To evaluate the role of iRhom2 deficiency on survival during sepsis, both WT and iRhom2 KO mice were monitored for 8 consecutive days following the CLP. For histologic and biochemical examination, the mice were killed 18 h after CLP. iRhom2 deficiency improved the survival of mice after CLP. iRhom2 deficiency decreased CD68+ macrophage infiltration in lung tissues. Multiplex immunohistochemistry revealed that the proportion of Ki-67+ CD68+ macrophages was significantly lower in iRhom2 KO mice than that in WT mice after CLP. Moreover, CLP-induced release of TNF-α and IL-6 in the serum were significantly inhibited by iRhom2 deficiency. iRhom2 deficiency reduced NF-kB p65 and IκBα phosphorylation after CLP. iRhom2 deficiency reduces sepsis-related mortality associated with attenuated macrophage infiltration and proliferation in early lung injury. iRhom2 may play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of sepsis and early stage of sepsis-induced ALI. Thus, iRhom2 may be a potential therapeutic target for the management of sepsis and sepsis-induced ALI.
The HUNT lung-SNP model: genetic variants plus clinical variables improve lung cancer risk assessment over clinical models
Authors: Nguyen Olav Toai Duc , Fotopoulos Ioannis , Nøst Therese Haugdahl , Markaki Maria , Lagani Vincenzo , Tsamardinos Ioannis , Røe Oluf Dimitri
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The HUNT Lung Cancer Model (HUNT LCM) predicts individualized 6-year lung cancer (LC) risk among individuals who ever smoked cigarettes with high precision based on eight clinical variables. Can the performance be improved by adding genetic information?

Methods

A polygenic model was developed in the prospective Norwegian HUNT2 study with clinical and genotype data of individuals who ever smoked cigarettes (n = 30749, median follow up 15.26 years) where 160 LC were diagnosed within six years. It included the variables of the original HUNT LCM plus 22 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) highly associated with LC. External validation was performed in the prospective Norwegian Tromsø Study (n = 2663).

Results

The novel HUNT Lung-SNP model significantly improved risk ranking of individuals over the HUNT LCM in both HUNT2 (p < 0.001) and Tromsø (p < 0.05) cohorts. Furthermore, detection rate (number of participants selected to detect one LC case) was significantly better for the HUNT Lung-SNP vs. HUNT LCM in both cohorts (42 vs. 48, p = 0.003 and 11 vs. 14, p = 0.025, respectively) as well as versus the NLST, NELSON and 2021 USPSTF criteria. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was higher for the HUNT Lung-SNP in both cohorts, but significant only in HUNT2 (AUC 0.875 vs. 0.844, p < 0.001). However, the integrated discrimination improvement index (IDI) indicates a significant improvement of LC risk stratification by the HUNT Lung-SNP in both cohorts (IDI 0.019, p < 0.001 (HUNT2) and 0.013, p < 0.001 (Tromsø)).

Conclusion

The HUNT Lung-SNP model could have a clinical impact on LC screening and has the potential to replace the HUNT LCM as well as the NLST, NELSON and 2021 USPSTF criteria in a screening setting. However, the model should be further validated in other populations and evaluated in a prospective trial setting.
Improving light availability and creating high-frequency light–dark cycles in raceway ponds through vortex-induced vibrations for microalgae cultivation: a fluid dynamic study
Authors: Akca Mehmet Sadik , Kinaci Omer Kemal , Inanc Bulent
Published: August 2024

Limited light availability due to insufficient vertical mixing strongly reduces the applicability of raceway ponds (RWPs). To overcome this and create light–dark (L/D) cycles for enhanced biomass production through improved vertical mixing, vortex-induced vibration (VIV) system was implemented by the authors in a previous study to an existing pilot-scale RWP. In this study, experimental characterization of fluid dynamics for VIV-implemented RWP is carried out. Particle image velocimetry (PIV) technique is applied to visualize the flow. The extents of the vertical mixing due to VIV and the characteristics of L/D cycles were examined by tracking selected particles. Pond depth was hypothetically divided into three zones, namely dark, light Iimited and light saturated for detailed analysis of cell trajectories. It has been observed that VIV cylinder oscillation can efficiently facilitate the transfer of cells from light-limited to light-saturated zones. Among the cells that were tracked, 44% initially at dark zone entered the light-limited zone and 100% of initially at light-limited zone entered the light-saturated zone. 33% of all tracked cells experienced high-frequency L/D cycles with an average frequency of 35.69 s−1 and 0.49 light fraction. The impact of VIV was not discernible in the deeper sections of the pond, due to constrained oscillation amplitudes. Our findings suggest that the approximately 20% increase in biomass production reported in our previous study can be attributed to the synergistic effects of enhanced L/D cycle frequencies and improved light availability resulting from the transfer of cells from dark to light-limited zones. To further enhance the effectiveness of VIV, design improvements were developed. It was concluded that light availability could be significantly improved with the presented method for more effective use of RWPs.
The association of hyponatremia and early postoperative complications in aseptic revision total shoulder arthroplasty
Authors: Liu Steven H. , Bramian Allen , Loyst Rachel A. , Kashanchi Kevin , Wang Edward D.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the association between preoperative serum sodium levels and 30-day postoperative complications following aseptic revision total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA).

Methods

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried for all patients who underwent aseptic revision TSA from 2015 to 2022. The study population was divided into two groups based on preoperative serum sodium levels: eunatremia (135–144 mEq/L) and hyponatremia (< 135 mEq/L). Logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between hyponatremia and early postoperative complications.

Results

Compared to eunatremia, hyponatremia was independently associated with a significantly greater likelihood of experiencing any complication (odds ratio [OR] 1.65, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.14–2.40; P = .008), blood transfusions (OR 2.45, 95% CI 1.24–4.83; P = .010), unplanned reoperation (OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.07–4.79; P = .032), and length of stay > 2 days (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.09–2.45; P = .017).

Conclusion

Hyponatremia was associated with a greater rate of early postoperative complications following noninfectious revision TSA. This study sheds light on the role of preoperative hyponatremia as a risk factor for postoperative complications and may help surgeons better select surgical candidates and improve surgical outcomes in the setting of revision TSA.
Humangenetische Diagnostik bei onkologischen Erkrankungen
Authors: Elbracht Miriam , Auber Bernd , Kurth Ingo , Stenzinger Albrecht , Schaaf Christian P. , Schroeder Christopher ,   die DNPM AG Diagnostik
Published: August 2024

Bei etwa 10 % der Krebserkrankungen kann eine angeborene pathogene Veränderung in einem Gen identifiziert werden, welches mit einem Tumorrisikosyndrom (TRS) assoziiert ist. Personen, die eine solche Veränderung tragen, haben je nach betroffenem Gen und Art der Veränderung ein erhöhtes Lebenszeitrisiko für das Auftreten von Tumorerkrankungen und möglicherweise weiteren assoziierten Symptomen. Die Identifikation von TRS ist somit hinsichtlich Früherkennung, Vorsorge und zunehmend auch für die onkologische Therapie von entscheidender Bedeutung. Hierbei ist aufgrund der Erblichkeit der TRS nicht nur die erkrankte Person zu berücksichtigen, sondern auch weitere Risikopersonen aus der Familie, denen eine Anlageträgerdiagnostik und ein zunehmend spezialisiertes klinisches Management angeboten wird. Humangenetische Ambulanzen sind hierbei die zentrale Anlaufstelle für Patientinnen und Patienten und deren Angehörige, wenn es um die Frage der Erblichkeit geht. Durch die vermehrt molekulare Ausrichtung onkologischer Diagnostik und Therapie wird der Verdacht auf ein TRS immer häufiger auch im Rahmen einer molekulargenetischen und molekularpathologischen Befundung gestellt. Die interdisziplinäre Festlegung des weiteren klinischen Managements gemeinsam durch alle beteiligten Fachgruppen, z. B. im Rahmen von spezialisierten Boards, ist hierbei entscheidend, um die Herausforderungen der Präzisionsonkologie mit Bewertung genetischer Varianten, deren Konsequenzen und deren Nutzbarkeit für die Akut- und präemptive Therapie erfolgreich umzusetzen. Die humangenetische Expertise ist hierbei Baustein für die Befundung und Bewertung konstitutioneller genetischer Varianten und trägt somit zum interdisziplinären Management bei.
A TCP-based covert channel with integrity check and retransmission
Authors: Bistarelli Stefano , Imparato Andrea , Santini Francesco
Published: August 2024

We propose a covert channel and its implementation in Windows OS. This storage channel uses the Initial Sequence Number of TCP to hide four characters of text and the identification field to “sign” the message and thus understand if it has been altered during the transmission. The secret is sent in the first SYN segment to open a connection, and an ACK-RST response acknowledges the receipt. Designed error-correction codes make the protocol more robust and able to handle (IP) packet drops and transmission errors. In this paper, we provide a detailed discussion of the implementation and an evaluation of the stealthiness of the proposed channel: we inspect the generated traffic with two IDSs and RITA, a tool performing statistical analysis to detect malware beaconing.
Respiratory motion-corrected T1 mapping of the abdomen
Authors: Zhang Jana Huiyue , Neumann Tom , Schaeffter Tobias , Kolbitsch Christoph , Kerkering Kirsten Miriam
Published: August 2024

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate an approach for motion-corrected T1 mapping of the abdomen that allows for free breathing data acquisition with 100% scan efficiency.

Materials and methods

Data were acquired using a continuous golden radial trajectory and multiple inversion pulses. For the correction of respiratory motion, motion estimation based on a surrogate was performed from the same data used for T1 mapping. Image-based self-navigation allowed for binning and reconstruction of respiratory-resolved images, which were used for the estimation of respiratory motion fields. Finally, motion-corrected T1 maps were calculated from the data applying the estimated motion fields. The method was evaluated in five healthy volunteers. For the assessment of the image-based navigator, we compared it to a simultaneously acquired ultrawide band radar signal. Motion-corrected T1 maps were evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively for different scan times.

Results

For all volunteers, the motion-corrected T1 maps showed fewer motion artifacts in the liver as well as sharper kidney structures and blood vessels compared to uncorrected T1 maps. Moreover, the relative error to the reference breathhold T1 maps could be reduced from up to 25% for the uncorrected T1 maps to below 10% for the motion-corrected maps for the average value of a region of interest, while the scan time could be reduced to 6-8 s.

Discussion

The proposed approach allows for respiratory motion-corrected T1 mapping in the abdomen and ensures accurate T1 maps without the need for any breathholds.
Genital and Subjective Sexual Arousal in Androphilic Women and Gynephilic Men in Response to the Copulatory Movements of Different Animal Species
Authors: Krejčová Lucie , Vaníček Ondřej , Hůla Martin , Potyszová Kateřina , Bártová Klára
Published: August 2024

Research has repeatedly shown marked differences in men’s and women’s sexual response patterns; genital response in men tends to be elicited by cues that correspond to their sexual preference (preferred gender), while women’s genital response is less sensitive to gender cues and more sensitive to the presence and intensity of other sexual cues (e.g., sexual activities). We tested whether the cue of copulatory movement in a general sexual context elicited a genital response in androphilic women but not in gynephilic men. If so, women should react to stimuli depicting not only the non-preferred gender but also other animal species differing in phylogenetic distance to humans. We studied the genital and self-reported arousal of 30 gynephilic men and 28 androphilic women to two sexual videos depicting penetrative human sexual intercourse (female-male and female-female) and nine videos depicting animal copulation. Neither women nor men showed genital or subjective sexual arousal to non-human sexual stimuli. Moreover, both sexes demonstrated a highly cue-specific pattern of arousal. Our results suggest that copulatory movement displayed in non-human species is not a sexual cue that can elicit genital or subjective sexual arousal in humans.
Geomorphological mapping for liquefaction likelihood: the Piniada Valley case study (central Greece)
Authors: Valkaniotis S. , Rapti D. , Taftsoglou M. , Papathanassiou G. , Caputo R.
Published: August 2024

Assessment of liquefaction susceptibility of sediments in alluvial plains is considered one of the first step for infrastructure planning, hazard mitigation, and land use management in seismically active regions. Subtle geomorphological features resulting from depositional processes could greatly contribute to estimating the liquefaction likelihood since they also dictate the type and distribution of sediments. Our case study is from the Piniada Valley (Greece), where widespread liquefaction phenomena were triggered by the 2021 Mw 6.3, Damasi earthquake. As we compiled a detailed geological map for the purposes of this investigation and correlated it to the spatial distribution of the earthquake-induced liquefaction phenomena, we observed that most of liquefaction surface evidence are related to point bars and abandoned river channels formed the last century. In particular, the areal liquefaction density was estimated at 60.7 and 67.1 manifestations per km2, for the point bars and abandoned channels, respectively. Following this outcome, we propose a refinement of the existing liquefaction susceptibility classifications by including point bar bodies as a distinct category, characterized by a very high susceptibility to liquefaction. In addition, we discuss the correlation between the observed liquefaction manifestations and the shallow lithofacies, sand or mud prone areas, within point bars. The outcome arisen by this research is that most of liquefaction phenomena (> 70%) occurred on the area covered by coarser materials deposited on the upstream part of high sinuosity meanders.
Trustworthiness of voting advice applications in Europe
Authors: Stockinger Elisabeth , Maas Jonne , Talvitie Christofer , Dignum Virginia
Published: August 2024

Voting Advice Applications (VAAs) are interactive tools used to assist in one’s choice of a party or candidate to vote for in an upcoming election. They have the potential to increase citizens’ trust and participation in democratic structures. However, there is no established ground truth for one’s electoral choice, and VAA recommendations depend strongly on architectural and design choices. We assessed several representative European VAAs according to the Ethics Guidelines for Trustworthy AI provided by the European Commission using publicly available information. We found scores to be comparable across VAAs and low in most requirements, with differences reflecting the kind of developing institution. Across VAAs, we identify the need for improvement in (i) transparency regarding the subjectivity of recommendations, (ii) diversity of stakeholder participation, (iii) user-centric documentation of algorithm, and (iv) disclosure of the underlying values and assumptions.
Populations Digitally Excluded from Education: Issues, Factors, Contributions and Actions for Policy, Practice and Research in a Post-Pandemic Era
Authors: Passey Don , Ntebutse Jean Gabin , Ahmad Manal Yazbak Abu , Cochrane Janet , Collin Simon , Ganayem Asmaa , Langran Elizabeth , Mulla Sadaqat , Rodrigo Maria Mercedes , Saito Toshinori , Shonfeld Miri , Somasi Saunand
Published: August 2024

This conceptual paper draws on a wide range of research and policy literature, providing a contemporary view of issues, factors and practices that affect education for digitally excluded populations. Concern for how education for digitally excluded populations can be supported is focal to this paper, with different sections offering key related perspectives. From an analysis of issues, factors and practices, actions for policy, practice and research are identified. Given a key finding that power issues can have major effects on plans, implementation processes and outcomes when addressing needs of education for digitally excluded populations, the paper concludes by offering frameworks to support and enable key discussions, to involve representatives from an excluded population as well as those from policy (government and industry), practitioners (teachers and learners) and researchers.
Investigating Copyright as a Mechanism for Combatting Unauthorised Student Academic file-sharing in Higher Education: Findings from an Explorative Study
Authors: Slade Christine , Walton Jack , Lewandowski-Cox James
Published: August 2024

Academic file-sharing services encourage students to upload materials, sometimes their own study notes for example, but can also include copyrighted university documents, in exchange for access to downloading resources from a common repository. In this process, the lines between legitimate study help and academic misconduct are unclear. Integrity-based strategies to combat these transactions have been limited. Removal by copyright mechanisms has been identified as a potential approach but has been hampered by the enormity of the task and the resource intensity required to make an impact at scale. This explorative study at a large Australian university sought to remove a percentage of copyrighted material from two commonly used academic file-sharing websites and to understand the experience of users in uploading files. Findings from the study were encouraging and informative, resulting in a suite of initiatives being introduced across the institution to prevent uploading in the first instance as well as, where possible, addressing misconduct when it occurred. Limitations included that the study was only undertaken as one university and therefore does not represent the contexts of different institutions. Further, it only investigated two websites out of many available. Future research could explore the use of artificial intelligence (AI) by academic file-sharing services to retain existing users and attract new ones. This work provides a clearer picture of how an institution’s copyrighted material is hosted on two academic file-sharing websites and offers an effective and potentially scalable copyright approach that could be adapted by other higher education institutions.
Identification of Aggregation Pheromone as an Attractant for Odontothrips loti, A Serious Thrips Pest on Alfalfa
Authors: Li Xiaowei , Cheng Jianghui , Han Haibin , Kirk William D.J. , O’Brien Matthew , Wang Likun , Chen Limin , Zhang Haixia , Zhang Zhijun , Ullah Farman , Desneux Nicolas , Lu Yaobin
Published: August 2024

Odontothrips loti (Haliday) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) is one of the most serious pests on alfalfa, causing direct damage by feeding and indirect damage by transmitting plant viruses. This damage causes significant loss in alfalfa production. Semiochemicals offer opportunities to develop new approaches to thrips management. In this study, behavioral responses of female and male adults of O. loti to headspace volatiles from live female and male conspecifics were tested in a Y-tube olfactometer. The results showed that both male and female adults of O. loti were attracted to the odors released by conspecific males but not those released by females. Headspace volatiles released by female and male adults were collected using headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME). The active compound in the volatiles was identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The analysis showed that there was one major compound, (R)-lavandulyl (R)-2-methylbutanoate. The attractive activity of the synthetic aggregation pheromone compound was tested under laboratory and field conditions. In an olfactometer, both male and female adults showed significant preference for synthetic (R)-lavandulyl (R)-2-methylbutanoate at certain doses. Lures with synthetic (R)-lavandulyl (R)-2-methylbutanoate significantly increased the trap catches of sticky white traps at doses of 40–80 µg in the field. This study confirmed the production of aggregation pheromone by O. loti male adults and identified its active compound as (R)-lavandulyl (R)-2-methylbutanoate, providing a basis for population monitoring and mass trapping of this pest.
Clinical significance of cerebral microbleeds in patients with germinoma who underwent long-term follow-up
Authors: Kanamori Masayuki , Mugikura Shunji , Iizuka Osamu , Mori Naoko , Shimoda Yoshiteru , Shibahara Ichiyo , Umezawa Rei , Jingu Keiichi , Saito Ryuta , Sonoda Yukihiko , Kumabe Toshihiro , Suzuki Kyoko , Endo Hidenori
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study identified the factors affecting cerebral microbleed (CMBs) development. Moreover, their effects on intelligence and memory and association with stroke in patients with germinoma who had long-term follow-up were evaluated.

Methods

This study included 64 patients with germinoma who were histologically and clinically diagnosed with and treated for germinoma. These patients were evaluated cross-sectionally, with a focus on CMBs on susceptibility-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (SWI), brain atrophy assessed through volumetric analysis, and intelligence and memory.

Results

The follow-up period was from 32 to 412 (median: 175.5) months. In total, 43 (67%) patients had 509 CMBs and 21 did not have CMBs. Moderate correlations were observed between the number of CMBs and time from initial treatments and recurrence was found to be a risk factor for CMB development. Increased temporal CMBs had a marginal effect on the processing speed and visual memory, whereas brain atrophy had a statistically significant effect on verbal, visual, and general memory and a marginal effect on processing speed. Before SWI acquisition and during the follow-up periods, eight strokes occurred in four patients. All of these patients had ≥ 15 CMBs on SWI before stroke onset. Meanwhile, 33 patients with < 14 CMBs or 21 patients without CMBs did not experience stroke.

Conclusion

Patients with a longer time from treatment initiation had a higher number of CMBs, and recurrence was a significant risk factor for CMB development. Furthermore, brain atrophy had a stronger effect on memory than CMBs. Increased CMBs predict the stroke onset.
Educational Utopianism beyond the “Real versus Blueprint” Dichotomy
Authors: Papastephanou Marianna
Published: August 2024

Much educational utopianism revolves around the “real versus blueprint utopia” dichotomy and the prescriptive normativity that utopian education involves. In this paper, I suggest that the “real and blueprint” distinction should not be dichotomized and that a richer set of normativities, apart from prescription, should operate in educational utopias. Ethico-politically and educationally, it is crucial to have affirmative rather than incriminatory utopias, regardless of their being real or blueprint. To argue this out, first I introduce the concepts of incriminatory and affirmative utopianism. Next, I sketch the educational-theoretical setting and discuss the current reliance on the “real versus blueprint utopia” dichotomy. Then I use the conceptual tool of incriminatory utopianism to show that risks of totalitarianism threaten all visions (even liberal anti-utopian ones) and not only blueprint utopianism. Therefore, we need not dichotomize real and blueprint utopias and embrace the former unconditionally. I conclude with some illustrations of why utopian thought involves multiple normativities rather than prescriptivism alone.
Affective Atmospheres of Coloniality and the Decolonisation of Peace Education: Theoretical Insights and Political Possibilities
Authors: Kruger Frans , Zembylas Michalinos
Published: August 2024

Two recent lines of inquiry that have emerged in educational philosophy and research are the turn to affect theory and the call for decolonising education. Although there have been some efforts to bring these two lines of inquiry together and inform educational philosophy and research, there is still important conceptual work to be done, especially in the context of peace education, our focus in this paper. To initiate this work, we consider the concepts of affective atmospheres and atmospheric attunements that have been discussed within the context of affect theory. Drawing on these two concepts, we argue that fundamental to any attempts to decolonising peace education is elucidating the coloniality of affects. This is a necessary step towards dismantling the colonial affects that permeate peace education praxis and are maintained through perceptions of peace and conflict embedded within a Western, Eurocentric frame. The paper analyses the theoretical insights emerging from bringing these concepts together to bear on the decolonisation of peace education and discusses some political possibilities that are also enabled.
Impact of Helicobacter pylori eradication on age-specific risk of incident dementia in patients with peptic ulcer disease: a nationwide population-based cohort study
Authors: Kang Dong Woo , Lee Jung-Won , Park Man Young , Kim Sung-Hwan , Um Yoo Hyun , Wang Sheng-Min , Lee Chang Uk , Lim Hyun Kook
Published: August 2024

The impact of peptic ulcer disease (PUD) and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication therapy on dementia risk in high H. pylori prevalence populations remains uncertain. This study investigates the relationship between PUD, H. pylori eradication, and dementia risk, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), in an elderly South Korean cohort, considering age and eradication timing. Data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service (2002–2015) for individuals aged 55–79 were analyzed. Participants were divided based on PUD and H. pylori therapy status. Propensity score matching was used to evaluate dementia incidence and hazard ratios over 5 and 10 years, alongside the timing of eradication therapy. PUD is linked to higher dementia risk at 5 and 10 years, more for overall dementia than AD, with eradication status not significantly altering the risk. Age-specific analysis showed increased AD risk in the 60s and 70s age groups. Late eradication therapy is correlated with a higher dementia risk. PUD is a risk factor for dementia in elderly South Koreans, particularly with delayed H. pylori therapy. The findings emphasize timely H. pylori management and its potential role in neurodegenerative disease prevention.
What is normal age-related thigh muscle composition among 45- to 84-year-old adults from the UK Biobank study
Authors: Anderson David B. , Beach Aaron J. , Chen Lingxiao , Feng Henry J. , McKay Marnee J. , Smith Zachary A. , Weber Kenneth A. , Wesselink Evert Onno , Elliott James M.
Published: August 2024

A loss of skeletal muscle mass and an increase in intramuscular fat are known to occur as we enter middle and older age, but the expected changes or normative values have remained unknown. The primary reason for this is that imaging studies are difficult and expensive to conduct, and consequently, the sample sizes have remained small. The development of the UK Biobank which provides access to a large magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data set of more than 50,000 participants provides an opportunity to finally address this question of normative values for each age group. The study’s primary aim was to determine the age-related changes in thigh muscle composition (e.g., thigh fat-free muscle volume and intramuscular fat) between the ages of 45 and 84 years. The second aim was to analyse associations between thigh fat-free muscle volume and intramuscular fat with lifestyle behaviours (smoking, alcohol consumption, and physical activity), leg pain, and bone mineral density. Fifty thousand three hundred thirty-two participants were included in the study. Total fat-free thigh muscle declined between the ages of 45 and 84 years, while intramuscular fat of the thigh continued to increase. The changes were stable between these age groups. The mean volume of fat-free muscle ranged from 11.16 (SD: 1.40) to 13.26 L (SD: 1.85) in adult males and 7.60 (SD: 0.97) to 8.80 L (SD 1.29) in females between the ages of 45 and 84 years. For intramuscular fat, the change among women was from 6.94% (SD: 1.59) in the 45 to 54 years age bracket to 8.83% (SD: 1.92) in the 75 to 84 age bracket, while for men, it was 5.83% (SD: 1.30) in the 45 to 54 age bracket to 7.85% (SD 1.89) in the 75 to 84 age bracket. The total fat-free muscle volume and intramuscular fat percentage provided can be used for the purpose of reference standards or normative values for adults in the age groups provided. Fat-free muscle and intramuscular fat were found to be associated with a range of health, activity, and leg pain outcomes, and these should be investigated in a follow-up longitudinal imaging study.
Sport and longevity: an observational study of international athletes
Authors: Altulea Abdullah , Rutten Martijn G. S. , Verdijk Lex B. , Demaria Marco
Published: August 2024

The human lifespan is influenced by various factors, with physical activity being a significant contributor. Despite the clear benefit of exercise on health and longevity, the association between different types of sports and lifespan is yet to be considered. Accordingly, we aimed to study this association in a large international cohort of former athletes using a robust linear regression model. We collected data on athletes from public sources, accumulating a total of 95,210 observations, 95.5% of which were accounted for by males. The dataset represented athletes born between 1862 and 2002 from 183 countries across 44 sports disciplines. We calculated the change in lifespan by measuring the difference in age between athletes and the corresponding reference populations, while accounting for variations caused by sex, year of death, and country. The results revealed that various sports impacted lifespan differently, with male athletes being more likely to experience benefits from sports than female athletes. Among male athletes, pole vaulting and gymnastics were linked to the highest extension in lifespan (8.4 years, 95% CI [6.8, 9.9] and 8.2 years, 95% CI [7.4, 9], respectively), while volleyball and sumo wrestling were the most negatively associated with lifespan (− 5.4 years, 95% CI [− 7, − 3.8]; − 9.8 years, 95% CI [− 11, − 8.6], respectively). The association between lifespan and popular team sports in males was positive for cricket, rowing, baseball, water polo, Australian rules, hurling, lacrosse, field hockey, minimal for rugby, canoeing and kayaking, basketball, gridiron football, and football (soccer), and negative for handball and volleyball. Racquet sports (i.e., tennis and badminton) exhibited a consistent and positive association in both male and female athletes, as shown by an extended lifespan of up to 5.7 years in males (95% CI [5, 6.5]) and 2.8 years in females (95% CI [1.8, 3.9]). Although lacking conclusive evidence, we theorize that the observed results may be attributed to the aerobic and anaerobic characteristics of each sport, with mixed sports yielding the maximum benefits for the lifespan. While results from female athletes should be cautiously interpreted, our study highlights the complex interplay between sports and lifespan and contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the multifaceted relationship between physical activity and human longevity.

Graphical Abstract
Pulsed Electric Fields (PEF) Treatment Prior to Hot-Air and Microwave Drying of Yellow- and Purple-Fleshed Potatoes
Authors: Baltacioglu Cem , Yetisen Mehmet , Baltacioglu Hande , Karacabey Erkan , Buzrul Sencer
Published: August 2024

This study investigated the impact of pulsed electric fields (PEF) treatment combined with hot-air (HA) and microwave (MW) drying on the quality attributes of yellow and purple potato samples. PEF + HA and PEF + MW treatments showed no significant difference in total phenolic content for yellow potatoes. However, the raw purple sample exhibited significantly higher phenolic content compared to purple PEF1 and PEF3 samples. DPPH antioxidant activity for yellow and purple potatoes ranged from 18.48 to 33.19% with HA drying, and from 21.38 to 39.94% with MW drying. MW drying following PEF treatment was more effective in enhancing antioxidant activity compared to HA drying. However, it was observed that PEF levels had no statistical effect on total monomeric anthocyanin. PEF treatment prior to drying may be recommended in practice as it does not cause structural changes in SEM analysis. According to FTIR results, PEF and drying processes caused some changes in the chemical structure of potato samples. In the PCA results, the untreated purple HA sample exhibited characteristics that were most similar to those of the raw purple potato sample. Conversely, the yellow PEF + MW and untreated yellow with MW samples displayed properties closest to the raw yellow potato samples. According to chemometric analysis, the models exhibit high rCV and rPre values coupled with low RMSEC and RMSEP values and negligible disparities between them, indicating strong correlations between the predicted and reference values.
Thermodynamic Consideration of the Direct Removal of Oxygen from Titanium by Utilizing Metallothermic Reduction of Rare Earth Metal Halides
Authors: Okabe Toru H. , Kamimura Gen , Ouchi Takanari
Published: August 2024

As the demand for titanium (Ti) continues to grow, so too does the use of Ti scrap, underscoring the need for innovative techniques for the efficient removal of oxygen (O) impurities from Ti scrap. Despite the immense challenge of directly removing oxygen from Ti–O solid solutions and the current lack of industrially applicable deoxidation methods, the current work explores a groundbreaking approach to address this issue. The thermodynamic analysis of a new technique for eliminating oxygen dissolved in solid Ti was conducted, leveraging the deoxidation properties of rare earth metals (REMs) such as Sc, Y, and La. This cutting-edge method relies on the in-situ production of REMs through the metallothermic reduction of REM halides. It was shown that Sc or Y metal can be synthesized via the reduction of ScCl3 by Mg or YCl3 by Li or Na, respectively. Ti with oxygen concentrations below 100 mass ppm can be obtained by leveraging the deoxidation properties of the Sc and Y metals produced in situ during the metallothermic reduction process, which contribute to deoxidation through their subsequent oxychloride-forming reactions. Employing REM halides in tandem with Li, Na, and Mg enables the efficient removal of oxygen impurities from Ti, even though these reactive metals have only weak deoxidation properties for Ti on their own. Remarkably, the proposed technique achieves oxygen concentrations significantly lower than those obtained using Ca metal as a deoxidant. In the future, this pioneering deoxidation method could be used to reduce CO2 emissions and energy consumption during Ti production while promoting resource circulation as a key technology for Ti recycling.
Advancing climate resilience through a geo-design framework: strengthening urban and community forestry for sustainable environmental design
Authors: Shen Xiwei , Chen Mingze , Li Xiaowei , Gao Shu , Yang Qiuyi , Wen Yuhan , Sun Qingqing
Published: August 2024

Urban and community forestry is a specialized discipline focused on the meticulous management of trees and forests within urban, suburban, and town environments. This field often entails extensive civic involvement and collaborative partnerships with institutions. Its overarching objectives span a spectrum from preserving water quality, habitat, and biodiversity to mitigating the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect. The UHI phenomenon, characterized by notably higher temperatures in urban areas compared to rural counterparts due to heat absorption by urban infrastructure and limited urban forest coverage, serves as a focal point in this study. The study focuses on developing a methodological framework that integrates Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR), Random Forest (RF), and Suitability Analysis to assess the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect across different urban zones, aiming to identify areas with varying levels of UHI impact. The framework is designed to assist urban planners and designers in understanding the spatial distribution of UHI and identifying areas where urban forestry initiatives can be strategically implemented to mitigate its effect. Conducted in various London areas, the research provides a comprehensive analysis of the intricate relationship between urban and community forestry and UHI. By mapping the spatial variability of UHI, the framework offers a novel approach to enhancing urban environmental design and advancing urban forestry studies. The study’s findings are expected to provide valuable insights for urban planners and policymakers, aiding in creating healthier and more livable urban environments through informed decision-making in urban forestry management.
Glycemic Marker Correlation with Collagen Denaturation and Non-Enzymatic Collagen Cross-Linking in Age-Associated Bone Resistance
Authors: Rosenberg James , Sundaresh Vishnu , Gililland Jeremy , Osman Afaf , Woolley William , Acevedo Claire
Published: August 2024

The primary clinical indicator of fracture risk among the elderly is low bone mass, yet it accounts for less than half of fractures in individuals over 50 years. Age is recognized to influence bone quality, affecting bone structure and properties. Previous research indicates that age diminishes tissue plasticity and toughness conferred by collagen, suggesting that age-related changes in the collagen environment may contribute to bone fragility. This study explores the relationship between age-related collagen impairment, specifically the accumulation of non-enzymatic collagen cross-linking and molecular collagen denaturation, and bone toughness in middle-aged and older patients (postmenopausal 50–70 years old and senile osteoporosis age > 70 years old). Additionally, it examines the influence of blood glucose and HbA1c levels, as well as body mass index (BMI), on these factors. Despite not finding any differences in fracture toughness between groups, we found a significant correlation between hemoglobin A1c and collagen integrity (collagen denaturation and non-enzymatic cross-linking).
Investigation of thermolabile particles for debonding on demand in fiber reinforced composites
Authors: Senneka Lea , Haag Markus , Aigner Katharina N. , Gries Thomas , Strube Oliver I.
Published: August 2024

Glass fiber reinforced plastics (GFRP) are essential for lightweight design and are manufactured in high quantities. Since there is no suitable method for recycling, the GFRP are mostly grinded and used as filler at end of life. In this work, the well-known principle of debonding on demand is considered to enable feasible and value-retaining separation of glass fibers from the polymeric matrix. To this end, gas-releasing thermo-responsive substances (TRS) like carboxylic or amino acids are introduced to the composite to investigate their potential for causing delamination after heating. To promote sufficient fiber/matrix adhesion, the TRS are encapsulated with silica or immobilized on magnetite particles. Furthermore, the immobilization synthesis is scaled up by using a custom-made continuous flow reactor. Finally, a new sizing mixed for glass fiber spinning, containing the particles, is formulated. The experiments reveal that a maximum of 0.5 wt.% particles can be used in the sizing to coat the fibers. Although all tested samples show a significant organic functionalization, the particles functionalized with TRS do not trigger sufficient delamination at the current state of development.
On the effect of deformation conditions on the metal flow behavior during upsetting process using finite element simulation DEFORM 3D software
Authors: Obiko Japheth , Shongwe Mxolisi Brendon , Malatji Nicholus
Published: August 2024

The study reports on the metal flow behaviour during upsetting or forging using the finite element method. Forging simulation studied the metal flow behaviour of a laboratory-sized specimen and a cylindrical engine connecting rod specimen of AISI 52100 high-chromium steel specified in the software database. The focus was to study the effect of deformation conditions (temperature and die velocity) on metal flow behaviour during forging. The simulation results showed heterogeneous metal flow behaviour during forging. Hence, this indicates that effective flow stress and flow strain, particle flow velocity, effective strain rate, damage and temperature distribution exhibited inhomogeneous deformation behaviour. As the temperature increased, the forging load decreased, thus a decrease in deformation resistance. The simulation of the engine connecting rod further confirmed inhomogeneous deformation during forging. Damage coefficient results show that the crack pin end had a higher damage probability during forging. This study clearly showed that finite element simulation can predict metal flow behaviour during the forging of AISI 52100 steel. The study output provides a basis for analysing and optimising most industrial metal forming processes using a numerical simulation approach. Hence, this method is effective in predicting flow behaviour.
Spontaneous, sub-acute right lung torsion: a case report
Authors: de La Bourdonnaye Calixte , Mauduit Marion , Rouze Simon , de Latour Bertrand Richard
Published: August 2024

Lung volvulus is a rare occurrence and is most commonly seen after thoracic surgery or trauma. They are generally associated with a long, thin hilum, with no parenchymal bridge between the lobes. In non-postoperative situations, pleural effusion or pneumothorax would appear to be mandatory. Spontaneous volvuli are not described, especially sub-acutely. We report the case of a patient with an apparently spontaneous lung volvulus. He presented with long prodromal symptoms of haemoptysis and increasing cough. The computed tomography scan showed a complete volvulus of the right lung with signs of non-perfusion of the upper and middle lobes. The patient was successfully treated with volvulus reduction and bi-lobectomy. Torsion is classically known to thoracic surgeons, but is rarely encountered by other specialists. We describe here a sub-acute lung volvulus, apparently spontaneous, easily treated by a simple surgical procedure.
Primary Non-Inversion Shallow Tillage Versus Moldboard Plowing Prior to Growing Potatoes: Short-Term Impacts on Potato Yield and Soil Properties in Eastern Canada
Authors: Nyiraneza Judith , Fraser Tandra D. , Murnaghan Danielle , Matheson Jessica , Arnold Stephanie , Stiles Kyra , Chen Dahu , Peters Rick , Khakbazan Mohammad , Barrett Ryan
Published: August 2024

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) production often requires intensive tillage with the moldboard plow (MP), which involves deeper soil tillage and turning of the soil to provide enough loose soil for proper tuberization. Although tillage with the MP allows better potato seedbed preparation and lower weed pressure, it is also associated with increased soil compaction, soil aggregate destruction, and increased soil organic matter (SOM) mineralization. The objective of this four-year (2019–2022) study conducted in 14 commercial fields was to compare the use of MP with primary non-inversion shallow tillage (ST) in terms of their effect on selected soil health indicators, soil moisture, potato petiole nitrate concentration, potato yield, and specific gravity. Commercial fields ranged from 1.5 ha to 19 ha where the main field was split in half, with one side tilled using MP (22.5–30 cm plowing depth) and the other half using ST (15–30 cm plowing depth). Soil and plant tissue samples were taken within four sub-replicates (91 m2) created per each treatment per each site and three to four sites were used as replicates per each year. Compared to MP, ST increased active carbon by an average of 9%, soil respiration by an average of 26%, and aggregate stability by an average of 8%. Biological N availability (BNA) increased by an average of 20% with ST, and the effect was statistically significant in three out of four years. Soil moisture at 20 cm depth tended to be higher with MP than ST in three out of four years. Although not statistically significant, when averaged across four years, potato petiole nitrate concentrations were 5% and 12% higher with ST than MP in samples collected at the flowering and post-potato flowering stages, respectively. Total and marketable potato yields, along with specific gravity, were comparable for the two tillage regimes. Signs of soil improvement were observed at the early stages of ST adoption. Marketable yield was negatively correlated with the soil nitrate levels measured during the growing season but was positively correlated with active carbon, aggregate stability, and soil moisture. Future studies could compare both tillage regimes over multiple growing seasons to assess their impacts over a full cycle of rotation. The novelty of the present study was that it was conducted in real-life conditions across large growers’ fields with different conditions and across four years.