bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preoperative zinc status predicts the occurrence and healing time of pancreatic fistula after distal pancreatectomy
Authors: Harimoto Norifumi , Igarashi Takamichi , Okuyama Takayuki , Hoshino Kouki , Hagiwara Kei , Kawai Shunsuke , Ishii Norihiro , Tsukagoshi Mariko , Araki Kenichiro , Shirabe Ken
Published: December 2023

Background

There are few studies that examined the relationship between preoperative zinc (Zn) concentrations and postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) after distal pancreatectomy (DP).

Methods

Data from 98 patients who underwent DP between January 2016 and April 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients' clinicopathological and surgical outcomes were analyzed, and we examined the relationship between Zn and clinically relevant POPF (CR‐POPF) after DP.

Results

In this series, 41 (41.8%) patients had POPF and 31 (31.8%) patients had CR‐POPF. The cut‐off value for the preoperative Zn concentration was 74 μg/dL for POPF and CR‐POPF. Patients with low Zn concentrations were significantly related with high age, low albumin concentrations, higher CRP concentrations, higher NLR, lower PNI, higher rates of POPF and CR‐POPF, longer POPF healing time, longer hospital stay, and postoperative complications than patients with high Zn concentrations. The healing time of POPF after DP was significantly negatively correlated with serum Zn concentrations. A multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that preoperative lower Zn concentrations and a prolonged operation time were independent predictors of CR‐POPF and the healing time of POPF after DP. The POPF healing time in patients with high Zn was significantly shorter than that in patients with low Zn concentrations.

Conclusions

This retrospective study showed the association between the preoperative Zn concentrations and the occurrence of POPF and the healing time after DP. Zn is a simple biomarker for malnutrition, which may lead to POPF after DP.
The impact of bariatric surgery on admissions for gastrointestinal complications and conditions associated with obesity: A nationwide study
Authors: Patel Arsheya , Abu Dayyeh Barham K. , Balasubramanian Gokulakrishnan , Hinton Alice , Krishna Somashekar G. , Brethauer Stacy , Hussan Hisham
Published: December 2023

Background

Obesity worsens various gastrointestinal pathologies. While bariatric surgery ameliorates obesity, it substantially modifies the gastrointestinal system depending on surgery type, with limited data on subsequent impact on obesity‐related gastrointestinal admissions.

Methods

Using the 2012–2014 Nationwide Readmission Database, we included individuals with obesity who received vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG), Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB), or hernia repair (HR–control surgery). Our main focus was the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for gastrointestinal inpatient admissions within 6 months following surgery compared to the 6 months preceding it, while controlling for several confounding factors. Gastrointestinal admissions were grouped into postoperative complications or obesity‐associated gastrointestinal conditions.

Results

Our cohort included 140,103 adults with RYGB, 132,253 with VSG, and 12,436 HR controls. Postoperative gastrointestinal complications were most common after RYGB, prominently obstruction (aOR = 33.17, 95%CI: 18.01, 61.10), and Clostridium difficile infection (aOR: 12.52, 95%CI: 6.22, 25.19). VSG also saw significantly increased but less frequent similar conditions. Notably, for gastrointestinal conditions associated with obesity, acute pancreatitis risk was higher post‐VSG (aOR = 6.26, 95%CI: 4.02, 9.73). Post‐RYGB patients were most likely to be admitted for cholelithiasis with cholecystitis (aOR: 4.15, 95% CI: 3.24, 5.31), followed by chronic liver disease (aOR: 3.00, 95% CI: 2.33, 3.87). The risk of noninfectious colitis admissions was threefold higher after RYGB and VSG. No gastrointestinal conditions showed an increase after HR.

Conclusion

Despite weight loss, bariatric surgery was associated with an increased risk of hepato‐pancreatobiliary and colitis admissions related to obesity in the first six postoperative months, with considerable variations in rates of gastrointestinal conditions by surgery type.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis on outcomes of valvular heart surgery in Africa
Authors: Akintoye Oluwanifemi , Musa Abdulmalik , Gyau‐Ampong Clinton , Usamah Barakah , Olakanmi Damilare
Published: December 2023

Introduction

The prevalence of valvular heart diseases remain considerably high in Africa, largely but not solely due to rheumatic heart disease. Valvular heart surgeries have emerged as the cornerstone in their management. While several studies have reported data on outcomes following heart valve surgery in many developed countries, there is a staggering paucity of data and evidence reporting the outcomes in the Africa population. The aim of this study is to report the perioperative outcomes following valvular heart surgery in Africa.

Methods

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analysis guideline was utilized. Electronic searches were performed using PubMed, African journal online, and Research gate from inception to June 2023. The primary endpoints were overall mortality and 30‐day mortality, and secondary endpoints included postoperative complications, length of hospital, and intensive care stays. The outcome data were pooled together and analyzed with the random effect model for proportions and mean for meta‐analysis using the R software.

Results

This systematic review identified 31 studies that fulfilled the study eligibility criteria and all were observational studies. The countries in which these studies were carried out include South Africa, Ethiopia, Egypt, Mali, Rwanda, Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana, Senegal, Tanzania, and Kenya. Statistical analysis reported a pooled overall mortality of 10.48% and a pooled 30‐day mortality of 4.59%.

Conclusion

Several obstacles, such as lack of financial resources and inadequate infrastructure, continue to impede valvular heart surgery practice in many parts of Africa. Future studies need to focus on identifying factors associated with this poor early mortality.
Einleitung
Authors: Weyrich Katharina
Published: December 2023

Die Beratung in sozialrechtlichen Angelegenheiten ist kein neues Phänomen, sondern existiert solange wie es das Sozialrecht gibt. Mit der Novellierung des Rechtsberatungsrechts im Jahre 2008 ist sie erstmals auf eine rechtlich sichere Grundlage gestellt worden. Zugleich hat der Gesetzgeber mit der Reformierung anerkannt, dass die Beratung für das Funktionieren des Sozialsystems unverzichtbar ist. Diese These wird auch durch die Rechtsprechung gestärkt Umso verwunderlicher ist, dass es keine flächendeckenden statistischen Daten über das Beratungsaufkommen, den Beratungsumfang und die Inhalte sowie die beratenden Akteur:innen gibt.
APGW/AKH Precursor from Rotifer Brachionus plicatilis and the DNA Loss Model Explain Evolutionary Trends of the Neuropeptide LWamide, APGWamide, RPCH, AKH, ACP, CRZ, and GnRH Families
Authors: Cadena-Caballero Cristian E. , Munive-Argüelles Nestor , Vera-Cala Lina M. , Barrios-Hernandez Carlos , Duarte-Bernal Ruben O. , Ayus-Ortiz Viviana L. , Pardo-Díaz Luis A. , Agudelo-Rodríguez Mayra , Bautista-Rozo Lola X. , Jimenez-Gutierrez Laura R. , Martinez-Perez Francisco
Published: December 2023

In the year 2002, DNA loss model (DNA-LM) postulated that neuropeptide genes to emerged through codons loss via the repair of damaged DNA from ancestral gene namely Neuropeptide Precursor Predictive (NPP), which organization correspond two or more neuropeptides precursors evolutive related. The DNA-LM was elaborated according to amino acids homology among LWamide, APGWamide, red pigment-concentrating hormone (RPCH), adipokinetic hormones (AKHs) and in silico APGW/RPCH NPPAPGW/AKH NPP were proposed. With the above principle, it was proposed the evolution of corazonin (CRZ), gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), AKH, and AKH/CRZ (ACP), but any NPP never was considered. However, the evolutive relation via DNA-LM among these neuropeptides precursors not has been established yet. Therefore, the transcriptomes from crabs Callinectes toxotes and Callinectes arcuatus were used to characterized ACP and partial CRZ precursors, respectively. BLAST alignment with APGW/RPCH NPP and APGW/AKH NPP allow identified similar NPP in the rotifer Brachionus plicatilis and other invertebrates. Moreover, three bioinformatics algorithms and manual verification were used to purify 13,778 sequences, generating a database with 719 neuropeptide precursors. Phylogenetic trees with the DNA-LM parameters showed that some ACP, CRZ, AKH2 and two NPP share nodes with GnRH from vertebrates and some of this neuropeptide had nodes in invertebrates. Whereas the phylogenetic tree with standard parameters do not showed previous node pattern. Robinson-Foulds metric corroborates the differences among phylogenetic trees. Homology relationship showed four putative orthogroups; AKH4, CRZ, and protostomes GnRH had individual group. This is the first demonstration of NPP in species and would explain the evolution neuropeptide families by the DNA-LM.
Marine Citizen Science and the Conservation of Mediterranean Corals: The Relevance of Training, Expert Validation, and Robust Sampling Protocols
Authors: Figuerola-Ferrando Laura , Linares Cristina , Zentner Yanis , López-Sendino Paula , Garrabou Joaquim
Published: December 2023

Marine Citizen Science (MCS) has emerged as a promising tool to enhance conservation efforts. Although the quality of volunteer data has been questioned, the design of specific protocols, effective training programs, and data validation by experts have enabled us to overcome these quality concerns, thus ensuring data reliability. Here, we validated the effectiveness of volunteer training in assessing the conservation status of Mediterranean coral species. We conducted a comparative analysis of data collected by volunteers with different levels of expertise, demonstrating improvements in data precision and accuracy with only one training session, thereby achieving values equivalent to those obtained by scientists. These outcomes align with the feedback received from volunteers through a qualitative survey. Finally, we analysed the data generated by volunteers and validated by experts using the developed protocol in the Coral Alert project from the Observadores del Mar MCS initiative. Our findings highlight the importance of proper training, expert validation, robust sampling protocols, and a well-structured platform to ensure the success of long-term MCS projects. Overall, our results stress the key role MCS plays in enhancing the conservation and management strategies designed to mitigate the ongoing environmental crisis.
Characteristics and outcomes in elderly patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation and high bleeding risk: subanalysis of the J-RHYTHM Registry
Authors: Kodani Eitaro , Inoue Hiroshi , Atarashi Hirotsugu , Okumura Ken , Yamashita Takeshi , Origasa Hideki ,   the J-RHYTHM Registry Investigators
Published: December 2023

Recently, a once-daily dose of edoxaban (15-mg) has been approved for stroke prevention in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients aged ≥ 80 years, in whom standard oral anticoagulants are not recommended because of high bleeding risk (HBR), based on the ELDERCARE-AF trial. However, information regarding the characteristics and clinical outcomes among such patients is limited. Thus, this study aimed to clarify the characteristics and event rates in elderly patients with NVAF and HBR defined by the ELDERCARE-AF criteria. Of the 7406 NVAF outpatients included in the J-RHYTHM Registry, 60 patients with creatinine clearance (CrCl) < 15 mL/min were excluded. The remaining 7346 patients (age, 69.7 ± 9.9 years; men, 70.9%; warfarin use, 78.7%) were divided into three groups: Group 1, aged < 80 years (n = 6165); Group 2, aged ≥ 80 years without HBR (n = 584); and Group 3, aged ≥ 80 years with HBR (at least one of the followings; CrCl, 15–30 mL/min, history of bleeding, body weight ≤ 45 kg, and antiplatelet use) (n = 597, eligible for 15-mg edoxaban). Patients in Group 3 had a higher prevalence of comorbidities, and therefore, both higher thromboembolic and bleeding risk scores than in the other groups. During the 2-year follow-up period, the incidence rates (per 100 person-years) of thromboembolism in Groups 1, 2, and 3 were 0.7, 1.5, and 2.1 (P < 0.001), major hemorrhage, 0.8, 1.2, and 2.0 (P < 0.001), and all-cause death, 0.8, 2.6, and 4.6 (P < 0.001), respectively. Adjusted hazard ratios of Group 3 were 1.64 (95% confidence interval 0.89–3.04, P = 0.116) for thromboembolism, 1.53 (0.85–2.72, P = 0.154) for major hemorrhage, and 1.84 (1.19–2.85, P = 0.006) for all-cause death compared with Group 1. The NVAF Patients aged ≥ 80 years with HBR defined by the ELDERCARE-AF criteria were certainly at a higher adverse event risk, especially for all-cause death. Clinical trial registration: The J-RHYTHM Registry is registered in the University Hospital Medicine Information Network (UMIN) Clinical Trials Registry (unique identifier: UMIN000001569) http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/.
Correlation between pain and depressive symptoms in patients with confirmed endometriosis during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Helbig Martina , Schaal Nora K. , Drumm Johannes , Fürst Flurina , Reinhart Lisa , Fehm Tanja , Beyer Ines
Published: December 2023

Background

Endometriosis is a chronic, estrogen-dependent, inflammatory condition which affects women of reproductive age physically and psychologically in their everyday life. The most common symptom is chronic lower abdominal pain. Apart from physical pain, endometriosis often also leads to an unfulfilled desire to give birth. In general, these two main aspects alone lead to emotional stress for patients and often initiate depressive symptoms. To what extent endometriosis patients are additionally affected by the COVID pandemic and its effects is to be determined in this study.

Methods

Patients who presented at our endometriosis center and met the study criteria were offered participation in the study. A link to an online questionnaire (SoSci-Survey) was sent by email. The online questionnaire evaluated depressive symptoms before and during the pandemic as well as the pain perception and perceived support during the pandemic. The data of 167 fully completed questionnaires were evaluated and analyzed using SPSS.

Results

The analysis of the questionnaires revealed a significant association between pain levels and depressive symptomatology in endometriosis patients during the pandemic. Patients with more severe pain showed significantly higher depressive symptoms than patients with little or no pain. During the pandemic, patients showed higher depressive symptoms than before. In addition, it was found that those endometriosis patients who felt left alone with their pain due to the consequences of the COVID pandemic, or who felt they had to endure the pain alone, also had higher depressive symptoms.

Conclusion

In summary, it can be observed that endometriosis patients with a high pain burden had significantly higher depressive symptoms during the COVID pandemic. The consequences of the pandemic often led to the feeling of having to cope with the symptoms alone or having to endure pain alone, which in turn increased the depressive symptoms. As treating physicians, we should be aware of these connections and try to counteract them with targeted offers and support.
The Fe(Ni)–C–N-phase diagram at 10 GPa—implications for nitrogen and carbon storage in the deep mantle
Authors: Pangritz Paul , Rohrbach Arno , Vollmer Christian , Berndt Jasper , Müller Susanne , Radić Dražen , Basten Simon , Klemme Stephan
Published: December 2023

Nitrogen is the most abundant element in the Earth's atmosphere, yet its geochemical behavior and distribution among the various reservoirs (atmosphere, crust, mantle, and core) remain poorly understood. Although estimates of N and C fluxes in the mantle vary, there is a consensus regarding the disparity between input and output, leading to an increase in N and C contents in the mantle. The low solubility of N in mantle minerals raises questions about possible N or C storage in the mantle. Evidence suggests that Fe–N–C phases, such as Fe3C, Fe7C3, ε-Fe3N, metals, and non-stoichiometric carbonitrides, may be accessory phases at mantle pressure and temperature conditions, and thus potential hosts of C and N in the deep mantle. To investigate the phase relations and melting behavior in the (Fe,Ni)–N–C system, 19 experiments were conducted with varying starting compositions at 10 GPa and 1000–1400 °C. The results indicate that carbides, nitrides, carbonitrides, nitrocarbides, Fe(Ni)-metal, Fe-oxides, and diamond are stable at deep upper mantle pressure conditions. However, the compositions of naturally occurring nitrocarbides with high C and N contents, as found in diamond inclusions, could not be reproduced in the experiments. The significant incorporation of Ni in the experimental phases, which is also not observed in natural carbonitrides and nitrocarbides, suggests their formation in Ni-poor regimes. The solidus temperatures of the N- and C-rich systems are well below the adiabatic temperatures of the surrounding mantle. Therefore, it is hypothesized that cold regions in subduction zones, such as within or at the edge of a C- and N-rich subducted plate, are the likely formation environment for solid Fe–C–N phases.
Trypanosome diversity in small mammals in Uganda and the spread of Trypanosoma lewisi to native species
Authors: Babyesiza Waswa Sadic , Katakweba Abdul , Fornůsková Alena , Ssuunaf James , Akoth Sisiria , Mpagi Joseph , Goüy de Bellocq Joelle , Bryja Josef , Votýpka Jan
Published: December 2023

Uganda’s diverse small mammalian fauna thrives due to its rich habitat diversity, which hosts a wide range of blood parasites, including trypanosomes, particularly the subgenus Herpetosoma typical for rodent hosts. We screened a total of 711 small mammals from various habitats for trypanosomes, with 253 microscopically examined blood smears and 458 tissue samples tested by nested PCR of the 18S rRNA gene. Of 51 rodent and 12 shrew species tested, microscopic screening reaches 7% overall prevalence (with four rodent species positive out of 15 and none of the shrew species out of four), while nested PCR indicated a prevalence of 13% (17 rodent and five shrew species positive out of 49 and 10, respectively). We identified 27 genotypes representing 11 trypanosome species, of which the majority (24 genotypes/9 species) belong to the Herpetosoma subgenus. Among these, we detected 15 new genotypes and two putative new species, labeled AF24 (found in Lophuromys woosnami) and AF25 (in Graphiurus murinus). Our finding of three new genotypes of the previously detected species AF01 belonging to the subgenus Ornithotrypanum in two Grammomys species and Oenomys hypoxanthus clearly indicates the consistent occurrence of this avian trypanosome in African small mammals. Additionally, in Aethomys hindei, we detected the putative new species of the subgenus Aneza. Within the T. lewisi subclade, we detected eleven genotypes, including six new; however, only the genotype AF05b from Mus and Rattus represents the invasive T. lewisi. Our study has improved our understanding of trypanosome diversity in African small mammals. The detection of T. lewisi in native small mammals expands the range of host species and highlighting the need for a broader approach to the epidemiology of T. lewisi.
Efbemalenograstim alfa, an Fc fusion protein, long-acting granulocyte-colony stimulating factor for reducing the risk of febrile neutropenia following chemotherapy: results of a phase III trial
Authors: Glaspy John , Bondarenko Igor , Burdaeva Olga , Chen Jianmin , Rutty Dean , Li Renshu , Wang Shufang , Hou Qingsong , Li Simon
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Evaluate the safety and efficacy of efbemalenograstim alfa for reducing the risk of febrile neutropenia in breast cancer patients undergoing myelosuppressive chemotherapy.

Methods

A phase III, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted. A total of 122 subjects received up to 4 cycles of TA chemotherapy (75 mg/m2 docetaxel + 60 mg/m2 doxorubicin). Patients were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to subcutaneously inject a single 20 mg of efbemalenograstim alfa or placebo on day 2 of cycle 1, and all subjects received efbemalenograstim alfa on day 2 of cycles 2, 3, and 4. Duration of severe (grade 4) neutropenia (DSN), depth of neutrophil nadir, incidence of febrile neutropenia (FN), time to neutrophil recovery, and safety information were recorded.

Results

For the primary endpoint, the mean DSN in cycle 1 was 1.3 days and 3.9 days for efbemalenograstim alfa and placebo respectively (95% CI, 2.3, 3.4). As the lower bound of the 95% CI was > 0, superiority of efbemalenograstim alfa over placebo can be declared. In addition, the incidence of FN in Cycle 1 was lower in efbemalenograstim alfa group than in placebo group (4.8% vs. 25.6%; p = 0.0016). Patients in the efbemalenograstim alfa group required less intravenous antibiotics (3.6% vs. 17.9%; p = 0.0119). Most adverse events were consistent with those expected for breast cancer patient receiving TA chemotherapy.

Conclusion

Efbemalenograstim alfa is effective and safe for significantly decreasing the duration of severe neutropenia and the incidence of febrile neutropenia in breast cancer patients who are receiving TA chemotherapy.

Trial registration.

NCT02872103, August 19, 2016.
OAVA: the open audio-visual archives aggregator
Authors: Charitidis Polychronis , Moschos Sotirios , Bakouras Chrysostomos , Doropoulos Stavros , Makris Giorgos , Mauropoulos Nikolas , Nitsos Ilias , Zapounidou Sofia , Malliari Afrodite
Published: December 2023

The purpose of the current article is to provide an overview of an open-access audiovisual aggregation and search service platform developed for Greek audiovisual content during the OAVA (Open Access AudioVisual Archive) project. The platform allows the search of audiovisual resources utilizing metadata descriptions, as well as full-text search utilizing content generated from automatic speech recognition (ASR) processes through deep learning models. A dataset containing reliable Greek audiovisual content providers and their resources (1710 in total) is created. Both providers and resources are reviewed according to specific criteria already established and used for content aggregation purposes, to ensure the quality of the content and to avoid copyright infringements. Well-known aggregation services and well-established schemas for audiovisual resources have been studied and considered regarding both aggregated content and metadata. Most Greek audiovisual content providers do not use established metadata schemas when publishing their content, nor technical cooperation with them is guaranteed. Thus, a model is developed for reconciliation and aggregation. To utilize audiovisual resources the OAVA platform makes use of the latest state-of-the-art ASR approaches. OAVA platform supports Greek and English speech-to-text models. Specifically for Greek, to mitigate the scarcity of available datasets, a large-scale ASR dataset is annotated to train and evaluate deep learning architectures. The result of the above-mentioned efforts, namely selection of content, metadata, development of appropriate ASR techniques, and aggregation and enrichment of content and metadata, is the OAVA platform. This unified search mechanism for Greek audiovisual content will serve teaching, research, and cultural activities. OAVA platform is available at: https://openvideoarchives.gr/.
Polyandry works as bet-hedging in the field cricket Gryllus bimaculatus, even after eliminating females in poor condition that cannot accept remating
Authors: Yamamoto Yuto , Yasui Yukio
Published: December 2023

Any kind of unpredictability affects female reproduction. In fluctuating environments, the fittest genotype can change between generations, and mating with “unsuitable” males will result in reproductive failure due to their genetic or environmental factors. If females cannot discriminate the quality of mates, monandrous mating with “unsuitable” male may lead to reproductive failure. Bet-hedging polyandry hypothesis suggests that polyandry can spread such risks over multiple males and some empirical studies support this hypothesis. However, no studies have considered the effect of female condition on mating acceptance. Because polyandry accumulates the costs of mating, only high conditioned females could accept multiple mating. In this study, females were assigned to monandry (M), two mating polyandry (2P), or three mating polyandry (3P) treatments. All females were mated with three males. For females assigned to the M treatment, for the second and third matings, we removed spermatophores immediately after transfer. For 2P females, the final spermatophore was removed immediately after transfer. Geometric mean fitness across (pseudo) generations as a long-term fitness index (calculated from the egg fertilization rate and egg hatching rate) significantly increased with the number of undisturbed mates. Therefore, the bet-hedging polyandry hypothesis is again supported after adjusting for the female condition.
Planning abilities of wild chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes troglodytes) in tool-using contexts
Authors: Musgrave Stephanie , Koni David , Morgan David , Sanz Crickette
Published: December 2023

Planning is a type of problem solving in which a course of future action is devised via mental computation. Potential advantages of planning for tool use include reduced effort to gather tools, closer alignment to an efficient tool design, and increased foraging efficiency. Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes troglodytes) in the Goualougo Triangle use a variety of different types of tools. We hypothesized that procurement strategy (brought to the termite nest, manufactured or acquired at the termite nest, or borrowed from others) reflects planning for current needs, with tool transport behavior varying by tool type and by age and sex class. It is also possible that chimpanzees anticipate the need for tools at future times, which would be evidenced by transporting multiple tool types for a sequential task. One year of video recordings at termite nests were systematically screened for tool procurement; data comprised 299 tool procurement events across 66 chimpanzees. In addition, we screened video recordings of leaf sponging and honey gathering, which resulted in another 38 procurement events. Fishing probes, which are typically used during a single visit, were typically transported to termite nests, while puncturing tools, which are durable and remain on site, were more often acquired at termite nests. Most tools transported in multiples were fishing probes, perhaps in anticipation that a single probe might not last through an entire foraging bout or might be transferred to another chimpanzee. We further documented that chimpanzees transported tool sets, comprising multiple different tool types used in sequence. Mature chimpanzees transported tools more often than did immatures. These observations suggest that chimpanzees plan tool use flexibly, reflecting the availability of raw materials and the likelihood that specific tool types will be needed for particular tasks. Developmental studies and further integration of behavioral, spatial, and archaeological data will help to illuminate the decision making and time depth of planning associated with tool technologies in living primates and hominin ancestors.
Perception of climate change-related forest dieback in mountain forests among the local population
Authors: Garms Mareike , Leiz Maren , Mayer Marius
Published: December 2023

Mountain forests provide multiple benefits but are threatened by climate change-induced forest dieback. Although many studies summarize perceptions of forest ecosystem services, relatively few deal with mountain forests. The local population’s perception of forest dieback in mountain forests in relation to climate change has rarely been investigated so far. Their perspective is relevant as local people are often deeply attached to “their” forests, they actively use forest ecosystems and—as voters and taxpayers—they need to support the state’s adaptation and funding measures. Therefore, this study investigates the climate change and forest dieback perception of local inhabitants in two mountain areas of Southern Germany (the German Alps and the Bavarian Forest) with a quantitative survey based on representative online samples (n = 709). Relying conceptually on van der Linden’s (J Environ Psychol 41:112–124, 2015. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2014.11.012) climate change risk perception model, the results show that experiential processing, cognitive and socio-cultural factors are related to locals’ forest dieback and climate change perception, while socio-demographics show no or few connections. Nearly two-thirds (64.7%) of the respondents perceive moderate to strong forest dieback, while more than half (55.0%) of the respondents already observe consequences of climate change. The perceptions of climate change and forest dieback are positively correlated with medium to high strength. This shows that forest dieback could be interpreted as an indicator of climate change, which is difficult to observe due to its long-term nature. We identify three groups of respondents regarding preferred forest adaptation strategies to climate change. In general, respondents support nature-based forest adaptation strategies over intense measures.
Depression, suicide attempts, and exposure to physical attacks: a nationwide cross-sectional survey in Mexico
Authors: Valencia Pablo D. , Díaz-Vásquez Lesly , Villacorta-Landeo Pamela , Berrospi-Lara Ttyffany , Cedillo-Balcázar Jamil , De la Rosa-Gómez Anabel
Published: December 2023

Aim

This study investigated the relationship between direct exposure to physical attacks and mental health (depression and suicide attempts) in the Mexican adult population. It also examined biological sex as a possible effect modifier.

Subject and methods

A representative sample of 13,391 adults from the 2021 National Health and Nutrition Survey of Mexico (ENSANUT) was analyzed. Poisson regressions were used to estimate crude and adjusted prevalence ratios.

Results

Victims of physical violence more than doubled the prevalence of depression (adjusted prevalence ratio = 2.59, 95% CI 2.11–3.19) and more than sextupled the prevalence of suicide attempts (adjusted prevalence ratio = 6.67, 95% CI 3.25–13.69) compared to non-victims. Sex was not a significant effect modifier.

Conclusion

Direct exposure to physical attacks is associated with a higher prevalence of depression and suicide attempts in the Mexican adult population. The impact of attacks on these mental health outcomes is similar in men and women.
Unobtrusive measurement of self-regulated learning: A clickstream-based multi-dimensional scale
Authors: Cristea Tudor , Snijders Chris , Matzat Uwe , Kleingeld Ad
Published: December 2023

Self-regulated learning has seen a large increase in research interest due to its importance for online learning of higher education students. Several ways to measure self-regulated learning have been suggested. However, most measurements are either obtrusive, necessitating time and effort from students and potentially influencing the learning process, or only partially portable across courses. In the current study, we develop clickstream-based scales of four self-regulated learning phases that we show are portable across courses. The final scales are based on the COPES model and include two strong and reliable dimensions, enactment and adaptation, one dimension that performs reasonably, task definition, and a weaker one, goal-setting. By considering portability as the main criterion in the scale construction process, we ensured reliable transfer to both similar and dissimilar courses. When considering convergent validity, the created scale has higher bivariate and partial correlations with final student grades than the often-used self-reported MSLQ-SRL scale. We discuss limitations and future research to improve the scale further and facilitate adoption.
Regional pooling in extreme event attribution studies: an approach based on multiple statistical testing
Authors: Zanger Leandra , Bücher Axel , Kreienkamp Frank , Lorenz Philip , Tradowsky Jordis S.
Published: December 2023

Statistical methods are proposed to select homogeneous regions when analyzing spatial block maxima data, such as in extreme event attribution studies. Here, homogeneitity refers to the fact that marginal model parameters are the same at different locations from the region. The methods are based on classical hypothesis testing using Wald-type test statistics, with critical values obtained from suitable parametric bootstrap procedures and corrected for multiplicity. A large-scale Monte Carlo simulation study finds that the methods are able to accurately identify homogeneous locations, and that pooling the selected locations improves the accuracy of subsequent statistical analyses. The approach is illustrated with a case study on precipitation extremes in Western Europe. The methods are implemented in an R package that allows for easy application in future extreme event attribution studies.
The Role of Religion, Wealth, and Livelihoods in the Hunting Practices of Urban and Rural Inhabitants in Western Amazonia
Authors: Oliveira Marcela Alvares , El Bizri Hani R. , Morcatty Thais Q. , Braga-Pereira Franciany , Fa Julia E. , Messias Mariluce Rezende , da Costa Doria Carolina Rodrigues
Published: December 2023

Hunting by rural and urban populations is essential for securing access to protein and other nutrients throughout the tropics. The hunting patterns of urban hunters in Amazonia, and the similarities with those of rural hunters, are unclear, as are the social factors that influence hunting practices. We analyze the effects of socioeconomic and cultural factors on hunting frequency and composition of species hunted by urban and rural Amazonian hunters. We interviewed 49 urban hunters and 57 rural hunters within 10 municipalities in western Amazonia in Brazil. A total of 44 species were cited as hunted. Our analyses show that the probability of engaging in sport hunting (for recreation) is greater among urban hunters. Rural inhabitants, hunters with lower monetary incomes, and hunters who were non-practicing Christians and atheists hunted more frequently. The composition of species hunted was similar, regardless of the hunters’ livelihood (rural or urban) or religion. We found that hunting frequency is influenced by hunters’ socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds, but these factors do not affect the composition of the harvest. This similarity between urban and rural hunters might be related to species distribution and availability and could potentially impact the most hunted species if hunting grounds overlap. Understanding hunting patterns, especially those of urban hunters, allows for more effective hunting management strategies, improvements in law enforcement against illegal hunting, as well as development of more effective and sustainable conservation actions.
The potential of nano graphene oxide and chlorhexidine composite membranes for use as a surface layer in functionally graded membranes for periodontal lesions
Authors: Qasim Syed Saad Bin , Ahmed Jasim , Karched Maribasappa , Al-Asfour Adel
Published: December 2023

Membranes have been used for treating periodontal defects and play a crucial role in guided bone regeneration applications. Nano graphene oxide have been exploited in tissue engineering due to its biomechanical properties. Its composite formulations with hydroxyapatite and chitosan with controlled degradation could aid in becoming part of a surface layer in a functionally graded membrane. The aim of the study was to synthesize chitosan and composite formulations of nano graphene oxide, hydroxyapatite and chlorhexidine digluconate using solvent casting technique and to characterize the physiochemical, mechanical, water vapor transmission rate (barrier), degradation and antimicrobial potential of the membranes. Altogether four different membranes were prepared (CH, CCG, 3511 and 3322). Results revealed the chemical interactions of hydroxyapatite, chitosan and nanographene oxide due to inter and intra molecular hydrogen bonding. The tensile strength of 3322 (33.72 ± 6.3 MPa) and 3511 (32.06 ± 5.4 MPa) was higher than CH (27.46 ± 9.6 MPa). CCG showed the lowest water vapor transmission rate (0.23 ± 0.01 g/h.m2) but the highest weight loss at day 14 (76.6 %). 3511 showed a higher drug release after 72 h (55.6 %) Significant biofilm growth inhibition was observed for all membranes. 3511 showed complete inhibition against A. actinomycetemcomitans. Detailed characterization of the synthesized membranes revealed that 3511 composite membrane proved to be a promising candidate for use as a surface layer of membranes for guided bone regeneration of periodontal lesions.

Graphical Abstract
Advancing Global Health Equity: The Role of the Liberal Arts in Health Professional Education
Authors: Bekele Abebe , Regnier Denis , Paul Tomlin , Waka Tsion Yohannes , Bradley Elizabeth H.
Published: December 2023

Much innovation has taken place in the development of medical schools and licensure exam processes across the African continent. Still, little attention has been paid to education that enables the multidisciplinary, critical thinking needed to understand and help shape the larger social systems in which health care is delivered. Although more than half of medical schools in Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States offer at least one medical humanities course, this is less common in Africa. We report on the “liberal arts approach” to medical curricula undertaken by the University of Global Health Equity beginning in 2019. The first six-month semester of the curriculum, called Foundations in Social Medicine, includes courses in critical thinking and communication, African history and global political economy, medical anthropology and social medicine, psychology and health, gender and social justice, information technology and health, and community-based training. Additionally, an inquiry-based pedagogy with relatively small classes is featured within an overall institutional culture that emphasizes health equity. We identify key competencies for physicians interested in pursuing global health equity and how such competencies relate to liberal arts integration into the African medical school curriculum and pedagogical approach. We conclude with a call for a research agenda that can better evaluate the impact of such innovations on physicians’ education and subsequent practices.
Performance analysis of 3 × 10 Gb/s UOWC transmission system based on OCDMA using a DPS code
Authors: El-Mottaleb Somia A. Abd , Singh Mehtab , Atieh Ahmad , Aly Moustafa H.
Published: December 2023

A new underwater optical wireless communication (UOWC) system utilizing optical code division multiple access (OCDMA) is proposed based on diagonal permutation shift (DPS) code. Different data rates of 2.5 Gb/s, 5 Gb/s, and 10 Gb/s are transmitted simultaneously in this model, where three channels are utilized, each is assigned with a distinct DPS code-sequence. Additionally, laser diodes operating in the green spectrum range are modulated to carry the OCDMA optical signals of each channel. Moreover, attenuation caused by different types of waterbodies are considered. These waterbodies include those who are located near harbors like harbor I (HA I) and harbor II (HA II), near the coast that are known as coastal sea (CS), inside sea water ‘pure sea (PS)’, and in clear oceans (CL). The performance of the UOWC utilizing OCDMA/DPS code system is evaluated through bit error rate (BER), quality factor , and eye diagrams. The accomplished results assure a successful transmission of the three channels underwater for ranges of 13 m for PS, 10 m for CL, 7.2 m for CS, 4.3 m for HA I, and 3 m for HA II with BER below $${10}^{-5}$$

10

-
5

at data rate 10 Gb/s.
Positive and Negative Sexual Cognitions of Autistic Individuals
Authors: García-Barba Marta , Nichols Shana , Ballester-Arnal Rafael , Byers E. Sandra
Published: December 2023

Sexual cognitions are an important aspect of sexual well-being for all individuals; however, little is known about the sexual cognitions of autistic individuals. Therefore, our study aimed to explore the diversity, content, and frequencies of positive (PSC) and negative (NSC) sexual cognitions in this population. A total of 332 participants (57.5% women; 42.5% men) between the ages of 21 and 73 (M = 37.72, SD = 11.15) completed an online survey. Our results showed that almost all participants had experienced both positive and negative sexual cognitions. PSC were more diverse and experienced with greater frequency than NSC. In addition, gender (self-identified as being male) and having had relationship experience were associated with greater diversity and frequency of PSC, but not NSC. In terms of content, the most common experienced sexual cognitions for both men and women were intimacy-related. The men experienced 22 of the 56 PSC and 3 of the 56 NSC significantly more frequently than did the women; there were no cognitions that the women experienced more frequently than the men. A comparison to the results of studies of sexual cognitions among neurotypical individuals suggests that autistic individuals experience sexual cognitions in much the same way as their peers. However, sexual cognitions occur slightly less frequently and are somewhat less diverse. Nonetheless, the way in which they are experienced, and the content of the most frequent cognitions (mainly PSC about intimacy) may be indicative of sexual well-being.
Building a Social Progress-Adjusted Indicator of GDP Per Capita for the European Union’s Regions
Authors: Picazo-Tadeo Andrés J. , Gianmoena Lisa , Peiró-Palomino Jesús , Rios Vicente
Published: December 2023

Boosting economic, social and territorial cohesion is a high priority for the European Union. The regional Cohesion Policy is its instrument for achieving this objective, with GDP per capita being the principal criterion for funding allocation. However, social cohesion also embraces a comprehensive range of non-economic features. This paper proposes a composite indicator of GDP per capita adjusted for social progress that incorporates both economic and non-economic issues. Notably, the indicator can account for policymakers’ preferences regarding the relative importance assigned to income and social progress. This novel indicator is used to simulate the eligibility status of European Union regions for funding in several policy scenarios. Regions’ simulated eligibility is then compared with their current eligibility for the period 2021–2027. Based on that comparison, winner and loser regions are identified, thus providing policymakers in charge of the European Cohesion Policy with an insight into the effect of incorporating social progress into funding allocation.
A Systematic Review of Methods for Investigating Climate Change Impacts on Water-Energy-Food Nexus
Authors: Gao Danyang , Chen Albert S. , Memon Fayyaz Ali
Published: December 2023

Water, energy and food are important for human survival and sustainable development. With climate change, investigating climate change impacts on Water-Energy-Food nexus has been a topic of growing interest in recent years. However, there is a lack of a systematic review of the current state and methodologies of Water-Energy-Food nexus studies under climate change. Here, we review research articles investigating climate change impacts on Water-Food, Water-Energy and Water-Energy-Food nexus over last seven years. The existing methods and tools, spatial scales, and future climate scenarios setting in these articles are summarised and analysed. We found that the analyses methods could be divided into four categories (physics-based modelling, statistical methods, supervised learning and operation optimisation), among them, physics-based modelling accounts for the largest proportion. The reviewed studies cover a range of scales from site scale to global, with most studies focusing on the regional scale. Models used for small to middle scale are mainly related to hydrology and water resource, while large-scale modelling is based on interdisciplinary models. Future climate scenarios setting include emission scenarios and global warming scenarios based on Global Climate Models (GCMs). A number of future research challenges have been identified. These include spatial scale and resolution, internal physical mechanism, application of novel artificial intelligence models, extreme climate events, potential competition in nexus systems as well as data and model uncertainty.
A machine learning approach for quantifying age-related histological changes in the mouse kidney
Authors: Sheehan Susan , Mawe Seamus , Chen Mandy , Klug Jenna , Ladiges Warren , Korstanje Ron , Mahoney J. Matthew
Published: December 2023

The ability to quantify aging-related changes in histological samples is important, as it allows for evaluation of interventions intended to effect health span. We used a machine learning architecture that can be trained to detect and quantify these changes in the mouse kidney. Using additional held out data, we show validation of our model, correlation with scores given by pathologists using the Geropathology Research Network aging grading scheme, and its application in providing reproducible and quantifiable age scores for histological samples. Aging quantification also provides the insights into possible changes in image appearance that are independent of specific geropathology-specified lesions. Furthermore, we provide trained classifiers for H&E-stained slides, as well as tutorials on how to use these and how to create additional classifiers for other histological stains and tissues using our architecture. This architecture and combined resources allow for the high throughput quantification of mouse aging studies in general and specifically applicable to kidney tissues.