bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outcome of acute epididymo-orchitis: risk factors for testicular loss
Authors: Norton Sarah Marie , Saies Alex , Browne Eva , Charambra Beatrice , Silviu David , Nabi Nauman , Nama Girish , Giri Subhasis , Flood Hugh D.
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Acute epididymo-orchitis (AEO) is a common urological condition characterised by pain and swelling of the epididymis which can affect men of any age. The aetiology and to some extent the management of the patient differ between paediatric and young and older adult groups.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed at the University Hospital Limerick from 2012 to 2016. Hospital In-Patient Enquiry (HIPE) data were obtained for all patients diagnosed with orchitis, epididymitis, epididymo-orchitis or testicular abscess over this 5-year period.

Results

140 patients were identified, the age range was 0–89, median age 35.6. These were then split into 3 clinical groups, pre-pubertal (Group 1, 0–15-year-olds), sexually active young men (Group 2a, 16–35-year-olds) and men over 35 (Group 2b). Nine patients had an abscess on ultrasound investigation. There was a significant correlation between the presence of an abscess and the need for an orchidectomy (2 patients, P = 0.035). Two patients were reported as having an atrophic testis following AEO and both were in Group 2b.

Conclusion

Overall, 7/131 (5%) patients had loss or atrophy of a testicle following an episode of AEO. Nineteen patients had further readmissions with AEO (14%).
Outcome assessment of a complex mental health intervention in the workplace. Results from the MENTUPP pilot study
Authors: Tsantila Fotini , Coppens Evelien , De Witte Hans , Arensman Ella , Amann Benedikt , Cerga-Pashoja Arlinda , Corcoran Paul , Creswell-Smith Johanna , Cully Grace , Toth Monika Ditta , Greiner Birgit , Griffin Eve , Hegerl Ulrich , Holland Carolyn , Leduc Caleb , Leduc Mallorie , Ni Dhalaigh Doireann , O’Brien Cliodhna , Paterson Charlotte , Purebl György , Reich Hanna , Ross Victoria , Rugulies Reiner , Sanches Sarita , Thompson Katherine , Van Audenhove Chantal ,   MENTUPP consortium members, Abula Kahar , Aust Birgit , Cox Laura , D’Alessandro Luigia , Davey Grace , De Winter Lars , Dooyoung Kim , Doukani Asmae , Dushaj Arilda , Fanaj Naim , Hackel Stefan , Hogg Bridget , Mathieu Sharna , Maxwell Margaret , Alcazar Ana Moreno- , Mulcahy Karen , Dhalaigh Doireann Ni , Connor Ainslie O’ , Orchard Wendy , Qirjako Gentiana , Rapeli Saara , Sanches Sarita , Szekely Andras , Van Weeghel Jaap , Wahlbeck Kristian , Zsak Eva
Published: July 2023

Objective

Multicomponent interventions are recommendable to achieve the greatest mental health benefits, but are difficult to evaluate due to their complexity. Defining long-term outcomes, arising from a Theory of Change (ToC) and testing them in a pilot phase, is a useful approach to plan a comprehensive and meaningful evaluation later on. This article reports on the pilot results of an outcome evaluation of a complex mental health intervention and examines whether appropriate evaluation measures and indicators have been selected ahead of a clustered randomised control trial (cRCT).

Methods

The MENTUPP pilot is an evidence-based intervention for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) active in three work sectors and nine countries. Based on our ToC, we selected the MENTUPP long-term outcomes, which are reported in this article, are measured with seven validated scales assessing mental wellbeing, burnout, depression, anxiety, stigma towards depression and anxiety, absenteeism and presenteeism. The pilot MENTUPP intervention assessment took place at baseline and at 6 months follow-up.

Results

In total, 25 SMEs were recruited in the MENTUPP pilot and 346 participants completed the validated scales at baseline and 96 at follow-up. Three long-term outcomes significantly improved at follow-up (p < 0.05): mental wellbeing, symptoms of anxiety, and personal stigmatising attitudes towards depression and anxiety.

Conclusions

The results of this outcome evaluation suggest that MENTUPP has the potential to strengthen employees’ wellbeing and decrease anxiety symptoms and stigmatising attitudes. Additionally, this study demonstrates the utility of conducting pilot workplace interventions to assess whether appropriate measures and indicators have been selected. Based on the results, the intervention and the evaluation strategy have been optimised.
Does social motivation mitigate fear caused by a sudden sound in horses?
Authors: Janicka Wiktoria , Wilk Izabela , Próchniak Tomasz
Published: July 2023

Living in a herd has multiple advantages for social species and is a primary survival strategy for prey. The presence of conspecifics, identified as a social buffer, may mitigate the individual stress response. Social isolation is, therefore, particularly stressful for horses, which are gregarious animals. However, they are not equally vulnerable to separation from the group. We tested whether more and less socially dependent horses and independent individuals would differ in their responses to novel and sudden sounds occurring in two contexts: non-social and social motivation. Twenty warmblood horses were first exposed to two social tests: to evaluate the level of social dependence (rate of restless behaviour; social isolation) and the quantity and the quality of interactions in which they were involved (stay on a paddock). Two fear audio tests were then performed to compare the responses to sudden sounds while feeding (non-social motivation; control trial) and while moving towards the herd (social motivation; experimental trial). Socially dependent horses showed more pronounced avoidance behaviour and needed much more time to resume feeding during the control trial. Hence, dependent individuals appeared to be more fearful. However, during an experimental trial, horses of both groups tended to ignore the sound or paid only limited attention to the stimulus, continuing to move forward towards their conspecifics. Thus, social motivation may mitigate fear caused by a frightening stimulus and make fearful and dependent horses more prone to face a potentially stressful event. This finding should be taken into account in horse training and management.
Injury shortens life expectancy in ants and affects some risk-related decisions of workers
Authors: Turza Filip , Miler Krzysztof
Published: July 2023

The Formica cinerea ants are known to be highly territorial and aggressively defend their nest and foraging areas against other ants. During the foraging, workers engage in large-scale battles with other colonies of ants and injuries often occur in the process. Such injuries open the body up to pathologies and can lead to costs expressed in lower survival. Here, we addressed the significance of injury in dictating decisions related to engagement in risky behavior in ants (i.e., rescue and aggression). We manipulated the life expectancies of F. cinerea workers by injury and found that the survival of injured workers was shorter compared to the intact individuals. Furthermore, we found that injured workers discriminated between the intact and injured nestmates and showed more rescue behavior toward intact individuals. These rescue actions were expressed as digging around the trapped ant in need of rescue, pulling at its body parts, transporting the sand covering it, and biting the thread entrapping it. In turn, intact and injured workers showed similar and high levels of aggression toward heterospecifics. Our findings highlight the role of behavioral context in the studies devoted to the decision-making processes among social insects and the importance of life expectancy in their behavioral patterns.
Landslides triggered by an extraordinary rainfall event in Central Italy on September 15, 2022
Authors: Donnini Marco , Santangelo Michele , Gariano Stefano Luigi , Bucci Francesco , Peruccacci Silvia , Alvioli Massimiliano , Althuwaynee Omar , Ardizzone Francesca , Bianchi Cinzia , Bornaetxea Txomin , Brunetti Maria Teresa , Cardinali Mauro , Esposito Giuseppe , Grita Susanna , Marchesini Ivan , Melillo Massimo , Salvati Paola , Yazdani Mina , Fiorucci Federica
Published: July 2023

Timely and systematic collection of landslide information after a triggering event is pivotal for the definition of landslide trends in response to climate change. On September 15, 2022, a large part of central Italy, particularly Marche and Umbria regions, was struck by an anomalous rainfall event that showed characteristics of a persistent convective system. An extraordinary cumulated rainfall of 419 mm was recorded by a rain gauge in the area in only 9 h. The rainfall triggered 1687 landslides in the area affected by the peak rainfall intensity and caused widespread flash floods and floods in the central and lower parts of the catchments. In this work, we describe the characteristics of the landslides identified during a field survey started immediately after the event. Most of the mass movements are shallow, and many are rapid (i.e., debris flows, earth flows) and widely affecting the road network. Landslide area spans from a few tens of square meters to 105 m2, with a median value of 87 m2. Field evidence revealed diffuse residual risk conditions, being a large proportion of landslides located in the immediate vicinity of infrastructures. Besides reporting the spatial distribution of landslides triggered by an extreme rainfall event, the data collected on landslides can be used to make comparisons with the distribution of landslides in the past, validation of landslide susceptibility models, and definition of the general interaction between landslides and structures/infrastructures.
Towards Precision Medicine in Spinal Surgery: Leveraging AI Technologies
Authors: Lawson McLean Aaron
Published: July 2023

This critique explores the implications of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) technology, specifically OpenAI’s advanced language model GPT-4 and its interface, ChatGPT, into the field of spinal surgery. It examines the potential effects of algorithmic bias, unique challenges in surgical domains, access and equity issues, cost implications, global disparities in technology adoption, and the concept of technological determinism. It posits that biases present in AI training data may impact the quality and equity of healthcare outcomes. Challenges related to the unique nature of surgical procedures, including real-time decision-making, are also addressed. Concerns over access, equity, and cost implications underscore the potential for exacerbated healthcare disparities. Global disparities in technology adoption highlight the importance of global collaboration, technology transfer, and capacity building. Finally, the critique challenges the notion of technological determinism, emphasizing the continued importance of human judgement and patient-care provider relationship in healthcare. The critique calls for a comprehensive evaluation of AI technology integration in healthcare to ensure equitable and quality care.
Statistical analysis of the variability of reactive trace gases (SO2, NO2 and ozone) in Greater Cairo during dust storm events
Authors: Boraiy Mohamed , El-Metwally Mossad , Wheida Ali , El-Nazer Mostafa , Hassan Salwa K. , El-Sanabary Fatma F. , Alfaro Stéphane C. , Abdelwahab Magdy , Borbon Agnès
Published: July 2023

The data of 17 air quality monitoring stations of Greater Cairo are used to perform a statistical analysis aiming to detect any heterogeneous surface effects of mineral dust on the distribution of reactive trace gases (SO2 NO2, and ozone) in. After a thorough quality check, the methodology consisted of i) selecting representative stations by agglomerative hierarchical clustering, ii) identifying dust events based on PM10 measurements, remote sensing observations, and meteorology, and iii) applying the non-parametric Kruskal Wallis (KW) hypothesis test to compare (at the 95% confidence level) trace gas concentrations during dust and non-dust events. The representative stations display either a background-like or a bimodal variability with concentrations (even that of the secondary product NO2) peaking at traffic rush hours but during dust storms all stations capture the signal of mineral dust advection. Eight wintertime and springtime dust cases are retained for the study. After the role of the confounding factors (i.e., ventilation index, relative humidity, and photolysis) has been carefully discussed and taken into account, the KW test shows that there is no significant reduction of the SO2, NO2 and ozone concentrations attributable to dust during 7 of the 8 events. The drop of the concentrations coinciding with the advection of dry dust-laden Saharan air masses is rather an effect of the dilution resulting from the combination of large wind speed and mixing layer height than of the heterogeneous uptake of these gases on the mineral dust surface.
Adopting a social purpose in for-profit firms: the role of the board of directors
Authors: Collevecchio Francesca , Gionfriddo Gianluca
Published: July 2023

The debate on the purpose of corporations has intensified over the past decade, compelling businesses to reassess their societal roles. To effectively integrate sustainability into corporate strategies, for-profit firms are increasingly encouraged to adopt a pro-social purpose (SP).

However, adopting and integrating an SP is a substantial shift that necessitates an internal push from corporate actors. In particular, due to its function of strategic decision-making, the board of directors represents a pivotal player in promoting the adoption of an SP.

This research delves into the impact of board characteristics on the likelihood of adopting an SP in for-profit firms. We examined 580 European firms employing propensity score matching and logistic regression methodologies. Our findings offer initial insights on the effect of the board composition on adopting an SP. In particular, we found that cultivating the directors’ network with employees, fostering gender and age diversity, and welcoming highly qualified directors on board are key factors in facilitating the adoption and implementation of an SP in EU for-profit firms.

Our study represents the first attempt to quantitatively examine the relationship between the board and SP. By doing so, we contribute to the theoretical advancement of the complementarity of corporate governance and corporate purpose. Moreover, we encourage practitioners to accrue awareness of the board characteristics that facilitate the adoption of an SP within their firms.
Towards epistemic diversity in sustainability transitions: an exploration of hybrid socio-technical systems
Authors: Balanzó-Guzmán Alejandro , Ramos-Mejía Mónica
Published: July 2023

A wealth of scholarly work has contributed to make visible and describe the place of indigenous peoples and knowledge in sustainability transitions. We follow suit, exploring if, and how, indigenous peoples and knowledges take part in the construction of hybrid socio-technical systems, i.e. socio-technical systems where heterogeneous knowledges already coexist and give rise to the emergence of specific and nuanced socio-technical patterns. We address the question: What are the types of interaction between techno-scientific and indigenous/local knowledges in socio-technical configurations aiming at sustainability? Our inquiry focuses on knowledge circulation patterns in hybrid socio-technical systems. Conceptually, we build on epistemic diversity and hybridisation as means to reflect on socio-technical systems. Empirically, we carry on a theory-driven literature review and ground a model on the backdrop of the MLP perspective. Results show that hybrid socio-technical systems present overlapping socio-technical assemblages coexisting in constructive tension. Such tension stems from the manyfold possible directionalities that take place in the social production of hybrid-oriented and non-hybrid-oriented performativity of knowledges. This paradoxical nature implies that each encounter performs a potential tension within the broader web of relations in the system. In terms of sustainability transitions, hybrid socio-technical systems pose particular knowledge governance challenges. Its paradoxical nature risks enabling contradictory, non-viable or illegitimate transition pathways towards sustainability.
Identifying and understanding how people living with a lower-grade glioma engage in self-management
Authors: Rimmer Ben , Balla Michelle , Dutton Lizzie , Lewis Joanne , Brown Morven C. , Burns Richéal , Gallagher Pamela , Williams Sophie , Araújo-Soares Vera , Finch Tracy , Menger Fiona , Sharp Linda ,   on behalf of the Ways Ahead study team
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Lower-grade gliomas (LGG) are mostly diagnosed in working-aged adults and rarely cured. LGG patients may face chronic impairments (e.g. fatigue, cognitive deficits). Self-management can improve clinical and psychosocial outcomes, yet how LGG patients self-manage the consequences of their tumour and its treatment is not fully understood. This study, therefore, aimed to identify and understand how LGG patients engage in the self-management of their condition.

Methods

A diverse group of 28 LGG patients (age range 22–69 years; male n = 16, female n = 12; mean time since diagnosis = 8.7 years) who had completed primary treatment, were recruited from across the United Kingdom. Semi-structured interviews were conducted. Informed by a self-management strategy framework developed in cancer, directed content analysis identified and categorised self-management types and strategies used by patients.

Results

Overall, 20 self-management strategy types, comprising 123 self-management strategies were reported; each participant detailed extensive engagement in self-management. The most used strategy types were ‘using support’ (n = 28), ‘creating a healthy environment’ (n = 28), ‘meaning making’ (n = 27), and ‘self-monitoring’ (n = 27). The most used strategies were ‘accepting the tumour and its consequences’ (n = 26), ‘receiving support from friends (n = 24) and family’ (n = 24), and ‘reinterpreting negative consequences’ (n = 24).

Conclusions

This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the strategies used by LGG patients to self-manage their health and wellbeing, with a diverse, and substantial number of self-management strategies reported.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

The findings will inform the development of a supported self-management intervention for LGG patients, which will be novel for this patient group.
Impairments in quality of life and predictors of symptom burden in patients with hypoparathyroidism: results from a population-based survey
Authors: Büttner Matthias , Krogh Dieter , Siggelkow Heide , Singer Susanne
Published: July 2023

Purpose

To investigate the quality of life (QoL) in patients with hypoparathyroidism (hypoPT) compared to the general population and to identify sociodemographic and clinical factors that are associated with symptom burden.

Methods

Patients with a diagnosis of hypoPT participated in an online survey. Information regarding the survey was distributed by treating physicians or a self-help organization. Quality of life was assessed using the EORTC QLQ-C30 and symptom burden using the Hypoparathyroid Patient Questionnaire (HPQ28). Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to compare QoL of hypoPT patients with the general population (adjusted for age, sex, education)and to identify factors associated with symptom burden.

Results

Altogether, 264 hypoPT patients provided information on QoL and symptom burden. HypoPT was associated with worse cognitive (β = −15.9; p < 0.01) and emotional functioning (β = −12.3; p = 0.04) compared to the general population. The highest symptom burden in hypoPT patients was observed for the domains loss of vitality (mean: 61.4; SD: 21.9), pain and cramps (mean: 43.7; SD: 26.5), and numbness and tingling sensations (mean: 38.9; SD: 30.0). Female gender was associated with a higher symptom burden across all nine domains of the HPQ28, while longer disease duration was associated with a lower symptom burden in neurovegetative symptoms, loss of vitality, depression and anxiety, and depressive symptoms.

Conclusion

HypoPT patients have impaired QoL compared to the general population. Being female is strongly associated with high symptom burden.
Suicide by sharp force associated with major self-mutilation and self-cannibalism
Authors: Farkašová Iannaccone Silvia , Ginelliová Alžbeta , Farkaš Daniel , Sopková Dorota
Published: July 2023

Self-stabbing and self-cutting represents an uncommon method of suicide. We present a case of a 30-year-old man who was found dead in the forest. The body was naked and showed multiple cut and stab wounds on different parts of the body (face, neck, chest, abdomen, and extremities). A single-edged kitchen knife was found approximately 20 m from the body. Parts of both ears, the fifth toe of the right foot, and the scrotum were cut off. At the autopsy, two of the severed body parts—the toe and the part of the left ear—were found in the stomach. The cause of death was asphyxiation due to blood aspiration resulting from a cut throat injury. A police investigation uncovered a history of substance abuse and two previous suicidal attempts using a knife. Upon complex analysis of all the evidence, the manner of death was ruled a suicide, which was preceded by actions of major self-mutilation and self-cannibalism, both considered rare behavioral patterns.
Different Chronic Stress Paradigms Converge on Endogenous TDP43 Cleavage and Aggregation
Authors: Candelise Niccolò , Caissutti Daniela , Zenuni Henri , Nesci Valentina , Scaricamazza Silvia , Salvatori Illari , Spinello Zaira , Mattei Vincenzo , Garofalo Tina , Ferri Alberto , Valle Cristiana , Misasi Roberta
Published: July 2023

The TAR-DNA binding protein (TDP43) is a nuclear protein whose cytoplasmic inclusions are hallmarks of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Acute stress in cells causes TDP43 mobilization to the cytoplasm and its aggregation through different routes. Although acute stress elicits a strong phenotype, is far from recapitulating the years-long aggregation process. We applied different chronic stress protocols and described TDP43 aggregation in a human neuroblastoma cell line by combining solubility assays, thioflavin-based microscopy and flow cytometry. This approach allowed us to detect, for the first time to our knowledge in vitro, the formation of 25 kDa C-terminal fragment of TDP43, a pathogenic hallmark of ALS. Our results indicate that chronic stress, compared to the more common acute stress paradigm, better recapitulates the cell biology of TDP43 proteinopathies. Moreover, we optimized a protocol for the detection of bona fide prions in living cells, suggesting that TDP43 may form amyloids as a stress response.
The Molecular Link Between TDP-43, Endogenous Retroviruses and Inflammatory Neurodegeneration in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: a Potential Target for Triumeq, an Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Dubowsky Megan , Theunissen Frances , Carr Jillian M. , Rogers Mary-Louise
Published: July 2023

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as motor neuron disease (MND), is a progressive neurological disorder, characterised by the death of upper and lower motor neurons. The aetiology of ALS remains unknown, and treatment options are limited. Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs), specifically human endogenous retrovirus type K (HERV-K), have been proposed to be involved in the propagation of neurodegeneration in ALS. ERVs are genomic remnants of ancient viral infection events, with most being inactive and not retaining the capacity to encode a fully infectious virus. However, some ERVs retain the ability to be activated and transcribed, and ERV transcripts have been found to be elevated within the brain tissue of MND patients. A hallmark of ALS pathology is altered localisation of the transactive response (TAR) DNA binding protein 43 kDa (TDP-43), which is normally found within the nucleus of neuronal and glial cells and is involved in RNA regulation. In ALS, TDP-43 aggregates within the cytoplasm and facilitates neurodegeneration. The involvement of ERVs in ALS pathology is thought to occur through TDP-43 and neuroinflammatory mediators. In this review, the proposed involvement of TDP-43, HERV-K and immune regulators on the onset and progression of ALS will be discussed. Furthermore, the evidence supporting a therapy based on targeting ERVs in ALS will be reviewed.

Graphical Abstract
Thriving Not Surviving: LGBTQ+ Students’, Staff, and Parents’ Experiences of Schools as Sites of Euphoria
Authors: Mann Trent , Jones Tiffany , Van Bergen Penny , Burns Emma
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Internationally, research has shown Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender/gender diverse, and Queer (LGBTQ+) people experience multifaceted challenges within school contexts. However, there is only a small emergent body of research on how LGBTQ+ community members might also experience positive, joyful, or euphoric experiences in these same spaces. Using euphoria and minority stress models, this article aims to consider whether schools themselves can be supportive and protective environments for LGBTQ+ people, how features of the school environment and school community might enable experiences of LGBTQ+ -related euphoria, and how euphoric experiences may be similar for students, staff and parents, and cisgender and gender diverse (GD) members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Methods

The study employed elements of grounded theory to analyse survey responses of LGBTQ+ students (n = 706), school staff (n = 107), and parents (n = 57). The survey data was collected online from 2021 to 2022 and explored LGBTQ+ community members’ experiences in, and perceptions of, Australian schools.

Results

Euphoria was predominantly related to school social contexts (such as supportive social climates), followed by school practices (such as LGBTQ+ representation), and internal experiences (such as pride). These events were shared by students, staff, and parents similarly. Euphoric events were shared by cisgender and GD participants, although gender-affirming social contexts and school practices were valued particularly by GD students, parents, and staff.

Conclusions

Schools can act as supportive contexts for LGBTQ+ students, staff, and parents in terms of social characteristics and school practices using mostly similar methods. Implications for policy development include school-wide interventions that include and reflect all LGBTQ+ people in all education-based roles, via school curricula and activities, public education, and awareness-raising endeavours.

Policy Implications

Implications for policy development include school-wide interventions that include and reflect all LGBTQ+ people in all education-based roles, via school curricula and activities, public education and awareness-raising endeavours.
Discussion: A Fuzzy Classification Process for Swelling Soils [Transp. Infrastruct. Geotechnol. 10(3), 474–487]
Authors: Soltani Amin , Azimi Mahdieh , O’Kelly Brendan C.
Published: July 2023

This communication article presents a discussion of various fundamental points pertaining to the Toksöz Hozatlıoğlu and Yılmaz (2023) (the Authors) investigation [published in Transp. Infrastruct. Geotechnol. 10(3), 474–487], specifically scrutinizing the practical ramifications of employing the liquid limit (LL) parameter (by itself) to infer soil expansivity. Based on previous experimental investigations and their own independent analyses presented in this article, the Discussers demonstrate that without proper consideration of soil mineralogical activity, the sole reliance on the LL parameter (as adopted in the Authors’ investigation) is often not a reliable basis for performing soil expansivity assessments. Accordingly, the LL-based fuzzy classification approach reported by the Authors, despite addressing potential uncertainties arising from LL determinations by the Casagrande percussion-cup method, would, in itself, not lead to significantly more reliable soil expansivity assessments. As a way forward, a practical and more realistic classification framework for expansive soils based on equilibrium sediment volume measurements is presented and compared to the LL-based scheme adopted in the Authors’ investigation. Through this endeavor, it is demonstrated that the sole reliance on the LL parameter generally produces overly conservative soil expansivity rankings.
Correlation of frailty assessment metrics in one-year follow-up of aged care residents: a sub-study of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Andrade A. Q. , Widagdo I. , Lim R. , Kelly T.-L. , Parfitt G. , Pratt N. , Bilton R. L. , Roughead E. E.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Frailty is increasingly recognised as a dynamic syndrome, with multiple causes, dimensions and consequences. There is little understanding of how those frailty assessment metrics interact over time. The aim of this study was to describe the longitudinal correlation between five frailty metrics, namely multimorbidity, muscular strength, mood alterations, cognitive capacity, and functional capacity in a cohort study of aged care (nursing home) residents.

Methods

248 aged care residents with Frailty Index at baseline of < 0.4 and no dementia were followed for 12 months. A multimorbidity score and an activity of daily living limitation score were created using individual items of the Frailty Index. Muscular strength was measured by grip strength. Cognitive capacity was measured using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test. Mood alterations were measured using the anxiety/depression screening question from EQ-5D. We analysed the inter-individual correlation at baseline, association between baseline and future change, and within-individual correlation at baseline, 6 and 12 months.

Results

Population analysis shows that metrics were not associated at baseline. All of the studied metrics at baseline were associated with change in 12 months, with the exception of anxiety/depression scores. Pairwise within-individual correlation was strong between MoCA and grip strength (0.13, p = 0.02) and activity of daily living (− 0.48, p < 0.001), and between activities of daily living and multimorbidity index (0.28, p < 0.001). No within-individual correlation was found between anxiety depression score and other metrics.

Conclusion

The results suggest an interdependence between comorbidities, physical capacity, cognition and activities of daily living in aged care residents. Comprehensive measurement of frailty-related metrics may provide improved understanding of frailty progression at later life stages.
Commentary for the International Journal of Artificial Intelligence in Education Special Issue on K-12 AI Education
Authors: Lane H. Chad
Published: July 2023

In this commentary, I review the articles in the IJAIED Special Issue on K-12 AI Education. The articles offer compelling motivation for early AI education and cover an impressive range of approaches, grade levels, and perspectives. Despite the differences, there is coherence across the articles in terms of the goals to address AI awareness, knowledge, skills, and ethics. Deep consideration has gone into creating developmentally appropriate AI content, which is arguably the greatest challenge for a complex topic like AI. However, as we find in many emerging topics in education, the demand for curricula and lessons has outpaced the capacity of the field to do sufficient empirical research on how kids learn about AI. Evidence for many of the design choices reflected in the proposals put forth in this special issue is still emerging. The authors have done an admirable job of organizing their ideas around principles from the learning sciences and connecting their efforts to more general curriculum design efforts, such as the K12 CS Framework (2016). The next step, which is promoted by all of the authors in the special issue, is to define a research agenda to provide an empirical basis for the design of early AI learning experiences and inform future iterations of the curricula and frameworks proposed.
Ultrafine Vacancy-Rich Nb2O5 Semiconductors Confined in Carbon Nanosheets Boost Dielectric Polarization for High-Attenuation Microwave Absorption
Authors: Su Zhe , Yi Shan , Zhang Wanyu , Xu Xiaxi , Zhang Yayun , Zhou Shenghu , Niu Bo , Long Donghui
Published: July 2023

The integration of nano-semiconductors into electromagnetic wave absorption materials is a highly desirable strategy for intensifying dielectric polarization loss; achieving high-attenuation microwave absorption and realizing in-depth comprehension of dielectric loss mechanisms remain challenges. Herein, ultrafine oxygen vacancy-rich Nb2O5 semiconductors are confined in carbon nanosheets (ov-Nb2O5/CNS) to boost dielectric polarization and achieve high attenuation. The polarization relaxation, electromagnetic response, and impedance matching of the ov-Nb2O5/CNS are significantly facilitated by the Nb2O5 semiconductors with rich oxygen vacancies, which consequently realizes an extremely high attenuation performance of − 80.8 dB (> 99.999999% wave absorption) at 2.76 mm. As a dielectric polarization center, abundant Nb2O5–carbon heterointerfaces can intensify interfacial polarization loss to strengthen dielectric polarization, and the presence of oxygen vacancies endows Nb2O5 semiconductors with abundant charge separation sites to reinforce electric dipole polarization. Moreover, the three-dimensional reconstruction of the absorber using microcomputer tomography technology provides insight into the intensification of the unique lamellar morphology regarding multiple reflection and scattering dissipation characteristics. Additionally, ov-Nb2O5/CNS demonstrates excellent application potential by curing into a microwave-absorbing, machinable, and heat-dissipating plate. This work provides insight into the dielectric polarization loss mechanisms of nano-semiconductor/carbon composites and inspires the design of high-performance microwave absorption materials.
Long-Chain Gemini Surfactant-Assisted Blade Coating Enables Large-Area Carbon-Based Perovskite Solar Modules with Record Performance
Authors: Ren Yumin , Zhang Kai , Lin Zedong , Wei Xiaozhen , Xu Man , Huang Xianzhen , Chen Haining , Yang Shihe
Published: July 2023

Carbon-based perovskite solar cells show great potential owing to their low-cost production and superior stability in ambient air. However, scaling up to high-efficiency carbon-based solar modules hinges on reliable deposition of uniform defect-free perovskite films over large areas, which is an unsettled but urgent issue. In this work, a long-chain gemini surfactant is introduced into perovskite precursor ink to enforce self-assembly into a network structure, considerably enhancing the coverage and smoothness of the perovskite films. The long gemini surfactant plays a distinctively synergistic role in perovskite film construction, crystallization kinetics modulation and defect passivation, leading to a certified record power conversion efficiency of 15.46% with Voc of 1.13 V and Jsc of 22.92 mA cm−2 for this type of modules. Importantly, all of the functional layers of the module are printed through a simple and high-speed (300 cm min−1) blade coating strategy in ambient atmosphere. These results mark a significant step toward the commercialization of all-printable carbon-based perovskite solar modules.
Association between pain intensity and depressive symptoms in community-dwelling adults: longitudinal findings from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE)
Authors: Ogliari Giulia , Ryg Jesper , Andersen-Ranberg Karen , Scheel-Hincke Lasse Lybecker , Collins Jemima T. , Cowley Alison , Di Lorito Claudio , Booth Vicky , Smit Roelof A. J. , Akyea Ralph K. , Qureshi Nadeem , Walsh David A. , Harwood Rowan H. , Masud Tahir
Published: July 2023

Purpose

To investigate the longitudinal associations between pain and depressive symptoms in adults.

Methods

Prospective cohort study on data from 28,515 community-dwelling adults ≥ 50 years, free from depression at baseline (Wave 5), with follow-up in Wave 6 of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). Significant depressive symptoms were defined by a EURO-D score ≥ 4. The longitudinal association between baseline pain intensity and significant depressive symptoms at follow-up was analysed using logistic regression models; odds ratios (ORs) and confidence intervals (CI) were calculated, adjusting for socio-demographic and clinical factors, physical inactivity, loneliness, mobility and functional impairments.

Results

Mean age was 65.4 years (standard deviation 9.0, range 50–99); 14,360 (50.4%) participants were women. Mean follow-up was 23.4 (standard deviation 3.4) months. At baseline, 2803 (9.8%) participants reported mild pain, 5253 (18.4%) moderate pain and 1431 (5.0%) severe pain. At follow-up, 3868 (13.6%) participants—1451 (10.3%) men and 2417 (16.8%) women—reported significant depressive symptoms. After adjustment, mild, moderate and severe baseline pain, versus no pain, were associated with an increased likelihood of significant depressive symptoms at follow-up: ORs (95% CI) were 1.20 (1.06–1.35), 1.32 (1.20–1.46) and 1.39 (1.19–1.63), respectively. These associations were more pronounced in men compared to women, and consistent in participants aged 50–64 years, those without mobility or functional impairment, and those without loneliness at baseline.

Conclusion

Higher baseline pain intensity was longitudinally associated with a greater risk of significant depressive symptoms at 2-year follow-up, in community-dwelling adults without baseline depression.
The Role of Genetics in Preterm Birth
Authors: Mead Elyse C. , Wang Carol A. , Phung Jason , Fu Joanna YX , Williams Scott M. , Merialdi Mario , Jacobsson Bo , Lye Stephen , Menon Ramkumar , Pennell Craig E.
Published: July 2023

Preterm birth (PTB), defined as the birth of a child before 37 completed weeks gestation, affects approximately 11% of live births and is the leading cause of death in children under 5 years. PTB is a complex disease with multiple risk factors including genetic variation. Much research has aimed to establish the biological mechanisms underlying PTB often through identification of genetic markers for PTB risk. The objective of this review is to present a comprehensive and updated summary of the published data relating to the field of PTB genetics. A literature search in PubMed was conducted and English studies related to PTB genetics were included. Genetic studies have identified genes within inflammatory, immunological, tissue remodeling, endocrine, metabolic, and vascular pathways that may be involved in PTB. However, a substantial proportion of published data have been largely inconclusive and multiple studies had limited power to detect associations. On the contrary, a few large hypothesis-free approaches have identified and replicated multiple novel variants associated with PTB in different cohorts. Overall, attempts to predict PTB using single “-omics” datasets including genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenomic biomarkers have been mostly unsuccessful and have failed to translate to the clinical setting. Integration of data from multiple “-omics” datasets has yielded the most promising results.
Prognostic Value of the Ratio of Hemoglobin to Red Blood Cell Distribution Width in Patients with Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Wang Hong , Luo Yao , Zhang Tangjuan , Lv Qing , Yang Liu , Jia Xinya , Zhou Yan , Li Renjie , Zhu Xingqiang , Lei Ruyi , Lan Chao
Published: July 2023

Background

The ratio of hemoglobin to red blood cell distribution width (HRR) can reflect the degree of oxidative stress and systemic inflammatory response in the body, and is a potential indicator to predict the prognosis of patients with cardiac arrest (CA).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 126 patients successfully resuscitated after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Patients were grouped according to their survival status at discharge: 35 survived and 91 died. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the independent factors affecting the prognosis of patients after cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze the predictive value of each independent factor for the prognosis of patients after CPR.

Results

The HRR in death group was lower than that in the survival group (P < 0.05), which was closely related to the prognosis of patients after CPR. The ROC curve showed that HRR < 8.555 (AUC = 0.733, sensitivity 87.5%, specificity 40.7%, P < 0.001) indicated poor prognosis after CPR.

Conclusions

The HRR is an independent risk factor for the prognosis in patients who underwent CPR after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. After successful resuscitation, HRR lower than 8.555 indicates poor prognosis.
The Publications of the Bedfordshire Historical Record Society Volume II
Authors: Austin William , Fowler G. Herbert , Morris John E.
Published: July 2023

In memoriam C. G. C. (Clifford Gore Chambers, d. 1913).
'The Bedfordshire Wills and Administrations Proved at Lambeth Palace and in the Archdeaconry of Huntingdon', by F. A. Page Turner.
'The Beauchamps, Barons of Eaton', by G. Herbert Fowler.
'Ancient Bedfordshire Deeds, No. 1', by F. A. Page Turner.
'Records of Northill College, No. 2', by C. Gore Chambers.
'Bedfordshire Charters in the Missenden Cartulary', by G. Herbert Fowler.
'The Browne Family of Arlesey', by F. A. Page Turner.
'Markets and Fairs of Luton', by William Austin.
'The Assessment of Knight Service in Bedfordshire, No. 1', by John E. Morris.
'Materies Genealogica, No. 1', by F. A. Page Turner.
'An early Bedfordshire taxation', by Mrs. Hilary Jenkinson.
'A Commutation of Villan (sic) services', by William Austin.
'Records of Knight Service in Bedfordshire’, by G. Herbert Fowler.
'Notes and replies – Ravensden and Chainhalle; Toddington place names 1453; Luton names in the xiith century; duties on bricks'.
The Publications of the Bedfordshire Historical Record Society Volume V
Authors: Austin William , Fowler G. Herbert , Gurney Frederick G. , Morris John E. , Page-Turner Frederic Augustus
Published: July 2023

Includes 'The Assessment of Knight Service in Bedfordshire, no. 2', by John E. Morris.
'St. John of SouthilI', by F. A. Page-Turner.
'Some Saxon Charters', by G. Herbert Fowler.
'A Late Example of a Deodand', by William Austin.
'Domesday Notes II: Kenemondwick', by G. Herbert Fowler.
'The Hillersdens of Elstow', by F. A. Page-Turner.
'Grant of Free Warren to Newnham Priory', by J. Hamson.
'Cutenho, Farley Hospital, and Kurigge', by William Austin.
'Munitions in 1224', by G. Herbert Fowler.
'The Becher Family of Howbury', by F. A. Page-Turner.
'Yttingaford and the Tenth-Century Bounds of Chalgrave and Linslade,’ by Frederick G. Gurney.
'The Paper Register of St. Mary's Church in Bedford, 1539-1558', by the Rev. A. G. Kealey.
'Calendar of Inquisitions Post Mortem No. I,’ by G. Herbert Fowler.
'Notes and queries: Information requested on some Anglo-Saxon charters; ancient parish maps; Simon Fitz; and healing wells.'.
The Publications of The Bedfordshire Historical Record Society Volume XV
Authors: Emmison F. G.
Published: July 2023

Includes 'The Relief of the Poor at Eaton Socon, 1706-1834', by F. G. Emmison.

'Tithe at Pavenham, 1759/60', contributed by C. D. Linnell (Transcriptions of two documents held by Trinity College, Cambridge. The first is a report on the tithes at Pavenham written by W. Elstobb, a surveyor, of Cambridge in 1759. The second, probably also by Mr Elstobb, puts forward a scheme for renting the tithe from Trinity College which would allow each farmer to rent his share of the tithe, i.e. pay an agreed sum of money annually. The documents also record produce, prices and land values.).
Asymptotic expansion of the expected Minkowski functional for isotropic central limit random fields
Authors: Kuriki Satoshi , Matsubara Takahiko
Published: July 2023

The Minkowski functionals, including the Euler characteristic statistics, are standard tools for morphological analysis in cosmology. Motivated by cosmic research, we examine the Minkowski functional of the excursion set for an isotropic central limit random field, whose k-point correlation functions (kth-order cumulants) have the same structure as that assumed in cosmic research. Using 3- and 4-point correlation functions, we derive the asymptotic expansions of the Euler characteristic density, which is the building block of the Minkowski functional. The resulting formula reveals the types of non-Gaussianity that cannot be captured by the Minkowski functionals. As an example, we consider an isotropic chi-squared random field and confirm that the asymptotic expansion accurately approximates the true Euler characteristic density.
Are European clinical trial funders policies on clinical trial registration and reporting improving? A cross-sectional study
Authors: O’Riordan Marguerite , Haslberger Martin , Cruz Carolina , Suljic Tarik , Ringsten Martin , Bruckner Till
Published: July 2023

Objectives:

Assess the extent to which the clinical trial registration and reporting policies of 25 of the world’s largest public and philanthropic medical research funders meet best practice benchmarks as stipulated by the 2017 WHO Joint Statement, and document changes in the policies and monitoring systems of 19 European funders over the past year.

Design, Setting, Participants:

Cross-sectional study, based on assessments of each funder’s publicly available documentation plus validation of results by funders. Our cohort includes 25 of the largest medical research funders in Europe, Oceania, South Asia, and Canada.

Interventions:

Scoring all 25 funders using an 11-item assessment tool based on WHO best practice benchmarks, grouped into three primary categories: trial registries, academic publication, and monitoring, plus validation of results by funders.

Main outcome measures:

How many of the 11 WHO best practice items each of the 25 funders has put into place, and changes in the performance of 19 previously assessed funders over the preceding year.

Results:

The 25 funders we assessed had put into place an average of 5/11 (49%) WHO best practices. Only 6/25 funders (24%) took the PI’s past reporting record into account during grant application reviews. Funders’ performance varied widely from 0/11 to 11/11 WHO best practices adopted. Of the 19 funders for which 2021(2) baseline data was available, 10/19 (53%) had strengthened their policies over the preceding year.

Conclusions:

Most medical research funders need to do more to curb research waste and publication bias by strengthening their clinical trial policies.