bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How Can Unique Alkaline Soda Waters Be Managed and Restored? Lake Neusiedl as the Largest Threatened European Example
Authors: Boros Emil , Vörös Lajos 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTInland alkaline soda waters (ASW), such as Lake Neusiedl (LN), represent some of the most stable alkaline natural environments and unique ecosystems on Earth. Their European hotspot is located in Central Europe, where LN stands as the largest threatened representative, giving it practical importance. This study aims to compare fundamental hydro‐ecological variables of LN, including a habitat restoration site (LNres), with intermittent alkaline soda waters (IASW) in the adjacent subregion (Seewinkel). IASW serves as a characteristic close‐to‐nature reference status for natural ASW in order to restoration suggestions for LN. Variables investigated include depth, dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity, algae‐free suspended solids, chromophoric dissolved organic matter and chlorophyll a. Significant differences were found among most variables between the three sites (Kruskal–Wallis ANOVA and Dunn's test), except for water depth, DO, conductivity, TSS‐Algfree and CHL between IASW and LNres, and CDOM between LNres and LN. Principal component analyses revealed that LNres is situated between LN (semi‐static) and reference IASW (astatic), supporting the hypothesis that LNres is closer to the reference IASW than the non‐restored part of LN. The hydro‐ecological properties of IASW and LNres are similar to the shallow shoreline of LN, suggesting that management strategies of intermittent waters can be applied to shoreline restoration of semi‐static waters. This can be achieved by restoring seasonal water dynamics and groundwater function through extensive wetland rehabilitation in the above‐ground and below‐ground watershed recharge area of LN. Additionally, extensive vegetation control (reed) should be implemented to prevent ASW from impacting the habitat and freshwater exchange.
Prevalence of transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis in undifferentiated heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Healy L. , Giblin G. , Gray A. , Starr N. , Murphy L. , O'Sullivan D. , Kavanagh E. , Howley C. , Tracey C. , Morrin E. , McDaid A. , Clarke A. , O'Neill J.O. , Joyce E. , O'Connell M. , Mahon N. G. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractAimsTransthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR‐CM) is an increasinglyrecognized cause of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), which may be diagnosed non‐invasively using 99mTc 3,3‐diphosphono‐1,2‐propanodicarboxylic acid (DPD) scintigraphy‐based diagnostic criteria. Our aim was to determine the prevalence of ATTR‐CM in an undifferentiated HFpEF cohort with a DPD scintigraphy‐based screening protocol.MethodsPatients with HFpEF [ejection fraction (EF) ≥50%] aged ≥60 years and no prior evaluation for cardiac amyloidosis or known monoclonal gammopathy attending a regional cardiology network were screened with DPD scintigraphy. Patients with positive myocardial uptake (Perugini grade 2 or 3) were tested for a monoclonal protein and transthyretin gene variant.ResultsEighty‐six subjects were prospectively enrolled: 56% female, mean age 77 ± 8 years, 63% New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class III and median N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) 1766 ng/L [inter‐quartile range (IQR) 731–3703]. DPD scintigraphy was positive in seven patients (8%). Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance was present in one out of seven patients, and no pathogenic TTR gene variant was identified. The prevalence of wild‐type ATTR‐CM was 8% of this cohort. Compared with the HFpEF DPD scintigraphy‐negative cohort, DPD scintigraphy‐positive patients were older (86 ± 3 vs. 76 ± 8 years), more frequently male (16% vs. 2%, P = 0.02), and had significantly greater left ventricular (LV) wall thickness (16 vs. 12 mm; P = 0.002) and higher high‐sensitivity troponin levels at diagnosis [78 ng/L (IQR 21–116) vs. 11 ng/L (IQR 9–17); P < 0.001].ConclusionsIn an undifferentiated HFpEF cohort, 8% were found to have wild‐type ATTR‐CM using a DPD scintigraphy‐based screening protocol. Screening undifferentiated HFpEF patients is associated with a significant diagnostic yield, which can be further increased by targeting older males with increased LV wall thickness and elevated high‐sensitivity troponin levels.
Prognostic impact of iron deficiency in new‐onset chronic heart failure: Danish Heart Failure Registry insights
Authors: Mohamed Abdullahi Ahmed , Christensen Daniel Mølager , Mohammad Milan , Torp‐Pedersen Christian , Køber Lars , Fosbøl Emil Loldrup , Biering‐Sørensen Tor , Hansen Morten Lock , Malik Mariam Elmegaard , Nouhravesh Nina , Anderrson Charlotte , Schou Morten , Gislason Gunnar 
Published: November 2024

AbstractAimsIron deficiency (ID) is prevalent in chronic heart failure (HF) but lacks a consensus definition. This study evaluates the prevalence and the prognostic impact of ID using different criteria on all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality, as well as first hospitalization for HF in patients with new‐onset chronic HF.MethodsIn this nationwide registry‐based cohort, we explored four definitions of ID: the current European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines [ferritin <100 ng/mL or ferritin 100–299 ng/mL and transferrin saturation (TSAT) <20%], ferritin level <100 ng/mL, TSAT < 20% and serum iron ≤13 μmol/L. Patients were identified through the Danish Heart Failure Registry.ResultsOf 9477 new‐onset chronic HF patients registered in the Danish Heart Failure Registry from April 2003 to December 2019, we observed ID prevalence rates ranging from 35.8% to 64.3% depending on the ID definition used. Among patients with ID defined by iron ≤13 μmol/L or TSAT < 20%, 26% and 15.5%, respectively, did not meet the ESC guidelines definition for ID. Conversely, 11% of patients meeting the ESC criteria exhibited serum iron >13 μmol/L and TSAT > 20%. Regardless of anaemia status, ID defined by TSAT < 20% or serum iron ≤13 μmol/L was associated with all‐cause mortality [non‐anaemic, hazard ratio (HR): 1.57, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.30–1.89 and HR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.24–1.73; anaemic, HR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.07–1.38 and HR: 1.25, 95% CI: 1.09–1.44, respectively] and cardiovascular mortality (non‐anaemic, HR: 2.21, 95% CI: 1.59–3.06 and HR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.12–1.95; anaemic, HR: 1.37, 95% CI: 1.11–1.69 and HR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.02–1.61, respectively), as well as increased risk of first hospitalization for HF (non‐anaemic, HR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.09–1.1.50 and HR: 1.27, 95% CI: 1.10–1.46; anaemic, HR: 1.25, 95% CI: 1.08–1.44 and HR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.05–1.42, respectively). ID defined by ESC guidelines was associated with all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality only in non‐anaemic patients (HR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.18–1.1.70 and HR: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.18‐2.12.). Furthermore, the ESC guideline definition was associated with increased risk of first hospitalization for HF, regardless of anaemia status (non‐anaemic, HR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.08–1.1.47; anaemic, HR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.17–1.53).ConclusionsID, when defined by TSAT < 20% or serum iron ≤13 μmol/L, is associated with increased risk of all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality, as well as first hospitalization for HF in patients with new‐onset chronic HF, regardless of anaemia status. Conversely, ID defined as ESC guidelines is associated with all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality only in non‐anaemic patients.
Carbon–Carbon Bond Forming Reactions of Vinyl Cations: A Personal Perspective
Authors: Riu Martin‐Louis Y. , Popov Stasik , Wigman Benjamin , Zhao Zhenqi , Wong Jonathan , Houk Kendall N. , Nelson Hosea M. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractVinyl cations were first proposed as reactive intermediates nearly eighty years ago by Jacobs, and their properties were closely studied in the second half of the twentieth century by Stang, Olah, Caple, Grob, Hanack, and others. Recent developments in the catalytic generation and reactions of vinyl cations with unactivated C(sp3) −H bonds prompted us to assemble a field guide based on our previous experiences that is geared for synthetic chemists who are looking to construct C−C bonds via vinyl cation C−H insertion or Friedel‐Crafts addition. In particular, this article focuses on silylium‐ and lithium‐initiated C−C bond forming reactions of vinyl cations generated from vinyl triflates and ultimately aims to provide the reader with context and accelerate their selection of optimal reaction conditions and starting materials.
Three‐Way Equal Filtering Power Divider for Modern Communication Systems
Authors: Nwajana Augustine O. , Paul Rose 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTThis article proposes a three‐way (3‐way) equal filtering power divider (FPD) employing the microstrip compact folded‐arms square open‐loop resonator (FASOLR). The proposed FPD evenly distributes an input signal into three equal output signals. The design incorporates balanced signal power division, and filtering technology for the removal of unwanted frequency elements and aimed at enhancing signal quality and efficiency in the radiofrequency (RF) front‐end of communication systems. The use of FASOLR in the design helps to achieve miniaturization by reducing the device footprint. Keysight's Advanced Design System (ADS) software is used for conducting the design simulations. The proposed FPD features a 2.6 GHz center frequency, with a 0.03 fractional bandwidth. The implementation is carried out on Rogers RT/Duroid 6010LM substrate with a dielectric constant of 10.7, a thickness of 1.27 mm, and a loss tangent of 0.0023. This design includes theoretical calculations, circuit modeling, microstrip layout design, and electromagnetic (EM) simulations. The good agreement between the theoretical and practical results verifies the proficiency of the FPD in delivering equal power outputs at the three output ports, and at the same time filtering out unwanted frequencies as required. The practical responses of the prototype FPD indicate a good return loss of better than 15.5 dB and an insertion loss of better than 4.77 + 0.34 dB. The design prototype achieved a compact size of 0.31 × 0.18 λg. The results reinforce the design's competitive edge in performance and actual footprint. λg is the guided wavelength for the microstrip line impedance at the center frequency of the three‐way equal FPD.
Economic Forecasting With German Newspaper Articles
Authors: Berger Tino , Wintter Simon 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTWe introduce a new leading indicator for the German business cycle based on the content of newspaper articles from the Süddeutsche Zeitung. We use the rapidly evolving technique of Natural Language Processing (NLP) to transform the content of daily newspaper articles between 1992 and 2021 into topic time series using an LDA model. These topic time series reflect broad areas of the German economy since 1992, in particular the recession phases of the High‐Tech Crisis, the Great Financial Crisis and the Covid‐19 pandemic. We use the Newspaper Indicator in a Probit model to demonstrate that our data can be considered as a new leading indicator for predicting recession periods in Germany. Moreover, we show in an out‐of‐sample forecast experiment that our newspaper data have a predictive power for the German business cycle across 12 target variables that is as strong as established survey indicators. Industrial Production, the Stock Market Index DAX, and the Consumer Price Index for Germany can even be predicted out‐of‐sample more accurately with our newspaper data than with survey indices of the Ifo Institute and the OECD.
The Therapeutic Effects of Bioactive Compounds on Colorectal Cancer via PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway: A Critical Review
Authors: Demir Kübra , Turgut Rana , Şentürk Selcen , Işıklar Handan , Günalan Elif 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTUnderstanding the molecular signaling pathways of colorectal cancer (CRC) can be accepted as the first step in treatment strategy. Permanent mTOR signaling activation stimulates the CRC process via various biological processes. It supplies the survival of CRC stem cells, tumorigenesis, morbidity, and decreased response to drugs in CRC pathogenesis. Therefore, inhibition of the mTOR signaling by numerous bioactive components may be effective against CRC. The study aims to discuss the therapeutic capacity of various polyphenols, terpenoids, and alkaloids on CRC via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. The potential molecular effects of bioactive compounds on the mTOR pathway's upstream and downstream targets are examined. Each bioactive component causes various physiological processes, such as triggering free radical production, disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential, cell cycle arrest, inhibition of CRC stem cell migration, and suppression of glycolysis through mTOR signaling inhibition. As a result, carcinogenesis is inhibited by inducing apoptosis and autophagy. However, it should be noted that studies are primarily in vitro dose‐dependent treatment researchers. This study raises awareness about the role of phenolic compounds in treating CRC, contributing to their future use as anticancer agents. These bioactive compounds have the potential to be developed into food supplementation to prevent and treat various cancer types including CRC. This review has the potential to lead to further development of clinical studies. In the future, mTOR inhibition by applying several bioactive agents using advanced drug delivery systems may contribute to CRC treatment with 3D cell culture and in vivo clinical studies.
Enhancing Viability of Lactobacillus plantarumBG24 Through Optimized Spray Drying: Insights Into Process Parameters, Carrier Agents, Comparative Analysis With Freeze Drying, and Storage Condition Influences
Authors: Kaymak Ertekin Figen , Köprüalan Aydın Özgün , Altay Özgül 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTThis study investigated the survival dynamics of Lactobacillus plantarum BG24, a probiotic strain, within reconstituted skim milk (RSM) and yeast extract (YE) matrices during the spray–drying (SD) process, encompassing of inlet/outlet air temperatures. Notably, optimum SD parameters were found to be an inlet air temperature of 150°C and outlet air temperature of 83°C, that achieving high viability (92.23%), and reducing both moisture content (MC) (3.57%) and water activity (aw) (0.266). The use of soy protein isolate (SPI), gum Arabic (GA), RSM, maltodextrin (MD), sucrose (SUC), and lactose in binary mixtures or alone was investigated in terms of the best survival rate of probiotic bacteria, and RSM alone and RSM + GA and SPI alone were found to be the best drying carriers giving higher viability during SD. SD at optimum process temperatures and freeze drying (FD) were compared in the survival rate of probiotic bacteria in the carrier of RSM with YE, and FD samples showed a higher survival rate (97.69%) than SD samples. It was determined that the storage temperature (4°C and 20°C) had an impact on the glass transition temperature, MC, aw, and cell viability. Increased storage temperature led to a greater decrease in cell viability, especially for SD probiotic powders. These findings furnish critical insights into the intricate interplay among process parameters, carrier agents, drying techniques, and storage conditions, thereby elucidating avenues for refining probiotic preservation strategies within the ambit of SD, and by extension, in the domains of food and pharmaceutical sciences.
Rebalance the Inhibitory System in the Elderly Brain: Influence of Balance Learning on GABAergic Inhibition and Functional Connectivity
Authors: Liu Xinyu , Scherrer Selin , Egger Sven , Lim Song‐I , Lauber Benedikt , Jelescu Ileana , Griffa Alessandra , Gambarota Giulio , Taube Wolfgang , Xin Lijing 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTAging involves complex processes that impact the structure, function, and metabolism of the human brain. Declines in both structural and functional integrity along with reduced local inhibitory tone in the motor areas, as indicated by reduced γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels, are often associated with compromised motor performance in elderly adults. Using multimodal neuroimaging techniques including magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional MRI as well as transcranial magnetic stimulation to assess short‐interval intracortical inhibition (SICI), this study explores whether these age‐related changes can be mitigated by motor learning. The investigation focused on the effects of long‐term balance learning (3 months) on intracortical inhibition, metabolism, structural, and functional connectivity in the cortical sensorimotor network among an elderly cohort. We found that after 3 months of balance learning, subjects significantly improved balance performance, upregulated sensorimotor cortical GABA levels and ventral sensorimotor network functional connectivity (VSN‐FC) compared to a passive control group. Furthermore, correlation analysis suggested a positive association between baseline VSN‐FC and balance performance, between baseline VSN‐FC and SICI, and between improvements in balance performance and upregulation in SICI in the training group, though these correlations did not survive the false discovery rate correction. These findings demonstrate that balance learning has the potential to counteract aging‐related decline in functional connectivity and cortical inhibition on the “tonic” (MRS) and “functional” (SICI) level and shed new light on the close interplay between the GABAergic system, functional connectivity, and behavior.
Evaluation and Comparison of the Efficacy and Safety of Cryotherapy and Electrosurgery in the Treatment of Sebaceous Hyperplasia, Seborrheic Keratosis, Cherry Angioma, and Skin Tag: A Blinded Randomized Clinical Trial Study
Authors: Sadeghzadeh‐Bazargan Afsaneh , Shafiei Mojtaba , Atefi Najmolsadat , Dehghani Abbas , Pashaei Arezoo , Karimzadeh Mehraneh , Goodarzi Azadeh 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundCryotherapy and electrosurgery are two commonly used methods to remove sebaceous hyperplasia, seborrheic keratosis, cherry angioma, and skin tags, which can be bothersome and uncomfortable. We compare the effectiveness and adverse effects of cryotherapy and electrosurgery in treating these skin conditions.MethodThe study was conducted as an assessor‐blind trial. The 32 lesions in each lesion group were divided into two treatment groups, cryotherapy and electrosurgery, using sealed envelopes. We collected baseline information, which included age, gender, lesion location, and consent, from the patients. Follow‐up visits were scheduled at 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months after the initial treatment session to evaluate the response rate of the lesions. Based on before‐after clinical images, this evaluation encompassed patient and physician satisfaction (no change, little, somewhat, good, and excellent), and any potential complications.ResultsThe mean age of cryotherapy group was 52.04 ± 11.59 years, while the mean age in the electrosurgery group was 50.48 ± 10.70 years (p > 0.05). Regarding gender, 15 (23.4%) in the cryotherapy and 24 (37.5%) in the electrosurgery were female (p > 0.05). Physician and patient satisfaction increased significantly over time in the cryotherapy and electrosurgery groups (p < 0.001). For sebaceous hyperplasia, cherry angioma and skin tags, the degree of satisfaction of patients and physicians was significantly higher for electrosurgery than cryotherapy during follow‐up (p < 0.05). However, seborrheic keratosis responded better to cryotherapy. Hypopigmentation and depigmentation occurred in 2 (3.1%) and 4 (6.3%) of the cryotherapy cases, respectively. Hypopigmentation and atrophic scars also occurred in 4 (6.3%) and 2 (3.1%) of the cases in the electrosurgical group in different sessions.ConclusionIt appears that electrosurgery is more effective in the treatment of sebaceous hyperplasia, cherry angioma and skin tags, while cryotherapy is more effective in the treatment of seborrheic keratosis.
Exploring Education Interventions for Stroke Prevention Among Adults and Older Individuals: A Scoping Review
Authors: Abbasian Mehdi , Rashidi Birgani Hosna , Khabiri Roghayeh , Namvar Leila , Jahangiry Leila 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTBackground and AimsThis investigation aims to conduct a comprehensive review of educational interventions targeting stroke prevention to provide effective preventive measures and optimize resource utilization in adults and the elderly populations.MethodsA comprehensive literature search was conducted on PubMed, SCOPUS, and Embase for articles published online or in print until February 22, 2022. Inclusion criteria for studies were limited to the studies that examined stroke education or training interventions aimed at improving knowledge among adults aged 30 years and above, with a particular focus on older adults.ResultsA review of 97,848 papers was conducted, resulting in the inclusion of 19 papers. Of these, six were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), six were non‐randomized studies, five were campaign studies, one was a cross‐sectional study, one was a pilot study, and one was a prospective study. The provided information describes various interventions and educational programs related to stroke awareness, prevention, and management. The intervention subjects were categorized as awareness of warning signs and symptoms of stroke (n = 14), comprehensive awareness campaigns (n = 5), multilevel strategies for stroke education (n = 4), community‐based nursing education and rehabilitation program (n = 5), multimedia campaign for 9‐1‐1 awareness (n = 3), and self‐management interventions (n = 1).ConclusionThe categorized interventions, addressing awareness of warning signs and symptoms, comprehensive awareness campaigns, multilevel strategies, community‐based nursing education and rehabilitation programs, multimedia campaigns for 9‐1‐1 awareness, and self‐management interventions, collectively enrich our understanding of the multifaceted approaches to stroke education.
Functional analysis and treatment of problem behavior by domesticated canines
Authors: Salzer Allyson R. , Dozier Claudia L. , DiGennaro Reed Florence D. , Reed Derek D. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractFunctional analyses are used to assess maintaining variables of behavior. Despite the large amount of research on functional analyses with humans, there are limited examples with nonhumans and even fewer studies incorporating modifications to standard methods of assessment with nonhumans. One modification that has yet to be evaluated with nonhuman animals is the trial‐based functional analysis in which control and test conditions are embedded in naturalistic environments. This study compared a standard functional analysis with a trial‐based functional analysis across different topographies of problem behavior with dogs. The results of the functional analyses corresponded for every dog. Individualized treatments were designed to reduce problem behavior. Implications of the trial‐based functional analysis include feasibility for privately owned dogs and dogs under the care of shelters. The trial‐based functional analysis offers a modification to established functional analyses that may allow increased access to the assessment of problem behavior.