bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The sympathetic nervous system in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Chang Joshua W.-H. , Ramchandra Rohit 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is a major mediator of cardiovascular physiology during exercise in healthy people. However, its role in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), where exercise intolerance is a cardinal symptom, has remained relatively unexplored. The present review summarizes and critically explores the currently limited data on SNS changes in HFpEF patients with a particular emphasis on caveats of the data and the implications for its subsequent interpretation. While direct measurements of SNS activity in HFpEF patients is scarce, modest increases in resting levels of muscle sympathetic nerve activity are apparent, although this may be due to the co-morbidities associated with the syndrome rather than HFpEF per se. In addition, despite some evidence for dysfunctional sympathetic signaling in the heart, there is no clear evidence for elevated cardiac sympathetic nerve activity. The lack of a compelling prognostic benefit with use of β-blockers in HFpEF patients also suggests a lack of sympathetic hyperactivity to the heart. Similarly, while renal and splanchnic denervation studies have been performed in HFpEF patients, there is no concrete evidence that the sympathetic nerves innervating these organs exhibit heightened activity. Taken together, the totality of data suggests limited evidence for elevated sympathetic nerve activity in HFpEF and that any SNS perturbations that do occur are not universal to all HFpEF patients. Finally, how the SNS responds during exertion in HFpEF patients remains unknown and requires urgent investigation.
Punishment and Reward Sensitivity in Risk-Taking as Potential Mechanisms Explaining the Relationships Between Childhood Callous-Unemotional Traits and Adolescent Substance Use in a Longitudinal Cohort Study Sample
Authors: Sakki Hanna , St Clair Michelle C. , Shou Yiyun , Allen Jennifer L. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Childhood callous-unemotional (CU) traits are associated with a neurocognitive response style of high reward and low punishment sensitivity, which may make these children particularly vulnerable to substance misuse. However, the mechanisms explaining the link between CU traits and substance use are poorly understood. This study investigated the mediating influences of reward and punishment sensitivity on the association between childhood CU traits and adolescent substance use. Using data from the UK Millennium Cohort Study, mediation analyses were conducted to investigate the potential indirect effects of age 14 reward and punishment sensitivity in risk-taking on the relationships between age 11 CU traits and alcohol, cannabis, and other illicit drug use at age 17. No direct effects of CU traits on substance use were found when accounting for gender, baseline alcohol use, poverty, emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity, and verbal ability at age 11. Indirect effects of increased reward sensitivity on the relationship between CU traits and increased use were seen for alcohol, cannabis, and other drugs. There was a significant indirect effect of reduced punishment sensitivity on the relationship between CU traits and increased alcohol use, but not cannabis or other substance use. Findings suggest that reward and punishment sensitivity may have independent effects on decision-making processes contributing to adolescent substance use. Prevention and early intervention for substance use should consider modifying intervention strategies to fit the needs of adolescents with a callous interpersonal style and a neurocognitive profile characterized by a high drive for rewards and low risk aversion.
Conformational Flexibility and Net Charge are Key Determinants for the Antimicrobial Activity of Peptide Uy234 Against Multidrug-resistant Bacteria
Authors: Salazar-Hernández Daniel , Juárez-González Víctor Rivelino , Bustamante Víctor H. , Martínez-Martínez Lucía Lourdes , Ramírez Verónica , Balleza Daniel , Quintero-Hernández Verónica 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
The antimicrobial activity of two peptides, Uy234 derived from the venom of the scorpion Urodacus yaschenkoi and a consensus peptide QnCs-Buap, was evaluated. We tested different pathogenic bacteria: Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella enterica, Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus spp. and Staphylococcus aureus, including one methicillin resistant (MRSA) and two multidrug resistant (MDR) clinical isolates. In contrast to the QnCs-Buap peptide, Uy234 showed relevant growth inhibitory activity on A. baumannii and B. subtilis, and mostly on S. aureus strains.

Objective
The present research focused on elucidating the mechanism for this antibacterial activity.

Methodology
We carried out an in-depth analysis of the composition, structure, flexibility, and physicochemical properties of both peptides.

Results
We found a crucial role of the C-terminal amide and composition in favoring the formation of a dense H-bond network in the Uy234 peptide. This H-bonding network slightly stiffens the peptide and keeps it in a preordered conformation in the aqueous phase.

Conclusions
We hypothesize that, given that Uy234 is a very short peptide (18 aa), it could have a destabilizing effect and favor micellization phenomena instead forming pores. In contrast, the QnCs-Buap peptide (13 aa), having only the positive charge at the N-terminal end and being significantly more hydrophobic and rigid, is not capable of overcoming the energy barrier to disturb the membrane. We propose that Uy234 peptide can be a scaffold to develop new derivatives with high potential against infections caused by diverse multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Graphical Abstract
Ideal Workers, Supporting Actors, or Thrill Seekers? How Coworker Demands Influence Ambulance Volunteers’ Experiences of Freedom and Meaningful Work
Authors: McAllum Kirstie 
Published: October 2024

AbstractFor nonprofit organizations (NPOs) struggling to attract adequate numbers of volunteers, examining what makes nonprofit engagement meaningful is essential because disenchanted volunteers can simply quit. Yet, the assumption that freedom is a core aspect of the volunteer experience and of meaningful work may not hold true in high-stakes environments where volunteers must demonstrate high levels of commitment and expertise. This study aims to analyze how freedom plays out in high-stakes volunteering and its impact on meaningful work. Drawing on interviews with volunteer and paid ambulance crew working in nine stations in Aotearoa New Zealand, the study explores how “super-volunteers” talk about freedom in the context of their on-road work and how coworkers communicatively attempt to influence volunteers’ freedom. Three volunteer profiles emerged from the analysis: ideal workers, supporting actors, and thrill seekers. Most paid staff encouraged ideal workers to strive for self-realization, a form of positive freedom in work, which led to optimal clinical performance. Supporting actors privileged self-determination or positive freedom at work, although coworkers successfully pushed them to contribute to basic emergency work. Because thrill seekers demanded freedom from boring or dirty jobs, appeals to teamwork failed to sway them. The study makes two key contributions. First, the diversity of freedoms volunteers evoked and resisted underscores the importance of nuancing the assertion that volunteering is a “free” act. Second, although the meaningful work literature is drifting in the pro-freedom direction, it shows that the freedoms enacted by volunteers or promoted by coworkers were arguably “mistaken”—for volunteers, patients, and the NPO itself.
Effect of layering and pre-loading on the dynamic properties of sand-rubber specimens in resonant column tests
Authors: Kowalska Magdalena , Vrettos Christos 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Several studies show that scrap tyre rubber mixed with sand is an effective and sustainable method for mitigating vibrations. The dynamic and cyclic response of this composite soil has already been investigated. However, layered sand-rubber configurations have not been considered yet. This study reports findings of resonant column tests on three types of specimen: (a) sand-only or rubber-only, (b) layered sand-rubber, and (c) sand-rubber mixtures. The analysis allowed for an evaluation of the maximum shear modulus and its degradation with strain over a wide range of confining stress and shear strain. The evolution of the damping ratio with strain was determined analogously. Effects of pre-loading and pre-straining were also considered. The results show that the behaviour of layered specimens is much more similar to that of pure rubber than to sand-rubber mixtures, with very low shear modulus values, smaller degradation of stiffness with strain and pre-loading, and higher damping. For example, at the confining stress of 100 kPa and rubber content of 0/33.3/50/67.7/100% by volume, the small strain shear moduli for sand-rubber mixtures are equal to 98.3/30.4/15.4/7.1/1.3 MPa and 98.3/3.6-4.2/2.4-2.8/2.1/1.3 MPa for sand-rubber layered specimens, depending on the arrangement of layers. A shear beam model is shown to be adequate for calculating the response of the layered specimens comprising layers of large stiffness contrast.
Disparities in management of symptomatic osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures: a nationwide multidisciplinary survey
Authors: Weber A. , Vercoulen T. F. G. , Jacobs E. , Buizer A. T. , Bours S. P. G. , van den Bergh J. P. , Jeuken R. M. , van Kuijk S. M. J. , Evers S. M. A. A. , Willems P. C. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Summary

This nationwide multidisciplinary survey found dissatisfaction among physicians with current osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture care, revealing significant disparities in diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up practices. Issues include poor communication and differing guidelines. Improving interdisciplinary collaboration and standardized care strategies is essential for better patient outcomes.

Purpose
This survey aims to assess current preferred care practices for symptomatic osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF) in the Netherlands, focusing on guideline adherence, identifying knowledge gaps, and clarifying consensus and collaboration across medical disciplines in OVCF treatment.

Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted via Qualtrics (Provo, UT) using a self-administered online survey distributed to 238 general practitioners and physicians in orthopedics, traumatology, internal medicine, rheumatology, and geriatrics working at 51 hospitals in the Netherlands. The survey, conducted in Dutch, included 36 multiple-choice and two open questions and was accessible via an anonymous email link or QR code. General practitioners received additional questions specific to their role. Data was anonymized, stored securely, and analyzed using descriptive statistics in Microsoft Excel and SPSS (Version 24). Open-ended responses were coded and categorized. The survey was conducted prior to the publication of the updated Federation of Medical Specialists guidelines in 2024.

Results
Physicians across various disciplines uniformly expressed dissatisfaction with current OVCF care. The survey highlighted significant disparities in diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up practices. A lack of communication between primary and secondary care providers and differing guidelines further complicate OVCF management. These issues point to considerable variation in clinical practice and gaps in interdisciplinary collaboration.

Conclusion
Addressing the identified issues requires fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and creating cohesive care strategies. Ensuring access to diagnostic resources in both primary and secondary care and establishing coordinated care models promises more structured and standardized treatment. These steps are crucial for enhancing patient outcomes in OVCF management.
A Comparative Study of the Impact of La2O3 and La2Zr2O7 Dispersions on Molybdenum Microstructure, Mechanical Properties, and Fracture
Authors: Tkachenko Serhii , Slámečka Karel , Bednaříková Vendula , Remešová Michaela , Gejdoš Pavel , Ksenzova Olha , Valášek Daniel , Dvořák Karel , Šulák Ivo , Gálíková Markéta , Baláž Matěj , Deák Andrea , Cihlář Jaroslav , Čelko Ladislav 
Published: October 2024

AbstractWe report, for the first time, the effect of lanthanum zirconate (La2Zr2O7) particles on the microstructure and mechanical behavior of an experimental molybdenum oxide dispersion-strengthened alloy. The focus was on the preparation of the novel Mo–La2Zr2O7 composite using high-energy ball milling and spark plasma sintering and on the comparison of its microstructural and mechanical properties with pure Mo and Mo–La2O3 ODS alloy counterparts. Mechanical properties were assessed using a Vickers hardness test at room temperature and a three-point flexural test in the temperature range from − 150 to 150 °C. The microstructure of the studied materials and their fracture behavior were evaluated using x-ray diffraction, energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, and scanning electron and transmission electron microscopy. The strengthening effect of La2Zr2O7 particles was found to be lower than that of La2O3 particles, resulting in a 30-35% lower yield stress and flexural strength of the Mo–La2Zr2O7 alloy compared to the Mo–La2O3 alloy. The experimental Mo–La2Zr2O7 alloy exhibited low plasticity and no distinct ductile-to-brittle transition temperature (DBTT) in the tested temperature range, unlike pure Mo and the Mo–La2O3 alloy, which had the DBTT of 63 and 1 °C, respectively. Fracture occurred mainly in a brittle intergranular manner in the entire testing temperature range, while the counterpart materials showed localized plastic stretching at grain boundaries and within grains at and above the transition region. The observed behavior was primarily related to lower strengthening and brittleness as well as less effective grain boundary purification.
The Good (Tumor Killing) and the Bad (Cardiovascular Complications) of Immunologic Checkpoint Inhibitors
Authors: Gamero Maria T. , Patel Avish , Storozynsky Eugene 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Purpose of Review
This review details the significant advancement in knowledge of Immune-checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) and its potential deleterious cardiac immune-related adverse effects (irAE). We explore their mechanisms on the cardiac tissue, providing guidance on risk factors, clinical presentations, diagnostic strategies along with treatment.

Recent Findings
Recent findings have provided insights of cardiac irAEs that exist beyond the previously well-known ICI-induced myocarditis. We have a better understanding of the wide variety of cardiac irAEs pathologies both early and late onset. Moreover, there is more data on mechanisms of cardiotoxicity and patient and therapy-related risk factors, supporting closer routine cardiac monitoring with biomarkers and imaging for prevention and early detection.

Summary
Diagnosing cardiac irAEs is a challenge given its broad clinical presentation. A high-level of suspicion in addition to early work-up is crucial to prevent serious cardiac events. A multi-disciplinary team including Cardiologists and Oncologists is essential for closely monitor patients’ cardiac status on ICI therapy. There is a need of updated guidelines to establish clear recommendations in patients on ICIs.
Empathy, personality, and aggression in male and female adolescents
Authors: Romero Alicia , Blanch Angel , Martínez Albert , Malas Olga 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe relationship between empathy and aggression is inconclusive, with substantial evidence revealing moderator effects of factors such as age, sex, and personality. This study examines whether sex differences or sex similarities stem from the relationship between empathy, personality, and aggression. There were 197 adolescents enrolled in secondary education (89 males and 108 females), who completed the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI), the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ), and the Buss and Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ). Females scored higher than males in empathy factors (fantasy, empathic concern, and personal distress), neuroticism, and in aggression (anger and hostility). Males and females showed similar outcomes in the association between perspective taking and personal distress with anger and hostility. Extraversion and neuroticism failed to explain additional variance in instrumental aggression (physical and verbal). Neuroticism, however, explained a meaningful larger amount of variance in the affective and cognitive components of aggression beyond empathy measures for both males and females, anger (9%) and hostility (15%), respectively. The findings suggest that, regardless of sex, empathy appears important for instrumental aggression (physical, verbal), whereas neuroticism is a robust predictor of affective and cognitive aggression (anger, hostility).
Barriers Perceived by Professionals in Family-Centered Early Intervention Services: A Systematic Review of the Current Evidence
Authors: Pacheco-Molero Manuel , Morales-Murillo Catalina , León-Estrada Irene , Gutiérrez-Ortega Mónica 
Published: October 2024

AbstractFamily-centered services are the recommended early intervention approach to develop and deliver services for children with disabilities and their families. This systematic review aims to identify and highlight what barriers service providers in family-centered early intervention perceive that prevent them from providing high-quality services focused on the family and the child's overall well-being. We identified 37 articles that met the selection criteria of the first initial search of 1858 articles. These studies provided insights from both service providers and families. The identified barriers were categorized into eight dimensions: family, child, knowledge, and application of the approach/model, professional beliefs, natural environment, service coordination, working conditions, and current legislation. The main barriers identified were family barriers, insecurities perceived by professionals and difficulties in their ability to provide services, changes in their attitudes and behaviors when they perceive that they are losing their role as experts, lack of knowledge and application of specific practices, and lack of skills needed to engage primary caregivers in natural settings. These findings should inform policy implementation at local and state levels in countries where family-centered service is established in early childhood programs.
Enhancing glioblastoma cytotoxicity through encapsulating O6-benzylguanine and temozolomide in PEGylated liposomal nanocarrier: an in vitro study
Authors: Hegde Manasa Manjunath , Palkar Pranoti , Mutalik Sadhana P. , Mutalik Srinivas , Goda Jayant Sastri , Rao B. S. Satish 
Published: October 2024

AbstractGlioblastoma (GBM) (grade IV glioma) is the most fatal brain tumor, with a median survival of just 14 months despite current treatments. Temozolomide (TMZ), an alkylating agent used with radiation, faces challenges such as systemic toxicity, poor absorption, and drug resistance. To enhance TMZ effectiveness, we developed poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) liposomes co-loaded with TMZ and O6-benzylguanine (O6-BG) for targeted glioma therapy. These liposomes, prepared using the thin-layer hydration method, had an average size of 146.33 ± 6.75 nm and a negative zeta potential (−49.6 ± 3.1 mV). Drug release was slower at physiological pH, with 66.84 ± 4.62% of TMZ and 69.70 ± 2.88% of O6-BG released, indicating stability at physiological conditions. The liposomes showed significantly higher cellular uptake (p < 0.05) than the free dye. The dual drug-loaded liposomes exhibited superior cytotoxicity against U87 glioma cells, with a lower IC50 value (3.99µg/mL) than the free drug combination, demonstrating enhanced anticancer efficacy. The liposome formulation induced higher apoptosis (19.42 ± 3.5%) by causing sub-G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. The novelty of our study lies in co-encapsulating TMZ and O6-BG within PEGylated liposomes, effectively overcoming drug resistance and improving targeted delivery for glioma treatment.
Structural characterization of a suspension bridge by mapping the temperature effects on strain response based on neural network models
Authors: Miranda Fabiana N. , Mata Juan , Santos João Pedro , Romão Xavier 
Published: October 2024

AbstractMapping the structural responses based on main loads to characterize signature of complex structures with high-dimensional features is a determinant factor for structural health monitoring (SHM). Current technological advances contribute to the optimization of data analysis, aiming to make the process less demanding in terms of time and computational demand. Machine learning (ML) models became popular due to their capacity to estimate structural behaviour based on the measurements gathered by the SHM systems. This work proposes a methodology supported by Neural Networks (NN) for the characterization and prediction of the structural behaviour based on thermal loads and structural responses. By comparing the observed values and predicted outcomes from the NN, it is possible to identify measuring errors, new trends or pattern variations that need further assessment. A sensitivity analysis is also proposed to confirm the model robustness and to characterize the influence of the temperature on the structural responses. The case study is the 25 de Abril’s bridge, located in Lisbon, Portugal.
Kantorovich Variant of the Blending Type Bernstein Operators
Authors: Baytunç Erdem , Gezer Halil , Aktuğlu Hüseyin 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIn this paper, we introduce a novel class of blending-type Bernstein–Kantorovich operators. These operators depend on three parameters: $$\alpha $$
α
, $$\gamma $$
γ
, and s. We establish results on the uniform convergence and rate of convergence of these operators in terms of the first and second order modulus of continuity. We also investigate the shape-preserving properties of the operators, such as monotonicity and convexity, for each choice of $$\alpha $$
α
, $$\gamma $$
γ
, and s. Finally, we provide graphical and numerical results to illustrate the accuracy of the operators and to demonstrate how they approach certain functions.
Privatheit und Identifizierbarkeit
Authors: Schwind Philipp 
Published: October 2024

ZusammenfassungDas Recht auf Privatheit erstreckt sich nur auf Informationen, durch welche die sie betreffenden Personen identifizierbar sind. Diese Annahme wird im Recht und in der philosophischen Debatte weithin geteilt; an ihr orientiert sich auch der Umgang mit persönlichen Daten, etwa in der Medizin. Dagegen argumentiert der vorliegende Aufsatz, dass auch die Verbreitung anonymer Informationen eine Privatheitsverletzung darstellen kann. Diese Schlussfolgerung ergibt sich aus zwei Thesen: (1) Aus Sicht des Betroffenen beziehen sich die Urteile anderer über anonyme Informationen auf deren Urheber, auch wenn Außenstehende nicht wissen, um wen es sich handelt; (2) Unser Selbstverständnis wird durch das Urteil anderer über uns mitkonstituiert. Dies ist eine Folge unserer sozialen Natur. Es gibt bestimmte Bereiche unseres Lebens, die wir um unserer selbst willen nicht dem Blick anderer aussetzen möchten. Die nichtautorisierte Verbreitung von Informationen, welche diese Bereiche zum Gegenstand haben, kann daher unsere Privatheit auch dann verletzten, wenn diese anonym sind. Die Frage nach dem Umfang von Privatheit stellt zwar ein allgemeines Problem dar, aber es gibt Gründe, diese mit Blick auf die digitale Medizin zu diskutieren.