bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The common sense model in Raynaud’s phenomenon: do illness perceptions account for variance in symptom severity and quality of life?
Authors: Broughton Jessica , Irving Dulcie , Daniels Jo 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

People with Raynaud’s phenomenon (RP) experience poorer mental health and quality of life than the general population, and there is limited evidence for treatment options in RP. The Common Sense Model of illness representations (CSM) is a well-established theoretical model, which has not yet been robustly investigated in RP, but may provide potential avenues for psychological interventions with the ability to explore perceptions and beliefs, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). The study aims were to investigate illness perceptions and examine the relationship between illness perceptions and symptom severity and quality of life in RP to explore a theoretical basis for potential treatment avenues. A cross-sectional online questionnaire design was employed and 169 adults with RP (primary or secondary) were analysed. Illness perceptions significantly differed between primary and secondary RP types on all but one domain (p < .05). Hierarchical multiple regressions indicated that illness perception subscales made a significant unique contribution to the models explaining 65% variance in symptom severity (R2 = .65, p < .001) and 30% variance in quality of life (R2 = .30, p < .001). This novel study provides preliminary evidence regarding the applicability of the CSM to RP in a clinically meaningful way. CBT, which can specifically target illness perceptions within a wider psychological formulation, may be helpful for individuals with RP who are experiencing psychological distress in relation to symptom severity. Further work is needed to develop outcome measures specific to RP and tailor interventions to manage distress and impaired quality of life.

Key learning aims

(1)
The Common Sense Model is applicable and relevant to Raynaud’s phenomenon (RP) and there are important differences between illness perceptions in those with primary and secondary RP subtypes.

(2)
Findings show that illness-specific cognitions make a significant contribution to the variance in symptom severity and quality of life in those with both subtypes of RP, which has notable implications for the assessment, formulation and treatment of psychological difficulties in RP.

(3)
This offers a basis for further replication and development and adaptation of an intervention for this group, drawing on the evidence base for long-term conditions.
Acute dose-dependent effects of mescaline in a double-blind placebo-controlled study in healthy subjects
Authors: Klaiber Aaron , Schmid Yasmin , Becker Anna M. , Straumann Isabelle , Erne Livio , Jelusic Alen , Thomann Jan , Luethi Dino , Liechti Matthias E. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractClassic psychedelics have regained interest in research and therapy. Despite the long tradition of the human use of mescaline, modern data on its dose-dependent acute effects and pharmacokinetics are lacking. Additionally, its mechanism of action has not been investigated in humans. We used a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design in 16 healthy subjects (8 women) who received placebo, mescaline (100, 200, 400, and 800 mg), and 800 mg mescaline together with the serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamine-2A (5-HT2A) receptor antagonist ketanserin (40 mg) to assess subjective effects, autonomic effects, adverse effects, and pharmacokinetics up to 30 h after drug administration. Mescaline at doses >100 mg induced dose-dependent acute subjective effects. Mescaline increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure at doses >100 mg, with no difference between doses of 200-800 mg. Heart rate increased dose-dependently. Pharmacokinetics of mescaline were dose-proportional. Maximal concentrations were reached after approximately 2 h, and the plasma elimination half-life was approximately 3.5 h. The average duration of subjective effects increased from 6.4 to 14 h with increasing doses of 100-800 mg mescaline. Nausea and emesis were frequent adverse effects at the 800 mg dose. Co-administration of ketanserin attenuated and shortened acute effects of 800 mg mescaline to become comparable to the 100 and 200 mg doses. There were no ceiling effects of the subjective response within the investigated dose range, but tolerability was lower at the highest doses. These results may assist with dose finding for future research and suggest that acute effects of mescaline are primarily mediated by 5-HT2A receptors.
Proinflammatory immune cells disrupt angiogenesis and promote germinal matrix hemorrhage in prenatal human brain
Authors: Chen Jiapei , Crouch Elizabeth E. , Zawadzki Miriam E. , Jacobs Kyle A. , Mayo Lakyn N. , Choi Jennifer Ja-Yoon , Lin Pin-Yeh , Shaikh Saba , Tsui Jessica , Gonzalez-Granero Susana , Waller Shamari , Kelekar Avani , Kang Gugene , Valenzuela Edward J. , Birrueta Janeth Ochoa , Diafos Loukas N. , Wedderburn-Pugh Kaylee , Di Marco Barbara , Xia Wenlong , Han Claudia Z. , Coufal Nicole G. , Glass Christopher K. , Fancy Stephen P. J. , Alfonso Julieta , Kriegstein Arnold R. , Oldham Michael C. , Garcia-Verdugo Jose Manuel , Kutys Matthew L. , Lehtinen Maria K. , Combes Alexis J. , Huang Eric J. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractGerminal matrix hemorrhage (GMH) is a devastating neurodevelopmental condition affecting preterm infants, but why blood vessels in this brain region are vulnerable to rupture remains unknown. Here we show that microglia in prenatal mouse and human brain interact with nascent vasculature in an age-dependent manner and that ablation of these cells in mice reduces angiogenesis in the ganglionic eminences, which correspond to the human germinal matrix. Consistent with these findings, single-cell transcriptomics and flow cytometry show that distinct subsets of CD45+ cells from control preterm infants employ diverse signaling mechanisms to promote vascular network formation. In contrast, CD45+ cells from infants with GMH harbor activated neutrophils and monocytes that produce proinflammatory factors, including azurocidin 1, elastase and CXCL16, to disrupt vascular integrity and cause hemorrhage in ganglionic eminences. These results underscore the brain’s innate immune cells in region-specific angiogenesis and how aberrant activation of these immune cells promotes GMH in preterm infants.
Antibiotic prescribing patterns in pediatric patients using the WHO access, watch, reserve (AWaRe) classification at a quaternary hospital in Nampula, Mozambique
Authors: Xavier Sancho Pedro , da Silva Ageo Mario Cândido , Victor Audêncio 
Published: September 2024

AbstractAntibiotics are often prescribed inappropriately, either when they are not needed or with an unnecessarily broad spectrum of activity. This is a serious problem that can lead to the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This study was conducted to assess the antibiotic prescribing pattern in pediatric patients hospitalized at a quaternary hospital in Nampula, Mozambique, using the WHO indicators and Framework as a reference. A retrospective study was conducted using secondary data obtained from medical records. The study population consisted of children aged 0–10 years who were hospitalized in a quaternary-level hospital ward in Nampula, Mozambique. The pattern of antibiotic prescriptions was assessed using indicators and the WHO classification of antibiotics into AWaRe categories. Descriptive statistics were applied. A total of 464 antibiotics were prescribed during the study. The age groups of 1–3 years and 28 days-12 months were prescribed more antibiotics. The most common antibiotics were ceftriaxone and crystallized penicillin, which were frequently prescribed for patients suffering from bronchopneumonia, gastroenteritis, and malaria. 74.8% of the antibiotics prescribed belonged to the Access group, while 23.7% belonged to the Watch group. There were no prescriptions of antibiotics from the Reserve group. The average number of antibiotics per prescription was 1.51 (SD ± 0.725). The percentage of antibiotic prescribing was 97.5%, with 96.20% by injection. All antibiotics prescribed were on the essential medicines list and prescribed by generic name. These results are concerning and highlight the urgency of strengthening antimicrobial optimization measures, as well as implementing the AWaRe framework in antibiotic prescribing as an essential strategy to combat AMR.
Adaptive strategies in architecture and allocation for the asymmetric growth of camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora L.)
Authors: Guo Chenbing , Hu Yonghong , Qin Jun , Wu Duorun , Leng Hanbing , Wang Hongbing 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe stability-related asymmetry in roots, trunk, and crown is always found as a typical effect of biomechanical design under heterogeneous stimulus environment. However, it appears to be a conflict between the biomechanical principle and the source-sink distance of nutrient allocation strategies when the orientational asymmetry occurs. Adaptive growth strategies associated with biomass and nutrient allocation remain to be explored. This study used both the minirhizotron and harvest methods to test the effect of trunk inclination of camphor trees (Cinnamomum camphora) and found that the asymmetry coefficient of root biomass was − 0.29, showing more root biomass distributed on the other side of trunk inclination. This side had larger surface area and volume of fine roots, the smaller in diameter and the larger in length of the first level roots, higher leaf total nitrogen (TN) and slightly higher root TN content, higher activities of antioxidant enzymes SOD, POD, and CAT in leaves, and lower soluble sugar and protein. The biomass, morphological and physiological characteristics suggest that trees may follow both the biomechanical design and source-sink distance of nutrient allocation strategies. The research results expand the connotation of root-shoot balance in the orientational allocation of biomass and physiological responses.
Modeling the burden of long COVID in California with quality adjusted life-years (QALYS)
Authors: Zhu Sophie , McCullough Kalyani , Pry Jake M. , Jain Seema , White Lauren A. , León Tomás M. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIndividuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 may develop post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (“long COVID”) even after asymptomatic or mild acute illness. Including time varying COVID symptom severity can provide more informative burden estimates for public health response. Using a compartmental model driven by confirmed cases, this study estimated long COVID burden by age group (0–4, 5–17, 18–49, 50–64, 65+) in California as measured by the cumulative and severity-specific proportion of quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) lost. Long COVID symptoms were grouped into severe, moderate, and mild categories based on estimates from the Global Burden of Disease study, and symptoms were assumed to decrease in severity in the model before full recovery. All 10,945,079 confirmed COVID-19 cases reported to the California Department of Public Health between March 1, 2020, and December 31, 2022, were included in the analysis. Most estimated long COVID-specific QALYs [59,514 (range: 10,372–180,257)] lost in California were concentrated in adults 18–49 (31,592; 53.1%). Relative to other age groups, older adults (65+) lost proportionally more QALYs from severe long COVID (1,366/6,984; 20%). Due to changing case ascertainment over time, this analysis might underestimate the actual total burden. In global sensitivity analysis, estimates of QALYs lost were most sensitive to the proportion of individuals that developed long COVID and proportion of cases with each initial level of long COVID symptom severity (mild/moderate/severe). Models like this analysis can help translate observable metrics such as cases and hospitalizations into quantitative estimates of long COVID burden that are currently difficult to directly measure. Unlike the observed relationship between age and incident severe outcomes for COVID-19, this study points to the potential cumulative impact of mild long COVID symptoms in younger individuals.
Generalized redshift formula through an energy-based framework
Authors: Ortiz C. , Ibarra-Castor F. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractRedshift is a crucial concept in physics; it has significant implications for our understanding of the dynamics and evolution of the cosmos. In this article, we introduce a generalized formula to determine the redshift parameter. The unified framework, which relates the redshift to the energy of the system, eliminates the need to derive the redshift parameter on a case-by-case basis, uncovering the relationships between different mechanisms. Furthermore, the generalization allows us to extend the redshift to non-considered mechanisms.
Acute estradiol and progesterone therapy in hospitalized adults to reduce COVID-19 severity: a randomized control trial
Authors: Lovre Dragana , Qadir M. M. Fahd , Bateman Kristin , Saltzman Leia Y , Sherman Mya , Mauvais-Jarvis Franck 
Published: September 2024

AbstractCOVID-19 outcomes are less severe in women than men suggesting that female sex is protective. The steroids estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) promote anti-inflammatory immune responses and their therapeutic use for COVID-19 has been under investigation. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of a short systemic E2 and P4 combination in mitigating COVID-19 severity in hospitalized men and women. In a phase 2, single center, double blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial, ten male and female participants hospitalized for COVID-19 with scores 3–5 on the 9-point WHO ordinal scale were randomized to receive either (1) E2 cypionate (5 mg, IM) and micronized P4 (200 mg, PO), or (2) placebo-equivalent, in addition to standard of care (SOC). The primary outcome was the proportion of patients whose WHO scores improved to 1–2 on the day of discharge. Secondary outcomes included length of hospital stay (LOS), days on oxygen therapy (DOT), readmission rates (RR), adverse events (AEs), and change in circulating biomarkers using untargeted proteomics and cytokine profiling. There were no significant changes between the groups in primary outcome, LOS, DOT, RR or AEs. The E2P4 group exhibited a decrease in biomarker pathways of respiratory and gastrointestinal disease inflammation, infection by coronavirus, and immune cell trafficking and inflammatory response. A short-term E2P4 treatment in patients hospitalized for COVID-19 decreases biomarkers of inflammation. Considering the availability, low cost, and safety of E2 and P4, our results warrant additional studies to explore their effects in mitigating other viral pandemics. Clinical Trial Registration NCT04865029, ClinicalTrials.gov; (First trial registration 29/04/2021).
Cationic fluorinated micelles for cell labeling and 19F-MR imaging
Authors: Jirát-Ziółkowska Natalia , Panakkal Vyshakh Manayath , Jiráková Klára , Havlíček Dominik , Sedláček Ondřej , Jirák Daniel 
Published: September 2024

AbstractMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) relies on appropriate contrast agents, especially for visualizing transplanted cells within host tissue. In recent years, compounds containing fluorine-19 have gained significant attention as MRI probe, particularly in dual 1H/19F-MR imaging. However, various factors affecting probe sensitivity, such as fluorine content and the equivalency of fluorine atoms, must be considered. In this study, we synthesized fluorinated micelles with adjustable surface positive charge density and investigated their physicochemical properties and MRI efficacy in phantoms and labeled cells. While the micelles exhibited clear signals in 19F-MR spectra and imaging, the concentrations required for MRI visualization of labeled cells were relatively high, adversely affecting cell viability. Despite their favourable physicochemical properties, achieving higher labeling rates without compromising cell viability during labeling remains a challenge for potential in vivo applications.
Trends in 5-year cancer survival disparities by race and ethnicity in the US between 2002–2006 and 2015–2019
Authors: Chen Chongfa , Yin Lingdi , Lu Chunhui , Wang Guangfu , Li Zhenyu , Sun Feihu , Wang Huijuan , Li Chenchen , Dai Shangnan , Lv Nan , Wei Jishu , Lu Zipeng , Guo Feng , Tu Min , Xiao Bin , Xi Chunhua , Zhang Kai , Li Qiang , Wu Junli , Gao Wentao , Feng Xu , Jiang Kuirong , Miao Yi 
Published: September 2024

AbstractRacial and ethnic disparities persist in cancer survival rates across the United States, despite overall improvements. This comprehensive analysis examines trends in 5-year relative survival rates from 2002–2006 to 2015–2019 for major cancer types, elucidating differences among racial/ethnic groups to guide equitable healthcare strategies. Data from the SEER Program spanning 2000–2020 were analyzed, focusing on breast, colorectal, prostate, lung, pancreatic cancers, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, acute leukemia, and multiple myeloma. Age-standardized relative survival rates were calculated to assess racial (White, Black, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian/Pacific Islander) and ethnic (Hispanic, Non-Hispanic) disparities, utilizing period analysis for recent estimates and excluding cases identified solely through autopsy or death certificates. While significant survival improvements were observed for most cancers, notable disparities persisted. Non-Hispanic Blacks exhibited the largest gain in breast cancer survival, with an increase of 5.2% points (from 77.6 to 82.8%); however, the survival rate remained lower than that of Non-Hispanic Whites (92.1%). Colorectal cancer survival declined overall (64.7–64.1%), marked by a 6.2% point drop for Non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Natives (66.3–60.1%). Prostate cancer survival declined across all races, with Non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Natives showing a decrease of 7.7% points (from 96.9 to 89.2%). Lung cancer, acute leukemia, and multiple myeloma showed notable increases across groups. Substantial racial/ethnic disparities in cancer survival underscore the notable need for tailored strategies ensuring equitable access to advanced treatments, particularly addressing significant trends in colorectal and pancreatic cancers among specific minority groups. Careful interpretation of statistical significance is warranted given the large dataset.
Structural phase transition in NH₄F under extreme pressure conditions
Authors: Ranieri Umbertoluca , Bellin Christophe , Conway Lewis J. , Gaal Richard , Loveday John S. , Hermann Andreas , Shukla Abhay , Bove Livia E. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Ammonium fluoride (NH₄F) exhibits a variety of crystalline phases depending on temperature and pressure. By employing Raman spectroscopy and synchrotron X-ray diffraction beyond megabar pressures (up to 140 GPa), we have here observed a novel dense solid phase of NH₄F, characterised by the tetragonal P4/nmm structure also observed in other ammonium halides under less extreme pressure conditions, typically a few GPa. Using detailed ab-initio calculations and reevaluating earlier theoretical models pertaining to other ammonium halides, we examine the microscopic mechanisms underlying the transition from the low-pressure cubic phase (P-43m) to the newly identified high-pressure tetragonal phase (P4/nmm). Notably, NH₄F exhibits distinctive properties compared to its counterparts, resulting in a significantly broader pressure range over which this transition unfolds, facilitating the identification of its various stages. Our analysis points to a synergistic interplay driving the transition to the P4/nmm phase, which we name phase VIII. At intermediate pressures (around 40 GPa), a displacive transition of fluorine ions initiates a tetragonal distortion of the cubic phase. Subsequently, at higher pressures (around 115 GPa), every second ammonium ion undergoes a rotational shift, adopting an anti-tetrahedral arrangement. This coupled effect orchestrates the transition process, leading to the formation of the tetragonal phase.
Energy Return On (energy) Invested (EROI) and its importance in assessing the performance of energy systems
Authors: Bonhomme Gérard , Treiner Jacques 
Published: September 2024

Meeting the energy needs of our societies, in the context of the fight against global warming and the prospect of depleting stocks of fossil fuels and mineral resources, requires the implementation of low-carbon alternative solutions. The cost per MWh is undoubtedly a useful criterion, but physical criteria are essential for assessing technological solutions and possible energy scenarios.
The main of these criteria based on physical quantities is the “Energy Return on Invested” (EROI), which measures the efficiency of a system in providing society with useful energy for sectors other than the energy sector itself. Other aspects must also be considered, such as the availability of resources, the surface areas mobilised, mineral requirements, industrial risks and environmental and health impacts.
Molten salts for 4th generation nuclear reactors?
Authors: Merle Elsa , Allibert Michel , Heuer Daniel , Laureau Axel 
Published: September 2024

If we are to combat climate change significantly, massive use of nuclear energy is essential. This requires upstream management of the risks associated with nuclear power and its acceptability to society. Nuclear generation will also have to be able to keep up with the load of a fleet that includes a large proportion of renewable energies.
This article presents and discusses a new approach to meeting these challenges: liquid fuel reactors, or molten salt reactors, which are attracting growing interest. It describes the developments made in France with the CNRS MSFR (molten salt reactor with fast neutron spectrum) concept, which offers prospects for the incineration of transuranics and the management of intermittent energy sources.
Digital is an increasingly heavy industry
Authors: Bidan Marc , Ferreboeuf Hugues , Marrauld Laurie , Rodhain Florence 
Published: September 2024

Cloud computing and related practices are one of the most energy-intensive activities in the entire digital ecosystem.
On 10 March 2021, a fire completely destroyed one of the four Strasbourg data centres of OVH, the French leader in cloud computing. This unfortunate fire (see photo, p. 153) and its far-reaching consequences should encourage us to rethink the relationship between digital technology, the environment and our own sustainability. The damage and impact of this fire show that the cloud is not as ethereal as it seems. Quite the contrary. When the data centre burns down, it is indeed matter that burns. Our data is hosted and processed in factories, even if its physical reality, virtualised by marketing and media rhetoric, has become less and less perceptible to the end user.