bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic drug monitoring for valproate: deriving a novel formula for calculation of free concentration
Authors: Pretorius Erna , van Zyl Paulina , Joubert Gina 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Monitoring free valproate concentrations, as with other highly protein-bound anticonvulsants, is essential in clinical situations where protein binding may be disrupted. Conversion of measured total concentrations to approximate free concentrations offers a cost-effective alternative. This study evaluated the relationship between total and free valproate concentrations for discordance and the impact of key determinants. A novel formula was devised that incorporates significant variables.

Methods
A multicentre, cross-sectional observational analytical study included 101 subjects 18 years and older using valproate for 6 months or longer. Participants were recruited from private and public sector healthcare settings from primary to tertiary level in, South Africa, during 2017–2019.

Results
Free valproate concentrations could be measured for 84 subjects. Discordance for concomitant total and free valproate concentrations was 79.1%. Among 19 participants with elevated free concentrations, 15 (78.9%) had total valproate concentrations within the recommended reference range. Calculations based on the study-derived formula were more accurate in predicting free valproate concentration than previously proposed methods.

Conclusion
This study proposes that the novel formula for calculating free valproate enables more accurate prediction.
A life engineering perspective on algorithms, AI, social media, and quantitative metrics
Authors: Bigea Georgiana , Mumtaz Maria , Portmann Edy , Swaminathan Jennifer , Vedasri Nakka 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis academic paper delves into the captivating intersection of life engineering and algorithms, artificial intelligence (AI), social media, and quantitative metrics on human life, through a comprehensive review of three thought-provoking books. In each critical review, the authors add their own thoughts and impressions, as Computer Science graduates and scholars, illustrating the impact that these eye-opening books have on them. The first book, “Weapons of Math Destruction” by Cathy O’Neil, delves into the hidden dangers of algorithmic decision-making. O’Neil uncovers how algorithms can perpetuate discrimination, biases, and unfairness in domains such as education, advertising, criminal justice, employment, and finance, and emphasizes the need for ethical considerations, transparency, and human judgment in algorithmic systems. The second book, “Atlas of AI” by Kate Crawford, takes a multidimensional approach to AI beyond mere algorithms and deep learning. Crawford addresses issues such as labor exploitation, surveillance technologies, classification systems, wealth concentration, and environmental consequences due to AI. The book calls for responsible and ethical considerations in the development and usage of AI. Shoshana Zuboff’s “The Age of Surveillance Capitalism” is the third book, focusing on the pervasive influence of tech giants like Google and Facebook. Zuboff exposes the dynamics of surveillance capitalism, wherein personal data is extracted and exploited for economic gains. The book illuminates how this form of capitalism erodes privacy, reshapes societal structures, and challenges democratic norms. Illustrating the essence of these disruptive narratives and the tense dialogue taking place between ethicians or scholars and technology developers, this research examines the profound social, economic, and environmental implications brought forth by these transformative technologies. Ultimately, the paper advocates for the embrace of responsible and ethical technology development that not only safeguards the well-being of individuals but also fosters a harmonious coexistence between humans and machines amidst the winds of disruption.
Characterization of the vaginal microbiota in Italian women with endometriosis: preliminary study
Authors: Sessa Rosa , Filardo Simone , Viscardi Maria Federica , Brandolino Gabriella , Muzii Ludovico , Di Pietro Marisa , Porpora Maria Grazia 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Purpose
This cross-sectional study aims to assess the interplay between the vaginal microbiota and endometriosis.

Methods
123 consecutive Italian fertile women, aged between 20 and 40 years old, were enrolled during a routine gynecological consultation; 24 were diagnosed with endometriosis and 99 did not complain of any gynecological disease. All women underwent a vaginal swab for the evaluation of the composition and diversity of vaginal microbiota by means of 16 s rDNA metagenomic sequencing.

Results
Compared to women with no gynecological disease, the vaginal microbiota in women with endometriosis showed a similar abundance of Lactobacillus spp.; however, a statistically significant lower abundance in the genera Pseudomonas (p < 0.01), Bifidobacterium (p < 0.05), Novispirillum (p < 0.0000001) and Sphingomonas (p < 0.0000001), and a statistically significant increase in the abundance of the genera Escherichia (p < 0.00001), Megasphaera (p < 0.00001), and Sneathia (p < 0.0001) were observed.

Conclusions
There is a complex interplay between vaginal microbiota composition and endometriosis, showing a distinct microbial signature in the bacterial genera usually found in dysbiosis.
Perinatal outcome of immigrant women with and without refugee status compared to non-immigrant women: results of the pregnancy and obstetric care for refugees (PROREF) cross-sectional study
Authors: Schlothauer Darja , Teschemacher Louise , Breckenkamp Jürgen , Borde Theda , David Matthias , Abou-Dakn Michael , Henrich Wolfgang , Seidel Vera 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Purpose
International studies show conflicting evidence regarding the perinatal outcome of immigrant women with and without refugee status compared to non-immigrant women. There are few studies about the situation in Germany. The research question of this article is: Is the perinatal outcome (Apgar, UApH (umbilical artery pH), NICU (neontatal intensive care unit) transfer, c-section rate, preterm birth, macrosomia, maternal anemia, higher degree perinatal tear, episiotomy, epidural anesthesia) associated with socio-demographic/clinical characteristics (migration status, language skills, household income, maternal education, parity, age, body mass index (BMI))?

Methods
In the Pregnancy and Obstetric Care for Refugees (PROREF)-study (subproject of the research group PH-LENS), funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), women giving birth in three centers of tertiary care in Berlin were interviewed with the modified Migrant Friendly Maternity Care Questionnaire between June 2020 and April 2022. The interview data was linked to the hospital charts. Data analysis was descriptive and logistic regression analysis was performed to find associations between perinatal outcomes and migration data.

Results
During the research period 3420 women (247 with self-defined (sd) refugee status, 1356 immigrant women and 1817 non-immigrant women) were included. Immigrant women had a higher c-section rate (36.6% vs. 33.2% among non-immigrant women and 31.6% among women with sd refugee status, p = 0.0485). The migration status did not have an influence on the umbilical artery pH, the preterm delivery rate and the transfer of the neonate to the intensive care unit. Women with self-defined refugee status had a higher risk for anemia (31.9% vs. 26.3% immigrant women and 23.4% non-immigrant women, p = 0.0049) and were less often offered an epidural anesthesia for pain control during vaginal delivery (42.5% vs. 54% immigrant women and 52% non-immigrant women, p = 0.0091). In the multivariate analysis maternal education was explaining more than migration status.

Conclusion
Generally, the quality of care for immigrant and non-immigrant women in Berlin seems high. The reasons for higher rate of delivery via c-section among immigrant women remain unclear. Regardless of their migration status women with low degree of education seem at increased risk for anemia.
Heterarchical modelling of comminution for rotary mills: part I—particle crushing along streamlines
Authors: Bisht Mukesh Singh , Guillard François , Shelley Paul , Marks Benjy , Einav Itai 
Published: August 2024

AbstractRotary mills aim to effectively reduce the size of particles through a process called comminution. Modelling comminution in rotary mills is a challenging task due to substantial material deformation and the intricate interplay of particle kinematics of segregation, mixing, crushing, and abrasion. Existing particle-based simulations tend to provide predictions that cannot cope with the large number of particles within rotary mills, their wide range of sizes, and the physics dictating the crushing of individual particles. Similarly, there is currently no deterministic modelling means to determine the evolving population of particle sizes at any point in time and space within the mill. The aim of this two-part contribution is to address these gaps by advancing a framework for a novel stochastic comminution model for rotary mills, which has a well-defined deterministic continuum limit and can cope with arbitrarily large numbers of particles. This work describes the basic physics and structure of the new model within a heterarchical framework for ball and autogenous grinding mills. The primary focus of this Part I paper is to develop a computational model for the integration of motion of material along streamlines inside a mill. Coupled to this process is the kinetic physics dictating particle crushing. In a subsequent work, Part II, segregation and mixing will be added to this model such that realistic behaviour from the mill can be observed.
Graphical Abstract
Heterarchical modelling of comminution for rotary mills: part II—particle crushing with segregation and mixing
Authors: Bisht Mukesh Singh , Guillard François , Shelley Paul , Marks Benjy , Einav Itai 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
In granular media, the crushing of individual particles is influenced by the number of contacts with neighbouring particles. This well-known phenomenon of “cushioning” shields the individual particles from crushing when the number of contacts is high. However, in open systems that involve extensive granular flow and bulk motion, like those found in industrial mills, the neighbouring particles continually exchange positions due to segregation and mixing, thereby altering the number of neighbouring contacts and their sizes, affecting the crushing of individual particles. Therefore, a critical challenge for properly modelling comminution in such systems lies in tracking the fluxes of the various particle size classes. Here, we explore the physics that governs the mechanisms of segregation and mixing within the multiscale heterarchical modelling paradigm. Building upon the framework developed in Part I, which integrated the heterarchical aspects of the physics of crushing along streamlines, we further account for segregation and mixing, and demonstrate their impact on the comminution efficiency of autogenous grinding mills. In particular, segregation is shown to greatly enhance the extent of particle crushing within the mill. Accordingly, we posit that this mechanism cannot be ignored. In summary, the new model sheds light on previously obscured dynamics within industrial mills, as well as enables the field to predict the time evolution of the particle size distribution at any point in the mill domain. This modelling capability opens the doors to new developments for estimating and improving milling efficiencies.

Graphical Abstract
Short-term effects of clearing restoration on the relationship of plant and moth communities
Authors: Piccini Irene , Pittarello Marco , Barberis Davide , Lonati Michele , Bonelli Simona , Scalercio Stefano 
Published: August 2024

AbstractInsects and plants share a close relationship; plants provide feeding opportunities, ecological niches, and shelters for insects, while insects, in turn, facilitate pollination for plants. Management actions might positively or negatively affect insect species richness and/or abundance, in particular, forest practices can significantly influence insect communities. In this study, we investigated the effects on plant and moth communities following the realization of an ecological corridor (composed of 10 clearings) in forest in NW of Italy. Specifically, through plant surveys and moth light traps, we investigated plant and moth communities and their relationship in newly shaped clearings and their surrounding forest. We found that plants responded quickly to clearing formation, presenting differentiated plant communities between xero-thermophile clearings, mesophile clearings and forest. These differences reflected on moth communities as well, allowing to find indicator species for each ecosystem. Structural variables (i.e. openness) and topography (i.e. elevation) were key factors affecting the differentiation of moth communities. On the other hand, plants explained most of the variance in moth communities, so, through plants, we differentiated moth communities into those typical of xero-thermophile clearings, mesophile clearings and forest. In conclusion, forest management significantly affects plant and moth communities. Newly shaped clearings support higher species richness (including specialist species) and abundance than closed canopy forest. To increase species richness and abundance for both plants and moths, we suggest conservation measures that include creating open habitats within forests at medium elevation (650–950 m a.s.l.).
Association of reduced peak left atrial strain with supraventricular arrhythmia in adults with congenital heart disease
Authors: Nussbaumer Clément , Schwerzmann Markus , Elchinova Elena , Goulouti Eleni , Tobler Daniel , Greutmann Matthias , Wustmann Kerstin , Papa Andrea , Schwitz Fabienne 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAtrial arrhythmias are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD). In acquired heart disease, the left atrial (LA) strain has been shown to predict supraventricular tachyarrhythmias (SVT). This study aimed to investigate whether reduced LA strain is associated with SVT in ACHD patients. This retrospective, single-center cohort study collected baseline clinical and echocardiographic data of 206 ACHD patients (157 left heart defect, 49 right heart defect). Patients with sinus rhythm at baseline and a 5-year follow-up (median age 29, IQR 22–41 years) were included. Diagnosis of sustained SVT was determined from clinical reports during the follow-up period. New or recurrent sustained SVT occurred in 16 patients (7.8%, median follow-up of 6.2 years). Patients who developed SVT were older, more likely to have diastolic dysfunction, and had larger LA dimensions, left ventricular mass, and a lower peak LA longitudinal strain (PALS). Lower PALS was associated with higher risk of SVT in patients with left and right heart defects. Patients in the lowest quartile for PALS had a 15.9-fold higher hazard ratio of SVT (95% confidence interval, 4.5 to 56.0, p < 0.001) in comparison with the top three quartiles. PALS provides information about the occurrence of SVT in the ACHD population. Including measurement of LA strain in the follow-up of these patients may allow to better identify patients at risk of future atrial arrhythmias.
Graphical abstract
The Elementary Organisms
Authors: Brücke Ernst , Liu Daniel 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIn 1861 the physiologist Ernst Brücke (1819–1892) published “The Elementary Organisms,” calling for a major reform of the definition of the animal cell. An English translation of Brücke’s essay is presented here for the first time. In this translation the numbered footnotes 1–9 are Brücke’s own; alphabetical endnotes A–HH are my own annotations, with additional references to works cited by Brücke. Figures referenced by Brücke but not included in his original essay are also provided. I have also presented an introductory essay to my translation that provides background on Brücke and his arguments: “The Schema and Organization of the Cell,” https://doi.org/10.1007/s10739-024-09774-8, in this same issue of the Journal of the History of Biology.
Eco-Friendly Synchronous Spectrofluorimetric Method for Simultaneous Determination of Remdesivir and Acetyl Salicylic Acid in Spiked Human Plasma
Authors: aboelghar Sohair M. , Hegazy Maha A. , Wagdy Hebatallah A. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractRemdesivir and acetyl salicylic acid are often co-administered medications in the treatment of COVID-19, specifically targeting the viral infection and thromboembolism associated with the condition. Hence, it is essential to establish a technique that enables the concurrent quantification of these pharmaceutical compounds in plasma while also keeping environmentally friendly methods. Accordingly, the aim of this work is to simultaneously determine remdesivir and acetyl salicylic acid through a bioanalytical validated synchronous spectrofluorimetric method with applying principles of green chemistry. Since, the two drugs showed severe overlap after excitation at 242.0 nm, 284.0 nm for remdesivir and acetyl salicylic acid, respectively. The overlap was effectively overcome by using synchronous mode with a wavelength difference (Δλ) of 160.0 nm for remdesivir and 100.0 nm for acetyl salicylic acid. Different parameters have been optimized such as Δλ, solvent, pH and surfactant. A linear calibration was obtained over the concentration range 0.01–4.00 µg/mL for remdesivir and 0.01–3.00 µg/mL for acetyl salicylic acid and the method was precise and accurate. The method was successfully used for the investigation of pharmaceutical formulation and the quantification of the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) of the two drugs. The method has been evaluated as an excellent green analytical method based on three greenness assessment tools.
Characteristics of strong ground motions and structural damage patterns from the February 6th, 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes, Türkiye
Authors: Akinci Aybige , Dindar Ahmet Anil , Bal Ihsan E. , Ertuncay Deniz , Smyrou Eleni , Cheloni Daniele 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
On February 6th, 2023, two severe earthquakes struck southeastern Türkiye near the Syrian border. The first earthquake, Mw7.8, occurred at 04:17 local time in the East Anatolian Fault Zone near the city of Gaziantep. The second earthquake, Mw7.5, occurred approximately 9 h later at 13:24 local time near Elbistan County, in Kahramanmaraş province. These seismic events ruptured multiple segments of the East Anatolian Fault Zone (EAFZ), with rupture lengths exceeding 300 km, and deformation exceeding 5 m on both sides of the faults. In this study, we aim to analyze characteristics of the strong ground motion induced by the mainshocks, focusing on ground motion intensity measures such as the peak ground acceleration (PGA), the peak ground velocity (PGV), and the pseudo-acceleration response spectra (PSA). The first earthquake produced extremely high PGA values in both horizontal (> 2 g) and vertical (> 1 g) components. At near field distances, large PGVs are measured (> 180 cm/s) with more than 30 impulsive motions which may indicate source-related effects. Large spectral demands are also recorded for both earthquakes, partially underestimated by Ground Motion Models (GMMs), especially in the near-field. Specifically, we compare the PSA for horizontal directions with the design spectra provided by both the new and previous Turkish building codes. We also present building and ground damage observations that provide insights into the observed ground motions in the heavily damaged areas.
Dendrogeomorphological analysis of a debris flow in the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, central Mexico
Authors: De La Peña Guillén Karla Aurora , Mendoza Manuel E. , Carlon Allende Teodoro , Macías José Luis , Villanueva Díaz José 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Debris flows are one of the most hazardous and frequent landslides in mountainous regions. In this research, we apply dendrogeomorphological techniques to analyze the debris flow that occurred in February 2010 in the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in central Mexico. Firstly, analyzed precipitation data from two nearby meteorological stations has indicated that an extraordinary precipitation event accumulated 236.4 mm of rainfall over a 5-day period, from January 31st to February 4th, 2010. In addition, we generated a geomorphological cartography of the area at 1:600 scale by interpreting the images obtained using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. Subsequently, we carried out dendrochronological sampling on 98 Abies religiosa trees (125 cores); the cores were dated using cross-dating and the ring width was measured for generating a chronology, in which the years with growth disturbances as a result of the debris flow could be identified and characterized. We identified three types of growth anomalies in the tree ring series: (a) traumatic resin ducts, (b) growth suppression, and (c) growth releases, related to the 2010 debris flow event. We also estimated the debris flow intensity through the scar heights recorded in the trees, which allowed us to identify that the intensity of the debris flow was greater in the transport zone. These results highlight the benefit of the dendrogeomorphological technique used in the collection of spatio-temporal information on debris flow activity in intertropical montane environments, especially where information about mass movement processes is limited. Therefore, we demonstrate that dendrogeomorphological techniques, in combination with other parameters such as scar height on the trees, as well as a detailed geomorphological survey, allows for an understanding of the dynamics of debris flows, which, in the case of Mexico have not been previously evaluated using this approach.
Testing for Consumer Risk-Pooling in the Open Economy – further Results
Authors: Minford Patrick , Ou Zhirong , Zhu Zheyi 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIn this supplement to Minford et al. Int J Financ Econ 26(2):19932021 (2021), we revisit the ‘puzzle’ in open economy studies that evidence of international risk-sharing is hardly seen despite active cross-country financial markets. We reassess both risk-pooling via state-contingent bonds, and uncovered interest parity – both were believed to be different, and spuriously rejected, in previous work – in the context of a full DSGE model of the New Keynesian type. We prove that the two models are identical, both analytically and numerically. When tested as part of such a full DSGE model by indirect inference which circumvents the bias of single-equation tests, we find universal evidence of international risk-sharing.