bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pneumococcal carriage and serotype distribution in children with nephrotic syndrome
Authors: Erem Tugba , Tufan Asli Kavaz , Kilic Omer , Yilmaz Aysun Caltik , Kara Yalcın , Kizil Mahmut Can , Dinleyici Meltem , Cetin Nuran , Kaya Mucahit , Dinleyici Ener Cagri 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
Patients with nephrotic syndrome (NS) are at a higher risk of developing invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD). Pneumococcal carriage studies are helpful tools for detecting potentially infectious serotypes and guiding immunization efforts. Pneumococcal nasopharyngeal colonization is common, and IPD can easily occur in an immunosuppressed state. Limited information is available regarding the frequency of pneumococcal carriage in individuals with NS. The aim of this study was to evaluate pneumococcal carriage and serotype distribution in children with NS.

Methods
Pneumococcal carriage was detected by real-time PCR assays from nasopharyngeal swab samples from 98 children with NS, and 100 healthy controls. Isolates were serotyped by real-time PCR.

Results
The pneumococcal carriage rate was 44.9% in children with NS. Regarding the recommendation about pneumococcal immunization in children with NS, the vaccination rate was low. Also, non-PCV13 serotypes have been detected in at least 25% of PCV13-vaccinated children. There is no statistically significant difference in total pneumococcal carriage rate, PCV13 serotype carriage rate, or non-PCV13 serotype carriage rate between children with NS and healthy controls (p > 0.05 for all).

Conclusions
The pneumococcal carriage rate was similar between children with NS and healthy controls. However, because children with NS have an increased risk for IPD, the serotype distribution of children with NS can demonstrate the improved protection offered by new pneumococcal vaccines. Regular monitoring for IPD is crucial for assessing the evolving sero-epidemiology of pneumococcal infections and evaluating the effectiveness of vaccines for children with NS.

Graphical Abstract
NMR Spectroscopy as an Alternative Analytical Method for Biopolymers Without Chromophore: Example of Hyaluronic Acid in Dietary Supplements
Authors: Lang Fabienne M. , Adels Klaudia , Diehl Bernd W. K. , Schulze Margit , Monakhova Yulia B. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractTo respond to the increasing demand for hyaluronic acid (HA) in dietary supplements (DSs) and nutricosmetics marketed for the treatment of osteoarthritis or moistening, it is essential to have an accurate and reliable method for its analysis in the final products. The study aimed to develop and validate alternative method for the quality control of HA in DSs using low-field (LF) and high-field (HF) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy at 80 MHz and 600 MHz, respectively. Moreover, chondroitin sulphate (CH), another active ingredient in DSs, can be simultaneously quantified. The 1H-NMR methods have been successfully validated in terms of limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ), which were found to be 0.1 mg/mL and 0.2 mg/mL (80 MHz) as well as 0.2 mg/mL and 0.6 mg/mL (600 MHz). Recovery rates were estimated to be between 92 and 120% on both spectrometers; precision including sample preparation was found to be 4.2% and 8.0% for 600 MHz and 80 MHz, respectively. Quantitative results obtained by HF and LF NMR were comparable for 16 DSs with varying matrix. HF NMR experiments at 70 ℃ serve as a simple and efficient quality control tool for HA and CH in multicomponent DSs. Benchtop NMR measurements, upon preceding acid hydrolysis, offer a cost-effective and cryogen-free alternative for analyzing DSs in the absence of CH and paramagnetic matrix components.
Stratified ocean gyres with Stuart-type vortices
Authors: Ding Qixing , Roberti Luigi 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIn the setting of the thin-shell approximation of the Euler equations in spherical coordinates for oceanic flows with variable density on the spinning Earth, we study a vorticity equation for a pseudo stream function $$\psi $$
ψ
, whereby the assumption of incompressibility allows us to express the density as a function of $$\psi $$
ψ
. Via an elliptic comparison argument, we show that, under certain assumptions, the (explicit) solution in the case of zero rate of rotation (i.e., on a fixed sphere) in a bounded region with smooth boundary contained either in the Northern or in the Southern Hemisphere is an approximation, in a suitable sense, of the corresponding solution of the equation with positive rate of rotation in the same region. This provides new insight into the dynamics of ocean gyres.
Insights into coeliac disease diagnosis: a 2021–2023 overview of diagnostic approach and delays in children in Slovenia
Authors: Rižnik Petra , Kamhi Trop Tina , Klemenak Martina , Krenčnik Tomaž , Milanič-Koron Tanja , Miler Mojškerc Eva , Pavlin Tatjana , Požek Šavs Tina , Zupančič Janez , Dolinšek Jernej 
Published: June 2024

Summary
Introduction
Over the past decade, the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) proposed the option of diagnosing coeliac disease (CD) in children without duodenal biopsy. The aim of our study was to assess the diagnostic approach in newly diagnosed children with CD in Slovenia.

Methods
In this prospective study, Slovenian paediatric gastroenterologists were invited to provide medical records of children under 19 years diagnosed with CD from March 2021 to October 2023. The analysis focused on tissue transglutaminase antibody (TGA) levels at diagnosis, diagnostic approach, adherence to ESPGHAN CD guidelines and diagnostic delays.

Results
Data from 160 newly diagnosed CD patients (61.9% female; median age 8 years; 16.9% asymptomatic) were available for the analysis. No-biopsy approach was used in 65% (N = 104) of children and the majority (N = 101) fulfilled all the criteria for the no-biopsy approach. Of 56 children diagnosed using duodenal biopsy, a further 10 (17.8%) would have also been eligible for the no-biopsy approach based on the very high levels of TGA. Median diagnostic delay from first symptoms to confirmation of diagnosis was 6 months (min 0 months, max 87 months). Use of the no-biopsy approach has risen significantly since 2016 (37.8% vs. 65.0%; p = 0.001) and diagnostic delays have shortened (6 vs. 7 months; p < 0.05).

Conclusion
This prospective study highlights the frequent use of a no-biopsy approach for diagnosing CD in children in Slovenia, showing large adherence to ESPGHAN guidelines. Also, diagnostic delays have shortened over recent years, likely due to various awareness-raising projects on CD conducted during this period.
Einfluss aktivitätsbezogener und krankheitsspezifischer Selbstwirksamkeit auf das körperliche Aktivitätsverhalten von pneumologischen Patient:innen
Authors: Müller Katrin , Schlesinger Torsten , Wagner Petra 
Published: June 2024

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund
Die Umsetzung und Aufrechterhaltung körperlicher Aktivitäten ist im nachhaltigen Krankheitsmanagement von pneumologischen Patient:innen sehr bedeutend. Psychosoziale Ressourcen wie das Konstrukt der Selbstwirksamkeit sind mit dem individuellen Aktivitätsverhalten assoziiert.

Ziel
Die vorliegende Studie untersucht den Einfluss von bereichsspezifischer Selbstwirksamkeit auf den Aktivitätsumfang sowie den Umgang mit Schwierigkeiten bei der Aktivitätsumsetzung unter Beachtung der Erkrankungsschwere und des Alters.

Methodik
Es wurden 184 Patient:innen (m = 176, Alter: M [Mittelwert] = 69,13 Jahre, FEV1 [exspiratorische Einsekundenkapazität] = 2,03 l) mit pneumologischen Berufskrankheiten zu Beginn einer stationären Rehabilitation in eine Querschnittsstudie eingeschlossen. Neben der Erkrankungsschwere wurden Daten zum Aktivitätsumfang, zum Umgang mit Schwierigkeiten bei der Aktivitätsumsetzung sowie zur krankheitsspezifischen und aktivitätsbezogenen Selbstwirksamkeit erhoben. Zusammenhänge wurden mittels Korrelationsanalysen nach Spearman und multiplen Regressionsanalysen erfasst.

Ergebnisse
Die Patient:innen sind im Durchschnitt 5125,18 Schritte pro Tag gegangen. In den multiplen Regressionsanalysen zeigte sich, dass neben der Erkrankungsschwere die aktivitätsbezogene Selbstwirksamkeit (β = 0,229, p < 0,01) den Aktivitätsumfang der Patient:innen signifikant beeinflusst (F (5,173) = 12,664, p < 0,001, R2adj = 0,247). Für den Umgang mit Schwierigkeiten bei der Aktivitätsumsetzung (F (5,173) = 30,445, p < 0,001; R2adj = 0,353) wurden neben der Erkrankungsschwere sowohl die aktivitätsbezogene (β = 0,246, p < 0,001) als auch die krankheitsspezifische Selbstwirksamkeit (β = 0,316, p < 0,001) als beeinflussende Faktoren nachgewiesen.

Schlussfolgerung
Aufgrund der dargestellten Zusammenhänge der aktivitätsbezogenen und krankheitsspezifischen Selbstwirksamkeit mit dem Aktivitätsverhalten bei Patient:innen mit pneumologischen Erkrankungen ist bei der zukünftigen Konzeption von verhaltensorientierten Bewegungsinterventionen die Stärkung dieser personalen Ressource zu berücksichtigen.

Studienregistrierung
Die Studie ist im Deutschen Register für klinische Studien (DRKS00010777) registriert.
Injury Risk Predictions in Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV) Extravehicular Activities (EVAs): A Pilot Study
Authors: Poveda Luis , Devane Karan , Lalwala Mitesh , Gayzik F. Scott , Stitzel Joel D. , Weaver Ashley A. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractExtravehicular activities will play a crucial role in lunar exploration on upcoming Artemis missions and may involve astronauts operating a lunar terrain vehicle (LTV) in a standing posture. This study assessed kinematic response and injury risks using an active muscle human body model (HBM) restrained in an upright posture on the LTV by simulating dynamic acceleration pulses related to lunar surface irregularities. Linear accelerations and rotational displacements of 5 lunar obstacles (3 craters; 2 rocks) over 5 slope inclinations were applied across 25 simulations. All body injury metrics were below NASA’s injury tolerance limits, but compressive forces were highest in the lumbar (250–550N lumbar, tolerance: 5300N) and lower extremity (190–700N tibia, tolerance: 1350N) regions. There was a strong association between the magnitudes of body injury metrics and LTV resultant linear acceleration (ρ = 0.70–0.81). There was substantial upper body motion, with maximum forward excursion reaching 375 mm for the head and 260 mm for the chest. Our findings suggest driving a lunar rover in an upright posture for these scenarios is a low severity impact presenting low body injury risks. Injury metrics increased along the load path, from the lower body (highest metrics) to the upper body (lowest metrics). While upper body injury metrics were low, increased body motion could potentially pose a risk of injury from flail and occupant interaction with the surrounding vehicle, suit, and restraint hardware.
Invasion away from roadsides was not driven by adaptation to grassland habitats in Dittrichia graveolens (stinkwort)
Authors: Melen Miranda K. , Snyder Emma D. , Fernandez Michael , Lopez Andrew , Lustenhouwer Nicky , Parker Ingrid M. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractInvasive plants along transportation corridors can significantly threaten ecosystems and biodiversity if they spread beyond anthropogenic environments. Rapid evolution may increase the ability of invading plant populations to establish in resident plant communities over time, posing a challenge to invasion risk assessment. We tested for adaptive differentiation in Dittrichia graveolens (stinkwort), an invasive species of ruderal habitat in California that is increasingly spreading away from roadsides into more established vegetation. We collected seeds from eight pairs of vegetated sites and their nearest (presumed progenitor) roadside population. We assessed differentiation between populations in roadside and vegetated habitat for germination behavior and for response to competition in a greenhouse experiment. We also tested for increased performance in vegetated habitat with a grassland field experiment including a neighbor removal treatment. Germination rates were slightly reduced in seeds from vegetated sites, which may indicate lower seed viability. Otherwise, plants did not show consistent differences between the two habitat types. Competition strongly reduced performance of D. graveolens in both the greenhouse and in the field, but plants originating from vegetated sites did not show enhanced competitive ability. Our findings show no evidence of adaptive differentiation between D. graveolens populations from roadside and vegetated habitats to date, suggesting that invasiveness in grasslands has not been enhanced by rapid evolution in the 40 + years since this species was introduced to California. Evolutionary constraints or potentially high levels of gene flow at this small scale may limit adaptation to novel habitats along roadsides.
Beta-blocker use and breast cancer outcomes: a meta-analysis
Authors: Scott Oliver William , TinTin Sandar , Cavadino Alana , Elwood J. Mark 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Beta blockers (BBs) are commonly used cardiovascular medications, and their association with breast cancer outcomes has been examined in several previous observational studies and meta-analyses. In this study, an updated meta-analysis was undertaken to ascertain the association between BBs and both breast cancer death (BCD) and breast cancer recurrence (BCR).

Methods
Articles were sourced from various databases up until the 14th of August 2023. Effect estimates were pooled using the random effects model, and the Higgins I2 statistic was computed to ascertain heterogeneity. Subgroup analyses were conducted by the potential for immortal time bias (ITB), the exposure period (prediagnosis vs postdiagnosis), and type of BB (selective vs non-selective). Publication bias was assessed using funnel plots and Egger’s regression tests.

Results
Twenty-four studies were included. Pooled results showed that there was no statistically significant association between BB use and both BCD (19 studies, hazard ratio = 0.90, 95% CI 0.78–1.04) and BCR (16 studies, HR = 0.87, 95% CI 0.71–1.08). After removing studies with ITB, the associations were attenuated towards the null. There was no effect modification for either outcome when stratifying by the exposure period or type of BB. There was clear evidence of publication bias for both outcomes.

Conclusion
In this meta-analysis, we found no evidence of an association between BB use and both BCD and BCR. Removing studies with ITB attenuated the associations towards the null, but there was no effect modification by the exposure period or type of BB.
The microRNA Let-7 and its exosomal form: Epigenetic regulators of gynecological cancers
Authors: Wang Fei , Zhou Chundi , Zhu Yanping , Keshavarzi Maryam 
Published: June 2024

AbstractMany types of gynecological cancer (GC) are often silent until they reach an advanced stage, and are therefore often diagnosed too late for effective treatment. Hence, there is a real need for more efficient diagnosis and treatment for patients with GC. During recent years, researchers have increasingly studied the impact of microRNAs cancer development, leading to a number of applications in detection and treatment. MicroRNAs are a particular group of tiny RNA molecules that regulate regular gene expression by affecting the translation process. The downregulation of numerous miRNAs has been observed in human malignancies. Let-7 is an example of a miRNA that controls cellular processes as well as signaling cascades to affect post-transcriptional gene expression. Recent research supports the hypothesis that enhancing let-7 expression in those cancers where it is downregulated may be a potential treatment option. Exosomes are tiny vesicles that move through body fluids and can include components like miRNAs (including let-7) that are important for communication between cells. Studies proved that exosomes are able to enhance tumor growth, angiogenesis, chemoresistance, metastasis, and immune evasion, thus suggesting their importance in GC management.
Graphical Abstract
Impact of let-7 on female malignancies and diseases of the female reproductive tract. Let-7 expression is dysregulated in a variety of gynaecological and obstetric disorders.
Australian news media portrayals of filicide: depictions of mental health and the flawed mother trope
Authors: Simington Amie Louise , Farmer Clare 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIn reporting cases of filicide, the news media often relies on dominant cultural discourses that situate offenders within expected gender roles. This stereotypical framing can influence public perception of offenders and amplify outdated gendered expectations. This paper examines the portrayal of male and female filicide offenders, with a focus on depictions of mental health and the ‘flawed mother’ trope. The study drew from a sample of 103 Australian news media articles published between 2004 and 2021. Qualitative media analysis was used to examine tone and content, and to explore the gendered cultural lens through which offenders can be portrayed. The study addresses a gap in the literature by focusing on filicide and news media in Australia. The findings largely confirm that news media coverage of filicide perpetuates key cultural norms and gendered expectations of parenthood. The ‘flawed mother’ narrative, depictions of mental health issues, and a focus on parenthood were prevalent for female offenders. For male offenders there was general disconnect with their role as a parent. The findings provide a valuable insight into differential news media coverage of male and female parents who kill their children.
A Generic Solution to the Sorites Paradox
Authors: Bobzien Susanne 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis paper offers a generic revenge-proof solution to the Sorites paradox that is compatible with several philosophical approaches to vagueness, including epistemicism, supervaluationism, psychological contextualism and intuitionism. The solution is traditional in that it rejects the Sorites conditional and proposes a modally expressed weakened conditional instead. The modalities are defined by the first-order logic QS4M+FIN. (This logic is a modal companion to the intermediate logic QH+KF, which places the solution between intuitionistic and classical logic.) Borderlineness is introduced modally as usual. The solution is innovative in that its modal system brings out the semi-determinability of vagueness. Whether something is borderline and whether a predicate is vague or precise is only semi-determinable: higher-order vagueness is columnar. Finally, the solution is based entirely on two assumptions. (1) It rejects the Sorites conditional. (2) It maintains that if one specifies borderlineness in terms of the ‒suitably interpreted‒ modal logic QS4M+FIN, then one can explain why the Sorites appears paradoxical. From (1)+(2) it results that one can tell neither where exactly in a Sorites series the borderline zone starts and ends nor what its extension is. Accordingly, the solution is also called agnostic.
Carabid beetles in solar parks: assemblages under solar panels are severely impoverished compared to gaps between panel rows and edge areas
Authors: Zitzmann Felix , Stern Michael , Schmidt Magdalena , Schirmel Jens 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Renewable energies are a major tool to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. Among renewables, solar parks are a key technology and their expansion will strongly increase in the future. Hence, there is a great need for research regarding their impact on biodiversity. In this study, we investigated the importance of three solar parks in northern Germany as habitat for carabid beetles. More specifically, we determined how habitat characteristics (temperature, vegetation structure), species richness, activity densities and carabid beetle assemblages vary between different locations within solar parks: areas under solar panels “UNDR”, gaps between panel rows “BTW” and areas at the edge of solar parks “EDGE”. We found that UNDR strongly differed from BTW/EDGE in terms of habitat conditions, species richness and activity densities of carabid beetles. UNDR mainly provided habitat for a species- and individual-poor subset of species already present in BTW/EDGE and made only a small contribution to the total species richness of the investigated solar parks. BTW and EDGE, on the other hand, differed only slightly. Thus, the narrow gaps between the panel rows were of similar importance as a habitat for carabid beetles as the edge areas. Overall, the investigated solar parks—and thus also the more species-rich areas EDGE and BTW—almost exclusively provided habitat for widespread and common non-threatened generalists, while species of conservation concern were extremely rare.

Implications for insect conservation
The low importance of UNDR for carabid beetles should be considered when assessing the biodiversity value of solar parks, since a large proportion of these facilities is covered with solar panels. Between panel rows and at the edge of solar parks, larger areas should be kept free from construction with solar panels in order to provide habitats for carabid beetles and other species groups. More research should be conducted on how to further improve solar parks for carabid beetles and overall biodiversity.
Lifestyle-Related Risk Factors and Primary Prevention Strategies for Cardiovascular Diseases in a Middle-Income Country: A Scoping Review and Implication for Future Research
Authors: Raman Pragashini , Sagadevan Yoganishalini , Dhanapalan Sornavalli , Fernandez Brandon J. , Tan Sheng Yew , Appalasamy Jamuna Rani , Ramadas Amutha 
Published: June 2024

AbstractCardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in middle-income countries such as Malaysia. There is a significant gap in knowledge between cardiovascular disease-related risk assessments and interventions in the Malaysian population. In this scoping review, we have determined the status of cardiovascular research in Malaysia by prioritising lifestyle-related risk assessments and interventions. We searched five electronic databases (Ovid MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, APA PsychINFO, Embase and Scopus) to identify relevant research articles that had been published. The Joanna Briggs Institute and the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses extension for scoping reviews served as a guide for the scoping review. Study selection was made using the Covidence platform, screened, and extracted. Thirty-one studies were included in this review. Studies reviewed reported a significant positive association between physical inactivity, smoking, poor dietary patterns, working hours, clustering of lifestyle risk, and cardiovascular disease risk. Most interventions focused on physical activity and a multimodal lifestyle approach, significantly improving primary and secondary cardiovascular disease-related outcomes. The findings suggest improving lifestyle-related risk assessments and interventions to prevent cardiovascular diseases in this population. It is unclear if these outcomes can translate to higher effectiveness in preventing cardiovascular disease. Nevertheless, intervention using the multifaceted lifestyle approach can improve cardiovascular disease-related outcomes.