bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fatal child abuse detected by systematic post-mortem fundus photograph in sudden death in infancy
Authors: Ducloyer Jean-Baptiste , Jossic Frédérique , VAN Goethem Valentine , Lebosse David , Cornee Charlène , Le Meur Guylène , Ducloyer Mathilde 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn living children, the use of a wide field fundus camera such as RetCam is the gold standard practice to document retinal haemorrhages in suspected cases of abusive head trauma (AHT). In case of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI), child abuse must be considered as a possible cause of death and an eye examination is required. However, no example of post-mortem fundus photograph (PMFP) of retinal haemorrhages related to AHT is yet available for clinicians.We report a SUDI case, with no external traumatic lesions or limb fractures, for which prompt PMFP showed retinal haemorrhages typical of AHT: child abuse was subsequently confirmed by the forensic investigation. We discuss why PMFP is a relevant screening test to detect retinal haemorrhages in the case of SUDI and why the use of the RetCam should be further investigated.
Cleaning protocols in forensic genetic laboratories
Authors: Kampmann Marie-Louise , Tfelt-Hansen Jacob , Børsting Claus 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIt is pivotal to avoid cross-sample contamination in forensic genetic laboratories and optimal cleaning protocols for the removal of DNA are essential. A survey was performed, and ten forensic genetic laboratories shared their cleaning protocols in pre-PCR and post-PCR laboratories. The cleaning frequencies on different surface areas were somewhat similar, whereas none of the laboratories used the same cleaning reagents. Therefore, the efficiencies of the cleaning protocol utilised were tested and compared. The results showed that freshly made household bleach and Virkon® removed all amplifiable DNA from the surfaces, whereas DNA AWAY™ and the disinfection reagents ethanol, isopropanol, and ChemGene HLD4L did not.
The taphonomic effects of long-term burial in the South African Highveld
Authors: Landsman Claudia , Myburgh Jolandie , Meyer Anja 
Published: April 2024

AbstractTaphonomy studies the environmental effects on remains from the time of deposition to the time of recovery and has been integrated into the field of forensic anthropology. The changes to skeletal remains are dependent on the method of disposal and the surrounding environment. This study focused on buried remains where the type and chemical composition of the soil and the microorganisms present need to be considered. The aim was to investigate the type, frequency, and correlations of the taphonomic alterations of buried domestic pigs. Six taphonomic alterations were observed which included depositional staining, adipocere formation, bone weathering, acidic soil corrosion, and plant, and animal activity. Depositional staining, weathering and plant activity were the most common alterations followed by adipocere which was present on 92.3% of the remains. The bones were mostly stained dark brown and brown; however, the trunk region was the only region to present with black staining. The right sides were darker than the left due to the body positioning as most pigs were placed on their right sides and thus were in direct contact with the cadaver decomposition island. Additionally, the right sides presented with more adipocere as well as increased plant activity suggesting that the soil retained water. Darker stains were correlated with a more complete skeleton as adipocere provides some protection. The study confirms that there are various complicated relationships between different taphonomic alterations. A good understanding of them is needed in forensic anthropology to assist in reconstructing the events that occur after death.
Improved quality of life and psychological symptoms following mindfulness and cognitive rehabilitation in multiple sclerosis and their mediating role for cognition: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Nauta Ilse M. , van Dam Maureen , Bertens Dirk , Kessels Roy P. C. , Fasotti Luciano , Uitdehaag Bernard M. J. , Speckens Anne E. M. , de Jong Brigit A. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundMultiple sclerosis (MS) frequently gives rise to depressive and anxiety symptoms, but these are often undertreated. This study investigated the effect of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) and cognitive rehabilitation therapy (CRT) on psychological outcomes and quality of life (QoL), and whether they mediate treatment effects on MS-related cognitive problems.MethodsThis randomized controlled trial included MS patients with cognitive complaints (n = 99) and compared MBCT (n = 32) and CRT (n = 32) to enhanced treatment as usual (n = 35). Baseline, post-treatment and 6-months follow-up assessments included patient-reported outcome measures (PROMS) and cognitive outcomes (self-reported and neuropsychological assessment). PROMS concerned psychological symptoms, well-being, QoL, and daily life function. Linear mixed models indicated intervention effects on PROMS and mediation effects of PROMS on cognitive outcomes.ResultsMBCT positively affected depressive symptoms (Cohen’sd(d) = −0.46), fatigue (d = −0.39), brooding (d = −0.34), mindfulness skills (d = 0.49), and mental QoL (d = −0.73) at post-treatment. Effects on mindfulness skills remained significant 6 months later (d = 0.42). CRT positively affected depressive symptoms (d = −0.46), mindfulness skills (d = 0.37), and mental QoL (d = −0.45) at post-treatment, but not at 6-month follow-up. No effects on anxiety, well-being, self-compassion, physical QoL, and daily life function were found. Treatment effects on self-reported, but not objective, cognition were mediated by psychological symptoms and mindfulness skills.ConclusionsMBCT and CRT reduced a wide array of psychological symptoms and improved mental QoL. These improvements seemed to impact self-reported cognitive problems after both treatments, whereas objective cognitive improvements after MBCT seemed independent of improvement in psychological symptoms. Future studies should investigate long-term sustainability of these beneficial effects.Trial registrationThe trial was prospectively registered in the Dutch Trial registry on 31 May 2017 (NL6285;https://trialsearch.who.int/Trial2.aspx?TrialID=NTR6459).
Gait asymmetry and symptom laterality in Parkinson’s disease: two of a kind?
Authors: Seuthe Jana , Hermanns Helen , Hulzinga Femke , D’Cruz Nicholas , Deuschl Günther , Ginis Pieter , Nieuwboer Alice , Schlenstedt Christian 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
The laterality of motor symptoms is considered a key feature of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Here, we investigated whether gait and turning asymmetry coincided with symptom laterality as determined by the MDS-UPRDS part III and whether it was increased compared to healthy controls (HC).

Methods
We analyzed the asymmetry of gait and turning with and without a cognitive dual task (DT) using motion capture systems and wearable sensors in 97 PD patients mostly from Hoehn & Yahr stage II and III and 36 age-matched HC. We also assessed motor symptom asymmetry using the bilateral sub-items of the MDS-UPDRS-III. Finally, we examined the strength of the association between gait asymmetry and symptom laterality.

Results
Participants with PD had increased gait but not more turning asymmetry compared to HC (p < 0.05). Only 53.7% of patients had a shorter step length on the more affected body side as determined by the MDS-UPDRS-III. Also, 54% took more time and 29% more steps during turns toward the more affected side. The degree of asymmetry in the different domains did not correlate with each other and was not influenced by DT-load.

Conclusions
We found a striking mismatch between the side and the degree of asymmetry in different motor domains, i.e., in gait, turning, and distal symptom severity in individuals with PD. We speculate that motor execution in different body parts relies on different neural control mechanisms. Our findings warrant further investigation to understand the complexity of gait asymmetry in PD.
Note on the Theorem of Balog, Szemerédi, and Gowers
Authors: Reiher Christian , Schoen Tomasz 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWe prove that every additive set A with energy $$E(A)\ge |A|^3/K$$

E

(
A
)

≥

|
A
|

3

/
K

has a subset $$A'\subseteq A$$

A
′

⊆
A

of size $$|A'|\ge (1-\varepsilon )K^{-1/2}|A|$$

|

A
′

|
≥

(
1
-
ε
)

K

-
1
/
2

|
A
|

such that $$|A'-A'|\le O_\varepsilon (K^{4}|A'|)$$

|

A
′

-

A
′

|
≤

O
ε

(

K
4

|

A
′

|
)

. This is, essentially, the largest structured set one can get in the Balog–Szemerédi–Gowers theorem.
Design and simulation of a micro-coiled digitally-controlled variable inductor with a monolithically integrated MEMS switch
Authors: Sharaf A. , Eladl Sh. M. , Nasr A. , Serry M. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis work introduces the design, analysis, simulation, and a standard MEMS fabrication process for a three-dimensional micro-coil with a magnetic core and a digital switch configuration using a completely integrated, fully MEMS-compatible process to achieve a digitally controlled inductance. The proposed design can also be utilized as a micro-transformer. The proposed design consists of five identical 3D coils and their corresponding MEMS switches. These coils are digitally controlled to achieve a variable inductor ranging from one-fifth of the coil inductance up to five times the coil inductance. A standard five-layer Polymumps process is proposed to fabricate the micro-coils and the integrated switches. Each micro coil is anchored directly on-chip, which is connected to the input signal from one side, and the other is connected to the switch. The Ni-based magnetic core improves the coil’s response by confining and guiding the magnetic field in the magnetic device compared to Si core based by more than five times. The presented coil has the number of windings limited by the designed length and the minimum spacing that can be realized by standard optical lithography. The coil’s diameter is also restricted by the limits defined by optical lithography, whereas the maximum height realizable by the Polymumps process limits the height of the magnetic core and accordingly results in lower inductor performance. Based on this technique, we present coils ranging from 100 μm length and ten winding up to 1000 μm length and 100 windings. The new monolithically integrated MEMS switches act as selectors to achieve a variable inductance with digital control to allow the selection among n(n + 1)/2 inductance steps, where n is the number of coils.
Thoracolumbar fascia and chronic low back pain in idiopathic lumbar scoliosis: an ultrasonographic study
Authors: Yerli Sibel , Yinanç Satuk Buğrahan , Yağcı Gözde , Erbahçeci Fatih , Özçakar Levent 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Purpose
The role of thoracolumbar fascia (TLF) in the development of chronic low back pain (CLBP) has growing evidence in the literature. Although CLBP is reported in individuals with idiopathic scoliosis (IS), its relationship with the TLF has yet not been established. This study aims to evaluate the TLF and its relationship with CLBP in IS.

Methods
A total of 60 individuals were included in the study. They were divided into three groups as follows: painful scoliosis (n = 20, age: 17.1 ± 3.7 years, Cobb angle: 15–43°), non-painful scoliosis (n = 20, age: 16.4 ± 3.4 years, Cobb angle: 15–45°), and healthy group (n = 20, age: 16.4 ± 4.7 years). Pain was evaluated using the short form of the McGill Pain Questionnaire. TLF thickness was evaluated on the lumbar region using ultrasonography. Trunk range of motion was assessed using a universal goniometer, and flexibility was assessed with sit-and-reach test.

Results
The thickness of the right TLF was greatest in the painful group, followed by non-painful (p = 0.007) and healthy (p < 0.001) groups. The thickness of the left TLF in the non-painful and painful groups was greater compared to the healthy group (p < 0.001). In the painful group, right TLF thickness was negatively correlated with trunk flexion/extension (r = −0.540, p = 0.014/r = −0.514, p = 0.020) and left rotation (r = −0.499, p = 0.025) but positively correlated with pain (r = 0.562, p = 0.01).

Conclusions
Thickening of the TLF was observed in IS, whereby, in the presence of CLBP, it was further intensified. We suggest considering fascial thickening as a potential contributing factor to both pain and limited motion in relevant patients.
Structural properties of different sphere packings with arbitrary porosities for planetary-science applications
Authors: Klar L. , Glißmann T. , Lammers K. , Güttler C. , Blum J. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Granular solids in planetary science are found in the regolith that covers planetary surfaces as well as in the bulk of rubble-pile asteroids, comets and planetesimals. To help understand the physics of these planetary bodies, we aim at deriving the structural properties of granular packings over a large range of porosities. Relevant to fluid flow and gas diffusion are the void spaces inside the granular packings so that we analyze the mean free path of point-like particles, their diffusion constant and their total traveled path lengths. For mechanical and heat-transport properties, the coordination number and the absolute chain length of the inter-connected particles are important. Generally, we also derive the homogeneity and isotropy of the granular solids. We compare granular packings generated by four algorithms for porosities in the range between 85 and 42%, which are the upper and lower limits for natural packings of equal-sized spheres. All produced sphere packings arrive at very similar quantities for the mean free path, the free path probability distribution function, the diffusion constant and the total traveled path length for the entire range of porosities. Hence, transport processes governed by the void-space properties are independent of the specific generation algorithm for the granular packing. In contrast, heat conduction or mechanical stresses almost exclusively depend on the existence and properties of particle contacts and particle chains in the network of spheres. In this case, the four algorithms deliver very different results.

Graphic abstract
In vitro activity of cefiderocol against carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii carrying various β-lactamase encoding genes
Authors: Uskudar-Guclu Aylin , Danyildiz Salih , Mirza Hasan Cenk , Akcil Ok Mehtap , Basustaoglu Ahmet 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Objectives
This study aimed to determine the in vitro efficacy of cefiderocol in carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) isolates and evaluate the disk-diffusion (DD) method as an alternative method to broth-microdilution (BMD).

Methods
Totally 89 CRAB isolates were included. Cluster analysis was determined by Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE). Resistance genes; blaOXA−51, blaOXA−23, blaOXA−24, blaOXA−58,blaPER−1, blaNDM, blaIMP and mcr-1 were screened. Cefiderocol susceptibility testing was performed by both DD and BMD. Interpretation was made according to EUCAST and CLSI. Categorical agreement (CA), minor errors (mEs), major errors (MEs), and very major errors (VMEs) were determined.

Results
PFGE revealed 5 distinct pulsotypes; 86 of the isolates were extensively drug-resistant (XDR). All the isolates were negative for blaNDM, blaIMP, mcr-1, while positive for blaOXA−58 and blaOXA51. blaPER−1 was positive for 33.7%; blaOXA−23 for 74.2%; blaOXA−24 for 12.3%. According to CLSI, the MEs rate was 1.85%, mEs was 7.86% and there were no VMEs. According to EUCAST, MEs rate was 3.70%, there were no mEs and VMEs. CA was 91% for CLSI and 97.8% for EUCAST. MICs of cefiderocol against A. baumannii isolates ranged from 0.06 to > 128 mg/L, with MIC50 and MIC90 values of 0.5 and > 128 mg/L, respectively.

Conclusions
Cefiderocol susceptibility was 60.7% in CRAB isolates. MIC50, MIC90 of blaPER−1 positive and blaPER−1 negative groups were > 128/>128 and 0.25/>128 mg/L. A correlation between the presence of blaPER−1 and cefiderocol resistance was observed (p < 0.0001). Among colistin-resistant isolates, the presence of blaPER−1 was 47.1% and 75% of them were resistant to cefiderocol respectively.
Superior suppression of serum estrogens during neoadjuvant breast cancer treatment with letrozole compared to exemestane
Authors: Bertelsen Bjørn-Erik , Almås Bjørg , Fjermeros Kamilla , Viste Kristin , Geisler Stephanie Beate , Sauer Torill , Selsås Knut , Geisler Jürgen 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Purpose
The aromatase inhibitor letrozole and the aromatase inactivator exemestane are two of the most pivotal cancer drugs used for endocrine treatment of ER-positive breast cancer in all phases of the disease. Although both drugs inhibit CYP19 (aromatase) and have been used for decades, a direct head-to-head, intra-patient-cross-over comparison of their ability to decrease estrogen synthesis in vivo is still lacking.

Methods
Postmenopausal breast cancer patients suitable for neoadjuvant endocrine therapy were randomized to receive either letrozole (2.5 mg o.d.) or exemestane (25 mg o.d.) for an initial treatment period, followed by a second treatment period on the alternative drug (intra-patient cross-over study design). Serum levels of estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), letrozole, exemestane, and 17-hydroxyexemestane were quantified simultaneously using a novel, ultrasensitive LC–MS/MS method established in our laboratory.

Results
Complete sets of serum samples (baseline and during treatment with letrozole or exemestane) were available from 79 patients, including 40 patients starting with letrozole (cohort 1) and 39 with exemestane (cohort 2). Mean serum estrone and estradiol levels in cohort 1 were 174 pmol/L and 46.4 pmol/L at baseline, respectively. Treatment with letrozole suppressed serum E1 and E2 to a mean value of 0.2 pmol/L and 0.4 pmol/L (P < 0.001). After the cross-over to exemestane, mean serum levels of E1 and E2 increased to 1.4 pmol/L and 0.7 pmol/L, respectively. In cohort 2, baseline mean serum levels of E1 and E2 were 159 and 32.5 pmol/L, respectively. Treatment with exemestane decreased these values to 1.8 pmol/L for E1 and 0.6 pmol/L for E2 (P < 0.001). Following cross-over to letrozole, mean serum levels of E1 and E2 were significantly further reduced to 0.1 pmol/L and 0.4 pmol/L, respectively. Serum drug levels were monitored in all patients throughout the entire treatment and confirmed adherence to the protocol and drug concentrations within the therapeutic range for all patients. Additionally, Ki-67 values decreased significantly during treatment with both aromatase inhibitors, showing a trend toward a stronger suppression in obese women.

Conclusion
To the best of our knowledge, we present here for the first time a comprehensive and direct head-to-head, intra-patient-cross-over comparison of the aromatase inhibitor letrozole and the aromatase inactivator exemestane concerning their ability to suppress serum estrogen levels in vivo. All in all, our results clearly demonstrate that letrozole therapy results in a more profound suppression of serum E1 and E2 levels compared to exemestane.
Combined effects of fungicides formulations and potato varieties on late blight management, yield and net farm income in Kenya
Authors: Kilonzi J. M. , Nyongesa M. W. , Amata R. L. , Pwaipwai P. , Githui D. , Omondi S. , Lusike W. , Kirugua V. , Mafurah J. J. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractManagement of late blight relies on the use of fungicides and potato varieties which have been associated with loss of efficacy over time. Baseline survey and field studies were conducted to evaluate the effects of fungicide formulations and potato varieties in managing late blight and subsequently on net farm income improvement. Four fungicides formulations (Infinito® (Fluopicolide 62.5g L−1 + propamocarb 625 g L−1), Milraz® (Propineb 700 g kg−1 + cymoxanil 60 g kg−1), Mistress 72® (Mancozeb 640 g kg−1 + cymoxanil 80 g kg−1) and Ridomil® (Metalaxyl 40 g kg−1 + mancozeb 640 g kg−1)), and varieties (Kenya Mpya, Shangi and Dutch Robijn) were evaluated. Survey results revealed that the majority (78%) of the farmers selected varieties to grow based on market dynamics as compared to seed availability (18%), disease resistance (12%) and other factors (8%). The most widely and least used fungicides were Ridomil® (28.8%) and Infinito® (1.7%) respectively. Late blight significantly reduced crop growth (height and stem count) and yield in the unprotected plots in Shangi and Dutch Robijn, but no effect was observed in K. Mpya. Mistress® suppressed blight symptoms by 54%, while Milraz® (lowest effects) reduced the disease by (43%). In unprotected plots, disease severity on K. Mpya was below 1%, while in Shangi and Dutch Robijn varieties, it was 60 and 78% respectively. Reduction in disease by Mistress® resulted in higher yield (30.70 t ha−1) as compared to the unprotected plots (9.25 t ha−1). Maximum yield (28.56 t ha−1) was obtained from K. Mpya, while Dutch Robijn, had the lowest observed yield (20.70 t ha−1) in protected plots. Yet, the highest cost benefit ratio (CBR) was recorded in unprotected plots with K. Mpya. The smallest CBR (1.55) was observed on plots where Milraz® was applied on Dutch Robjn. Results of this study show that, the use of fungicides reduced late blight and improved yield of potato substantially, but the efficacy varied with fungicide formulation and potato variety. However, the use of resistant variety was effective in managing late blight hence a useful tool for minimizing fungicide applications. Therefore, use of resistant variety could enhance a healthy biodiversity and at the same time maximize food production.
Two Physicalist Arguments for Microphysical Manyism
Authors: Thunder Simon 
Published: April 2024

AbstractI here defend microphysical manyism. According to microphysical manyism, each composite or higher-level object is a mere plurality of microphysical particles. After clarifying the commitments of the view, I offer two physicalist-friendly arguments in its favour. The first argument appeals to the Canberra Plan. Here I argue that microphysical particles acting in unison play the theoretical roles associated with composite objects - that they do everything that we think of composite objects as doing - and thus that composite objects are to be identified with pluralities ofmicrophysical particles. Along the way I rebut the objections that pluralities of particles don’t display the right emergent, ‘lingering’, or modal properties to be good candidates for identification with higher-level objects. In the second argument I claim that microphysical manyism is uniquely able to capture a compelling and widespread physicalist intuition concerning the intimate nature of the relationshipbetween higher-level, composite objects and the microphysical world.
Death by Law: Restrictive Regulations and INGO Numbers
Authors: Fransen Luc , Dupuy Kendra E. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractDoes the adoption of restrictive regulations shape numbers of non-governmental organizations? Since the late 1990s, governments around the world have been enacting new legal measures designed to suppress civil society’s functions and organizational space to carry out advocacy and politically oriented work. Scholars have investigated the impact of these new regulations on foreign aid flows, voting behavior, and on organizations, but to date, we lack a systematic analysis about the cross-national global effects of these legal restrictions on numbers of international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) in particular, since it is these organizations (and their funders) that have been heavily targeted. In this research note, we fill this gap through an empirical analysis of the effects of various types of restrictive laws on INGO numbers in 96 countries between 1992 and 2018 and find that advocacy restrictions result in a reduction of transnational human rights organizations but not numbers of INGOs.