bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Strengthening national salt reduction strategies using multiple methods process evaluations: case studies from Malaysia and Mongolia
Authors: McKenzie Briar L , Mustapha Feisul Idzwan , Battumur Bat-Erdene , Batsaikhan Enkhtungalag , Chandran Arunah , Michael Viola , Webster Jacqui , Trieu Kathy 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Objective:
To understand the extent to which national salt reduction strategies in Malaysia and Mongolia were implemented and achieving their intended outcomes.

Design:
Multiple methods process evaluations conducted at the mid-point of strategy implementation, guided by theoretical frameworks.

Setting:
Malaysia (2018–2019) and Mongolia (2020–2021).

Participants:
Desk-based reviews of related documents, interviews with key stakeholders (n 12 Malaysia, n 10 Mongolia), focus group discussions with health professionals in Malaysia (n 43) and health provider surveys in Mongolia (n 12).

Results:
Both countries generated high-quality local evidence about salt intake and levels in foods and culturally specific education resources. In Malaysia, education and reformulation activities were delivered with moderate dose (quantity) but reach among the population was low. Within 5 years, Mongolia implemented education among schools, health professionals and food producers on salt reduction with high reach, but with moderate dose (quantity) and reach among the general population. Both countries faced challenges in implementing legislative interventions (mandatory salt labelling and salt limits in packaged foods) and both could improve the scaling up of their reformulation and education activities.

Conclusions:
In the first half of Malaysia’s and Mongolia’s strategies, both countries generated necessary evidence and education materials, mobilised health professionals to deliver salt reduction education and achieved small-scale reformulation in foods. Both subsequently should focus on implementing regulatory policies and achieving population-wide reach and impact. Process evaluations of existing salt reduction strategies can help strengthen intervention delivery, aiding achievement of WHO’s 30 % reduction in salt intake by 2025 target.
Narratives of inequality. Towards an archaeology of structural violence in Late Iron Age Scandinavia
Authors: Raffield Ben , Fredengren Christina , Kjellström Anna 
Published: February 2024

AbstractTo date, traditional narratives of the Late Iron Age have focused almost exclusively on discussions of the elite. These were the martial rulers and major landholders who occupied the upper strata of Scandinavian society. The lives of lower-status population groups, including enslaved and other ‘unfree’ or dependent peoples such as landless farmers, have long been marginalized in archaeological discourse. We have little knowledge of the ways in which the lifeways of subaltern peoples were shaped by the construction and maintenance of socio-political hierarchies and networks, or of how social inequality permeated and impacted the daily lives of communities. In this article, the authors propose that the concept ofstructural violence, developed by sociologist Johan Galtung, has the potential to offer an interdisciplinary framework for multi-proxy studies of (bio)archaeological and textual data.
Productive function of urban gardening: estimate of the yield and nutritional value of social gardens in Prato (Italy)
Authors: Baldi Ada , Gallo Nicolas Lucio , Lenzi Anna 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The impact of urban gardens on food production and nutrient supply is widely recognized in the literature but seldom quantified. In this paper, we present the results of a semi-structured interview conducted in the ‘social gardens’ of Prato (Italy), i.e. areas of land assigned by the Municipality to individual pensioners or unemployed people for the cultivation of vegetables intended for domestic consumption. Some demographic and socio-economic aspects, the cultivated crops and the related areas were investigated. Starting from the areas, the total production of vegetables and their minerals and vitamins contents were estimated. The typical gardener was male, retired, with an average age of 74, and a low level of education. Gardening enabled pensioners to utilize their free time, facilitated physical activity, promoted socialization, and stimulated self-esteem. A 50 m2 plot cultivated on 40% of the area produced an estimated amount of 90 kg of vegetables per year, equivalent to approximately 61.5% of a person's fruit and vegetable needs. Tomato, by far the predominant species, occupied more than 80% of the cultivated area. The highest contributions to nutrients intake concerned Vitamin C and Vitamin A, the lowest Ca and Na. A higher yield and a greater and more balanced nutrient supply could be easily obtained through better use of the land (reduction of uncultivated area and greater assortment of vegetables). In our view, raising gardeners' awareness of this aspect and involving them in training programs on agricultural practices, vegetables composition, and nutrition, could be helpful for increasing the nutrient productivity of the plots and, ultimately, for strengthening the productive function of social gardens.
The discrete-time arbitrage-free Nelson-Siegel model: a closed-form solution and applications to mixed funds representation
Authors: Eghbalzadeh Ramin , Godin Frédéric , Gaillardetz Patrice 
Published: February 2024

AbstractA closed-form solution for zero-coupon bonds is obtained for a version of the discrete-time arbitrage-free Nelson-Siegel model. An estimation procedure relying on a Kalman filter is provided. The model is shown to produce adequate fit when applied to historical Canadian spot rate data and to improve distributional predictive performance over benchmarks. An adaptation of the mixed fund return model from Augustyniak et al. ((2021). ASTIN Bulletin: The Journal of the IAA, 51(1), 131–159.) is also provided to include the discrete-time arbitrage-free Nelson-Siegel model as one of its building blocks.
Storm Surges and Sea Level Rise Cluster Hydrological Variables Across a Coastal Forest Bordering a Salt Marsh
Authors: Nordio Giovanna , Gedan Keryn , Fagherazzi Sergio 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSea level rise and storm surges drive coastal forest retreat and salt marsh expansion. Both salinization and flooding control ecological zonation and ecosystem transition in coastal areas. Hydrological variables, if coupled with ecological surveys, can explain the different stages of coastal forest retreat and marsh encroachment. In this research, long‐term data of a host of hydrological variables collected along transects from marsh to inner forest were analyzed. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) was used to identify the primary hydrological variables responsible for the forest‐marsh gradient and their seasonal patterns. Water content (WC) in the soil (WC) and groundwater electrical conductivity (EC) were found to be the main variables responsible for the hydrological differences among the sites. Higher values of WC and EC were found in the low‐forest area near the salt marsh, with hydrological differences between forest levels reflected in ecological community structure. In particular, some sites were characterized by high EC while others by high WC values, suggesting significant spatial variations within hundreds of meters. The forested area, relatively flat in elevation, was characterized by limited hydraulic gradients and consequently lateral discharges. These characteristics made the role of groundwater level negligible in driving the hydrological clustering. Seasonal LDA data suggest that the sites are hydrologically different during winter (higher distance among clusters of variables) and similar during summer (low distance among clusters). In the study area, higher rainfall occurs during summer, decreasing groundwater EC in areas characterized by low canopy cover (dying forest). Rainfall moved low forest sites closer to the pristine high forest in the LDA analysis. During storm surge events, the distance between clusters decreased, indicating uniform salinization and flooding across the forest. Therefore, we conclude that ecological zonation in a coastal forest is reflected in seasonal hydrological differences in the absence of storm surges. Storm surges do not produce contrasting hydrological conditions and might not be responsible for ecological differences in the short‐term. On the contrary, differences in hydrological recovery are responsible for forest zonation. An additional analysis carried out using a binary Marsh‐Healthy forest LDA classifier indicates when each site switches from a forest hydrological state to a salt‐marsh hydrological state. Our results are useful for long‐term predictions of the ecological evolution of the forest–salt marsh ecotone.
Underappreciated Emission Spikes From Power Plants During Heatwaves Observed From Space: Case Studies in India and China
Authors: Liu Song , Shu Lei , Zhu Lei , Song Yu , Sun Wenfu , Chen Yuyang , Wang Dakang , Pu Dongchuan , Li Xicheng , Sun Shuai , Li Juan , Zuo Xiaoxing , Fu Weitao , Yang Xin , Fu Tzung‐May 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe frequency, intensity, and duration of extreme heatwaves are projected to increase in the global context of climate change. However, evidence of how anthropogenic emissions respond to heatwaves and further impact air quality remains elusive. Here, we use satellite remote sensing measurements alongside chemical transport model simulations to reveal abrupt variations in primary and secondary air pollutants introduced by extreme heatwaves. We highlight evidence from China and India, where satellite sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) columns over thermal power plants enhance consistently responding to heatwaves. We attribute such spiked emissions to soaring electricity use and demonstrate that bottom‐up inventories underestimate the emissions from the power sector by 34.9% for the selected case. Elevated emissions facilitate fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone (O3) formation over thermal power plants in an inhomogeneous manner, due to the combined effect of atmospheric oxidizing capacity, thermal decomposition of peroxyacetyl nitrate, planetary boundary layer rise, and air stagnation. Our results underscore the emerging challenge of pollution control attributable to the increasing climate penalty and the necessity of targeted control strategies and alternative energy sources during heatwaves.
Spatiotemporal Patterns of Polar Low Activity Over the Southern Ocean
Authors: Farjami H. , Kazemi A. Fazl 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPolar Lows (PLs) are intense maritime meso‐scale cyclones that form over cold ocean regions in high latitudes. They affect the weather and climate of Antarctica and the surrounding ocean by producing storms with near or above gale‐force winds and heavy precipitation. This study investigated PLs in the Southern Ocean (SO) between 60 and 85°S from 2000 to 2020, using a tracking algorithm applied to the ERA5, CCMP, and NCEP/NCAR data sets. The results showed that PLs are most frequent in winter (JJA) and least frequent in summer (DJF), with a maximum in 2018 and a minimum in 2014. The results also show that PLs are concentrated over the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) region, along the Ross Sea, the Amundsen Sea, and the Bellingshausen Sea from April to October. These regions have strong thermal gradients and orographic forcing that enhance cyclogenesis. Our research reveals that there were 1,073 occurrences of PLs during the study period, with an average 51 cases per year. The study also explored the influence of sea surface temperature anomalies, sea surface currents, and MCAOs Index on PL genesis. The Amundsen‐Bellingshausen Seas Low (ABSL) and Pacific Ocean currents have a considerable effect on PLs developing in the SO. This research provides valuable information on PLs in the SO, which are poorly observed and understood. However, more research is required to understand how these phenomena are evolving in the present, and how they will change in the future.
Physical Properties, Chemical Components, and Transport Mechanisms of Atmospheric Aerosols Over a Remote Area on the South Slope of the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Yu Zeren , Tian Pengfei , Kang Chenliang , Song Xin , Huang Jianping , Guo Yumin , Shi Jinsen , Tang Chenguang , Zhang Haotian , Zhang Zhida , Cao Xianjie , Liang Jiening , Zhang Lei 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe physicochemical properties and origins of atmospheric aerosols in the Tibetan Plateau (TP) region are a research topic of great interest, but an in‐depth understanding of this topic is challenging, partially due to a lack of intensive in situ observations. Thus, a field campaign was conducted over Yadong, a remote area on the south slope of the TP from June 11 to 31 August 2021. The aerosol loading was low, with a black carbon mass concentration of 147.4 ± 98.4 ng·m−3. Aerosol single‐scattering albedo was low (0.73 ± 0.11 at 550 nm) and increased from 450 to 700 nm wavelength. Organic matter (OM) accounting for 69.6% of the total aerosol mass and relatively high secondary organic carbon ratios, highlighting the importance of secondary formation. An interesting phenomenon observed was that the evolution of aerosols was mainly characterized by diurnal variation, which could not be explained by large‐scale atmospheric processes such as Indian summer monsoon. Instead, it was found that regional mountain‐valley winds between the Himalayas and South Asia transported polluted air masses toward the TP, especially in the afternoon when regional valley wind are expected to be the strongest and the boundary layer in South Asia is deepest. Additionally, daytime local valley wind further elevated these aerosols to higher altitudes on the TP. This paper provides insights into the transport mechanisms of aerosols from South Asia to the TP. These findings are of great importance since aerosols exhibit significant diurnal variations in the TP region.
A Laboratory Investigation on the Effects of Intermittent Water Supply and Remedial Measures
Authors: Ferrante Marco , Rogers Dewi , Mugabi Josses , Casinini Francesco 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe intermittent water supply (IWS) of water distribution systems is a common practice caused by the imbalance between available water resources and customers' demands. Transition to the continuous water supply (CWS) is desirable to reduce quality, equity distribution, and pipe integrity issues but is often practically unachievable in the short or medium term. The World Bank funded a laboratory activity at the Water Engineering laboratory of the University of Perugia, Italy, to investigate how remedies can be introduced to mitigate the impacts of IWS and preserve pipe integrity, facilitating the transition from IWS to CWS. The results of the tests with different feeding conditions, downstream outflows, and air valve dimensions and locations are described and discussed in this paper, culminating in typical interventions that can be implemented to reduce, if not completely eliminate, the undesirable consequences.
Adiposity associates with lower plasma resolvin E1 (Rve1): a population study
Authors: Barden Anne , Shinde Sujata , Beilin Lawrence J. , Phillips Michael , Adams Leon , Bollmann Steffen , Mori Trevor A. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Inadequate inflammation resolution may contribute to persistent low-grade inflammation that accompanies many chronic conditions. Resolution of inflammation is an active process driven by Specialized Pro-resolving Mediators (SPM) that derive from long chain n-3 and n-6 fatty acids. This study examined plasma SPM in relation to sex differences, lifestyle and a broad range cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in 978, 27-year olds from the Australian Raine Study.

Methods
Plasma SPM pathway intermediates (18-HEPE, 17-HDHA and 14-HDHA), and SPM (E- and D-series resolvins, PD1, MaR1) and LTB4 were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LCMSMS). Pearson correlations and multiple regression analyses assessed relationships between SPM and CVD risk factors. Unpaired t-tests or ANOVA assessed the effect of sex, smoking, unhealthy alcohol consumption and obesity on SPM.

Results
Women had higher 17-HDHA (p = 0.01) and lower RvE1 (p < 0.0001) and RvD1 (p = 0.05) levels compared with men. In univariate analysis, obesity associated with lower RvE1 (p = 0.002), whereas smoking (p < 0.001) and higher alcohol consumption (p < 0.001) associated with increased RvE1. In multiple regression analysis, plasma RvE1 was negatively associated with a range of measures of adiposity including BMI, waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, abdominal subcutaneous fat volume, and skinfold thicknesses in both men and women.

Conclusion
This population study suggests that a deficiency in plasma RvE1 may occur in response to increasing adiposity. This observation could be relevant to ongoing inflammation that associates with CVD and other chronic diseases.
Craniofacial syndromes and class III phenotype: common genotype fingerprints? A scoping review and meta-analysis
Authors: Faria-Teixeira Maria Cristina , Tordera Cristina , Salvado e Silva Francisco , Vaz-Carneiro António , Iglesias-Linares Alejandro 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSkeletal Class III (SCIII) is among the most challenging craniofacial dysmorphologies to treat. There is, however, a knowledge gap regarding which syndromes share this clinical phenotype. The aims of this study were to: (i) identify the syndromes affected by the SCIII phenotype; (ii) clarify the involvement of maxillary and/or mandibular structures; (iii) explore shared genetic/molecular mechanisms. A two-step strategy was designed: [Step#1] OMIM, MHDD, HPO, GeneReviews and MedGen databases were explored; [Step#2]: Syndromic conditions indexed in [Step#1] were explored in Medline, Pubmed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, WOS and OpenGrey. Eligibility criteria were defined. Individual studies were assessed for risk of bias using the New Ottawa Scale. For quantitative analysis, a meta-analysis was conducted. This scoping review is a hypothesis-generating research. Twenty-two studies met the eligibility criteria. Eight syndromes affected by the SCIII were targeted: Apert syndrome, Crouzon syndrome, achondroplasia, X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (XLED), tricho-dento-osseous syndrome, cleidocranial dysplasia, Klinefelter and Down syndromes. Despite heterogeneity between studies [p < 0.05], overall effects showed that midface components were affected in Apert and Down Syndromes, lower face in Klinefelter Syndrome and midface and lower face components in XLED. Our review provides new evidence on the craniofacial characteristics of genetically confirmed syndromes exhibiting the SCIII phenotype. Four major regulatory pathways might have a modulatory effect on this phenotype.ImpactWhat does this review add to the existing literature?To date, there is no literature exploring which particular syndromes exhibit mandibular prognathism as a common trait.Through this research, it was possibly to identify the particular syndromes that share the skeletal Class III phenotype (mandibular prognathism) as a common trait highlighting the common genetic and molecular pathways between different syndromes acknowledging their impact in craniofacial development.
Unraveling the impact of cancer-associated fibroblasts on hypovascular pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: Lai Ting-Yu , Chiang Tsai-Chen , Lee Chih-Yuan , Kuo Ting-Chun , Wu Chien-Hui , Chen Yi-Ing , Hu Chun-Mei , Maskey Manjit , Tang Shiue-Cheng , Jeng Yung-Ming , Tien Yu-Wen , Lee Eva Y.-H. P. , Lee Wen-Hwa 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) with low microvessel density and fibrosis often exhibit clinical aggressiveness. Given the contribution of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) to the hypovascular fibrotic stroma in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, investigating whether CAFs play a similar role in PNETs becomes imperative. In this study, we investigated the involvement of CAFs in PNETs and their effects on clinical outcomes.

Methods
We examined 79 clinical PNET specimens to evaluate the number and spatial distribution of α-smooth muscle actin (SMA)–positive cells, which are indicative of CAFs. Then, the findings were correlated with clinical outcomes. In vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted to assess the effects of CAFs (isolated from clinical specimens) on PNET metastasis and growth. Additionally, the role of the stromal-cell-derived factor 1 (SDF1)–AGR2 axis in mediating communication between CAFs and PNET cells was investigated.

Results
αSMA-positive and platelet-derived growth factor-α–positive CAFs were detected in the hypovascular stroma of PNET specimens. A higher abundance of α-SMA-positive CAFs within the PNET stroma was significantly associated with a higher level of clinical aggressiveness. Notably, conditioned medium from PNET cells induced an inflammatory phenotype in isolated CAFs. These CAFs promoted PNET growth and metastasis. Mechanistically, PNET cells secreted interleukin-1, which induced the secretion of SDF1 from CAFs. This cascade subsequently elevated AGR2 expression in PNETs, thereby promoting tumor growth and metastasis. The downregulation of AGR2 in PNET cells effectively suppressed the CAF-mediated promotion of PNET growth and metastasis.

Conclusion
CAFs drive the growth and metastasis of aggressive PNETs. The CXCR4–SDF1 axis may be a target for antistromal therapy in the treatment of PNET. This study clarifies mechanisms underlying PNET aggressiveness and may guide future therapeutic interventions targeting the tumor microenvironment.
HER2 expression and genOmic characterization of rESected brain metastases from colorectal cancer: the HEROES study
Authors: Prete Alessandra Anna , Angerilli Valentina , Bergamo Francesca , Vettore Valentina , De Toni Chiara , Intini Rossana , Cerma Krisida , Ricagno Gianmarco , Cerantola Riccardo , Perissinotto Eleonora , De Rosa Antonio , Ceccon Carlotta , Gasparello Jessica , Denaro Luca , D’Amico Alberto , Chioffi Franco , Carcea Elena , Fassan Matteo , Lonardi Sara 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Little is known about prognostic factors of brain metastases (BM) from colorectal cancer (CRC). HER2 amplification/overexpression (HER2+) was previously described; its impact on prognosis remains uncertain.

Methods
In the translational study HEROES, extensive molecular analysis was performed on primary CRC (prCRC) and their matched resected BM by means of NGS comprehensive genomic profiling and HER2 status as assessed by immunohistochemical/ in situ hybridization. Count of tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) was also performed. Primary objective: to describe the molecular landscape of paired BM/prCRC. Secondary objectives: to search for new prognostic biomarkers of outcome after BM resection: intracranial-only Progression-Free Survival (BM-iPFS), Progression-Free Survival (BM-PFS), and Overall Survival (BM-OS).

Results
Out of 22 patients having paired samples of prCRC and BM, HER2+ was found on 4 (18%) BM, 3 (75%) of which also HER2+ in matched prCRC. Lower tumour mutation burden (HR 3.08; 95%CI 1.06–8.93; p = 0.0386) and HER2-negative BM (HER2neg) (HR 7.75;95%CI 1.97–30.40; p = 0.0033) were associated with longer BM-iPFS; HER2neg BM (HR 3.44; 95%CI 1.03–11.53; p = 0.0449) and KRASmut BM (HR 0.31; 95%CI 0.12–0.80; p = 0.0153) conferred longer BM-PFS. Longer BM-OS was found in pts with TILs-enriched (≥1.6/HPF) BM (HR 0.11; 95%CI0.01–0.91; p = 0.0403).

Conclusions
This study shows HER2+ enrichment in both BM and their prCRC. TILs-enriched BM conferred better BM-OS.