bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metabolomics investigation of post-mortem human pericardial fluid
Authors: Chighine Alberto , Stocchero Matteo , Ferino Giulio , De-Giorgio Fabio , Conte Celeste , Nioi Matteo , d’Aloja Ernesto , Locci Emanuela 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Introduction
Due to its peculiar anatomy and physiology, the pericardial fluid is a biological matrix of particular interest in the forensic field. Despite this, the available literature has mainly focused on post-mortem biochemistry and forensic toxicology, while to the best of authors’ knowledge post-mortem metabolomics has never been applied. Similarly, estimation of the time since death or post-mortem interval based on pericardial fluids has still rarely been attempted.

Objectives
We applied a metabolomic approach based on 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to ascertain the feasibility of monitoring post-mortem metabolite changes on human pericardial fluids with the aim of building a multivariate regression model for post-mortem interval estimation.

Methods
Pericardial fluid samples were collected in 24 consecutive judicial autopsies, in a time frame ranging from 16 to 170 h after death. The only exclusion criterion was the quantitative and/or qualitative alteration of the sample. Two different extraction protocols were applied for low molecular weight metabolites selection, namely ultrafiltration and liquid-liquid extraction. Our metabolomic approach was based on the use of 1H nuclear magnetic resonance and multivariate statistical data analysis.

Results
The pericardial fluid samples treated with the two experimental protocols did not show significant differences in the distribution of the metabolites detected. A post-mortem interval estimation model based on 18 pericardial fluid samples was validated with an independent set of 6 samples, giving a prediction error of 33–34 h depending on the experimental protocol used. By narrowing the window to post-mortem intervals below 100 h, the prediction power of the model was significantly improved with an error of 13–15 h depending on the extraction protocol. Choline, glycine, ethanolamine, and hypoxanthine were the most relevant metabolites in the prediction model.

Conclusion
The present study, although preliminary, shows that PF samples collected from a real forensic scenario represent a biofluid of interest for post-mortem metabolomics, with particular regard to the estimation of the time since death.
Oligodendrocyte precursor cells: the multitaskers in the brain
Authors: Fang Li-Pao , Bai Xianshu 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
In the central nervous system, oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) are recognized as the progenitors responsible for the generation of oligodendrocytes, which play a critical role in myelination. Extensive research has shed light on the mechanisms underlying OPC proliferation and differentiation into mature myelin-forming oligodendrocytes. However, recent advances in the field have revealed that OPCs have multiple functions beyond their role as progenitors, exerting control over neural circuits and brain function through distinct pathways. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of OPCs by first introducing their well-established features. Subsequently, we delve into the emerging roles of OPCs in modulating brain function in both healthy and diseased states. Unraveling the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which OPCs influence brain function holds great promise for identifying novel therapeutic targets for central nervous system diseases.
Ambient temperature modulates body weight changes in patients with advanced oncological diseases and anorexia cachexia syndrome
Authors: Encinas Paloma , Rodriguez-Arias Jose Luis , Pérez Luis Miguel Luengo , Cortizo Daniel , Gutierrez Emilio 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Objective
To assess the impact of ambient temperature (AT) on the evolution of bodyweight in patients with heterogeneous types of cancer in advanced stages of the disease (stages III and IV) and anorexia- cachexia syndrome (ACS).

Methods
A prospective naturalistic multicenter study of patients undergoing oncological treatment at four hospitals during a three-year period (2017–2020) in the Autonomous Community of Extremadura in southwestern Spain with a continentalized Mediterranean climate of mild and relatively rainy winters, and particularly hot and sunny summers. Bodyweight changes were obtained from the medical records of 84 oncological patients (59 men and 25 women, age range 37–91 yrs). Mean monthly AT was used to examine the association of weight changes across cold and warm bimesters -BIMs (December and January, vs. July and August), Trimesters -TRIMs (July to September vs. December to February), and Semesters -SEMs (May to October vs. November to April). Weight changes between two consecutive weight measures were categorized as weight gain, weight loss, or no weight change. Differences across cold and warm seasons were analysed using parametric (ANOVA), and nonparametric statistics (Chi-square and binomial z tests). An alpha-rate of 0.05 was used for all analyses.

Results
A weight loss trend was observed during BIMs cold periods in comparison to warm ones (p 0.04). However, differences in average bodyweight were not significant. The negative impact of cold periods was more marked in men than in women, (p = 0.05; p = 0.03, for cold vs. warm BIMs and TRIMs, respectively). In contrast, significantly higher weight gain percentages were found in women during warm TRIMs and SEMs (p = 0.03, and p = 0.01, respectively). As for the number of patients dying during the study (N = 56; 39 men, 17 women), there were a significant interaction between temperature (cold/warm), and mean weight F (1, 499) = 6.06, p = 0.01, which revealed a pattern of weight loss in the cold semester as opposed to weight gain during the warm SEM months.

Conclusions
AT temperature modulated body weight changes in patients with advanced oncological disease and ACS. Two main limitations of the study were the absence of information on diets as a moderating factor of weight loss/gain, and the lack of the patients’ weight measurements closest to the date of diagnosis prior to admittance to the study. As for the practical implications, it remains to be seen whether an adjunctive heat supply will serve a buffering effect on weight loss during colder seasons for patients with advanced cancer and ACS.
Calorimetric analysis of Mg–Li ultra light magnesium alloy
Authors: Król Mariusz , Hajnyš Jiří 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe Thermal-Derivative Analysis, or Computer-Aided Cooling Curve Analysis, is a commonly used method for determining the solidification parameters of metals and alloys. Knowledge of the enthalpy, kinetics and broad characteristics of the transformations taking place during the cooling of an alloy can be obtained with the proper configuration of analytical equipment and arrangement of test techniques. This work practically analyses the changes occurring in the Mg–4.5Li–1.5Al alloy as a result of the modification of the structure by the addition of TiB and Sr. The results indicate that adding grain refinements significantly affects the microstructure and thermal parameters of Mg–4.5Li–1.5Al alloy. The nucleation temperature and solidus temperature decrease with the addition of chemical reagents. Compressive strength improved due to the refinement of grain size. The results confirmed that thermal-derivative analysis is suitable for analysing changes in cast magnesium alloys.
Linear cuts in Boolean networks
Authors: Naldi Aurélien , Richard Adrien , Tonello Elisa 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBoolean networks are popular tools for the exploration of qualitative dynamical properties of biological systems. Several dynamical interpretations have been proposed based on the same logical structure that captures the interactions between Boolean components. They reproduce, in different degrees, the behaviours emerging in more quantitative models. In particular, regulatory conflicts can prevent the standard asynchronous dynamics from reproducing some trajectories that might be expected upon inspection of more detailed models. We introduce and study the class of networks with linear cuts, where linear components—intermediates with a single regulator and a single target—eliminate the aforementioned regulatory conflicts. The interaction graph of a Boolean network admits a linear cut when a linear component occurs in each cycle and in each path from components with multiple targets to components with multiple regulators. Under this structural condition the attractors are in one-to-one correspondence with the minimal trap spaces, and the reachability of attractors can also be easily characterized. Linear cuts provide the base for a new interpretation of the Boolean semantics that captures all behaviours of multi-valued refinements with regulatory thresholds that are uniquely defined for each interaction, and contribute a new approach for the investigation of behaviour of logical models.
Mesoproterozoic geomagnetic field strength from Nova Guarita mafic dykes (Amazon Craton)
Authors: Di Chiara Anita , Muxworthy Adrian R. , Trindade Ricrdo I. F. , Bispo-Santos Franklin , Baker Evelyn B. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractPalaeointensity data from the Precambrian are key to understanding the timing of the Earth’s Inner Core Nucleation (ICN). Due to the scarcity of data, the ICN timing is still poorly constrained and is thought to have occurred between 2500 to 500 Ma. Numerical dynamo simulation models predict an increase in entropy, a stronger driving force for convection that could affect the field strength and show an anomaly in the palaeointensity record at ICN. We present new estimates of the geomagnetic field intensity (palaeointensity) from the Mid-Mesoproterozoic (1406 ± 1424 Ma) Nova Guarita dyke swarm, in the northern Mato Grosso State (SW Amazon Craton, Brazil). To obtain palaeointensity estimates, we used the non-heating Preisach method, with palaeointensity criteria at the specimen, and site level. Five sites provided accepted palaeointensity results, yielding virtual dipole moment (VDM) estimate of 65 ± 12 ZAm2 at 1416 ± 13 Ma, 53 ± 4 ZAm2 at 1418 ± 3 Ma, 12 ± 2 and 8 ± 2 ZAm2 at 1418 ± 5 Ma, and 71 ± 16 ZAm2 at 1424 ± 16 Ma, thus an average estimate of 43 ± 30 ZAm2 for ∼1410 Ma. The estimate is similar to the average VDM data (∼50 ZAm2), calculated for the period from 1600 to 1000 Ma. This average represents only a snapshot of the Earth’s magnetic field strength. While the new data are too limited in time to contribute directly to the question of ICN, they nevertheless contribute to constraints useful for assessing numerical simulations of the Mesoproterozoic geodynamo.
Short-term impact of different doses of spent coffee grounds, salt, and sand on soil chemical and hydrological properties in an urban soil
Authors: Khan Muhammad Owais , Klamerus-Iwan Anna , Kupka Dawid , Słowik-Opoka Ewa 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Natural and human activities have deteriorated urban soil’s health and ecological functions as compared to forest soils. Therefore, we hypothesized that any intervention in poor quality soil in urban area will change their chemical and water retention properties. The experiment was conducted in Krakow (Poland) in completely randomized design (CRD). The soil amendments used in this experiment consisted of control, spent coffee grounds (SCGs), salt, and sand (1 and 2 t ha−1) in order to evaluate the impact of these soil amendments on the urban soil chemical and hydrological properties. Soil samples were collected after 3 months of soil application. The soil pH, soil acidity (me/100 g), electrical conductivity (mS/cm), total carbon (%), CO2 emission (g m−2 day−1), and total nitrogen (%) were measured in laboratory condition. The soil hydrological properties like volumetric water content (VWC), water drop penetration time (WDPT), current water storage capacity (Sa), water storage capacity after 4 and 24 h (S4 and S24), and capillary water Pk (mm) were also determined. We noted variations in soil chemical and water retention properties in urban soil after the application of SCGs, sand, and salt. It was observed that SCGs (2 t ha−1) has reduced soil pH and nitrogen (%) by 14 and 9%, while the incorporation of salt resulted in maximum soil EC, total acidity, and soil pH. The soil carbon (%) and CO2 emission (g m−2 day−1) were enhanced and declined by SCGs amendment. Furthermore, the soil hydrological properties were significantly influenced by the soil amendment (spent coffee grounds, salt, and sand) application. Our results showed that spent coffee grounds mixing in urban soil has considerably enhanced the soil VWC, Sa, S4, S24, and Pk, whereas it decreased the water drop penetration time. The analysis showed that the single dose of soil amendments had not improved soil chemical properties very well. Therefore, it is suggested that SCGs should be applied more than single dose. This is a good direction to look for ways to improve the retention properties of urban soil and you can consider combining SCGs with other organic materials like compost, farmyard manure, or biochar.
Mammary nodules as incidental findings on chest computed tomography: a retrospective analysis on their frequency and predictive value
Authors: Agliata Maria Francesca , Calabrò Naomi , Tricca Stefano , Rampi Anna Maria , Gambaro Anna Clelia Lucia , Ferrante Daniela , Carriero Alessandro 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Purpose
To evaluate the frequency of mammary nodules as incidental findings on chest CT scans and to determine a correlation between semiological features and mammographic and histopathological outcomes.

Methods
A total of 42,864 chest CT scans performed on patients with breast-unrelated working diagnoses by the Radiology Department at AOU Maggiore della Carità, between 1st January 2016 and 30th April 2022, were analysed. Sixty-eight patients (3 males and 65 females) with mammary nodule CT detection were selected and subjected to mammography, mammary ultrasound and, eventually, biopsy.

Results
Thirty-five of the 68 patients received a histopathological confirmation of malignancy. According to Pearson’s Chi-square test, the CT features most likely associated with BI-RADS 5 following mammography were post-contrast enhancement (p = 0.001), margin irregularity (p = 0.0001), nipple retraction (p = 0.001), skin thickening (p = 0.024), and the presence of structurally atypical lymph nodes suspicious for metastatic involvement (p = 0.0001). The CT features predictive of a biopsy positive for malignancy were post-contrast enhancement (p = 0.0001), margin irregularity (p = 0.0001), and the presence of suspicious lymph nodes (p = 0.011). Finally, 63.4% of patients with a working diagnosis related to cancer were diagnosed with breast cancer.

Conclusion
Chest CT incidental findings of mammary nodules had a 0.21% incidence rate. The accurate description of some CT scan features, such as post-contrast enhancement, margin irregularity, nipple retraction, skin thickening and the presence of structurally atypical lymph nodes, may help to establish a radiological suspicion of malignancy, especially if these characteristics are supported by a working diagnosis of cancer.
Assessing the Hotline Services on Child Trafficking Victims: An Analysis of Vietnam
Authors: Van Nguyen Oanh , Luong Hai Thanh 
Published: July 2023

AbstractWhile rescuing trafficked children has been focused on several countries in the Global North, little is known about what and how it worked and what and how it has not worked in some nations in the Global South, such as Vietnam. Although Vietnam has been considered the source’s country at Tier 3’s classification in the U.S. Trafficking in Persons Report 2022, its victim-centered approach still lacks focus and improvement. Given the country’s political ideology, top-down management, and centralized governance, copying Western strategies for supporting those children’s victims is challenging in Vietnam. This study analyzes the hotline services to understand better the process of child trafficking victims’ (CTV) rescues in Vietnam. To assess the inside of support victims of child trafficking, we use a mixed-qualitative method by combining focus-group discussions and semi-structured interviews with 28 participants from the hotline operators, law enforcers, and social welfare. Our findings point out (1) various information of callers to hotline operators, (2) different pathways to handle these sources, and (3) the impacts of COVID-19’s outbreak on supporting the victims. Outcomes of hotline services also depend on human resources, legal frameworks, and collaborative mechanisms. Some practical gaps also call for further attention to enhance the hotline services in Vietnam.
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease as an Emerging Risk Factor for Heart Failure
Authors: Inciardi Riccardo M. , Mantovani Alessandro , Targher Giovanni 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Purpose of the Review
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and heart failure (HF) are two chronic diseases that have become important global public health problems. This narrative review provides a comprehensive overview of the association between NAFLD and increased risk of new-onset HF, briefly discusses the putative biological mechanisms linking these two conditions, and summarizes targeted pharmacotherapies for NAFLD that might also beneficially affect cardiac complications leading to new-onset HF.

Recent Findings
Recent observational cohort studies supported a significant association between NAFLD and the long-term risk of new-onset HF. Notably, this risk remained statistically significant even after adjustment for age, sex, ethnicity, adiposity measures, pre-existing type 2 diabetes and other common cardiometabolic risk factors. In addition, the risk of incident HF was further increased with more advanced liver disease, especially with higher severity of liver fibrosis. There are multiple potential pathophysiological mechanisms by which NAFLD (especially in its more advanced forms) may increase the risk of new-onset HF.

Summary
Because of the strong link existing between NAFLD and HF, more careful surveillance of these patients will be needed. However, further prospective and mechanistic studies are required to better decipher the existing but complex link between NAFLD and risk of new-onset HF.
Efficacy of switching from teriparatide to zoledronic acid or denosumab on bone mineral density and biochemical markers of bone turnover in older patients with severe osteoporosis: a real-life study
Authors: Dito Giorgia , Lugaresi Marina , Degradi Chiara , Guabello Gregorio , Longhi Matteo , Corbetta Sabrina 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Osteoporosis is characterized by loss of bone mass and susceptibility to fracture. Skeletal effects of teriparatide (TPT) are not persistent after drug withdrawal and sequential therapy with bisphosphonates or denosumab (Dmab) after TPT discontinuation represents a valid option. Here, the two sequential strategies were evaluated in severe osteoporotic patients.

Methods
The study retrospectively enrolled 56 severe osteoporotic patients who received TPT for 24 months followed by 24 months of zoledronic acid (ZOL) (TPT + ZOL) or Dmab (TPT+Dmab). Clinical features, incident fractures, bone mineral density (BMD) measurements, and bone marker profiles were collected. One-way ANOVA analyzed the difference between mean T-scores at baseline, after 24 months of TPT, and after 2 doses of ZOL or after at least 3 doses of Dmab.

Results
Twenty-three patients received TPT + ZOL (19 females, 4 males; median [IR] age, 74.3 [66.9, 78.6] years) and 33 patients received TPT+Dmab (31 females, 2 males; mean [IR] age, 66.6 ± 11.3 years). Mean lumbar and hip T-scores were increased after both TPT + ZOL and TPT+Dmab (all p < 0.05 vs baseline). The size effects induced by TPT + ZOL on the lumbar and hip BMD T-scores were similar to those observed with TPT+Dmab with mean T-scores increases of about 1 and 0.4 SD, respectively. No significant between-group differences were identified. Incident fragility fractures occurred in 3 (13%) patients treated with TPT + ZOL and in 5 (15%) patients treated with TPT+Dmab.

Conclusions
Sequential TPT + ZOL therapy is likely to increase bone mineralization at the lumbar level and to stabilize it at the femoral level, similarly to what obtained with the sequential TPT+Dmab. Both ZOL and Dmab are suggested to be effective sequential treatments after TPT.
Aufwachsen
Authors: Thole Werner 
Published: July 2023

ZusammenfassungIn dem Beitrag werden Veränderungen der Phase jugendlichen Aufwachsens diskutiert. Modelle, die die in der Jugendphase zu bewerkstelligenden Aufgaben anhand von Entwicklungskonzepten analysieren, werden kritisch betrachtet. Vorgeschlagen wird, Jugend in seinen pluralen Ausprägungen differenzierter zu sehen. Insbesondere Prozesse der Entzeitlichung – Entstandardisierung – und Pluralisierung – Entstrukturierung – von Jugend sollten, so wird argumentiert, auch unter sozialpädagogischen Aspekten eine prominentere Beachtung erfahren.
The improved grasshopper optimization algorithm with Cauchy mutation strategy and random weight operator for solving optimization problems
Authors: Wu Lei , Wu Jiawei , Wang Tengbin 
Published: July 2023

AbstractAn improved grasshopper optimization algorithm (GOA) is proposed in this paper, termed CMRWGOA, which combines both Random Weight (shorted RWGOA) and Cauchy mutation (termed CMGOA) mechanism into the GOA. The GOA received inspiration from the foraging and swarming habits of grasshoppers. The performance of the CMRWGOA was validated by 23 benchmark functions in comparison with four well-known meta-heuristic algorithms (AHA, DA, GOA, and MVO), CMGOA, RWGOA, and the GOA. The non-parametric Wilcoxon, Friedman, and Nemenyi statistical tests are conducted on the CMRWGOA. Furthermore, the CMRWGOA has been evaluated in three real-life challenging optimization problems as a complementary study. Various strictly extensive experimental results reveal that the CMRWGOA exhibit better performance.
Speechlessness: a Conceptual Framework
Authors: Dietz Thilo , Schiewer Vera , Karbach Ute , Kusch Michael 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe phenomenon of speechlessness has hardly been considered in the literature from a psychological point of view. Previous research on speechlessness is limited to the fields of neurology, medicine or psychopathology. The present review aims to consider speechlessness from a psychological perspective distinct from pathology, and to highlight its observability and possible connections to existing research in the context of emotional cognition and processing. Search terms were developed and a comprehensive, systematic literature search was conducted in various databases based on previous scientific work on the understanding of non-speech, silence and speechlessness. Only results that examined the phenomenon of speechlessness from a non-pathological or non-neurological perspective were included. A total ofN = 7 publications matching the inclusion criteria were identified. The results were used to develop a procedual model for the phenomenological definition of speechlessness. The developed model differentiates the observable phenomenon of speechlessness into a non-intentional, unconscious form and a intentional, conscious form. The present work suggests that meaningful emotions and their perception and processing is a core element in the emergence of speechlessness and provides a first, psychological, non-pathological explanation of speechlessness.