bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reliability, validity and normal ranges of the Zur Balance Scale for detecting mild postural control differences: introducing the modified, short version mZBS
Authors: Zur Oz , Ben-Rubi Shimron Hadas , Deutsch Lisa , Carmeli Eli 
Published: May 2023

IntroductionBalance is achieved through interactions between the vestibular, somatosensory, and visual systems. There are several clinical tests to measure postural stability. However, most of them do not assess postural stability with head movements, which is the main function of the vestibular system, and those that do, require the use of sizeable, expensive equipment. Therefore, an applicable, easy-to-perform test that challenges the function of the visual, somatosensory and vestibular systems, using head movements, is needed. The Zur Balance Scale (ZBS) contains ten conditions, which are a combination of surfaces (floor or Styrofoam with subject standing on its width in Romberg position or its length in tandem position), stances (Romberg or tandem), tasks (no head movement with eyes open or closed and horizontal or vertical head movements with eyes open). The purpose of this study was to determine the validity, inter- and intra-examiner reliability, and normal performance values of the ZBS among individuals 29–70-years of age and to introduce the modified version: the mZBS, using kinetic measurements.MethodsHealthy participants ages 29–70 years were evaluated for inter- and intra-tester reliability (n = 65), kinetic measurements on a force plate, and validity compared to the modified clinical test of sensory interaction and balance (mCTSIB) (n = 44) and characterization of normal values (n = 251).ResultsZur Balance Scale head movements, duration of each condition (up to 10 s) and the total ZBS score agreed across examiners (ICC &gt; 0.8). Normal ZBS scores were negatively correlated with age (r = −0.34; P &lt; 0.0001). Older subjects (60–70 years) had a median score of 95.5 compared with younger subjects, where medians ranged from 97.6 to 98.9. Kinetic parameters showed positive correlations between ZBS and the mCTSIB scores, with the highest correlation between the five Romberg tasks (modified ZBS).ConclusionZur Balance Scale is a valid and reliable test. Its advantages include using head movements and the ability to detect minimal differences in postural control, even in healthy populations. Kinetic evaluation of the ZBS enables the use of a modified, shorter version of the ZBS (mZBS).
Real Life Clinical Management and Survival in Advanced Cutaneous Melanoma: The Italian Clinical National Melanoma Registry Experience
Authors: Crispo Anna , Corradin Maria Teresa , Giulioni Erika , Vecchiato Antonella , Del Fiore Paolo , Queirolo Paola , Spagnolo Francesco , Vanella Vito , Caracò Corrado , Tosti Giulio , Pennacchioli Elisabetta , Giudice Giuseppe , Nacchiero Eleonora , Quaglino Pietro , Ribero Simone , Giordano Monica , Marussi Desire , Barruscotti Stefania , Guida Michele , De Giorgi Vincenzo , Occelli Marcella , Grosso Federica , Cairo Giuseppe , Gatti Alessandro , Massa Daniela , Atzori Laura , Calvani Nicola , Fabrizio Tommaso , Mastrangelo Giuseppe , Toffolutti Federica , Celentano Egidio , Budroni Mario , Gandini Sara , Rossi Carlo Riccardo , Testori Alessandro , Palmieri Giuseppe , Ascierto Paolo A. ,   the Clinical National Melanoma Registry Study Group at the Italian Melanoma Intergroup
Published: May 2023

BackgroundCutaneous melanoma (CM) is one of the most aggressive types of skin cancer. Currently, innovative approaches such as target therapies and immunotherapies have been introduced in clinical practice. Data of clinical trials and real life studies that evaluate the outcomes of these therapeutic associations are necessary to establish their clinical utility. The aim of this study is to investigate the types of oncological treatments employed in the real-life clinical management of patients with advanced CM in several Italian centers, which are part of the Clinical National Melanoma Registry (CNMR).MethodsMelanoma-specific survival and overall survival were calculated. Multivariate Cox regression models were used to estimate the hazard ratios adjusting for confounders and other prognostic factors.ResultsThe median follow-up time was 36 months (range 1.2-185.1). 787 CM were included in the analysis with completed information about therapies. All types of immunotherapy showed a significant improved survival compared with all other therapies (p=0.001). 75% was the highest reduction of death reached by anti-PD-1 (HR=0.25), globally immunotherapy was significantly associated with improved survival, either for anti-CTLA4 monotherapy or combined with anti-PD-1 (HR=0.47 and 0.26, respectively) and BRAFI+MEKI (HR=0.62).ConclusionsThe nivolumab/pembrolizumab in combination of ipilimumab and the addition of ant-MEK to the BRAFi can be considered the best therapies to improve survival in a real-world-population. The CNMR can complement clinical registries with the intent of improving cancer management and standardizing cancer treatment.
Prospective monitoring of chronic myeloid leukemia patients from the time of TKI discontinuation: the fate of peripheral blood CD26+ leukemia stem cells
Authors: Pacelli Paola , Santoni Adele , Sicuranza Anna , Abruzzese Elisabetta , Giai Valentina , Crugnola Monica , Annunziata Mario , Galimberti Sara , Iurlo Alessandra , Luciano Luigiana , Sorà Federica , Fava Carmen , Bestoso Elena , Marzano Cristina , Cartocci Alessandra , Defina Marzia , Sammartano Vincenzo , Cencini Emanuele , Raspadori Donatella , Bocchia Monica 
Published: May 2023

Introduction: In chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), about half of the patients achieving a deep and stable molecular response with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) may discontinue TKI treatment without disease recurrence. As such, treatment-free remission (TFR) has become an ambitious goal of treatment. Given the evidence that deepness and duration of molecular response are necessary but not sufficient requisites for a successful TFR, additional biological criteria are needed to identify CML patients suitable for efficacious discontinuation. Leukemia stem cells (LSCs) are supposed to be the reservoir of the disease. Previously, we demonstrated that residual circulating CD34+/CD38-/CD26+ LSCs were still detectable in a consistent number of CML patients during TFR.Methods: CML LSCs could be easily identified by flow-cytometry as they express the CD34+/CD38-/CD26+ phenotype. In this study, we explored the role of these cells and their correlation with molecular response in a cohort of 109 consecutive chronic phase CML patients prospectively monitored from the time of TKI discontinuation.Results: After a median observation time of 33 months from TKI discontinuation, 38/109 (35%) patients failed TFR after a median time of 4 months, while 71/109 (65%) patients are still in TFR. At TKI discontinuation, peripheral blood CD26+LSCs were undetectable in 48/109 (44%) patients and detectable in 61/109 (56%). No statistically significant correlation between detectable/undetectable CD26+LSCs and the rate of TFR loss was found (p = 0.616). The incidence of TFR loss based on the type of TKI treatment was statistically significant for imatinib treatment compared to that of nilotinib (p = 0.039). Exploring the behavior of CD26+LSCs during TFR, we observed fluctuating values that were very variable between patients, and they were not predictive of TFR loss.Discussion: Up to date, our results confirm that CD26+LSCs are detectable at the time of TKI discontinuation and during TFR. Moreover, at least for the observation median time of the study, the persistence of “fluctuating” values of residual CD26+LSCs does not hamper the possibility to maintain a stable TFR. On the contrary, even patients discontinuing TKI with undetectable CD26+LSCs could undergo TFR loss. Our results suggest that factors other than residual LSCs “burden” playing an active role in controlling disease recurrence. Additional studies evaluating CD26+LSCs’ ability to modulate the immune system and their interaction in CML patients with very long stable TFR are ongoing.
Structural material nuclear data basic research
Authors: Avrigeanu Marilena , Avrigeanu Vlad 
Published: May 2023

The nuclear data evaluation for deuteron-induced reactions andα-particle emission by neutron interactions is addressed within “Nuclear data for fusion technology, from basic research to full-scale applications.” The status and open questions related to these subjects in the area of nuclear data for fusion technology, specifically for the nuclear design of the ITER fusion device, the European DEMO fusion reactor, and the IFMIF-DONES Irradiation Facility, are briefly reviewed. A firm demand for accurate cross-sections of reactions induced by neutrons and deuterons exists, in this respect, within a more enlarged energy range up to 50 MeV than for fission applications. The current requirements are closely met by the TENDL Evaluated Nuclear Data Library, settled using the TALYS nuclear model code, which is one of the most widely used codes in basic research and applications including nuclear fusion technology. However, further improvement of this data library has recently been suggested, while, with respect to fission applications, not only the aforementioned energy range but also the diversity of nuclear data for fusion technologies is plainly stretched. Consequently, the progress of nuclear data activities conducted more recently on deuteron-induced reactions andα-emission by neutron interactions, throughout the European Fusion Program and subsequent to previous achievements within F4E and EUROfusion programs, is wholly summarized.
Sprint skating profile of competitive male bandy players: determination of positional differences and playing level
Authors: van den Tillaar Roland , Pojskic Haris , Andersson Håkan 
Published: May 2023

This study aimed to compare sprint skating profile characteristics of the different playing positions of junior and senior bandy players. In total, 111 male national-level bandy players (age: 20.7 ± 5.0 years, height: 1.80 ± 0.05 m, body mass: 76.4 ± 0.4 kg, training experience: 13.8 ± 5.0 yrs) were tested on their sprint skating profile over 80 m. The main findings were that no differences between positions were found in sprint skating performance (speed and acceleration), but that elite players were in general heavier (p &lt; 0.05) than junior players (80.0 ± 7.1 vs. 73.1 ± 8.1 kg), they could accelerate faster (2.96 ± 0.22 vs. 2.81 ± 0.28 m/s2), and they reached a higher velocity (10.83 ± 0.37 vs. 10.24 ± 0.42 m/s) earlier over 80 m than the junior players. This implies that junior level players should spend more time in power and sprint training to meet the specific demands of playing at a higher, elite level.
The study of the effectiveness of design-based engineering learning: the mediating role of cognitive engagement and the moderating role of modes of engagement
Authors: Wei Lina , Zhang Wei , Lin Chenhua 
Published: May 2023

AimDesign-based engineering learning (DBEL) offers a potentially valuable approach to engineering education, but its mechanism of action has yet to be verified by empirical studies. Accordingly, the present study aimed to establish whether DBEL produces better learning outcomes, thereby building a strong, empirically grounded case for further research into engineering education.MethodsTo build a more comprehensive model of design-based engineering learning, the variables of cognitive engagement (the mediator) and modes of engagement (the moderator) were introduced to build a theoretical process model. Questionnaires and multiple linear regression analysis were used to verify the model.Results and discussionAll four features of DBEL (design practice, interactive reflection, knowledge integration, and circular iteration) were found to exert significant and positive effects on learning outcomes. Moreover, cognitive engagement was found to both fully and partially mediate the relationships between these features and the outcomes of engineering learning; under two different modes of engagement, the positive effects of the learning features on cognitive engagement differed significantly.ConclusionThe paper concluded the following: (1) a design-based learning approach can enhance engineering students’ learning outcomes, (2) cognitive engagement mediates between design-based engineering learning and learning outcomes (3) a systematic mode of engagement produces better learning outcomes than a staged modes of engagement.
Predictors of job satisfaction among teachers in Germany during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: cross-sectional results of a nationwide online questionnaire
Authors: Dicks Theresa , Eggert Viktoria , Koestner Clemens , Zähme Carolina , Beutel Till , Kalo Kristin , Letzel Stephan , Dietz Pavel 
Published: May 2023

IntroductionDuring the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic teaching was changed several times to distance learning. To consider the associated stresses and challenges for teachers a nationwide cross-sectional study was performed in March 2021 in which N = 31,089 teachers from Germany participated.MethodsA multiple linear regression model with stepwise inclusion of thematically sorted variables (sociodemographic, SARS-CoV-2- and work-related variables) was used to identify relevant predictors of job satisfaction.ResultsThe analysis revealed that work-related variables were significant predictors of job satisfaction. In the third regression model, when all variables are included the adjusted R2 was 0.364. Overall, the results showed that, e.g., work predictability (b = 0.097), influence at work (b = 0.118), and meaning of work (b = 0.212) increased job satisfaction. In contrast, increased emotional exhaustion (b = −0.016), feelings of unfair treatment (b = −0.048), and work family conflicts (b = −0.154) deteriorated job satisfaction.DiscussionThe results indicate that future research should focus especially the work-related topics in more detail and that job satisfaction is a useful concept for analyzing working conditions from a public health point of view.
Two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis evaluates causal associations between inflammatory bowel disease and osteoporosis
Authors: Dai Zhujiang , Xu Weimin , Ding Rui , Peng Xiang , Shen Xia , Song Jinglue , Du Peng , Wang Zhongchuan , Liu Yun 
Published: May 2023

IntroductionOver the past few years, multiple observational studies have speculated a potential association between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD), and osteoporosis. However, no consensus has been reached regarding their interdependence and pathogenesis. Herein, we sought to further explore the causal associations between them.MethodsWe validated the association between IBD and reduced bone mineral density in humans based on genome-wide association studies (GWAS) data. To investigate the causal relationship between IBD and osteoporosis, we performed a two-sample Mendelian randomization study using training and validation sets. Genetic variation data for IBD, CD, UC, and osteoporosis were derived from published genome-wide association studies in individuals of European ancestry. After a series of robust quality control steps, we included eligible instrumental variables (SNPs) significantly associated with exposure (IBD/CD/UC). We adopted five algorithms, including MR Egger, Weighted median, Inverse variance weighted, Simple mode, and Weighted mode, to infer the causal association between IBD and osteoporosis. In addition, we evaluated the robustness of Mendelian randomization analysis by heterogeneity test, pleiotropy test, leave-one-out sensitivity test, and multivariate Mendelian randomization.ResultsGenetically predicted CD was positively associated with osteoporosis risk, with ORs of 1.060 (95% CIs 1.016, 1.106; p = 0.007) and 1.044 (95% CIs 1.002, 1.088; p = 0.039) for CD in the training and validation sets, respectively. However, Mendelian randomization analysis did not reveal a significant causal relationship between UC and osteoporosis (p &gt; 0.05). Furthermore, we found that overall IBD was associated with osteoporosis prediction, with ORs of 1.050 (95% CIs 0.999, 1.103; p = 0.055) and 1.063 (95% CIs 1.019, 1.109; p = 0.005) in the training and validation sets, respectively.ConclusionWe demonstrated the causal association between CD and osteoporosis, complementing the framework for genetic variants that predispose to autoimmune disease.
Associations of dietary fiber intake with chronic inflammatory airway diseases and mortality in adults: a population-based study
Authors: Lin Shanhong , Zhu Ning , Zhang Shengmin 
Published: May 2023

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to investigate the potential association between dietary fiber intakes and the prevalence of chronic inflammatory airway diseases (CIAD), as well as mortality in participants with CIAD.MethodsData was collected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013–2018, with dietary fiber intakes being calculated as the average of two 24-h dietary reviews and divided into four groups. CIAD included self-reported asthma, chronic bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Through December 31, 2019, mortality was identified from the National Death Index. In cross-sectional studies, multiple logistic regressions were used to assess dietary fiber intakes associated with the prevalence of total and specific CIAD. Dose–response relationships were tested using restricted cubic spline regression. In prospective cohort studies, cumulative survival rates were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method and compared using log-rank tests. Multiple COX regressions were used to assess dietary fiber intakes associated with mortality in participants with CIAD.ResultsA total of 12,276 adults were included in this analysis. The participants had a mean age of 50.70 ± 17.4 years and was 47.2% male. The prevalence of CIAD, asthma, chronic bronchitis, and COPD were 20.1, 15.2, 6.3, and 4.2%, respectively. The median daily consumption of dietary fiber was 15.1 [IQR 10.5, 21.1] g. After adjusting for all confounding factors, linear and negative associations were observed between dietary fiber intakes and the prevalence of total CIAD (OR = 0.68 [0.58–0.80]), asthma (OR = 0.71 [0.60–0.85]), chronic bronchitis (OR = 0.57 [0.43–0.74]) and COPD (OR = 0.51 [0.34–0.74]). In addition, the fourth quartile of dietary fiber intake levels remained significantly associated with a decreased risk of all-cause mortality (HR = 0.47 [0.26–0.83]) compared to the first quartile.ConclusionDietary fiber intakes were found to be correlated with the prevalence of CIAD, and higher dietary fiber intakes were associated with a reduced mortality in participants with CIAD.
Identification and Functional Characterization of MdNRT1.1 in Nitrogen Utilization and Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Malus domestica
Authors: Liu Guodong , Rui Lin , Yang Yuying , Liu Ranxin , Li Hongliang , Ye Fan , You Chunxiang , Zhang Shuai 
Published: May 2023

Nitrate is one of the main sources of nitrogen for plant growth. Nitrate transporters (NRTs) participate in nitrate uptake and transport, and they are involved in abiotic stress tolerance. Previous studies have shown that NRT1.1 has a dual role in nitrate uptake and utilization; however, little is known about the function of MdNRT1.1 in regulating apple growth and nitrate uptake. In this study, apple MdNRT1.1, a homolog of Arabidopsis NRT1.1, was cloned and functionally identified. Nitrate treatment induced an increased transcript level of MdNRT1.1, and overexpression of MdNRT1.1 promoted root development and nitrogen utilization. Ectopic expression of MdNRT1.1 in Arabidopsis repressed tolerance to drought, salt, and ABA stresses. Overall, this study identified a nitrate transporter, MdNRT1.1, in apples and revealed how MdNRT1.1 regulates nitrate utilization and abiotic stress tolerance.
Tuning Nb Solubility, Electrical Properties, and Imprint through PbO Stoichiometry in PZT Films
Authors: Akkopru-Akgun Betul , Trolier-McKinstry Susan 
Published: May 2023

Lead zirconate titanate (PZT) films with high Nb concentrations (6–13 mol%) were grown by chemical solution deposition. In concentrations up to 8 mol% Nb, the films self-compensate the stoichiometry; single phase films were grown from precursor solutions with 10 mol% PbO excess. Higher Nb concentrations induced multi-phase films unless the amount of excess PbO in the precursor solution was reduced. Phase pure perovskite films were grown with 13 mol% excess Nb with the addition of 6 mol% PbO. Charge compensation was achieved by creating lead vacancies when decreasing excess PbO level; using Kroger-Vink notation, NbTi• are ionically compensated by VPb″ to maintain charge neutrality in heavily Nb-doped PZT films. With Nb doping, films showed suppressed {100} orientation, the Curie temperature decreased, and the maximum in the relative permittivity at the phase transition broadened. The dielectric and piezoelectric properties were dramatically degraded due to increased quantity of the non-polar pyrochlore phase in multi-phase films; εr reduced from 1360 ± 8 to 940 ± 6, and the remanent d33,f value decreased from 112 to 42 pm/V when increasing the Nb concentration from 6 to 13 mol%. Property deterioration was corrected by decreasing the PbO level to 6 mol%; phase pure perovskite films were attained. εr and the remanent d33,f increased to 1330 ± 9 and 106 ± 4 pm/V, respectively. There was no discernable difference in the level of self-imprint in phase pure PZT films with Nb doping. However, the magnitude of the internal field after thermal poling at 150 °C increased significantly; the level of imprint was 30 kV/cm and 11.5 kV/cm in phase pure 6 mol% and 13 mol% Nb-doped films, respectively. The absence of mobile VO••, coupled with the immobile VPb″ in 13 mol% Nb-doped PZT films, leads to lower internal field formation upon thermal poling. For 6 mol% Nb-doped PZT films, the internal field formation was primarily governed by (1) the alignment of (VPb″−VO•• )x and (2) the injection and subsequent electron trapping by Ti4+. For 13 mol% Nb-doped PZT films, hole migration between VPb″ controlled internal field formation upon thermal poling.
Circular Economy in Tourism: A System-Level Approach
Authors: Renfors Sanna-Mari 
Published: May 2023

Tourism is a sector where circular economy unfolds extensive opportunities. Despite being classified as a service sector, tourism depends on significant quantities and flows of exhaustible natural resources. As a result, circular economy in tourism has become an emerging field of study. This can also be ascribed to the fact that the topic of circular economy is currently high on the political agenda, especially in Europe. Because circular economy is receiving exponential attention from policy makers, it has also received more interest among tourism scholars.
The aim of this paper is to increase understanding of circular economy in tourism research considering its systemic nature. The paper is based on a review of the scientific articles published in the years 2015-2022. The research question is: What are the recent developments and trends in the research on CE in tourism from a system-level approach?
The findings indicate that the previous studies have mainly focused on the micro level from the environmental and business management perspectives in the hospitality sector. However, there are many emerging research themes, for example circular consumption behaviour, circular economy and smart tourism. In addition, other types of tourism companies should be considered, e.g., spas, events, and programme service providers. It is evident that more research is required on the meso and macro levels. In all levels, more attention should be paid on the social and cultural aspects of circular economy in tourism.