bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of caste and subcaste characteristics on locomotion in the ant Camponotus fellah
Authors: Tross Johanna , Wolf Harald , Pfeffer Sarah Elisabeth 
Published: May 2022

ABSTRACT
Worker polymorphism in ants has evolved repeatedly, with considerable differences in the morphometry of worker subcastes. Such body size differences and especially caste- and subcaste-specific characteristics might significantly influence locomotion. Therefore, we performed a comprehensive locomotion analysis along gradients in both body size and walking speed of Camponotus fellah worker subcastes, and of males, which have rarely been studied to date because of their short life spans associated with mating flights. We provide a detailed description of the morphometry and size differences of C. fellah castes and subcastes and analyse locomotion in the different polymorphic groups in terms of absolute and relative walking speeds (mesosoma lengths per second). Our results reveal that body size and shape affect locomotion behaviour to different extents in the worker subcastes (minor workers, medias, major workers) and in males. Nevertheless, C. fellah ants use the same overall locomotion strategy, with males and major workers reaching considerably lower walking speeds than minors and medias. Body size thus mainly affects walking speed. Minor workers reach the highest relative velocities by high relative stride lengths in combination with large vertical and lateral centre of mass oscillations and clearly higher stride frequencies of up to 25 Hz. Locomotion of males was characterised by clearly lower walking speeds, wider footprint positions, significant phase shifts and a notable dragging of the shorter hind legs. However, general walking parameters of males differed less from those of the female workers than expected as a result of division of labour in the colony.
Siberian hamsters nonresponding to short photoperiod use fasting-induced torpor
Authors: Przybylska-Piech Anna S. , Jefimow Małgorzata 
Published: May 2022

ABSTRACT
Nonresponding Siberian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus) do not develop the winter phenotype of white fur, low body mass (Mb) and spontaneous torpor in response to short photoperiod. However, their thermoregulatory response to fasting remains unknown. We measured body temperature and Mb of 12 nonresponders acclimated to short photoperiod and then to cold and fasted four times for 24 h. Four individuals used torpor, and in total, we recorded 19 torpor bouts, which were shallow, short and occurred at night. Moreover, fasting increased the heterothermy index in all hamsters. Low Mb was not a prerequisite for torpor use and Mb loss did not correlate with either heterothermy index or torpor use. This is the first evidence that individuals which do not develop the winter phenotype can use torpor or increase body temperature variability to face unpredictable, adverse environmental conditions. Despite the lack of seasonal changes, thermoregulatory adjustments may increase the probability of winter survival in nonresponders.
Direct Photoexcitable Iodomethylborate Enabling Cyclopropanation of Reactive Alkenes
Authors: Nakamura Rikako , Sumida Yuto , Ohmiya Hirohisa 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
A radical-mediated cyclopropanation tool for reactive alkenes including dehydroamino acids (DHAAs) has been developed based on directly photoexcitable borate generating iodomethyl radical under visible light irradiation. The borate at the excited state serves as a strong single electron reductant. Therefore, this photoexcitable borate offers a simple protocol for cyclopropanation of DHAAs to forge medicinally-important cyclopropane amino acids.
Prospective multicentre analysis of the therapeutic approach and prognostic factors determining overall survival in elderly patients with non-small-cell lung carcinoma treated with curative intent.
Authors: Cacicedo Jon , Casquero Francisco , Navarro Arturo , Martinez-Indart Lorea , del Hoyo Olga , Frías Andere , de Zarate Roberto Ortiz , Büchser David , Gómez-Iturriaga Alfonso , San Miguel Iñigo , Suarez Fernan , Barcena Adrian , López-Guerra Jose Luis 
Published: May 2022

Objective: To analyse patterns of treatment with curative intent commonly used in elderly patients with locally advanced non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) and predictive factors of overall survival in routine clinical practice. Methods: This multicentre prospective study included consecutive patients aged ≥65 years old diagnosed with NSCLC between February 2014 and January 2018. Inclusion criteria: age ≥65 years, stage IIIA/IIIB NSCLC. Treatment decisions were taken by a multidisciplinary committee. Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank test were used to identify which clinical/treatment-associated variables, or pre-treatment quality of life (QOL) considering EORTC QLQ-C30 (and LC13 module) were predictive of overall survival. Results: A total of 139 patients were recruited. Median follow-up was 9.9 months (1.18-57.36 months) with a median survival of 14 months (range 11-17 months). In the group>75-year-old patients, the committee recommended chemotherapy and sequential radiotherapy (55.6%) or radiotherapy alone (22.2%), rather than surgery (3.7%) or concomitant radiochemotherapy (16.5%). However, in 65- to 75-year-old patients, surgery and concomitant radiochemotherapy were recommended in half of cases (p=0.003). Regarding multivariate analysis, the risk of death was higher in patients with pre-existing heart disease (p=0.002), low score for physical functioning (p=0.0001), symptoms of dysphagia (p=0,01), chest pain (p=0.001), and those not undergoing surgical treatment (p=0.024). Conclusions Patients >75 years received more conservative treatments. Surgery improved survival and should be carefully considered, regardless of patient age. Comorbidities and poor baseline QOL are predictive of shorter survival. Advances in knowledge: Measuring these parameters before treatment may help us to define a population of frail patients with a poorer prognosis to facilitate decision making in clinical practice.
Usefulness of vaccine boosters for Covid-19 in Italy and in UK and comparison between in intensive care admissions and deaths of vaccinated and unvaccinated patients. Surprises and implications
Authors: Alessandria Marco , Simion Claudio , Donzelli Alberto 
Published: May 2022

Background: There is insufficient clarity about the different outcomes between unvaccinated and vaccinated people hospitalized with Covid-19, with reference to the variables “Intensive Care Unit” and “Deaths”. Moreover, it is unclear the real effectiveness of the vaccine boosters on the risks of infection and Covid-19 deaths, beyond the first few months after the booster. To verify the hypotheses that repeated vaccinations might expose to a progressively greater risk of severe Covid-19, and of a growing weakening of the immune response, primarily against infection, as the distance from the booster dose increases. Methods: Through an analysis of the official Italian data we calculated significant differences, percentage variations and trends in the variables “Intensive Care Units” and “Deaths” in hospitalized patients among four groups with different vaccination status, and between the Unvaccinated and Vaccinated groups. Through analyses of the UK Security Agency data in the weekly COVID-19 vaccine surveillance reports we explored the vaccine effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2 infections and against COVID-19 deaths in relation to the time elapsed from the booster doses. Results: Repeated vaccinations seem to expose the recipients to a growing risk of severe Covid-19, and fewer vaccinations might be enough to protect persons at greater risk. The vaccine effectiveness against infection vanished and reversed in the medium term, and vaccinated persons with three doses become increasingly more infected versus unvaccinated persons. Conclusions: The starting hypotheses have been supported, together with the need to combine carefully rethought vaccination campaigns with the implementation of other strategies, with the achievement of a healthy living and working environment, healthy lifestyles, and effective, safe and sustainable care.
The art of Patient and Public Involvement: exploring ways to research and reduce air pollution through art-based community workshops – a reflective paper
Authors: Islam Shahid , Rashid Rukhsana , Bryant Maria , Schofield Holly , McEachan Rosemary R.C. 
Published: May 2022

In this reflective paper we outline and discuss our art-based Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) approach. This exercise held two broad objectives. Firstly, to assist policy makers in understanding the types of interventions communities will find acceptable to address the problem of poor air quality, and secondly, to ascertain community views about our research plans to explore the impact of the planned interventions on neighbourhoods. We reflect on both our approach and the emergent conversations from the PPI activity. Attendees contributed to the process and stressed the importance of not burdening poor neighbourhoods with costly charges as that would ameliorate one health problem but generate others as a consequence of additional financial burden. Equally, they stressed the need to conduct research on matters which they could connect with such as the impact of clean air plans on young children and how information about air pollution is disseminated in their neighbourhoods as and when research findings emerge. This paper offers a conceptual analysis of the art-based PPI method and uniquely draws a connection to the philosophical traditions of Ludwig Wittgenstein. Specifically, we demonstrate how art is conducive to creating a dialogue which is specifically helpful for PPI purposes for both researchers and implementers, and conversely, why traditional conversational approaches may have fallen short of the adequacy mark in this regard.
Mistakes and complications in the treatment of patients with distal humerus fractures
Authors: Bodnya A. , Dubovik S. 
Published: May 2022

Risks of complications in the treatment of humerus distal fractures are rather high. This gives rise to a lot of controversy and, as a result, the need for research and development aimed at preventing errors and complications. Purpose: to study the structure of errors and complications being arisen in the treatment of patients with distal fractures of the humerus, and outline ways to eliminate them. Material and methods: A retrospective analysis of treatment outcomes was performed in 72 patients (52 men and 20 women, mean age 39.7 years) with distal humerus fractures. During treatment with the use of external osteosynthesis the errors and complications were identified in 43 patients (group I), 29 patients (group II) had error and complications after transosseous osteosynthesis. Results: Analysis of adverse treatment outcomes showed that in group I, diagnostic errors amounted to 2.3%, tactical errors - 11.6%, technical errors - 20.4%. In group II, only technical errors were noted and they accounts for 10.8%. Surgical treatment errors of this localization injuries led to the development of 23.3% of failures with external osteosynthesis, and 13.8% with transosseous osteosynthesis. Conclusions: a surgeon’s qualification is the most important factor in distal humerus fractures patients treatment. This should include experience, application of optimal treatment tactics in each specific case, and anticipation of various complications development.
Incentive Misalignments in Programmatic Advertising: Evidence from a Randomized Field Experiment
Authors: Frick Thomas W. , Belo Rodrigo , Telang Rahul 
Published: May 2022

In programmatic advertising, firms outsource the bidding for ad impressions to ad platforms. Although firms are interested in targeting consumers that respond positively to advertising, ad platforms are usually rewarded for targeting consumers with high overall purchase probability. We develop a theoretical model that shows if consumers with high baseline purchase probability respond more positively to advertising, then firms and ad platforms agree on which consumers to target. If, conversely, consumers with low baseline purchase probability are the ones for which ads work best, then ad platforms target consumers that firms do not want to target—the incentives are misaligned. We conduct a large-scale randomized field experiment, targeting 208,538 individual consumers, in a display retargeting campaign. Our unique data set allows us to both causally identify advertising effectiveness and estimate the degree of incentive misalignments between the firm and ad platform. In accordance with the contracted incentives, the ad platform targets consumers that are more likely to purchase. Importantly, we find no evidence that ads are more effective for consumers with higher baseline purchase probability, rendering the ad platform’s bidding suboptimal for the firm. A welfare analysis suggests that the ad platform’s bidding optimization leads to a loss in profit for the firm and an overall decline in welfare. To remedy the incentive misalignment, we propose a solution in which the firm restricts the ad platform to target only consumers that are profitable based on individual consumer-level estimates for baseline purchase probability and ad effectiveness. This paper was accepted by Anandhi Bharadwaj, information systems. Funding: This work was funded by Vereniging Trustfonds Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam [Grant 97090/17.16/741/oe], Fundacão para a Ciência e a Tecnologia [UID/ECO/00124/2019, UIDB/00124/2020, UIDP/00124/2020, and Social Sciences DataLab - PINFRA/22209/2016], POR Lisboa, and POR Norte [Social Sciences DataLab, PINFRA/22209/2016]. Supplemental Material: The online appendices are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.4438 .
Protein-Losing Enteropathy Resolved by Helicobacter pylori Eradication
Authors: Sousa Bruno , Alves Rosa , Pestana Santos Catarina , Judas Matos Tiago 
Published: May 2022

Protein-losing enteropathy (PLGE) is an uncommon condition with a multifactorial origin, that is characterized by excessive loss of serum proteins into the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in hypoproteinaemia and oedema. The authors present the case of a 24-year-old man admitted to hospital for a 2-month history of lower extremity oedema and diarrhoea with a secretory pattern. Blood analysis revealed hypoalbuminaemia and iron deficiency anaemia. Liver disease and severe proteinuria were excluded as possible aetiologies. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed signs of chronic Helicobacter pylori gastritis. After completion of H. pylori eradication, the patient had complete resolution of clinical and laboratory abnormalities. The results suggest the need to consider less frequent aetiologies for peripheral oedema and hypoproteinaemia, such as PLGE, especially those caused by prevalent bacterial agents like H. pylori.
Polishing performance of a magnetic nanoparticle-based nanoabrasive for superfinish optical surfaces
Authors: Amir Md , Mishra Vinod , Sharma Rohit , Ali Syed Wazed , Khan Gufran Sayeed 
Published: May 2022

Superfine optical components are necessary for advanced engineering applications such as x-ray optics, high-power lasers, lithography, synchrotron optics, laser-based sensors, etc. Fabrication of such superfine surfaces is one of the major challenges for optical and semiconductor industries. This research focuses on the development of a magnetic nanoparticle-based nanoabrasive for superfine optical polishing. The superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle (SPION)-based nanoabrasive is synthesized via a hydrothermal route by employing cost-effective precursors. Detailed characterizations of the prepared nanoabrasive are presented. Transmission electron microscopy results confirm the irregular cubic and spherical shaped morphology of the SPION nanoabrasive along with particle size distribution varying from 10–60 nm, enabling the homogenous cutting effect of the aqueous slurry for polishing. Furthermore, the high surface area and pore size are determined by Brunauer–Emmet–Teller analysis and found to be

30.98

m

2

/

g

and 6.13 nm, respectively, providing homogenous distribution of the nanoabrasive on the surface of a BK7 substrate for material removal. Application of the developed SPION abrasive is demonstrated for superfinish optical polishing on a BK7 optical disc. The experimental polishing results show superfine surface finishing with an average roughness value of 3.5 Å. The superparamagnetic property of the developed nanoabrasive is confirmed by alternative gradient magnetometry, and it helps in recovering the used nanoabrasive after polishing. Moreover, the polishing performance of the SPION nanoabrasives is compared with a cerium nanoabrasive, which is also synthesized in this study.
Prevalence of and risk factors associated with HIV, Herpes Simplex Virus-type 2, Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections among 18–24 year old students attending Higher Learning Institutions in Mbeya-Tanzania
Authors: Mcharo Ruby Doryn , Kisinda Abisai , Njovu Lilian , Mcharo Miri , Mbwilo Florida , Mihale Getrude , Komba Beatrice , Andrew Ernest , Mayaud Philippe , Kroidl Arne , Ivanova Olena , Msuya Sia Emmanueli 
Published: May 2022

Background
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are common among young people in low- and middle-income countries and are associated with negative reproductive and pregnancy outcomes. Most of the studies have assessed HIV among adolescents and young adults, with limited information on occurrence of other STIs in this population. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of and risk factors associated with Herpes Simplex Virus-type 2 (HSV-2), Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), Syphilis and HIV infection among young adults attending Higher Learning Institutions (HLIs) in Mbeya, Tanzania.

Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional study among students aged 18-24years attending HLIs in Mbeya-Tanzania, randomly selected using a computerized random number. Participants were tested for HSV-2, CT, NG, Syphilis and HIV infection. We used a self-administered questionnaire to collect information on sexual activity and risk factors to the tested STIs.

Results
We enrolled 504 students from 5 HLIs, with mean age of 21.5 years (SD 1.7). 17% of the students had at least one STI; prevalence was higher among females than males (21.1% versus 14.1%). CT (11%) and HSV-2 (6.1%) were the most common STIs, while NG (1.1%) and HIV (0.7%) infection had the least occurrence. None of the participants was diagnosed with Syphilis. In univariate analysis, predictors for STIs were Sex, inconsistent condom use in the past 4weeks, report of oral sex, sexual orientation (bisexual/homosexual) and having a sexual partner with an age-difference of at least 5years (either older or younger); while in the multivariate analysis, Sex, inconsistent condom use in the past 4weeks and sexual orientation (bisexual/homosexual) remained significant.

Conclusion
STIs such as Chlamydia and HSV-2 which are commonly asymptomatic are of concern among young adults attending HLIs. The latter is an important group that needs attention and recognition that is pivotal in transmission of STIs considering their risk. Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaigns targeting young adults, especially those at HLIs, need to focus on exposure-risk minimization. Funding institutions that have invested heavily on HIV prevention campaigns should consider giving similar recognition to other STIs for a streamlined outcome.
Resistance training reduced luteinising hormone levels in postmenopausal women in a substudy of a randomised controlled clinical trial: A clue to how resistance training reduced vasomotor symptoms
Authors: Nilsson Sigrid , Henriksson Moa , Berin Emilia , Engblom David , Holm Anna-Clara Spetz , Hammar Mats 
Published: May 2022

Background
Vasomotor symptoms (VMS) are common around menopause. Menopausal hormone therapy is the most effective treatment for VMS. Physical exercise has been proposed as an alternative treatment since physically active women have previously been found to experience fewer VMS than inactive women. In our randomised controlled trial on resistance training to treat VMS, sympoms were reduced by 50% in the intervention group compared with the control group.

Objectives
To propose a mechanism to explain how resistance training reduced VMS and to assess if luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) were affected in accordance with the proposed mechanism.

Trial design and methods
A substudy of a randomized controlled trial on 65 postmenopausal women with VMS and low physical activity who were randomised to 15 weeks of resistance training three times per week (n = 33) or to a control group (n = 32). To be regarded compliant to the intervention we predecided a mean of two training sessions per week. The daily number of VMS were registered before and during the 15 weeks. Blood samples were drawn for analysis of LH and FSH at baseline and after 15 weeks.

Results
LH decreased significantly in the compliant intervention group compared with the control group (-4.0±10.6 versus 2.9±9.0, p = 0.028 with Mann-Whitney U test). FSH also decreased in the compliant intervention group compared with the control group, however not enough to reach statistical significance (-3.5±16.3 versus 3.2±18.2, p = 0.063 with Mann-Whitney U test). As previously published the number of hot flushes decreased significantly more in the intervention group than in the control group but there was no association between change in LH or FSH and in number of VMS.

Conclusions
We propose that endogenous opiods such as β-endorphin or dynorphin produced during resistance training decreased VMS by stimulating KNDγ-neurons to release neurokinin B to the hypothalamic thermoregulatory centre. Through effects on KNDγ-neurons, β-endorphin could also inhibit GnRH and thereby decrease the production of LH and FSH. The significanty decreased LH in the compliant intervention group compared with the control group was in accordance with the proposed mechanism.
Reduced macular vessel density and inner retinal thickness correlate with the severity of cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL)
Authors: Lin Chao-Wen , Yang Zih-Wei , Chen Chih-Hao , Cheng Yu-Wen , Tang Sung-Chun , Jeng Jiann-Shing 
Published: May 2022

Background
Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL), caused by mutations in NOTCH3, is the most common cause of hereditary cerebral small vessel disease. Whether it will involve systemic vasculopathy such as retinal vessel remains unknown. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) is a noninvasive technique for visualising retinal blood flow. We analysed vessel density and retinal thickness in patients with CADASIL and investigated their correlations with disease severity.

Methods
This prospective study enrolled 35 patients with CADASIL (59 eyes) and 35 healthy controls (54 eyes). OCT-A was used to measure the vessel density of the macular region and the thickness of retinal layers. Patients with CADASIL were divided into stroke (n = 20) and nonstroke (n = 15) subgroups and underwent cognition and gait speed evaluation. Neuroimaging markers of cortical thickness, white matter hyperintensity, lacunae, and cerebral microbleeds were examined through brain magnetic resonance imaging.

Results
The OCT-A parameters, including vessel density, were comparable between the patients with CADASIL and the controls. In patients with CADASIL, vessel density in the superficial retinal plexus in the macula as was inner retinal thickness was significantly lower in the stroke than the nonstroke subgroup. Macular vessel density and inner retinal thickness were positively correlated with gait speed, while negatively correlated with number of lacunae.

Conclusions
OCT-A is potentially a useful tool for evaluating disease severity, ischaemic burden, and neurodegeneration in patients with advanced CADASIL.