bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maternal metabolomic profiling and congenital heart disease risk in offspring: A systematic review of observational studies
Authors: Mires Stuart , Reddy Snigdha , Skerritt Clare , Caputo Massimo , Eastwood Kelly‐Ann
Published: January 2023

Aetiological understanding and screening methods for congenital heart disease (CHD) are limited. Maternal metabolomic assessment offers the potential to identify risk factors and biomarkers. We performed a systematic review (PROSPERO CRD42022308452) investigating the association between fetal/childhood CHD and endogenous maternal metabolites. Ovid‐MEDLINE, Ovid‐EMBASE and Cochrane Library were searched between inception and 06/09/2022. Case control studies included analysing maternal blood or urine metabolites in pregnancy or postpartum where there was foetal/childhood CHD. Risk of bias assessment utilised the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network methodology checklist and narrative synthesis was performed. A total of 134 records were screened with eight eligible studies (n = 3242 pregnancies, n = 842 CHD‐affected offspring). Five studies performed metabolomic analysis in pregnancy. Metabolites distinguishing case and control groups spanned lipid, glucose and amino‐acid pathways, with the development of sensitive risk prediction models. No single metabolite consistently distinguished cases and controls across studies. Three studies performed targeted analysis postnatally with altered lipid and amino acid metabolites and raised homocysteine and markers of oxidative stress identified in cases. Included studies reported small sample sizes, analysing different biosamples at variable time points using differing techniques. At present, there is not enough evidence to confidently associate maternal metabolomic profiles with offspring CHD risk. However, several identified pathways warrant further investigation.
Zinc finger protein 330 regulates Ramie mosaic virus infection in the whitefly Bemisia tabaciMED
Authors: Peng Jing , Gao Yang , Shi Xiaobin , Yang Chunxiao , Xie Gang , Tang Tao , Wang Dongwei , Zheng Limin , Liu Yong , Zhang Deyong
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND

The whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) is one of the most economically important pests that cause serious damage to agricultural production by transmitting plant pathogenic viruses. Approximately 90% of the virus species transmitted by the whitefly are members of the genus begomovirus. Ramie mosaic virus (RaMoV) is a new bipartite begomovirus that causes severe damage to ramie and several other economic crops in China. In previous studies, we have demonstrated that RaMoV had no obvious direct or indirect effects on B. tabaci. However, whether B. tabaci affects RaMoV infection and the molecular mechanisms of their interaction remain unclear.

RESULTS

Here, we identified a zinc finger protein 330 (ZNF330) in B. tabaci MED interacted with the coat protein (CP) of RaMoV by the yeast two‐hybrid assay. Then the interaction between ZNF330 and RaMoV CP was further verified by glutathione S‐transferase (GST) pull‐down assay. The expression of ZNF330 gene was continuously induced after RaMoV infection. ZNF330 negatively regulated RaMoV replication in the B. tabaci MED. Furthermore, the longevity and fecundity of RaMoV‐infected female adults were significantly decreased after silencing of ZNF330.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicated that the ZNF330 protein was involved in the negative regulation of RaMoV replication in the B. tabaci MED. High viral accumulation caused by ZNF330 silencing is detrimental to fecundity and longevity of the B. tabaci MED. These findings provided a new insight into identifying the binding partners in whitefly with viral CP and fully understanding the complex interactions between begomoviruses and their whitefly vector. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
The novel pyridazine pyrazolecarboxamide insecticide dimpropyridaz inhibits chordotonal organ function upstream of TRPV channels
Authors: Spalthoff Christian , Salgado Vincent L. , Balu Narayanan , David Michael D. , Hehlert Philip , Huang Huazhang , Jones John E. , Kandasamy Ramani , Knudsen Gabriel A. , Lelito Katherine R. , Machamer James B. , Nesterov Alexandre , Tomalski Michael , Wahl Gregory D. , Wedel Barbara J. , Göpfert Martin C.
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND

Pyridazine pyrazolecarboxamides (PPCs) are a novel insecticide class discovered and optimized at BASF. Dimpropyridaz is the first PPC to be submitted for registration and controls many aphid species as well as whiteflies and other piercing–sucking insects.

RESULTS

Dimpropyridaz and other tertiary amide PPCs are proinsecticides that are converted in vivo into secondary amide active forms by N‐dealkylation. Active secondary amide metabolites of PPCs potently inhibit the function of insect chordotonal neurons. Unlike Group 9 and 29 insecticides, which hyperactivate chordotonal neurons and increase Ca2+ levels, active metabolites of PPCs silence chordotonal neurons and decrease intracellular Ca2+ levels. Whereas the effects of Group 9 and 29 insecticides require TRPV (Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid) channels, PPCs act in a TRPV‐independent fashion, without compromising cellular responses to Group 9 and 29 insecticides, placing the molecular PPC target upstream of TRPVs.

CONCLUSIONS

PPCs are a new class of chordotonal organ modulator insecticide for control of piercing–sucking pests. Dimpropyridaz is a PPC proinsecticide that is activated in target insects to secondary amide forms that inhibit the firing of chordotonal organs. The inhibition occurs at a site upstream of TRPVs and is TRPV‐independent, providing a novel mode of action for resistance management. © 2023 BASF Corporation. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
A new large‐volume equilibration method for high‐precision measurements of dissolved noble gas stable isotopes
Authors: Ng Jessica , Tyne Rebecca , Seltzer Alan , Noyes Chandler , McIntosh Jennifer , Severinghaus Jeffrey
Published: January 2023

Rationale

Noble gases are widely used as physically based climate proxies, notably in dissolved water samples as tracers of past recharge temperature in groundwater and air–sea gas exchange processes in seawater. Recent advances in measuring large‐volume samples of dissolved noble gas isotopic ratios at high precision have expanded the range of climate parameters that can be interpreted.

Methods

We build on prior methods for measuring noble gas stable isotopes at high precision with a new large‐volume equilibration (LVE) method wherein sample gases are equilibrated in the sample flask between the dissolved phase and the headspace. The original dissolved gas composition is determined by measuring the headspace gases and correcting for the equilibrium dissolved gas content of the discarded water using known solubilities and fractionation factors. We evaluate the accuracy and precision of this method with air‐equilibrated water standards of known noble gas composition.

Results

Replicate air‐equilibrated water standards and field measurements demonstrate that the LVE method achieves comparable precision to prior methods, with major advantages of measuring the Ne content as a constraint on excess air and allowing for long‐term sample storage. Isotope ratios measured with the LVE method in replicate samples were consistent between two laboratories, and LVE elemental noble gas abundances agreed closely with replicate samples measured using established copper‐tube methods and static noble gas mass spectrometry.

Conclusions

The new LVE method enables reconstruction of past water table depths at ±1 m precision along with excess air, recharge temperature, and age and hydrogeochemical indicators. It has wide application to investigating climate signals and physical gas exchange processes in groundwater and seawater.
Efficacy and safety of tixagevimab‐cilgavimab as pre‐exposure prophylaxis for COVID‐19: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Soeroto Arto Yuwono , Yanto Theo Audi , Kurniawan Andree , Hariyanto Timotius Ivan
Published: January 2023

Some proportions of populations, such as immunocompromised patients and organ transplant recipients might have inadequate immune responses to the vaccine for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). For these groups of populations, administering monoclonal antibodies might offer some additional protection. This review sought to analyze the effectiveness and safety of tixagevimab‐cilgavimab (Evusheld) as pre‐exposure prophylaxis against COVID‐19. We used specific keywords to comprehensively search for potential studies on PubMed, Scopus, Europe PMC, and ClinicalTrials.gov sources until 3 September 2022. We collected all published articles that analyzed tixagevimab‐cilgavimab on the course of COVID‐19. Review Manager 5.4 was utilized for statistical analysis. Six studies were included. Our pooled analysis revealed that tixagevimab‐cilgavimab prophylaxis may decrease the rate of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection (OR: 0.24; 95% CI: 0.15–0.40, p < 0.00001, I2 = 75%), lower COVID‐19 hospitalization rate (OR: 0.13; 95% CI: 0.07–0.24, p < 0.00001, I2 = 0%), decrease the severity risk (OR: 0.13; 95% CI: 0.07–0.24, p < 0.00001, I2 = 0%), and lower COVID‐19 deaths (OR: 0.17; 95% CI: 0.03–0.99, p = 0.05, I2 = 72%). In the included studies, no major adverse events were reported. This study proposes that tixagevimab‐cilgavimab was effective and safe for preventing COVID‐19. Tixagevimab‐cilgavimab may be offered to those who cannot be vaccinated or have inadequate immune response from the COVID‐19 vaccine to give additional protection.
In Situ Mesopore Formation in SiOx Nanoparticles by Chemically Reinforced Heterointerface and Use of Chemical Prelithiation for Highly Reversible Lithium‐Ion Battery Anode
Authors: Gong Sanghyuk , Lee Yeongje , Choi Jinkwan , Lee Minah , Chung Kyung Yoon , Jung Hun‐Gi , Jeong Sunho , Kim Hyung‐Seok
Published: January 2023

SiOx is a promising next‐generation anode material for lithium‐ion batteries. However, its commercial adoption faces challenges such as low electrical conductivity, large volume expansion during cycling, and low initial Coulombic efficiency. Herein, to overcome these limitations, an eco‐friendly in situ methodology for synthesizing carbon‐containing mesoporous SiOx nanoparticles wrapped in another carbon layers is developed. The chemical reactions of vinyl‐terminated silanes are designed to be confined inside the cationic surfactant‐derived emulsion droplets. The polyvinylpyrrolidone‐based chemical functionalization of organically modified SiO2 nanoparticles leads to excellent dispersion stability and allows for intact hybridization with graphene oxide sheets. The formation of a chemically reinforced heterointerface enables the spontaneous generation of mesopores inside the thermally reduced SiOx nanoparticles. The resulting mesoporous SiOx‐based nanocomposite anodes exhibit superior cycling stability (≈100% after 500 cycles at 0.5 A g−1) and rate capability (554 mAh g−1 at 2 A g−1), elucidating characteristic synergetic effects in mesoporous SiOx‐based nanocomposite anodes. The practical commercialization potential with a significant enhancement in initial Coulombic efficiency through a chemical prelithiation reaction is also presented. The full cell employing the prelithiated anode demonstrated more than 2 times higher Coulombic efficiency and discharge capacity compared to the full cell with a pristine anode.
Carbon‐Based Flexible Devices for Comprehensive Health Monitoring
Authors: Wang Haomin , Li Shuo , Lu Haojie , Zhu Mengjia , Liang Huarun , Wu Xunen , Zhang Yingying
Published: January 2023

Traditional public health systems suffer from incomprehensive, delayed, and inefficient medical services. Convenient and comprehensive health monitoring has been highly sought after recently. Flexible and wearable devices are attracting wide attention due to their potential applications in wearable human health monitoring and care systems. Using carbon materials with overall superiorities can facilitate the development of wearable and flexible devices with various functions and excellent performance, which can comprehensively and real‐time monitor human health status and prevent diseases. Herein, the latest advances in the rational design and controlled fabrication of carbon materials for applications in health‐related flexible and wearable electronics are reviewed. The fabrication strategies, working mechanism, performance, and applications in health monitoring of carbon‐based flexible devices, including electromechanical sensors, temperature/humidity sensors, chemical sensors, and flexible conductive wires/electrodes, are reviewed. Furthermore, integrating multiple carbon‐based devices into multifunctional wearable systems is discussed. Finally, the existing challenges and future opportunities in this field are also proposed.
A 3D Biocompatible Plasmonic Tweezer for Single Cell Manipulation
Authors: Kang Siyu , Nisar Muhammad Shemyal , Lu Yu , Chang Ning , Huang Yan , Ni Haibin , Novikov Sergey M. , Wang Yi , Cui Qiannan , Zhao Xiangwei
Published: January 2023

Plasmonic tweezers are an emerging research topic because of their low input power and wide operating range from homogeneous particles to complex biological objects. But it is still challenging for plasmonic tweezers to trap or manipulate objects of tens of microns, especially in biological science. This study introduces a new 3D biocompatible plasmonic tweezer for single living cell manipulation in solution. The key design is a tapered tip whose three‐layer surface structure consists of nanoprobe, gold nanofilm, and thermosensitive hydrogel, thiolated poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide). Incident light excites the surface plasmon polaritons on gold film and generates heat to induce thermally driven phase transition of the thermosensitive hydrogel, which enables reversible binding between functionalized surface and cell membrane and avoids both thermal and mechanical stresses in the meanwhile. The 3D biocompatible plasmonic tweezer realizes selective capture, 3D pathway free transport, and position‐controlled release of target cells, and it displays excellent biocompatibility, low energy consumption, and high operational flexibility.
Matrine restrains the development of colorectal cancer through regulating the AGRN/Wnt/β‐catenin pathway
Authors: Li Xianzhe , Lu Ye , Wen Penghao , Yuan Yan , Xiao Zhenghong , Shi Hengwei , Feng Eryan
Published: January 2023

Background

Colorectal cancer is a common malignant digestive tract tumor. This study aimed to explore the biological role and potential underlying mechanism of matrine in colorectal cancer.

Methods

The mRNA expression of AGRN was measured using RT‐qPCR. Cell proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis were determined using CCK‐8, EdU, transwell assays and flow cytometry, respectively. Xenograft tumor experiment was performed to explore the action of matrine and AGRN on tumor growth in colorectal cancer in vivo. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay was applied for AGRN, β‐catenin, and c‐Myc expression in the tumor tissues from mice.

Results

Matrine dramatically repressed cell growth and reduced the level of AGRN in colorectal cancer cells. AGRN expression was boosted colorectal cancer tissues and cells. AGRN downregulation depressed cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and enhanced cell apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells. Moreover, matrine showed the anti‐tumor effects on colorectal cancer cells via regulating AGRN expression. AGRN knockdown could inactivate the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway in colorectal cancer cells. We found that AGRN downregulation exhibited the inhibition action in the progression of colorectal cancer by modulating the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway. In addition, matrine could inhibit the activation of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway through regulating AGRN in colorectal cancer cells. Furthermore, xenograft tumor experiment revealed that matrine treatment or AGRN knockdown repressed the development of colorectal cancer via the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway in vivo.

Conclusion

Matrine retarded colorectal cancer development by modulating AGRN to inactivate the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway.
Me-Search for Generating Ideas for Entrepreneurial Theorizing
Authors: Shepherd Dean A. , Patzelt Holger
Published: January 2023

The future of the field of entrepreneurship is bright primarily because of the many research opportunities to make a difference. However, as scholars, how can we find these opportunities and choose the ones most likely to contribute to the literature? This essay introduces me-search as a tool for blazing new trails in entrepreneurship research. Me-search focuses scholarly attention on issues from one’s personal experiences as a useful tool for generating research opportunities in which one has idiosyncratic knowledge and is motivated to see it through to publication. In conducting me-search, we highlight the importance of solving a practical problem, problematizing, contextualizing, and abstracting entrepreneurship research, and using empirical theorizing to explore entrepreneurial phenomena. We hope that this chapter gives scholars the direction to find research opportunities and the confidence to pursue them; research opportunities that have the potential to make an important contribution to the entrepreneurship field.
Managing Trade-Offs in Entrepreneurial Theorizing
Authors: Shepherd Dean A. , Patzelt Holger
Published: January 2023

While several editors and scholars have shared critical insights into the craft of writing a theory paper, there is an essential aspect of publishing a theory paper that is less understood: the process by which expert reviewers and authors engage in the review process, which has a significant influence on theory. We examine critiques and responses to entrepreneurship theorizing to identify three major challenges of entrepreneurship theorizing: (1)the scopeof the entrepreneurship paper’s theorizing being either too narrow or too shallow; (2) the common features of the paper’scontextualization, boundary conditions,andtime considerations; and (3) the“point of view” of the entrepreneurship paper’s perspective—theoretical, philosophical, level, and purpose.This chapter offers a framework that guides (1) entrepreneurship scholars to find a balance to maximize their contributions and (2) reviewers and editors on managing the revise-and-resubmit process to advance the entrepreneurship field.
Adaptive autophagy reprogramming in Schwann cells during peripheral demyelination
Authors: Jo Young Rae , Oh Yuna , Kim Young Hee , Shin Yoon Kyung , Kim Hye Ran , Go Hana , Shin Jaekyoon , Park Hye Ji , Koh Hyongjong , Kim Jong Kuk , Shin Jung Eun , Lee Kyung Eun , Park Hwan Tae
Published: January 2023

The myelin sheath is an essential structure for the rapid transmission of electrical impulses through axons, and peripheral myelination is a well-programmed postnatal process of Schwann cells (SCs), the myelin-forming peripheral glia. SCs transdifferentiate into demyelinating SCs (DSCs) to remove the myelin sheath during Wallerian degeneration after axonal injury and demyelinating neuropathies, and macrophages are responsible for the degradation of myelin under both conditions. In this study, the mechanism by which DSCs acquire the ability of myelin exocytosis was investigated. Using serial ultrastructural evaluation, we found that autophagy-related gene 7-dependent formation of a “secretory phagophore (SP)” and tubular phagophore was necessary for exocytosis of large myelin chambers by DSCs. DSCs seemed to utilize myelin membranes for SP formation and employed p62/sequestosome-1 (p62) as an autophagy receptor for myelin excretion. In addition, the acquisition of the myelin exocytosis ability of DSCs was associated with the decrease in canonical autolysosomal flux and was demonstrated by p62 secretion. Finally, this SC demyelination mechanism appeared to also function in inflammatory demyelinating neuropathies. Our findings show a novel autophagy-mediated myelin clearance mechanism by DSCs in response to nerve damage.
Talar OsteoPeriostic grafting from the Iliac Crest (TOPIC) for lateral osteochondral lesions of the talus: operative technique
Authors: Dahmen Jari , Rikken Quinten G. H. , Kerkhoffs Gino M. M. J. , Stufkens Sjoerd A. S.
Published: January 2023

Objective

To provide a natural scaffold, good quality cells, and growth factors to facilitate replacement of the complete osteochondral unit with matching talar curvature for large osteochondral lesions of the lateral talar dome.

Indications

Symptomatic primary and non-primary lateral osteochondral lesions of the talus not responding to conservative treatment. The anterior–posterior or medial–lateral diameter should exceed 10 mm on computed tomography (CT) for primary lesions; for secondary lesions, there are no size limitations.

Contraindications

Tibiotalar osteoarthritis grade III, malignancy, active infectious ankle joint pathology, and hemophilic or other diffuse arthropathy.

Surgical technique

Anterolateral arthrotomy is performed after which the Anterior TaloFibular Ligament (ATFL) is disinserted from the fibula. Additional exposure is achieved by placing a Hintermann distractor subluxating the talus ventrally. Thereafter, the osteochondral lesion is excised in toto from the talar dome. The recipient site is micro-drilled in order to disrupt subchondral bone vessels. Thereafter, the autograft is harvested from the ipsilateral iliac crest with an oscillating saw, after which the graft is adjusted to an exactly fitting shape to match the extracted lateral osteochondral defect and the talar morphology as well as curvature. The graft is implanted with a press-fit technique after which the ATFL is re-inserted followed by potential augmentation with an InternalBrace™ (Arthrex, Naples, FL, USA).

Postoperative management

Non-weightbearing cast for 6 weeks, followed by another 6 weeks with a walking boot. After 12 weeks, a computed tomography (CT) scan is performed to assess consolidation of the inserted autograft. The patient is referred to a physiotherapist.
Concepts, utilization, and perspectives on the Dutch Nationwide Trauma registry: a position paper
Authors: Hoepelman R. J. , Driessen M. L. S. , de Jongh M. A. C. , Houwert R. M. , Marzi I. , Lecky F. , Lefering R. , van de Wall B. J. M. , Beeres F. J. P. , Dijkgraaf M. G. W. , Groenwold R. H. H. , Leenen L. P. H.
Published: January 2023

Over the last decades, the Dutch trauma care have seen major improvements. To assess the performance of the Dutch trauma system, in 2007, the Dutch Nationwide Trauma Registry (DNTR) was established, which developed into rich source of information for quality assessment, quality improvement of the trauma system, and for research purposes. The DNTR is one of the most comprehensive trauma registries in the world as it includes 100% of all trauma patients admitted to the hospital through the emergency department. This inclusive trauma registry has shown its benefit over less inclusive systems; however, it comes with a high workload for high-quality data collection and thus more expenses. The comprehensive prospectively collected data in the DNTR allows multiple types of studies to be performed. Recent changes in legislation allow the DNTR to include the citizen service numbers, which enables new possibilities and eases patient follow-up. However, in order to maximally exploit the possibilities of the DNTR, further development is required, for example, regarding data quality improvement and routine incorporation of health-related quality of life questionnaires. This would improve the quality assessment and scientific output from the DNTR. Finally, the DNTR and all other (European) trauma registries should strive to ensure that the trauma registries are eligible for comparisons between countries and healthcare systems, with the goal to improve trauma patient care worldwide.
Impact of peripapillary staphylomas on the vascular and structural characteristics in myopic eyes: a propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Nie Fen , Zhang Lurong , Cao Mengdan , Zhou Dengming , Liu Ke , Ouyang Junyi , Luo Lijia , Zhu Ruiling , Liu Shaosan , Duan Xuanchu
Published: January 2023

Purpose

To apply propensity score matching to evaluate the impact of peripapillary staphylomas (PPS) on vascular and structural characteristics in the myopic eyes.

Methods

This was a prospective, cross-sectional study. Forty-one control eyes and 41 eyes with PPS were analyzed. The eyes were selected using propensity score matching analysis based on the age and axial length. All subjects underwent ophthalmologic examinations for assessing vessel and structure parameters using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT), OCT angiography, color fundus photography, and ocular biometry.

Results

As compared with control eyes, the eyes with PPS had shallower anterior chamber depth (3.61 ± 0.24 mm vs 3.77 ± 0.24 mm, P = 0.004), higher intraocular pressure (IOP) (16.59 ± 2.88 mmHg vs 14.53 ± 2.45 mmHg, P = 0.002), and higher myopic spherical equivalent (− 11.52 ± 3.22D vs − 9.88 ± 2.20D, P = 0.009). while corneal curvature and lens thickness between the two groups were not statistically different. Compared with control eyes, increased macular deep vessel density, reduced macular choriocapillaris and radial peripapillary capillary, and thinning retinal layer, ganglion cell complex, choroidal layer as well as the superior and inferior peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer were observed in eyes with PPS, apart from larger disc area, parapapillary atrophy area, and degree of disc rotation. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the IOP (P = 0.046), disc rotation (P = 0.003), and average peripapillary choroidal thickness (P = 0.009) were associated with the presence of PPS.

Conclusion

Close association of PPS with exacerbation of myopia and anatomical alterations was observed which not only affected the eye posterior segment but also the anterior segments. We further identified significant reductions in the radial peripapillary capillary and macular choroidal perfusion with the increase in macular deep retinal flow blood of myopic eyes with PPS. Higher IOP, thinner peripapillary choroidal thickness, and rotated optic disc were risk factors for the presence of PPS.
Mapping the primate thalamus: historical perspective and modern approaches for defining nuclei
Authors: García-Cabezas Miguel Ángel , Pérez-Santos Isabel , Cavada Carmen
Published: January 2023

The primate thalamus has been subdivided into multiple nuclei and nuclear groups based on cytoarchitectonic, myeloarchitectonic, connectional, histochemical, and genoarchitectonic differences. Regarding parcellation and terminology, two main schools prevailed in the twentieth century: the German and the Anglo-American Schools, which proposed rather different schemes. The German parcellation and terminology has been mostly used for the human thalamus in neurosurgery atlases; the Anglo-American parcellation and terminology is the most used in experimental research on the primate thalamus. In this article, we review the historical development of terminological and parcellation schemes for the primate thalamus over the last 200 years. We trace the technological innovations and conceptual advances in thalamic research that underlie each parcellation, from the use of magnifying lenses to contemporary genoarchitectonic stains during ontogeny. We also discuss the advantages, disadvantages, and practical use of each parcellation.
Anastomotic perfusion assessment with indocyanine green in robot-assisted low-anterior resection, a multicenter study of interobserver variation
Authors: Larsen Pernille O. , Nerup Nikolaj , Andersen Jesper , Dohrn Niclas , Klein Mads Falk , Brisling Steffen , Salomon Soren , Andersen Per V. , Möller Soren , Svendsen Morten B. S. , Rahr Hans B. , Iversen Lene H. , Gögenur Ismail , Qvist Niels , Ellebaek Mark B.
Published: January 2023

Background

Securing sufficient blood perfusion to the anastomotic area after low-anterior resection is a crucial factor in preventing anastomotic leakage (AL). Intra-operative indocyanine green fluorescent imaging (ICG-FI) has been suggested as a tool to assess perfusion. However, knowledge of inter-observer variation among surgeons in the interpretation of ICG-FI is sparse. Our primary objective was to evaluate inter-observer variation among surgeons in the interpretation of bowel blood-perfusion assessed visually by ICG-FI. Our secondary objective was to compare the results both from the visual assessment of ICG and from computer-based quantitative analyses of ICG-FI between patients with and without the development of AL.

Method

A multicenter study, including patients undergoing robot-assisted low anterior resection with stapled anastomosis. ICG-FI was evaluated visually by the surgeon intra-operatively. Postoperatively, recorded videos were anonymized and exchanged between centers for inter-observer evaluation. Time to visibility (TTV), time to maximum visibility (TMV), and time to wash-out (TWO) were visually assessed. In addition, the ICG-FI video-recordings were analyzed using validated pixel analysis software to quantify blood perfusion.

Results

Fifty-five patients were included, and five developed clinical AL. Bland–Altman plots (BA plots) demonstrated wide inter-observer variation for visually assessed fluorescence on all parameters (TTV, TMV, and TWO). Comparing leak-group with no-leak group, we found no significant differences for TTV: Hazard Ratio; HR = 0.82 (CI 0.32; 2.08), TMV: HR = 0.62 (CI 0.24; 1.59), or TWO: HR = 1.11 (CI 0.40; 3.11). In the quantitative pixel analysis, a lower slope of the fluorescence time-curve was found in patients with a subsequent leak: median 0.08 (0.07;0.10) compared with non-leak patients: median 0.13 (0.10;0.17) (p = 0.04).

Conclusion

The surgeon’s visual assessment of the ICG-FI demonstrated wide inter-observer variation, there were no differences between patients with and without AL. However, quantitative pixel analysis showed a significant difference between groups.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04766060.
Systemic oncological treatments in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer: a scoping review and evidence map
Authors: Salazar Josefina , Bracchiglione Javier , Acosta-Dighero Roberto , Meza Nicolas , Meade Adriana-G. , Quintana María Jesús , Requeijo Carolina , Rodríguez-Grijalva Gerardo , Santero Marilina , Selva Anna , Solà Ivan , Bonfill Xavier ,   Appropriateness of Systemic Oncological Treatments for Advanced Cancer (ASTAC) Research Group, Salas Karla , Antequera Alba , Auladell-Rispau Ariadna , Urrútia Gerard , Meinardi Pamela , Irassar Juan , Simancas Daniel , Dorantes Rosario , Merchán Angela , Cantero Yahveth , Hernandez Edgar , Sugrañes Miguel
Published: January 2023

Purpose

To identify, describe, and organise currently available evidence regarding systemic oncological treatments (SOTs) (chemotherapy, targeted/biological therapies, and immunotherapy) compared to best supportive care (BSC) for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer (PC).

Methods

We conducted a scoping review and evidence mapping, adhering to PRISMA-ScR checklist. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Epistemonikos, PROSPERO, and clinicaltrials.gov for eligible studies. We included systematic reviews (SRs), randomised controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-experimental, and observational studies evaluating SOTs compared to BSC or no treatment in patients with advanced PC. Two independent reviewers performed the screening process and data extraction. We developed evidence maps as an interactive visualization display, including the assessed interventions and outcomes.

Results

Of the 50,601 records obtained from our search, we included 43 studies: 2 SRs, 16 RCTs, 4 quasi-experimental studies, 20 observational studies, and 1 protocol for a quasi-experimental study. Forty-two studies reported survival-related outcomes and most favoured SOTs, while five reported toxicity and most favoured BSC. Other patient-centred outcomes, such as quality of life, were scarcely reported.

Conclusions

This study highlights the current evidence gaps in studies assessing treatments for patients with advanced PC, mainly the lack of reports of non-survival-related outcomes, pointing out research areas that need further attention to make better recommendations for these patients.
Two New Methods for Defining Shut-In Pressure in Hydraulic Fracturing Tests
Authors: Trinh Nghia Quoc , Hagen Simon Alexander , Strømsvik Helene , Larsen Trond , Grøv Eivind
Published: January 2023

Hydraulic fracturing is one of the most common methods to determine in situ rock stress. The interpretation of the shut-in pressure to determine the minor principal stress is an important element of this method, and many different methods to interpret shut-in pressure have been studied and developed throughout the years. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages. With more than 50 years of research and development within the rock stress measurement field, especially in HF, SINTEF has established two practical ways of defining shut-in pressure. These methods are independent and termed zero flow and water hammer. The zero flow method has been used by SINTEF in more than 130 projects over the last 30 years. The methods clearly differ from the other methods as they are based on singular events in the development of pressure/flow versus time which enables us to read the shut-in pressure directly during testing. In this paper, a comparison is made between different methods for interpretation of shut-in pressure, including 12 existing methods and the 2 SINTEF methods. Comprehensive laboratory tests were performed, and a field test was selected from SINTEF’s database for demonstration and comparison of the methods. The SINTEF methods have been developed mainly for use in hard rock environment where the rock is a jointed aquifer and with low permeability. The application of the two methods has traditionally been hydroelectric power development, different types of tunnel, and cavern projects, and also in mineral mining. The methods have not been used in deep petroleum applications such as oil wells or offshore in porous rock types.
Ex vivo and in vivo evaluation of transsphenoidal Liqoseal application to prevent cerebrospinal fluid leakage
Authors: Slot Emma M. H. , Colmer Nadia , Serra Carlo , Holzmann David , Regli Luca , van Doormaal Tristan P. C.
Published: January 2023

Background

Despite improvements in closure techniques by using a vital nasoseptal flap, the use of sealing materials, and improved neurosurgical techniques, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak after transsphenoidal surgery still is a clinically relevant problem. Liqoseal® (Polyganics bv, Groningen, The Netherlands) is a CE-approved bioresorbable sealant patch for use as an adjunct to standard methods of cranial dural closure to prevent CSF leakage. This study aims to evaluate the application of Liqoseal in transsphenoidal surgery ex vivo and in vivo.

Methods

1. We created an ex vivo setup simulating the sphenoidal anatomy, using a fluid pump and porcine dura positioned on a conus with the anatomical dimensions of the sella to evaluate whether the burst pressure of Liqoseal applied to a bulging surface was above physiological intracranial pressure. Burst pressure was measured with a probe connected to dedicated computer software. Because of the challenging transsphenoidal environment, we tested in 4 groups with varying compression weight and time for the application of Liqoseal. 2. We subsequently describe the application of Liqoseal® in 3 patients during transsphenoidal procedures with intraoperative CSF leakage to prevent postoperative CSF leakage.

Results

1. Ex vivo: The overall mean burst pressure in the transsphenoidal setup was 231 (± 103) mmHg. There was no significant difference in mean burst pressure between groups based on application weight and time (p = 0.227). 2. In Vivo: None of the patients had a postoperative CSF leak. No nose passage problems were observed. One patient had a postoperative meningitis and ventriculitis, most likely related to preoperative extensive CSF leakage. Postoperative imaging did not show any local infection, swelling, or other device-related adverse effects.

Conclusions

We assess the use of Liqoseal® to seal a dural defect during an endoscopic transsphenoidal procedure as to be likely safe and potentially effective.
Atrophy in subcortical gray matter in adult patients with moyamoya disease
Authors: Zuo Zhiwei , Li Guo , Chen Ya , Qiao Penggang , Zhu Jing , Wang Peng , Wu Fa , Yu Hongmei , Jiang Yalan , Yang Jindou , Li Gongjie , Jiang Rui , Du Feizhou
Published: January 2023

Background

Acute cerebrovascular accidents, long-term hypoperfusion, and/or remote neuronal degeneration may lead to structural alterations in patients with moyamoya disease (MMD). This study sought to comprehensively investigate the distribution characteristics of subcortical gray matter volume and their correlations with angiographic changes in the intracranial artery in patients with MMD.

Method

One hundred forty-two patients with MMD and 142 age- and sex-matched healthy controls underwent 3-dimensional high-resolution structural magnetic resonance imaging. Volumes of subcortical gray matter and subregions of the hippocampus and amygdala were calculated, and the degree of stenosis/occlusion of intracranial arteries in patients with MMD was evaluated on MR angiography.

Results

Volume reductions in the thalamus, caudate, putamen, hippocampus, amygdala, pallidum, and nucleus accumbens were found in patients with MMD. Hippocampal subfields and amygdala subnuclei in patients with MMD showed distinct vulnerability, and morphological alterations in specific subregions were more obvious than in the whole hippocampus/amygdala. Volume loss in several subcortical areas was related to disease duration and intracranial arterial changes.

Conclusions

Our findings revealed structural alteration patterns of subcortical gray matter in MMD. The specific atrophy in subregions of the hippocampus and the amygdala suggested potential cognitive and affective impairments in MMD, which warrants further investigation. Chronic cerebral hemodynamic alterations in MMD may play a pivotal role in morphological changes in subcortical areas.
Stokes–Mueller polarization-based analysis of model SARS-CoV-2 virions
Authors: K U Spandana , Hunakunti Bhagesh Basavraj , Le Gratiet Aymeric , Gogoi Ankur , Mazumder Nirmal
Published: January 2023

Understanding the virology of the coronavirus at the structural level has gained utmost importance to overcome the constant and long-term health complications induced by them. In this work, the light scattering properties of SARS-CoV-2 of size 140 nm were simulated by using discrete dipole approximation (DDA) for two incident wavelengths 200 nm and 350 nm, respectively. Three different 3-dimensional (3D) models of SARS-CoV-2 corresponding to 15, 20, and 40 numbers of spike proteins on the viral capsid surface were constructed as target geometries for the DDA calculations. These models were assessed by employing Stokes–Mueller polarimetry to obtain individual polarization properties such as degree of polarization (DOP), degree of linear polarization (DOLP), and degree of circular polarization (DOCP). Irrespective of its spike numbers, all the coronavirus models were found to display higher DOP and DOCP values and negligibly small DOLP values for circularly polarized incident light, indicating the presence of chiral structures. On the other hand, the lack of understanding about the dependence of the Mueller matrix on its microstructural properties was overcome by transforming 16 Mueller elements into sub-matrices with specific structural and physical properties using Lu–Chipman-based Mueller matrix polar decomposition method. The obtained properties such as retardance, diattenuation, and depolarization were used for investigating the composition and microstructural information. The approach presented in this work has the potential to understand the virology of the coronavirus at the structural level and, therefore, will be beneficial in developing effective detection strategies by exploiting their characteristic electromagnetic scattering signatures.
A generic framework for representing and analyzing model concurrency
Authors: Zschaler Steffen , Bousse Erwan , Deantoni Julien , Combemale Benoit
Published: January 2023

Recent results in language engineering simplify the development of tool-supported executable domain-specific modeling languages (xDSMLs), including editing (e.g., completion and error checking) and execution analysis tools (e.g., debugging, monitoring and live modeling). However, such frameworks are currently limited to sequential execution traces and cannot handle execution traces resulting from an execution semantics with a concurrency model supporting parallelism or interleaving. This prevents the development of concurrency analysis tools, like debuggers supporting the exploration of model executions resulting from different interleavings. In this paper, we present a generic framework to integrate execution semantics with either implicit or explicit concurrency models, to explore the possible execution traces of conforming models, and to define strategies for helping in the exploration of the possible executions. This framework is complemented with a protocol to interact with the resulting executions and hence to build advanced concurrency analysis tools. The approach has been implemented within the GEMOC Studio. We demonstrate how to integrate two representative concurrent meta-programming approaches (MoCCML/Java and Henshin), which use different paradigms and underlying foundations to define an xDSML’s concurrency model. We also demonstrate the ability to define an advanced concurrent omniscient debugger with the proposed protocol. The paper, thus, contributes key abstractions and an associated protocol for integrating concurrent meta-programming approaches in a language workbench, and dynamically exploring the possible executions of a model in the modeling workbench.
Solution casting of cellulose acetate films: influence of surface substrate and humidity on wettability, morphology and optical properties
Authors: Kramar Ana , Rodríguez Ortega Irene , González-Gaitano Gustavo , González-Benito Javier
Published: January 2023

Variations on the processing conditions of conventional methods for polymeric film preparation may allow tuning certain properties. In this work, different casting surfaces and humidity are presented as variables to consider for cellulose acetate (CA) film preparation using conventional solution casting method. Specifically, borosilicate glass, soda-lime glass and Teflon (PTFE) dishes have been used for casting and their influence on various properties on CA films assessed. The surfaces of glass dishes are smooth, while PTFE surface has a pattern constituted by concentric channels of micro dimensions (as seen by optical microscope), which is adopted by cast films upon drying. The resulting patterned films are translucent while films produced using smooth surfaces are transparent. The effect of the environment humidity (35%, 55% and 75% RH) in the properties of the CA films during the evaporation of solvent from solution has been evaluated. Higher humidity produces smoother surfaces and increased crystallinity as shown by XRD and DSC; however, the wettability of the films does not seem to be influenced by this variable. Due to the specific morphology of the patterned films, changes in material opacity upon wetting are detected, from translucent to transparent, while the removal of water from the surface restores the translucency. This micropatterning effect that causes different visual appearance of the material can find use as a humidity sensor in food packaging applications.
Suppression of Meloiodogyne incognita (Tylenchida: Heteroderidae) and Tylenchulus semipenterans (Tylenchida: Tylenchulidae) using Tilapia fish powder and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria in vivo and in vitro
Authors: El-Ashry Ramadan M. , Aioub Ahmed A. A. , Awad Salonaz E.
Published: January 2023

Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) in particular those belonging to the genera Meloidogyne and Tylenchulus are a limiting factor in the production of many plants. In this research, we investigate a strategy for the control of PPNs in vivo and in vitro. The purpose of this research is to evaluate different concentrations of Tilapia fish powder (TFP) and of (in the form of BECTO Grow Roots®) against egg hatching and second-stage juveniles of Meloiodogyne incognita (Tylenchida: Heteroderidae) under laboratory condition. We also assessed the effect of TFP and on M. incognita and Tylenchulus semipenterans (Tylenchida: Tylenchulidae) reproduction. Our data showed that the percentage of egg hatching inhibition ranged from 8.03 to 53.21% and 42.25 to 75.12% after five days of treatment at different concentrations of TFP and PGPR, respectively compared with the control. The percentage of M. incognita J2 mortality increase significantly (p ≤ 0.05) from 52.1 to 86.7 and 44.6 to 92.3% after seven days of treatment at different concentrations of TFP and PGPR, respectively compared with control. Under greenhouse conditions, a remarkable (p ≤ 0.05) increase in plant growth parameters was observed in cucumber plants that received TFP and In the field experiment, the highest reduction of T. semipeneterans density was TFP +  PGPR This holds both for healthy and infected trees. Healthy navel orange (HNO) + PGPR + TFP achieved maximum enhancement in orange weight/tree compared to other treatments. Our study recommended TFP and PGPR not only because of their potential against nematodes, but also because of their safety for humans, mammals and non-target organisms.
Fiscal policies in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina: are spending or revenue measures more effective?
Authors: Weyerstrass Klaus , Kovac Rijad
Published: January 2023

We examine the effectiveness of different fiscal policies in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH). For this purpose, we use a structural macroeconomic model for the FBiH. In this model, GDP in the Federation is influenced by world demand and by domestic demand in the Federation. Domestic demand comprises consumption of private households, public consumption, and gross fixed capital formation. Employment depends positively on GDP and negatively on the tax wedge, i.e., the net wage plus social security contribution rates (including the unemployment insurance), and the personal income tax rate in the Federation. The latter allows the analysis of the impact of changes in social security contribution rates or in the income tax rate in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The following Federation-specific policy instruments are implemented in the model for the FBiH: Pension funds contribution rate in FBiH; contribution rate for health insurance in FBiH; contribution rate for the unemployment insurance in FBiH; benefits from social security; direct tax rates (income tax rate, corporate tax rate); public consumption in FBiH. Our results show that policy measures that reduce the tax wedge on labour income are highly effective in stimulating employment. Due to the large elasticity of imports with respect to demand, pure demand-side measures have little impact on real variables, indicating that a small open economy like the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina has only little scope for influencing macroeconomic developments with pure demand management policies. Our results confirm earlier theoretical and empirical studies showing that the labour market can best be influenced positively by reducing the tax wedge. The multipliers of income tax reductions are larger and oscillate more than the effects of the other fiscal policy measures.