bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stability‐Indicating HPLC Method Development and Validation for the Quantification of Tofacitinib Citrate and Its Related Substances Using Hydrophilic Liquid Interaction Chromatography
Authors: Sivaprasadu G. , Pamerla Muralidhar , Rao Podilapu Atchutha , Rao Adapaka Venkateswara , Salakolusu Suresh , Padhy Harihara , Ganta Ravi Kumar
Published: July 2024

A new stability‐indicating RPHPLC method with short run time has been developed and validated for tofacitinib citrate and its related substances. The novel HPLC method integrates hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) technology as the stationary phase and employs a mobile phase composed of phosphate buffer (pH 7.0) and acetonitrile (45:55, %v/v) at a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min under isocratic elution. Analytes were monitored via a UV detector at 210 nm and with the column oven temperature at 30°C for a 20‐min analysis. Precision (%RSD) for Impurity‐A and Impurity‐B and tofacitinib met specifications at 2.4%, 0.8%, and 0.0%, respectively. Accuracy ranged from 86% to 100% for impurities, with LOD at 0.03% and LOQ at 0.05%–0.06%. Correlation coefficients exceeded 0.999 for impurities and tofacitinib citrate. Solution stability was confirmed for 24 h at room temperature. The method range was extended from LOQ to ∼1.5% for impurities and LOQ to ∼150% for tofacitinib citrate. The method's stability was evaluated under acid and base hydrolysis, oxidative and water hydrolysis, and thermal and photolytic degradation. Introducing HILIC as the stationary phase for this work proved effective, eliminating the need of ion pair reagents, reducing analysis time, and ensuring consistent results.
Determination of β‐Hydroxy‐β‐Methylbutyrate Content in Food Raw Materials by High‐Performance Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Zhang Wen‐hua , Xi Cunxian , Yi Xionghai , Zhang Yaqin , Bao Weiqi , Shao Li‐juan , Xu Dun‐ming
Published: July 2024

An analytical method based on high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was developed for the determination of β‐hydroxy‐β‐methylbutyrate (HMB) content in food raw materials. The quantitative detection was performed by HPLC on diode array detector mode under external standard method. The limits of quantification, calculated as 10 times the standard deviation, were 2.0 g/100 g. The average recoveries were in the range of 92.3%–101%, with relative standard deviations below 3.87%, measured at three concentration levels. This method was used to determine the purity of HMB in 10 commercially available food raw materials. The real sample analysis results showed that the content and measurement uncertainties of HMB were 77.1–81.8 g/100 g and 4.51–4.68 g/100 g respectively, which met the requirement of HMB content in the range of 77–82 g/100 g in the HMB announcement. There are no studies on the detection of HMB in food raw materials in the previous reports. The established method provided reference for the rapid quantification and purity analysis of β‐hydroxy‐β‐methylbutyrate in food raw materials.
Fate of Nanobubbles Generated from CO2–Hydrate Dissociation: Coexistence with Nanodroplets—A Combined Investigation from Experiment and Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Pan Mengdi , Naeiji Parisa , English Niall J.
Published: July 2024

The evolution of CO2 nanobubbles generated by gas–hydrate dissociation is comprehensively studied in this research, employing a synergistic approach that combines laboratory experiments and molecular dynamics simulations. The results show that a higher concentration of nanobubbles can be observed in the early stages of hydrate dissociation, while smaller, thus‐generated, nanobubbles are less stable and prefer to amalgamate into larger bubbles through coalescence or Ostwald ripening. From the high Laplace pressure inside some nanobubbles as well as their higher local densities, they may transform into nanodroplets by densification fluctuations. Thus, the dynamic coexistence of nanobubbles and ‐droplets is confirmed from both experimental and simulation measurements. The number and size of the nanobubbles in the system affects the interaction between water molecules and their movements so that the water molecules diffuse faster upon this condition. The water–water interactions become more pronounced in the presence of nanobubbles and the hydrogen bond network is better preserved in the bulk. This study provides new insights into the microscale mechanisms of gas–hydrate dissociation and highlights the complex interactions between nanobubbles/ ‐droplets, and the aqueous environment after CO2–hydrate dissociation.
Promoting Inference Generation: Using Questioning and Strategy Instruction to Support Upper Elementary Students
Authors: Rice Marianne , Wijekumar Kausalai (Kay) , Lambright Kacee , Stack Ashley
Published: July 2024

Making inferences is essential to comprehending text. Teachers can ask inferential questions, model their thinking, and teach specific strategies to support upper elementary students in making inferences while reading.
Exploring Children's Varied Responses to Interactive Read‐Alouds
Authors: Watts Jeremy Lucian Daniel , Gandy Kathryn Jordan
Published: July 2024

The responses children make during read‐alouds bridge meaning from stories. Educators must grasp the value of children's responses and reactions to literature. Children's discourse is central to the reading process; thus, children must be allowed to participate in this learning process. Due to this, the read‐aloud process in the classroom should focus on the quality of interactions for the sake of literacy growth and development. Engaging learners in read‐alouds permits them to communicate with the teacher and peers, fosters space for ideas to be valued, and results in a community of learning.
Prediction of carcass weight using the morphometry of ankle bones in hair goats
Authors: Üstündağ Yasemin , Kartal Mehmet
Published: July 2024

Bacground

Morphologic measurements such as body lenght, wither height, heart girth, chest width, body leght, cannon‐bone circumference is used to predict carcass weight. For this purpose, estimating carcass weight with measurements of key bones such as ankle bones, which play a significant role in the balance distribution of body weight, seems possible.

Objectives

The aim of this study is to create new regression models for effective carcass weight estimation by using the morphometric data of the talus and calcaneus bones of hair goats.

Methods

Study materials consisted of talus and calcaneus bones obtained from abattoir products of hair goat kids (12–18 months old, 20 female and 20 male) and adult hair goats (36–48 months old, 20 female and 20 male). Morphometric measurements of the talus and calcaneus of each animal were taken by a digital caliper. Using the morphometric measurements, an index and a factor were calculated for each bone. Regression analysis and correlations were examined in IBM SPSS 21 programme.

Results

As a result, statistical analysis of GLc, GLt, Bd, Calfactor and Talfactor were statistically significant on predicting carcass weight.

Conclusion

Specific anatomical structures, such as certain bone measurements, such as talus and calnaneus could serve as indicators of growth performance and also carcass weight performance. In addition new anatomical factors and indices may be produced and new regression methods may be applied with these new parameters to predict carcass weight.
A brief review on quantum computing based drug design
Authors: Das Poulami , Ray Avishek , Bhattacharyya Siddhartha , Platos Jan , Snasel Vaclav , Mrsic Leo , Huang Tingwen , Zelinka Ivan
Published: July 2024

Design and development of new drug molecules are essential for the survival of human society. New drugs are designed for therapeutic purposes to combat new diseases. Besides treating new diseases, new drug development is also needed to treat pre‐existing diseases more effectively and reduce the existing drugs' side effects. The design of drugs involves several steps, from the discovery of the drug molecule to its commercialization in the market. One of the most critical steps in drug design is to find the molecular interactions between the target (infected) molecule and the drug molecule. Several complex chemical equations need to be solved to determine the molecular interactions. In the late 20th Century, the advancement of computational technologies has made the solution of chemical equations relatively easier and faster. Moreover, the design of drug molecules involves multi‐criteria optimization. Classical computational methodologies have been used for drug design since the end of the 20th Century. However, nowadays, more advanced computational methodologies are inevitable in designing drugs for new diseases and drugs with fewer side effects. In this context, the quantum computing paradigm has proved beneficial in drug design due to its advanced computational capabilities. This paper presents a state‐of‐the‐art comprehensive review of the quantum computing‐based methodologies involved in drug design. A comparative study is made about the different quantum‐aided drug design methods, stating each methodology's merits and demerits. The review work presented in this manuscript will help new researchers assess the present state‐of‐the‐art concept of quantum‐based drug design.

This article is categorized under:

Technologies > Structure Discovery and Clustering

Technologies > Computational Intelligence

Application Areas > Health Care
Assessment of surgical, anesthesia, and obstetric workforce in Somalia
Authors: Omar Mohamed Abdinor , Osman Marian Muse , Mohamud Abdullahi Mohamed , Hashi Abdullahi Said , Mohamed Suleyman Abdullahi , Kifle Fitsum , Corlew Scott , Maswime Salome
Published: July 2024

Background

One of the core indicators recommended by the Lancet Commission is surgical workforce density, aiming to improve the number of surgery, anesthetists, and obstetric (SAO) providers to 20 per 100,000 population by 2030. We assessed SAO workforce capacity in Somalia and made recommendations for improvement.

Method

A cross‐sectional study was conducted using a structured questionnaire from the WHO Program for Global Surgery and Social Change (PGSSC) Surgical Assessment Tool. All hospitals that offer surgical care services were included. A descriptive analysis was conducted using the statistical software SPSS.

Results

Of the 55 surveyed facilities providing surgical care services, 28 (50.9%) were public, mainly in urban areas. We found that there were 474 SAO specialists and non‐specialists (SAO providers) and 446 other important personnel (e.g., midwives, radiologists, and pathologists). Out of 474 SAOs, Banadir had 288. Overall, surgery specialties were the most prevalent profession among SAO providers' workforce, accounting for 160 (33.7%) surgery specialists, with 1.2 per 100,000 population. The six states of Somalia have 54 OB/GYN specialists (0.4 per 100,000 population). There were a total of 22 anesthesia specialists, with a ratio of 0.2 anesthesia specialists per 100,000 population.

Conclusion

We found a serious shortage of the SAO workforce in Somalia, and it is unlikely to meet the 2030 Lancet Commission on Global Surgery targets. There is a need for additional training of SAO providers who can offer effective leadership in surgical care services to combat the extremely avoidable surgical‐related morbidities and mortalities.
Electro osmotic flow of nanofluids within a porous symmetric tapered ciliated channel
Authors: Imran Ali , Abbas Mazhar , Awan Saeed Ehsan , Shoaib Muhammad , Raja Muhammad Asif Zahoor
Published: July 2024

In this investigation, a comprehensive study has been made to reveal electro osmosis flow through a tapered ciliated symmetric porous channel. The flow is initiated due to metachronal dynamics of cilia. Axial electric field is deployed and thermal radiation phenomenon is scrutinised by applying convective conditions. The equations tackling the flow are non dimensionalized and simplified by capitalizing the low Reynolds number and long wave length approximations. Analytical solution is presented for well reputed Poissson equation and the axial velocity. Whereas, traverse velocity, temperature and nanofluids concentration profiles are examined numerically in MATHEMATICA. Variation of emerging crucial parameters on the velocity profile, temperature and concentration profiles, pressure gradient, pressure rise per wavelength, and on the velocity distribution inside the micro ciliated are exhibited with the aid of graphical deliberations. It worth to mention in this work that in case of tapered channel transverse velocity also has significant contribution in the flow, which is observed trivial in symmetric and non‐symmetric channel flows. Temperature of the nanofluid in the ciliated tapered channel is raised with permeability and thermal radiations phenomena and can be controlled with Helmholtz Smoluchowski velocity, and electroosmotic parameter. Pumping phenomena is affected with increase in Helmholtz Smoluchowski velocity and permeability. Reported investigation cover a informative insight about biological fluid system, may be beneficial for the understanding the flow through ductus efferentes of human reproductive tract since it assumed that cilia are responsible for the transport of sperm from rete testis to the epididymis, also have worth in cilia designed bio‐sensors and in certain drug delivery systems.
Planung von Radlogistik
Authors: Assmann Tom , Gade Andreas , Stiehm Sebastian
Published: July 2024

Die Planung von Radlogistik ist bisher eine einzelfallbezogene Maßnahmenplanung. Das Kapitel stellt den Planungsprozess für Umschlagspunkte für die Radlogistik als kooperativen Prozess zwischen Logistik und Stadt dar. Im Folgenden gibt es einen Ausblick, wie Logistikplanung systematisch im Rahmen kommunaler Planung realisiert werden kann und muss.
Lösungsansätze für eine auf Lastenfahrräder ausgerichtete digitale Routenplanung
Authors: Engelhardt Maximilian , Malzahn Birte , Seeck Stephan , Quiter Daniel
Published: July 2024

Die zunehmende Urbanisierung und der anhaltende Trend zum Online-Shopping führen zu mehr Lieferverkehr in Städten. Der Einsatz fossiler Kraftstoffe bei den typischen Lieferfahrzeugen, wie LKW und Vans, steht dem Ziel vieler Städte, in wenigen Jahren klimaneutral zu sein, entgegen. Zudem erzeugen auch e-Vans durch Parken in zweiter Reihe Staus in den Innenstädten. Aus diesen Gründen werden immer häufiger elektro-unterstützte Lastenräder für den städtischen Warentransport eingesetzt. Technische Entwicklungen bei den Lastenfahrrädern erlauben neben Paketlieferungen auch den Transport von Stückgutsendungen. Allerdings haben Lastenräder im Vergleich zu größeren Fahrzeugen logistische Nachteile. Insbesondere müssen aufgrund der geringeren Ladekapazitäten mehr Touren in derselben Zeit gefahren werden. Digitale Routenplanungssysteme können helfen, die Tourenplanung zu optimieren und dadurch die Attraktivität von Lastenrädern für eine nachhaltigere Stadtlogistik zu steigern. Herkömmliche Routenplanungssysteme berücksichtigen jedoch nur selten lastenradspezifische Routeninformationen, da diese bisher nicht ausreichend digitalisiert sind. Dieser Beitrag beschreibt den Status quo digitaler Routenplanung für Lastenrädern. Es werden die spezifischen Anforderungen an solche Routenplanungssysteme zusammengestellt und Lösungsansätze zur Integration lastenradspezifischer Informationen in digitale Kartenmaterialien entwickelt. Ziel ist es, die Entwicklung von Routenplanungssystemen für gewerbliche Lastenräder zu erleichtern.
Planerische Instrumente zur Förderung der Lastenradlogistik
Authors: Mayregger Patrick , Thiemermann Andre , Schlott Marian , Assmann Tom , Fassnacht Lukas
Published: July 2024

Die Radlogistik ist auch eine öffentliche Planungsaufgabe. Zwar werden Transportdienstleistungen in der Regel von privaten Unternehmen geplant und ausgeführt, doch die Städte und Gemeinden haben dennoch Einfluss auf das System des Urbanen Güterverkehrs. Dieses Kapitel beschreibt, wie die Radlogistik in der strategischen Güterverkehrsplanung der Städte und Gemeinden verankert werden sollte und gibt einen Überblick über Maßnahmenbereiche im Kompetenzbereich der Kommunen.
Infrastrukturen der Radlogistik
Authors: Knese Dennis
Published: July 2024

Die Akzeptanz von Lastenrädern und der Radlogistik ist eng verbunden mit dem infrastrukturellen Angebot. Je besser die Infrastruktur für die Nutzung von Lastenrädern geeignet ist, desto höher ist die Wahrscheinlichkeit für steigende Lastenradanteile am Gesamtverkehr. Gleichzeitig haben Lastenräder gegenüber konventionellen Fahrrädern spezifische Merkmale, die bei der Infrastruktur- und Straßenraumgestaltung berücksichtigt werden müssen. Aktuell werden jedoch Lastenradnutzende oft bei ihren Fahrten durch die (nicht) vorhandene Infrastruktur behindert. Beispielsweise können Poller oder Umlaufgitter, eng gesteckte Kurvenradien auf Radwegen, unzureichende Fahrradabstellanlagen oder eine mangelnde Breite und Beschaffenheit von Radwegen zu potenziellen Hindernissen und Gefahrenstellen im Verkehrsgeschehen werden. Hinzu kommen fehlende oder mangelhafte Infrastrukturausstattungen für Logistikbetriebe, die einen Umstieg auf Lastenräder verhindern. So ist das Vorhandensein von Mikro-Hubs an geeigneten Standorten mit entsprechender Ausstattung insbesondere für die KEP-Branche eine essenzielle Voraussetzung zum Umstieg.
Gesetze und Regulierung zur Radlogistik
Authors: Assmann Tom
Published: July 2024

Obwohl das Lastenrad als Verkehrs- und Transportmittel im europäischen Raum seit über 100 Jahren bekannt ist, wirft die rechtliche und regulatorische Situation vielfältige Fragen bei Nutzer:innen, Planer:innen und Bürger:innen auf. Grundsätzlich ist hier festzustellen, dass das Lastenrad ein Fahrrad mit allen Rechten und Pflichten ist. Jedoch bestehen Besonderheiten, die sich aus dem veränderten Fahrzeugdesign und Einsatzfeld im Vergleich zum klassischen Privatrad ergeben. Dieses Kapitel gibt deswegen einen Überblick zur aktuellen Gesetzeslage sowie geltenden Normen und Regularien, die Lastenräder, -anhänger, deren Einsatz in der Logistik und ihre Infrastrukturen betreffen.
Intermodale Radlogistik
Authors: Henninger Steffen
Published: July 2024

Lastenräder haben die Vielfalt der Transportmittel erweitert. Der Umschlag von Lastenrädern auf andere Transportmittel erfolgt am häufigsten von Lieferwagen oder Lastkraftwagen, wobei der Umschlag von der Schiene auf Lastenräder ebenfalls in verschiedenen Projekten getestet wurde. Der Umschlag von Wasser auf Lastenräder ist ebenfalls möglich, und schiffbare Wasserstraßen bieten eine Alternative zur überlasteten Straße. Weitere Untersuchungen befassen sich mit dem Umschlag von der Luft oder von Rohrleitungen auf die Straßen und dem Einsatz von Seilbahnen in städtischen Gebieten. Insgesamt kann festgehalten werden, dass Lastenräder in den meisten intermodalen Logistikketten bereits Anwendung finden oder theoretisch bestimmte Bereiche gut abdecken können.
Next-to-eikonal corrections to dijet production in Deep Inelastic Scattering in the dilute limit of the Color Glass Condensate
Authors: Agostini Pedro , Altinoluk Tolga , Armesto Néstor
Published: July 2024

Abstract

We analyze the effects of next-to-eikonal corrections on dijet production in Deep Inelastic Scattering off nuclear targets in the framework of the Color Glass Condensate. They require the knowledge of correlators of fields in the target beyond those computed in the standard McLerran-Venugopalan model, specifically those between transverse and boost-enhanced components, and of the recoil of the fields. We neglect the latter, while for the former we develop a linear model valid for large nuclei. We considered the unpolarized cross sections for dijet production in the approximation of a homogenous dilute nucleus, obtaining simple analytic expressions for the cross sections at next-to-eikonal accuracy, valid in the limit of total dijet momentum and dijet momentum imbalance larger than the saturation scale of the nucleus. We perform a numerical study of the results at energies of the Electron Ion Collider, finding $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
(10%) effects in the cross sections at large total momentum. We also analyze the azimuthal asymmetries between total momentum and imbalance, finding that non-eikonal corrections induce odd azimuthal harmonics for the situation of jets with equal momentum fractions from the virtual photon, where they are absent in the eikonal approximation. Finally, in the eikonal approximation we have compared the results of our analytic expansion valid in the dilute limit of the target, and the full Color Glass Condensate results in the McLerran-Venugopalan model and their correlation limit. Our analytic expressions match the correlation limit ones in the region where both should be simultaneously valid and reproduce very well the full Color Glass Condensate results in its validity region.
Thermal partition function of $$ {J}_3{\overline{J}}_3 $$ deformed AdS3
Authors: Chakraborty Soumangsu , Giveon Amit , Hashimoto Akikazu
Published: July 2024

Abstract

We derive a compact formula for the one-loop, bosonic string partition function of Euclideanized $$ {J}_3{\overline{J}}_3 $$

J
3

J
¯

3

deformed AdS3 with periodic Euclidean time as an integral transform of the partition function of the undeformed Euclideanized AdS3. Such a deformation is interpretable as an irrelevant “single-trace $$ T\overline{T} $$
T

T
¯

deformation” of the boundary. We will do this by first establishing a formal procedure to compute a worldsheet torus zero point function for an exactly marginal $$ J\overline{J} $$
J

J
¯

deformation of a sigma model with U(1)L × U(1)R global symmetry. We then describe how this procedure is implemented on SL(2, R) sigma model and its Euclidean continuation. Finally, we describe the embedding of the deformed SL(2, R) torus amplitude into critical string theory and interpret the result as the leading perturbative contribution to the thermal partition function of the deformed theory.
Emergence in string theory and Fermi gases
Authors: Hattab Jarod , Palti Eran
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The Emergence Proposal suggests that some Swampland criteria, in particular on large field distances, are a consequence of the emergent nature of dynamics for fields in the infrared. In the context of type II string theory compactified on Calabi-Yau manifolds, it proposes that the cubic tree-level piece of the genus-zero prepotential is emergent from integrating out massive non-perturbative states. For a certain special non-compact Calabi-Yau, the blown-up conifold, it is known that the full all-genus prepotential can be matched onto the Grand Canonical potential of a two-dimensional Fermi gas. We propose here that this should be understood in the context of emergence: the prepotential is induced by integrating out the Fermi gas degrees of freedom. To make contact with the Swampland we need dynamical gravity, so compact Calabi-Yau manifolds. We show that for specifically the cubic term, an integrating out calculation also works for compact cases. In particular, the exact cubic term coefficient can be recovered from integrating out a Fermi gas for any compact Calabi-Yau that is an elliptic fibration over a reflexive toric base. We also propose a general map, for any one-parameter Calabi-Yau, between the Grand Canonical potential of the ultraviolet non-perturbative system and the period. In particular, this map leads to an emergent cubic term in the genus-zero prepotential for any such one-parameter model.
Finite modular majoron
Authors: Jung Tae Hyun , Kawamura Junichiro
Published: July 2024

Abstract

We point out that the accidental U(1)B−L symmetry can arise from a finite modular symmetry ΓN in the type-I seesaw. The finite modular symmetry is spontaneously broken in such a way that the residual $$ {\mathbb{Z}}_N^T $$

ℤ
N
T

discrete symmetry, associated with the T-transformation which shifts the modulus τ → τ + 1, remains unbroken. This discrete $$ {\mathbb{Z}}_N^T $$

ℤ
N
T

symmetry mimics U(1)B−L, and hence the majoron appears as a pseudo Nambu-Goldstone boson of U(1)B−L. Without introducing additional interactions, the modulus τ can be stabilized by the Coleman-Weinberg (CW) potential given by the Majorana mass terms of the right-handed neutrinos. We study cosmological implications of the majoron, with particular interests in the dark matter and dark radiation, where the latter may alleviate the Hubble tension. We also find that the CW potential can have a wide range of nearly exponential shape which prevents τ from overshooting, and makes the amount of dark radiation not too large.
Discrete Symplectic Fermions on Double Dimers and Their Virasoro Representation
Authors: Adame-Carrillo David
Published: July 2024

A discrete version of the conformal field theory of symplectic fermions is introduced and discussed. Specifically, discrete symplectic fermions are realised as holomorphic observables in the double-dimer model. Using techniques of discrete complex analysis, the space of local fields of discrete symplectic fermions on the square lattice is proven to carry a representation of the Virasoro algebra with central charge $$-2$$

-
2

.
Thoracolumbar spinal cord injury: management, techniques, timing
Authors: Jug Marko , Komadina Radko , Wendt Klaus , Pape Hans Christoph , Bloemers Frank , Nau Christoph
Published: July 2024

Acute traumatic spinal cord injury (tSCI) is a complex and heterogeneous injury, where the level of injury, injury severity, duration and degree of spinal cord compression, and blood pressure management seem to influence neurologic outcome. Although data in the literature seem to be inconsistent regarding the effectiveness of surgical decompression and spinal fixation in patients with thoracic and thoracolumbar tSCI, some single-center studies suggest that early surgical decompression may lead to a superior neurologic outcome, especially in patients with incomplete tSCI, suggesting surgical decompression to be performed as soon as possible. However, high energy injuries, especially to the upper thoracic levels, may be too severe to be influenced by surgical decompression, which may represent a critical second hit for the polytraumatized patient. Therefore, the surgeon first needs to critically evaluate the potential for neurologic recovery in each patient before determining the ideal timing of surgery. Circulatory stabilization must be achieved before surgical intervention, and minimally invasive procedures should be preferred. Invasive blood pressure monitoring should be started on admission, and maintenance of a MAP between 85 and 90 mmHg is recommended for a duration of 5–7 days, with special attention to the prevention of hypoxia, fever, acidosis and deep venous thrombosis. The role of a 24-hour infusion of high-dose MPSS is still controversial, but it may be offered at the discretion of the treating surgeon to adult patients within 8 h of acute tSCI as a treatment option, especially in the case of very early decompression or incomplete tSCI.
Impact of lateral cortical notching on biomechanical performance in cephalomedullary nailing for unstable pertrochanteric fractures
Authors: Sandriesser Sabrina , Ganser Niels , Hollensteiner Marianne , Trapp Oliver , Augat Peter
Published: July 2024

Purpose

In pertrochanteric femur fractures the risk for fracture healing complications increases with the complexity of the fracture. In addition to dynamization along the lag screw, successful fracture healing may also be facilitated by further dynamization along the shaft axis. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanical stability of additional axial notch dynamization compared to the standard treatment in an unstable pertrochanteric femur fracture treated with cephalomedullary nailing.

Methods

In 14 human cadaver femora, an unstable pertrochanteric fracture was stabilized with a cephalomedullary nail. Additional axial notch dynamization was enabled in half of the samples and compared against the standard treatment (n = 7). Interfragmentary motion, axial construct stiffness and load to failure were investigated in a stepwise increasing cyclic load protocol.

Results

Mean load to failure (1414 ± 234 N vs. 1428 ± 149 N, p = 0.89) and mean cycles to failure (197,129 ± 45,087 vs. 191,708 ± 30,490, p = 0.81) were equivalent for axial notch dynamization and standard treatment, respectively. Initial construct stiffness was comparable for both groups (axial notch dynamization 684 [593–775] N/mm, standard treatment 618 [497–740] N/mm, p = 0.44). In six out of seven specimens the additional axial dynamization facilitated interfragmentary compression, while maintaining its mechanical stability. After initial settling of the constructs, there were no statistically significant differences between the groups for either subsidence or rotation of the femoral head fragment (p ≤ 0.30).

Conclusion

Axial notch dynamization provided equivalent mechanical stability compared to standard treatment in an unstable pertrochanteric fracture. Whether the interfragmentary compression generated by axial notch dynamization will promote fracture healing through improved fracture reduction needs to be evaluated clinically.
Multiple chronic diseases and psychological distress among adults in the United States: the intersectionality of chronic diseases, race/ethnicity, immigration, sex, and insurance coverage
Authors: Adzrago David , Williams David R. , Williams Faustine
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Psychological distress significantly contributes to the burdens of morbidity and mortality in the United States (U.S.), but our understanding is limited with regards to the risk factors associated with psychological distress. We used nationally representative data to examine (1) the comorbidities of chronic diseases and their risks for psychological distress and (2) the ways in which chronic diseases combine with demographic factors such as sex, race/ethnicity, immigration status, and health insurance coverage to affect the patterning of psychological distress.

Methods

We analyzed the 2005–2018 National Health Survey Interview cross-sectional data on U.S. adults aged ≥ 18 years (n = 351,457). We fitted sequential multivariable logistic regression models.

Results

There was a dose-response relationship between the number of chronic diseases and psychological distress, with increased number of chronic diseases associated with increased psychological distress risk. Females (vs. males) and those without health insurance (vs. insured) were more likely to experience psychological distress. Immigrants (vs. non-immigrants) and racial/ethnic minorities (vs. White individuals) were less likely to experience psychological distress. There were significant interactions between chronic diseases and insurance coverage, immigration status, and race/ethnicity, but the three-way interactions were not statistically significant with psychological distress: chronic disease status vs. immigration status vs. health insurance coverage, and chronic disease vs. race/ethnicity vs. immigration status.

Conclusion

The findings suggest a critical need to consider the complex ways in which chronic diseases and psychosocial factors combine to affect psychological distress and their implications for tailoring mental health screening, initiatives to reduce distress, and prevention strategies for effectively addressing health-related disparities in the general population.
Diel rhythms of fish frequentation in a temperate mesophotic antipatharian forest and sleeping behaviour of the red swallowtail perch Anthias anthias (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Bo Marzia , Costa Andrea , Coppari Martina , Enrichetti Francesco , Bavestrello Giorgio , Di Caro Aleandra , Canese Simonepietro , Betti Federico
Published: July 2024

A 21-day continuous monitoring of a highly tridimensional forest of the black coral Antipathella subpinnata (Ellis and Solander 1786) was carried out in the NW Mediterranean Sea at 63 m depth using an autonomous lander to investigate the diel short-term dynamics of the vagile fauna associated to the forest. The survey allowed to assess several aspects of the forest attractiveness and its use, especially by the ichthyofauna, including (i) the diversity and shifts of the fish community inhabiting three layers of the environment (seafloor, canopy, water column) between four light phases (dawn, day, dusk, night), (ii) the diel rhythm in forest use of the red swallowtail perch Anthias anthias (Linnaeus 1758) and its sleeping behaviour in terms of fidelity towards resting sites, duration of rests, and awakenings triggers, and, finally, (iii) the influence of biotic and abiotic variables on the fish behaviour. Considering that, so far, only spot censuses have been carried out in these habitats, this study provides a dynamic approach to the study of biodiversity in temperate mesophotic coral forests and offers an insight into the functioning of these complex and vulnerable ecosystems.
Volatile Organic Compound Metabolism on Early Earth
Authors: Ledford S. Marshall , Meredith Laura K.
Published: July 2024

Biogenic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) constitute a significant portion of gas-phase metabolites in modern ecosystems and have unique roles in moderating atmospheric oxidative capacity, solar radiation balance, and aerosol formation. It has been theorized that VOCs may account for observed geological and evolutionary phenomena during the Archaean, but the direct contribution of biology to early non-methane VOC cycling remains unexplored. Here, we provide an assessment of all potential VOCs metabolized by the last universal common ancestor (LUCA). We identify enzyme functions linked to LUCA orthologous protein groups across eight literature sources and estimate the volatility of all associated substrates to identify ancient volatile metabolites. We hone in on volatile metabolites with confirmed modern emissions that exist in conserved metabolic pathways and produce a curated list of the most likely LUCA VOCs. We introduce volatile organic metabolites associated with early life and discuss their potential influence on early carbon cycling and atmospheric chemistry.
Accelerated cardiac magnetic resonance imaging using deep learning for volumetric assessment in children
Authors: Koechli Melina , Callaghan Fraser M. , Burkhardt Barbara E. U. , Lohézic Maélène , Zhu Xucheng , Rücker Beate , Valsangiacomo Buechel Emanuela R. , Kellenberger Christian J. , Geiger Julia
Published: July 2024

Background

Ventricular volumetry using a short-axis stack of two-dimensional (D) cine balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) sequences is crucial in any cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination. This task becomes particularly challenging in children due to multiple breath-holds.

Objective

To assess the diagnostic performance of accelerated 3-RR cine MRI sequences using deep learning reconstruction compared with standard 2-D cine bSSFP sequences.

Material and methods

Twenty-nine consecutive patients (mean age 11 ± 5, median 12, range 1–17 years) undergoing cardiac MRI were scanned with a conventional segmented 2-D cine and a deep learning accelerated cine (three heartbeats) acquisition on a 1.5-tesla scanner. Short-axis volumetrics were performed (semi-)automatically in both datasets retrospectively by two experienced readers who visually assessed image quality employing a 4-point grading scale. Scan times and image quality were compared using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Volumetrics were assessed with linear regression and Bland–Altman analyses, and measurement agreement with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

Results

Mean acquisition time was significantly reduced with the 3-RR deep learning cine compared to the standard cine sequence (45.5 ± 13.8 s vs. 218.3 ± 44.8 s; P < 0.001). No significant differences in biventricular volumetrics were found. Left ventricular (LV) mass was increased in the deep learning cine compared with the standard cine sequence (71.4 ± 33.1 g vs. 69.9 ± 32.5 g; P < 0.05). All volumetric measurements had an excellent agreement with ICC > 0.9 except for ejection fraction (EF) (LVEF 0.81, RVEF 0.73). The image quality of deep learning cine images was decreased for end-diastolic and end-systolic contours, papillary muscles, and valve depiction (2.9 ± 0.5 vs. 3.5 ± 0.4; P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Deep learning cine volumetrics did not differ significantly from standard cine results except for LV mass, which was slightly overestimated with deep learning cine. Deep learning cine sequences result in a significant reduction in scan time with only slightly lower image quality.

Graphical Abstract
The formation of volatiles in fruit wine process and its impact on wine quality
Authors: Tan Jianxin , Ji Mingyue , Gong Jiangang , Chitrakar Bimal
Published: July 2024

Fruit wine is one of the oldest fermented beverages made from non-grape fruits. Owing to the differences in fruit varieties, growing regions, climates, and harvesting seasons, the nutritional compositions of fruits (sugars, organic acids, etc.) are different. Therefore, the fermentation process and microorganisms involved are varied for a particular fruit selected for wine production, resulting in differences in volatile compound formation, which ultimately determine the quality of fruit wine. This article reviews the effects of various factors involved in fruit wine making, especially the particular modifications differing from the grape winemaking process and the selected strains suitable for the specific fruit wine fermentation, on the formation of volatile compounds, flavor and aroma profiles, and quality characteristics of the wine thus produced.

Key points

• The volatile profile and fruit wine quality are affected by enological parameters.

• The composition and content of nutrients in fruit must impact volatile profiles.

• Yeast and LAB are the key determining factors of the volatile profiles of fruit wines.
Advances in biology, diagnosis and treatment of DLBCL
Authors: Shi Yuanfei , Xu Yi , Shen Huafei , Jin Jie , Tong Hongyan , Xie Wanzhuo
Published: July 2024

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), with approximately 150,000 new cases worldwide each year, represent nearly 30% of all cases of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and are phenotypically and genetically heterogeneous. A gene-expression profile (GEP) has identified at least three major subtypes of DLBCL, each of which has distinct clinical, biological, and genetic features: activated B-cell (ABC)-like DLBCL, germinal-center B-cell (GCB)-like DLBCL, and unclassified. Different origins are associated with different responses to chemotherapy and targeted agents. Despite DLBCL being a highly heterogeneous disease, more than 60% of patients with DLBCL can be cured after using rituximab combined with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP) to inhibit the growth of cancer cells while targeting the CD20 receptor. In recent decades, the improvement of diagnostic levels has led to a refinement classification of DLBCL and the development of new therapeutic approaches. The objective of this review was to summarize the latest studies examining genetic lesions and therapies for DLBCL.
Three years follow-up of Venetoclax in advanced-stage, relapsed or refractory AL amyloidosis with cardiac involvement and t(11;14) with BCL2 expression
Authors: Rieger Max J. , Pabst Thomas , Jeker Barbara , Paul Pamella , Bergamini Fabio , Bühler Marco M. , Condoluci Adalgisa , Flammer Andreas J. , Rossi Davide , Stussi Georg , Gerber Bernhard , Schwotzer Rahel
Published: July 2024

Further line treatment of patients with advanced stage AL amyloidosis with cardiac involvement is challenging. Venetoclax is a promising option, especially in t(11;14) and BCL2 expression.

In our multicentre observational study, we report the 3-year follow-up of Venetoclax treatment in 9 patients with advanced, relapsed or refractory AL amyloidosis with t(11;14) and BCL-2 expression in > 50% of plasma cells. At baseline, all patients had been previously treated with daratumumab, all had cardiac involvement with revised Mayo stage III or IV/ European modification of Mayo 2004 IIIA or IIIB (1/9 unclassified due to missing troponin T), 5/9 patients had renal involvement.

After a median of 35 months (range 25–49) since the start of Venetoclax, 8/9 patients were still alive (OS 89%). First and best hematological responses were observed after a median of 26 days (11–125) and 106 days (35–659), overall response rate was 100% (7/9 CR, 2/9 VGPR). Where observed, organ response was documented within the first 6 months of therapy, including cardiac (6/9) and renal (3/5) improvements. Venetoclax was discontinued in 6/9 patients after a median of 15 months (11–48) due to toxicity (2/9), disease progression (2/9), fixed treatment duration (1/9), or safety concerns (1/9).

In conclusion, Venetoclax induces a rapid and deep hematologic response with consistent improvement in organ function with an acceptable safety profile in patients with pretreated, advanced stage AL amyloidosis with cardiac involvement and BCL2 expression with and potentially without detected t(11:14), which warrants further investigation.
Picker routing in scattered storage warehouses: an evaluation of solution methods based on TSP transformations
Authors: Wildt Constantin , Weidinger Felix , Boysen Nils
Published: July 2024

To optimize their order fulfillment processes, many e-commerce warehouses employ a storage assignment strategy known as scattered or mixed-shelves storage. Under this approach, unit loads of homogeneous products are divided, and individual pieces are stored in various shelves throughout the warehouse. This arrangement ensures that products that appear together on unpredictable pick lists are stored in close proximity somewhere in the huge warehouses, reducing the travel distance for pickers. Despite these advancements, efficiently guiding pickers through the warehouse remains a significant planning challenge. Since the same products can be found in multiple storage positions, the traditional picker routing problem becomes more complex, as an additional selection task arises regarding which shelf to retrieve each requested product from. While previous research has developed several tailor-made solution algorithms, we demonstrate that known transformation schemes used for different variants of the well-known Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP) can be utilized to convert the single picker routing problem with scattered storage (SPRP-SS) into a classical TSP. This approach enables us to leverage the extensive array of state-of-the-art TSP solvers. The purpose of this paper is to explore the performance of these solvers when applied to solving the SPRP-SS. Through our computational study, we found that existing TSP solvers exhibit good performance, allowing near-optimal solutions to be obtained in less than a second for real-world scale SPRP-SS instances. Moreover, the efficiency of these TSP solvers remains unaffected by the number of cross aisles in the warehouse. Consequently, we exploit this flexibility to investigate the impact of cross aisles on picking performance in scattered storage warehouses.
Temporal changes in CT-derived fractional flow reserve in patients after heart transplantation
Authors: Sharma Simran P. , Sanz Javier , Hirsch Alexander , Patel Richa , Constantinescu Alina A. , Barghash Maya , Mancini Donna M. , Brugts Jasper J. , Caliskan Kadir , Taverne Yannick J. H. J. , Manintveld Olivier C. , Budde Ricardo P. J.
Published: July 2024

Background

Adding functional information by CT-derived fractional flow reserve (FFRct) to coronary CT angiography (CCTA) and assessing its temporal change may provide insight into the natural history and physiopathology of cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) in heart transplantation (HTx) patients. We assessed FFRct changes as well as CAV progression over a 2-year period in HTx patients undergoing serial CT imaging.

Methods

HTx patients from Erasmus MC and Mount Sinai Hospital, who had consecutive CCTAs 2 years apart were evaluated. FFRct analysis was performed for both scans. FFRct values at the most distal point in the left anterior descending (LAD), left circumflex (LCX), and right coronary artery (RCA) were measured after precisely matching the anatomical locations in both analyses. Also, the number of anatomical coronary stenoses of > 30% was scored.

Results

In total, 106 patients (median age 57 [interquartile range 47–67] years, 67% male) at 9 [6–13] years after HTx at the time of the baseline CCTA were included. Median distal FFRct values significantly decreased from baseline to follow-up for the LAD from 0.85 [0.79–0.90] to 0.84 [0.76–0.90] (p = 0.001), LCX from 0.92 [0.88–0.96] to 0.91 [0.85–0.95] (p = 0.009), and RCA from 0.92 [0.86–0.95] to 0.90 [0.86–0.94] (p = 0.004). The number of focal anatomical stenoses of > 30% increased from a median of 1 [0–2] at baseline to 2 [0–3] at follow-up (p = 0.009).

Conclusions

The distal coronary FFRct values in post-HTX patients in each of the three major coronary arteries decreased, and the number of focal coronary stenoses increased over a 2-year period. Temporal FFRct change rate may become an additional parameter in the follow-up of HTx patients, but more research is needed to elucidate its role.

Clinical relevance statement

CT-derived fractional flow reserve (FFRct) is important post-heart transplant because of additional information on coronary CT angiography for cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) detection. The decrease and degree of reduction in distal FFRct value may indicate progression in anatomic CAV burden.

Key Points

CT-derived fractional flow reserve (FFRct) is important for monitoring cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) in heart transplant patients.

Over time, transplant patients showed a decrease in distal FFRct and an increase in coronary stenoses.

Temporal changes in FFRct could be crucial for transplant follow-up, aiding in CAV detection.
Is choroid plexus growth altered in isolated ventriculomegaly on fetal neuro-ultrasound?
Authors: Hu Wei-Xi , Zhan Xin , Lu Dan , Li Zhi-Qiang
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Reveal developmental alterations in choroid plexus volume (CPV) among fetuses with isolated ventriculomegaly (VM) through neuro-ultrasound.

Methods

This prospective study aimed to assess the development of fetal CPV in normal fetuses and those with isolated VM through neuro-ultrasound. The fetuses of isolated VM were categorized into mild, moderate, and severe groups, and subsequently, the lateral ventricle evolution was monitored. The developmental alterations in CPV among fetuses with isolated VM were determined by comparing the CPV z-scores with those of normal fetuses. Receiver operating characteristics curve analysis was used to assess the predictive value of altered CPV in lateral ventricle evolution.

Results

A total of 218 normal fetuses and 114 isolated VM fetuses from 22 weeks to 35 weeks of gestation were included. The CPV decreased as the isolated VM was getting worse. Both fetuses with isolated moderate ventriculomegaly and those with isolated severe ventriculomegaly exhibited reduced CPV compared to normal fetuses. The CPV in fetuses with isolated mild ventriculomegaly (IMVM) varied, with some showing a larger CPV compared to normal fetuses, while others exhibited a smaller CPV. The larger CPV in cases of IMVM may serve as a predictive factor for either regression or stability of the lateral ventricle, while reduced CPV in cases of isolated VM may indicate worsening of the lateral ventricle.

Conclusion

The growth volume of fetal CP exhibited alterations in fetuses with isolated VM, and these changes were found to be correlated with the evolution of the lateral ventricle.

Clinical relevance statement

Neuro-ultrasound revealed varying degrees of alterations in the volume development of the choroid plexus within the fetus with isolated VM. The findings can help predict lateral ventricle prognosis, greatly contributing to prenatal diagnosis strategies for fetuses with isolated VM.

Key Points

The volume of choroid plexus growth is altered in fetuses with isolated VM.

The altered CPV in isolated VM was associated with lateral ventricle evolution.

The findings are useful for prenatal counseling and managing fetuses with isolated VM.