bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of clinically extremely vulnerable children and children living with clinically extremely vulnerable people in Wales: a data linkage study
Authors: Cowley Laura Elizabeth , Hodgson Karen , Song Jiao , Whiffen Tony , Tan Jacinta , John Ann , Bandyopadhyay Amrita , Davies Alisha R
Published: June 2023

Objectives

To determine whether clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV) children or children living with a CEV person in Wales were at greater risk of presenting with anxiety or depression in primary or secondary care during the COVID-19 pandemic compared with children in the general population and to compare patterns of anxiety and depression during the pandemic (23 March 2020–31 January 2021, referred to as 2020/2021) and before the pandemic (23 March 2019–31 January 2020, referred to as 2019/2020), between CEV children and the general population.

Design

Population-based cross-sectional cohort study using anonymised, linked, routinely collected health and administrative data held in the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage Databank. CEV individuals were identified using the COVID-19 shielded patient list.

Setting

Primary and secondary healthcare settings covering 80% of the population of Wales.

Participants

Children aged 2–17 in Wales: CEV (3769); living with a CEV person (20 033); or neither (415 009).

Primary outcome measure

First record of anxiety or depression in primary or secondary healthcare in 2019/2020 and 2020/2021, identified using Read and International Classification of Diseases V.10 codes.

Results

A Cox regression model adjusted for demographics and history of anxiety or depression revealed that only CEV children were at greater risk of presenting with anxiety or depression during the pandemic compared with the general population (HR=2.27, 95% CI=1.94 to 2.66, p<0.001). Compared with the general population, the risk among CEV children was higher in 2020/2021 (risk ratio 3.04) compared with 2019/2020 (risk ratio 1.90). In 2020/2021, the period prevalence of anxiety or depression increased slightly among CEV children, but declined among the general population.

Conclusions

Differences in the period prevalence of recorded anxiety or depression in healthcare between CEV children and the general population were largely driven by a reduction in presentations to healthcare services by children in the general population during the pandemic.
Photobiomodulation and glass ionomer sealant as complementary treatment for hypersensitivity in molar incisor hypomineralisation in children: protocol for a blinded randomised clinical trial
Authors: Fossati Ana Laura , Sobral Ana Paula Taboada , Hermida Bruno María Laura Laura , Viarengo Natalia Osorio , Sertaje María Roxana Ferreira , Santos Elaine Marcilio , Gonçalves Marcela Letícia Leal , Ferrari Raquel Agnelli Mesquita , Fernandes Kristianne Porta Santos , Horliana Anna Carolina Ratto Tempestini , Motta Lara Jansiski , Bussadori Sandra Kalil
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Photobiomodulation has been widely used as a complementary treatment for dentin hypersensitivity, with reports of clinical success. However, the literature offers only one study, in which photobiomodulation was used for the treatment of sensitivity in molars with molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH). The aim of the proposed study is to determine whether photobiomodulation enhances the results of treatment with glass ionomer sealant on molars with MIH that present sensitivity.

Methods and analysis

The study involves 50 patients from 6 to 12 years of age that will be randomly allocated in two groups. Group 1 (control group) (n=25): toothpaste with a concentration of fluoride ≤1000 ppm two times a day, glass ionomer sealant and sham low-level laser (LLL) and group 2 (n=25): toothpaste with a concentration of fluoride ≤1000 ppm two times a day, glass ionomer sealant and active LLL. The evaluations will involve MIH record, Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI), Schiff Cold Air Sensitivity Scale (SCASS) and visual analogue scale (VAS) before the procedure. Immediately after the procedure, the hypersensitivity index (SCASS/VAS) will be registered. Records of OHI and SCASS/VAS will be registered after 48 hours as well as 1 month after the procedure. The persistence of the sealant will also be registered. It is expected that by the second consultation, a decrease in sensitivity will be observed due to the treatments received in the two groups.

Ethics and dissemination

This protocol has been approved by the local medical ethical committee (certificate: CEUCU 220516). The findings will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Trial registration number

NCT05370417.
‘They could not see our eyes, they cannot see our faces, they do not know who we are and that is hard’: a qualitative interview study with staff caring for children and families in a UK specialist children’s hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Aldiss Susie , Gibson Faith , Vindrola-Padros Cecilia , Wray Jo , Kelly Paula
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Despite lower rates of illness, morbidity and mortality associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in children during the COVID-19 pandemic, their health and well-being has been significantly impacted. Emerging evidence indicates that this includes experiences of hospital-based care for them and their families. As part of a series of multisite research studies to undertake a rapid appraisal of perceptions of hospital staff, working during the pandemic, our study focused on clinical and non-clinical staff perceptions of the impact of COVID-19 on aspects of care delivery, preparedness and staffing specific to a specialist children’s hospital.

Design

Qualitative study using a qualitative rapid appraisal design. Hospital staff participated in a telephone interview. We used a semistructured interview guide, and recorded and transcribed all interviews. Rapid Research Evaluation and Appraisal Lab Rapid Assessment Procedure sheets were used to share data; team-based analysis was facilitated using a framework approach.

Setting

Specialist children’s hospital in London, UK.

Participants

Thirty-six staff representing a range of roles within the hospital: 19 (53%) nurses, 7 (19%) medical staff and 10 (28%) other staff groups (including radiographers, managers, play staff, schoolteachers, domestic and portering staff and social workers).

Results

Three overarching themes relating to staff perceptions of the impact on children and families were identified, each containing subthemes: (1) same hospital but different for everyone, (2) families paid the price and (3) the digital world. They illustrated that providing care and treatment for children and families changed profoundly during the pandemic, particularly during lockdown periods. Adaptations to deliver clinical care, play, schooling and other therapies online were rapidly put into action; however, benefits were not universal or always inclusive.

Conclusions

The disruption to a central principle of children’s hospital care—the presence and involvement of families—was of critical concern to staff, suggesting a need for the specific impact of COVID-19 on children’s services to be accounted for.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for patients with fibromyalgia: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Han Xiaochai , He Yu , Yuan Xiangnan , Sun Nianyi , Liu Xueyong
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Fibromyalgia (FM) is an unexplained chronic condition characterised by generalised pain, sleep disturbances, autonomic disturbances, anxiety, fatigue and cognitive impairment. FM is a prevalent chronic disease worldwide that imposes a significant burden on individuals and society. Emerging evidence suggests that environmental interventions, such as exposure to hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), can relieve pain and improve the quality of life in patients with FM. This study will systematically and comprehensively assess the effectiveness and safety of HBOT in patients with FM and provide evidence to support its implementation. We hope that the final review will be helpful in supporting the decision-making processes related to treatment programmes.

Methods and analysis

This protocol is reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analysis Protocols guidelines. Ten key databases, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE (Excerpt Medica Database), PsycINFO, CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), PEDro, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WANFANG and VIP (Chinese Scientific Journal Database), will be searched from inception through December 2022 to identify relevant randomised controlled trials examining the effectiveness of HBOT in patients with FM published in English or Chinese. Two reviewers will independently complete the study screening, selection, and data extraction and assess the risk of bias in the included studies using the 0–10 PEDro Scale. Narrative or quantitative syntheses will be performed and a systematic review and meta-analysis will be performed using Review Manager V.5.3 statistical software.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was not required for this protocol. The results of the final review will be disseminated in a peer-­reviewed journal.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022363672
Situation awareness of emergency response centre personnel during chemical incidents: an interview study in a Swedish context
Authors: Karlsson Sofia , Gyllencreutz Lina
Published: June 2023

Objectives

If a chemical incident occurs, the emergency response centre (ERC) personnel are the first that are notified. They need to quickly attain situation awareness, based on the information from the caller, in order to dispatch the correct emergency units. The aim of this study is to examine the situation awareness of the personnel working at ERCs—how they perceive, comprehend, project and act during chemical incidents.

Methods

Semi-structured individual interviews with 12 participants from the Swedish ERCs were performed. The interviews were analysed with qualitative content analysis.

Results

Three categories of responses were identified. Responses focused on the complexity of identifying chemical incidents, the importance of ensuring the safety of citizens and personnel of emergency organisations and the situation-based dispatch of organisations.

Conclusions

The correct identification of the chemical incident and the involved chemical by the ERC personnel are necessary in order to notify, inform and dispatch the correct units, as well as to ensure the safety of citizens and emergency personnel. More research is needed about the dichotomies of the ERC personnel needing as much information as possible for everyone’s safety versus their responsibility for the safety of the caller as well as between using emergency dispatch index interview guides and trusting their gut feeling.
Observed intervention effects for mortality in randomised clinical trials: a methodological study protocol
Authors: Hansen Mathias Lühr , Jørgensen Caroline Kamp , Thabane Lehana , Rulli Eliana , Biagioli Elena , Chiaruttini Maria , Mbuagbaw Lawrence , Mathiesen Ole , Gluud Christian , Jakobsen Janus Christian
Published: June 2023

Introduction

It is essential to choose a realistic anticipated intervention effect when calculating a sample size for a randomised clinical trial. Unfortunately, anticipated intervention effects are often inflated, when compared with the ‘true’ intervention effects. This is documented for mortality in critical care trials. A similar pattern might exist across different medical specialties. This study aims to estimate the range of observed intervention effects for all-cause mortality in trials included in Cochrane Reviews, within each Cochrane Review Group.

Methods and analysis

We will include randomised clinical trials assessing all-cause mortality as an outcome. Trials will be identified from Cochrane Reviews published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Cochrane Reviews will be clustered according to the registered Cochrane Review Group (eg, Anaesthesia, Emergency and Critical Care) and the statistical analyses will be conducted for each Cochrane Review Group and overall. The median relative risk and IQR for all-cause mortality and the proportion of trials with a relative all-cause mortality risk within seven different ranges will be reported (relative risk below 0.70, 0.70–0.79, 0.80–0.89, 0.90–1.09, 1.10–1.19, 1.20–1.30 and above 1.30). Subgroup analyses will explore the effects of original design, sample size, risk of bias, disease, intervention type, follow-up length, participating centres, funding type, information size and outcome hierarchy.

Ethics and dissemination

Since we will use summary data from trials already approved by relevant ethical committees, this study does not require ethical approval. Regardless of our findings, the results will be published in an international peer-reviewed journal.
Incidence, prevalence and nature of injuries in padel: a systematic review
Authors: Dahmen Jari , Emanuel Kaj S , Fontanellas-Fes Albert , Verhagen Evert , Kerkhoffs Gino M M J , Pluim Babette M
Published: June 2023

Objective

It is unclear what the incidence, prevalence and nature of injuries are that can occur during playing padel. This study aimed to systematically review the incidence, prevalence and nature of injuries in padel.

Method

A literature search was performed up to December 2022 through MEDLINE Ovid, PubMed, Cochrane Library, SportsDiscus and CINAHL. Following database search, article retrieval and title and abstract screening, articles were assessed for eligibility against predefined criteria. Studies were assessed for methodological quality. Data on injuries’ prevalence, incidence and nature of injuries were extracted, analysed and described in a descriptive statistical manner which did not include a pooling strategy as part of a formal meta-analysis.

Results

Eight studies with 2022 participants were included (range of mean age: 31–57). The incidence rate was 3 injuries per 1000 hours of padel training and 8 injuries per 1000 matches of padel practice. The overall prevalence range was 40%–95%. The elbow was the most common anatomical site of injury, followed by the knee, shoulder and lower back. Tendinous and muscular injuries were the most reported injury types.

Conclusion

Injuries are common among padel players, with an incidence rate of 3 per 1000 hours of padel training and 8 per 1000 matches of padel practice—as based on limited literature. The overall prevalence range was 40%–95%. The elbow was the most frequently reported anatomical region concerning location injury distribution, and injuries were mainly of tendinous or muscular origin.
Opioid use and associated factors in 1676 patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a multicentre quality improvement project
Authors: Baillie Samantha , Limdi Jimmy K , Bassi Ash , Fraser Aileen , Parkes Gareth , Scott Glyn , Raine Tim , Lamb Christopher A , Kennedy Nicholas A , Fumis Natalia , Smith Melissa A , Nicolaou Andrew , Emms Holly , Wye John , Lehmann Anouk , Carbery Isabel , Goodhand James , Lees Robert , Beshyah Waleed , Luthra Pavit , Pollok Richard , Selinger Christian
Published: June 2023

Objective

Despite its association with poorer outcomes, opioid use in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is not well characterised in the UK. We aimed to examine the extent of opioid use, the associated factors and the use of mitigation techniques such as pain-service review and opioid weaning plans among individuals with IBD.

Methods

Data were collected from consecutive patients attending IBD outpatient appointments at 12 UK hospitals. A predefined questionnaire was used to collect data including patient demographics, IBD history, opioid use in the past year (>2 weeks) and opioid-use mitigation techniques. Additionally, consecutive IBD-related hospital stays leading up to July 2019 were reviewed with data collected regarding opioid use at admission, discharge and follow-up as well as details of the admission indication.

Results

In 1352 outpatients, 12% had used opioids within the past 12 months. Over half of these individuals were taking opioids for non-IBD pain and less than half had undergone an attempted opioid wean.

In 324 hospitalised patients, 27% were prescribed opioids at discharge from hospital. At 12 months postdischarge, 11% were using opioids. Factors associated with opioid use in both cohorts included female sex, Crohn’s disease and previous surgery.

Conclusions

1 in 10 patients with IBD attending outpatient appointments were opioid exposed in the past year while a quarter of inpatients were discharged with opioids, and 11% continued to use opioids 12 months after discharge. IBD services should aim to identify patients exposed to opioids, reduce exposure where possible and facilitate access to alternative pain management approaches.
Left ventricular ejection fraction and long-term outcomes in women presenting with signs and symptoms of ischaemia
Authors: Wu Stephanie , Wei Janet , Lauzon Marie , Suppogu Nissi , Kelsey Sheryl F , Reis Steven E , Shaw Leslee J , Sopko George , Handberg Eileen , Pepine Carl J , Bairey Merz C Noel
Published: June 2023

Background

Although women are known to have a relatively higher left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) compared with men, a sex-neutral LVEF threshold continues to be used for clinical management. We sought to investigate the relationship among high (>65%), normal (55%–65%) and low (<55%) LVEF and long-term all-cause mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in women presenting with suspected myocardial ischaemia.

Methods

A total of 734 women from the Women’s Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation (WISE) were analysed. LVEF was calculated by invasive left ventriculography. The relationship between baseline characteristics, LVEF and outcomes was evaluated. A multivariable Cox regression model was used to assess the association of LVEF with outcomes, after adjusting for known risk factors.

Results

Low LVEF was associated with higher rates of mortality and MACE compared with normal and high LVEF (p<0.0001). Normal LVEF was associated with higher mortality (p=0.047) and rate of myocardial infarctions (MIs) compared with high LVEF (p=0.03). Low LVEF remained a significant predictor of mortality compared with high LVEF (p=0.013) in a multivariable regression model and normal compared with high LVEF trended towards higher mortality (p=0.16).

Conclusion

Among women with suspected ischaemia, women with LVEF above the defined normal threshold (>65%) had lower rates of all-cause mortality and non-fatal MI. Further investigation is needed to determine the optimal LVEF in women.

Trial registration number

NCT00000554.
Cost-effectiveness of a telemonitoring programme in patients with cardiovascular diseases compared with standard of care
Authors: Ziegler Andreas , Öner Alper , Quadflieg Gisela , Betschart Raphael O , Thiéry Alexandre , Babel Hugo , Mwambi Henry G , Neumeyer Henriette , Mackschin Steffen , Hintz Sissy , Mann Miriam , Dittrich Hermann , Schmidt Christian
Published: June 2023

Objectives

The main aim of this work was to analyse the cost-effectiveness of an integrated care concept (NICC) that combines telemonitoring with the support of a care centre in addition to guideline therapy for patients. Secondary aims were to compare health utility and health-related quality of life (QoL) between NICC and standard of care (SoC).

Methods

The randomised controlled CardioCare MV Trial compared NICC and SoC in patients from Mecklenburg-West Pomerania (Germany) with atrial fibrillation, heart failure or treatment-resistant hypertension. QoL was measured using the EQ-5D-5L at baseline, 6 months and 1 year follow-up. Quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), EQ5D utility scores, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) Scores and VAS adjusted life years (VAS-AL) were calculated. Cost data were obtained from health insurance companies, and the payer perspective was taken in health economic analyses. Quantile regression was used with adjustments for stratification variables.

Results

The net benefit of NICC (QALY) was 0.031 (95% CI 0.012 to 0.050; p=0.001) in this trial involving 957 patients. EQ5D Index values, VAS-ALs and VAS were larger for NICC compared with SoC at 1 year follow-up (all p≤0.004). Direct cost per patient and year were €323 (CI €157 to €489) lower in the NICC group. When 2000 patients are served by the care centre, NICC is cost-effective if one is willing to pay €10 652 per QALY per year.

Conclusion

NICC was associated with higher QoL and health utility. The programme is cost-effective if one is willing to pay approximately €11 000 per QALY per year.
A highly selective humanized DDR1 mAb reverses immune exclusion by disrupting collagen fiber alignment in breast cancer
Authors: Liu Junquan , Chiang Huai-Chin , Xiong Wei , Laurent Victor , Griffiths Samuel C , Dülfer Jasmin , Deng Hui , Sun Xiujie , Yin Y Whitney , Li Wenliang , Audoly Laurent P , An Zhiqiang , Schürpf Thomas , Li Rong , Zhang Ningyan
Published: June 2023

Background

Immune exclusion (IE) where tumors deter the infiltration of immune cells into the tumor microenvironment has emerged as a key mechanism underlying immunotherapy resistance. We recently reported a novel role of discoidin domain-containing receptor 1 (DDR1) in promoting IE in breast cancer and validated its critical role in IE using neutralizing rabbit monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) in multiple mouse tumor models.

Methods

To develop a DDR1-targeting mAb as a potential cancer therapeutic, we humanized mAb9 with a complementarity-determining region grafting strategy. The humanized antibody named PRTH-101 is currently being tested in a Phase 1 clinical trial. We determined the binding epitope of PRTH-101 from the crystal structure of the complex between DDR1 extracellular domain (ECD) and the PRTH-101 Fab fragment with 3.15 Å resolution. We revealed the underlying mechanisms of action of PRTH-101 using both cell culture assays andin vivostudy in a mouse tumor model.

Results

PRTH-101 has subnanomolar affinity to DDR1 and potent antitumor efficacy similar to the parental rabbit mAb after humanization. Structural information illustrated that PRTH-101 interacts with the discoidin (DS)-like domain, but not the collagen-binding DS domain of DDR1. Mechanistically, we showed that PRTH-101 inhibited DDR1 phosphorylation, decreased collagen-mediated cell attachment, and significantly blocked DDR1 shedding from the cell surface. Treatment of tumor-bearing mice with PRTH-101in vivodisrupted collagen fiber alignment (a physical barrier) in the tumor extracellular matrix (ECM) and enhanced CD8+T cell infiltration in tumors.

Conclusions

This study not only paves a pathway for the development of PRTH-101 as a cancer therapeutic, but also sheds light on a new therapeutic strategy to modulate collagen alignment in the tumor ECM for enhancing antitumor immunity.
Predictors and clinical implications of residual mitral regurgitation following left ventricular assist device therapy
Authors: Sharma Harish , Liu Boyang , Yuan Mengshi , Shakeel Iqra , Morley-Smith Andrew , Hatch Alice , Bradley Joseph , Chue Colin , Myerson Saul G , Steeds Richard Paul , Lim Sern
Published: June 2023

Background

Correction of mitral regurgitation (MR) at the time of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation remains controversial. There is conflicting evidence regarding the clinical impact of residual MR, and studies have not examined whether MR aetiology or right heart function impacts the likelihood of residual MR.

Methods

This is a retrospective single-centre study of 155 consecutive patients with LVAD implantation from January 2011 to March 2020. Exclusion criteria were no MR pre-LVAD (n=8), inaccessible echocardiography (n=9), duplicate records (n=10) and concomitant mitral valve repair (n=1). Statistical analysis was performed using STATA V.16 and SPSS V.24.

Results

Carpentier IIIb MR aetiology was associated with more severe MR pre-LVAD (severe 18/27 (67%) vs non-severe 32/91 (35%), p=0.004) and a higher likelihood of residual MR (8/11 (72%) vs 30/74 (41%), p=0.045). Of 95 patients with significant MR pre-LVAD, 15 (16%) had persistent significant MR, which was associated with higher mortality (p=0.006), post-LVAD right ventricle (RV) dilatation (10/15 (67%) vs 28/80 (35%), p=0.022) and RV dysfunction (14/15 (93%) vs 35/80 (44%), p<0.001). Aside from ischaemic aetiology, other pre-LVAD parameters that were associated with significant residual MR included left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD) (6.9 cm (5.7–7.2) vs 5.9 cm (5.5–6.5), p=0.043), left atrial volume index (LAVi) (78 mL/m2(56–88) vs 57 mL/m2(47–77), p=0.021), posterior leaflet displacement (2.5 cm (2.3–2.9) vs 2.3 cm (1.9–2.7), p=0.042) and basal right ventricular end-diastolic diameter (RVEDD) (5.1±0.8 cm vs 4.5±0.8 cm, p=0.010).

Conclusion

LVAD therapy improves MR and tricuspid regurgitation severity in the majority, but 14% have persistent significant residual MR, associated with right ventricular dysfunction and higher long-term mortality. This may be predicted pre-LVAD by greater LVESD, RVEDD and LAVi and by ischaemic aetiology.
Joint involvement in RA starts predominantly in the hands: functional, clinical and imaging studies in clinically suspect arthralgia and during progression to RA
Authors: Khidir Sarah J H , van Dijk Bastiaan T , Krijbolder Doortje I , Verstappen Marloes , van Mulligen Elise , van der Helm-van Mil Annette H M
Published: June 2023

Objectives

It is unknown whether rheumatoid arthritis (RA) starts in hands or feet. To investigate this, we performed functional, clinical and imaging studies during progression from clinically suspect arthralgia (CSA) to RA. Additionally, we studied whether functional disabilities of hands/feet at CSA onset contribute to predicting RA development.

Methods

600 patients with CSA were followed for clinical inflammatory arthritis (IA) during median follow-up of 25 months, during which 99 developed IA. Functional disabilities were measured at baseline/4/12/24 months with the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ); HAQ items assessing hand disabilities and foot disabilities were selected. The course of disabilities towards IA development (here considered as t=0) was depicted by increasing incidences and analysed using linear mixed models. To evaluate robustness of findings, tender hand/foot joints and subclinical joint inflammation (measured with CE-1.5TMRI) of hand/foot were additionally studied. Associations between disabilities at CSA presentation (here t=0) and future IA development were studied using Cox regression in the total CSA population.

Results

During IA development, hand disabilities occurred earlier and more frequently than foot disabilities. Despite both hand disabilities and foot disabilities rose significantly towards IA development, hand disabilities were more severe during this course (mean difference over time: 0.41 units, 95% CI 0.28 to 0.55, p<0.001, on a range 0–3). Similar to functional disabilities, tender joints and subclinical joint inflammation occurred earlier in the hands than feet. In the total CSA population, a single HAQ question on difficulties with dressing (hand functioning) was independently predictive for IA development: HR=2.2, 95% CI 1.4 to 3.5, p=0.001.

Conclusion

Evaluation of functional disabilities, supported by clinical and imaging findings, revealed that joint involvement starts predominantly in the hands during RA development. Additionally, a single question on dressing difficulties adds value to risk stratification in patients with CSA.
Compression ensembles quantify aesthetic complexity and the evolution of visual art
Authors: Karjus Andres , Canet Solà Mar , Ohm Tillmann , Ahnert Sebastian E. , Schich Maximilian
Published: June 2023

To the human eye, different images appear more or less complex, but capturing this intuition in a single aesthetic measure is considered hard. Here, we propose a computationally simple, transparent method for modeling aesthetic complexity as a multidimensional algorithmic phenomenon, which enables the systematic analysis of large image datasets. The approach captures visual family resemblance via a multitude of image transformations and subsequent compressions, yielding explainable embeddings. It aligns well with human judgments of visual complexity, and performs well in authorship and style recognition tasks. Showcasing the functionality, we apply the method to 125,000 artworks, recovering trends and revealing new insights regarding historical art, artistic careers over centuries, and emerging aesthetics in a contemporary NFT art market. Our approach, here applied to images but applicable more broadly, provides a new perspective to quantitative aesthetics, connoisseurship, multidimensional meaning spaces, and the study of cultural complexity.
Quantum polynomials from deformed quantum algebras: Probability distributions, generating functions and difference equations
Authors: Hounkonnou Mahouton Norbert , Melong Fridolin
Published: June 2023

In this paper, we provide a novel generalization of quantum orthogonal polynomials from [Formula: see text]-deformed quantum algebras introduced in earlier works. We construct related quantum Jacobi polynomials and their probability distribution, factorial moments, recurrence relation, and governing difference equation. Surprisingly, these polynomials obey non-conventional recurrence relations. Particular cases of generalized quantum little Legendre, little Laguerre, Laguerre, Bessel, Rogers–Szegö, Stieltjes–Wigert and Kemp binomial polynomials are derived and discussed.
Quasi-free states on a class of algebras of multicomponent commutation relations
Authors: Lytvynov Eugene , Othman Nedal
Published: June 2023

Multicomponent commutations relations (MCRs) describe plektons, i.e. multicomponent quantum systems with a generalized statistics. In such systems, exchange of quasiparticles is governed by a unitary matrix [Formula: see text] that depends on the position of quasiparticles. For such an exchange to be possible, the matrix must satisfy several conditions, including the functional Yang–Baxter equation. The aim of the paper is to give an appropriate definition of a quasi-free state on an MCR algebra, and construct such states on a class of MCR algebras. We observe a significant difference between the classical setting for bosons and fermions and the setting of MCR algebras. We show that the developed theory is applicable to systems that contain quasiparticles of opposite type. An example of such a system is a two-component system in which two quasiparticles, under exchange, change their respective types to the opposite ones ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]). Fusion of quasiparticles means intuitively putting several quasiparticles in an infinitely small box and identifying the statistical behavior of the box. By carrying out fusion of an odd number of particles from the two-component system as described above, we obtain further examples of quantum systems to which the developed theory is applicable.
The Generalization of the Periodic Orbit Dividing Surface for Hamiltonian Systems with Three or More Degrees of Freedom-III
Authors: Katsanikas Matthaios , Wiggins Stephen
Published: June 2023

In two previous papers [Katsanikas & Wiggins, 2021a, 2021b], we developed two methods for the construction of periodic orbit dividing surfaces for Hamiltonian systems with three or more degrees of freedom. We applied the first method (see [Katsanikas & Wiggins, 2021a]) in the case of a quadratic Hamiltonian system in normal form with three degrees of freedom, constructing a geometrical object that is the section of a 4D toroidal structure in the 5D energy surface with the space [Formula: see text]. We provide a more detailed geometrical description of this object within the family of 4D toratopes. We proved that this object is a dividing surface and it has the no-recrossing property. In this paper, we extend the results for the case of the full 4D toroidal object in the 5D energy surface. Then we compute this toroidal object in the 5D energy surface of a coupled quadratic normal form Hamiltonian system with three degrees of freedom.
Universality in binary black hole dynamics: An integrability conjecture
Authors: Jaramillo José Luis , Krishnan Badri , Sopuerta Carlos F.
Published: June 2023

The waveform of a binary black hole coalescence appears to be both simple and universal. In this essay we argue that the dynamics should admit a separation into “fast and slow” degrees of freedom, such that the latter are described by an integrable system of equations, accounting for the simplicity and universality of the waveform. Given that Painlevé transcendents are a smoking gun of integrable structures, we propose the Painlevé-II transcendent as the key structural element threading a hierarchy of asymptotic models aiming at capturing different (effective) layers in the dynamics. Ward’s conjecture relating integrable and (anti-)self-dual solutions can provide the avenue to encode background binary black hole data in (nonlocal) twistor structures.
The Design and Implementation of the Vision-based Water Surface Garbage Cleaning Vehicle
Authors: Jiang Zeyu , Wang Qing
Published: June 2023

This paper proposes a water surface garbage cleaning vehicle. Its main functions include the detection, tracking and collection of garbage. The object detection algorithm based on the YOLOv3 network is applied to embedded systems. The sliding mode control is designed to guarantee the stability of the tracking process of the unmanned vehicle. Experiments and comparative simulation results are given to show the effectiveness of the proposed solution.
Improved delineation of the Gassum Formation reservoir zones using seismic impedance inversions: implications for exploiting the Stenlille aquifer gas storage facility as a CO
2
storage demonstration site, onshore Denmark
Authors: Bredesen K. , Smit F. , Lorentzen M. , Gregersen U.
Published: June 2023

A quantitative seismic interpretation of the Gassum Formation at the onshore aquifer gas storage near the Danish town of Stenlille is presented with its implications for exploiting the gas storage facility as a potential CO
2
demonstration site. Our objective was to better outline the reservoir heterogeneity of the Gassum Formation based on a 3D seismic volume and 20 wells available from the Stenlille gas storage facility. We derived new absolute and relative P-impedance inversion products, which are useful for delineating lithological distributions of thin sandstone reservoirs and shaly beds within the Gassum Formation. Our results broadly agree with previously published seismic interpretations, and build upon these by the identification of deviations in parts of the Gassum interval that should be considered in any subsequent development of a static reservoir model. Hence, this work is an important contribution to the planning of drilling new CO
2
injection wells as part of the development and management of the Stenlille CO
2
storage demonstration site. Nevertheless, we also recommend a modern seismic reprocessing of the 3D seismic data combined with newly acquired 2D data from the Stenlille structure as input into further quantitative seismic interpretation studies to refine reservoir characterization and reduce associated uncertainties.

Supplementary material:
video is available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.6662413
Making Design Tools Like a Weaver: Four Rules
Authors: Devendorf Laura , Wu Shanel , Friske Mikhaila
Published: June 2023

What would happen if we designed CAD systems like a weaver designs cloth? Drawing from our ongoing collaborations with weavers, we suggest four rules to bring these qualities to your own practice: follow the materials, privilege the present and personal, form kinships with the past, and design systems of notations.
One Interactive Approach to Gamify the Online Classroom: Digital badges
Authors: Dyer Tom , Aroz Jacob , Mandernach Jean
Published: June 2023

Gamification, the application of game elements in non-game contexts, is being embraced in higher education, particularly in online classrooms, to foster engagement, participation, and satisfaction. As a quick and effective way to gamify, digital badges serve as virtual rewards for accomplishing specific tasks or goals, stimulating student motivation, promoting community, encouraging critical thinking, developing skills, and bolstering incremental learning, thus making learning tangible and shareable, and driving competition.
Recent Advances in Single-Molecule Tracking and Imaging Techniques
Authors: Nguyen Trung Duc , Chen Yuan-I , Chen Limin H. , Yeh Hsin-Chih
Published: June 2023

Since the early 1990s, single-molecule detection in solution at room temperature has enabled direct observation of single biomolecules at work in real time and under physiological conditions, providing insights into complex biological systems that the traditional ensemble methods cannot offer. In particular, recent advances in single-molecule tracking techniques allow researchers to follow individual biomolecules in their native environments for a timescale of seconds to minutes, revealing not only the distinct pathways these biomolecules take for downstream signaling but also their roles in supporting life. In this review, we discuss various single-molecule tracking and imaging techniques developed to date, with an emphasis on advanced three-dimensional (3D) tracking systems that not only achieve ultrahigh spatiotemporal resolution but also provide sufficient working depths suitable for tracking single molecules in 3D tissue models. We then summarize the observables that can be extracted from the trajectory data. Methods to perform single-molecule clustering analysis and future directions are also discussed.
Review—Environmental Biosensors for Agro-Safety Based on Electrochemical Sensing Mechanism with an Emphasis on Pesticide Screening
Authors: Dhamu Vikram Narayanan , Poudyal Durgasha , Samson Manish , Paul Anirban , Muthukumar Sriram , Prasad Shalini
Published: June 2023

Climate change directly affects all aspects of the environment and accounts for changes in our surroundings seen or unseen. With the growing need for accountability in the agricultural commercial and regulatory spheres, there is a widely accepted consensus that there needs to be quantitative information on the different environmental entities to understand and solve challenges posed towards food production and agricultural activities. The main purpose of the creation of this article is to propagate an era of quantitative metrics to better assess environmental health which can adversely impact human health. This review assesses 3 different environmental vectors prone to pollution and in high contact with human entities. This review also discusses different electrochemical sensing platforms used as biosensors for the detection of a wide myriad of pollutants with an adverse effect on human health. Furthermore, the breakdown of each section includes a survey of the evolution and design of various sensor platforms that are aimed towards a comprehensive monitoring platform for pollutant screening with an emphasis on agro-safety and environmental health. Detailed pesticide screening case-studies are also explored for a better understanding of the current electrochemical biosensors that exist for the sole purpose of environmental monitoring.
Lee’s “Transmembrane Electrostatically-Localized Proton” model does NOT offer a better understanding of neuronal transmembrane potentials
Authors: Silverstein Todd P.
Published: June 2023

In this manuscript I critique a 2020 J. Neurophysiol. paper by James W. Lee. His TELP hypothesis 1) mispredicts the resting neuron’s excess of external chloride; 2) predicts the preponderance of surface H+ over Na+ using Δ G° rather than Δ G; 3) mispredicts the dependence of the neuronal resting potential on external [Na+], [K+], and [Cl−]; 4) neither cites experimental results nor proposes experiments to test his hypothesis; and 5) presents a problematic characterization of the purpose of myelin.
Enhanced Goat Milk MUFA Quality via Date Pit Supplementation: A Time-Based Pattern Recognition Analysis Utilizing Agricultural Waste Byproduct
Authors: Abd Rahman M. R. , Hassan Z. , Hassan M. S. , Hashim R. , Wong L. S. , Leong W. Y. , Syd Jaafar S. H. , Salvamani S.
Published: June 2023

Date pits are agricultural waste byproducts and are available in tons yearly. Milk MUFAs are lipids beneficial for health and sorted out for food product development. This work is aimed at researching the effect of supplementing dairy goats with date pit powder (DPP) as a source of fatty acids (FA), an alternative to enhancing the unsaturated FA in milk and analysed via chemometrics in a 3-month supplementation-based study. Saanen-Boer crossed dairy goats were divided into six groups comprising of control, 10 g and 20 g both for Ajwa DPP (high-quality dates) and Mariami DPP (agricultural waste byproduct), and another 30 g for Mariami DPP only. The supplementation exercise was done daily on each dairy goat. The DPP and milk samples were analysed for its FA profile applying GC-FID and followed by chemometric techniques, namely, PCA and PLS. Results indicated that the n-6/n-3 ratio was the highest for the unsupplemented group compared to the DPP-treated goats with lower n-6/n-3 ratios. The M30 group showcased the most promising health-related class of FAs viewed by 3D PCA and PLS model clustering patterns, in particular monounsaturated FA (MUFA) (C18:1n9c or oleic acid). These results suggest that Mariami DPP supplementation at higher doses and time to lactating Saanen-Boer cross goats can be a means to milk FA quantity and quality enhancement and that chemometrics via pattern recognition can be useful statistical tools when dealing with overwhelming data.
A Prenatal Presentation of CDK13-Related Disorder with a Novel Pathogenic Variant
Authors: Gibbs Michael , Poulin Alysa , Xi Yanwei , Hashemi Bita
Published: June 2023

Cyclin-dependent kinase 13 (CDK13) is a member of the cyclin-dependent serine/threonine protein kinase family. Members of this family are well known for their essential roles as master switches in cell cycle control. CDK13-related disorder is a newly described genetic condition with characteristic clinical features including mild to severe intellectual disability, developmental delay, neonatal hypotonia, a variety of facial dysmorphism, behavioral problems, congenital heart defects, and structural brain abnormalities. We report a case of prenatal diagnosis of CDK13-related disorder. Detection of cystic hygroma with thickened nuchal fold led to prenatal genetic investigation, which identified a novel de novo likely pathogenic variant in the CDK13 gene (c.900C > G, p.Tyr300

∗

). Pregnancy was terminated and autopsy was performed. To our best knowledge, this is the first reported case of prenatal presentation of this condition with a detailed phenotypic description of the affected fetus.
Maternal Complications Related to Operative Vaginal Delivery and Their Associated Factors among Women Delivered at NEMCS Hospital, Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Nedamo Selamu Abose , Sakelo Amanuel Nuramo , Tirore Lire Lemma , Abate Ageze Abose
Published: June 2023

Background. Operative vaginal delivery refers to vaginal delivery performed with the use of instruments such as forceps or vacuum. Operative vaginal delivery-related maternal complications are still a serious problem, but they are one of the least investigated in Ethiopia, particularly in the study area. Increased difficulties have been attributed to a lack of understanding on how to anticipate the procedure’s complications. Identifying typical OVD complications can assist health providers in detecting and intervening early. The goal of this study was to find out which characteristics contributed to maternal problems during surgical vaginal birth. Methods. A health facility-based cross-sectional study design was used. From December 2019 to November 2021, a total of 326 mother’s OVD medical records were selected from a total of 1000 OVD medical records using a simple random sampling method. A checklist was used to collect the data. Binary logistic regression was computed and variables with a

p

value

≤

0.2 in the bivariate logistic regression were taken to multivariate logistic regression analysis to examine the real relationship or statistical association with the outcome variable. The

p

value of <0.05 with a 95% confidence interval was considered a significant variable. The results are presented using tables, figures, and texts. Results. Maternal complications were prevalent in 62 of the cases (19%). The type of operative vaginal delivery instrument used (AOR = 2.248; 95% CI (1.144, 4.416)), the station of the presenting part at which the OVD was performed (AOR = 3.199; 95% CI (1.359, 7.533)), neonatal birth weight (AOR = 3.342; 95% CI (1.435, 7.787)), and duration of the second stage (AOR = 2.556; 95% CI (1.039, 6.284)) were significantly associated with the unfavorable maternal outcomes of operative vaginal delivery. Conclusions. Maternal complications are high in the study area. The type of operative vaginal delivery used, the duration of the second stage, the station of the presenting part at which the OVD was performed, and neonatal birth weights were all significantly related to maternal complications. While using the instrument, mothers with the identified factors should be given special attention.
In Silico Models for Anti-COVID-19 Drug Discovery: A Systematic Review
Authors: Onyango Okello Harrison
Published: June 2023

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a severe worldwide pandemic. Due to the emergence of various SARS-CoV-2 variants and the presence of only one Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved anti-COVID-19 drug (remdesivir), the disease remains a mindboggling global public health problem. Developing anti-COVID-19 drug candidates that are effective against SARS-CoV-2 and its various variants is a pressing need that should be satisfied. This systematic review assesses the existing literature that used in silico models during the discovery procedure of anti-COVID-19 drugs. Cochrane Library, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and PubMed were used to conduct a literature search to find the relevant articles utilizing the search terms “In silico model,” “COVID-19,” “Anti-COVID-19 drug,” “Drug discovery,” “Computational drug designing,” and “Computer-aided drug design.” Studies published in English between 2019 and December 2022 were included in the systematic review. From the 1120 articles retrieved from the databases and reference lists, only 33 were included in the review after the removal of duplicates, screening, and eligibility assessment. Most of the articles are studies that use SARS-CoV-2 proteins as drug targets. Both ligand-based and structure-based methods were utilized to obtain lead anti-COVID-19 drug candidates. Sixteen articles also assessed absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, toxicity (ADMET), and drug-likeness properties. Confirmation of the inhibitory ability of the candidate leads by in vivo or in vitro assays was reported in only five articles. Virtual screening, molecular docking (MD), and molecular dynamics simulation (MDS) emerged as the most commonly utilized in silico models for anti-COVID-19 drug discovery.