bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Twenty‐year follow‐up of a randomized clinical trial of unilateral thyroid lobectomy with or without postoperative levothyroxine treatment
Authors: Barczyński Marcin , Gołkowski Filip , Hubalewska‐Dydejczyk Alicja , Konturek Aleksander
Published: November 2024

Background

The aim of this study was to validate in 20‐year follow‐up (FU) the outcomes reported in World J Surg 2010; 34(6):1232–8 on recurrent nodular goiter in the contralateral thyroid lobe among patients after thyroid lobectomy (TL) for multinodular goiter (MNG) receiving versus not receiving postoperative prophylactic levothyroxine (LT4) treatment.

Methods

Some 150 consenting patients underwent TL for MNG in 2000–2003. They were randomized to two groups, 75 patients each: (a) receiving prophylactic LT4 treatment postoperatively (dose range 75–125 microg/day to maintain thyroid‐stimulating hormone values within 0.27–1.0 mU/L), and (b) not receiving LT4. Sixty‐month FU was extended to 240 months for all the consenting patients. The primary outcome was prevalence of recurrent goiter. The secondary outcome was re‐intervention rate for recurrent goiter. The outcomes were stratified according to individual iodine metabolism status assessed by urinary iodine excretion.

Results

During the 5‐year FU (5 patients were lost) recurrent goiter was found in patients receiving versus not receiving LT4 in 1.4% versus 16.7% (p = 0.001) whereas during 20‐year FU (29 patients were lost) it was 3.3% versus 30.0% of patients, respectively (p = 0.031). During 20‐year FU 4.9% versus 30.0%, respectively, of patients receiving versus not receiving LT4 required contralateral thyroid lobe treatment/surgery (p = 0.028). LT4 decreased recurrence rate among iodine‐deficient patients (10.0% vs. 70.0%, respectively; p = 0.037) but not among iodine‐sufficient patients (0.0% vs. 10.0%, respectively; p = 0.056).

Conclusions

Twenty‐year FU data confirmed that prophylactic LT4 treatment significantly decreased the recurrence of nodular goiter and the need for completion intervention/surgery, mostly among patients with iodine deficiency.
Reacting to Demoralization and Investigating the Experience of Dignity in Psychosis: Reflections from an Acute Psychiatric Ward
Authors: Belvederi Murri Martino , Folesani Federica , Nanni Maria Giulia , Grassi Luigi
Published: November 2024

Psychotic disorders are extremely challenging for individuals and their loved ones. The experience of psychosis, as is found in schizophrenia, may subvert the foundations of the individual’s relationship with the world. Irrespective of the theoretical frame of reference, psychotic episodes are characterized by intrinsic impairment of the individual ability to know, make sense of, and experience the world, thus limiting agency and threatening dignity. In addition, individuals with acute psychosis are generally cared for within institutions that entail some degree of separation from society (e.g. the psychiatric ward) and—in extreme cases—with coercive practices. Coercion is established by the law as a “necessary evil” to avoid risky outcomes and to achieve clinical improvements, i.e. recover a better contact with reality. However, this approach may engender situations that are detrimental for individual dignity, morale, and epistemic justice. During the emergence of acute severe mental illness and its treatment, individuals may in fact encounter stigmatization and marginalization, and experience stress, loss of agency and loss of dignity. After one or more hospital admissions, the experience of severe mental illness and the conditions related to treatment may engender demoralization, which is particularly detrimental in the long term and may increase the risk of suicide. This chapter aims to provide an overview of the available evidence on these topics and broad indications on strategies and therapeutic approaches that might improve the experience of psychiatric inpatient care.
Resisting Perceptions of Patient Untrustworthiness
Authors: Palafox-Harris Eleanor
Published: November 2024

A beneficial therapeutic relationship between a patient and their clinician requires mutual trust. In order to effectively treat someone, a clinician has to trust the patient’s reports of their symptoms, relevant experiences, medical history, and so on. Many psychiatric symptoms do not have physical markers that can be verified by clinical testing, and thus psychiatrists have to accept more on trust than clinicians treating somatic illnesses. However, many psychiatric diagnoses are stereotypically associated with traits that indicate untrustworthiness (such as irrationality). In this chapter, I illustrate how psychiatric labels can signal stereotypes of untrustworthiness, and how this can have repercussions in clinical contexts. In particular, I show how perceptions of untrustworthiness cause epistemic injustices by unfairly reducing the perceived epistemic credibility of patients with psychiatric conditions.
Promoting Good Living and Social Health in Dementia
Authors: Chattat Rabih , Trolese Sara , Chirico Ilaria
Published: November 2024

The notion of good living in chronic disease in general and, in the case of dementia specifically, highlights the role of social health in preserving the well-being of the people involved. In ageing ageism, discrimination toward older adults is considered an important barrier against involvement in society. In the case of dementia, stigmatisation can have an impact on the person affected, on the family, on healthcare services, and on society more widely. Examples of the impact of discrimination are related to diagnosis disclosure, advance care planning, and the involvement of people with dementia in decision-making about their future treatment. Furthermore, the labelling of the behaviour of people with dementia as a disorder is a way to pathologise it and does not take into account the role of relationships and the social context as a drive for the behaviour itself. As a result of the stigmatisation and the labelling, people with dementia experience epistemic injustice as they are considered neither partners in the decision-making process nor full members of society. A capability-based approach is needed to promote good living and social participation in people with dementia.
Teil B: Rekonstruktion
Authors: Großmann Tobias Santosh
Published: November 2024

Die Rekonstruktion der Migrationsbewegungen für den Zeitraum von 1960 bis 1971 erfolgt chronologisch durch eine Dokumentenanalyse relevanter Quellen aus Staats-, Kirchen- und Privatarchiven unter Anwendung historisch-kritischer Methoden. Diese Primärquellen werden durch verfügbare Sekundärliteratur ergänzt. Dabei wird aufgezeigt, wie die Migrationsbewegungen zunächst im Kirchenraum eingeleitet wurden und sich anschließend über die hybride Nirmala-Aktion in die staatsrechtliche Dimension transformierten. Darüber hinaus bietet dieser Teil einen Ausblick auf die Entwicklungen nach 1971.
Euclidean wormholes in holographic RG flows
Authors: Chandra Jeevan
Published: November 2024

Abstract

We describe a one-parameter family of Euclidean wormhole solutions with the topology of a compact hyperbolic space times an interval in Einstein gravity minimally coupled to a massless scalar field in AdSd+1 commonly referred to as Einstein-dilaton gravity. These solutions are locally described by the same metric and dilaton profile as the single-boundary Janus domain wall solutions in the same theory which are usually studied in the context of holographic RG flows. The wormholes compute the averaged product of partition functions of CFTs on either boundary deformed by different marginal couplings to the scalar operator dual to the dilaton. We observe that the renormalised volumes of these wormholes increase monotonically with the difference in the marginal couplings on the boundary thereby showing that the pair of CFTs on the boundaries get increasingly decorrelated as the difference in the marginal couplings increases. We use the partition functions of the three-dimensional wormhole solutions to determine the variance of the OPE data of local operators between the marginally deformed 2d CFTs and quantify how the variance decays with the difference in marginal couplings. In addition, a family of wormholes sourced by a thin shell of dust determine how the variance of the matrix elements of the dual line defect decays with the difference in marginal couplings. Applying the GKPW dictionary to wormholes, we compute averages of integrated dilaton correlators treating the wormhole amplitude as a functional of the dilaton sources. We observe that the crossed two-point correlators with a dilaton insertion on either boundary decay monotonically with the difference in marginal couplings consistent with the observation that the CFTs increasingly decorrelate as the difference in marginal couplings grows.
Flat-Slab Mechanics Transforming Double-Arc Expressions Along the Middle America Trench
Authors: Hashimoto Chihiro
Published: November 2024

The southeast–northwest variation in the trench–volcano distance along the Middle America subduction zone is widely recognised to be due to the horizontal (flat) geometry of the descending Cocos plate (slab) in its northwestern part. In the topographic and gravitational expressions, the southeastern segment forms doubled low–high (i.e. trench–continental shelf edge–oceanic basin–volcanic arc) belts, whereas the northwestern segment forms wide doubled low–high belts. To define their attribution, the surface uplift rates were computed from a two-dimensional dislocation-based subduction model with hypocentre-based plate interface geometries. The trench-perpendicular plate-interface profiles exhibited similar curvature compositions, which were reflected in three (shallow, moderate depth and deep) convexities (downward bends) and one concavity (upward bend) between the moderate-depth and deep convex sections. The steady subduction along the first and second positive curvatures (shallow and moderate-depth convexities) in the southeastern and northwestern segments could serve as mechanical sources of short-wavelength double-arc formation. The latter two (negative and third positive) curvatures (concavity and deep convexity) in the northwestern segment produced distinct features including the narrow continental shelf, large trench–volcanic-arc distance and relevant long-wavelength double arcs. This was attributed to the direct contact of the flat elastic slab with the overriding plate.
Influence of the laser power and powder feed rate on the porosity, dilution, and building efficiency of pure copper parts fabricated via directed energy deposition with a blue laser
Authors: Yamaguchi Mitsugu , Kato Naoki , Funada Yoshinori , Yachi Taisei , Saikai Ayahito , Furumoto Tatsuaki
Published: November 2024

We examined single- and multilayer formations in the directed energy deposition for manufacturing pure copper parts using a blue laser with a wavelength of 445 nm. We investigated the influence of laser power and hatching pitch on the surface quality of single-layer structures as well as evaluated the porosity and dilution of multilayer structures fabricated at various laser powers and powder feed rates using energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry. In addition, the applicability of the simplified method based on the ratio of the built height and penetration depth to the AM process has been examined, and the predicted elemental content was compared with the results obtained from the SEM–EDS analysis. Based on these findings, a range of building conditions that reduce the dilution, suppress the porosity, and improve the building efficiency of the built parts was established. We found that a good surface quality of the single-layer structure was obtained at laser powers and hatching pitches ranging between 150 and 180 W and 0.4 and 0.5 mm, respectively. A higher laser power and a lower powder feed rate decreased the porosity and increased the building efficiency while promoting dilution with the substrate. At a laser power of 180 W and a powder feed rate of 10 mg/s, the built structure exhibited a minimum porosity of 0.1% and a maximum building efficiency of 36%. Dilution with the substrate was the lowest at a laser power of 180 W and a powder feed rate of 20 mg/s, and the proportion of Cu reached 99.0 wt% at a distance of 200 µm from the built structure–substrate interface. The predict method of the dilution based on the ratio between the built height and penetration depth can be integrated in the AM process despite a low prediction accuracy near the substrate due to the complex mixture in the Fe–Cu system.
Neural network–based transfer learning to improve stiffness modeling of industrial robots with small experimental data sets
Authors: Wu Kai , Zhang Yuanhui , Gao Dehua , Deng Shuhan , Li Weihua , Wang Mingfeng
Published: November 2024

Stiffness modeling is an essential subject for the composition of robot control. Accurate stiffness modeling is helpful for improving the control accuracy of industrial robots, particularly under dynamic load circumstances. The classic virtual joint modeling (VJM) method is challenging in predicting the deformation of the end-effector throughout the full workspace due to the nonlinear deformation of the robot joint and its serial articulated structure. This paper proposes a full-space stiffness modeling method for robots based on the integration of a multi-layer perceptual (MLP) model and VJM. To provide enough training data for the MLP model, VJM is used to build a stiffness model with a small set of experimental data to generate 106,400 training data. A model-based transfer learning approach is proposed to improve the model’s accuracy and generalization regarding the difference between generated training data and actual experimental data. The VJM stiffness model is compared with the MLP stiffness model and the existing CNN-based transfer learning model based on the same experimental data. Considering the deformation prediction in the three directions in Cartesian space, the mean absolute error, standard deviation, and maximum error of the MLP model are decreased by at least 24.90%, 14.20%, and 8.50%, respectively, than the VJM. These prediction results demonstrate that the proposed modeling technique can significantly increase the accuracy of robot stiffness modeling, which is essential for position compensation in precise motion control of robots under dynamic load.
Characterization of poly(A) and poly(T) tail lengths in plasmid DNA by liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: Al Turihi Nour , Allouche Delphine , Quéré Maëlle , Scuiller Mathieu , Legastelois Isabelle
Published: November 2024

Rapid advances in messenger RNA (mRNA) technology necessitate effective analytical methods. This study describes the development of a novel in vitro method using ion-pair reversed-phase liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (IP-RP-LC-HRMS) for assessing the poly(A) and complementary poly(T) tail lengths directly into the DNA template used to manufacture mRNA. Briefly, after the validation of poly(A) tail length in the plasmid by Sanger sequencing, double-stranded DNA fragments containing these tails in the plasmid of interest were amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), purified on silica column, and digested with restriction enzymes ClaI and HindIII. Gel or capillary electrophoresis confirmed sample quality and enzymatic digestion efficiency. Subsequently, poly(A) and complementary poly(T) tails were extracted and analyzed by LC-MS to determine their length and heterogeneity at a single-nucleotide resolution. Three DNA templates containing poly(A) tail lengths of 60A-G, 95A, or 108A were studied. LC-MS results correlated well with Sanger sequencing, identifying major populations of 60A-G, 95A, or 108A. Surprisingly, unlike Sanger sequencing, LC-MS analysis revealed minor poly(A) populations with lengths longer or shorter than the theoretically encoded poly(A) tail length. This finding could be explained by (i) the slippage of bacterial DNA polymerase I during plasmid replication in bacterial culture, which occurs on repeat mononucleotide sequences, or (ii) the slippage of Q5® High-Fidelity DNA Polymerase during PCR amplification. In conclusion, the method is easy, rapid, and accurate and could replace Sanger sequencing to assess the poly(A) and complementary poly(T) tail lengths in plasmid DNA.
HLA-G high-expressor 3’UTR markers are linked to gastric cancer development and survival
Authors: Vaquero-Yuste Christian , Juarez Ignacio , Molina-Alejandre Marta , Molanes-López Elisa María , Gutiérrez-Calvo Alberto , López-García Adela , Lasa Inmaculada , Gómez Remedios , Arnaiz-Villena Antonio , Martín-Villa Jose Manuel
Published: November 2024

Gastric cancer ranks fifth in both world prevalence and lethality, with a 5-year survival of less than 30%. HLA-G, a non-classical class I HLA gene, has emerged as a potential marker for cancer susceptibility and prognosis due to its immunomodulatory properties. Its level of expression is regulated by polymorphisms in the 3’ untranslated region (3’UTR) polymorphisms, which form various combined haplotypes (UTR-1 to -9). In this study, we examined HLA-G 3’UTR polymorphisms in paired tissue samples from 111 patients with gastric adenocarcinoma and 119 healthy controls. Polymorphism analysis was performed using PCR and Sanger sequencing, followed by statistical analysis using SNPStats software. Survival analysis was conducted using Kaplan–Meier curves and multivariate Cox regression models. High-expressor HLA-G 3’UTR haplotypes (UTR-1 and UTR-6) were significantly associated with gastric cancer susceptibility, indicating a potential role in tumor immune evasion. Additionally, the 14 base pair insertion/deletion polymorphism (14 bp I/D) emerged as a prognostic marker, with D/D genotype carriers showing lower survival rates compared to I/D and I/I genotype carriers. Our study highlights the clinical relevance of HLA-G polymorphisms in gastric cancer, suggesting their potential as prognostic markers and therapeutic targets. Further elucidation of HLA-G-related pathways could lead to personalized treatment strategies and improved patient outcomes in gastric cancer.
Diverting ileostomy for treatment of ileoanal pouch dysfunction: a technical note
Authors: Weng Serena , Mangana Orsalia , Calabrese Pietro , Celentano Valerio
Published: November 2024

Background

The ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is a restorative procedure performed after proctocolectomy to improve quality of life in patients with colorectal conditions like ulcerative colitis, familial adenomatous polyposis, and selected cases of Crohn’s disease and Lynch syndrome. However, severe pouch dysfunction can occur, often necessitating further surgical intervention.

Objective

This technical note aims to describe the operative approach and perioperative management for diverting ileostomy as a treatment for dysfunctional ileoanal pouches.

Methods

Indications for the procedure include complications such as pelvic sepsis, pouchitis, fistulas, and Crohn’s disease of the pouch. Preoperative planning involves a multidisciplinary team, stoma site marking, and imaging to assess bowel integrity. The surgical technique utilizes laparoscopic access with careful adhesiolysis to minimize bowel injury, with intraoperative pouchoscopy to identify anatomical landmarks. An ileostomy is created by selecting a tension-free small bowel segment and approximating it to a pre-marked stoma site. Attention is given to preserving bowel length to allow for potential future restorative procedures. Postoperative care focuses on stoma management and addressing ongoing pouch dysfunction symptoms.

Conclusions

Diverting ileostomy offers symptom relief for patients with pouch dysfunction while avoiding more complex procedures like pouch excision. It is a valuable option in managing pouch failure.
Efficacy and safety of Piclidenoson in the treatment of plaque psoriasis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Ul Haq Muhammad Zain , Ashraf Saad , Shaukat Ayesha , Fatima Laveeza , Shah Muhammad Shahmeer Ullah , Ansari Muhammad Ahsan , Saddique Muhammad Nabeel , Batool Gharira , Iqbal Javed
Published: November 2024

Psoriasis, an autoimmune inflammatory disease characterized by hyperproliferation of keratinocytes, affects 0.2–4.8% of the global population. The disease manifests primarily as plaque psoriasis, causing chronic physical and psychological burdens. Although numerous treatments exist, there is ongoing exploration for novel therapies due to concerns about the toxicity, efficacy, and costs of current options. An A3 adenosine receptor (A3AR) agonist called Piclidenoson has been shown to reduce inflammation and could be used to treat moderate to severe psoriasis. This meta-analysis evaluates the safety and efficacy of Piclidenoson in psoriasis treatment. This meta-analysis was conducted accordance with the PRISMA guidelines and has been registered on PROSPERO (CRD42024566459). A comprehensive search on Cochrane CENTRAL, PubMed/MEDLINE, and Google Scholar was conducted up to July 2024. Included studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving Piclidenoson. Efficacy outcomes included PASI 75 and PGA 0 or 1, while safety outcomes included adverse events. Pooled outcomes were presented as odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Statistical analysis employed the Mantel-Haenszel random-effects model, and heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 and X2index. Three RCTs with 574 patients (313 Piclidenoson, 261 placebo) met the inclusion criteria. The pooled analysis showed no significant difference in achieving PASI 75 between Piclidenoson and placebo (OR: 1.62, 95% CI 0.70–3.75, P = 0.26, I2 = 12%). However, Piclidenoson significantly improved PGA scores (OR: 2.74, 95% CI 1.22–6.16, P = 0.01, I²=0%). Safety assessment revealed no significant differences in adverse events, including nervous system, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, renal, and infections, compared to placebo. Piclidenoson demonstrates a significant improvement in PGA scores and a favorable safety profile, suggesting it could be a valuable addition to plaque-like psoriasis treatment. Further research with larger, longer-term RCTs is needed to confirm its efficacy and optimize clinical use.
Beneficial effects of imagination of successful action after an actual error on baseline performances in non-expert young tennis players
Authors: Nicolas Robin , Carien Robbin , Ouarti Younès , Laurent Dominique
Published: November 2024

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of motor imagery (MI: imagining the success or failure of a forehand or backhand shot) training according to an internal visual modality centred on the movement and the target to be reached on tennis performance. 66 young (Mage = 12.1 years) players were randomly divided into three groups: control, failure MI or success MI, and performed 3 experimental phases. The pre-test consisted of performing 6 blocks of 5 forehand and backhand groundstrokes (sent randomly by a ball launcher towards the baseline) and a super tie-break. The acquisition phase consisted of 12 sessions, each including a standardized warm-up followed by 15 min of background rally in pairs. The participants of the MI group were instructed, after unprovoked errors on their part, to imagine performing the previous shot correctly (positive MI) or missing (failure MI). The post-test was identical to the pre-test. The efficiency score of shots and the number of errors committed at the pre- and post-test served as dependent variables. The results of this study indicate that participants in the success MI group performed better than the control and failure MI groups at post-test. The success MI, performed after errors, has positive effects on the quality of the shot and reduces the number of unforced errors of tennis players, while failure MI induces negative outcomes. The use of success MI, integrated in training session, is recommended.
Artificial intelligence in music: recent trends and challenges
Authors: Mycka Jan , Mańdziuk Jacek
Published: November 2024

Music has always been an essential aspect of human culture, and the methods for its creation and analysis have evolved alongside the advancement of computational capabilities. With the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and one of its major goals referring to mimicking human creativity, the interest in music-related research has increased significantly. This review examines current literature from renowned journals and top-tier conferences, published between 2017 and 2023, regarding the application of AI to music-related topics. The study proposes a division of AI-in-music research into three major categories: music classification, music generation and music recommendation. Each category is segmented into smaller thematic areas, with detailed analysis of their inter- and intra-similarities and differences. The second part of the study is devoted to the presentation of the AI methods employed, with specific attention given to deep neural networks—the prevailing approach in this domain, nowadays. In addition, real-life applications and copyright aspects of generated music are outlined. We believe that a detailed presentation of the field along with pointing out possible future challenges in the area will be of some value for both the established AI-in-music researchers, as well as the new scholars entering this fascinating field.
Dirichlet problem for semilinear partial integro-differential equations: the method of orthogonal projection
Authors: Klimsiak Tomasz , Rozkosz Andrzej
Published: November 2024

We study the Dirichlet problem for semilinear equations on general open sets with measure data on the right-hand side and irregular boundary data. For this purpose we develop the classical method of orthogonal projection. We treat in a unified form equations with operators belonging to the broad class of integro-differential operators associated with symmetric regular Dirichlet forms.
Correlation of serum vitamin D and IL-8 to stages of periodontitis: a case-control analysis
Authors: Saleh Wafaa , Ata Fatma , Nosser Nessma A. , Mowafey Bassant
Published: November 2024

Objectives

The current literature lacks the correlation between serum levels of vitamin D and interleukin-8 (IL-8) to the stages of periodontitis. The present research objectives are to evaluate the serum levels of vitamin D and IL-8 in periodontitis participants and healthy controls and to measure their correlation with the stages of periodontitis.

Methods

The current case-control study was conducted on patients with periodontitis and healthy controls. After obtaining a questionnaire from the participants, the following clinical parameters were measured; periodontal probing depth (PPD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), bleeding on probing (BOP), and tooth count. The serum levels of vitamin D and IL-8 were measured using ELISA kits. Then, we measured the correlation of the stages of periodontitis with the serum levels of vitamin D and IL-8.

Results

Ninety-eight participants; 52 with periodontitis and 46 healthy controls were included. The patients with periodontitis showed a significantly lower level of vitamin D, higher PPD, CAL, BOP, and lower number of teeth than the controls. In addition, serum vitamin D significantly correlated with the stages of periodontitis. Serum IL-8 showed no significant difference between the study and control groups while it does not significantly correlate with the stages of periodontitis.

Conclusion

The current study’s findings suggest a potential association between serum level of vitamin D with severity of periodontitis which necessitates screening vitamin D status in patients with periodontitis and investigating the possibility of vitamin D supplementation in decreasing the progression of periodontitis.
Disease activity at the onset of diagnosis as a predictor of disease outcomes in a cohort of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: A post hoc retrospective analysis of the COMOSLE-EGYPT study
Authors: Mokbel Abir , Fouad Nermeen A. , Alkemary Alkhateeb , Abdo Marwa
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has a non-uniform course directly reflected in changes in disease activity and anticipation of damage.

Aim

To determine the impact of disease activity at the onset of disease diagnosis, measured by the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) disease activity score, on different disease parameters and outcomes.

Methods

This multicentre, retrospective cohort study included 823 SLE patients. Disease damage was measured by the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics Damage Index (SLICC), and comorbidities were measured by the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). According to the mean SLEDAI at onset of disease diagnosis, patients were classified into two groups: I included patients with a mean SLEDAI ≤ 10 (non-severe disease activity), and II included patients with a mean SLEDAI > 10 (severe disease activity).

Results

SLEDAI at onset of disease diagnosis was a predictor of damage and comorbidities.

Conclusion

A higher SLEDAI score at onset of disease diagnosis was associated with damage accrual. Patients who are younger at disease onset are more likely to have more severe disease. Severe disease activity at the onset of disease diagnosis was also associated with future comorbidity occurrences, but it was not significantly associated with mortality. SLEDAI at the onset of disease diagnosis could be a prognostic marker predicting the damage, which may help in the identification of patients who are at higher risk of adverse outcomes. Special care should be directed towards patients who are younger at disease onset as they may have a higher disease activity at diagnosis.

Key Points• This is a unique study as it is the first to focus on the impact of SLE disease activity at the onset of disease diagnosis measured by SLEDAI disease activity score on different disease parameters and outcomes.• Previous studies, though these are scarce, have highlighted the impact of disease activity throughout the disease course and not specifically at the beginning of the SLE disease.
Can nanotechnology and genomics innovations trigger agricultural revolution and sustainable development?
Authors: Javaid Arzish , Hameed Sadaf , Li Lijie , Zhang Zhiyong , Zhang Baohong , -Rahman Mehboob-ur
Published: November 2024

At the dawn of new millennium, policy makers and researchers focused on sustainable agricultural growth, aiming for food security and enhanced food quality. Several emerging scientific innovations hold the promise to meet the future challenges. Nanotechnology presents a promising avenue to tackle the diverse challenges in agriculture. By leveraging nanomaterials, including nano fertilizers, pesticides, and sensors, it provides targeted delivery methods, enhancing efficacy in both crop production and protection. This integration of nanotechnology with agriculture introduces innovations like disease diagnostics, improved nutrient uptake in plants, and advanced delivery systems for agrochemicals. These precision-based approaches not only optimize resource utilization but also reduce environmental impact, aligning well with sustainability objectives. Concurrently, genetic innovations, including genome editing and advanced breeding techniques, enable the development of crops with improved yield, resilience, and nutritional content. The emergence of precision gene-editing technologies, exemplified by CRISPR/Cas9, can transform the realm of genetic modification and enabled precise manipulation of plant genomes while avoiding the incorporation of external DNAs. Integration of nanotechnology and genetic innovations in agriculture presents a transformative approach. Leveraging nanoparticles for targeted genetic modifications, nanosensors for early plant health monitoring, and precision nanomaterials for controlled delivery of inputs offers a sustainable pathway towards enhanced crop productivity, resource efficiency, and food safety throughout the agricultural lifecycle. This comprehensive review outlines the pivotal role of nanotechnology in precision agriculture, emphasizing soil health improvement, stress resilience against biotic and abiotic factors, environmental sustainability, and genetic engineering.
Safe implementation of minimally invasive surgery in a specialized colorectal cancer unit
Authors: Azevedo José , Kashpor Anna , Fernandez Laura , Herrando Ignacio , Vieira Pedro , Domingos Hugo , Carvalho Carlos , Heald Richard , Parvaiz Amjad
Published: November 2024

Introduction

In the past 30 years, minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has made remarkable progress and has become the standard of care in colorectal cancer treatment. The implementation of new techniques or platforms is, therefore, a challenge for surgical teams. This study aims to analyze the experience in the implementation of minimally invasive surgery in the colorectal unit in a specialized colorectal cancer center. We will report and compare the clinical outcomes of the patients submitted to the different surgical approaches, reflecting the importance of surgical training in the laparoscopic and robotic field for the reduction of surgical complications and improve short-term outcomes.

Methods

This study involved a retrospective analysis of data collected from a prospectively maintained database at the colorectal unit of Champalimaud Foundation between 2012 and 2023. Data were collected as part of routine clinical documentation and included variables on patient’s demographics, staging, short-term outcomes, and follow-up.

Results

A total of 661 patients treated at the Champalimaud Foundation between 2012 and 2023 were included, of which 389 (59%) had colon and 272 (41%) rectal cancer. Most of the patients underwent elective surgery, with a minimally invasive approach performed in 91% of cases. A complete resection (R0) was achieved in 95.1% (619) of the procedures with a pathology report staging 64.5% (409) of tumors as pT3–4. Eleven percent (70) of patients had complications classified as Clavien-Dindo (CD) ≥ 3.

Conclusion

This study supports the safety of the implementation of minimally invasive surgery in colorectal cancer care, with improvement in postoperative outcomes and surgical quality, supporting the importance of surgical training and specialized teams.
Timing of resting zone parathyroid hormone-related protein expression affects maintenance of the growth plate during secondary ossification: a computational study
Authors: Stoop Jorik , Yokoyama Yuka , Adachi Taiji
Published: November 2024

Secondary ossification and maintenance of the growth plate are crucial aspects of long bone formation. Parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) has been implicated as a key factor in maintaining the growth plate, and studies suggest that PTHrP expression in the resting zone is closely related with formation of the secondary ossification center (SOC). However, details of the relationship between resting zone PTHrP expression and preservation of the growth plate remain unclear. In this study, we aim to investigate the role of resting zone PTHrP expression on maintenance of the growth plate using a computational method. We extend an existing continuum-based particle model of tissue morphogenesis to include PTHrP and Indian hedgehog (Ihh) signaling, allowing the model to capture biochemical and mechanical regulation of individual cell activities. Our model indicates that the timing of resting zone PTHrP expression—specifically the rate of increase in production at the onset of SOC formation—is potentially a crucial mechanism for maintenance of the growth plate.
Maximum non-bounded difference method for overbounding Global Navigation Satellite System errors
Authors: Alghananim Ma’mon Saeed , Ochieng Washington Yotto
Published: November 2024

Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) support numerous applications, including mission-critical ones that require high integrity for safe operations such as air, maritime, and land-based navigation. These applications require ensuring the upper bound of the positioning computation, including overbounding any assumptions made in positioning algorithms. One of the main assumptions in the GNSS positioning algorithm is that the error follows a Probability Density Function (PDF), widely assumed to be Gaussian. This assumption should be overbounded to ensure safety. Two mathematical definitions of distribution overbounding have been proposed: Cumulative Distribution Function (CDF) overbounding and paired overbounding. Achieving these definitions has been an open problem for the past 20 years, and to date, no methods have effectively achieved either definition in multimode datasets. This paper proposes the first overbounding method, the Maximum non-Bounded Difference (MnBD) method, capable of achieving both definitions. Its effectiveness is assessed by comparison with the combined CDF bounding and paired overbounding approach. The results show that the MnBD method successfully achieves overbounding in both real datasets and 1000 simulated multimode data, tested on Gaussian and Generalized Extreme Value (GEV) distributions. The latter demonstrates MnBD’s ability to handle asymmetric distributions. The developed approach can be utilized in overbounding the GNSS error at the system level and user level to ensure the system integrity.
Who are the fathers? Profiling fathers of children born to teenage mothers in South Africa using the Recorded Live Births 2016–2020
Authors: Petlele Rebaone , Mkwananzi Sibusiso , Odimegwu Clifford
Published: November 2024

Aim

Despite the huge investment in reducing cases of teenage pregnancy in South Africa, the incidence remains high. Interventions are targeted at girls with minimal consideration for the men who father children with teenagers. Our study aimed to profile the men who have children born to teenage mothers.

Subject and methods

We used South Africa’s Recorded Live Births 1998–2021 dataset containing cumulative live birth registrations recorded by Statistics South Africa. The birth notifications are received from the Department of Home Affairs. Our sample consisted of N = 97,161 registered births for mothers 19 years and younger for births which occurred between 2016 and 2020 with father information available.

Results

Majority of men who fathered children with teenage girls were between the ages of 20 and 29 years (89.70%); teenage girls are having children fathered by older men, with an average six-year age gap. For every unit increase of mothers’ age, so too the odds of having children with an older father—our findings show 36% reduced odds (adjusted odds ratio 0.54) for a 12-year-old mother having a child with a non-peer father and double the odds (adjusted odds ratio 1.84) for an 18-year-old mother having a child with an older father. The odds of teenage girls having children with older men increased annually and were saturated in rural provinces and district municipalities in South Africa.

Conclusion

Our study provided a geographic and age profile of men who father children with teenage girls in the country which should be used as a starting point for programmes directed at men to augment interventions to make an accelerated dent in teenage pregnancy cases in the country.
Prevention of frailty in relation with social out-of-home activities in older adults: results from the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe
Authors: Mümken Sandra A. , Alonso-Perez Enrique , Haeger Christine , O’Sullivan Julie L. , Xue Qian-Li , Lech Sonia , Herrmann Wolfram J. , Gellert Paul
Published: November 2024

Out-of-home mobility and social participation have been identified as resources to postpone frailty. We aim to examine the mediating role and specific contribution of social out-of-home activities in frailty prevention. Data from the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) waves six (w6), seven (w7), and eight (w8) were used. Frailty was measured with the SHARE version of the Edmonton Frail Scale (EFS) with frailty states fit, pre-fail and frail. First, a mediation model with 13,456 fit participants aged ≥ 50 years in w6 was specified with social network size, loneliness (UCLA 3-Item Loneliness Scale), and lack of motivation (EURO-D) as predictors and number of performed social out-of-home activities in w7 as mediator variable on EFS-scores in w8. Age, education, gender, cohabitation, widowhood, urban environment, and country served as covariates. Second, we investigated the association of increasing social out-of-home activities from w6 to w7 with change in EFS-score from w6 to w8 using a linear mixed model with 17,439 participants in all frailty states. Direct effects of loneliness (w6) and lack of motivation (w6) on EFS-scores (w8) were partially mediated by social out-of-home activities (loneliness ß = 0.005; 95% CI = 0.003–0.008) and (lack of motivation ß = 0.014; 95% CI = 0.009–0.019). The linear mixed model revealed a significant effect of increasing social out-of-home activities (w6–w7) on reduction of EFS-scores (w8) (ß = − 0.21; 95% CI = − 0.29–0.04; p < 0.001). Social out-of-home activities appear to play a crucial role in frailty prevention, which could be used for future interventions.
Energy-efficient instruction compression with programmable dictionaries
Authors: Multanen Joonas , de Bruin Barry , Corporaal Henk , Jääskeläinen Pekka
Published: November 2024

To improve the energy efficiency of computation, accelerators trade off performance and energy consumption for flexibility. Fixed-function accelerators reach high energy efficiency, but are inflexible. Adding programmability via an instruction set architecture (ISA) incurs an energy consumption overhead, as instructions are fetched and decoded. To reduce it, hardware-controlled instruction caches and software-controlled components, such as loop buffers and (programmable) dictionaries improve the energy efficiency of instruction streams in embedded processors. Reducing the instruction overhead with code compression is well established and dictionary compression has been an effective approach due to its simplicity. Compared to static dictionaries, adding programmability improves the effectiveness. However, run-time-programmable dictionary compression and its effect on energy consumption has not been thoroughly studied. We describe a scheme to target energy efficiency by using fine-grained programmable dictionaries in embedded compute devices. Guided by compile-time analysis, the dictionary contents are changed during execution. On CHStone and Embench suites, our method reduces energy consumption on average by 11.4% and 3.8% with negligible run-time overhead. The addition of a loop buffer further reduces the energy consumption by 19.8% and 4.5% in the two suites. Our results indicate that programmable dictionary compression allows further energy reductions over an already highly tuned instruction stream.
Can search-based testing with pareto optimization effectively cover failure-revealing test inputs?
Authors: Sorokin Lev , Safin Damir , Nejati Shiva
Published: November 2024

Search-based software testing (SBST) is a widely-adopted technique for testing complex systems with large input spaces, such as Deep Learning-enabled (DL-enabled) systems. Many SBST techniques focus on Pareto-based optimization where multiple objectives are optimized in parallel to reveal failures. However, it is important to ensure that identified failures are spread throughout the entire failure-inducing area of a search domain, and not clustered in a sub-region. This ensures that identified failures are semantically diverse and reveal a wide range of underlying causes. In this paper, we present a theoretical argument explaining why testing based on Pareto optimization is inadequate for covering failure-inducing areas within a search domain. We support our argument with empirical results obtained by applying two widely used types of Pareto-based optimization techniques, namely NSGA-II (an evolutionary algorithm) and OMOPSO (a swarm-based algorithm), to two DL-enabled systems: an industrial Automated Valet Parking (AVP) system and a system for classifying handwritten digits. We measure the coverage of failure-revealing test inputs in the input space using a metric, that we refer to as the Coverage Inverted Distance (CID) quality indicator. Our results show that NSGA-II and OMOPSO are not more effective than a naïve random search baseline in covering test inputs that reveal failures. We show that this comparison remains valid for failure-inducing regions of various sizes of these two case studies. Further, we show that incorporating a diversity-focused fitness function as well as a repopulation operator in NSGA-II improves, on average, the coverage difference between NSGA-II and random search by 52.1%. However, even after diversification, NSGA-II still does not outperform random testing in covering test inputs that reveal failures. The replication package for this study is available in a GitHub repository (Replication package. https://github.com/ast-fortiss-tum/coverage-emse-24 2024.
Extreme Events Contributing to Tipping Elements and Tipping Points
Authors: Romanou A. , Hegerl G. C. , Seneviratne S. I. , Abis B. , Bastos A. , Conversi A. , Landolfi A. , Kim H. , Lerner P. E. , Mekus J. , Otto-Bliesner B. L. , Pausata F. S. R. , Pinto I. , Suarez-Guiterrez L.
Published: November 2024

This review article provides a synthesis and perspective on how weather and climate extreme events can play a role in influencing tipping elements and triggering tipping points in the Earth System. An example of a potential critical global tipping point, induced by climate extremes in an increasingly warmer climate, is Amazon rainforest dieback that could be driven by regional increases in droughts and exacerbated by fires, in addition to deforestation. A tipping element associated with the boreal forest might also be vulnerable to heat, drought and fire. An oceanic example is the potential collapse of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation due to extreme variability in freshwater inputs, while marine heatwaves and high acidity extremes can lead to coral reef collapse. Extreme heat events may furthermore play an important role in ice sheet, glacier and permafrost stability. Regional severe extreme events could also lead to tipping in ecosystems, as well as in human systems, in response to climate drivers. However, substantial scientific uncertainty remains on mechanistic links between extreme events and tipping points. Earth observations are of high relevance to evaluate and constrain those links between extreme events and tipping elements, by determining conditions leading to delayed recovery with a potential for tipping in the atmosphere, on land, in vegetation, and in the ocean. In the subsurface ocean, there is a lack of consistent, synoptic and high frequency observations of changes in both ocean physics and biogeochemistry. This review article shows the importance of considering the interface between extreme events and tipping points, two topics usually addressed in isolation, and the need for continued monitoring to observe early warning signs and to evaluate Earth system response to extreme events as well as improving model skill in simulating extremes, compound extremes and tipping elements.
Diffusion of radioactive anion and cation in silver-calcium-bentonite
Authors: Nagy Noémi M. , Kónya József
Published: November 2024

In the geological disposal of nuclear waste, the simultaneous reduction of diffusion rate of cationic and anionic radioactive species is essential. Natural calcium-bentonite only reduces the diffusion rate of cations, not anions. In this study, the half of calcium ions is bentonite was exchanged to silver ions to reduce diffusion rates of both of radioactive cation (137Cs+) and anions (36Cl−, 131I−) at the same time. This is due to the precipitation of silver halides in the interlayer space. The diffusion rate of both anionic and cationic radioactive species are small in compacted the silver-calcium bentonite.