bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnetoelectric synergy strategy for superior iron disulfide anode
Authors: Xiao Yaoyao , Liu Yihui , Liu Bingbing , Qi Zhenguo , Zhang Youbin , Liu Fusheng , Qin Guohui
Published: February 2023

The magnetic FeS2/C@VS2 heterostructure with abundant edge sites and dangling sites was designed to achieve highly reversible sodium storage.
Uranyl-silicotungstate-containing hybrid building units {α-SiW9} and {γ-SiW10} with excellent catalytic activities in the three-component synthesis of dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones
Authors: Ding Jian-Hua , Liu Yu-Feng , Tian Zhao-Teng , Lin Pei-Jie , Yang Feng , Li Ke , Yang Guo-Ping , Wei Yong-Ge
Published: February 2023

A new hybrid uranyl-silicotungstate (U3) was synthesized and characterized. U3 contains two kinds of Keggin-type building units and shows good catalytic activity in the synthesis of dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones from aldehydes, acetoacetates, and urea.
High-efficiency and stable red to near-infrared organic light-emitting diodes using dinuclear platinum(ii) complexes
Authors: Wang Lian , Wen Zhenhua , Xu Yulin , Zhang Youming , Miao Jingsheng , Chen Zhanxiang , Li Kai
Published: February 2023

High-performance red and NIR organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) have been achieved using highly robust and phosphorescent diplatinum(ii) complexes featuring strong intramolecular Pt–Pt and π–π interactions.
Vapochromic films of π-conjugated polymers based on coordination and desorption at hypervalent tin(iv)-fused azobenzene compounds
Authors: Gon Masayuki , Morisaki Yusuke , Tanimura Kazuya , Tanaka Kazuo , Chujo Yoshiki
Published: February 2023

Vapochromic π-conjugated polymer thin films showing a reversible color change were prepared. Reversible coordination-number control of hypervalent tin(iv)-fused azobenzene moieties between five and six triggered tuning of the electronic properties.
Better through oxygen functionality? The benzophenone/dicyclohexylmethanol LOHC-system
Authors: Zakgeym Dina , Hofmann Jonas David , Maurer Lukas Andreas , Auer Franziska , Müller Karsten , Wolf Moritz , Wasserscheid Peter
Published: February 2023

The oxygen functionalized LOHC system benzophenone/dicyclohexylmethanol reveals new possibilities in the field of hydrogen transport and storage.
Correction: Structure effects of Pt15 clusters for the oxygen reduction reaction: first-principles calculations
Authors: Rodríguez-Kessler Peter L. , Muñoz-Castro Alvaro , Rodríguez-Domínguez Adán R. , Cabellos José Luis
Published: February 2023

Correction for ‘Structure effects of Pt15 clusters for the oxygen reduction reaction: first-principles calculations’ by Peter L. Rodríguez-Kessler et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2023, https://doi.org/10.1039/d2cp05188e.
Overt Subject Pronoun Use in Switch-Reference Contexts in Child Spanish Developmental Language Disorder: A Discriminant Function Analysis
Authors: Dickinson Kendra V. , Ortiz-Ramírez Pedro Antonio , Arrieta-Zamudio Ana , Grinstead John , Flores-Ávalos Blanca
Published: February 2023

Purpose:

Our study analyzes probabilistic constraints on subject expression previously found in adult Spanish in the speech of typically developing (TD) Spanish-speaking children and children with developmental language disorder (DLD). Previous work shows that children with DLD produce fewer overt subjects than typically developing children, and that the latter acquire constraints on subject expression as they age into adolescence. Our study complements these findings and provides further substance to the grammatical profile of children whose morphosyntactic development diverges from that of typically developing children.

Method:

Data are drawn from unstructured spontaneous production data from a sample of 19 monolingual Mexican, Spanish-speaking children, collected in 2006–2007. This sample includes 19 children diagnosed with DLD and 19 age-matched, typically developing children. We collected all instances of finite verbs that either did or could have occurred with a subject personal pronoun uttered by the child participants and coded them for several factors including tense–mood–aspect, switch reference, and person and number.

Results:

We find that children with DLD produce fewer overt subject pronouns in switch reference contexts than typically developing controls, with a significant interaction of group and switch reference. Furthermore, a discriminant function analysis shows that overt pronoun use in switch reference contexts can form part of a useful diagnostic discriminant function, with high levels of sensitivity and specificity.

Conclusions:

Overall, we find important differences between TD Spanish-speaking children and those diagnosed with DLD regarding rates of overt subjects and sensitivity to the probabilistic constraint of switch reference. This finding contributes to our understanding of the morphosyntactic profiles of children with DLD, as well as the utility of factors such as switch reference in the identification of language disorders.
Down-converting luminescent optoelectronics and their applications
Authors: Kang Chun Hong , Wang Yue , Alkhazragi Omar , Lu Hang , Ng Tien Khee , Ooi Boon S.
Published: February 2023

Luminescent materials and optoelectronics, particularly those that rely on down-conversion optical phenomena (i.e., involving a conversion from higher-energy photons into lower-energy photons), have garnered increasing interest in various photonics applications. Over the years, a plethora of down-converting luminescent materials have been actively explored, in particular for enhancing the collection and conversion efficiency of luminescent solar concentrators since the 1980s. However, with the exploration of new down-converting luminescent materials and the recent development of numerous emerging applications utilizing luminescent components for enhanced system performance, the technology is envisaged to expand beyond its use in luminescent solar concentrators. This perspective article aims at shedding light on the significance of incorporating luminescent materials and components for various emerging technologies related to optical-based communication, imaging, tracking, sensing, and data storage and encryption. The related opportunities and challenges are also outlined, which can potentially inspire practical pathways toward the commercialization of luminescent-based optoelectronics and shape the way forward for the broader community.
Perspectives on optoelectronic oscillators
Authors: Hao Tengfei , Li Wei , Zhu Ninghua , Li Ming
Published: February 2023

As a paradigmatic microwave photonic resonant system that is capable of producing high-quality self-sustained microwave oscillations, the optoelectronic oscillator (OEO) has been intensively investigated in recent years, and a diversity of new insights and breakthroughs have been proposed and demonstrated. In this perspective, we discuss the recent progress, opportunities, and challenges of OEOs. Specifically, an overview of different OEO schemes for single-frequency and complex microwave signal generation is provided. Emerging advances in integrated OEO and applications of OEO are briefly reviewed. We also discuss the remaining challenges and opportunities in this field.
Questioning quantum orthodoxy
Authors: Stanley Matthew
Published: February 2023

The Oxford Handbook of the History of Quantum Interpretations, Olival Freire Jr, ed. Oxford U. Press, 2022. $190.00
Pragmatic subordination
Authors: Pittner Karin
Published: February 2023

The article deals with a special type of causal clauses in German which exhibits the properties of verb-first position, an obligatory modal particle doch and obligatory postposition. It has often been noted that these clauses are neither clearly subordinated nor coordinated. Syntactic tests show that these clauses are not constituents of the clause they are related to and they may not be focussed, nor may the causal relation itself be focussed. Moreover, there are no correlates for them in their host clause. These characteristics show that the clauses in question contain their own information units.

It is argued that the causal meaning of these clauses is an inference due to an interplay of the verb first position, the meaning of doch and the postposition of these clauses. The verb position signals a close connection to the preceding clause as well as a diminished assertive force. The modal particle doch signals that the information given is uncontroversial but assumed not to be taken into account presently by the recipient. It is argued that the postposition of these clauses is due to the fact that these clauses have a kind of repair function and serve to support the acceptance of the preceding clause. It is shown that these clauses express their own illocutions which are subsidiary to the illocution of the preceding utterance. Thus these sentences are pragmatically subordinated although they do not exhibit characteristics of syntactic subordination. The article closes with a short discussion of some hypotheses concerning the diachronic development of this special sentence type.
English rationale since and a reassessment of the typology of adverbial clauses
Authors: Schönenberger Manuela , Haegeman Liliane
Published: February 2023

This chapter examines the syntactic and semantic properties of English causal adverbial clauses, starting from the fact that the conjunctions since and as can both introduce either a temporal clause or a rationale clause. Where relevant, the material is supplemented with data from Dutch causal adverbial clauses, focusing on the interaction with the syntax of Verb Second. It is shown that the bipartite distinction between ‘central’ adverbial clauses and ‘peripheral’ adverbial clauses (Haegeman 1984a, 1991/2009, a.o.) should be reconsidered. Frey’s (2016, 2018) ternary distinction is adopted, which differentiates between central adverbial clauses (CACs) and peripheral adverbial clauses (PACs), both regarded as syntactically integrated, and non-integrated clauses. Evidence is provided for Frey’s hypothesis that PACs are related to JudgementP (Krifka 2017).
Expressing non-volitional causality in English
Authors: Hoek Jet , Scholman Merel C.J.
Published: February 2023

English because is assumed to be polysemous in that it can be used to mark causal relations in all domains. The current study examines this claim and explores the suitability of because to mark non-volitional content relations. In a parallel corpus study, we investigate how causal relations translated into Dutch using doordat (prototypically marking non-volitional causal relations), omdat (marking content relations), and want (marking epistemic and speech act relations) were originally expressed in English. The results show that while omdat and want are indeed typically translations of because in English, non-volitional doordat is not. A qualitative analysis reveals that non-volitional causality is more often expressed in English in a single discourse unit or using a connective restricted to the content domain. These findings have important consequences for the presumed domain generality of English because and call for a reconsideration of English translation recommendations for doordat.
Three ReasonPs
Authors: Endo Yoshio
Published: February 2023

In this chapter, I will discuss three types of reason expressions in the framework of the cartography of syntactic structures. After reviewing the previous analyses of two ReasonPs that house reason expressions, it will be shown that there is still another ReasonP that houses reason expressions involving free adjuncts. I will further explore the possibility of splitting up the new type of ReasonP into the central type and the peripheral type by extending Haegeman’s (2012) idea of adverbial clauses.
Multiple asymptotic behaviors of solutions in the generalized vanishing discount problem
Authors: Ni Panrui
Published: February 2023

Consider the generalized discounted Hamilton-Jacobi equation
\[

λ
a
(
x
)
u
+
H
(
x
,
D
u
)
=
c
(
H
)
,

\lambda a(x)u+H(x,Du)=c(H),

\]
where

a
(
x
)

a(x)

may vanish or change the signs. Two examples are given in this paper showing that the viscosity solutions of the above equation may not converge as

λ
\lambda

tends to zero.
Periodic orbits of Tonelli Lagrangians with prescribed action or period
Authors: Paternain Miguel
Published: February 2023

We show that for every Tonelli Lagrangian there is a real number

a
0

a_0

such that for every

a
>

a
0

a>a_0

the Lagrangian has a periodic orbit with action

a
a

. We obtain estimates on the period and energy of such periodic orbits. We also show that such Lagrangian has periodic orbits of every period.
Categorifying Hecke algebras at prime roots of unity, part I
Authors: Elias Ben , Qi You
Published: February 2023

We equip the type

A
A

diagrammatic Hecke category with a special derivation, so that after specialization to characteristic

p
p

it becomes a

p
p

-dg category. We prove that the defining relations of the Hecke algebra are satisfied in the

p
p

-dg Grothendieck group. We conjecture that the

p
p

-dg Grothendieck group is isomorphic to the Iwahori-Hecke algebra, equipping it with a basis which may differ from both the Kazhdan-Lusztig basis and the

p
p

-canonical basis. More precise conjectures will be found in the sequel.

Here are some other results contained in this paper. We provide an incomplete proof of the classification of all degree

+
2

+2

derivations on the diagrammatic Hecke category, and a complete proof of the classification of those derivations for which the defining relations of the Hecke algebra are satisfied in the

p
p

-dg Grothendieck group. In particular, our special derivation is unique up to duality and equivalence. We prove that no such derivation exists in simply-laced types outside of finite and affine type

A
A

. We also examine a particular Bott-Samelson bimodule in type

A
7

A_7

, which is indecomposable in characteristic

2
2

but decomposable in all other characteristics. We prove that this Bott-Samelson bimodule admits no nontrivial fantastic filtrations in any characteristic, which is the analogue in the

p
p

-dg setting of being indecomposable.
Tinnitus and distress: an electroencephalography classification study
Authors: Piarulli Andrea , Vanneste Sven , Nemirovsky Idan Efim , Kandeepan Sivayini , Maudoux Audrey , Gemignani Angelo , De Ridder Dirk , Soddu Andrea
Published: February 2023

There exist no objective markers for tinnitus or tinnitus disorders, which complicates diagnosis and treatments. The combination of EEG with sophisticated classification procedures may reveal biomarkers that can identify tinnitus and accurately differentiate different levels of distress experienced by patients. EEG recordings were obtained from 129 tinnitus patients and 142 healthy controls. Linear support vector machines were used to develop two classifiers: the first differentiated tinnitus patients from controls, while the second differentiated tinnitus patients with low and high distress levels. The classifier for healthy controls and tinnitus patients performed with an average accuracy of 96 and 94% for the training and test sets, respectively. For the distress classifier, these average accuracies were 89 and 84%. Minimal overlap was observed between the features of the two classifiers. EEG-derived features made it possible to accurately differentiate healthy controls and tinnitus patients as well as low and high distress tinnitus patients. The minimal overlap between the features of the two classifiers indicates that the source of distress in tinnitus, which could also be involved in distress related to other conditions, stems from different neuronal mechanisms compared to those causing the tinnitus pathology itself.
Experimental and theoretical support for costs of plasticity and phenotype in a nematode cannibalistic trait
Authors: Dardiry Mohannad , Piskobulu Veysi , Kalirad Ata , Sommer Ralf J
Published: February 2023

Developmental plasticity is the ability of a genotype to express multiple phenotypes under different environmental conditions and has been shown to facilitate the evolution of novel traits. However, while the associated cost of plasticity, i.e., the loss in fitness due to the ability to express plasticity in response to environmental change, and the cost of phenotype, i.e., the loss of fitness due to expressing a fixed phenotype across environments, have been theoretically predicted, empirically such costs remain poorly documented and little understood. Here, we use a plasticity model system, hermaphroditic nematode Pristionchus pacificus, to experimentally measure these costs in wild isolates under controlled laboratory conditions. P. pacificus can develop either a bacterial feeding or predatory mouth morph in response to different external stimuli, with natural variation of mouth-morph ratios between strains. We first demonstrated the cost of phenotype by analyzing fecundity and developmental speed in relation to mouth morphs across the P. pacificus phylogenetic tree. Then, we exposed P. pacificus strains to two distinct microbial diets that induce strain-specific mouth-form ratios. Our results indicate that the plastic strain does shoulder a cost of plasticity, i.e., the diet-induced predatory mouth morph is associated with reduced fecundity and slower developmental speed. In contrast, the non-plastic strain suffers from the cost of phenotype since its phenotype does not change to match the unfavorable bacterial diet but shows increased fitness and higher developmental speed on the favorable diet. Furthermore, using a stage-structured population model based on empirically derived life history parameters, we show how population structure can alleviate the cost of plasticity in P. pacificus. The results of the model illustrate the extent to which the costs associated with plasticity and its effect on competition depend on ecological factors. This study provides support for costs of plasticity and phenotype based on empirical and modeling approaches.
The immediate effects of polyploidization ofSpirodela polyrhizachange in a strain-specific way along environmental gradients
Authors: Bafort Quinten , Wu Tian , Natran Annelore , De Clerck Olivier , Van de Peer Yves
Published: February 2023

The immediate effects of plant polyploidization are well characterized and it is generally accepted that these morphological, physiological, developmental, and phenological changes contribute to polyploid establishment. Studies on the environmental dependence of the immediate effects of whole-genome duplication (WGD) are, however, scarce but suggest that these immediate effects are altered by stressful conditions. As polyploid establishment seems to be associated with environmental disturbance, the relationship between ploidy-induced phenotypical changes and environmental conditions is highly relevant. Here, we use a common garden experiment on the greater duckweed Spirodela polyrhiza to test whether the immediate effects of WGD can facilitate the establishment of tetraploid duckweed along gradients of two environmental stressors. Because successful polyploid establishment often depends on recurrent polyploidization events, we include four genetically diverse strains and assess whether these immediate effects are strain-specific. We find evidence that WGD can indeed confer a fitness advantage under stressful conditions and that the environment affects ploidy-induced changes in fitness and trait reaction norms in a strain-specific way.
Short-term physicochemical and biological impacts on soil after forest logging in Mediterranean broadleaf forests: 15 years of field studies summarized by a data synthesis under the meta-analytic framework
Authors: Latterini Francesco , Venanzi Rachele , Picchio Rodolfo , Jagodziński Andrzej M
Published: February 2023

Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) is a key objective of the European Forest Strategy. One of the most important aspects to be considered to achieve this fundamental goal is the implementation of Sustainable Forest Operations (SFOs). This study aims to investigate how and to what extent forest logging and silvicultural treatments affect soil physicochemical properties in the context of Mediterranean forestry by summarizing the results of 55 field studies, performed within the development of Master’s and PhD theses, carried out in Italy over the last 15 years. In order to define reliable and scalable conclusions, and going beyond the typical case-study approach, we applied a data synthesis under the meta-analytic framework summarizing the results of the studies analyzed. The results show that disturbance triggered by the silvicultural treatments (meant as an alteration of canopy cover as a consequence of the removal of some trees) is much lower than that caused by forest logging, in particular passage of forest vehicles and woody loads. Furthermore, as expected, a clear relationship was observed between the impacts on soil physicochemical properties and biological impacts. Based on our results we recommend that ground-based extraction on slopes steeper than 20 per cent should be limited, extending the applications of skyline systems or winch-assisted extraction. Interestingly, different conditions of terrain roughness showed variable effects on the magnitude of impacts, suggesting the need for future dedicated studies on this topic. The application of machineries specifically developed for the forestry sector showed better performance than lower levels of mechanizations, confirming what was reported in previous literature on the topic. However, the major finding from this study clearly shows that the way in which extraction is carried out is the major factor causing soil disturbance.
Following the steps of the Ikhwān al-Ṣafāʾ in the Ottoman world. I: Insights from three universal histories
Authors: Eryılmaz Fatma Sinem , de Callataÿ Godefroid
Published: February 2023

This article is a first step in a project to study the influence of the Rasāʾil Ikhwān al-Ṣafāʾ in the Ottoman world. We argue that, at least from the end of the fourteenth century until well into the second half of the sixteenth, the knowledge presented in the encyclopedic Rasāʾil was a conspicuous scholarly source for the Ottoman cultural milieu, especially at the dynastic court, and played a significant role in forming their epistemological perspective. This argument is developed with reference to three universal histories: (1) in Turkish, the İskendernāme (Book of Alexander) of Taceddin İbrahim İbn Hızır Ahmedi (d. 1413) written between the last quarter of the fourteenth century and the first quarter of the fifteenth; (2) in Arabic, the Naẓm al-sulūk fī musāmarat al-mulūk (The ordering of ways for the conversation of kings) by ʿAbd al-Raḥmān al-Bisṭāmī (d. 1454), a prominent intellectual and expert in occult sciences, protégé of Sultan Murad II (r. 1421–44, 1446–51); (3) in Persian, the first volume of Shāhnāmā-yi Āl-i ʿUsmān (Book of kings of the house of ʿUsmān) by the Sufi intellectual and litterateur Fethullah Çelebi (d. 1561/62), better known by his pen-name ʿArif. The choice of these three histories enables us to mark the time period for the influence of the Rasāʾil, stretching it (in both directions) further than is accepted in present scholarship. These histories enable us also to draw attention to the proximity to the Ottoman dynasty of the cultural milieu attuned to the Rasāʾil, and highlight the relationship between history and knowledge that is central both for the texts under study here and the Rasāʾil.
Business Ethics
Authors: Nelson J.S. , Stout Lynn A.
Published: February 2023

What Everyone Needs to Know: Business Ethics is a first guide for both businesspeople facing real-life dilemmas, as well as students studying ethical questions. This succinct, practical business ethics book uniquely surveys materials from moral philosophy, behavioral science, corporate law, negotiations, leadership, whistleblowing, and surviving prosecutions, and doses them with practical advice. Written in the short question-and-answer style of the “What Everyone Needs to Know” series, this accessible resource provides engaging and readable introductions to the basic principles of business ethics, and it is your invaluable guide for dealing with ethical dilemmas.
Transmission Mode and Assembly of Seed Fungal Endophyte Communities in Wheat and Wheat Wild Relatives
Authors: Sharon Or , Sun Xiang , Ezrati Smadar , Kagan-Trushina Naomi , Sharon Amir
Published: February 2023

Seeds acquire fungal endophytes either from the environment or from their progenitors. These transmission modes are central in shaping the microbiome because they affect species composition and balance. We studied fungal endophyte communities (FECs) in three plant species: bread wheat ( Triticum aestivum), wild emmer wheat ( Triticum turgidum dicoccoides), and wild barley ( Hordeum spontaneum). We conducted two experiments to test seed-to-seed transmission: (i) we compared FECs in stems and seeds collected from agricultural and natural habitats and (ii) we grew plants under greenhouse conditions to isolate the effect of vertical transmission on the plant FECs. The analysis of seed communities revealed differences in FEC composition and diversity among plant species; however, Alternaria infectoria dominated FECs in all plant species. In field-collected plants, the number of taxa in the seeds was less than half the number in stems, and close to 90% of the seed taxa were found in stems. The FECs from stems and seeds of greenhouse-grown plants were more diverse than the FECs of original seeds; they lacked a single dominant taxon, and the FECs in the new seeds had a similar richness and diversity to stem FECs, with only 40% overlap. The controlled-environment experiment confirmed vertical transmission of certain species but also showed that external infection of the seeds is the main source for specific taxa. Our results show that many taxa can reach the seeds internally, albeit in different abundance, that both infection sources affect seed FEC composition, and that external conditions affect the balance between FECs within the plant.
The Esophagogastric Anastomosis
Authors: Walsh Thomas N.
Published: February 2023

Background:

The incidence of anastomotic leakage in gastrointestinal surgery is highest after esophagogastric anastomosis, with leakage rates of 10% to 38% still being reported, but little consensus as to cause or corrective. The role of anastomotic tension from a series of physiological forces acting on the anastomosis from the moment of recovery from anesthesia may be underestimated. It was hypothesized that anchoring the conduit in the mediastinum would provide the greatest protection during the vulnerable healing phase.

Patients and Methods:

A prospectively maintained database was interrogated for anastomotic leakage following the introduction of an anastomotic technique employing anchoring sutures where the gastric conduit was secured to the mediastinal pleura with 3 obliquely inserted load-bearing sutures. A contrast study was performed between days 5 and 7 and all intrahospital mortalities underwent autopsy. Clinical, radiological, and autopsy leaks were recorded.

Results:

Of 146 intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomoses in 144 patients, 81 (55%) of which were stapled, there was 1 clinical leak and 1 patient with an aortoenteric fistula, considered at autopsy to be possibly due to an anastomotic leak, to give an anastomotic leak rate of 2 in 146 (1.37%).

Conclusion:

The low anastomotic leak rate in this series is potentially due to the protective effect of anchoring sutures, the chief difference from an otherwise standard anastomotic technique. These sutures protect the anastomosis from a series of distracting forces during the most vulnerable phase of healing. It is intuitive that the absence of tension would also reduce any risk posed by a minor impairment of blood supply or any imperfection of the technique.
Prospective study of a case-finding algorithm to detect NAFLD with advanced fibrosis in primary care patients
Authors: Fox Rena K. , Chu Janet N. , Goldman Max L. , Islam Kendall B. , Brandman Danielle
Published: February 2023

Background and Aims:

Primary care providers need strategies to identify NAFLD patients and select for specialty referral, but proposed algorithms have only been studied in established NAFLD patients.

Methods:

We implemented an algorithm for all adults with diabetes mellitus in a large primary care practice and excluded hepatitis B and C or alcohol use. Applying annual Fibrosis-4 Index and NAFLD Fibrosis Score for 5 years, we categorized patients as low-risk, indeterminate-risk, or high-risk for advanced fibrosis. We targeted all high-risk and messaged each primary care provider, recommending hepatology linkage. We collected final diagnosis and fibrosis (F0–4) outcomes. Using multivariable logistic regression, we assessed risk factors for advanced fibrosis stage (F3–4).

Results:

Of 3028 patients, 1018 were low-risk, 577 indeterminate-risk, and 611 high-risk. There were 264 target patients; their 89 primary care providers received a message per patient suggesting hepatology referral. The majority (n=149) were referred; at triage, 118 were deemed likely NAFLD. Of these, 90 completed visits, 78/90 were diagnosed as NAFLD, and 69/78 underwent fibrosis staging, with F3 to 4 in 25/69. In multivariable analysis, hemoglobin A1c ≥8% (OR=7.02, 95% CI: 1.29–38.18) and Fibrosis-4 Index (OR=1.79, 95% CI: 1.07–2.99) were associated with increased risk of F3 to 4.

Conclusions:

This is the first prospective study testing a case-finding strategy in primary care and almost 1/3 of diabetes mellitus were high-risk for advanced fibrosis. When prompted, 73% of primary care providers placed referrals and 76% of patients completed visits, revealing 86% NAFLD and 36% F3 to 4. This study demonstrates the readiness for such a strategy in primary care; integrating hemoglobin A1c into this algorithm may further improve the performance of Fibrosis-4 Index in this setting.
Associations of childhood adiposity with adult intima–media thickness and inflammation: a 20-year longitudinal population-based cohort
Authors: Fujikawa Tomona , Kobayashi Masatake , Wagner Sandra , Duarte Kevin , Scherdel Pauline , Heude Barbara , Dupontd Vincent , Bozec Erwan , Bresso Emmanuel , Zannad Faiez , Rossignol Patrick , Girerd Nicolas
Published: February 2023

Background:

The associations between childhood adiposity and adult increased carotid intima–media thickness (cIMT) have been well established, which might be corroborated by the association between adiposity in children and inflammation in adults. However, longitudinal data regarding biological pathways associated with childhood adiposity are lacking.

Methods:

The current study included participants from the STANISLAS cohort who had adiposity measurements at age 5–18 years [N = 519, mean (SD) age, 13.0 (2.9) years; 46.4% male], and who were measured with cIMT, vascular-related and metabolic-related proteins at a median follow-up of 19 ± 2 years. BMI, waist-to-height ratio and waist circumference were converted to age-specific and sex-specific z-scores.

Results:

A minority of children were overweight/obese (16.2% overweight-BMI z-score >1; 1.3% obesity-z-score >2). Higher BMI, waist–height ratio and waist circumference in children were significantly associated with greater adult cIMT in univariable analysis, although not after adjusting for C-reactive protein. These associations were more pronounced in those with consistently high adiposity status from childhood to middle adulthood. Participants with higher adiposity during childhood (BMI or waist–height ratio) had higher levels of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-1, protein-2, matrix metalloproteinase-3, osteopontin, hemoglobin and C-reactive protein in adulthood. Network analysis showed that IL-6, insulin-like growth factor-1 and fibronectin were the key proteins associated with childhood adiposity.

Conclusion:

In a population-based cohort followed for 20 years, higher BMI or waist-to-height ratio in childhood was significantly associated with greater cIMT and enhanced levels of proteins reflective of inflammation, supporting the importance of inflammation as progressive atherosclerosis in childhood adiposity.
Prevalence and clinical characteristics of renovascular hypertension associated with fibromuscular dysplasia in China
Authors: Kang Yuan-Yuan , Chen Yang , Wu Qi-Hong , Dong Hui , Zou Yu-Bao , Gao Ping-Jin , Xu Jian-Zhong , Jiang Xiong-Jing , Wang Ji-Guang
Published: February 2023

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics of renal artery fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) in patients in China and identify the cure rate of hypertension after angioplasty.

Methods:

Consecutive hypertensive patients with renal artery stenosis caused by FMD who underwent catheter-based angiography, and were followed at two Chinese referral centres, were retrospectively analysed. All patients underwent a detailed investigation, including demographic characteristics, clinical characteristics, biochemical sampling, Doppler ultrasonography of carotid arteries, magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) of the intracranial artery, and CTA or MRA of the abdominal artery and catheter-based renal angiography. Patients were routinely followed up at 1 month, 6 months and every year after the procedure.

Results:

Among 245 study participants, with a mean diagnosed age of 26.9 ± 9.9 years, 137 (55.9%) were women, and 38 (15.5%) were children. All patients were diagnosed with hypertension at a mean age of 23.4 ± 8.4 years. There were 73.5% focal and 15.2% multivessel cases. Aneurysms, arterial dissections and total occlusions were found in 21.6, 4.1 and 12.2% of patients, respectively. Patients with multifocal FMD were older (26.0 vs. 23.7 years, P = 0.021) and more often female (70.8 vs. 50.6%, P = 0.004). Among children with renal FMD, 55.2% were men, and 86.8% were focal. After a median follow-up of 7.0 years, multifocal FMD had a higher cure rate of hypertension than focal FMD after revascularization (71.7 vs. 55.8%, P = 0.032).

Conclusion:

In a cohort of mostly young Chinese patients, the prevalence of hypertension associated with renal FMD is similar in both sexes. Focal FMDs were more frequent than the multifocal ones and, after angioplasty, were associated with a worse blood pressure outcome.
It is strongly recommended to not conduct, fund, or publish research studies that use spot urine samples with estimating equations to assess individuals’ sodium (salt) intake in association with health outcomes: a policy statement of the World Hypertension League, International Society of Hypertension and Resolve to Save Lives
Authors: Campbell Norman R.C. , Whelton Paul P. , Orias Marcelo , Cobb Laura L. , Jones Erika S.W. , Garg Renu , Willliams Bryan , Khan Nadia , Chia Yook-Chin , Jafar Tazeen H. , Ide Nicole
Published: February 2023

Spot urine samples with estimating equations have been used to assess individuals’ sodium (salt) intake in association with health outcomes. There is large random and systematic error in estimating sodium intake using this method and spurious health outcome associations. Substantial controversy has resulted from false claims the method is valid. Hence, the World Hypertension League, International Society of Hypertension and Resolve to Save Lives, supported by 21 other health organizations, have issued this policy statement that strongly recommends that research using spot urine samples with estimating equations to assess individuals’ sodium (salt) intake in association with health outcomes should not be conducted, funded or published. Literature reviews on the health impacts of reducing dietary sodium that include studies that have used spot and short duration timed urine samples with estimating equations need to explicitly acknowledge that the method is not recommended to be used and is associated with spurious health outcome associations.
Randomized controlled trial assessing intubation time with and without an aerosol biocontainment device
Authors: Kohanski Michael A. , Ungerer Heather , Xu Katherine , Douglas Jennifer E. , Carey Ryan M. , Rassekh Christopher H. , Chao Tiffany N. , Weinstein Mitchell L. , Atkins Joshua H.
Published: February 2023

Introduction:

The emergence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic renewed interest in infectious aerosols and methods to reduce risk of airborne respiratory pathogen transmission. This has led to the development of novel aerosol protective devices for which clinical and aerosol protective features have not been fully characterized. The relative efficacy of these devices for use during airway procedures has not been assessed in randomized controlled trials.

Materials and Methods:

We recruited anesthesiology attendings, residents, and certified registered nurse anesthetists to perform intubations with an aerosol biocontainment device (ABCD). Thirty-seven patients undergoing procedures requiring intubation in the operating room were recruited and randomized (2:1) to intubation with (25) or without (12) the ABCD. Primary endpoints were time to secure the airway and adverse events. Secondary endpoints were a number of intubation attempts, access to the patient and airway equipment through the device ports, user assessment of ABCD function and technical burden, and patient experience in the ABCD.

Results:

Intubation time with the ABCD (46 s) was not significantly different compared to intubation without the ABCD (37 s; P=0.06). There were 3 adverse events with the ABCD (1 claustrophobia, 2 unanticipated difficult airways) that required device removal for intubation. In general, patients tolerated the device well and ABCD users felt the device functioned as intended but increased the technical burden associated with intubation.

Discussion:

It is feasible to use an aerosol protective device for intubation. The introduction of novel devices into high acuity airway procedures should be approached with caution and should account for the risk mitigation gained from the device balanced against the increased procedural complexity and potential safety risks associated with restricted access to the airway.
Quality-of-Life Outcomes in Autologous and Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction Patients Following Post-Mastectomy Radiation to the Tissue Expander: A Propensity Matched Preliminary Analysis
Authors: Polanco Thais O. , Shamsunder Meghana G. , Parikh Rajiv P. , Chu Jacqueline J. , McCarthy Colleen , Tadros Audree , Matros Evan , Disa Joseph J. , Mehrara Babak J. , Allen, Jr Robert J. , Nelson Jonas A.
Published: February 2023

Background

Tissue expanders (TE) are routinely placed as a first step in breast reconstruction for women who require post-mastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT). The final reconstruction can then be performed with implants or conversion to autologous tissues. The purpose of this study was to compare patient-reported outcomes and surgical complications in autologous (ABR) versus implant-based breast reconstruction (IBR) patients following TE-PMRT.

Methods

We performed a propensity score preliminary analysis (1:1 matching, no replacement) in patients undergoing ABR or IBR following TE-PMRT. Matched covariates included age, race/ethnicity, smoking status, BMI, history of psychiatric diagnosis, and laterality of reconstruction. Outcomes of interest included complications and BREAST-Q scores for Satisfaction with Breasts, Physical Well-Being of Chest, sexual-Well-Being, and Psychosocial-Well-Being domains.

Results

Of 341 patients with TE-PMRT, A total of 106 patients were included in the matched analysis: 53 ABR and 53 IBR. ABR and IBR did not significantly differ in matched baseline, cancer, and surgical characteristics. ABR patients had higher Satisfaction with Breast scores (greater than the 4-point minimal clinically important difference) at all post-reconstruction time-points compared with IBR patients (p < 0.05). There were no significant postoperative differences in other BREAST-Q domains. The incidence of complications after definitive reconstruction did not significantly differ among cohorts.

Conclusions

In this matched preliminary analysis, patients who underwent ABR following radiation to a TE demonstrated superior satisfaction with breast scores compared with IBR patients. Higher-powered matched studies are needed to improve shared decision making for patients who require mastectomy and PMRT as part of their treatment.
Prevalence pattern, phenotypic manifestation, and descriptive genetics of congenital limb deficiencies in Pakistan
Authors: Bibi Anisa , Uddin Sader , Naeem Muhammad , Syed Amman , Ud-Din Qazi Waheed , Rathore Farooq Azam , Malik Sajid
Published: February 2023

Background:

Congenital limb deficiency (CLD) is a group of very rare disorders characterized by substantial hypoplasia or the complete absence of 1 or more bones of limbs. Congenital limb deficiency has a significant physical, clinical, and psychological burden on the affected individuals and their families. This cross-sectional study aimed to describe the prevalence pattern, phenotypic manifestations, and biodemographic factors associated with CLD in a cohort assembled from the Pakistani population from the Northwestern region.

Methods:

Through a prospective cross-sectional study, 141 individuals having 166 limbs with CLD were recruited during 2017‐2021.

Results:

There were 77 (55%) individuals with transverse defects, 61 (43%) with longitudinal defects, and 3 (2%) with Intercalary defects. Among the patients with transverse defects, 52 had terminal amputations and 25 had symbrachydactyly. Among the longitudinal defects, thumb aplasia/hypoplasia was the most common presentation (20 patients), followed by oligodactyly (18), and radial hemimelia (18). Eighty six percent had upper-limb deficiencies, 83% had unilateral deficiencies, and 92% were sporadic in nature. The parental consanguinity was observed in 33% individuals, and 79% cases had an isolated presentation which may be indicative of the substantial role of nongenetic factors in the etiology of CLD.

Conclusions:

This study demonstrates marked heterogeneity in CLD subtypes in the involvement of limbs and associated variables. There is a need to establish a national registry for CLD, molecular genetic diagnosis, and multidisciplinary medical and social rehabilitation services for these individuals.
A new scoliosis brace padding method based on trunk asymmetry for scoliosis treatment
Authors: Bidari Shahrbanoo , Kamyab Mojtaba , Ganjavian Mohammad Saleh , Komeili Amin
Published: February 2023

Background:

Pressure pads are used with scoliosis braces to adjust the magnitude and location of corrective forces that mechanically support the torso to correct the spine deformity. In the conventional brace (C.B.) design approaches, the location and shape of pads are determined based on the visual assessment of the clinician. The accuracy of this approach could be improved because it is limited to the clinician's expertise. The present study aimed to develop a new brace (N.B.) padding method based on trunk asymmetry for adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis and compare the efficacy of the developed method with C.B. in improving the Cobb angle and body posture symmetricity.

Methods:

The trunk surface geometry was scanned using a 3-dimensional scanner. The best plane of symmetry was determined, and the original trunk was reflected in the plane of symmetry, creating the reflected trunk. The difference between the reflected and original trunks was computed and color-coded using deviation contour maps. The boundary of deformed regions, with a minimum of 6-mm deviation contour maps, was identified as the trim lines for brace pads. Eight participants were recruited and divided into conventional and new padding groups. The variation of Cobb angle and torso asymmetry parameters, including the trunk rotation and back surface rotation, as well as the brace satisfaction and trunk appearance perception of the 2 groups, were compared after 3 months of treatment.

Results:

Cobb angle improved equally in the N.B. and C.B. groups. However, back surface rotation improved in the N.B. group (+49.6%) and worsened in the C.B. group (−6.8%). The mean trunk rotation was improved by 30% in the N.B. and further exacerbated by −2.2% in the C.B. group. The brace satisfaction and trunk appearance perception scores were higher in the N.B. than in the C.B. group, however not statistically significant.

Conclusions:

The present study showed that the proposed brace padding system improved the trunk appearance without negatively affecting the Cobb angle correction.
The effect of time to amputation on medical costs accrued during the first twelve months after injury—A California workers’ compensation claims study
Authors: Gomez Nicholas G. , Gaspar Fraser W. , Thiese Matthew S. , Merryweather Andrew S.
Published: February 2023

Background:

This study investigated whether the time to amputation (TtoA) after a work-related injury had a significant effect on the medical costs accrued in the first year after injury.

Data source:

Six thousand nine hundred fifty-three person-level workers’ compensation claims data from the state of California, USA, from 2007 to 2018.

Methods:

Multiple quantile regression was used to assess the impact of TtoA on medical costs accrued during the first 12 months after injury. Three time intervals for TtoA were investigated: immediate (0, 1 days), short-delay (2–31 days), and long-delay (>31 days).

Results:

The median (interquartile range) medical dollars paid per claim during the first 12 months for the study population was $12,414 ($6,324–$29,347). Amputations that occurred during the short-delay time interval resulted in significant (p < 0.001) median (95% CI) savings of −$3,196 (−$3,968 to −$2,424) compared with the immediate amputation group. The long-delay time interval resulted in significantly (p < 0.001) increased median (95% CI) spending of $5,613 ($4,675–$6,551) compared with the immediate amputation group. Covariates that significantly increased costs were medical intensity, medical complexity, use of a prosthesis, and if the injured worker pursued legal action in addition to a workers’ compensation claim.

Conclusions:

This study presents the impact of TtoA on medical spending in the first year after a work-related injury that results in an amputation. Amputations that occurred within the first month after an injury resulted in reduced medical spending compared with immediate amputations, and amputations that occurred after the first month resulted in increased medical spending.
Remarkable FDG Uptake in Numerous Granulomatous Panniculitis Lesions
Authors: Erfani Soheila , Dadgar Habibollah , Khorasanchi A. Reza , Soltani Salman , Aghaee Atena
Published: February 2023

A 42-year-old woman with history of rheumatoid arthritis and erythema nodosum from 8 years ago, who was treated with CellCept and prednisolone, was admitted to the rheumatology service due to skin lesions in the upper and lower extremities. Skin excisional biopsy was performed, and the results suggested panniculitis. FDG PET/CT was performed for malignancy workup. The scan images revealed intensely increased FDG uptake in all numerous subcutaneous nodules. FDG uptake in the panniculitis lesion is rarely reported in the literature.
Vertebral Body Osteonecrosis Mimicking Malignant Disease on 18F-FDG PET
Authors: Chaudhary Kanishk , Ngai Stanley
Published: February 2023

We report a case of vertebral osteonecrosis after chemotherapy in a 24-year-old man with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, with transient avidity on 18F-FDG PET initially misinterpreted as recurrent extranodal disease. The patient demonstrated a partial metabolic response on midtreatment restaging PET; however, posttreatment PET showed an increase in uptake in T4 and T5 vertebrae, interpreted as recurrent vertebral disease. Repeat PET performed 9 days later showed resolution of thoracic vertebral uptake without interval treatment. On follow-up PET study, thoracic vertebrae demonstrated photopenia with sclerosis on CT, concerning for osteonecrosis. MRI features were concordant with this diagnosis.