bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychometric Properties of the EuroQol-5D and Short Form-6D in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: AGGARWAL ROHIT , WILKE CAITLYN T. , PICKARD A. SIMON , VATS VIKRANT , MIKOLAITIS RACHEL , FOGG LEWIS , BLOCK JOEL A. , JOLLY MEENAKSHI
Published: April 2009

Objective.

Health related quality of life (HRQOL) is an important patient-reported outcome in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We evaluated the psychometric properties of 2 widely used preference-based generic HRQOL measures, EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D) and Short Form-6D (SF-6D), among United States patients with SLE.

Methods.

Patients with SLE enrolled at an academic institution were assessed for self-reported generic HRQOL (EQ-5D, Medical Outcomes Study SF-36), disease activity, and disease damage SF-6D. Physical Component Score (PCS) and Mental Component Score (MCS) were calculated from SF-36. Criterion validity, convergent validity, and known-groups comparisons were evaluated for EQ-5D and SF-6D. Sensitivity to change (t tests, effect size) was evaluated in a subset of the cohort followed longitudinally.

Results.

One hundred sixty-seven patients with SLE were enrolled. Related domains on the EQ-5D and SF-36 correlated strongly, e.g., mobility and physical functioning (r = 0.60), whereas unrelated domains showed weak to moderate correlation. EQ-5D index, EQ-5D visual analog scale, and SF-6D score correlated strongly among each other as well as with most domains of SF-36. Both EQ-5D and SF-6D indices differentiated among patients of varied disease severity. EQ-5D and SF-6D were found to be sensitive to self-reported change in health but insensitive to change in disease activity longitudinally. Disease activity and damage showed weak correlation with HRQOL measures.

Conclusion.

The SF-6D and EQ-5D exhibited satisfactory psychometric properties for use among US patients with SLE. Measures of disease activity and damage were weakly correlated with HRQOL, suggesting that HRQOL is an important complementary source of information about patients with SLE.
Raynaud’s Phenomenon and Plasma Endothelin: Correlations with Capillaroscopic Patterns in Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: SULLI ALBERTO , SOLDANO STEFANO , PIZZORNI CARMEN , MONTAGNA PAOLA , SECCHI MARIA ELENA , VILLAGGIO BARBARA , SERIOLO BRUNO , BRIZZOLARA RENATA , CUTOLO MAURIZIO
Published: April 2009

Objective.

We evaluated endothelin (ET)-1 plasma levels and some clinical measures in patients with primary Raynaud’s phenomenon (PRP), and in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and secondary RP (SRP), in the latter according to their different nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) patterns of microangiopathy (early, active, and late).

Methods.

Ninety-nine patients with SSc, 49 with PRP, and 45 control subjects were studied. NVC was performed in all patients to distinguish the pattern of microvascular damage, and the morphological alterations were scored by a semiquantitative rating scale. ET-1 plasma levels were evaluated in all individuals by ELISA.

Results.

ET-1 plasma levels were significantly higher (p = 0.001) in patients with both PRP and SRP, compared to controls. A significant positive correlation (p = 0.03) was found between ET-1 plasma levels and SRP duration, but not between ET-1 plasma levels and PRP duration. Significant correlations were observed in patients with SSc between ET-1 plasma levels and clinical measures (e.g., digital ulcers), as well as the score value of single NVC measures, such as the number of capillaries, “ramified” capillaries, and enlarged capillaries (p < 0.05). Finally, the highest ET-1 plasma levels were found in patients with SSc showing the late pattern of microangiopathy when compared to the early pattern (p = 0.03) and to controls (p = 0.003).

Conclusion.

Highest ET-1 plasma levels were detected in the more advanced stage of the SSc microangiopathy, namely the late NVC pattern, characterized by capillary loss and increased tissue fibrosis; this might support the involvement of ET-1 in the progression of the microvascular/fibrotic SSc damage.
Correlation of CX3CL1 and CX3CR1 Levels with Response to Infliximab Therapy in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: ODAI TSUYOSHI , MATSUNAWA MIZUHO , TAKAHASHI RYO , WAKABAYASHI KUNINOBU , ISOZAKI TAKEO , YAJIMA NOBUYUKI , MIWA YUSUKE , KASAMA TSUYOSHI
Published: April 2009

Objective.

To examine the relation between serum chemokine levels and patient responsiveness to infliximab, and the influence of infliximab administration on serum chemokine levels.

Methods.

Serum levels of the chemokines CX3CL1, CXCL8, CCL3, and CXCL10 were quantified prior to (at baseline) and after 30 weeks of treatment with infliximab in 20 patients using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Disease status was assessed using the Disease Activity Score (DAS28). The response to infliximab was classified according to the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) response criteria.

Results.

By 30 weeks, infliximab produced a significant overall reduction in DAS28 among the 20 patients with RA, although only 12 achieved a good to moderate response based on EULAR response criteria. A significant reduction in CX3CL1 was seen in the responsive group, although infliximab treatment had no significant effect on the serum levels of the other 3 chemokines. Comparison of patients with lower (< 2000 pg/ml) and higher (≥ 2000 pg/ml) basal CX3CL1 levels revealed that DAS28, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, and CX3CL1 levels were all significantly diminished by infliximab in RA patients with lower basal CX3CL1 levels, but not in those with higher basal levels. In addition, cell-surface expression of CX3CR1 protein in peripheral blood CD8+CD3+ T cells and mRNA expression of CX3CR1 in lymphocytes were both significantly downregulated after infliximab treatment in the responsive group.

Conclusion.

Our results suggest that the CX3CL1-CX3CR1 system in patients with active RA may be sensitive to anti-tumor necrosis factor-α therapy, and confirm that CX3CL1 plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of RA.
Peripheral Arterial Stiffness and Endothelial Dysfunction in Idiopathic and Scleroderma Associated Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: PELED NIR , SHITRIT DAVID , FOX BENJAMIN D. , SHLOMI DEKEL , AMITAL ANAT , BENDAYAN DANIELE , KRAMER MORDECHAI R.
Published: April 2009

Objective.

Pulmonary endothelial dysfunction and increased reflection of pulmonary pressure waves have been reported in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). However, the systemic vascular involvement is not fully understood. Our study focused on the systemic arterial stiffness and endothelial involvement in idiopathic and scleroderma associated PAH.

Methods.

Peripheral arterial stiffness and endothelial function were evaluated in 38 patients with idiopathic (n = 28) and scleroderma associated (n = 10) PAH, and 21 control subjects (13 healthy; 8 with scleroderma and normal pulmonary pressure). All participants underwent clinical and cardiopulmonary evaluation. Arterial stiffness was measured through the fingertip tonometry derived augmentation index (AI), which is the boost increase in the late systolic pressure wave after the initial systolic shoulder. Endothelial function was measured by forearm blood flow dilatation response to brachial artery occlusion by a noninvasive plethysmograph (EndoPAT 2000), which is associated with nitric oxide-dependent vasodilatation and yields a peripheral arterial tone (PAT) ratio.

Results.

Mean systolic pulmonary pressure was 70.5 ± 21.6 mm Hg (idiopathic-PAH) and 69.3 ± 20 mm Hg (scleroderma-PAH). AI was higher in scleroderma patients (10.5% ± 19.6% in healthy controls, 9.0% ± 21.5% in idiopathic-PAH, 20.1% ± 19.1% in scleroderma-PAH, and 24.4% ± 18.9% in scleroderma-controls; nonsignificant). PAT ratio was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than control values in idiopathic-PAH and scleroderma-PAH (PAT ratio: control 2.20 ± 0.25; idiopathic 1.84 ± 0.51; scleroderma 1.66 ± 0.66). AI was not correlated to endothelial dysfunction. There were no differences between the 2 PAH patient groups in age, body mass index, New York Heart Association classification, or 6-min walk test.

Conclusion.

Our study shows a trend towards increased arterial stiffness in scleroderma (nonsignificant), and also peripheral endothelial dysfunction in idiopathic-PAH and in scleroderma-PAH. These findings suggest involvement of different vessels in scleroderma-PAH compared to idiopathic-PAH.
IL-23R Polymorphisms in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis in Korea: Table 1.
Authors: SUNG IL-HOON , KIM TAE-HWAN , BANG SO-YOUNG , KIM TAE-JONG , LEE BITNARA , PEDDLE LYNETTE , RAHMAN PROTON , GREENWOOD CELIA M.T. , HU PINGZHAO , INMAN ROBERT D.
Published: April 2009

Objective.

IL23R polymorphisms have been shown to have a significant association with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). To date, these studies have been restricted to Caucasian patients with AS. Our study addresses this relationship in Korean patients with AS.

Methods.

A total of 451 patients with AS and 392 ethnically matched healthy controls were enrolled. All patients were native Koreans with AS satisfying the modified New York criteria. In total, 10 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) within the IL-23R gene cluster were genotyped.

Results.

No IL-23R SNP were found to be associated with AS in Koreans.

Conclusion.

The association of IL23R and AS that is seen in Caucasian patients with AS is not present in Korean patients with AS.
Die metafoor ‘saam met Christus gekruisig’ in kultuurhistoriese verband
Authors: Malan Japie P.
Published: April 2009

The metaphor ‘being crucified with Christ’ in sociohistorical contextCrucifixion is a concept that is far removed from the experience and understanding of the 21stcentury post-modern man. To understand the power of the message of the cross, one first has to determine what the meaning of crucifixion was to the person in antiquity. The relevant facts about the cross and crucifixion were intertwined with social and political realities of the time. This article endeavours to construct a valid and probable sociohistorical context for the metaphor [foreign font omitted] (‘I am being crucified with Christ’). The relevant terminology as well as the practice of crucifixion in ancient nations also receive attention. Possible differences in the shape of the cross and crucifixion procedures are being debated. The article also tries to conceive of the shame and rejection the condemned had to endure. The sociohistorical implications of the preposition ‘with’ will be discussed to indicate its meaning to the person from ancient times. What would such a person have understood and experienced when told that he had to be crucified with Christ? To any individual from that social and historical context such a statement would have immediately conjured up a clear picture of the price that was to be paid. It would have meant the renunciation of everything that was dear and essential in the life of that person; rejection of family and friends; inhuman pain, both physically and emotionally, as well as the knowledge that the decision was irrevocable.
Multilayer Optics for Synchrotron Applications
Authors: Singhapong Wadwan , Bowen Chris , Wang Hongchang , Sawhney Kawal , Lunt Alexander J. G.
Published: April 2024

X‐ray multilayer optics play a vital role in synchrotron optics due to their ability to generate constructive interference. These devices typically consist of several tens to hundreds of periods of alternating layers coated on a substrate. In contrast to single‐layer mirrors that reflect X‐rays within a specific energy range, multilayer optics can be tailored to achieve a high reflection over a broad energy spectrum. This is a sought‐after property for many beamlines and has led to the development of numerous new X‐ray applications and capabilities. This review highlights advances in multilayer optics, including fabrication techniques, layer structure design, material choice, and strategies to enhance performance. This is placed in the context of recent applications of such multilayers as monochromator and gratings, focusing devices, and polarizers. Current challenges and the future outlook within this field are also proposed. This comprehensive summary of a rapidly advancing field highlights recent achievements and is intended to promote practical applications in terms of the use of multilayer synchrotron optics.
Organic Near‐Infrared‐Emitting Nanoparticles for X‐Ray Bioimaging: A Nontoxic Alternative Harnessing Förster Resonance Energy Transfer‐Based Sequential Energy Transfer
Authors: Jones Haley W. , Bandera Yuriy , Foulger Isabell K. , Luzinov Igor , Foulger Stephen H.
Published: April 2024

In the efforts to generate a less toxic X‐Ray bioimaging contrast agent, a fully organic, radioluminescent nanoparticle system that emits in the near‐infrared (NIR) region when excited with an X‐Ray source is synthesized using a two‐step process. First, red‐emitting nanoparticles are fabricated by the emulsion copolymerization of styrene and propargyl acrylate with anthracene, naphthalimide, and rhodamine B methyl methacrylate derivatives. Subsequently, the nanoparticles are modified with silicon phthalocyanine and indocyanine green derivatives via a copper(I)‐catalyzed azide/alkyne cycloaddition “click” reaction. By coupling an organic scintillator with four Förster resonance energy transfer‐pairing dyes, X‐Ray‐induced, multiple, sequential energy transfer is exploited to convert ionizing radiation from an X‐Ray source into NIR light, which is optimal for biomedical imaging. Proof‐of‐concept imaging studies show that the X‐Ray‐induced indocyanine green fluorescence from the particulate system can be visualized through porcine tissue. Additionally, toxicity studies in human embryonic kidney cells indicate that the particles are nontoxic and applicable in vivo.
Radio‐Frequency Linear Analysis and Optimization of Silicon Photonic Neural Networks
Authors: Blow Eric C. , Bilodeau Simon , Zhang Weipeng , Ferreira de Lima Thomas , Lederman Joshua C. , Shastri Bhavin , Prucnal Paul R.
Published: April 2024

Broadband analog signal processors utilizing silicon photonics have demonstrated a significant impact in numerous application spaces, offering unprecedented bandwidths, dynamic range, and tunability. In the past decade, microwave photonic techniques have been applied to neuromorphic processing, resulting in the development of novel photonic neural network architectures. Neuromorphic photonic systems can enable machine learning capabilities at extreme bandwidths and speeds. Herein, low‐quality factor microring resonators are implemented to demonstrate broadband optical weighting. In addition, silicon photonic neural network architectures are critically evaluated, simulated, and optimized from a radio‐frequency performance perspective. This analysis highlights the linear front‐end of the photonic neural network, the effects of linear and nonlinear loss within silicon waveguides, and the impact of electrical preamplification.
Predictive Control Scheme for Fuel Cell Air Compressor Efficiency Enhancement with Surge‐ and Choke‐Constrained Awareness
Authors: Ye Wangcheng , Zhong Shunbin , Shen Ying , Zhang Xuezhi , Wang Ya‐Xiong
Published: April 2024

The efficiency and dynamic response of air compressors are crucial for stability and lifespan of hydrogen fuel cells. A predictive control scheme with surge‐ and choke‐constrained awareness is proposed to ensure safe and efficient operation of air compressors in this study. The proposed scheme consists of an efficiency enhancement model predictive control (EE‐MPC), and an improved active disturbance rejection control (IADRC). Surge‐ and choke‐constrained awareness is achieved by comparing predicted air flow with surge and choke limitations. Simultaneously, the EE‐MPC is constrained with oxygen excess ratio (OER) and obtains optimal solution by searching active set. The reference flow and supply manifold pressure trajectories for IADRC are generated by EE‐MPC. A designed piecewise differentiable nonlinear smoothing function is embedded in IADRC. The disturbances are estimated for coordinating flow and pressure control. Under China heavy‐duty commercial vehicle test cycle for bus conditions, root‐mean‐squared errors (RMSEs) of flow and pressure are 3.27 g s−1 and 1.88 × 103 Pa, respectively, and the mean efficiency can be enhanced by 13.4% compared to the MPC with fixed OER. Finally, a controller hardware‐in‐the‐loop test is conducted, with flow and pressure RMSEs of 2.48 g s−1 and 4.28 × 103 Pa between the test and simulation, respectively.
Validating APSIM for the Northern Territory of Australia: An environment with challenging weather and soils
Authors: Pembleton Keith G. , Radanielson Ando M.
Published: April 2024

Extreme weather (high rainfall and temperatures) and challenging soils are sources of uncertainties in the use of current crop models that have been developed for more favorable environments. This may limit their applicability to guide and support decision making for the development of new agricultural regions in tropical environments. We evaluated the accuracy of the Agricultural Production Systems Simulator (APSIM) framework in representing yield and development of a range of crops across multiple locations in the Northern Territory of Australia, a tropical region with large potential for agricultural development. Observations of yield, biomass, and phenology for a range of crops from 28 experiments undertaken at three locations were compiled and used to develop simulations undertaken using APSIM version 7.10. Model performance varied with coefficients of determination and concordance correlation coefficients ranging from 0.36 to 0.98 and 0.37 to 0.93, respectively. Instances where model performance was less than ideal were associated with conditions presenting a limited number of observed values. Deviations by the model from yield observations were larger for situations with high‐yielding crops and low daily maximum temperatures during vegetative growth stages. Deviations in phenology were larger for conditions associated with water and N stress. APSIM was capable of representing the yield, biomass, and development of cereal and pulse crops and can be used with confidence to assist the expansion of agriculture in tropical environments such as the Northern Territory of Australia.
Joint Situational Assessment‐Hierarchical Decision‐Making Framework for Maneuver Intent Decisions
Authors: Chen Ruihai , Li Hao , Yan Guanwei , Peng Haojie , Zhang Qian
Published: April 2024

Decision‐making in unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) presents a multifaceted challenge because of the complexity and dynamics of the flight environment, which leads to hurdles in training convergence, low decision validity, and the dimensionality catastrophe for decision‐making neural networks. A novel framework is proposed to address breaking down the complicated decision issues, which combines the strengths of graph convolutional networks in relation extraction with the ability of hierarchical reinforcement learning. To solve the problem of decision validity under high‐dimensional inputs, the joint framework is applied to the Maneuver Intent's decision, and a maneuver library‐based state space design method is suggested. The joint framework executes adaptable strategies and flight maneuvers to address the issue of training non‐convergence or task failure due to difficult‐to‐obtain reward signals across various scenarios. Then, the recurrent curriculum training and cross‐entropy rewards are designed to train decisions on different sub‐strategies. The experimental evaluation demonstrated more flexibility and adaptability in decision‐making problems under complex tasks compared to rule‐based and reinforcement learning baseline methods. The method proposed in this article provides a novel approach to resolving intricate decision problems, and which has certain theoretical significance and reference value for engineering applications.
High stress, high demand and high pressure: Experiences of social work and human services agencies during Melbourne's COVID‐19 lockdowns
Authors: Haralambous Betty , Egan Ronnie , O'Keeffe Patrick , Baskarathas Sobika , Heales Emily , Jerono Caroline , Thompson Scott
Published: April 2024

The COVID‐19 pandemic has created major challenges globally. The social work and human services profession has been required to rapidly respond to policy and social changes. This research aimed to understand how the pandemic has affected social work and human services staff within Melbourne, Victoria. In this paper, we analyse the practice and policy implications of these responses, and outline learning for the human services sector. We draw on interviews with social work and human services practitioners, exploring their experiences during the pandemic, including social and economic impacts on service users and agencies, and organisational and practice changes. Participants highlight compliance requirements, digitalisation of services, loss of social connection for service users and service impacts. In addition, participants highlight how people from low socioeconomic backgrounds were immensely affected throughout COVID‐19 lockdowns. However, this research also identifies service benefits, resulting from the rapid adjustments made by agencies that need further exploration for future practice. This article highlights how, despite the challenges posed by COVID‐19, agencies and workers developed innovative responses to this crisis. Drawing on these insights can help to understand how such initiatives can be implemented in the future. This article contributes to knowledge about innovation in a time of crisis.
Eliminating biased selections during concurrent‐chains schedules: A discovery research example
Authors: Rodriguez Nicole M. , Luczynski Kevin C. , Bock Victoria L. , Fallon Maya J.
Published: April 2024

When an individual has limited language, concurrent‐chains schedules offer an objective means of assessing preference among behavior‐change procedures so that recipients can be incorporated into the treatment selection process. We initially attempted to use a concurrent‐chains schedule to assess children's preference for different types of token systems. However, upon observing children engaging in patterned selections, we evaluated procedures for eliminating biased selections. This was done using simple and salient terminal‐link arrangements with seven children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. For five of seven children, manipulating the number of successive forced‐choice trials to the reinforcement link was sufficient to produce discriminated responding. Removing the academic task in the terminal link was necessary for two children. For all participants, discriminated responding maintained when the initial exposure arrangement was reinstated. Results are discussed regarding the potential effects of a history of errorless teaching biasing selections during concurrent‐chains schedules.
The bone marrow lipidomics of mice reveal sex‐related differences
Authors: Zhong Ziqing , Hu Zuojian , Zhou Wei , Qin Xue , Tan Shaolin
Published: April 2024

Osteoporosis is a common skeletal disorder characterized by an imbalance between bone resorption and formation, exhibiting a higher prevalence in women compared with men. While previous studies have primarily focused on genomics and genetics in osteoporosis susceptibility, there is a lack of systematic exploration of sex‐specific differences in lipid levels in mouse bone marrow. Multiple reaction monitoring‐based liquid chromatography–trandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) was used to quantify lipidomic profiles in bone marrow samples from three female mice and three male mice. The LC–MS/MS technique based on the multiple reaction monitoring method identified and quantified 184 lipids from 15 lipid classes. The contents of most lipids in the bone marrow cells of female mice were higher than those in male mice, including four polyunsaturated fatty acids, three phospholipids and four sphingolipids. Among all the lipid molecules, lactosylceramide (d18:0/16:0) showed the highest fold change in female mice, while its precursor lipid, glucosylceramide, was the most up‐regulated in male mice. This study, focusing on bone marrow lipidomics, elucidates significant sexual dimorphism in lipid levels within bone marrow cells. It provides novel evidence supporting the higher prevalence of osteoporosis in women and enhances our understanding of the connection between sex‐specific lipid levels and the risk of osteoporosis.
Consumer behavioral intention toward sustainable biscuits: An extension of the theory of planned behavior with product familiarity and perceived value
Authors: Dangelico Rosa Maria , Ceccarelli Gaia , Fraccascia Luca
Published: April 2024

Sustainable food consumption may help mitigate the impact that the food industry exerts on the natural environment. To foster sustainable food consumption, it is essential to understand consumers' perceptions related to sustainable food as well as the determinants of the intention to purchase sustainable food. Through an extension of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) with product familiarity (direct and indirect experience) and perceived value (perceived quality and green perceived utility), this study examines the drivers of purchase intention of sustainable biscuits. A survey of 2396 Italian consumers was conducted and structural equation modeling was used to test the developed model. Results show that perceived quality and environmental concern have positive and significant effects on purchase intention, regardless of the specific characteristics of sustainable biscuits, whereas mixed results are obtained about the effect of direct experience and perceived consumer effectiveness. Indirect experience, green perceived utility, perceived behavioral control, and subjective norms do not display any significant effect.
A constructive Steiner graph matching for Radio frequency identification device tag detection in wireless and internet of things environment
Authors: Sathishkumar P. , Rajan C. , Geetha K.
Published: April 2024

Radio frequency identification device (RFID) has emerged as one of the most potential building blocks for future IoT‐enabled technologies. Various applications like logistic monitoring use the RFID system to deal with the tagged objects. RFID‐based tracking approach is extremely solicited for appropriate logistic distribution because of the frequent tagged‐objects rearrangements. Nevertheless, with an RFID system, one of the most significant issues is resolving collisions between tags as they transfer data to the reader at the same time. This work investigates the core issue of locating all lost tags in RFID systems. The most significant factor in missing tag recognition is to reduce the time required for execution. A problem needs to be formulated to differentiate the tagged objects' motion state, that is, static or dynamic, to handle this issue. It tracks the moving objects with various existing localization approaches. Finally, a tag detection known as constructive Steiner graph matching (CSGM) detection is proposed to achieve time efficiency by utilizing RFID collision signals. Specifically, the physical‐layer features are considered for differentiating the positions. Experimental outcomes demonstrate that the anticipated model can attain better prediction accuracy by reducing inventory time compared to other approaches. Simulation findings show that the suggested approach performs exceptionally well in giving a significant performance boost in an RFID system. It minimizes the complexity of tracking the objects. The simulation outcomes illustrate that the algorithm's identification speed is substantially enhanced and ensuring high system efficiency. The simulation results of the proposed algorithm have been improved in terms of system efficiency (9.5%), success rate (6.3%), and identification speed (4%) compared to the conventional algorithm. The suggested CSGM technique's average waiting time is decreased by more than 45.372%, and its detection speed is increased by at least 38.219% compared to other existing algorithms.
The influence of anterior cingulate GABA+ and glutamate on emotion regulation and reactivity in adolescents and adults
Authors: Widegren Ebba , Frick Matilda A. , Hoppe Johanna Motilla , Weis Jan , Möller Stefan , Fällmar David , Mårtensson Johanna , Brocki Karin , Gingnell Malin , Frick Andreas
Published: April 2024

During adolescence, emotion regulation and reactivity are still developing and are in many ways qualitatively different from adulthood. However, the neurobiological processes underpinning these differences remain poorly understood, including the role of maturing neurotransmitter systems. We combined magnetic resonance spectroscopy in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) and self‐reported emotion regulation and reactivity in a sample of typically developed adolescents (n = 37; 13–16 years) and adults (n = 39; 30–40 years), and found that adolescents had higher levels of glutamate to total creatine (tCr) ratio in the dACC than adults. A glutamate Í age group interaction indicated a differential relation between dACC glutamate levels and emotion regulation in adolescents and adults, and within‐group follow‐up analyses showed that higher levels of glutamate/tCr were related to worse emotion regulation skills in adolescents. We found no age‐group differences in gamma‐aminobutyric acid+macromolecules (GABA+) levels; however, emotion reactivity was positively related to GABA+/tCr in the adult group, but not in the adolescent group. The results demonstrate that there are developmental changes in the concentration of glutamate, but not GABA+, within the dACC from adolescence to adulthood, in accordance with previous findings indicating earlier maturation of the GABA‐ergic than the glutamatergic system. Functionally, glutamate and GABA+ are positively related to emotion regulation and reactivity, respectively, in the mature brain. In the adolescent brain, however, glutamate is negatively related to emotion regulation, and GABA+ is not related to emotion reactivity. The findings are consistent with synaptic pruning of glutamatergic synapses from adolescence to adulthood and highlight the importance of brain maturational processes underlying age‐related differences in emotion processing.
Prenatal and postnatal cocaine exposure enhances the anxiety‐ and depression‐like behaviors in rats during cocaine withdrawal
Authors: Méndez Susana Barbosa , Salazar‐Juárez Alberto
Published: April 2024

Prenatal drug exposure is a public health problem, which results in profound behavioral problems during childhood and adolescence, mainly represented by an increase in the risk of cocaine abuse at an early age. In rodents, prenatal and postnatal cocaine exposure enhanced locomotor activity and cocaine‐ or nicotine‐induced locomotor sensitization. Various authors consider that the adverse emotional states (anxiety and depression) that occur during cocaine withdrawal are the main factors that precipitate, relapse, and increase chronic cocaine abuse, which could increase the risk of relapse of cocaine abuse. Therefore, the objective of this study was to characterize anxiety‐ and depression‐like behaviors at different times (30, 60, 90, and 120 days) of cocaine withdrawal in rats born to females exposed prenatally and postnatally to cocaine. A group of pregnant female Wistar rats were administered daily from day GD0 to GD21 with cocaine (cocaine preexposure group), and another group of pregnant female rats was administered daily with saline (saline preexposure group). Of the litters resulting from the cocaine‐pre‐exposed and saline‐pre‐exposed pregnant female groups, only the male rats were used for the recording of the anxiety‐ and depression‐like behaviors at different times (30, 60, 90, and 120 days) of cocaine withdrawal The study found that prenatal and postnatal cocaine exposure dose‐dependent enhanced anxiety‐ and depression‐like behaviors. This suggests that prenatal and postnatal cocaine exposure can result in enhanced vulnerability to cocaine abuse in young and adult humans.
Cenicriviroc, a CCR2/CCR5 antagonist, promotes the generation of type 1 regulatory T cells
Authors: Madan Upasna , Verma Bhawna , Awasthi Amit
Published: April 2024

Cenicriviroc, a dual CCR2/CCR5 antagonist, initially developed as an anti‐HIV drug, has shown promising results in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis phase 2 clinical trials. It inhibits the infiltration and activation of CCR2+/CCR5+ monocytes and macrophages to the site of liver injury, preventing liver fibrosis. However, the role of Cenicriviroc in the modulation of helper T cell differentiation and functions remains to be explored. In inflamed colons of Crohn's disease patients, CCR2+ and CCR5+ CD4+ T cells are enriched. Considering the role of CCR2+ and CCR5+ T cells in IBD pathogenesis, we investigated the potential role of Cenicriviroc in colitis. Our in vitro studies revealed that Cenicriviroc inhibits Th1‐, Th2‐, and Th17‐cell differentiation while promoting the generation of type 1 regulatory T cells (Tr1), known for preventing inflammation through induction of IL‐10. This study is the first to report that Cenicriviroc promotes Tr1 cell generation by up‐regulating the signature of Tr1 cell transcription factors such as c‐Maf, Prdm1, Irf‐1, Batf, and EGR‐2. Cenicriviroc displayed a protective effect in experimental colitis models by preventing body weight loss and intestinal inflammation and preserving epithelial barrier integrity. We show that Cenicriviroc induced IL‐10 and inhibited the generation of pro‐inflammatory cytokines IFN‐γ, IL‐17, IL‐6, and IL‐1β during colitis. Based on our data, we propose Cenicriviroc as a potential therapeutic in controlling tissue inflammation by inhibiting the generation and functions of effector T cells and promoting the induction of anti‐inflammatory Tr1 cells.
Onshore versus offshore capacity factor and reliability for wind energy production in Germany: 2010–2022
Authors: Vogel E. E. , Saravia G. , Kobe S. , Schuster R.
Published: April 2024

Similarities and differences between the features related to the productivity of onshore and offshore wind energy are developed with the aid of information theory techniques complemented by normal statistics. The data comes from the 13‐year period between 2010 and 2022 for the registered turbines in Germany (practically all). The information content of the generated power is dynamically measured by the mutability of the files storing the information. Monthly statistics show that in spite of the Summer months being relatively unproductive, the corresponding mutability shows the possibility of making use of short periods of intermediate productivity in the case of offshore plants. Favorable conditions for wind energy generation in Wintertime are reached for both onshore and offshore production, although the latter is favored. More homogeneity and stability in the data are still necessary to generalize algorithms, protocols, and criteria. This general study shows the success of the information theory techniques in describing wind ramps. Applications to specific zones could improve the efficiency and capacity factor of particular wind turbines depending on their exposure to wind streams or the blocking of nearby mountains and forestry. The information theory techniques presented here allow for a different and novel viewpoint to detect favorable and unfavorable wind energy periods.
Darriwilian (Middle Ordovician) graptolites from Sierra de Lina and Cauchari, Argentine Puna
Authors: Rueda E. Kristal , Ortega Gladys , Albanesi Guillermo L. , Monaldi C. Rubén , Lopez Fernando E.
Published: April 2024

This contribution reports two graptolite assemblages from the Puna Turbidite Complex, outcropping in Sierra de Lina and Cauchari locality, western Puna, Jujuy and Salta provinces, Argentina. In Sierra de Lina, the graptolite assemblage comprises Didymograptus sp., Glossograptus fimbriatus, Cryptograptus schaeferi, Archiclimacograptus sp., Pseudamplexograptus distichus, Pseudamplexograptus latus, ?Urbanekograptus retioloides and Hustedograptus sp. The graptolite fauna collected from Cauchari locality includes Didymograptus spp., Archiclimacograptus caelatus, Archiclimacograptus sp. cf. A. micidus, scarce and incomplete specimens doubtfully referred to the genera Archiclimacograptus and Acrograptus and scarce siculae of Cryptograptus sp. The associations allow us to identify the Pseudamplexograptus distichus Zone in Sierra de Lina and possibly the Pterograptus elegans Zone at Cauchari locality. Graptolite assemblages recorded in both zones allow assigning a middle‐late Darriwilian (Middle Ordovician) age for the bearer levels.
Changing patterns of routine laboratory testing over time at children's hospitals
Authors: Tchou Michael J. , Hall Matt , Markham Jessica L. , Stephens John R. , Steiner Michael J. , McCoy Elisha , Aronson Paul L. , Shah Samir S. , Molloy Matthew J. , Cotter Jillian M.
Published: April 2024

Background

Research into low‐value routine testing at children's hospitals has not consistently evaluated changing patterns of testing over time.

Objectives

To identify changes in routine laboratory testing rates at children's hospitals over ten years and the association with patient outcomes.

Design, Settings, and Participants

We performed a multi‐center, retrospective cohort study of children aged 0–18 hospitalized with common, lower‐severity diagnoses at 28 children's hospitals in the Pediatric Health Information Systems database.

Main Outcomes and Measures

We calculated average annual testing rates for complete blood counts, electrolytes, and inflammatory markers between 2010 and 2019 for each hospital. A >2% average testing rate change per year was defined as clinically meaningful and used to separate hospitals into groups: increasing, decreasing, and unchanged testing rates. Groups were compared for differences in length of stay, cost, and 30‐day readmission or ED revisit, adjusted for demographics and case mix index.

Results

Our study included 576,572 encounters for common, low‐severity diagnoses. Individual hospital testing rates in each year of the study varied from 0.3 to 1.4 tests per patient day. The average yearly change in hospital‐specific testing rates ranged from –6% to +7%. Four hospitals remained in the lowest quartile of testing and two in the highest quartile throughout all 10 years of the study. We grouped hospitals with increasing (8), decreasing (n = 5), and unchanged (n = 15) testing rates. No difference was found across subgroups in costs, length of stay, 30‐day ED revisit, or readmission rates. Comparing resource utilization trends over time provides important insights into achievable rates of testing reduction.
Modern management of the axilla
Authors: Boland Michael R.
Published: April 2024

Surgical management of the axilla has evolved considerably in recent years, with a strong focus on de‐escalation to minimise morbidity whilst maintaining oncological outcomes. Current trials will focus on the omission of Sentinel node biopsy in select groups of patients, while axillary lymph node dissection will be reserved for those with more aggressive disease.
CPAK classification cannot be used to determine segmental coronal extra‐articular knee deformity
Authors: Loddo Glauco , An Jae‐Sung , Claes Steven , Jacquet Christophe , Kley Kristian , Argenson Jean‐Noël , Sharma Akash , Ollivier Matthieu
Published: April 2024

Purpose

While the coronal plane alignment of the knee (CPAK) classification serves as a useful guide in personalising total knee arthroplasty (TKA), the extent of its correlation with segmental coronal extra‐articular knee deformities remains uncertain. This study aims to investigate the potential correlation between CPAK matrix groups and segmental coronal extra‐articular deformities in prearthritic knees, shedding light on the relationship between these two factors that seems to be both essential to perform personalised TKA.

Materials and Methods

A radiological assessment of 1240 nonarthritic knees was performed by evaluating lower limb measurements following the protocol established by Paley et al. Subsequently, all knees were classified into their respective CPAK matrix groups. In our quest to discern any correlation between the CPAK matrix groups and the presence of segmental coronal extra‐articular knee deformities, nine potential coronal extra‐articular deformity phenotype (CEDP) groupswere identified based on medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) and mechanical lateral distal femoral angle (mLDFA). Neutral values for MPTA and mLDFA were set at 90.0° ± 3.0° and then at 87.0° ± 2.0°. Each CPAK matrix group underwent detailed coronal morphology analysis and then, segmental coronal extra‐articular deformities were assessed by comparing them with the CEDP groups.

Results

The study revealed a mean hip–knee–ankle angle (HKA) of 178.6° ± 4.4°, mLDFA of 86.9° ± 2.5°, MPTA of 85.4° ± 2.4°, arithmetic HKA of −1.4° ± 3.2° and joint line obliquity of 172.5° ± 3.7°. The varus CPAK groups (I/IV/VII) included 435 patients, the neutral groups (II/V/VIII) comprised 630 patients and the valgus groups (III/VI/IX) had 175 patients. Notably, CPAK matrix groups were not distinctly associated with specific coronal extra‐articular deformity phenotype (CEDP) groups. Particularly among the most common CPAK matrix groups (I/II/III/IV/V), there was a significant variation in segmental coronal extra‐articular deformity patterns. Moreover, when neutral MPTA/mLDFA values were set at 87.0° ± 2.0°, the CPAK matrix groups exhibited even greater variability in coronal extra‐articular deformities.

Conclusion

The CPAK matrix groups do not exhibit a direct correlation with a specific extra‐articular deformity pattern (CEDP), thus rendering them unsuitable for determining segmental coronal extra‐articular knee deformities.

Level of Evidence

Level III, retrospective diagnostic study.
Dynamic radiostereometry can objectively quantify the kinematic laxity patterns and rotation instability of the knee during a pivot‐shift test
Authors: Vind Tobias Dahl , Petersen Emil Toft , Sørensen Ole Gade , Lindgren Lars , Stilling Maiken
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The pivot‐shift test is used to clinically assess knee instability in patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) lesions; however, it has low interobserver reliability. Dynamic radiostereometry (dRSA) is a highly precise and noninvasive method for the objective evaluation of joint kinematics. The purpose of this study was to quantify precise knee kinematics during a pivot‐shift test using dRSA imaging.

Method

Eight human donor legs, including hemipelvises, were evaluated. Arthroscopic intervention was performed inducing ligament lesions in the ACL, and anterolateral ligament (ALL) section was performed as a capsular incision. The pivot‐shift test was recorded with dRSA on knees with intact ligaments, ACL‐deficient and ACL + ALL‐deficient knees.

Results

A pivot‐shift pattern was identifiable after ligament lesion, as a change in tibial posterior drawer velocity from 7.8 mm/s (95% CI: 3.7; 11.9) in ligament intact knees to 30.4 mm/s (95% CI 23.0; 38.8) after ACL lesion to 35.1 mm/s (95% CI 23.4; 46.7) after combined ACL‐ALL lesion. The anterior‐posterior drawer excursion increased from 2.8 mm (95% CI 2.1; 3.4) in ligament intact knees to 7.2 mm (95% CI 5.5; 8.9) after ACL lesion to 7.6 mm (95% CI 5.5; 9.8) after combined lesion. A statistically significant increase in tibial external rotation towards the end of the pivot‐shift motion was observed when progressing from intact to ACL + ALL‐deficient knees (p < 0.023).

Conclusion

This experimental study demonstrates the feasibility of dRSA to objectively quantify the kinematic laxity patterns of the knee during the pivot‐shift test. The dynamic parameters obtained through dRSA revealed the kinematic changes from ACL to combined ACL‐ALL ligament lesion.

Level of Evidence

Not applicable.
Shoulder dislocations in professional male football (soccer): A retrospective epidemiological analysis of the German Bundesliga from season 2012/2013 until 2022/2023
Authors: Schneider Kristian Nikolaus , Zafeiris Theodoros , Gosheger Georg , Klingebiel Sebastian , Rickert Carolin , Schachtrup Tim , Theil Christoph
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Injuries exert a detrimental impact on the team performance in professional football. Shoulder dislocations are known for their severity and often cause substantial lay‐off times. However, there is a notable gap in the general understanding regarding the frequency and convalescence of these events in professional football. Thus, the aims of this study were (1) to determine the incidence, (2) to evaluate return to competition (RTC) and redislocation events (RDEs) and (3) to identify relevant player‐, match‐ and injury‐related parameters.

Methods

All shoulder dislocations within the highest three German football leagues (1.–3. Bundesliga) during the seasons 2012/2013 until 2022/2023 were identified. Player‐, injury‐ and match‐related data were obtained by performing a media analysis. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. p Value was set at 0.05.

Results

A total of 90 first‐time shoulder dislocations in 89 players with a median age of 25 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 23–28) were available for analysis. The incidence was 9.1 per 1000 Bundesliga matches played and increased over time. Forty‐four (49%) shoulder dislocations were treated conservatively and 46 (51%) operatively. Median RTC was 24 days (IQR: 12–43) following conservative and 103 days (IQR: 85–135) following surgical treatment (p < 0.001). Twenty‐two (24%) players suffered a redislocation, of whom 13 (59%) underwent initial conservative and nine (41%) initial surgical treatment (not significant [n.s.]). RDE following conservative treatment was after a median of 4 months (IQR: 2–22) and 7 months (IQR: 3–23) following surgical treatment (n.s.).

Conclusion

The incidence of shoulder dislocation within professional football is increasing and currently amounts to 9.1 per 1000 matches played. A conservative treatment leads to a quicker RTC, while frequency and time to RDE were similar regardless of treatment. The increasing incidence of shoulder dislocations in professional football necessitates an analysis of relevant injury mechanisms and the implementation of specific preventive measures.

Level of Evidence

Level III.
Direct Optical Convolution Computing Based on Arrayed Waveguide Grating Router
Authors: Cheng Jialin , Li Chong , Dai Jun , Chu Yayan , Niu Xinxiang , Dong Xiaowen , He Jian‐Jun
Published: April 2024

Optical convolution computing is gaining traction owing to its inherent parallelism, multi‐dimensional processing, and energy efficiency. To handle input dimensions of N, conventional implementations necessitate N2 optical elements, such as Mach–Zehnder interferometers or micro‐ring resonators, to process multiply‐accumulate (MAC) operations, limiting scalability and resulting in elevated power consumption. Here, a direct convolution computing method based on wavelength routing, utilizing the unique sliding property of an arrayed waveguide grating router (AWGR) to perform the sliding window operation of the convolution in the wavelength–space domains is proposed. With two input vectors directly loaded onto two modulator arrays, the convolution result is instantaneously produced at a photodetector array. The entire convolution computation is executed within a single clock cycle without the need for preprocessing or decomposition into elementary MAC operations. The number of active elements is minimal, only needed for input/output. The proposed optical convolution unit has striking advantages of high scalability, high speed, and processing simplicity compared to those based on optical matrix‐vector multipliers. In the first experimental demonstration, a remarkable classification accuracy of up to 98.2% in handwritten digit recognition tasks using a LeNet‐5 neural network is achieved.