bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aromatic secondary metabolite production from glycerol was enhanced by amino acid addition in Pichia pastoris
Authors: Kumokita Ryota , Yoshida Takanobu , Shirai Tomokazu , Kondo Akihiko , Hasunuma Tomohisa
Published: September 2023

Aromatic secondary metabolites are widely used in various industries, including the nutraceutical, dietary supplement, and pharmaceutical industries. Their production currently relies on plant extraction. Microbe-based processes have recently attracted attention as sustainable alternatives to plant-based processes. We previously showed that the yeast Pichia pastoris (Komagataella phaffii) is an optimal host for producing aromatic secondary metabolites. Additionally, titers of resveratrol, an aromatic secondary metabolite, increased by 156 % when glycerol was used as a carbon source instead of glucose. However, the mechanisms by which glycerol resulted in higher production has remained unclear. In this study, we aimed to elucidate how P. pastoris produces higher levels of aromatic secondary metabolites from glycerol than from glucose. Titers of p-coumarate, naringenin, and resveratrol increased by 103 %, 118 %, and 157 %, respectively, in natural complex media containing glycerol compared with that in media containing glucose. However, the titers decreased in minimal synthetic medium without amino acids, indicating that P. pastoris cells used the amino acids only when glycerol was the carbon source. Fermentation with the addition of single amino acids showed that resveratrol titers from glycerol varied depending on the amino acid supplemented. In particular, addition of aspartate or tryptophan into the medium improved resveratrol titers by 146 % and 156 %, respectively. These results suggest that P. pastoris could produce high levels of aromatic secondary metabolites from glycerol with enhanced utilization of specific amino acids. This study provides a basis for achieving high-level production of aromatic secondary metabolites by P. pastoris.

Key points

•P. pastoris can produce high levels of aromatic metabolites from glycerol

•P. pastoris cells use amino acids only when glycerol is the carbon source

•Aromatic metabolite titers from glycerol increase with amino acids utilization
CT-Guided Liver Biopsy: Evaluation of Spectral Data From Dual-Layer Detector CT for Improved Lesion Detection
Authors: Sauter Andreas P. , Proksa Roland , Knipfer Andreas , Reischl Stefan , Braren Rickmer F. , Nadjiri Jonathan , Kopp Felix , Noël Peter B. , Makowski Markus R. , Rummeny Ernst J. , Fingerle Alexander A.
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Evaluation of dual-layer spectral computed tomography (CT) for contrast enhancement during image-guided biopsy of liver lesions using virtual monoenergetic images (VMI) and virtual non-contrast (VNC) images.

Methods

Spectral CT data of 20 patients receiving CT-guided needle biopsy of focal liver lesions were used to generate VMI at energy levels from 40 to 200 keV and VNC images. Images were analyzed objectively regarding contrast-to-noise ratio between lesion center (CNRcent) or periphery (CNRperi) and normal liver parenchyma. Lesion visibility and image quality were evaluated on a 4-point Likert scale by two radiologists.

Results

Using VMI/VNC images, readers reported an increased visibility of the lesion compared to the conventional CT images in 18/20 cases. In 75% of cases, the highest visibility was derived by VMI-40. Showing all reconstructions simultaneously, VMI-40 offered the highest visibility in 75% of cases, followed by VNC in 12.5% of cases. Either CNRcent (17/20) or/and CNRperi (17/20) was higher (CNR increase > 50%) in 19/20 cases for VMI-40 or VNC images compared to conventional CT images. VMI-40 showed the highest CNRcent in 14 cases and the highest CNRperi in 12 cases. High image quality was present for all reconstructions with a minimum median of 3.5 for VMI-40 and VMI-50.

Conclusions

When implemented in the CT scanner software, automated contrast enhancement of liver lesions during image-guided biopsy may facilitate the procedure.

Graphical Abstract
The Current Use of Drug-Eluting Balloons and Stents in Peripheral Arterial Disease: An Online Survey by the Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe (CIRSE)
Authors: Morgan Robert A. , Müller-Hülsbeck Stefan , Fanelli Fabrizio , Haage Patrick , Hamady Mohamad , Loffroy Romaric , O’Sullivan Gerard , Wolf Florian , Slijepčević Birgit
Published: September 2023

Purpose

To assess the current use of drug-eluting devices for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) among interventional radiologists following the controversy caused by the 2018 meta-analysis suggesting an increased mortality risk for paclitaxel-eluting devices.

Methods

An anonymous survey was sent to 7035 CIRSE members via email; only complete responses were included and statistically analysed.

Results

Three hundred and seven members (4.4%) completed the survey. Among these, 95.8% indicated that they personally perform peripheral vascular procedures. Thirty-eight percentage of respondents did not see any change of practice since 2018, while 47% reported that the use of drug-eluting devices decreased; for 13%, the use stopped altogether, while it increased in 3% of responses. 45.6% of respondents also felt the impact of the controversy in terms of pricing, availability or directives from hospital administration. A large majority of respondents (83.7%) who perform peripheral vascular procedures consider the use of these devices as safe, 12.9% were undecided and 3.4% did not consider them as safe. Among the respondents who do not perform endovascular procedures, 77% considered these devices as safe and 23% were undecided.

Conclusion

Although the 2018 meta-analysis had a disruptive impact on the use of drug-eluting devices in PAD, with the increasing body of evidence available, a majority of respondents continue to believe in the safety of these devices for use in femoropopliteal disease.

Graphical Abstract
Celiac trunk thrombosis in a patient with antiphospholipid syndrome induced by median arcuate ligament compression: a case presentation and literature review
Authors: Janiak Paulina , Smoleńska Żaneta , Skotarczak Monika , Zdrojewski Zbigniew
Published: September 2023

Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) is a rare disorder caused by the compression of the celiac axis by the fibrous structure of the diaphragm called the median arcuate ligament. Patients with MALS are usually undiagnosed unless characteristic symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, postprandial pain, and weight loss are presented. We report a case of a 29-year-old patient diagnosed with MALS and secondary antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) that developed celiac trunk, common hepatic artery and splenic artery thrombosis. There is not enough information on MALS as a trigger of thrombosis in predisposed patients such as those with APS. However, the case gives rise to suspicion and highlights the diagnostic processes, especially for patients with APS presenting postprandial abdominal pain and weight loss. This review likewise aims at the importance of Doppler ultrasonography as a screening tool and computer tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance (MR) both in the angiography variant, especially to diagnose confirmation and underlying treatment options.
Single-crystal and ceramic Yb:Lu2O3 gain media for thin-disk oscillators
Authors: Esser Stefan , Xu Xiaodong , Wang Jun , Zhang Jian , Graf Thomas , Abdou Ahmed Marwan
Published: September 2023

We report on the direct comparison of single-crystal and ceramic Yb3+:Lu203gain media with respect to emission spectra, fluorescence lifetime, depolarization, and laser performance in a continuous-wave thin-disk laser oscillator. The most efficient laser operation was achieved with a single-crystal disk in multimode operation with a slope efficiency of 72.1% and an average output power of 997 W. At the same temperature level, a ceramic disk delivered 861 W with a slope efficiency of 68.6%. In fundamental-mode operation, the highest average power of 360 W and highest optical efficiency of 41.3% were obtained with a ceramic disk. For the single-crystal disk, the fundamental-mode output power was limited to 113 W at an optical efficiency of 29%, potentially due to stress within the crystal.
Regional differences in clear cell metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients across the USA
Authors: Scheipner Lukas , Tappero Stefano , Piccinelli Mattia Luca , Barletta Francesco , Garcia Cristina Cano , Incesu Reha-Baris , Morra Simone , Baudo Andrea , Tian Zhe , Saad Fred , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Terrone Carlo , De Cobelli Ottavio , Briganti Alberto , Chun Felix K. H. , Tilki Derya , Longo Nicola , Carmignani Luca , Pichler Martin , Hutterer Georg , Ahyai Sascha , Karakiewicz Pierre I.
Published: September 2023

Purpose

To test for regional differences in clear cell metastatic renal cell carcinoma (ccmRCC) patients across the USA.

Methods

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database (2000–2018) was used to tabulate patient (age at diagnosis, sex, race/ethnicity), tumor (N stage, sites of metastasis) and treatment characteristics (proportions of nephrectomy and systemic therapy), according to 12 SEER registries. Multinomial regression models, as well as multivariable Cox regression models, tested the overall mortality (OM) adjusting for those patient, tumor and treatment characteristics.

Results

In 9882 ccmRCC patients, registry-specific patient counts ranged from 4025 (41%) to 189 (2%). Differences across registries existed for sex (24–36% female), race/ethnicity (1–75% non-Caucasian), N stage (N1 25–35%, NX 3–13%), proportions of nephrectomy (44–63%) and systemic therapy (41–56%). Significant inter-registry differences remained after adjustment for proportions of nephrectomy (46–63%) and systemic therapy (35–56%). Unadjusted 5-year OM ranged from 73 to 85%. In multivariable analyses, three registries exhibited significantly higher OM (SEER registry 5: hazard ratio (HR) 1.20, p = 0.0001; SEER registry 7:HR 1.15, p = 0.008M SEER registry 10: HR 1.15, p = 0.04), relative to the largest reference registry (n = 4025).

Conclusion

Important regional differences including patient, tumor and treatment characteristics exist, when ccmRCC patients included in the SEER database are studied. Even after adjustment for these characteristics, important OM differences persisted, which may require more detailed analyses to further investigate these unexpected differences.
Present state of intestinal transplantation in Japan
Authors: Ueno Takehisa , Wada Motoshi , Ogawa Eri , Matsuura Toshiharu , Yamada Yohei , Sakamoto Seisuke , Okuyama Hiroomi
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Intestinal transplantation (ITx) is the ultimate treatment for intestinal failure (IF). In Japan, most cases of IF are a result of pediatric disease, including secondary or congenital intestinal disease or allied disorders of Hirschsprung’s disease. Here, we report the results of the Japanese ITx registry.

Methods

A web-based survey form was completed. We investigated the number, age, sex, indication, surgical procedure, immunosuppressants, postoperative course, and the effects of transplantation in patients who underwent cadaveric or living-donor ITx.

Results

By the end of 2022, 42 cases of ITx have been performed in 38 patients in Japan. The donor sources included cadavers (29 cases) and living donors (13 cases). The surgical method was isolated ITx (N = 40) and combined liver and ITx (n = 2). Survival rates were 92%, 73%, and 59% at 1 year, 5 years, and 10 years, respectively. Ninety percent of patients completely discontinued parenteral nutrition. Approximately 80% of the patients had a performance status of 1 or less, indicating that the QOL of patients after ITx was extremely good.

Conclusion

The results of ITx are acceptable to treat IF patients and the QOL after transplantation is also good.
Association of serum transforming growth factor β1 with left ventricular hypertrophy in children with primary hypertension
Authors: Liu Yang , Lin Yao , Huang Xiaolan , Li Yaqi , Liu Yanyan , Shi Lin
Published: September 2023

The current study was designed to assess the association of serum transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in children with primary hypertension. The present single-center prospective trial examined 182 patients diagnosed with primary hypertension in Children’s Hospital, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, between January 2021 and September 2022. Clinical data were analyzed, and ambulatory blood pressure was assessed for 24 h. LVH, the commonest subclinical cardiac feature of hypertension, was assessed by echocardiography. According to left ventricular geometry, cases were assigned to the LVH (n = 44) and normal geometry (n = 138) groups. Serum TGF-β1 amounts were quantitated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were established to analyze various variables for their predictive values in LVH. Among 182 children with primary hypertension, the concentrations of serum TGF-β1 were higher in stage 2 hypertension than in stage 1 (47.3 (38.8, 52.5) vs. 46.0 (38.6, 48.2) ng/L, Z =  − 2.376; P = 0.018). Additionally, serum TGF-β1 content showed a positive correlation with BP levels (P < 0.05). TGF-β1 amounts were significantly elevated in the LVH group compared with the normal geometry group (51.7 (46.1, 54.9) vs. 46.1 (38.7, 48.1) ng/L, Z =  − 4.324; P = 0.0000). Serum TGF-β1 content was positively associated with LVH (r = 0.321, P = 0.0000). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed BMI (OR = 1.188, 95% CI 1.082–1.305; P = 0.0000) and elevated serum TGF-β1 content (OR = 1.063, 95% CI 1.016–1.113; P = 0.009) independently predicted LVH. A multivariable logistic regression model considering BMI and TGF-β1 content in LVH prediction was 0.771, with sensitivity and specificity of 72.7% and 70.3%, respectively.

Conclusion: These data revealed an association of serum TGF-β1 with BP in children with primary hypertension. Serum TGF-β1 concentration was positively correlated with hypertensive cardiac damage. Serum TGF-β1 might constitute a valuable molecular marker for the prediction of LVH in children with primary hypertension. The combination of BMI and TGF-β1 has a certain diagnostic and predictive value for LVH in children with primary hypertension, which may provide a new reference index for early clinical identification of hypertensive cardiac damage.

What is Known:• Experimental and clinical data indicated TGF-β1 is involved in BP elevation.• TGF-β1 is positively correlated with LVMI and hypertrophy in adults.

What is New:• Our current study reveals an association of serum TGF-β1 with BP in children with primary hypertension.• Elevated serum TGF-β1 level is positively associated with LVH in children with primary hypertension.• The combination of BMI and TGF-β1 has a certain diagnostic and predictive value for LVH in children with primary hypertension.
The Complexity of the Hausdorff Distance
Authors: Jungeblut Paul , Kleist Linda , Miltzow Tillmann
Published: September 2023

We investigate the computational complexity of computing the Hausdorff distance. Specifically, we show that the decision problem of whether the Hausdorff distance of two semi-algebraic sets is bounded by a given threshold is complete for the complexity class $${ \forall \exists _{<}\mathbb {R}} $$

∀

∃
<

R

. This implies that the problem is -, -, $$\exists \mathbb {R} $$

∃
R

-, and $$\forall \mathbb {R} $$

∀
R

-hard.
Prevalence and genomic analysis of t203-like G9 (G9-VI) rotaviruses circulating in children with gastroenteritis in Beijing, China
Authors: Dong Hui-Jin , Liu Li-Ying , Jia Li-Ping , Zhao Lin-Qing , Jin Feng-Hua , Zhou Lin , Qian Yuan
Published: September 2023

Our previous surveillance revealed that t203-like G9 (tentatively designated subtype G9-VI) rotaviruses re-emerged in 2010 in Beijing and rapidly prevailed over the G9-III subtype (the most common G9 subtype globally) and previously predominant G genotypes over the following two years. G9-VI belongs to the VP7 evolutionary lineage VI, which includes unusual and sporadic human rotaviruses from China (t203) and Japan. To obtain insight into the epidemiology, evolution, and transmission advantages of G9-VI rotavirus, we performed follow-up surveillance (2014-2017) and whole-genome analysis of 12 representative G9 strains. The results showed that the G9 genotype was predominant (77.4%), with a marked increase in prevalence (previously 43.5%). Within the G9 genotype, subtype G9-VI accounted for the majority (98.3%) of cases. The most prevalent P-genotype was P[8] (93.7%), within which subtype P[8]b was rare (0.7%). Phylogenetically, the G9-VI subtype strains in this study clustered closely with contemporary emerging human rotaviruses from many other countries in VP7 lineage VI, indicating that this subtype is capable of spreading globally. These currently emerging G9-VI rotaviruses formed a distinct monophyletic subcluster when compared to early G9-VI rotaviruses. Furthermore, four specific amino acid substitutions and synonymous codon substitutions were observed in the VP7 genes between the current G9-VI and globally common G9-III rotaviruses. The remaining nine genes of all of the analyzed representative G9 strains, whether G9-VI or G9-III, combined with the P[8]a, P[8]b, or P[6] genotype and exhibited the same Wa-like backbone constellation.
The crust shell and the edge beams of third-gradient continua in current and referential description
Authors: Krawietz Arnold
Published: September 2023

A former publication has shown that some of the free boundary conditions of a third-gradient continuum can be interpreted as the equilibrium conditions of forces and moments of a crust shell and of edge beams. This was elaborated in the current (Eulerian) description. But it is obvious that a referential (Lagrangian) description of these physical phenomena must look very similar. This is, indeed, demonstrated in the paper at hand and disproves contrary claims in the literature. Moreover, the inductivist idea is omnipresent in the literature that a fictitious cut and a free surface show identical behaviour. But this is only correct with simple materials and not valid with higher gradient ones. We study a cube as a simple example where this wrong approach predicts the following absurd interaction between a subcube and the remainder of the cube: No actions at all appear on the fictitious cuts but there is one single force at the vertex of the subcube. Our findings do not depend on any specific constitutive assumption.
A survey on transactional stream processing
Authors: Zhang Shuhao , Soto Juan , Markl Volker
Published: September 2023

Transactional stream processing (TSP) strives to create a cohesive model that merges the advantages of both transactional and stream-oriented guarantees. Over the past decade, numerous endeavors have contributed to the evolution of TSP solutions, uncovering similarities and distinctions among them. Despite these advances, a universally accepted standard approach for integrating transactional functionality with stream processing remains to be established. Existing TSP solutions predominantly concentrate on specific application characteristics and involve complex design trade-offs. This survey intends to introduce TSP and present our perspective on its future progression. Our primary goals are twofold: to provide insights into the diverse TSP requirements and methodologies, and to inspire the design and development of groundbreaking TSP systems.
A narrative review of potential drug treatments for nephritis in children with IgA vasculitis (HSP)
Authors: Williams Chloe E C , Lamond Megan , Marro Julien , Chetwynd Andrew J , Oni Louise
Published: September 2023

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) vasculitis (IgAV, also known as Henoch-Schoenlein purpura, HSP) is the most common vasculitis of childhood. It usually presents with a simple, self-limiting disease course; however, a small subset of patients may develop kidney involvement (IgAV-N) which occurs 4–12 weeks after disease onset and is the biggest contributor to long-term morbidity. Treatment currently targets patients with established kidney involvement; however; there is a desire to work towards early prevention of inflammation during the window of opportunity between disease presentation and onset of significant nephritis. There are no clinical trials evaluating drugs which may prevent or halt the progression of nephritis in children with IgAV apart from the early use of corticosteroids which have no benefit. This article summarises the latest scientific evidence and clinical trials that support potential therapeutic targets for IgAV-N that are currently being developed based on the evolving understanding of the pathophysiology of IgAV-N. These span the mucosal immunity, B-cell and T-cell modulation, RAAS inhibition, and regulation of complement pathways, amongst others. Novel drugs that may be considered for use in early nephritis include TRF-budesonide; B-cell inhibiting agents including belimumab, telitacicept, blisibimod, VIS649, and BION-1301; B-cell depleting agents such as rituximab, ofatumumab, and bortezomib; sparsentan; angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-Is); and complement pathway inhibitors including avacopan, iptacopan, and narsoplimab. Further clinical trials, as well as pre-clinical scientific studies, are needed to identify mechanistic pathways as there may be an opportunity to prevent nephritis in this condition.

Key Points• Kidney involvement is the main cause of long-term morbidity and mortality in IgA vasculitis despite the current treatment recommendations.• The evolving understanding of the pathophysiology of IgA vasculitis is allowing exploration of novel treatment options which target underlying immune pathways.• Novel treatments currently being trialled in IgA nephropathy may have benefit in IgA vasculitis due to the similarities in the underlying pathophysiology, such as TRF-budesonide, B-cell modulators, and complement inhibitors.• Further studies, including clinical trials of novel drugs, are urgently needed to improve the long-term outcomes for children with IgA vasculitis nephritis.
Cues to individuality in Greylag Goose faces: algorithmic discrimination and behavioral field tests
Authors: Kleindorfer Sonia , Heger Benedikt , Tohl Damian , Frigerio Didone , Hemetsberger Josef , Fusani Leonida , Fitch W. Tecumseh , Colombelli-Négrel Diane
Published: September 2023

Cues to individuality, and the corresponding capacity for individual-level discrimination, can allow individually specific investment by conspecifics into offspring, partners, neighbors or competitors. Here we investigated possible cues to individuality via faces in an ancient avian lineage, the Greylag Goose (Anser anser). Konrad Lorenz could famously name each Greylag Goose in ‘his’ flock from a photograph. Confirming this anecdotal observation, we developed facial recognition software that can reliably (~ 97% accuracy) assign a goose face to a goose ID within a database, using bill morphology normalized during photo preparation. To explore conspecific detection of individuality cues, we erected life-size photos of geese and measured subjects’ responses to photos of themselves (unfamiliar goose), their partner, and another flock mate. Geese displayed significantly greater affiliative response to photos of their partners, providing evidence that geese can use two-dimensional images as cues to determine social category (partner/non-partner) and/or individual-level recognition. Our methods provide novel approaches to automatically detect and monitor geese and to test avian cognition. Our approach may also create new opportunities for species monitoring approaches more generally using photographic images and citizen-science engagement.
An origami like 3D patterned cellulose-based scaffold for bioengineering cardiovascular applications
Authors: Rodriguez Gabriela Melo , Trueb Donata , Köser Joachim , Schoelkopf Joachim , Gullo Maurizio
Published: September 2023

In this work we describe the manufacturing of cellulosic, cell compatible scaffolds with an inherent 3D origami crease pattern for applications in cardiac tissue engineering. Different cellulosic materials were studied, among them cotton linters, fibers obtained from eucalyptus, pine, spruce and lyocell. Formed sheets made of cotton linters were chosen for further study due to the highest biocompatibility and mechanical properties best suited for cardiomyocytes in wet and dry conditions: E - modulus of 0.8 GPa, tensile strength of 4.7 MPa and tensile strength in wet environment of 2.28 MPa. Cell alignment is desired to achieve directional contraction of the cardiac tissue, and several options were investigated to achieve fiber alignment, e.g. a dynamic sheet former and Rapid Köthen sheet former. Although the orientation was minimal, cells cultured on the cellulose fibers grew and aligned along the fibers. Origami inspired crease patterns were applied to the cellulose scaffolds in order to introduce directional flexibility beneficial for cardiac contraction. The transfer of a Miura-ori crease pattern was successfully applied in two ways: folding of the dried sheet between PET foils pre-formed in a 3D printed mold, and in situ wet fiber molding on a 3D-patterned mesh mounted in the sheet former’s sieve section. The latter approach enables upscaling for potential mass production.
“God is in Control”: Religious Coping in Sermons About the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Reformed Church in Zambia
Authors: Kroesbergen-Kamps Johanneke
Published: September 2023

Coping is one of the mechanisms employed by people to deal with crises or disasters such as the global COVID-19 pandemic. The RCOPE, developed by Kenneth Pargament et al., is a quantitative scale to measure styles of religious coping. This article applies the RCOPE qualitatively to live-streamed sermons in the Reformed Church in Zambia, held in the two-month lockdown period in Zambia from the end of March to the end of May 2020. A total of 20 pastors contributed 134 sermons that were transcribed and analyzed using the full RCOPE. The results show that pastors in the RCZ mainly encourage their audiences to seek spiritual support, gain control over the situation, and give a positive meaning to the pandemic. The idea that God is in control is important behind all of these means of religious coping in the Zambian sermons. This qualitative analysis also discovered possible lacunae in the RCOPE questionnaire, especially concerning its applicability to evangelical forms of global Christianity, such as the lack of attention to God’s intervention and control.
Impact of timing of antiseizure medication withdrawal on seizure recurrence in glioma patients: a retrospective observational study
Authors: van der Meer Pim B. , Dirven Linda , Fiocco Marta , Vos Maaike J. , Kerkhof Melissa , Kouwenhoven Mathilde C.M. , van den Bent Martin J. , Taphoorn Martin J.B. , Koekkoek Johan A.F.
Published: September 2023

Background

Withdrawal of antiseizure medication treatment (ASM) can be considered after completion of antitumour treatment in glioma patients who no longer suffer from seizures. We compared the risk for recurrent seizures after ASM withdrawal between patients with short-term, medium-term versus long-term seizure freedom after antitumour treatment.

Methods

In this retrospective observational study, the primary outcome was time to recurrent seizure, from the starting date of no ASM treatment up to 36 months follow-up. Cox proportional hazards models were used to study the effect of risk factors on time to recurrent seizure. Stratification was done with information known at baseline. Short-term seizure freedom was defined as ≥ 3 months, but < 12 months; medium-term as 12–24 months; and long-term as ≥ 24 months seizure freedom from the date of last antitumour treatment.

Results

This study comprised of 109 patients; 31% (34/109) were in the short-term, 29% (32/109) in the medium-term, and 39% (43/109) in the long-term group. A recurrent seizure was experienced by 47% (16/34) of the patients in the short-term, 31% (10/32) in the medium-term, and 44% (19/43) in the long-term group. Seizure recurrence risk was similar between patients in the short-term group as compared to the medium-term (cause-specific adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 0.65 [95%CI = 0.29–1.46]) and long-term group (cause-specific aHR = 1.04 [95%CI = 0.52–2.09]).

Conclusions

Seizure recurrence risk is relatively similar between patients with short-term, medium-term, and long-term seizure freedom after completion of antitumour treatment.
Matheuristics approaches for the satellite constellation design problem
Authors: Mencarelli Luca , Floquet Julien , Georges Frédéric
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we propose two novel matheuristic algorithms, i.e., heuristics based on mathematical formulations of the problem, in order to find a good feasible solution to the satellite constellation design problem for discontinuous coverage with a constrained revisit time. This problem consists in searching for a constellation able to periodically observe several targets at the Earth surface with the smallest number of satellites achievable. A Feasibility Pump approach is described: we specifically adapt the Feasibility Pump procedure to our design problem and we report results highlighting the benefits of this approach compared to the base Mixed Integer Nonlinear Programming (MINLP) algorithm it is derived from. Then, we propose a second matheuristic based on the discretized Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) formulation of the problem, which outperforms the plain MILP formulation.
How cultural competence is conceptualised, developed and delivered in pharmacy education: a systematic review
Authors: Jarrar Rawand , Lim Rosemary , Richardson Charlotte Lucy , Naqvi Atta Abbas , Rathbone Adam Pattison , Lau Wing Man
Published: September 2023

Background

It is important to have a pharmacy workforce that is culturally competent to recognise a patient’s health beliefs to improve medication adherence and reduce poor treatment outcomes.

Aim

This systematic review aimed to identify, critically appraise and summarise how cultural competency is conceptualised, developed and embedded in pre-qualification pharmacy education.

Method

Medline, Scopus, PsychInfo, Web of Knowledge, CINAHL, and Embase databases were searched for relevant papers published in English between January 2012 and December 2021, following PRISMA guidelines. Data from included papers were thematically analysed. Educational quality of papers was appraised using the GREET criteria. This systematic review was registered on PROSPERO, CRD42021295875.

Results

The review included 47 papers (46 studies) with 18 papers meeting ≥ 9 points on the GREET criteria thus considered of good educational quality. Forty papers focused on educational interventions implemented to pharmacy students only, the remaining included students from different health disciplines. Half of the educational interventions focused on cultural competence in general. Most educational interventions lasted over a week and 21 were compulsory. Cultural competence conceptualisation varied; a focus on knowledge about different cultures or on culturally competent behaviours or a continuum with knowledge at one end and behaviour at the other.

Conclusion

There is variation in how cultural competence is embedded in pharmacy programmes, which could be a reflection of the differences in how educators conceptualised cultural competence. Further research is needed to develop a unified understanding of the meaning of cultural competence and how it can be embedded in pharmacy education.
Digital innovation in family firms: The roles of non-family managers and transgenerational control intentions
Authors: Bornhausen Anna Maria , Wulf Torsten
Published: September 2023

Digital innovation, i.e. the creation of products and services, processes, or business models on the basis of digital technology, represents a new innovation phenomenon that offers important opportunities, but also entails high risks. Family firm research argues that family firms generally possess a greater ability to innovate, but differ in their willingness to do so. We propose that with regard to digital innovation family firms rather face an “ability and willingness challenge”, i.e. they differ in their willingness and their ability to engage in digital innovation. We analyze two factors—non-family managers and transgenerational control intentions—that might help family firms overcome the ability and willingness challenge and that allows to explain heterogeneity among family firms in the adoption of digital innovation. An empirical, survey-based investigation of 104 German family firms supports our hypotheses. We contribute to the literature on digital innovation in family firms as well as on family firm professionalization.
Beyond generalization: a theory of robustness in machine learning
Authors: Freiesleben Timo , Grote Thomas
Published: September 2023

The termrobustnessis ubiquitous in modern Machine Learning (ML). However, its meaning varies depending on context and community. Researchers either focus on narrow technical definitions, such as adversarial robustness, natural distribution shifts, and performativity, or they simply leave open what exactly they mean by robustness. In this paper, we provide a conceptual analysis of the termrobustness, with the aim to develop a common language, that allows us to weave together different strands of robustness research. We define robustness as the relative stability of a robustness target with respect to specific interventions on a modifier. Our account captures the various sub-types of robustness that are discussed in the research literature, including robustness to distribution shifts, prediction robustness, or the robustness of algorithmic explanations. Finally, we delineate robustness from adjacent key concepts in ML, such as extrapolation, generalization, and uncertainty, and establish it as an independent epistemic concept.
Enhancing ultrafiltration performance for dairy wastewater treatment using a 3D printed turbulence promoter
Authors: Al-Tayawi Aws N. , Gulyás Nikolett Sz. , Gergely Gréta , Fazekas Ákos Ferenc , Szegedi Balázs , Hodúr Cecilia , Lennert József Richárd , Kertész Szabolcs
Published: September 2023

Dairy factories annually generate an increasing amount of wastewater, which can cause eutrophication due to high concentrations of amino acids and lipids. To address this issue, membrane technology has emerged as a promising solution, but membrane fouling remains a significant challenge, since it can cause decreased flux, decrease membrane rejection performance, and increased energy demand. This study aimed to reduce membrane fouling by integrated a three-dimensional printed (3DP) turbulence promoter into an ultrafiltration dead-end cell and varying stirring speeds. Two mathematical models, Hermia and resistance-in-series, were used to analyze the fouling process. According to both models, the cake layer formation model indicated the most prevalent fouling mechanism. Specific energy demand, permeate flux, membrane rejection, and membrane reversible and irreversible resistances were measured, calculated, and compared. The results suggest that the combination of an integrated 3DP turbulence promoter and high stirring speeds can effectively reduce membrane fouling in a dairy wastewater treatment module.
Environmental life cycle assessment of production of the non-nutritive sweetener sucralose (E955) derived from cane sugar produced in the United States of America: The SWEET project
Authors: Blenkley E. , Suckling J. , Morse S. , Murphy R. , Raats M. , Astley S. , Halford J. C. G. , Harrold J. A. , Le-Bail A. , Koukouna E. , Musinovic H. , Raben A. , Roe M. , Scholten J. , Scott C. , Westbroek C.
Published: September 2023

Purpose

There is increasing concern about the detrimental health effects of added sugar in food and drink products. Sweeteners are seen as a viable alternative. Much work has been done on health and safety of using sweeteners as a replacement for added sugar, but very little on their sustainability. This work aims to bridge that gap with a life cycle assessment (LCA) of sucralose derived from cane sugar grown in the United States of America (USA).

Methods

An attributional, cradle-to-gate LCA was conducted on sucralose production in the USA. Primary data were derived from literature for the chlorination process, and all other data from background sources. Results are reported via the ReCiPe 2016 (H) method, with focus given to land use, global warming potential (GWP), marine eutrophication, mineral resource scarcity, and water consumption. Because sucralose has a much greater perceived sweetness than sugar, impacts are expressed both in absolute terms of 1 kg mass and in relative sweetness equivalence terms to 1 kg sugar. Scenario modelling explores the sensitivity of the LCA results to change in key parameters. This research was conducted as part of the EU Horizon 2020 project SWEET (Sweeteners and sweetness enhancers: Impact on health, obesity, safety and sustainability).

Results and discussion

GWP for 1 kg sucralose was calculated to be 71.83 kgCO2-eq/kg (sugar from sugarcane is 0.77 kgCO2-eq/kg). However, on a sweetness equivalence basis, GWP of sucralose reduces to 0.12 kgCO2-eq/kgSE. Production of reagents was the main contributor to impact across most impact categories. Sugar (starting material for sucralose production) was not a majority contributor to any impact category, and changing the source of sugar has little effect upon net impact (average 2.0% variation). Instead, uncertainty in reference data is a greater source of variability: reagent use optimization reduces average impact of sucralose production by approximately 45.4%. In general, sucralose has reduced impact compared to sugar on an equivalent sweetness basis, however, due to data uncertainty, the reduction is not significant for all impact categories.

Conclusion

This LCA is the first for sucralose produced from cane sugar produced in the USA. Results indicate that sucralose has the potential to reduce the environmental impact of replacing the sweet taste of sugar. However, data were derived from literature and future collaboration with industry would help in reducing identified uncertainties. Accounting for functional use of sucralose in food and drink formulations is also necessary to fully understand the entire life cycle impact.
Cannabigerol (CBG) signal enhancement in its analysis by gas chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Dawidowicz Andrzej L. , Typek Rafal , Dybowski Michal P. , Holowinski Piotr , Rombel Michal
Published: September 2023

Purpose

According to recent reports, cannabigerol (CBG) concentration level in blood and body fluids may have forensic utility as a highly specific albeit insensitive biomarker of recent cannabis smoking. While the analytical sensitivity of cannabidiol (CBD), Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), cannabichromene (CBC) or cannabinol (CBN) estimation by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) is similar and sufficiently high, it is exceptionally low in the case of CBG (ca. 25 times lower than for the other mentioned cannabinoids). The purpose of this study is to explain the reasons for the extremely low analytical sensitivity of GC–MS in estimating CBG and to present possible ways of its improvement.

Methods

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data and GC–MS responses to CBG and its various derivatization and transformation products were studied.

Results

The validation data of individual derivatives of CBG and its transformation products were established. CBG silylation/acylation or hydration allows to decrease LOD about 3 times, whereas the formation of pyranic CBG derivative leads to 10-times decrease of LOD. The paper enriches the literature of the subject by providing MS and NMR spectra, not published so far, for derivatives of CBG and its transformation products. The most likely cause of low GC–MS response to CBG is also presented.

Conclusions

The presented results shows that although the signal increase of CBG can be obtained through its derivatization by silylation and/or acylation, the greatest increase is observed in the case of its cyclization to the pyranic CBG form during the sample preparation process. The CBG cyclization procedure is very simple and workable in estimating this cannabinoid in blood/plasma samples.

Graphical abstract
Recent Updates on Predicting Conversion in Youth at Clinical High Risk for Psychosis
Authors: Caballero Noe , Machiraju Siddharth , Diomino Anthony , Kennedy Leda , Kadivar Armita , Cadenhead Kristin S.
Published: September 2023

Purpose of Review

This review highlights recent advances in the prediction and treatment of psychotic conversion. Over the past 25 years, research into the prodromal phase of psychotic illness has expanded with the promise of early identification of individuals at clinical high risk (CHR) for psychosis who are likely to convert to psychosis.

Recent Findings

Meta-analyses highlight conversion rates between 20 and 30% within 2–3 years using existing clinical criteria while research into more specific risk factors, biomarkers, and refinement of psychosis risk calculators has exploded, improving our ability to predict psychotic conversion with greater accuracy. Recent studies highlight risk factors and biomarkers likely to contribute to earlier identification and provide insight into neurodevelopmental abnormalities, CHR subtypes, and interventions that can target specific risk profiles linked to neural mechanisms.

Ongoing initiatives that assess longer-term (> 5–10 years) outcome of CHR participants can provide valuable information about predictors of later conversion and diagnostic outcomes while large-scale international biomarker studies provide hope for precision intervention that will alter the course of early psychosis globally.
Argumentative Delphi Surveys: Lessons for Sociological Research
Authors: Cuhls Kerstin E.
Published: September 2023

This contribution explains new variants of Argumentative Delphi surveys that can also be used in sociological research, some examples and the learnings from and limits of argumentative surveys with feedback. Argumentative Delphi surveys are not new. As Christian Dayé explains in his book, the early expert surveys and especially the Delphi surveys used explanations and arguments for exchanging knowledge - but always without direct interation (Dayé, C. (2020). Experts, Social Scientistss and Techniques of Prognosis in cold war of America. Socio-Historical Studies of the Social and Human Sciences, palgrave McMilan, Switzerland:41, see also Cuhls, K. (1998). Technikvorausschau in Japan. Ein Rückblick auf 30 Jahre Delphi-Expertenbefragungen. Physica. [Technology Foresight in Japan]). The very first approaches of Delphi surveys did not only make use of expert knowledge in judging issues under uncertainty or were trying to make accurate predictions with statistical analysis, but there were also tests in groups of students. In some of them, the groups did not only choose and tick boxes, but gave reasons or comments for their judgments. Modern Argumentative Delphi surveys do ask for comments AND use a variety of open questions for adding information to the statistical findings. This way of performing a Delphi survey gets more and more ground and can be analysed in a fast way by new means of text mining and Delphi software tools. But they have their limits - especially as they are very demanding for the participants and the analysts. If many people participate, many arguments are given, and they can quickly go beyond the limits of the participants‘ understanding and their time availability. Some lessons learned from recent Delphi projects are reported. This is closing the cycle to Dayé’s description of expert knowledge inclusion in policy-making - a way of integration of expert opinion without direct interaction.
Darobactine: eine neue Antibiotikaklasse in Entwicklung
Authors: Seyfert Carsten E. , Porten Christoph , Müller Rolf
Published: September 2023

The discovery pipeline for novel antibiotics runs dry, while antimicrobial resistances increase, causing 1.3 million deaths per year globally. Even in the European Economic Area with generally intact health care, more than 35,000 people die per year with numbers expected to rise. Especially certain pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria are to blame. Optimized versions of the innovative natural product class of darobactins acting selectively at a novel target on the bacterial outer membrane may provide novel treatment options.
Integral forming of continuous CFRP sandwich sheet by additive manufacturing
Authors: Nishi Kazusa , Sato Yuji , Yanagimoto Jun
Published: September 2023

Sandwich sheets comprising continuous carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) are applied mainly in the aerospace industry due to their light weight and high rigidity. However, sandwich sheets require separate formation and bonding of the face sheets and core, resulting in high labor costs and early fracture due to delamination of the adhesive layer. The purpose of this study is to overcome these problems by integrating sandwich sheet using additive manufacturing. The mechanical properties of the integrally formed sandwich sheets were compared with those of adhesively formed sandwich sheets using a three-point bending test. The strain distribution was captured by digital image correlation (DIC) during the test. Additionally, the geometric design parameters of a core with superior mechanical properties were investigated. The test results showed that the integrally formed specimens exhibited superior properties compared to those of the adhesively formed specimens. It was also observed that the larger the width angle of the corrugated core, the better the mechanical properties.
Distinct modes and intensity of bird exploitation at the dawn of agriculture in the Upper Euphrates and Tigris River basins
Authors: Pöllath Nadja , Peters Joris
Published: September 2023

Early Neolithic avifaunas excavated at the sites of Göbekli Tepe and Gusir Höyük illustrate two entirely different modes of bird exploitation in south-eastern Anatolia during the 10th and 9th millennia BCE, which prompted us the re-evaluation of other substantial bird bone assemblages from contemporaneous sites in the upper basins of the Euphrates and Tigris rivers. We thus compared the range and diversity of species captured, seasonal aspects of bird hunting, and types of habitats exploited by Near Eastern communities of foragers at the dawn of agriculture. Fowling practices in the Upper Euphrates catchment aimed at multiple avifaunal resources in varied habitats explaining high taxonomic diversity in the respective assemblages. Overall, the proportions of birds, mammals and fish in the diet were similar in all sites. In contrast, meat diet in the Upper Tigris River basin proved less culturally uniform. The contribution of birds, fish and mammals to the diet varied significantly between sites. Our study also showed that avifaunal diversity was very low at some sites in the Tigris basin suggesting an overall limited interest and time commitment to this economic activity there. An intensification of bird hunting in autumn and winter was observed in both areas.