bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Production of π+ and K+ mesons in argon-nucleus interactions at 3.2 A GeV
Authors:   The BM@N collaboration, Afanasiev S. , Agakishiev G. , Aleksandrov E. , Aleksandrov I. , Alekseev P. , Alishina K. , Atkin E. , Aushev T. , Babkin V. , Balashov N. , Baranov A. , Baranov A. , Baranov D. , Baranova N. , Barbashina N. , Baznat M. , Bazylev S. , Belov M. , Blau D. , Bogdanova G. , Bogoslovsky D. , Bolozdynya A. , Boos E. , Buryakov M. , Buzin S. , Chebotov A. , Chen J. , Dementev D. , Dmitriev A. , Dryablov D. , Dryuk A. , Dulov P. , Egorov D. , Elsha V. , Fediunin A. , Filippov I. , Filozova I. , Finogeev D. , Gabdrakhmanov I. , Galavanov A. , Gavrischuk O. , Gertsenberger K. , Golovatyuk V. , Golubeva M. , Guber F. , Iusupova A. , Ivashkin A. , Izvestnyy A. , Kabadzhov V. , Kapishin M. , Kapitonov I. , Karjavin V. , Karmanov D. , Karpushkin N. , Kattabekov R. , Kekelidze V. , Khabarov S. , Kharlamov P. , Khukhaeva A. , Khvorostukhin A. , Kiryushin Y. , Klimai P. , Klimansky D. , Kolesnikov V. , Kolozhvari A. , Kopylov Y. , Korolev M. , Kovachev L. , Kovalev I. , Kovalev Y. , Kozlov I. , Kozlov V. , Kudryashov I. , Kuklin S. , Kulish E. , Kurganov A. , Kuznetsov A. , Ladygin E. , Lanskoy D. , Lashmanov N. , Lenivenko V. , Lednický R. , Leontiev V. , Litvinenko E. , Ma Y.-G. , Makankin A. , Makhnev A. , Malakhov A. , Martemianov A. , Martovitsky E. , Mashitsin K. , Merkin M. , Merts S. , Morozov A. , Morozov S. , Murin Y. , Musulmanbekov G. , Myasnikov A. , Nagdasev R. , Nekrasowa E. , Nemnyugin S. , Nikitin D. , Novozhilov S. , Palchik V. , Pelevanyuk I. , Peresunko D. , Petukhov O. , Petukhov Y. , Piyadin S. , Platonova M. , Plotnikov V. , Podgainy D. , Rogov V. , Rufanov I. , Rukoyatkin P. , Rumyantsev M. , Sakulin D. , Sergeev S. , Sheremetev A. , Sheremeteva A. , Shchipunov A. , Shitenkov M. , Shopova M. , Shumikhin V. , Shutov A. , Shutov V. , Slepnev I. , Slepnev V. , Slepov I. , Solomin A. , Sorin A. , Sosnovtsev V. , Spaskov V. , Stavinskiy A. , Stepanenko Yu. , Streletskaya E. , Streltsova O. , Strikhanov M. , Sukhov N. , Suvarieva D. , Taer G. , Tarasov N. , Tarasov O. , Teremkov P. , Terletsky A. , Teryaev O. , Tcholakov V. , Tikhomirov V. , Timoshenko A. , Topilin N. , Tretyakova T. , Tskhay V. , Tsvetkov E. , Tyapkin I. , Vasendina V. , Velichkov V. , Volkov V. , Voronin A. , Voronin A. , Voytishin N. , Yurevich V. , Yumatova I. , Zamiatin N. , Zavertyaev M. , Zhang S. , Zherebtsova E. , Zhezher V. , Zhigareva N. , Zinchenko A. , Zubankov A. , Zubarev E. , Zuev M.
Published: July 2023

Abstract

First physics results of the BM@N experiment at the Nuclotron/NICA complex are presented on π+ and K+ meson production in interactions of an argon beam with fixed targets of C, Al, Cu, Sn and Pb at 3.2 A GeV. Transverse momentum distributions, rapidity spectra and multiplicities of π+ and K+ mesons are measured. The results are compared with predictions of theoretical models and with other measurements at lower energies.
E-strings, F4, and D4 triality
Authors: Sakai Kazuhiro
Published: July 2023

Abstract

We study the E-string theory on ℝ4 × T2 with Wilson lines. We consider two examples where interesting automorphisms arise. In the first example, the spectrum is invariant under the F4 Weyl group acting on the Wilson line parameters. We obtain the Seiberg-Witten curve expressed in terms of Weyl invariant F4 Jacobi forms. We also clarify how it is related to the thermodynamic limit of the Nekrasov-type formula. In the second example, the spectrum is invariant under the D4 triality combined with modular transformations, the automorphism originally found in the 4d 𝒩 = 2 supersymmetric SU(2) gauge theory with four massive flavors. We introduce the notion of triality invariant Jacobi forms and present the Seiberg-Witten curve in terms of them. We show that this Seiberg-Witten curve reduces precisely to that of the 4d theory with four flavors in the limit of T2 shrinking to zero size.
Oscillon spectroscopy
Authors: van Dissel Fabio , Pujolàs Oriol , Sfakianakis Evangelos I.
Published: July 2023

Abstract

The sine-Gordon model in 3+1 dimensions is known to admit two oscillons of different energy and frequency but comparable lifetime. We show that the oscillon spectrum includes more spherically symmetric “states”. We identify new high-amplitude oscillons by allowing the field profile to have a number of nodes. For each number of nodes, we find 2 states with a comparable lifetime to the nodeless ones. Oscillons with nodes are, however, unstable to non-spherical perturbations and so their lifetime is significantly reduced. Interestingly, these states are seen to fragment into a collection of nodeless oscillons. The heavy nodeless oscillon is quite remarkable: despite its energy, it is stable against fragmentation. Moreover, it has considerably small oscillation frequency, meaning that it can be interpreted as a rather relativistic bound state.
The modal logic of abelian groups
Authors: Berger Sören , Block Alexander Christensen , Löwe Benedikt
Published: July 2023

We prove that the modal logic of abelian groups with the accessibility relation of being isomorphic to a subgroup is $$\mathsf {S4.2}$$

S
4.2

.
The global land water storage data set release 2 (GLWS2.0) derived via assimilating GRACE and GRACE-FO data into a global hydrological model
Authors: Gerdener Helena , Kusche Jürgen , Schulze Kerstin , Döll Petra , Klos Anna
Published: July 2023

We describe the new global land water storage data set GLWS2.0, which contains total water storage anomalies (TWSA) over the global land except for Greenland and Antarctica with a spatial resolution of 0.5$$^\circ $$

∘

, covering the time frame 2003 to 2019 without gaps, and including monthly uncertainty quantification. GLWS2.0 was derived by assimilating monthly GRACE/-FO mass change maps into the WaterGAP global hydrology model via the ensemble Kalman filter, taking data and model uncertainty into account. TWSA in GLWS2.0 is then accumulated over several hydrological storage variables. In this article, we describe the methods and data sets that went into GLWS2.0, how it compares to GRACE/-FO data in terms of representing TWSA trends, seasonal signals, and extremes, as well as its validation via comparing to GNSS-derived vertical loading and its comparison with a version of the NASA Catchment Land Surface Model GRACE Data Assimilation (CLSM-DA). We find that, in the average over more than 1000 stations globally, GLWS2.0 correlates better with GNSS observations of vertical loading at short-term, seasonal, and long-term temporal bands than GRACE/-FO. While some differences exist, overall GLWS2.0 agrees reasonably well with CLSM-DA in terms of TWSA trends and annual amplitudes and phases.Highlights

We describe the new global land water storage data set GLWS2.0, which contains total water storage anomalies over the global land with a spatial resolution of 0.5$$^\circ $$

∘

, covering the period 2003 to 2019 without gaps, and including uncertainty quantification.

GLWS2.0 synthesizes monthly GRACE/-FO mass change maps with daily precipitation and radiation data via the WaterGAP model framework, taking data and model uncertainty into account.

Here we describe the methods and data sets that went into GLWS2.0 and its validation from a geodetic applications perspective. We find that, in the global average, GLWS2.0 fits better than GRACE/-FO to GNSS observations of vertical loading.
Re-evaluating the suitability of using fluoroquinolones in the treatment of infections in the context of FQ consumption and correlating changes to microorganism resistance levels in EU/EEA countries between 2016 and 2021
Authors: Serwacki Piotr , Gajda Mateusz , Świątek-Kwapniewska Wioletta , Wałaszek Marta , Nowak Karolina , Wójkowska-Mach Jadwiga
Published: July 2023

The aim of this study was to re-evaluate fluoroquinolone (FQ) use in treatment by analyzing the consumption of FQ and the resistance levels of selected Gram‑negative bacilli, as well as Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in EU/EEA countries and in Poland between 2016 and 2021. Data from ECDC surveillance systems EARS-Net, Euro-GASP, and the European Tuberculosis Surveillance Network were included in the description of pathogen resistance. And the ESAC-Net project for determining FQ consumption. In over half of the EU/EEA countries, the consumption of fluoroquinolones decreased in both the community sector and the hospital sector between 2016 and 2021. The prevalence of FQ-R Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter spp., Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae exceeded 20%. The prevalence of fluoroquinolone-resistant (FQ-R) Pseudomonas aeruginosa in EU/EEA countries was less than 20% except for 2017. In most EU/EEA countries, the use of FQ has reduced in last years, except for countries like Poland where FQ were an overused group of antibiotics in the treatment of various types of infections. Fluoroquinolones, as life-saving antibiotics in severe infections, should be withdrawn from empirical treatment in Poland and in countries with a high prevalence of FQ-R microorganisms.
A Study of Certain Sharp Poincaré Constants as Set Functions of Their Domain
Authors: Bevan J. J. , Deane J. H. B.
Published: July 2023

For bounded, convex sets $$\Omega \subset \mathbb {R}^d$$

Ω
⊂

R

d

, the sharp Poincaré constant $$C(\Omega )$$

C
(
Ω
)

, which appears in $$||f-\bar{f}_{_{\Omega }}||_{L^{\infty }(\Omega )} \le C(\Omega )||\nabla f||_{L^{\infty }(\Omega )}$$

|
|
f

-

f

¯

Ω

|
|

L
∞

(
Ω
)

≤

C

(
Ω
)

|
|
∇
f
|
|

L
∞

(
Ω
)

, is given by $$C(\Omega )=\max _{_{\partial \Omega }}\zeta $$

C

(
Ω
)

=

max

∂
Ω

ζ

for a specific convex function $$\zeta $$
ζ
[Bevan et al. in Proc Am Math Soc 151:1071–1085, 2023 (Theorem 1.1)]. We study $$C(\cdot )$$

C
(
·
)

as a function on convex sets, in particular on polyhedra, and find that while a geometric characterization of $$C(\Omega )$$

C
(
Ω
)

for triangles is possible, for other polyhedra the problem of ordering $$\zeta (V_i)$$

ζ
(

V
i

)

, where $$V_i$$

V
i

are the vertices of $$\Omega $$
Ω
, can be formidable. In these cases, we develop estimates of $$C(\Omega )$$

C
(
Ω
)

from above and below in terms of more tractable quantities. We find, for example, that a good proxy for C(Q) when Q is a planar polygon with vertices $$V_i$$

V
i

and centroid $$\gamma (Q)$$

γ
(
Q
)

is the quantity $$D(Q)=\max _{i}|V_i-\gamma (Q)|$$

D

(
Q
)

=

max
i

|

V
i

-
γ

(
Q
)

|

, with an error of up to $$\sim 8\%$$

∼
8
%

. A numerical study suggests that a similar statement holds for k-gons, this time with a maximal error across all k-gons of $$\sim 13\%$$

∼
13
%

. We explore the question of whether there is, for each $$\Omega $$
Ω
, at least one point M capable of ordering the $$\zeta (V_i)$$

ζ
(

V
i

)

according to the ordering of the $$|V_i-M|$$

|

V
i

-
M
|

. For triangles, M always exists; for quadrilaterals, M seems always to exist; for 5-gons and beyond, they seem not to.
PSMA PET imaging in the diagnosis and management of prostate cancer
Authors: Houshmand Sina , Lawhn-Heath Courtney , Behr Spencer
Published: July 2023

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men in the United States. Imaging techniques such as CT, MRI, and bone scans have traditionally been used for diagnosis and staging. Molecular imaging modalities targeting the prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) have recently gained attention due to their high affinity and accuracy. PSMA PET has been combined with other modalities such as multiparametric MRI for better diagnostic and prognostic performance. PSMA imaging has been studied at different clinical settings with a wide range of disease aggressiveness. In this review we will explore the role of PSMA PET in high-risk prostate cancer staging, biochemical recurrence, and castration-resistant prostate cancer. The primary focus of this review article is to examine the latest developments in the use of PSMA imaging and emphasize the clinical situations where its effectiveness has been demonstrated to significantly impact the treatment of prostate cancer. In addition, we will touch upon the potential future advancements of PSMA PET imaging and its evolving significance in the management of prostate cancer.

Graphical abstract
Population structure, mate choice, and genome transmission in naturally formed pairs in a Pelophylax lessonae–Pelophylax esculentus hybridogenetic system
Authors: Skierska Katarzyna , Lagner Aneta , Rozenblut-Kościsty Beata , Kosiba Piotr , Kolenda Krzysztof , Ogielska Maria
Published: July 2023

Central European water frog Pelophylax esculentus is a hybrid that lives sympatrically and forms genetic systems with one of its parental species, in this case L-E (P. lessonae - P. esculentus). Hybrids are restored in each generation due to hybridogenesis, a unique mode of hemiclonal reproduction. We investigated changes in the species composition, mate choice, and genome transmission in naturally formed pairs in the L-E hybridogenetic system from the Raków fish pond complex (SW Poland). Our observations showed that the genetic system remained the same for over a decade but the share of the taxa and the sex ratios within the species changed. The frequency of P. lessonae decreased by about 20% in favor of P. esculentus. The proportion of males to females of P. lessonae increased twofold and of P. esculentus fourfold. We also found that the stability of the L-E population was ensured by a specific female mate choice pattern with the dominance of homotypic P. lessonae and heterotypic ♀P. esculentus × ♂P. lessonae pairs (almost 90% of the pairs collected from nature). The youngest females and males that formed a successful amplexus were 3 years old. We noted a male-male competition manifested by the exclusion of young males (before the third hibernation) from the participation in the mating. An analysis of genome transmission to gametes revealed that females P. lessonae transmitted Lx, while P. esculentus transmitted the Rx and/or Lx genomes. Males of P. lessonae transmitted the Lx or Ly genomes, while P. esculentus transmitted the Lx, Ly, and/or Rx genomes. The high proportion of the L genomes transferred to gametes enables both the restoration of the parental species P. lessonae and the regular renewal of a new generation of hybrids.

Significance statement

Central European water frog complex includes two species: Pelophylax ridibundus (genotype RR) and P. lessonae (LL), and their natural hybrid, P. esculentus (RL). Hybrid individuals of both sexes reproduce due to a specific mode of reproduction, i.e., hybridogenesis, in which hybrids eliminate one of the parental genomes (R or L) from the germ line prior to meiosis and transmit the other one (not recombined, i.e., clonal) to the gametes. The hybrids live in mixed populations with one of the parental species and are restored in each generation. This, in turn, allows a kind of balance to be maintained in a population due to specific mate choice and genome transmission. Our research showed that the stability of the studied population was ensured by female preference to P. lessonae and male-male competition manifested by the exclusion of males under 3 years of age from the participation in the mating.
Bindehauttumoren bei Kindern
Authors: Nüßle Simone , Glegola Mateusz , Schulz Tabea , Lagrèze Wolf , Reinhard Thomas , Auw-Hädrich Claudia
Published: July 2023

Hintergrund

Das Spektrum der Bindehauttumoren von Kindern und Jugendlichen unterscheidet sich deutlich von dem der Erwachsenen. Ziel der Arbeit ist es, die Verteilung histopathologischer Diagnosen von kindlichen Bindehauttumoren aufzuzeigen.

Material und Methoden

Retrospektive Fallserie über alle Bindehauttumoren von Kindern und Jugendlichen unter 18 Jahren, die über einen Zeitraum von 25 Jahren (1990–2015) in der Klinik für Augenheilkunde in Freiburg histologisch untersucht wurden.

Ergebnisse

Unter den 262 Bindehautpräparaten waren die häufigsten Diagnosen Bindehautnävi (148 [56 %]), am häufigsten mit junktionaler Aktivität (106/148 [72 %]), pyogene Granulome (26 [10 %]), und Dermolipome (18 [7 %]). In einem Fall wurde ein maligner Tumor, ein Bindehautmelanom nachgewiesen (1 [< 1 %]).

Schlussfolgerung

Unsere Ergebnisse lassen darauf schließen, dass kindliche Bindehauttumoren in den meisten Fällen benigne sind. Die meisten davon waren melanozytären Ursprungs, wobei Bindehautnävi mit junktionaler Aktivität die häufigste Diagnose darstellten.
Outcomes of a state-wide salt reduction initiative in adults living in Victoria, Australia
Authors: Bolton Kristy A. , Santos Joseph Alvin , Rosewarne Emalie , Trieu Kathy , Reimers Jenny , Nowson Caryl , Neal Bruce , Webster Jacqui , Woodward Mark , Dunford Elizabeth , Armstrong Sian , Bolam Bruce , Grimes Carley
Published: July 2023

Purpose

To assess any effects of a state-wide sodium reduction intervention on sodium intake, sources of dietary sodium and discretionary salt use at a population level.

Methods

Data (24-h urinary sodium excretion, self-report survey, a 24-h dietary recall) were collected cross-sectionally at baseline (2016/2017) and follow-up (2020) from adults in Victoria, Australia. Intervention activities included consumer awareness advertising campaign, public debate generation via mass media, strengthening existing policy initiatives and supporting food innovation with industry.

Results

There were 339 participants at baseline and 211 at follow-up, with 144 and 90 of participants completing a 24-h dietary recall, respectively. There was no difference in adjusted 24-h urinary sodium excretion between baseline and follow-up (134 vs 131 mmol/24 h;p = 0.260). There were no differences in the percentage of participants adding salt during cooking (63% vs 68%;p = 0.244), adding salt at the table (34% vs 37%;p = 0.400) or regularly taking action to control salt/sodium intake (22% vs 21%;p = 0.793). There were large differences in the quantity of dietary sodium sourced from retail stores (57% vs 77%,p < 0.001), and less sodium was sourced from foods at fresh food markets (13% vs 2%;p ≤ 0.001) at follow-up. No large differences were apparent for foods with different levels of processing or for food groups.

Conclusion

There was no clear population-level effect of the 4-year multi-component Victorian Salt Reduction Intervention on sodium intake with Victorian adults continuing to consume sodium above recommended levels. The findings indicate that more intensive and sustained efforts aiming at the retail and food industry with national level support are likely to be required to achieve a measurable improvement in sodium intake at a state level.
The heterocellular heart: identities, interactions, and implications for cardiology
Authors: Lother Achim , Kohl Peter
Published: July 2023

The heterocellular nature of the heart has been receiving increasing attention in recent years. In addition to cardiomyocytes as the prototypical cell type of the heart, non-myocytes such as endothelial cells, fibroblasts, or immune cells are coming more into focus. The rise of single-cell sequencing technologies enables  identification of ever more subtle differences and has reignited the question of what defines a cell’s identity. Here we provide an overview of the major cardiac cell types, describe their roles in homeostasis, and outline recent findings on non-canonical functions that may be of relevance for cardiology. We highlight modes of biochemical and biophysical interactions between different cardiac cell types and discuss the potential implications of the heterocellular nature of the heart for basic research and therapeutic interventions.
Coblator adenoidectomy in pediatric patients: a state-of-the-art review
Authors: Calvo-Henriquez Christian , RuedaFernandez-Rueda María , Garcia-Lliberos Ainhoa , Maldonado-Alvarado Byron , Mota-Rojas Xenia , Maniaci Antonino , Iannella Giannicola , Jimenez-Huerta Ignacio
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Adenoid hypertrophy is one of the main causes of nasal obstruction in ‘children. Adenoid hypertrophy can be approached either with nasal corticosteroids, or surgically when medical treatment fails. Different adenoidectomy techniques have been proposed to reduce morbidity and surgical risks, with a consequent marked increase in the use of new surgical procedures in recent years, with a progressive increase in the use of coblation. This state-of-the-art review aims to systematically review the current literature on the role of coblation in adenoidectomy.

Methods

The selection criteria included children submitted to adenoidectomy with coblator vs other techniques. 11 research questions were defined. 4 databases were explored by four authors: PubMed (Medline), the Cochrane Library, EMBASE and SciELO. The level of evidence and quality of the selected articles were assessed according to assessed according to the Quality Assessment Checklist of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence.

Results

20 studies met the inclusion criteria: 2 metanalysis, 12 randomized clinical trial, 2 non-randomized clinical trial, 1 prospective cohort study, and 3 retrospective cohort study. It encompassed a total population of 8375 participants. Regarding the different surgical techniques, 18 studies (excluding metanalysis) performed coblation (n = 1550), 6 microdebridement (n = 883), 15 curettage (n = 4016), and 1 suction coagulation (n = 1926).

Conclusion

Coblator adenoidectomy appears to offer better adenoid control compared to curettage, with a possible, although not confirmed lower rate of revision surgery. Similarly, this greater resection of adenoid tissue seems to be related to a greater reduction of nasal obstruction. The advantages of this technique are mainly less surgical bleeding—although it is not clear this is a clinically relevant difference, and less postoperative pain compared to cold curettage. The difference in pain is small, as adenoidectomy is not a painful surgery in general. There is little evidence on the control of OME and comparison with other techniques such as microdebrider adenoidectomy.
Individual surveillance by competing risk model for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma occurrence in all-cause cirrhosis
Authors: Wang Qi , Guo Dandan , Gao Wenfeng , Yuan Chunwang , Li Jianjun , Zhang Yinghua , He Ning , Zhao Peng , Zheng Jiasheng , Zhang Yonghong
Published: July 2023

Purpose

It was of great significance to identify someone with a high risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occurrence and make a diagnosis as early as possible. Therefore, we aimed to develop and validate a new, objective, and accurate prediction model, and convert it into a nomogram to make a personalized prediction of cancer occurrence in cirrhotic patients with different etiologies.

Methods

The present study included 938 patients with cirrhosis from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2012. Patients were prospectively followed-up until January 1, 2018. We used a competing risk model and the Fine–Gray test to develop and validate the prediction model and to plot a nomogram based on the model established.

Results

At the end of follow-up, 202 (21.5%) patients developed HCC, with a 5-year incidence of 19.0% (corrected for competing risk model). Based on the competing risk regression method, we built a prediction model including age, gender, etiology, lymphocyte, and A/G ratio. Three groups with different risks were generated on account of tertiles of the 5-year risk predicted by the model. The cumulative 1-, 3-, and 5-year incidences of HCC were 2.0%, 20.8%, and 42.3% in high-risk group, 0.9%, 10.1%, and 17.7% in medium-risk group, and 0%, 2.0%, 8.5% in low-risk group (P < 0.001). The model showed excellent discrimination and calibration in predicting the risk of HCC occurrence in patients with all-cause cirrhosis.

Conclusion

The model could make an individual prediction of cancer occurrence and stratify patients based on predicted risk, regardless of the causes of cirrhosis.
Pioglitazone, a PPAR-y agonist, as one of the new therapeutic candidates for C3 glomerulopathy
Authors: Balestra Elia , Barbi Egidio , Ceconi Viola , Di Maso Vittorio , Conversano Ester , Pennesi Marco
Published: July 2023

Background

C3-glomerulopathy (C3G) is a rare pediatric kidney disease characterised by dysregulation of the alternative complement pathway, with glomerular deposition of C3. C3G may often present as a steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS), and there is no established effective therapy: the usual treatment involves corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs. Pioglitazone, a PPAR-γ agonist with a protective action on podocytes, was reported in a few cases as helpful in reducing proteinuria when combined with steroids.

Case-Diagnosis/Treatment

We report the case of a 13-year-old girl with silent past medical history who presented with SRNS. A kidney biopsy showed findings indicative of C3G. A low sodium diet and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor were started; immunosuppressive treatment with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) was administered due to the cortico-resistance. Because of poor response to the immunosuppressant, a trial with eculizumab was attempted without significant response and persistence of proteinuria in the nephrotic range. A further therapeutic trial was performed with tacrolimus with no disease remission. Due to a severe deterioration in her condition, the girl was hospitalized and treated with high-dose steroid bolus. A daily dose of oral prednisone and MMF were re-started without benefit with persistent levels of nephrotic range proteinuria. The administration of pioglitazone consistently lowered proteinuria levels for the first time since the onset of the disease, with a maintenance of the effect and normalization (< 0.15 g/24 h) at the 10-month follow-up.

Conclusions

In this patient affected by C3G, pioglitazone proved effective in reducing proteinuria levels.
Properties of bundle valuations in carrier collaboration
Authors: Vetschera Rudolf , Knyazev Dmitriy , Rehsmann Daniel
Published: July 2023

Combinatorial auctions are an important part of many frameworks for carrier collaboration in logistics. In the last years, many innovative auction mechanisms have been developed in the economic literature that could potentially be applied in this context and that could significantly simplify the process of determining efficient allocations of requests. These mechanisms rely on certain assumptions about the valuations of bidders. In this paper, we perform computational experiments to analyze to which extent these requirements are fulfilled for valuations derived from a simple logistics problem, the Traveling Salesman Problem. We find that bidders’ valuations typically violate even very elementary requirements, but that these violations affect only a limited number of request bundles. We further analyze whether these violations exhibit a consistent pattern across multiple carriers and check consistency if route lengths are calculated exactly or approximated.
What can monetary policy tell us about Bitcoin?
Authors: Pietrzak Marcin
Published: July 2023

Bitcoin enthusiasts argue that it is free from central banks decisions and it is a hedge against inflation. Using high-frequency monetary surprises associated with decisions made by the Fed and the ECB, I show that these claims are not supported by the data. Bitcoin systemically reacts to monetary and central bank information shocks. I find that these reactions vary over time: not only by changing the magnitude but sometimes sign of reaction. Fed’s disinflationary shocks increase Bitcoin price, while the ECB’s decrease, hence providing little support for it as an inflation hedge.
Selenoprotein P, peroxiredoxin-5, renalase, and total antioxidant status in patients with suspected obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Czerwińska Karolina , Januszewska Lidia , Markiewicz-Górka Iwona , Jaremków Aleksandra , Martynowicz Helena , Pawlas Krystyna , Mazur Grzegorz , Poręba Rafał , Gać Paweł
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between selenoprotein P, peroxiredoxin-5, renalase, total antioxidant status (TAS), mean blood pressure (mBP), and apnea-hypopnea index (AHI).

Methods

The study group consisted of 112 patients hospitalized to verify the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The inclusion criteria were consent to participate in the study and age ≥ 18 years. Patients with active proliferative disease, severe systemic diseases, or mental diseases were excluded from the study. Each patient underwent full polysomnography and had blood pressure measured. Blood samples were collected and laboratory test was performed.

Results

Among 112 patients enrolled, there was a statistically significant negative linear correlation between blood pressure values (sBP, dBP, mBP) and selenoprotein P, renalase, and TAS levels. Similarly, there was a negative linear correlation between AHI and selenoprotein P, renalase, and TAS levels, but none between AHI and peroxiredoxin-5. Based on the obtained regression models, higher selenoprotein P, peroxiredoxin-5, and renalase levels were independently associated with higher TAS. Lower mBP values were independently associated with the use of antihypertensive drugs, higher TAS, and younger age. Male gender, higher BMI, and higher mBP were independently associated with higher AHI.

Conclusions

Higher concentrations of selenoprotein P, peroxiredoxin-5, and renalase were associated with higher TAS, which confirms their antioxidant properties. There was an indirect connection between tested antioxidants and blood pressure values.
Functional mobility and physical fitness are improved through a multicomponent training program in institutionalized older adults
Authors: López-López Sergio , Abuín-Porras Vanesa , Berlanga Luis A. , Martos-Duarte Michelle , Perea-Unceta Luis , Romero-Morales Carlos , Pareja-Galeano Helios
Published: July 2023

Physical exercise has demonstrated its effectiveness in the management of the deleterious process of aging. However, it is less studied in institutionalized elderly people. This investigation aims to clarify the benefits of a multicomponent training program in institutionalized older adults. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with institutionalized older adults (≥ 70 years old). Intervention group (IG; N = 18) were submitted to a multicomponent training program based on muscle power training and interval endurance exercise, 2 times/week for 12 weeks. Control group (CG; N = 16) continued their usual mobility exercises. Independence was estimated with the Barthel index, and physical fitness and functional mobility were evaluated by the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, the 6-min Walking Test (6’WT), the 10-Meter Walking Test (10MWT), hand grip strength dynamometry, and lower limb muscle strength and power. The IG improved, compared with the CG, in TUG scores in -7.43 s (95% IC: 3.28, 11.59; p < 0.001); in 10MWT scores in -5.19 s (95% IC: 1.41, 8.97; p = 0.004) and -4.43 s (95% IC: 1.14, 7.73; p = 0.002), 6’WT scores in + 54.54 m (95% IC: 30.24, 78.84; p < 0.001); and SPPB in + 2.74 points (95% IC: 2.10, 3.37; p < 0.001). Maximum muscle power and maximum strength did not show statistically significant differences. The multicomponent training program based on muscle power and interval endurance exercise was shown to be safe, well tolerated and effective for the improvement of functional mobility and physical fitness, but not for independence in institutionalized older adults.
First-order thermodynamics of scalar-tensor gravity
Authors: Giardino Serena , Giusti Andrea
Published: July 2023

The first-order thermodynamics of scalar-tensor theory is a novel approach that exploits the intriguing relationship between gravity and thermodynamics to better understand the space of gravity theories. It is based on using Eckart’s first-order irreversible thermodynamics on the effective imperfect fluid describing scalar-tensor gravity and characterises General Relativity as an equilibrium state, and scalar-tensor theories as non-equilibrium states, naturally describing the approach to equilibrium. Applications of this framework to cosmology, extensions to different classes of modified theories, and the formulation of two complementary descriptions based on the notions of temperature and chemical potential all contribute to a new and unifying picture of the landscape of gravity theories.
Fetal MRI of the supratentorial brain abnormalities: what we should know about ventriculomegaly?
Authors: Kuwashima Shigeko
Published: July 2023

Fetal MRI is performed to evaluate the brain in cases where an abnormality is detected by ultrasonography (US). Fetal MRI has higher contrast resolution than US. Because the fetal brain is dynamic structure, it is important to know the normal appearance of the brain at different gestational age to be better able to identify abnormalities using MRI. Fast imaging sequences to minimize artifact from fetal motion are required. The main sequences used are ultrafast T2 weighted imaging. Similar to pediatric neuroimaging, images are acquired in the axial, sagittal, and coronal planes. T1 weighted image and Gradient echo-planar T2 weighted images are performed to detect hemorrhage. Ventriculomegaly is the most common central nervous system abnormality identified on US. The causes of ventriculomegaly are very heterogeneous and include developmental, destructive, and obstructive processes, or a combination thereof. MRI improves diagnostic accuracy and can be used to evaluate the etiology of the ventriculomegaly. Moreover, MRI can play an important role in detecting additional findings, which may help to focus on patient counseling and management. This review summarizes and illustrates common pattern of ventriculomegaly due to mainly supratentorial abnormalities.
Cardio-oncology: Shared Genetic, Metabolic, and Pharmacologic Mechanism
Authors: Zhao Yiqi , Jia Hao , Hua Xiumeng , An Tao , Song Jiangping
Published: July 2023

Purpose of Review

The article aims to investigate the complex relationship between cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD), with a focus on the effects of cancer treatment on cardiac health.

Recent Findings

Advances in cancer treatment have improved long-term survival rates, but CVD has emerged as a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in cancer patients. The interplay between cancer itself, treatment methods, homeostatic changes, and lifestyle modifications contributes to this comorbidity. Recent research in the field of cardio-oncology has revealed common genetic mutations, risk factors, and metabolic features associated with the co-occurrence of cancer and CVD.

This article provides a comprehensive review of the latest research in cardio-oncology, including common genetic mutations, risk factors, and metabolic features, and explores the interactions between cancer treatment and CVD drugs, proposing novel approaches for the management of cancer and CVD.
Oxidative stress-related markers as prognostic factors for patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis in Japan
Authors: Oyama Atsushi , Takaki Akinobu , Adachi Takuya , Wada Nozomu , Takeuchi Yasuto , Onishi Hideki , Shiraha Hidenori , Okada Hiroyuki , Otsuka Motoyuki
Published: July 2023

Background/purpose

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a rare chronic liver disease. The mechanisms and prediction of PSC progression are unclear. Recent investigations have shown that general conditions, such as oxidative stress, affect the course of chronic diseases. We investigated the clinical course and oxidative stress-related condition of PSC to determine prognostic factors.

Methods

We recruited 58 patients with PSC (mean age; 37.4 years, mean observation period; 1382 days) who visited our department from 2003 to 2021. Clinical characteristics were investigated to define prognostic factors. Oxidative stress status was evaluated using two types of markers: an oxidative stress marker (serum reactive oxygen metabolite; dROM) and an antioxidant marker (serum OXY adsorbent test; OXY).

Results

The revised Mayo risk, Child–Pugh, model for end-stage liver disease-sodium (MELD-Na) scores or fibrosis-related FIB-4 index significantly predicted poor overall survival. High intestinal immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels predicted poor survival. Among patients with high and intermediate revised Mayo risk scores, those with physiologically high dROM levels showed better survival than those with lower dROM levels. In this population, dROM was negatively correlated with AST and IgA, which are both correlated with survival.

Conclusions

High and intermediate revised Mayo risk score group predicted a poor clinical course in PSC. Additionally, the Child–Pugh score, MELD-Na score, FIB-4 index, and serum IgA were significantly correlated with survival. In patients with high and intermediate revised Mayo risk scores, physiologically high oxidative stress status correlated with low IgA levels and a good prognosis.
Assessing the Readability of Online Health Information for Colonoscopy — Analysis of Articles in 22 European Languages
Authors: Skrzypczak Tomasz , Mamak Michał
Published: July 2023

Patients often search on the Internet information about different medical conditions and procedures. This study aimed to evaluate online health information on colonoscopy, focusing on quantity and comprehensibility of internet resources dedicated to the colonoscopy. This information could be used by European Union (EU) colorectal cancer (CRC) screening providers to address patient’s unfilled educational needs, fear of colonoscopy, and other barriers that deter from CRC screening. The term “colonoscopy” translated into 22 official EU languages was searched using the Google search engine. For each translation, generated list of websites was assessed with Google Translate. The first 50 websites in each language were assessed for suitability. Records in other languages were excluded. Included websites were free, focused on patient education, and did not have password. Readability assessments were performed with Lix score. A total of 588 websites in Bulgarian, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Slovak, Slovenian, Spanish, and Swedish were evaluated. The overall mean Lix score was 56 ± 8 and was classified as very hard to comprehend. There were significant differences in mean Lix scores across the included languages (P<.001). There was not significant correlation (R2 = 0.1, P = 0.142) between Lix score and number of search hits. Although there was a wealth of online patient information on colonoscopy, the comprehensibility of the available information is low. Physician guidance to reliable resources could increase patient’s willingness to undergo a screening colonoscopy.
Simulation of passive exotendon assistive device for agricultural harvesting task
Authors: Chan Yon Sin , Teo Yu Xuan , Gouwanda Darwin , Nurzaman Surya Girinatha , Gopalai Alpha Agape
Published: July 2023

This study proposes and investigates the feasibility of the passive assistive device to assist agricultural harvesting task and reduce the Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD) risk of harvesters using computational musculoskeletal modelling and simulations. Several passive assistive devices comprised of elastic exotendon, which acts in parallel with different back muscles (rectus abdominis, longissimus, and iliocostalis), were designed and modelled. These passive assistive devices were integrated individually into the musculoskeletal model to provide passive support for the harvesting task. The muscle activation, muscle force, and joint moment were computed with biomechanical simulations for unassisted and assisted motions. The simulation results demonstrated that passive assistive devices reduced muscle activation, muscle force, and joint moment, particularly when the devices were attached to the iliocostalis and rectus abdominis. It was also discovered that assisting the longissimus muscle can alleviate the workload by distributing a portion of it to the rectus abdominis. The findings in this study support the feasibility of adopting passive assistive devices to reduce the MSD risk of the harvesters during agricultural harvesting. These findings can provide valuable insights to the engineers and designers of physical assistive devices on which muscle(s) to assist during agricultural harvesting.
Biosynthesis of titanium dioxide nanoparticles using probiotic bacterial strain, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and evaluate of their biocompatibility and antifungal activity
Authors: Abdel-Maksoud Gomaa , Abdel-Nasser Mahmoud , Hassan Saad El-Din , Eid Ahmed M. , Abdel-Nasser Aya , Fouda Amr
Published: July 2023

The main goal of the current study is to biosynthesize titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) using green approach to biocontrol of different fungal strains isolated from historical Description of Egypt book. Nineteen fungal strains were isolated from deteriorated parts and identified by the traditional and molecular methods as Aspergillus flavus (8-isolates), Aspergillus versicolor (2-isolates), Aspergillus ustus (4-isolates), Aspergillus chinensis (2-isolates), Penicillium citrinum (2-isolates), and Penicillium chrysogenum (1-isolate). These fungal strains showed high cellulase, amylase, pectinase, and gelatinase activities which have a significant role in biodeterioration. The biomass filtrate of probiotic strain, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, was used to fabricate TiO2-NPs which characterized by UV-Vis, FT-IR, XRD, TEM, SEM, EDX, DLS, and zeta potential. The obtained data showed the successful formation of spherical and anatase phase NPs with sizes of 3–7 nm and zeta potential values of – 19.9 and – 36.8 mV. The main components of as-formed nanomaterial were Ti and O with weight percentages of 55.91 and 46.25, respectively. The biocompatibility of synthesized TiO2-NPs was investigated toward two normal cell lines, WI38 and HFB4, which reveal the low toxicity at high concentrations (IC50 > 300 μg mL–1). Therefore, concentrations ≤ 300 μg mL–1 were used to biocontrol of isolated fungi. Data showed the promising activity of various concentrations (300, 200, and 100 μg mL–1) of TiO2-NPs to inhibit the growth of fungal strains with varied inhibition zones and dose-dependent manner. This study exhibited the efficacy of probiotic bacterial strains in the synthesis of TiO2-NPs that can be used to preserve historical books from fungal deterioration.

Graphical Abstract
Functional Traits in Bees: the Role of Body Size and Hairs in the Pollination of a Passiflora Crop
Authors: Cortés-Gómez Angela M. , González-Chaves Adrián , Urbina-Cardona Nicolás , Garibaldi Lucas A.
Published: July 2023

Pollination is a vitally important function in nature and becomes an ecosystem service because it influences the food and nutritional security for people. However, the contribution of different functional traits of insects for pollen transport of plants is still poorly known. We explore the relationship between pollinator insect functional traits and the transport of pollen of sweet granadilla (Passiflora ligularis Juss) in eight crops. We sampled flower-visiting insects of this crop and recorded 10 functional traits (five by direct measurements and five from the literature) that were related to the amount of pollen carried by each insect. Bees (Apidae) were not only the most abundant insects but also the ones that loaded the highest amounts of pollen. Within these, the most abundant species was the exotic common honeybee (Apis mellifera (Linnaeus)) making up almost half of the specimens collected; however, this bee carried less pollen grains than other native bees. Bombus hortulanus (Smith) was one of the large-bodied native bees that carried more sweet granadilla pollen, despite not being an abundant species in the community. Body size was the most important trait determining the transport of sweet granadilla pollen, while the traits related to body hairs were not significant for the body’s pollen load. None of the functional traits evaluated was influenced by taxonomy at species-level. Our results suggest that large body sizes in bees are the most important traits in granadilla pollen transport, regardless of other changes in composition and structure of pollinating insect assemblages in the crop.
Dynamic modelling of price expectations and judgments
Authors: Simone Rosaria , Corduas Marcella , Piccolo Domenico
Published: July 2023

Official data about consumers’ qualitative expectation and perception of inflation are derived from repeated surveys conducted by national statistical institutes. In EU, these data are published in aggregate form, and cannot be described by means of classical methods based on cumulative models for ordinal data. This article illustrates an integrated approach that locates CUB mixture models for ratings in a time series perspective in order to investigate the joint evolution of inflation judgments and expectations in Italy. In order to measure the common sentiment of interviewees through the feeling component of the model, net of possible uncertainty and nuisance effects, its estimation is pursued through profile likelihood methods given the empirical frequency distributions of consumers’ opinions observed over time. Then, the relationship between the time series of the estimated feeling parameters is modelled using a dynamic regression model and the results are compared in three periods marked by different economic conditions. Results indicate that each series has a substantial inertial component, and thus it is characterized by a slow variation over time, and that both judgments about past price levels and previous expectations affect current expectations about the future in fairly different ways for the three time periods.
Extended plant cognition: a critical consideration of the concept
Authors: Parise André Geremia , Marder Michael
Published: July 2023

Within the framework of studies of plants as cognitive organisms, there is a hypothesis that plant cognitive processes are not enclosed within their bodies but extend to the environment. The extended plant cognition (EPC) hypothesis suggests that when plants modify the environment around them through the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), root exudates, and the sustenance of mycorrhizal networks, they extend their sensorial apparatus and externalize a part of their information-processing system. As a result, a plant can no longer be seen as an isolated organism easily distinguishable from its milieu. In this article, we discuss the implications of understanding plants as extended cognitive organisms and assess four test cases that corroborate the EPC hypothesis, one for each possible channel of extended plant cognition discussed here. We conclude that this new approach can redefine how we understand plants and their environment. EPC may also be a fruitful source of inspiration to develop new techniques in agriculture by enhancing the external elements of plant cognition.