bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of a relative pricing intervention and active merchandising on snack purchases: interrupted time series analysis of a hospital retailer-led strategy
Authors: Mah Catherine L. , Kennedy Laura , Taylor Nathan G. A. , Nicholson Taylor , Jago Emily , MacDonald Brenda
Published: May 2023

Background

Pricing policies have been shown to be an effective lever for promoting healthier dietary choices in consumer food environments. It is not yet well understood how pricing can be used to encourage healthier substitute purchases. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of a retailer-led relative pricing intervention on weekly purchases of targeted snack foods and beverages.

Methods

This was an ecological analysis in a real-world large tertiary hospital consumer food environment setting in urban Canada, comprised of four retail outlets: two large cafeterias, one smaller cafeteria, and one grab-and-go café. An interrupted time series analysis was designed to evaluate the effect of Snacking Made Simple, a retailer-led relative pricing intervention applied to 10 popular snack foods and beverages (n = 87 weeks, 66 weeks baseline and 21 weeks intervention, April 2018 to December 2019), on weekly purchase differences between healthier and less healthy targeted items, adjusted for weekly sales volume. Five healthier items were price discounted, alongside a price increase for five less healthy items. The intervention was actively merchandised in keeping with behaviour change theory.

Results

Weekly purchases of targeted snacks became healthier during the intervention period (β = 21.41, p = 0.0024). This followed a baseline period during which weekly purchases of less healthy targeted snacks had outpaced over time those of healthier targeted snacks (β = -11.02, p = 3.68E-14). We estimated that, all else being equal, a hypothetical 9.43 additional weeks of the intervention would be required to transition to net-healthier targeted snack purchases in this environment. The effects of the intervention varied by retail outlet, and the outcome appears driven by specific food items; further, examining merchandising implementation, we posited whether direct versus indirect substitution may have affected purchasing outcomes.

Conclusions

Relative pricing may be a promising way to incentivize healthier substitute purchasing in the consumer food environment. Added attention to merchandising strategy as well as value-add factors within food categories and their effects on price salience may be an important factor in effective intervention design.
A Pronectin™ AXL-targeted first-in-class bispecific T cell engager (pAXLxCD3ε) for ovarian cancer
Authors: Riillo Caterina , Polerà Nicoletta , Di Martino Maria Teresa , Juli Giada , Hokanson Craig A. , Odineca Tatjana , Signorelli Stefania , Grillone Katia , Ascrizzi Serena , Mancuso Antonia , Staropoli Nicoletta , Caparello Basilio , Cerra Maria , Nisticò Giuseppe , Tagliaferri Pierosandro , Crea Roberto , Caracciolo Daniele , Tassone Pierfrancesco
Published: May 2023

Background

Pronectins™ are a new class of fibronectin-3-domain 14th-derived (14Fn3) antibody mimics that can be engineered as bispecific T cell engager (BTCE) to redirect immune effector cells against cancer. We describe here the in vitro and in vivo activity of a Pronectin™ AXL-targeted first-in-class bispecific T cell engager (pAXLxCD3ε) against Epithelial Ovarian Cancer (EOC).

Methods

pAXLxCD3ε T-cell mediated cytotoxicity was evaluated by flow cytometry and bioluminescence. pAXLxCD3ε mediated T-cell infiltration, activation and proliferation were assessed by immunofluorescence microscopy and by flow cytometry. Activity of pAXLxCD3ε was also investigated in combination with poly-ADP ribose polymerase inhibitors (PARPi). In vivo antitumor activity of pAXLxCD3ε was evaluated in immunocompromised (NSG) mice bearing intraperitoneal or subcutaneous EOC xenografts and immunologically reconstituted with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC).

Results

pAXLxCD3ε induced dose-dependent cytotoxicity by activation of T lymphocytes against EOC cells, regardless of their histologic origin. The addition of PARPi to cell cultures enhanced pAXLxCD3ε cytotoxicity. Importantly, in vivo, pAXLxCD3ε was highly effective against EOC xenografts in two different NSG mouse models, by inhibiting the growth of tumor cells in ascites and subcutaneous xenografts. This effect translated into a significantly prolonged survival of treated animals.

Conclusion

pAXLxCD3ε is an active therapeutics against EOC cells providing a rational for its development as a novel agent in this still incurable disease. The preclinical validation of a first-in-class agent opens the way to the development of a new 14Fn3-based scaffold platform for the generation of innovative immune therapeutics against cancer.
EvoAug: improving generalization and interpretability of genomic deep neural networks with evolution-inspired data augmentations
Authors: Lee Nicholas Keone , Tang Ziqi , Toneyan Shushan , Koo Peter K.
Published: May 2023

Deep neural networks (DNNs) hold promise for functional genomics prediction, but their generalization capability may be limited by the amount of available data. To address this, we propose EvoAug, a suite of evolution-inspired augmentations that enhance the training of genomic DNNs by increasing genetic variation. Random transformation of DNA sequences can potentially alter their function in unknown ways, so we employ a fine-tuning procedure using the original non-transformed data to preserve functional integrity. Our results demonstrate that EvoAug substantially improves the generalization and interpretability of established DNNs across prominent regulatory genomics prediction tasks, offering a robust solution for genomic DNNs.
Stereotactic Body radiotherapy and pedicLE screw fixatioN During one hospital visit for patients with symptomatic unstable spinal metastases: a randomized trial (BLEND RCT) using the Trials within Cohorts (TwiCs) design
Authors: Huele E. H. , van der Velden J. M. , Kasperts N. , Eppinga W. S. C. , Grutters J. P. C. , Suelmann B. B. M. , Weening A. A. , Delawi D. , Teunissen S. C. C. M. , Verkooijen H. M. , Verlaan J. J. , Gal R.
Published: May 2023

Background

Spinal metastases can lead to unremitting pain and neurological deficits, which substantially impair daily functioning and quality of life. Patients with unstable spinal metastases receive surgical stabilization followed by palliative radiotherapy as soon as wound healing allows. The time between surgery and radiotherapy delays improvement of mobility, radiotherapy-induced pain relief, local tumor control, and restart of systemic oncological therapy. Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) enables delivery of preoperative high-dose radiotherapy while dose-sparing the surgical field, allowing stabilizing surgery within only hours. Patients may experience earlier recovery of mobility, regression of pain, and return to systemic oncological therapy. The BLEND RCT evaluates the effectiveness of SBRT followed by surgery within 24 h for the treatment of symptomatic, unstable spinal metastases.

Methods

This phase III randomized controlled trial is embedded within the PRospective Evaluation of interventional StudiEs on boNe meTastases (PRESENT) cohort. Patients with symptomatic, unstable spinal metastases requiring stabilizing surgery and radiotherapy will be randomized (1:1). The intervention group (n = 50) will be offered same-day SBRT and surgery, which they can accept or refuse. According to the Trial within Cohorts (TwiCs) design, the control group (n = 50) will not be informed and receive standard treatment (surgery followed by conventional radiotherapy after 1–2 weeks when wound healing allows). Baseline characteristics and outcome measures will be captured within PRESENT. The primary outcome is physical functioning (EORTC-QLQ-C15-PAL) 4 weeks after start of treatment. Secondary endpoints include pain response, time until return to systemic oncological therapy, quality of life, local tumor control, and adverse events up to 3 months post-treatment.

Discussion

The BLEND RCT evaluates the effect of same-day SBRT and stabilizing surgery for the treatment of symptomatic, unstable spinal metastases compared with standard of care. We expect better functional outcomes, faster pain relief, and continuation of systemic oncological therapy. The TwiCs design enables efficient recruitment within an ongoing cohort, as well as prevention of disappointment bias and drop-out as control patients will not be informed about the trial.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05575323. Registered on October 11, 2022.
A Study of Individualized Diagnosis and Treatment for Depression with Atypical Features (iDoT-AFD): study protocol for a randomized clinical trial and prognosis study
Authors: Zhou Rubai , Zhang Huifeng , He Shen , Li Yi , Xu Guiyun , Huang Jinsong , Wang Huaning , Wang Qian , Li Biao , Wang Xuemei , Chen Ningning , Li Fang , Li Xiaosa , Liu Mengjun , Peng Daihui
Published: May 2023

Background

Major depressive disorder (MDD) with atypical features, namely depression with atypical features (AFD), is one of the most common clinical specifiers of MDD, closely associated with bipolar disorder (BD). However, there is still a lack of clinical guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of AFD. Our study mainly focuses on three issues about how to identify AFD, what is the appropriate individualized treatment for AFD, and what are the predictive biomarkers of conversion to BD.

Methods

The Study of Individualized Diagnosis and Treatment for Depression with Atypical Features (iDoT-AFD) is a multicenter, prospective, open-label study consisting of a 12-week randomized controlled trial (RCT) and a continued follow-up until 4 years or reaching the study endpoint. It is enrolling 480 patients with AFD (120 per treatment arm), 100 patients with BD, and 100 healthy controls (HC). Multivariate dimension information is collected including clinical features, cognitive function, kynurenine pathway metabolomics, and multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data. Firstly, multivariate informatics analyses are performed to recognize patients with AFD from participants including the first-episode and recurrent atypical depression, patients with BD, and patients with HC. Secondly, patients with atypical depression are randomly allocated to one of the four treatment groups including “single application of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRI)”, “SSRI/SNRI combined with mood stabilizer,” “SSRI/SNRI combined with quetiapine (≥ 150 mg/day),” or “treatment as usual (TAU)” and then followed up 12 weeks to find out the optimized treatment strategies. Thirdly, patients with atypical depression are followed up until 4 years or switching to BD, to explore the risk factors of conversion from atypical depression to BD and eventually build the risk warning model of conversion to BD.

Discussion

The first enrolment was in August 2019. The iDoT-AFD study explores the clinical and biological markers for the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of AFD and further provides evidence for clinical guidelines of AFD.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04209166. Registered on December 19, 2019.
Engineering Corynebacterium glutamicum for de novo production of 2-phenylethanol from lignocellulosic biomass hydrolysate
Authors: Zhu Nianqing , Xia Wenjing , Wang Guanglu , Song Yuhe , Gao Xinxing , Liang Jilei , Wang Yan
Published: May 2023

Background

2-Phenylethanol is a specific aromatic alcohol with a rose-like smell, which has been widely used in the cosmetic and food industries. At present, 2-phenylethanol is mainly produced by chemical synthesis. The preference of consumers for “natural” products and the demand for environmental-friendly processes have promoted biotechnological processes for 2-phenylethanol production. Yet, high 2-phenylethanol cytotoxicity remains an issue during the bioproduction process.

Results

Corynebacterium glutamicum with inherent tolerance to aromatic compounds was modified for the production of 2-phenylethanol from glucose and xylose. The sensitivity of C. glutamicum to 2-phenylethanol toxicity revealed that this host was more tolerant than Escherichia coli. Introduction of a heterologous Ehrlich pathway into the evolved phenylalanine-producing C. glutamicum CALE1 achieved 2-phenylethanol production, while combined expression of the aro10. Encoding 2-ketoisovalerate decarboxylase originating from Saccharomyces cerevisiae and the yahK encoding alcohol dehydrogenase originating from E. coli was shown to be the most efficient. Furthermore, overexpression of key genes (aroGfbr, pheAfbr, aroA, ppsA and tkt) involved in the phenylpyruvate pathway increased 2-phenylethanol titer to 3.23 g/L with a yield of 0.05 g/g glucose. After introducing a xylose assimilation pathway from Xanthomonas campestris and a xylose transporter from E. coli, 3.55 g/L 2-phenylethanol was produced by the engineered strain CGPE15 with a yield of 0.06 g/g xylose, which was 10% higher than that with glucose. This engineered strain CGPE15 also accumulated 3.28 g/L 2-phenylethanol from stalk hydrolysate.

Conclusions

In this study, we established and validated an efficient C. glutamicum strain for the de novo production of 2-phenylethanol from corn stalk hydrolysate. This work supplied a promising route for commodity 2-phenylethanol bioproduction from nonfood lignocellulosic feedstock.

Graphical Abstract
Assessment of symptom induction via artificial inoculation of the obligate biotrophic fungus Phyllachora maydis (Maubl.) on corn leaves
Authors: Góngora-Canul Carlos , Jiménez-Beitia Fidel E. , Puerto-Hernández Carlos , Avellaneda C. Mavir Carolina , Kleczewski Nathan , Telenko Darcy E. P. , Shim Sujoung , Solórzano José E. , Goodwin Stephen B. , Scofield Steven R. , Cruz C. D.
Published: May 2023

Objective

Tar spot is a foliar disease of corn caused by Phyllachora maydis, which produces signs in the form of stromata that bear conidia and ascospores. Phyllachora maydis cannot be cultured in media; therefore, the inoculum source for studying tar spot comprises leaves with stromata collected from naturally infected plants. Currently, there is no effective protocol to induce infection under controlled conditions. In this study, an inoculation method was assessed under greenhouse and growth chamber conditions to test whether stromata of P. maydis could be induced on corn leaves.

Results

Experiments resulted in incubation periods ranging between 18 and 20 days and stromata development at the beginning of corn growth stage VT-R1 (silk). The induced stromata of P. maydis were confirmed by microscopy, PCR, or both. From thirteen experiments conducted, four (31%) resulted in the successful production of stromata. Statistical analyses indicate that if an experiment is conducted, there are equal chances of obtaining successful or unsuccessful infections. The information from this study will be valuable for developing more reliable P. maydis inoculation methods in the future.
Uncovering the gray zone: mapping the global landscape of direct-to-consumer businesses offering interventions based on secretomes, extracellular vesicles, and exosomes
Authors: Asadpour Atiyeh , Yahaya Badrul Hisham , Bicknell Katrina , Cottrell Graeme S. , Widera Darius
Published: May 2023

Background

The last decade has seen a significant increase in media attention, industrial growth, and patient interest in stem cell-based interventions. This led to a rise in direct-to-consumer businesses offering stem cell “therapies” for multiple indications with little evidence of safety and efficacy. In parallel, the use of stem cell secretomes as a substitute for stem cell transplantation has become an increasing trend in regenerative medicine with multiple clinical trials currently assessing their efficacy and safety profile. As a result, multiple businesses and private clinics have now started to exploit this situation and are offering secretome-based interventions despite the lack of supporting data. This poses significant risks for the patients and could lead to a credibility crisis in the field.

Methods

Internet searches were used to locate clinics marketing and selling interventions based on stem cell secretomes, exosomes, or extracellular vesicles. Data were extracted from websites with a particular focus on the global distribution of the businesses, the cellular source of the secretome, the indication spectrum, and the pricing of the provided services. Lastly, the types of evidence used on the websites of the businesses to market their services were extracted.

Results

Overall, 114 companies market secretome-based therapies in 28 countries. The vast majority of the interventions are based on allogenic stem cells from undisclosed cellular sources and skin care is the most marketed indication. The price range is USD99–20,000 depending on the indication.

Conclusions

The direct-to-consumer industry for secretome-based therapies appears to be primed for growth in the absence of appropriate regulatory frameworks and guidelines. We conclude that such business activity requires tight regulations and monitoring by the respective national regulatory bodies to prevent patients from being conned and more importantly from being put at risk.
Existence of positive periodic solutions for a periodic predator–prey model with fear effect and general functional responses
Authors: Guo Ke , Ma Wanbiao
Published: May 2023

This paper investigates the existence of positive periodic solutions for a periodic predator-prey model with fear effect and general functional responses. The general functional responses can cover the Holling types II and III functional response, the Beddington–DeAngelis functional response, the Crowley–Martin functional response, the ratio-dependent type with Michaelis–Menten type functional response, etc. Some new sufficient conditions for the existence of positive periodic solutions of the model are obtained by employing the continuation theorem of coincidence degree theory and some ingenious estimation techniques for the upper and lower bounds of the a priori solutions of the corresponding operator equation. Our results considerably improve and extend some known results.
Validation of the first computerized indicator for orthopaedic surgical site infections in France: ISO-ORTHO
Authors: Grammatico-Guillon Leslie , Banaei-Bouchareb Linda , Solomiac Agnès , Miliani Katiuska , Astagneau Pascal , May-Michelangeli Laetitia
Published: May 2023

Background

The French national authority for health (HAS) develops in-hospital indicators for improving quality of care, safety and patient outcome. Since 2017, it has developed a measurement of surgical site infections (SSI) after total hip or knee arthroplasty (TH/KA) by using a computerized indicator, called ISO-ORTHO, based on a hospital discharge database (HDD) algorithm. The aim of the study was to assess the performance of this new indicator .

Methods

The ISO-ORTHO performance was estimated via its positive predictive value (PPV) among adult patients having undergone a TH/KA between January 1st and September 30th 2018, based on the orthopaedic procedure codes. Patients at very high risk of SSI and/or with SSI not related to the in-hospital care were excluded. SSI were detected from the date of admission up to 90 days after the TH/KA using the ISO-ORTHO algorithm, based on 15 combinations of ICD-10 and procedure codes. Its PPV was estimated by a chart review in volunteer healthcare organisations (HCO).

Results

Over the study period, 777 HCO including 143,227 TH/KA stays were selected, providing 1,279 SSI according to the ISO-ORTHO indicator. The 90-day SSI rate was 0.89 per 100 TH/KA stays (0.98% for THA and 0.80% for TKA). Among the 448 HCO with at least 1 SSI, 250 HCO participated in reviewing 725 SSI charts; 665 were confirmed, giving a PPV of 90.3% [88.2-92.5%], 89.9% [87.1-92.8%] in THA and 90.9% [87.7-94.2%] in TKA.

Conclusions

The PPV of ISO-ORTHO over 90% confirms its validity for any use according to the HAS method. ISO-ORTHO and detailed information were provided in 2020 to HCO and used for quality assessment and in-hospital risk management.
Coordinated response of milk bacterial and metabolic profiles to subacute ruminal acidosis in lactating dairy cows
Authors: Mu Yingyu , Qi Wangpan , Zhang Tao , Zhang Jiyou , Mao Shengyong
Published: May 2023

Background

Bovine milk is an important source of nutrition for human consumption, and its quality is closely associated with the microbiota and metabolites in it. But there is limited knowledge about the milk microbiome and metabolome in cows with subacute ruminal acidosis.

Methods

Eight ruminally cannulated Holstein cows in mid lactation were selected for a 3-week experiment. The cows were randomly allocated into 2 groups, fed either a conventional diet (CON; 40% concentrate; dry matter basis) or a high-concentrate diet (HC; 60% concentrate; dry matter basis).

Results

The results showed that there was a decreased milk fat percentage in the HC group compared to the CON group. The amplicon sequencing results indicated that the alpha diversity indices were not affected by the HC feeding. At the phylum level, the milk bacteria were dominated by Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Firmicutes both in the CON and HC groups. At the genus level, the HC cows displayed an improved proportion of Labrys (P = 0.015) compared with the CON cows. Results of both the principal components analysis and partial least squares of discriminant analysis of milk metabolome revealed that samples of the CON and HC groups clustered separately. A total of 31 differential metabolites were identified between the two groups. Of these, the levels of 11 metabolites decreased (α-linolenic acid, prostaglandin E2, L-lactic acid, L-malic acid, 3-hydroxysebacic acid, succinyladenosine, guanosine, pyridoxal, L-glutamic acid, hippuric acid, and trigonelline), whereas the levels of the other 20 metabolites increased in the HC group with respect to the CON group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

These results suggested that subacute ruminal acidosis less impacted the diversity and composition of milk microbiota, but altered the milk metabolic profiles, which led to the decline of the milk quality.
Effects of tannic acid on the immunity and intestinal health of broiler chickens with necrotic enteritis infection
Authors: Xu Huiping , Fu Jianyang , Luo Yimeng , Li Peng , Song Bochen , Lv Zengpeng , Guo Yuming
Published: May 2023

Background

In broiler chickens, necrotic enteritis (NE) infection can reduce production performance. Tannic acid has shown great potential as a treatment of NE in broilers. However, the appropriate dosage of tannic acid in NE of broilers and the improvement effect on intestinal health are not very clear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of different doses of tannic acid on the production performance, immunity, and intestinal health of broilers by constructing an NE model with C. perfringens infection and determining the appropriate dosage of tannic acid with regard to NE.

Results

Challenged birds showed significant reduction in body weight, villus height, and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth (P < 0.05) and increase in the feed consumption gain ratio, intestinal lesion score, and crypt depth (P < 0.05). The infection significantly reduced the relative Bacteroidota and Ligilactobacillus abundance (P < 0.05) and increased the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidota and cecal content of C. perfringens (P < 0.05). Challenged birds fed diets supplemented with tannic acid showed significantly increased mRNA expression of nutrient transport carriers and intestinal barrier genes and growth performance and reduced serum zonulin and endotoxin levels (P < 0.05). Addition of tannic acid to the diet inhibited the inflammatory response by reducing the number of coccidia oocysts in feces and the content of C. perfringens in the cecum. Specifically, tannic acid reduced the serum levels of C reactive protein, myeloperoxidase, and specific IgY and ileal mucosal secretory immunoglobulin A levels in the ileal mucosa compared with those in the NE-infected birds. NE-infected birds fed diets supplemented with tannic acid also showed significantly increased relative Anaerocolumna, Thermoanaerobacterium, and Thermosinus abundance (P < 0.05); their microbial composition and functional predictions were similar to those of the NC group.

Conclusions

Tannic acid in the diet alleviated NE by enhancing the intestinal barrier and absorption function. The recommended dietary tannic acid additive level is 500–750 mg/kg. Our study findings would be useful in reducing related economic losses in the broiler industry.
Validation of the Osaka basin velocity model by waveform simulation using sources inverted with reciprocal Green’s functions
Authors: Petukhin Anatoly , Iwasaki Yoshinori
Published: May 2023

To advance the methodology for validating velocity models by waveform comparison, we estimated source parameters for small magnitude earthquakes that can be approximated by point sources. Instead of using published source models, we used the reciprocity method to calculate 3D Green’s functions using the target velocity structure itself, and then inverted the earthquake sources. This method greatly reduces the calculations required compared to a full inversion of the source mechanism, depth, and source duration (risetime), making it possible to reproduce input ground motions in the target basin. Here, we validated the Japan Integrated Velocity Structure model of the Osaka basin using five earthquakes around the Osaka basin; these earthquakes allowed us to investigate the impact of the incident waves’ propagation directions. We first estimated source parameters using records at control bedrock sites surrounding the Osaka basin to reproduce the input ground motions. Then, we conducted a 3D finite-difference simulation for sites within the basin. By mapping the distributions of misfit values for individual waveforms, peak ground velocities, and response spectra, we were able to identify areas in the basin that require additional tuning of the velocity model.

Graphical Abstract
A simple method to evaluate the uncertainty of magnetotelluric forward modeling for practical three-dimensional conductivity structure models
Authors: Baba Kiyoshi
Published: May 2023

The forward calculation of magnetotelluric (MT) responses is generally assumed to be sufficiently accurate compared with typical observational errors in practical modeling and inversion studies. Although the uncertainty of the forward calculation may be examined by comparison with analytical or other numerical solutions for some simple models, such an examination does not guarantee that the uncertainty is similar for more realistic complex structures. In this study, I propose a simple method to evaluate the uncertainty of MT forward modeling for practical three-dimensional (3D) conductivity structure models in a Cartesian coordinate system. The method is based on the idea that the horizontal coordinate system can be selected arbitrarily for a general 3D structure. The synthesized MT responses are ideally identical irrespective of the selection but are different because of the difference in discretization angles, boundary values, and numerical errors. By synthesizing MT responses to the model in several different coordinate systems, the mean, standard deviation, and coefficient of variation can be calculated. These statistics provide quantitative information on how stably the forward calculations synthesize MT responses under the given conditions of the structure model, observation array, periods, numerical algorithm for the forward modeling, and mesh design. The proposed method was applied to two practical situations of seafloor MT arrays in the northwestern Pacific and southern Atlantic and a land MT array in Hokkaido, Japan. The results show that the uncertainty is comparable to real observation errors and is significantly dependent on the MT impedance element, period, site, structure model, and horizontal coordinate system. The uncertainty of the forward calculation should be considered for each element, period, and site to quantitatively evaluate how well a given model explains the data. I propose a new root-mean-square in which the residuals are normalized by both the standard errors of the MT responses observed and synthesized. This would help avoid overfitting data in the inversion analysis by ignoring the uncertainty of the forward calculation. This method is also useful for testing the appropriate selection of the coordinate system and mesh design.

Graphical Abstract
Formative evaluation prior to implementation of a brief treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder in primary care
Authors: Valentine Sarah E. , Fuchs Cara , Olesinski Elyse A. , Sarkisova Natalya , Godfrey Laura B. , Elwy A. Rani
Published: May 2023

Background

Successful implementation of evidence-based treatments (EBT) for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in primary care may address treatment access and quality gaps by providing care in novel and less stigmatized settings. Yet, PTSD treatments are largely unavailable in safety net primary care. We aimed to collect clinician stakeholder data on organizational, attitudinal, and contextual factors relevant to EBT implementation.

Methods

Our developmental formative evaluation was guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), including (a) surveys assessing implementation climate and attitudes towards EBTs and behavioral health integration and (b) semi-structured interviews to identify barriers and facilitators to implementation and need for augmentation. Participants were hospital employees (N = 22), including primary care physicians (n = 6), integrated behavioral health clinicians (n = 8), community wellness advocates (n = 3), and clinic leadership (n = 5). We report frequency and descriptives of survey data and findings from directed content analysis of interviews. We used a concurrent mixed-methods approach, integrating survey and interview data collected simultaneously using a joint display approach. A primary care community advisory board (CAB) helped to refine interview guides and interpret findings.

Results

Stakeholders described implementation determinants of the EBT related to the CFIR domains of intervention characteristics (relative advantage, adaptability), outer setting (patient needs and resources), inner setting (networks and communication, relative priority, leadership engagement, available resources), and individuals involved (knowledge and beliefs, cultural considerations). Stakeholders described strong attitudinal support (relative advantage), yet therapist time and capacity restraints are major PTSD treatment implementation barriers (available resources). Changes in hospital management were perceived as potentially allowing for greater access to behavioral health services, including EBTs. Patient engagement barriers such as stigma, mistrust, and care preferences were also noted (patient needs and resources). Recommendations included tailoring the intervention to meet existing workflows (adaptability), system alignment efforts focused on improving detection, referral, and care coordination processes (networks and communication), protecting clinician time for training and consultation (leadership engagement), and embedding a researcher in the practice (available resources).

Conclusions

Our evaluation identified key CFIR determinants of implementation of PTSD treatments in safety net integrated primary care settings. Our project also demonstrates that successful implementation necessitates strong stakeholder engagement.
Protocol for the production of micro- and nanoplastic test materials
Authors: Parker Luke A. , Höppener Elena M. , van Amelrooij Edward F. , Henke Sieger , Kooter Ingeborg M. , Grigoriadi Kalouda , Nooijens Merel G. A. , Brunner Andrea M. , Boersma Arjen
Published: May 2023

Micro- and nanoplastics (MNP) are ubiquitous, but little is known about the risks they pose to human health. Currently available data are of limited use for developing relevant risk assessments due to poor quality control, the lack of a standardised approach to particle characterisation and environmental analysis, and the use of test materials that do not reflect those found in the environment. A set of well-characterised MNP test materials would greatly alleviate this. Here, we present a robust method to produce, fractionate and characterise such test materials of PP and PVC. Initial size reduction of commercial powders or pellets to 500 µm was performed using a centrifugal mill under cryogenic conditions. Further ball-milling between room temperature and -50 °C in 1-propanol was then performed to reach the final particle sizes. Fractionation into size ranges of < 1, 1–5, 5–10, 10–30, 90–180 and 180–300 µm was performed by sedimentation and filtration. Characterisation of the reference materials through SLS, SEM–EDX, XRF and TGA demonstrated that the fractions were of the desired size and levels of contamination from the procedure were < 1 wt%. Stability testing in both 1-propanol and 0.05 wt% BSA solution showed that whilst some agglomeration occurred during storage in 1-propanol the suspensions were stable in BSA over 9 months and some of the previous agglomeration was reversed.
Dysmetabolism-related Early Sensory Deficits and Their Relationship With Peripheral Neuropathy Development
Authors: Tsilingiris Dimitrios , Schimpfle Lukas , von Rauchhaupt Ekaterina , Sulaj Alba , Seebauer Lukas , Bartl Hannelore , Herzig Stephan , Szendroedi Julia , Kopf Stefan , Kender Zoltan
Published: May 2023

Aim

To investigate the association of early peripheral sensory dysfunction (EPSD) identified through quantitative sensory testing (QST) with factors related to a dysmetabolic status in individuals with and without type 2 diabetes (T2DM) without peripheral neuropathy (PN), and the impact of those factors on PN development.

Methods

A total of 225 individuals (117 and 108 without and with T2DM, respectively) without PN based on clinical and electrophysiological criteria were analyzed. Comparative analysis was conducted between those identified as “healthy” and those with EPSD based on a standardized QST protocol. A total of 196 were followed-up over a mean of 2.64 years for PN occurrence.

Results

Among those without T2DM, apart from male sex, height, and higher fat and lower lean mass, only higher insulin resistance (IR; homeostatic model assessment for IR: odds ratio [OR], 1.70; P = .009; McAuley index OR, 0.62, P = .008), was independently associated with EPSD. In T2DM, metabolic syndrome (OR, 18.32; P < .001) and skin advanced glycation end-products (AGEs; OR, 5.66; P = .003) were independent predictors of EPSD. In longitudinal analysis, T2DM (hazard ratio [HR], 3.32 vs no diabetes mellitus; P < .001), EPSD (adjusted HR, 1.88 vs healthy; P = .049 adjusted for diabetes mellitus and sex), higher IR and AGEs predicted PN development. Among the 3 EPSD-associated sensory phenotypes, “sensory loss” was most strongly associated with PN development (adjusted HR, 4.35; P = .011).

Conclusion

We demonstrate for the first time the utility of a standardized QST-based approach in identifying early sensory deficits in individuals with and without T2DM. These are associated with a dysmetabolic status signified by IR markers, metabolic syndrome, and higher AGEs, which in turn are shown to influence PN development.
Fractional spinal anesthesia and systemic hemodynamics in frail elderly hip fracture patients
Authors: Olsen Fredrik , Hård af Segerstad Mathias , Dalla Keti , Ricksten Sven-Erik , Nellgård Bengt
Published: May 2023

Background: Systemic haemodynamic effects of intrathecal anaesthesia in an aging and frail population has not been well investigated. We examined the systemic haemodynamics of fractional spinal anaesthesia following intermittent microdosing of a local anaesthetic and an opioid.

Methods: We included 15 patients aged over 65 with significant comorbidities, planned for hip fracture repair. Patients received a spinal catheter and cardiac output monitoring using the LiDCOplus system. All measurements were performed prior to start of surgery. Invasive mean arterial pressure (MAP), cardiac index (CI), systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI), heart rate and stroke volume index (SVI) were registered. Two doses of bupivacaine 2.25 mg and fentanyl 15 µg were administered with 25-minute intervals. Hypotension was defined as a fall in MAP by >30% or a MAP <65 mmHg.

Results: The incidence of hypotension was 30%. Hypotensive patients (n=5) were treated with low doses of norepinephrine (0.01-0.12 µg/kg/min). MAP showed a maximum reduction of 17% at 10 minutes following the first dose. CI, systemic vascular resistance index and stroke volume index decreased by 10%, 6%, and 7%, respectively, while heart rate was unchanged over time. After the second dose, none of the systemic haemodynamic variables were affected.

Conclusions: Fractional spinal anaesthesia administered prior to surgery induced a minor to moderate fall in MAP, mainly caused by a reduction in cardiac output, induced by systemic venodilation, causing a fall in venous return. Our results are contrary to the widely held belief that hypotension is mainly the result of a reduction of systemic vascular resistance.
To assess the efficacy of injection nalbuphine as an adjuvant to intrathecal bupivacaine in endoscopic urological surgeries for prolongation of postoperative analgesia
Authors: Raut Dessai Saiesh , Ninave Dr. Sanjot , Bele Amol , Alaspukar Nitin
Published: May 2023

Spinal anesthesia has a quicker onset of action and completely blocks all motor functions. It requires less local anesthetic and has a reduced rate of failed blocks hence the preferred anesthetic method for lower abdomen procedures is spinal anesthesia. Intrathecal local anesthetics benefit from adjuvant medications by extending postoperative analgesia and thus improving the sensory blockade's duration and quality. Intrathecal opioids and local anesthetics work together synergistically to increase the sensory block while decreasing the sympathetic block. Adjuvants to local anesthetics for intrathecal administration have certain benefits, including lowered local anesthetic medication dose, improved hemodynamic stability, and fewer adverse effects. The opioid medication nalbuphine has a kappa agonist and mu antagonist action that reduces pain without having many negative side effects. It acts on opoid receptor as both an agonist and an antagonist to offer visceral nociception with a moderately powerful analgesic. Almost all general anesthesia and regional anesthesia treatments employ it. To cause analgesia, nalbuphine adheres to k receptors. Perioperative analgesia is also improved when administered as an adjuvant to bupivacaine. It is a hybrid which has both agonist and antagonist actions that increases and attenuates the effects of -opioids. Numerous researchers have investigated the properties of intrathecal nalbuphine. This study's objective to determine the efficacy of injectable nalbuphine as an augmentation to intrathecal bupivacaine in endoscopic urological surgeries to extend post operative analgesia.
Evaluation and comparison of effects of recycling on the shutter mechanism and shear bond strength (SBS) of various self-ligating brackets: An in vitro study
Authors: Singh Shefali , Gilani Rizwan
Published: May 2023

Introduction

The procedures like sandblasting and direct flaming to remove the residual composite from brackets may affect the material properties of brackets, including the shutter mechanism and it’s shear bond strength. This study focuses on the comparison of these properties in new brackets and recycled brackets of various commercially available self-ligating brackets.

Objectives

To compare the effects of recycling on shutter mechanism and shear bond strength of different manufacturing companies of self-ligating brackets.

Methodology

Teeth will be mounted on acrylic blocks of different colors and the self-ligating brackets will be bonded on them. These brackets will be debonded by using universal testing machine and the shear bond strength and opening and closing force of shutter will be measured. The debonded brackets will be rebonded after recycling by sandblasting and flaming and the SBS and shutter mechanism force will be measured again and then will be compared with above mentioned group.

Expected results

The force of closing and opening the shutter mechanism of different commercially available self-ligating brackets will increase.

There will be a decrease in the shear bond strength of the different self-ligating brackets available on the market.

Conclusion

We will be able to determine the quality of commercially available brackets despite recycling by examining the force necessary for opening and closing the shutters of self-ligating brackets, as well as their shear bond strength to ensure that even after recycling, the brackets retain their mechanical integrity and bond strength.
All-Russian Student Competition "Innovative Developments"
Authors: Vyshnyepolskiy Vladimir , Efremov A. , Kadykova Nina
Published: May 2023

The Department of Engineering Graphics of the RTU MIREA, has been holding the All-Russian Student Competition "Innovative Developments" as part of the All-Russian Student Olympiad in Descriptive Geometry, Engineering and Computer Graphics since 2008. This competition is a stage in the concept of a methodological system for the development of the student's intellectual abilities.

The article describes the original system for evaluating works at the competition, the principle of forming the jury, the principles for selecting works for the competition. The goals of the competition were announced, namely: approbation and presentation of new ideas, including in the field of graphic disciplines; development of modern information technologies by students; development of cooperation between teams of university departments and production teams. The criteria for comparing past competitions with each other are described, the methodology for assessing the success of the competition, the success of competitions is analyzed by year.

From 2008 to 2022 inclusive representatives of 24 universities presented 96 works for the competition. The article gives the titles, authors and scientific supervisors of the best projects - winners and prize-winners of competitions who scored 200 or more points, ranked by the points scored for the places taken by the students - participants in the competitions. The geography of participating universities is analyzed, universities are ranked by total achievements. There is a positive trend in the number of works submitted to the competition.

It is noted that some works became the first step in serious scientific research, for example, “Spatial fractals” by L.A. Zhikharev, later became the topic of his dissertation, “Reflections from curvilinear mirrors in space and on a plane” by O.S. Suntsov are currently one of the registered areas of research at the department.
Adaptive Development of the Management System of Enterprises of the Russian Automotive Industry in Conditions of Economic Uncertainty
Authors: Nezhnikova E. , Kamberdiev B.
Published: May 2023

The article analyzes the current economic situation in the Russian automotive industry. Possible solutions to the problems of the industry are considered. Different points of view on the definition of the essence of adaptive development of production management system are presented. The analysis of managerial measures, models of adaptive development implemented in the automotive industry under the conditions of anticonvolutionary restrictions and economic sanctions is offered. The first results of the domestic automotive industry in overcoming the negative effects of economic uncertainty are presented. The aim of the work is to determine the optimal approach in the adaptive development of automobile production in conditions of economic uncertainty. To implement the goal of the research, the following tasks were set: to analyze the current situation in the Russian automotive industry, to identify the main problems in its development, to consider ways of implementing adaptive development of auto production management and its results.
Reflection of N.Ya. Danilevsky’s ideas in the «National Security Strategy of the Russian Federation»
Authors: Savenkov R.
Published: May 2023

The article provides a comparative analysis by the method of actual reconstruction of some theses of the Russian philosopher N.Ya. Danilevsky formulated in the book "Russia and Europe" with the National Security Strategy of the Russian Federation. The purpose of the comparison is to find common ideas, the foundations of the project of the civilizational future of Russia. We need to solve the following tasks. Firstly, to describe what the alignment of forces is seen on the geopolitical map of the world from the 19th and 21st centuries. Secondly, to determine in the sources how the key goals of social development coincide, which is the main reference point for society. Thirdly, a comparison of the reasons for the hostile attitude of the “collective West” towards Russia. Fourth, the identification of Russia's main geopolitical adversaries and their methods of action. Fifth, a comparison of the understanding of the authors of different eras of the traditional mass values of Russians, which can become the basis of a sustainable social consensus and a driver of development. Sixth, in response to current geopolitical challenges, to determine models for the future existence of Russia and Ukraine. The study of texts by a comparative method confirms their similarity, traditional Slavic values and position on Ukraine coincide significantly. As a result of the analysis, the hypothesis is partially confirmed, since the identity of the description of the geopolitical situation and proposals does not prove the identity of the challenges facing Russia. Possibly a 19th century text and documents of the 21st century influenced by a historical geopolitical contradiction, reproducing a permanent conflict between two dissimilar cultural (civilizational) types. It would be promising to compare the image of Russia in the eyes of European contemporaries N. Danilevsky and V. Putin.
The image of the digital world and the perception of digitalization policy in the public consciousness of Russians
Authors: Vinogradov M. , Dzhibilova E. , Popov N. , Sultanova G. , Fidrya E.
Published: May 2023

The modern world is rapidly transforming due to the development of digital technologies. As a result of digitalization, social relations in society are undergoing changes, the habitual way of life of a large part of the population is changing, which affects their perception of new technologies. In the Russian literature, there is a whole layer of research aimed at studying the attitude of the country's population to the processes of digitalization, at studying the factors of positive and negative attitudes towards technology. This study is devoted to the study of images of the digital world in the mass consciousness of the population, to identify public expectations and fears associated with the development and implementation of digital technologies in society, as well as the attitude of citizens to the state policy on digitalization of various spheres. As part of the project, 6 focus groups were held online with residents of three regions of Russia - Moscow, Irkutsk, Volgograd in different age categories. As the study showed, the digital world is poorly conceptualized in the public mind of the respondents. Respondents' perceptions of digital technologies are superficial and differ in different age groups. The respondents’ lack of a reflective view of digital technologies is also reflected in their assessments of the positive and negative aspects of digitalization. In general, in the worldview of respondents, digital technologies, first of all, are tools for improving the convenience and comfort of life. The actions of the authorities to transfer many public services and services online are evaluated mainly positively. However, the threat of total control of the population (by the state or large corporations) is the main fear associated with the digitalization process.