bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Worldwide prevalence and burden of gastroparesis‐like symptoms as defined by the United European Gastroenterology (UEG) and European Society for Neurogastroenterology and Motility (ESNM) consensus on gastroparesis
Authors: Huang I‐Hsuan , Schol Jolien , Khatun Rutaba , Carbone Florencia , Van den Houte Karen , Colomier Esther , Balsiger Lukas Michaja , Törnblom Hans , Vanuytsel Tim , Sundelin Elias , Simrén Magnus , Palsson Olafur S. , Bangdiwala Shrikant I. , Sperber Ami D. , Tack Jan
Published: August 2022

Background/Objectives

The global epidemiology of gastroparesis is unknown. The European UEG and European Society for Neurogastroenterology and motility consensus defines Gastroparesis as a condition characterized by delayed gastric emptying in the absence of mechanical obstruction, with a symptom pattern of nausea and/or vomiting and overlapping postprandial distress syndrome (PDS). Real‐world evidence of this gastroparesis‐like symptom pattern is a crucial step in understanding the epidemiology of gastroparesis.

Methods

In the Rome Foundation Global Epidemiology Study, 54,127 respondents from 26 countries completed the Rome IV Diagnostic Questionnaire and variables associated with disorders of gut‐brain interaction via Internet. We selected subjects with gastroparesis‐like symptoms (GPLS) (nausea and/or vomiting ≥1 day/week and simultaneous PDS). Patients reporting organic gastrointestinal disease, or fulfilling criteria for self‐induced vomiting, cyclic vomiting or cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome were excluded. We determined prevalence, associated comorbidities, quality of life (QoL) (PROMIS Global‐10), symptoms of anxiety and depression (PHQ‐4), somatic symptoms (PHQ‐12), and healthcare utilization.

Results

The global prevalence of GPLS was 0.9% overall and 1.3% among diabetic individuals. Subjects with GPLS showed frequent overlapping of epigastric pain syndrome and irritable bowel syndrome. Subjects with GPLS had significantly lower body mass index, QoL, more non‐gastrointestinal somatic complaints, symptoms of anxiety and depression, higher medication usage and doctor visits in the overall and diabetic population, compared to subjects without these symptoms.

Conclusions

GPLS are common worldwide and more common in diabetic patients. The symptom complex is associated with multiple aspects of illness and an increased healthcare consumption.
High groundwater levels: Processes, consequences, and management
Authors: Becker Bernhard , Reichel Frank , Bachmann Daniel , Schinke Reinhard
Published: August 2022

In recent years, the issue of high groundwater levels has caught attention. Unfavorable consequences of high groundwater levels are especially damage to buildings, infrastructure, and the environment. Processes that lead to high groundwater levels are hydrological (heavy or extended rainfall and flood events), or anthropogenic (reduced groundwater extractions, interaction with sewer networks, hydraulic engineering measures, structural interventions in the water balance, and mining activities). Several different map products have been prepared for the information of inhabitants and for planning purposes, and also methods for damage and risk analysis related to high groundwater levels have been developed. Groundwater management measures and structural measures are available to reduce the risk related to high groundwater levels. An operational management system could be combined from existing components, but operational forecasting systems for high groundwater levels are—different to flood forecasting systems—not yet common practice. A better understanding of the processes and the development of integrated approaches for modeling, design, planning, forecasting, and warning, as well as improvement of interdisciplinary collaboration between different organizations, are recommendations for the future.

This article is categorized under:

Engineering Water > Engineering Water

Water and Life > Conservation, Management, and Awareness

Science of Water > Hydrological Processes

Science of Water > Water Extremes
Forgotten Ureteral Stent Syndrome
Authors: de la Encarnación Castellano Cristina , Canós Nebot Àngela , Caballero Romeu Juan Pablo , Soria Federico , Galán Llopis Juan Antonio
Published: August 2022

Ureteral stents are one of the most widely employed tools in urology and have been in use for more than four decades. Their indications have widened over the years, making the management of their complications an essential role in the urologist’s practice. In this regard, the “retained or forgotten ureteral stent” syndrome remains a challenge. This syndrome is defined as the group of signs and symptoms produced by a JJ stent that has not been removed 2 or more weeks after the end of its maximum life.

Data on the frequency of forgotten ureteral stents vary widely between series, ranging from 3% to 51% of stents that are placed. The properties of urine and the presence of bacteria can promote catheter encrustation. This can result in a highly variable range of signs and symptoms. Patients may have no clinical presentation or may have severe urinary tract infections and/or renal failure.

New biomaterials for stent manufacture and coatings should reduce the main complications associated with this syndrome are currently under development. New technologies aimed at planning and remembering stent removal or replacement could dramatically reduce the incidence of this syndrome.
A Dynamically Degradable Surface: Can We ‘Fool’ Bacteria to Delay Biofouling in Urinary Stents?
Authors: Tofail Syed A. M.
Published: August 2022

Human body has evolved multiple strategies such as the development of a complex immune system and procurement of commensal microorganisms to deal with detrimental invasion by microbes. Despite this, biofilms pose an extremely difficult mechanism for humans to cope with infections caused by both pathogenic and opportunistically pathogenic microorganisms. Biofilms on urinary stents can lead to patient-discomfort, urinary tract infection and bacteriuria, antimicrobial resistance, stent fouling (encrustation) and obstruction. Currently, biofilm prevention and treatment in ureteral stents are carried out using a ‘static’ coating of the stent with heparin or a pH control-buffer. They increase patency but still becomes colonised by bacteria leading to biofilms. In this chapter we outline a patent-pending first-principle design strategy for a stent-coating stents that has the potential of increasing the patency by manifold and, at will. This strategy involves delaying biofouling with a ‘dynamically degradable surface’ and will be described in this chapter.
Bacterial Adhesion and Biofilm Formation: Hydrodynamics Effects
Authors: Gomes Luciana C. , Teixeira-Santos Rita , Romeu Maria J. , Mergulhão Filipe J.
Published: August 2022

The effectiveness of biomedical surfaces may be highly affected by the hydrodynamic condition. Surfaces releasing antimicrobial substances when exposed to flow may exhibit shorter lifetimes than at static conditions. Likewise, depending on the fluid flow surrounding the surface, contact-killing surfaces that are adhesive for bacterial cells may be covered by bacterial debris, which decreases their antimicrobial activity. To evaluate the anti-adhesive and antimicrobial performance of novel biomedical materials, a number of flow devices have been designed to recreate in vivo flow conditions. Shear stress and flow rate can be accurately controlled and varied in these in vitro flow systems, which requires prior knowledge of the flow dynamics inside the platform. After limiting their operational range, modified Robbins devices, flow chambers and microfluidic devices are suggested as experimental setups to mimic the flow behavior in urinary catheters and stents.
Light-Activated Polymer Nanocomposites Doped with a New Type of Carbon Quantum Dots for Antibacterial Applications
Authors: Kováčová Mária , Špitalská Eva , Špitálský Zdenko
Published: August 2022

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are relatively new carbon allotrope. It triggered an investigation of new CQD research of synthesis, properties CQDs, and applications. CQDs are quasispherical carbon particles with a size less than 10 nm with crystalline sp2 cores of graphite and quantum effects. A subclass of CQDs are graphene quantum dots (GQDs), and they have a structure of one or several graphene layers with diameter < 10 nm with higher crystallinity than CQDs. CQDs also play an important role in medicine. CQDs are used in intracellular ion detection, toxin detection, pathogen, vitamin, enzyme, protein, nucleic acid, and biological pH value determination. Despite the broad range of biomedical applications, we would like to focus on antibacterial properties of pure CQDs and their polymer composites. The antibacterial effect of CQDs is based on noninvasive photodynamic therapy (PDT). PDT can cause a specific biological response on the cellular or subcellular level, such as apoptosis, programmed death, or necrosis, a nonprogrammed pathway. CQDs are a very promising new antibacterial nanoparticles.
Preventing Biofilm Formation and Encrustation on Urinary Implants: (Bio)coatings and Tissue Engineering
Authors: Buchholz Noor , de Graaf Petra , de la Cruz Julia E. , Kram Wolfgang , Skovorodkin Ilya , Soria Federico , Vainio Seppo
Published: August 2022

Even though urinary stents and catheters have been commonly applied in medicine for several decades and still are constantly being modified and optimized, their structure and performance still requires further improvement. A major drawback of urinary implants is the deposition of organic and non-organic substances on their surface leading to biofilm formation resulting in encrustations, blockages, and infections. Promising research lines are stent coatings with antibodies, enzymes and various bioactive compounds. We will also discuss the possibility of making urinary implants more “tissue friendly” by designing biomimetic surfaces. Finally, in accordance with the paradigm “repair or regrow” we will touch on tissue engineering approaches to replace artificial urinary implants by those generated in vitro or in vivo from homologous tissue. We summarised modern biological approaches to improve the structure, function and performance of urinary stents. Some have been already applied in urinary stent production whilst others have been tested in the field of vascular stents, such as antibody or biomimetic coating. Bioengineering approaches aiming at the generation of complete analogs of damaged urinary tissue from autologous patient-derived cells represent a more futuristic outlook. Nevertheless, we hope that the rapid development of advanced multidisciplinary research platforms in modern biomedicine will make these approaches feasible in the near future.
Ureteral Stents. Impact on Patient’s Quality of Life
Authors: Bargues-Balanzá M. , Ordaz-Jurado G. , Budía-Alba A. , Boronat-Tormo F.
Published: August 2022

Ureteral stents have a major role in urology and are used mainly to achieve correct renal drainage. Ureteral stents are very effective and their use in recent decades has clearly increased. However, more than 80% of patients with an ureteral stent present associated symptoms, such as pain, lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), sexual dysfunction… leading to an important drop in the quality of life (QoL). Our objective is to describe ureteral stent related symptoms and their impact on the quality of life of patients.
Introduction and Historical Overview
Authors: Hart Matthew J , Hill Daniel J
Published: August 2022

This chapter defines the philosophical terms to be used and explains the book’s reliance on the Christian Scriptures. It then sets out the book’s thesis, that God intends that sin occur. The chapter marshals at some length examples of thinkers arguing against the book’s thesis, and examples in favour of it. It is suggested that the predominant view in the past has been against the book’s thesis, not only in Roman-Catholic thought but also in Protestant thought, even in the Reformed tradition. The chapter admits that the book argues against the majority opinion, but the minority in favour of the view is not insignificant.
The Substratum Strategy
Authors: Hart Matthew J , Hill Daniel J
Published: August 2022

This chapter discusses a second rival strategy to ours for interpreting the Scriptures. It is based on the distinction between the substratum of a sinful action and the formal, sinful aspect of such an action. The distinction is somewhat similar to the legal distinction between actus reus (e.g. the physical act of killing) and mens rea (e.g. the intention to kill), but is broader, since the substratum includes all the non-moral properties of the action, including mental properties. The strategy is intended by our opponents to work as follows: where we think that the Scriptures teach that God intends that sin occur, the rival strategy holds that God intends that the substratum, but not that the formal, sinful aspect, of the action occur.
Passages from the New Testament
Authors: Hart Matthew J , Hill Daniel J
Published: August 2022

This chapter analyses in depth a number of passages from the New Testament: Acts 2:23 and Acts 4:27–28, Romans 9:21–24, Romans 11:25–32, Galatians 3:19–22, 2 Thessalonians 2:11–12, 2 Peter 2:12, Revelation 17:16–17, and Revelation 22:10–11. For each passage, the chapter considers the amount of evidence (strong, moderate, or weak) that it provides for the book’s thesis, that God intends that sin occur. Also, for each passage the chapter considers alternative interpretations, interpretations on which God does not intend that sin occur. These interpretations are the substratum interpretation, the Kammian interpretation, and the combined substratum–Kammian interpretation.
Objections and Concerns
Authors: Hart Matthew J , Hill Daniel J
Published: August 2022

This chapter responds to some objections and concerns. First, it discusses some Scriptural passages that might be adduced against the book’s thesis that God intends that sin occur: Habakkuk 1:13, Romans 3:7–8, Matthew 18:4–7; Luke 17:1–2; Mark 9:42, James 1:13–14. Then, it responds to some philosophical objections that have been adduced against the book’s thesis. It concludes with a discussion of whether the book’s thesis imperils the place occupied by the Doctrine of Double Effect in Christian teaching, concluding that it may still hold good on the human-to-human ethical plane.
Kink-antikink collision in the supersymmetric 𝜙4 model
Authors: Campos João G.F. , Mohammadi Azadeh
Published: August 2022

Abstract

This paper investigates a model containing 𝜙4 kinks interacting with fermions. The fermion back-reaction is included in the equations of motion, which affects the kink-antikink collisions. We show that the fermion field generates a force that can be either attractive or repulsive. Moreover, we investigate three different scenarios, which exhibit a wide variety of behaviors, including the usual scenarios observed in the 𝜙4 model as well as the formation of two oscillons, reflection without contact, one-bounce resonance windows, and the creation of kink-antikink pairs. We also find evidence that the fermion field can store part of the energy responsible for the energy exchange mechanism.
High precision higgs from high energy muon colliders
Authors: Forslund Matthew , Meade Patrick
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Muon colliders are an exciting possibility for reaching the highest energies possible on the shortest timescale. They potentially combine the greatest strengths of e+e− and pp colliders by bridging the energy versus precision dichotomy. In this paper we study the sensitivity of Higgs properties that can be achieved with a future 3 or 10 TeV muon collider from single Higgs production. The results presented here represent the first comprehensive picture for the precision achievable including backgrounds and using fast detector simulation with Delphes. Additionally, we compare the results of fast detector simulation with available full simulation studies that include the muon collider specific Beam Induced Background, and show the results are largely unchanged. We comment on some of the strengths and weaknesses of a high energy muon collider for Higgs physics alone, and demonstrate the complementarity of such a collider with the LHC and e+e− Higgs factories. Furthermore, we discuss some of the exciting avenues for improving future results from both theoretical and detector R&D that could be undertaken.
From conformal correlators to analytic S-matrices: CFT1/QFT2
Authors: Córdova Lucía , He Yifei , Paulos Miguel F.
Published: August 2022

Abstract

We study families of one-dimensional CFTs relevant for describing gapped QFTs in AdS2. Using the Polyakov bootstrap as our main tool, we explain how S-matrices emerge from the flat space limit of CFT correlators. In this limit we prove that the CFT OPE density matches that of a generalized free field, and that this implies unitarity of the S-matrix. We establish a CFT dispersion formula for the S-matrix, proving its analyticity except for singularities on the real axis which we characterize in terms of the CFT data. In particular positivity of the OPE establishes that any such S-matrix must satisfy extended unitarity conditions. We also carefully prove that for physical kinematics the S-matrix may be more directly described by a phase shift formula. Our results crucially depend on the assumption of a certain gap in the spectrum of operators. We bootstrap perturbative AdS bubble, triangle and box diagrams and find that the presence of anomalous thresholds in S-matrices are precisely signaled by an unbounded OPE arising from violating this assumption. Finally we clarify the relation between unitarity saturating S-matrices and extremal CFTs, establish a mapping between the dual S-matrix and CFT bootstraps, and discuss how our results help understand UV completeness or lack thereof for specific S-matrices.
Generalizing event shapes: in search of lost collider time
Authors: Korchemsky Gregory P. , Sokatchev Emery , Zhiboedov Alexander
Published: August 2022

Abstract

We introduce a new class of collider-type observables in conformal field theories which we call generalized event shapes. They are defined as matrix elements of light-ray operators that are sensitive to the longitudinal, or time-dependent, structure of the state produced in the collision. Generalized event shapes can be studied using both correlation functions and scattering amplitudes. They are infrared finite and smoothly transit over to the familiar event shapes. We compute them in planar $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 super-Yang-Mills theory at weak and strong coupling, and study their physical properties. We show that at strong coupling both the stringy and quantum-gravitational corrections to the energy-energy correlation exhibit longitudinal broadening that manifests itself through the presence of long-time tails in the energy flux measured by the detectors.
Large and small corrections to the JLMS Formula from replica wormholes
Authors: Kudler-Flam Jonah , Rath Pratik
Published: August 2022

Abstract

The JLMS formula relates the bulk and boundary relative entropies and is fundamental to the holographic dictionary, providing justification for entanglement wedge reconstruction. We revisit the replica trick for relative entropy and find corrections to the JLMS formula in a variety of scenarios, even after accounting for effects of quantum extremality. We analyze the problem in the PSSY model, a model of Jackiw-Teitelboim gravity coupled to end-of-the-world branes. We find non-perturbative (in G) corrections that are always present, arising from subdominant replica wormhole gravitational saddles that indicate the approximate error-correcting nature of AdS/CFT. Near entanglement phase transitions, these saddles can get enhanced to large corrections. We find O (G−1/2) corrections arising from area fluctuations and O (G−1) corrections from incompressible bulk quantum states. Lastly, we find our most surprising result, an infinite violation of the JLMS formula after the Page time arising from a rank deficiency in the bulk entanglement spectrum. We discuss similar calculations in tensor networks and comment on the implications for bulk reconstruction.
Gravity duals for defect quivers in the Veneziano limit
Authors: Jokela Niko , Penín José Manuel , Rigatos Konstantinos Christos S.
Published: August 2022

Abstract

We construct gravity duals to supersymmetric gauge theories in the presence of unquenched flavor hypermultiplets in the fundamental representation of the gauge group living on the (1+1)-dimensional defect. This configuration is given by the intersection of two sets of D3-branes. Working in the Veneziano limit with large number of colors and flavors we are able to find a closed set of equations describing the dual geometry. We briefly discuss the corresponding solutions for massless flavors as well as in the small flavor limit of massive hypermultiplets. Interestingly, the $$ \frac{1}{16} $$

1
16

-BPS supergravity solutions, preserving two Poincaré supercharges, are generically only asymptotically anti de-Sitter and the dilaton does not vary with the holographic radial coordinate. This implies that the classical Type IIB supergravity solutions remain trustworthy descriptions for the gauge theories from the deep IR to the far UV.
A large-N tensor model with four supercharges
Authors: Lettera Davide , Vichi Alessandro
Published: August 2022

Abstract

We study a supersymmetric tensor model with four supercharges and O(N)3 global symmetry. The model is based on a chiral scalar superfield with three indices and quartic tetrahedral interaction in the superpotential, which is relevant below three dimensions. In the large-N limit the model is dominated by melonic diagrams. We solve the Dyson-Schwinger equations in superspace for generic d and extract the dimension of the chiral field and the dimensions of bilinear operators transforming in various representations of O(N)3. We find that all operator dimensions are real and above the unitarity bound for 1 < d < 3. Our results also agree with perturbative results in 3 − ε expansion. Finally, we extract the large spin behaviour of bilinear operators and discuss the connection with lightcone bootstrap.
Ironing out the crease
Authors: Drukker Nadav , Trépanier Maxime
Published: August 2022

Abstract

The crease is a surface operator folded by a finite angle along an infinite line. Several realisations of it in the 6d $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= (2, 0) theory are studied here. It plays a role similar to the generalised quark-antiquark potential, or the cusp anomalous dimension, in gauge theories. We identify a finite quantity that can be studied despite the conformal anomalies ubiquitous with surface operators and evaluate it in free field theory and in the holographic dual. We also find a subtle difference between the infinite crease and its conformal transform to a compact observable comprised of two glued hemispheres, reminiscent of the circular Wilson loop. We prove by a novel application of defect CFT techniques for the SO(1, 2) symmetry along the fold that the near-BPS behaviour of the crease is determined as the derivative of the compact observable with respect to its angle, as in the bremsstrahlung function. We also comment about the lightlike limit of the crease in Minkowski space.
The LPM effect in sequential bremsstrahlung: 1/$$ {\mathrm{N}}_{\mathrm{c}}^2 $$ corrections
Authors: Arnold Peter , Elgedawy Omar
Published: August 2022

Abstract

An important question concerning in-medium high-energy parton showers in a quark-gluon plasma or other QCD medium is whether consecutive splittings of the partons in a given shower can be treated as quantum mechanically independent, or whether the formation times for two consecutive splittings instead have significant overlap. Various previous calculations of the effect of overlapping formation times have either (i) restricted attention to a soft bremsstrahlung limit, or else (ii) used the large-Nc limit (where Nc = 3 is the number of quark colors). In this paper, we make a first study of the accuracy of the large-Nc limit used by those calculations of overlap effects that avoid a soft bremsstrahlung approximation. Specifically, we calculate the 1/$$ {N}_{\mathrm{c}}^2 $$

N
c
2

correction to previous Nc = ∞ results for overlap g → gg → ggg of two consecutive gluon splittings g → gg. At order 1/$$ {N}_{\mathrm{c}}^2 $$

N
c
2

, there is interesting and non-trivial color dynamics that must be accounted for during the overlap of the formation times.
Sectional curvatures distribution of complexity geometry
Authors: Wu Qi-Feng
Published: August 2022

Abstract

In the geometric approach to defining complexity, operator complexity is defined as the distance in the operator space. In this paper, based on the analogy with the circuit complexity, the operator size is adopted as the metric of the operator space where the path length is the complexity. The typical sectional curvatures of this complexity geometry are positive. It is further proved that the typical sectional curvatures are always positive if the metric is an arbitrary function of operator size, while complexity geometry is usually expected to be defined on negatively curved manifolds. By analyzing the sectional curvatures distribution for the N-qubit system, it is shown that surfaces generated by Hamiltonians of size smaller than the typical size can have negative curvatures. In the large N limit, the form of complexity metric is uniquely constrained up to constant corrections if we require sectional curvatures are of order 1/N2. With the knowledge of states, the operator size should be modified due to the redundant action of operators, and thus is generalized to be state-dependent. Then we use this state-dependent operator size as the metric of the Hilbert space to define state complexity. It can also be shown that in the Hilbert space, 2-surfaces generated by operators of size much smaller than the typical size acting on typical states also have negative curvatures.
Entanglement in De Sitter space
Authors: Shaghoulian Edgar , Susskind Leonard
Published: August 2022

Abstract

This paper expands on two recent proposals, [12, 13] and [14], for generalizing the Ryu-Takayanagi and Hubeny-Rangamani-Takayanagi formulas to de Sitter space. The proposals (called the monolayer and bilayer proposals) are similar; both replace the boundary of AdS by the boundaries of static-patches — in other words event horizons. After stating the rules for each, we apply them to a number of cases and show that they yield results expected on other grounds.

The monolayer and bilayer proposals often give the same results, but in one particular situation they disagree. To definitively decide between them we need to understand more about the nature of the thermodynamic limit of holographic systems.
Dynamical cobordism of a domain wall and its companion defect 7-brane
Authors: Blumenhagen Ralph , Cribiori Niccolò , Kneißl Christian , Makridou Andriana
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Starting from an already known solution in the literature, we study the dynamical cobordism induced by the backreaction of a non-supersymmetric, positive tension domain wall in string theory. This could e.g. be a non-BPS D8-brane of type I or a $$ \overline{D8} $$

D
8

¯

/O8 stack of a non-supersymmetric type IIA orientifold. The singularities which typically appear indicate either an inherent inconsistency of this background or the required presence of a suitable defect, as predicted by the cobordism conjecture. We provide evidence that this end-of-the-world 7-brane is explicitly described by a new kind of non-isotropic solution of the dilaton-gravity equations of motion. Intriguingly, on the formal level this solution turns out to be closely related to the initial solution for the non-supersymmetric domain wall.
An Application of Viscosity Approximation Type Iterative Method in the Generation of Mandelbrot and Julia Fractals
Authors: Kumari Sudesh , Gdawiec Krzysztof , Nandal Ashish , Kumar Naresh , Chugh Renu
Published: August 2022

In this paper, we present an application of the viscosity approximation type iterative method introduced by Nandal et al. (Iteration Process for Fixed Point Problems and Zeros of Maximal Monotone Operators, Symmetry, 2019) to visualize and analyse the Julia and Mandelbrot sets for a complex polynomial of the type$$T(z) = z^{n} + p z + r$$T(z)=zn+pz+r, where$$p, r\in {\mathbb {C}}$$p,r∈C, and$$n \ge 2$$n≥2. This iterative method has many applications in solving various fixed point problems. We derive an escape criterion to visualize Julia and Mandelbrot sets via the proposed viscosity approximation type method. Moreover, we present several graphical examples of the fractals generated with the proposed iteration method.
Gemin5-dependent RNA association with polysomes enables selective translation of ribosomal and histone mRNAs
Authors: Embarc-Buh Azman , Francisco-Velilla Rosario , Garcia-Martin Juan Antonio , Abellan Salvador , Ramajo Jorge , Martinez-Salas Encarnacion
Published: August 2022

Selective translation allows to orchestrate the expression of specific proteins in response to different signals through the concerted action of cis-acting elements and RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). Gemin5 is a ubiquitous RBP involved in snRNP assembly. In addition, Gemin5 regulates translation of different mRNAs through apparently opposite mechanisms of action. Here, we investigated the differential function of Gemin5 in translation by identifying at a genome-wide scale the mRNAs associated with polysomes. Among the mRNAs showing Gemin5-dependent enrichment in polysomal fractions, we identified a selective enhancement of specific transcripts. Comparison of the targets previously identified by CLIP methodologies with the polysome-associated transcripts revealed that only a fraction of the targets was enriched in polysomes. Two different subsets of these mRNAs carry unique cis-acting regulatory elements, the 5’ terminal oligopyrimidine tracts (5’TOP) and the histone stem-loop (hSL) structure at the 3’ end, respectively, encoding ribosomal proteins and histones. RNA-immunoprecipitation (RIP) showed that ribosomal and histone mRNAs coprecipitate with Gemin5. Furthermore, disruption of the TOP motif impaired Gemin5-RNA interaction, and functional analysis showed that Gemin5 stimulates translation of mRNA reporters bearing an intact TOP motif. Likewise, Gemin5 enhanced hSL-dependent mRNA translation. Thus, Gemin5  promotes polysome association of only a subset of its targets, and as a consequence, it favors translation of the ribosomal and the histone mRNAs. Together, the results presented here unveil Gemin5 as a novel translation regulator of mRNA subsets encoding proteins involved in fundamental cellular processes.
Chirurgische Therapie des Adenokarzinoms des ösophagogastralen Übergangs Typ II
Authors: Stürzl Roman , Gerken Michael , Bruns Christiane , Klinkhammer-Schalke Monika , Pauer Armin , Piso Pompiliu
Published: August 2022

Hintergrund

Trotz steigender Inzidenz ist die optimale chirurgische Versorgung des Adenokarzinoms des ösophagogastralen Übergangs (AEG) Typ II weiterhin Gegenstand aktueller Forschung. Ziel dieser Untersuchung ist es, Überlebens- und Rezidivraten von Patienten zu vergleichen, die sich entweder einer transhiatal erweiterten Gastrektomie (TEG) oder einer thorakoabdominellen Ösophagektomie (TAE) unterzogen.

Material und Methoden

Es handelt es sich um eine retrospektive populationsbasierte Kohortenstudie (n = 272) auf der Basis von Krebsregisterdaten. Berücksichtigt wurden alle Patienten, die zwischen 2002 und 2020 an einem AEG Typ II erkrankten. Während 63 Patienten mittels TAE operiert wurden, gehören der Gruppe der TEG 209 Patienten an. Um das Gesamtüberleben, Rezidivraten und rezidivfreies Überleben zu untersuchen, wurden die Kaplan-Meier-Methode sowie uni- und multivariable Cox-Regressionen angewendet.

Ergebnisse

Zwischen beiden Operationsgruppen gab es bezüglich des Gesamtüberlebens keinen signifikanten Unterschied (p = 0,333). Allerdings ließ die Richtung der HR im Zeitraum von 2016 bis 2020 eine mögliche Tendenz in Richtung der TAE erkennen (p = 0,058). Im Gegensatz dazu ergab der Kaplan-Meier-Schätzer ein signifikant höheres Risiko, nach einer TAE an einem Rezidiv zu erkranken (p = 0,049). Dies konnte nicht im Zeitraum 2016 bis 2020, der mehr als die Hälfte der TAE-Patienten umfasst, beobachtet werden (p = 0,993). Hinsichtlich des rezidivfreien Überlebens wurden keine signifikanten Unterschiede detektiert (p = 0,772).

Diskussion

Die Ergebnisse dieser verhältnismäßig kleinen Kohorte decken sich mit den meisten Studien, die hinsichtlich des Gesamtüberlebens entweder keine Unterschiede oder eine Tendenz in Richtung der TAE fanden. Weitere Arbeiten kamen ebenfalls zu dem Ergebnis, dass es keine signifikanten Unterschiede zwischen den beiden Operationsgruppen bezüglich des rezidivfreien Überlebens gibt. Zusammenfassend lässt sich festhalten, dass es keine signifikanten Unterschiede zwischen TEG und TAE in der Therapie des AEG Typ II gibt.
Subalgebras in K[x] of small codimension
Authors: Grönkvist Rode , Leffler Erik , Torstensson Anna , Ufnarovski Victor
Published: August 2022

We introduce the concept of subalgebra spectrum, Sp(A), for a subalgebra A of finite codimension in $$\mathbb {K}[x]$$

K
[
x
]

. The spectrum is a finite subset of the underlying field. We also introduce a tool, the characteristic polynomial of A, which has the spectrum as its set of zeroes. The characteristic polynomial can be computed from the generators of A, thus allowing us to find the spectrum of an algebra given by generators. We proceed by using the spectrum to get descriptions of subalgebras of finite codimension. More precisely we show that A can be described by a set of conditions that each is either of the type $$f(\alpha )=f(\beta )$$

f
(
α
)
=
f
(
β
)

for $$\alpha ,\beta$$

α
,
β

in Sp(A) or of the type stating that some linear combination of derivatives of different orders evaluated in elements of Sp(A) equals zero. We use these types of conditions to, by an inductive process, find explicit descriptions of subalgebras of codimension up to three. These descriptions also include SAGBI bases for each family of subalgebras.
Estrogenic in vitro evaluation of zearalenone and its phase I and II metabolites in combination with soy isoflavones
Authors: Grgic Dino , Betschler Andrea , Früholz Rebeka , Novak Barbara , Varga Elisabeth , Marko Doris
Published: August 2022

Humans and animals are exposed to multiple substances in their food and feed that might have a negative health impact. Among these substances, the Fusarium mycoestrogen zearalenone (ZEN) and its metabolites α-zearalenol (α-ZEL) and α-zearalanol (α-ZAL) are known to possess endocrine disruptive properties. In a mixed diet or especially animal feed, these potential contaminants might be ingested together with naturally occurring phytoestrogens such as soy isoflavones. So far, risk assessment of potential endocrine disruptors is usually based on adverse effects of single compounds whereas studies investigating combinatorial effects are scarce. In the present study, we investigated the estrogenic potential of mycoestrogens and the isoflavones genistein (GEN), daidzein (DAI) and glycitein (GLY) as well as equol (EQ), the gut microbial metabolite of DAI, in vitro alone or in combination, using the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assay in Ishikawa cells. In the case of mycoestrogens, the tested concentration range included 0.001 to 10 nM with multiplication steps of 10 in between, while for the isoflavones 1000 times higher concentrations were investigated. For the individual substances the following order of estrogenicity was obtained: α-ZEL > α-ZAL > ZEN > GEN > EQ > DAI > GLY. Most combinations of isoflavones with mycoestrogens enhanced the estrogenic response in the investigated concentrations. Especially lower concentrations of ZEN, α-ZEL and α-ZAL (0.001—0.01 nM) in combination with low concentrations of GEN, DAI and EQ (0.001—0.1 µM) strongly increased the estrogenic response compared to the single substances.
Self-motion perception without sensory motion
Authors: Reuten A. J. C. , Smeets J. B. J. , Martens M. H. , Bos J. E.
Published: August 2022

Various studies have demonstrated a role for cognition on self-motion perception. Those studies all concerned modulations of the perception of a physical or visual motion stimulus. In our study, however, we investigated whether cognitive cues could elicit a percept of oscillatory self-motion in the absence of sensory motion. If so, we could use this percept to investigate if the resulting mismatch between estimated self-motion and a lack of corresponding sensory signals is motion sickening. To that end, we seated blindfolded participants on a swing that remained motionless during two conditions, apart from a deliberate perturbation at the start of each condition. The conditions only differed regarding instructions, a secondary task and a demonstration, which suggested either a quick halt (“Distraction”) or continuing oscillations of the swing (“Focus”). Participants reported that the swing oscillated with larger peak-to-peak displacements and for a longer period of time in the Focus condition. That increase was not reflected in the reported motion sickness scores, which did not differ between the two conditions. As the reported motion was rather small, the lack of an effect on the motion sickness response can be explained by assuming a subthreshold neural conflict. Our results support the existence of internal models relevant to sensorimotor processing and the potential of cognitive (behavioral) therapies to alleviate undesirable perceptual issues to some extent. We conclude that oscillatory self-motion can be perceived in the absence of related sensory stimulation, which advocates for the acknowledgement of cognitive cues in studies on self-motion perception.
Epicardial fat volume is related to the degree of cardiac allograft vasculopathy
Authors: Roest Stefan , Budde Ricardo P. J. , Brugts Jasper J. , von der Thüsen Jan , van Walsum Theo , Taverne Yannick J. H. J. , Zijlstra Felix , Bos Daniel , Manintveld Olivier C.
Published: August 2022

Objectives

Increasing evidence suggests a role for epicardial fat in the development of coronary artery disease in the general population. Heart transplantation patients are at increased risk of developing a specific form of coronary artery disease, cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV), which has far-reaching consequences in terms of morbidity and mortality. Until now, the role of epicardial fat volume (EFV) in the development of CAV remains unknown. Hence, we investigated the relationship between EFV and CAV as well as the influence of donor/recipient sex on EFV.

Methods

Adult heart transplant patients who underwent coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) for CAV screening who were four or more years post-HT were included. Using the CT examinations, we quantified the EFV and the degree of CAV. Ordinal and linear regression models were used to assess the association of EFV with CAV.

Results

In total, 149 (median age 44.5 years, 36% women) patients were included. The median time between HT and the CT scan was 11.0 (7.3–16.1) years. CAV grade 0, 1, 2 and 3 were seen in 85 (57%), 32 (22%), 14 (9%), and 18 (12%) patients, respectively. The median EFV was 208.4 (128.9–276.0) mL. Larger EFV were related to higher degrees of CAV (median of 164.7 to 290.6 mL for CAV grade 0 and 3, respectively, OR 5.23 (2.47–11.06), p < 0.001). Male recipients had significantly more EFV than female recipients irrespective of the donor sex (232.7 mL vs. 147.2 mL respectively, p < 0.001). Determinants for EFV were recipient sex, number of rejections, donor age, time between HT and CT scan, recipient BMI, and diabetes mellitus.

Conclusions

EFV was associated with higher degrees of CAV. The recipient sex influenced the EFV more than the donor sex.

Key Points

• Patients after heart transplantation have a high amount of epicardial fat while larger amounts of epicardial fat are related to higher grades of cardiac allograft vasculopathy.

• Determinants of higher epicardial fat volume included recipient sex, number of rejections, donor age, time between HT and CT scan, recipient BMI, and diabetes mellitus.

• Longitudinal studies are needed to further disentangle the role of epicardial fat in the development and progression of cardiac allograft vasculopathy.

Graphical abstract
Behavioural function and development of body-to-limb proportions and active movement ranges in three stick insect species
Authors: Dürr Volker , Mesanovic Ago
Published: August 2022

Overall body proportions and relative limb length are highly characteristic for most insect taxa. In case of the legs, limb length has mostly been discussed with regard to parameters of locomotor performance and, in particular cases, as an adaptation to environmental factors or to the mating system. Here, we compare three species of stick and leaf insects (Phasmatodea) that differ strongly in the length ratio between antennae and walking legs, with the antennae of Medauroidea extradentata being much shorter than its legs, nearly equal length of antennae and legs in Carausius morosus, and considerably longer antennae than front legs in Aretaon asperrimus. We show that that relative limb length is directly related to the near-range exploration effort, with complementary function of the antennae and front legs irrespective of their length ratio. Assuming that these inter-species differences hold for both sexes and all developmental stages, we further explore how relative limb length differs between sexes and how it changes throughout postembryonic development. We show that the pattern of limb-to-body proportions is species-characteristic despite sexual dimorphism, and find that the change in sexual dimorphism is strongest during the last two moults. Finally, we show that antennal growth rate is consistently higher than that of front legs, but differs categorically between the species investigated. Whereas antennal growth rate is constant in Carausius, the antennae grow exponentially in Medauroidea and with a sudden boost during the last moult in Aretaon.
Impact of the changing landscape of induction therapy prior to autologous stem cell transplantation in 540 newly diagnosed myeloma patients: a retrospective real-world study
Authors: Wang Song-Yau , Holzhey Tanja , Heyn Simone , Zehrfeld Thomas , Fricke Susann , Hoffmann Franz Albert , Becker Cornelia , Braunert Leanthe , Edelmann Thomas , Paulenz Inessa , Hitzschke Marcus , Flade Franziska , Schwarzer Andreas , Fenchel Klaus , Franke Georg-Nikolaus , Vucinic Vladan , Jentzsch Madlen , Schwind Sebastian , Hell Saskia , Backhaus Donata , Lange Thoralf , Niederwieser Dietger , Scholz Markus , Platzbecker Uwe , Pönisch Wolfram
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is the standard treatment for younger patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM). However, due to restrictive exclusion criteria, more than half of eligible patients are usually excluded from transplant studies.

Methods

This retrospective monocentric analysis included 540 patients with MM who received an ASCT between 1996 and 2019.

Results

Up to 2005, induction therapy consisted mainly of conventional chemotherapies, e.g. vincristine/doxorubicin/dexamethasone (VAD). In the following years, the triple-combinations based on bortezomib coupled with doxorubicin/dexamethasone (PAD), melphalan/prednisolone (VMP), cyclophposphamide/dexamethasone (VCD) or bendamustine/prednisolone (BPV) became the most popular treatment options. A progressive improvement in PFS was observed in patients treated with the two current induction therapies BPV (47 months) or VCD (54 months) compared to VAD (35 months, p < 0.03), PAD (39 months, p < 0.01 and VMP (36 months, p < 0.01). However, there was no significant difference in median OS (VAD 78, PAD 74, VMP 72, BPV 80 months and VCD not reached). In our analysis, we also included 139 patients who do fulfill at least one of the exclusion criteria for most phase 3 transplant studies (POEMS/amyloidosis/plasma cell leukemia, eGFR < 40 mL/min, severe cardiac dysfunction or poor general condition). Outcome for these patients was not significantly inferior compared to patients who met the inclusion criteria for most of the transplant studies with PFS of 36 vs 41 months (p = 0.78) and OS of 78 vs 79 months (p = 0.34).

Conclusions

Our real-world data in unselected pts also stress the substantial value of ASCT during the first-line treatment of younger MM pts.
One hundred years of advances in volcano seismology and acoustics
Authors: Matoza Robin S. , Roman Diana C.
Published: August 2022

Since the 1919 foundation of the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth’s Interior (IAVCEI), the fields of volcano seismology and acoustics have seen dramatic advances in instrumentation and techniques, and have undergone paradigm shifts in the understanding of volcanic seismo-acoustic source processes and internal volcanic structure. Some early twentieth-century volcanological studies gave equal emphasis to barograph (infrasound and acoustic-gravity wave) and seismograph observations, but volcano seismology rapidly outpaced volcano acoustics and became the standard geophysical volcano-monitoring tool. Permanent seismic networks were established on volcanoes (for example) in Japan, the Philippines, Russia, and Hawai‘i by the 1950s, and in Alaska by the 1970s. Large eruptions with societal consequences generally catalyzed the implementation of new seismic instrumentation and led to operationalization of research methodologies. Seismic data now form the backbone of most local ground-based volcano monitoring networks worldwide and play a critical role in understanding how volcanoes work. The computer revolution enabled increasingly sophisticated data processing and source modeling, and facilitated the transition to continuous digital waveform recording by about the 1990s. In the 1970s and 1980s, quantitative models emerged for long-period (LP) event and tremor sources in fluid-driven cracks and conduits. Beginning in the 1970s, early models for volcano-tectonic (VT) earthquake swarms invoking crack tip stresses expanded to involve stress transfer into the wall rocks of pressurized dikes. The first deployments of broadband seismic instrumentation and infrasound sensors on volcanoes in the 1990s led to discoveries of new signals and phenomena. Rapid advances in infrasound technology; signal processing, analysis, and inversion; and atmospheric propagation modeling have now established the role of regional (15–250 km) and remote (> 250 km) ground-based acoustic systems in volcano monitoring. Long-term records of volcano-seismic unrest through full eruptive cycles are providing insight into magma transport and eruption processes and increasingly sophisticated forecasts. Laboratory and numerical experiments are elucidating seismo-acoustic source processes in volcanic fluid systems, and are observationally constrained by increasingly dense geophysical field deployments taking advantage of low-power, compact broadband, and nodal technologies. In recent years, the fields of volcano geodesy, seismology, and acoustics (both atmospheric infrasound and ocean hydroacoustics) are increasingly merging. Despite vast progress over the past century, major questions remain regarding source processes, patterns of volcano-seismic unrest, internal volcanic structure, and the relationship between seismic unrest and volcanic processes.