bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reconfiguration of active distribution networks as a means to address generation and consumption dynamic variability
Authors: Avilés Juan , Guillen Daniel , Ibarra Luis , Dávalos‐Soto Jesús Daniel
Published: September 2024

The integration of alternative energy sources, storage systems, and modern loads into the distribution grid is complicating its operation and maintenance. Variability in individual generation and consumption elements dynamically affects voltage profiles, which in turn undermines efficiency and power quality. This study proposes to address this dynamical variability using an online reconfiguration approach that involves opening and closing switches to modify the grid's topology and adjust voltage levels in response to load/generation variations. Other grid optimization techniques, based on reconfiguration, typically focus on static, fully instrumented grids with predictable parameters and homogeneous changes, aiming to minimize power losses but overlooking the dynamics of variable grid elements. This study proposes a testing approach that is dependent on the estimated transient status of the grid only using a limited number of measurement units and considering the individual‐stochastic variations of loads and generators. The proposed approach was tested on the IEEE 33‐bus test feeder with up to five varying distributed generators. The results confirm that the algorithm consistently finds a reconfiguration alternative that could enhance system efficiency and voltage profiles, even in the face of dynamic load/generator behavior, demonstrating its effectiveness and online adaptability for grid operation and management tasks.
JADES
Authors: Maiolino Roberto , Scholtz Jan , Curtis-Lake Emma , Carniani Stefano , Baker William , de Graaff Anna , Tacchella Sandro , Übler Hannah , D’Eugenio Francesco , Witstok Joris , Curti Mirko , Arribas Santiago , Bunker Andrew J. , Charlot Stéphane , Chevallard Jacopo , Eisenstein Daniel J. , Egami Eiichi , Ji Zhiyuan , Jones Gareth C. , Lyu Jianwei , Rawle Tim , Robertson Brant , Rujopakarn Wiphu , Perna Michele , Sun Fengwu , Venturi Giacomo , Williams Christina C. , Willott Chris
Published: September 2024

Spectroscopy with theJames WebbSpace Telescope has opened the possibility of identifying moderate-luminosity active galactic nuclei (AGNs) in the early Universe, at and beyond the epoch of re-ionisation, complementing previous surveys of much more luminous (and much rarer) quasars. We present 12 new AGNs at 4 < z < 7 in the JADES survey (in addition to the previously identified AGN in GN-z11 at z = 10.6) revealed through the detection of a broad-line region (BLR) seen in the Balmer emission lines. The depth of JADES, together with the use of three different spectral resolutions, enables us to probe a lower-mass regime relative to previous studies. In a few cases, we find evidence for two broad components of Hα, which suggests that these could be candidate merging black holes (BHs), although a complex BLR geometry cannot be excluded. The inferred BH masses range from 8 × 107 M⊙down to 4 × 105 M⊙, interestingly probing the regime expected for direct collapse BHs. The inferred AGN bolometric luminosities (∼1044 − 1045erg/s) imply accretion rates that are < 0.5 times the Eddington rate in most cases. However, small BHs, with MBH∼ 106M⊙, tend to accrete at Eddington or super-Eddington rates. These BHs at z ∼ 4–11 are over-massive relative to their host galaxies’ stellar masses when compared to the local MBH− Mstarrelation, even approaching MBH∼ Mstar, as was expected from heavy BH seeds and/or super-Eddington accretion scenarios. However, we find that these early BHs tend to be more consistent with the local relation between MBHand velocity dispersion, as well as between MBHand dynamical mass, suggesting that these are more fundamental and universal relations. On the classical, optical narrow-line excitation-diagnostic diagrams, these AGNs are located in the region that is locally occupied by star-forming galaxies, implying that they would be missed by the standard classification techniques if they did not display broad lines. Their location on the diagram is consistent with what is expected for AGNs hosted in metal-poor galaxies (Z ∼ 0.1 − 0.2 Z⊙). The fraction of broad-line AGNs withLAGN> 1044erg/s among galaxies in the redshift range of 4 < z < 6 is about 10%, suggesting that the contribution of AGNs and their hosts to the re-ionisation of the Universe is > 10%.
Supervised star, galaxy, and QSO classification with sharpened dimensionality reduction
Authors: Lourens M. A. A. , Trager S. C. , Kim Y. , Telea A. C. , Roerdink J. B. T. M.
Published: September 2024

Aims. We explored the use of broadband colors to classify stars, galaxies, and quasi-stellar objects (QSOs). Specifically, we applied sharpened dimensionality reduction (SDR)-aided classification to this problem, with the aim of enhancing cluster separation in the projections of high-dimensional data clusters to allow for better classification performance and more informative projections.

Methods. The main objective of this work was to apply SDR to large sets of broadband colors derived from the CPz catalog to obtain projections with clusters of star, galaxy, and QSO data that exhibit a high degree of separation. The SDR method achieves this by combining density-based clustering with conventional dimensionality-reduction techniques. To make SDR scalable and have the ability to project samples using the earlier-computed projection, we used a deep neural network trained to reproduce the SDR projections. Subsequently classification was done by applying a k-nearest neighbors (k-NN) classifier to the sharpened projections.

Results. Based on a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the embeddings produced by SDR, we find that SDR consistently produces accurate projections with a high degree of cluster separation. A number of projection performance metrics are used to evaluate this separation, including the trustworthiness, continuity, Shepard goodness, and distribution consistency metrics. Using the k-NN classifier and consolidating the results of various data sets, we obtain precisions of 99.7%, 98.9%, and 98.5% for classifying stars, galaxies, and QSOs, respectively. Furthermore, we achieve completenesses of 97.8%, 99.3%, and 86.8%, respectively. In addition to classification, we explore the structure of the embeddings produced by SDR by cross-matching with data from Gaia DR3, Galaxy Zoo 1, and a catalog of specific star formation rates, stellar masses, and dust luminosities. We discover that the embeddings reveal astrophysical information, which allows one to understand the structure of the high-dimensional broadband color data in greater detail.

Conclusions. We find that SDR-aided star, galaxy, and QSO classification performs comparably to another unsupervised learning method using hierarchical density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise (HDBSCAN) but offers advantages in terms of scalability and interpretability. Furthermore, it outperforms traditional color selection methods in terms of QSO classification performance. Overall, we demonstrate the potential of SDR-aided classification to provide an accurate and physically insightful classification of astronomical objects based on their broadband colors.
Planetary nebulae seen with TESS: New and revisited short-period binary central star candidates from Cycles 1 to 4
Authors: Aller Alba , Lillo-Box Jorge , Jones David
Published: September 2024

Context. High-precision and high-cadence photometric surveys such as Kepler or TESS are making huge progress not only in the detection of new extrasolar planets but also in the study of a great number of variable stars. This is the case for central stars of planetary nebulae (PNe), which have similarly benefited from the capabilities of these missions, increasing the number of known binary central stars and helping us to constrain the relationship between binarity and the complex morphologies of their host PNe.

Aims. In this paper, we analyse the TESS light curves of a large sample of central stars of PNe with the aim of detecting signs of variability that may hint at the presence of short-period binary nuclei. This will have important implications in understanding PN formation evolution as well as the common envelope phase.

Methods. We analysed 62 central stars of true, likely, or possible PNe and modelled the detected variability through an MCMC approach accounting for three effects: reflection, ellipsoidal modulations due to tidal forces, and the so-called Doppler beaming. Among the 62 central stars, only 38 are amenable for this study. The remaining 24 show large contamination from nearby sources preventing an optimal analysis. Also, eight targets are already known binary central stars, which we revisit here with the new high precision of the TESS data.

Results. In addition to recovering the eight already known binaries in our sample, we find that 18 further central stars show clear signs of periodic variability in the TESS data, probably resulting from different physical effects compatible with the binary scenario. We propose them as new candidate binary central stars. We also discuss the origin of the detected variability in each particular case by using the TESS_localize algorithm. Finally, 12 targets show no or only weak evidence of variability at the sensitivity of TESS.

Conclusions. Our study demonstrates the power of space-based photometric surveys in searching for close binary companions of central stars of PNe. Although our detections can only be catalogued as candidate binaries, we find a large percentage of possible stellar pairs associated with PNe, supporting the hypothesis that binarity plays a key role in shaping these celestial structures.
Sifting the debris: Patterns in the SNR population with unsupervised ML methods
Authors: Bufano F. , Bordiu C. , Cecconello T. , Munari M. , Hopkins A. , Ingallinera A. , Leto P. , Loru S. , Riggi S. , Sciacca E. , Vizzari G. , De Marco A. , Buemi C. S. , Cavallaro F. , Trigilio C. , Umana G.
Published: September 2024

Context. Supernova remnants (SNRs) carry vast amounts of mechanical and radiative energy that heavily influence the structural, dynamical, and chemical evolution of galaxies. To this day, more than 300 SNRs have been discovered in the Milky Way, exhibiting a wide variety of observational features. However, existing classification schemes are mainly based on their radio morphology.

Aims. In this work, we introduce a novel unsupervised deep learning pipeline to analyse a representative subsample of the Galactic SNR population (~50% of the total) with the aim of finding a connection between their multi-wavelength features and their physical properties.

Methods. The pipeline involves two stages: (1) a representation learning stage, consisting of a convolutional autoencoder that feeds on imagery from infrared and radio continuum surveys (WISE 22 μm, Hi-GAL 70 μm and SMGPS 30 cm) and produces a compact representation in a lower-dimensionality latent space; and (2) a clustering stage that seeks meaningful clusters in the latent space that can be linked to the physical properties of the SNRs and their surroundings.

Results. Our results suggest that this approach, when combined with an intermediate uniform manifold approximation and projection (UMAP) reprojection of the autoencoded embeddings into a more clusterable manifold, enables us to find reliable clusters. Despite a large number of sources being classified as outliers, most clusters relate to the presence of distinctive features, such as the distribution of infrared emission, the presence of radio shells and pulsar wind nebulae, and the existence of dust filaments.
Interdisziplinäre Betreuung von Patienten mit Diabetes und Nierenerkrankungen
Authors: Schmidt Sebastian , Busch Martin , Wolf Gunter
Published: September 2024

Die Prävalenz von Diabetes mellitus steigt weltweit. Die kardiovaskuläre und die renale Komorbidität und Mortalität sind bei Diabetes mellitus deutlich erhöht, was die Gesundheitssysteme belastet. Mithilfe des Einsatzes von evidenzbasierten antidiabetischen Therapien und von Diabetestechnik sowie der Mitbehandlung von modifizierbaren Risikofaktoren können Menschen mit Diabetes eine höhere Lebenserwartung mit einer besseren Lebensqualität erreichen. Nur durch eine strukturierte interdisziplinäre Betreuung von Personen mit Diabetes können Therapieoptionen frühzeitig angewendet und diabetische mikro- und makrovaskuläre Folgekrankheiten verhindert oder verzögert werden. Das Zusammenspiel zwischen Herz, Niere und metabolischen Erkrankungen tritt zunehmend in den Vordergrund, sodass die verzahnte Kooperation aller beteiligten Fachdisziplinen gefordert ist. Dieser Artikel fokussiert auf die Relevanz der interdisziplinären Betreuung speziell von Patienten mit Diabetes mit einer bestehenden Nierenerkrankung auf der Grundlage neuer Krankheitsmodelle und Therapieoptionen.
Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Morphological Changes in Peripheral
Nerves after Traumatic Injury and Nerve Repair – A Prospective
Study
Authors: Dietrich Léna G. , Juon Bettina , Wirtz Christian , Vögelin Esther
Published: September 2024

Purpose Ultrasound (US) has gained in importance for the visualization of
morphological changes of injured nerves. After surgical repair, changes in
neural structures are seen over time. The correlation of morphologic changes in
US with the corresponding nerve function is uncertain. The aim of this study is
to determine a correlation of post-traumatic morphological nerve changes with US
and with nerve function after surgery.

Materials and Methods This dual-center, prospective cohort study was
conducted between 2017 and 2022 and included 20 mixed sensory motor nerve
lesions. Patients were followed up clinically (sensitivity, pain, and motor
function) with US and electroneuromyography. We determined the US changes of the
nerves including the interaction of the tissue after nerve repair and any
correlation with nerve function. With US nerve cross-sectional area (CSA), the
number of traversing fascicles, hypo-echogenicity, and presence of perineural
scar were analyzed.

Results 20 lesions (12 median and 8 ulnar nerves) of 18 patients with
intraoperatively confirmed nerve injury of at least 50% in the forearm were
included. The average CSA was over 20 mm2 throughout the follow-up
period, corresponding to a neuroma in continuity compared to the opposite side
(10.75 mm2). Sensibility and motor function at 12 months were
6xS3/4 and 10xM3-5. There was a statistically significant correlation between
continuous fascicles on US at 6 months and sensitivity at 12 months.

Conclusion This study supports the presence of post-traumatic
morphological changes in nerve fibers with US after traumatic injury.
Morphological changes in nerve structure after trauma can be detected with US
indicating a correlation between continuity of nerve fascicles and development
of sensitivity and motor function.
Emergency Endotracheal Intubations at a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit—Incidence and Hemodynamic Complications
Authors: Georgiev Yordan H. , Neunhoeffer Felix , Kumpf Matthias , Hofbeck Michael , Saeed Danial , Michel Jörg , Gross Maximilian
Published: September 2024

Emergency tracheal intubation (TI) in a critically ill child is a life-saving, high-risk procedure often associated with adverse events and complications. Efforts have been undertaken to increase the safety of TIs. Integrated checklists, simulation-based training, and video laryngoscope-assisted intubations have proven effective. The study's primary aim was to evaluate the frequency of emergency TIs at a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and to examine the incidence of peri-intubation hemodynamic complications. We conducted a single-center, retrospective analysis of unplanned (nonelective and emergency) intubations in a multidisciplinary PICU. Patients between 0 and 18 years admitted from January 2020 until December 2022 were included in the analysis. There was a total of 144 emergency TIs. In 92.6% of the cases, an underlying chronic disease existed. The most common indication for emergency TI was respiratory failure (61.0%). Adverse intubation-associated hemodynamic events were found in 18 (12.5%), cardiac arrest in 6 (4.2%), and emergency TI under ongoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in 12 (8.3%) cases. Twenty-two (15.3%) children died during the PICU stay after emergency TI due to the underlying condition. In the group of children showing adverse hemodynamic effects after TI, fewer children were on noninvasive respiratory support (50 vs. 75.2%, p = 0.007) and received catecholamine therapy more frequently before complicated emergency TI than those without complicated emergency TI (62.5 vs. 38.0%, p = 0.039). Children in the latter group had both a longer duration of mechanical ventilation (11 vs. 7 days, p = 0.045) and a longer PICU stay (18 vs. 12 days, p = 0.042) compared with the group of complicated emergency TIs. Most emergency TIs (59.0%) occurred off-hours, between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m., or on weekends. Emergency TIs occur unexpectedly, often outside regular operating hours, and are associated with a higher mortality and morbidity rate. Using noninvasive respiratory support could potentially reduce adverse intubation-associated hemodynamic events in emergency TI.
Cross-landscape fuel moisture differences impact simulated fire behaviour
Authors: Little K. , Kettridge N. , Belcher C. M. , Graham L. J. , Stoof C. R. , Ivison K. , Cardil A.
Published: September 2024

Background Predicting fire behaviour is an ongoing challenge in temperate peatlands and heathlands, where live fuels can form the dominant fuel load for wildfire spread, and where spatial heterogeneity in fuel moisture is important but not typically represented in fuel models. Aims We examine the impact of fuel moisture variation on simulated fire behaviour across a temperate peatland/heathland landscape. Methods We collected field measurements of fuel moisture content in Calluna vulgaris shrub from 36 sites across the North Yorkshire Moors, United Kingdom. We used these to define fuel moisture inputs within existing shrubland fuel models to simulate fire behaviour in BehavePlus. Key results Simulated rates of spread varied with fuel moisture content; average mean variance of 23–80% from the landscape average rate of spread. The driest sites had simulated rates of spread up to 135% above the landscape average and the wettest sites up to 86% below average. Fuel model selection dramatically impacted simulated rates of spread by a factor of five. Conclusions We need to constrain the role of live fuel moisture within temperate fuel models to develop accurate fire behaviour predictions. Implications Capturing cross-landscape heterogeneity in fire behaviour is important for safe and effective land and wildfire management decision-making.
A Preliminary Comparative Study on the Centering Algorithms for Cassini-ISS NAC Images
Authors: Liang T. , Zhang Q.-F. , Liu G.-M. , Zhu W.-H. , Wang C.-S.
Published: September 2024

Obtaining high precision is an important consideration for astrometric studies using images from the Narrow Angle Camera (NAC) of the Cassini Imaging Science Subsystem (ISS). Selecting the best centering algorithm is key to enhancing astrometric accuracy. In this study, we compared the accuracy of five centering algorithms: Gaussian fitting, the modified moments method, and three point-spread function (PSF) fitting methods (effective PSF (ePSF), PSFEx, and extended PSF (xPSF) from the Cassini Imaging Central Laboratory for Operations (CICLOPS)). We assessed these algorithms using 70 ISS NAC star field images taken with CL1 and CL2 filters across different stellar magnitudes. The ePSF method consistently demonstrated the highest accuracy, achieving precision below 0.03 pixels for stars of magnitude 8–9. Compared to the previously considered best, the modified moments method, the ePSF method improved overall accuracy by about 10% and 21% in the sample and line directions, respectively. Surprisingly, the xPSF model provided by CICLOPS had lower precision than the ePSF. Conversely, the ePSF exhibits an improvement in measurement precision of 23% and 17% in the sample and line directions, respectively, over the xPSF. This discrepancy might be attributed to the xPSF focusing on photometry rather than astrometry. These findings highlight the necessity of constructing PSF models specifically tailored for astrometric purposes in NAC images and provide guidance for enhancing astrometric measurements using these ISS NAC images.
Synthesis, characterization, and cellular investigation of three smart polymeric nanoparticles as efficient plasmid CRISPR (pCRISPR) delivery vehicles
Authors: Khodaei Roya , Bayandori Mehrdad , Sarpoli Leila Mohammad Gholinia , Souri Masoumeh , Hasanzade Iraj , Khodaee Ronak , Saeedi Sara , Kiani Jafar , Karimi Mahdi
Published: September 2024

Purpose. Gene therapy is a strategy to provide therapeutic advantages by modifying genes, and CRISPR/Cas9 is the simplest and the most efficient gene editing technology. Appropriate smart nanocarriers are a promising way to deliver these gene editing tools into cells efficiently. Methods. In this study, three novel smart nanocarriers were prepared for CRISPR/Cas9 delivery into PC12 cells. We designed a smart polyplex using synthetic redox-responsive polyethyleneimine (rPEI) made by crosslinked PEI ∼ 2 KD and pCRISPR using electrostatic interactions. Then, to avoid unwanted interactions with blood ingredients three natural polysaccharides with negative charge, hyaluronic acid (HA), chondroitin sulfate (CS), and alginate(ALG) have been used separately as outer shells. Additionally, nanocarriers were characterized in terms of zeta potential, size distribution, and loading efficiency. Finally, the cytotoxicity of nanocarriers and GFP gene expression were evaluated. Results. The average size of the nanocarriers with outer coats of HA, ALG, and CS was around 47, 66.5, and 309 nm, respectively. Furthermore, these three nanocarriers indicated a high loading efficiency, high capacity for cellular uptake (>90%), and no significant toxicity. The pCRISPR expression amount was estimated up to 21%. Conclusion. These redox-responsive polymeric nanocarriers suggest novel and efficient carriers for CRISPR/Cas9 delivery.
Pedagogy
Authors: Higgins Lee
Published: September 2024

This think piece asks whether community music has a pedagogy. By considering the historical roots of nonformal learning, this chapter teases out the key features of nonformal learning. It explores how these ideas have been utilized within community music practices. Considering facilitation as the central strategy, this chapter explores a continuum including informal and formal learning. Distinctive traits of facilitation are described, and illustrations of practice help illuminate the mechanisms community musicians use within their work. Each example is plotted on a diagram shaped like mixing desks that aid understanding. In conclusion, it is noted that as the field expands, its contribution to the musical ecosystem becomes more influential. To continue and increase its influence within these more extensive conversations, is it time for community musicians to shake off an entrenched sense of being in opposition to “traditional,” “formal” ways of engaging people in music? If the approaches to practice offer repeatable and commonly used processes, is it time to consider these collective traits and name the approach in terms of community music pedagogy?
Social Justice
Authors: Higgins Lee
Published: September 2024

Community musicians focus on creating environments where, through musical interaction, individuals and communities can take charge of their self-expression and shape their futures. In this sense, community musicians set out as agents of change, often under the auspices of what might be described as a framework of social justice. Exploring ideas associated with a promise of justice, this think piece asks, How might social justice be understood as a framework for community music practice? Engaging in Derrida’s invitation to return to the question of justice, this chapter works toward an idea of “hospitable music making,” an open embrace toward those who wish to participate in active music making and those who just might. Seeking to spark conversation, the author encourages discussion regarding the necessity of community music as a vital field in these challenging and turbulent times.
Music
Authors: Higgins Lee
Published: September 2024

In this think piece, the author asks, How might we understand the “music” in community music? The question seeks to address possible ways that those working in the field might describe the “music,” or “musics,” being made by the participants they work with and, to some extent, why it might be deemed valuable. Using three “critical incidents” as concrete examples, I explore three philosophical lines of enquiry: David Elliott and Marissa Silverman’s praxis, Derrida’s always-already, and Deleuze’s expression. Although there is some consideration of the intersections between these three ideas, the purpose of the chapter is to present a conceptual offering to spark thought and discussion.
Research
Authors: Higgins Lee
Published: September 2024

This think piece aims to evoke research approaches resonating with community music’s ethos and practice. After contextualizing questions that have driven the author’s project, this chapter engages with a figure of the margin and presents some ideas of how this may be useful when considering community music research. Following this, the author uses his tenure as the editor of the International Journal of Community Music as a case to explore Gianni Vattimo’s notion of weak thought, suggesting ways those in positions of power might model community musics ethos for the next generation of scholars. Through two illustrations of practice, the author discusses representations of community music practice within two different research frames and asks, How might I do community music research?
Departure
Authors: Higgins Lee
Published: September 2024

The final chapter of Thinking Community Music brings together the ideas emerging from the eight think pieces. Integrating key themes explored in previous think pieces, this short chapter offers five statements reflecting possible ways to think about community music. Each statement contains ideas drawn from the eight think pieces, and each idea has a location so readers can pinpoint where to find the expanded descriptions. As a constellation of concepts, community music is finally understood as hospitable music making, a relational music practice vibrating to the tune of the politics of cultural democracy and responding to contemporary and historical forms of cultural and social inequality.
Alcohol pharmacotherapy dispensing trends in Australia between 2006 and 2023
Authors: Quintrell Ebony , Page Amy , Wyrwoll Caitlin , Larcombe Alexander , Preen David B , Almeida Osvaldo , Etherton-Beer Christopher , Kelty Erin
Published: September 2024

Aims

This study aimed to investigate acamprosate and naltrexone dispensing patterns in Australia.

Methods

A 10% representative sample of medications subsidized by the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) was used to identify individuals who were dispensed naltrexone or acamprosate between January 2006 and December 2023. Data were used to examine concurrent dispensing, medication switching and treatment episode length, as well as changes in prevalence and incidence over time.

Results

During the study, we identified 22 745 individuals with a total of 117 548 dispensed prescriptions (45.3% naltrexone, 43.0% acamprosate, and 11.7% concurrent dispensing). Alcohol pharmacotherapy dispensing occurred in 1354 per 100 000 individuals. It is estimated that 2.9% of individuals with an alcohol use disorder in Australia are receiving a PBS-listed pharmacological treatment. For both pharmacotherapies, individuals were most likely to be male (60.0%) and 35–54 years of age (56.0%). Individuals were more likely to switch from acamprosate to naltrexone rather than the reverse. From 2006 and 2023, the number of prevalent individuals treated with an alcohol pharmacotherapy significantly increased, driven mainly the use of naltrexone, which more than doubled over the study period. Incident naltrexone-treated individuals were more likely to remain on treatment for the recommended minimum 3-month period compared to acamprosate treated individuals, although overall dispensing for at least 3 months was low (5.1%).

Conclusions

In Australia between 2006 and 2023, rates of naltrexone dispensing have substantially increased, while acamprosate dispensing showed minimal changes. However, the use of alcohol pharmacotherapies remains low compared with the likely prevalence of alcohol use disorders.
The Effect of Tranexamic Acid Administration During Liposuction on Bleeding Complications and Ecchymosis: A Systematic Review
Authors: ElAbd Rawan , Richa Yasmina , Pouramin Panthea , Dow Todd , AlNesef Meshari , Safran Tyler , Gilardino Mirko , Samargandi Osama A
Published: September 2024

Liposuction is the most frequently performed cosmetic procedure. Tranexamic acid (TXA) has emerged as a promising blood loss reducing agent in plastic surgery, but its value in liposuction is still being studied. This systematic review investigates the safety and efficacy of TXA in reducing blood loss during liposuction procedures. A systematic review of PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases from inception to June 2023 was performed. The primary objective was to compare blood loss, hematoma rate, and ecchymosis from liposuction procedures in patients who received TXA with those who did not. The secondary objective was to assess the incidence of TXA-related complications. A total of 9 studies were included, published between 2018 and 2023, of which 8 were prospective and 1 was retrospective. A total of 345 intervention vs 268 control arms were compared. Follow-up time ranged from 1 to 14 days. Mean age and mean BMI ranged from 33 to 50 years and 23 to 30 kg/m2, respectively. Blood loss in aspirate was significantly less with TXA administration as assessed in 5 studies (P < .05). Of the 5 studies that described assessment of the incidence of ecchymosis, all reported less bruising with TXA use. Among all the studies, only 1 reported postoperative complications in 5 patients requiring transfusion in the control group (without TXA). The evidence provided in the literature suggests that TXA administration in liposuction is safe and effective for reducing blood loss and ecchymosis by both intravenous and local administration.

Level of Evidence: 3 (Therapeutic)
Acoustic effects complement visual displays of Great Bowerbird bowers
Authors: Endler John A , Meehan Selina , Rodrigues Aida , Hallett Vicki
Published: September 2024

Sexual selection can result in extreme development of multimodal mate-attracting traits, including complex constructions. Male Great Bowerbirds build bowers for attracting females. Bowers contain a thatched twig tunnel (avenue) opening onto 2 courts covered with decorations. Males displaying on a court are seen by a female from within the avenue. She sees and hears displays through the avenue entrance but can only see the male’s head and objects in his bill as it passes repeatedly across the entrance. Because the bower may affect the auditory as well as the visual parts of the multimodal male display we investigated bower acoustic properties by playing standard sounds from multiple court positions, recording the resulting sounds at the female’s head position within the avenue. Bower geometry results in a limited zone at the avenue entrance where his vocalisations can be heard with maximum intensity; this corresponds to his typical display position. Experiments show that court decorations increase the intensity of some frequencies and reduce the intensity of others. Bower structure simultaneously affects both visual and auditory male display components and could be important in sexual selection. It is important to consider more than 1 sensory mode, especially in the context of built signaling structures.
CSV-Filter: a deep learning-based comprehensive structural variant filtering method for both short and long reads
Authors: Xia Zeyu , Xiang Weiming , Wang Qingzhe , Li Xingze , Li Yilin , Gao Junyu , Tang Tao , Yang Canqun , Cui Yingbo
Published: September 2024

Motivation

Structural variants (SVs) play an important role in genetic research and precision medicine. As existing SV detection methods usually contain a substantial number of false positive calls, approaches to filter the detection results are needed.

Results

We developed a novel deep learning-based SV filtering tool, CSV-Filter, for both short and long reads. CSV-Filter uses a novel multi-level grayscale image encoding method based on CIGAR strings of the alignment results and employs image augmentation techniques to improve SV feature extraction. CSV-Filter also utilizes self-supervised learning networks for transfer as classification models, and employs mixed-precision operations to accelerate training. The experiments showed that the integration of CSV-Filter with popular SV detection tools could considerably reduce false positive SVs for short and long reads, while maintaining true positive SVs almost unchanged. Compared with DeepSVFilter, a SV filtering tool for short reads, CSV-Filter could recognize more false positive calls and support long reads as an additional feature.

Availability and implementation

https://github.com/xzyschumacher/CSV-Filter
bio2Byte Tools deployment as a Python package and Galaxy tool to predict protein biophysical properties
Authors: Gavalda-Garcia Jose , Díaz Adrián , Vranken Wim
Published: September 2024

We introduce a unified Python package for the prediction of protein biophysical properties, streamlining previous tools developed by the Bio2Byte research group. This suite facilitates comprehensive assessments of protein characteristics, incorporating predictors for backbone and sidechain dynamics, local secondary structure propensities, early folding, long disorder, beta-sheet aggregation and FUS-like phase separation. Our package significantly eases the integration and execution of these tools, enhancing accessibility for both computational and experimental researchers.

Availability and Implementation

The suite is available on the Python Package Index (PyPI): https://pypi.org/project/b2bTools/ and Bioconda: https://bioconda.github.io/recipes/b2btools/README.html for Linux and macOS systems, with Docker images hosted on Biocontainers: https://quay.io/repository/biocontainers/b2btools?tab=tags&tag=latest and Docker Hub: https://hub.docker.com/u/bio2byte. Online deployments are available on Galaxy Europe: https://usegalaxy.eu/root?tool_id=b2btools_single_sequence and our online server: https://bio2byte.be/b2btools/. The source code can be found at https://bitbucket.org/bio2byte/b2btools_releases

Supplementary information

Supplementary information are available at Bioinformatics online.
SCMeTA: a pipeline for single-cell metabolic analysis data processing
Authors: Pan Xingyu , Pan Siyuan , Du Murong , Yang Jinlei , Yao Huan , Zhang Xinrong , Zhang Sichun
Published: September 2024

To address the challenges in single-cell metabolomics (SCM) research, we have developed an open-source Python-based modular library, named SCMeTA, for SCM data processing. We designed standardized pipeline and inter-container communication format and have developed modular components to adapt to the diverse needs of SCM studies. The validation was carried out on multiple SCM experiment data. The results demonstrated significant improvements in batch effects, accuracy of results, metabolic extraction rate, cell matching rate, as well as processing speed. This library is of great significance in advancing the practical application of SCM analysis and makes a foundation for wide-scale adoption in biological studies.

Availability and implementation

SCMeTA is freely available on https://github.com/SCMeTA/SCMeTA and https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13569643.
Social networks of threatened Chaco tortoises (Chelonoidis chilensis) in the wild
Authors: Madile Hjelt Marco , Moyano Luis , Echave María Eugenia , Kubisch Erika , Kazimierski Laila Daniela , Catalano Nicolás , Abramson Guillermo , Laneri Karina
Published: September 2024

We studied encounters between Chaco tortoises (Chelonoidis chilensis) that are in a threatened state of conservation in Patagonia, Argentina, which constitutes the southern limit of their geographical distribution. We monitored six individuals during different behavioural periods of the year (mating, nesting, and brumation), recording 24 344 encounters after tagging the animals with GPS tags. Constructing bipartite networks of burrows and tortoises, in addition to their projections, we discovered a spatial clustering of the burrows. Moreover, our research revealed that as tortoises approach the brumation period they use fewer unique burrows, engage in less burrow sharing, and increasingly favour spending time in their preferred burrow. During the mating and nesting periods some burrows are shared, whereas this was not the case during the brumation period. We studied the daily interactions through proximity-based networks, accounting for the daytime encounters during the different annual behavioural periods. We found the highest network density during the mating period, decreasing to zero, as expected, for the brumation period, when tortoises remain in their burrows during both night and day. Male–male interactions were more probable during the post-brumation and mating periods. Moreover, the number of daily encounters after sharing a burrow for a given night was found to be significant, which could be an indication of social behaviour and memory. Performing numerical simulations, we found that the proximity-based network densities were much higher than expected by chance, which could be attributable to individual selection of preferred sites or could be indicative of social behaviour among these threatened reptiles.
How rugose can you go? Spiny Agonidae armour decreases boundary layer separation
Authors: Vandenberg Megan L , Hawkins Olivia H , Chier Eric , Kahane-Rapport Shirel R , Summers Adam P , Donatelli Cassandra M
Published: September 2024

Armour has been present in vertebrates for millions of years and has evolved independently several times in the ray finned fishes. While armour is typically considered defensive, it is a multifunctional trait with many plausible alternative functions. We explore the hydrodynamic function of armour in nine species of poachers (Agonidae) by visualizing flow to assess drag reduction. We used microcomputed tomography scans to categorize armour morphology into morphotypes, and compared the rugosity (surface roughness) across these morphotypes. We then used digital particle image velocimetry to visualize boundary layer separation along 3D-printed whole-body models made using the scans. Poacher armour comprises eight rows that, some distance behind the second dorsal fin, merge into six. We found four morphotypes, with higher rugosity observed for the prominent spine morphotype and the lowest rugosity in the no-spine morphotype. Principal component analysis revealed that much of the variation in armour morphology is driven by plate shape, spine size, and protrusion. The boundary layer was retained longer in species with larger spines. Overall, the presence of a spine increased boundary layer retention, decreasing the drag, which is advantageous for these benthic fish.
Diagnostic imaging analysis to differentiate struma ovarii from mucinous carcinomas, encompassing T2*-based imaging, diffusion-weighted imaging, and dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging
Authors: Ishiguro Toshitaka , Saida Tsukasa , Shikama Ayumi , Akiyama Azusa , Tenjimbayashi Yuri , Mori Kensaku , Satoh Toyomi , Nakajima Takahito
Published: September 2024

Objectives

To clarify the differences between struma ovarii (SO) and mucinous carcinomas (MC) on CT and MRI, including T2*-based images, diffusion-weighted images (DWI), and time-intensity curve (TIC) patterns, which have not been previously reported.

Methods

We retrospectively compared the presence of low intensity on T2-weighted and T2*-based images, high intensity on T1-weighted images, hyperattenuation on non-contrast CT, TIC pattern, T2 ratio, T1 ratio, CT value, and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value in 15 patients with SO and 27 patients with MC.

Results

SO exhibited a significantly higher frequency of low intensity on T2-weighted and T2*-based images, and hyperattenuation on non-contrast CT than MC (P < .001, <.001, and .006, respectively). The T2 ratios and CT attenuation of the locules were also significantly different (P < .001, and .006, respectively). In SO, sites of low intensity on T2-weighted and T2*-based images and sites of hyperattenuation on CT images always coincided. Regarding the TIC pattern, most SO showed a high-risk pattern, with a significant difference (P = .003). The ADC values of SO were significantly lower, and only one case of SO showed high signal intensity on DWI.

Conclusions

SO were more frequently with low intensity on T2-weighted and T2*-based images, and hyperattenuation on non-contrast CT, and showed high-risk TIC patterns without diffusion restriction.

Advances in knowledge

SO shows a high-risk TIC pattern but can be specifically diagnosed in combination with the lack of diffusion restriction and loculi with marked hypointensity on T2-weighted and T2*-based images consistent with hyperattenuation on non-contrast CT.
Haemato-radiology: the role of the radiologist at MDT
Authors: Ahmed Omnya , Ordidge Katherine , Hussain Tahir , Syed Adeel , Haroon Athar , Shahabuddin Khawaja
Published: September 2024

Haemato-radiology represents a relatively newly emerging, vast, and complex area of diagnostic imaging. Its complexity arises from the multimodality nature of patient assessment, the multisystem presentation of haematological malignancies and their complications, and the volume of imaging required for diagnosis and follow-up of the fifth most common malignancy type in the United Kingdom. Decisive and accurate assessment of disease by radiologists is at the heart of the haemato-oncology multidisciplinary team (MDT) and therefore essential for providing optimal patient care. We hope to support radiologists leading the MDT by streamlining the vast information in this field, emphasizing the most recent, evidence-based guidelines, and internationally accepted criteria for reporting imaging of lymphoma and myeloma. We also cover the various disease and treatment complications frequently presented to the MDT.
Iatrogenic harm in functional neurological disorder
Authors: Mcloughlin Caoimhe , Lee Wei Hao , Carson Alan , Stone Jon
Published: September 2024

Functional neurological disorder (FND) is continuing to gain increasing recognition globally as a valid and potentially treatable disorder. Iatrogenic harm towards patients with FND is significant, however, and has been around for centuries. Despite advances in our understanding around the aetiology, pathophysiology and treatment of FND, many aspects of such harm continue to persist. Avoidance of iatrogenic harm has been highlighted by clinicians as one of the most important therapeutic considerations in FND; however, the sources and range of potential harms, or indeed ways to mitigate them, have not previously been summarized.

Using a combination of clinical and research experience and scoping review methodology, this review aims to describe the main sources of iatrogenic harm towards patients with FND, including harm from misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis and treatment, direct harm from professional interactions, other stigma-related harms, harm related to diagnostic overshadowing and over-diagnosis of FND. We also describe some potential ways to address and prevent such harms, such as ways to reduce misdiagnosis with a focus on rule in signs, optimizing teaching and communication, ensuring parity of FND with other medical conditions and continued integration of patient and professional organizations.
Visual hallucinations in Parkinson’s disease: spotlight on central cholinergic dysfunction
Authors: Ignatavicius Anna , Matar Elie , Lewis Simon J G
Published: September 2024

Visual hallucinations are a common non-motor feature of Parkinson’s disease and have been associated with accelerated cognitive decline, increased mortality and early institutionalization. Despite their prevalence and negative impact on patient outcomes, the repertoire of treatments aimed at addressing this troubling symptom is limited. Over the past two decades, significant contributions have been made in uncovering the pathological and functional mechanisms of visual hallucinations, bringing us closer to the development of a comprehensive neurobiological framework.

Convergent evidence now suggests that degeneration within the central cholinergic system may play a significant role in the genesis and progression of visual hallucinations. Here, we outline how cholinergic dysfunction may serve as a potential unifying neurobiological substrate underlying the multifactorial and dynamic nature of visual hallucinations.

Drawing upon previous theoretical models, we explore the impact that alterations in cholinergic neurotransmission has on the core cognitive processes pertinent to abnormal perceptual experiences. We conclude by highlighting that a deeper understanding of cholinergic neurobiology and individual pathophysiology may help to improve established and emerging treatment strategies for the management of visual hallucinations and psychotic symptoms in Parkinson’s disease.
Online sourcing of medications: the patient buying medication from online pharmacies abroad
Authors: Beresford-Wylie Buket , Harries Matthew , King Brett , Finlay Andrew Y , Asfour Leila
Published: September 2024

This is an ethical dilemma where a patient attends your clinic having sourced their medication from an online pharmacy abroad.
Monoclonal antibodies for the management of cutaneous lupus erythematosus: an update on the current treatment landscape
Authors: Jafari Alexander J , McGee Christina , Klimas Natasha , Hebert Adelaide A
Published: September 2024

Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) is a complex autoimmune disease often characterized by a multitude of skin findings. CLE is generally classified into three main categories: acute CLE, subacute CLE and chronic CLE. The current therapeutic guidelines for CLE include counselling patients on general measures and medication regimens. Treatment options include optimized photoprotection, avoidance of environmental triggers, corticosteroids, topical and systemic immunomodulators, and antimalarials. To date, no biologic medications (i.e. monoclonal antibodies, mAbs) are approved for CLE. The first mAb for the treatment of both systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and active lupus nephritis was belimumab, and was approved for these diseases in 2011 and 2020, respectively. Belimumab is a specific inhibitor of B-lymphocyte stimulator. Anifrolumab, a type I interferon receptor antagonist, was approved in 2021 for SLE. Other mAbs with different targets, including a novel biologic that inhibits blood dendritic cell antigen 2, are currently under investigation for CLE. This review will describe the general treatment landscape for CLE. Selected studies related to these various mAbs will be discussed, as well as their safety profiles and efficacies demonstrated in clinical trials. Biologic medications can potentially augment the number of treatment options for patients living with CLE.