bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnosis of Metaplastic Synovial Cysts in Clinical Dermatology
Authors: Vora Paayal S. , Rama Sonam , Olsen Stephen
Published: September 2022

Metaplastic synovial cysts are a rare clinical finding, with less than 70 cases diagnosed to date. These cysts are painful and can greatly impact patients' quality of life. The goal of this case report is to describe the manifestations of these cysts to aid in clinical diagnosis and management.

We herein report a case of a 58-year-old male who presented with a bump on the lateral left knee. He experienced pain upon walking. Notably, he had a past medical history of left knee replacement 15 years prior to presentation. Upon physical exam, the bump resembled a firm subcutaneous nodule. It was subsequently biopsied via eight-mm punch excision, revealing a metal portion of the patient's knee replacement; biopsy resulted in the removal of the entire bump. Biopsy results showed a cystic space in the deep dermis containing papillary villous projections consisting of fibrous cores, partially surfaced by a synovial-like lining. Based on these results, a metaplastic synovial cyst was diagnosed.

The patient was referred to orthopaedic surgery for replacement to prevent recurrence, as the metal in the knee replacement was presumed the source of the cyst. The patient was then reassessed 3 months later, and he described resolution of his knee pain. Physical exam showed a well-healed linear scar.

This patient's history and exam findings, along with the dermatopathology results, reflect the characteristic pattern in patients suffering from metaplastic synovial cysts. Prompt identification and subsequent removal can significantly improve patient's pain and ability to carry out daily activities.
Concurrent Anchoring of Au NPs and Amine Groups under the Decomposition of supported L‐arginine‐Au(III) Complexes:A Simple Way to Active Au/C Catalyst for Pure Hydrogen Production
Authors: Podyacheva Olga Y. , Simonov Pavel A. , Yashnik Svetlana A. , Kvon Ren I. , Stonkus Olga A. , Sobolev Vladimir I. , Khairulin Sergei R. , Bukhtiyarov Valerii I.
Published: September 2022

We propose a simple way to synthesize gold catalysts consisting of dominant ca. 2 nm nanoparticles and single atoms on different carbons by the use of L‐arginine‐Au(III) complexes. The decomposition of the precursor proceeds via concurrent anchoring surface amine groups and forming gold species. The gold catalyst supported on a commercial nitrogen free carbon of the Sibunit family showed excellent activity in the gas phase formic acid decomposition reaction and 100 % selectivity towards hydrogen formation as compared to gold catalysts supported on nitrogen free and nitrogen doped carbon nanofibers and nanotubes. The observed increase in the reaction rate by a factor of up to 15 is due to the enrichment of external Sibunit surface with gold and surface amine groups. The intrinsic nitrogen centers of the nitrogen doped carbons are not sensitive to the gold precursor, thus not affecting the dispersion of gold and even deteriorating the catalyst activity.
Synthesis, Characterization, Antimicrobial Activity and in Silico Studies of Some Phenyl, Furyl and 1H‐1,2,4‐Triazole Substituted Benzyl and Alkyl Ethers
Authors: Güven Özden Özel , Tahtacı Hakan , Altanlar Nurten , Alıcı Hakan
Published: September 2022

In this study, a series of phenyl, furyl and 1H‐1,2,4‐triazole substituted benzyl and alkyl ethers were synthesized, characterized by all spectral analysis, and evaluated for their antibacterial and antifungal activities against Staphylococcus aureus, Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Escherichia coli, Candida albicans and Candida krusei. From phenyl substituted series, compound 1‐(2‐(3,4‐dichlorobenzyloxy)‐2‐phenylethyl)‐1H‐1,2,4‐triazole (7 i) exhibited the most potent antibacterial activity with lowest MIC value of 6.25 μg/mL against MRSA and from furyl substituted series, most of the compounds exhibited the most potent antifungal activity with lowest MIC value of 6.25 μg/mL against Candida Krusei. Furthermore, the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) and drug‐likeness characteristic of the compounds were calculated, and it was observed that all compounds met majority the criteria of five different drug filters. Finally, docking simulations revealed that some compounds showed high affinity to an CYP51 antifungal target structure (PDB: 3L4D).
The Role of Structural Order in the Mechanism of Charge Transport across Tunnel Junctions with Various Iron‐Storing Proteins
Authors: Gupta Nipun Kumar , Okamoto Naofumi , Karuppannan Senthil Kumar , Pasula Rupali Reddy , Ziyu Zhang , Qi Dong‐Chen , Lim Sierin , Nakamura Masakazu , Nijhuis Christian A.
Published: September 2022

In biomolecular electronics, the role of structural order in charge transport (CT) is poorly understood. It has been reported that the metal oxide cores of protein cages (e.g., iron oxide and ferrihydrite nanoparticles (NPs) present in ferritin and E2‐LFtn, which is E2 protein engineered with an iron‐binding sequence) play an important role in the mechanism of CT. At the same time, the NP core also plays a major role in the structural integrity of the proteins. This paper describes the role of structural order in CT across tunnel junctions by comparing three iron‐storing proteins. They are (1) DNA binding protein from starved cells (Dps, diameter (∅) = 9 nm); (2) engineered archaeal ferritin (AfFtn‐AA, ∅ = 12 nm); and (3) engineered E2 of pyruvate dehydrogenase enzyme complex (E2‐LFtn, ∅ = 25 nm). Both holo‐Dps and apo‐Dps proteins undergo CT by coherent tunneling because their globular architecture and relative structural stability provide a coherent conduction pathway. In contrast, apo‐AfFtn‐AA forms a disordered structure across which charges have to tunnel incoherently, but holo‐AfFtn‐AA retains its globular structure and supports coherent tunneling. The large E2‐LFtn always forms disordered structures across which charges incoherently tunnel regardless of the presence of the NP core. These findings highlight the importance of structural order in the mechanism of CT across biomolecular tunnel junctions.
Structural and Spectroscopic Characterization of Saffron Starches at Different Growth Stages
Authors: Nakajima Shusaku , Yamamoto Masaki , Kuroki Shinichiro , Itoh Hiromichi
Published: September 2022

To investigate the structural and spectroscopic properties of saffron starches, saffron bulbs and isolated three types of starch are cultivated at different growth stages. All saffron starches exhibit fine particles (8.38–13.15 µm) and a C‐type X‐ray diffraction pattern. Furthermore, the particle size, amylose content, water content, and crystallinity of the saffron starch change during the growth and development, in particular, at bud formation. Saffron starches have unique characteristics compared with corn, potato, and banana starches; the amylose content is high in spite of the fine particles. Raman spectroscopy indicates that the intensity of the main starch band at 473 cm–1 is stronger in saffron than that in other botanical sources. This result can be attributed to the fine particles of saffron starches. The data demonstrate that saffron bulbs have unique starches, suggesting their potential as a new starch source for food and industrial applications.
How much do second opinions improve men's health?
Authors: Woodhouse Christopher
Published: September 2022

The value of second opinions in medicine is debatable. There are few data on the topic, but it seems that in most cases there is no benefit in terms of outcomes, with some notable exceptions. Improving communication may be a more fruitful area to explore, as most requests for a second opinion appear to result from poor doctor/patient communication.
Organ‐sparing radical cystectomy: improving functional outcomes
Authors: Tan Wei Shen , Ta Anthony , Sridhar Ashwin , Kelly John D
Published: September 2022

Organ‐sparing radical cystectomy offers selected patients with bladder cancer the opportunity to maintain sexual and urinary function without compromising oncological outcomes.
Journal watch
Authors: Kirby Mike
Published: September 2022

Professor Mike Kirby, Editor of Trends in Urology and Men's Health, picks some interesting recent papers and highlights the ‘take‐home’ messages.
“Doing Transitions”: A New Research Perspective
Authors: Walther Andreas , Stauber Barbara , Settersten Richard A.
Published: September 2022

Life courses and the transitions that mark them are highly complex phenomena of social reproduction. Past research has been driven by institutional actors and policymakers concerned with mitigating problems such as social disadvantage and risks of exclusion. It has tried to reduce complexity to make it easier to observe and measure the effects of transitions on individual life trajectories. This chapter joins several other recent attempts to better address the complexities of life course by introducing a new framework – Doing Transitions – for understanding life course transitions, which also provides a foundation for the chapters of this book. This framework is inspired by a praxeological perspective, which takes as its starting point the proposition that transitions do not simply exist but are constantly constituted through social practices and the interrelation of social discourses, institutional regulation, and individual processes of learning, education, and coping. After describing the doing transitions framework, this chapter provides a brief overview of the volume and its contributions, which are organized around three themes: institutions and organizations; times and normativities; and materialities, such as bodies, spaces, and artefacts.
Leitbilder schulischer Personalentwicklung in den Referenzrahmen zur Schulqualität der 16 Länder
Authors: Tarkian Jasmin
Published: September 2022

Um ausgehend von den im öffentlichen Diskurs häufig kontrovers geführten Debatten darüber, was eine „gute Schule“ ausmacht, zu einem einheitlicheren Verständnis von Schulqualität zu gelangen, sind in den Ländern im Zuge der Neuen Steuerung Konzepte zur Definition von schulischer Qualität entwickelt und etabliert worden. Die zumeist als Referenz-, Qualitäts- oder Orientierungsrahmen bezeichneten Zusammenstellungen aus Qualitätsdimensionen und -kriterien sollen dabei die Funktion entfalten, allen mit Fragen der Schulqualität betrauten Akteursgruppen für ihren jeweiligen Beitrag zur Erfassung, Sicherung oder Weiterentwicklung von Schule und Unterricht eine auf Landesebene geteilte Orientierungs- und Entscheidungsgrundlage zur Verfügung zu stellen, die Zielperspektiven der schulischen Arbeit aufzeigt. Bestandsaufnahmen und Evaluationen von Maßnahmen der Qualitätsentwicklung sowie Neujustierungen von Entwicklungszielen erhalten damit konzertierte Bezugspunkte, die als richtungsweisendes Leitgerüst bei der Schul- und Unterrichtsentwicklung zur Anwendung gelangen sollen.
Personalgewinnung als Grundlage schulischer Personalentwicklung
Authors: Thiel Felicitas , Schewe Claudia Manuela
Published: September 2022

Personalentwicklung steht in engem Zusammenhang mit Personalgewinnung und Beförderung. Auf der Grundlage einer Analyse rechtlicher Dokumente werden Regelungen zu schulbezogenen Ausschreibungen, zur Besetzung von Funktionsstellen und zu Personalbudgets im Ländervergleich dargestellt.

Schulbezogene Ausschreibungen sind in den meisten deutschen Ländern möglich; häufig in Ergänzung zum sogenannten Listenverfahren. Was die Besetzung von Funktionsstellen im mittleren Management betrifft, unterscheiden sich die Länder deutlich hinsichtlich des Einflusses der Schulleiterinnen und Schulleiter auf den Besetzungsvorgang. Unterschiede bestehen auch hinsichtlich der Zuweisung von Personalbudgets und der Möglichkeit, befristete Verträge abzuschließen.
Instrumente individualisierter Personalentwicklung: Mitarbeitergespräche, Zielvereinbarungen und Anreizsysteme
Authors: Thiel Felicitas , Schewe Claudia Manuela
Published: September 2022

Mitarbeitergespräche, Zielvereinbarungen und Anreize sind Instrumente einer individualisierten Personalentwicklung. Grundlage von Mitarbeitergesprächen sind häufig Unterrichtsbesuche der Schulleitung. Die entsprechenden rechtlichen Regelungen der deutschen Länder werden vergleichend dargestellt.

Mitarbeitergespräche zwischen Schulleiterinnen und Schulleitern sind prinzipiell in den meisten Ländern vorgesehen, allerdings nur in einem Teil der Länder verpflichtend. Zielvereinbarungen sind ebenfalls möglich, aber nur in wenigen Ländern verpflichtend vorgesehen. Leistungsanreize sind in Schulen derzeit nur in zwei Ländern eingeführt. Nicht-zweckbezogene Anrechnungsstunden, über die die Schulleiterin bzw. der Schulleiter entscheiden kann, sind in allen Ländern vorgesehen. Während Mitarbeitergespräche und Zielvereinbarungen häufig verknüpft werden, ist die Gewährung von Leistungsprämien oder Anrechnungsstunden für schulbezogene Aufgaben nicht systematisch mit Zielvereinbarungen verbunden.
Qualifizierung von Schulleiterinnen und Schulleitern für Aufgaben der Personalentwicklung
Authors: Muslic Barbara , Lankes Eva-Maria , Schewe Claudia Manuela , Thiel Felicitas
Published: September 2022

Qualifizierungsangebote für schulische Personalentwicklung als Führungsaufgabe werden auf der Grundlage der Beschreibung von Aufgaben der Schulleiterinnen und Schulleitern dargestellt. Die Passung von Aufgaben und Qualifizierung wird untersucht.

Die Befunde zeigen, dass deutliche Unterschiede zwischen den Ländern hinsichtlich des Umfangs, des Verpflichtungsgrads und der inhaltlichen Schwerpunkte der Qualifizierungsangebote bestehen. Außerdem zeigt die Analyse, dass die Qualifizierungsangebote nicht alle personalentwicklungsbezogenen Aufgaben abdecken. Insbesondere hinsichtlich einer Qualifizierung für eine valide Unterrichtsbeurteilung und ein wirksames Unterrichtsfeedback bestehen deutliche Lücken.
Quantum chaos in a weakly-coupled field theory with nonlocality
Authors: Fischler Willy , Guglielmo Tyler , Nguyen Phuc
Published: September 2022

Abstract

In order to study the chaotic behavior of a system with non-local interactions, we will consider weakly coupled non-commutative field theories. We compute the Lyapunov exponent of this exponential growth in the large Moyal-scale limit to leading order in the t’Hooft coupling and 1/N. We found that in this limit, the Lyapunov exponent remains comparable in magnitude to (and somewhat smaller than) the exponent in the commutative case. This can possibly be explained by the infrared sensitivity of the Lyapunov exponent. Another possible explanation is that in examples of weakly coupled non-commutative field theories, non-local contributions to various thermodynamic quantities are sub-dominant.
Compact kink and its interaction with compact oscillons
Authors: Hahne F. M. , Klimas P.
Published: September 2022

Abstract

We study compact kinks and its interaction with compact oscillons in models with non-analytic potentials. Oscillon-like excitations are the main ingredients of the radiation field. We look at the problem of scattering which involves topological compact kinks and non-topological oscillons. We also look at the problem of propagation of small perturbation at the kink bulk.
Superconformal Algebras and Holomorphic Field Theories
Authors: Saberi Ingmar , Williams Brian R.
Published: September 2022

We show that four-dimensional superconformal algebras admit an infinite-dimensional derived enhancement after performing a holomorphic twist. The type of higher symmetry algebras we find is closely related to algebras studied by Faonte–Hennion–Kapranov, Hennion–Kapranov, and the second author with Gwilliam in the context of holomorphic QFT. We show that these algebras are related to the two-dimensional chiral algebras extracted from four-dimensional superconformal theories by Beem and collaborators; further deforming by a superconformal element induces the Koszul resolution of a plane in $$\mathbb {C}^2 \cong {\mathbb {R}}^4$$

C

2

≅

R

4

. The central charges at the level of chiral algebras arise from central extensions of the higher symmetry algebras.
Body stakes: an existential ethics of care in living with biometrics and AI
Authors: Lagerkvist Amanda , Tudor Matilda , Smolicki Jacek , Ess Charles M. , Eriksson Lundström Jenny , Rogg Maria
Published: September 2022

This article discusses the key existential stakes of implementing biometrics in human lifeworlds. In this pursuit, we offer a problematization and reinvention of central values often taken for granted within the “ethical turn” of AI development and discourse, such as autonomy, agency, privacy and integrity, as we revisit basic questions about what it means to be human and embodied. Within a framework of existential media studies, we introduce an existential ethics of care—through a conversation between existentialism, virtue ethics, a feminist ethics of care and post-humanist ethics—aiming to deepen and nuance our understanding of the human behind “human-centered” AI directives. The key argument is that biometrics implicates humans through unprecedented forms of objectification, through which the existential body—the relational, intimate and frail human being—is at risk. We interrogate these risks as they become visible at three sites where embodied humans are challenged by biometrics, and thus where the existential body is challenged by the biometric body. This occurs through reductionism (biometric passports nailing bodies to identities, removing human judgment and compromising agency at the AI border), enforced transparency (smart home assistants surveying human intimacies and invading intimate spaces in the bedroom) and the breaching of bodily integrity (chipping bodies to capture sensory data, challenging the very concept of bodily integrity through self-invasive biohacking). Our existential ethics of care is importantly not a solutionist list of principles or suggestions, but a manifesto for a way of thinking about the ethical challenges of living with biometrics in today’s world, by raising the right questions. We argue that a revitalized discussion of the basic existential stakes within human lived experience is needed and should serve as the foundation on which comprehensive frameworks can be built to address the complexities and prospects for ethical machines, responsible biometrics and AI.
Generalization of Shapiro’s theorem to higher arities and noninjective notations
Authors: Kalociński Dariusz , Wrocławski Michał
Published: September 2022

In the framework of Stewart Shapiro, computations are performed directly on strings of symbols (numerals) whose abstract numerical interpretation is determined by a notation. Shapiro showed that a total unary function (unary relation) on natural numbers is computable in every injective notation if and only if it is almost constant or almost identity function (finite or co-finite set). We obtain a syntactic generalization of this theorem, in terms of quantifier-free definability, for functions and relations relatively intrinsically computable on certain types of equivalence structures. We also characterize the class of relations and partial functions of arbitrary finite arities which are computable in every notation (be it injective or not). We consider the same question for notations in which certain equivalence relations are assumed to be computable. Finally, we discuss connections with a theorem by Ash, Knight, Manasse and Slaman which allow us to deduce some (but not all) of our results, based on quantifier elimination.
Intra- and inter-operator reliability assessment of a novel extramedullary accelerometer-based smart cutting guide for total knee arthroplasty: an in vivo study
Authors: Marcheggiani Muccioli Giulio Maria , Alesi Domenico , Russo Arcangelo , Lo Presti Mirco , Sassoli Iacopo , La Verde Matteo , Zaffagnini Stefano
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The purpose is to verify the intra- and inter-operator reliability of an extramedullary (EM) accelerometer-based smart cutting guide for distal femoral resection during primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The hypothesis of the present study was that the use of the device would result in a good correlation between different operators with a difference between repeated measurements of less than 1°.

Methods

Twenty-five not consecutive patients with knee osteoarthritis undergone to primary TKA using an EM inertial-based cutting guide to perform distal femoral resection. In order to assess the agreement in femoral axis definition of the device, two operators performed three time each the manoeuvres necessary to define axis. Inter-rater agreement was evaluated with Bland and Altman agreement test. Intra-rater repeatability was evaluated analysing average results distribution of repeated measurements. Accuracy of the device was evaluated comparing differences between intra-operative device data with final implant alignment measured on post-operative longstanding x-rays using Students’ t test.

Results

Agreement between the two operators was statistically significant (p < 0.05) with a bias of − 0.4° (95% CI − 0.6° to − 0.2°). Average difference between cut orientation measured with device and final implant position, measured on x-rays, was 0.2° (95% CI − 1.5° to 1.7°) with no statistical difference between the two measurements. Final implant alignment, measured on x-ray, was 90.2°, with 95% of cases distributed within range 88.0° to 92.0° for varus-valgus and 2.8° and with 95% of cases distributed within range 2.0° to 4.0° for flexion–extension.

Conclusions

The EM accelerometer-based smart cutting guide used to perform distal femoral resection during primary TKA demonstrated a good intra- and inter-operator reliability in the present in vivo study.
A comparative and ontogenetic examination of mitochondrial function in Antarctic notothenioid species
Authors: Mandic Milica , Frazier Amanda J. , Naslund Andrew W. , Todgham Anne E.
Published: September 2022

Notothenioidei fishes have evolved under stable cold temperatures; however, ocean conditions are changing globally, with polar regions poised to experience the greatest changes in environmental factors, such as warming. These stressors have the potential to dramatically affect energetic demands, and the persistence of the notothenioids will be dependent on metabolic capacity, or the ability to match energy supply with energy demand, to restore homeostasis in the face of changing climate conditions. In this study we examined aerobic metabolic capacity in three species, Trematomus bernacchii, T. pennellii and T. newnesi, and between two life stages, juvenile and adult, by assessing mitochondrial function of permeabilized cardiac fibers. Respiratory capacity differed among the adult notothenioids in this study, with greater oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) respiration in the pelagic T. newnesi than the benthic T. bernacchii and T. pennellii. The variation in mitochondrial respiratory capacity was likely driven by differences in the mitochondrial content, as measured by citrate synthase activity, which was the highest in T. newnesi. In addition to high OXPHOS, T. newnesi exhibited lower LEAK respiration, resulting in greater mitochondrial efficiency than either T. bernacchii or T. pennellii. Life stage largely had an effect on mitochondrial efficiency and excess complex IV capacity, but there were little differences in OXPHOS respiration and electron transfer capacity, pointing to a lack of significant differences in the metabolic capacity between juveniles and adults. Overall, these results demonstrate species-specific differences in cardiac metabolic capacity, which may influence the acclimation potential of notothenioid fishes to changing environmental conditions.
Optimal management of ANCA-associated vasculitis before and during pregnancy: current perspectives
Authors: Pecher Ann-Christin , Henes Melanie , Henes Joerg Christoph
Published: September 2022

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitides (AAV) are a group of systemic vasculitis characterized by autoantibodies against neutrophil cytoplasmic antigens (proteinase 3 PR3-ANCA and myeloperoxidase MPO-ANCA) and inflammation of small vessels. AAV include the diagnosis Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), which share many clinical and pathological features. Immunomodulatory therapies have significantly improved prognosis during the last decade. Nevertheless, especially in undiagnosed and thus uncontrolled AAV mortality due to renal impairment or pulmonary haemorrhages is still high. AAV are rare in fertile women, as the typical age of manifestation is above 50 years but there are women with AAV who are or want to become pregnant. This review focusses on how to manage patients with AAV planning to become pregnant and during their pregnancy.
Incidence of surgical site infections after cervical spine surgery: results of a single-center cohort study adhering to multimodal preventive wound control protocol
Authors: Spatenkova Vera , Bradac Ondrej , Mareckova Zuzana , Suchomel Petr , Hradil Jan , Kuriscak Eduard , Halacova Milada
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The incidence of surgical site infections is considered a relevant indicator of perioperative and postoperative care quality. The aim of this study is to analyze and evaluate SSIs after elective cervical spine surgery under the guidance of our preventive multimodal wound protocol.

Methods

A monocentric observational cohort study analyzed 797 patients who underwent cervical spine surgery from 2005 to 2010 (mean age 51.58 ± 11.74 year, male 56.09%, mean BMI 26.87 ± 4.41, ASA score 1–2 in 81.68% of patients), fulfilling the entry criteria: (1) cervical spine surgery performed by neurosurgeons (degenerative disease 85.19%, trauma 11.04%, tumor 3.76%), (2) elective surgery, (3) postoperative care in our neurointensive care unit. Our preventive wound control protocol management focused mainly on antibiotic prophylaxis, wound hygiene regime, and drainage equipment. All wound complications and surgical site infections were monitored up for 1 year after surgery.

Results

We had only 2 (0.25%) patients with SSI after cervical spine surgery—one organ/space infection (osteomyelitis, primary due to liquorrhea) after anterior surgical approach, and one deep surgical site infection (due to dehiscence) after posterior approach. We had 17 (2.13%) patients with some wound complications (secretion 7, dehiscence 4, hematoma 1, edema 3, and liquorrhea 2) that were not classified as SSI according to the CDC guidelines.

Conclusion

Concerning our study population of patients undergoing elective cervical surgery, with ASA scores 1–2 in 81.68% of our patients, the incidence of SSI was 0.14% after anterior surgical approach, 1.4% after posterior surgical approach, and 0.25% altogether in the referred cohort.
CaaX-less lamins: Lophotrochozoa provide a glance at the playground of evolution
Authors: Stick Reimer , Peter Annette
Published: September 2022

Nuclear lamins are the main components of the nuclear lamina in many eukaryotes. They are members of the intermediate filament (IF) protein family. Lamins differ from cytoplasmic IF proteins by the presence of a nuclear localisation sequence (NLS) and a C-terminal tetrapeptide, the CaaX motif. The CaaX motif is target of post-translational modifications including isoprenylation, proteolytic processing, and carboxyl-methylation. These modifications, in conjunction with the NLS, direct lamins to the inner nuclear membrane where they assemble into filaments. Lamins lacking a CaaX motif are unable to associate independently with nuclear membranes and remain in the nucleoplasm. So far, three species have been reported to exclusively express CaaX-less lamins. All three belong to the lophotrochozoan lineage. To find out whether they represent rare exceptions, we analysed lamins of representatives of 17 lophotrochozoan phyla. Here we report that all four clades of Rotifera as well as individual taxa of Mollusca and Annelida lack CaaX-lamins, but express lamins with alternative C-termini. Of note, the respective mollusc and annelid groups occupy very different phylogenetic ranks. Most of these alternative C-termini are rich in aromatic residues. A possible function of these residues in membrane association is discussed. Alternative splicing of terebellid lamin transcripts gives rise to two lamin variants, one with a CaaX motif and one with an alternative C-terminus. A similar situation is found in Arenicolidae, Opheliidae, Capitellidae, and Echiura. This points a way, how the switch from lamins carrying a CaaX motif to lamins with alternative C-termini may have occurred.
Molecular analysis of OXA-48-producing Escherichia coli in Switzerland from 2019 to 2020
Authors: Findlay Jacqueline , Perreten Vincent , Poirel Laurent , Nordmann Patrice
Published: September 2022

OXA-48-type ß-lactamases are the most prevalent carbapenemase-type in Enterobacterales in Switzerland, predominantly found in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Bacteria-producing OXA-48-type enzymes are endemic in some parts of the world, including Europe and North Africa, and are a frequent cause of nosocomial infections. Despite the emergence of numerous OXA-48-type variants, the original variant, OXA-48, remains the most prevalent in E. coli. This study describes the epidemiology of OXA-48-producing E. coli isolates submitted to the Swiss National Reference Center for Emerging Antibiotic Resistance (NARA) between January 2019 and December 2020.
Maximum relative distance between real rank-two and rank-one tensors
Authors: Eisenmann Henrik , Uschmajew André
Published: September 2022

It is shown that the relative distance in Frobenius norm of a real symmetric order-d tensor of rank-two to its best rank-one approximation is upper bounded by $$\sqrt{1-(1-1/d)^{d-1}}$$

1
-

(
1
-
1
/
d
)

d
-
1

. This is achieved by determining the minimal possible ratio between spectral and Frobenius norm for symmetric tensors of border rank two, which equals $$\left( 1-{1}/{d}\right) ^{(d-1)/{2}}$$

1
-
1
/
d

(
d
-
1
)
/
2

. These bounds are also verified for arbitrary real rank-two tensors by reducing to the symmetric case.
Contribution of Shape Features to Intradiscal Pressure and Facets Contact Pressure in L4/L5 FSUs: An In-Silico Study
Authors: Kassab-Bachi Amin , Ravikumar Nishant , Wilcox Ruth K. , Frangi Alejandro F. , Taylor Zeike A.
Published: September 2022

Finite element models (FEMs) of the spine commonly use a limited number of simplified geometries. Nevertheless, the geometric features of the spine are important in determining its FEM outcomes. The link between a spinal segment’s shape and its biomechanical response has been studied, but the co-variances of the shape features have been omitted. We used a principal component (PCA)-based statistical shape modelling (SSM) approach to investigate the contribution of shape features to the intradiscal pressure (IDP) and the facets contact pressure (FCP) in a cohort of synthetic L4/L5 functional spinal units under axial compression. We quantified the uncertainty in the FEM results, and the contribution of individual shape modes to these results. This parameterisation approach is able to capture the variability in the correlated anatomical features in a real population and sample plausible synthetic geometries. The first shape mode ($$\phi _1$$ϕ1) explained 22.6% of the shape variation in the subject-specific cohort used to train the SSM, and had the largest correlation with, and contribution to IDP (17%) and FCP (11%). The largest geometric variation in ($$\phi _1$$ϕ1) was in the annulus-nucleus ratio.
Open Knee(s): A Free and Open Source Library of Specimen-Specific Models and Related Digital Assets for Finite Element Analysis of the Knee Joint
Authors: Chokhandre Snehal , Schwartz Ariel , Klonowski Ellen , Landis Benjamin , Erdemir Ahmet
Published: September 2022

There is a growing interest in the use of virtual representations of the knee for musculoskeletal research and clinical decision making, and to generate digital evidence for design and regulation of implants. Accessibility to previously developed models and related digital assets can dramatically reduce barriers to entry to conduct simulation-based studies of the knee joint and therefore help accelerate scientific discovery and clinical innovations. Development of models for finite element analysis is a demanding process that is both time consuming and resource intensive. It necessitates expertise to transform raw data to reliable virtual representations. Modeling and simulation workflow has many processes such as image segmentation, surface geometry generation, mesh generation and finally, creation of a finite element representation with relevant loading and boundary conditions. The outcome of the workflow is not only the end-point knee model but also many other digital by-products. When all of these data, derivate assets, and tools are freely and openly accessible, researchers can bypass some or all the steps required to build models and focus on using them to address their research goals. With provenance to specimen-specific anatomical and mechanical data and traceability of digital assets throughout the whole lifecycle of the model, reproducibility and credibility of the modeling practice can be established. The objective of this study is to disseminate Open Knee(s), a cohort of eight knee models (and relevant digital assets) for finite element analysis, that are based on comprehensive specimen-specific imaging data. In addition, the models and by-products of modeling workflows are described along with model development strategies and tools. Passive flexion served as a test simulation case, demonstrating an end-user application. Potential roadmaps for reuse of Open Knee(s) are also discussed.
Aptness Isn’t Enough: Why We Ought to Abandon Anger
Authors: Paytas Tyler
Published: September 2022

According to the Fittingness Defense, even if the consequences of anger are overall bad, it does not follow that we should aim to avoid it. This is because fitting anger involves an accurate appraisal of wrongdoing and is essential for appreciating injustice and signaling our disapproval (Srinivasan 2018; Shoemaker 2018). My aim in this paper is to show that the Fittingness Defense fails. While accurate appraisals are prima facie rational and justified on epistemic grounds, I argue that this type of fittingness does not vindicate anger because there are alternative modes of recognizing and appreciating wrongdoing that can generate the benefits of anger without the harmful effects. Moreover, anger involves more than its appraisal of wrongdoing—it also consists of attitudes and motivations that are arguably of intrinsic disvalue.
Crack initiation and propagation analysis for fisheye failures in high-strength gears
Authors: Rommel S. , Fuchs D. , Tobie T. , Stahl K.
Published: September 2022

Lightweight design has had an important role to play in recent gear developments. One way of reducing gear weight is to apply a shot-peening process in addition to the usual case-hardening because the higher compressive residual stresses within the material mean that the same torque values can be transmitted with smaller gears. However, due to the compressive residual stresses, fisheye failures at non-metallic inclusions can occur, which have an effect on the endurance fatigue strength of high-strength gears, especially in the very high cycle fatigue range. This paper presents a detailed FEM simulation of the stress state at a non-metallic inclusion in the tooth root fillet of such high-strength gears. The aim is to explain certain fracture characteristics, which differ from fisheye failures of standard specimens. With the results of the simulation und taking into consideration the fracture characteristics determined in a SEM, a fracture analysis for fisheye failures in the tooth root fillet of high-strength gears is carried out that links different theories found in the literature. Subsequently, this analysis and the influence of residual stresses are compared with data and further fracture analyses from experimental investigations found in the literature.
Is it transformation or reform? The lived experiences of African women doctoral students in STEM disciplines in South African universities
Authors: Mkhize Zamambo
Published: September 2022

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields have historically been disciplines dominated by white men. The colonial ideology designated Africans as subhuman, inferior intellectually, socially, and culturally to the white masculine norm in STEM disciplines. STEM education and careers were thus constructed to attract white, heterosexual, middle-to-upper class, Christian, able-bodied men. This positioning ensured that STEM environments remained inhospitable to anyone whose identity was outside the constructed somatic norm. The calls and imperatives to transform notwithstanding, the transformation process in STEM disciplines is moving at a snail-like pace. This article argues that what is occurring in STEM disciplines in South African universities is reform not transformation. It is underpinned by the intersectional theory within the qualitative paradigm. Seventy-three African doctoral and postdoctoral women students in STEM were interviewed from five South African universities. The findings highlighted how African women in STEM face challenges based on their racial and gendered identities and that what is presented as transformation is still oppressive to them. The study also found that equity through access to education in democratic South Africa does not equate to transformation. The argument presented is that despite existing policies and initiatives in South African universities to transform, the demographic inclusion of African, female staff and students does not necessarily equate to transforming the STEM environment. What needs to occur is a shift beyond reform and towards transformation through the use of strategic inventions which dismantle the racist, sexist, classist, and xenophobic ideology that permeates these environments.
Soft stop on syringing and probing may have a high false-positive rate in diagnosing pre-sac obstruction
Authors: Usmani Eiman , Shapira Yinon , Macri Carmelo , Davis Garry , Selva Dinesh
Published: September 2022

Purpose

To determine the diagnostic value of 'soft stops' encountered during lacrimal syringing and probing.

Methods

Single-center retrospective review. Adult patients with epiphora attending a tertiary lacrimal clinic from May 2010 to April 2021 were reviewed. Cases with evidence of soft stop encountered during lacrimal syringing/probing were included, and patients with possible canaliculitis or a history of lacrimal surgery were excluded. Findings of syringing/probing consistent with pre-sac obstruction were correlated with dacryocystography (DCG) and surgical findings.

Results

53 (10.2%) canalicular systems had soft stops on syringing/probing and were included in the analysis. The mean age of the patients was 63.8 ± 15.6 (range 28–87) years, and 27 (65.9%) were females. Intraoperative examination findings were available for 27 of 30 cases that underwent lacrimal surgery and DCG was available for 40 systems. Pre-sac obstruction found on syringing/probing was confirmed in 40% and 37% of cases on DCG and surgery, respectively. The correlation between syringing/probing and DCG was stronger for canalicular than for common canalicular location (p = 0.016). Canalicular stenosis on syringing/probing manifested as pre-sac abnormality on DCG in 5/7 (71.4%) compared to 0/6 common canalicular stenosis cases (p = 0.021). Based on the surgical findings, the false-positive rate of a soft stop on syringing/probing was highest for common canalicular ‘stenosis’ (100%) and lowest for canalicular ‘block’ (45.5%;p = 0.093). Findings of pre-sac obstructions on DCG were confirmed in 85.7% of the cases intraoperatively (p = 0.035 compared to syringing/probing alone).

Conclusions

Soft stops on probing showed poor correlation with DCG and surgical findings, particularly in common canalicular location.
Does the Dream of Home Ownership Rest Upon Biased Beliefs? A Test Based on Predicted and Realized Life Satisfaction
Authors: Odermatt Reto , Stutzer Alois
Published: September 2022

The belief that home ownership makes people happy is probably one of the most widespread intuitive theories of happiness. However, whether it is accurate is an open question. Based on individual panel data, we explore whether home buyers systematically overestimate the life satisfaction associated with moving to their privately owned property. To identify potential prediction errors, we compare people’s forecasts of their life satisfaction in 5 years’ time with their current realizations. We find that home buyers for whom the purchase of the home is a main reason for moving, on average, systematically overestimate the long-term satisfaction gain of living in their dwelling. The misprediction therein is driven by home buyers who follow extrinsically-oriented life goals, highlighting biased beliefs regarding own preferences as a relevant mechanism in the prediction errors.
Rho Kinase Inhibitor Y27632 Improves Recovery After Spinal Cord Injury by Shifting Astrocyte Phenotype and Morphology via the ROCK/NF-κB/C3 Pathway
Authors: Zhang Yongyuan , Wang Xiaohui , Jiang Chao , Chen Zhe , Ni Shuangyang , Fan Hong , Wang Zhiyuan , Tian Fang , An Jing , Yang Hao , Hao Dingjun
Published: September 2022

Spinal cord injury (SCI) usually results in loss or reduction in motor and sensory functions. Despite extensive research, no available therapy can restore the lost functions after SCI. Reactive astrocytes play a pivotal role in SCI. Rho kinase inhibitors have also been shown to promote functional recovery of SCI. However, the role of Rho kinase inhibitors in reactive astrocytic phenotype switch within SCI remains largely unexplored. In this study, astrocytes were treated with proinflammatory cytokines and/or the Rho kinase inhibitor Y27632. Concomitantly the phenotype and morphology of astrocytes were examined. Meanwhile, the SCI model of SD rats was established, and nerve functions were evaluated following treatment with Y27632. Subsequently, the number of A1 astrocytes in the injured area was observed and analyzed. Eventually, the expression levels of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), C3, and S100A10 were measured. The present study showed that the Rho kinase inhibitor Y27632 improved functional recovery of SCI and elevated the proliferation and migration abilities of the astrocytes. In addition, Y27632 treatment initiated the switch of astrocytes morphology from a flattened shape to a process-bearing shape and transformed the reactive astrocytes A1 phenotype to an A2 phenotype. More importantly, further investigation suggested that Y27632 was actively involved in promoting the functional recovery of SCI in rats by inhabiting the ROCK/NF-κB/C3 signaling pathway. Together, Rho kinase inhibitor Y27632 effectively promotes the functional recovery of SCI by shifting astrocyte phenotype and morphology. Furthermore, the pro-regeneration event is strongly associated with the ROCK/NF-κB/C3 signal pathway.
One report, multiple aims: orthopedic surgeons vary how they use patient-reported outcomes with patients
Authors: Lavallee Danielle C. , Rothrock Nan E. , Chen Antonia F. , Franklin Patricia D.
Published: September 2022

Purpose

We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with surgeons to assess their goals for incorporating a patient-reported outcome measure (PROM)-based shared decision report into discussions around surgical and non-surgical treatment options for osteoarthritis of the knee and hip.

Methods

Surgeons actively enrolling patients into a study incorporating a standardized PROM-based shared decision report were invited to participate in a semi-structured interview lasting 30 min. Open-ended questions explored how the surgeon used report content, features that were helpful, confusing, or could be improved, and how use of the report fit into the surgeon’s workflow. We used a conventional content analysis approach.

Results

Of the 16 eligible surgeons, 11 agreed to participate with 9 completing the interview and 2 withdrawing due to work demands. We identified 8 themes related to PROM-based report use: Acceptability, Patient Characteristics, Communication Goals, Useful Content, Not Useful Content, Challenges, Training Needs, and Recommended Improvements. Additional sub-themes emerged for Communication Goals (7) and Challenges (8). All surgeons shared positive feedback about using the report as part of clinical care. Whereas surgeons described the use of the report to achieve different goals, the most common uses related to setting expectations for post-surgical outcomes (89%) and educating patients (100%).

Conclusion

Surgeons tailor their use of a PROM-based report with individual patients to achieve a range of aims. This study suggests multiple opportunities to further our understanding of the ways PROMs can be used in clinical practice. The way PROM information is visually displayed and multi-component reports are assembled can facilitate diverse aims.
Renal function damage in children with duplex kidneys
Authors: Lin Qian , Ni Jiajia , Li Yufeng , Jin Jing , Zhu Yaju
Published: September 2022

Purpose

To evaluate renal function damage in children with duplex kidneys.

Methods

A total of 355 duplex kidneys, 110 urinary tract infection (UTI) kidneys without abnormalities, and 104 kidneys with primary unilateral vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) were reviewed. Clinical data including age at diagnosis, body weight, history of UTI, ureteroceles, ectopic ureteral opening, VUR grade, serum creatinine level, cystatin C level, renal scarring, split renal function in dimercaptosuccinic acid scans, and effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) were analyzed.

Results

Duplex kidneys had a higher grade of VUR and renal scarring. Split renal function in unilateral duplex kidneys (45.58 ± 12.85%) was much lower than that in contralateral duplex kidneys (56.33 ± 11.90%) and controls (50.00 ± 11.38%) (P < 0.001 and P = 0.014, respectively). Both left and right split renal functions in bilateral duplex kidneys were similar to those ipsilateral to the controls (P = 0.906 and P = 0.932, respectively). However, the total ERPFs in the left, right, and bilateral duplex kidneys were significantly lower than that in the control group (P = 0.003, P = 0.001, and P = 0.003, respectively). The total ERPFs in the left and right unilateral duplex kidneys were similar. ERPF in unilateral duplex kidneys (106.70 ± 48.05 mL/min/m2) was significantly lower than that in contralateral duplex kidneys (150.18 ± 49.01 mL/min/m2) or those ipsilateral to controls (145.98 ± 41.16 mL/min/m2) (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

Duplex kidneys are usually accompanied by a higher grade of VUR, more severe renal scarring, and renal function impairment. Split renal function in duplex kidneys often declines significantly. Notably, the evaluation of split renal function in bilateral duplex kidneys should be performed cautiously.