bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Ontology of Biological Attributes (OBA)—computational traits for the life sciences
Authors: Stefancsik Ray , Balhoff James P. , Balk Meghan A. , Ball Robyn L. , Bello Susan M. , Caron Anita R. , Chesler Elissa J. , de Souza Vinicius , Gehrke Sarah , Haendel Melissa , Harris Laura W. , Harris Nomi L. , Ibrahim Arwa , Koehler Sebastian , Matentzoglu Nicolas , McMurry Julie A. , Mungall Christopher J. , Munoz-Torres Monica C. , Putman Tim , Robinson Peter , Smedley Damian , Sollis Elliot , Thessen Anne E. , Vasilevsky Nicole , Walton David O. , Osumi-Sutherland David
Published: April 2023

Existing phenotype ontologies were originally developed to represent phenotypes that manifest as a character state in relation to a wild-type or other reference. However, these do not include the phenotypic trait or attribute categories required for the annotation of genome-wide association studies (GWAS), Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) mappings or any population-focussed measurable trait data. The integration of trait and biological attribute information with an ever increasing body of chemical, environmental and biological data greatly facilitates computational analyses and it is also highly relevant to biomedical and clinical applications. The Ontology of Biological Attributes (OBA) is a formalised, species-independent collection of interoperable phenotypic trait categories that is intended to fulfil a data integration role. OBA is a standardised representational framework for observable attributes that are characteristics of biological entities, organisms, or parts of organisms. OBA has a modular design which provides several benefits for users and data integrators, including an automated and meaningful classification of trait terms computed on the basis of logical inferences drawn from domain-specific ontologies for cells, anatomical and other relevant entities. The logical axioms in OBA also provide a previously missing bridge that can computationally link Mendelian phenotypes with GWAS and quantitative traits. The term components in OBA provide semantic links and enable knowledge and data integration across specialised research community boundaries, thereby breaking silos.
10 Jahre Screening auf Frühgeborenenretinopathie (2009–2019)
Authors: Busik Valentina , Lorenz Birgit , Mais Christine , Jäger Melanie , Friedburg Christoph , Andrassi-Darida Monika , Ehrhardt Harald , Hubert Mechthild
Published: April 2023

Hintergrund

Die Frühgeborenenretinopathie („retinopathy of prematurity“ [ROP]) zählt in Deutschland und weltweit zu den häufigsten Erblindungsursachen im Kindesalter; ein adäquates Screening ist essenziell. Der telemedizinische Ansatz mit objektiver Dokumentation des Netzhautbefundes eröffnet die Möglichkeit, untersucherunabhängig alle ROP-Stadien sicher zu diagnostizieren, wenn die Befundung durch ein ROP-geschultes Augenärzteteam erfolgt.

Ziel der Arbeit

10-Jahres-Vergleich des ROP-Screenings an 2 deutschen Level-1-Perinatalzentren: universitär und vor Ort vs. nichtuniversitär und telemedizinisch.

Material und Methoden

Retrospektive Analyse der Screeninguntersuchungen stratifiziert nach Gestationsalter (GA), Geburtsgewicht (GG), Geschlecht, Mehrlingsgeburten, ROP-Zeitpunkt, Behandlungsbedürftigkeit, -zeitpunkt und Untersuchungshäufigkeit.

Ergebnisse

Von 2009 bis 2019 wurden 1191 Frühgeborene gescreent, davon 29 Externe. Bei den verbleibenden 1162 wurden 3713 Netzhautuntersuchungen durchgeführt; 34 % hatten eine ROP, 5,4 % wurden behandelt (Gießen 3,7 %, Siegen 7,2 %). Mittleres GA war 28,9 SSW (± 2,5), mittleres GG 1155 g (± 417,5). Die Zahl der ROP-Diagnosen stieg in Gießen um 227,3 % und in Siegen um 111,1 % aufgrund zunehmender Zahlen der betreuten Kinder.

Diskussion

Die vergleichende Analyse bestätigte national und international steigende ROP-Screening-Untersuchungen und Kinder mit akuter ROP. Das telemedizinische Screening war dem Vor-Ort-Screening gleichwertig und sicher. Mit beiden Screeningmethoden wurden alle Behandlungsbedürftigen zeitgerecht erkannt. Kein Kind mit einem GA > 29 SSW benötigte eine Behandlung, analog zu Ergebnissen des schwedischen Registers. Im deutschen ROP-Register waren aber einzelne Frühgeborene mit einem GA ≥ 30 SSW behandlungsbedürftig.
Path Regularity of the Brownian Motion and the Brownian Sheet
Authors: Kempka H. , Schneider C. , Vybiral J.
Published: April 2023

By the work of P. Lévy, the sample paths of the Brownian motion are known to satisfy a certain Hölder regularity condition almost surely. This was later improved by Ciesielski, who studied the regularity of these paths in Besov and Besov-Orlicz spaces. We review these results and propose new function spaces of Besov type, strictly smaller than those of Ciesielski and Lévy, in which the sample paths of the Brownian motion almost surely lie. In the same spirit, we review and extend the work of Kamont, who investigated the same question for the multivariate Brownian sheet and function spaces of dominating mixed smoothness.
The connection between diverticulosis and colonic superficial neoplastic lesions in patients who underwent screening colonoscopy
Authors: Valvano M. , Vezzaro V. , Fabiani S. , Capannolo A. , Sgamma E. , Cesaro N. , Valerii G. , Longo S. , Barbera C. , Lombardi L. , Viscido A. , Necozione S. , Latella G.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

If could be a potential pathophysiological connection between colonic diverticula and colonic superficial neoplastic lesions, beyond the shared risk factors, has been a subject of debate in the last years. This study tries to evaluate the association between diverticulosis and colonic neoplastic lesions.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study including asymptomatic patients who underwent a screening colonoscopy (patients with a positive fecal occult blood test under the regional program of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening), surveillance after polypectomy resection, or familiarity (first-degree relatives) between 2020 and 2021 to evaluate the association between diverticula and colonic polyps. A multivariate analysis with multiple logistic regression and odds ratio (OR) to study the independent association between adenomas and adenocarcinomas was performed.

Results

One thousand five hundred one patients were included. A statistically significant association between adenomas or CRC alone and colonic diverticula was found (p = 0.045). On a multivariate analysis of demographic (age, gender) and clinical parameters (familiarity for diverticula and adenoma/CRC), only age was significantly associated with the development of colorectal adenomas or cancer (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.03–1.07, p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

This study showed a statistically significant association between diverticula and colonic adenomas. However, it is impossible to establish a cause-effect relationship due to the intrinsic characteristics of this study design. A study with a prospective design including both patients with diverticulosis and without colonic diverticula aimed at establishing the incidence of adenoma and CRC could help to answer this relevant clinical question, since a potential association could indicate the need for closer endoscopic surveillance.
Double bookkeeping in schizophrenia spectrum disorder: an empirical-phenomenological study
Authors: Stephensen Helene , Urfer-Parnas Annick , Parnas Josef
Published: April 2023

Double bookkeeping is a term introduced by Eugen Bleuler to describe a fundamental feature of schizophrenia where psychotic reality can exist side by side with shared reality even when these realities seem mutually exclusive. Despite increasing theoretical interest in this phenomenon over the recent years, there are no empirical studies addressing this issue. We have, therefore, conducted a phenomenologically descriptive qualitative study of 25 patients with schizophrenia in which we addressed the following issues: (1) Experience of double reality; (2) Emergence and development of two realities; (3) Truth quality of psychotic or private reality; (4) Insight into illness; (5) Communication of psychotic experiences. The most important result was that most patients felt to be in contact with another dimension of reality. Hallucinatory and delusional experience pertained to this different reality, which patients most frequently kept separated from the shared reality. This other dimension was considered by the patients as being more profound and real. The pre-psychotic and psychotic experiences were difficult to verbalize and typically described as totally different than ordinary experience. Double reality was persistent across remissions. None of the patients considered their condition as an illness analogous to a somatic disorder. Most patients described a vague sense of duality preceding the crystallization of double bookkeeping. This emergence of doubleness was associated with a fundamental alienation from oneself, the world, and others stretching back to childhood or early adolescence. We discuss the results with a special emphasis on the concept of psychosis, clinical interview, treatment, and pathogenetic research.
The potential value of disease-modifying therapy in patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type 1: an early health economic modeling study
Authors: van Prooije Teije , Ruigrok Sanne , van den Berkmortel Niels , Maas Roderick P. P. W. M. , Wijn Stan , van Roon-Mom Willeke M. C. , van de Warrenburg Bart , Grutters Janneke P. C.
Published: April 2023

Objective

There currently is no disease-modifying therapy for spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1). Genetic interventions, such as RNA-based therapies, are being developed but those currently available are very expensive. Early evaluation of costs and benefits is, therefore, crucial. By developing a health economic model, we aimed to provide first insights into the potential cost-effectiveness of RNA-based therapies for SCA1 in the Netherlands.

Methods

We simulated disease progression of individuals with SCA1 using a patient-level state-transition model. Five hypothetical treatment strategies with different start and endpoints and level of effectiveness (5–50% reduction in disease progression) were evaluated. Consequences of each strategy were measured in terms of quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), survival, healthcare costs, and maximum costs to be cost effective.

Results

Most QALYs (6.68) are gained when therapy starts during the pre-ataxic stage and continues during the entire disease course. Incremental costs are lowest (− €14,048) if therapy is stopped when the severe ataxia stage is reached. The maximum costs per year to be cost-effective are €19,630 in the “stop after moderate ataxia stage” strategy at 50% effectiveness.

Discussion

Our model indicates that the maximum price for a hypothetical therapy to be cost-effective is considerably lower than currently available RNA-based therapies. Most value for money can be gained by slowing progression in the early and moderate stages of SCA1 and by stopping therapy upon entering the severe ataxia stage. To allow for such a strategy, it is crucial to identify individuals in early stages of disease, preferably just before symptom onset.
Hippocampal volumes and cognitive performance in children born extremely preterm with and without low-grade intraventricular haemorrhage
Authors: Fernández de Gamarra-Oca L. , Kvanta H. , Broström L. , Nosko D. , Eklöf E. , Ojeda N. , Zubiaurre-Elorza L. , Padilla N. , Ådén U.
Published: April 2023

Children born extremely preterm, especially those with intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH), are at increased risk of adverse cognitive outcomes during childhood. The present study aimed to explore the effects of IVH (grades I–II) on hippocampal volumes, and their correlates with cognitive performance. The sample consisted of 94 participants, including 54 children born extremely preterm (19 with IVH, grades I–II), and 40 children born at term. All participants underwent a magnetic resonance imaging study at the age of 10 (Mage = 10.20 years; SDage = 0.78), and 74 of them (45 extremely preterm and 29 full-term) carried out a cognitive assessment at 12 years old. Children born extremely preterm had lower scores in cognitive performance compared to their full-term peers. Significant positive partial correlations were observed between global bilateral hippocampus, left CA-field, and left subiculum volumes with processing speed in the full-term group, while no significant correlations were found in the extremely preterm group. Moderation analyses in the extremely preterm sample revealed that low-grade IVH moderated the relationship between right hippocampal volume and full-IQ (F(4,40) = 5.42,p = 0.001,R2 = 0.35). Having greater right hippocampal volume had a protective effect on full-IQ in those children born extremely preterm with low-grade IVH.
Aggressive progression to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors in advanced NSCLC patients: concomitant mutations, prognostic indicator and subsequent management
Authors: Wen Ruishan , Chen Ying , Long Jinyu , Huang Xiulian , Guo Yuxin , Lin Baoquan , Yu Zongyang
Published: April 2023

Background

EGFR tyrosine kinase (TKIs) are recommend as the first-line treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with EGFR mutation. However, some patients experience aggressive progression with a progression-free survival (PFS) less than 6 months on the first-line EGFR TKI therapy. Therefore, our study is to analyze the potential influencing factors including clinical features, biomarkers, concomitant mutations et al.

Methods

A total of 1073 NSCLC patients with EGFR mutation in a multi-center study from January 2019 to December 2021. The datum pathological and molecular characteristics were collected. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the predictive effect of Ki-67 on the first-line TKI. The curve of PFS was conducted by Kaplan–Meier method and tested by bilateral log-rank. Cox regression model was used to predict and evaluate PFS of different variables. Chi-square or Fisher analysis was used for correlation between groups.

Results

55 patients who show aggressive progression (PFS ≤ 6 months) on the first-line TKI therapy were analyzed in this study, while 71 with slow progression (PFS > 6 months). Concomitant mutations including AXIN2, P2CG and RAD51C mutations occurred only in the aggressively progressive group (P = 0.029). Correlation between Ki-67 index and the aggressive progression of the first-line TKI therapy was significant statistically different (P < 0.05). In the second-line therapy, the PFS of chemotherapy in combination with other treatments was better than single TKIs in the first ten months.

Conclusion

NSCLC harbored EGFR and concomitant mutations (such as AXIN2, PLCG2 and RAD51C), and/or Ki-67 high expression may indicate the aggressive progression to the first-line EGFR-TKI.
Neuroanatomy and functional morphology of peripheral receptor neurones with direct projections into the protocerebrum of the brains of the locust and a jewel beetle
Authors: Hinz Marcel , Schmitz Anke , Schmitz Helmut
Published: April 2023

Projections from peripheral receptors directly into the protocerebrum of insects have only been little studied. Retrograde staining of nerves from the antennae, maxillary palps and legs has revealed some fibres that project into the central areas of the protocerebrum. In the case of the antennae and palps, it was not known which receptors were responsible for these projections. In the legs of locusts, multipolar neurons (MN) with characteristic terminal dendritic masses (TDM) have been described to project into a neuropil called “superior ventral inferior protocerebrum” (SVIP). However, such neurons have only been found in the abdominal infrared organs of the Australian fire beetle Merimna atrata, where they function as thermoreceptors. In several orthopterans, fibres from the antennae and palps also project into the SVIP. The present work suggests that the multipolar neuron from the infrared organ of Merimna also projects into the protocerebrum, possibly into a ventral region functionally analogous to the SVIP. No MNs but single scolopidia were found in the tips of the antennae and palps of locusts, apparently responsible for projections into the SVIP, where they probably function as receptors for haemolymph pressure.
Intraoperative active and passive breaks during minimally invasive surgery influence upper extremity physical strain and physical stress response—A controlled, randomized cross-over, laboratory trial
Authors: Luger Tessy , Bonsch Rosina , Seibt Robert , Krämer Bernhard , Rieger Monika A. , Steinhilber Benjamin
Published: April 2023

Objective

Investigate the effect of passive, active or no intra-operative work breaks on static, median and peak muscular activity, muscular fatigue, upper body postures, heart rate, and heart rate variability.

Background

Although laparoscopic surgery is preferred over open surgery for the benefit of the patient, it puts the surgeons at higher risk for developing musculoskeletal disorders especially due to the less dynamic and awkward working posture. The organizational intervention intraoperative work break is a workplace strategy that has previously demonstrated positive effects in small-scale intervention studies.

Methods

Twenty-one surgeons were exposed to three 90-min conditions: no breaks, 2.5-min passive (standing rest) or active (targeted stretching and mobilization exercises) breaks after 30-min work blocks. Muscular activity and fatigue of back, shoulder and forearm muscles were assessed by surface electromyography; upper body posture, i.e., spinal curvature, by inclination sensors; and heart rate and variability (HRV) by electrocardiography. Generalized estimating equations were used for statistical analyses. This study (NCT03715816) was conducted from March 2019 to October 2020.

Results

The HRV-metric SDNN tended to be higher, but not statistically significantly, in the intervention conditions compared to the control condition. No statistically significant effects of both interventions were detected for muscular activity, joint angles or heart rate.

Conclusion

Intraoperative work breaks, whether passive or active, may counteract shoulder muscular fatigue and increase heart rate variability. This tendency may play a role in a reduced risk for developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders and acute physical stress responses.
KeyLoop retractor for global gasless laparoscopy: evaluation of safety and feasibility in a porcine model
Authors: Zadey Siddhesh , Leraas Harold , Gupta Aryaman , Biswas Arushi , Hollier Pierce , Vissoci Joao Ricardo Nickenig , Mugaga Julius , Ssekitoleko Robert T. , Everitt Jeffrey I. , Loh Amos H. P. , Lee York Tien , Saterbak Ann , Mueller Jenna L. , Fitzgerald Tamara N.
Published: April 2023

Background

Many surgeons in low- and middle-income countries have described performing surgery using gasless (lift) laparoscopy due to inaccessibility of carbon dioxide and reliable electricity, but the safety and feasibility of the technique has not been well documented. We describe preclinical testing of the in vivo safety and utility of KeyLoop, a laparoscopic retractor system to enable gasless laparoscopy.

Methods

Experienced laparoscopic surgeons completed a series of four laparoscopic tasks in a porcine model: laparoscopic exposure, small bowel resection, intracorporeal suturing with knot tying, and cholecystectomy. For each participating surgeon, the four tasks were completed in a practice animal using KeyLoop. Surgeons then completed these tasks using standard-of-care (SOC) gas laparoscopy and KeyLoop in block randomized order to minimize learning curve effect. Vital signs, task completion time, blood loss and surgical complications were compared between SOC and KeyLoop using paired nonparametric tests. Surgeons completed a survey on use of KeyLoop compared to gas laparoscopy. Abdominal wall tissue was evaluated for injury by a blinded pathologist.

Results

Five surgeons performed 60 tasks in 15 pigs. There were no significant differences in times to complete the tasks between KeyLoop and SOC. For all tasks, there was a learning curve with task completion times related to learning the porcine model. There were no significant differences in blood loss, vital signs or surgical complications between KeyLoop and SOC. Eleven surgeons from the United States and Singapore felt that KeyLoop could be used to safely perform several common surgical procedures. No abdominal wall tissue injury was observed for either KeyLoop or SOC.

Conclusions

Procedure times, blood loss, abdominal wall tissue injury and surgical complications were similar between KeyLoop and SOC gas laparoscopy for basic surgical procedures. This data supports KeyLoop as a useful tool to increase access to laparoscopy in low- and middle-income countries.
Combination of geostatistics and self-organizing maps for the spatial analysis of groundwater level variations in complex hydrogeological systems
Authors: Varouchakis Emmanouil A. , Solomatine Dimitri , Perez Gerald A. Corzo , Jomaa Seifeddine , Karatzas George P.
Published: April 2023

Successful modelling of the groundwater level variations in hydrogeological systems in complex formations considerably depends on spatial and temporal data availability and knowledge of the boundary conditions. Geostatistics plays an important role in model-related data analysis and preparation, but has specific limitations when the aquifer system is inhomogeneous. This study combines geostatistics with machine learning approaches to solve problems in complex aquifer systems. Herein, the emphasis is given to cases where the available dataset is large and randomly distributed in the different aquifer types of the hydrogeological system. Self-Organizing Maps can be applied to identify locally similar input data, to substitute the usually uncertain correlation length of the variogram model that estimates the correlated neighborhood, and then by means of Transgaussian Kriging to estimate the bias corrected spatial distribution of groundwater level. The proposed methodology was tested on a large dataset of groundwater level data in a complex hydrogeological area. The obtained results have shown a significant improvement compared to the ones obtained by classical geostatistical approaches.
Efficacy of regional cooling + oral dexamethasone for primary prevention of hand-foot syndrome associated with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin
Authors: Nara Katsuhiko , Taguchi Ayumi , Yamamoto Takehito , Tsuruga Tetsushi , Tojima Yuri , Miyamoto Yuichiro , Tanikawa Michihiro , Sone Kenbun , Mori Mayuyo , Takada Tappei , Suzuki Hiroshi , Osuga Yutaka
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD)-induced hand-foot syndrome (HFS) frequently lowers the quality of life of ovarian cancer patients. Wrist and ankle cooling, having a limited preventive effect, has been the commonest supportive HFS care. In this study, we retrospectively assessed the primary preventive effect of a combination of regional cooling and oral dexamethasone therapy (cooling + oral Dex) on HFS.

Methods

This study is a single-arm retrospective, observational study. Recurrent ovarian cancer patients were administered PLD ± bevacizumab. We retrospectively examined the efficacy of hands and feet cooling (from the start of PLD to the end) + oral Dex (day 1–5: 8 mg/day, day 6, 7: 4 mg/day) for primary HFS prevention.

Results

This study included 74 patients. The initial dose of PLD was 50 mg/m2 and 40 mg/m2 for 32 (43.2%) and 42 (56.8%) patients, respectively. HFS of Grade ≥ 2 and Grade ≥ 3 developed in five (6.8%) and one (1.4%) patient(s), respectively. The incidence of ≥ Grade 2 and ≥ Grade 3 HFS was much lower than those reported in previous studies. Dose reduction was required in 13 patients (17.6%) mainly because of neutropenia or mucositis; there was no HFS-induced dose reduction. Meanwhile, PLD therapy was discontinued mainly because of interstitial pneumonia (4 patients) and HFS (one patient).

Conclusions

We demonstrated the efficacy of regional cooling and oral Dex for primary prevention of PLD-induced HFS. Although future prospective studies are needed to confirm its efficacy, this combination therapy can be considered for primary prevention of HFS in ovarian cancer patients on PLD.
Post-induction hypotension and intraoperative hypotension as potential separate risk factors for the adverse outcome: a cohort study
Authors: Czajka Szymon , Putowski Zbigniew , Krzych Łukasz J.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Intraoperative hypotension (IOH) is associated with organ hypoperfusion. There are different underlying causes of IOH depending on the phase of surgery. Post-induction hypotension (PIH) and early-intraoperative hypotension tend to be frequently differentiated. We aimed to explore further different phases of IOH and verify whether they are differently associated with postoperative complications.

Methods

Patients undergoing abdominal surgery between October 2018 and July 2019 in a university hospital were screened. Post-induction hypotension was defined as MAP ≤ 65 mmHg between the induction of anaesthesia and the onset of surgery. Hypotension during surgery (IOH) was defined as MAP ≤ 65 mmHg occurring between the onset of surgery and its completion. Acute kidney injury, stroke or transient ischaemic attack, delirium, and myocardial infarction were considered as the outcome.

Results

We enrolled 508 patients (219 males, median age 62 years). 158 subjects (31.1%) met PIH, 171 (33.7%) met IOH criteria, and 67 (13.2%) patients experienced both. PIH time accounted for 22.8% of the total hypotension time and 29.7% of the IOH time. The IOH time accounted for 5.17% of the total intraoperative time, while PIH for 8.91% of the pre-incision time. Female sex, lower height, body mass and lower pre-induction BP (SBP and MAP) were found to be associated with the incidence of PIH. The negative outcome was observed in 38 (7.5%) patients. Intraoperative MAP ≤ 65 mmHg, longer duration of the procedure (≥ 230 min), chronic arterial hypertension and age were associated with the presence of the outcome (p < 0.01 each).

Conclusions

The presence of IOH defined as MAP ≤ 65 mmHg is relevant to post-operative organ complications, the presence of PIH does not appear to be of such significance. Because cumulative duration of PIH and IOH differs significantly, especially in long-lasting procedures, direct comparison of the influence of PIH and IOH on outcome separately may be biased and should be taken into account in data interpretation. Further research is needed to deeply investigate this phenomenon.
Accuracy of prediction models for long-term type 2 diabetes remission after gastric bypass
Authors: Cardoso Samuel , Pereira Sofia S. , Almeida Rui F. , Osório Catarina , Silva Diogo , Nora Mário , Monteiro Mariana P. , Guimarães Marta
Published: April 2023

Aim

To evaluate the accuracy of DiaBetter, DiaRem, Ad-DiaRem and 5y-Ad-DiaRem scores’ at predicting T2D remission 10 or more years after surgery.

Methods

Patients with obesity and T2D (n = 126) submitted to RYGB with 10 or more years of follow-up. It was a unicentric trial. Pre-operative anthropometric and clinical data was retrieved to calculate DiaRem, DiaBetter, Ad-DiaRem and 5y-Ad-DiaRem scores, while a hospital visit was conducted to assess current diabetes status. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve was calculated as estimate of the scores’ accuracy to predict long-term T2D remission.

Results

Among the entire cohort (n = 126), 70 subjects (55.6%) achieved and maintained T2D remission 10 or more years after RYGB. The 5y-Ad-DiaRem score was the one that depicted the highest discriminative power (AUROC = 0.838) to predict long-term T2D remission when compared to DiaBetter (AUROC = 0.735), DiaRem (AUROC = 0.721) and Ad-DiaRem (AUROC = 0.720).

Conclusion

The score with highest accuracy to predict long-term T2D remission after RYGB surgery was the 5y-Ad-DiaRem. Yet, the available scores accuracy to predict T2D remission in the long term is still suboptimal, highlighting the unmet need for a better scoring system.
Response to: Discussion on “Syn-metamorphic sulfidation of the Gamsberg zinc deposit, South Africa” by Stefan Höhn, Hartwig E. Frimmel, and Westley Price
Authors: Höhn Stefan , Frimmel Hartwig E. , Price Westley
Published: April 2023

Cawood et al. (this issue) critize our hypothesis of a pre-Klondikean weathering/oxidation event having affected the Aggeneys-Gamsberg ore district. Instead, they reinforce the long-held view that the sulfide deposits of the ore district with its pronounced metal zonation, its unusually high mineralogical variability and numerous geochemical anomalies are the product of amphibolite- to granulite-facies metamorphic overprint of originally syn-sedimentary exhalative deposits. Here we gladly use the opportunity to counter all issues raised and explain further our evidence of oxidation and subsequent re-sulfidation of the original synsedimentary deposits.
Voices of Australian Mature-Age Bachelor of Counselling Students: Telling Stories of Learning and Teaching Transitions
Authors: Abkhezr Peyman , Bath Debra
Published: April 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic imposed transformations on the higher education context of the twenty-first century that adversely impact students’ learning in certain disciplines. On a mission to adopt ethics of care in research and practice, this research focuses on counselling education and its unique characteristics, by signifying counselling students’ voices in such changing contexts. A qualitative exploratory multiple case study design informed by narrative inquiry was used, followed by a voice-centred relational method of analysis. Findings revealed voices, relationships, dominant narratives and power relations that influence counselling students’ learning experiences. Implications for future research and practice for counselling education are highlighted.
Longitudinal Associations of Psychiatric Risk Factors with Non-psychiatric Hospitalization in a Large Cohort of People Living with HIV in New York City
Authors: Breslow Aaron S. , Fazzari Melissa , Franz Peter J. , Hanna David B. , Felson Uriel R. , Cavic Elizabeth , Fisher Marla R. , Bauman Laurie
Published: April 2023

Hospitalizations among people living with HIV (PLWH) are frequent and costly. This study examined the association between psychiatric, HIV-related, and demographic factors and hospitalization rates among PLWH using data from the Einstein–Rockefeller-City University of New York Center for AIDS Research Clinical Cohort Database. Of the 10,215 PLWH included in the sample, 45% had at least one non-psychiatric hospitalization between 2009 and 2018, with significant risk factors including prior psychiatric outpatient visits, depression, or alcohol-related disorder diagnoses, female sex, older age, CD4 count < 500 cells/uL, and detectable viral load. Additionally, 14% had an HIV-related hospitalization, with significant risk factors including prior psychiatric outpatient visits, alcohol- and substance-related disorder diagnoses, female sex, older age, CD4 count < 500 cells/uL, and detectable viral load. The study emphasizes the need for tailored interventions, including integrated treatment and comprehensive case management, for PLWH with comorbid psychiatric disorders, women, and older adults.
Rapid increase in knowledge about the distribution of introduced predatory Testacella species (Gastropoda: Stylommatophora) in North America by community scientists
Authors: Hausdorf Bernhard
Published: April 2023

Testacellidae are a group of carnivorous semislugs with a vestigial ear-shaped shell near the posterior end of their elongate bodies. The single genus Testacella is native to the western Mediterranean and western Europe, but some species have been introduced into temperate countries worldwide. The species are subterranean and feed on earthworms. Due to their predominantly subterranean lifestyle, Testacella species are difficult to observe. Here, I review of the distribution of introduced Testacella species in North America and compare the knowledge based on literature references and museum specimens collected over more than a century with that observed by community scientists on the web platform iNaturalist in less than 10 years. Literature references and museum specimens indicate scattered occurrences of the introduced Testacella haliotidea in the eastern USA and a few more occurrences in the Pacific states of the USA and in British Columbia. Community scientists have nearly replicated a century of knowledge about the distribution of Testacella in North America. Their records even show a more continuous distribution of T. haliotidea in the Pacific states and confirm its presence in Tennessee, but not yet in Pennsylvania. They also provided the first records of T. haliotidea in Georgia and Mexico, and discovered a second introduced Testacella species, Testacella maugei, in California. The most distant occurrences of T. maugei in California are about 100 km apart, indicating that the species was probably introduced several years ago.
miRNA Profiling of Developing Rat Retina in the First Three Postnatal Weeks
Authors: Urbán Péter , Pöstyéni Etelka , Czuni Lilla , Herczeg Róbert , Fekete Csaba , Gábriel Róbert , Kovács-Valasek Andrea
Published: April 2023

The morphogenesis of the mammalian retina depends on the precise control of gene expression during development. Small non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs play profound roles in various physiological and pathological processes via gene expression regulation. A systematic analysis of the expression profile of small non-coding RNAs in developing Wistar rat retinas (postnatally day 5 (P5), P7, P10, P15 and P21) was executed using IonTorrent PGM next-generation sequencing technique to reveal the crucial players in the early postnatal retinogenesis. Our analysis reveals extensive regulatory potential of microRNAs during retinal development. We found a group of microRNAs that show constant high abundance (miR-19, miR-101; miR-181, miR-183, miR-124 and let-7) during the development process. Others are present only in the early stages (miR-20a, miR-206, miR-133, miR-466, miR-1247, miR-3582), or at later stages (miR-29, miR-96, miR-125, miR-344 or miR-664). Further miRNAs were detected which are differentially expressed in time. Finally, pathway enrichment analysis has revealed 850 predicted target genes that mainly participate in lipid-, amino acid- and glycan metabolisms in the examined time-period (P5–P21). P5–P7 transition revealed the importance of miRNAs in glutamatergic synapse and gap junction pathways. Significantly downregulated miRNAs rno-miR-30c1 and 2, rno-miR-205 and rno-miR-503 were detected to target Prkx (ENSRNOG00000003696), Adcy6 (ENSRNOG00000011587), Gnai3 (ENSRNOG00000019465) and Gja1 (ENSRNOG00000000805) genes. The dataset described here will be a valuable resource for clarifying new regulatory mechanisms for retinal development and will greatly contribute to our understanding of the divergence and function of microRNAs.
Comparison of pre- and in-service primary teachers’ dispositions towards the use of ICT
Authors: Jenßen Lars , Eilerts Katja , Grave-Gierlinger Frederik
Published: April 2023

There is widespread agreement, that today’s students must develop competencies in the efficient use of information and communication technology (ICT) to cope with the demands of the 21st century. To meet this requirement, teachers must integrate ICT into their classroom activities on a regular basis. Studies have shown that the use of ICT in the classroom correlates with the level of professional knowledge and with affective-motivational dispositions (such as emotions and self-efficacy) of teachers. However, the relations between these dispositions and the extent to which these relations differ between pre- and in-service teachers have not yet been investigated. Hence, the present study examines the dispositions of 148 German pre-service and 132 German in-service primary school teachers to use ICT in geometry classes and tests for differences between these groups. To this end, a series of path models have been investigated on the basis of control-value theory in a quantitative study. Results of the invariance testing revealed only minor differences in the relations between the investigated dispositions: For in-service teachers a negative correlation between the assumed value of ICT for teaching geometry and the professional knowledge regarding ICT was found. The same does not hold true for pre-service teachers. Apart from this difference, however, the two groups were very similar. It can therefore be concluded that learning opportunities regarding the use of ICT in geometry classes do not need to differ greatly for the pre-service and in-service teachers.
Studying the characteristics of SQL-related development tasks: An empirical study
Authors: Costa Daniel Alencar da , Grattan Natalie , Stanger Nigel , Licorish Sherlock A.
Published: April 2023

A key function of a software system is its ability to facilitate the manipulation of data, which is often implemented using a flavour of the Structured Query Language (SQL). To develop the data operations of software (i.e, creating, retrieving, updating, and deleting data), developers are required to excel in writing and combining both SQL and application code. The problem is that writing SQL code in itself is already challenging (e.g., SQL anti-patterns are commonplace) and combining SQL with application code (i.e., for SQL development tasks) is even more demanding. Meanwhile, we have little empirical understanding regarding the characteristics of SQL development tasks. Do SQL development tasks typically need more code changes? Do they typically have a longer time-to-completion? Answers to such questions would prepare the community for the potential challenges associated with such tasks. Our results obtained from 20 Apache projects reveal that SQL development tasks have a significantly longer time-to-completion than SQL-unrelated tasks and require significantly more code changes. Through our qualitative analyses, we observe that SQL development tasks require more spread out changes, effort in reviews and documentation. Our results also corroborate previous research highlighting the prevalence of SQL anti-patterns. The software engineering community should make provision for the peculiarities of SQL coding, in the delivery of safe and secure interactive software.
Exploring the potential of agricultural system change as an integrated adaptation strategy for water and food security in the Indus basin
Authors: Smolenaars Wouter Julius , Jamil Muhammad Khalid , Dhaubanjar Sanita , Lutz Arthur F. , Immerzeel Walter , Ludwig Fulco , Biemans Hester
Published: April 2023

Water security and food security in the Indus basin are highly interlinked and subject to severe stresses. Irrigation water demands presently already exceed what the basin can sustainably provide, but per-capita food availability remains limited. Rapid population growth and climate change are projected to further intensify pressure on the interdependencies between water and food security. The agricultural system of the Indus basin must therefore change and adapt to be able to achieve the associated Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The development of robust policies to guide such changes requires a thorough understanding of the synergies and trade-offs that different strategies for agricultural development may have for water and food security. In this study, we defined three contrasting trajectories for agricultural system change based on a review of scientific literature on regional agricultural developments and a stakeholder consultation workshop. We assessed the consequences of these trajectories for water and food security with a spatially explicit modeling framework for two scenarios of climatic and socio-economic change over the period 1980–2080. Our results demonstrate that agricultural system changes can ensure per capita food production in the basin remains sufficient under population growth. However, such changes require additional irrigation water resources and may strongly aggravate water stress. Conversely, a shift to sustainable water management can reduce water stress but has the consequence that basin-level food self-sufficiency may not be feasible in future. This suggests that biophysical limits likely exist that prevent agricultural system changes to ensure both sufficient food production and improve water security in the Indus basin under strong population growth. Our study concludes that agricultural system changes are an important adaptation mechanism toward achieving water and food SDGs, but must be developed alongside other strategies that can mitigate its adverse trade-offs.
Assessment of male reproductive traits in endangered leuciscids from the Iberian Peninsula: first attempts to store gametes both at short- and long-term
Authors: Hernández-Rodríguez Ana , Sousa-Santos Carla , Gil Fátima , Cabrita Elsa , Guerreiro Pedro M. , Gallego Victor
Published: April 2023

During the spring of 2022, several endangered leuciscid species (Anaecypris hispanica, Squalius aradensis, Anachondrostoma Occidentale, and Iberochondrostoma lusitanicum) were sampled both at the Vasco da Gama aquarium facilities and in some rivers of the Algarve region, Portugal. Sperm samples were extracted by gentle abdominal pressure and sperm motion parameters were assessed for the first time in four species, using a computerized analysis system. The results obtained showed that spermatozoa kinetic patterns were similar for all 4 species, with high motility and velocity values after the sperm activation time and with a marked decrease after 20. On the other hand, sperm longevity was highly variable between species, with short longevities (around 40 s) for A. hispanica and S. aradensis, and longer longevities (100–120 s) for A. occidentale and I. lusitanicum, which could indicate a latitudinal pattern in terms of sperm longevity. At the same time, morphometric analysis was carried out for the four target species, revealing that spermatozoa showed similar sizes and shapes to other external fertilizers belonging to Leuscididae, with small spherical heads, uniflagellate, and without acrosomes. In addition, a short-term gamete storage trail was performed by diluting sperm in 1:9 (sperm:extender) and storing them at 4ºC. Although the results obtained were uneven among the species studied, the dilution and extender used generated motilities above 40% up to day 4 of storage in S. aradensis and I. lusitanicum, and up to days 1–2 in A. hispanica and A. occidentale, respectively. Finally, gamete cryopreservation trials were also carried out on these threatened species. Although cryopreserved samples showed significantly lower motility than fresh samples, some protocols generate acceptable percentages of viability, DNA integrity, and sperm motility in some species such as I. lusitanicum and A. occidentale. The data revealed that the protocol based on 10% DMSO plus 7.5% egg yolk generated the best results.

This study is the first to assess the reproductive traits of wild and captive populations of endangered leuciscids endemic from the Iberian Peninsula, describing the spermatozoa kinetics and developing protocols for managing male gametes both in short- and long-term storage. Outcomes will provide new and useful tools to complement the management and conservation of ex situ breeding programs that are being developed for these four endangered species.
Fate and cost effectiveness of soil carbon sequestered using supplementary nutrients applied to crop residues under field conditions
Authors: Kirkegaard John A. , Richardson Alan E. , Kirkby Clive A.
Published: April 2023

Changes in carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) associated with fine fraction (FF) soil organic matter (SOM) were determined to a depth of 1.80 m at a field site that was managed with supplementary nutrients (2007–2012) to sequester soil C from crop residues. Soil C and N stocks were monitored for a further 3 years (to 2015) with supplementary nutrients maintained, and then for 5 years after they were ceased (2015–2020). The increase in FF-C established in the first phase of nutrient addition (9.6 Mg C ha−1) was maintained during the ongoing 3 year period of nutrient addition (9.8 Mg C ha−1) but declined to 3.0 Mg C ha−1 during the subsequent 5 years when nutrient addition ceased. The decline in FF-C stocks was attributed to both less formation of FF-C without the supplementary nutrients applied, and to nutrient mining as insufficient N was being applied to both treatments to fully satisfy the N removed in crops. The addition of supplementary nutrients to the residue influenced crop yield in some years, and seed protein in most years, but the responses were crop and season dependant and there was no overall difference in the amount of C in crop biomass returned to the soil. An economic analysis using long-term fertiliser and grain prices suggested that the strategy to sequester more C in FF-SOM through nutrient addition to residue was essentially cost neutral. Better tailoring of nutrient inputs to achieve the required stoichiometric ratios in SOM, and an assumed payment for the sequestered C (AU$40 Mg−1 CO2 equivalent) provided a reliable economic benefit during the period of nutrient addition. However the economic benefit was lost when nutrient addition ceased, and would reduce if fertiliser prices increased or the C price declined. Our results confirm that addition of supplementary nutrients to C-rich crop residues is an effective means to sequester soil C that can persist for several years even after nutrient addition ceases. However, ongoing nutrient inputs in excess of crop removal are required to ensure long-term sequestration of the C from crop residue.
Analysis of the intramolecular 1,7-lactone of N-acetylneuraminic acid using HPLC–MS: relationship between detection and stability
Authors: La Rocca Paolo , Lavota Ivana , Piccoli Marco , Cirillo Federica , Ghiroldi Andrea , Ciconte Giuseppe , Pappone Carlo , Allevi Pietro , Rota Paola , Anastasia Luigi
Published: April 2023

A subclass of the sialic acid family consists of intramolecular lactones that may function as key indicators of physiological and pathological states. However, the existence of these compounds in free form is highly improbable, since they are unlikely to exist in an aqueous solution due to their lability. Current analytical method used to detect them in biological fluids has not recognized their reactivity in solution and is prone to misidentification. However, recent advances in synthetic methods for 1,7-lactones have allowed the preparation of these sialic acid derivatives as authentic reference standards. We report here the development of a new HPLC–MS method for the simultaneous detection of the 1,7-lactone of N-acetylneuraminic acid, its γ-lactone derivative, and N-acetylneuraminic acid that overcomes the limitations of the previous analytical procedure for their identification.
Acute advanced aortic stenosis
Authors: Avvedimento Marisa , Angellotti Domenico , Ilardi Federica , Leone Attilio , Scalamogna Maria , Castiello Domenico Simone , Manzo Rachele , Mariani Andrea , Immobile Molaro Maddalena , Simonetti Fiorenzo , Spaccarotella Carmen Anna Maria , Piccolo Raffaele , Esposito Giovanni , Franzone Anna
Published: April 2023

Acute decompensation often represents the onset of symptoms associated with severe degenerative aortic stenosis (AS) and usually complicates the clinical course of the disease with a dismal impact on survival and quality of life. Several factors may derange the faint balance between left ventricular preload and afterload and precipitate the occurrence of symptoms and signs of acute heart failure (HF). A standardized approach for the management of this condition is currently lacking. Medical therapy finds very limited application in this setting, as drugs usually indicated for the control of acute HF might worsen hemodynamics in the presence of AS. Urgent aortic valve replacement is usually performed by transcatheter than surgical approach whereas, over the last decades, percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty gained renewed space as bridge to definitive therapy. This review focuses on the pathophysiological aspects of acute advanced AS and summarizes current evidence on its management.