bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bimetallic CoNi Nanoflowers for Catalytic Transfer Hydrogenation of Terminal Alkynes
Authors: Choudhary Neha , Kumar Viresh , Mobin Shaikh M.
Published: October 2022

The development of bimetallic and magnetic nanomaterials as a catalyst is highly desirable for organic transformations due to their recyclability for the sustainable future of chemical industries. Bimetallic CoNi nanoflowers were developed via the facile liquid‐phase reduction method and were employed for the hydrogenation of terminal alkynes. The structural and morphological studies were analyzed by X‐ray diffraction, Field‐Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy, and High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy. The bimetallic CoNi nanoflower exhibited 100 % conversion with ∼100 % selectivity towards alkane products with recyclability up to six cycles. The transfer hydrogenation mechanism was proposed via diimide formation with Co(0)/Ni(0) state, confirmed by X‐ray Photoemission Spectroscopy analysis.
Remotely Guided Immunobots Engaged in Anti‐Tumorigenic Phenotypes for Targeted Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Dogan Nihal Olcay , Ceylan Hakan , Suadiye Eylül , Sheehan Devin , Aydin Asli , Yasa Immihan Ceren , Wild Anna‐Maria , Richter Gunther , Sitti Metin
Published: October 2022

Building medical microrobots from the body's own cells may circumvent the biocompatibility concern and hence presents more potential in clinical applications to improve the possibility of escaping from the host defense mechanism. More importantly, live cells can enable therapeutically relevant functions with significantly higher efficiency than synthetic systems. Here, live immune cell‐derived microrobots from macrophages, i.e., immunobots, which can be remotely steered with externally applied magnetic fields and directed toward anti‐tumorigenic (M1) phenotypes, are presented. Macrophages engulf the engineered magnetic decoy bacteria, composed of 0.5 µm diameter silica Janus particles with one side coated with anisotropic FePt magnetic nanofilm and the other side coated with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). This study demonstrates the torque‐based surface rolling locomotion of the immunobots along assigned trajectories inside blood plasma, over a layer of endothelial cells, and under physiologically relevant flow rates. The immunobots secrete signature M1 cytokines, IL‐12 p40, TNF‐α, and IL‐6, and M1 cell markers, CD80 and iNOS, via toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4)‐mediated stimulation with bacterial LPS. The immunobots exhibit anticancer activity against urinary bladder cancer cells. This study further demonstrates such immunobots from freshly isolated primary bone marrow‐derived macrophages since patient‐derivable macrophages may have a strong clinical potential for future cell therapies in cancer.
Ceria Nanoenzyme‐Based Hydrogel with Antiglycative and Antioxidative Performance for Infected Diabetic Wound Healing
Authors: Cheng Fang , Wang Shenqiang , Zheng Hua , Shen Haidong , Zhou Li , Yang Zuoting , Li Qiyan , Zhang Qiuyu , Zhang Hepeng
Published: October 2022

Diabetic wound healing still faces a dilemma because of the hostile hyperglycemic, oxidative, and easily‐infected wound microenvironment. In addition, advanced glycation end products (AGEs) further impede wound repair by altering the immunological balance. Herein, ceria nanorods with distinctive antiglycative and excellent antioxidative capacities are innovatively introduced into a self‐healing and erasable hydrogel, which could reshape the wound microenvironment by expediting hemostasis, inhibiting infection, reducing AGEs, and continuously depleting reactive oxygen species. The remitted oxidative stress and glycosylation synergistically regulate inflammatory responses, and promote revascularization and extracellular matrix deposition, resulting in accelerated diabetic wound repair. This study provides a highly efficient strategy for constructing nanoenzyme‐reinforced antiglycative hydrogel that regulates every wound healing stage for diabetic wound management.
Highly Efficient and Stable FASnI3 Perovskite Solar Cell via Modification with Tetrapotassium Hexacyanoferrate
Authors: Ai Yuquan , Kong Tengfei , Lim Eng Liang , Song Jing , Zhang Yang , Bi Dongqin
Published: October 2022

Sn‐based perovskite material is one of the promising absorption materials due to its low toxicity and narrow bandgap. However, the unsatisfying quality of the perovskite film caused by Sn2+ oxidation and poor crystal growth greatly hinders the device performance. Herein, a layer of tetrapotassium hexacyanoferrate at the PEDOT:PSS/FASnI3 interface is introduced, which can minimize the concentration of Sn4+, thereby suppressing the defect states in the perovskite film, enhancing the conductivity of the PEDOT:PSS film, and forming well‐matched energy alignment in the device. Consequently, the champion device performance of 8.9% is obtained by the modified device, and the unencapsulated device can keep outstanding stability in N2 atmosphere.
Tetracyanobutadiene Bridged Push‐Pull Chromophores: Development of New Generation Optoelectronic Materials
Authors: Patil Yuvraj , Butenschön Holger , Misra Rajneesh
Published: October 2022

This review describes the design strategies used for the synthesis of various tetracyanobutadiene bridged donor‐acceptor molecular architectures by a click type [2+2] cycloaddition‐retroelectrocyclization (CA‐RE) reaction sequence. The photophysical and electrochemical properties of the tetracyanobutadiene bridged molecular architectures based on various moieties including diketopyrrolopyrrole, isoindigo, benzothiadiazole, pyrene, pyrazabole, truxene, boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY), phenothiazine, triphenylamine, thiazole and bisthiazole are summarized. Further, we discuss some important applications of the tetracyanobutadiene bridged derivatives in dye sensitized solar cells, bulk heterojunction solar cells and photothermal cancer therapy.
Investing in people is key to the future of our profession
Authors: Morley Malcolm
Published: October 2022

As Malcolm Morley takes up his role as BVA President, he sets out the theme for his presidential year and encourages the profession to focus on people.
Shifting away from blanket parasiticide use
Authors: Moore Alice
Published: October 2022

Alice Moore, chair of BVA Policy Committee, explains why a change in approach is so important.
Marking two years of our Good Veterinary Workplaces initiative
Authors: Lacey Hannah
Published: October 2022

The conversations around good workplaces remain as important as ever, says Hannah Lacey, BVA membership and policy project manager.
Detecting denning behavior with camera traps: an example with fishers
Authors: Cunningham Stephanie A. , Pyszczynski Timothy , Watson Timothy M. , Bakerian Rachel , Jensen Paul G. , Frair Jacqueline L.
Published: October 2022

Camera traps are often used to monitor wildlife occupancy and, increasingly, to record life history events. For tree‐denning species such as fishers (Pekania pennanti), camera traps have been used to investigate reproduction (e.g., litter size and kit survival) by documenting females with kits as they move between trees. Yet, unbiased quantification of litter size and kit survival likely requires consideration of detection probability during transitions. We conducted a field experiment with the objective of estimating detection probability of fishers coming to or going from a central tree given different camera arrays and compared that to observations of collared females denning in northern New York. We estimated detection probability via logistic regression and investigated the effects of movement differences related to leaving vs. returning to the tree, as well as temporal effects related to kit development. The number of cameras deployed strongly influenced detection probability, which on average ranged from 0.21 with one camera to 0.85 with 6 cameras, yet detection rate of fishers returning to the den was consistently higher than fishers leaving. Despite the difference in detection relative to direction, we obtained at least one photo of 94% of expected kit transfers. Our results demonstrate the benefits and challenges of purpose‐specific tests when using camera traps for estimating demographic rates, and we offer considerations for researchers that may be considering trade‐offs between number of cameras and different collar technology in understanding reproductive ecology of fishers and similar arboreal‐denning carnivores.
Strategies for establishing and using genome resource banks to protect genetic diversity in conservation breeding programs
Authors: Ballou Jonathan D. , Lacy Robert C. , Traylor‐Holzer Kathy , Bauman Karen , Ivy Jamie A. , Asa Cheryl
Published: October 2022

Genome resource banks (GRBs) have the potential to preserve the genetic diversity of a species over time, yet they are rarely utilized as effective components of conservation breeding programs. Advances have been made in reproductive biology, collection and storage techniques, and use of stored gametes for achieving successful reproduction, but there are few guidelines for integrating GRBs into established breeding programs. Here we present basic guidelines, focusing on strategies for the collection, maintenance, and use of semen GRBs for protecting genetic diversity. These guidelines should be applied in the context of the specific purposes and roles of a breeding program's GRB, which will differ among species depending on vulnerability to loss and the status of rescue and conservation efforts. We recommend establishing up to three types of collections: (1) a National Reserve to preserve a species' genetic diversity, to be used only as a last resort; (2) a Savings Account to be used periodically to invigorate a genetically depauperate population; and (3) a Checking Account to be used as a regular part of the breeding program. We present methods for identifying donors to maximize genetic diversity in a GRB, as well as strategies for maintaining and optimally using GRBs.
Multipath Characterization Using Ray-Tracing in Urban Trenches
Authors: Icking Lucy , Ruwisch Fabian , Schön Steffen
Published: October 2022

Multipath in urban environments still represents a great challenge for Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) positioning as it is a degrading factor which limits the attainable accuracy, precision and integrity. In an urban trench, the dense building structures in the vicinity of the antenna cause reflections of the satellite signals resulting in multipath errors. Various work has been presented for simulating reflections for stations under laboratory conditions, yet the simulative analysis of multipath propagation in urban environments is currently developing.

In this contribution, we enhanced an existing Ray-Tracing algorithm which identifies potentially multipath affected satellite signals. So far, it calculates reflection points on a plane ground and estimates the resulting multipath error. We extended it for the urban area case by introducing a 3D city building model with possible reflections on all surfaces of the buildings. Based on the geometry between the antenna position, satellite position and the reflection surface, the extra path delays, the characteristics of the propagation channel and the signal amplitudes are calculated. The resulting multipath errors are then estimated from the discriminator function using state of the art correlator parameters and antenna models.

For a validation, the simulation results are compared with code-minus-carrier combination from a real GNSS experiment in a dense urban area in Hannover. We find that the simulated multipath errors fit the observations in terms of the amplitude, but with uncertainties in the building model, the multipath wave length is too large. The distance to the reflection surface is a key factor which influences the multipath wavelength.
Programmatic Action and Policy Processes
Authors: Hornung Johanna
Published: October 2022

The Programmatic Action Framework (PAF) is a theoretical lens on policy processes developed at the intersection of policy process research, public administration, elite sociology, and social psychology. This chapter is particularly devoted to outlining the foundations of the PAF and putting them in context with other existing theories of the policy process. There are two main bases of PAF assumptions: Firstly, the role of bureaucracy in areas close to the state in formulating policy and the related desire for increased authority gained through advancement in individual careers. Secondly, social psychological perspectives on social identities of groups formed on the basis of shared characteristics are adopted by the PAF to outline the role of shared biographies and resulting policy programs, which are identity-forming, in policy processes and policy change. The particular focus of this study is on the institutional conditions under which such actors form programmatic groups and use their policy programs to shape the policy process over time.
The information content of jet quenching and machine learning assisted observable design
Authors: Lai Yue Shi , Mulligan James , Płoskoń Mateusz , Ringer Felix
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Jets produced in high-energy heavy-ion collisions are modified compared to those in proton-proton collisions due to their interaction with the deconfined, strongly-coupled quark-gluon plasma (QGP). In this work, we employ machine learning techniques to identify important features that distinguish jets produced in heavy-ion collisions from jets produced in proton-proton collisions. We formulate the problem using binary classification and focus on leveraging machine learning in ways that inform theoretical calculations of jet modification: (i) we quantify the information content in terms of Infrared Collinear (IRC)-safety and in terms of hard vs. soft emissions, (ii) we identify optimally discriminating observables that are in principle calculable in perturbative QCD, and (iii) we assess the information loss due to the heavy-ion underlying event and background subtraction algorithms. We illustrate our methodology using Monte Carlo event generators, where we find that important information about jet quenching is contained not only in hard splittings but also in soft emissions and IRC-unsafe physics inside the jet. This information appears to be significantly reduced by the presence of the underlying event. We discuss the implications of this for the prospect of using jet quenching to extract properties of the QGP. Since the training labels are exactly known, this methodology can be used directly on experimental data without reliance on modeling. We outline a proposal for how such an experimental analysis can be carried out, and how it can guide future measurements.
Dualities and flavored indices of M2-brane SCFTs
Authors: Hayashi Hirotaka , Nosaka Tomoki , Okazaki Tadashi
Published: October 2022

Abstract

We study various conjectural dual descriptions of a stack of M2-branes in M-theory including ADHM, ABJ(M), BLG, discrete gauge theories and quiver Chern-Simons (CS) theories and propose several new dualities of the M2-brane SCFTs by analyzing flavored supersymmetric indices in detail. The mapping of local operators, Coulomb, Higgs and mixed branch operators as well as global symmetries under the dualities are obtained from the precise matching of the indices. Furthermore, we find closed form expressions for the Coulomb limit of the indices of the U(N) ADHM theory and the dual quiver CS theory for arbitrary N and propose a refined generating function for plane partitions with trace N. For the quiver CS theories we also find an infinite-sum expression for the Higgs limit of the indices which is more useful than the original expression.
Uncovering a chirally suppressed mechanism of 0νββ decay with LHC searches
Authors: Graesser Michael L. , Li Gang , Ramsey-Musolf Michael J. , Shen Tianyang , Urrutia-Quiroga Sebastián
Published: October 2022

Abstract

∆L = 2 lepton number violation (LNV) at the TeV scale could provide an alternative interpretation of positive signal(s) in future neutrinoless double beta (0νββ) decay experiments. An interesting class of models from this point of view are those that at low energies give rise to dimension-9 vector operators and a dimension-7 operator, both of whose 0νββ-decay rates are “chirally suppressed”. We study and compare the sensitivities of 0νββ-decay experiments and LHC searches to a simplified model in this class of TeV-scale LNV that is also SU(2)L × U(1)Y gauge invariant. The searches for 0νββ decay, which are here diluted by a chiral suppression of the vector operators, are found to be less constraining than LHC searches whose reach is increased by the assumed kinematic accessibility of the mediator particles. For the chirally suppressed dimension-7 operator generated by TeV-scale mediators, in contrast, 0νββ-decay searches place strong constraints on the size of the new Yukawa coupling. Signals of this model at the LHC and 0νββ-decay experiments are entirely uncorrelated with the observed neutrinos masses, as these new sources of LNV give negligible contributions to the latter. We find the prospects for the high-luminosity LHC and ton-scale 0νββ-decay experiments to uncover the chirally-suppressed mechanism with TeV-scale LNV to be promising. We also comment on the sensitivity of the 0νββ-decay lifetime to certain unknown low-energy constants that in the case of dimension-9 scalar operators are expected to be large due to non-perturbative renormalization.
Rezidivierende, schwere Epistaxis bei COVID-19-Patienten
Authors: Isberner R. , Vorwerk U. , Schewe D.
Published: October 2022

Eine 12-jährige Patientin stellte sich mit fulminantem Nasenbluten vor; nebenbefundlich hatte sie eine COVID-19-Infektion. Bei bestehender Hämorrhagie zeigte sie eine zunehmende Schocksymptomatik. In der aktuellen Literatur ist eine Assoziation des SARS-CoV-2-Virus zu neu auftretender schwerer Epistaxis beschrieben, am ehesten durch Induktion einer Mukosainflammation. Andere Ursachen müssen jedoch ausgeschlossen werden.
Die KomMent-Studie: ein Pilotprojekt zur strukturierten interprofessionellen Kommunikation in der Uroonkologie
Authors: Jünger Jana , Fugmann Dominik , Hinding Barbara , Necknig Ulrike , Bushuven Stefan , Zschäbitz Stefanie , Steiner Nancy , Albers Peter , Giessing Markus
Published: October 2022

Hintergrund

Kommunikation und interprofessionelle Zusammenarbeit mit krebskranken Patient:innen ist herausfordernd. Ein strukturiertes Kommunikationstraining ist bisher nicht in die ärztliche Weiterbildung integriert. Ziel der Studie war es, die Machbarkeit eines 80 Unterrichtseinheiten (UE) umfassenden interprofessionellen Kommunikationstrainings (IKT), wie im Nationalen Krebsplan empfohlen, an einer Klinik mit uroonkologischem Schwerpunkt zu prüfen.

Methode

Eine Bedarfsanalyse wurde mittels Fokusgruppen und Einzelinterviews durchgeführt. Die Lernziele wurden mit (inter)nationalen Lernzielkatalogen abgestimmt. Das IKT wurde mittels des „six-step approach“ nach Kern und „design-based research“ erarbeitet. Die Inanspruchnahme und die Akzeptanz wurden evaluiert. Das IKT umfasste 6 Präsenzworkshops (50 UE) und eine Teamsupervision (10 UE). Für das individuelle arbeitsplatzbasierte Training (20 UE) wurden 6 definierte Settings identifiziert: Visite, Übergabe, Befundmitteilung, Aufnahme- und Entlassgespräch sowie ein Wunschsetting.

Ergebnis

Die ärztliche Teilnahmequote an den Präsenzworkshops war 83,0 %, die pflegerische 58,3 %. Die Inanspruchnahme des arbeitsplatzbasierten Trainings lag bei 97 %. Die Ärzt:innen evaluierten das IKT sehr positiv (in Schulnoten Mittelwert [MW] 1,2 ± 0,4). Alle Teilnehmenden fühlten sich auf die Gespräche mit Patient:innen und Angehörigen besser vorbereitet. Zur Verstetigung wurden Ärzt:innen zu Mentoren ausgebildet.

Schlussfolgerung

Die Implementierung eines IKT von 80 UE Umfang ist an einer urologischen Klinik erfolgreich durchführbar und führt u. a. durch eine Mentorenausbildung zu einer nachhaltigen Verbesserung der Kommunikationskultur.
Local edge minimality of SRPT networks with shared resources
Authors: Kruk Łukasz , Gieroba Robert
Published: October 2022

We consider a general network with arbitrary topology and node capacities, in which users require simultaneous service from a number of shared resources. We study pathwise minimality of the shortest remaining processing time protocol with respect to suitable criteria based on the system’s cumulative transmission times of flows with residual service requirements not greater than any threshold value on the network routes. No distributional assumptions are made on the underlying stochastic primitives.
Multidetector computed tomography assessment of venous invasion in hepatic alveolar echinococcosis
Authors: Zhang Tieliang , Zhang Yuan , Wang Jian , Hou Juan , Liu Wenya
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The objective of this study was to correlate multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) findings in hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (HAE) with intraoperative and postoperative histopathological results to identify reliable MDCT criteria for the diagnosis of HAE venous invasion.

Methods

A total of 136 HAE patients who underwent CT examination were included in this study. The lesion-vessel contact angle, irregular wall, lumen stenosis and occlusion were evaluated.

Results

A total of 614 veins were estimated. In total, 510 veins were invaded, and 104 veins were not. The invasion rate was 83.06%. In single CT findings, with a cutoff value of > 180° determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, the lesion-vessel contact angle performed the best (area under the ROC curve, AUC = 0.907, 95% confidence interval, 95% CI 0.872–0.941, p < 0.001), with a sensitivity, specificity and positive likelihood ratio (PLR) of 84.90%, 88.46%, and 7.35, respectively. Irregular wall and lumen stenosis showed the lowest diagnostic performance. Diagnostic performance was the highest when combining these criteria and signs (AUC = 0.932, 95% CI 0.905–0.960, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The lesion-vessel contact angle > 180° had the best sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of HAE venous invasion, and good interobserver agreement had been noted. The diagnostic performance of the lesion-vessel contact angle > 180° had been further improved with the addition of lumen occlusion accompanied by irregular wall or lumen stenosis.

Graphical abstract
Mid‐Term Outcomes of Nonoperative Management for Patients with Grade III Blunt Thoracic Aortic Injury
Authors: Park Jiye , Kwon Yohan , Hwang Kyungjin , Lim Sang‐Hyun , Hong You Sun , Moon Jonghwan
Published: October 2022

Background

The purpose of our study was to assess the mid‐term outcomes of the patients with grade III blunt thoracic aortic injury (BTAI) who were treated non‐operatively and to determine the specific conditions for successful NOM.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed patients with grade III BTAI at a single level 1 trauma center between January 2012 and March 2020, and compared the demographics and outcomes of NOM and thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). We also examined the factors contributing to the selection of NOM by calculating the odds ratios for age, sex, initial systolic blood pressure, injury severity score, abbreviated injury scale score, pseudoaneurysm/neck (P/N) ratio, and comorbidity.

Results

In total, 46 adults were included. Thirty patients underwent NOM and 19 underwent TEVAR. The time from injury to computed tomography, hospital days, intensive care unit length of stay, and follow‐up period showed no difference between the two groups. Aorta‐related mortality was not observed in either group. Two patients (7.4%) in the NOM group experienced an increase in pseudoaneurysms: one of them underwent delayed surgical repair without complications, and the other maintained regular follow‐up. The odds ratio for selecting NOM was significant when the P/N ratio was < 1.30 (OR = 4.687 [95% CI, 1.229–17.882], p = 0.024).

Conclusions

We suggest that carefully selected patients with BTAI grade III could be observed nonoperatively or treated by delayed intervention on outpatient basis, and a P/N ratio < 1.30 can be used as a cutoff to decide treatment options for BTAI grade III.
Unilateral Adrenalectomy for Primary Aldosteronism Due to Bilateral Adrenal Disease Can Result in Resolution of Hypokalemia and Amelioration of Hypertension
Authors: Szabo Yamashita Thomas , Shariq Omair A. , Foster Trenton R. , Lyden Melanie L. , Dy Benzon M. , Young William F. , Bancos Irina , McKenzie Travis J.
Published: October 2022

Background

Bilateral idiopathic hyperaldosteronism (IHA) is responsible for 60% of primary aldosteronism (PA) cases. Medical management is standard of care for IHA. Unilateral adrenalectomy (UA) with the intent of debulking total aldosterone production as a palliative measure remains controversial.

Methods

Single‐center retrospective review (2010–2020) of patients undergoing UA with a diagnosis of PA due to IHA (lateralization index [LI] on adrenal venous sampling [AVS] < 4). Demographic, pre‐operative, intra‐operative, and post‐operative variables were assessed. Hypertensive regimens were converted to the WHO Defined Daily Dose (DDD).

Results

Twenty‐four patients were identified, 14, 58% male and mean age 52 ± 10 years. Preoperative hypokalemia was present in 22, 92% of patients. Median number of antihypertensives taken was 3 (interquartile range [IQR], 2–4) and median DDD was 4 (IQR, 3–5.3). Median lateralization index on AVS was 3.52 (range, 1.19–3.88). All operations were performed in minimally invasive fashion. There were no conversions to open procedure, ICU admissions, or post‐operative complications. Median follow‐up was 10.5 months (range, 1–145 months). Hypokalemia resolved in 17, 76% of patients at last follow‐up. Post‐operative median number of antihypertensives taken was 1 (IQR, 1–3) and median DDD was 2 (IQR, 0.5–2.75) from 4, P = 0.003. Three (%) patients required continuation of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists post‐operatively. Blood pressure control improved in 65% of patients.

Conclusion

Unilateral adrenalectomy in the setting of bilateral hyperaldosteronism can improve blood pressure control and stabilize potassium levels in selected patients. Further prospective studies in larger cohorts will be necessary to further define the role of unilateral adrenalectomy in the setting of PA due to bilateral adrenal disease.
Efficacy of TAC-302 for patients with detrusor underactivity and overactive bladder: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 study
Authors: Yoshida Masaki , Gotoh Momokazu , Yokoyama Osamu , Kakizaki Hidehiro , Yamanishi Tomonori , Yamaguchi Osamu
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 study evaluated the efficacy and safety of TAC-302, a novel drug that restores neurite outgrowth, in patients with detrusor underactivity (DU) and overactive bladder (OAB).

Methods

After 2–4 weeks of observation, patients were randomized 2:1 to receive oral TAC-302 200 mg or placebo twice daily for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was detrusor contraction strength, estimated by bladder contractility index (BCI) for males and projected isovolumetric pressure 1 (PIP1) for females. Secondary endpoints included changes in bladder voiding efficiency (BVE) and safety.

Results

Seventy-six patients were included (TAC-302, n = 52; placebo, n = 24). The mean (standard deviation [SD]) BCI for males was 64.6 (16.6) at baseline and 75.2 (21.1) at week 12 (p < 0.001) with TAC-302 (n = 27), and 61.3 (16.6) and 60.5 (16.7) (p = 0.82) with placebo (n = 11). The respective mean (SD) PIP1 for females was 18.8 (6.6) and 29.4 (9.4) (p < 0.001) with TAC-302 (n = 15), and 20.6 (7.5) and 25.5 (9.6) (p = 0.14) with placebo (n = 7). TAC-302 significantly increased BCI in males and BVE in both sexes. TAC-302 efficacy on OAB was not clearly shown. The incidences of adverse events (AEs), serious AEs, and AEs leading to dose interruption were similar between groups; no adverse drug reactions occurred.

Conclusion

Considering the significant effects on BCI in males and BVE in both sexes, TAC-302 may benefit patients with DU.

Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT03175029 registered 6/5/2017.
Akzeptanz psychosozialer Überbrückungsmaßnahmen im Rahmen demenzieller Erkrankungen
Authors: Buschert V. , Leicher B. , Rogl C. , Hoffmann J. , Blum A.-L. , Scherbaum N. , Benninghoff J.
Published: October 2022

Hintergrund

Bei COVID-19 bedingtem Ausfall eines ambulanten Behandlungsprogramms im Rahmen demenzieller Erkrankungen wurden Patient:innen und deren Angehörigen Überbrückungsmaßnahmen auf Distanz angeboten. Ziel war es zu untersuchen, in welchem Maß die Teilnehmer:innen (TN) belastet waren, und wie die Angebote angenommen und bewertet wurden.

Material und Methoden

Allen TN (n = 63) wurden über den Zeitraum von 8 Wochen regelmäßige Telefonkontakte in unterschiedlicher Frequenz (wöchentlich, 14-tägig) sowie die Zusendung kognitiver und körperlicher Trainingsaufgaben im Abstand von 2 Wochen angeboten. Um die Akzeptanz der Maßnahmen sowie das Belastungserleben der TN zu erfassen, wurden aus der klinischen Routine erhobene Daten sowie retrospektiv eine schriftliche Befragung der TN in eine Behandlungsbeobachtung einbezogen.

Ergebnisse

Von 63 kontaktierten TN wurden die Daten von 45 TN eingeschlossen. Die Überbrückungsmaßnahmen wurden durchwegs positiv bewertet, wobei eine tendenziell höhere Zustimmung vonseiten der Angehörigen zu ermitteln war. Bei allen TN blieb das Belastungserleben stabil auf geringem Niveau; Angehörige waren signifikant stärker belastet.

Diskussion

Die Ergebnisse der vorliegenden Behandlungsbeobachtung sprechen für eine gut durchführbare und ortsunabhängige psychosoziale Behandlungsform im Rahmen demenzieller Erkrankungen. Diese kann sowohl als Überbrückungsmaßnahme für zukünftige pandemiebedingte Behandlungsausfälle als auch für die Routineversorgung (z. B. für mobilitätseingeschränkte oder im ländlichen Raum ohne direkte Klinikanbindung lebende Betroffene) geeignet sein. Daneben zeigt die Studie, wie notwendig es ist, für Angehörige ebenfalls Maßnahmen zu prüfen, um die Belastung zu reduzieren.
Association of sugar intake from different sources with incident depression in the prospective cohort of UK Biobank participants
Authors: Kaiser Anna , Schaefer Sylva M. , Behrendt Inken , Eichner Gerrit , Fasshauer Mathias
Published: October 2022

Purpose

To elucidate the association of different sources of free sugars (FS) and intrinsic sugars with depression risk in the prospective population-based UK Biobank cohort.

Methods

Sugar consumption was assessed in 188,426 participants (age range: 39–72 years, 54.4% female) with at least one web-based dietary questionnaire (Oxford WebQ). The hazard ratios (HR) for incident depression were assessed with Cox proportional hazard regression models including sugar intake from different sources as penalized cubic splines to allow non-linear predictor effects. Over a mean follow-up of 12.3 (standard deviation 1.8) years, 5410 incident depression cases occurred.

Results

FS intake was significantly associated with depression risk in an ascending approximately linear way with the lowest HR observed at 9% total energy (%E). In contrast, consumption of intrinsic sugars was not significantly related with incident depression. FS in beverages were significantly associated with depression risk in an ascending approximately linear way with the lowest HR at 4%E whereas no association was found for FS in solids. Concerning beverage types, FS in soda/fruit drinks, milk-based drinks, and tea/coffee were significantly and positively related to depression risk whereas the association was U-shaped for juice. Major findings were robust in sensitivity analyses.

Conclusion

Only some sources of FS are positively associated with incident depression. Public health initiatives targeting FS subtypes might be most effective concerning depression risk if focused on the reduction of sugary beverages and more specifically soda/fruit drinks, milk-based drinks, and tea/coffee.
Concentrations of escitalopram in blood of patients treated in a naturalistic setting: focus on patients with alcohol and benzodiazepine use disorder
Authors: Hart X. M. , Heesen S. , Schmitz C. N. , Dörfler S. , Wedekind D. , Gründer G. , Hiemke C. , Havemann-Reinecke U.
Published: October 2022

The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor escitalopram (ESC) is indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) and of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Monitoring of blood levels (BLs) is strongly indicated due to ESC’s high interindividual pharmacokinetic variability. The aim of this study was to analyse clinical efficacy and pharmacokinetic influences on ESC BLs, in patients with depressive disorder alone and with comorbid alcohol or benzodiazepine use disorder. Data were collected from patients treated under naturalistic conditions for whom Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM) was requested to guide antidepressant drug therapy and analysed retrospectively. Particular emphasis was given to patients with alcohol or benzodiazepine use disorder. Responders according to the clinical global impression (CGI) scale were compared with nonresponders for their ESC blood level (BL). The patient sample included 344 patients from 16 psychiatric hospitals in Germany. Influencing factors that could explain 22% of ESC BLs were dose, sex and age. Variability was high between individuals, and doses up to 40 mg were common in real-world settings. Patients treated with ESC monotherapy who responded showed a trend towards higher BLs compared to nonresponders with a concentration of 15 ng/mL separating both groups. Pathological changes in liver function (indicated by elevated GGT in combination with an AST/ALT ratio ≥ 1) resulted in higher dose-corrected ESC concentrations. Influencing factors that could explain 22% of ESC blood levels were dose, sex, and age. Our findings confirm the currently recommended lower threshold level and support the need for standard TDM analyses in everyday clinical practice. The ICD 10 diagnosis alcohol dependence alone does not lead to pharmacokinetic changes in the metabolism of ESC, but altered liver function does.
Machine learning and discriminant function analysis in the formulation of generic models for sex prediction using patella measurements
Authors: Bidmos Mubarak A. , Olateju Oladiran I. , Latiff Sabiha , Rahman Tawsifur , Chowdhury Muhammad E. H.
Published: October 2022

Sex prediction from bone measurements that display sexual dimorphism is one of the most important aspects of forensic anthropology. Some bones like the skull and pelvis display distinct morphological traits that are based on shape. These morphological traits which are sexually dimorphic across different population groups have been shown to provide an acceptably high degree of accuracy in the prediction of sex. A sample of 100 patella of Mixed Ancestry South Africans (MASA) was collected from the Dart collection. Six parameters: maximum height (maxh), maximum breadth (maxw), maximum thickness (maxt), the height of articular facet (haf), lateral articular facet breadth (lafb), and medial articular facet breath (mafb) were used in this study. Stepwise and direct discriminant function analyses were performed for measurements that exhibited significant differences between male and female mean measurements, and the “leave-one-out” approach was used for validation. Moreover, we have used eight classical machine learning techniques along with feature ranking techniques to identify the best feature combinations for sex prediction. A stacking machine learning technique was trained and validated to classify the sex of the subject. Here, we have used the top performing three ML classifiers as base learners and the predictions of these models were used as inputs to different machine learning classifiers as meta learners to make the final decision. The measurements of the patella of South Africans are sexually dimorphic and this observation is consistent with previous studies on the patella of different countries. The range of average accuracies obtained for pooled multivariate discriminant function equations is 81.9–84.2%, while the stacking ML technique provides 90.8% accuracy which compares well with those presented for previous studies in other parts of the world. In conclusion, the models proposed in this study from measurements of the patella of different population groups in South Africa are useful resent with reasonably high average accuracies.
Long-term follow-up of chronic central serous chorioretinopathy patients after primary treatment of oral eplerenone or half-dose photodynamic therapy and crossover treatment: SPECTRA trial report No. 3
Authors: Feenstra Helena M. A. , van Dijk Elon H. C. , van Rijssen Thomas J. , Tsonaka Roula , Diederen Roselie M. H. , Hoyng Carel B. , Schlingemann Reinier O. , Boon Camiel J. F.
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Comparing anatomic and functional efficacy and safety of primary treatment with either half-dose photodynamic therapy (PDT) or oral eplerenone, or crossover treatment in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy patients.

Methods

After the SPECTRA trial baseline visit, patients were randomized to either half-dose PDT or eplerenone and received crossover treatment if persistent subretinal fluid (SRF) on optical coherence tomography (OCT) was present at first follow-up (at 3 months). Presence of SRF and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was evaluated at 12 months.

Results

Out of the 90 patients evaluated at 12 months, complete SRF resolution was present on OCT in 43/48 (89.6%) of patients who were primarily randomized to half-dose PDT and in 37/42 (88.1%) who were primarily randomized to eplerenone. Out of the 42 patients that were primarily randomized to eplerenone, 35 received crossover treatment with half-dose PDT. The BCVA improved significantly more at 12 months in patients who had received primary half-dose PDT as compared to the primary eplerenone group (p = 0.030).

Conclusions

Twelve months after baseline visit, most patients treated with half-dose PDT (either primary or crossover treatment) still had complete SRF resolution. The long-term BCVA in patients who receive primary half-dose PDT is better than in patients in whom PDT is delayed due to initial eplerenone treatment with persistent SRF.
The physiological, perceptual and neuromuscular responses of team sport athletes to a running and cycling high intensity interval training session
Authors: Twist Craig , Bott Richard , Highton Jamie
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The acute physiological, perceptual and neuromuscular responses to volume-matched running and cycling high intensity interval training (HIIT) were studied in team sport athletes.

Methods

In a randomized cross-over design, 11 male team sport players completed 3 × 6 min (with 5 min between sets) repeated efforts of 15 s exercising at 120% speed (s$$\dot{\text{V}}$$

V
˙

O2max) or power (p$$\dot{\text{V}}$$

V
˙

O2max) at $$\dot{\text{V}}$$

V
˙

O2max followed by 15 s passive recovery on a treadmill or cycle ergometer, respectively.

Results

Absolute mean $$\dot{\text{V}}$$

V
˙

O2 (ES [95% CI] = 1.46 [0.47–2.34], p < 0.001) and heart rate (ES [95% CI] = 1.53 [0.53–2.41], p = 0.001) were higher in running than cycling HIIT. Total time at > 90% $$\dot{\text{V}}$$

V
˙

O2max during the HIIT was higher for running compared to cycling (ES [95% CI] = 1.21 [0.26–2.07], p = 0.015). Overall differential RPE (dRPE) (ES [95% CI] = 0.55 [− 0.32–1.38], p = 0.094) and legs dRPE (ES [95% CI] = − 0.65 [− 1.48–0.23], p = 0.111) were similar, whereas breathing dRPE (ES [95% CI] = 1.01 [0.08–1.85], p = 0.012) was higher for running. Maximal isometric knee extension force was unchanged after running (ES [95% CI] = − 0.04 [− 0.80–0.8], p = 0.726) compared to a moderate reduction after cycling (ES [95% CI] = − 1.17 [− 2.02–0.22], p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Cycling HIIT in team sport athletes is unlikely to meet the requirements for improving run-specific metabolic adaptation but might offer a greater lower limb neuromuscular load.
Pharmacological inhibitors of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator exert off-target effects on epithelial cation channels
Authors: Lin JinHeng , Gettings Sean M. , Talbi Khaoula , Schreiber Rainer , Taggart Michael J. , Preller Matthias , Kunzelmann Karl , Althaus Mike , Gray Michael A.
Published: October 2022

The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) anion channel and the epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) play essential roles in transepithelial ion and fluid transport in numerous epithelial tissues. Inhibitors of both channels have been important tools for defining their physiological role in vitro. However, two commonly used CFTR inhibitors, CFTRinh-172 and GlyH-101, also inhibit non-CFTR anion channels, indicating they are not CFTR specific. However, the potential off-target effects of these inhibitors on epithelial cation channels has to date not been addressed. Here, we show that both CFTR blockers, at concentrations routinely employed by many researchers, caused a significant inhibition of store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) that was time-dependent, poorly reversible and independent of CFTR. Patch clamp experiments showed that both CFTRinh-172 and GlyH-101 caused a significant block of Orai1-mediated whole cell currents, establishing that they likely reduce SOCE via modulation of this Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channel. In addition to off-target effects on calcium channels, both inhibitors significantly reduced human αβγ-ENaC-mediated currents after heterologous expression in Xenopus oocytes, but had differential effects on δβγ-ENaC function. Molecular docking identified two putative binding sites in the extracellular domain of ENaC for both CFTR blockers. Together, our results indicate that caution is needed when using these two CFTR inhibitors to dissect the role of CFTR, and potentially ENaC, in physiological processes.
Single-centre review of the management of intra-thoracic oesophageal perforation in a tertiary oesophageal unit: paradigm shift, short- and long-term outcomes over 15 years
Authors: Charalampakis Vasileios , Cardoso Victor Roth , Sharples Alistair , Khalid Maha , Dickerson Luke , Wiggins Tom , Gkoutos Georgios V. , Tucker Olga , Super Paul , Richardson Martin , Nijjar Rajwinder , Singhal Rishi
Published: October 2022

Background

Oesophageal perforation is an uncommon surgical emergency associated with high morbidity and mortality. The timing and type of intervention is crucial and there has been a major paradigm shift towards minimal invasive management over the last 15 years. Herein, we review our management of spontaneous and iatrogenic oesophageal perforations and assess the short- and long-term outcomes.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of consecutive patients presenting with intra-thoracic oesophageal perforation between January 2004 and Dec 2020 in a single tertiary hospital.

Results

Seventy-four patients were identified with oesophageal perforations: 58.1% were male; mean age of 68.28 ± 13.67 years. Aetiology was spontaneous in 42 (56.76%), iatrogenic in 29 (39.2%) and foreign body ingestion/related to trauma in 3 (4.1%). The diagnosis was delayed in 29 (39.2%) cases for longer than 24 h. There was change in the primary diagnostic modality over the period of this study with CT being used for diagnosis for 19 of 20 patients (95%). Initial management of the oesophageal perforation included a surgical intervention in 34 [45.9%; primary closure in 28 (37.8%), resection in 6 (8.1%)], endoscopic stenting in 18 (24.3%) and conservative management in 22 (29.7%) patients. On multivariate analysis, there was an effect of pathology (malignant vs. benign; p = 0.003) and surgical treatment as first line (p = 0.048) on 90-day mortality. However, at 1-year and overall follow-up, time to presentation (≤ 24 h vs. > 24 h) remained the only significant variable (p = 0.017 & p = 0.02, respectively).

Conclusion

Oesophageal perforation remains a condition with high mortality. The paradigm shift in our tertiary unit suggests the more liberal use of CT to establish an earlier diagnosis and a higher rate of oesophageal stenting as a primary management option for iatrogenic perforations. Time to diagnosis and management continues to be the most critical variable in the overall outcome.
Alkaline rocks of the Bobaomby volcanic field point to a petrogenetic link between Comoros and northern Madagascar lithosphere
Authors: Cucciniello Ciro , Grifa Celestino , de’Gennaro Roberto , Franciosi Luigi , Rocco Ivana , Morra Vincenzo , Melluso Leone
Published: October 2022

The Bobaomby volcanic field (10–11 Ma) is the northernmost volcanic area of Madagascar, and is a monogenetic volcanic field comprising outcrops of lava flows, dykes, scoria cones, tuff rings and plugs, widely scattered over an area of roughly 500 km2. The volcanic rocks range in composition from nephelinite, basanite and tephrite, through tephritic phonolite, to F- and Cl-rich peralkaline phonolite (MgO from 13 to 0.01 wt%), and the serial affinity varies from sodic to potassic. A few mica-amphibole-rich lamprophyric dykes have tephritic composition and ultrapotassic affinity. The mafic lavas host intrusive xenoliths with evident cumulate features (wehrlites, composite olivine gabbros s.l., amphibole clinopyroxenites and “kaersutitites”), as well as various types of mantle-derived xenoliths and xenocrysts in the most primitive rocks. The very wide compositional variations of the observed phases (olivine, clinopyroxene, amphibole, oxides, feldspars, feldspathoids, apatite, titanite, aenigmatite and other accessories) in lavas, dykes and cognate xenoliths are fully consistent with the variable degree of differentiation of the host lavas/dykes, and pointing out to limited open-system or polybaric crystallization. The mafic lavas have marked enrichment in incompatible elements and light rare-earth element (LREE) (e.g., Lan/Ybn = 19–27), whereas concave REE patterns are found in the peralkaline phonolites, as a result of removal of accessory titanite starting from tephritic phonolite magmas. The gabbroic/ultramafic xenoliths are interpreted as crustal cumulates of basanitic and tephritic magmas. Several liquid lines of descent in the basanites and tephrites are evident from the trace-element distribution, and from the differing geochemistry of the evolved rocks. The isotopic compositions reach extreme values (e.g., 206Pb/204Pb = 20.065 in the ultrapotassic lamprophyre) when compared to the rest of the Cenozoic/Recent Madagascan volcanic rocks, but similar to those of the Comoros archipelago, suggesting analogies of mantle sources and enrichment processes in the lithosphere of this volcanic archipelago. The origin of the Bobaomby mafic rocks is compatible from a derivation from low degree partial melting of an incompatible element-enriched peridotite source (possibly located in the lowermost lithospheric mantle) rich in volatile-rich phases (pargasite, locally also phlogopite and possibly carbonates), matching the sources of other Cenozoic volcanic areas throughout Madagascar, and perhaps Comoros.