bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Vitro Activation of Paraoxonase 1 by Steroids: An Experimental, Molecular Docking, and Molecular Modelling Study
Authors: Deveci Ufuk , Çıkrıkcı Kübra , Kuru Ali , Yildirim Kudret , Muhammed Muhammed Tilahun , Gencer Nahit
Published: September 2024

Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) is an antioxidant enzyme that prevents lipid oxidation by hydrolysing lipid peroxides in the oxidised low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) structure, bound to high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) in serum, and exhibits esterase and lactonase activity. In this work, the hPON1 enzyme was purified from human serum using a hydrophobic gel with Sepharose 4B‐L‐tyrosine‐naphthylamine, and the affinity of some steroid derivatives previously isolated from fungal steroid biotransformations was examined on the pure hPON1 enzyme. The results indicate that all these derivaties activate the hPON1 enzyme to a different extent. Additionally, the binding potential of the most active five steroid derivatives to the PON1 enzyme to form a stable complex was explored through molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The compounds with the highest potency in the enzymatic assay, S‐8 and S‐20, had the highest binding potential to the enzyme. The stability of the complexes formed by the two compounds was assessed and compared to the stability of the unbound enzyme structure. The enzyme‐compound complexes generally had similar stability to the unbound enzyme structure. Together with this, the MD simulation revealed that compound S‐8 would remain inside the enzyme's binding site during the simulation period, unlike compound S‐20. This situation varies according to the respective derivatives’ functional groups and hydrophobic characteristics.
Tunable Properties of New Cyano‐Substituent Heptahelicenes for Optoelectronic Devices: A Combined Experimental and DFT Computational Study
Authors: Hfaiedh Amira , Labiedh Makrem , Mabrouk Ali , Chemek Mourad , Ben Braiek Mourad , Alimi Kamel
Published: September 2024

Here, we describe a set of coupled experimental and theoretical analyses. The introduction of one and two additional cyano groups in the carboheptahelicene backbone enhance its electron‐accepting properties. New carboheptahelicene derivatives are synthesized, and relevant characterizations of structural features, photophysical and electrochemical properties, and structure‐property relationships are described. This present work concerns the use of the density functional theory (DFT) to highlight the structural and the optoelectronic properties of carboheptahelicene derivatives and comparing the obtained findings with the experimental ones. The experimental and theoretical spectra (UV‐Vis absorption and photoluminescence) provide excellent concurrence. Afterward, molecular structures, structural parameters, molecular electrostatic potential (MEP), highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energies of frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs) are constructed. Some other optoelectronic parameter including electron affinity (EA), ionization potential (IP), and some reactive descriptor such as chemical potential (μ), global hardness (η), electronegativity (χ) and the overall electrophilicity index (ω) are determined and indicating its potential uses as an active layer in optoelectronic efficient devices. The topological methods such as electron localization function (ELF), localization orbital locator (LOL) and the reduced density gradient method (RDG) were also conducted to clarify the strengths and kinds of interactions.
Synthesis of Indenoindole Derivatives under Deep Eutectic Solvent Conditions
Authors: Kotha Sambasivarao , Salman Mohammad , Cheekatla Subba Rao
Published: September 2024

In this study, we synthesized a variety of indole derivatives using commercially available 2,5‐dimethoxybenzaldehyde 18 as a starting material. The synthetic route involves a sequential usage of Knoevenagel and Fischer indolization reactions as key steps and the Fischer indolization is facilitated by deep eutectic solvent (DES) such as L‐tartaric acid/dimethylurea (TA:DMU). All the compounds prepared here are characterized by HRMS, 1H‐NMR and 13C‐NMR data. The methodology described in this study showcases the utility of deep eutectic solvents in facilitating the synthesis of diverse indole derivatives, thereby expanding the toolkit of sustainable synthetic methodologies. These compounds are medicinally important and play a key role as an effective template in Kinase inhibitors (CK2). Various functionalized indeno[1,2‐b]indole scaffolds synthesized here might be valuable as novel inhibitors of human CK2. Elevated levels of protein kinase CK2, previously known as casein kinase 2 or II, have been linked to higher cell growth and proliferation in both normal and cancerous cells.
Mn‐functionalized ZIF‐67 for Sensitive Colorimetric Detection of Artemisinin and Ascorbic Acid
Authors: Wang Xinyi , Cheng Zihan , Liu Yuting , Wang Li , Chen Lili
Published: September 2024

Artemisinin (Art) is the first‐choice medicine for treating malaria. It also shows good therapeutic effects in antibacterial and antitumor treatment. Therefore, a simple and efficient method for detecting Art is of great significance. Mn‐functionalized ZIF‐67 (Mn@ZIF‐67) hybrid materials were synthesized using a post‐synthesis modification method. Due to the introduction of Mn2+, Mn@ZIF‐67 possesses higher peroxidase/oxidase like dual‐mimic enzymes activity than ZIF‐67, which can catalyze Art and generate peroxyl radicals. Based on this fact, Mn@ZIF‐67 was used to detect Art in the presence of TMB. A good linear relationship between absorption intensities at 652 nm and Art concentrations was obtained in the range of 0–22 μM with a detection limit of 200 nM. Ascorbic acid (AA), due to its reducibility, can inhibit peroxidase/oxidase mimetics activity of Mn@ZIF‐67 and the blue Mn@ZIF‐67‐TMB solution fades gradually with the addition of AA. Mn@ZIF‐67‐TMB acting as a colorimetric sensor, AA can be sensitively detected ranging from 0–30 μM, and the detection limit is 50 nM. Coexisting substances don't interfere with the detection of Art or AA. This sensing platform provides a highly sensitive and selective colorimetric method for monitoring AA and Art in serum, thereby demonstrating remarkable practicality.
Nickel Nanoparticles as a Sustainable Catalyst for the Synthesis of 2H‐Pyran Derivatives under Microwave Irradiation, and their Anti‐Inflammatory Activity
Authors: Elkanzi Nadia A. A. , Saber El Sayed A. , Ali Ali M. , Alali Ibtisam , Hrichi Hajer , Muqbil Alsirhani Alaa
Published: September 2024

This study includes an environmentally and effectively green method for the synthesis of novel 2H‐pyran derivatives 4 a–h via a one‐pot reaction of different aromatic aldehydes 1 a–h with ethyl cyanoacetate (2) and 2‐acetylphenyl‐4‐tolylsulfonate (3) in the presence of nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO NPs) as a green catalyst in an aqueous mixed solution (EtOH: H2O, 1 : 3 ratio) using microwave irradiation. The structure of all prouducts were confirmed by spectral data and elemental analysis. All compounds were investigated for anti‐inflammatory activity compared with celecoxib as a reference drug. The obtained results indicate that 2‐[4‐(4‐tosyl oxy phenyl)‐3‐cyano‐2‐oxo‐2H‐pyran‐6‐yl]phenyl 4‐tolylsulfonate (4 b) is the most anti‐inflammatory effective, which showed after 5 h., significantly inhibited inflammation compared with the carrageenan alone group (P < 0.0001)., and when compared to the treated group with celecoxib, inflammation was inhibited 42.38 % for compound 4 b compared to celecoxib 48.39 % simultaneously. Moreover, its histopathological examination was studied and showed a significant attenuation of inflammation and edema. The results indicated that pyran derivatives could serve as promising lead compounds for further optimization as anti‐inflammatory agents.

The present protocol offers several advantages, such as inexpensive, easy work, pure products, shorter reaction times, excellent yields, environmental friendliness, and easy reuse of the catalyst several times.
Synergistic Effect of Defects Passivation and Energy Level Alignment Realizing P3HT‐Based High‐Efficiency CsPbI3 Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Zhongqiang , Yang Gen , Yin Yabo , Li Kangning , Guan Haowei , Yu Xueliang , Xu Bingshe , Yin Shougen , Hao Yuying
Published: September 2024

Poly (3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) is one of the most efficient hole transport layers (HTLs) in perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, surface and boundary defects in CsPbI3, and energy level mismatch between CsPbI3 and P3HT lead to a low power conversion efficiency (PCE) in P3HT‐based CsPbI3 PSCs. Here, a synergistic strategy with anti‐solvent (sec‐pentyl alcohol, 2‐PA) and passivators (LiX, X = F, Cl, Br, I) is developed to promote the photovoltaic performance of P3HT‐based CsPbI3 PSCs. It is proved that the 2‐PA washes away the residual DMF and DMAPbI3, and assists the secondary growth of CsPbI3 crystal. LiX not only can passivate iodine (I) vacancies, but also can reduce energy offset at CsPbI3/P3HT interface, accelerating hole extraction process. Finally, an impressive efficiency of 19.26% is obtained due to the synergistic effect of defects passivation and energy alignment, which is 34.4% higher than the 14.32% achieved in Control cell. These findings prove that synergistic strategy of defects passivation and energy alignment is an effective way for realizing high‐efficiency in P3HT‐based CsPbI3 PSCs.
Sustainable Fabrication of Graphene Oxide Cathodes from Graphite of Failed Commercial Li‐Ion Batteries for High‐Performance Aqueous Zn‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Suresh Swapnika , Baji Dona Susan , Santhanagopalan Dhamodaran , Batabyal Sudip K.
Published: September 2024

The need for revamping spent graphite (SG) from battery waste of commercial lithium‐ion batteries and employing it as a source for the synthesis of graphene oxide (GO) is focused. Thus, this work emphasizes the study of GO sheets, synthesized via modified Hummer's method from spent graphite (SG‐GO) as cathodes for an aqueous zinc ion battery (AZIB) system, for the first time in literature. For comparison, graphene oxide is also synthesized using commercial graphite powder, its structural and morphological properties are analyzed with SG‐GO. The coin cell AZIB device is fabricated for both the GOs and the electrochemical performances revealed that SG‐GO portrayed an enhanced charge capacity of 270 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 in 3 m ZnSO4 in comparison to GO which delivered ≈198 mAh g−1 at the same current density of 0.1 A g−1. The long‐run cycling analysis of SG‐GO elucidated the capacity retention of 77.3% at 1 A g−1 even after 1000 cycles. Moreover, the performance of SG‐GO is inspected in different electrolyte systems and the suitable electrolyte underwent concentration variation studies to figure out the capability of the system in storing Zn2+ ions which is found to be more in 3 M ZnSO4 electrolyte.
Rational Design of Lipid Nanoparticles for Enhanced mRNA Vaccine Delivery via Machine Learning
Authors: Bae Seo‐Hyeon , Choi Hosam , Lee Jisun , Kang Min‐Ho , Ahn Seong‐Ho , Lee Yu‐Sun , Choi Huijeong , Jo Sohee , Lee Yeeun , Park Hyo‐Jung , Lee Seonghyun , Yoon Subin , Roh Gahyun , Cho Seongje , Cho Youngran , Ha Dahyeon , Lee Soo‐Yeon , Choi Eun‐Jin , Oh Ayoung , Kim Jungmin , Lee Sowon , Hong Jungmin , Lee Nakyung , Lee Minyoung , Park Jungwon , Jeong Dong‐Hwa , Lee Kiyoun , Nam Jae‐Hwan
Published: September 2024

Since the coronavirus pandemic, mRNA vaccines have revolutionized the field of vaccinology. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are proposed to enhance mRNA delivery efficiency; however, their design is suboptimal. Here, a rational method for designing LNPs is explored, focusing on the ionizable lipid composition and structural optimization using machine learning (ML) techniques. A total of 213 LNPs are analyzed using random forest regression models trained with 314 features to predict the mRNA expression efficiency. The models, which predict mRNA expression levels post‐administration of intradermal injection in mice, identify phenol as the dominant substructure affecting mRNA encapsulation and expression. The specific phospholipids used as components of the LNPs, as well as the N/P ratio and mass ratio, are found to affect the efficacy of mRNA delivery. Structural analysis highlights the impact of the carbon chain length on the encapsulation efficiency and LNP stability. This integrated approach offers a framework for designing advanced LNPs and has the potential to unlock the full potential of mRNA therapeutics.
The primitive giant panda Kretzoiarctos beatrix (Carnivora, Ursidae) from the hominid locality of Hammerschmiede: dietary implications
Authors: Kargopoulos Nikolaos , Abella Juan , Daasch Alexander , Kaiser Thomas , Kampouridis Panagiotis , Lechner Thomas , Böhme Madelaine
Published: September 2024

Extant giant pandas are among the most herbivorous forms of the order Carnivora, feeding mainly on hard plant material. The first steps of their evolutionary lineage are of particular interest for our understanding of the factors that led to this specialized niche. The present work deals with newly discovered dental material of the primitive ailuropodine bear Kretzoiarctos beatrix from the Late Miocene locality of Hammerschmiede (Germany). This is the first report of the genus Kretzoiarctos outside the Iberian Peninsula, expanding its spatial range to Central Europe. All of the currently known localities with K. beatrix, from both Spain and Germany, are very similar in age (c. 11.9–11.4 Ma). The present material has distinct features that enable its taxonomic discrimination from other Miocene ursids of Europe, such as Ballusia, Ursavus, Miomaci, Agriarctos and Indarctos. A thorough comparison is conducted of all of these forms. The new specimens were used in a dental microwear texture analysis in combination with ecomorphological comparisons, to investigate the dietary habits of this primitive ailuropodine. The results suggest that Kretzoiarctos was not an eater of tough plant material like the extant giant panda but was more similar to the extant Tremarctos, exhibiting opportunistic behaviour with occasional consumption of meat.
Persistent cough in mild COVID‐19 successfully treated with chikujountanto, a traditional Kampo medicine: An observational cohort study
Authors: Chiba Satoru , Shinohara Kaoru
Published: September 2024

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) causes a variety of cough symptoms in the acute and chronic phases. Chikujountanto (CUT) is a Kampo formula administered for persistent cough, and previous pharmacological studies have suggested the anti‐inflammatory properties of the crude drugs that make up CUT. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of CUT for COVID‐19‐associated cough.

Methods

A total of 56 COVID‐19 patients without hypoxia or lung disease were prospectively enrolled, and were treated with antivirals in our adult‐fever clinic from September 2022 to November 2023. Ten consecutive patients with cough refractory to antivirals, an inhaled corticosteroid plus a long‐acting β2 agonist (ICS/LABA), and bronchodilators were divided into two groups; CUT or bakumondoto (BAK) was used three times a day for at least one week in combination with ICS/LABA. The differences between the two groups were evaluated using Fisher's exact test for the 2 × 2 contingency table.

Results

The median age was 50 years (interquartile range 36–54 years). Only one (20%) of the five participants remained persistently coughing seven days after treatment in the CUT group, compared to 100% in the BAK group (p < 0.05). The cough score decreased from 2.7 ± 0.8 at baseline to 0.5 ± 0.4 one week after CUT administration (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

This pilot study suggests that CUT could be a treatment option for persistent cough in patients with mild COVID‐19. More randomized clinical trials with larger samples are required to better evaluate CUT as an anti‐inflammatory drug for SARS‐CoV‐2.
No Risk, No Fun
Authors: Stoelinga Mariëlle
Published: September 2024

The aim of this tutorial is to explain to the formal methods community the area of risk management and its most prominent concepts: the definition of risk, strategies for managing risk, the risk management cycle, and the role of ISO standards.

For each of these concepts, I explain how formal methods relate and contribute, making risk management more accountable: systematic, transparent, and quantitative. I will also argue that viewing Formal Methods through the lens of risk management, and making the relevance of formal methods in risk analysis explicit, helps our community to better communicate the merits of formal methods to industry.
Runtime Verification in Real-Time with the Copilot Language: A Tutorial
Authors: Perez Ivan , Goodloe Alwyn E. , Dedden Frank
Published: September 2024

Ultra-critical systems require high-level assurance, which cannot always be guaranteed at compile time. The use of runtime verification (RV) enables monitoring of these systems during runtime, to detect illegal states early and limit their potential consequences. This paper is a tutorial on RV using Copilot, an open-source runtime verification framework actively used by NASA to carry out experiments with robots and unmanned aerial vehicles. Copilot monitors are written in a compositional, stream-based language, which the framework automatically translates into real-time C code that satisfies static memory requirements suitable to run on embedded hardware. Copilot includes multiple libraries that extend the core functionality with higher-level constructs, Boyer-Moore majority voting, and a variety of Temporal Logics (TL), resulting in robust, high-level specifications that are easier to understand than their traditional counterparts.
Visualizing Game-Based Certificates for Hyperproperty Verification
Authors: Beutner Raven , Finkbeiner Bernd , Göbl Angelina
Published: September 2024

Hyperproperties relate multiple executions of a system and are commonly used to specify security and information-flow policies. While many verification approaches for hyperproperties exist, providing a convincing certificate that the system satisfies a given property is still a major challenge. In this paper, we propose strategies as a suitable form of certificate for hyperproperties specified in a fragment of the temporal logic HyperLTL. Concretely, we interpret the verification of a HyperLTL property as a game between universal and existential quantification, allowing us to leverage strategies for the existential quantifiers as certificates. We present , a browser-based visualization tool that lets users interactively explore an (automatically synthesized) witness strategy by taking control over universally quantified executions.
Holographic reconstruction of flat spacetime
Authors: Hao Zezhuang
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The flat/CFT dictionary between the bulk gravitational theory and boundary conformal field theory is systematically developed in this paper. Asymptotically flat spacetime is built up by asymptotically AdS hyperboloid slices in terms of Fefferman Graham coordinates together with soft modes propagating between different slices near the null boundary. Then we construct the flat holography dictionary based on studying the Einstein equation at zero and first order and it turns out that these correspond to the description of hard and soft sector for the field theory from the boundary point of view. The explicit expression for energy-stress tensor is also determined by performing holographic renormalisation on the Einstein Hilbert action. By studying the anomalies of the energy-stress tensor, we obtain the leading and subleading contribution to the central charge. Einstein equations in the bulk are related to the Ward identities of the boundary theory and we find that the boundary CFT energy-stress tensor is not conserved due to the existence of radiative soft modes which will generate the energy flow through the null boundary.
Phenotypic profiling of human induced regulatory T cells at early differentiation: insights into distinct immunosuppressive potential
Authors: Kattelus Roosa , Starskaia Inna , Lindén Markus , Batkulwar Kedar , Pietilä Sami , Moulder Robert , Marson Alexander , Rasool Omid , Suomi Tomi , Elo Laura L. , Lahesmaa Riitta , Buchacher Tanja
Published: September 2024

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a key role in suppressing systemic effector immune responses, thereby preventing autoimmune diseases but also potentially contributing to tumor progression. Thus, there is great interest in clinically manipulating Tregs, but the precise mechanisms governing in vitro-induced Treg (iTreg) differentiation are not yet fully understood. Here, we used multiparametric mass cytometry to phenotypically profile human iTregs during the early stages of in vitro differentiation at single-cell level. A panel of 25 metal-conjugated antibodies specific to markers associated with human Tregs was used to characterize these immunomodulatory cells. We found that iTregs highly express the transcription factor FOXP3, as well as characteristic Treg-associated surface markers (e.g. CD25, PD1, CD137, CCR4, CCR7, CXCR3, and CD103). Expression of co-inhibitory factors (e.g. TIM3, LAG3, and TIGIT) increased slightly at late stages of iTreg differentiation. Further, CD103 was upregulated on a subpopulation of iTregs with greater suppressive capacity than their CD103− counterparts. Using mass-spectrometry-based proteomics, we showed that sorted CD103+ iTregs express factors associated with immunosuppression. Overall, our study highlights that during early stages of differentiation, iTregs resemble memory-like Treg features with immunosuppressive activity, and provides opportunities for further investigation into the molecular mechanisms underlying Treg function.
The ambiguity-resolved detector: a detector for the mixed-integer GNSS model
Authors: Teunissen P. J. G.
Published: September 2024

In this contribution, we introduce the ambiguity-resolved (AR) detector and study its distributional characteristics. The AR-detector is a new detector that lies in between the commonly used ambiguity-float (AF) and ambiguity-known (AK) detectors. As the ambiguity vector can seldomly be known completely, usage of the AK-detector is questionable as reliance on its distributional properties will then generally be incorrect. The AR-detector resolves the shortcomings of the AK-detector by treating the ambiguities as unknown integers. We show how the detector improves upon the AF-detector, and we demonstrate that the, for ambiguity-resolved parameter estimation, commonly required extreme success rates can be relaxed for detection, thus showing that improved model validation is also possible with smaller success rates. As such, the AR-detector is designed to work for mixed-integer GNSS models.
An Optimal Multibarrier Strategy for a Singular Stochastic Control Problem with a State-Dependent Reward
Authors: Junca Mauricio , Moreno-Franco Harold A. , Pérez Jose-Luis
Published: September 2024

We consider a singular control problem that aims to maximize the expected cumulative rewards, where the instantaneous returns depend on the state of a controlled process. The contributions of this paper are twofold. Firstly, to establish sufficient conditions for determining the optimality of the one-barrier strategy when the uncontrolled process X follows a spectrally negative Lévy process with a Lévy measure defined by a completely monotone density. Secondly, to verify the optimality of the $$(2n+1)$$

(
2
n
+
1
)

-barrier strategy when X is a Brownian motion with a drift. Additionally, we provide an algorithm to compute the barrier values in the latter case.
Treatment patterns and burden of infection in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and secondary immunodeficiency: a retrospective database study
Authors: Siffel Csaba , Richter Joshua , Anderson-Smits Colin , Kamieniak Marta , Ren Kaili , Shah Drishti , Davids Matthew S.
Published: September 2024

Patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) and secondary immunodeficiency disease (SID) are susceptible to severe, recurrent, or persistent infections. This retrospective cohort study assessed the burden of infection in patients with CLL/SLL with and without SID, and in immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IgRT)-treated and -untreated patients with CLL/SLL and SID. Anonymized data from the US Optum-Humedica database (Oct-1-2015–Mar-10-2020) were used. Eligible patients aged ≥ 18 years with a confirmed CLL/SLL diagnosis were assigned to cohorts (SID or no-SID) using an algorithm based on serum IgG levels < 5.0 g/L, hypogammaglobulinemia diagnosis codes, and ≥ 1 major infection. A further sub-categorization was made based on patients with SID who received IgRT and those who did not. During 12-month follow-up, patients with CLL/SLL and SID were significantly more likely to experience infections (70.1% vs. 30.4%), including severe bacterial infections (39.8% vs. 9.2%), and infections requiring hospitalization (27.7% vs. 5.8%) than patients without SID. The use of anti-infectives and healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) was also higher in the SID cohort versus the no-SID cohort. Overall survival was shorter in patients with SID than those without (12.3 vs. 16.9 months). In patients with CLL/SLL and SID, burden of infection and HCRU were greater in IgRT-treated patients than in no-IgRT patients, potentially highlighting the IgRT-treated cohort as a more vulnerable population. Increasing understanding of SID burden may help to improve outcomes in patients with CLL/SLL. Further research is needed to develop guidance for IgRT use and to assess the benefits of IgRT in this vulnerable population.
Dyadische Gruppenpsychotherapie bei demenzieller Entwicklung
Authors: Geschke Katharina , Wuttke Alexandra
Published: September 2024

Hintergrund

Zu Beginn einer demenziellen Entwicklung verändert sich das Beziehungsgefüge zu den engsten Angehörigen häufig in eine ungünstige Richtung. Hier setzen dyadische Interventionen an, um Menschen mit demenzieller Entwicklung und ihre Angehörigen auf Augenhöhe gemeinsam zu behandeln und gemeinsam die Weichen für eine gelingende Bewältigung der mit der Demenzentwicklung einhergehenden Veränderungen im Alltag zu stellen.

Ziel der Arbeit (Fragestellung)

Ausgehend von allgemeinen dyadischen Interventionen ist das Ziel dieser Arbeit, Hintergrundwissen zu dyadischen Gruppenpsychotherapien bei demenzieller Entwicklung zu vermitteln und die aktuelle Evidenz zusammenzufassen.

Material und Methoden

Es erfolgte eine Literaturrecherche zu dyadischen Gruppenpsychotherapien bei demenzieller Entwicklung. Anschließend wurde die relevante Literatur narrativ zusammengefasst.

Ergebnisse

Dyadische Gruppeninterventionen sind aktuell von einer großen Heterogenität hinsichtlich Rational und Inhalt gekennzeichnet. Auch die in Studien verwendeten Outcome-Maße sind bisher sehr uneinheitlich. Rein psychotherapeutische dyadische Gruppeninterventionen spielen noch eine untergeordnete Rolle neben psychosozialen Interventionen wie musik-, bewegungs- und kunstbasierten Ansätzen. Dennoch stimmen die Ergebnisse optimistisch, dass dyadische Gruppenpsychotherapien einen positiven Effekt erzielen können.

Diskussion

Um dyadische Gruppenpsychotherapien als evidenzbasierten Ansatz empfehlen und den Mehrwert gegenüber psychosozialen und Einzelansätzen absichern zu können, müssen diese konzeptuell besser eingeordnet werden. Diese konzeptuelle Arbeit ist nötig, um Wirkfaktoren und Wirkmodelle zu entwickeln, die in randomisierten, kontrollierten Studien mit sinnvollen Nachbeobachtungszeiträumen überprüft werden können.
Walk this way: modeling foraging ant dynamics in multiple food source environments
Authors: Hartman Sean , Ryan Shawn D. , Karamched Bhargav R.
Published: September 2024

Foraging for resources is an essential process for the daily life of an ant colony. What makes this process so fascinating is the self-organization of ants into trails using chemical pheromone in the absence of direct communication. Here we present a stochastic lattice model that captures essential features of foraging ant dynamics inspired by recent agent-based models while forgoing more detailed interactions that may not be essential to trail formation. Nevertheless, our model’s results coincide with those presented in more sophisticated theoretical models and experiments. Furthermore, it captures the phenomenon of multiple trail formation in environments with multiple food sources. This latter phenomenon is not described well by other more detailed models. We complement the stochastic lattice model by describing a macroscopic PDE which captures the basic structure of lattice model. The PDE provides a continuum framework for the first-principle interactions described in the stochastic lattice model and is amenable to analysis. Linear stability analysis of this PDE facilitates a computational study of the impact various parameters impart on trail formation. We also highlight universal features of the modeling framework that may allow this simple formation to be used to study complex systems beyond ants.
Diabetes in axial spondyloarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies
Authors: Gumber Leher , Samarasinghe Harini , Gladston Praveen , Moorthy Arumugam
Published: September 2024

Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a chronic inflammatory condition with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Diabetes is a well-established risk factor for CVD and stroke. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review to: (i) identify the prevalence of diabetes in axSpA and (ii) compare the risk of diabetes in patients with axSpA and without. A comprehensive literature search was performed for articles published between 1 January 2000 and 15 November 2023 using Medline, Embase and Scopus (PROSPERO: CRD42023482573). Observational studies reporting prevalence, incidence or risk of diabetes in axSpA were included. Search results were independently screened by at least two reviewers. Quality of included studies were assessed using the JBI critical appraisal tool. Study-specific proportions and odds ratios (OR) were combined in a random-effects meta-analysis. 2257 articles were identified from database searching from which 23 studies were included for analysis amounting to a combined sample size of 65 025 patients. The pooled prevalence of diabetes in people with axSpA was 7.0% (95% CI 5.9–8.0%; predictive interval 2.4–12.9%; p < 0.001). The funnel plot was symmetric suggesting no small-study effects (I2 = 98.1% (95% CI 0.05–0.08), τ2 = 0.02; p < 0.001). Comparing patients with axSpA to those without, the pooled OR was 1.29 (95% CI 1.10–1.52; predictive interval 0.76–2.22; p = 0.001) for diabetes. The study suggests an increased prevalence and probably an increased risk of diabetes in people with axSpA. Routine screening for diabetes and lifestyle modifications should be encouraged in this cohort.
Quantifying the internal and external drivers of Southeast Asian rainfall extremes on decadal timescales
Authors: Wang Shouyi , Ummenhofer Caroline C. , Murty Sujata A. , Nguyen Hung T. T. , Buckley Brendan M.
Published: September 2024

Rainfall over mainland Southeast Asia experiences variability on seasonal to decadal timescales in response to a multitude of climate phenomena. Historical records and paleoclimate archives that span the last millennium reveal extreme multi-year rainfall variations that significantly affected the societies of mainland Southeast Asia. Here we utilize the Community Earth System Model Last Millennium Ensemble (CESM-LME) to quantify the contributions of internal and external drivers to decadal-scale rainfall extremes in the Southeast Asia region. We find that internal variability was dominant in driving both Southeast Asian drought and pluvial extremes on decadal timescales although external forcing impacts are also detectable. Specifically, rainfall extremes are more sensitive to Pacific Ocean internal variability than the state of the Indian Ocean. This discrepancy is greater for droughts than pluvials which we suggest is attributable to external forcing impacts that counteract the forced Indian Ocean teleconnections to Southeast Asia. Volcanic aerosols, the most effective radiative forcing during the last millennium, contributed to both the Ming Dynasty Drought (1637–1643) and the Strange Parallels Drought (1756–1768). From the Medieval Climate Anomaly to the Little Ice Age, we observe a shift in Indo-Pacific teleconnection strength to Southeast Asia consistent with enhanced volcanism during the latter interval. This work not only highlights asymmetries in the drivers of rainfall extremes but also presents a framework for quantifying multivariate drivers of decadal-scale variability and hydroclimatic extremes.
Neurofibromatosis type 1 adult surveillance form for Austria
Authors: Sunder-Plassmann Vincent , Azizi Amedeo A. , Farschtschi Said , Gruber Robert , Hutterer Markus , Ladurner Viktoria , Röhl Claas , Welponer Tobias , Bergmeister-Berghoff Anna-Sophie
Published: September 2024

Background

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a rare autosomal dominant tumor predisposition syndrome with a birth prevalence of approximately 1 in 2000–3000 individuals. Management of both benign and malignant tumors arising in individuals with NF1 is demanding and tumors may be difficult to treat. Both standardized and individual surveillance programs are therefore highly important to prevent morbidity and mortality in patients with NF1.

Methods

The guidelines for the clinical management of NF1 recently proposed by the European Reference Network for Genetic Tumor Risk Syndromes provide the cornerstone of the present surveillance form and were discussed through three rounds of voting and a final consensus meeting involving experts from five Austrian and one German clinical NF1 centers for adults and one patient organization representative. Subsequently, 31 items within 4 categories were integrated into the proposed surveillance form for Austria. All recommendations, unless otherwise specified, pertain to primarily asymptomatic patients in routine follow-up.

Recommendations

At healthcare transition from pediatric to adult surveillance or the initial visit in adulthood, we suggest a thorough clinical, laboratory and radiological examination to obtain a baseline for future diagnostics. To comply with the general screening recommendations in Austria, we suggest extending the frequency of clinical visits from annual to biennial at 50 years of age. In cases of clinical dynamics, early follow-up is recommended to facilitate early detection of potential complications. Particular emphasis should be placed on preventive patient education.
Mutual estimates of time-frequency representations and uncertainty principles
Authors: Albanese Angela A. , Mele Claudio , Oliaro Alessandro
Published: September 2024

In this paper we give different estimates between Lebesgue norms of quadratic time-frequency representations. We show that, in some cases, it is not possible to have such bounds in classical $$L^p$$

L
p

spaces, but the Lebesgue norm needs to be suitably weighted. This leads to consider weights of polynomial type, and, more generally, of ultradifferentiable type, and this, in turn, gives rise to use as functional setting the ultradifferentiable classes. As applications of such estimates we deduce uncertainty principles both of Donoho-Stark type and of local type for representations.
Principles of robot-assisted colorectal surgery
Authors: Bittermann C. , Berlet M. , Wilhelm D.
Published: September 2024

Background

Robotic-assisted surgery is gaining popularity and is about to become the leading principle for less invasive procedures in colorectal diseases. Despite the great achievements made in terms of robotic technology and the high ergonomics that current systems offer, the application of these devices still places special demands on the user and requires comprehensive training and knowledge.

Methods

This review article combines recommendations from the current literature with personal experience in performing robotic interventions and supplements these with expert knowledge derived from scientific conferences and peer-to-peer meetings.

Results

The two essential aspects of robotic surgery are case-related planning and standardization of the technique, which both consider the special technical possibilities and limitations of the systems used. The article provides comprehensive recommendations in this regard and discusses the essential steps of left- and right-sided interventions.

Conclusion

This article is aimed at surgeons performing their first robot-assisted procedures in colorectal surgery and aims to help them to optimize their own approach, but it might also feature interesting insights for persons already trained in robotic colorectal surgery.
What Does Research Say About the Science of Reading for K-5 Multilingual Learners? A Systematic Review of Systematic Reviews
Authors: Kittle Jonathan M. , Amendum Steven J. , Budde Christina M.
Published: September 2024

The science of reading (SOR) refers to the sum of what we know about how people learn to read based on empirical studies across multiple disciplines. The purpose of this review was to identify research evidence to inform the SOR for multilingual learners (MLs). We reviewed 30 systematic reviews related to reading and reading instruction for MLs conducted primarily in K-5 U.S. classrooms. Results identified four broad clusters of components related to English reading comprehension as well as instructional practices and programs effective in addressing each component. Clusters included oral language, phonological awareness, decoding and oral reading fluency, and reading comprehension. Notably, oral language and reading skills in both MLs’ first language and in English were essential components of the SOR for MLs. Implications for theory and research as well as policy, curriculum, and instruction are provided.
Comparative cytogenetics of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) breeding lines reveal chromosomal variability and instability
Authors: Ankrah Nii-Ayi , El-nagish Abdullah , Breitenbach Sarah , Tetteh Antonia Y. , Heitkam Tony
Published: September 2024

Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus), a native warm-seasonal crop in Africa, is being considered for genetic improvement for local bast fiber production. To expedite its genetic improvement through breeding, kenaf genotypes from Ghana were assessed for genomic diversity regarding their chromosomal composition and ploidy levels. To gain insight into the repetitive DNA fractions in kenaf, the organization of 5S and 35S rRNA genes, as well as telomeric signal patterns were studied by a molecular cytogenetic approach. Using multi-color fluorescent in situ hybridization, distinct rDNA loci and Arabidopsis-like telomere signal patterns were revealed. The 5S rRNA genes were conserved in kenaf and localized in interstitial regions of two chromosomes across all accessions. The 35S rRNA genes were variable across the kenaf accessions and localized at sub-terminal ends and rarely interstitially in eight or six chromosome arms. Telomeric signals were observed at terminal ends of all chromosomes and the chromosome configuration of Ghana kenaf accessions were each confirmed to be 2n = 2x = 36. Observed genomic instability in kenaf is discussed. This report provides cytogenetic insights into the genome organization of kenaf and variability of its breeding lines. Additionally, this study sets the basis for further research to analyze the repetitive DNA sequences and develop reference karyotypes to reveal genetic and evolutionary relationships between cultivated and wild Hibiscus species.
On convergence of a q-random coordinate constrained algorithm for non-convex problems
Authors: Ghaffari-Hadigheh A. , Sinjorgo L. , Sotirov R.
Published: September 2024

We propose a random coordinate descent algorithm for optimizing a non-convex objective function subject to one linear constraint and simple bounds on the variables. Although it is common use to update only two random coordinates simultaneously in each iteration of a coordinate descent algorithm, our algorithm allows updating arbitrary number of coordinates. We provide a proof of convergence of the algorithm. The convergence rate of the algorithm improves when we update more coordinates per iteration. Numerical experiments on large scale instances of different optimization problems show the benefit of updating many coordinates simultaneously.
A Descent Method for Nonsmooth Multiobjective Optimization in Hilbert Spaces
Authors: Sonntag Konstantin , Gebken Bennet , Müller Georg , Peitz Sebastian , Volkwein Stefan
Published: September 2024

The efficient optimization method for locally Lipschitz continuous multiobjective optimization problems from Gebken and Peitz (J Optim Theory Appl 188:696–723, 2021) is extended from finite-dimensional problems to general Hilbert spaces. The method iteratively computes Pareto critical points, where in each iteration, an approximation of the Clarke subdifferential is computed in an efficient manner and then used to compute a common descent direction for all objective functions. To prove convergence, we present some new optimality results for nonsmooth multiobjective optimization problems in Hilbert spaces. Using these, we can show that every accumulation point of the sequence generated by our algorithm is Pareto critical under common assumptions. Computational efficiency for finding Pareto critical points is numerically demonstrated for multiobjective optimal control of an obstacle problem.
Procedural volume is linearly associated with mortality, major complications, and readmissions in patients undergoing malignant brain tumor resection
Authors: Han Jane S. , Wenger Talia , Demetriou Alexandra N. , Dallas Jonathan , Ding Li , Zada Gabriel , Mack William J. , Attenello Frank J.
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Improved outcomes have been noted in patients undergoing malignant brain tumor resection at high-volume centers. Studies have arbitrarily chosen high-volume dichotomous cutoffs and have not evaluated volume-outcome associations at specific institutional procedural volumes. We sought to establish the continuous association of volume with patient outcomes and identify cutoffs significantly associated with mortality, major complications, and readmissions. We hypothesized that a linear volume-outcome relationship can estimate likelihood of adverse outcomes when comparing any two volumes.

Methods

The patient cohort was identified with ICD-10 coding in the Nationwide Readmissions Database(NRD). The association of volume and mortality, major complications, and 30-/90-day readmissions were evaluated in multivariate analyses. Volume was used as a continuous variable with two/three-piece splines, with various knot positions to reflect the best model performance, based on the Quasi Information Criterion(QIC).

Results

From 2016 to 2018, 34,486 patients with malignant brain tumors underwent resection. When volume was analyzed as a continuous variable, mortality risk decreased at a steady rate of OR 0.988 per each additional procedure increase for hospitals with 1–65 cases/year(95% CI 0.982–0.993, p < 0.0001). Risk of major complications decreased from 1 to 41 cases/year(OR 0.983, 95% CI 0.979–0.988, p < 0.0001), 30-day readmissions from 1 to 24 cases/year(OR 0.987, 95% CI 0.979–0.995, p = 0.001) and 90-day readmissions from 1 to 23 cases/year(OR 0.989, 95% CI 0.983–0.995, p = 0.0003) and 24–349 cases/year(OR 0.9994, 95% CI 0.999–1, p = 0.01).

Conclusion

In multivariate analyses, institutional procedural volume remains linearly associated with mortality, major complications, and 30-/90-day readmission up to specific cutoffs. The resulting linear association can be used to calculate relative likelihood of adverse outcomes between any two volumes.
Neuromedin U Neurons in the Edinger–Westphal Nucleus Respond to Alcohol Without Interfering with the Urocortin 1 Response
Authors: Medrano Mireia , Allaoui Wissal , Haddad Ra’fat Ehab Salim , Makrini-Maleville Leila , Valjent Emmanuel , Smolders Ilse , Kormos Viktória , Gaszner Balázs , De Bundel Dimitri
Published: September 2024

The Edinger–Westphal nucleus (EW) is a midbrain nucleus composed of a preganglionic, cholinergic subpopulation and a densely clustered peptidergic subpopulation (EWcp). The EWcp is one of the few brain regions that show consistent induction of FOS following voluntary alcohol intake. Previous results in rodents point to urocortin 1 (UCN1) as one of the peptides most involved in the control of ethanol intake and preference. Notably, the functions described for UCN1, such as reward processing, stress coping or the regulation of feeding behavior are similar to those described for the neuropeptide neuromedin U (NMU). Interestingly, NMU has been recently associated with the modulation of alcohol-related behaviors. However, little is known about the expression and functionality of NMU neurons in alcohol-responsive areas. In this study, we used the recently developed Nmu-Cre knock-in mouse model to examine the expression of NMU in the subaqueductal paramedian zone comprising the EWcp. We delved into the characterization and co-expression of NMU with other markers already described in the EWcp. Moreover, using FOS as a marker of neuronal activity, we tested whether NMU neurons were sensitive to acute alcohol administration. Overall, we provided novel insights on NMU expression and functionality in the EW region. We showed the presence of NMU within a subpopulation of UCN1 neurons in the EWcp and demonstrated that this partial co-expression does not interfere with the responsivity of UCN1-containing cells to alcohol. Moreover, we proposed that the UCN1 content in these neurons may be influenced by sex.
Can pots be an alternative fishing gear to gillnets? A Mediterranean case study
Authors: Virgili M. , Petetta A. , Herrmann B. , Cerbule K. , Guicciardi S. , La Manna G. , Malvarosa L. , Li Veli D. , Barone G. , Lucchetti A.
Published: September 2024

Small-scale coastal fisheries in the Mediterranean often employ gillnets, a widely used gear worldwide. The disadvantages of gillnets in this fishery include high bycatch levels of unwanted species and consequent discards. Moreover, spatial conflict with other gears and dolphin depredation often results in considerable economic loss. Alternative fishing methods are being tested. This study investigated whether, in small-scale fisheries in the Adriatic Sea, pots can ensure sustainable harvest of mantis shrimp (Squilla mantis), a major target demersal species in terms of landings, and possibly replace traditional gillnets. We adopted a multidisciplinary approach to investigate the catch efficiency, biological impact, and socio-economic effects of the two fishing methods. We found different species compositions in gillnet and pot catches. Gillnets yielded a greater number of discarded species of no commercial value, whereas pots caught a greater amount of mantis shrimp. Finally, a profit analysis indicated that pot fishery has the potential to increase profits for the commercial fishing industry. This study suggests that pots provide a more sustainable fishing method, both in terms of revenue and environmental impact.