bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Late recurrence in surgically managed pediatric atypical mycobacterial lymphadenitis: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Green Katerina , Denton Alexa , Graves Jeffrey , Wiedermann Joshua
Published: July 2023

Objective

The purpose of this study is to identify existing literature on recurrent atypical mycobacterial cervicofacial lymphadenitis to augment our understanding of a unique patient who presented to our tertiary‐care center 5‐years posttreatment with recurrence following curettage.

Data Sources

OVID Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science.

Methods

A literature search was conducted yielding 49 original articles which were screened twice by two independent reviewers resulting in 14 studies meeting inclusion criteria for data extraction using Covidence software. Two independent reviewers extracted data on recurrence of atypical mycobacterial cervicofacial lymphadenitis and consensus was reached on data points from all included studies.

Results

This study illuminated the paucity of recurrence reporting in the literature regarding atypical mycobacterial lymphadenitis. Sixteen studies identified in our review included discussions on recurrence with few elaborating beyond the rate of recurrence to describe their management. Fourteen out of sixteen studies provided recurrence rates for their cohort, 11 out of 14 specified the initial treatment modality, and only five out of eight studies that described initial treatment with surgery differentiated recurrence rates between complete and incomplete excision. The mean length of follow‐up in the included studies was 20 months. There was one previously reported case of late recurrence at 5‐years.

Conclusions

We identified few reports that discussed the management of recurrence of atypical mycobacterial cervicofacial lymphadenitis. There was minimal data on recurrence rates between surgical treatment modalities. The case discussed in our study showcases that treatment with curettage has the potential to present with late recurrence.
Training young water professionals in leadership and transdisciplinary competencies for sustainable water management in India
Authors: Maheshwari Basant , Hagare Dharmappa , Spencer Ricky , Dollin Jen , Reynolds Jason , Atkins Deborah , Packham Roger , Batelaan Okke , Sitharam T. G. , Lan Yi‐Chen , Arora Meenakshi , Kashyap Rakesh , Kartha Suresh , Sathasivan Arumugam , Dutta Subhashisa
Published: July 2023

Young water professionals (YWPs) have a critical role in ensuring how water resources will be managed to contribute towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. To address the challenges of climate change, population growth, and urbanization, YWPs require leadership skills, transdisciplinary competencies, technical knowledge, and practical experience. This article presents the India YWP training program, led by Western Sydney University and the Australia India Water Centre (AIWC), aimed at developing a cohort of skilled YWPs and nurturing the next generation of water leaders in support of India's water reform agenda and the National Water Mission. The program engaged 20 YWPs, consisting of an equal gender representation, selected by the Ministry of Jal Shakti from various water management agencies and departments across India. The 11‐month training program was designed to be transformative and interactive, and it used an online platform comprising online lectures, mentoring, and project‐based learning facilitated by the AIWC team. The training methodology focused on engaged learning, incorporating online workshops, Situation Understanding and Improvement Projects (SUIPs), online group discussions, and mentoring. The SUIPs provided a platform for YWPs to work in pairs, receiving guidance from AIWC members, enabling them to develop practical skills and knowledge in real‐world contexts. The program effectively enhanced participants' capacities in project planning, design, implementation, and management, while fostering critical thinking and problem‐solving skills by adopting transdisciplinary approaches. Furthermore, participants demonstrated improved leadership, project management, time management, and communication skills. The training helped YWPs to equip them with a holistic perspective and stakeholder‐focused mindset to address diverse water challenges from a holistic and long‐term standpoint.
A study of magnetohydrodynamic flow on a channel with induced magnetic field, Soret effect and heat radiation
Authors: Das Utpal Jyoti , Majumdar Nayan Mani
Published: July 2023

The current study focuses on the magnetohydrodynamic flow of fluids through two vertical, insulated walls. The influences of Newtonian heating/cooling, induced magnetic field (IMF), the Soret effect, radiative heat flux, and first‐order chemical reaction are considered. By solving the set of non‐dimensional linked governing equations, we were able to determine the expressions for the velocity, temperature, concentration, and IMF. The equations for Nusselt number, induced current density, and skin friction were also obtained. The graph displays the effects of several parameters on velocity, temperature, concentration, IMF, and induced current density (ICD). Additionally, a tabular analysis is done to see how these non‐dimensional parameters affect Nusselt number and skin frictions. It is seen that the Grashof number and Soret number improve the fluid velocity and skin friction whereas the chemical reaction parameter and Schmidt number reduces skin friction.
Logistic Regression
Authors: Starbuck Craig
Published: July 2023

This chapter covers a type of generalized linear model, logistic regression, that is applied to settings in which the outcome variable is not measured on a continuous scale. Binomial, multinomial, and ordinal logistic regression models are covered.
Introduction to R
Authors: Starbuck Craig
Published: July 2023

This chapter covers the basics of R, including how to install the software and packages, load libraries and data, and work with various types of objects and functions.
Introduction to SQL
Authors: Starbuck Craig
Published: July 2023

This chapter covers the basics of SQL and how to implement SQL statements within the R environment. Concepts and examples span SQL clauses, aggregate functions, joins, subqueries, virtual tables, window functions, and common table expressions (CTEs).
CyberEscape Approach to Advancing Hard and Soft Skills in Cybersecurity Education
Authors: Pirta-Dreimane Rūta , Brilingaitė Agnė , Roponena Evita , Parish Karen , Grabis Janis , Lugo Ricardo Gregorio , Bonders Martiņš
Published: July 2023

Incorporating gamification elements and innovative approaches in training and educational programs are promising for addressing cybersecurity knowledge gaps. Cybersecurity training should consider a combination of hard and soft skills to deal with the diversity of cyber incidents. Therefore, this research aims to investigate if soft skills such as communication and collaboration enhances students’ performance in practical task execution and if the CyberEscape approach promotes students engagement and self-efficacy.

This paper presents a cybersecurity game CyberEscape based on the intervention mapping methodology previously defined in the research. A virtualised infrastructure simulating the business environment works as a hybrid escape room. Physical resources and prepared information materials complement the game to support the scenario and ensure student engagement. The work employs a multiple-methods research approach. Participants filled out questionnaires in the pre-event and post-execution phases. Additionally, the participants were involved in small group semi-structured interviews. Results of the pilot study show a positive impact on student competence improvement and increased interest in cybersecurity.
Requirements for Explainability and Acceptance of Artificial Intelligence in Collaborative Work
Authors: Theis Sabine , Jentzsch Sophie , Deligiannaki Fotini , Berro Charles , Raulf Arne Peter , Bruder Carmen
Published: July 2023

The increasing prevalence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in safety-critical contexts such as air-traffic control leads to systems that are practical and efficient, and to some extent explainable to humans to be trusted and accepted. The present structured literature analysis examines $$n = 236$$ articles on the requirements for the explainability and acceptance of AI. Results include a comprehensive review of $$n = 48$$ articles on information people need to perceive an AI as explainable, the information needed to accept an AI, and representation and interaction methods promoting trust in an AI. Results indicate that the two main groups of users are developers who require information about the internal operations of the model and end users who require information about AI results or behavior. Users’ information needs vary in specificity, complexity, and urgency and must consider context, domain knowledge, and the user’s cognitive resources. The acceptance of AI systems depends on information about the system’s functions and performance, privacy and ethical considerations, as well as goal-supporting information tailored to individual preferences and information to establish trust in the system. Information about the system’s limitations and potential failures can increase acceptance and trust. Trusted interaction methods are human-like, including natural language, speech, text, and visual representations such as graphs, charts, and animations. Our results have significant implications for future human-centric AI systems being developed. Thus, they are suitable as input for further application-specific investigations of user needs.
Interactions Afforded by Mobile Telepresence Robots in Health Care Settings
Authors: Rojas Alejandra , Nørskov Sladjana
Published: July 2023

Mobile telepresence robots (MTRs) allow communication and mobility to interact from a distant location. In health care settings, these robots are used to enhance interactions between physicians, patients, and family members. MTRs can thus be effective in improving quality and efficiency in health care; however, the interactions that MTRs afford need to be studied to address issues related to their design, development, and implementation in line with the physical affordance space by looking not only at the features but also at the relationships they create. Therefore, this study aims to identify the types of interactions offered by two different types of MTRs in health care settings, the relevance of each interaction depending on the type of health care setting, and the perceived differences between the two MTRs. Empirical data were collected in Spain, in two hospitals, a nursing home and with professionals from private clinics. With a qualitative approach, the main data source were 25 semi-structured interviews with informants that used CLARC and GoBe tests in situ and video recorded as stimulus. Additionally, observations, two focus groups and archival data were collected. Findings show two types of interactions: displacement and simultaneity. Furthermore, perceived differences related to the appearance of the two MTRs result in different evoked feelings that are either appropriate or inappropriate depending on the type of patient. This study improves the understanding of how to design, develop, and implement MTRs in health care settings by expanding knowledge on the proper fit between type of interaction and setting.
Symmetry-resolved modular correlation functions in free fermionic theories
Authors: Di Giulio Giuseppe , Erdmenger Johanna
Published: July 2023

Abstract

As a new ingredient for analyzing the fine structure of entanglement, we study the symmetry resolution of the modular flow of U(1)-invariant operators in theories endowed with a global U(1) symmetry. We provide a consistent definition of symmetry-resolved modular flow that is defined for a local algebra of operators associated to a sector with fixed charge. We also discuss the symmetry-resolved modular correlation functions and show that they satisfy the KMS condition in each symmetry sector. Our analysis relies on the factorization of the Hilbert space associated to spatial subsystems. We provide a toolkit for computing the symmetry-resolved modular correlation function of the charge density operator in free fermionic theories. As an application, we compute this correlation function for a 1 + 1-dimensional free massless Dirac field theory and find that it is independent of the charge sector at leading order in the ultraviolet cutoff expansion. This feature can be regarded as a charge equipartition of the modular correlation function. Although obtained for free fermions, these results may be of potential interest for bulk reconstruction in AdS/CFT.
Superradiance instabilities of charged black holes in Einstein-Maxwell-scalar theory
Authors: Guo Guangzhou , Wang Peng , Wu Houwen , Yang Haitang
Published: July 2023

Abstract

We study time evolutions of charged scalar perturbations on the background of a charged hairy black hole, in which the perturbations can be governed by a double-peak effective potential. By extracting quasinormal modes from the waveform of scalar perturbations, we discover that some quasinormal modes, which are trapped in a potential well between two potential peaks, can be superradiantly amplified. These superradiant modes make the hairy black hole unstable against charged scalar perturbations. Moreover, it is found that the superradiant modes arise from the competition between the superradiant amplification caused by tunneling through the outer potential barrier and the leakage of modes through the inner potential barrier into the black hole.
An Improvement of the Newton Method for Solving Symmetric Algebraic Riccati Equations
Authors: Hernández-Verón M. A. , Romero N.
Published: July 2023

In this work, we analyze a strategy for solving symmetric algebraic Riccati equation based on the use of efficient high-order iterative scheme. This iterative scheme is more efficient than Newton’s method. Then, we propose two iterative two-stage predictor–corrector schemes using an iterative scheme with good accessibility as the predictor iteration and a high-order iterative scheme as the corrector iteration. The iterative schemes constructed turn out to be competitive compared to the commonly used Newton’s method. The efficiency of these methods is illustrated by a numerical example.
A note on exceptional characters and non-vanishing of Dirichlet L-functions
Authors: Čech Martin , Matomäki Kaisa
Published: July 2023

We study non-vanishing of Dirichlet L-functions at the central point under the unlikely assumption that there exists an exceptional Dirichlet character. In particular we prove that if $$\psi $$
ψ
is a real primitive character modulo $$D \in \mathbb {N}$$

D
∈
N

with $$L(1, \psi ) \ll (\log D)^{-25-\varepsilon }$$

L

(
1
,
ψ
)

≪

(
log
D
)

-
25
-
ε

, then, for any prime $$q \in [D^{300}, D^{O(1)}]$$

q
∈
[

D
300

,

D

O
(
1
)

]

, one has $$L(1/2, \chi ) \ne 0$$

L
(
1
/
2
,
χ
)
≠
0

for almost all Dirichlet characters $$\chi \, (\textrm{mod} \, q)$$

χ

(
mod

q
)

.
Comparison of in vitro approaches for predicting the metabolism of the selective androgen receptor modulator RAD140
Authors: Wagener Felicitas , Naumann Nana , Göldner Valentin , Görgens Christian , Guddat Sven , Karst Uwe , Thevis Mario
Published: July 2023

The identification of metabolites allows for the expansion of possible targets for anti-doping analysis. Especially for novel substances such as selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs), information on metabolic fate is scarce. Novel approaches such as the organ on a chip technology may provide a metabolic profile that resembles human in vivo samples more closely than approaches that rely on human liver fractions only. In this study, the SARM RAD140 was metabolized by means of subcellular human liver fractions, human liver spheroids in an organ on a chip platform, and electrochemical (EC) conversion. The resulting metabolites were analyzed with LC-HRMS/MS and compared to a human doping control urine sample that yielded an adverse analytical finding for RAD140. A total of 16 metabolites were detected in urine, while 14, 13, and 7 metabolites were detected in samples obtained from the organ on a chip experiment, the subcellular liver fraction, and EC experiments, respectively. All tested techniques resulted in the detection of RAD140 metabolites. In the organ on a chip samples, the highest number of metabolites were detected. The subcellular liver fractions and organ on a chip techniques are deemed complementary to predict metabolites of RAD140, as both techniques produce distinct metabolites that are also found in an anonymized human in vivo urine sample.

Graphical abstract
Optimization and validation of HPLC–DAD method for simultaneous analysis of sweeteners, preservatives, and caffeine in sugar-free beverages
Authors: Székelyhidi Rita , Ajtony Zsolt , Lakatos Erika , Hegyi Olivér , Sik Beatrix
Published: July 2023

In this study, the optimization and performance evaluation of a high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC–DAD) method for the simultaneous determination of four sweeteners (acesulfame-potassium, saccharin, aspartame, and rebaudioside A), two preservatives (sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate), and caffeine in sugar-free drinks are presented. The separation was carried out using a gradient elution of acetonitrile and phosphate buffer (12.5 mM, pH = 3.3) on a reversed-phase column. Under the optimized conditions, the method allowed for the specific and selective simultaneous separation of all target analytes in less than 9 min. The developed HPLC–DAD method was validated and demonstrated excellent linearity (all analytical curves showed R2 ≥ 0.9995), satisfactory accuracy (recovery values ranging between 94.1 and 99.2% in real samples), and repeatability (intra- and inter-day relative standard deviations were ≤ 2.49%). Overall, 69 products available in the Hungarian market were successfully tested with the applied method.
Analyticity of Quasinormal Modes in the Kerr and Kerr–de Sitter Spacetimes
Authors: Petersen Oliver , Vasy András
Published: July 2023

We prove that quasinormal modes (or resonant states) for linear wave equations in the subextremal Kerr and Kerr–de Sitter spacetimes are real analytic. The main novelty of this paper is the observation that the bicharacteristic flow associated to the linear wave equations for quasinormal modes with respect to a suitable Killing vector field has a stable radial point source/sink structure rather than merely a generalized normal source/sink structure. The analyticity then follows by a recent result in the microlocal analysis of radial points by Galkowski and Zworski. The results can then be recast with respect to the standard Killing vector field.
Marked variations in gut microbial diversity, functions, and disease risk between wild and captive alpine musk deer
Authors: Jiang Feng , Song Pengfei , Liu Daoxin , Zhang Jingjie , Qin Wen , Wang Haijing , Liang Chengbo , Gao Hongmei , Zhang Tongzuo
Published: July 2023

Maintaining a healthy status is crucial for the successful captive breeding of endangered alpine musk deer (Moschus chrysogaster, AMD), and captive breeding programs are beneficial to the ex-situ conservation and wild population recovery of this species. Meanwhile, the gut microbiota is essential for host health, survival, and environmental adaptation. However, changes in feeding environment and food can affect the composition and function of gut microbiota in musk deer, ultimately impacting their health and adaptation. Therefore, regulating the health status of wild and captive AMD through a non-invasive method that targets gut microbiota is a promising approach. Here, 16S rRNA gene sequencing was employed to reveal the composition and functional variations between wild (N = 23) and captive (N = 25) AMD populations. The results indicated that the gut microbiota of wild AMD exhibited significantly higher alpha diversity (P < 0.001) and greater abundance of the phylum Firmicutes, as well as several dominant genera, including UCG-005, Christensenellaceae R7 group, Monoglobus, Ruminococcus, and Roseburia (P < 0.05), compared to captive AMD. These findings suggest that the wild AMD may possess more effective nutrient absorption and utilization, a more stable intestinal microecology, and better adaption to the complex natural environment. The captive individuals displayed higher metabolic functions with an increased abundance of the phylum Bacteroidetes and certain dominant genera, including Bacteroides, Rikenellaceae RC9 gut group, NK4A214 group, and Alistipes (P < 0.05), which contributed to the metabolic activities of various nutrients. Furthermore, captive AMD showed a higher level of 11 potential opportunistic pathogens and a greater enrichment of disease-related functions compared to wild AMD, indicating that wild musk deer have a lower risk of intestinal diseases and more stable intestinal structure in comparison to captive populations. These findings can serve as a valuable theoretical foundation for promoting the healthy breeding of musk deer and as a guide for evaluating the health of wild-released and reintroduced musk deer in the future.

Key points

• Wild and captive AMD exhibit contrasting gut microbial diversity and certain functions.

• With higher diversity, certain bacteria aid wild AMD’s adaptation to complex habitats.

• Higher potential pathogens and functions increase disease risk in captive AMD.
Clinical and laboratory predictors for prosthetic joint infection within the first postoperative days following primary total hip and knee arthroplasty
Authors: Brumat Peter , Mavčič Blaž , Jurčić Izak , Trebše Rihard
Published: July 2023

Purpose

To identify clinical and laboratory predictors for low- and high-grade prosthetic joint infection (PJI) within the first postoperative days following primary total hip/knee arthroplasty (THA/TKA).

Methods

Institutional bone and joint infection registry of a single osteoarticular infection referral centre was reviewed to identify all osteoarticular infections treated between 2011 and 2021. Among them were 152 consecutive PJI (63 acute high-grade PJI, 57 chronic high-grade PJI, and 32 low-grade PJI) who also had primary THA/TKA performed at the same institution, which were retrospectively analyzed with multivariate logistic regression and covariables.

Results

For each additional day of wound discharge, persistent wound drainage (PWD) predicted PJI in the acute high-grade PJI group with odds ratio (OR) 39.4 (p = 0.000, 95%CI 1.171–1.661), in the low-grade PJI group with OR 26.0 (p = 0.045, 95%CI 1.005–1.579), but not in the chronic high-grade PJI group (OR 16.6, p = 0.142, 95%CI 0.950–1.432). The leukocyte count product of pre-surgery and POD2 >100 predicted PJI in the acute high-grade PJI group (OR 2.1, p = 0.025, 95%CI 1.003–1.039) and in the chronic high-grade PJI group (OR 2.0, p = 0.018, 95%CI 1.003–1.036). Similar trend was also seen in the low-grade PJI group, but was not statistically significant (OR 2.3, p = 0.061, 95%CI 0.999–1.048).

Conclusions

The most optimal threshold value for predicting PJI was observed only in the acute high-grade PJI group, where PWD >three days after index surgery yielded 62.9% sensitivity and 90.6% specificity, whereby the leukocyte count product of pre-surgery and POD2 >100 showed 96.9% specificity. Glucose, erythrocytes, hemoglobin, thrombocytes, and CRP showed no significant value in this regard.
More than meets the eye in Parkinson’s disease and other synucleinopathies: from proteinopathy to lipidopathy
Authors: Flores-Leon Manuel , Outeiro Tiago Fleming
Published: July 2023

The accumulation of proteinaceous inclusions in the brain is a common feature among neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease (PD), and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). The main neuropathological hallmark of PD and DLB are inclusions, known as Lewy bodies (LBs), enriched not only in α-synuclein (aSyn), but also in lipid species, organelles, membranes, and even nucleic acids. Furthermore, several genetic risk factors for PD are mutations in genes involved in lipid metabolism, such as GBA1, VSP35, or PINK1. Thus, it is not surprising that mechanisms that have been implicated in PD, such as inflammation, altered intracellular and vesicular trafficking, mitochondrial dysfunction, and alterations in the protein degradation systems, may be also directly or indirectly connected through lipid homeostasis. In this review, we highlight and discuss the recent evidence that suggests lipid biology as important drivers of PD, and which require renovated attention by neuropathologists. Particularly, we address the implication of lipids in aSyn accumulation and in the spreading of aSyn pathology, in mitochondrial dysfunction, and in ER stress. Together, this suggests we should broaden the view of PD not only as a proteinopathy but also as a lipidopathy.
Postoperative swelling after elbow surgery: influence of a negative pressure application in comparison to manual lymphatic drainage—a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Weber Maximilian , Rahn Jürgen , Hackl Michael , Leschinger Tim , Dresing Klaus , Müller Lars P. , Wegmann Kilian , Harbrecht Andreas
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Postoperative soft tissue swelling is a significant factor influencing outcomes after elbow surgery. It can crucially affect important parameters such as postoperative mobilization, pain, and subsequently the range of motion (ROM) of the affected limb. Furthermore, lymphedema is considered a significant risk factor for numerous postoperative complications. Manual lymphatic drainage is nowadays part of the standardized post-treatment concept, basing on the concept of activating the lymphatic tissue to absorb stagnated fluid from the tissue into the lymphatic system. This prospective study aims to investigate the influence of technical device-assisted negative pressure therapy (NP) on early functional outcomes after elbow surgery. NP was therefore compared to manual lymphatic drainage (MLD). Is a technical device-based NP suitable for treatment of lymphedema after elbow surgery?

Methods

A total of 50 consecutive patients undergoing elbow surgery were enrolled. The patients were randomized into 2 groups. 25 participants per group were either treated by conventional MLD or NP. The primary outcome parameter was defined as the circumference of the affected limb in cm postoperative up to seven days postoperatively. The secondary outcome parameter was a subjective perception of pain (measured via visual analogue scale, VAS). All parameters were measured on each day of postoperative inpatient care.

Results and conclusion

NP showed an overall equivalent influence compared to MLD in reducing upper limb swelling after surgery. Moreover, the application of NP showed a significant decrease in overall pain perception compared to manual lymphatic drainage on days 2, 4 and 5 after surgery (p <  0.05).

Conclusion

Our findings show that NP could be a useful supplementary device in clinical routine treating postoperative swelling after elbow surgery. Its application is easy, effective and comfortable for the patient. Especially due to the shortage of healthcare workers and physical therapists, there is a need for supportive measures which NP could be.
Age and magnitude of acetabular correction impair bone healing after triple pelvic osteotomy
Authors: Dornacher Daniel , Lutz Bernd , Sgroi Mirco , Caffard Thomas , Reichel Heiko
Published: July 2023

Introduction

The aim of this examination was to assess, which risk factors impair bone healing after triple pelvic osteotomy (TPO) in the treatment of symptomatic hip dysplasia.

Methods

A consecutive series of 241 TPO was reviewed retrospectively. Of these, a set of five postoperative radiographs was available, performed in a standardized regimen in the first year after surgery. Two experienced observers had to agree on the existence of a non-union on the radiographs obtained 1 year after TPO. Both observers measured the lateral center edge angle (LCEA) and acetabular index (AI) on all radiographs. Besides patient-specific risk factors, the magnitudes of acetabular correction and the amounts of a detectable slight change in acetabular correction were assessed. Binary logistic regression analysis and chi-squared test were used to detect the impact of the risk factor on bone healing.

Results

A total of 222 cases were left for further examination. In 19 of these, at least one osteotomy was not healed completely one year after surgery. Binary logistic regression showed a significant relationship between the risk factors “age” (p < 0.001; odds ratio (OR) 1.109 (95% CI 1.05–1.18)) as well as “magnitude of acetabular correction (LCEA)” (p = 0.01; OR 1.087 (95% CI 1.02–1.16)) and non-union. Pearson’s chi-square test showed a relationship between the risk factor “wound healing disorder” and non-union (p < 0.001). LCEA and AI showed a slight increase from the first to the last follow-up (observer 1: 1.6° and 1.3°, resp.), but regression analysis for the risk factor “amount of postoperative change of acetabular correction (LCEA, AI)” did not show statistically significant values.

Conclusion

The age at surgery and the magnitude of acetabular correction negatively influenced the healing progress of the osteotomy sites. The amount of a slight postoperative change of LCEA and AI did not correlate with a non-union.
A novel m6A/m5C/m1A score signature to evaluate prognosis and its immunotherapy value in colon cancer patients
Authors: Liu Jinsong , Dou Min , Liu Xiuling , Lu Yueyao , Lu Wenbin
Published: July 2023

Background

Colon cancer features strong heterogeneity and invasiveness, with high incidence and mortality rates. Recently, RNA modifications involving m6A, m5C, and m1A play a vital part in tumorigenesis and immune cell infiltration. However, integrated analysis among various RNA modifications in colon cancer has not been performed.

Methods

RNA-seq profiling, clinical data and mutation data were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus. We first explored the mutation status and expression levels of m6A/m5C/m1A regulators in colon cancer. Then, different m6A/m5C/m1A clusters and gene clusters were identified by consensus clustering analysis. We further constructed and validated a scoring system, which could be utilized to accurately assess the risk of individuals and guide personalized immunotherapy. Finally, m6A/m5C/m1A regulators were validated by immunohistochemical staining and RT-qPCR.

Results

In our study, three m6A/m5C/m1A clusters and gene clusters were identified. Most importantly, we constructed a m6A/m5C/m1A scoring system to assess the clinical risk of the individuals. Besides, the prognostic value of the score was validated with three independent cohorts. Moreover, the level of the immunophenoscore of the low m6A/m5C/m1A score group increased significantly with CTLA-4/PD-1 immunotherapy. Finally, we validated that the mRNA and protein expression of VIRMA and DNMT3B increased in colon cancer tissues.

Conclusions

We constructed and validated a stable and powerful m6A/m5C/m1A score signature to assess the survival outcomes and immune infiltration characteristics of colon cancer patients, which further guides optimization of personalized treatment, making it valuable for clinical translation and implementation.
SEER-based risk stratification system for patients with primary non-cirrhotic liver cancer
Authors: Cao Runmin , Jiang Honghe , Liang Guangpeng , Zhang Weibin
Published: July 2023

Background

Little research has been done on the factors affecting the survival of patients with non-cirrhotic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC-NCL). Our aim was to develop and validate a nomogram and a new risk stratification system that can evaluate overall survival (OS) in HCC-NCL patients.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database from 2010 to 2019 to study HCC-NCL patients. The patients were randomly split into training and validation groups at a 7:3 ratio and subjected to single-factor and multi-factor COX regression analysis. We then developed a nomogram and evaluated its accuracy and clinical validity using time-dependent ROC, DCA, and calibration curves. We compared the nomogram with the AJCC staging system by calculating C-index, NRI, and IDI. Finally, we used Kaplan–Meier curves to compare the nomogram and AJCC staging. These analyses were performed without altering the original intended meaning.

Results

AFP levels, surgical intervention, T-stage, tumor size, and M-stage were independent prognostic indicators for overall survival among the HCC-NCL population studied. We developed a nomogram based on these factors, and time-dependent ROC, calibration curves, DCA analyses, and C-index proved its accuracy. Compared to the AJCC staging system, the nomogram showed better prognostic accuracy through time-dependent ROC, DCA analyses, C-index, NRI, IDI, and Kaplan–Meier curves.

Conclusion

We have developed and validated a survival nomogram applicable to HCC-NCL patients, with risk stratification. Our nomogram offers personalized treatment and management options superior to those provided by the AJCC staging system.
Effect of lidocaine spray on relieving non-coring needle puncture-related pain in patients with totally implantable venous access port: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhu Ying , Niu Sihua , Zhang Yejun , Zhang Huiyan , Chang Jian , Ye Liqin
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Patients with the placement of a totally implantable venous access port (TIVAP) commonly suffer from pain caused by inserting a non-coring needle. At present, lidocaine cream and cold spray are extensively used for pain management, but they are complex to manage in busy medical environments and developing countries. The lidocaine spray combines the analgesic effect of lidocaine cream and the rapid onset of cold spray, which can effectively alleviate the pain related to non-coring needle puncture in patients with TIVAP. This randomized-controlled trial aimed to explore the effectiveness, acceptability, and safety of lidocaine spray in relieving the pain of non-coring needle puncture in patients with TIVAP.

Methods

A total of 84 patients who were hospitalized in the oncology department of a Grade III Level-A hospital in Shanghai from January 2023 to March 2023 and were implanted with TIVAP and required non-coring needle puncture were selected as the study subjects. The recruited patients were randomly assigned to the intervention group and the control group (n=42). Before routine maintenance, the intervention group received lidocaine spray 5 min before disinfection, while the control group received water spray 5 min before disinfection. The main clinical outcome was pain, and the degree of puncture pain in both groups was evaluated using the visual analogue scale.

Results

There were no significant differences between the two groups in age, gender, educational level, body mass index, port implantation time, and disease diagnosis (P>0.05). The pain score in the intervention and control groups was 15.12±6.61mm and 36.50±18.79mm, respectively (P<0.001). There were 2 (4.8%) patients with moderate pain in the intervention group and 18 (42.9%) patients with moderate pain in the control group (P<0.001). In the control group, 3 (7.1%) patients reported severe pain. The median comfortability score for the two groups of patients was 10, but there was a difference between the two groups (P<0.05) because the intervention group tilted to the right. The successful puncture rate of the first time puncture had no difference between the two groups, both being 100%. Moreover, 33 patients (78.6%) in the intervention group and 12 patients (28.6%) in the control group reported that they would choose the same spray for intervention in the future (P<0.001). During the 1 week of follow-up, 1 patient in the intervention group developed skin itching (P>0.05).

Conclusions

The local use of lidocaine spray in patients with TIVAP is effective, acceptable, and safe to alleviate the pain caused by non-coring needle puncture.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (registration number: ChiCTR2300072976)
The effect of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation on patient-reported subjective oral dryness: a systematic review focusing on prevalence, severity and distress
Authors: Bulthuis Marjolein S. , van Gennip Lucky L. A. , Bronkhorst Ewald M. , Blijlevens Nicole M. A. , Huysmans Marie-Charlotte D. N. J. M. , van Leeuwen Stephanie J. M. , Thomas Renske Z.
Published: July 2023

Objective

The aim of the present
systematic review is to assess the prevalence and severity of and distress caused by xerostomia over time in adult hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched for papers published between January 2000 and May 2022. Clinical studies were included if patient-reported subjective oral dryness was reported in adult autologous or allogeneic HSCT recipients. Risk of bias was assessed according to a quality grading strategy published by the oral care study group of the MASCC/ISOO, resulting in a score between 0 (highest risk of bias) and 10 (lowest risk of bias). Separate analysis focused on autologous HSCT recipients, allogeneic HSCT recipients receiving a myeloablative conditioning (MAC), and those receiving a reduced intensity conditioning (RIC).

Results

Searches yielded 1792 unique records; 22 studies met the inclusion criteria. The quality scores ranged between 1 and 7, with a median score of 4. The prevalence, severity, and distress of xerostomia increased shortly after HSCT. Severity of xerostomia in allogeneic MAC recipients was higher compared to allogeneic RIC recipients 2–5 months post-HSCT (mean difference: 18 points on 0–100 scale, 95% CI: 9–27); after 1–2 years, there was no significant difference anymore.

Conclusion

The prevalence of xerostomia in HSCT recipients is high in comparison to the general population. The severity of complaints is raised during the first year post-HSCT. The intensity of the conditioning plays a key role in the short-term development of xerostomia, while factors affecting the recovery in the long term remain largely unknown.
Are the non-weight bearing guidelines for the after treatment of calcaneal fractures still decisive? A Dutch survey among orthopaedic and trauma surgeons
Authors: Verstappen Coen , Driessen Mitchell L. S. , Kalmet Pishtiwan H. S. , Hermans Erik , Edwards Michael J. R. , Poeze Martijn
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The current rehabilitation for patients with surgically treated displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures (DIACFs) consists of non-weightbearing for 8–12 weeks. The purpose of the present survey was to investigate the current pre-, peri- and post-operative practices among Dutch foot and ankle surgeons. Moreover, it aims to analyze whether surgeons comply to the Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen (AO) guidelines and which decision criteria were used in the determination of the start of weightbearing.

Methods

A survey was distributed among Dutch trauma and orthopaedic surgeons to determine the most common practices in postoperative weightbearing in patients with DIACFs.

Results

75 surgeons responded to the survey. 33% of the respondents adhered to the AO guidelines. 4% of the respondents strictly followed non-weightbearing guidelines, while 96% interpret the AO guidelines or their local protocol freely, in any frequency. When respondents tended to deviate from the AO guidelines or local protocol, a good patients’ compliance to therapy was expected. 83% of the respondents started weightbearing on the fracture, based on reported patient complaints. 87% of the respondents did not see any relation between early weightbearing and the occurrence of complications, including loosening of osteosynthesis materials.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that there is limited consensus on the rehabilitation for DIACFs. Moreover, it shows that most surgeons are inclined to interpret the current (AO) guideline or their own local protocol freely. New guidelines, supported with well-founded literature, could help surgeons in a more appropriate daily practice in weightbearing for the rehabilitation of calcaneal fractures.
Cournotian duopolistic firms may be Walrasian: a case in the Gabszewicz and Vial model
Authors: Busetto Francesca , Codognato Giulio , Pavan Giorgia , Tonin Simone
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we present a refreshed version of the original model proposed by Gabszewicz and Vial (J Econ Theory 4:381–400, 1972) and we use their main example to review the main theoretical issues related to the notion of Cournot-Walras equilibrium. We compute, in the Gabszewicz and Vial main example, two different Cournot-Walras equilibria associated with different normalization rules. Moreover, in the same example, we compute a Utility-Cournot-Walras equilibrium as defined by Grodal (in: Allen (ed) Economics in a changing world, Macmillan, London, 1996) and we show that it coincides with the unique Walras equilibrium. Furthermore, using a proposition proved by Grodal (1996), we build a normalization rule with respect to which there is a Cournot-Walras equilibrium that coincides with the Utility-Cournot-Walras equilibrium and hence with the unique Walras equilibrium. To the best of our knowledge, this example provides the first case of Cournotian duopolistic firms being Walrasian in a production economy.
Estimating hydraulic conductivity correlation lengths of an aquitard by inverse geostatistical modelling of a pumping test
Authors: van Leer Martijn D. , Zaadnoordijk Willem Jan , Zech Alraune , Griffioen Jasper , Bierkens Marc F. P.
Published: July 2023

Aquitards are common hydrogeological features in the subsurface. Typically, pumping tests are used to parameterize the hydraulic conductivity of heterogeneous aquitards. However, they do not take spatial variability and uncertainty into account. Alternatively, core-scale measurements of hydraulic conductivity are used in geostatistical upscaling methods, for which their correlation lengths are needed, but this information is extremely difficult to obtain. This study investigates whether a pumping test can be used to obtain the correlation lengths needed for geostatistical upscaling and account for the uncertainty about heterogeneous aquitard conductivity. Random realizations are generated from core-scale data with varying correlation lengths and inserted into a groundwater flow model which simulates the outcome of an actual pumping test. The realizations yielded a better fit to the pumping test data than the traditional pumping test result, assuming homogeneous layers are selected. Ranges of horizontal and vertical correlation lengths that fit the pumping-test well are found. However, considerable uncertainty regarding the correlation lengths remains, which should be considered when parameterizing a regional groundwater flow model.
Social information facilitates learning about novel food sources in adult flower-visiting bats
Authors: Rose Andreas , Tschapka Marco , Knörnschild Mirjam
Published: July 2023

Incorporating novel food sources into their diet is crucial for animals in changing environments. Although the utilization of novel food sources can be learned individually, learning socially from experienced conspecifics may facilitate this task and enable a transmission of foraging-related innovations across a population. In anthropogenically modified habitats, bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) frequently adapt their feeding strategy to novel food sources, and corresponding social learning processes have been experimentally demonstrated in frugivorous and animalivorous species. However, comparable experiments are lacking for nectarivorous flower-visiting bats, even though their utilization of novel food sources in anthropogenically altered habitats is often observed and even discussed as the reason why bats are able to live in some areas. In the present study, we investigated whether adult flower-visiting bats may benefit from social information when learning about a novel food source. We conducted a demonstrator–observer dyad with wild Pallas’ long-tongued bats (Glossophaga soricina; Phyllostomidae: Glossophaginae) and hypothesized that naïve individuals would learn to exploit a novel food source faster when accompanied by an experienced demonstrator bat. Our results support this hypothesis and demonstrate flower-visiting bats to be capable of using social information to expand their dietary repertoire.
Exploiting ideal-sparsity in the generalized moment problem with application to matrix factorization ranks
Authors: Korda Milan , Laurent Monique , Magron Victor , Steenkamp Andries
Published: July 2023

We explore a new type of sparsity for the generalized moment problem (GMP) that we call ideal-sparsity. In this setting, one optimizes over a measure restricted to be supported on the variety of an ideal generated by quadratic bilinear monomials. We show that this restriction enables an equivalent sparse reformulation of the GMP, where the single (high dimensional) measure variable is replaced by several (lower dimensional) measure variables supported on the maximal cliques of the graph corresponding to the quadratic bilinear constraints. We explore the resulting hierarchies of moment-based relaxations for the original dense formulation of GMP and this new, equivalent ideal-sparse reformulation, when applied to the problem of bounding nonnegative- and completely positive matrix factorization ranks. We show that the ideal-sparse hierarchies provide bounds that are at least as good (and often tighter) as those obtained from the dense hierarchy. This is in sharp contrast to the situation when exploiting correlative sparsity, as is most common in the literature, where the resulting bounds are weaker than the dense bounds. Moreover, while correlative sparsity requires the underlying graph to be chordal, no such assumption is needed for ideal-sparsity. Numerical results show that the ideal-sparse bounds are often tighter and much faster to compute than their dense analogs.
High-field magnetic resonance microscopy of aortic plaques in a mouse model of atherosclerosis
Authors: Castro Rita , Gullette Sean , Whalen Courtney , Mattie Floyd J. , Ge Ximing , Ross A. Catharine , Neuberger Thomas
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Pre-clinical models of human atherosclerosis are extensively used; however, traditional histological methods do not allow for a holistic view of vascular lesions. We describe an ex-vivo, high-resolution MRI method that allows the 3 dimensional imaging of the vessel for aortic plaque visualization and quantification.

Materials and methods

Aortas from apolipoprotein-E-deficient (apoE−/−) mice fed an atherogenic diet (group 1) or a control diet (group 2) were subjected to 14 T MR imaging using a 3D gradient echo sequence. The obtained data sets were reconstructed (Matlab), segmented, and analyzed (Avizo). The aortas were further sectioned and subjected to traditional histological analysis (Oil-Red O and hematoxylin staining) for comparison.

Results

A resolution up to 15 × 10x10 μm3 revealed that plaque burden (mm3) was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in group 1 (0.41 ± 0.25, n = 4) than in group 2 (0.01 ± 0.01, n = 3). The achieved resolution provided similar detail on the plaque and the vessel wall morphology compared with histology. Digital image segmentation of the aorta's lumen, plaque, and wall offered three-dimensional visualizations of the entire, intact aortas.

Discussion

14 T MR microscopy provided histology-like details of pathologically relevant vascular lesions. This work may provide the path research needs to take to enable plaque characterization in clinical applications.