bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interplay of hidden orbital order and superconductivity in CeCoIn5
Authors: Chen Weijiong , Neerup Breiø Clara , Massee Freek , Allan Milan P. , Petrovic ‪Cedomir , Davis J. C. Séamus , Hirschfeld Peter J. , Andersen Brian M. , Kreisel Andreas
Published: May 2023

Visualizing atomic-orbital degrees of freedom is a frontier challenge in scanned microscopy. Some types of orbital order are virtually imperceptible to normal scattering techniques because they do not reduce the overall crystal lattice symmetry. A good example is dxz/dyz (π,π) orbital order in tetragonal lattices. For enhanced detectability, here we consider the quasiparticle scattering interference (QPI) signature of such (π,π) orbital order in both normal and superconducting phases. The theory reveals that sublattice-specific QPI signatures generated by the orbital order should emerge strongly in the superconducting phase. Sublattice-resolved QPI visualization in superconducting CeCoIn5 then reveals two orthogonal QPI patterns at lattice-substitutional impurity atoms. We analyze the energy dependence of these two orthogonal QPI patterns and find the intensity peaked near E = 0, as predicted when such (π,π) orbital order is intertwined with d-wave superconductivity. Sublattice-resolved superconductive QPI techniques thus represent a new approach for study of hidden orbital order.
ExpressAnalyst: A unified platform for RNA-sequencing analysis in non-model species
Authors: Liu Peng , Ewald Jessica , Pang Zhiqiang , Legrand Elena , Jeon Yeon Seon , Sangiovanni Jonathan , Hacariz Orcun , Zhou Guangyan , Head Jessica A. , Basu Niladri , Xia Jianguo
Published: May 2023

The increasing application of RNA sequencing to study non-model species demands easy-to-use and efficient bioinformatics tools to help researchers quickly uncover biological and functional insights. We developed ExpressAnalyst (www.expressanalyst.ca), a web-based platform for processing, analyzing, and interpreting RNA-sequencing data from any eukaryotic species. ExpressAnalyst contains a series of modules that cover from processing and annotation of FASTQ files to statistical and functional analysis of count tables or gene lists. All modules are integrated with EcoOmicsDB, an ortholog database that enables comprehensive analysis for species without a reference transcriptome. By coupling ultra-fast read mapping algorithms with high-resolution ortholog databases through a user-friendly web interface, ExpressAnalyst allows researchers to obtain global expression profiles and gene-level insights from raw RNA-sequencing reads within 24 h. Here, we present ExpressAnalyst and demonstrate its utility with a case study of RNA-sequencing data from multiple non-model salamander species, including two that do not have a reference transcriptome.
A multi-site study of the relationship between photoperiod and ovulation rate using Natural Cycles data
Authors: Shanmugam Divya , Espinosa Matthew , Gassen Jeffrey , van Lamsweerde Agathe , Pearson Jack T. , Benhar Eleonora , Hill Sarah
Published: May 2023

Many species exhibit seasonal patterns of breeding. Although humans can shield themselves from many season-related stressors, they appear to exhibit seasonal patterns of investment in reproductive function nonetheless, with levels of sex steroid hormones being highest during the spring and summer months. The current research builds on this work, examining the relationship between day length and ovarian function in two large samples of women using data from the Natural Cycles birth control application in each Sweden and the United States. We hypothesized that longer days would predict higher ovulation rates and sexual motivation. Results revealed that increasing day length duration predicts increased ovulation rate and sexual behavior, even while controlling for other relevant factors. Results suggest that day length may contribute to observed variance in women’s ovarian function and sexual desire.
Active learning applied to automated physical systems increases the rate of discovery
Authors: Shields Michael D. , Gurley Kurtis , Catarelli Ryan , Chauhan Mohit , Ojeda-Tuz Mariel , Masters Forrest J.
Published: May 2023

Active machine learning is widely used in computational studies where repeated numerical simulations can be conducted on high performance computers without human intervention. But translation of these active learning methods to physical systems has proven more difficult and the accelerated pace of discoveries aided by these methods remains as yet unrealized. Through the presentation of a general active learning framework and its application to large-scale boundary layer wind tunnel experiments, we demonstrate that the active learning framework used so successfully in computational studies is directly applicable to the investigation of physical experimental systems and the corresponding improvements in the rate of discovery can be transformative. We specifically show that, for our wind tunnel experiments, we are able to achieve in approximately 300 experiments a learning objective that would be impossible using traditional methods.
Clinical outcomes of a new four-haptic hydrophobic presbyopia-correcting intraocular lens
Authors: Whang Woong-Joo , Kim Tae-im , Tchah Hungwon , Koh Kyungmin
Published: May 2023

A new presbyopia-correcting intraocular lens (IOL) combining bifocal and extended-depth-of-focus profiles (Symbiose: Artis Symbiose Plus; Cristalens Industrie, Lannion, France) was introduced. We compared the output with that of a standard monofocal IOL (PL E: Artis PL E). The two four-haptic hydrophobic IOLs were made of the same material from the same company. Cataract patients bilaterally implanted with either PL E or Symbiose between November 2021 and August 2022 were reviewed. The principal measures of the postoperative results were uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA); corrected distance VA (CDVA); uncorrected intermediate VA; uncorrected near VA; objective optical quality; and distance-corrected defocus curves. This study included forty-eight patients (96 eyes), with 22 and 26 patients (44 and 52 eyes, respectively) being implanted with PL E and Symbiose, respectively. All patients received the same type of IOL implanted in both eyes. The average age of patients was 70.9 ± 7.1 and 60.0 ± 8.5 years in PL E and Symbiose groups, respectively, with significantly younger patients in Symbiose group (p < 0.001). Both IOLs displayed excellent UDVA and CDVA with no statistical difference (p = 0.081 (monocular UDVA), p = 0.599 (monocular CDVA), p = 0.204 (binocular UDVA), and p = 0.145 (binocular CDVA)). In comparison with PL E group, Symbiose group showed significantly superior postoperative intermediate and near VA (p < 0.001). PL E group showed significantly superior objective optical quality compared with Symbiose group (p < 0.001). Symbiose provides a continuous range of vision that ensures a seamless transition from far to near with no discontinuity. It also delivers a smooth defocus curve with a larger landing area than the PL E. But the objective optical quality was better in PL E.
Enhancement growth, water use efficiency and economic benefit for maize by drip irrigation in Northwest China
Authors: Liu Mengjie , Liang Fei , Li Quansheng , Wang Guodong , Tian Yuxin , Jia Hongtao
Published: May 2023

The application of drip irrigation has been paid more and more attention, but there was lack of systematic comparative analysis between drip irrigation and conventional border irrigation method for maize, currently. A 7-year field study from 2015 to 2021 evaluated the effects of drip irrigation (DI, 540 mm) or conventional border irrigation method (BI, 720 mm) on maize growth, water use efficiency (WUE) as well as profitability. The results showed the plant height, leaf area index, yield, WUE and economic benefit of maize with DI had significantly higher than BI. The dry matter translocation, the dry matter transfer efficiency and contribution of dry matter translocation to grain with DI showed significant increase of 27.44%, 13.97% and 7.85% compared to BI, respectively. In comparison to conventional border irrigation, the yield of drip irrigation increased by 14.39%, as well as WUE and irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) increased by 53.77% and 57.89%. The net return and economic benefit of drip irrigation was 1998.87 and 756.58 USD$ hm−1 higher than that of BI. Drip irrigation increased net return and benefit/cost ratio by 60.90% and 22.88% compared with BI. These results demonstrate that the drip irrigation can effectively improve the growth, yield, WUE and economic benefit of maize in northwest China. Therefore, drip irrigation can be used for maize cultivation to increase crop yield and WUE in northwest China, which has cut down on irrigation water about 180 mm.
Yawning and scratching contagion in wild spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi)
Authors: Valdivieso-Cortadella Sara , Bernardi-Gómez Chiara , Aureli Filippo , Llorente Miquel , Amici Federica
Published: May 2023

Behavioural contagion is a widespread phenomenon in animal species, which is thought to promote coordination and group cohesion. Among non-human primates, however, there is no evidence of behavioural contagion in Platyrrhines (i.e. primates from South and Central America) yet. Here, we investigated whether behavioural contagion is also present in this taxon, by assessing yawning and scratching contagion in a wild group (N = 49) of Geoffroy’s spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi). We conducted focal samples to examine whether individuals observing the triggering event (i.e. a naturally occurring yawning or scratching event in the group) would be more likely to yawn or scratch in the following 3 min, as compared to individuals who did not observe the triggering event. We ran generalized linear mixed models using a Bayesian approach, and found that the probability of yawning and scratching was higher for individuals observing others yawning and scratching, respectively, as compared to individuals who did not observe such an event. Behavioural contagion did not vary depending on the observer’s sex, kinship or relationship quality with the individual performing the triggering event. These findings provide the first evidence for yawning and scratching contagion in a wild group of spider monkeys, and importantly contribute to the debate about the evolutionary origins of behavioural contagion in primates.
Production of a promising modular proteinaceous self-assembled delivery system for vaccination
Authors: Pan Chao , Ye Jingqin , Zhang Sen , Li Xiang , Shi Yixin , Guo Yan , Wang Kangfeng , Sun Peng , Wu Jun , Wang Hengliang , Zhu Li
Published: May 2023

A proteinaceous nanovaccine chassis, self-assembledviafusion of two domains and a conjugate tag, was produced for binding biotinylated antigens. The nanovaccine could stimulate strong immune response, providing great prophylactic effects in mice.
Interplay between coordination sphere engineering and properties of nickel diketonate–diamine complexes as vapor phase precursors for the growth of NiO thin films
Authors: Benedet Mattia , Barreca Davide , Fois Ettore , Seraglia Roberta , Tabacchi Gloria , Roverso Marco , Pagot Gioele , Invernizzi Cristiano , Gasparotto Alberto , Heidecker Alexandra A. , Pöthig Alexander , Callone Emanuela , Dirè Sandra , Bogialli Sara , Di Noto Vito , Maccato Chiara
Published: May 2023

Coordination sphere engineering of nickel diketonate–diamine adducts enables tailoring of precursor properties of relevance for the vapor phase deposition of pure NiO films.
Multi-heteroatom-doping promotes molecular oxygen activation on polymeric carbon nitride for simultaneous generation of H2O2 and degradation of oxcarbazepine
Authors: Chen Derui , Yao Bingling , Zhi Xinyu , Tian Chang , Chen Minghao , Cao Siyi , Feng Xinyu , Che Huinan , Zhang Kan , Ao Yanhui
Published: May 2023

We develop a simple thermal shrinkage strategy to construct multi-heteroatom-doped polymeric carbon nitride (K, P, O-CNx), which not only improves the charge separation efficiency, but also improves the adsorption/activation capacity of O2.
Reversible charge-polarity control for a photo-triggered anti-ambipolar In2Se3&WSe2 heterotransistor
Authors: Huang Shan , Chen Hongyu , Wang Sujuan , Chen Yang , He Jianfeng , Wang Wenhai , Pan Yuan , Zhao Yunpeng , Qi Ligan , Su Shichen
Published: May 2023

A novel anti-ambipolar heterotransistor is proposed based on a special In2Se3&WSe2 van der Waals heterostructure. By switching the optical signal, the polarity of the device can be quickly and reversibly shifted between P-type and anti-ambipolar.
Synthesis of photodynamic intramolecularly crosslinked polyether-copolymers in-chain functionalized with hexaarylbiimidazoles
Authors: Oka Minami , Honda Satoshi
Published: May 2023

Intramolecularly crosslinked network polyether-copolymers in-chain functionalized with reversibly photocleavable linkings derived from hexaarylbiimidazoles have been developed, and their nanoparticles were successfully formed in water.
Strategic regulation of barrier characteristics of biofilms to enhance the extracellular electrogenic performance in MFCs: an electrochemical dynamic evaluation study
Authors: Remya Ramakrishnan Gomathi , Sreelekshmy Bhuvanendran Revamma , Bijimol Babu Indira , Ratheesh Anjana , Shibli Sheik Muhammadhu Aboobakar
Published: May 2023

Electrochemical dynamic and morphological correlations of biofilm characteristics on an Fe(iii)–Ni–P anode.
The Relationship Between Early Spelling and Decoding
Authors: McNeill Brigid Catherine , Gillon Gail , Gath Megan
Published: May 2023

Purpose:

This study aimed to elucidate the nature of the relationship between the development of decoding and encoding skills in the first year at school.

Method:

The foundational literacy skills of one hundred eighty 5-year-old children were examined on three occasions over their first year of literacy instruction. Participants received the same literacy curriculum. The predictive utility of early spelling on later reading accuracy, reading comprehension, and spelling outcomes was explored. Performance on matched nonword spelling and nonword reading tasks was also used to compare the use of particular graphemes across these contexts.

Results:

Regression and path analyses showed that nonword spelling was a unique predictor of later (end of year) reading and played a facilitative role in the emergence of decoding. Children were generally more accurate on spelling than decoding for the majority of graphemes evaluated in the matched tasks. Factors such as position of the grapheme in the word, complexity of the grapheme (e.g., digraph vs. graph), and the scope and sequence of the literacy curriculum influenced children's accuracy for specific graphemes.

Conclusions:

The development of phonological spelling appears to play a facilitatory role in early literacy acquisition. Implications for the assessment and teaching of spelling in the first year of schooling are explored.
Centralized model‐predictive cooperative and adaptive cruise control of automated vehicle platoons in urban traffic environments
Authors: Klingbeil Xiaonan , Wegener Marius , Zhou Haibo , Herrmann Florian , Andert Jakob
Published: May 2023

Recent research has demonstrated that cooperative and automated driving functions can improve traffic efficiency and safety. Traffic efficiency can be increased and the overall vehicle energy consumption can be reduced through cooperative driving functions not only on the highway, but also in urban areas. To this end, this paper presents a linear model predictive control (MPC) algorithm for the optimization of velocity trajectories of vehicles in a platoon in an urban traffic environment. A novel centralized approach is implemented to optimize the total energy consumption of all vehicles while improving traffic efficiency. To solve the optimal control problem, for the first time, an additional data‐driven velocity prediction model of the vehicle in front of the platoon is used to consider the influence of realistic prediction errors when evaluating the developed control strategy in a vehicle simulation environment. The simulated total energy consumption is compared with a rule‐based cooperative adaptive cruise control (CACC) algorithm. Furthermore, the traffic density and the platoon string stability, the robustness and computer time of the centralized approach are also included in the evaluation. Simulation results indicate that, considering all evaluation criteria, the centralized cooperative control strategy can improve energy efficiency by up to 15% in the investigated urban scenario.
The He I 10 830 Å line: Radiative transfer and differential illumination effects
Authors: Vicente Arévalo Andrés , Štěpán Jiří , del Pino Alemán Tanausú , Martínez González María Jesús
Published: May 2023

We study the formation of the Stokes profiles of the He I multiplet at 10 830 Å when relaxing two of the approximations that are typically considered in the modeling of this multiplet. Specifically, these are the lack of self-consistent radiation transfer and the assumption of equal illumination of the individual multiplet components. This He I multiplet is among the most important for the diagnostics of the outer solar atmosphere from spectropolarimetric observations, especially in prominences, filaments, and spicules. However, the aptness of these approximations is yet to be assessed, especially in situations where the optical thickness is on the order of one (or greater) and the radiation transfer has a significant impact in the local anisotropy as well as the ensuing spectral line polarization. This issue becomes particularly relevant in the ongoing development of new inversion tools that take into account multi-dimensional radiation transfer effects. To relax these approximations, we generalized the multi-term equations for the atomic statistical equilibrium to allow for a differential illumination of the multiplet components and implement them in a one-dimensional (1D) radiative transfer code. We find that even for this simple geometry and relatively small optical thickness, both radiation transfer and differential illumination effects have a significant impact on the emergent polarization profiles. These effects should be taken into account in order to avoid potentially significant errors when inferring the magnetic field vector.
The AGN fuelling/feedback cycle in nearby radio galaxies
Authors: Maccagni F. M. , Ruffa I. , Loni A. , Prandoni I. , Ragusa R. , Kleiner D. , Serra P. , Iodice E. , Spavone M.
Published: May 2023

We present Australia Compact Telescope Array (ATCA) 21 cm observations of the nearby low-excitation radio galaxy (LERG) NGC 3100. This is the brightest galaxy of a loose group and it hosts a young (∼2 Myr) radio source. The ATCA observations reveal for the first time the presence of neutral hydrogen (H I) gas in absorption in the centre of this radio galaxy, and in emission in two low-mass galaxies of the group and in a diffuse dark cloud in the proximity of NGC 3100. The sensitivity to low-column density gas (NHI ∼ 1019 cm−2) allows us to reveal asymmetries in the periphery of most of the H I-detected galaxies, suggesting that tidal interactions may be ongoing. The diffuse cloud does not show a stellar counterpart down to 27 mag arcsec−2 and could be the remnant of these interactions. The analysis of the H I absorption complex in NGC 3100 indicates that the atomic phase of the hydrogen is distributed in the same way as its molecular phase (observed at arcsecond resolution through several carbon monoxide emission lines). We suggest that the interactions occurring within the group are causing turbulent cold gas clouds in the intra-group medium to be slowly accreted towards the centre of NGC 3100. This caused the recent formation of the cold circum-nuclear disc, which is likely sustaining the young nuclear activity.
A priori error analysis of new semidiscrete, Hamiltonian HDG methods for the time-dependent Maxwell’s equations
Authors: Cockburn Bernardo , Du Shukai , Sánchez Manuel A.
Published: May 2023

We present the first a priori error analysis of a class of space-discretizations by Hybridizable Discontinuous Galerkin (HDG) methods for the time-dependent Maxwell’s equations introduced in Sánchez et al. [Comput. Methods Appl. Mech. Eng. 396 (2022) 114969]. The distinctive feature of these discretizations is that they display a discrete version of the Hamiltonian structure of the original Maxwell’s equations. This is why they are called ``Hamiltonian’’ HDG methods. Because of this, when combined with symplectic time-marching methods, the resulting methods display an energy that does not drift in time. We provide a single analysis for several of these methods by exploiting the fact that they only differ by the choice of the approximation spaces and the stabilization functions. We also introduce a new way of discretizing the static Maxwell’s equations in order to define the initial condition in a manner consistent with our technique of analysis. Finally, we present numerical tests to validate our theoretical orders of convergence and to explore the convergence properties of the method in situations not covered by our analysis.
Current trends in rehabilitation of rotator cuff injuries
Authors: Sciarretta Fabio V. , Moya Daniel , List Kilian
Published: May 2023

Rehabilitation has a fundamental role in the management of rotator cuff pathology whether the final choice is conservative or surgical treatment. Conservative treatment can give excellent results in cases of rotator cuff tendinopathies without rupture, partial tears less than 50% of the thickness of the tendon, chronic full-thickness tears in elderly patients and irreparable tears. It is an option prior to reconstructive surgery in non-pseudo paralytic cases. When surgery is indicated, adequate postoperative rehabilitation is the best complement to obtain a successful result. No consensus has still been established on the optimal postoperative protocol to follow. No differences were found between delayed, early passive and early active protocols after rotator cuff repair. However, early motion improved the range of motion in the short and mid-term, allowing faster recovery. A 5-phase postoperative rehabilitation protocol is described. Rehabilitation is also an option in specific failed surgical procedures. To choose a therapeutic strategy in these cases, it is reasonable to differentiate between Sugaya type 2 or 3 (tendinopathy of the tendon) and type 4 or 5 (discontinuity/retear). The rehabilitation program should always be tailored to the individual patient.
Value of [18F]FDG PET/CT in diagnosis and management of spondylodiscitis
Authors: Lapa Constantin , Rischpler Christoph , Bundschuh Ralph Alexander , Dierks Alexander , Lang Sigmund , Wassilew Georgi , Alt Volker
Published: May 2023

Vertebral osteomyelitis is the third most common form of osteomyelitis in patients over 50 years of age.

Whereas prompt (pathogen-directed) therapy is crucially associated with better outcomes, the heterogeneous clinical presentation of disease with unspecific symptoms often delays adequate treatment initiation. Diagnosis requires a careful investigation of medical history, clinical findings and diagnostic imaging, including magnetic resonance imaging and nuclear medicine techniques.

Due to its high sensitivity, [18F]FDG PET/CT is becoming increasingly important in diagnosis and management of spondylodiscitis, especially in the postoperative setting with presence of spinal hardware or other implantable devices in which MRI is limited.
Erfahrungen von Vätern zu Schwangerschaft, Geburt und
Wochenbett während der Covid-19 Pandemie
Authors: Sebinger Marylin Sarah , Schildberger Barbara
Published: May 2023

Einleitung Zur Reduktion möglicher Ansteckungsgefahren durch
SARS-CoV-2 wurden in allen Bereichen des öffentlichen Lebens
Zugangsbeschränkungen eingeführt. In den extra- und intramuralen
Gesundheitseinrichtungen betreffen diese Maßnahmen in weiten Teilen auch
Schwangere, Gebärende und Wöchnerinnen und auch deren
Partner*innen. Ziel dieser Studie ist es, die Erfahrungen werdender
Väter vor dem Hintergrund pandemiebedingter Einschränkungen zu
erheben und zu reflektieren.

Methode Einem qualitativen Studiendesign folgend wurden 11
leitfadengestützte Interviews mit Vätern, die eine Geburt
während der Covid-19 Pandemie erlebt haben, im Juni 2022
durchgeführt. Auf Basis einer Inhaltsanalyse nach Mayring wurden
Kategorien abgeleitet, die Ergebnisse aus den Interviews einem höheren
Abstraktionsniveau übergeführt und interpretiert.

Ergebnisse Die Väter fühlten sich aufgrund der
pandemiebedingten Restriktionen während der Schwangerschaft, der Geburt
und des stationären Aufenthaltes der Frauen ausgegrenzt, gestresst und
verunsichert. Wenngleich für die Maßnahmen Verständnis
aufgebracht werden konnte, war die Angst vorherrschend, die Partnerin nicht
ausreichend unterstützen zu können und zu wenig
Möglichkeiten des Bondings mit dem Neugeborenen zu haben.

Schlussfolgerung Die Untersuchungsergebnisse machen deutlich, dass
während der Covid-Pandemie die Notwendigkeit strukturierter
Rahmenbedingungen zur Einbindung von Begleitpersonen im geburtshilflichen
Setting verstärkt Beachtung finden soll. Eine aktiv gestaltete Teilnahme
der Partner*innen an der Schwangerschafts- und Geburtsbegleitung soll
gefördert werden.
Stellenwert ausgewählter Trainingsprinzipien innerhalb eines
körperlichen Trainings zur Frakturprophylaxe
Authors: von Stengel Simon , Kohl Matthias , Jakob Franz , Kerschan-Schindl Katharina , Lange Uwe , Peters Stefan , Thomasius Friederike , Uder Michael , Fröhlich Michael , Schöne Daniel , Kemmler Wolfgang , Shojaa Mahdieh
Published: May 2023

Trainingsprinzipien werden als konkrete und leitende Handlungsanweisung
für ein körperliches Training angesehen und beziehen sich auf
alle übergeordeten Aspekte des Trainings weitestgehend
unabhängig von der fokussierten Zielgröße. Relevanz
für Gresundheits- und Rehabilitationssport haben primär
Prinzipien zur Auslösung und Sicherung von Anpassungseffekten.
Während das Prinzip des überschwelligen Reizes und dessen
Aufrechterhaltung („progressive overload“) im
gesundheitsorientierten Trainingsprozess meist Berücksichtigung findet,
werden Trainingsprinzipien, die in Zusammenhang mit der Spezifität,
Individualisierung und Variation stehen sehr oft nicht oder nicht mit der
nötigen Aufmerksamkeit adressiert. Insbesondere eine hohe
Spezifität des Trainings u. a. im Sinne der Auswahl geeigneter
Trainingsinhalte zur Realisierung des dezidierten Trainingszieles sowie eine
hoher Individualisierungsgrad u. a. durch Vorgabe relevanter
Trainingsziele und Monitoring der individuellen Leistungsentwicklung sind
Schlüsselgrößen erfolgreicher Trainingsprotokolle. Eine
kontinuierliche Trainingsdurchführung mit Detrainingsphasen von weniger
als 4–6 Wochen, sollte bei einem körperlichen Training zur
Frakturprophylaxe ebenfalls Berücksichtigung finden. Schließlich
können bewährte Trainingsprinzipien des Leistungssports die mit
Periodisierung/Zyklisierung in Verbindung stehen relativ unproblematisch
und sinnvoll in gesundheitsorientierten Trainingsprogrammen Verwendung
finden.
Echogenicity of Brain Structures in Huntington’s Disease Patients Evaluated by Transcranial Sonography – Magnetic Resonance Fusion Imaging using Virtual Navigator and Digital Image Analysis
Authors: Kozel Jiří , Školoudík David , Ressner Pavel , Michalčová Patricie , Dušek Petr , Hanzlíková Pavla , Dvořáčková Nina , Heryán Tomáš , Bártová Petra
Published: May 2023

Purpose Transcranial sonography (TCS) magnetic resonance (MR) fusion imaging and digital image analysis are useful tools for the evaluation of various brain pathologies. This study aimed to compare the echogenicity of predefined brain structures in Huntington’s disease (HD) patients and healthy controls by TCS-MR fusion imaging using Virtual Navigator and digitized image analysis.

Materials and Methods The echogenicity of the caudate nucleus (CN), substantia nigra (SN), lentiform nucleus (LN), insula, and brainstem raphe (BR) evaluated by TCS-MR fusion imaging using digitized image analysis was compared between 21 HD patients and 23 healthy controls. The cutoff values of echogenicity indices for the CN, LN, insula, and BR with optimal sensitivity and specificity were calculated using receiver operating characteristic analysis.

Results The mean echogenicity indices for the CN (67.0±22.6 vs. 37.9±7.6, p<0.0001), LN (110.7±23.6 vs. 59.7±11.1, p<0.0001), and insula (121.7±39.1 vs. 70.8±23.0, p<0.0001) were significantly higher in HD patients than in healthy controls. In contrast, BR echogenicity (24.8±5.3 vs. 30.1±5.3, p<0.001) was lower in HD patients than in healthy controls. The area under the curve was 90.9%, 95.5%, 84.1%, and 81.8% for the CN, LN, insula, and BR, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity were 86% and 96%, respectively, for the CN and 90% and 100%, respectively, for the LN.

Conclusion Increased CN, LN, and insula echogenicity and decreased BR echogenicity are typical findings in HD patients. The high sensitivity and specificity of the CN and LN hyperechogenicity in TCS-MR fusion imaging make them promising diagnostic markers for HD.
Low-Dose Aspirin during Pregnancy and Postpartum Bleeding
Authors: White Kelsey J. , Son Moeun , Lundsberg Lisbet S. , Culhane Jennifer F. , Partridge Caitlin , Reddy Uma M. , Merriam Audrey A.
Published: May 2023

Objective This study aimed to investigate whether aspirin 81 mg daily for preeclampsia prevention is associated with increased risk of postpartum blood loss at the time of delivery.

Study Design This is a retrospective cohort study performed at a tertiary hospital from January 2018 to April 2021. Data were extracted from the electronic medical record. Patients prescribed low-dose aspirin (LDA) were compared with patients who were not. The primary outcome was a composite of postpartum blood loss, defined as: estimated blood loss (EBL) >1,000 mL, documentation of International Classification of Diseases-9/-10 codes for postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), or red blood cell (RBC) transfusion. Bivariate analysis, and unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression modeling were performed.

Results Among 16,980 deliveries, 1,922 (11.3%) were prescribed LDA. Patients prescribed LDA were more likely to be >35 years old, nulliparous, obese, taking other anticoagulants, or have diagnoses of diabetes, systemic lupus erythematosus, fibroids, or hypertensive disease of pregnancy. After adjusting for potential confounders, the significant association between LDA use and the composite did not persist (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.1, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.0–1.3) nor did the association between EBL > 1,000 mL (aOR: 1.0, 95% CI: 0.9–1.3) and RBC transfusion (aOR: 1.3, 95% CI: 0.9–1.7). The association between LDA and PPH remained significant (aOR: 1.3, 95% CI: 1.1–1.6). Patients who discontinued LDA <7 days prior to delivery had an increased risk of the postpartum blood loss composite compared discontinuation ≥7 days (15.0 vs. 9.3%; p = 0.03).

Conclusion There may be an association between LDA use and increased risk of postpartum bleeding. This suggests that use of LDA outside the recommended guidelines should be cautioned and further investigation is needed to determine its ideal dosing and timing of discontinuation.

Key Points
Intracranial Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas: A Systematic Approach—Diagnosis, Classification, and Endovascular Treatment
Authors: Sammoud Skander , Hammami Nadia
Published: May 2023

Intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) are rare lesions accounting for 10 to 15% of intracranial arteriovenous malformations. They involve an anomalous shunt between meningeal arteries, intracranial (venous sinuses and/or cortical veins), or medullary veins. The DAVFs are usually acquired, implying previous aggression of the dura mater. Thus, they are associated with dural sinus thrombosis, previous craniotomy, and trauma. However, they are idiopathic in most instances and have no evident cause. Their clinical presentation is variable, with symptoms depending on their location and venous drainage pattern. However, lesions with cortical venous drainage have the highest risk of causing the most significant morbidity and mortality. High clinical suspicion alongside noninvasive cross-sectional imaging techniques such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging help establish the diagnosis. Digital subtraction angiography is the gold standard for diagnosis and accurate classification, permitting the evaluation of the feeding vessels, cortical venous drainage, and venous ectasia. Accordingly, a prompt diagnosis and precise classification of these lesions are essential. Endovascular treatment is nowadays the primary therapeutic modality for DAVFs. The access route can be divided into transarterial, transvenous, and combined approaches based on angioarchitecture, venous drainage model, and location. Surgical resection and stereotactic radiosurgery may be considered in some cases. A personalized case-by-case approach accomplishes a high complete treatment grade with a low complication rate. This review highlights the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, classification, diagnosis, and endovascular treatment of patients with intracranial DAVFs.
Formulation and Evaluation of Starch Phosphate-Based Cream Derived from Manihot esculentus
Authors: Achor Mohammed , Abdullahi Buhari Muntaqa
Published: May 2023

Starch is an important excipient employed in the pharmaceutical industry but irrespective of its source, the native starch is undesirable for many applications because of its inability to withstand processing conditions and hence needs its modification to achieve the desired properties. This study aimed to synthesize starch phosphate through the modification of starch obtained from Manihot esculentus, and then explore its potential in the preparation of cream formulations. In the present study, the starch was extracted from M. esculentus (cassava), then phosphorylated by reacting with varied concentrations of disodium hydrogen phosphate, anhydrous (Na2HPO4, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2 mol/dm3) under pH 6. A standard wet chemistry method was used for the determination of the degree of substitution by phosphate (DSp) of modified starch, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra were used for structure identification. The starch phosphate obtained was employed to develop a cream formulation. The physicochemical properties of the formulation were further evaluated. Calamine cream BP was utilized as a control. Our result indicated that a higher concentration of Na2HPO4 favors a higher DSp (0.047). FTIR spectra of the modified starch suggested a new peak at 1,090 cm−1 (P-OR). The cream formulated with a high DSp of starch phosphate demonstrated good physicochemical properties with spreadability (7.84–8.65 gcm/s), pH (6.5–7.0), viscosity (267–296 cp), extrudability (2.05–2.62%) and physical stability, and were smooth, opaque, greasy, homogeneous, and easily removed on washing with water. Statistical analysis showed that there was no significant difference between the starch phosphate-based cream and the control, but a significant difference between the starch phosphate-based cream and a native starch-based cream. Given the above, starch phosphate with a high DSp can be prepared from M. esculentus starch and utilized as a promising emulsifying agent in cream formulation due to its being more widely available, more stable, and cost-effective.
Quantitative Risk Evaluation of Adventitious Agents in Heparin
Authors: Raedts John , Kellenbach Edwin
Published: May 2023

Heparin is typically extracted from domestic pigs, which may carry zoonotic adventitious agents. Prion and viral safety cannot be assured by testing the active pharmaceutical ingredient itself; instead for the evaluation of the adventitious agent (i.e., viruses/prions) safety of heparin and heparinoid (e.g., Orgaran or Sulodexide) therapeutics, a risk assessment is required. An approach is presented which provides a quantitative estimation of the worst-case potential residual adventitious agent (i.e., GC/mL or ID50) present in a maximum daily dose of heparin. This estimation is based on the input (determined by prevalence, titer, and amount of starting material to prepare a maximum daily dose) and validated reduction by the manufacturing process, resulting in an estimation of the worst-case potential level of adventitious agent present in a maximum daily dose. The merits of this quantitative, worst-case approach are evaluated. The approach described in this review provides a tool for a quantitative risk evaluation of the viral and prion safety of heparin.
Psychiatric Symptoms in Women with High-risk Pregnancy in the Postpartum Period: A Case-control Study
Authors: Basirat Zahra , Ramaezani Fatemeh , Sepidarkish Mahdi , Kashifard Mahdi , Faramarzi Mahbobeh
Published: May 2023

Objective: Psychiatric symptoms are common mental issues in pregnancy and the postpartum period. There is limited information regarding the psychiatric symptoms of women with high-risk pregnancy in the postpartum period. This study aimed to compare the severity of psychiatric symptoms and psychological distress in women with high-risk and low-risk pregnancies in the postpartum period.

Methods: This case-control study examined 250 women in the postpartum period in two groups with low-risk (n = 112) and high-risk (n = 138) pregnancies. Women completed the Brief Symptom Inventory-53 (BSI-53) and the Risk Postnatal Psychosocial Depression Risk Questionnaire (PPDRQ).

Results: The mean severity of psychiatric symptoms in women with high-risk pregnancies was significantly higher than that in women with low-risk pregnancies (39.34 ± 17.51 vs. 30.26 ± 17.08). Additionally, the frequency of psychological distress in women with high-risk pregnancies was approximately twice higher than that in women with low-risk pregnancies (30.3% vs. 15.2%). Furthermore, the risk factors for depression in women with high-risk pregnancies were almost 1.5 times (59.8% vs. 39.8%) higher than the factors in women with low-risk pregnancies. The results of the logistic analysis indicated that high-risk pregnancies could be twice the odds ratio of developing postpartum psychological distress (ß = 2.14, 95% CI 1.4-6.3, p= 0.036).

Conclusion: Psychiatric symptoms and the psychological distress index are higher in postpartum women with high-risk pregnancies than in postpartum women with low-risk pregnancies. The study suggests that obstetricians and pregnant women's health care providers should strongly consider screening of psychiatric symptoms in women with high-risk pregnancies both during pregnancy and after delivery as the women's routine care priorities.
Development of a Mobile Health Application Based on a Mixed Prenatal Care in the Context of COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Novoa Rommy Helena , Meza-Santibañez Luis , Rodríguez-Hilario Noe , Torres-Osorio Juan , Jáuregui-Canchari Vladimir , Huang-Yang Xin , Melgarejo Wilder Eduardo , Bazo-Alvarez Juan Carlos , Ventura Walter
Published: May 2023

Objective We describe the development and structure of a novel mobile application in a mixed model of prenatal care, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, we assess the acceptability of this mobile app in a cohort of patients.

Methods First, we introduced a mixed model of prenatal care; second, we developed a comprehensive, computer-based clinical record to support our system. Lastly, we built a novel mobile app as a tool for prenatal care. We used Flutter Software version 2.2 to build the app for Android and iOS smartphones. A cross-sectional study was carried out to assess the acceptability of the app.

Results A mobile app was also built with the main attribute of being connected in real-time with the computer-based clinical records. The app screens detail information about activities programmed and developed in the prenatal care according to gestational age. A downloadable maternity book is available and some screens show warning signs and symptoms of pregnancy. The acceptability assessment was mostly rated positively regarding the characteristics of the mobile app, by 50 patients.

Conclusion This novel mobile app was developed as a tool among pregnant patients to increase the information available about their pregnancies in the provision of a mixed model of prenatal care in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was fully customized to the needs of our users following the local protocols. The introduction of this novel mobile app was highly accepted by the patients.
Pflegemanagementkongress: Reformen aktiv mitgestalten
Authors: Lux Vera
Published: May 2023

Die Gesundheitsbranche trifft sich beim Hauptstadtkongress 2023 in Berlin. Hier wird Politik gemacht, hier spielt die Musik. Die aktuellen Reformvorschläge für eine moderne und bedarfsgerechte Kranken-hausversorgung und zur Pflegereform stehen auf der Agenda.
Diskussion um Zukunft der Gesundheitsversorgung: Zeitenwende in der Gesundheitspolitik
Authors: Storm Andreas
Published: May 2023

Die Gesundheitsversorgung in Deutschland steckt weiter in einer tiefen Krise. Umso größere Bedeutung kommt dem Hauptstadtkongress Gesundheitspolitik zu, der alle Akteure zusammenbringt. Dieser Austausch ist dringend nötig, denn die Gesundheitsversorgung erlebt eine Zeitenwende.
Organspende: Widerspruchslösung wäre wichtiges Signal
Authors: Rahmel Axel
Published: May 2023

Seit Jahren stagnieren in Deutschland die Organspendezahlen. Längst ist die Debatte um die Widerspruchslösung neu entbrannt. Auch deshalb, weil das geplante Organspende-Register erst 2024 kommt und Experten am Erfolg des Registers zweifeln. Für Axel Rahmel, Medizinischer Vorstand der Deutschen Stiftung Organtransplantation (DSO), könnte die Widerspruchslösung die Situation verbessern.
Lichtblick: Geburt in Wohnzimmeratmospähre
Authors: Hohnstein Aileen
Published: May 2023

Dieser Artikel ist nur als PDF-Dokument verfügbar.
“Did You See What Happened?” How Scandals are Shared via Social Media
Authors: Soltani Mona , Veer Ekant , de Vries Huibert Peter , A. Kemper Joya
Published: May 2023

Social media has brought complexity and unpredictability to scandal situations, making it complex for brands to protect their reputations. In a scandal, the involvement of influential social media users in information dissemination often amplifies the attack on an organisation. This research sheds light on the role of influential users in the spread of scandals via social media. This study analyses multiple cases of for-profit and not-for-profit organisations impacted by value-based vs. performance-based scandals. We collected data from the discussions on Twitter to analyse fourteen scandals. Across all cases, 455 influential users’ tweets were analysed. The findings suggest that while in a performance-based scandal, the role of news outlets in the spread of information is significant, in a value-based scandal, individual influential users have more influence. The research introduces three main categories for influential users’ engagement approach; attacking, defending, and neutral, arguing that influential users’ engagement approaches towards a scandal, represented in the valence of their tweets, influence online users’ participation in online scandal discussion. The research finds that influential users are more likely to tweet about a value-based scandal and these tweets subsequently often receive more retweets compared to tweets on performance-based scandals. In addition, for-profit (vs not-for-profit) organisations typically do not have influential users' advocacy in the time of scandals.
Effects of mushy-zone parameter on simulating melting and solidification phenomena inside a spherical capsule
Authors: Tian Ziqian , Xu Chao , Liao Zhirong , Jiang Kaijun , Du Xiaoze
Published: May 2023

The research on latent heat storage technology is beneficial for the large-scale popularization and application of energy storage technology. In order to solve the difficulties in the latent thermal energy storage (LTES) technology, numerical studies of the solid–liquid phase-change process of LTES units using the enthalpy-porosity method have become research hotspots. Among them, the importance of studying the mushy-zone parameter has been neglected. In this paper, a two-dimensional numerical model is created based on the enthalpy-porosity method to investigate the effects of different mushy-zone parameters within a wide range [104–108 kg/(m3·s)] on the melting and solidification processes of the spherical phase change material capsule. A comprehensive examination of the fluid flow and heat transfer characteristics during two phase-change processes is conducted. Meanwhile, the morphology of the solid–liquid phase boundary and the evolution of the mushy zone under different mushy-zone parameters are discussed in detail. It is worth mentioning that a new analytical perspective is innovated by proposing the “eccentricity phenomenon,” and the eccentricity law is further explored. The results show that the influence mechanisms of the mushy-zone parameters on the melting and solidification processes differ greatly. This paper emphasizes the significance of exploring the mushy zone and provides adequate guidance for future simulation studies to determine the mushy-zone parameter.
Viewing biofilm formation through a multifocal lens of physics and biology
Authors: Kundukad Binu , Ho James C. S. , Mugunthan Sudarsan , Wong Lan Li , Rice Scott A. , Parikh Atul N. , Seviour Thomas , Hinks Jamie , Kjelleberg Staffan
Published: May 2023

Recent studies on the formation, organisation and dynamics of biofilms highlight the interplay between physical forces and biological programs. Two complementary generalised pathways that explain the mechanisms driving biofilm formation have emerged. In the first pathway, where physical forces precede the biological program, the initial expansion of cells leads to cell clustering or aggregation prior to the production of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). The second pathway describes an initial biologically prompted production of EPS, which introduces new biophysical interactions within the EPS, such as by phase separation, macromolecular crowding, excluded volume interactions and intermolecular cross-linking. In practice, which of the two pathways is adopted is ultimately determined by the specificities of the biofilm and the local microenvironment, each leading to the formation of robust, viscoelastic biofilm. Within this framework, we further highlight here recent findings on the role of higher-order structures in matrix gelation and phase separation of EPS in promoting the clustering of bacteria. We assert that examining biofilms through the combined lens of physics and biology promises new and significant methodological and conceptual advancements in our understanding of biofilms.