bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deciphering programmed cell death mechanisms in osteosarcoma for prognostic modeling
Authors: Chen Jingyang , Fan Tengdi , Pan Lingxiao , Yang Hanshi
Published: April 2024

Osteosarcoma (OS), known for its high recurrence and metastasis rates, poses a significant challenge in oncology. Our research investigates the role of programmed cell death (PCD) genes in OS and develops a prognostic model using advanced bioinformatics. We analyzed single‐cell sequencing data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to identify subpopulations, distinguish malignant from non‐malignant cells, assess cell cycle phases, and map PCD gene distribution. Additionally, we applied consistency clustering to bulk sequencing data from GEO and TARGET (Therapeutically Applicable Research to Generate Effective Treatments) databases, facilitating survival analysis across clusters with the Kaplan–Meier method. We calculated PCD scores for each cluster using the Single‐sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (ssGSEA), which enabled a detailed examination of PCD‐related gene expression and pathway scores. Our study also explored drug sensitivity differences and conducted comprehensive immune cell infiltration analyses using various algorithms. We identified differentially expressed genes, leading to Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses that provided insights into relevant biological processes and pathways. The prognostic model, based on five pivotal genes (BAMBI, TMCC2, NOX4, DKK1, and CBS), was developed using the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) algorithm and validated in the TARGET‐OS and GSE16091 datasets, showing significant predictive accuracy. This research enhances our understanding of PCD in OS and supports the development of effective treatments.
Challenges in differential diagnosis between obstructive and non‐obstructive azoospermia
Authors: Gamidov Safar , Shatylko Taras , Tambiev Alikhan , Gasanov Natig , Popova Alina , Alrawashdeh Abdalrahman , Sukhikh Gennadiy
Published: April 2024

Background

Some cases of non‐obstructive azoospermia (NOA) are characterized by normal clinical parameters, including testicular volume and levels of reproductive hormones, mimicking obstructive azoospermia (OA).

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of a consecutive series of 1417 patients undergoing primary surgical sperm retrieval between 2014 and 2023. Follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) level below 7.6 IU/l and normal testicular size with a long axis measurement >4.6 cm were used as criteria to suspect OA.

Results

Four hundred and eighteen patients with normal testicular volume and FSH levels had an initial diagnosis of OA. Among them, 243 (58.1%) had histological signs of spermatogenic dysfunction, and 175 (41.9%) had true OA. One hundred eleven patients had long‐standing obstruction (median: 16.5 years) with a median Bergmann–Kliesch score (BKS) of 5 (interquartile range [IQR]: 4–6) and 100% sperm retrieval rate (SRR), though some required microdissection testicular sperm extraction (microTESE). Fifty‐eight patients with a history of epididymo‐orchitis had a median BKS of 4 (IQR: 2–6) and 100% SRR. Twenty patients with a history of unjustified medical treatment for male infertility had a median BKS of 3 (IQR: 1–4) and 80% SRR. Fifty‐four patients had uniform maturation arrest with a 5.5% SRR on microTESE.

Conclusion

Men with normal testicular volume and FSH level may have evidence of spermatogenic failure on pathology. Patients with complicated seminal tract obstruction commonly have hypospermatogenesis, but true NOA caused by uniform maturation arrest may also be observed. Patient counseling for suspected OA should not be overly optimistic, and couples should be warned about possibility of conversion to microTESE and risks of negative sperm retrieval.
Combined ultrasound‐ and nerve stimulator‐guided brachial plexus nerve block in a pig undergoing olecranon fracture repair
Authors: Ishihara Toshitsugu , Hofmeister Erik , Bayne Jenna , Clark‐Price Stuart
Published: April 2024

A male pot‐bellied pig was presented for left thoracic limb lameness. A fracture of the olecranon apophysis with displacement was diagnosed, and fracture stabilisation was performed under general anaesthesia. After anaesthetic induction, an axillary brachial plexus nerve block (BPB) with bupivacaine was performed using a portable ultrasound device and a nerve locator. Heart rate and blood pressure were monitored for nociception and the need for analgesic intervention during the procedure. No analgesic intervention was deemed necessary, as the pig did not meet predefined nociceptive thresholds. The pig recovered from general anaesthesia uneventfully without clinical signs of pain or complications. The affected limb was knuckled and lacked conscious proprioception immediately after recovery. Sixteen hours after BPB, knuckling resolved, and normal conscious proprioception was observed. No obvious adverse effects from BPB were noted. The combination of ultrasound and nerve stimulator‐guided BPB with bupivacaine was successful in a pig.
The tale of the sea turtle flipper tagging technique, a global environmental impact assessment
Authors: Saladin Claire , Freggi Daniela
Published: April 2024

Although sea turtle flipper tagging is a tenet field technique generating irreplaceable scientific data worldwide since the inception of sea turtle conservation in 1920s along the Great Barrier Reef, the procedure was reported to trigger outbreaks of sea turtle fibropapillomatosis (FP) in 2018. This global environmental impact assessment performed during 2020–2023 meta‐analyzed three impacts on sea turtles health and conservation of the presence of visible flipper tags: a risk of clinical expression of FP lesions at the tag insertion point, a deterrent effect of the presence of flipper tags on sea turtle fishing, and a risk of entanglement of sea turtles in fishing gears. This essay concluded that the risk of expression of a FP lesion at the flipper tag insertion point is most probably correlated to a direct inoculation of ChHV5 via infected tagging equipment, and that the risk of entanglement in fishing gears can be mitigated by the choice of metallic flipper tags over plastic flipper tags. This essay also strongly recalls the sea turtle flipper tagging technique represents a remedy to knowledge gaps relevant to climate velocity research and can be a deterrent on sea turtle fishing in a frame of strong partnerships with indigenous people, independently of communities' socio‐cultural backgrounds.
Constructing ‘Old’ Age for Young Readers: A Digital Approach
Authors: Joosen Vanessa
Published: April 2024

Most literary scholars and age scholars have thus far relied on narrative analyses through close reading to comment on the age norms that books convey. This chapter explores what digital tools have to offer to support and enrich this type of analysis. The chapter focuses on children’s literature, a discourse that is defined by age and often thematizes intergenerational relationships and processes of growing up. After offering methodological reflections, it presents the results of a digital analysis of explicit and implicit age norms for older age in a corpus of 193 books by British, Dutch, and Flemish children’s authors. The scripts lay bare patterns that may escape human attention, such as the large number of explicit reflections on age or the substantial percentage of dialogue that older characters contribute to adult direct speech. The explicit reflections on older age are largely negative when isolated from context, but when supplemented with close readings they can direct researchers to debates about age that usually add nuance. The findings on the implicit age norms in direct speech in the corpus suggest that older characters speak more often in the past tense and about religion than young and other adult characters.
Viability of Knowledge Management Practices for a Successful Digital Transformation in Small- and Medium- Sized Enterprises
Authors: Oni-Orisan Oluwatomiwa
Published: April 2024

Digital innovations and technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, offer a unique opportunity to fundamentally transform business processes. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), having a significant impact on the German economy, are encouraged to fully embrace this opportunity for digital transformation.

Inspired by the usage of knowledge management as a mediation mechanism for effective AI application in [5], this case study examines its practical implications. Wiewald, an SME specializing in compressor systems, serves as an application partner in the KMI project, exploring the implementation of AI in SMEs.

By comparing academic literature on Industry 4.0’s impact on knowledge management with industry experts’ perspectives, we develop an appropriate digitalization strategy based on knowledge management. Its potential implementation is discussed using Wiewald as a practical example.
An Application of AI for Online Estimation of the Impact of Imperfections in Additive Manufactured Components
Authors: Holfeld Denise , Theurich Franziska , Rauschert André , Neumann Gregor , Hähnel Falk , Markmiller Johannes
Published: April 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) is popular for applications in image or natural-language processing, but AI can also be used to learn complex relations in production processes. For example, an AI can predict product quality based on process data during the production. In this paper, we present an application of AI to estimate structural properties of additive manufactured components in real-time. Occurring imperfections, such as air inclusions in the component, are considered and evaluated, since these have a significant influence on the quality of the component. This approach combines finite element (FE) simulation and machine learning: based on FE simulations, a neural network is trained to represent the relation between imperfections and the robustness of the component. To predict the impact of imperfection in real-time, monitoring systems are used to detect anomalies during the printing process, which are indications for imperfections in the additive manufactured component. Afterwards, the trained model is used to evaluate the impact of the detected anomalies to the component quality. This application of AI has a great potential to improve the additive manufacturing process itself and simplifying the approval of additively manufactured components.
Iterative Development of a Process-Oriented Approach for the Selection of Platform-Based Digital Services
Authors: Ramm Saskia , Grzona Pierre , Jung Hagen
Published: April 2024

While the concept of digital platform (-ecosystems) for the provision of corresponding services has been met with great interest both in the broad re-search community and in practical application, process-based considerations for the selection of digital platform services, which are furthermore supported by artificial intelligence (AI), remain unexplored. However, it is precisely the customer processes in the context of the user experience that play a decisive role in the success of targeted platform solutions. Therefore, this paper describes the development of a method that is specifically focused on the process-based derivation of relevant services for digital, AI-based platforms. To develop our method, we draw on a focus group study that operates in the environment of a current research project for the development of an AI-based networking platform and thus enables a first evaluation of the developed method. With our current results, we are thus not only contributing to the knowledge base around digital platforms and ecosystems in connection with artificial intelligence but are also providing a useful action guide for developing these in practice.
Classification of Static Poses Based on Key Point Detection for Application of Incriminated Image Files
Authors: Antonia Schönbrodt
Published: April 2024

The role of artificial intelligence, particularly in enhancing decision-making processes and facilitating automation, has become indispensable in today’s society. Law enforcement agencies have used the findings of this research for several years to analyze the ever-growing volumes of data. This approach owns an important role in the detection of child and adolescent pornography. Research conducted in this field has traditionally been dependent on the findings from skin filtering studies. However, some scientific publications and empirical studies reveal insufficient classification when using nudity levels. This work takes a more promising approach by leveraging the knowledge of an existing system and combining it with a homegrown model to improve the detection of incriminated image files. For this implementation, techniques from motion analysis were used to open up a new field of pose recognition.

Zusammenfassung. Die Rolle der künstlichen Intelligenz in Bezug auf ihre Individualität und Automatisierung ist in der heutigen Gesellschaft unverzichtbar geworden. Die Ergebnisse dieser Forschung werden seit einigen Jahren ebenfalls genutzt, um Strafverfolgungsbehörden bei der Analyse der ständig wachsenden Datenmengen zu unterstützen. Dieser Ansatz besitzt eine wichtige Rolle bei der Aufdeckung von Kinder- und Jugendpornografie. Bisherige Studien in diesem Bereich stützen sich größtenteils auf die Ergebnisse von Studien zur Hautfilterung. Einige wissenschaftliche Veröffentlichungen und empirische Studien zeigen jedoch, dass die Verwendung des Nacktheitsgrades keine ausreichende Klassifizierung ermög-licht. Diese Arbeit verfolgt einen vielversprechenderen Ansatz, indem sie das Wissen eines bestehenden Systems nutzt und es mit einem selbst entwickelten Modell kombiniert, um die Erkennung inkriminierter Bilddateien zu verbessern. Für diese Implementierung wurden Techniken aus der Bewegungsanalyse verwendet, um ein neues Feld der Posenerkennung zu erschließen.
Viperin inhibits interferon-γ production to promote Mycobacterium tuberculosis survival by disrupting TBK1-IKKε-IRF3-axis and JAK-STAT signaling
Authors: Liang Yao , Liang Yun , Wang Qi , Li Qianna , Huang Yingqi , Li Rong , Pan Xiaoxin , Lie Linmiao , Xu Hui , Han Zhenyu , Liu Honglin , Wen Qian , Zhou Chaoying , Ma Li , Zhou Xinying
Published: April 2024

Objectives and design

As an interferon-inducible protein, Viperin has broad-spectrum antiviral effects and regulation of host immune responses. We aim to investigate how Viperin regulates interferon-γ (IFN-γ) production in macrophages to control Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection.

Methods

We use Viperin deficient bone-marrow-derived macrophage (BMDM) to investigate the effects and machines of Viperin on Mtb infection.

Results

Viperin inhibited IFN-γ production in macrophages and in the lung of mice to promote Mtb survival. Further insight into the mechanisms of Viperin-mediated regulation of IFN-γ production revealed the role of TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1), the TAK1-dependent inhibition of NF-kappa B kinase-epsilon (IKKε), and interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3). Inhibition of the TBK1-IKKε-IRF3 axis restored IFN-γ production reduced by Viperin knockout in BMDM and suppressed intracellular Mtb survival. Moreover, Viperin deficiency activated the Janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling pathway, which promoted IFN-γ production and inhibited Mtb infection in BMDM. Additionally, a combination of the anti-TB drug INH treatment in the absence of Viperin resulted in further IFN-γ production and anti-TB effect.

Conclusions

This study highlights the involvement of TBK1-IKKε-IRF3 axis and JAK-STAT signaling pathways in Viperin-suppressed IFN-γ production in Mtb infected macrophages, and identifies a novel mechanism of Viperin on negatively regulating host immune response to Mtb infection.
Weighted Sum-of-Squares Lower Bounds for Univariate Polynomials Imply $$\text{VP} \neq \text{VNP}$$
Authors: Dutta Pranjal , Saxena Nitin , Thierauf Thomas
Published: April 2024

For a polynomial f,
a weighted sum-of-squares representation (SOS) has the form
$$f = \sum_{i\in [s]} c_i f_i^2$$

f
=

∑

i
∈
[
s
]

c
i

f
i
2

, where the weights$$c_i$$

c
i

are field elements.
The size of the representation is the number of monomials that appear across the $$f_i$$

f
i

's.
Its minimum across all such decompositions is called the support-sum S(f) of f.

For a univariate polynomial f of degree d of full support,
a lower bound for the support-sum is $$S(f) \ge \sqrt d$$

S

(
f
)

≥

d

.
We show that the existence of an explicit univariate polynomial f
with support-sum just slightly larger than the lower bound, that is, $$S(f) \ge d^{0.5+\varepsilon}$$

S

(
f
)

≥

d

0.5
+
ε

,
for some $$\varepsilon > 0$$

ε
>
0

,
implies that $$\ne$$
≠
,
the major open problem in algebraic complexity.
In fact, our proof works for some subconstant functions $$\varepsilon(d) > 0$$

ε
(
d
)
>
0

as well.
We also consider the sum-of-cubes representation (SOC) of polynomials. We show that an explicit hard polynomial
implies both blackbox-PIT is in , and $$\neq$$
≠
.
Neurofibromatose Typ 1: Vorsorgebogen für Kinder und Jugendliche in Österreich
Authors: Azizi Amedeo A. , Baumgartner Alicia-Christina , Seidel Markus , Zobel Joachim , Ebetsberger-Dachs Georg , Zellner Herta , Rauscher Christian , Birnbacher Robert , Pichler Ursula , Haberlandt Edda , Hedrich Cora , Berghoff Anna Sophie , Gruber Robert W. , Welponer Tobias , Hutterer Markus , Krottendorfer Kerstin , Pletschko Thomas , Röhl Claas ,   die AG für Pädiatrische Hämato-Onkologie (AGPHO) und die AG für Neuropädiatrie der Österreichischen Gesellschaft für Kinder- und Jugendheilkunde (ÖGKJ)
Published: April 2024

Hintergrund

Neurofibromatose Typ 1 (NF1) präsentiert sich bereits im Kindesalter mit einer Vielzahl potenzieller Symptome. Neben der Entstehung von Tumoren, insbesondere im Bereich des Nervensystems, rücken besonders orthopädische, neurokognitive/schulische und psychosoziale Aspekte in den Fokus.

Zielsetzung

In Österreich fehlten bisher klare Leitlinien für die Betreuung von Kindern und Jugendlichen mit NF1. Die Entwicklung eines Vorsorgebogens soll ein einheitliches Vorgehen ermöglichen.

Methodik

Das im Jahr 2021 etablierte österreichische NF Netzwerk, bestehend aus Expert:innen und Mitgliedern der Patientenorganisation NF Kinder, erzielte durch wiederholte Diskussionsrunden einen Konsens bezüglich der optimalen Vorsorge für Kinder und Jugendliche mit NF1. Der Vorsorgebogen richtet sich an Gesundheitspersonal, das Menschen mit NF1 betreut.

Ergebnisse

Der pädiatrische Vorsorgebogen ist in die Bereiche Klinik/Labor/Radiologie und Konsil gegliedert. Er zeigt auf, wann und welche Untersuchungen oder Kontrollen als sinnvoll erachtet bzw. empfohlen werden.

Schlussfolgerung

Die Entwicklung dieses Vorsorgebogens stellt einen bedeutenden Schritt in der Standardisierung der Versorgung von Kindern und Jugendlichen mit NF1 in Österreich dar. Durch die einfache Strukturierung und praxisorientierte Empfehlungen sollen eine effektivere Betreuung und Früherkennung von relevanten Gesundheitsaspekten ermöglicht werden.
Prevention and treatment of ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke in people with diabetes mellitus: a focus on glucose control and comorbidities
Authors: Sacco Simona , Foschi Matteo , Ornello Raffaele , De Santis Federico , Pofi Riccardo , Romoli Michele
Published: April 2024

Diabetes mellitus is a significant risk factor for both ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke, affecting up to a third of individuals with cerebrovascular diseases. Beyond being a risk factor for stroke, diabetes and hyperglycaemia have a negative impact on outcomes after ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke. Hyperglycaemia during the acute ischaemic stroke phase is associated with a higher risk of haemorrhagic transformation and poor functional outcome, with evidence in favour of early intervention to limit and manage severe hyperglycaemia. Similarly, intensive glucose control nested in a broader bundle of care, including blood pressure, coagulation and temperature control, can provide substantial benefit for clinical outcomes after haemorrhagic stroke. As micro- and macrovascular complications are frequent in people with diabetes, cardiovascular prevention strategies also need to consider tailored treatment. In this regard, the broader availability of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists can allow tailored treatments, particularly for those with heart failure and chronic kidney disease as comorbidities. Here, we review the main concepts of hyperacute stroke management and CVD prevention among people with diabetes, capitalising on results from large studies and RCTs to inform clinicians on preferred treatments.

Graphical Abstract
Trajectories of clinical characteristics, complications and treatment choices in data-driven subgroups of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Li Xinyu , Donnelly Louise A. , Slieker Roderick C. , Beulens Joline W. J. , ‘t Hart Leen M. , Elders Petra J. M. , Pearson Ewan R. , van Giessen Anoukh , Leal Jose , Feenstra Talitha
Published: April 2024

Aims/hypothesis

This study aimed to explore the added value of subgroups that categorise individuals with type 2 diabetes by k-means clustering for two primary care registries (the Netherlands and Scotland), inspired by Ahlqvist’s novel diabetes subgroups and previously analysed by Slieker et al.

Methods

We used two Dutch and Scottish diabetes cohorts (N=3054 and 6145; median follow-up=11.2 and 12.3 years, respectively) and defined five subgroups by k-means clustering with age at baseline, BMI, HbA1c, HDL-cholesterol and C-peptide. We investigated differences between subgroups by trajectories of risk factor values (random intercept models), time to diabetes-related complications (logrank tests and Cox models) and medication patterns (multinomial logistic models). We also compared directly using the clustering indicators as predictors of progression vs the k-means discrete subgroups. Cluster consistency over follow-up was assessed.

Results

Subgroups’ risk factors were significantly different, and these differences remained generally consistent over follow-up. Among all subgroups, individuals with severe insulin resistance faced a significantly higher risk of myocardial infarction both before (HR 1.65; 95% CI 1.40, 1.94) and after adjusting for age effect (HR 1.72; 95% CI 1.46, 2.02) compared with mild diabetes with high HDL-cholesterol. Individuals with severe insulin-deficient diabetes were most intensively treated, with more than 25% prescribed insulin at 10 years of diagnosis. For severe insulin-deficient diabetes relative to mild diabetes, the relative risks for using insulin relative to no common treatment would be expected to increase by a factor of 3.07 (95% CI 2.73, 3.44), holding other factors constant. Clustering indicators were better predictors of progression variation relative to subgroups, but prediction accuracy may improve after combining both. Clusters were consistent over 8 years with an accuracy ranging from 59% to 72%.

Conclusions/interpretation

Data-driven subgroup allocations were generally consistent over follow-up and captured significant differences in risk factor trajectories, medication patterns and complication risks. Subgroups serve better as a complement rather than as a basis for compressing clustering indicators.

Graphical Abstract
Shape functions to scanner comparison
Authors: Pajerová Nikola , Koptiš Michal
Published: April 2024

In the optical scanning, the processed data are in the form of point clouds that can be organised into the triangular meshes and can represent the surface with the given inaccuracy of the scanner. Meshes of special surfaces (such as sphere or ball bar) are used for the scanner calibration, qualification and verification. These artefacts restrict the calibration process, because their sizes must be periodically calibrated by the relevant institutions.

The aim of this paper is to present new possibilities for optical laser scanner accuracy comparison. Three types of laser scanners with different accuracies were used. The calibration sphere was used to compare the results of the deviations (the commonly used method for scanner accuracy verification) from calibrated value with the results of new methods that use shape functions measuring distances, cone heights or curvatures. The measurement system analysis was used to verify that these functions can be used for scanners comparison. The comparison of shape distributions obtained from results of shape functions in the form of polylines was used to compare scanners according to their accuracies. The comparison of shape distribution results was done using ranges and Minkowski $${L}_{1}$$

L
1

norm.
Analysis of the friction performance of deep-drawing steel sheets using network models
Authors: Najm Sherwan Mohammed , Trzepieciński Tomasz , Ibrahim Omar Maghawry , Szwajka Krzysztof , Szewczyk Marek
Published: April 2024

This article presents the results of pilot studies on the lubrication of the blankholder zone in sheet metal forming using a pressurised lubricant. The authors invented a method and built a special tribometer for pressure-assisted lubrication. This approach reduces friction in sheet metal forming processes compared to conventional lubrication. Moreover, the artificial neural network approach combined with a force-directed Fruchterman-Reingold graph algorithm and Spearman’s correlation was used for the first time to analyse the relationships between the friction process parameters and the output parameters (the coefficient of friction and the resulting surface roughness of the sheet metal). The experimental tests were conducted utilising strip drawing on four grades of steel sheets known to be outstanding for deep-drawing quality. Different oils, oil pressures and contact pressures were used. Artificial neural network models were used for the first time to determine these relationships in a strip drawing test where every parameter is represented by one node, and all nodes are connected by edges with each other. R Software version 4.2.3 was used to construct the network using the ‘qgraph’ and ‘networktools’ packages. It was found that friction conditions had a highly significant negative correlation with coefficient of friction (COF) and a moderately significant negative correlation with the final surface roughness. However, the initial surface roughness of the as-received sheets had a negative correlation with the COF and a positive one with the resulting surface roughness of the sheet metal. The parameters most related to the COF are the strength coefficient, the ultimate tensile strength and the friction conditions (dry friction or pressurised lubrication). Spearman’s correlation coefficients showed a strong correlation between the kinematic viscosity and the friction conditions.
Chemical, microbial, and volatile compounds of water kefir beverages made from chickpea, almond, and rice extracts
Authors: Ustaoğlu-Gençgönül Mutlu , Gökırmaklı Çağlar , Üçgül Bilgenur , Karagül-Yüceer Yonca , Guzel-Seydim Zeynep B.
Published: April 2024

This study aims to assess the microbial, nutritional, volatile, and sensory characteristics of rice, almond, and chickpea water kefir beverages during refrigerated storage. Plant-based kefirs contained significant amounts of lactic acid bacteria and yeasts. The microbial content of kefirs was stable during 14-day refrigerated storage. Lactic acid, acetic acid, and tartaric acid are commonly detected organic acids in kefir samples. Almond and chickpea kefirs were rich in potassium mineral. Almond kefir had the highest ethanol content among plant-based kefirs, followed by chickpea and rice-based kefirs. Ethyl acetate, acetic acid, propionic acid, hexanoic acid, and benzenemethanol were identified as key volatile compounds in almond kefir and chickpea kefir samples using a GC–MS detector during water kefir fermentation. According to sensory analysis results, significant differences are present for all test parameters except odor. Almond kefir was the most accepted, while the other two kefir samples were below the general acceptance level (P < 0.05).
Erythrocytes membrane fluidity changes induced by adenylyl cyclase cascade activation: study using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching
Authors: Semenov A. N. , Lugovtsov A. E. , Rodionov S. A. , Maksimov Eu. G. , Priezzhev A. V. , Shirshin E. A.
Published: April 2024

In this study, fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) experiments were performed on RBC labeled by lipophilic fluorescent dye CM-DiI to evaluate the role of adenylyl cyclase cascade activation in changes of lateral diffusion of erythrocytes membrane lipids. Stimulation of adrenergic receptors with epinephrine (adrenaline) or metaproterenol led to the significant acceleration of the FRAP recovery, thus indicating an elevated membrane fluidity. The effect of the stimulation of protein kinase A with membrane-permeable analog of cAMP followed the same trend but was less significant. The observed effects are assumed to be driven by increased mobility of phospholipids resulting from the weakened interaction between the intermembrane proteins and RBC cytoskeleton due to activation of adenylyl cyclase signaling cascade.

Graphical abstract
Anterior peri-sacroiliac joint osteotomy in the treatment of malunion and nonunion of complex pelvic ring fracture: techniques and preliminary results
Authors: Fan Shicai , Liao Yilan , Xiao Zhipeng , Chen Yuhui , Li Tao , Mai Qiguang , Chen Sheqiang , Xiang Haibo , Hou Zhiyong , Zhang Yingze
Published: April 2024

Purpose

To introduce anterior peri-sacroiliac joint osteotomy (APSJO) through the lateral-rectus approach (LRA) for treating pelvic fracture malunion and nonunion, and to evaluate the safety, feasibility, and potential effectiveness.

Methods

Data of 15 patients with pelvic fracture malunion and nonunion who underwent treatment by APSJO were selected and analyzed. The reduction quality was assessed using the Mears and Velyvis criteria, while the pre-operative and post-operative function was revealed by the Majeed scoring system. The British Medical Research Council (BMRC) grading system was recruited for the evaluation of lumbosacral plexus function.

Results

The average operative duration was 264.00 ± 86.75 min, while the intra-operative blood loss was 2000 (600, 3000) mL. Anatomical reduction was complete in three cases, satisfactory in ten cases, and unsatisfactory in two cases. Among the seven patients with lumbosacral plexus injury, the pre-operative Majeed grades were good in two cases, fair in two cases, and poor in three cases, while the post-operative Majeed grades were excellent in three cases, good in three cases, and fair in one case. Muscle strength recovered to M5 in two cases, M4 in three cases, and showed no recovery in two cases. The pre-operative Majeed grades were good in five cases, fair in two cases, and poor in one case of the series without lumbosacral plexus injury, while the post-operative Majeed grades were excellent in seven cases and good in one case.

Conclusion

APSJO through LRA may be a feasible strategy for treating pelvic fracture malunion and nonunion with promising application.
Assortment optimization: a systematic literature review
Authors: Heger Julia , Klein Robert
Published: April 2024

Assortment optimization is a core topic of demand management that finds application in a broad set of different areas including retail, airline, hotel, and transportation industries as well as in the healthcare sector. Hence, the interest in research on assortment optimization has grown rapidly in recent years. However, the sheer number of publications on the topic of assortment optimization makes it difficult to keep track of all available approaches proposed in the literature. In this paper, we systematically review state-of-the-art studies on assortment optimization. We assemble an extensive literature overview by strategically searching for pre-defined keywords within leading scientific databases. The resulting literature is grouped by a proposed taxonomy that captures properties related to the optimization problem itself, the modelled customer behaviour, and the solution concept applied for solving the problem at hand. For each group, we provide an overview of the corresponding literature and analyse it based on a proposed selection of key factors.
Global burden of bladder cancer mortality in 2020 and 2040 according to GLOBOCAN estimates
Authors: Wéber András , Vignat Jerome , Shah Richa , Morgan Eileen , Laversanne Mathieu , Nagy Péter , Kenessey István , Znaor Ariana
Published: April 2024

Introduction

In 2020, bladder cancer (BC) was the seventh most prevalent cancer in the world, with 5-year prevalence of more than 1.7 million cases. Due to the main risk factors—smoking and chemical exposures—associated with BC, it is considered a largely preventable and avoidable cancer. An overview of BC mortality can allow an insight not only into the prevalence of global risk factors, but also into the varying efficiency of healthcare systems worldwide. For this purpose, this study analyzes the national mortality estimates for 2020 and projected future trends up to 2040.

Materials and methods

Age-standardized mortality rates per 100,000 person-years of BC for 185 countries by sex were obtained from the GLOBOCAN 2020 database, operated by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Mortality rates were stratified according to sex and Human Development Index (HDI). BC deaths were projected up to 2040 on the basis of demographic changes, alongside different scenarios of annually increasing, stable or decreasing mortality rates from the baseline year of 2020.

Results

In 2020, nearly three times more men died from BC than women, with more than 210,000 deaths in both sexes combined, worldwide. Regardless of gender, more than half of the total BC deaths were from countries with a very high HDI. According to our projections, while the number of deaths for men can only increase up to 54% (from 159 to around 163–245 thousand), for women it is projected to increase two- to three-fold (from 50 to around 119–176 thousand) by 2040. The burden of BC mortality in countries with a very high HDI versus high HDI appears to converge by 2040 for both sexes.

Conclusion

Opposite mortality trends by gender highlight the urgent need for immediate interventions to expand anti-tobacco strategies, especially for women. The implementation of more strict occupational health and safety regulations could also prevent exposures associated with BC. Improving the ability to detect BC earlier and access to treatment can have a significant positive impact on reducing mortality rates, minimizing economic costs, and enhancing the quality of life for patients.
The anaerobic soil volume as a controlling factor of denitrification: a review
Authors: Schlüter Steffen , Lucas Maik , Grosz Balazs , Ippisch Olaf , Zawallich Jan , He Hongxing , Dechow Rene , Kraus David , Blagodatsky Sergey , Senbayram Mehmet , Kravchenko Alexandra , Vogel Hans-Jörg , Well Reinhard
Published: April 2024

Denitrification is an important component of the nitrogen cycle in soil, returning reactive nitrogen to the atmosphere. Denitrification activity is often concentrated spatially in anoxic microsites and temporally in ephemeral events, which presents a challenge for modelling. The anaerobic fraction of soil volume can be a useful predictor of denitrification in soils. Here, we provide a review of this soil characteristic, its controlling factors, its estimation from basic soil properties and its implementation in current denitrification models. The concept of the anaerobic soil volume and its relationship to denitrification activity has undergone several paradigm shifts that came along with the advent of new oxygen and microstructure mapping techniques. The current understanding is that hotspots of denitrification activity are partially decoupled from air distances in the wet soil matrix and are mainly associated with particulate organic matter (POM) in the form of fresh plant residues or manure. POM fragments harbor large amounts of labile carbon that promote local oxygen consumption and, as a result, these microsites differ in their aeration status from the surrounding soil matrix. Current denitrification models relate the anaerobic soil volume fraction to bulk oxygen concentration in various ways but make little use of microstructure information, such as the distance between POM and air-filled pores. Based on meta-analyses, we derive new empirical relationships to estimate the conditions for the formation of anoxia at the microscale from basic soil properties and we outline how these empirical relationships could be used in the future to improve prediction accuracy of denitrification models at the soil profile scale.
Aseptic midterm survival rates between different cemented tibial stem designs in hinged total knee arthroplasty: a 6-year evaluation from the German Arthroplasty Registry
Authors: Maslaris Alexander , Grimberg Alexander , Melsheimer Oliver , Tsiridis Elefterios , Matziolis Georg
Published: April 2024

Introduction

The rate of revision TKA and thus the use of hinged implants (HI) steadily rises. Aseptic loosening lies on the top of the failure patterns. However, no evidence exists until now based on national scale high-caseloads that analyzes the impact of cemented HI stem-design on aseptic survival rates.

Methods

Data on aseptic HI-revisions with full-cemented tibia-stems were conducted from the German Arthroplasty Registry. Cases were divided in primary HI (PHI) and HI used in revision operations (RHI). Endpoint was a new revision following either a PHI or an RHI. The impact of stem conicity (conical vs. cylindrical), diameter (≤ 13 mm vs. > 13 mm), length (≤ 90 mm vs. > 90 mm) and offset on the 6-Year-Cumulative-Aseptic-Revision-Rate (6Y-CARR) was estimated via Kaplan–Meier curve and compared between groups via Log-Rank-Tests.

Results

3953 PHI and 2032 RHI fulfilled inclusion-criteria. Stem conicity had no impact on 6Y-CARR (p = 0.08 and p = 0.8). Diameter > 13 mm hat an impact on PHI (p = 0.05) with lower 6Y-CARR but not on RHI (p = 0.2). Length > 90 mm showed significantly worst 6Y-CARR in PHI (p = 0.0001) but not in RHI (p = 0.3). Offset-stems showed significantly better 6Y-CARR in PHI (p = 0.04), but not in RHI (p = 0.7).

Conclusion

There was no significant impact of the cemented tibia-stem conicity on 6Y-CARR, neither in PHI nor in RHI. The effect of length, diameter and offset on the 6Y-CARR observed in the PHI, was not detectable in the more complex RHI-cases reflecting its limited clinical relevance by itself in more multifactorial backgrounds. Therefore, results must be interpreted with caution due to considerable system-effects and different utilization-scenarios.
Bright light therapy versus physical exercise to prevent co-occurring depression in adolescents and young adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a multicentre, three-arm, randomised controlled, pilot phase-IIa trial
Authors: Mayer Jutta S. , Kohlhas Laura , Stermann Jacek , Medda Juliane , Brandt Geva A. , Grimm Oliver , Pawley Adam D. , Asherson Philip , Sanchez Judit Palacio , Richarte Vanesa , Bergsma Douwe , Koch Elena D. , Muntaner-Mas Adrià , Ebner-Priemer Ulrich W. , Kieser Meinhard , Retz Wolfgang , Ortega Francisco B. , Colla Michael , Buitelaar Jan K. , Kuntsi Jonna , Ramos-Quiroga Josep A. , Reif Andreas , Freitag Christine M.
Published: April 2024

Depression is common in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but preventive behavioural interventions are lacking. This randomised controlled, pilot phase-IIa trial aimed to study a physical exercise intervention (EI) and bright light therapy (BLT)—both implemented and monitored in an individual, naturalistic setting via a mobile health (m-health) system—for feasibility of trial design and interventions, and to estimate their effects on depressive symptoms in young people with ADHD. Two hundred seven participants aged 14–45 years were randomised to 10-week add-on intervention of either BLT (10,000 lx; daily 30-min sessions) (n = 70), EI (aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities 3 days/ week) (n = 69), or treatment-as-usual (TAU) (n = 68), of whom 165 (80%) were retained (BLT: n = 54; EI: n = 52; TAU: n = 59). Intervention adherence (i.e. ≥ 80% completed sessions) was very low for both BLT (n = 13, 22%) and EI (n = 4, 7%). Usability of the m-health system to conduct interventions was limited as indicated by objective and subjective data. Safety was high and comparable between groups. Changes in depressive symptoms (assessed via observer-blind ratings, Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology) between baseline and end of intervention were small (BLT: −0.124 [95% CI: −2.219, 1.971], EI: −2.646 [95% CI: −4.777, −0.515], TAU: −1.428 [95% CI: −3.381, 0.526]) with no group differences [F(2,153) = 1.45, p = 0.2384]. These findings suggest that the m-health approach did not achieve feasibility of EI and BLT in young people with ADHD. Prior to designing efficacy studies, strategies how to achieve high intervention adherence should be specifically investigated in this patient group.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03371810, 13 December 2017.
A review of multi-disciplinary decomposition research and key drivers of variation in decay
Authors: McIntyre Donna B. , Dawson Blake M. , Long Benjamin M. , Barton Philip S.
Published: April 2024

The decomposition of animal remains is a multifaceted process, involving ecological, biological, and chemical interactions. While the complexity is acknowledged through concepts like the necrobiome, it’s unclear if this complexity is reflected in research. Appreciation of the complexity of decomposition is crucial for identifying sources of variation in estimations of time since death in medico-legal science, as well as building broader ecological knowledge of the decomposition process. To gain insights into the extent of multidisciplinary research in the field of decomposition science, we conducted an examination of peer-reviewed literature on four key drivers of variation: volatile organic compounds, microbes, drugs/toxins, and insects. Among 650 articles, we identified their scientific discipline, driver/s of variation investigated, and year of publication. We found that 19% explored relationships between two drivers, while only 4% investigated interactions between three. None considered all four drivers. Over the past three decades, there has been a steady increase in decomposition research publications, signifying its growing importance. Most research (79%) was linked to forensic science, highlighting opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration in decomposition science. Overall, our review underscores the need to incorporate multidisciplinary approaches and theory into contemporary decomposition research.
Exploring cranial macromorphoscopic variation and classification accuracy in a South African sample
Authors: Liebenberg Leandi , L’Abbé Ericka N. , Stull Kyra E.
Published: April 2024

To date South African forensic anthropologists are only able to successfully apply a metric approach to estimate population affinity when constructing a biological profile from skeletal remains. While a non-metric, or macromorphoscopic approach exists, limited research has been conducted to explore its use in a South African population. This study aimed to explore 17 cranial macromorphoscopic traits to develop improved methodology for the estimation of population affinity among black, white and coloured South Africans and for the method to be compliant with standards of best practice. The trait frequency distributions revealed substantial group variation and overlap, and not a single trait can be considered characteristic of any one population group. Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn’s tests demonstrated significant population differences for 13 of the 17 traits. Random forest modelling was used to develop classification models to assess the reliability and accuracy of the traits in identifying population affinity. Overall, the model including all traits obtained a classification accuracy of 79% when assessing population affinity, which is comparable to current craniometric methods. The variable importance indicates that all the traits contributed some information to the model, with the inferior nasal margin, nasal bone contour, and nasal aperture shape ranked the most useful for classification. Thus, this study validates the use of macromorphoscopic traits in a South African sample, and the population-specific data from this study can potentially be incorporated into forensic casework and skeletal analyses in South Africa to improve population affinity estimates.
Clinical trial evidence of quality-of-life effects of disease-modifying therapies for multiple sclerosis: a systematic analysis
Authors: Hirt Julian , Dembowska Kinga , Woelfle Tim , Axfors Cathrine , Granziera Cristina , Kuhle Jens , Kappos Ludwig , Hemkens Lars G. , Janiaud Perrine
Published: April 2024

Background

Increasingly, patients, clinicians, and regulators call for more evidence on the impact of innovative medicines on quality of life (QoL). We assessed the effects of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) on QoL in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS).

Methods

Randomized trials assessing approved DMTs in PwMS with results for at least one outcome referred to as “quality of life” were searched in PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov.

Results

We identified 38 trials published between 1999 and 2023 with a median of 531 participants (interquartile range (IQR) 202 to 941; total 23,225). The evaluated DMTs were mostly interferon-beta (n = 10; 26%), fingolimod (n = 7; 18%), natalizumab (n = 5; 13%), and glatiramer acetate (n = 4; 11%). The 38 trials used 18 different QoL instruments, with up to 11 QoL subscale measures per trial (median 2; IQR 1–3). QoL was never the single primary outcome. We identified quantitative QoL results in 24 trials (63%), and narrative statements in 15 trials (39%). In 16 trials (42%), at least one of the multiple QoL results was statistically significant. The effect sizes of the significant quantitative QoL results were large (median Cohen’s d 1.02; IQR 0.3–1.7; median Hedges’ g 1.01; IQR 0.3–1.69) and ranged between d 0.14 and 2.91.

Conclusions

Certain DMTs have the potential to positively impact QoL of PwMS, and the assessment and reporting of QoL is suboptimal with a multitude of diverse instruments being used. There is an urgent need that design and reporting of clinical trials reflect the critical importance of QoL for PwMS.