bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Myeloid Phenotypes in Tracheostomy‐Associated Granulation Tissue
Authors: Berges Alexandra J. , Ospino Rafael , Lina Ioan A. , Collins Samuel , Chan‐Li Yee , Gelbard Alexander , Hillel Alexander T. , Motz Kevin M.
Published: January 2023

Objective(s)

Tracheostomy‐associated granulation tissue is a common, recurrent problem occurring secondary to chronic mucosal irritation. Although granulation tissue is composed of predominantly innate immune cells, the phenotype of monocytes and macrophages in tracheostomy‐associated granulation tissue is unknown. This study aims to define the myeloid cell population in granulation tissue secondary to tracheostomy.

Methods

Granulation tissue biopsies were obtained from 8 patients with tracheostomy secondary to laryngotracheal stenosis. Cell type analysis was performed by flow cytometry and gene expression was measured by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. These methods and immunohistochemistry were used to define the monocyte/macrophage population in granulation tissue and were compared to tracheal autopsy control specimens.

Results

Flow cytometry demonstrated macrophages (CD45+CD11b+) and monocytes (CD45+FSClowSSClow) represent 23.2 ± 6% of the granulation tissue cell population. The M2 phenotype (CD206) is present in 77 ± 11% of the macrophage population and increased compared to the M1 phenotype (p = 0.012). Classical monocytes (CD45+CD14highCD16low) were increased in granulation tissue compared to controls (61.2 ± 7% and 30 ± 8.5%, p = 0.038). Eighty‐five percent of macrophages expressed pro‐inflammatory S100A8/A9 and 36 ± 4% of macrophages co‐localized CD169, associated with tissue‐resident macrophages. M2 gene expression (Arg1/CD206) was increased in granulation tissue (3.7 ± 0.4, p = 0.035 and 3.5 ± 0.5, p = 0.047) whereas M1 gene expression (CD80/CD86) was similar to controls (p = 0.64, p = 0.3). Immunohistochemistry of granulation tissue demonstrated increased cells co‐localizing CD11b and CD206.

Conclusions

M2 macrophages are the dominant macrophage phenotype in tracheostomy‐associated granulation tissue. The role of this cell type in promoting ongoing inflammation warrants future investigation to identify potential treatments for granulation tissue secondary to tracheostomy.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 133:2346–2356, 2023
Taxonomic identity, biodiversity, and antecedent disturbances shape the dimensional stability of stream invertebrates
Authors: Allen Daniel C. , Gill Brian A. , Metcalfe Anya , Bonjour Sophia , Starr Scott , Wang Junna , Valentin Diana , Grimm Nancy B.
Published: January 2023

The “dimensional stability” approach measures different components of ecological stability to investigate how they are related. Yet, most empirical work has used small‐scale and short‐term experimental manipulations. Here, we apply this framework to a long‐term observational dataset of stream macroinvertebrates sampled between the winter flooding and summer monsoon seasons. We test hypotheses that relate variation among stability metrics across different taxa, the magnitude of antecedent (monsoon) and immediate (winter) floods to stability metrics, and the relative importance of disturbance magnitude and taxonomic richness on community dimensional stability. Cluster analysis revealed four distinct stability types, and we found that the magnitude of floods during the prior monsoon was more important in influencing stability than the winter flood itself. For dimensional stability at the community level, taxonomic richness was more important than disturbance magnitude. This work demonstrates that abiotic and biotic factors determine dimensional stability in a natural ecosystem.
The MÉRA Data Extraction toolkit
Authors: Görgü Levent , Hawtree Daniel , O'Grady Michael J. , Muldoon Conor , Masterson Bartholomew , Meijer Wim G. , O'Sullivan John J. , O'Hare Gregory M. P.
Published: January 2023

Historical meteorological datasets are indispensable for forming climatic models and the generation of weather forecasts. Such data are core to the training phase of prediction models and may also be harnessed for hydrological and environmental models. GRIB is the most common data format used in meteorology and represents the de facto standard for storing historical weather data. However, GRIB datasets are complex and do not constitute analysis‐ready data without additional preprocessing. The MÉRA dataset of the Met Eireann, the Irish meteorological service, is archetypical of such datasets, emerging from a high‐resolution climatic reanalysis of Irish weather data between 1981 and 2019. This article describes the MÉRA Data Extractor toolkit. This toolkit enables the intuitive, fast extraction and preprocessing of data from this extensive dataset. The toolkit is available as open source and will be of interest to those researching climate modelling in Europe.
What should a toolkit to aid the delivery of therapeutic exercise for hip and knee osteoarthritis look like? Qualitative analysis of an international survey of 318 researchers, clinicians, and consumers by the OARSI Rehabilitation Discussion Group
Authors: Lawford Belinda J. , Master Hiral , Larsen Jesper B. , Bartholdy Cecilie , Corrigan Patrick , Ginnerup‐Nielsen Elisabeth , Le Christina , Teoli Anthony , Bennell Kim L. , Metcalf Ben , Hinman Rana S. , Button Kate , Collins Natalie J. , Cottrell Elizabeth , Henrotin Yves , Skou Søren T. , Thoma Louise M. , Wellsandt Elizabeth , White Daniel K. , Holden Melanie A.
Published: January 2023

Background

We aimed to identify important components of, and practical resources relevant for inclusion in, a toolkit to aid exercise delivery for people with hip/knee osteoarthritis.

Method

An online international multi‐disciplinary survey was conducted across 43 countries (139 clinicians, 44 people with hip/knee osteoarthritis and 135 osteoarthritis researchers). Participants were presented with the seeding statement ‘Practical resources to aid the implementation of exercise for people with hip/knee osteoarthritis should…’ and asked to provide up to 10 open text responses. Responses underwent refinement and qualitative content analysis to create domains and categories.

Results

Refinement of 551 open text responses yielded 72 unique statements relevant for analysis. Statements were organised into nine broad domains, suggesting that resources to aid exercise delivery should: (1) be easily accessible; (2) be of high quality; (3) be developed by, and for, stakeholders; (4) include different ways of delivering information; (5) include different types of resources to support exercise and non‐exercise components of self‐management; (6) include resources on recommended exercises and how to perform/progress them; (7) include tools to support motivation and track progress; (8) include resources to enable tailoring of the programme to the individual and; (9) facilitate access to professional and peer support.

Conclusion

Our findings identified important components of, and practical resources to include within, a toolkit to aid delivery of exercise for people with hip/knee osteoarthritis. These findings have implications for exercise providers and lay the foundation for the development of a toolkit to help ensure exercise provision aligns with current international recommendations.
Synthesis and characterization of hollow mesoporous silica nanocomposites containing phosphorescent pigment and doxycycline
Authors: Alam Zahra , Ghamami Shahriar , Baghshahi Saeid
Published: January 2023

Hollow mesoporous silica can be used as a carrier to store large amounts of drugs in pharmaceuticals due to its high surface area and suitable porosity. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to develop a SrAl2O4:Eu2+,Dy3+ hollow mesoporous silica and apply for loading and tracking of doxycycline (DOX) release. The structure and particle morphology were investigated by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) pictures, respectively. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra revealed that the phosphors had efficient luminescent and long‐lasting properties. Finally, according to the obtained results, the amount of drug loading in hollow mesoporous regular silica was 35% and the drug release from hollow mesoporous regular silica was gradual and controlled.
Hospital practitioner views on the benefits of continence education and best ways to provide training
Authors: Percival John , Abbott Katharine , Allain Theresa , Bradley Rachel , Cramp Fiona , Donovan Jenny , McCabe Candy , Neubauer Kyra , Redwood Sabi , Cotterill Nikki
Published: January 2023

Aim

The aim of the study was to explore practitioners' experiences and perspectives on continence training, in order to understand its relevance to practice and how take‐up of, and engagement with, such training may be improved.

Design

27 qualitative interviews were conducted with nursing, medical and allied health practitioners in three hospitals.

Methods

We analysed data thematically, both manually and with the aid of NVivo software. The research adheres to the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research checklist.

Results

Practitioners asserted the likely benefits of evidence‐based continence training, including more judicious use of products, reduction in associated infection, better patient skin care and more facilitative communication with patients. Practitioners also identified preferred methods of continence training, according to their role and workload. To ensure better take‐up of, and engagement with, continence training, it must be authorized as essential and provided in ways that reflect professional preferences and pragmatic resource considerations.
Registration of UPR‐Mp‐34 and UPR‐Mp‐42 common bean germplasm with enhanced resistance to ashy stem blight
Authors: Viteri Diego M. , Linares‐Ramírez Angela M. , Miranda Zoralys , Vázquez Roberto
Published: January 2023

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) breeding lines (BL) UPR‐Mp‐34 (Reg no. CV‐313, PI 701379) and UPR‐Mp‐42 (Reg no. CV‐314, PI 701380) were developed at the University of Puerto Rico. UPR‐Mp‐34 was derived from A 195/‘PC 50’//SEA 5, and UPR‐Mp‐42 was developed from BAT 477/NY6020‐4//PRA154 common bean populations. Both BL have intermediate levels of resistance (mean scores, 4–6) to two inoculations of the PRI21 Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goidanich isolate (the causal agent of ashy stem blight) compared with BAT 477, SEA 5, TARS‐MST1, and XAN 176, which mostly had susceptible scores (7–9) in the greenhouse and field evaluations. UPR‐Mp‐34 has an indeterminate growth habit Type III, has a cream seed (average weight, 26.5 g per 100 seeds), initiates flowering at 32 d after planting, and reaches harvesting maturity at 86 d. Mean seed yield was 730 and 340 kg ha−1 in Isabela and Lajas, respectively. UPR‐Mp‐42 possesses black seed (23.8 g per 100 seeds), has a determinate growth habit Type I, initiates flowering at 30 d, and matures at 76 d. Mean seed yield was 750 kg ha−1 in both locations. The intermediate levels of ashy stem blight resistance from both BL could be combined with other sources of resistance and introgressed into common bean cultivars from different market classes.
Bipolar spectrum in prostate cancer patients and its role in stress related symptoms
Authors: Chrobak Adrian Andrzej , Przydacz Mikołaj , Chłosta Marcin , Machalska Karolina , Turek Aleksander , Popiół Maja , Skalski Michał , Arciszewska‐Leszczuk Aleksandra , Chłosta Piotr , Siwek Marcin , Dudek Dominika
Published: January 2023

Background

Studies show significant co‐occurrence of bipolar disorder and prostate cancer, as well as the presence of shared genes associated with both diseases. Our aim was to evaluate whether prostate cancer patients present bipolar spectrum symptoms and to establish their possible associations with stress related symptoms during diagnosis and the course of the cancer therapy.

Methods

200 participants were enrolled to this study: 100 prostate cancer patients and 100 healthy males. Bipolar spectrum symptoms were measured with the use of Mood Disorder Questionnaire and Hypomania Checklist‐32 (HCL‐32). Stress related symptoms were rated with The Impact of Events Scale‐Revised (IES‐R), Perceived Stress Scale‐10 (PSS‐10) and Generalised Self‐Efficacy Scale (GSES).

Results

In comparison to healthy controls group, prostate cancer patients have shown higher HCL‐32 scores. Mood Disorder Questionnaire measures were associated with more severe stress related to prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment reflected by higher scores of IES‐R and its subscales (Avoidance, Intrusions and Hyperarousal). Mood Disorder Questionnaire, HCL‐32, PSS‐10, IES‐R and GSES measures were not associated with clinical characteristics of prostate cancer severity.

Limitations

Cross‐sectional study model precluded identification of causal relationship among variables. Bipolar spectrum symptoms and stress related measures were based on auto‐questionnaires.

Conclusions

To our best knowledge, this is the first study evaluating bipolar spectrum symptoms in prostate cancer patients. We have shown that this clinical group presents increased bipolarity traits compared to healthy individuals. Moreover, bipolar spectrum symptoms were associated with more severe stress related to the prostate cancer diagnosis and its treatment, reflected in avoidance, hyperarousal, and intrusions.
Foodborne pathogens in Africa: Understanding Cronobacter sakazakii
Authors: Mazi Ifeanyi Michael , Onyeaka Helen , Nnaji Nnabueze Darlington
Published: January 2023

Cronobacter sakazakii is an emerging and opportunistic foodborne pathogen that causes severe infantile diseases, including meningitis, necrotizing enterocolitis, and septicemia. It has been reported in numerous countries around the world, including those in Africa. Although it has been isolated from food, environmental and clinical samples across Africa, the most implicated source of the C. sakazakii infection outbreaks across the globe has been the consumption of contaminated powdered infant formula. Cronobacter has many unique characteristics that contribute to its survival in harsh environments and transmission along the food chain from production to consumption. A potential foodborne disease outbreak caused by C. sakazakii can increase the overall foodborne disease burden and hinder any progress in managing the overly strained public health situation in Africa. This article presents an insight into the occurrence and prevalence of C. sakazakii infection in Africa's food environment, pointing out the transmission route along the food chain and its accompanying food safety concerns. This paper advocates for strict compliance with food safety and control measures to prevent its spread in African countries.
Theory on Electron–Phonon Spin Dephasing in GaAs Multi‐Electron Double Quantum Dots
Authors: He Guanjie , Chan Guo Xuan , Wang Xin
Published: January 2023

Recent studies reveal that a double‐quantum‐dot system hosting more than two electrons may be superior in certain aspects as compared to the traditional case in which only two electrons are confined (a singlet–triplet qubit). The electron–phonon dephasing occurring in a GaAs multi‐electron double‐quantum‐dot system is studied, in a biased case in which the singlet state is hybridized, as well as in an unbiased case in which the hybridization is absent. It is found that while the electron–phonon dephasing rate increases with the number of electrons confined in the unbiased case, this does not hold in the biased case. A merit figure is defined as a ratio between the exchange energy and the dephasing rate, and have shown that in experimentally relevant range of the exchange energy, the merit figure actually increases with the number of electrons in the biased case. The results show that the multi‐electron quantum‐dot system has another advantage in mitigating the effect of electron–phonon dephasing, which is previously under‐appreciated in the literature.
Toward Personalized Nanomedicine: The Critical Evaluation of Micro and Nanodevices for Cancer Biomarker Analysis in Liquid Biopsy
Authors: Clack Kimberley , Soda Narshone , Kasetsirikul Surasak , Mahmudunnabi Rabbee G. , Nguyen Nam‐Trung , Shiddiky Muhammad J. A.
Published: January 2023

Liquid biopsy for the analysis of circulating cancer biomarkers (CBs) is a major advancement toward the early detection of cancer. In comparison to tissue biopsy techniques, liquid biopsy is relatively painless, offering multiple sampling opportunities across easily accessible bodily fluids such as blood, urine, and saliva. Liquid biopsy is also relatively inexpensive and simple, avoiding the requirement for specialized laboratory equipment or trained medical staff. Major advances in the field of liquid biopsy are attributed largely to developments in nanotechnology and microfabrication that enables the creation of highly precise chip‐based platforms. These devices can overcome detection limitations of an individual biomarker by detecting multiple markers simultaneously on the same chip, or by featuring integrated and combined target separation techniques. In this review, the major advances in the field of portable and semi‐portable micro, nano, and multiplexed platforms for CB detection for the early diagnosis of cancer are highlighted. A comparative discussion is also provided, noting merits and drawbacks of the platforms, especially in terms of portability. Finally, key challenges toward device portability and possible solutions, as well as discussing the future direction of the field are highlighted.
Prediction of the ultimate axial load of circular concrete‐filled stainless steel tubular columns using machine learning approaches
Authors: Tran Viet‐Linh , Ahmed Mizan , Gohery Scott
Published: January 2023

This paper investigates the accuracy of the existing empirical design models and different machine learning (ML) models, known as Decision Tree (DT), Random Forest (RF), K‐Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Adaptive Boosting (AdaBoost), Gradient Boosting Regression Tree (GBRT), and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) in predicting the ultimate axial load of circular concrete‐filled stainless steel tubular (CFSST) columns under axial loading. A test database encompassing the test results of 142 CFSST columns is used to validate the accuracy of the existing empirical design and different ML models. It was demonstrated that all the ML models can provide a better estimation of the ultimate axial load than the existing empirical design models do, in which XGBoost can provide the best estimation of the ultimate axial load of CFSST columns. Finally, a simple equation is proposed based on the XGBoost model for the practical design of CFSST columns.
Associations of abdominal discomfort and length of clinical signs with surgical procedure in 181 cases of canine small intestinal foreign body obstruction
Authors: Schoelkopf Alexander Chase , Stewart Samuel D. , Casale Sue A. , Fryer Katy J.
Published: January 2023

Background

Gastrointestinal foreign bodies are a common indication for abdominal exploratory surgery.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship of pre‐operative abdominal discomfort and duration of clinical signs with surgical resolution of canine small intestinal foreign body obstructions (SIFBO).

Methods

We performed a retrospective study of 181 canine abdominal exploratory surgeries for confirmed SIFBO at two referral hospitals. Animals were categorized into five surgical groups (gastrotomy after manipulation into the stomach, enterotomy, resection‐and‐anastomosis [R&A], manipulated into colon, already in colon) and further grouped by whether entry into the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) was required.

Results

Abdominal discomfort was noted in 107/181 cases (59.1%), but no significant differences in abdominal discomfort rates were present among the surgical groups or between GIT entry and no entry groups. Clinical sign duration was associated with surgical procedure; median durations were R&A = 3 days (range, 1–9), enterotomy = 2 days (range, 1–14), gastrotomy = 2 days (range, 1–6), already in colon = 1.5 days (range, 1–2), and manipulated into colon = 1 day (range, 1–7). In a pairwise comparison, differences in the duration of clinical signs were found for obstructions manipulated into the colon versus R&A, gastrotomy versus R&A, and in colon versus R&A. When patients were grouped according to GIT entry, cases with entry had a longer duration of clinical signs (median = 2 days [range, 1–14] versus 1 day [range, 1–7], respectively).

Conclusions

Abdominal discomfort was not associated with surgical complexity; however, the duration of clinical signs was associated with surgical complexity, with longer duration being associated with entry into the GIT and R&A. Despite statistical significance, the maximum difference of 2 days between surgical groups is unlikely to be clinically relevant.
Effect of oestrus synchronisation through ovulation delay by vaccination against foot‐and‐mouth disease in Hanwoo (Bos taurus coreanae) cows
Authors: Kim Daehyun , Kwon Woo‐Sung , Ha Jaejung , Kim Jaejo , Kim Danil , Lee Wonyou , Moon Joonho , Yi Junkoo
Published: January 2023

Background

In Korean cattle, after foot‐and‐mouth disease (FMD) vaccination, anovulation increases, acute immune response is stimulated.

Objective

Here, we aimed to improve the fertility rate by ovulation delay caused by the foot‐and‐mouth disease vaccine.

Methods

160 cows (control, FMD, FMD+Gn250 and FMD+Gn500 groups, with 40 cows each) were used. We analysed the ovulation delay, ovulation rate, conception rate and acute‐phase immune responses.

Results

In the group vaccinated only with FMD, the average follicle size was maintained at 12 mm and ovulation was delayed. The ovulation rate of the FMD+Gn500 group (500 μg gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) injections 3 days after the FMD vaccination) was the highest at 81.8%. The ovulation rate of the FMD+Gn250 group (250 μg GnRH injections 3 days after FMD vaccination) was 54.5%, and that of the control group (not FMD vaccinated) was 53.3%. The conception rate was 52.5% (19/40) in the control group, 37.5% (15/40) in the FMD+Gn250 group, and 67.5% (27/40) in the FMD+Gn500 group. Analysis of acute‐phase immune response revealed that the plasma contents of haptoglobin and serum amyloid A increased up to 7 days after vaccination against FMD in all the experimental groups, except the control group.

Conclusions

We concluded that ovulation delay can be employed to improve conception rate after FMD vaccination through a modified ovulation synchronisation method with GnRH.
Functional and regulatory impact of chimeric RNAs in human normal and cancer cells
Authors: Mukherjee Sumit , Mukherjee Sunanda Biswas , Frenkel‐Morgenstern Milana
Published: January 2023

Fusions of two genes can lead to the generation of chimeric RNAs, which may have a distinct functional role from their original molecules. Chimeric RNAs could encode novel functional proteins or serve as novel long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). The appearance of chimeric RNAs in a cell could help to generate new functionality and phenotypic diversity that might facilitate this cell to survive against new environmental stress. Several recent studies have demonstrated the functional roles of various chimeric RNAs in cancer progression and are considered as biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and sometimes even drug targets. Further, the growing evidence demonstrated the potential functional association of chimeric RNAs with cancer heterogeneity and drug resistance cancer evolution. Recent studies highlighted that chimeric RNAs also have functional potentiality in normal physiological processes. Several functionally potential chimeric RNAs were discovered in human cancer and normal cells in the last two decades. This could indicate that chimeric RNAs are the hidden layer of the human transcriptome that should be explored from the functional insights to better understand the functional evolution of the genome and disease development that could facilitate clinical practice improvements. This review summarizes the current knowledge of chimeric RNAs and highlights their functional, regulatory, and evolutionary impact on different cancers and normal physiological processes. Further, we will discuss the potential functional roles of a recently discovered novel class of chimeric RNAs named sense–antisense/cross‐strand chimeric RNAs generated by the fusion of the bi‐directional transcripts of the same gene.

This article is categorized under:

Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs
Trends and new elements in urban hierarchy research: the Greek paradigm
Authors: Lemonakis Christos , Alexopoulos Georgios , Garefalakis Alexandros , Garefalakis Stavros
Published: January 2023

Research on shrinking cities shows continuous links between this phenomenon and the process of urban decline, which has been analyzed in many works, especially in Greece. The impact on urban development can be positive, while population growth over time is characterized by the degree of its convergence. The aim of this study is to gain a deeper understanding of the challenge of urbanization in large cities. The sample used in this effort consists of 117 Greek cities with more than 10,000 inhabitants in 1994, using econometric tools to identify settlements using Markov chain theory with data from 1994 to 2020 from the Hellenic Statistical Authority. Using Urban Hierarchy Research (UHR), a significant decline in Greek Urban Concentration (GUC) and a continuous increase in the population of small- and medium-sized cities were found. The Greek urban system is moving toward a distribution characterized by the seeding of relatively large cities. The study aims to open a broader research discussion in the field of spatial econometric applications.
Dynamic mosaic planning for a robotic bin-packing system based on picked part and target box monitoring
Authors: Iriondo Ander , Lazkano Elena , Ansuategi Ander , Fernandez Ane , Maurtua Iñaki
Published: January 2023

This paper describes the dynamic mosaic planning method developed in the context of the PICKPLACE European project. The dynamic planner has allowed the development of a robotic system capable of packing a wide variety of objects without having to adjust to each reference. The mosaic planning system consists of three modules: First, the picked item monitoring module monitors the grabbed item to find out how the robot has picked it. At the same time, the destination container is monitored online to obtain the actual status of the packaging. To this end, we present a novel heuristic algorithm that, based on the point cloud of the scene, estimates the empty volume inside the container as empty maximal spaces (EMS). Finally, we present the development of the dynamic IK-PAL mosaic planner that allows us to dynamically estimate the optimal packing pose considering both the status of the picked part and the estimated EMSs. The developed method has been successfully integrated in a real robotic picking and packing system and validated with 7 tests of increasing complexity. In these tests, we demonstrate the flexibility of the presented system in handling a wide range of objects in a real dynamic packaging environment. To our knowledge, this is the first time that a complete online picking and packing system is deployed in a real robotic scenario allowing to create mosaics with arbitrary objects and to consider the dynamics of a real robotic packing system.
Biochemical Markers of Musculoskeletal Health and Aging to be Assessed in Clinical Trials of Drugs Aiming at the Treatment of Sarcopenia: Consensus Paper from an Expert Group Meeting Organized by the European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases (ESCEO) and the Centre Académique de Recherche et d'Expérimentation en Santé (CARES SPRL), Under the Auspices of the World Health Organization Collaborating Center for the Epidemiology of Musculoskeletal Conditions and Aging
Authors: Ladang Aurélie , Beaudart Charlotte , Reginster Jean-Yves , Al-Daghri Nasser , Bruyère Olivier , Burlet Nansa , Cesari Matteo , Cherubini Antonio , da Silva Mario Coelho , Cooper Cyrus , Cruz-Jentoft Alfonso J. , Landi Francesco , Laslop Andrea , Maggi Stefania , Mobasheri Ali , Ormarsdottir Sif , Radermecker Régis , Visser Marjolein , Yerro Maria Concepcion Prieto , Rizzoli René , Cavalier Etienne
Published: January 2023

In clinical trials, biochemical markers provide useful information on the drug’s mode of action, therapeutic response and side effect monitoring and can act as surrogate endpoints. In pharmacological intervention development for sarcopenia management, there is an urgent need to identify biomarkers to measure in clinical trials and that could be used in the future in clinical practice. The objective of the current consensus paper is to provide a clear list of biochemical markers of musculoskeletal health and aging that can be recommended to be measured in Phase II and Phase III clinical trials evaluating new chemical entities for sarcopenia treatment. A working group of the European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases (ESCEO) proposed classifying biochemical markers into 2 series: biochemical markers evaluating musculoskeletal status and biochemical markers evaluating causal factors. For series 1, the group agreed on 4 biochemical markers that should be assessed in Phase II or Phase III trials (i.e., Myostatin-Follistatin, Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor, N-terminal Type III Procollagen and Serum Creatinine to Serum Cystatin C Ratio – or the Sarcopenia Index). For series 2, the group agreed on 6 biochemical markers that should be assessed in Phase II trials (i.e., the hormones insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-I), dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, and cortisol, and the inflammatory markers C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α), and 2 in Phase III trials (i.e., IGF-I and CRP). The group also proposed optional biochemical markers that may provide insights into the mode of action of pharmacological therapies. Further research and development of new methods for biochemical marker assays may lead to the evolution of these recommendations.
Attentional prioritisation and facilitation for similar stimuli in visual working memory
Authors: Hamblin-Frohman Zachary , Low Jia Xuan , Becker Stefanie I.
Published: January 2023

Visual working memory (VWM) allows for the brief retention of approximately three to four items. Interestingly, when these items are similar to each other in a feature domain, memory recall performance is elevated compared to when they are dissimilar. This similarity benefit is currently not accounted for by models of VWM. Previous research has suggested that this similarity benefit may arise from selective attentional prioritisation in the maintenance phase. However, the similarity effect has not been contrasted under circumstances where dissimilar item types can adequately compete for memory resources. In Experiment 1, similarity benefits were seen for all-similar over all-dissimilar displays. This was also seen in mixed displays, change detection performance was higher when one of the two similar items changed, compared to when the dissimilar item changed. Surprisingly, the similarity effect was stronger in these mixed displays then when comparing the all-similar and all-dissimilar. Experiment 2 investigated this further by examining how attention was allocated in the memory encoding phase via eye movements. Results revealed that attention prioritised similar over dissimilar items in the mixed displays. Similar items were more likely to receive the first fixation and were fixated more often than dissimilar items. Furthermore, dwell times were elongated for dissimilar items, suggesting that encoding was less efficient. These results suggest that there is an attentional strategy towards prioritising similar items over dissimilar items, and that this strategy’s influence can be observed in the memory encoding phase.
Cost-effectiveness of ravulizumab compared with eculizumab for the treatment of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria in the Netherlands
Authors: Quist S. W. , Postma A. J. , Myrén K. J. , de Jong L. A. , Postma M. J.
Published: January 2023

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of ravulizumab compared with eculizumab for the treatment of adult patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) in the Netherlands.

Methods

A cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted based on a Markov cohort model simulating the course of patients with PNH with clinical symptom(s) indicative of high disease activity, or who are clinically stable after having been treated with eculizumab for at least the past six months. Costs, quality of life, and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) were estimated over a lifetime horizon from a Dutch societal perspective. Several additional analyses were performed, including a one-way sensitivity analysis, a probabilistic sensitivity analysis, and scenario analysis.

Results

When compared with eculizumab, ravulizumab saves €266,833 and 1.57 quality adjusted life years (QALYs) are gained, resulting in a dominant ICER. Drug costs account for the majority of the total costs in both intervention groups. Cost savings were driven by the difference in total treatment costs of ravulizumab compared with eculizumab caused by the reduced administration frequency, accounting for 98% of the total cost savings. The QALY gain with ravulizumab is largely attributable to the improved quality of life associated with less frequent infusions and BTH events. At a willingness-to-pay threshold of €20,000/QALY, there is a 76.6% probability that ravulizumab would be cost-effective.

Conclusions

The cost reduction and QALY gain associated with the lower rates of BTH and less frequent administration make ravulizumab a cost-saving and clinically beneficial substitute for eculizumab for adults with PNH in the Netherlands.
Determination of the Spherical Couple-Stress in Polar Linear Isotropic Elasticity
Authors: Soldatos K. P.
Published: January 2023

It is well known that the conventional couple-stress theory leaves the spherical part of the couple-stress indeterminate. This indeterminacy problem is recently resolved for fibrous composites subjected to either small or large deformations and containing a single family of fibres resistant in bending (Soldatos in Math. Mech. Solids, 2021, https://doi.org/10.1177/10812865211061595). However, the problem remains still unsolved in simpler cases where the implied preference material direction is not related to fibre bending resistance, and even in the simplest possible case where the polar material of interest is linearly elastic and isotropic. This communication aims (i) to show that a relevant virtual spin concept employed (Soldatos in Math. Mech. Solids, 2021, https://doi.org/10.1177/10812865211061595) is further applicable in the latter case of polar linear isotropic elasticity, (ii) to demonstrate the process in which that concept thus leads to determination of the spherical part of the couple-stress, (iii) to exemplify this process by providing a couple of simple illustrative examples, (iv) to specify and discuss the reason that the outlined method meets a hurdle in cases of linear anisotropic elasticity that is due to one or more preferential material directions, and, hence, (v) to further discuss the manner in which that newly identified difficulty is currently confronted, and may thus be handled successfully.
Potato and soil 15N recoveries from different labelled forage root and shoot
Authors: Whittaker Jennifer , Nyiraneza Judith , Zebarth Bernie J. , Burton David L.
Published: January 2023

An improved understanding of the contribution of a preceding forage crop to a subsequent potato crop can improve nitrogen (N) utilization in potato production. This study used two rotation experiments to estimate the N contribution from labelled shoot and root of red clover (RC, Trifolium pratense), timothy (T, Phleum pratense) and a red clover/timothy mixture (M) to a subsequent potato crop using microplots in the field. Forage crops were grown with 14NH414NO3 and 15NH415NO3 (98 atom %). The residue exchange technique was used to compare residue treatments of (i) whole plant labelled; (ii) labelled shoot only; and (iii) labelled root only in Experiment 1, and residue treatments of (i) whole plant labelled; (ii) labelled shoot/unlabelled root; and (iii) labelled root/unlabelled shoot in Experiment 2. Averaged across forage treatments, recoverable root biomass represented 64 and 37% of total forage biomass, and the total 15N recovery from labelled roots was 52 and 62% of the total 15N recovery from shoots, in Experiments 1 and 2, respectively. Therefore, forage roots represented a substantial source of N for the subsequent crop. However, less than 5% of the 15N from crop residues was recovered in the potato vines plus tubers, and most of the 15N was recovered in the soil, regardless of the forage or residue treatments. Potato tuber and vine dry matter was greater for the RC than the T treatment for all residue treatments, a finding attributed to greater potato N accumulation for the RC treatment. It is therefore important to consider the contribution of forage roots when studying N cycling in potato systems. Potato N requirements were satisfied more by soil-derived N rather than from fall incorporated forage residues.
Retirement and Household Expenditure in Turbulent Times
Authors: Laliotis Ioannis , Shaikh Mujaheed , Stavropoulou Charitini , Kourouklis Dimitrios
Published: January 2023

We examine how expenditure changes at retirement during an institutionally and economically uncertain period when a series of pension reforms and cuts were implemented. Overall, we fail to confirm that consumption declines at retirement using data from Greece (2008–2018). Any estimated declines come from turbulent years when major pension cuts were applied. Expenditure drops at retirement were due to pension income shocks, especially for those who were particularly dependent on pension income. Further checks support the presence of an income shock mechanism for retirees who are relatively more treated during the crisis sub-period. Given an aging population and the ongoing global turbulence, our results offer valuable insights.
Abnormal movement of the pulmonary valve in dogs diagnosed with patent ductus arteriosus
Authors: Ishikawa Ryokichi , Chen Ayaka , Kamatsuki Reie , Setoguchi Asuka , Uechi Masami
Published: January 2023

In the typical left-to-right patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), the shunt flows from the ductus arteriosus towards the pulmonary valve. Although hemodynamic changes have been carefully studied in dogs with PDA, there is very little information on the outcomes of the pulmonary valve after surgical correction of PDA. This study aimed to visualize the pulmonary valve by transthoracic echocardiography in dogs with PDA before and after surgical ligation. Prior to surgery, the movement of the anterior semilunar cusp of the pulmonary valve was obstructed by the shunted blood flow during systole in all nine dogs with PDA in this study. M-mode echocardiography revealed a continuous trajectory of the cusp, because the cusp was pushed towards the right ventricle during the whole cardiac cycle by the shunted flow. Epicardial echocardiography performed in one dog during surgical ligation of the ductus arteriosus revealed that the movement of the anterior semilunar cusp normalized immediately after ligation. B- and M-mode echocardiography may be used to support the diagnosis of PDA through observation of the pulmonary valve when color Doppler echography is not available. The findings in this study may be of importance in distinguishing PDA from PDA-mimicking diseases worth considering before the treatment process (e.g. aorticopulmonary fistulas or aberrant arteriovenous shunts).
Associations Between Built Environment Factors and SARS-CoV-2 Infections at the Neighbourhood Level in a Metropolitan Area in Germany
Authors: Schmiege Dennis , Haselhoff Timo , Ahmed Salman , Anastasiou Olympia Evdoxia , Moebus Susanne
Published: January 2023

COVID-19-related health outcomes displayed distinct geographical patterns within countries. The transmission of SARS-CoV-2 requires close spatial proximity of people, which can be influenced by the built environment. Only few studies have analysed SARS-CoV-2 infections related to the built environment within urban areas at a high spatial resolution. This study examined the association between built environment factors and SARS-CoV-2 infections in a metropolitan area in Germany. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections of 7866 citizens of Essen between March 2020 and May 2021 were analysed, aggregated at the neighbourhood level. We performed spatial regression analyses to investigate associations between the cumulative number of SARS-CoV-2 infections per 1000 inhabitants (cum. SARS-CoV-2 infections) up to 31.05.2021 and built environment factors. The cum. SARS-CoV-2 infections in neighbourhoods (median: 11.5, IQR: 8.1–16.9) followed a marked socially determined north–south gradient. The effect estimates of the adjusted spatial regression models showed negative associations with urban greenness, i.e. normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) (adjusted β =  − 35.36, 95% CI: − 57.68; − 13.04), rooms per person (− 10.40, − 13.79; − 7.01), living space per person (− 0.51, − 0.66; − 0.36), and residential (− 0.07, 0.16; 0.01) and commercial areas (− 0.15, − 0.25; − 0.05). Residential areas with multi-storey buildings (− 0.03, − 0.12; 0.06) and green space (0.03, − 0.05; 0.11) did not show a substantial association. Our results suggest that the built environment matters for the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infections, such as more spacious apartments or higher levels of urban greenness are associated with lower infection rates at the neighbourhood level. The unequal intra-urban distribution of these factors emphasizes prevailing environmental health inequalities regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.
Computational insights on asymmetrical $$D_{1}$$ and $$D_{2}$$ receptor-mediated chunking: implications for OCD and Schizophrenia
Authors: Szalisznyó Krisztina , Silverstein David N.
Published: January 2023

Repetitive thoughts and motor programs including perseveration are bridge symptoms characteristic of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), schizophrenia and in the co-morbid overlap of these conditions. The above pathologies are sensitive to altered activation and kinetics of dopamine $$D_{1}$$

D
1

and $$D_{2}$$

D
2

receptors that differently influence sequence learning and recall. Recognizing start and stop elements of motor and cognitive behaviors has crucial importance. During chunking, frequent components of temporal strings are concatenated into single units. We extended a published computational model (Asabuki et al. 2018), where two populations of neurons are connected and simulated in a reservoir computing framework. These neural pools were adopted to represent D1 and D2 striatal neuronal populations. We investigated how specific neural and striatal circuit parameters can influence start/stop signaling and found that asymmetric intra-network connection probabilities, synaptic weights and differential time constants may contribute to signaling of start/stop elements within learned sequences. Asymmetric coupling between the striatal $$D_{1}$$

D
1

and $$D_{2}$$

D
2

neural populations was also demonstrated to be beneficial. Our modeling results predict that dynamical differences between the two dopaminergic striatal populations and the interaction between them may play complementary roles in chunk boundary signaling. Start and stop dichotomies can arise from the larger circuit dynamics as well, since neural and intra-striatal connections only partially support a clear division of labor.
Nutritional composition and minerals bioaccessibility of commercial fruit flours
Authors: Galvão Fernanda , Pinto Edgar , Martins Zita E. , Almeida Agostinho A. , Ferreira Isabel M. P. L. V. O. , de Lima Vanderlei Aparecido , Felsner Maria Lurdes
Published: January 2023

Commercial fruit flours were evaluated concerning: (i) the nutritional composition (proximate composition, total phenolic content, and minerals content), (ii) their contribution to estimated mineral daily intake, (iii) the bioaccessibility of essential minerals using the in vitro INFOGEST digestion method and (iv) the influence of their chemical composition on minerals bioaccessibility. The 20 samples analysed presented high variability concerning the content of dietary fibre (7.5 to 69.7 g/100 g), carbohydrates (4.1 to 74.9 g/100 g), protein (2.9 to 12.9 g/100 g), ash (1.0 to 7.0 g/100 g), lipids (1.0 to 8.1 g/100 g) and total phenolic content (2.9 to 41.0 mg GAE/g. The mineral content of fruit flours provides a great contribution to the daily mineral requirements (especially Mg, Fe, Mn and Cu) with a daily intake of 30 g and very low contribution to the daily requirements of Na (0–3%). Low bioaccessibility was observed for Ca (18.0%) and Fe (28.9%), while Mg was the most bioaccessible mineral (81.5%). Though, the bioaccessible fraction of Mg showed negative correlation with total dietary fibre content (r = − 0.77) and lipids (r = − 0.46).
Effect of Alumina Modified by Silane on the Mechanical, Swelling and Dielectric Properties of Al2O3/EPDM/SBR Blend Composites
Authors: Abdelsalam Amir A. , Ward Azza A. , Abdel-Naeem Gamal , Mohamed Wael S. , El-Sabbagh Salwa H.
Published: January 2023

Rubber blending has been widely used to improve various properties in finished rubber products. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of filler size, type, concentration, and surface treatment on the mechanical, swelling, dielectric, and morphology properties of ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM)/styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) rubber blend nanocomposites filled with alumina (Al2O3) nanoparticles. Bis-(3-(triethoxysilyl)-propyl)-tetrasulfide (TESPT) was used as a silane coupling agent. Rubber blend nanocomposites containing Al2O3 nanoparticles were compared to carbon black (CB). The results indicate that the nanocomposites prepared, in particular with the TESPT, had better properties than the composites without the TESPT. Mechanical properties of the CB-filled EPDM/SBR rubber blend were noticeably improved, indicating CB's inherent reinforcing potential. We found that rubber nanocomposites' crosslink density and filler–rubber interaction increase, and the swelling coefficient decreases with increasing filler content. The dielectric properties of the nanocomposites showed a significant enhancement with fillers. SEM images showed that the CB sample had a higher distribution than Al2O3 due to good interaction and dispersion. This study's experimental data will help design and manufacture outdoor insulators.