bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of CB1 receptor negative allosteric modulator Org27569 on oxycodone withdrawal symptoms in mice
Authors: Scicluna Rhianne L. , Everett Nicholas A. , Badolato Connie J. , Wilson Bianca B. , Bowen Michael T.
Published: April 2024

Rationale/Objectives

Targeting cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R) has shown promise for treating opioid withdrawal symptoms. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of a specific CB1R negative allosteric modulator (NAM), Org27569, in reducing both naloxone-precipitated and protracted withdrawal symptoms in oxycodone-dependent mice.

Methods

Mice received escalating doses of oxycodone (9–33 mg/kg IP) or saline twice daily for 9 days, followed by a final dose of oxycodone (33 mg/kg) or saline in the morning of day 9. In one cohort, the impact of Org27569 (3, 10, and 30 mg/kg) on naloxone (10 mg/kg IP) precipitated withdrawal symptoms was assessed. In another cohort, Org27569 (3 mg/kg) effects on the acquisition of conditioned place aversion to naloxone (0.6 mg/kg) precipitated opioid withdrawal, on behaviour following a 7–9-day abstinence period, and on naloxone (0.6 mg/kg) precipitated withdrawal-induced escape behaviour in a novel assay were assessed.

Results

Although Org27569 decreased opioid withdrawal-induced jumping at doses of 10 and 30 mg/kg, these effects were confounded by reduced locomotion. At all doses tested, Org27569 had a modest inhibitory effect on gastrointestinal motility. At the lower dose of 3 mg/kg, which was not confounded by locomotor effects, Org27569 did not impact naloxone-precipitated withdrawal-induced jumping, acquisition of oxycodone withdrawal-induced conditioned place aversion, or naloxone-precipitated withdrawal-induced escape behaviour in a novel assay. A clear protracted opioid withdrawal phenotype was not observed in assays of anxiety-like or social behaviour.

Conclusions

Org27569 effects on negative affective-like symptoms were confounded by locomotor effects and effects on gastrointestinal motility were not opioid withdrawal specific. Further studies are needed in a model that produces a more pronounced protracted withdrawal syndrome.
Mixed-phase weak anion-exchange/reversed-phase LC–MS/MS for analysis of nucleotide sugars in human fibroblasts
Authors: Rahm Moritz , Kwast Hanneke , Wessels Hans J. C. T. , Noga Marek J. , Lefeber Dirk J.
Published: April 2024

Nucleotide sugars (NS) fulfil important roles in all living organisms and in humans, related defects result in severe clinical syndromes. NS can be seen as the “activated” sugars used for biosynthesis of a wide range of glycoconjugates and serve as substrates themselves for the synthesis of other nucleotide sugars. NS analysis is complicated by the presence of multiple stereoisomers without diagnostic transition ions, therefore requiring separation by liquid chromatography. In this paper, we explored weak anion-exchange/reversed-phase chromatography on a hybrid column for the separation of 17 nucleotide sugars that can occur in humans. A robust and reproducible method was established with intra- and inter-day coefficients of variation below 10% and a linear range spanning three orders of magnitude. Application to patient fibroblasts with genetic defects in mannose-1-phosphate guanylyltransferase beta, CDP-l-ribitol pyrophosphorylase A, and UDP-N-acetylglucosamine 2-epimerase/N-acetylmannosamine kinase showed abnormal levels of guanosine-5′-diphosphate-α-d-mannose (GDP-Man), cytidine-5′-diphosphate-l-ribitol (CDP-ribitol), and cytidine-5′-monophosphate-N-acetyl-β-d-neuraminic acid (CMP-Neu5Ac), respectively, in consonance with expectations based on the diagnosis. In conclusion, a novel, semi-quantitative method was established for the analysis of nucleotide sugars that can be applied to diagnose several genetic glycosylation disorders in fibroblasts and beyond.
Diagnostic utility of 3D MRI sequences in the assessment of central, recess and foraminal stenoses of the spine: a systematic review
Authors: Nevalainen Mika T. , Vähä Juho , Räsänen Lasse , Bode Michaela K.
Published: April 2024

Objective

To perform a systematic literature review on the diagnostic utility of 3D MRI sequences in the assessment of central canal, recess and foraminal stenosis in the spine.

Methods

The databases PubMed, MEDLINE (via OVID) and The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, were searched for studies that investigated the diagnostic use of 3D MRI to evaluate stenoses in various parts of the spine in humans. Three reviewers examined the literature and conducted systematic review according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines.

Results

Thirty studies were retrieved from 2 595 publications for this systematic review. The overall diagnostic performance of 3D MRI outperformed the conventional 2D MRI with reported sensitivities ranging from 79 to 100% and specificities ranging from 86 to 100% regarding the evaluation of central, recess and foraminal stenoses. In general, high level of agreement (both intra- and interrater) regarding visibility and pathology on 3D sequences was reported. Studies show that well-optimized 3D sequences allow the use of higher spatial resolution, similar scan time and increased SNR and CNR when compared to corresponding 2D sequences. However, the benefit of 3D sequences is in the additional information provided by them and in the possibility to save total protocol scan times.

Conclusion

The literature on the spine 3D MRI assessment of stenoses is heterogeneous with varying MRI protocols and diagnostic results. However, the 3D sequences offer similar or superior detection of stenoses with high reliability. Especially, the advantage of 3D MRI seems to be the better evaluation of recess stenoses.
Validation of cardiac image-derived input functions for functional PET quantification
Authors: Reed Murray Bruce , Handschuh Patricia Anna , Schmidt Clemens , Murgaš Matej , Gomola David , Milz Christian , Klug Sebastian , Eggerstorfer Benjamin , Aichinger Lisa , Godbersen Godber Mathis , Nics Lukas , Traub-Weidinger Tatjana , Hacker Marcus , Lanzenberger Rupert , Hahn Andreas
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Functional PET (fPET) is a novel technique for studying dynamic changes in brain metabolism and neurotransmitter signaling. Accurate quantification of fPET relies on measuring the arterial input function (AIF), traditionally achieved through invasive arterial blood sampling. While non-invasive image-derived input functions (IDIF) offer an alternative, they suffer from limited spatial resolution and field of view. To overcome these issues, we developed and validated a scan protocol for brain fPET utilizing cardiac IDIF, aiming to mitigate known IDIF limitations.

Methods

Twenty healthy individuals underwent fPET/MR scans using [18F]FDG or 6-[18F]FDOPA, utilizing bed motion shuttling to capture cardiac IDIF and brain task-induced changes. Arterial and venous blood sampling was used to validate IDIFs. Participants performed a monetary incentive delay task. IDIFs from various blood pools and composites estimated from a linear fit over all IDIF blood pools (3VOI) and further supplemented with venous blood samples (3VOIVB) were compared to the AIF. Quantitative task-specific images from both tracers were compared to assess the performance of each input function to the gold standard.

Results

For both radiotracer cohorts, moderate to high agreement (r: 0.60–0.89) between IDIFs and AIF for both radiotracer cohorts was observed, with further improvement (r: 0.87–0.93) for composite IDIFs (3VOI and 3VOIVB). Both methods showed equivalent quantitative values and high agreement (r: 0.975–0.998) with AIF-derived measurements.

Conclusion

Our proposed protocol enables accurate non-invasive estimation of the input function with full quantification of task-specific changes, addressing the limitations of IDIF for brain imaging by sampling larger blood pools over the thorax. These advancements increase applicability to any PET scanner and clinical research setting by reducing experimental complexity and increasing patient comfort.
EANM consensus document on the use of [18F]FDG PET/CT in fever and inflammation of unknown origin
Authors: Hess Søren , Noriega-Álvarez Edel , Leccisotti Lucia , Treglia Giorgio , Albano Domenico , Roivainen Anne , Glaudemans Andor W.J.M. , Gheysens Olivier
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Patients with fever and inflammation of unknown origin (FUO/IUO) are clinically challenging due to variable clinical presentations with nonspecific symptoms and many differential diagnoses. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) with 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose ([18F]FDG) is increasingly used in FUO and IUO, but the optimal diagnostic strategy remains controversial. This consensus document aims to assist clinicians and nuclear medicine specialists in the appropriate use of [18F]FDG-PET/CT in FUO and IUO based on current evidence.

Methods

A working group created by the EANM infection and inflammation committee performed a systematic literature search based on PICOs with “patients with FUO/IUO” as population, “[18F]FDG-PET/CT” as intervention, and several outcomes including pre-scan characteristics, scan protocol, diagnostic yield, impact on management, prognosis, and cost-effectiveness.

Results

We included 68 articles published from 2001 to 2023: 9 systematic reviews, 49 original papers on general adult populations, and 10 original papers on specific populations. All papers were analysed and included in the evidence-based recommendations.

Conclusion

FUO and IUO remains a clinical challenge and [18F]FDG PET/CT has a definite role in the diagnostic pathway with an overall diagnostic yield or helpfulness in 50–60% of patients. A positive scan is often contributory by directly guiding treatment or subsequent diagnostic procedure. However, a negative scan may be equally important by excluding focal disease and predicting a favorable prognosis. Similar results are obtained in specific populations such as ICU-patients, children and HIV-patients.
A prospective analysis of thulium laser enucleation in benign prostatic hyperplasia comparing low- and high-power approaches for prostates exceeding 80 g
Authors: Abdelaziz Ahmed Y. , Kamal Islam , Abdelhakim Mahmoud A. , Abdelmohsen Mostafa , Meshref Alaa , Naser Islam , Morsy Samer
Published: April 2024

Introduction and objectives

To compare the perioperative and functional outcomes of low-power and high-power thulium:YAG VapoEnucleation (ThuVEP) of the prostate for the treatment of large-volume benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) (> 80 ml).

Patients and methods

A prospective analysis of 80 patients with symptomatic BPO and prostatic enlargement (more than 80 ml) was conducted. They were divided randomly into two groups (40 patients in each group). One group was treated with low-power ThuVEP, and the other group was treated with high-power ThuVEP.

All patients were assessed preoperatively and early postoperatively, and 12-month follow-up data were analyzed. The complications were noted and classified according to the modified Clavien classification system.

Results

The mean age at surgery was 68 (± 6.1) years, and the mean prostate volume was 112 (± 20.1) cc, and there were no differences between the groups (p = 0.457). The mean operative time was 88.4 ± 11.79 min for group A and 93.4 ± 16.34 min for group B, while the mean enucleation time was 59.68 ± 7.24 min for group A and 63.13 ± 10.75 min for group B. There were no significant differences between the groups regarding catheterization time and postoperative stay. The quality of life (QoL), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), postvoiding residual urine (PVR), and prostate volume improved significantly after treatment and were not significantly different between those treated with the different energies. The incidence of complications was low and did not differ between both the groups.

Conclusion

Low-power ThuVEP is feasible, safe, and effective with comparable results with high-power ThuVEP in the treatment of BPO.
Osteological profiling of femoral diaphysis and neck in aquatic, semiaquatic, and terrestrial carnivores and rodents: effects of body size and locomotor habits
Authors: Nieminen Petteri , Finnilä Mikko A. J. , Hämäläinen Wilhelmiina , Lehtiniemi Saara , Jämsä Timo , Tuukkanen Juha , Kunnasranta Mervi , Henttonen Heikki , Mustonen Anne-Mari
Published: April 2024

The increased limb bone density documented previously for aquatic tetrapods has been proposed to be an adaptation to overcome buoyancy during swimming and diving. It can be achieved by increasing the amount of bone deposition or by reducing the amount of bone resorption, leading to cortical thickening, loss of medullary cavity, and compaction of trabecular bone. The present study examined the effects of locomotor habit, body size, and phylogeny on the densitometric, cross-sectional, and biomechanical traits of femoral diaphysis and neck in terrestrial, semiaquatic, and aquatic carnivores, and in terrestrial and semiaquatic rodents (12 species) by using peripheral quantitative computed tomography, three-point bending, and femoral neck loading tests. Groupwise differences were analyzed with the univariate generalized linear model and the multivariate linear discriminant analysis supplemented with hierarchical clustering. While none of the individual features could separate the lifestyles or species adequately, the combinations of multiple features produced very good or excellent classifications and clusterings. In the phocid seals, the aquatic niche allowed for lower femoral bone mineral densities than expected based on the body mass alone. The semiaquatic mammals mostly had high bone mineral densities compared to the terrestrial species, which could be considered an adaptation to overcome buoyancy during swimming and shallow diving. Generally, it seems that different osteological properties at the levels of mineral density and biomechanics could be compatible with the adaptation to aquatic, semiaquatic, or terrestrial niches.
Correlations between preoperative statin treatment with short- and long-term survival following colorectal cancer surgery: a propensity score-matched national cohort study
Authors: Löffler Lea , Gögenur Ismail , Gögenur Mikail
Published: April 2024

Introduction

The pleiotropic effects of statins have attracted considerable attention in oncological treatment. Several preclinical and epidemiological studies have highlighted their potential anti-tumor properties in patients with colorectal cancer, although results have been conflicting. This study aimed to examine the association between statin exposure before colorectal cancer surgery with long and short-term survival outcomes.

Methods

This retrospective propensity score-adjusted study was conducted on a Danish cohort of patients who underwent elective curative-intended surgery for stage I–III colorectal cancer in 2008–2020, using four national patient databases. The primary and secondary outcomes were overall, 90-day, and disease-free survival. Propensity scores were calculated using all available data to match patients with and without statin exposure in a 1:1 ratio.

Results

Following propensity score matching, 7120 patients were included in the primary analysis. The median follow-up time was 5 years. A Cox proportional hazards model showed no statistically significant difference in overall survival between patients with or without statin exposure 365 days before surgery (HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.85–1.02) and no association with 90-day survival (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.76–1.10). However, a subgroup analysis examining a 90-day exposure before surgery found a statistically significant association with increased overall survival (HR 0.85, 95% CI 0.77–0.93).

Conclusion

Although a subgroup of patients with a preoperative exposure time of 90 days showed statistically significant better overall survival, we found no statistically significant association between statin exposure 1 year before colorectal cancer surgery and overall survival.
Trends in the prevalence and incidence of Crohn’s disease in Japan and the United States
Authors: Nakajo Ko , Yamazaki Michiyo , Chung Hsingwen , Xu Youran , Qiu Hong
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study is to describe patient demographic characteristics and estimate annual prevalence and incidence rates of Crohn’s disease (CD) in Japan and the United States (US).

Methods

Two large employment-based healthcare claims databases (Japan Medical Data Center [JMDC] in Japan and Merative MarketScan [Merative] in the US) were used to identify patients with CD from 2010 to 2019. Cases were confirmed using an algorithm based on diagnostic with/without treatment codes. The Merative population was used for sex and age standardization of annual prevalence and incidence rates estimated from the JMDC.

Results

Patients with CD were generally younger in Japan than in the US at diagnosis (mean 33.6 vs. 39.4 years) and 71.5% were male versus 45.1% in the US. Annual prevalence per 100,000 population increased substantially in both countries, from 34.2 in 2010 to 54.5 in 2019 in Japan (standardized) and 163.3 to 224.2 in the US. Prevalence rates increased in both males and females in all age groups between 6 and < 65 years. Annual incidence rate per 100,000 person-years was almost fourfold higher in the US than Japan (21.0 vs. 5.5 [standardized] in 2019) but remained stable in both countries over time in both sexes and in all age groups.

Conclusion

The epidemiology of CD differs between Japan and the US. Research to understand the basis of these differences could help to identify at-risk groups in each country, and guide implementation of preventive measures.
The infraacetabular screw versus the antegrade posterior column screw in acetabulum fractures with posterior column involvement: a biomechanical comparison
Authors: Hinz Nico , Baumeister Dirk , Dehoust Julius , Münch Matthias , Frosch Karl-Heinz , Augat Peter , Hartel Maximilian J.
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Traditionally, plate osteosynthesis of the anterior column combined with an antegrade posterior column screw is used for fixation of anterior column plus posterior hemitransverse (ACPHT) acetabulum fractures. Replacing the posterior column screw with an infraacetabular screw could improve the straightforwardness of acetabulum surgery, as it can be inserted using less invasive approaches, such as the AIP/Stoppa approach, which is a well-established standard approach. However, the biomechanical stability of a plate osteosynthesis combined with an infraacetabular screw instead of an antegrade posterior column screw is unknown.

Material and methods

Two osteosynthesis constructs were compared in a synthetic hemipelvis model with an ACPHT fracture: Suprapectineal plate + antegrade posterior column screw (APCS group) vs. suprapectineal plate + infraacetabular screw (IAS group). A single-leg stance test protocol with an additional passive muscle force and a cyclic loading of 32,000 cycles with a maximum effective load of 2400 N was applied. Interfragmentary motion and rotation of the three main fracture lines were measured.

Results

At the posterior hemitransverse fracture line, interfragmentary motion perpendicular to the fracture line (p < 0.001) and shear motion (p < 0.001) and at the high anterior column fracture line, interfragmentary motion longitudinal to the fracture line (p = 0.017) were significantly higher in the IAS group than in the APCS group. On the other hand, interfragmentary motion perpendicular (p = 0.004), longitudinal (p < 0.001) and horizontal to the fracture line (p = 0.004) and shear motion (p < 0.001) were significantly increased at the low anterior column fracture line in the APCS group compared to the IAS group.

Conclusions

Replacing the antegrade posterior column screw with an infraacetabular screw is not recommendable as it results in an increased interfragmentary motion, especially at the posterior hemitransverse component of an ACPHT fracture.
Endoscopic transcanal coblation excision of glomus tympanicum: a novel technique
Authors: Salem Mohammed Abdelbadie , Ghoneim Mahitab , Ahmed Sally Sameh , Elsobki Ahmed , Elzhzahy Ahmed Abdoo , Hemdan Ahmed
Published: April 2024

Objective

To evaluate the feasibility of coblation in excision of glomus tympanicum tumors.

Patients and methods

A retrospective study carried out over 28 patients with types I and II glomus tympanicum tumors according to GLASSCOCK-JACKSON classification. Preoperative radiological and endocrinal evaluation were performed. All patients underwent endoscopic transcanal excision of their glomus tympanicum tumors using coblation.

Results

None of the patients developed recurrence during the 1-year follow up period proved radiologically. None of the patients developed facial palsy postoperatively. Differences between preoperative and postoperative dizziness and taste disturbance were statistically non-significant. Tinnitus disappeared completely in 22 patients postoperatively. A statistically significant reduction in Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) after surgery was found. Statistically significant reductions in postoperative air conduction (AC) threshold and air bone gap (ABG) were recorded while bone conduction (BC) threshold showed statistically non-significant change.

Conclusion

Coblation is an effective and safe tool in excision of glomus tympanicum tumors. Further studies comparing coblation with laser and piezosurgery are strongly recommended.
Endobronchial Ultrasound Guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration and Next Generation Sequencing Yields
Authors: Sheehan Kristin N. , Khoury Lara M. , Niehaus Angela G. , Mariencheck William I. , Gershner Katherine A. , Dotson Travis L. , Bellinger Christina R.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The use of endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) is standard practice for lung cancer diagnosis and staging. Next generation sequencing (NGS) for detection of genetic alterations is recommended in advanced, non-squamous, non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Existing protocols for NGS testing are minimal and reported yields vary. This study aimed to determine the yield of EBUS samples obtained for NGS using a sampling protocol at our institution and assess predictive factors to form collection protocols.

Methods

We reviewed EBUS bronchoscopies from 2016 to 2021 with non-squamous NSCLC diagnoses. For target lesions suspected to be malignant, the sampling protocol was: (a) two slides for on-site evaluation, (b) three to five fine needle aspirations rinsed into saline for immunohistochemical staining and in-house molecular markers, and (c) additional three to five rinses for NGS. Sufficiency for NGS processing was determined by the pathology department.

Results

Two hundred and seventy-eight non-squamous NSCLC samples were obtained by EBUS (205 adenocarcinoma; 73 not otherwise specified). EBUS was performed under general anesthesia in 75.5% of cases. The overall sample adequacy for NGS testing was 57.5%. Higher adequacy rates were observed when protocol was adhered to 66.0% versus 37.2% (p < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference based on the size of the lesion or location of the sample.

Conclusion

When a protocol of three to five dedicated needle rinses for NGS was followed, we nearly doubled our sample adequacy rate for NSG as compared to standard care. Studies are needed to determine the ideal collection and processing modality to preserve tissue samples for genetic sequencing.
Age and environmental conditions for the formation of the Pannonian mega-yardang system
Authors: Trájer Attila J.
Published: April 2024

The Pannonian mega-yardang system is the northernmost mega-yardang field in Europe, exerting a profound influence on the relief and surface hydrographic structure of Western Hungary. Despite its significance, the precise timing and climatic conditions under which this mega-yardang system formed remain elusive. The geological setting was studied, the former humidity and biome patterns were modelled, the climatically analogous regions of the past climates of the region were identified, and the Köppen Aridity Indices of the region were compared to the aridity values of other yardang fields from five continents in the last 3.3 mys. The geological structure of the yardangs suggests an origin post-dating the Tortonian period but preceding the mid-Pleistocene era. In the Zanclean and in the warmer periods of the Piacenzian, the studied region had humid subtropical climatic conditions that were not suitable for the formation of large-scale aeolian landforms. Similarly, in the Quaternary period, the climate varied between boreal and humid continental, which was not conducive to the formation of mega-yardang fields. Cold semi-arid climatic conditions only existed in the mid-Pliocene cold period and perhaps at the transition of the Pliocene to the Pleistocene. This paleoclimatic hypothesis is in accordance with the Pliocene fossil record of the region, which contains the remains of such arid habitat-dwelling fauna elements as camelids and struthionids. The comparison of the development of Köppen Aridity Indices among yardangs in other territories also suggests that the Pannonian mega-yardang system may have formed around the transition of the Neogene to the Quaternary epochs.

Graphical abstract
Baastrup’s disease prevalence across various age groups and its association with degenerative changes: insights from STIR sequence in MRI
Authors: Sağtaş Ergin , Kurnaz Burak , Alver Kadir Han , Ufuk Furkan
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Baastrup’s disease is characterized by abnormal contact between adjacent spinous processes. Our study is the first to systematically incorporate the STIR sequence, recognized for its heightened sensitivity to fluid and edema, into the MRI protocol for diagnosing Baastrup’s disease in symptomatic individuals. The objective is to determine its prevalence and association with lumbar spinal degenerative changes.

Materials and methods

Lumbar spinal MRI examinations of 375 patients performed between January 2021 and 2022 were retrospectively reviewed by two radiologists. Baastrup’s disease was diagnosed based on meeting any of the following criteria: lumbar interspinous bursitis, hyperintense signal changes in adjacent spinous processes, and ligaments on the STIR sequence. The study also investigated the presence of degenerative changes and interreader agreement among radiologists.

Results

Baastrup’s disease was found in 141 of 375 individuals (37.8%). It correlated significantly with degenerative lumbar changes such as bulging (P = 0.0012), herniation (P = 0.0033), disc degeneration (P = 0.0013), Modic changes (P = 0.034), facet osteoarthritis (P = 0.0041), spinal stenosis (P = 0.005), and anterolisthesis (P = 0.0049). No significant associations were observed with gender (P = 0.468) or retrolisthesis (P = 0.167). Its occurrence increased gradually, peaking at 87.5% in individuals aged 80 and above. Radiologists showed complete agreement with Baastrup’s diagnoses.

Conclusion

Baastrup’s disease is more commonly observed than being considered rare, displaying an incremental occurrence with increasing age in symptomatic individuals notably discernible on the STIR sequence. Using the STIR sequence seems to promote a consensus among radiologists, irrespective of their experience levels.
Simulation of Shear and Tensile Fractures Using Ductile Phase Field Modelling with the Calibration of P Wave Velocity Measurement and Moment Tensor Inversion
Authors: Li Xu , Si Guangyao , Oh Joung , Canbulat Ismet
Published: April 2024

The appropriate understanding and formulation of rock discontinuities via FEM is still challenging for rock engineering, as continuous algorithms cannot handle the discontinuities in rock mass. Also, different failure modes of rock samples, containing tensile and shear failure, need to be computed separately. In this study, a novel double-phase field damage model was introduced with two independent phase field damage variables. The construction of the proposed model follows the thermodynamics framework from the overall Helmholtz free energy, with elastic, plastic and surface damage components. The proposed model is calibrated via traditional damage variables, based on ultrasonic wave velocity measurement and acoustic emission monitoring, and both show great consistency between simulation results and laboratory observations. Then the double-phase field damage model is applied to COMSOL software to simulate microcrack propagation in a pre-fractured rock sample. Both lateral and wing cracks are observed in this study, manifested as shear- and tensile-dominated cracks. We also observed different microcracking mechanisms in the proposed numerical models, such as tensile and shear cracking, the influence of plastic strain and the percolation between tensile and shear microcracks. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the mechanics of microcracking in rocks, and the proposed model shows promising results in simulating crack propagation.
Histological evaluation of nonsurgical periodontal treatment with and without the use of sodium hypochlorite / amino acids and cross-linked hyaluronic acid gels in dogs
Authors: Shirakata Yoshinori , Nakamura Toshiaki , Setoguchi Fumiaki , Imafuji Takatomo , Shinohara Yukiya , Matsumura Shohei , Iwata Masayuki , Noguchi Kazuyuki , Ramanauskaite Eglė , Sculean Anton
Published: April 2024

Objectives

To evaluate periodontal wound healing following scaling and root planing (SRP) in conjunction with the application of sodium hypochlorite/amino acids and cross-linked hyaluronic acid (xHyA) gels in dogs.

Materials and Methods

In four beagle dogs, 2-wall intrabony defects were created and metal strips were placed around the teeth. Clinical parameters were measured 4 weeks after plaque accumulation. The experimental root surfaces were subjected to SRP with either the subgingival application of a sodium hypochlorite/amino acid gel and a xHyA gel (test group) or SRP alone (control group) using a split-mouth design. Clinical parameters were re-evaluated at 6 weeks. The animals were sacrificed at 8 weeks for histological analysis.

Results

The test group showed significant improvements in all clinical parameters compared to the control group. Histologically, the test group exhibited statistically significantly greater new bone formation [i.e., length of newly formed bone, new bone area] compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, statistically significantly greater formation of new attachment [i.e., linear length of new cementum adjacently to newly formed bone with inserting collagen fibers] and new cementum was detected in the test group compared with the control group at 8 weeks (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively).

Conclusion

The adjunctive subgingival application of sodium hypochlorite/amino acid and xHyA gels to SRP offers an innovative novel approach to enhance periodontal wound healing/regeneration.

Clinical relevance

The present findings have for the first-time shown histologic evidence for periodontal regeneration in support of this novel treatment modality.
First report of the invasive freshwater sponge Heterorotula multidentata (Weltner, 1895) in Europa: a latent threat for aquatic ecosystems?
Authors: Carballo J. L. , Cruz-Barraza J. A. , Domínguez-Monge C. , Cano C. , López-González P. J.
Published: April 2024

Freshwater invaders threaten both natural ecosystems and human activities. An invasive freshwater sponge Heterorotula multidentata (Weltner, 1895) has been found for the first time in continental waters of Europe (Spain). It is a species native to Australia and New Zealand, from which it spread to Japan, being considered invasive. The species has been found in water intake grids of irrigation and drinking water systems in the basins of the Guadalquivir and Tajo rivers, affecting their hydrological functions. It has also been found growing on the invasive mussel Dreissena polymorpha in the Guadalquivir River. To assess the risks associated with invasive alien organisms, a detailed knowledge of their taxonomic status and distribution is necessary. A morphological and molecular evaluation confirmed that the specimens found in Spain belong to the Japanese type. A full morphological description and the fouling problems caused by the species are also provided. It is not yet clear how H. multidentata arrived at Spain, but indirect transport by other invasive freshwater species cannot be ruled out either, as H. multidentata has been found fouling the invasive species zebra mussel.
Establishing interoperability between EMF and MSDKVS: an M3-level-bridge to transform metamodels and models
Authors: Cesal Florian , Bork Dominik
Published: April 2024

Many powerful metamodeling platforms enabling model-driven software engineering (MDSE) exist, each with its strengths, weaknesses, functionalities, programming language(s), and developer community. Platform interoperability would enable users to exploit their mutual benefits. Such interoperability would allow the transformation of metamodels and models created in one platform into equivalent metamodels and models in other platforms. Language engineers could then freely choose the metamodeling platform without risking a lock-in effect. Two well-documented and publicly available metamodeling platforms are the eclipse modeling framework (EMF) and the modeling SDK for visual studio (MSDKVS). In this paper, we propose an M3-level-bridge (M3B) that establishes interoperability between EMF and MSDKVS on the abstract syntax level and on the graphical concrete syntax level. To establish such interoperability we (i) compare the two platforms, (ii) present a conceptual mapping between them, and (iii) implement a bidirectional transformation bridge including both the metamodel and model layer. We evaluate our approach by transforming a collection of publicly available metamodels and automatically generated or manually created models thereof. The transformation outcomes are then used to quantitatively and qualitatively evaluate the transformation’s validity, executability, and expressiveness.
Production of greenhouse gases by logging residue in boreal clear-cut forests
Authors: Laihonen Antti , Aalto Sanni L. , Pihlatie Mari , Tiirola Marja
Published: April 2024

Forest deadwood is an important carbon reserve, estimated to contain 8% of the total forest carbon. This type of woody debris is recognized as a source of carbon dioxide (CO2), as the carbon is released back into the atmosphere by microbial decomposition. Production of methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) has also been reported. In managed forests, logging residues form a major source of fine deadwood, but its role in the greenhouse gas exchange of forest ecosystems is poorly understood. We studied the greenhouse gas production of spruce and birch left-over fine woody debris and estimated the residence time of these residues at 18 spruce-dominated boreal forest sites in Central Finland. The study areas consisted of clear-cut forest stands, totally covering approximately 47 hectares, with logging residue ages varying between 0 and 10 years. The research was carried out over eight months from May to December 2019. We observed that CO2 dominated the greenhouse gas production of the logging residues, with the production being regulated by air temperature, tree species, residue age, and wood moisture. Emission of CO2 continued throughout the research period with a clear seasonal pattern. Production of CH4 and N2O was also observed, but not in climatically-relevant amounts. Deadwood half-life was estimated at 18 years for spruce and 9 years for birch. Our study demonstrates that logging residues form a mid-term carbon reserve and suggests that global warming could reduce the lifetime of the residues as a result of elevated and temperature-dependent CO2 release in the studied Myrtillus type forest stands.
Position adaptive residual block and knowledge complement strategy for point cloud analysis
Authors: Zhang Shichao , Shen Hangchi , Duan Shukai , Wang Lidan
Published: April 2024

Due to the sparsity, irregularity and disorder of the point cloud, the tasks related to it are full of challenges. Exploring local geometric patterns and multi-scale features is effective for point cloud understanding, and promising results have been achieved. In this paper, we present a Position Adaptive Residual Block, namely PARB, for the first time. It can carry out powerful geometric signal description and feature learning. Starting from this module, we propose two extensions. First, a Position Adaptive Residual Network, called PARNet, is derived by utilizing PARB. Second, PARB can be regarded as a plug-and-play module embedded in MLP-based networks, which can remarkably enhance the performance of the backbone. We also introduce an efficient Knowledge Complement Strategy, which is part of the PARNet architecture, to make the framework perform better. Extensive experimental results on challenging benchmarks demonstrate that our PARNet delivers the new state-of-the-art on ShapeNet-Part and achieves competitive performance on ModelNet40.
Managers’ Micro-Communities Matter: The Impact of Clinical Supervision Team on Therapist Perception of the Organization
Authors: Boyd Meredith R. , Becker Kimberly D. , Park Alayna L. , Pham Kaitlyn , Chorpita Bruce F.
Published: April 2024

Positive organizational climate — employee perceptions of their work environment and the impact of this environment on well-being and functioning — is associated with desirable organizational and client-level outcomes in mental health organizations. Clinical supervisors are well-positioned to impact organizational climate, as they serve as intermediaries between higher-level administrators who drive the policies and procedures and the therapists impacted by such decisions. This cross-sectional study examined the role of clinical supervisors as drivers of therapist perceptions of organizational climate within supervisory teams. Specifically, the present study investigated: (1) shared perceptions of organizational climate among therapists on the same supervisory team; (2) predictors of therapist climate perceptions. Eighty-six therapists were supervised by 22 supervisors. Indices of interrater agreement and interrater reliability of therapists on the same supervisory team were examined to determine shared or distinct perceptions of organizational climate. Multi-level models were used to examine whether supervisor attitudes towards evidence-based practices and therapist perceptions of supervisor communication predicted perceived organizational climate. Results showed perceptions of organizational cohesion and autonomy were shared among therapists on the same supervisory team and distinct from therapists on different supervisory teams. Therapist perceptions of their supervisor’s communication was positively associated with perceptions of organizational cohesion and autonomy. These findings align with emerging evidence that middle managers shape their employees’ experience of their work environment through communication strategies. These findings also point to the potential for intervening at lower organizational levels to improve overall organizational climate.
Increasing broad-spectrum aquatic invasive species early detection program efficiency through biased site selection and gear allocation
Authors: Towne Kristen , Huber Eric , Lajavic Janine , Wright Greg
Published: April 2024

Invasive species cause severe environmental and economic damage throughout the globe. Aside from preventing their introduction, early detection of newly introduced species is the most successful method to prevent their establishment, spread, and eventual negative impacts. Broad-spectrum monitoring for the early detection of novel non-native species is oftentimes heavily burdened by the inherent difficulty in maximizing the detection probabilities of numerous high priority species simultaneously with only finite resources. We attempted to increase the efficiency of broad-spectrum monitoring in four locations across Lake Erie (USA)—the Detroit River, Maumee Bay, Sandusky Bay, and Cleveland—by targeting our site and gear selections to maximize overall species richness and detection rates of rare and non-native species, with the results compared to a random sampling design. Overall species richness was significantly higher in all four locations, while non-native species detection rates were significantly higher in every location except for Cleveland. Detection rates of rare species was significantly higher in Maumee Bay only. Our results indicate this selective sampling design is more likely to detect a newly introduced non-native species than a random sampling design and are in support of the established literature for broad-spectrum monitoring for novel aquatic invasive species.
Multiple introduction pathways of non-native Phoxinus minnows (Teleostei: Leuciscidae) in Corsica revealed by its hidden diversity and their parasites
Authors: Esposito Anaïs , Denys Gaël P. J. , Haÿ Vincent , Godeaux Quentin , Foata Joséphine , Quilichini Yann
Published: April 2024

The introduction of freshwater fish species is a leading cause of aquatic biodiversity erosion and can spread parasites to native populations. Hidden diversity evidenced by recent taxonomic revisions can add further complexity to the issue by rendering biological assessment data incomplete. The Eurasian minnows Phoxinus are one such example of cryptic diversity, with several described species being invasive. Current non-native fish populations in the small Mediterranean island of Corsica (France) are the result of successive waves of introductions, including several Phoxinus species. This study aims at determining which Phoxinus species were introduced to Corsica using the cytochrome oxidase subunit I barcoding marker, reconstructing their introduction routes and examining their parasite communities. The study found four species in Corsica: Phoxinus phoxinus and Phoxinus csikii mainly in the northernmost studied drainage basin and Phoxinus dragarum and Phoxinus septimaniae in the Tavignano drainage basin. P. phoxinus and P. csikii were most likely introduced through a live bait wholesaler while P. dragarum and P. septimaniae were probably introduced by recreational anglers bringing their bait from continental France. The molecular study of their Gyrodactylus (Platyhelminthes: Monogenea) parasites with the ITS marker allowed us to hypothesize inter-drainage basin secondary introduction routes for P. phoxinus and P. dragarum. In several sampling sites, Phoxinus minnows had black spot disease caused by encysted metacercariae of Digenea, likely Posthodiplostomum cuticola. These parasites were also found on the brown trout Salmo trutta in a locality where this patrimonial species co-occurs with Phoxinus minnows. Barcoding should be used in fish communities monitoring to help to accurately identify cryptic species.
The importance of tree species identity and trait-based winter foraging ecology of bark-foraging bird species in a large Central European floodplain forest
Authors: Ónodi Gabor , Botta-Dukát Zoltán , Winkler Dániel , Schulze Christian H.
Published: April 2024

Beyond preferences for particular species of tree, bark-foraging birds are associated with various tree characteristics such as decay stage, trunk diameter, or bark roughness. Our objectives were to study the winter foraging ecology of different bark-foraging bird species in the highly diverse floodplain forests of Donau-Auen National Park (Austria) by examining the importance of tree species and characteristics. We used 'first-foraging' observations on the great spotted woodpecker (Dendrocopos major), middle spotted woodpecker (Leiopicus medius), Eurasian nuthatch (Sitta europaea), treecreepers (Certhia spp.), great tit (Parus major), Eurasian blue tit (Cyanistes caeruleus), and marsh tit (Poecile palustris). We examined bird-tree relationships with a bird-plant network approach, where we compared traits of trees and their preferences among avian species. The five most important tree species relative to distance-weighted fragmentation were European white elm (Ulmus laevis), pedunculate oak (Quercus robur), common ash (Fraxinus excelsior), and white and black poplar (Populus alba, P. nigra). Avian taxa differed only in the use of tree condition, where woodpeckers used decayed and dead trees more than tits. Most species preferred trees of larger trunk diameter with rougher bark. We suspect that changes in these highly diverse floodplain forest stands will eventually lead to changes in bark-foraging bird assemblages. For the protection of such highly diverse floodplain forests, conservation-based water management practices will be crucial to maintaining a sufficient groundwater table. Our findings also suggest that forest management practices should focus on more diverse commercial forest stands with a critical amount of secondary tree species, a variety of size classes, varying tree conditions, and species with different bark roughness classes.
A technical infrastructure for primary education data that contributes to data standardization
Authors: Mohseni Zeynab , Masiello Italo , Martins Rafael M.
Published: April 2024

There is a significant amount of data available about students and their learning activities in many educational systems today. However, these datasets are frequently spread across several different digital services, making it challenging to use them strategically. In addition, there are no established standards for collecting, processing, analyzing, and presenting such data. As a result, school leaders, teachers, and students do not capitalize on the possibility of making decisions based on data. This is a serious barrier to the improvement of work in schools, teacher and student progress, and the development of effective Educational Technology (EdTech) products and services. Data standards can be used as a protocol on how different IT systems communicate with each other. When working with data from different public and private institutions simultaneously (e.g., different municipalities and EdTech companies), having a trustworthy data pipeline for retrieving the data and storing it in a secure warehouse is critical. In this study, we propose a technical solution containing a data pipeline by employing a secure warehouse—the Swedish University Computer Network (SUNET), which is an interface for information exchange between operational processes in schools. We conducted a user study in collaboration with four municipalities and four EdTech companies based in Sweden. Our proposal involves introducing a data standard to facilitate the integration of educational data from diverse resources in our SUNET drive. To accomplish this, we created customized scripts for each stakeholder, tailored to their specific data formats, with the aim of merging the students’ data. The results of the first four steps show that our solution works. Once the results of the next three steps are in, we will contemplate scaling up our technical solution nationwide. With the implementation of the suggested data standard and the utilization of the proposed technical solution, diverse stakeholders can benefit from improved management, transportation, analysis, and visualization of educational data.
Varieties of Second-Personal Reason
Authors: Lewis James H. P.
Published: April 2024

A lineage of prominent philosophers who have discussed the second-person relation can be regarded as advancing structural accounts. They posit that the second-person relation effects one transformative change to the structure of practical reasoning. In this paper, I criticise this orthodoxy and offer an alternative, substantive account. That is, I argue that entering into second-personal relations with others does indeed affect one's practical reasoning, but it does this not by altering the structure of one's agential thought, but by changing what reasons can become available. The importance of second-personal thought for action is heterogenous. Second-person relations make possible the emergence of a wide variety of different kinds of practical reasons: creating some, revealing others. Recognising this diminishes the appeal of the traditional, structural accounts of the practical significance of such second-personal relations. Moving away from structural accounts facilitates a more thorough understanding of the intersubjective form of action.