bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patient satisfaction with coronary CT angiography versus invasive coronary angiography: results of a single-center randomized trial
Authors: Bosserdt Maria , Wieske Viktoria , Knebel Fabian , Mohamed Mahmoud M. A. , Feger Sarah , Dewey Marc , Schönenberger Eva
Published: February 2024

Objective

Because there is evidence for a clinical benefit of using coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography instead of invasive coronary angiography (ICA) in patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD), we ascertained if patient satisfaction could represent an important barrier to implementation of coronary CT in clinical practice.

Materials and methods

A total of 329 patients with suspected CAD and clinical indication for ICA were randomly assigned to undergo either CT or ICA for guiding treatment. Satisfaction for both groups was assessed by patient questionnaire completed twice, ≥24 h after CT or ICA, and at follow-up after a median of 3.7 years. Assessment included preparation, concern, comfort, helplessness, pain, willingness to undergo tests again, overall satisfaction, and preference. Pearson’s chi-square test and Wilcoxon rank-sum test were used.

Results

Overall, 91% of patients undergoing CT (152/167) and 86% undergoing ICA completed assessment (140/162, p = 0.19). Patients reported being significantly better prepared for CT, less concerned about the test, and felt less helpless than during ICA (all: p < 0.001). Subjective pain (horizontal nonmarked visual analogue scale) was significantly lower for CT (6.9 ± 14.7) than for ICA (17.1 ± 22.7; p < 0.001). At follow-up, significantly more patients in the CT group reported very good satisfaction with communication of findings compared with the ICA group (p < 0.001) and 92% would recommend the institution to someone referred for the same examination.

Conclusions

Results from our single-center randomized study show very good satisfaction with coronary CT compared to ICA. Thus, superior acceptance of CT should be considered in shared decision-making.

Clinical relevance statement

This evaluation of patient satisfaction in a randomized study shows that patients’ preference is in line with the clinical benefit provided by CT and also suggests to prefer a CT-first strategy in suspected coronary artery disease.

Key Points

• Subjective pain was significantly lower for coronary CT angiography than for invasive coronary angiography and patients felt better prepared and less concerned about CT.

• Patients were overall more satisfied with coronary CT angiography than invasive coronary angiography in a randomized controlled trial.

• After a median follow-up of 3.7 years, more patients in the CT group indicated very good satisfaction with the communication of findings and with the examination itself.
Optical and microstructural properties of electrodeposited cuprous oxide
Authors: Jurečka Stanislav , Sahoo Prangya P. , Čendula Peter
Published: February 2024

The production of hydrogen fuel using photoelectrochemical water splitting method requires semiconductor materials with suitable energy gap, electrical and optical properties. Cuprous oxide is feasible candidate fulfilling many of these requirements to be the photocathode of such devices. In this study, we investigated optical and microstructural properties of cuprous oxide prepared under different temperatures. Microstructure properties were evaluated by statistical, fractal and Fourier methods. Roughness characteristics, Fourier transforms and multifractal characteristics provide consistent information connected with the distribution of surface objects created during sample fabrication. Our methodology is feasible to provide practical insights for the fabrication and monitoring of surface and optical properties of Cu2O and other semiconductor materials.
E-scooter accidents—epidemiology and injury patterns: 3-year results from a level 1 trauma center in Germany
Authors: Linhart Christoph , Jägerhuber Ludwig , Ehrnthaller Christian , Schrempf Judith , Kußmaul Adrian Cavalcanti , Neuerburg Carl , Böcker Wolfgang , Lampert Christopher
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Since the introduction of e-scooters in Germany in 2019, they are becoming more and more popular and associated injuries have increased significantly. The aim of this study was to assess the injury patterns after e-scooter accidents.

Materials and Methods

From May 2019 to October 2022, all consecutive patients who presented at our emergency department (ED) following e-scooter accidents were included in our study and retrospectively analyzed.

Results

A total of 271 patients were included in our study. The mean age was 33 years. 38% of the patients were female and 62% were male. Most common injuries were traumatic brain injuries in 38% of the patients together with fractures affecting the upper limb (17%). An operative treatment was necessary in 40 patients. Most of the patients presented at night and about 30% were under the influence of alcohol.

Conclusions

Our study shows one of the largest cohort of patients suffering e-scooter accidents in Europe. Compulsory helmet use, stricter alcohol controls and locking periods could contribute significantly to safety.
Voice outcome in medialisation thyroplasty with and without arytenoid adduction: a prospective comparison using intraoperative voice measurements
Authors: Mes S. D. , van der Jagt M. A. , Jansen J. C. , Langeveld A. P. M. , Sjögren E. V. , Heijnen B. J.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Arytenoid adduction as an addition to medialisation thyroplasty is highly advocated by some surgeons in selected cases but deemed less necessary by others in patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis. This study aims to evaluate the additional benefits on voice outcome of arytenoid adduction in patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis undergoing medialisation thyroplasty using intra-operative voice measurements.

Design/methods

A prospective study was conducted. Voice audio recordings were obtained at 4 moments; 1. direct prior to the start of surgery, 2. during surgery after medialisation thyroplasty, 3. during surgery after medialisation and arytenoid adduction, 3 months postoperative. At these same timepoints patients rated their own voice on a numeric rating scale between 0 and 10. The blinded recordings were rated by consensus in a team of experienced listeners, using the Grade of the GRBAS scale. Furthermore, the Voice Handicap Index was administered before and at 3 months after surgery.

Results

Ten patients who underwent medialisation and arytenoid adduction at our tertiary referral hospital between 2021 and 2022, were included. One patient was excluded after surgery. The intraoperative measurements showed a Grade score of 1.4 preoperatively, improving to 1.2 after medialisation, 1.2 after medialisation and arytenoid adduction, and further improving to 0.4 at 3 months postoperative, which was a not statistically significant improvement (p = 0.2). The intraoperative subjective numeric rating scale showed a statistically significant improvement from 3.9 preoperatively, to 6.1 after medialisation, 7.1 after medialisation and arytenoid adduction and a 7.6 at 3 months postoperative (p = 0.001). The Voice Handicap Index total score showed a statistically significant improvement from 71 points before surgery to 13 at 3 months after surgery (p = 0.008).

Conclusions

Our study using intraoperative voice measurements indicate that the addition of arytenoid adduction to medialisation thyroplasty is a benefit in selected patients although more studies are needed due to the many limitations inherent to this field of investigation.
Putting radioactive materials on the sustainability agenda: a report from a workshop on the sustainability of human-made radioactive materials held at the safeND Research Symposium 2023
Authors: Böse Fanny , Wimmers Alexander , Neugebauer Julia , Lösel Theresa , Hermes Timo , Beppler Jasmin , Nickel Marie-Sophie , Morawe Pauline , Weber Maximilian , von Hirschhausen Christian
Published: February 2024

This report summarizes the findings of a workshop held at the safeND Research Symposium and hosted by the German Federal Office for the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management (BASE) in Berlin in September 2023. The workshop aimed to channel perspectives from various fields of expertise to discuss key sustainability concepts in terms of radioactive waste management. Therefore, the report highlights that current sustainability concepts, such as the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) as well as the concept of Planetary Boundaries, neglect challenges arising from the production and storage of human-made radioactive materials. The workshop consisted of three group tasks. The first attempted at identifying the interrelations between “sustainability” and radioactive waste management. The second was to map the global nature of the challenges. The third took first steps to determine a human-made radioactive material as a potential planetary sub-boundary for “novel entities”. All three groups identified valuable knowledge gaps that should be addressed by future research and concluded that radioactive waste management is underrepresented in these sustainability concepts.
Radiological assessment of periodontal ligament space visibility on third molars for forensic age assessment — a comparison study of three different staging scales
Authors: Timme Maximilian , Steffens Laurin , Viktorov Jan , Streeter Adam , Karch André , Schmeling Andreas
Published: February 2024

Various staging scales have been proposed for the assessment of the visibility of the periodontal ligament space of mandibular third molars on dental panoramic radiographs (PANs) for forensic age assessment in living individuals. However, up to now, there has been no systematic comparison between these staging scales available. We directly compared the 2010 staging scale proposed by Olze et al. with the 2017 staging by Lucas et al. and the 2020 staging by Guo et al. in a German study population. We evaluated 233 PANs from 115 females and 118 males aged 20.0 to 40.9 years using three independent examiners, with one examiner conducting two assessments. We examined the correlation between age and stage, as well as the inter- and intra-rater reliabilities. While the point estimates for the correlation coefficient and the reliability measures were lowest for the Guo scale and highest for the Olze scale, confidence intervals showed a large overlap, particularly for the scales of Olze et al. and Lucas et al. The correlation coefficients between stage and age were consistently lower in females than in males across all methods. In summary, we showed that the staging scales of Olze et al. and Lucas et al. were very similar. The Olze method showed higher point estimates across all analyses, and because there are more reference data available for this method, we argue that it should be preferred as the method of choice for further studies in the field. However, Guo method could be considered for instances, in which the inter-radicular periodontal ligament is not evaluable.
Diagnosis and treatment of patients with suspected mucinous cystic neoplasms of the liver: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Furumaya Alicia , Schulz Hannah H. , Verheij Joanne , Takkenberg R. Bart , Besselink Marc G. , Kazemier Geert , Erdmann Joris I. , van Delden Otto M.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Mucinous cystic neoplasms of the liver (MCN-L) are hepatic cysts with a low malignant potential. The recent European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) guidelines provide guidance on the imaging features and surgical management of MCN-L, yet are hampered by a lack of studies adhering to the revised World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. This study attempted to validate the new 2022 EASL-guidelines in a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent surgery for suspected MCN-L.

Methods

Patients undergoing surgery for suspected MCN-L in a single center between 2010 and 2020 were included. Imaging features were assessed according to the EASL guidelines and were compared to final pathological diagnoses, according to the WHO criteria.

Results

In total, 35 patients were included. In three patients, there were no worrisome imaging features, yet final pathological diagnosis showed MCN-L. Contrarily, six patients with worrisome imaging features did not have MCN-L. Five patients were diagnosed with MCN-L on final pathology. The sensitivity of the EASL-guidelines for the diagnosis of MCN-L was 40% (95%CI: 5.3–85%) and the specificity was 80% (95% CI: 61–92%).

Conclusion

Although the new EASL-guidelines provide some guidance, they could not reliably distinguish MCN-L from other cysts in our series. Thus, preoperative diagnosis of MCN-L remains challenging and we should be careful in selecting surgical strategies based on these criteria.
Evaluation of skeletal muscle function in male rats with doxorubicin-induced myopathy following various exercise techniques: the significant role of glucose transporter 4
Authors: Osama Eman , Khowailed Effat , Rashed L , Fawzy A. , Hassan Rokia Mohamad , Harb Inas , Maher Muhammad
Published: February 2024

A common anthracycline antibiotic used to treat cancer patients is doxorubicin (DOX). One of the effects of DOX therapy is skeletal muscle fatigue. Our goal in this research was to study the beneficial effect of exercise on DOX-induced damaged muscle fibers and compare the effect of different exercise strategies (prophylactic, post- toxicity and combined) on DOX toxicity. Five groups were created from 40 male rats: group I, control group; group II, DOX was administered intraperitoneally for 2 weeks over 6 equal injections (each 2.5 mg/kg); group III, rats trained for 3 weeks before DOX; group IV, rats trained for 8 weeks after DOX; and group V, rats were trained for 3 weeks before DOX followed by 8 weeks after. Measures of oxidative damage (H2O2, catalase), inflammation (TNF-α), and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) expression on skeletal muscle were assessed. Also, Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) was estimated. Skeletal performance was evaluated by contraction time (CT), half relaxation time (1/2 RT), and force-frequency relationship by the end of this research. The current study demonstrated a detrimental effect of DOX on skeletal performance as evidenced by a significant increase in CT and 1/2 RT compared to control; in addition, H2O2, TNF-α, and HOMA-IR were significantly increased with a significant decrease in GLUT4 expression and catalase activity. Combined exercise therapy showed a remarkable improvement in skeletal muscle performance, compared to DOX, CT, and 1/2 RT which were significantly decreased; H2O2 and TNF-α were significantly decreased unlike catalase antioxidant activity that significantly increased; in addition, skeletal muscle glucose metabolism was significantly improved as GLUT4 expression significantly increased and HOMA-IR was significantly decreased. Exercise therapy showed significant improvement in all measured parameters relative to DOX. However, combined exercise therapy showed the best improvement relative to both pre-exercise and post-exercise groups.
Trends in Apgar scores and umbilical artery pH: a population-based cohort study on 10,696,831 live births in Germany, 2008–2022
Authors: Boos Vinzenz , Bührer Christoph
Published: February 2024

Low Apgar scores and low umbilical arterial (UA) blood pH are considered indicators of adverse perinatal events. This study investigated trends of these perinatal health indicators in Germany. Perinatal data on 10,696,831 in-hospital live births from 2008 to 2022 were obtained from quality assurance institutes. Joinpoint regression analysis was used to quantify trends of low Apgar score and UA pH. Additional analyses stratified by mode of delivery were performed on term singletons with cephalic presentation. Robustness against unmeasured confounding was analyzed using the E-value sensitivity analysis. The overall rates of 5-min Apgar scores < 7 and UA pH < 7.10 in liveborn infants were 1.17% and 1.98%, respectively. For low Apgar scores, joinpoint analysis revealed an increase from 2008 to 2011 (annual percent change (APC) 5.19; 95% CI 3.66–9.00) followed by a slower increase from 2011 to 2019 (APC 2.56; 95% CI 2.00–3.03) and a stabilization from 2019 onwards (APC − 0.64; 95% CI − 3.60 to 0.62). The rate of UA blood pH < 7.10 increased significantly between 2011 and 2017 (APC 5.90; 95% CI 5.15–7.42). For term singletons in cephalic presentation, the risk amplification of low Apgar scores was highest after instrumental delivery (risk ratio 1.623, 95% CI 1.509–1.745), whereas those born spontaneous had the highest increase in pH < 7.10 (risk ratio 1.648, 95% CI 1.615–1.682).

          Conclusion: Rates of low 5-min Apgar scores and UA pH in liveborn infants increased from 2008 to 2022 in Germany.

What is Known:• Low Apgar scores at 5 min after birth and umbilical arterial blood pH are associated with adverse perinatal outcomes.• Prospective collection of Apgar scores and arterial blood pH data allows for nationwide quality assurance.

What is New:• The rates of liveborn infants with 5-min Apgar scores < 7 rose from 0.97 to 1.30% and that of umbilical arterial blood pH < 7.10 from 1.55 to 2.30% between 2008–2010 and 2020–2022. • In spontaneously born term singletons in cephalic presentation, the rate of metabolic acidosis with pH < 7.10 and BE < −5 mmol/L in umbilical arterial blood roughly doubled between the periods 2008–2010 and 2020–2022.
Entry of cannabidiol into the fetal, postnatal and adult rat brain
Authors: Fitzpatrick Georgia , Huang Yifan , Qiu Fiona , Habgood Mark D. , Medcalf Robert L. , Ho Heidi , Dziegielewska Katarzyna M. , Saunders Norman R.
Published: February 2024

Cannabidiol is a major component of cannabis but without known psychoactive properties. A wide range of properties have been attributed to it, such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-cancer, anti-seizure and anxiolytic. However, being a fairly new compound in its purified form, little is known about cannabidiol brain entry, especially during development. Sprague Dawley rats at four developmental ages: embryonic day E19, postnatal day P4 and P12 and non-pregnant adult females were administered intraperitoneal cannabidiol at 10 mg/kg with [3H] labelled cannabidiol. To investigate the extent of placental transfer, the drug was injected intravenously into E19 pregnant dams. Levels of [3H]-cannabidiol in blood plasma, cerebrospinal fluid and brain were estimated by liquid scintillation counting. Plasma protein binding of cannabidiol was identified by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and its bound and unbound fractions measured by ultrafiltration. Using available RNA-sequencing datasets of E19 rat brain, choroid plexus and placenta, as well as P5 and adult brain and choroid plexus, expression of 13 main cannabidiol receptors was analysed. Results showed that cannabidiol rapidly entered both the developing and adult brains. Entry into CSF was more limited. Its transfer across the placenta was substantially restricted as only about 50% of maternal blood plasma cannabidiol concentration was detected in fetal plasma. Albumin was the main, but not exclusive, cannabidiol binding protein at all ages. Several transcripts for cannabidiol receptors were expressed in age- and tissue-specific manner indicating that cannabidiol may have different functional effects in the fetal compared to adult brain.
A fuzzy computing approach to aggregate expert opinions using parabolic and exparabolic approximation procedures for solving multi-criteria group decision-making problems
Authors: Ic Yusuf Tansel
Published: February 2024

Triangular fuzzy numbers (TFNs) are widely used for selection problems to determine expert opinions using linguistic expressions. Some aggregation procedures are developed to determine expert opinions more accurately. However, there is a need for a simple and more useful procedure to solve the selection problems more suitably. For this purpose, our study offers a triangular, exparabolic, and parabolic area calculation-based approximation approach for TFNs to aggregate the possible hedges (very and more or less) for TFNs. Hence, this aggregation procedure provides a tuning opportunity for classical TFN expressions to capture possible tuning processes to reflect the hesitancies of experts. The technique for order preferences by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) method is applied in the two studies from extant literature, and suitable alternatives are determined as a result of the ranking process. Finally, a comparative analysis is presented to illustrate the efficiency of the proposed procedure. The conventional TOPSIS model’s ranking scores are very close for exemplified examples (i.e., 0.5308, 0.4510, 0.4550 and 0.5304, 0.4626, 0.4940), but the proposed model’s result has fluctuated for the same examples (i.e., 0.346, 0,669, 0,567 and 0.208, 0.991, 0.148). So, the main advantage of the proposed aggregation procedure is the alternative ranking scores separation capability analyzed with their linguistic diversification.
Assessing the predictive power of the GAP score on mechanical complications: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Cho Minseong , Lee Sanghoon , Kim Ho-Joong
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The prevention of mechanical complications (MC) is a major concern in adult spinal deformity (ASD) correction surgery; thus, the global alignment and proportion (GAP) score was developed to assess MC risk. Numerous studies have clarified the validity of the GAP score, but their contradictory results have prevented researchers from reaching compelling conclusions. This study aimed to analyze the predictive power of the GAP score on MC via a meta-analysis.

Methods

A total of 1,617 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Studies relevant to the GAP score and MC were identified in PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL and screened according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The GAP score categories of the patients and their MC/revision surgery status were collected. The data collected for the meta-analysis of odds ratios (OR) included the number of patients in the GAP score subgroups and their MC/revision surgery status. To calculate the OR, three GAP score subgroups were combined into two groups; hence, the analysis was conducted twice (gap proportioned [GAP-P] and higher groups, and gap severely disproportioned [GAP-SD] and lower groups).

Results

Eleven studies were collected; of them, revision surgery data were available for seven. The proportion of MC in the studies was 27.7–60.6%, while that of revision surgery was 11.7–34.9%. In the meta-analysis of the GAP-P and higher score groups, the difference in MC ratio was significant (OR = 2.83; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.20–6.67; P = 0.02), whereas that for revision surgery was not. For the GAP-SD and lower score groups, the GAP-SD group had significantly higher proportions of both MC (OR = 2.65; 95% CI = 1.57–4.45; P < 0.001) and revision surgery (OR = 2.27; 95% CI = 1.33–3.88; P = 0.003). Publication bias was significant only in the latter MC analysis.

Conclusion

The GAP score offers predictive value for the risk of mechanical complications.
Mid-term results of total hip arthroplasty with anatomical ultra-short cementless stem in patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip Crowe type II
Authors: Hrubina Maros , Necas Libor , Melisik Marian , Cibula Zoltan , Lisy Peter , Cabala Juraj , Holjencik Jozef , Cabala Jozef
Published: February 2024

The aim of this study was to present the mid-term results of ultra-short cementless stem total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with Crowe type II developmental dysplasia of the hip. The study consists of 68 patients (75 THAs) with a Proxima stem implanted between 2006 and 2015. The clinical results include Harris Hip Scores. Radiological follow-up reports on stem migration, bony trabecular development and radiolucent lines. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was performed. The mean age of patients was 48.4 years, with a mean follow-up 114 months. The average Harris Hip Score improved significantly from 45.1 preoperatively to 97.6 at the final evaluation (p < 0.001). Stem migration was observed in five hips (in all of them up to the 6th postoperative month, without any further progression of migration or radiological loosening). Bony trabecular development was detected in modified Gruen zones (1, 2, 4, 6, 7 for Proxima stem): in zone 1 (0%), 2 (49.3.0%), 4 (38.7%), 6 (82.7%), 7 (0%). Radiolucent lines were observed around one cup (DeLee and Charnley zone I) and three stems (none was loose, all three with fibrous stable fixation). Complications were found in three hips (4.0%): intraoperative periprosthetic femoral fracture (threated with cerclage wire) in two hips and squeezing hip in one patient (with perioperative ceramic inlay breakage and exchange). No hip was revised. The implant survival was 100.0% both clinically and radiologically. Observations in the mean follow-up of 114 months show that the results (clinical and radiological) of the Proxima stem in patients with Crowe type II DDH are promising.
Classical ‘Spin’ Filtering with Two Degrees of Freedom and Dissipation
Authors: Varshney Atul , Ghazaryan Areg , Volosniev Artem
Published: February 2024

Coupling of orbital motion to a spin degree of freedom gives rise to various transport phenomena in quantum systems that are beyond the standard paradigms of classical physics. Here, we discuss features of spin-orbit dynamics that can be visualized using a classical model with two coupled angular degrees of freedom. Specifically, we demonstrate classical ‘spin’ filtering through our model and show that the interplay between angular degrees of freedom and dissipation can lead to asymmetric ‘spin’ transport.
Combined light and electron microscopy (CLEM) to quantify methamphetamine-induced alpha-synuclein-related pathology
Authors: Ferrucci Michela , Lenzi Paola , Lazzeri Gloria , Busceti Carla L. , Frati Alessandro , Puglisi-Allegra Stefano , Fornai Francesco
Published: February 2024

Methamphetamine (METH) produces a cytopathology, which is rather specific within catecholamine neurons both in vitro and ex vivo, in animal models and chronic METH abusers. This led some authors to postulate a sort of parallelism between METH cytopathology and cell damage in Parkinson’s disease (PD). In fact, METH increases and aggregates alpha-syn proto-fibrils along with producing spreading of alpha-syn. Although alpha-syn is considered to be the major component of aggregates and inclusions developing within diseased catecholamine neurons including classic Lewy body (LB), at present, no study provided a quantitative assessment of this protein in situ, neither following METH nor in LB occurring in PD. Similarly, no study addressed the quantitative comparison between occurrence of alpha-syn and other key proteins and no investigation measured the protein compared with non-protein structure within catecholamine cytopathology. Therefore, the present study addresses these issues using an oversimplified model consisting of a catecholamine cell line where the novel approach of combined light and electron microscopy (CLEM) was used measuring the amount of alpha-syn, which is lower compared with p62 or poly-ubiquitin within pathological cell domains. The scenario provided by electron microscopy reveals unexpected findings, which are similar to those recently described in the pathology of PD featuring packing of autophagosome-like vesicles and key proteins shuttling autophagy substrates. Remarkably, small seed-like areas, densely packed with p62 molecules attached to poly-ubiquitin within wide vesicular domains occurred. The present data shed new light about quantitative morphometry of catecholamine cell damage in PD and within the addicted brain.
Rockfall source identification and trajectory analysis from UAV-based data in volcano-tectonic areas: a case study from Ischia Island, Southern Italy
Authors: Massaro L. , Forte G. , De Falco M. , Rauseo F. , Santo A.
Published: February 2024

Ischia (Southern Italy) is a volcanic island of the Phlegrean Volcanic District that was historically affected by multiple geological hazards, including floodings, landslides, rockfalls, and earthquakes. In this study, rockfall stability is analysed with an integrated approach aimed at investigating the rockfall source, the propagation, and the deposition areas. The case study is represented by two outcrops over a 400-m-wide cliff made of Green Tuff and located on the western area of Mt. Epomeo. They are respectively located at 280 and 420 m a.s.l., just uphill the village of Frassitelli, Forio d’Ischia, which is an area of high residential, tourist, and agricultural importance. We analysed the fracture systems of the tuff cliff to compute the kinematic analysis of the potential failure mechanisms and to perform numerical simulations of rockfall scenarios. Successively, numerical simulations of rockfall scenarios were computed based on the acquired structural information. This allowed us to identify the most hazardous scenarios based on the rock trajectories and the percentage of rock blocks affecting the urban area. The influence of the rock shape and volume on the rockfall trajectories was analysed. In the most likely scenarios, we observed that 15–25% of the rock blocks bypass the geomorphological barriers and reach the urban area, with kinetic energy values spanning between 102 and 104 kJ. Such detailed rockfall hazard analysis allowed the definition of the mitigation interventions necessary for the protection of the nearby residential area.
Role of zinc in health and disease
Authors: Stiles Lucy I. , Ferrao Kevin , Mehta Kosha J.
Published: February 2024

This review provides a concise overview of the cellular and clinical aspects of the role of zinc, an essential micronutrient, in human physiology and discusses zinc-related pathological states. Zinc cannot be stored in significant amounts, so regular dietary intake is essential. ZIP4 and/or ZnT5B transport dietary zinc ions from the duodenum into the enterocyte, ZnT1 transports zinc ions from the enterocyte into the circulation, and ZnT5B (bidirectional zinc transporter) facilitates endogenous zinc secretion into the intestinal lumen. Putative promoters of zinc absorption that increase its bioavailability include amino acids released from protein digestion and citrate, whereas dietary phytates, casein and calcium can reduce zinc bioavailability. In circulation, 70% of zinc is bound to albumin, and the majority in the body is found in skeletal muscle and bone. Zinc excretion is via faeces (predominantly), urine, sweat, menstrual flow and semen. Excessive zinc intake can inhibit the absorption of copper and iron, leading to copper deficiency and anaemia, respectively. Zinc toxicity can adversely affect the lipid profile and immune system, and its treatment depends on the mode of zinc acquisition. Acquired zinc deficiency usually presents later in life alongside risk factors like malabsorption syndromes, but medications like diuretics and angiotensin-receptor blockers can also cause zinc deficiency. Inherited zinc deficiency condition acrodermatitis enteropathica, which occurs due to mutation in the SLC39A4 gene (encoding ZIP4), presents from birth. Treatment involves zinc supplementation via zinc gluconate, zinc sulphate or zinc chloride. Notably, oral zinc supplementation may decrease the absorption of drugs like ciprofloxacin, doxycycline and risedronate.
Evaluation of tooth color change after a bleaching process with different lasers
Authors: Möbius Danny , Braun Andreas , Franzen Rene
Published: February 2024

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the efficiency of diode laser-activated bleaching systems for color change of teeth. 75 extracted teeth were studied in five different bleaching protocols. Group 1: diode laser 445 nm, 320 µm fiber, 0.5W, continuous wave mode, dose 53 J/cm2. Group 2: diode laser 970 nm, 320 µm fiber, 1W, continuous wave mode, dose 106.10 J/cm2. Group 3: diode laser 940 nm, bleaching handpiece, 7W, continuous wave mode, dose 105 J/cm2. Group 4: diode laser 940 nm, 300 µm fiber, 2W, continuous wave mode, dose 47.16 J/cm2. Group 5: bleaching process without laser activation. In groups 1, 2 and 5, teeth were bleached with Perfect Bleach Office + and in groups 3 and 4, LaserWhite20 bleaching gel was used. Tooth color was determined immediately after the bleaching process using a spectrophotometer. Color change data on the CIE L * a * b* system was analyzed statistically by the one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s HSD test. All bleaching procedures resulted in a change of color. All laser groups (∆E * ab > 3) have statistically larger ∆E * ab values than the control group (∆E * ab = 0.73) (p < 0.05). The diode laser 445 nm has the largest ∆E * ab value (∆E * ab = 4.65) and results in a significantly higher color difference than all other groups. In terms of color score difference in VITA Shades, all laser-activated groups lead to a lightening effect while the control group leads to only a slight lightening effect. The diode laser 445 nm produced the greatest color difference. Laser-activated bleaching is more effective than conventional bleaching without light activation. The diode laser 445 nm performs best in this in vitro study.
Fast online spectral-spatial pulse design for subject-specific fat saturation in cervical spine and foot imaging at 1.5 T
Authors: Eisen Christian Karl , Liebig Patrick , Herrler Jürgen , Ritter Dieter , Lévy Simon , Uder Michael , Nagel Armin Michael , Grodzki David
Published: February 2024

Objective

To compensate subject-specific field inhomogeneities and enhance fat pre-saturation with a fast online individual spectral-spatial (SPSP) single-channel pulse design.

Methods

The RF shape is calculated online using subject-specific field maps and a predefined excitation k-space trajectory. Calculation acceleration options are explored to increase clinical viability. Four optimization configurations are compared to a standard Gaussian spectral selective pre-saturation pulse and to a Dixon acquisition using phantom and volunteer (N = 5) data at 1.5 T with a turbo spin echo (TSE) sequence. Measurements and simulations are conducted across various body parts and image orientations.

Results

Phantom measurements demonstrate up to a 3.5-fold reduction in residual fat signal compared to Gaussian fat saturation. In vivo evaluations show improvements up to sixfold for dorsal subcutaneous fat in sagittal cervical spine acquisitions. The versatility of the tailored trajectory is confirmed through sagittal foot/ankle, coronal, and transversal cervical spine experiments. Additional measurements indicate that excitation field (B1) information can be disregarded at 1.5 T. Acceleration methods reduce computation time to a few seconds.

Discussion

An individual pulse design that primarily compensates for main field (B0) inhomogeneities in fat pre-saturation is successfully implemented within an online "push-button" workflow. Both fat saturation homogeneity and the level of suppression are improved.
Influence of the Textile Reinforcement on the Joint Formation of Pin-Joined Composite/Metal Parts
Authors: Popp Julian , Drummer Dietmar
Published: February 2024

Hybrid components consisting of continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic (CFRT) and steel components exhibit promising potential in advanced lightweight construction. However, the joining operation presents a significant challenge due to the materials’ distinct physical and chemical properties. This paper studies a joining method in which dual pin arrays protruding from the surface of the metal component are inserted into the locally heated CFRT component to create a form-fitting joint. The primary objective is to scrutinize the influence of various CFRT materials on joint formation and quantify the resulting properties. The fiber type (glass and carbon) and fiber architecture (unidirectional and bidirectional reinforcement) are varied. All materials could successfully be joined via the direct pin pressing process, while depending on the CFRT material, distinct characteristic fiber morphologies could be identified. Bidirectionally reinforced carbon fiber reinforced samples showed the highest overall strength, while unidirectionally glass fiber reinforced samples showed the highest energy absorption and second highest ultimate strength.
Machine learning methods for service placement: a systematic review
Authors: Keshavarz Haddadha Parviz , Rezvani Mohammad Hossein , MollaMotalebi Mahdi , Shankar Achyut
Published: February 2024

With the growth of real-time and latency-sensitive applications in the Internet of Everything (IoE), service placement cannot rely on cloud computing alone. In response to this need, several computing paradigms, such as Mobile Edge Computing (MEC), Ultra-dense Edge Computing (UDEC), and Fog Computing (FC), have emerged. These paradigms aim to bring computing resources closer to the end user, reducing delay and wasted backhaul bandwidth. One of the major challenges of these new paradigms is the limitation of edge resources and the dependencies between different service parts. Some solutions, such as microservice architecture, allow different parts of an application to be processed simultaneously. However, due to the ever-increasing number of devices and incoming tasks, the problem of service placement cannot be solved today by relying on rule-based deterministic solutions. In such a dynamic and complex environment, many factors can influence the solution. Optimization and Machine Learning (ML) are two well-known tools that have been used most for service placement. Both methods typically use a cost function. Optimization is usually a way to define the difference between the predicted and actual value, while ML aims to minimize the cost function. In simpler terms, ML aims to minimize the gap between prediction and reality based on historical data. Instead of relying on explicit rules, ML uses prediction based on historical data. Due to the NP-hard nature of the service placement problem, classical optimization methods are not sufficient. Instead, metaheuristic and heuristic methods are widely used. In addition, the ever-changing big data in IoE environments requires the use of specific ML methods. In this systematic review, we present a taxonomy of ML methods for the service placement problem. Our findings show that 96% of applications use a distributed microservice architecture. Also, 51% of the studies are based on on-demand resource estimation methods and 81% are multi-objective. This article also outlines open questions and future research trends. Our literature review shows that one of the most important trends in ML is reinforcement learning, with a 56% share of research.
Escaping chronic poverty: long-term impacts of an agricultural development program
Authors: Nienkerke Inga Mareike , Sawant Yogesh , Jörin Jonas , Holla Anish , Patt Anthony
Published: February 2024

There is a need for groundbreaking initiatives to come to the rescue of the world’s rain-fed regions, especially in the face of the current climate and food crises and the associated reversal of previous advances in poverty reduction. However, there is little evidence of successful programs, which can inform the development of proactive policies to meet these urgent challenges. Can sustainable agricultural intensification enable marginalized, smallholder farmers to break out of chronic poverty? In this study, we scrutinize the Wadi concept, an integrated farming system that includes water resource development, soil conservation, cultivation of fruit trees, and intercropping on degraded land. We use a mixed-methods approach that involves surveying 1860 households, which were randomly sampled from a population of 188,231 participants across four Indian states, encompassing a variety of geographical regions. This is the first investigation into the effects of integrated farming systems on livelihoods on such a large scale and spanning 23 years. We compare the household participants of the program with the non-participants and run a linear regression analysis, ceteris paribus, comparing farmers who established integrated farming systems at different points in time over the period 1990–2017. Significant progress in several socioeconomic factors can be observed, such as higher incomes (the annual income of a typical participant has increased from INR 30,000 to 100,000 or even more), diversified income sources, positive life changes, higher life satisfaction and better perspectives for children, as well as environmental benefits. The Wadi program’s effectiveness in providing sustainable development pathways implies benefits to be gained from scaling it up. By thoroughly assessing its potential to help farmers escape chronic poverty and build resilience, this study provides evidence of the Wadi concept’s success that can enrich the science-policy dialog on development programs.
Forest carbon tax and reward: regulating greenhouse gas emissions from industrial logging and deforestation in the US
Authors: Talberth John , Carlson Ella
Published: February 2024

Industrial logging activities associated with land development, agricultural expansion, and tree plantations generate significant greenhouse gas emissions and may undermine climate resilience by making the land more vulnerable to heat waves, water shortages, wildfires, flooding, and other stressors. This paper investigates whether a market-based mechanism—a forest carbon tax and reward program—could play a role in mitigating these climate impacts while advancing the Glasgow Leaders Declaration on Forests and Land Use, which seeks to end deforestation and forest degradation by 2030. We do this by describing key differences between the natural and industrial forest carbon cycle, identifying design features of a program that mimics existing carbon tax mechanisms, demonstrating how that program could be implemented using four US states as an example and completing a cash flow analysis to gauge potential effects on forestland investors. Across the states, we estimate the range of taxable GHG emissions to be 22–57 Mt CO2-e yr−1, emissions factors of 0.91–2.31 Mg C m−3, and potential tax revenues of $56 to $357 million USD yr−1. A model of net present value and internal rate of return for a representative forestland investor suggests that while the tax may reduce profitability somewhat (~ 30%) for a 100,000-acre (40,486 ha) acquisition, it would still generate an attractive rate of return (> 7%), especially for patient capital investors. We conclude that a forest carbon tax program is feasible with existing data available to US state agencies and could be a significant source of funding to promote climate smart forest practices without major disruptions of timber supply or forestland investments.
Parameter synthesis for Markov models: covering the parameter space
Authors: Junges Sebastian , Ábrahám Erika , Hensel Christian , Jansen Nils , Katoen Joost-Pieter , Quatmann Tim , Volk Matthias
Published: February 2024

Markov chain analysis is a key technique in formal verification. A practical obstacle is that all probabilities in Markov models need to be known. However, system quantities such as failure rates or packet loss ratios, etc. are often not—or only partially—known. This motivates considering parametric models with transitions labeled with functions over parameters. Whereas traditional Markov chain analysis relies on a single, fixed set of probabilities, analysing parametric Markov models focuses on synthesising parameter values that establish a given safety or performance specification $$\varphi $$
φ
. Examples are: what component failure rates ensure the probability of a system breakdown to be below 0.00000001?, or which failure rates maximise the performance, for instance the throughput, of the system? This paper presents various analysis algorithms for parametric discrete-time Markov chains and Markov decision processes. We focus on three problems: (a) do all parameter values within a given region satisfy $$\varphi $$
φ
?, (b) which regions satisfy $$\varphi $$
φ
and which ones do not?, and (c) an approximate version of (b) focusing on covering a large fraction of all possible parameter values. We give a detailed account of the various algorithms, present a software tool realising these techniques, and report on an extensive experimental evaluation on benchmarks that span a wide range of applications.
Epiretinal membrane development after Ex-Press glaucoma filtration device implant: 2-year results of a case control study
Authors: Sartini Francesco , Menchini Martina , Palma Alessandro , Casini Giamberto , Figus Michele
Published: February 2024

Background

The most common retinal complications after glaucoma surgery are choroidal detachment, hypotony maculopathy, malignant glaucoma, vitreous hemorrhage, endophthalmitis and retinal detachment. However, if glaucoma surgery is a risk factor for the ERM development needs to be clarified. This study aims to assess the incidence of epiretinal membrane (ERM) in 2 years of follow-up in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) treated with Ex-Press shunt implant.

Methods

A prospective, consecutive, single-center, case–control study. We enrolled patients affected by POAG and scheduled for Ex-Press device implant with or without concomitant cataract surgery. The control group was the contralateral eyes which continues anti-glaucomatous eyedrops. Complete ophthalmologic evaluation and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography were performed before surgery, at 6 months and 24 months of follow-up.

Results

Eighty-two eyes of 41 consecutive patients, 18 males and 23 females with a mean age of 70, 29 ± 8,45, were analyzed at 24 months. 39.1% of eyes developed ERM: 29.3% were cellophane macular reflex (CMR) and 9.8% were pre-macular fibrosis (PMF). In the control group, 19.5% of eyes developed ERM: 17.1% were CMR and 2.4% were PMF. No statistically significant difference was reported (p = 0.121) between treated and control group. ERM development did not affect significantly the central foveal thickness (260.13 ± 35.01 μm at baseline, 265.03 ± 34.90 μm at 6 months and 275.18 ± 33.31 μm at 24 months) and macular volume (7.75 ± 0.43 mm3 at baseline, 7.77 ± 0.48 mm3 at 6 months and 7.77 ± 0.46 mm3 at 24 months), remained comparable to reported average measures in healthy individuals during the follow-up. Concomitant cataract surgery did not increase the ERM incidence.

Conclusion

Ex-Press implant may increase the ERM incidence regardless concomitant cataract surgery, accelerating or inducing a posterior vitreous detachment, such as other ocular surgical procedure. Nevertheless, the vast majority of ERM are CMR, not affecting the macular profile.
The direct sum of q-matroids
Authors: Ceria Michela , Jurrius Relinde
Published: February 2024

For classical matroids, the direct sum is one of the most straightforward methods to make a new matroid out of existing ones. This paper defines a direct sum for q-matroids, the q-analogue of matroids. This is a lot less straightforward than in the classical case, as we will try to convince the reader. With the use of submodular functions and the q-analogue of matroid union we come to a definition of the direct sum of q-matroids. As a motivation for this definition, we show it has some desirable properties.