bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multimodal Therapeutic Platforms Based on Self‐Assembled Metallacycles/Metallacages for Cancer Radiochemotherapy
Authors: Li Zheng , Huan Weiwei , Wang Yan , Yang Ying‐Wei
Published: September 2023

Discrete organometallic complexes with defined structures are proceeding rapidly in combating malignant tumors due to their multipronged treatment modalities. Many innovative superiorities, such as high antitumor activity, extremely low systemic toxicity, active targeting ability, and enhanced cellular uptake, make them more competent for clinical applications than individual precursors. In particular, coordination‐induced regulation of luminescence and photophysical properties of organic light‐emitting ligands has demonstrated significant potential in the timely evaluation of therapeutic efficacy by bioimaging and enabled synergistic photodynamic therapy (PDT) or photothermal therapy (PTT). This review highlights instructive examples of multimodal radiochemotherapy platforms for cancer ablation based on self‐assembled metallacycles/metallacages, which would be classified by functions in a progressive manner. Finally, the essential demands and some plausible prospects in this field for cancer therapy are also presented.
Effect of aspect ratio on the aerodynamic performance and correlation of square section building exposed to twisted wind profile
Authors: Zhou Lei , Tse Kam Tim , Hu Gang , Guo Zijian
Published: September 2023

This study investigates the aerodynamic performance of three square‐section buildings with different aspect ratio (AR = 1:1, 1:4, and 1:6) exposed to twisted wind profile (TWP) by pressure measurement test. The effect of AR on the correlation of wind loads specifically for TWP is systematically revealed from both time–frequency domain and local–global perspective. Results show that compared with its counterparts in conventional wind profile (CWP), the effect of AR on aerodynamic load under TWP becomes significantly different and more prominent, which can be categorized into two types of patterns. For pattern low‐rise building, TWP is more resembling the condition of CWP with certain attack angle. For pattern high‐rise building, TWP results in stronger momentum exchange along building height but suppresses fluctuating feature associated with Karman vortex. As a result, under TWP, mean base moments of all buildings are enhanced except for longitudinal component of case AR = 1:4 and 1:6; while the fluctuating base moment for three AR cases is all reduced, which indicates that dynamic pattern of wake flow is suppressed. Moreover, the discrepancy of local wind load between case CWP and TWP concentrates on the lower‐middle location for high‐rise building but distributed evenly along all low‐rise building height. Additionally, it is found that the effect of AR on aerodynamic correlation exhibits different mechanisms and patterns when building is under the impact of CWP or TWP.
Fossil or non‐fossil? A best‐practice guide for archaeobotanical taxa
Authors: Rivera Diego , Ferrer‐Gallego P. Pablo , Obón Concepción , Alcaraz Francisco , Valera Javier , Goncharov Nikolay P. , Laguna Emilio , Kislev Mordechai
Published: September 2023

Can archaeobotanical material be treated as a nomenclatural type of a fossil taxon? Here we show that archaeobotanical taxa should be named according to the rules for non‐fossil taxa. Examples of archaeobotanical taxa are summarized and discussed. A best‐practice guide for the correct treatment of archaeological plant remains as the type of a new name is presented.
The development of the Cognitive Assessment for Tagalog Speakers (CATS): A culturally and linguistically tailored test battery for Filipino Americans
Authors: de Leon Jessica , Bondoc Ivan , Mamuyac Eugenie , Posecion Lainie , Europa Eduardo , Kintanar Lolita C. , Roco Niecholle , Lamoca Mikkael , Escueta Danielle P. , Park Van M. Ta
Published: September 2023

INTRODUCTION

Filipino Americans are one of the largest Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) populations in the United States (US). Previous studies suggest that Filipino Americans have one of the highest incidence rates of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) among AAPI subgroups. Despite the expected increase in Filipino Americans with ADRD, no studies to‐date have validated neuropsychological measures in the United States for speakers of Tagalog, a major language spoken by Filipino Americans. A significant barrier to dementia care and diagnosis is the lack of linguistically and socioculturally appropriate cognitive tasks for Tagalog speakers. To address this need, we developed and piloted the Cognitive Assessment for Tagalog Speakers (CATS), the first neuropsychological battery for the detection of ADRD in Filipino American Tagalog speakers.

METHODS

Based on evidence‐based neuropsychological batteries, we adapted and constructed de novo tasks to measure performance across 4 main cognitive domains: visual/verbal memory, visuospatial functioning, speech and language, and frontal/executive functioning. Tasks were developed with a team of bilingual English/Tagalog, bicultural Filipino American/Canadian experts, including a neurologist, speech‐language pathologist, linguist, and neuropsychologist. We recruited Tagalog‐speaking participants of age 50+ through social media advertisements and recruitment registries for this cross‐sectional study. We present the CATS design and protocol.

RESULTS

To‐date, the CATS battery has been administered to 26 healthy control participants (age 64.5 ± 7.8 years, 18F/8 M) at an academic institution in Northern California, United States. The development and administration of the CATS battery demonstrated its feasibility but also highlighted the need to consider the effects of bilingualism, language typology, and cultural factors in result interpretation.

DISCUSSION

The CATS battery provides a mechanism for cognitive assessment of Filipino Americans, a population that has been underrepresented in ADRD research. As we move toward the treatment and cure of ADRD, linguistically and socioculturally appropriate cognitive tests become even more important for equitable care.
Comparative effects of medium‐chain fatty acids or phytobiotics‐based feed additives on performance, caecum microbiota, volatile fatty acid production and intestinal morphology of broilers
Authors: Ceylan Necmettin , Yenice Engin , Yavaş İsmail , Çenesiz Ali Anıl , Toprak Neşe Nuray , Çiftçi İbrahim
Published: September 2023

Antibiotic growth promoters have been utilized in broiler nutrition to alleviate the negative effects of the pathogenic microbes to promote performance. However, after the prohibition of antibiotics because of the increasing disclosure related to public health issues, various products have been developed as alternatives. This study was carried out to determine the effects of medium‐chain fatty acids (MCFAs) or phytobiotics (essential oils [EOs] and alkaloids [ALKs]), blended feed additives on the growth performance, jejunum histomorphology, and cecal microbiota of broiler chickens. A total of 765 male Ross 308 chicks were randomly distributed into 5 experimental groups, each having 9 replicates with 17 chicks. The experimental procedures were as follows: a control group without supplementation (T1); control group+ MCFAs and EOs blend (T2); control group+ different EOs blend (T3); control group+ ALK sanguinarine (T4); and control group+ EOs and ALK piperine mixture (T5). The results showed that, broilers fed with MCFAs blended with EOs had significantly greater body weight gain during overall period in comparision to the control and T3 groups. Further, only MCFAs blended with EOs group significantly improved jejnum morphology in comparison with the control group (p ≤ 0.05). Besides, the MCFAs blended with EOs group significantly elevated propionate, acetate and butyrate concentration, and decreased the concentration of branch chain fatty acids in caecum (p ≤ 0.05). The results indicated that, the combination of MCFAs and EOs seems to have improvement effects and could be preferred as an efficient feed additive in broiler production.
Detection of novel coronaviruses from dusky fruit bat (Penthetor lucasi) in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo
Authors: Habeebur‐Rahman Sultana Parvin , Noni Vaenessa , Khan Faisal Ali Anwarali , Tan Cheng‐Siang
Published: September 2023

Background

Sarawak has one of the highest diversity of fruit bats species (family Pteropodidae) in Malaysia, with 19 species described. Most coronavirus (CoV) studies have mainly focused on insectivorous bats, resulting in a lack of information on CoVs present in frugivorous bats. In addition, bat CoV surveillance activities are lacking in Malaysia.

Objectives

Our study focuses on determining the presence of bat CoVs in dusky fruit bat (Penthetor lucasi).

Methods

Guano samples belonging to P. lucasi were collected from Wind Cave Nature Reserve. The samples were screened for the presence of CoVs using validated hemi‐nested consensus RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase consensus primers.

Results

The bat CoV positivity rate was 38.5% (n = 15/39), with the viruses belonging to two subgenera: Alphacoronavirus (α‐CoV) and Betacoronavirus (β‐CoV). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that CoVs from 14 samples of P. lucasi belong to the genus α‐CoV and may represent previously described genetic lineages in insectivorous bats in Wind Cave. However, only one sample of P. lucasi was detected with β‐CoV which is closely related to subgenus Nobecovirus, which is commonly seen in frugivorous bats.

Conclusions

This study provides the first available data on CoVs circulating in P. lucasi.
5‐Hydroxytryptophan toxicity successfully treated by haemodialysis in a dog
Authors: Arbona Diana Victoria , Cowgill Larry D. , Press Saya , Dufayet Cedric , Istvan Stephanie
Published: September 2023

Objective

To describe a case of 5‐hydroxytryptophan (5‐HTP) toxicity successfully treated with haemodialysis in a dog.

Case Summary

A 3‐year‐old, male neutered Labrador Retriever, weighing 28.2 kg, presented to the emergency department approximately 4–5 h after ingesting a human supplement containing 200 mg of 5‐HTP. The amount of 5‐HTP ingested was estimated between 980 and 1988 mg (35–71 mg/kg). At presentation, the dog demonstrated progressive neurologic abnormalities consistent with serotonin syndrome, including altered mentation and ataxia. Due to the magnitude of the ingested dose and progression of clinical signs, extracorporeal blood purification with intermittent haemodialysis was chosen to expedite clearance of 5‐HTP. High‐efficiency haemodialysis was initiated, and the dog showed continued clinical improvement throughout the 5‐h treatment. Clinical signs resolved completely within 12 h. Sequential blood and urine samples were obtained to document levels of both 5‐HTP and serotonin. The dog was discharged 24 h after presentation with complete resolution of clinical signs.

New or Unique Information

This is the first report documenting the serial changes in 5‐HTP concentrations during treatment with haemodialysis.
Mycophenolate mofetil as a treatment for presumed idiopathic chronic hepatitis in dogs: Six cases (2010–2022)
Authors: Beehler Michelle K. , Kearns Shawn A. , Crouse Zachary J.
Published: September 2023

Objectives

The objectives of this study were to describe the clinical findings, treatment and outcomes of six dogs with presumed idiopathic chronic hepatitis treated with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF).

Materials and Methods

Medical records were retrospectively searched to identify dogs in which idiopathic chronic hepatitis was diagnosed on histopathology between January 2010 and June 2022 that were treated with MMF for at least two weeks with >2 follow‐up examinations. Data recorded from each dog included signalment, clinical signs, diagnostic test results and treatment.

Results

Six dogs were treated with MMF at a median initial dosage of 9.6 mg/kg PO q 12 h. Reported adverse effects from MMF included decreased appetite, vomiting and diarrhoea.

In all six dogs, MMF was used successfully long term for the treatment of idiopathic chronic hepatitis as determined by 46% or greater improvement of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) between 4 and 18 weeks of starting MMF. Three dogs were also temporarily treated for 4–6 months on a tapering dose of prednisone. In two dogs, ALT remained within the reference interval, and in one dog, it was very mildly elevated when on MMF alone. In all six dogs, owners reported that the medication was well tolerated.

Clinical significance

To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report describing the use of MMF with and without a tapering dose of prednisone for the treatment of idiopathic chronic hepatitis in six dogs. Based on the outcomes of the dogs in this report, MMF can be effective for the long‐term treatment of idiopathic chronic hepatitis as measured by reduction in ALT and improvement of clinical signs.
Frequency stability analysis of a cantilever viscoelastic CNT conveying fluid on a viscoelastic Pasternak foundation and under axial load based on nonlocal elasticity theory
Authors: Mamandi Ahmad
Published: September 2023

In this paper, the frequency stability analysis of a fluid conveying cantilever viscoelastic carbon nanotube (CNT) in the Kelvin–Voigt material model with slip boundary condition (BC) regime on a viscoelastic Pasternak foundation and under axial load has been performed based on nonlocal Euler–Bernoulli thin beam theory. The governing partial differential equation of motion (EOM) and its associated BCs have been derived using the Hamilton principle. The governing EOM has been converted into an ordinary differential equation using mode summation technique and solved by applying the extended Galerkin method. Then, the frequency stability analysis has been carried out for the vibrational response of CNT in the state‐space form. The obtained results have been validated with the literature works. The effect of changes of various parameters like elastic stiffness, shear stiffness and damping coefficients of foundation, nonlocal scale‐effect parameter of the nanotube, fluid flow Knudsen number, mass ratio, structural damping of the nanotube and applied axial force have been investigated in terms of frequency to predict the occurrence of different instability modes for the system. It is concluded that flutter and divergence instabilities in the vibration of the viscoelastic CNT are significantly affected by changes of different above‐mentioned parameters.
Environmental, Social, and Economic Challenges in Lowland Rice Production
Authors: Connor Melanie , Malabayabas Arelene Julia B. , de Guia Annalyn H. , Wehmeyer Helena , Pame Anny Ruth P. , Htwe Nyo Me , Zhong Xuhua , Fu Youqiang , Liang Kaiming , Pan Junfeng , Hu Xiangyu , Liu Yanzhuo , Subekti Nuning Argo , Sembiring Hasil , Pustika Arlyna Budi , Sudarmaji  , Hutapea Yanter , Raharjo Budi , Girsang Setia Sari , Syahri  , Girsang Moral Abadi , Sumantri Renny Utami , Widyayanti Setyorini , Singleton Grant Robert , Tuan Le Anh
Published: September 2023

The CORIGAP project was implemented in six main rice granaries in South and Southeast Asia. The project introduced several country-specific sustainable best management practices, including nutrient management, pest management, water management, and several postharvest technologies, among other specific practices. This chapter introduces each country and its respective challenges to rice production. It outlines cultivation practices, historical developments, and their impacts on opportunities for the development of the rice sector. This is accompanied by specific case studies that highlight the adoption of specific technologies and practices. Case studies encompass the adoption of various best management practices in Myanmar and Thailand, especially postharvest technologies. Furthermore, the chapter highlights the outreach of “One Must Do, Five Reductions” in Vietnam, the development and implementation of the “Three Controls Technology” and alternate wetting and drying (AWD) practices in China, rodent pest management in Indonesia, and weed and water management in Sri Lanka. These case studies identified positive agronomic, social, and economic changes. The chapter concludes by harnessing the agricultural development strategies in each country with a synthesis of outcomes and impacts.
Innovations, Technologies, and Management Practices for Sustainable Rice Production
Authors: Nguyen-Van-Hung  , Gummert Martin , Flor Rica Joy , Ouk Akhara , Keo Makarakpakphea , Hadi Buyung , Tho Kim Eang , Then Rathmuny , Choun Saban , Hieu Pham Thi Minh , Sattler Cornelia , Connor Melanie , Sudarmaji  , Htwe Nyo Me , Sandro Joseph M. , Balingbing Carlito , Singleton Grant Robert
Published: September 2023

One of the major barriers to improving the rice value chain in Asian countries is farmers’ lack of knowledge and their limited access to good and scale-appropriate technologies and practices. This chapter reviews the main features, benefits, and potential barriers of technologies and practices developed and promoted under the CORIGAP project. These include One-Must-Do, Five-Reductions (1M5R); ecologically-based pest management; laser land leveling; mechanized crop establishment; and sustainable postharvest management practices. 1M5R (1M = certified Seed, 5R = reductions of seed rate, fertilizer, pesticides, water use, and postharvest losses) was introduced in Vietnam in 2004 and adopted on about 150,000 ha of rice production in the Mekong River Delta (MRD) of Vietnam. Ecologically based pest management is important for the sustainable production of rice. We provide an overview of CORIGAP research on eco-engineering for the management of insect pests and the continued development of ecologically-based rodent management. Laser land leveling and mechanized crop establishment help to significantly increase agronomic use efficiency. Applying LLL, combined with best management practices in rice production in Thailand (CROP), has improved farmers’ net income, increased nitrogen use efficiency, and reduced pesticide usage. Best postharvest management practices play an important role in upgrading the rice value chain tailored to sustainability. The chapter also includes lessons learned from case studies conducted in Southeast Asian countries, including Vietnam, Indonesia, Myanmar, and Thailand.
Partnerships and Approaches Used for Scaling: An Assessment of the Process for Rice Postharvest Technologies in CORIGAP
Authors: Flor Rica Joy , Quilloy Reianne , Maat Harro , Nguyen-Van-Hung  , Kyaw Myo Aung , Gummert Martin
Published: September 2023

In agriculture, many technologies are co-produced by research and a variety of other stakeholders, including farmers. Large-scale implementation of such technologies requires not only the distribution of the material components of a technology but also the replication of the social network, typically provided through facilitation of stakeholder involvement. Within the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), the now common procedure to enable stakeholder involvement is the creation of innovation platforms. The multi-stakeholder engagement initiated by these platforms enables the use of locally adapted technologies. This implies that the introduced technologies are not merely copied but require unpacking and repacking. In other words, a process of re-establishing the interconnectedness of the technology with varied socioeconomic arrangements and policies that enable its use. Understanding the process of scaling technologies thus requires analysis of the network that effectively catalyzes synergistic change and supports the adoption of technologies. However, the nature of the network, the types of partnerships, and the communication processes are situational and dynamic. It can take many years before newly introduced technologies become integrated into the routines of farming and accepted as a ‘normal’ technology. In this chapter, we provide a qualitative assessment of the partnerships and networks initiated by the Closing Rice Yield Gaps project (CORIGAP). Many of the CORIGAP partnerships were initiated during the predecessor project, the Irrigated Rice Research Consortium (IRRC). CORIGAP facilitated partnerships in different modalities, depending on the context of the countries and partners. This included partnerships with private-sector partners who, for example, provide services or inputs in return for subsidies or other financial arrangements. We reflect on the types of partnerships, how they are conceptualized, and how they created the needed connections and conditions to support the scaling of technologies introduced by CORIGAP. We also present cases of private-sector partnerships as examples of engagements with industries. We then dive into an approach that had been employed in several CORIGAP sites to facilitate the creation of a network for learning, innovation, and scaling of technologies. A case of using this approach in the Lower Ayeyarwady Delta of Myanmar is presented. We close the chapter with insights on the incentives these CORIGAP partnerships have enabled for scaling.
The compressible Navier–Stokes equations with slip boundary conditions of friction type
Authors: Nečasová Šárka , Ogorzaly Justyna , Scherz Jan
Published: September 2023

We study a mathematical model of a viscous compressible fluid obeying the slip boundary condition of friction type. We present a notion of weak solutions to this model, in which the momentum equation and the associated energy inequality are combined into a single relation. Moreover, the slip boundary condition of friction type is incorporated into this relation by the use of a boundary integral. Our main result proves the existence of such weak solutions. The proof of this result combines the classical existence theory for the compressible Navier–Stokes equations with an approximation of the aforementioned boundary integral via a convex regularization of the absolute value function.
Formation of magnetite-(apatite) systems by crystallizing ultrabasic iron-rich melts and slag separation
Authors: Tornos Fernando , Hanchar John M. , Steele-MacInnis Matthew , Crespo Elena , Kamenetsky Vadim S. , Casquet Cesar
Published: September 2023

Magnetite-(apatite) ore deposits are interpreted as being formed by the crystallization of iron-rich ultrabasic melts, dominantly generated by the interaction of silicate melts with oxidized P-F-SO4-bearing sedimentary rocks. This hypothesis is supported by geologic evidence, experimental studies, numerical modeling, stable and radiogenic isotope geochemistry, mineralogy, and melt- and mineral-inclusion data. Assimilation of crustal rocks during ascent promotes separation from a silicate magma of Fe-rich, Si-Al-poor melts with low solidus temperatures and viscosities, allowing coalescence, migration, and emplacement at deep to subaerial crustal environments. When the iron-rich melt attains neutral buoyancy, fractional crystallization leads to melt immiscibility similar to that observed in industrial blast furnaces, which promotes separation of massive magnetite ore overlain by different types of “slag” containing actinolite or diopside ± phosphates ± magnetite ± feldspar ± anhydrite ± scapolite, commonly enriched in high field strength elements. The mineralogy and morphology of this iron-depleted cap strongly depend on the depth of emplacement and composition of the iron-rich magma. Most of these systems exhibit high oxygen fugacity, which inhibits the precipitation of significant sulfide mineralization. The initially high fO2 of these systems also promotes the formation of low-Ti (< 1 wt%) magnetite: Ti acts as an incompatible component and is enriched in the iron-poor caps and in the hydrothermal aureole. High fluid-phase pressures produced during massive crystallization of magnetite from the melt further facilitate the exsolution of magmatic-hydrothermal fluids responsible for the formation of aureoles of alkali-calcic-iron alteration with hydrothermal replacement-style iron mineralization. On the whole, these systems are dramatically different from the magmatic-hydrothermal systems related to intermediate to felsic igneous rocks; they are more akin to carbonatite and other ultramafic rocks.
Neuro-augmented vision for evolutionary robotics
Authors: Watt Nathan , du Plessis Mathys C.
Published: September 2023

This paper presents neuro-augmented vision for evolutionary robotics (NAVER), which aims to address the two biggest challenges in camera-equipped robot evolutionary controllers. The first challenge is that camera images typically require many inputs from the controller, which greatly increases the complexity of optimising the search space. The second challenge is that evolutionary controllers often cannot bridge the reality gap between simulation and the real world. This method utilises a variational autoencoder to compress the camera image into smaller input vectors that are easier to manage, while still retaining the relevant information of the original image. Automatic encoders are also used to remove unnecessary details from real-world images, in order to better align with images generated by simple visual simulators. NAVER is used to evolve the controller of a robot, which only uses camera inputs to navigate the maze based on visual cues and avoid collisions. The experimental results indicate that the controller evolved in simulation and transferred to the physical robot, where it successfully performed the same navigation task. The controller can navigate the maze using only visual information. The controller responds to visual cues and changes its behaviour accordingly. NAVER has shown great potential as it has successfully completed (so far) the most complex vision-based task controller in evolutionary robotics literature.
Discoid lateral meniscus instability in children: part II.: Repair first to minimise the saucerisation
Authors: Bauwens Paul Henri , Vandergugten Simon , Fiquet Charles , Raux Sébastien , Cance Nicolas , Chotel Franck
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Despite an improved understanding of discoid lateral meniscus (DLM), the treatment of symptomatic discoid lateral meniscus remains controversial.

Methods

The aim of this retrospective, single‐centred, consecutive‐case study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of 60 DLM treated arthroscopically by the “meniscoplasty or saucerisation–suture” technique in children and adolescents [median (range) age 11 (4–17) years], and to investigate surgical failures. The instability was assessed before any saucerisation. The hypotheses were that: (i) the management of instability with suture first was effective and that (ii) a combined classification with clinical and MRI data had a prognostic value.

Results

In 57 knees (95%), the DLM was unstable, and a suture fixation was performed. After a median follow‐up of 41.5 months, the median (range) IKDC score was improved from 55 (10–70) preoperatively to 90 (37.5–100) postoperatively. The median (range) Lysholm score at last follow‐up was 93.5 (45–100). The procedure was effective in 49 knees (81.6%) after a single procedure. Eleven patients had a failure with a new meniscal tear after a median (range) delay of 42 months (24–60) after the initial procedure. The patterns of discoid lateral meniscus instability were not found to have a prognostic value for surgical failure since they mainly occurred after sport‐related injuries. All the patients with initial repair failures but one achieved a good clinical outcome after revision repair without any further meniscectomy.

Conclusion

In contrast to adult knees, symptomatic discoid lateral meniscus is rarely stable in children (5%). Meniscal repair is effective to preserve the meniscus tissue, but revision repair became necessary in 18% of the cases and was finally successful.

Level of evidence Level III.
The ATFL inferior fascicle, the CFL and the PTFL have a continuous footprint at the medial side of the fibula
Authors: Nunes Gustavo Araujo , Martinez Laura Monica , Cordier Guillaume , Michels Frederick , Vega Jordi , Moreno Raquel Sanchez , Dalmau‐Pastor Miki
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Knowledge of the complex anatomy of the lateral ankle ligaments is essential to understand its function, pathophysiology and treatment options. This study aimed to assess the lateral ligaments and their relationships through a 3D view achieved by digitally marking their footprints.

Methods

Eleven fresh‐frozen ankle specimens were dissected. The calcaneus, talus and fibula were separated, maintaining the lateral ligament footprints. Subsequently, each bone was assessed by a light scanner machine. Finally, all the scans were converted to 3D polygonal models. The footprint areas of the talus, calcaneus and fibula were selected, analysed and the surface area was quantified in cm2.

Results

After scanning the bones, the anterior talofibular ligament inferior fascicle (ATFLif), calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) and posterior talofibular ligament (PTFL) footprints were continuous at the medial side of the fibula, corresponding to a continuous footprint with a mean area of 4.8 cm2 (± 0.7). The anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) footprint on the talus consisted of 2 parts in 9 of the 11 feet, whilst there was a continuous insertion in the other 2 feet. The CFL insertion on the calcaneus was one single footprint in all cases.

Conclusion

The tridimensional analysis of the lateral ligaments of the ankle demonstrates that the ATFLif, CFL and PTFL have a continuous footprint at the medial side of the fibula in all analysed specimens. These data can assist the surgeon in interpreting the ligament injuries, improving the imaging assessment and guiding the surgeon to repair and reconstruct the ligaments in an anatomical position.
Order statistics in large arrays (OSILA): a simple randomised algorithm for a fast and efficient attainment of the order statistics in very large arrays
Authors: Cerasa Andrea
Published: September 2023

When dealing with large-scale applications, the availability of simple and efficient algorithms is essential. We focus on the algorithm for calculating the order statistics, i.e. for selecting the kth smallest element of an array X. Many statistical procedures rely on this basic operation, that is usually solved by sorting all the elements and selecting the one in position k. If the dimension of the array to sort is quite large, this simple operation can become excessively time consuming. For this purpose, we propose an original randomised algorithm that reduces the dimension of the selection problem by focusing only on a small subset of elements that contains the solution. Despite its random nature, it always returns the target value. Empirical results shows that, for arrays of dimensions running from $$10^5$$

10
5

to $$10^8$$

10
8

, our procedure resulted to be remarkably (up to almost 10 times) faster than the naïve procedure, independently of the programming environment and of the sorting algorithm, and with a relative advantage that tends to growth with the dimension of the array.
Quick insights into whisky — investigating rapid and efficient methods for sensory evaluation and chemical analysis
Authors: Haug Helen , Grasskamp Andreas T. , Singh Satnam , Strube Andrea , Sauerwald Tilman
Published: September 2023

The evaluation of aroma properties of beverages, both analytically as well as with human sensory studies, is a challenging task and most often related to time- and cost-intensive analyses. Whisky is a spirit offering a wide variety of aroma impressions caused by a complex mixture of aroma active compounds. In the present study, methods for the efficient evaluation of aroma characteristics are evaluated for 16 whisky samples of different origins (Scotch and American). Rate all that apply (RATA) was applied as a rapid method for the sensory evaluation of whiskies. Sensory evaluation of the samples led to the determination of eight significant aroma attributes: caramel-/cream caramel-/toffee-like, vanilla-like, (canned) peach-like, phenolic, smoky, fruity, flowery and (fermented) apple-/cider-like. Chemical analysis was conducted by stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE) coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in combination with an in-house data processing tool for semi-automated analyte detection. Through chemical analysis of the whisky samples and automated compound detection, we report over 200 mostly aroma-active volatiles. To test both approaches for their potential for sample classification, a simple classification problem (Scotch vs. American) was applied. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) indicates both that sensory evaluation by RATA (97.86%) and the applied analytical procedure (96.94%) are suitable for the distinction between the two whisky types. In both approaches, potential markers were determined for the classification. These investigations build a solid foundation for the implementation of a versatile platform facilitating rapid and efficient aroma evaluation in various foodstuffs and beverages.
Effect of 5-Aminolevulinic Acid Photodynamic Therapy on Aspergillus fumigatus Biofilms in Vitro
Authors: Duan Zhimin , Tong Jianbo , Zheng Nana , Zeng Rong , Liu Yuzhen , Li Min
Published: September 2023

Aspergillus fumigatus biofilm development results in enhanced pathogenicity and treatment resistance. Most contemporary antibiotics, however, are unable to eliminate biofilms. In recent years, with the application of new photosensitizers and the development of treatment, ALA-PDT (5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic treatment) has achieved remarkable curative effect in the treatment of fungal infectious diseases; however, no research has been conducted on ALA-PDT against A. fumigatus. This study investigated the inhibitory effect of ALA-PDT at various 5-aminolevulinic acid concentrations and light doses on A. fumigatus planktonic and biofilms in vitro. We found that ALA-PDT may successfully inhibit the development of A. fumigatus biofilm and disintegrate mature biofilm. After ALA-PDT treatment, the adherence rate and vitality dramatically decreased, and the biofilm’s structure was severely compromised. Our findings show for the first time that ALA-PDT may be used to prevent the formation of A. fumigatus biofilm and disturb the structure of mature biofilm, and that it could be employed as a therapeutic therapy for A. fumigatus superficial infection.
Unenhanced computed tomography radiomics help detect endoleaks after endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm
Authors: Hu Ge , Ding Ning , Wang Zhiwei , Jin Zhengyu
Published: September 2023

Objectives

To explore the feasibility of unenhanced CT images for endoleak detection of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) after endovascular repair (EVAR).

Methods

Patients who visited our hospital after EVAR from July 2014 to September 2021 were retrospectively collected. Two radiologists evaluated the presence or absence of endoleaks using the combination of contrast-enhanced and unenhanced CT as the referenced standard. After segmenting the aneurysm sac of the unenhanced CT, the radiomic features were automatically extracted from the region of interest. Histogram features of patients with and without endoleak were statistically analyzed to explore the differences between the two groups. Twelve common machine learning (ML) models based on radiomic features were constructed to evaluate the performance of endoleak detection with unenhanced CT images.

Results

The study included 216 patients (69 ± 8 years; 191 men) with AAA, including 64 patients with endoleaks. A total of 1955 radiomic features of unenhanced CT were extracted. Compared with patients without endoleak, the aneurysm sac outside the stent of patients with endoleak had higher CT attenuation (41.7 vs. 33.6,p < 0.001) with smaller dispersion (51.5 vs. 58.8,p < 0.001). The average area under the curve (AUC) of the ML models constructed with unenhanced CT radiomics was 0.86 ± 0.05, the accuracy was 81% ± 4, the sensitivity was 88% ± 10, and the specificity was 78% ± 5. When fixing the sensitivity to > 90% (92% ± 2), the models retained specificity at 72% ± 10.

Conclusions

Unenhanced CT features exhibit significant differences between patients with and without endoleak and can help detect endoleaks in AAA after EVAR with high sensitivity.

Clinical relevance statement

Unenhanced CT radiomics can help provide an alternative method of endoleak detection in patients who have adverse reactions to contrast media. This study further exploits the value of unenhanced CT examinations in the clinical management and surveillance of postoperative abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Key Points

•Unenhanced CT features of the aneurysm sac outside the stent exhibit significant differences between patients with and without endoleak. The endoleak group showed higher unenhanced CT attenuation (41.7 vs 33.6, p < .001) with smaller dispersion (51.5 vs 58.8, p < .001) than the nonendoleak group.

•Unenhanced CT radiomics can help detect endoleaks after intervention. The average area under the curve (AUC) of twelve common machine learning models constructed with unenhanced CT radiomics was 0.86 ± 0.05, the average accuracy was 81% ± 4.

•When fixing the sensitivity to > 90% (92% ± 2), the machine learning models retained average specificity at 72% ± 10.
Acute and long-term renal effects after iodine contrast media–enhanced computerised tomography in the critically ill—a retrospective bi-centre cohort study
Authors: Berglund Felix , Eilertz Ebba , Nimmersjö Fredrik , Wolf Adam , Nordlander Christopher , Palm Fredrik , Parenmark Fredric , Westerbergh Johan , Liss Per , Frithiof Robert
Published: September 2023

Objectives

To determine if current clinical use of iodine contrast media (ICM) for computerised tomography (CT) increases the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) and long-term decline in renal function in patients treated in intensive care.

Methods

A retrospective bi-centre cohort study was performed with critically ill subjects undergoing either ICM-enhanced or unenhanced CT. AKI was defined and staged based on the Kidney Disease Improve Global Outcome AKI criteria, using both creatinine and urine output criteria. Follow-up plasma creatinine was recorded three to six months after CT to assess any long-term effects of ICM on renal function.

Results

In total, 611 patients were included in the final analysis, median age was 65.0 years (48.0–73.0, quartile 1–quartile 3 (IQR)) and 62.5% were male. Renal replacement therapy was used post-CT in 12.9% and 180-day mortality was 31.2%. Plasma creatinine level on day of CT was 100.0 µmol/L (66.0–166.5, IQR) for non-ICM group and 77.0 µmol/L (59.0–109.0, IQR) for the ICM group. The adjusted odds ratio for developing AKI if the patient received ICM was 1.03 (95% confidence interval 0.64–1.66, p = 0.90). No significant association between ICM and increase in plasma creatinine at long-term follow-up was found, with an adjusted effect size of 2.92 (95% confidence interval − 6.52–12.36, p = 0.543).

Conclusions

The results of this study do not indicate an increased risk of AKI or long-term decline in renal function when ICM is used for enhanced CT in patients treated at intensive care units.

Clinical relevance statement

Patients treated in intensive care units had no increased risk of acute kidney injury or persistent decline in renal function after contrast-enhanced CT. This information underlines the need for a proper risk-reward assessment before denying patients a contrast-enhanced CT.

Key Points

• Iodine contrast media is considered a risk factor for the development of acute kidney injury.

• Patients receiving iodine contrast media did not have an increased incidence of acute kidney injury or persistent decline in renal function.

• A more clearly defined risk of iodine contrast media helps guide clinical decisions whether to perform contrast-enhanced CTs or not.
Longitudinal analysis of new multiple sclerosis lesions with magnetization transfer and diffusion tensor imaging
Authors: Gloor Monika , Andelova Michaela , Gaetano Laura , Papadopoulou Athina , Burguet Villena Federico , Sprenger Till , Radue Ernst-Wilhelm , Kappos Ludwig , Bieri Oliver , Garcia Meritxell
Published: September 2023

Objective

The potential of magnetization transfer imaging (MTI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) for the detection and evolution of new multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions was analyzed.

Methods

Nineteen patients with MS obtained conventional MRI, MTI, and DTI examinations bimonthly for 12 months and again after 24 months at 1.5 T MRI. MTI was acquired with balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) in 10 min (1.3 mm3 isotropic resolution) yielding both magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) and quantitative magnetization transfer (qMT) parameters (pool size ratio (F), exchange rate (kf), and relaxation times (T1/T2)). DTI provided fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), axial diffusivity (AD), and radial diffusivity (RD).

Results

At the time of their appearance on MRI, the 21 newly detected MS lesions showed significantly reduced MTR/F/kf and prolonged T1/T2 parameters, as well as significantly reduced FA and increased AD/MD/RD. Significant differences were already observed for MTR 4 months and for qMT parameters 2 months prior to lesions’ detection on MRI. DTI did not show any significant pre-lesional differences. Slightly reversed trends were observed for most lesions up to 8 months after their detection for qMT and less pronounced for MTR and three diffusion parameters, while appearing unchanged on MRI.

Conclusions

MTI provides more information than DTI in MS lesions and detects tissue changes 2 to 4 months prior to their appearance on MRI. After lesions’ detection, qMT parameter changes promise to be more sensitive than MTR for the lesions’ evolutional assessment. Overall, bSSFP-based MTI adumbrates to be more sensitive than MRI and DTI for the early detection and follow-up assessment of MS lesions.

Clinical relevance statement

When additionally acquired in routine MRI, fast bSSFP-based MTI can complement the MRI/DTI longitudinal lesion assessment by detecting MS lesions 2–4 months earlier than with MRI, which could implicate earlier clinical decisions and better follow-up/treatment assessment in MS patients.

Key Points

• Magnetization transfer imaging provides more information than DTI in multiple sclerosis lesions and can detect tissue changes 2 to 4 months prior to their appearance on MRI.

• After lesions’ detection, quantitative magnetization transfer changes are more pronounced than magnetization transfer ratio changes and therefore promise to be more sensitive for the lesions’ evolutional assessment.

• Balanced steady-state free precession–based magnetization transfer imaging is more sensitive than MRI and DTI for the early detection and follow-up assessment of multiple sclerosis lesions.
Localization of contrast-enhanced breast lesions in ultrafast screening MRI using deep convolutional neural networks
Authors: Jing Xueping , Dorrius Monique D. , Zheng Sunyi , Wielema Mirjam , Oudkerk Matthijs , Sijens Paul E. , van Ooijen Peter M. A.
Published: September 2023

Objectives

To develop a deep learning–based method for contrast-enhanced breast lesion detection in ultrafast screening MRI.

Materials and methods

A total of 837 breast MRI exams of 488 consecutive patients were included. Lesion’s location was independently annotated in the maximum intensity projection (MIP) image of the last time-resolved angiography with stochastic trajectories (TWIST) sequence for each individual breast, resulting in 265 lesions (190 benign, 75 malignant) in 163 breasts (133 women). YOLOv5 models were fine-tuned using training sets containing the same number of MIP images with and without lesions. A long short-term memory (LSTM) network was employed to help reduce false positive predictions. The integrated system was then evaluated on test sets containing enriched uninvolved breasts during cross-validation to mimic the performance in a screening scenario.

Results

In five-fold cross-validation, the YOLOv5x model showed a sensitivity of 0.95, 0.97, 0.98, and 0.99, with 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, and 1 false positive per breast, respectively. The LSTM network reduced 15.5% of the false positive prediction from the YOLO model, and the positive predictive value was increased from 0.22 to 0.25.

Conclusions

A fine-tuned YOLOv5x model can detect breast lesions on ultrafast MRI with high sensitivity in a screening population, and the output of the model could be further refined by an LSTM network to reduce the amount of false positive predictions.

Clinical relevance statement

The proposed integrated system would make the ultrafast MRI screening process more effective by assisting radiologists in prioritizing suspicious examinations and supporting the diagnostic workup.

Key Points

• Deep convolutional neural networks could be utilized to automatically pinpoint breast lesions in screening MRI with high sensitivity.

• False positive predictions significantly increased when the detection models were tested on highly unbalanced test sets with more normal scans.

• Dynamic enhancement patterns of breast lesions during contrast inflow learned by the long short-term memory networks helped to reduce false positive predictions.
Unlocking the wealth of Dutch pollen data for future research and education
Authors: de Wolf Iris K. , Donders Timme H. , Hoek Wim Z. , Gouw-Bouman Marjolein T.I.J. , Giesecke Thomas
Published: September 2023

Nearly 100 years ago, scientists started analysing fossil pollen and spores in the Netherlands. Since then, an enormous number of fossil pollen datasets have been generated by several researchers at different research institutes. Until recently, most pollen data from the Netherlands was not publicly available. With this communication we like to advertise that this situation has changed and present progress on the Dutch pollen database project. The data are accessible as part of the European Pollen Database in the NEOTOMA palaeoecological database. Now 600 datasets are available, which include pollen counts from the pioneers of pollen analysis as well as recent studies in the Netherlands. We provide a brief history of pollen analysis in the Netherlands to put the origin of these datasets into perspective. The historical overview does not attempt completeness but highlights the main developments throughout the last 100 years of research.
Palliative Effects of Kaolin on Citrus Plants Under Controlled Stress Conditions of High Temperature and High Light Intensity
Authors: Terán Fátima , Vives-Peris Vicente , López-Climent María F. , Gómez-Cadenas Aurelio , Pérez-Clemente Rosa M.
Published: September 2023

Under field conditions high temperatures are usually associated to high light intensity for periods of time that are getting longer because of global warming caused by climate change. These adverse conditions lead to significant reductions in yield and fruit quality in crops of great economic relevance such as citrus. In this work, the effect of high temperatures and high light intensity occurring alone or simultaneously has been studied in Carrizo citrange plants, a citrus genotype widely used as a rootstock, and the mitigating effect of kaolin (KL) evaluated. The combined stress conditions affected the plants in a unique manner at both, physiological and hormonal regulation levels, different to the effects of each individual stress. KL alleviated the deleterious effect of combined stress in different ways: (i) reducing leaf damage and abscission, (ii) improving physiological and gas exchange parameters, (iii) decreasing foliar proline content, (iv) increasing chlorophyll content, (v) preventing carotenoid degradation, and (vi) modulating levels of hormones and their precursors involved in plant responses to stress [abscisic acid (ABA), salicylic acid (SA), cinnamic acid (CA), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), jasmonic acid (JA) and 12-oxophytodienoic acid (OPDA)].