bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of substrate composition on physicochemical properties of the medium–long–medium structured triacylglycerol
Authors: Tian Yunong , Zhou Yanhui , Li Lu , Huang Chuanqing , Lin Lin , Li Changzhu , Ye Yong
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND

Nutritional and functional qualities and applications of structured lipids (SL) depend on the composition and molecular structure of fatty acids in the glycerol backbone of triacylglycerol (TAG). However, the relationship between the substrate composition and physicochemical qualities of SL has not been revealed. The investigation aims to disclose the effect of substrate composition on the physicochemical properties of medium–long–medium structured lipids (MLM‐SLs) by enzymatic interesterification of Lipozyme TLIM/RMIM.

RESULTS

The medium–long‐chain triacylglycerol (MLCT) yield could reach 70.32%, including 28.98% CaLCa (1,3‐dioctonyl‐2‐linoleoyl glyceride) and 24.34% CaOCa (1,3‐didecanoyl‐2‐oleoyl glyceride). The sn‐2 unsaturated fatty acid composition mainly depended on long‐chain triacylglycerol (LCT) in the substrate. The increased carbon chain length and double bond in triacylglycerol decreased its melting and crystallization temperature. The balanced substrate composition of MCT/LCT increased the size and finer crystals. Molecular docking simulation revealed that the MLCT molecule mainly interacted with the catalytic triplets of Lipozyme TLIM (Arg81–Ser83–Arg84) and the Lipozyme RMIM (Tyr183–Thr226–Arg262) by OH bond. The oxygen atom of the ester on the MLCT molecule was primarily bound to the hydrogen of hydroxyl and amino groups on the binding sites of Lipozyme TLIM/RMIM. The intermolecular interplay between MLCT and Lipozyme RMIM is more stable than Lipozyme TLIM due to the formation of lower binding affinity energy.

CONCLUSION

This research clarifies the interaction mechanism between MLCT molecules and lipases, and provides an in‐depth understanding of the relationship between substrate composition, molecular structure and physicochemical property of MLM‐SLs. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
The size effect of typical micro‐ and nano‐calcium carbonate additives on the friction properties of calcium sulfonate grease
Authors: Sun Longqi , Zhao Qin , Ma Rui , Su Huaigang , Zhao Gaiqing , Wang Xiaobo
Published: September 2023

This paper firstly reports the size effect of typical micro‐ and nano‐ calcium carbonate additives on the friction properties of calcium sulfonate grease. The rheological and tribological performance of calcium sulfonate grease with typical micro‐ and nano‐ calcium carbonate additives were investigated at 30 or 80°C by Rheometer and Optimol SRV‐V tester. To its surprise, calcium sulfonate grease with 5% calcium carbonate microparticles behave remarkable lubrication performance than calcium sulfonate grease with 5% calcium carbonate nanoparticles under boundary lubrication condition according to the rheological analysis and tribological evaluation. The enhancement in excellence tribological performance can be attributed to the synergistic effect between calcium carbonate microparticles and calcium carbonate in thickener of calcium sulfonate grease. The thin film composed of CaCO3 and CaO on the worn surface generated by solid particles is conducive to reducing friction and wear.
A small, polyphyletic group of Firmicutes synthesizes trimethylamine from l‐carnitine
Authors: Vital Marius , Heinrich‐Sanchez Ylenia
Published: September 2023

Impact statement

Gut microbiota‐derived trimethylamine (TMA) is associated with cardiometabolic disorders and exemplifies a microbial involvement in the etiology of emerging, noncommunicable diseases, the leading causes of death worldwide. Three biochemical pathways taking dietary compounds as intake have been described with distinct taxa involved that are all present at low relative abundances. A recently discovered pathway is now considered to be the main route for TMA synthesis from l‐carnitine involving γ‐butyrobetaine as an intermediate product. By comprehensive (meta) genomic screening of publicly available data, namely, genomes of the UHGG catalog (n > 200,000) and 10 metagenomic (transcriptomic) data sets, we revealed bacteria synthesizing TMA via this pathway and specified their ecophysiology. Results will contribute to stratification of individuals based on their gut microbiota's potential to synthesize TMA and might aid in the development of strategies restricting TMA formation.
Current and Future of “Turn‐On” Based Small‐Molecule Copper Probes for Cuproptosis
Authors: Peng Ting‐En , Qiu Feng , Qu Yunwei , Yu Changmin , Cheng Xiamin , Li Lin
Published: September 2023

Increasing evidence shows that abnormal copper (Cu) metabolism is highly related to many diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Wilson's disease, hematological malignancies and Menkes disease. Very recently, cuproptosis, a Cu‐dependent, programmed cell death was firstly described by Tsvetkov et al. in 2022. Their findings may provide a new perspective for the treatment of related diseases. However, the concrete mechanisms of these diseases, especially cuproptosis, remain completely unclear, the reason of which may be a lack of reliable tools to conduct highly selective, sensitive and high‐resolution imaging of Cu in complex life systems. So far, numerous small‐molecular fluorescent probes have been designed and utilized to explore the Cu signal pathway. Among them, fluorescence turn‐on probes greatly enhance the resolution and accuracy of imaging and may be a promising tool for research of investigation into cuproptosis. This review summarizes the probes developed in the past decade which have the potential to study cuproptosis, focusing on the design strategies, luminescence mechanism and biological‐imaging applications. Besides, we put forward some ideas concerning the design of next‐generation probes for cuproptosis, aiming to tackle the main problems in this new field. Furthermore, the prospect of cuproptosis in the treatment of corresponding diseases is also highlighted.
The re‐emerging suicide crisis in the U.S.: Patterns, causes and solutions
Authors: Marcotte Dave E. , Hansen Benjamin
Published: September 2023

The suicide rate in the United States has risen nearly 40% since 2000. This increase is puzzling because suicide rates had been falling for decades at the end of the 20th century. In this paper, we review important facts about the changing rate of suicide. General trends do not tell the story of important differences across groups—suicide rates rose substantially among middle‐aged persons between 2005 and 2015 but have fallen since. Among young people, suicide rates began a rapid rise after 2010 that has not abated. We review empirical evidence to assess potential causes for recent changes in suicide rates. The economic hardship caused by the Great Recession played an important role in rising suicide among prime‐aged Americans. Among those under 25, nearly all the increase in suicide mortality during the 2010s can be explained by an increase in the prevalence of depression. Bullying victimization of LGBTQ youth could also account for part of the rise in suicide. The evidence that access to firearms or opioids are major drivers of recent suicide trends is less clear. We end by summarizing evidence on the most promising policies to reduce suicide mortality.
Unemployment Insurance benefit reduction and food hardship
Authors: Dhakal Chandra , Luo Yufeng , Wang Shaonan , Zhen Chen
Published: September 2023

We leverage the sharp drop in unemployment insurance (UI) benefits following the expiration of the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program to estimate the consumption smoothing effect of UI. The $600/week decline in supplemental UI benefits is estimated to reduce total food spending by 9.7% and the odds of having food sufficiency by 6.0%. The estimate for food spending translates to a marginal propensity to spend on food out of UI benefits of 0.06, or a 1.2% reduction in food spending for every 10 percentage point decline in UI replacement rate (calculated as the ratio of UI benefits to pre‐unemployment wages). We find that the consumption effect of UI is countercyclical, greater when economic conditions are weak. The UI effect is also heterogeneous over respondents differentiated by race and ethnicity, income, homeownership, presence of children, state unemployment rates, and state UI generosity. The estimated effect of UI on self‐assessed food sufficiency and confidence about future food sufficiency is largely consistent with the food spending results.
Spectral library search for improved TMTpro labelled peptide assignment in human plasma proteomics
Authors: Palstrøm Nicolai B. , Campbell Amanda J. , Lindegaard Caroline A. , Cakar Samir , Matthiesen Rune , Beck Hans C.
Published: September 2023

Clinical biomarker discovery is often based on the analysis of human plasma samples. However, the high dynamic range and complexity of plasma pose significant challenges to mass spectrometry‐based proteomics. Current methods for improving protein identifications require laborious pre‐analytical sample preparation. In this study, we developed and evaluated a TMTpro‐specific spectral library for improved protein identification in human plasma proteomics. The library was constructed by LC‐MS/MS analysis of highly fractionated TMTpro‐tagged human plasma, human cell lysates, and relevant arterial tissues. The library was curated using several quality filters to ensure reliable peptide identifications. Our results show that spectral library searching using the TMTpro spectral library improves the identification of proteins in plasma samples compared to conventional sequence database searching. Protein identifications made by the spectral library search engine demonstrated a high degree of complementarity with the sequence database search engine, indicating the feasibility of increasing the number of protein identifications without additional pre‐analytical sample preparation. The TMTpro‐specific spectral library provides a resource for future plasma proteomics research and optimization of search algorithms for greater accuracy and speed in protein identifications in human plasma proteomics, and is made publicly available to the research community via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD042546.
Phenolic profile changes of grapevine leaves infected with Erysiphe necator
Authors: Hernández María del Mar , Castillo Río Carolina , Blanco González Sara I , Menéndez Cristina M
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND

Powdery mildew in grapevine is caused by Erysiphe necator and its control requires many chemical treatments. Numerous efforts are being made to improve disease management to achieve crop sustainability goals. The exogenous induction of plant immune responses is one of the most encouraging strategies currently being developed. The objective of this research was to analyse differences in phenolic compound concentrations in E. necator‐infected leaves of two varieties of Vitis vinifera, Tempranillo and Tempranillo Blanco, using ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. To understand the susceptibility of the varieties, in vitro assays using whole leaves were done.

RESULTS

Differences in susceptibility between varieties were found in the early stage of the disease. In both varieties, total phenolic compounds were higher in infected leaves; however, hydroxycinnamic acid, anthocyanins and stilbenes were higher only in Tempranillo. Twenty‐six compounds showed differential responses to the fungal disease in Tempranillo, but only two in Tempranillo Blanco: syringa resinol, which was not detected in diseased leaves; and gallocatechin, which increased at 5 days post inoculation. In Tempranillo, four anthocyanidins, six hydroxycinnamic acids, mainly feruloyl derivates, and epigallocatechin gallate were higher in infected leaves at the beginning of the infection, whereas (−)‐epicatechin and protocatechuic hexoside contents were lower.

CONCLUSION

Disease‐induced changes in phenolic compound biosynthesis were found. The increase in anthocyanidin content and flavan‐3‐ol galloylation could have a role in delaying E. necator growth in Tempranillo. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
A first‐principles investigation into the rational design of Sn‐halide perovskite materials as an alternative to Pb‐based perovskites
Authors: Chutia Tridip , Kalita Tanmoy , Kalita Dhruba Jyoti
Published: September 2023

The development of Pb‐free alternatives for perovskite‐based photovoltaics is extremely important due to the toxicity of Pb to the environment. Sn‐based organic inorganic hybrid halide perovskites are considered to be the most suitable alternative to Pb‐based ABX perovskites due to their similar optoelectronic properties. The selection of A site cation in ABX type perovskites is crucial for favorable structural and mechanical properties. Using first principle methods, we have designed and investigated Sn–I based hybrid halide perovskite materials with different organic cations mixed in equal proportions. Observed tolerance (TF) and octahedral factors () indicate the formation of stable three‐dimensional perovskite structure. Our studied materials also exhibit thermodynamic stability due to the negative value of their formation energies. Observed band gap values indicate the semiconducting nature of our studied perovskite materials. Calculated optical properties indicate that all of the compounds exhibit suitable dielectric functions and absorption coefficients in the visible range of the electromagnetic spectrum. The observed highest value of theoretical power conversion efficiency of MA‐AMSnI (11.24%) indicates its potential to be used in photovoltaics. Our investigation will be beneficial for researchers to develop less toxic and efficient perovskite materials for the fabrication of optoelectronic devices.
Blue‐to‐Red‐Emissive Star‐Shaped Boranils
Authors: Bai Monika M. G. , Nipate Atul B. , Malakalapalli Rajeswara Rao
Published: September 2023

Intriguing luminescent properties of boranil complexes have gained a prominence. Here, we report the synthesis and optical properties of star‐shaped boranil complexes. The strategy involves one‐step synthesis by a simple mixing triformylphloroglucinol with various aromatic amines in the presence of diisopropylethyl amine (DIPEA), and the complexing reagent of BF3⋅Et2O in chloroform at 80 °C for 24 hours. The complexes are obtained in good yields (60–85 %). These boranil complexes have strong fluorescence in both solution (λmax=466–605 nm) and solid (λmax=612–659 nm) states, with the fluorescence quantum yields varying from 1.5–57 % in chloroform. The emission color of the complexes has been tuned from blue to red by varying the aryl‐substituents in the complexes. Further understanding of the optical and electronic properties is obtained theoretically using DFT computations.
Modulation of Buried Interface by 1‐(3‐aminopropyl)‐Imidazole for Efficient Inverted Formamidinium‐Cesium Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Yu , Ye Jingchuan , Song Jiaxing , Chu Liang , Zang Yue , Li Guodong , Zhou Qin , Yang Gaoyuan , Tu Yibo , Jin Yingzhi , Li Zaifang , Yan Wensheng
Published: September 2023

Considering the direct influence of substrate surface nature on perovskite (PVK) film growth, buried interfacial engineering is crucial to obtain ideal perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, 1‐(3‐aminopropyl)‐imidazole (API) is introduced at polytriarylamine (PTAA)/PVK interface to modulate the bottom property of PVK. First, the introduction of API improves the growth of PVK grains and reduces the Pb2+ defects and residual PbI2 present at the bottom of the film, contributing to the acquisition of high‐quality PVK film. Besides, the presence of API can optimize the energy structure between PVK and PTAA, which facilitates the interfacial charge transfer. Density functional theory (DFT) reveals that the electron donor unit (R‐C ═ N) of the API prefers to bind with Pb2+ traps at the PVK interface, while the formation of hydrogen bonds between the R‐NH2 of API and I− strengthens the above binding ability. Consequently, the optimum API‐treated inverted formamidinium‐cesium (FA/Cs) PSCs yields a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 22.02% and exhibited favorable stability.
Interfacial Electron Engineering of PdSn‐NbN/C for Highly Efficient Cleavage of the C–C Bonds in Alkaline Ethanol Electrooxidation
Authors: Ye Na , Sheng Wenchao , Zhang Riguang , Yan Binhang , Jiang Zhao , Fang Tao
Published: September 2023

The splitting of the C–C bonds of ethanol remains a key issue to be addressed, despite tremendous efforts made over the past several decades. This study highlights the enhancement mechanism of inexpensive NbN‐modified Pd1Sn3‐NbN/C towards the C–C bonds cleavage for alkaline ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR). The optimal Pd1Sn3‐NbN/C delivers a catalytic activity up to 43.5 times higher than that of commercial Pd/C and high carbonate selectivity (20.5%) toward alkaline EOR. Most impressively, the Pd1Sn3‐NbN/C presents good durability even after 25 200 s of chronoamperometric testing. The enhanced catalytic performance is mainly due to the interfacial interaction between PdSn and NbN, demonstrated by multiple structural characterization results. In addition, in situ ATR‐SEIRAS (Attenuated total reflection‐surface enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy) results suggest that NbN facilitates the C–C bonds cleavage towards the alkaline EOR, followed by the enhanced OH adsorption to promote the subsequent oxidation of C1 intermediates after doping Sn. DFT (density functional theory) calculations indicate that the activation barriers of the C–H bond cleavage in CH3CH2OH, CH3CHOH, CH3CHO, CH3CO, CH2CO, and the C–C bond cleavage in CH3CO, CH2CO, CHCO are evidently reduced and the removal of adsorbed CH3CO and CO becomes easier on the PdSn‐NbN/C catalyst surface.
Multiplicity of Time Scales in Blood Cell Formation and Leukemia
Authors: Stiehl Thomas
Published: September 2023

Blood cell formation (hematopoiesis) is a complex and tightly regulated process. It is maintained by hematopoietic (blood-forming) stem cells and serves as a paradigmatic example for tissue maintenance, regeneration, and cancer. Quantitative modeling can provide relevant insights into the dynamics of hematopoiesis in health and disease. This chapter provides an introduction to mechanistic mathematical and computational modeling of blood cell formation and its disorders. Starting with an introduction to the biological background and the concepts of mechanistic modeling a broad spectrum of questions and applications is discussed and illustrated using examples from own previous works. The considerations start with a simple model of white blood cell formation that is stepwisely extended to account for acute myeloid leukemia, one of the most aggressive cancers. The covered aspects range from basic biological questions such as stem cell regulation and interactions in the bone marrow niche to application-driven considerations including bone marrow transplantation, cancer stem cell dynamics, clonal evolution, and blood cancer relapse. The role of mechanistic models for personalized medicine is discussed and illustrated. An important reason for the inherent complexity of hematopoiesis is the fact that it is comprised of a multitude of sub-processes that evolve on different time scales. This chapter provides an overview of the most important sub-processes and their time scales that range from minutes to years. The impact of the different time scales on system dynamics and model development is highlighted.
The Beginnings of Word Processing: A Historical Account
Authors: Heilmann Till A.
Published: September 2023

Word processing software evolved from rudimentary yet highly specialized tools for programmers in the early 1960s into very sophisticated but user-friendly PC applications for the general public in the 1980s and early 1990s. The history of word processing—from debugging code on teleprinter terminals in computer labs to authoring everyday documents on personal computers with graphical user interfaces—is therefore also the story of how computing technology came to the masses and how it transformed our concepts, instruments, and practices of writing. This is the first of three chapters on word processing covering the initial stage of the development. It gives a summary of the early ideas and technologies that would eventually lead to the ubiquitous writing tools available for PCs, laptops and other mobile devices today. The beginnings of word processing, however, were not as smooth as modern applications may suggest. A large set of technological innovations in both hardware and software, conceptual shifts concerning writing and novel business strategies for the computing business were needed to finally realize today’s paradigm of digital writing. The chapter’s historical account ends around 1990 with the emergence of Microsoft Word for Windows as the de facto industry standard for word processing.
Reference Management Systems
Authors: Proske Antje , Wenzel Christina , Queitsch Manuela Barbara
Published: September 2023

This contribution focuses on reference management systems that help writers capture, store, organize, use, cite, annotate, and share source material for their writing. Reference management has become easier, faster and more social over the years: Originally introduced to reduce the effort required to correctly edit citations, reference management systems have evolved over time to incorporate new features such as online management of source material or bibliographic social bookmarking. The usefulness of typical functions of reference management systems for the use of source material in academic writing is discussed. Different reference management systems are described, focusing in particular on their unique features. Furthermore, research on the effectiveness of reference management systems is shortly summarized. The contribution concludes with suggestions on how to achieve wider acceptance and adoption of reference management systems by writers in their writing routines.
Towards Defining Digital Writing Quality
Authors: Link Stephanie , Cotos Elena , Dinca Andreea
Published: September 2023

This chapter provides a description of current views towards writing quality and promotes a move toward a definition of digital writing quality. We argue that, because new digital affordances have changed how writing is learned, taught and delivered, the nature of written products has become increasingly multi-dimensional and interactive. Traditional perspectives toward writing quality offer a foundation for understanding the textual features that are essential to defining digital writing quality, but these views largely disregard non-textual and non-linguistic abilities needed to effectively communicate in digital spaces. We thus address contemporary realia to stimulate discussion about how to consolidate various domains of knowledge for defining digital writing quality. Aligning contemporary writing demands to form a comprehensive definition of digital writing quality can help transform the design and development of future writing technologies and curriculum for an increasingly technology-adept learning audience.
Finding the Right Words: Language Technologies to Support Formulation
Authors: Kruse Otto , Chitez Madalina , Rapp Christian
Published: September 2023

This chapter explores the ability of digital technologies to provide language support for writers. With such ability, technologies directly intervene into the productive act of language creation, which we refer to by the traditional termformulation. Formulation here is defined as the kind of thinking that happens when a writer tries to linearize thought by using language. In written communication, formulation happens during interaction with an inscription tool and is strongly influenced by the kind of technology used. In this chapter, we look into some of the changes in formulation and language crafting that followed the introduction of digital technologies. We attempt to estimate where the developments are heading by addressing four issues: (1) support for the preparation of formulation, (2) real-time support during inscription, (3) support for the choice of words and collocations, and (4) support for language use at the revision stage by automated feedback and intelligent tutoring. The contribution concludes with some thoughts about future directions.
Creativity Software and Idea Mapping Technology
Authors: Kruse Otto , Rapp Christian , Benetos Kalliopi
Published: September 2023

This contribution focusses on technologies connected with the graphical representation of knowledge and text content through the generation, creation and organization of important concepts, thoughts or ideas into visual diagrams. Although they already existed in the pre-digital era, with digitalization, mind maps and concept maps have been scrutinized methodologically and the scope of their use has been expanded with respect to function and applicability. For writing, mapping technologies serve both a creative function to develop a pool of interconnected ideas from where to begin writing and a selective and structuring function to organize content during writing. Both kinds of mapping have been developed primarily as learning and thinking tools but can also be used as valuable means of connecting thinking and learning with writing. The contribution shows important developments as well as methodological differentiations and suggests the integration of idea mapping technologies into writing courses at the early undergraduate level, particularly in connection with the teaching of reading, summarizing and synthesizing sources.
Synchronous and Asynchronous Collaborative Writing
Authors: Castelló Montserrat , Kruse Otto , Rapp Christian , Sharples Mike
Published: September 2023

Collaborative writing has been greatly stimulated by digital technologies, particularly by word processors that have made it easy for co-authors to exchange and edit texts and also led to the development of many experimental tools for collaborative, synchronous writing. When the world wide web was established, the arrival of wikis was hailed with great enthusiasm as an opportunity for joint knowledge creation and publishing. Later, cloud-based computer systems provided another powerful access to collaborative text production. The breakthrough for synchronous collaborative writing was the release of Google Docs in 2006, a browser-based word processor offering full rights to up to a hundred users for synchronous access to a virtual writing space. Next to its easy accessibility, it was the free offer of Google Docs that opened this new chapter of writing technology to a broader audience. When Microsoft and Apple followed with their own online versions, collaborative writing became an established standard of text production. In this chapter, we trace back what collaboration through writing means and then look at the new opportunities and affordances of collaborative writing software. Finally, we briefly recount the impact of early technologies before we settle on the current generation of collaborative writing tools.
Learning Proof Transformations and Its Applications in Interactive Theorem Proving
Authors: Zhang Liao , Blaauwbroek Lasse , Kaliszyk Cezary , Urban Josef
Published: September 2023

Interactive theorem provers are today increasingly used to certify mathematical theories. To formally prove a theorem, reasoning procedures called tactics are invoked successively on the proof states starting with the initial theorem statement, transforming them into subsequent intermediate goals, and ultimately discharging all proof obligations. In this work, we develop and experimentally evaluate approaches that predict the most likely tactics that will achieve particular desired transformations of proof states. First, we design several characterizations to efficiently capture the semantics of the proof transformations. Then we use them to create large datasets on which we train state-of-the-art random forests and language models. The trained models are evaluated experimentally, and we show that our best model is able to guess the right tactic for a given proof transformation in 74% of the cases. Finally, we use the trained methods in two applications: proof shortening and tactic suggesting. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that tactic synthesis is trained on proof transformations and assists interactive theorem proving in these ways.
Numerical Solutions of High-Order Differential Equations with Polynomial Coefficients Using a Bernstein Polynomial Basis
Authors: Ahmed H. M.
Published: September 2023

The paper presents a novel method that allows one to establish numerical solutions of linear and nonlinear ordinary differential equations—with polynomial coefficients—that contain any finite products of the unknown functions and/or their general derivatives. The presented algorithm provides numerical solutions of these differential equations subject to initial or boundary conditions. This algorithm proposes the desired solution in terms of B-polynomials (Bernstein polynomial basis) and then uses the orthonormal relation of B-polynomials with its weighted dual basis with respect to the Jacobi weight function to construct a linear/nonlinear system in the unknown expansion coefficients which can be solved using a suitable solver. The properties of B-polynomials provide greater flexibility in which to impose the initial or boundary conditions at the end points of the interval [0, R] and enable us to obtain exactly and explicitly some of the unknown expansion coefficients in the form of a suggested numerical solution. Consequently, the presented algorithm leads to a linear or nonlinear algebraic system in the unknown expansion coefficients that has a simpler form than that was obtained by the other algorithms. So that, this procedure is a powerful tool that we may utilize to overcome the difficulties associated with boundary and initial value problems with less computational effort than the other techniques. An accepted agreement is obtained between the exact and approximate solutions for the given examples. The error analysis was also studied, and the obtained numerical results clarified the validity of the theoretical results.
Determinanten der Gesundheit und medizinischen Versorgung von Asylsuchenden in Deutschland
Authors: Führer Amand
Published: September 2023

Asylsuchende sind in Deutschland einer Vielzahl gesundheitlicher Belastungen ausgesetzt, während ihr Zugang zu medizinischer Versorgung erschwert ist. Diese Übersichtsarbeit erläutert einige Determinanten, die diese Situation strukturieren, und führt dabei u. a. aus, wie sich das Asylbewerberleistungsgesetz (AsylbLG), die Abrechnung über Behandlungsscheine und die Unterbringung in Sammelunterkünften auf die Gesundheit von Asylsuchenden und ihre Inanspruchnahme medizinischer Versorgung auswirken. Hierbei wird deutlich, dass die Ausgliederung von Asylsuchenden aus dem Sozialsystem der Gesundheit der Betroffenen schadet, teuer ist und zudem ethische und rechtliche Fragen aufwirft. Insbesondere der große Ermessensspielraum der Sozialämter in der Kostenübernahme sowie die unterschiedlichen Modelle zur Abrechnung medizinischer Leistungen sind gerechtigkeitstheoretisch problematisch und führen zu einer Versorgungspluralität, die der rechtlichen und ethischen Begründung entbehrt.

Im zweiten Teil des Artikels wird dargestellt, dass Asylsuchende im Allgemeinen dieselben gesundheitlichen Probleme haben wie gesetzlich Krankenversicherte – mit der Ausnahme von psychischen Erkrankungen, die bei Asylsuchenden deutlich häufiger auftreten, oft jedoch nicht diagnostiziert und häufig nur unzureichend behandelt werden.

Als Schlussfolgerung für die Praxis leitet sich ab, 1) dass Asylsuchende in die gesetzliche Krankenversicherung integriert werden sollten, 2) dass aus sozialmedizinischer Sicht eine Unterbringung in eigenen Wohnungen der Unterbringung in Sammelunterkünften vorzuziehen ist und 3) dass das Gesundheitssystem Anpassungsleistungen erbringen muss, um eine diversitätssensible Versorgung aller Patient/-innen sicherzustellen.
MicroRNA signature from extracellular vesicles of HCV/HIV co-infected individuals differs from HCV mono-infected
Authors: Cairoli Victoria , Valle-Millares Daniel , Terrón-Orellano María C. , Luque Daniel , Ryan Pablo , Dominguez Lourdes , Martín-Carbonero Luz , De los Santos Ignacio , De Matteo Elena , Ameigeiras Beatriz , Briz Verónica , Casciato Paola , Preciado María Victoria , Valva Pamela , Fernández-Rodríguez Amanda
Published: September 2023

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has a detrimental impact on disease progression. Increasing evidence points to extracellular vesicles (EVs) as important players of the host-viral cross-talk. The microRNAs (miRNAs), as essential components of EVs cargo, are key regulators of normal cellular processes and also promote viral replication, viral pathogenesis, and disease progression. We aimed to characterize the plasma-derived EVs miRNA signature of chronic HCV infected and HIV coinfected patients to unravel the molecular mechanisms of coinfection. EVs were purified and characterized from 50 plasma samples (21 HCV mono- and 29 HCV/HIV co-infected). EV-derived small RNAs were isolated and analyzed by massive sequencing. Known and de novo miRNAs were identified with miRDeep2. Significant differentially expressed (SDE) miRNA identification was performed with generalized linear models and their putative dysregulated biological pathways were evaluated. Study groups were similar for most clinical and epidemiological characteristics. No differences were observed in EVs size or concentration between groups. Therefore, HCV/HIV co-infection condition did not affect the concentration or size of EVs but produced a disturbance in plasma-derived EVs miRNA cargo. Thus, a total of 149 miRNAs were identified (143 known and 6 de novo) leading to 37 SDE miRNAs of which 15 were upregulated and 22 downregulated in HCV/HIV co-infected patients. SDE miRNAs regulate genes involved in inflammation, fibrosis, and cancer, modulating different biological pathways related to HCV and HIV pathogenesis. These findings may help to develop new generation biomarkers and treatment strategies, in addition to elucidate the mechanisms underlying virus–host interaction.

Key messages

HCV and HCV/HIV displayed similar plasma-EV size and concentration.

EVs- derived miRNA profile was characterized by NGS.

37 SDE miRNAs between HCV and HCV/HIV were observed.

SDE miRNAs regulate genes involved in inflammation, fibrosis and cancer.
Cellularity and subdivision of KLR and weighted KLRW algebras
Authors: Mathas Andrew , Tubbenhauer Daniel
Published: September 2023

Weighted KLRW algebras are diagram algebras generalizing KLR algebras. This paper undertakes a systematic study of these algebras culminating in the construction of homogeneous affine cellular bases in affine types A and C, which immediately gives cellular bases for the cyclotomic quotients of these algebras. In addition, we construct subdivision homomorphisms that relate weighted KLRW algebras for different quivers. As an application we obtain new results about the (cyclotomic) KLR algebras of affine type, including (re)proving that the cyclotomic KLR algebras of type $$A^{(1)}_{e}$$

A
e

(
1
)

and $$C^{(1)}_{e}$$

C
e

(
1
)

are graded cellular algebras.
Group I and group II metabotropic glutamate receptors are upregulated in the synapses of infant rats prenatally exposed to valproic acid
Authors: D’Antoni Simona , Schiavi Sara , Buzzelli Valeria , Giuffrida Samuele , Feo Alessandro , Ascone Fabrizio , Busceti Carla Letizia , Nicoletti Ferdinando , Trezza Viviana , Catania Maria Vincenza
Published: September 2023

Rationale

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social interaction and restricted/stereotyped behavior. Prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA) is associated with an increased risk of developing ASD in humans and autistic-like behaviors in rodents. Increasing evidence indicates that dysfunctions of glutamate receptors at synapses are associated with ASD. In the VPA rat model, an involvement of glutamate receptors in autism-like phenotypes has been suggested; however, few studies were carried out on metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors.

Objectives

We examined the protein expression levels of group I (mGlu1 and mGlu5) and group II (mGlu2/3) mGlu receptors in rats prenatally exposed to VPA and evaluated the effect of mGlu receptor modulation on an early autism-like phenotype in these animals.

Methods

We used western blotting analysis on synaptosomes obtained from forebrain of control and VPA rats at different ages (postnatal day P13, 35, 90) and carried out ultrasonic vocalization (USV) emission test in infant control and VPA rats.

Results

The expression levels of all these receptors were significantly increased in infant VPA rats. No changes were detected in adolescent and adult rats. An acute treatment with the preferential mGlu2/3 antagonist, LY341495, attenuated the impairment in the USV emission in VPA rats. No effect was observed after a treatment with the mGlu5 selective antagonist, MTEP.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that the expression of group I and group II mGlu receptors is upregulated at synapses of infant VPA rats and suggest that mGlu2/3 receptor modulation may have a therapeutic potential in ASD.
The effect of renal impairment and obesity on anti-Xa peak and trough levels in patients receiving therapeutic doses of nadroparin: a comparison with control patients
Authors: Mast L. , Peeters M. Y. M. , Söhne M. , Hackeng C. M. , Knibbe C. A. J. , van den Broek M. P. H.
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Anti-Xa peak level monitoring is recommended during LMWH treatment in renal impairment or obesity. The trough level has been proposed as marker for bleeding. We studied the influence of renal impairment and obesity on anti-Xa levels.

Methods

Peak and trough levels were collected during therapeutic nadroparin treatment in patients with renal impairment, obese patients, and controls. 27 patients (n = 68 samples) were evaluated and combined with published data (n = 319 samples from 35 patients) using population pharmacokinetic (popPK) modelling.

Results

Median peak level was 0.44 and 0.95 IU/mL in renal impairment with and without dose reduction and 0.60 and 0.43 IU/mL in obesity and controls, respectively. Trough levels were < 0.5 IU/mL in all patients with renal impairment with dose reduction and in 5/6 control patients. In the popPK model, total body weight and eGFR were covariates for clearance and lean body weight for distribution volume. Model-based evaluations demonstrated peak levels below the therapeutic window in controls and increased levels in renal impairment. Dose reductions resulted in a different effect on peak and trough levels. Obese patients (BMI up to 32 kg/m2) had similar levels upon weight-based dosing.

Conclusion

In renal impairment, anti-Xa peak levels after dose reduction are comparable to those in controls. Weight-based dosing is suitable for obese patients. Aiming for peak levels between 0.6 and 1.0 IU/mL in these patients would result in overexposure compared to controls. Considering the association of trough levels and bleeding risk and our findings, trough monitoring seems to be a suitable parameter to identify nadroparin accumulation.
Orthopaedic Wire Debridement: A Novel Surgical Technique for Hypergranulated Burn Wounds
Authors: English Nathan Carl , Dos Passos Gary
Published: September 2023

The burn wound healing process can be protracted due to various factors, including burn depth, infection and hypergranulation. Hypergranulation impedes epithelialisation macroscopically by preventing cellular migration across the wound bed and microscopically through cell‐to‐cell signal interferences. Debridement, which is the act of removing necrotic tissue, hypergranulation, slough and foreign debris from the wound in order to expose the underlying viable bed, can be achieved using various techniques. This aids with wound bed preparation to facilitate and expedite healing. In this article, we present a novel surgical debridement technique using a malleable orthopaedic cerclage wire for the management of a hypergranulated burn wound.
Can multi-modal radiomics using pretreatment ultrasound and tomosynthesis predict response to neoadjuvant systemic treatment in breast cancer?
Authors: Cai Lie , Sidey-Gibbons Chris , Nees Juliane , Riedel Fabian , Schäfgen Benedikt , Togawa Riku , Killinger Kristina , Heil Joerg , Pfob André , Golatta Michael
Published: September 2023

Objectives

Response assessment to neoadjuvant systemic treatment (NAST) to guide individualized treatment in breast cancer is a clinical research priority. We aimed to develop an intelligent algorithm using multi-modal pretreatment ultrasound and tomosynthesis radiomics features in addition to clinical variables to predict pathologic complete response (pCR) prior to the initiation of therapy.

Methods

We used retrospective data on patients who underwent ultrasound and tomosynthesis before starting NAST. We developed a support vector machine algorithm using pretreatment ultrasound and tomosynthesis radiomics features in addition to patient and tumor variables to predict pCR status (ypT0 and ypN0). Findings were compared to the histopathologic evaluation of the surgical specimen. The main outcome measures were area under the curve (AUC) and false-negative rate (FNR).

Results

We included 720 patients, 504 in the development set and 216 in the validation set. Median age was 51.6 years and 33.6% (242 of 720) achieved pCR. The addition of radiomics features significantly improved the performance of the algorithm (AUC 0.72 to 0.81; p = 0.007). The FNR of the multi-modal radiomics and clinical algorithm was 6.7% (10 of 150 with missed residual cancer). Surface/volume ratio at tomosynthesis and peritumoral entropy characteristics at ultrasound were the most relevant radiomics. Hormonal receptors and HER-2 status were the most important clinical predictors.

Conclusion

A multi-modal machine learning algorithm with pretreatment clinical, ultrasound, and tomosynthesis radiomics features may aid in predicting residual cancer after NAST. Pending prospective validation, this may facilitate individually tailored NAST regimens.

Clinical relevance statement

Multi-modal radiomics using pretreatment ultrasound and tomosynthesis showed significant improvement in assessing response to NAST compared to an algorithm using clinical variables only. Further prospective validation of our findings seems warranted to enable individualized predictions of NAST outcomes.

Key Points

• We proposed a multi-modal machine learning algorithm with pretreatment clinical, ultrasound, and tomosynthesis radiomics features to predict response to neoadjuvant breast cancer treatment.

• Compared with the clinical algorithm, the AUC of this integrative algorithm is significantly higher.

• Used prior to the initiative of therapy, our algorithm can identify patients who will experience pathologic complete response following neoadjuvant therapy with a high negative predictive value.
Characterizing cognitive function in patients with autoimmune encephalitis: an Australian prospective study
Authors: Griffith Sarah P. , Wesselingh Robb , Seery Nabil , Rushen Tiffany , Kyndt Chris , Long Brian , Seneviratne Udaya , Buzzard Katherine , Butzkueven Helmut , O’Brien Terence J. , Alpitsis Rubina , Malpas Charles B. , Monif Mastura ,   Australian Autoimmune Encephalitis Consortium
Published: September 2023

Objective

This study uses the Wechsler intelligence and memory scales to characterize the cognitive function of patients with autoimmune encephalitis (AE) in the chronic stage of the disease. AE is a group of neuroinflammatory disorders, and cognitive impairment is a significant source of chronic morbidity in these patients.

Methods

Fifty patients with an average disease duration of 3.2 years after diagnosis were prospectively recruited from four hospitals. They underwent a comprehensive cognitive examination using the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence (WASI-II), Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-IV) and Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS-IV). Summary statistics were computed, and single-sample and independent-samples t tests were used to compare the cohort to normative data.

Results

The results revealed significantly reduced performances in perceptual reasoning, processing speed, and working memory among AE patients. Seropositive AE patients exhibited below-norm processing speed, while the seronegative group showed reduced working memory and processing speed. Delayed memory performance was significantly below expectations only in seronegative patients. Pattern analysis indicated that intact cognition was the most observed outcome after AE, but significant heterogeneity was observed among the impaired patients.

Conclusions

The study identified deficits in perceptual reasoning, processing speed, and working memory among chronic AE patients. Pattern analysis highlighted positive long-term cognitive outcomes for many but varied outcomes for those with ongoing difficulties. Although severely cognitively impaired patients were not included, the findings apply to  AE cohorts who attend outpatient clinical neuropsychology consultations emphasizing the need for thorough cognitive assessment. The results suggest a need for further research targeting other cognitive domains, including executive functions.
Discrete Isothermic Nets Based on Checkerboard Patterns
Authors: Dellinger Felix
Published: September 2023

This paper studies the discrete differential geometry of the checkerboard pattern inscribed in a quadrilateral net by connecting edge midpoints. It turns out to be a versatile tool which allows us to consistently define principal nets, Koenigs nets and eventually isothermic nets as a combination of both. Principal nets are based on the notions of orthogonality and conjugacy and can be identified with sphere congruences that are entities of Möbius geometry. Discrete Koenigs nets are defined via the existence of the so-called conic of Koenigs. We find several interesting properties of Koenigs nets, including their being dualizable and having equal Laplace invariants. Isothermic nets can be defined as Koenigs nets that are also principal nets. We prove that the class of isothermic nets is invariant under both dualization and Möbius transformations. Among other things, this allows a natural construction of discrete minimal surfaces and their Goursat transformations.