bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patients that maintain their pre-injury level of physical activity 3–5 years after ACL reconstruction are, 18 months after surgery, characterised by higher levels of readiness to return to sport
Authors: Beischer S. , Hamrin Senorski E. , Thomeé R.
Published: November 2022

Purpose

To characterise patients who had returned to their pre-injury physical activity (PA) or higher at 18 months and maintained that level of PA 3–5 years after the primary ACL reconstruction and to describe the level, frequency, and type of PA participation during the first 5 years after ACL reconstruction 

Method

Data, from follow-ups at 18 months and 3–5 years after an ACL reconstruction, were extracted from a rehabilitation-specific register. Patients, 15–65 years of age, were included. The data comprised patient-reported outcomes and the results from two questions with respect to the level, frequency, and type of PA. Comparisons were made between patients who had and had not maintained their pre-injury level of PA at the follow-up 3–5 years after an ACL reconstruction.

Results

A total of 272 patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean follow-up time was 3.8 years (min–max: 2.9–5.1) after the ACL reconstruction. Of patients who had returned to their pre-injury or a higher level of PA at the 18 month follow-up (n= 114), 68% (n= 78) maintained that level at the 3- to 5-year follow-up after ACL reconstruction. These patients reported a higher level of psychological readiness to return to sport (98 versus 79;p= 0.013). Moreover, these patients were 6.0 years older (p= 0.016) and were characterised by male sex (56% versus 44%;p= 0.028) and a lower level of pre-injury PA (p= 0.013). At the follow-up 3–5 years after the ACL reconstruction, more than 90% met the recommendations for PA. However, the prevalence of physical inactivity had increased and the involvement in organised PA had decreased compared with the 18-month follow-up.

Conclusions

Two out of three patients who have returned to their previous level of PA at 18 months can be expected to maintain that level, 3–5 years following ACL reconstruction. These patients were mainly characterised by a higher level of psychological readiness, especially in patients who participated in knee-strenuous sport and were younger than 20 years of age. The results of this study suggest that patients become more physically inactive over time, implicating the importance of clinicians helping patients find a suitable PA that may help patients maintain an active lifestyle.
Modeling a remanufacturing reverse logistics planning problem: some insights into disruptive technology adoption
Authors: Yu Hao
Published: November 2022

Remanufacturing is the process to restore the functionality of high-value end-of-life (EOL) products, which is considered a substantial link in reverse logistics systems for value recovery. However, due to the uncertainty of the reverse material flow, the planning of a remanufacturing reverse logistics system is complex. Furthermore, the increasing adoption of disruptive technologies in Industry 4.0/5.0, e.g., the Internet of things (IoT), smart robots, cloud-based digital twins, and additive manufacturing, has shown great potential for a smart paradigm transition of remanufacturing reverse logistics operations. In this paper, a new mixed-integer program is modeled for supporting several tactical decisions in remanufacturing reverse logistics, i.e., remanufacturing setups, production planning and inventory levels, core acquisition and transportation, and remanufacturing line balancing and utilization. The model is further extended by incorporating utilization-dependent nonlinear idle time cost constraints and stochastic takt time to accommodate different real-world scenarios. Through a set of numerical experiments, the influences of different demand patterns and idle time constraints are revealed. The potential impacts of disruptive technology adoption in remanufacturing reverse logistics are also discussed from managerial perspectives, which may help remanufacturing companies with a smart and smooth transition in the Industry 4.0/5.0 era.
The effect of ketamine and D-cycloserine on the high frequency resting EEG spectrum in humans
Authors: Nottage J. F. , Gabay A. , De Meyer K. , Herrik K. F. , Bastlund J. F. , Christensen S. R. , Gijsen S. , Mehta M. A.
Published: November 2022

Rationale

Preclinical studies indicate that high-frequency oscillations, above 100 Hz (HFO:100–170 Hz), are a potential translatable biomarker for pharmacological studies, with the rapid acting antidepressant ketamine increasing both gamma (40–100 Hz) and HFO.

Objectives

To assess the effect of the uncompetitive NMDA antagonist ketamine, and of D-cycloserine (DCS), which acts at the glycine site on NMDA receptors on HFO in humans.

Methods

We carried out a partially double-blind, 4-way crossover study in 24 healthy male volunteers. Each participant received an oral tablet and an intravenous infusion on each of four study days. The oral treatment was either DCS (250 mg or 1000 mg) or placebo. The infusion contained 0.5 mg/kg ketamine or saline placebo. The four study conditions were therefore placebo-placebo, 250 mg DCS-placebo, 1000 mg DCS-placebo, or placebo-ketamine.

Results

Compared with placebo, frontal midline HFO magnitude was increased by ketamine (p = 0.00014) and 1000 mg DCS (p = 0.013). Frontal gamma magnitude was also increased by both these treatments. However, at a midline parietal location, only HFO were increased by DCS, and not gamma, whilst ketamine increased both gamma and HFO at this location. Ketamine induced psychomimetic effects, as measured by the PSI scale, whereas DCS did not increase the total PSI score. The perceptual distortion subscale scores correlated with the posterior low gamma to frontal high beta ratio.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that, at high doses, a partial NMDA agonist (DCS) has similar effects on fast neural oscillations as an NMDA antagonist (ketamine). As HFO were induced without psychomimetic effects, they may prove a useful drug development target.
Analysis of complex drugs by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography and high-resolution mass spectrometry: detailed chemical description of the active pharmaceutical ingredient sodium bituminosulfonate and its process intermediates
Authors: Schwalb Lukas , Tiemann Ole , Käfer Uwe , Gröger Thomas , Rüger Christopher Paul , Gayko Guido , Zimmermann Ralf
Published: November 2022

The European pharmacopeia provides analytical methods for the chemical characterization of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). However, the complexity of some APIs exceeds the limitations of the currently prevailing physicochemical methods. Sodium bituminosulfonate (SBS) is described by the collection of key parameters of generalizing criteria such as dry matter, sulfur and sodium content, and neutrality, but techniques to unravel the complexity on a molecular level are lacking. We present a study based on online derivatization with tetramethylammonium hydroxide in combination with comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to an electron ionization high-resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometer (GC × GC-HR-ToF–MS) for the chemical description of SBS as well as its process intermediates. The application of GC × GC allowed the comprehensive description of the chemical components in the API and the process intermediates for the first time. Furthermore, it was possible to classify peaks regarding their elemental and structural composition based on accurate mass information, elution behavior, and mass fragmentation pattern. This work demonstrates not only the general applicability, advantages but also limitations of GC × GC for the characterization of APIs for complex drugs.

Graphical Abstract
A novel pentavalent vaccine candidate completely protects against Acinetobacter baumannii in a mouse model of peritonitis
Authors: Hagag Yomna A. , Said Heba Shehta , Kenawy Hany I. , Hassan Ramadan
Published: November 2022

Acinetobacter baumannii is considered as one of the most virulent and infectious organisms that have an increased ability to both evade host immune response and resist various classes of antibiotics, leading to life-threatening infections. Multiple virulence factors have been implicated in the high prevalence rate of A. baumannii in hospitalized and immunocompromised patients. Moreover, improper use of antibiotics has led to the emergence of extensive drug-resistant strains that urgently require alternative strategies to control this superbug. Unfortunately, the availability of a licensed vaccine against A. baumannii infections is still challenged by the vast diversity among A. baumannii strains. Here, we report the development of a novel pentavalent vaccine candidate composed of two recombinant proteins (Wza and YiaD) and a pool of capsular polysaccharides isolated from 3 clinical isolates. We tested this new vaccine in vivo in a mouse model of peritonitis against the standard strain ATCC 19606 in addition to 3 clinical isolates of A. baumannii. Immunization with this vaccine completely protected the challenged mice with 100% survival rate in the case of all the tested bacteria. Further clinical studies are urgently needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this proprietary vaccine to protect patients from A. baumannii lethal infections.

Key points

• Recombinant proteins pool (Wza and YiaD) immunization led to a synergistic immune response.

• Capsular polysaccharides pool induced up to 90% protection of tested clinical isolates.

• The pentavalent pool showed superiority with 100% survival of immunized mice.
Cephalosporins as key lead generation beta-lactam antibiotics
Authors: Lin Xuemei , Kück Ulrich
Published: November 2022

Antibiotics are antibacterial compounds that interfere with bacterial growth, without harming the infected eukaryotic host. Among the clinical agents, beta-lactams play a major role in treating infected humans and animals. However, the ever-increasing antibiotic resistance crisis is forcing the pharmaceutical industry to search for new antibacterial drugs to combat a range of current and potential multi-resistant bacterial pathogens. In this review, we provide an overview of the development, innovation, and current status of therapeutic applications for beta-lactams with a focus on semi-synthetic cephalosporins. Cephalosporin C (CPC), which is a natural secondary metabolite from the filamentous fungus Acremonium chrysogenum, plays a major and demanding role in both producing modern antibiotics and developing new ones. CPC serves as a core compound for producing semi-synthetic cephalosporins that can control infections with different resistance mechanisms. We therefore summarize our latest knowledge about the CPC biosynthetic pathway and its regulation in the fungal host. Finally, we describe how CPC serves as a key lead generation source for the in vitro and better, in vivo synthesis of 7-aminocephalosporanic acid (7-ACA), the major core compound for the pharmaceutical synthesis of current and future semi-synthetic cephalosporins.

Key points

•Latest literature on cephalosporin generations

•Biotechnical production of cephalosporins

•In vivo production of 7-ACA
The Impact of Depression in Patients Undergoing Emergency Abdominal Surgery: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Maroof Hanna , Van Chi Mai Dinh , El‐Kafsi Jihene , De'Ath Henry D.
Published: November 2022

Background

Depression is associated with poorer outcomes in many disease states. However, its significance in abdominal surgery is unknown. This study investigated rates of depression in emergency abdominal surgery patients and its effects on outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted across two UK sites and included all adult patients undergoing emergency abdominal surgery. Primary outcome was the complication rate in depressed patients, including the incidence of post‐operative delirium. Secondary outcomes included mortality, time to oral intake and analgesia.

Results

Two hundred and ten patients were identified. The commonest indication for surgery was appendicitis (53.3%) followed by small bowel obstruction (9.5%). There was a 17% (n = 36) incidence of depression amongst patients, most of whom (n = 26, 72.2%) were taking antidepressants. Depression was associated with male sex (M:F 27:9 p = 0.003), higher median BMI (28 vs. 25 p = 0.013) and previous surgery (47.2% vs. 28.7% p = 0.032). Despite a higher incidence of post‐operative delirium, increased time to oral analgesia and greater 30‐day readmission rates in the depression cohort, multivariate analyses showed depression was not a significant independent predictor of these (OR 2.181, 95%CI 0.310–15.344; p = 0.433, OR 0.07, 95%CI 0.499–1.408; p = 0.348 and OR 1.367, 95%CI 0.102–18.34, respectively). Complication and mortality rates between depressed and non‐depressed individuals were similar.

Conclusion

Significant numbers of patients undergoing emergency abdominal surgery have depression, but this did not adversely affect post‐operative outcomes. The study included relatively small numbers of participants undergoing procedures with straightforward recovery. Larger population studies are therefore required and should focus on investigating the association between major emergency surgeries with post‐operative delirium and uncontrolled pain.
Influence of the linewidth enhancement factor on the signal pattern of Fourier domain mode-locked lasers
Authors: Aşırım Özüm Emre , Huber Robert , Jirauschek Christian
Published: November 2022

Fourier domain mode-locked (FDML) lasers are frequency-swept lasers that operate in the near-infrared region and allow for the attainment of a large sweep-bandwidth, high sweep-rate, and a narrow instantaneous linewidth, all of which are usually quite desirable characteristics for a frequency-swept laser. They are used in various sensing and imaging applications but are most commonly noted for their practical use in optical coherence tomography (OCT). An FDML laser consists of three fundamental components, which are the semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA), optical fiber, and the wavelength-swept optical bandpass filter. Due to the complicated nonlinear dynamics of FDML lasers that stems from the coaction of these three components, often the output signal of an FDML laser is corrupted by frequent power-dips of varying depth and duration. The frequent recurrence of these dips in the FDML laser signal pattern lowers the quality of imaging and detection. This study examines the role of the linewidth enhancement factor (LWEF) of an SOA in reducing both the strength and the number of power-dips throughout the FDML laser operation. The results are obtained using numerical computations that are in agreement with experimental data. The study aims to show that using SOAs with low LWEFs, the number of power-dips can be reduced for a better detection and imaging quality.
Combined impact of ENSO and Antarctic Oscillation on austral spring precipitation in Southeastern South America (SESA)
Authors: Hu Xinjia , Eichner Jan , Gong Daoyi , Barreiro Marcelo , Kantz Holger
Published: November 2022

Southeastern South America (SESA)’s precipitation is thought to be influenced by both El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Antarctic Oscillation (AAO), especially in austral spring. Previous studies conclude AAO can modulate ENSO’s impact on precipitation over the SESA region without differentiating between El Niño and La Niña events. In the present study, we use composite analysis to further explore the combined impact of AAO and ENSO on austral spring precipitation over Southeastern South America (SESA) to answer this question and explain the dynamic mechanisms. We found that different AAO phases can influence La Niña’s impact on SESA austral spring precipitation considerably, while this does not apply for El Niño events. From our analysis, we found that AAO exerts more impact on austral spring precipitation over SESA compared to ENSO during La Niña years by influencing northerly wind and southward water vapor flux, which contributes most of the moisture into the SESA region, due to the strengthening of South Atlantic subtropical anticyclone and stronger meridional gradient in low-level pressure. Besides, there is an upper-level trough (ridge) over subtropical South America indicating advection of cyclonic (anticyclonic) vorticity inducing anomalous increase (decrease) of precipitation over that region during La Niña/AAO− (La Niña/AAO+). We do not see this opposite difference within El Niño groups combined with different phases of AAO.
Save our surgeons (SOS) – an explorative comparison of surgeons’ muscular and cardiovascular demands, posture, perceived workload and discomfort during robotic vs. laparoscopic surgery
Authors: Krämer Bernhard , Neis Felix , Reisenauer Christl , Walter Christina , Brucker Sara , Wallwiener Diethelm , Seibt Robert , Gabriel Julia , Rieger Monika A. , Steinhilber Benjamin
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Conventional laparoscopic surgery (CLS) imposes an increased risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Technical innovations, such as robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery (RALS), may provide ergonomic benefits. We compare the surgeon`s work-related demands of CLS vs RALS for benign hysterectomies.

Methods

Five specialists (3 females, 2 males) each performed four RALS and four CLS as part of their daily clinical routine. During the surgical procedures, muscular demands were assessed by bipolar surface electromyograms of the descendent trapezius, extensor digitorum and flexor carpi radialis muscles as well as cardio-vascular demands by electrocardiography, and neck, arm and torso posture by gravimetrical position sensors. Additionally, the subjects rated their level of perceived workload (NASA TLX questionnaire with 6 dimension) and musculoskeletal discomfort (11-point Likert-scale, 0–10).

Results

Muscular demands of the trapezius and flexor carpi radialis muscles were lower with RALS but extensor digitorum demands increased. Cardiovascular demands were about 9 heart beats per minute (bpm) lower for RALS compared to CLS with a rather low median level for both surgical techniques (RALS = 84 bpm; CLS 90 bpm). The posture changed in RALS with an increase in neck and torso flexion, and a reduction in abduction and anteversion position of the right arm. The perceived workload was lower in the physical demands dimension but higher in the mental demands dimension during RALS. Subjective musculoskeletal discomfort was rare during both surgical techniques.

Conclusions

This explorative study identified several potential ergonomic benefits related to RALS which now can be verified by studies using hypothesis testing designs. However, potential effects on muscular demands in the lower arm extensor muscles also have to be addressed in such studies.
Color preference of Sergentomyia minuta (Diptera: Phlebotominae) determined using Flebocollect Do It Yourself light traps based on LED technology
Authors: de Felipe Marcos López , Pérez Eva , Gálvez Rosa
Published: November 2022

Whether phlebotomine sand flies show a preference for different light colors remains controversial. As light-capture methods are widely used to study sand flies, knowing the visual stimuli they respond to could help the design of novel control tools to prevent their attraction to hosts. We have detected a significant preference of male Sergentomyia minuta for green and red light sources. Accordingly, male S. minuta were 2.16 and 2.01 times more likely to be lured by Flebocollect model traps with green and red diode-lights, respectively, than the commercial CDC traps. Flebocollect traps are homemade light traps developed through citizen science. Dipterans are widely considered unable to distinguish the color red so this finding was unexpected. To our knowledge, this is the first description of a color preference in a species of the genus Sergentomyia. Our research also confirms the great potential of Flebocollect light traps for use in medical entomology studies.
Sex steroid hormone synthesis, metabolism, and the effects on the mammalian olfactory system
Authors: Abaffy Tatjana , Lu Hsiu-Yi , Matsunami Hiroaki
Published: November 2022

Sex steroid hormones influence olfactory-mediated social behaviors, and it is generally hypothesized that these effects result from circulating hormones and/or neurosteroids synthesized in the brain. However, it is unclear whether sex steroid hormones are synthesized in the olfactory epithelium or the olfactory bulb, and if they can modulate the activity of the olfactory sensory neurons. Here, we review important discoveries related to the metabolism of sex steroids in the mouse olfactory epithelium and olfactory bulb, along with potential areas of future research. We summarize current knowledge regarding the expression, neuroanatomical distribution, and biological activity of the steroidogenic enzymes, sex steroid receptors, and proteins that are important to the metabolism of these hormones and reflect on their potential to influence early olfactory processing. We also review evidence related to the effects of sex steroid hormones on the development and activity of olfactory sensory neurons. By better understanding how these hormones are metabolized and how they act both at the periphery and olfactory bulb level, we can better appreciate the complexity of the olfactory system and discover potential similarities and differences in early olfactory processing between sexes.
Fiber Convex Bodies
Authors: Mathis Léo , Meroni Chiara
Published: November 2022

In this paper we study the fiber bodies, that is the extension of the notion of fiber polytopes for more general convex bodies. After giving an overview of the properties of the fiber bodies, we focus on three particular classes of convex bodies. First we describe the strict convexity of the fiber bodies of the so called puffed polytopes. Then we provide an explicit equation for the support function of the fiber bodies of some smooth convex bodies. Finally we give a formula that allows to compute the fiber bodies of a zonoid with a particular focus on certain zonoids called discotopes. Throughout the paper we illustrate our results with detailed examples.
Bioenergetic Evaluation of Muscle Fatigue in Murine Tongue
Authors: Glass Tiffany J. , Rowe Linda M. , Cullen Jared , Connor Nadine P.
Published: November 2022

Muscle fatigue is the diminution of force required for a particular action over time. Fatigue may be particularly pronounced in aging muscles, including those used for swallowing actions. Because risk for swallowing impairment (dysphagia) increases with aging, the contribution of muscle fatigue to age-related dysphagia is an emerging area of interest. The use of animal models, such as mice and rats (murine models) allows experimental paradigms for studying the relationship between muscle fatigue and swallowing function with a high degree of biological precision that is not possible in human studies. The goal of this article is to review basic experimental approaches to the study of murine tongue muscle fatigue related to dysphagia. Traditionally, murine muscle fatigue has been studied in limb muscles through direct muscle stimulation and behavioral exercise paradigms. As such, physiological and bioenergetic markers of muscle fatigue that have been validated in limb muscles may be applicable in studies of cranial muscle fatigue with appropriate modifications to account for differences in muscle architecture, innervation ratio, and skeletal support. Murine exercise paradigms may be used to elicit acute fatigue in tongue muscles, thereby enabling study of putative muscular adaptations. Using these approaches, hypotheses can be developed and tested in mice and rats to allow for future focused studies in human subjects geared toward developing and optimizing treatments for age-related dysphagia.
Clinical and molecular characterization of a large primary hyperoxaluria cohort from Saudi Arabia: a retrospective study
Authors: Alfadhel Majid , Umair Muhammad , Alghamdi Malak A. , Al Fakeeh Khalid , Al Qahtani Abdullah T. , Farahat Afrah , Shalaby Mohamed A. , Kari Jameela A. , Raina Rupesh , Cochat Pierre , Alhasan Khalid A.
Published: November 2022

Background

Primary hyperoxalurias (PHs) constitute rare disorders resulting in abnormal glyoxalate metabolism. PH-associated phenotypes range from progressive nephrocalcinosis and/or recurrent urolithiasis to early kidney failure.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted for patients with confirmed PH diagnoses from three tertiary centers in Saudi Arabia. Detailed clinical molecular diagnosis was performed for 25 affected individuals. Whole exome sequencing (WES)–based molecular diagnosis was performed for all affected individuals.

Results

The male:female ratio was 52% male (n = 13) and 48% female (n = 12), and consanguinity was present in 88%. Nephrolithiasis and/or nephrocalcinosis were present in all patients. Kidney stones were present in 72%, nephrocalcinosis in 60%, hematuria in 32%, proteinuria in 16%, abdominal pain in 36%, developmental delay in 8%, and chronic kidney disease stage 5 (CKD stage 5) was observed in 28% of the patients. The most common PH disorder was type I caused by variants in the AGXT gene, accounting for 56%. The GRHPR gene variants were identified in 4 patients, 16% of the total cases. Seven patients did not reveal any associated variants. Missense variants were the most commonly observed variants (48%), followed by frame-shift duplication variants (28%).

Conclusions

Characterization of the genetic and clinical aspects of PH in this unique population provides direction for improved patient management and further research.

Graphical abstract
Fetal growth restriction followed by very preterm birth is associated with smaller kidneys but preserved kidney function in adolescence
Authors: Liefke Jonas , Heijl Caroline , Steding-Ehrenborg Katarina , Morsing Eva , Arheden Håkan , Ley David , Hedström Erik
Published: November 2022

Background

Preterm birth and fetal growth restriction (FGR) are associated with structural and functional kidney changes, increasing long-term risk for chronic kidney disease and hypertension. However, recent studies in preterm children are conflicting, indicating structural changes but normal kidney function. This study therefore assessed kidney structure and function in a cohort of adolescents born very preterm with and without verified FGR.

Methods

Adolescents born very preterm with FGR and two groups with appropriate birthweight (AGA) were included; one matched for gestational week at birth and one born at term. Cortical and medullary kidney volumes and T1 and T2* mapping values were assessed by magnetic resonance imaging. Biochemical markers of kidney function and renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) activation were analyzed.

Results

Sixty-four adolescents were included (13–16 years; 48% girls). Very preterm birth with FGR showed smaller total (66 vs. 75 ml/m2; p = 0.01) and medullary volume (19 vs. 24 ml/m2; p < 0.0001) compared to term AGA. Corticomedullary volume ratio decreased from preterm FGR (2.4) to preterm AGA (2.2) to term AGA (1.9; p = 0.004). There were no differences in T1 or T2* values (all p ≥ 0.34) or in biochemical markers (all p ≥ 0.12) between groups.

Conclusions

FGR with abnormal fetal blood flow followed by very preterm birth is associated with smaller total kidney and medullary kidney volumes, but not with markers of kidney dysfunction or RAAS activation in adolescence. Decreased total kidney and medullary volumes may still precede a long-term decrease in kidney function, and potentially be used as a prognostic marker.

Graphical abstract
How multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children discriminated from Kawasaki disease: a differentiating score based on an inception cohort study
Authors: Sobh Ali , Mosa Doaa Mosad , Khaled Nada , Korkor Mai S. , Noureldin Mohamed Ahmed , Eita Ahmad M. , Elnagdy Marwa H. , El-Bayoumi Mohammed A.
Published: November 2022

Background

About 25–50% of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) patients meet the criteria for diagnosis of Kawasaki disease (KD). The differentiation of both conditions is so challenging on clinical practice as the management of both is time dependant and precise diagnosis is fundamental.

Method

Data were collected from children < 18 years old hospitalized with MIS-C or KD. Patient demographics, clinical, and laboratory data were compared, and a discrimination score was created to assist in clinical differentiation.

Results

72 patients with MIS-C and 18 with KD were included in the study. Patients with MIS-C had a higher prevalence of abdominal pain (p = 0.02), vomiting (p = 0.03), and cervical lymphadenopathy (p = 0.02) compared with KD cases. MIS-C patients had higher liver enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (p = 0.04), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (p = 0.03), serum creatinine (p = 0.03), and lower platelet count nadir (p = 0.02) than KD. Four variables were detected in the regression analysis model, and the independent predictors were utilized to generate a scoring model that distinguished MIS-C from KD with an area under the curve of 0.70.

Conclusion

This study constructed a prediction model for differentiation of MIS-C from KD based on clinical and laboratory profiles. This model will be valuable to guide clinicians in the treatment decisions.

Key Points• Children with MIS-C are more likely to have gastrointestinal symptoms, cervical lymphadenopathy, and respiratory involvement than KD patients.• Elevated liver enzymes and lower platelet count are more pronounced laboratory findings in MIS-C than KD.• This study constructed a prediction model for differentiation of MIS-C from KD based on clinical and laboratory profiles. This model will be valuable to guide clinicians in the treatment decisions.
Increasing flow rates in polydimethylsiloxane-based deterministic lateral displacement devices for sub-micrometer particle separation
Authors: Marhenke Julius , Dirnecker Tobias , Vogel Nicolas , Rommel Mathias
Published: November 2022

In this study, we show the design and manufacturing of microfluidic deterministic lateral displacement (DLD) devices for sub-micrometer particle separation. For that purpose, devices with pillar gaps of 4 µm and a periodicity of 50 were designed. After photolithographic manufacturing of SU-8 masters with different heights (15 and 30 µm) and vertical sidewalls for soft-lithographic replication with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) the influence of flow rate on the separation efficiency of 0.45 and 0.97 µm particles was investigated. The 15 µm devices were operated at 0.125 and 0.5 µl/min sample flow rate and the 30 µm devices at 0.5 and 2.0 µl/min, respectively. Excellent separation efficiencies were observed for both device heights at the lower sample flow rates, while separation efficiencies decreased at the respective higher sample flow rates. The decrease in separation efficiency was attributed to deformation of the soft PDMS pillars, which causes an increase in pillar gaps at the higher sample flow rates as shown by microscopy imaging. The advantage of the 30 µm devices over the 15 µm devices is clearly shown by the separation of 0.45 and 0.97 µm particles at 0.5 µl/min. Due to reduced hydrodynamic resistance in the 30 µm devices and thus less pillar deformation, the displacement efficiency of 0.97 µm particles was above 99% compared to 46–57% for the 15 µm devices. Our 30 µm devices demonstrated excellent separation at a tenfold higher sample flow rate with 0.5 µl/min compared to comparable PDMS-based devices operating in the same size regime.
Pseudo-parabolic Category over Quaternionic Projective Plane
Authors: Jones Gareth , Mudrov Andrey
Published: November 2022

Quaternionic projective plane $\mathbb {H} P^{2}$
ℍ

P

2

is the next simplest conjugacy class of a complex symplectic group with pseudo-Levi stabilizer subgroup after the sphere $\mathbb {S}^{4}\simeq \mathbb {H} P^{1}$

S

4

≃
ℍ

P

1

. Its quantization gives rise to a module category $\mathcal {O}_{t}\bigl (\mathbb {H} P^{2}\bigr )$

O

t

(

ℍ

P

2

)

over finite-dimensional representations of the symplectic quantum group $U_{q}\bigl (\mathfrak {s}\mathfrak {p}(6)\bigr )$

U

q

(

s
p
(
6
)

)

, a full subcategory in the BGG category $\mathcal {O}$
O
. We prove that $\mathcal {O}_{t}\bigl (\mathbb {H} P^{2}\bigr )$

O

t

(

ℍ

P

2

)

is semi-simple and equivalent to a category of quantized equivariant vector bundles on $\mathbb {H} P^{2}$
ℍ

P

2

.
Provident vehicle detection at night for advanced driver assistance systems
Authors: Ewecker Lukas , Asan Ebubekir , Ohnemus Lars , Saralajew Sascha
Published: November 2022

In recent years, computer vision algorithms have become more powerful, which enabled technologies such as autonomous driving to evolve rapidly. However, current algorithms mainly share one limitation: They rely on directly visible objects. This is a significant drawback compared to human behavior, where visual cues caused by objects (e. g., shadows) are already used intuitively to retrieve information or anticipate occurring objects. While driving at night, this performance deficit becomes even more obvious: Humans already process the light artifacts caused by the headlamps of oncoming vehicles to estimate where they appear, whereas current object detection systems require that the oncoming vehicle is directly visible before it can be detected. Based on previous work on this subject, in this paper, we present a complete system that can detect light artifacts caused by the headlights of oncoming vehicles so that it detects that a vehicle is approaching providently (denoted as provident vehicle detection). For that, an entire algorithm architecture is investigated, including the detection in the image space, the three-dimensional localization, and the tracking of light artifacts. To demonstrate the usefulness of such an algorithm, the proposed algorithm is deployed in a test vehicle to use the detected light artifacts to control the glare-free high beam system proactively (react before the oncoming vehicle is directly visible). Using this experimental setting, the provident vehicle detection system’s time benefit compared to an in-production computer vision system is quantified. Additionally, the glare-free high beam use case provides a real-time and real-world visualization interface of the detection results by considering the adaptive headlamps as projectors. With this investigation of provident vehicle detection, we want to put awareness on the unconventional sensing task of detecting objects providently (detection based on observable visual cues the objects cause before they are visible) and further close the performance gap between human behavior and computer vision algorithms to bring autonomous and automated driving a step forward.
A Novel Method to Quantify Near-Surface Boundary-Layer Dynamics at Ultra-High Spatio-Temporal Resolution
Authors: Haugeneder Michael , Lehning Michael , Reynolds Dylan , Jonas Tobias , Mott Rebecca
Published: November 2022

The lateral transport of heat above abrupt (sub-)metre-scale steps in land surface temperature influences the local surface energy balance. We present a novel experimental method to investigate the stratification and dynamics of the near-surface atmospheric layer over a heterogeneous land surface. Using a high-resolution thermal infrared camera pointing at synthetic screens, a $$30\,\hbox {Hz}$$

30

Hz

sequence of frames is recorded. The screens are deployed upright and horizontally aligned with the prevailing wind direction. The screen’s surface temperature serves as a proxy for the local air temperature. We developed a method to estimate near-surface two-dimensional wind fields at centimetre resolution from tracking the air temperature pattern on the screens. Wind field estimations are validated with near-surface three-dimensional short-path ultrasonic data. To demonstrate the capabilities of the screen method, we present results from a comprehensive field campaign at an alpine research site during patchy snow cover conditions. The measurements reveal an extremely heterogeneous near-surface atmospheric layer. Vertical profiles of horizontal and vertical wind reflect multiple layers of different static stability within $$2\,\hbox {m}$$

2

m

above the surface. A dynamic, thin stable internal boundary layer (SIBL) develops above the leading edge of snow patches protecting the snow surface from warmer air above. During pronounced gusts, the warm air from aloft entrains into the SIBL and reaches down to the snow surface adding energy to the snow pack. Measured vertical turbulent sensible heat fluxes are shown to be consistent with air temperature and wind profiles obtained using the screen method and confirm its capabilities to investigate complex in situ near-surface heat exchange processes.
Representing learning designs in a design support tool
Authors: Zalavra Eleni , Papanikolaou Kyparisia , Dimitriadis Yannis , Sgouropoulou Cleo
Published: November 2022

Learning Design (LD) research accounts for several design support tools, or LD tools, employing representations for learning designs to facilitate the “teachers as designers” thinking while preparing learning experiences. In contrast to existing studies having followed mainly a specialist/researcher (as opposed to a teacher) perspective, our quest to develop an LD tool follows a Design-Based Research (DBR) approach involving practitioners. Specifically, in this paper, we attempt to give voice to teachers as designers and investigate how they prefer having their learning designs represented by LD tools. Aiming to create a principled account of how to represent learning designs in an LD tool, we first conducted an integrative literature review to formulate a representational framework that drove our research. Subsequently, we addressed the following LD representational dimensions: (i) format, (ii) organisation, (iii) guidance and support, and (iv) contextualisation. We are reporting on a case study conducted with 16 participants in a teacher education context. Although previous research typically reported findings based on a single LD tool’s evaluation over a short period, we have opted for eliciting feedback based on a rich LD experience. To this end, we acquainted participants in LD projects with two LD tools (Learning Designer and WebCollage) during an academic semester. Furthermore, we followed a mixed-method explanatory sequential design applied through a survey questionnaire and semi-structured interviews to achieve a more profound consideration of the teachers’ preferences for LD representations. Our findings indicate that the teachers strongly endorse an LD tool supporting a visual format and a global organisation in the form of a table that provides a global overview of a learning design while focusing on its specific elements. Teachers seem to prefer an LD tool that balances providing guidance and flexibility, as they opt for (i) a non-restrictive taxonomy for articulating learning objectives, (ii) some form of standardisation for formatting learning units, along with allowing free formation, (iii) a flexible pedagogical framework for modelling the learning activities’ pedagogy so that it can be adjusted to particular designers’ needs, and (iv) a typology of technologies that can be utilised or not. In addition, they seemed to favour an LD tool supporting high contextualisation, as they prefer to describe contextual details for a learning design’s units and activities. These findings constitute design principles for our ongoing DBR and may stimulate momentum for researchers developing LD tools.
Cultural novelty and international students’ experience: a five-country study
Authors: Wilczewski Michał , Wang Rong , Du Juana , Søderberg Anne-Marie , Giuri Paola , Mughan Terence , Puffer Sheila M. , Jacob Mark J.
Published: November 2022

Research has linked cultural differences between a sojourner’s home and host country with their cultural transformation. Nonetheless, the results of empirical studies are inconclusive due to different operationalizations of cultural differences and testing among different groups of sojourners. We extend previous investigations by examining the effects of cultural novelty (i.e., the subjective perception of cultural differences) on the experience of international students (N = 1114) in Denmark, Germany, Italy, Poland, and the USA. Drawing on acculturation and social learning theories, we conceptualized a model of students’ adjustment and satisfaction taking into account cultural novelty. We tested the model through multi-group structural equation modeling (SEM) and examined the various relationships across subsamples from all five countries. We determined the significant effects of cultural novelty and a range of factors impacting students’ intercultural experience, such as their cultural intelligence, cultural background, second-language skills, time in the host country, and socialization with domestic students, and how the effects may vary by the host country. We discuss implications for future research and practice.
Maltol ameliorates intervertebral disc degeneration through inhibiting PI3K/AKT/NF-κB pathway and regulating NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis
Authors: Gong Yuhang , Qiu Jianxing , Jiang Ting , Li Ze , Zhang Weikang , Zheng Xiaohang , He Zixuan , Chen Weifu , Wang Zhangfu , Feng Xingbing , Wang Meizhen , Hong Zhenghua
Published: November 2022

Objectives

As one of the major causes of low back pain, intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) has caused a huge problem for humans. Increasing evidence indicates that NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis of NP cells displays an important role in the progression of IDD. Maltol (MA) is a flavoring agent extracted from red ginseng. Due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, MA has been widely considered by researchers. Therefore, we hypothesized that MA may be a potential IVD protective agent by regulating NP cells and their surrounding microenvironment.

Methods

In vitro, qRT-PCR, and Western blot were used to explore the effect of MA on the transcription and protein expression of the anabolic protein (ADAMTS5, MMP3, MMP9) catabolic protein (Aggrecan), and pro-inflammatory factor (iNOS COX-2). Next, the effects of MA on PI3K/AKT/NF-κB pathway and pyroptosis pathway were analyzed by Western blot and immunofluorescence. Molecular docking was used to investigate the relationship between PI3K and MA. Moreover, ELISA was also used to detect the effects of MA on inflammatory factors (TNF-α, PGE2, IL-1β, and IL-18). In vivo, the effects of MA on the vertebral structure of IDD mice were studied by HE and SO staining and the effects of MA on ECM and PI3K/AKT/NF-κB and pyroptosis pathway of IDD mice were studied by immunohistochemical staining.

Results

MA can ameliorate intervertebral disc degeneration in vivo and in vitro. Specifically, the molecular docking results showed that the binding degree of MA and PI3K was significant. Second, in vitro studies showed that MA inhibited the degradation of ECM and inflammatory response by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB pathway and the pyroptosis mediated by NLRP3 inflammasome, which increased the expression of anabolic proteins, decreased the expression of catabolic proteins, and decreased the secretion of inflammatory mediators such as IL-18 and IL-1β. In addition, according to the study results of the mouse lumbar instability model, MA also improved the tissue disorder and degradation of the intervertebral disc, reduced the loss of proteoglycan and glycosaminoglycan, and inhibited intervertebral disc inflammation, indicating that MA has a protective effect on the intervertebral disc to intervertebral disc in mice.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that MA slowed IDD development through the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway and NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis, indicating that MA appeared to be a viable medication for IDD treatment.
Strategic management of patents on electrochemical conversion fuel cells and batteries in Latin America as a mechanism for moving towards energy sustainability
Authors: Guevara-Ramírez Willmer , Martínez-de-Alegría Itziar , Río-Belver Rosa María , Alvarez-Meaza Izaskun
Published: November 2022

Electrochemical conversion batteries (ECBs), especially fuel cells and lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), are the focus of attention of the scientific community due to their potential contribution to the decarbonization of the economy. In this context, the objective is to analyze patent publication flows on LIBs in Latin America (LATAM) by proposing a technology adoption matrix, a Patents friendly to sustainable technologies (PFST) indicator, and the use of technology s-curves. Data collection and analysis were carried out using the PatSeer knowledge base, Gephi, VantagePoint, and Loglet Lab software. The results show the leadership of Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina, with high dependence on the United States, Japan, and Germany. The PFST indicates that 79.3% of the published patents address climate change mitigation. In general, there is a low rate of publication of ECB patents in LATAM, marked by a technological lag in the evolution of key technologies. Patents on fuel cells are more published than those related to LIB. Under this scenario, it is unlikely that LATAM will achieve the necessary competitiveness to produce complex technologies in this field. In this regard, it follows that to reverse the position of traditional exporters of low value-added commodities, these countries should formulate strategies that allow the development of the innovation ecosystem, promoting open and applied innovation mechanisms, subsidized adoption, greater integration of universities and, at the same time, strengthening technological integration with countries that currently lead the transfer and others with great potential such as China and South Korea.

Graphical abstract
Interlaminar fracture toughness of carbon fibre composites with electrospun nanofibrous interleaves of polystyrene and cellulose nanocrystals
Authors: Kanari Konstantina , Wisnom Michael R. , Harniman Robert , Eichhorn Stephen J.
Published: November 2022

Polystyrene nanofibres reinforced with cellulose nanocrystals have been produced by electrospinning. Two different orientations of the nanofibres were produced, namely aligned and random, and these nanofibrous interleaves were investigated both as-spun and after thermal treatment. Aligned nanofibres exhibited a 2500% increase in their Young’s modulus compared to the randomly orientated materials, while the ultimate tensile strength increased by up to 300%. It is also demonstrated that crazing occurs in the nanofibres, which is thought to enhance the fracture properties of the materials. Interleaves of both orientations were then included in a carbon fibre-reinforced polymer laminate. The fracture toughness of the laminate was determined under both mode I and mode II testing. No increases in mode I toughness were observed. It was, however, found that the aligned interleaves increased the mode II toughness of the composite laminate (from 1.9 ± 0.3 to 2.7 ± 0.2 kJ m−2). This increase is demonstrated to be due to a combination of nanofibre bridging and the formation of microcracks in the resin under applied tensile and shear load.