bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural and Theoretical Investigations on the Unique Coloring Scheme of the γ‐Brass Type Phase: Cu5+δCd8‐δ(−1.0≤δ≤0.1)
Authors: Roy Nilanjan , Harshit  , Mondal Amit , Wang Fei , Jana Partha P.
Published: March 2022

The crystal structure of the γ‐brass type Cu5+δCd8‐δ(‐1.0≤δ≤0.1) in the Cu−Cd binary system has been analyzed by powder and single crystal X‐ray diffraction. All the compounds crystallize in the cubic space group(217). Mixing of Cu with Cd leads to a significant phase width. At the limiting composition, a previously unreported ordered compound Cu4Cd9is formed. The structure of all compounds is described by a 26‐atom γ‐cluster. Electronic structure calculations on the model structure built according to the ordered “Cu4Cd9”, show the presence of a pseudo‐gap at the Fermi level in the electronic density of states, which is consistent with other γ‐brass type phases. However, the site preference of Cu and Cd atoms is different from the other reported γ‐brass type structures in the Zn‐ and Cd‐rich phases. To address the “coloring problem”, a series of model structures were constructed with the composition Cu4Cd9and their total energies were compared with first‐principle calculations using ABINIT code. LOBSTER package was implemented to extract the bonding information by crystal orbital Hamilton population calculations.
Equivalent Norms for Modulation Spaces from Positive Cohen’s Class Distributions
Authors: Skrettingland Eirik
Published: March 2022

We give a new class of equivalent norms for modulation spaces by replacing the window of the short-time Fourier transform by a Hilbert–Schmidt operator. The main result is applied to Cohen’s class of time-frequency distributions, Weyl operators and localization operators. In particular, any positive Cohen’s class distribution with Schwartz kernel can be used to give an equivalent norm for modulation spaces. We also obtain a description of modulation spaces as time-frequency Wiener amalgam spaces. The Hilbert–Schmidt operator must satisfy a nuclearity condition for these results to hold, and we investigate this condition in detail.
Langfristige körperliche und psychische Folgen chronischer Nierenerkrankungen
Authors: Thaiss Friedrich
Published: March 2022

Aufgrund der verbesserten Behandlungsoptionen können Patient:innen mit chronischen Nierenerkrankungen heute deutlich länger überleben als noch vor 10 Jahren. Das Überleben ist für die Betroffenen jedoch immer mit einem Verlust an Lebensqualität verbunden. In diesem Beitrag wird eine kurze Übersicht über die körperlichen und psychischen Erkrankungsfolgen, Begleiterkrankungen und Therapienebenwirkungen bei chronischen Nierenerkrankungen gegeben. Auf bisher bekannte Auswirkungen der COVID-19-Pandemie wird hingewiesen. Abschließend wird aufgezeigt, wie die Langzeitbehandlung weiterentwickelt werden sollte, um die Lebensqualität der Patient:innen zu erhöhen.

Funktionseinschränkungen der Niere haben aufgrund der Kontamination des Blutes mit harnpflichtigen Substanzen (Urämie) schwere Auswirkungen auf den Gesamtorganismus. Zusätzlich sind die Patient:innen von Nebenwirkungen betroffen, die im Zusammenhang mit der medikamentösen Therapie, Dialyse oder Nierentransplantation auftreten können. Patient:innen und Angehörige sind einer großen psychischen Belastung ausgesetzt. Infektionen mit SARS-CoV‑2 können die Nierenfunktion beeinträchtigen und auch die Prognose einer bereits bestehenden Erkrankung verschlechtern.

Die ganzheitliche Versorgung der Patient:innen mit chronischen Nierenerkrankungen muss neben der medizinischen Versorgung auch die psychologischen und psychosozialen Aspekte berücksichtigen. Nephrologie und Psychonephrologie müssen Hand in Hand weiterentwickelt werden, um die medizinische Versorgung und Lebensqualität der betroffenen Patient:innen zu verbessern.
Pharmacoepigenetics in type 2 diabetes: is it clinically relevant?
Authors: Ling Charlotte
Published: March 2022

Data generated over nearly two decades clearly demonstrate the importance of epigenetic modifications and mechanisms in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. However, the role of pharmacoepigenetics in type 2 diabetes is less well established. The field of pharmacoepigenetics covers epigenetic biomarkers that predict response to therapy, therapy-induced epigenetic alterations as well as epigenetic therapies including inhibitors of epigenetic enzymes. Not all individuals with type 2 diabetes respond to glucose-lowering therapies in the same way, and there is therefore a need for clinically useful biomarkers that discriminate responders from non-responders. Blood-based epigenetic biomarkers may be useful for this purpose. There is also a need for a better understanding of whether existing glucose-lowering therapies exert their function partly through therapy-induced epigenetic alterations. Finally, epigenetic enzymes may be drug targets for type 2 diabetes. Here, I discuss whether pharmacoepigenetics is clinically relevant for type 2 diabetes based on studies addressing this topic.
A novel two-layer winding topology for sub-harmonic synchronous machines
Authors: Rafin S. M. Sajjad Hossain , Ali Qasim , Khan Sajid , Lipo Thomas A.
Published: March 2022

With optimized design and modern brushless operation, wound rotor synchronous machines are resurrecting as a strong contender in many applications presently dominated by permanent magnet machines. Considering the notion, this paper introduces a novel brushless synchronous machine topology that utilizes sub-harmonic magnetomotive force (MMF) of its stator winding for desirable brushless operation. It is significant to state that the sub-harmonic MMF component that is used in this novel topology is one-fourth of the fundamental MMF component, whereas, in previous practices, it was half. Moreover, the stator of the machine uses a new winding arrangement of two sets of balanced three-phase windings wound in two layers to produce the fundamental and the sub-harmonic MMF. To achieve the brushless excitation, the rotor utilizes an additional winding that is used to induce the electromotive force (EMF) by the sub-harmonic MMF component of the stator. This novel two-layer stator winding topology permits the utilization of maximum allowable space in the stator to house conductors in all of its 48 slots, which was not the case in previous papers. To validate the performance, and feasibility, an 8-pole 48-slot brushless wound rotor synchronous motor is designed, and a 2-D finite element analysis simulation is conducted, where the topology shows immense potential in terms of better torque performance.
Micro-balloon-assisted embolization of anterior cranial fossa dural arteriovenous fistula via a trans-ophthalmic approach — a technical report and case series
Authors: Kular Saminderjit , Tse George , Pahwa Bhavya , Goddard Tony , Saleem Nayyar , Nagaraja Sanjoy , Dyde Richard , Patankar Tufail
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVF) account for approximately 10–15% of all intracranial arteriovenous abnormalities. dAVFs carry a significant risk of mortality, particularly in cases of acute hemorrhage, of up to 10%. A small proportion of these dAVFs are found in the anterior cranial fossa (ACF), of which the rate of hemorrhage can be as high as up to 91%. The Scepter Mini (SM) is the smallest dual-lumen micro-balloon (MB) available for neurointerventional practice. It consists of a 2.8 French outer diameter, with a 2.2 mm × 9 mm semi-compliant balloon providing a working length of 165 cm. The SM is navigated with a 0.008-inch wire making it a particularly attractive tool accessible to the pedicles normally reached with liquid embolization micro-catheters.

Methods

Five consecutive patients over a 1-year period between 2020 and 2021 were evaluated and treated for ACF dAVF using a liquid embolization approach using the SM balloon. All patients were treated using ethylene–vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), of which Squid 18 and/or Squid 12 were the chosen viscosities. Control angiograms were performed for all patients post-embolization.

Results

All patients demonstrated complete occlusion of the ACF dAVF on immediate post-treatment angiography. No immediate complications were encountered; particularly, there were no reports of visual field deficit in any of the patients.

Conclusion

The MB is a valuable adjunctive tool that can enhance the safety and efficacy of trans-ophthalmic embolization of ACF dAVFs, providing additional protection to the retinal and posterior ciliary arteries against unwanted reflux of liquid embolic agent.
Hyperosmolality in CHO cell culture: effects on the proteome
Authors: Romanova Nadiya , Schelletter Louise , Hoffrogge Raimund , Noll Thomas
Published: March 2022

Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells are the most commonly used host cell lines for therapeutic protein production. Exposure of these cells to highly concentrated feed solution during fed-batch cultivation can lead to a non-physiological increase in osmolality (> 300 mOsm/kg) that affects cell physiology, morphology, and proteome. As addressed in previous studies (and indeed, as recently addressed in our research), hyperosmolalities of up to 545 mOsm/kg force cells to abort proliferation and gradually increase their volume—almost tripling it. At the same time, CHO cells also show a significant hyperosmolality-dependent increase in mitochondrial activity. To gain deeper insight into the molecular mechanisms that are involved in these processes, as detailed in this paper, we performed a comparative quantitative label-free proteome study of hyperosmolality-exposed CHO cells compared with control cells. Our analysis revealed differentially expressed key proteins that mediate mitochondrial activation, oxidative stress amelioration, and cell cycle progression. Our studies also demonstrate a previously unknown effect: the strong regulation of proteins can alter both cell membrane stiffness and permeability. For example, we observed that three types of septins (filamentous proteins that form diffusion barriers in the cell) became strongly up-regulated in response to hyperosmolality in the experimental setup. Overall, these new observations correlate well with recent CHO-based fluxome and transcriptome studies, and reveal additional unknown proteins involved in the response to hyperosmotic pressure by over-concentrated feed in mammalian cells.

Key points

• First-time comparative proteome analysis of CHO cells exposed to over-concentrated feed.

• Discovery of membrane barrier-forming proteins up-regulation under hyperosmolality.

• Description of mitochondrial and protein chaperones activation in treated cells.
Safety and Efficacy of Single‐Session Radiofrequency Ablation Treatment for Benign Non‐toxic Multinodular Goiter
Authors: Lang Brian Hung Hin , Fung Matrix Man Him
Published: March 2022

Background

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an effective treatment for benign thyroid nodules. However, it remains unclear if ablating multiple nodules in single‐session offers comparable safety and efficacy to ablating single nodule. Our study compared early complication rate and 6‐month nodule shrinkage between multiple‐nodules ablation and single‐nodule ablation by RFA.

Methods

Among the 174 eligible patients undergoing RFA of one or more benign thyroid nodules, 85 (48.8%) had single‐nodule ablation (group I) while 89 (51.1%) had two or three nodules ablation (group II). The 6‐month nodule shrinkage of each nodule (by volume reduction ratio) (VRR) was calculated by (Baseline volume − volume at 6‐month)/(Baseline volume)*100 and compared between two groups. To determine independent predictors for VRR, a multivariate analysis was done by logistic regression analysis.

Results

Patients in group II reported significantly higher pain scores during and 2‐h after treatment than group I (42.31 vs. 29.66, p = 0.029 and 38.21 vs. 26.18, p = 0.037, respectively). Two vocal cord paresis occurred in each group. 3‐ and 6‐month VRR of the largest nodule were comparable between two groups (67.39% vs. 63.89%, p = 0.248 and 77.29% vs. 73.38%, p = 0.182). Similar 3‐ and 6‐month VRR were observed for 2 and 3 largest nodules in group II. In multivariate analysis, total energy given per nodule volume (OR = 1.007, 95% CI = 1.001–1.012, p = 0.036) was the only independent predictor for 6‐month VRR.

Conclusion

In the presence of multinodular goiter, ablating two or more nodules by RFA within one session appears to offer a comparable level of safety and efficacy to ablating single nodule.
Derivatives of feed-forward neural networks and their application in real-time market risk management
Authors: Ratku Antal , Neumann Dirk
Published: March 2022

Market risk management of financial derivatives requires the efficient calculation of their price sensitivities with respect to changes in market factors. This paper shows how a deep feed-forward neural network which has been trained for pricing derivative instruments can be efficiently used to calculate these sensitivities as well. The proposed method is a fast and easily implementable alternative approach to automatic differentiation, and it simultaneously calculates all the first- and second-order derivatives of a multilayer feed-forward neural network with respect to its input features. The paper quantifies the performance improvement of the proposed method over a recent, publicly available implementation of automatic differentiation for a wide range of network sizes. The number of input parameters in these networks corresponds to those of commonly used financial models with stochastic volatility. The numerical accuracy of the proposed sensitivity calculations is demonstrated with a case study, calculating price sensitivities of European options under stochastic volatility. While the paper focuses on financial applications, the results presented herein are applicable to all deep feed-forward neural networks with sufficiently smooth activation functions.
A systematic review of the incidence of hypersensitivity reactions and post-contrast acute kidney injury after ioversol in more than 57,000 patients: part 1—intravenous administration
Authors: van der Molen Aart J. , Dekkers Ilona A. , Bedioune Ibrahim , Darmon-Kern Elisabeth
Published: March 2022

Objectives

To evaluate the incidence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs), including hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs) and post-contrast acute kidney injury (PC-AKI), after intravenous (IV) administration of ioversol.

Materials and methods

A systematic literature search (1980–2021) of studies documenting IV use of ioversol and presence or absence of ADRs, HSRs, or PC-AKI was performed. Key information including patients’ characteristics, indication and dose of ioversol, safety outcome incidence, intensity and seriousness were extracted.

Results

Thirty-one studies (> 57,000 patients) were selected, including 4 pediatric studies. The incidence of ADRs in adults was reported in 12 studies from ioversol clinical development with a median (range) of 1.65% (0–33.3%), and 3 other studies with an incidence between 0.13 and 0.28%. The incidence of HSRs (reported in 2 studies) ranged from 0.20 to 0.66%, and acute events (4 studies) from 0.23 to 1.80%. Severe reactions were rare with a median (range) of 0 (0–4%), and none were reported among pediatric patients. The incidence of ADRs and HSRs with ioversol, especially those of severe intensity, was among the lowest in studies comparing different iodinated contrast media (ICM) of the same class. PC-AKI incidence was variable (1–42% in 5 studies); however, ioversol exposure per se did not increase the incidence.

Conclusions

When administered by the IV route, ioversol has a good safety profile comparable to that of other ICM within the same class, with a low incidence of severe/serious ADRs overall, and particularly HSRs. PC-AKI incidence does not seem to be increased compared to patients who did not receive ioversol. Further well-designed studies are warranted to confirm these results.

Key Points

• Ioversol has a good safety profile in adult and pediatric patients when IV administered.

• ADR and HSR incidence with ioversol, especially those of severe intensity, was among the lowest compared to other ICM.

• IV administration of ioversol per se did not increase PC-AKI incidence.
A systematic review of the incidence of hypersensitivity reactions and post-contrast acute kidney injury after ioversol: part 2—intra-arterial administration
Authors: van der Molen Aart J. , Dekkers Ilona A. , Bedioune Ibrahim , Darmon-Kern Elisabeth
Published: March 2022

Objectives

To evaluate the incidence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs), including hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs) and post-contrast acute kidney injury (PC-AKI), after intra-arterial (IA) administration of ioversol.

Methods and materials

A systematic literature search was performed (1980–2021) and studies documenting IA use of ioversol, and reporting safety outcomes were selected. Key information on study design, patients’ characteristics, indication, dose, and type of safety outcome were extracted.

Results

Twenty-eight studies (including two pediatric studies) with 8373 patients exposed to IA ioversol were selected. Studies were highly heterogenous in terms of design, PC-AKI definition, and studied population. PC-AKI incidence after coronary angiography was 7.5–21.9% in a general population, 4.0-26.4% in diabetic patients, and 5.5–28.9% in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). PC-AKI requiring dialysis was rare and reported mainly in patients with severe CKD. No significant differences in PC-AKI rates were shown in studies comparing different iodinated contrast media (ICM). Based on seven studies of ioversol clinical development, the overall ADR incidence was 1.6%, comparable to that reported with other non-ionic ICM. Pediatric data were scarce with only one study reporting on PC-AKI incidence (12%), and one reporting on ADR incidence (0.09%), both after coronary angiography.

Conclusions

After ioversol IA administration, PC-AKI incidence was highly variable between studies, likely reflecting the heterogeneity of the included study populations, and appeared comparable to that reported with other ICM. The rate of other ADRs appears to be low. Well-designed studies are needed for a better comparison with other ICM.

Key Points

• PC-AKI incidence after IA administration of ioversol appears to be comparable to that of other ICM, despite the high variability between studies.

• The need for dialysis after IA administration of ioversol is rare.

• No obvious difference was found regarding the safety profile of ioversol between IA and IV administration.
Early results and complication rate of the LapiCotton procedure in the treatment of medial longitudinal arch collapse: a prospective cohort study
Authors: de Cesar Netto Cesar , Ehret Amanda , Walt Jennifer , Chinelati Rogerio Marcio Kajimura , Dibbern Kevin , de Carvalho Kepler Alencar Mendes , Tazegul Tutku Erim , Lalevee Matthieu , Mansur Nacime Salomão Barbachan
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Instability/collapse of the medial column has been associated with many conditions, particularly progressive collapsing foot deformity (PCFD), hallux valgus (HV), and midfoot arthritis (MA). Restoration of first ray length and sagittal plane alignment to restore the foot tripod is essential when treating these deformities. This study aimed to assess early results, healing, and complication rate of a distraction dorsal opening plantarflexion wedge allograft first tarsometatarsal joint fusion (LapiCotton Procedure) in patients with collapse/instability of the medial column.

Methods

In this prospective cohort study, we included PCFD, HV, and MA patients that underwent a LapiCotton procedure. Fusion site healing was defined by > 50% bone bridging in both interfaces between allograft wedge and host bone using weight-bearing computed tomography (WBCT) after 3 months. First ray collapse radiographic correction and minor and major complications (deep dehiscence, deep infection, and reoperation) were assessed.

Results

A total of 22 patients (22 feet) were included (11 PCFD, 6 MA, and 5 of HV patients). Mean follow-up was 5.9 months (range 3–12) and median allograft size was 8 mm (range 5–19 mm). Bone healing was observed in 91% of cases. Two minor complications (9%, both superficial dehiscence) and one major complication (4.5%, deep infection) were observed. Statistically significant improvement of the sagittal plane talus-first metatarsal angle was observed, with mean improvement of 9.4° (95% CI 6.7–12.1°; p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

In this prospective cohort study of 22 patients treated with the LapiCotton procedure for medial longitudinal arch collapse/instability, we observed a low complication rate (9% minor, 4.5% major), high healing rate after 3 months (91%), one clinically stable radiographic non-union (4.5%) and one unstable non-union (4.5%) needing reoperation. Our results demonstrate promising initial results for LapiCotton technique in treating collapse of the medial longitudinal arch in patients with PCFD, MA and HV deformities. Long-term results are needed to confirm these promising results.

Level of evidence

Level II, prospective cohort study.
The incidence, baseline predictors, and outcomes of dementia in an incident cohort of Parkinson’s disease and controls
Authors: Counsell Carl , Giuntoli Cinzia , Khan Qaisar Imran , Maple-Grødem Jodi , Macleod Angus D.
Published: March 2022

Background

There are few long-term data on the incidence, baseline predictors, and outcomes of dementia in Parkinson’s disease (PD) from prospective community-based incident cohorts.

Methods

The PINE study prospectively identified all incident PD patients in Aberdeen along with age–sex-matched, community-based controls who consented to standardized annual life-long follow-up. Each year, a clinical expert reviewed the diagnosis of PD and the presence of dementia according to DSM-IV-based criteria. Age–sex stratified incidence rates for dementia in PD and controls were calculated and compared with hazard ratios (HR) adjusted for age, sex, education, and socioeconomic status. Cox proportional-hazard modelling was used to assess baseline predictors for PD dementia and the influence of dementia on survival and institutionalization.

Results

201 patients (mean age 72.6yrs) and 260 controls (mean age 75.4yrs) were followed for median 9.5 years. The incidence of dementia was 7.4 (PD) versus 2.1 (controls) per 100 person-years (adjusted HR 6.0, 95%CI 4.1–8.7), with a sixfold increase from under 60 to over 80 years in PD but no sex difference. Independent baseline predictors of PD dementia were older age at diagnosis, self-reported cognitive symptoms, dream enactment, lower MMSE scores, worse motor UPDRS scores, and the ApoE genotype. PD dementia increased the rates of subsequent death and institutionalization (32.0 and 26.9 per 100 person-years, respectively).

Conclusion

The incidence of dementia in PD is high, increases markedly with age, is increased in those with baseline subjective cognitive symptoms as well as other established risk factors, and is associated with high rates of death and institutionalization.
Sodium retention in nephrotic syndrome is independent of the activation of the membrane-anchored serine protease prostasin (CAP1/PRSS8) and its enzymatic activity
Authors: Essigke Daniel , Bohnert Bernhard N. , Janessa Andrea , Wörn Matthias , Omage Kingsley , Kalbacher Hubert , Birkenfeld Andreas L. , Bugge Thomas H. , Szabo Roman , Artunc Ferruh
Published: March 2022

Experimental nephrotic syndrome leads to activation of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) by proteolysis and promotes renal sodium retention. The membrane-anchored serine protease prostasin (CAP1/PRSS8) is expressed in the distal nephron and participates in proteolytic ENaC regulation by serving as a scaffold for other serine proteases. However, it is unknown whether prostasin is also involved in ENaC-mediated sodium retention of experimental nephrotic syndrome. In this study, we used genetically modified knock-in mice withPrss8mutations abolishing its proteolytic activity (Prss8-S238A) or prostasin activation (Prss8-R44Q) to investigate the development of sodium retention in doxorubicin-induced nephrotic syndrome. Healthy Prss8-S238A and Prss8-R44Q mice had normal ENaC activity as reflected by the natriuretic response to the ENaC blocker triamterene. After doxorubicin injection, all genotypes developed similar proteinuria. In all genotypes, urinary prostasin excretion increased while renal expression was not altered. In nephrotic mice of all genotypes, triamterene response was similarly increased, consistent with ENaC activation. As a consequence, urinary sodium excretion dropped in all genotypes and mice similarly gained body weight by + 25 ± 3% in Prss8-wt, + 20 ± 2% in Prss8-S238A and + 28 ± 3% in Prss8-R44Q mice (p = 0.16). In Western blots, expression of fully cleaved α- and γ-ENaC was similarly increased in nephrotic mice of all genotypes. In conclusion, proteolytic ENaC activation and sodium retention in experimental nephrotic syndrome are independent of the activation of prostasin and its enzymatic activity and are consistent with the action of aberrantly filtered serine proteases or proteasuria.
The role of cerclage wiring in the management of subtrochanteric and reverse oblique intertrochanteric fractures: a meta-analysis of comparative studies
Authors: Hantouly Ashraf T. , Salameh Motasem , Toubasi Ahmad A. , Salman Loay A. , Alzobi Osama , Ahmed Abdulaziz F. , Ahmed Ghalib
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Subtrochanteric and reverse oblique intertrochanteric fractures are challenging and often difficult to reduce. While intramedullary nailing (IMN) is considered the standard treatment, achieving anatomic reduction prior to fixation is essential. This study aimed to assess the impact of cerclage wiring with IMN on the outcomes and complication rate in treating subtrochanteric and reverse oblique intertrochanteric fractures.

Methods

This meta-analysis was conducted in line with PRISMA guidelines. The primary outcome was the time to union. The secondary outcomes were operative time, blood loss, quality of reduction, reduction alignment (if in varus), complications and reoperations. PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science and Google Scholar were searched till July 2021. Articles that compared intramedullary nailing (IMN) versus intramedullary nailing and cerclage wiring (IMN-C) in the treatment of subtrochanteric and reverse oblique intertrochanteric fractures were included. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale.

Results

This meta-analysis included 415 patients with subtrochanteric and reverse oblique intertrochanteric fracture from six comparative studies. Our findings showed that IMN-C was significantly associated with higher mean duration of surgery and blood loss. However, IMN-C had significantly lower mean time to union compared to IMN alone. In addition, IMN-C had lower pooled prevalence of varus reduction and overall complications.

Conclusion

This study showed that the use of cerclage wiring is associated with lower time to union, lower prevalence of varus reduction and overall complications. Therefore, cerclage wiring augmentation is a safe technique with low complication rate and may be advised whenever open reduction is needed in the management of subtrochanteric and reverse oblique intertrochanteric fractures.
Paraoxonase and arylesterase activity of serum PON-1 enzyme in psoriatic patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bassu Stefania , Mangoni Arduino A. , Satta Rosanna , Argiolas Dario , Carru Ciriaco , Zinellu Angelo
Published: March 2022

Human serum paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) is a critical antioxidant defense system against lipid oxidation. Decreased PON-1 activity has been associated with systemic oxidative stress in several disease states. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of plasma/serum concentrations of PON-1 paraoxonase and arylesterase activity in psoriasis, a chronic immune-mediated and inflammatory skin disease. The electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched from inception to November 2021. In total, 14 studies in 691 psoriatic patients and 724 healthy controls were included in the meta-analysis. Serum paraoxonase activity was significantly lower in psoriatic patients (SMD = − 2.30, 95% CI − 3.17 to − 1.42; p < 0.001); however, no significant between-group differences were observed in serum arylesterase activity (SMD = − 0.34, 95% CI − 0.11 to 0.80; p = 0.14). The pooled SMD values were not substantially altered in sensitivity analysis. There was no publication bias. In conclusion, our meta-analysis has shown that serum paraoxonase, but not arylesterase, activity is significantly lower in psoriasis, suggesting an impaired antioxidant defense in these patients.
Feature tracking cardiovascular magnetic resonance reveals recovery of atrial function after acute myocarditis
Authors: Schneider J. N. , Jahnke C. , Cavus E. , Chevalier C. , Bohnen S. , Radunski U. K. , Riedl K. A. , Tahir E. , Adam G. , Kirchhof P. , Blankenberg S. , Lund G. K. , Müllerleile K.
Published: March 2022

Follow-up after acute myocarditis is important to detect persisting myocardial dysfunction. However, recovery of atrial function has not been evaluated after acute myocarditis so far. Thirty-five patients with strictly defined acute myocarditis underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR, 1.5 T) in the acute stage at baseline (BL) and at 3 months follow-up (FU). The study population included 13 patients with biopsy-proven “cardiomyopathy-like” myocarditis (CLM) and 22 patients with “infarct-like” (ILM) clinical presentation. CMR feature tracking (FT) was performed on conventional cine SSFP sequences. Median LA-GLS increased from 33.2 (14.5; 39.2) at BL to 37.0% (25.2; 44.1, P = 0.0018) at FU in the entire study population. Median LA-GLS also increased from 36.7 (26.5; 42.3) at BL to 41.3% (34.5; 44.8, P = 0.0262) at FU in the ILM subgroup and from 11.3 (6.4; 21.1) at BL to 21.4% (14.2; 30.7, P = 0.0186) at FU in the CLM subgroup. Median RA-GLS significantly increased from BL with 30.8 (22.5; 37.0) to FU with 33.7% (26.8; 45.4, P = 0.0027) in the entire study population. Median RA-GLS also significantly increased from 32.7 (25.8; 41.0) at BL to 35.8% (27.7; 48.0, P = 0.0495) at FU in the ILM subgroup and from 22.8 (13.1; 33.9) at BL to 31.0% (26.0; 40.8, P = 0.0266) at FU in the CLM subgroup. Our findings demonstrate recovery of LA and RA function by CMR-FT strain analyses in patients after acute myocarditis independent from clinical presentation. Monitoring of atrial strain could be an important tool for an individual assessment of healing after acute myocarditis.
Relationships between climate change perceptions and climate adaptation actions: policy support, information seeking, and behaviour
Authors: van Valkengoed A. M. , Perlaviciute G. , Steg L.
Published: March 2022

People are increasingly exposed to climate-related hazards, including floods, droughts, and vector-borne diseases. A broad repertoire of adaptation actions is needed to adapt to these various hazards. It is therefore important to identify general psychological antecedents that motivate people to engage in many different adaptation actions, in response to different hazards, and in different contexts. We examined if people’s climate change perceptions act as such general antecedents. Questionnaire studies in the Netherlands (n = 3,546) and the UK (n = 803) revealed that the more people perceive climate change as real, human-caused, and having negative consequences, the more likely they are to support adaptation policy and to seek information about local climate impacts and ways to adapt. These relationships were stronger and more consistent when the information and policies were introduced as measures to adapt to risks of climate change specifically. However, the three types of climate change perceptions were inconsistently associated with intentions to implement adaptation behaviours (e.g. installing a green roof). This suggests that climate change perceptions can be an important gateway for adaptation actions, especially policy support and information seeking, but that it may be necessary to address additional barriers in order to fully harness the potential of climate change perceptions to promote widespread adaptation behaviour.
Generalizability and effect measure modification in sibling comparison studies
Authors: Sjölander Arvid , Öberg Sara , Frisell Thomas
Published: March 2022

Sibling comparison studies have the attractive feature of being able to control for unmeasured confounding by factors that are shared within families. However, there is sometimes a concern that these studies may have poor generalizability (external validity) due to the implicit restriction to families that are covariate-discordant, i.e., those families where at least two siblings have different levels of at least one of the covariates (exposure or confounders) under investigation. Even if this selection mechanism has been noted by many authors, previous accounts of the problem tend to be brief. The purpose of this paper is to provide a formal discussion of the implicit restriction to covariate-discordant families in sibling comparison studies. We discuss when and how this restriction may impair the generalizability of the study, and we show that a similar generalizability problem may in fact arise even when all families are covariate-discordant, e.g. even if the exposure is continuous so that all siblings have different exposure levels. We show how this problem can be solved by using a so-called marginal between-within model for estimation of marginal exposure effects. Finally, we illustrate the theoretical conclusions with a simulation study.
Seasonal variation in productivity, chemical composition and nutrient uptake of Ulva spp. (Chlorophyta) strains
Authors: Jansen Henrice M. , Bernard Miriam S. , Nederlof Marit A. J. , van der Meer Ingrid M. , van der Werf Adrie
Published: March 2022

Applications of
seaweeds require the supply of uniform biomass, yet performance of Ulva is generally characterised by a wide variation across study sites and seasons, as well as among species or strains. This study aimed to determine the variation in growth, biochemical composition and nutrient uptake of five Ulva strains collected in the Eastern Scheldt estuary (the Netherlands) and cultivated under standardised outdoor conditions from July to November. Surprisingly, only two strains performed well (maximum 291 ± 95 and 570 ± 122 kg FW ha−1 day−1 for VEE and YER strain), one strain showed slow growth (maximum 155 ± 91 kg FW ha−1 day−1 for SCH strain), and the last two strains (JAC and KOM) did not grow at all. Chemical composition was only determined for the well-performing strains. For most of the parameters, strong seasonality was observed; growth, crude fat (0.4–1.3%), ash (16–25%) and starch (3–11%) decreased, whereas fibres (37–45%) and proteins (7–22% crude; 6–18% true) increased. To evaluate the bio-remediation potential, nutrient uptake of YER, VEE and SCH strains was determined from in- and outflowing water (453–2027 µmol DIN; 4–101 µmol PO4 kg FW h−1). Highest rates were observed for the SCH strain which was not in accordance with growth nor composition, suggesting that nutrients were not (all) directed towards vegetative growth. This study demonstrates a large variation in performance between different Ulva strains collected in relatively close proximity and thereby highlights the importance to test a variety of local seaweed strains prior to commercial farming.
In vivo and in vitro postovulatory aging: when time works against oocyte quality?
Authors: Di Nisio Valentina , Antonouli Sevastiani , Damdimopoulou Pauliina , Salumets Andres , Cecconi Sandra ,   On behalf of SIERR
Published: March 2022

In mammalian species an optimal fertilization window during which successful fertilization occurs. In the majority of mammals estrus marks ovulation time and coincident with mating, thereby allowing the synchronized meeting in the fallopian tubes, between freshly ejaculated sperm and freshly ovulated oocytes. Conversely, women do not show natural visual signs of ovulation such that fertilization can occur hours later involving an aged oocyte and freshly ejaculated spermatozoa. During this time, the oocyte undergoes a rapid degradation known as “postovulatory aging” (POA). POA may become particularly important in the human-assisted reproductive technologies, as the fertilization of retrieved mature oocytes can be delayed due to increased laboratory workload or because of unforeseeable circumstances, like the delayed availability of semen samples. This paper is an updated review of the consequences of POA, either in vivo or in vitro, on oocyte quality with particular attention to modifications caused by POA on oocyte nuclear, cytoplasmic, genomic, and epigenetic maturation, and embryo development.
Abyssal current and water mass in the Main Gap and an adjacent Small Gap of the Emperor Seamount Chain
Authors: Yanagimoto Daigo , Miyamoto Masatoshi , Oka Eitarou , Nakano Toshiya , Takatsuki Yasushi , Tsujino Hiroyuki
Published: March 2022

From 2016 to 2017, we conducted 1-year mooring current observation at the widest, deepest gap, widely known as the Main Gap, and a narrower, shallower gap just south of the Main Gap, called the Small Gap in this study, in the Emperor Seamount Chain, which divides the Northwest Pacific Basin (NWPB) from the Northeast Pacific Basin. We also conducted two hydrographic sections with a conductivity–temperature–depth sensor and a lowered acoustic Doppler current profiler around the two gaps in 2012 and 2016. At the Main Gap, the abyssal current flowed east–northeastward at a statistically significant mean velocity of 1.3–2.4 cm s−1, while the current was dominated by tidal and inertial variability with a magnitude of 3–4 cm s−1. At the Small Gap, the abyssal current had an eastward mean velocity of 9.4 cm s−1, accompanied by mesoscale variability with a magnitude of 7 cm s−1. These eastward currents carried abyssal water below a depth of 5000 m, which came from the northern part of the NWPB, with a volume transport of 1.6 × 106 m3 s−1 through the Main Gap and 0.5 × 106 m3 s−1 through the Small Gap. Cold, saline, oxygen-rich Lower Circumpolar Deep Water, which occupied the south of the zonal seamount range at 37°N, called the S–E Seamounts in this study, was found near the seafloor north of the S–E Seamounts to the west of the Small Gap; however, it did not extend to the Main Gap or to the east of the Small Gap.
Future changes of hot extremes in Spain: towards warmer conditions
Authors: Lorenzo M. N. , Alvarez I.
Published: March 2022

One of the most relevant effects of climate change is its influence on the frequency and intensity of extreme events. The analysis and understanding of these events are of great importance due to the probability of causing environmental and social damage. In this study, we investigate changes in extreme hot temperature events over Spain for the near future (2021–2050) in relation to a control period (1971–2000) by using regional climate model simulations from the EURO-CORDEX project. The projection results show a significant increase in the number of extremely warm temperatures throughout the area. A significant strong increase in warm days and warm nights is projected over the domain. Simulations also project more frequent summer days and tropical nights over most parts of the region. The most significant increase in relation to the present climatology corresponds to warm nights, while simulations corresponding to tropical nights project the smallest changes.
Methodological Individualism: Still a Useful Methodology for the Social Sciences?
Authors: Neck Reinhard
Published: March 2022

This paper explains the role of methodological individualism as a methodology for the social sciences by briefly discussing its forerunners in economics and sociology, especially in the works of Carl Menger and Max Weber, followed by some comments on Karl Popper’s and other critical rationalists’ contributions as well as rational choice theories. Some recent arguments against methodological rationalism are then provided, including counterarguments, mainly based on exemplary work by economists and sociologists. This paper proposes a scheme for analyses using (weak) methodological individualism, in particular, arguing that evolutionary approaches to the explanation of economic and other social phenomena that accord with methodological individualism suggest that it is a successful and progressive methodology for economics and sociology.
Fully Integrated Ultra-thin Intraoperative Micro-imager for Cancer Detection Using Upconverting Nanoparticles
Authors: Najafiaghdam Hossein , Pedroso Cassio C. S. , Torquato Nicole A. , Cohen Bruce E. , Anwar Mekhail
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Intraoperative detection and removal of microscopic residual disease (MRD) remain critical to the outcome of cancer surgeries. Today’s minimally invasive surgical procedures require miniaturization and surgical integration of highly sensitive imagers to seamlessly integrate into the modern clinical workflow. However, current intraoperative imagers remain cumbersome and still heavily dependent on large lenses and rigid filters, precluding further miniaturization and integration into surgical tools.

Procedures

We have successfully engineered a chip-scale intraoperative micro-imager array—without optical filters or lenses—integrated with lanthanide-based alloyed upconverting nanoparticles (aUCNPs) to achieve tissue imaging using a single micro-chip. This imaging platform is able to leverage the unique optical properties of aUCNPs (long luminescent lifetime, high-efficiency upconversion, no photobleaching) by utilizing a time-resolved imaging method to acquire images using a 36-by-80-pixel, 2.3 mm $$\times$$
×
4.8 mm silicon-based electronic imager micro-chip, that is, less than 100-µm thin. Each pixel incorporates a novel architecture enabling automated background measurement and cancellation. We have validated the performance, spatial resolution, and the background cancellation scheme of the imaging platform, using resolution test targets and mouse prostate tumor sample intratumorally injected with aUCNPs. To demonstrate the ability to image MRD, or tumor margins, we evaluated the imaging platform in visualizing a single-cell thin section of the injected prostate tumor sample.

Results

Tested on USAF resolution targets, the imager is able to achieve a resolution of 71 µm. We have also demonstrated successful background cancellation, achieving a signal-to-background ratio of 8 when performing ex vivo imaging on aUCNP-injected prostate tumor sample, improved from originally 0.4. The performance of the imaging platform on single-cell layer sections was also evaluated and the sensor achieved a signal-to-background ratio of 4.3 in resolving cell clusters with sizes as low as 200 cells.

Conclusion

The imaging system proposed here is a scalable chip-scale ultra-thin alternative for bulky conventional intraoperative imagers. Its novel pixel architecture and background correction scheme enable visualization of microscopic-scale residual disease while remaining completely free of lenses and filters, achieving an ultra-miniaturized form factor—critical for intraoperative settings.
The Reliability Factor: Modeling Individual Reliability with Multiple Items from a Single Assessment
Authors: Martin Stephen R. , Rast Philippe
Published: March 2022

Reliability is a crucial concept in psychometrics. Although it is typically estimated as a single fixed quantity, previous work suggests that reliability can vary across persons, groups, and covariates. We propose a novel method for estimating and modeling case-specific reliability without repeated measurements or parallel tests. The proposed method employs a “Reliability Factor” that models the error variance of each case across multiple indicators, thereby producing case-specific reliability estimates. Additionally, we use Gaussian process modeling to estimate a nonlinear, non-monotonic function between the latent factor itself and the reliability of the measure, providing an analogue to test information functions in item response theory. The reliability factor model is a new tool for examining latent regions with poor conditional reliability, and correlates thereof, in a classical test theory framework.
Spanish Validation of the COMM Scale to Assess the Misuse of Prescription Opioids in Patients with Chronic Noncancer Pain
Authors: Reyes-Pérez Ángela , López-Martínez Alicia E. , Esteve Rosa , Ramírez-Maestre Carmen
Published: March 2022

The Current Opioid Misuse Measure (COMM) is a questionnaire used to identify and monitor chronic pain patients on opioid therapy who may be misusing their prescription opioids. The aim of the present study was to adapt the questionnaire for its use in Spanish-speaking populations. A total of 171 individuals (131 women and 40 men) with nononcological chronic pain participated in this cross-sectional study. The most frequent pain diagnoses in the sample were fibromyalgia, herniated disc, and rheumatoid arthritis. Systematic sampling was used. All individuals were interviewed at their clinic between March 2018 and February 2020. The dimensionality of the COMM-SV items was evaluated using an optimal implementation of parallel analysis (PA) and an exploratory factor analysis. Internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and criterion and convergent validity were calculated. The COMM-SV comprises five factors: problematic interpersonal behaviour, searching for more medication than prescribed, medication misuse and self-injurious thoughts, emergency use, and memory and attention problems. It has good reliability and adequate test–retest stability. The results support its criterion and convergent validity. Given the increasing use and abuse of opioids, a valid and reliable instrument is needed in Spanish settings to identify patients with chronic pain who present aberrant behaviour related to the use of these medications. The COMM-SV enables Spanish clinicians to do that.
Network and solitude satisfaction as modifiers of disadvantages in the quality of life of older persons who are challenged by exclusion from social relations: a gender stratified analysis
Authors: Pavlidis George , Hansen Thomas , Motel-Klingebiel Andreas , Aartsen Marja
Published: March 2022

This study examined from a gender-sensitive perspective the associations of exclusion from social relations (ESR) with the quality of life (QoL) of excluded older persons. Being satisfied with existing relations (i.e., network satisfaction) may be particularly important for the QoL of older persons with small networks, whereas the QoL of “network-less” older persons may be associated with their perception of solitude (i.e., solitude satisfaction). This study examined the moderating role of network satisfaction (NS) in the gendered associations between network size and QoL, as well as the gendered associations of solitude satisfaction (SS) with the QoL of older “network-less” persons. In addition, the comparative disadvantages in the QoL of “network-less” older persons with low-to-high SS, compared to the QoL of socially embedded persons with low-to-high NS were examined. Cross-sectional gender stratified secondary analyses of data from participants (N = 72.433) in the Survey on Health, Aging and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) did not provide convincing evidence that a higher NS is particularly important for the QoL of older persons with smaller networks. Among older “network-less” persons, lower SS was associated with lower QoL, comparatively more so among older women. Older persons embedded in a social network with low NS, as well as older “network-less” persons with low SS, have comparatively the lowest levels of QoL. It was concluded that the subjective evaluation of social relations and the subjective evaluation of solitude are associated with gendered disadvantages in the QoL of older persons challenged by ESR.