bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Randomized time‐varying knapsack problems via binary beetle antennae search algorithm: Emphasis on applications in portfolio insurance
Authors: Medvedeva Marina A. , Katsikis Vasilios N. , Mourtas Spyridon D. , Simos Theodore E.
Published: September 2020

The knapsack problem is a problem in combinatorial optimization, and in many such problems, exhaustive search is not tractable. In this paper, we describe and analyze the randomized time‐varying knapsack problem (RTVKP) as a time‐varying integer linear programming (TV‐ILP) problem. In this way, we present the on‐line solution to the RTVKP combinatorial optimization problem and highlight the restrictions of static methods. In addition, the RTVKP is applied in the field of finance and converted into a portfolio insurance problem. Our methodology is confirmed by simulation tests in real‐world data sets, in order to explain being an excellent alternative to traditional approaches.
A Standardized Strategy for Simultaneous Quantification of Urine Metabolites to Validate Development of a Biomarker Panel Allowing Comprehensive Assessment of Dietary Exposure
Authors: Beckmann Manfred , Wilson Thomas , Zubair Hassan , Lloyd Amanda J. , Lyons Laura , Phillips Helen , Tailliart Kathleen , Gregory Nicholas , Thatcher Rhys , Garcia‐Perez Isabel , Frost Gary , Mathers John M. , Draper John
Published: September 2020

Scope

Metabolites derived from individual foods found in human biofluids after consumption could provide objective measures of dietary intake. For comprehensive dietary assessment, quantification methods would need to manage the structurally diverse mixture of target metabolites present at wide concentration ranges.

Methods and results

A strategy for selection of candidate dietary exposure biomarkers is developed. An analytical method for 62 food biomarkers is validated by extensive analysis of chromatographic and ionization behavior characteristics using triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. Urine samples from two food intervention studies are used: a controlled, inpatient study (n = 19) and a free‐living study where individuals (n = 15) are provided with food as a series of menu plans. As proof‐of‐principle, it is demonstrated that the biomarker panel could discriminate between menu plans by detecting distinctive changes in the concentration in urine of targeted metabolites. Quantitative relationships between four biomarker concentrations in urine and dietary intake are shown.

Conclusion

Design concepts for an analytical strategy are demonstrated, allowing simultaneous quantification of a comprehensive panel of chemically‐diverse biomarkers of a wide range of commonly‐consumed foods. It is proposed that integration of self‐reported dietary recording tools with biomarker approaches will provide more robust assessment of dietary exposure.
A qualitative systematic review of the views, experiences and perceptions of Pilates‐trained physiotherapists and their patients
Authors: Giannakou Ioanna , Gaskell Lynne
Published: September 2020

Objectives

A review of qualitative studies exploring Pilates‐trained physiotherapists and their patients' perspectives and experiences of Pilates, aiming to improve practice and provide a deeper insight into the way this method is being utilized along with its effects on participants.

Design

Qualitative evidence synthesis using meta‐ethnography.

Data sources

A comprehensive search strategy, limited to English language articles, was conducted to MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, CINAHL, PEDro and Cochrane Central for the period of January 2000 (inception) to June 2020. This was supplemented by identification of Grey literature through Google Scholar, website searching and reference lists.

Study selection

Qualitative studies reporting experiences and perceptions of patients' or Pilates‐trained physiotherapists' regarding the efficacy of Pilates for the management of chronic musculoskeletal conditions. After a process of exclusion, eight studies were included in the synthesis.

Data extraction

The textual data were analysed by a qualitative software program. Studies were critically appraised independently by two reviewers.

Data synthesis

Articles were synthesized using a technique of meta‐ethnography. Three themes emerged from the process of reciprocal translation: (1) Benefits of the Pilates approach; (2) most effective ways to utilize and most beneficial parameters and (3) risks, precautions, contraindications and indications.

Conclusion

This is the first qualitative evidence synthesis of practitioners' and patients' perspectives of Pilates. Findings support evidence for the various benefits of this approach and provide fresh insight into the way this method can be practiced to maximize efficiency and focus on the patients' needs.

Key recommendations

Pilates‐trained physiotherapists identified that Pilates can be tailored to individual requirements, preferences and needs, to promote self‐management to facilitate clinical and cost‐effective care.
Cystinosis myopathy: Searching for optimal clinical outcome measures
Authors: Kushlaf Hani
Published: September 2020

See article on pages 681–687 in this issue.
Reply to the letter to the editor regarding “nutritional neuropathies”
Authors: Gwathmey Kelly G. , Grogan James
Published: September 2020

See article on pages E88–E89 in this issue.
Integrated quantitative susceptibility and R2* mapping for evaluation of liver fibrosis: An ex vivo feasibility study
Authors: Jafari Ramin , Hectors Stefanie J. , Koehne de González Anne K. , Spincemaille Pascal , Prince Martin R. , Brittenham Gary M. , Wang Yi
Published: September 2020

To develop a method for noninvasive evaluation of liver fibrosis, we investigated the differential sensitivities of quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) and R2* mapping using corrections for the effects of liver iron. Liver fibrosis is characterized by excessive accumulation of collagen and other extracellular matrix proteins. While collagen increases R2* relaxation, measures of R2* for fibrosis are confounded by liver iron, which may be present in the liver over a wide range of concentrations. The diamagnetic collagen contribution to susceptibility values measured by QSM is much less than the contribution of highly paramagnetic iron. In 19 ex vivo liver explants with and without fibrosis, QSM (χ), R2* and proton density fat fraction (PDFF) maps were constructed from multiecho gradient‐recalled echo (mGRE) sequence acquisition at 3 T. Median parameter values were recorded and differences between the MRI parameters in nonfibrotic vs. advanced fibrotic/cirrhotic samples were evaluated using Mann–Whitney U tests and receiver operating characteristic analyses. Logistic regression with stepwise feature selection was employed to evaluate the utility of combined MRI measurements for detection of fibrosis. Median R2* increased in fibrotic vs. nonfibrotic liver samples (P = .041), while differences in χ and PDFF were nonsignificant (P = .545 and P = .395, respectively). Logistic regression identified the combination of χ and R2* significant for fibrosis detection (logit [prediction] = −8.45 + 0.23 R2* − 28.8 χ). For this classifier, a highly significant difference between nonfibrotic vs. advanced fibrotic/cirrhotic samples was observed (P = .002). The model exhibited an AUC of 0.909 (P = .003) for detection of advanced fibrosis/cirrhosis, which was substantially higher compared with AUCs of the individual parameters (AUC 0.591–0.784). An integrated QSM and R2* analysis of mGRE 3 T imaging data is promising for noninvasive diagnostic assessment of liver fibrosis.
Empathy from private or public self‐consciousness in socially responsible consumption
Authors: Luan Chi‐Cheng , Chen Tz‐Han
Published: September 2020

The issue of socially responsible consumption (SRC) has been discussed from a perspective of behavioral change. Empathy is a moral emotion to motivate this behavioral change and includes cognitive and affective elements. Yet, the process of how an individual generates empathy cognitively and affectively is still unclear. Therefore, the main aim of this research is to discuss two types of self‐consciousness which result in empathic concern that changes consumers' behavior to be more socially responsible. This research conducted two studies via Amazon Mechanical Turk including the self‐evaluation surveys of 428 participants and surveys of 351 participants about a simulated shopping scenario. Structural equation modeling method was employed to examine the hypotheses. Two studies showed that private self‐consciousness significantly influences empathic concern about SRC. Moreover, age and income significantly moderated the relationship between private (vs. public) self‐consciousness and empathic concern. These findings suggest that experiential marketing strategies could be used particularly on younger or lower‐income consumers as they tend to feel empathy through private self‐consciousness of moral values on helping others. This research also suggests that nonprofit organizations should collaborate with for‐profit sectors by triggering consumers' empathic feelings in terms of private and public self‐consciousness and demographic factors.
Dietary Methionine Restriction Signals to the Brain Through Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 to Regulate Energy Balance and Remodeling of Adipose Tissue
Authors: Forney Laura A. , Fang Han , Sims Landon C. , Stone Kirsten P. , Vincik Leighann Y. , Vick Alicia M. , Gibson Amanda N. , Burk David H. , Gettys Thomas W.
Published: September 2020

Objective

Restricting dietary methionine to 0.17% in mice increases energy expenditure (EE), reduces fat deposition, and improves metabolic health by increasing hepatic fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21). The goal of this study was to compare each of these responses in mice with the coreceptor for FGF21 deleted in either adipose tissue or the brain.

Methods

Methionine‐restriction (MR) diets were fed to age‐matched cohorts of mice with the coreceptor for FGF21 deleted in either adipose tissue or the brain. The physiological and transcriptional responses to MR were compared in the respective cohorts.

Results

Tissue‐specific deletion of the FGF21 coreceptor in adipose tissue did not abrogate the ability of dietary MR to increase  EE and reduce fat deposition. Tissue‐specific deletion of the FGF21 coreceptor from the brain produced mice that were unable to respond to the effects of MR on  EE or the remodeling of adipose tissue.

Conclusions

The increase in FGF21 produced by dietary MR acts primarily in the brain to produce its physiological effects on energy balance. In contrast, the effects of MR on hepatic gene expression were intact in both models, supporting a mechanism that directly links detection of reduced methionine in the liver to transcriptional mechanisms that alter gene expression in the liver.
Treatment response of CNS high‐grade neuroepithelial tumors with MN1 alteration
Authors: Baroni Lorena V. , Rugilo Carlos , Lubieniecki Fabiana , Sampor Claudia , Freytes Candela , Nobre Liana , Hansford Jordan R. , Malalasekera Vajiranee S. , Zapotocky Michal , Dodgshun Andrew , Martinez Ofelia Cruz , La Madrid Andres Morales , Lavarino Cinzia , Suñol Mariona , Rutkowski Stefan , Schuller Ulrich , Bouffet Eric , Ramaswamy Vijay , Alderete Daniel
Published: September 2020

Central nervous system high‐grade neuroepithelial tumor with MN1 alteration (CNS HGNET‐MN1) is a rare recently described entity. Fourteen CNS HGNET‐MN1 patients were identified using genome‐wide methylation arrays/RT‐PCR across seven institutions. All patients had surgery (gross total resection: 10; subtotal resection: four) as initial management followed by observation alone in three patients, followed by radiotherapy in eight patients (focal: five; craniospinal: two; CyberKnife: one) and systemic chemotherapy in three patients. Seven patients relapsed; five local and two metastatic, despite adjuvant radiotherapy, of which three died. Treatment of CNS HGNET‐MN1 remains a major treatment challenge despite aggressive surgical resections and upfront radiotherapy, warranting new approaches to this rare malignancy.
Respiratory Severity Score greater than or equal to 2 at birth is associated with an increased risk of mortality in infants with birth weights less than or equal to 1250 g
Authors: Shah Shetal I. , Aboudi David , La Gamma Edmund F. , Brumberg Heather L.
Published: September 2020

Objective

Respiratory Severity Score (RSS), the product of mean airway pressure and the fraction of inspired oxygen may estimate the severity of neonatal lung disease. We aimed to determine if RSS on the first day of life is associated with mortality and/or comorbidities in infants born less than or equal to 1250 g.

Methods

Data were extracted from the NYS Perinatal Data System for premature inborn infants from 2006 to 2016 born between 400 and 1250 g (N = 730). RSS was divided into three categories: less than 2 (low, n = 310), 2–5 (moderate, n = 265), greater than 5 (high, n = 155). The primary outcome was mortality. Logistic regression determined associations with composite outcomes of death or respiratory morbidity (respiratory support after 36 weeks postmenstrual age), death or neurologic morbidity (periventricular leukomalacia) or high‐grade intraventricular hemorrhage), and death/severe morbidity (death or neurologic morbidity or respiratory morbidity or stage ≥ III retinopathy of prematurity or necrotizing enterocolitis) by RSS category.

Results

Birthweight and gestational age were lower with the increasing RSS category (p < .001 for both). Mode of delivery, antenatal steroids, and maternal age did not differ by RSS. In adjusted analyses, there were increased odds of mortality in infants with moderate RSS (odds ratio [95% confidence intervals]: 3.1 (1.7–5.4) and high 4.5 (2.5–8.2). These groups had higher odds of death or respiratory morbidity, death or neurologic morbidity, and death/severe morbidity.

Conclusion

Higher RSS (≥2) is associated with an increased risk of mortality and morbidities in infants born less than or equal to 1250 g.
Insights to potential antihypertensive activity of berry fruits
Authors: Yousefi Mojtaba , Shadnoush Mahdi , Khorshidian Nasim , Mortazavian Amir M.
Published: September 2020

Hypertension is one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular disease and causes widespread morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although several antihypertensive drugs have been proposed for management of high blood pressure, changing lifestyle, including diet, has attracted interest recently. In this sense, consumption of fruits and vegetables, which are rich in vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals, has been assigned as an efficient therapeutics. Berry fruits contain various bioactive compounds with potential health implications such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, and anti‐inflammatory properties. The main mechanisms responsible for antihypertensive activity mainly arise from the activity of flavonoids, minerals, and vitamins, as well as fibers. The objective of this review is to provide a summary of studies regarding the effect of berry fruits on the hypertensive animals and humans. The mechanisms involved in reducing blood pressure by each group of compounds have been highlighted. It can be concluded that berries' bioactive compounds are efficient in mitigation of hypertension through improvement of vascular function, angiotensin‐converting enzyme's (ACE) inhibitory activity, increasing endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity, and nitric oxide (NO) production, besides anti‐oxidative and anti‐inflammatory activities. These fruits can be considered as potential sources of invaluable compounds for development of antihypertensive foods and pharmaceuticals.
Viral infection neutralization tests: A focus on severe acute respiratory syndrome‐coronavirus‐2 with implications for convalescent plasma therapy
Authors: Focosi Daniele , Maggi Fabrizio , Mazzetti Paola , Pistello Mauro
Published: September 2020

Viral neutralization tests (VNTs) have long been considered old‐fashioned tricks in the armamentarium of fundamental virology, with laboratory implementation for a limited array of viruses only. Nevertheless, they represent the most reliable surrogate of potency for passive immunotherapies, such as monoclonal or polyclonal antibody therapy. The recent interest around therapy with convalescent plasma or monoclonal antibodies for the Covid‐19 pandemic has paralleled the revival of VNTs. We review here the available methods by dissecting variations for each fundamental component of the VNT (i.e., virus type and dose, replication‐competent cell line, serum, and detection system).
Online learning constrained model predictive control based on double prediction
Authors: Manzano J. M. , Muñoz de la Peña D. , Calliess J. , Limon D.
Published: September 2020

A data‐based predictive controller is proposed, offering both robust stability guarantees and online learning capabilities. To merge these two properties in a single controller, a double‐prediction approach is taken. On the one hand, a safe prediction is computed using Lipschitz interpolation on the basis of an offline identification dataset, which guarantees safety of the controlled system. On the other hand, the controller also benefits from the use of a second online learning‐based prediction as measurements incrementally become available over time. Sufficient conditions for robust stability and constraint satisfaction are given. Illustrations of the approach are provided in a simulated case study.
New grassland riparian zone delineation method for calculating ecological water demand to guide management goals
Authors: Lan Duo , Rui‐Hong Yu
Published: September 2020

River flow provides water that maintains the ecological health of both the river itself and the adjoining riparian zones. However, there is a lack of clear definition and identification method of the riparian zone of inland river basins with narrow river channels and anthropogenic intervention reservoirs. In this study, we developed a new method to delineate semiarid grassland riparian zones by taking the Xilin River (Inner Mongolia, China) basin as a case study for providing an opportunity for a more accurate estimation of the ecological water demand of riparian zone. The extent of the riparian zones with different geomorphological and hydrological characteristics was determined by using unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) images at five river sections along the reach under the combination of natural variations and the regulation by the dams. After mapping each river section, river length and riparian zone area were shown to have a strong relationship (ρs = 0.9; p < .05), which was extended to calculate the downstream riparian zone area by using its river length. Moreover, we applied the distribution flow method to calculate the river ecological water demand and employed the Penman‐Monteith method to calculate riparian zone ecological water demand. The results showed that the river ecological water demand of the downstream of the reservoir was approximately 6.5×106 m3 per year while riparian zone was 2075.1×106 m3. Only 36, 19, and 15% of the ecological water demand can be met in the hydrological wet, average, and dry years, respectively, because of improper reservoir management and the inability of the discharge of the reservoir to meet the ecological water demand of the downstream riparian zone. Our data illustrate the impact and importance of river flow on the downstream degradation of riparian grasslands and can motivate reservoir management in semiarid areas, which will be helpful to guide water regulations to meet environmental and ecological needs.
The Properties and Preparation Methods of Different Boron Nitride Nanostructures and Applications of Related Nanocomposites
Authors: Pan Duo , Su Fengmei , Liu Hu , Ma Yong , Das Rajib , Hu Qian , Liu Chuntai , Guo Zhanhu
Published: September 2020

Due to special non‐metallic polar bond between the III group (with certain metallic properties) element boron (B) and the V group element nitrogen (N), boron nitride (BN) has unique physical and chemical properties such as strong high‐temperature resistance, oxidation resistance, heat conduction, electrical insulation and neutron absorption. Its unique lamellar, reticular and tubular morphologies and physicochemical properties make it attractive in the fields of adsorption, catalysis, hydrogen storage, thermal conduction, insulation, dielectric substrate of electronic devices, radiation protection, polymer composites, medicine, etc. Therefore, the synthesis and properties of BN derived materials become the main research hotspots of low‐dimensional nanomaterials. This paper reviews the synthetic methods, overall properties, and applications of BN nanostructures and nanocomposites. In addition, challenges and prospect of this kind of materials are discussed.
Drivetrain fatigue strength characteristics of model‐predictive control for wind turbines
Authors: Schulz Carsten , Schwarz Colin
Published: September 2020

Wind turbines play a crucial role in the revolution towards renewable resources. They need to be economically competitive to be sustainable. This still requires to lower the cost of energy (COE). To this end, nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) is used within this paper. As known from literature, NMPC significantly improves the energy extracting performance as well as the mitigation of tower loads of wind turbines. As it is shown in this paper, the drivetrain fatigue strength drops disproportionally in parallel, which either increases the demands on the turbine design or decreases the lifetime of drivetrain components. Without additional boundary conditions to the underlying optimal control problems (OCPs), the application of energy‐maximizing NMPC might so even raise the COE. Only penalizing axial torque oscillations by quadratic terms decreases energy‐extracting performance below the level of classical wind turbine controllers. This makes more sophisticated conditions necessary. In this paper, the increase of the drivetrain damage by NMPC is analyzed, and appropriate boundary conditions are derived, to balance the two contradicting objectives of energy maximization and drivetrain load mitigation. An NMPC approach based on indirect methods is used, to obtain a solution of the OCPs very efficiently. It applies the Hamilton equations and Pontryagin's maximum principle. Its accuracy and efficiency to solve OCPs was presented over the last decades.
Insights into the roles of membrane pore size and feed foulant concentration in ultrafiltration membrane fouling based on collision‐attachment theory
Authors: Liu Junxia , Chen Kang , Zou Kangbing , He Linjuan , Zhao Dongsheng , Wang Zhihong , Qiu Yongting , Chen Yiliang
Published: September 2020

Membrane property and feed characteristics play critical roles in membrane fouling. This paper aims to clarify the roles of membrane pore size (φ) and feed foulant concentration (Cb) in ultrafiltration fouling induced by polysaccharides. The fouling behaviors were expounded by collision‐attachment theory, where the rate of membrane fouling is mainly determined by collision frequency (JCb) and attachment efficiency (γ). At the initial fouling stage, rapid flux decline was observed at large φ or high Cb due to the great JCb and/or γ. At the later fouling stage, there existed a nearly identical maximum stable flux attributing to the same JCb and γ, which was independent of φ and Cb. Moreover, the smaller φ can lead to less foulants passed through the membrane and thus more foulants attaching on the membrane, while the higher Cb can give rise to more foulants on both the membrane surface and in the permeate. The results presented in current study provide fundamental basis in understanding membrane fouling.

Practitioner points

Collision‐attachment theory was employed to expound the UF fouling behavior.

Rapid flux decline occurred at large membrane pore size or high feed foulant concentration in the initial fouling stage.

Membranes with different pore size or feed foulant concentration had an identical flux at the latter fouling stage.

Lowering membrane pore size or increasing feed foulant concentration can lead to more foulants attaching on the membrane surface.
Dynamics of a rectangular thin plate with lumped mass under harmonic foundation and in‐plane excitations
Authors: Zhou Liangqiang , Ji Peng , Chen Fangqi
Published: September 2020

Nonlinear dynamic behaviors including global bifurcations and multi‐pulse chaotic dynamics of a rectangular thin plate with lumped mass subjected to a harmonic foundation excitation and in‐plane excitation are investigated in this paper. With the von Krmn equation and Galerkin method, the dynamic equation of the first two modes for this model is obtained. Utilized the method of multiple scales, the average equation of the system in the case of both primary resonance and 1/2 subharmonic resonance is obtained. Global bifurcations and chaotic dynamics of the rectangular thin plate are analyzed with the energy‐phase method. The effect of the dissipation factor on pulse sequence and layer radius is discussed in detail. The results obtained here indicate that there exist Silnikov‐type multi‐pulse orbits homoclinic to certain invariant sets for the resonant case, which means that chaotic motion may occur. Homoclinic trees describing the repeated bifurcations of multi‐pulse solutions are also obtained. With the Runge–Kutta method, numerical simulations including the time histories and phase portraits are given, which demonstrate that chaotic behaviors may occur and confirm the analytical results.
Kaluza-Klein FIMP dark matter in warped extra-dimensions
Authors: Bernal Nicolás , Donini Andrea , Folgado Miguel G. , Rius Nuria
Published: September 2020

Abstract

We study for the first time the case in which Dark Matter (DM) is made of Feebly Interacting Massive Particles (FIMP) interacting just gravitationally with the standard model particles in an extra-dimensional Randall-Sundrum scenario. We assume that both the dark matter and the standard model are localized in the IR-brane and only interact via gravitational mediators, namely the graviton, the Kaluza-Klein gravitons and the radion. We found that in the early Universe DM could be generated via two main processes: the direct freeze-in and the sequential freeze-in. The regions where the observed DM relic abundance is produced are largely compatible with cosmological and collider bounds.
Preliminary yield estimation of the 2020 Beirut explosion using video footage from social media
Authors: Rigby S. E. , Lodge T. J. , Alotaibi S. , Barr A. D. , Clarke S. D. , Langdon G. S. , Tyas A.
Published: September 2020

Rapid, accurate assessment of the yield of a large-scale urban explosion will assist in implementing emergency response plans, will facilitate better estimates of areas at risk of high damage and casualties, and will provide policy makers and the public with more accurate information about the event. On 4 August 2020, an explosion occurred in the Port of Beirut, Lebanon. Shortly afterwards, a number of videos were posted to social media showing the moment of detonation and propagation of the resulting blast wave. In this article, we present a method to rapidly calculate explosive yield based on analysis of 16 videos with a clear line-of-sight to the explosion. The time of arrival of the blast is estimated at 38 distinct positions, and the results are correlated with well-known empirical laws in order to estimate explosive yield. The best estimate and reasonable upper limit of the 2020 Beirut explosion determined from this method are 0.50 kt TNT and 1.12 kt TNT, respectively.
The fourth moment of individual Dirichlet L-functions on the critical line
Authors: Topacogullari Berke
Published: September 2020

We prove an asymptotic formula for the second moment of a product of two Dirichlet L-functions on the critical line, which has a power saving in the error term and which is uniform with respect to the involved Dirichlet characters. As special cases we give uniform asymptotic formulae for the fourth moment of individual Dirichlet L-functions and for the second moment of Dedekind zeta functions of quadratic number fields on the critical line.
Using a lactadherin-immobilized silicon surface for capturing and monitoring plasma microvesicles as a foundation for diagnostic device development
Authors: Kamińska Agnieszka , Gajos Katarzyna , Woźnicka Olga , Dłubacz Anna , Marzec Magdalena E. , Budkowski Andrzej , Stępień Ewa Ł.
Published: September 2020

Microvesicles (MVs) are found in several types of body fluids and are promising disease biomarkers and therapeutic targets. This study aimed to develop a novel biofunctionalized surface for binding plasma microvesicles (PMVs) based on a lab-on-a-chip (LOC) approach. A new lactadherin (LACT)-functionalized surface was prepared and examined for monitoring PMVs. Moreover, two different strategies of LACT immobilization on a silicon surface were applied to compare different LACT orientations. A higher PMV to LACT binding efficiency was observed for LACT bonded to an αvβ3 integrin–functionalized surface compared with that for LACT directly bonded to a glutaraldehyde-modified surface. Effective binding of PMVs and its components for both LACT immobilization strategies was confirmed using spectral ellipsometry and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry methods. The proposed PMV capturing system can be used as a foundation to design novel point-of-care (POC) diagnostic devices to detect and characterize PMVs in clinical samples.
Use of dental MRI for radiation-free guided dental implant planning: a prospective, in vivo study of accuracy and reliability
Authors: Hilgenfeld Tim , Juerchott Alexander , Jende Johann M. E. , Rammelsberg Peter , Heiland Sabine , Bendszus Martin , Schwindling Franz S.
Published: September 2020

Objectives

To evaluate the accuracy and reliability of dental MRI for static guided implant surgery planning.

Materials and methods

In this prospective study, a 0.4-mm isotropic, artifact-suppressed, 3T MRI protocol was used for implant planning and surgical guide production in participants in need of dental implants. Two dentists decided on treatment plan. Surgical guides were placed intraorally during a subsequent reference cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan. Inter-rater and inter-modality agreement were assessed by Cohen’s kappa. For each participant, dental MRI and CBCT datasets were co-registered to determine three-dimensional and angular deviations between planned and surgically guided implant positions.

Results

Forty-five implants among 30 study participants were planned and evaluated (17 women, 13 men, mean age 56.9 ± 13.1 years). Inter-rater agreement (mean κ 0.814; range 0.704–0.927) and inter-modality agreement (mean κ 0.879; range 0.782–0.901) were both excellent for the dental MRI-based treatment plans. Mean three-dimensional deviations were 1.1 ± 0.7 (entry point) and 1.3 ± 0.7 mm (apex). Mean angular deviation was 2.4 ± 1.5°. CBCT-based adjustments of MRI plans were necessary for implant position in 29.5% and for implant axis in 6.8% of all implant sites. Changes were larger in the group with shortened dental arches compared with those for tooth gaps. Except for one implant site, all guides were suitable for clinical use.

Conclusion

This feasibility study indicates that dental MRI is reliable and sufficiently accurate for surgical guide production. Nevertheless, more studies are needed to increase its accuracy before it can be used for implant planning outside clinical trials.

Key Points

• An excellent reliability for the dental MRI-based treatment plans as well as agreement between dental MRI-based and CBCT-based (reference standard) decisions were noted.

• Ideal implant position was not reached in all cases by dental MRI plans.

• For all but one implant site surgical guides derived from dental MRI were sufficiently accurate to perform implant placement (mean three-dimensional deviations were 1.1 ± 0.7 (entry point) and 1.3 ± 0.7 mm (apex); mean angular deviation was 2.4 ± 1.5°).
Reasons for new MIS. Let's be fair: iTIND, Urolift and Rezūm
Authors: Suarez-Ibarrola Rodrigo , Miernik Arkadiusz , Gratzke Christian , Schoeb Dominik S.
Published: September 2020

Purpose

To review and discuss the literature regarding iTIND, Urolift and Rezūm and investigate the precise clinical indications of all three different approaches for their application in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) treatment.

Materials and methods

The PubMed–Medline and Cochrane Library databases were screened to identify recent English literature relevant to iTIND, Urolift and Rezūm therapies. The surgical technique and clinical results for each approach were summarized narratively.

Results

iTIND, Urolift and Rezūm are safe and effective minimally invasive procedures for the symptomatic relief of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to BPH. iTIND requires the results of ongoing prospective studies, a long-term follow-up and a comparison against a reference technique to confirm the generalizability of the first pivotal study. Urolift provides symptomatic relief but the improvements are inferior to TURP at 24 months and long-term retreatments have not been evaluated. Rezūm requires randomized controlled trials against a reference technique to confirm the first promising clinical results. However, clinical evidence from prospective clinical trials demonstrates the efficacy and safety of these procedures in patients with small- and medium-sized prostates.

Conclusions

Although iTIND, Urolift, and Rezūm cannot be applied to all bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) cases resulting from BPH, they provide a safe alternative for carefully selected patients who desire symptom relief and preservation of erectile and ejaculatory function without the potential morbidity of more invasive procedures.
Kostenträgerrechnungen von strabologischen Operationen an einer Universitäts-Augenklinik
Authors: Framme C. , Gottschling J. , Kuiper T. , Lobbes W. , Palmaers T. , Brockmann D. , Lagrèze W. A. , Hufendiek K.
Published: September 2020

Hintergrund

Strabologische Operationen werden häufig in universitären Zentren durchgeführt. Ziel dieser Arbeit ist es, die Kosten dieser chirurgischen Leistung an einer Universitätsklinik zu ermitteln und die Kostenkompensation für den ambulanten Bereich zu überprüfen.

Material und Methode

Von allen Strabismusoperationen an der Medizinischen Hochschule Hannover wurden in den Jahren 2018 und 2019 relevante OP-Daten wie Alter des Patienten, Anzahl der operierten Muskeln, Schnitt-Naht-Zeit, Präsenzzeiten der Chirurgen und Anästhesisten sowie der entsprechenden Funktionsdienste auf Basis des klinikeigenen Informationssystems evaluiert. Im Rahmen einer Kostenträgerrechnung wurden dabei die Kosten für Personal, Material, Raummiete und Overhead kalkuliert.

Ergebnisse

Insgesamt wurden 302 Operationen (stationärer Anteil: 92,1 %) bis auf wenige Ausnahmen unter Vollnarkose durchgeführt. Das mittlere Alter der Patienten betrug 31 Jahre (Median: 26 Jahre), wobei 33 Patienten Kinder unter 6 Jahren waren. Im Mittel wurden 1,84 Muskeln pro Eingriff operiert. Die mittlere Schnitt-Naht-Zeit betrug 51,5 min, die mittlere Anästhesiezeit 85 min, die Präsenzzeit des Funktionsdienstes OP und auch die des Funktionsdienstes Anästhesie belief sich auf jeweils 104 min, die zusätzliche Aufwachraumzeit auf 66 min. Die am Gesamtprozess durchschnittlich entstandenen Personalkosten summierten sich auf 642,14 € zuzüglich durchschnittlich 109,23 € Material‑/Medikamentenkosten (Operation und Anästhesie) sowie Reinigung und Raumkosten (inklusive Infrastrukturkosten) von 178,71 €. Somit betrugen die Gesamtkosten einer durchschnittlichen strabologischen OP in unserem Kollektiv 930,08 € (Minimum: 491,01 €, Maximum: 1729,29 €). Kostenkalkulationen von Untergruppen ergaben aufgrund unterschiedlicher Behandlungszeiten (37 min für 1 Muskel bis 72 min für 3 und mehr Muskeln) respektive Anästhesiezeiten insbesondere bei Kindern <6 Jahren (durchschnittlich 22 min länger als bei Erwachsenen und Kindern >5 Jahren; Differenz 11 min [1 Muskel], 25 min [2 Muskeln] und 30 min [3 und mehr Muskeln]) deutlich höhere Kosten bei Kindernarkosen und einer höheren Anzahl operierter Muskeln. Das reine Kostenniveau einer Strabismusoperation an unserer Klinik erscheint durchschnittlich um den Faktor 2 höher als das Entgelt, welches für Strabismusoperationen über EBM (einheitlicher Bewertungsmaßstab) im ambulanten Bereich erlöst wird.

Schlussfolgerungen

Die rein betriebswirtschaftlich errechneten Kosten für strabologische Operationen an einer Universitätsklinik sind signifikant höher als die im ambulanten Bereich nach Paragraf 115b, Absatz 1, SGB V aktuell zu erzielenden Erlöse. Unter diesen Bedingungen können solche Operationen ambulant nicht kostendeckend erbracht werden.
Outcomes after nonoperatively treated non-displaced Lisfranc injury: a retrospective case series of 55 patients
Authors: Ponkilainen Ville T. , Partio Nikke , Salonen Essi E. , Laine Heikki-Jussi , Mäenpää Heikki M. , Mattila Ville M. , Haapasalo Heidi H.
Published: September 2020

Background

Current knowledge of the role of the nonoperative treatment of Lisfranc injuries is based on a few retrospective case series. Hence, consensus on which patients can be treated nonoperatively does not exist. The aim of this study was to investigate outcomes after nonoperative treatment of Lisfranc injuries.

Methods

In this study, patients were collected by recruiting all computer tomography-confirmed Lisfranc injuries treated during a 5-year period at a major trauma hospital. Between 2 and 6 years after suffering the injury, patients completed the visual analogue scale foot and ankle questionnaire.

Results

In total, 55 patients returned adequately completed questionnaires and were included in the study. Of those, 22 patients had avulsion fractures and 33 had simple non-displaced intra-articular fractures. Of these patients, 30 (55%) scored over 90 points in both the pain and function subscales of the VAS-FA, and 35 (64%) scored over 90 points overall. In addition, three (5%) patients scored under 60 points in both the pain and function subscales of the VAS-FA, and four (7%) scored under 60 points overall. Only one patient with avulsion fractures underwent secondary surgery.

Conclusion

Nonoperative treatment has a role in the treatment of Lisfranc injuries, and the results of our study support the view that avulsion and simple intra-articular fractures with < 2 mm of displacement can be treated nonoperatively with high functional outcomes. The results of nonoperative and operative treatment should be compared in a prospective randomized controlled study setting in future studies.

Level of evidence

IV, retrospective case series
A word of hope for ataxia trials in COVID-19 time and beyond
Authors: Maas Roderick P. P. W. M. , Ramjith Jordache , Klockgether Thomas , Roes Kit C. B. , van de Warrenburg Bart P. C.
Published: September 2020

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis confronted us, like many researchers worldwide, with an unforeseen challenge during the final stages of a randomized controlled trial involving ataxia patients. Institutional guidelines suddenly no longer allowed regular follow-up visits to take place, impeding the clinical evaluation of long-term outcomes. Here, we discuss the various scenarios that we considered in response to these imposed restrictions and share our experience of home video recording by dedicated, extensively instructed family members. Albeit somewhat unconventional at first glance, this last resort strategy enabled us to reliably assess the study’s primary endpoint at the predefined point in time and hopefully encourages researchers in other ongoing ataxia trials to continue their activities. Remote assessments of ataxia severity may serve as a reasonable substitute in interventional trials beyond the current exceptional situation generated by the COVID-19 pandemic, but will require further investigation.
Imaging video plethysmography shows reduced signal amplitude in glaucoma patients in the area of the microvascular tissue of the optic nerve head
Authors: Tornow Ralf-Peter , Kolar Radim , Odstrcilik Jan , Labounkova Ivana , Horn Folkert
Published: September 2020

Purpose

To measure parameters of the cardiac cycle-induced pulsatile light absorption signal (plethysmography signal) of the optic nerve head (ONH) and to compare parameters between normal subjects and patients with different stages of glaucoma.

Patients and methods

A recently developed video ophthalmoscope was used to acquire short video sequences (10 s) of the ONH. After image registration and trend correction, the pulsatile changing light absorption at the ONH tissue (excluding large vessels) was calculated. The changing light absorption depends on the pulsatile changing blood volume. Various parameters, including peak amplitude, steepness, time-to-peak, full width at half maximum (FWHM), and pulse duration, were calculated for averaged individual pulses (heartbeats) of the plethysmography signal. This method was applied to 19 healthy control subjects and 91 subjects with ocular hypertension, as well as different stages of primary open-angle glaucoma (17 subjects with ocular hypertension, 24 with preperimetric glaucoma, and 50 with perimetric glaucoma).

Results

Compared to the normal subjects, significant reductions (p < 0.001) in peak amplitude and steepness were observed in the group of perimetric glaucoma patients, but no significant difference was found for time-to-peak, FWHM, and pulse duration. Peak amplitude and steepness showed high correlations with RNFL thickness (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The presented low-cost video-ophthalmoscope permits measurement of the plethysmographic signal of the ONH tissue and calculation of different blood flow-related parameters. The reduced values of the amplitude and steepness parameters in perimetric glaucoma patients suggest decreased ONH perfusion and blood volume. This outcome is in agreement with results from other studies using OCT angiography and laser speckle flowgraphy, which confirm reduced capillary density in these patients.

Registration site: www.clinicaltrials.gov, Trial registration number: NCT00494923
Seasonal patterns of fine root dynamics and their contribution to net primary production in hinoki cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa) and konara oak (Quercus serrata) forests
Authors: An Ji Young , Osawa Akira
Published: September 2020

Key message

Fine root and litterfall are major contributor of NPP and fine root production may reflect forest productivity in a warm-temperate forest in Japan.

Forest ecosystems play an important role as the major carbon sink on land, with fine root dynamics and litterfall representing major carbon fluxes. The objectives of this research were to estimate NPP including annual fine root production values, to investigate fine root dynamics and the relationships between above– and belowground organs in konara oak (Quercus serrata) and hinoki cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa) forests. Litterfall was collected seasonally for 1 year from June 2013. The ingrowth core method and the sequential soil core method were applied with a root litterbag experiment to estimate fine root (< 2 mm) production (FRP), mortality (FRM), and decomposition (FRD) for 1 year (from 2013 to 2014), using the continuous inflow estimate method and the simplified decision matrix. The total NPP ranged from 8.2 to 13.9 (t ha− 1 yr− 1), and the sum of aboveground litterfall and FRP accounted for 60% of the total NPP on average, confirming the significance of above- and belowground litter for the forest NPP as a source of detritus for the decomposer system. In hinoki cypress stand, fine root biomass peaked in the end of winter while fine root necromass showed the highest peak in late summer. In konara oak stand, only very fine root (< 0.05 mm) biomass and necromass demonstrated significant seasonal patterns. The seasonal patterns of fine root production did not differ between forest types and root diameter classes. We found a possible relationship between above- and belowground production and fine root production tended to be high in productive forests. This study improves our understanding of different patterns of carbon dynamics between temperate broadleaved and coniferous forest ecosystems.
Isolated Ti(III) Species on the Surface of a Pre-active Ziegler Natta Catalyst
Authors: Podvorica Leonora , Salvadori Enrico , Piemontesi Fabrizio , Vitale Gianni , Morini Giampiero , Chiesa Mario
Published: September 2020

The nature of Ti(III) species, introduced in working models of industrial Ziegler Natta catalyst precursors, consisting of MgCl2/TiCl4 binary systems, eventually containing different Lewis basis, are studied by a combination of X- and Q-band CW and pulse EPR spectroscopy. In Ziegler Natta catalysts, Ti(III) play the double role of active catalytic species and unconventional spin probes. On the binary system, two dominant Ti(III) species, characterized by distinctively different EPR spectra, are observed. 35,37Cl Q-Band HYSCORE spectra allow estimating the hyperfine and nuclear quadrupole interactions of directly coordinated Cl, characterized by a hyperfine dipolar contribution of the order of 5 MHz and nuclear quadrupole interactions of the order of e2qQ/h = 9 MHz. Interestingly, the two dominant EPR active species are selectively suppressed by the presence of different Lewis bases, indicating the possibility to address the long standing issue of the influence of Lewis bases in driving specific morphological configurations and influencing the catalytic properties of Ti(III) active sites.
Sexual Inhibition and Sexual Excitation Scales in Men: Psychometric Properties of a Polish Adaptation
Authors: Nowosielski Krzysztof , Kurpisz Jacek , Kowalczyk Robert , Lew-Starowicz Michał
Published: September 2020

The present study aimed to develop a Polish version of the Sexual Inhibition/Sexual Excitation Scale (SIS/SES-PL) and explore its psychometric validity in a sample of 498 men aged between 18 and 55 years. We used exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses to obtain the best model fit. Out of the 45 items in the original scale, 32 items with eight subscales and three higher-order factors: (sexual excitation [SES], sexual inhibition due to performance failure [SIS1], and sexual inhibition due to performance consequences [SIS2]) were included in the SIS/SES-PL. The SIS/SES-PL was found to have a good and satisfactory fit (comparative fit index = .87; Tucker–Lewis Index = .85; root mean square error of approximation = .054; χ2 = 1108.7; p < .001; test–retest reliability Cronbach’s alpha = .93). A small correlation between age and the SIS1 and SIS2 scores was detected. However, forward multiple regression analysis revealed a significant correlation only between age and SIS1 [β = .23, p < .001, R2 for model = .05; F(1, 494) = 27.52, p < .001]. Furthermore, a moderate correlation between SIS1 and SES2, as well as SIS1 and general inhibition properties (measured using the Behavioral Inhibition Scale), was noted. In the case of SIS2, only small effects were observed, with the highest values for engaging in risky sexual behavior. Out of the total number of 42 variables, a moderate correlation between SES and the following was described: importance of sex, hypersexual behaviors, frequency of masturbation, frequency of sexual activities per month, sexual risk-taking, high promiscuity (measured using the Sociosexual Orientation Inventory Revised-Drive), general activation properties (measured using the Behavioral Activation Scale), neuroticism, and erotophilic tendencies (measured using the Sexual Opinion Survey-Short Form). The results of the study allowed us to conclude that the SIS/SES-PL might be a useful tool for tailoring therapy for men with sexual problems, as well as in the field of clinical research on sexual inhibition and excitation. Furthermore, it is a reliable and useful tool for measuring propensities for sexual excitement and inhibition.