bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adherence and persistence of HIV pre‐exposure prophylaxis use in the United States
Authors: McCormick Carter D. , Sullivan Patrick S. , Qato Dima M. , Crawford Stephanie Y. , Schumock Glen T. , Lee Todd A.
Published: November 2023

Purpose

To describe medication adherence and persistence of HIV PrEP overall and compare between sex and age groups of commercially insured individuals in the United States.

Methods

We conducted a national retrospective cohort study of the Merative MarketScan Claims Database from 2011 to 2019 to describe adherence and persistence of PrEP overall and compared between sex and age groups. High adherence was defined as ≥80% of proportion of days covered and persistence was measured in days from initiation to the first day of a 60‐day treatment gap.

Results

A total of 29 689 new PrEP users identified. Overall adherence was high (81.9%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 81.5%–82.3%). Females were more adherent than males (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.87; 95% CI: 1.50–2.34), while those ≥45‐years were less adherent than individuals <45‐years (aOR 0.87: 95% CI: 0.81–0.93). More than half of individuals discontinued therapy within the first year (median 238.0 days; interquartile range 99.0–507.0 days). Females were less persistent than males (hazard ratio [HR] 1.49; 95% CI: 1.34–1.65), and people ≥45‐years old were more persistent (i.e., lower risk of discontinuation) than those <45‐years (HR 0.43; 95% CI: 0.33–0.55).

Conclusions

These findings show adherence to daily PrEP is high among commercially insured individuals but the majority still discontinue in the first year. Future research should investigate what factors influence PrEP discontinuation among this population and ways to reduce barriers to therapy maintenance to ensure the population‐level benefits of PrEP treatment.
The effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic on PICU admissions for severe asthma exacerbations: A single‐center experience
Authors: Bazdar Somayeh , van den Berg Sarah , Rutjes Niels W. , Bloemsma Lizan D. , Downward George S. , De Weger Letty A. , Terheggen‐Lagro Suzanne W. J. , van Wijck Yolanda , Maitland van der Zee Anke H. , Kapitein Berber
Published: November 2023

Background

The incidence of severe asthma exacerbations (SAE) requiring a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic (and its association with public restrictions) is largely unknown. We examined the trend of SAE requiring PICU admission before, during, and after COVID‐19 restrictions in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and its relationship with features such as environmental triggers and changes in COVID‐19 restriction measures.

Methods

In this single‐center, retrospective cohort study, all PICU admissions of children aged ≥2 years for severe asthma at the Amsterdam UMC between 2018 and 2022 were included. The concentrations of ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and pollen were obtained from official monitoring stations.

Results

Between January 2018 and December 2022, 228 children were admitted to the PICU of the Amsterdam UMC for SAE. While we observed a decrease in admissions during periods of more stringent restriction, there was an increase in the PICU admission rate for SAE in some periods following the lifting of restrictions. In particular, following the COVID‐19 restrictions in 2021, we observed a peak incidence of admissions from August to November, which was higher than any other peak during the indicated years. No association with air pollution or pollen was observed.

Conclusion

We hypothesize that an increase in clinically diagnosed viral infections after lockdown periods was the reason for the altered incidence of SAE at the PICU in late 2021, rather than air pollution and pollen concentrations.
Nasal high frequency oscillatory highflow therapy in preterm infants: A randomized crossover trial
Authors: Thomann Janine , Gaertner Vincent D. , Waldmann Andreas D. , Plastina Leonie , Bassler Dirk , Rüegger Christoph M.
Published: November 2023

Objectives

To assess the clinical efficacy, safety, and potential physiological mechanisms of highflow therapy with superimposed high frequency oscillations (“osciflow”).

Study Design

In this prospective, randomized, single center crossover trial, 30 preterm infants were randomized to receive osciflow or highflow therapy first, each for 180 min. During osciflow, an oscillatory amplitude of 20 mbar and a frequency of 6 Hz were set. The flow rate was 4 L/min during both interventions. Primary outcome was the paired difference in the combined number of desaturations (SpO2 < 80%) and bradycardia (heart rate <80 beats per min) between interventions. Safety outcomes included nasal trauma, pneumothorax and treatment failure, and a pain score was assessed. In 20 infants, electrical impedance tomography (EIT) recordings were performed to evaluate oscillatory (VOsc) and tidal volumes (VT) at the lung level.

Results

Infants with a mean (SD) postnatal age of 33.1 ± 1.2 weeks were included. The median (IQR) number of episodes of desaturation and bradycardia was 19.5 (6−49) during osciflow and 26 (6−44) during highflow therapy (paired difference −2; IQR −10 to 9; p = .37). There were no differences in safety outcomes and pain scores. During osciflow, EIT recordings showed a signal at 6 Hz, which was not detectable during highflow. Corresponding mean (SD) VOsc/VT ratio was 9% (±5%).

Conclusions

In preterm infants, osciflow did not reduce the number of desaturations and bradycardia compared with highflow therapy. Although VOsc were transmitted to the lung during osciflow, their magnitude was small. Osciflow was safe and well tolerated.
Molecular Dynamics Study on Adding Tungsten‐Carbide Grains to 304 Stainless Steel Polycrystals
Authors: Dong Changshuai , Jiang Wei
Published: November 2023

The molecular dynamics method is conducted to study the mechanical properties and plastic deformation mechanism of composite materials ASSN‐WC with tungsten carbide (WC) grains added to 304 austenitic stainless steel nanopolycrystals (ASSN) during uniaxial tensile process. The results indicate that the overall strength of ASSN with void defect is decreased, and because of the larger shear model of WC crystal, the overall strength of ASSN‐WC material is improved, and its toughness is not significantly reduced. In the plastic deformation process, under low strain conditions, the main deformation mechanism inside polycrystals is dislocation slip. The slip of dislocations forms extended dislocations and stacking faults, which makes the grains deform. As the strain increases, the dislocation slip inside the grains becomes more intense, and deformation twins appear. The interaction between slip dislocations and grain boundaries makes the grain boundaries hinder the further deformation of the grains, and the strengthening effect on the local area of the material becomes more obvious. Meanwhile, in the process of strain increase, the WC grains do not rotate and deform. This can also effectively hinder the deformation of other grains on the adjacent edges and improve the stiffness of the composite material.
The number of descendants in a random directed acyclic graph
Authors: Janson Svante
Published: November 2023

We consider a well‐known model of random directed acyclic graphs of order , obtained by recursively adding vertices, where each new vertex has a fixed outdegree and the endpoints of the edges from it are chosen uniformly at random among previously existing vertices. Our main results concern the number
of vertices that are descendants of . We show that converges in distribution; the limit distribution is, up to a constant factor, given by the th root of a Gamma distributed variable with distribution . When , the limit distribution can also be described as a chi distribution . We also show convergence of moments, and find thus the asymptotics of the mean and higher moments.
Exploration of Cloxacillin Sodium interaction with Aggregates of Benzimidazolium Gemini Surfactants: Spectroscopic and Biophysical Analysis
Authors: Wani Farooq Ahmad , Kumar Yogesh , Anand Aashima , Bhat Ab Raouf , Alzahrani Khalid Ahmed , Malik Maqsood Ahmad , Patel Rajan
Published: November 2023

The interaction of benzimidazolium gemini surfactants viz. 1,3‐bis‐(1‐octylbenzimidazolium) propane bromide, simply represented as BG8, and 1,3‐bis‐(1‐decylbenzimidazolium) propane bromide (BG10) with an antibiotic drug cloxacillin sodium (CLX) was explored by surface tension measurements. Numerous interfacial parameters viz. minimum surface area per molecule (
), maximum surface excess concentration (
), packing parameter (P) and thermodynamic parameters like Gibbs free energy of micellization (
), enthalpy of micellization (
) and entropy of micellization (
at different temperatures were observed. Steady‐state fluorescence has been done for comprehension of micro‐environment of the aggregates as well as to calculate the binding constants (
) and Gibbs free energy change (ΔG). Dynamic light scattering results gave evidence regarding the size of aggregates of CLX‐BG complexes. Also, comparative studies by UV‐ visible, FTIR, 1HNMR, and viscometry have been done to further investigate the interaction of CLX with BG8/BG10 surfactants.
Sustainable Cow Hair Biocarbon‐Sulfur Cathodes with Enhanced Electrochemical Performance
Authors: Bracamonte M. Victoria , Luque Guillermina L. , Calderón C. Andrea , Cometto Fernando , Raviolo Sofía , Cozzarin Melina , Leiva Ezequiel P. M. , Barraco Daniel
Published: November 2023

A sustainable cow hair‐based biocarbon/sulfur composite was prepared via a melt‐diffusion process and used as cathode for lithium–sulfur (Li−S) batteries, exhibiting high capacity, good rate capability, and excellent cyclability. The effect of the activation process during the formation of the biocarbon was deeply analyzed by thermogravimetry, N2 adsorption, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning and transmission electron microcopy, among others. A correlation between the composition and the surface area with the electrochemical performance was found. The best results were obtained using an activated sample and composite electrode containing 73 wt % sulfur, which present an initial discharge capacity of around 1200 mAh/g and 799 mAh/g after 100 cycles at a current density of 0.1 A/g. Moreover, a specific capacity of ~701 mAh/g was measured at 1 C. The great electrochemical performance of this electrode in Li−S batteries is attributed to the porous carbon structure. Taking into account that hair is one of the major waste produced in the leather sector, this work presents a promising approach to reuse this material by giving it added value through the preparation of carbon/sulfur composites for high‐performance Li−S batteries.
In Vitro and In Silico Evaluation of Amylase, Tyrosinase, and Pancreatic Lipase Inhibitions of Novel Benzothiazole‐Sulfonate Derivatives
Authors: Korkmaz Adem , Bursal Ercan , Kurtay Gülbin
Published: November 2023

This paper provides a comprehensive account of the synthesis and assessment of newly developed aryl sulfonate derivatives based on benzothiazole as enzyme inhibitors, specifically focusing on their ability to target tyrosinase, amylase, and pancreatic lipase. The assessments were performed utilizing experimental (in vitro) and computational (in silico) methodologies. For this aim, nine different aryl sulfonate derivatives were synthesized. The synthesized compounds were subjected to structural characterizations by utilizing Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H NMR, 13C NMR) and High‐Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS) studies, which provided confirmation of their structural properties. The inhibitory efficiency of the compounds was determined by measuring their 50 % inhibitory concentration (IC50) values and comparing them with the standard inhibitory compounds. According to the in vitro amylase activity, benzo[d]thiazol‐2‐yl 4‐methylbenzenesulfonate showed the best inhibition with the lowest IC50 value (43.31±4.3 μM) which was calculated to be at a close level to the IC50 value of standard acarbose (38.50±3.8 μM). Also, benzo[d]thiazol‐2‐yl 4‐bromobenzenesulfonate (22.73±4.15 μM) and benzo[d]thiazol‐2‐yl 4‐chlorobenzenesulfonate (25.28±1.95 μM) were calculated to have the lowest IC50 values and the most effective inhibition capacities against pancreatic lipase. Benzo[d]thiazol‐2‐yl 4‐fluorobenzenesulfonate and benzo[d]thiazol‐2‐yl 4‐methylbenzenesulfonate significantly exhibited superior tyrosinase inhibition compared to other derivatives and conventional kojic acid. In silico molecular docking affirmed that benzo[d]thiazol‐2‐yl naphthalene‐2‐sulfonate presented the highest binding affinities to the studied enzymes, with values of −7.8 kcal/mol for tyrosinase, −10.7 kcal/mol for pancreatic lipase, and −9.4 kcal/mol for α‐amylase. The pharmacokinetic characteristics and drug‐likeness of the synthesized sulfonate derivatives were also evaluated using absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) prediction. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations were employed at the DFT/B3LYP/6‐311 g(d,p) level of theory to investigate the electronic characteristics of the compounds, therefore facilitating the comprehension of the reported enzyme inhibitory actions. In summary, our research highlights the potential of benzothiazole aryl sulfonate derivatives as effective enzyme inhibitors that hold promise for therapeutic applications.
Multifunctional Chiral Chemically‐Powered Micropropellers for Cargo Transport and Manipulation
Authors: McGovern Ashlee D. , Huang Mu‐Jie , Wang Jiyuan , Kapral Raymond , Aranson Igor S.
Published: November 2023

Practical applications of synthetic self‐propelled nano and microparticles for microrobotics, targeted drug delivery, and manipulation at the nanoscale are rapidly expanding. However, fabrication limitations often hinder progress, resulting in relatively simple shapes and limited functionality. Here, taking advantage of 3D nanoscale printing, chiral micropropellers powered by the hydrogen peroxide reduction reaction are fabricated. Due to their chirality, the propellers exhibit multifunctional behavior controlled by an applied magnetic field: spinning in place (loitering), directed migration in the prescribed direction, capture, and transport of polymer cargo particles. Design parameters of the propellers are optimized by computation modeling based on mesoscale molecular dynamics. It is predicted by computer simulations, and confirmed experimentally, that clockwise rotating propellers attract each other and counterclockwise repel. These results shed light on how chirality and shape optimization enhance the functionality of synthetic autonomous micromachines.
Enhanced Electrochemical Stability and Extended Cycle Life in Sulfide‐Based All‐Solid‐State Batteries: The Role of Li10SnP2S12 Coating on Ni‐Rich NCM Cathode
Authors: Park Yongsun , Chang Joon Ha , Oh Gwangseok , Kim A‐young , Chang Hansen , Uenal Mahir , Nam Sangcheol , Kwon Ohmin
Published: November 2023

Recently, sulfide‐based all‐solid‐state batteries (ASSBs) have attracted great attention because of their excellent safety and high energy density. However, by‐products formed from side‐reactions between the oxide‐based cathodes and sulfide‐based solid electrolytes (SEs) increase the interfacial resistance and degrade the cell performance. Suppression of this interfacial resistance is thus critical. In this study, the extraordinarily high stability of the cathode/SE interface is discovered when a Li10SnP2S12 (LSnPS) is applied to a cathode buffer layer. The electrochemical properties of the cathode interface at high potential are improved by synthesizing a core–shell structure cathode using LSnPS. The synthesized LSnPS is uniformly coated on a Li2ZrO3‐coated LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (LZO‐NCM) surface using the cost‐efficient mechano‐fusion method. The ASSB with LSnPS‐coated LZO‐NCM as the cathode and Li6PS5Cl (argyrodite, LPSCl) as the SE exhibited a capacity of 192 mAh g−1 and excellent cycle retention of ≈75% after 500 charge/discharge cycles. In addition, the degradation mechanism at the cathode/SE interface is investigated. The results indicated that LSnPS stabilizes the interface between NCM and argyrodite, thereby inhibiting the decomposition of the SE. This technology is expected to contribute to the commercialization of cathode materials for sulfide‐based ASSBs due to its enhanced cycle performance, low‐cost material application, and eco‐friendly process.
Conflict Over Conspiracy Theories: Face‐Work, Epistemic Identity, and the Structure of Interactions
Authors: Whitmer Jennifer M. , Jordan Meggan M.
Published: November 2023

Existing research on conspiracy theories rarely examines their impact on interaction or how these theories are perceived by non‐believers. We conducted in‐depth interviews with twenty non‐believers whose family members believed in the QAnon conspiracy theory. Using face‐work as the main framework, findings reveal the role of face in the structure of encounters between believers and non‐believers. Non‐believing participants experienced identity violations and responded to face‐threats through protective or defensive maneuvers; corrective processes, or aggressive uses of face. The study places conspiracy belief in social context, showing how epistemic identity is asserted in interactions, and demonstrating its relevance to our post‐truth era.
Biofilm and metallothioneins: A dual approach to bioremediate the heavy metal menace
Authors: Roy Bedaprana , Maitra Debapriya , Sarkar Subham , Podder Rajeshwari , Das Tannishtha , Ghosh Jaydip , Mitra Arup Kumar
Published: November 2023

Metallothioneins are a class of proteins produced by both prokaryotes and eukaryotes, having low molecular weight and abundant cysteine residues. These proteins play a humongous role in binding, sequestration, and even buffering of the intracellular metal ions. Though they are a wide class of proteins, much of them are yet to be explored. Their metal binding attribute is unique and they form distinctive metal‐thiolate clusters. They have also been known to have ROS scavenging activities due to the presence of the cysteine residues. Phytochelatins also play major roles in metal sequestration pathways. Biofilms on the other hand are clusters of bacterial cells surrounded by an extracellular matrix of polymeric substances secreted by the bacteria themselves. Biofilms play multiple roles, from nutrient sequestration, stress resistance to surface adherence. But lesser explored arenas include assistance in heavy metal trapping and bio‐remediation. Researchers have conducted studies that have demonstrated increased metal trapping, resistance and uptake in biofilm forming strains than non‐biofilm forming mutants. Therefore, this study would explore the dual role of metallothionein and biofilm in their activity of metal sequestration and heavy metal remediation and provide certain insights so as to keenly understand the correlations between the two.
Family Partnerships, Patient and Carer Education and Support
Authors: de Lima Maria Eduarda Batista , Ariza-Vega Patrocinio , Forte Aline Tavares Domingos , Eleuteri Stefano
Published: November 2023

The involvement of the family, friends, and other people who are important to the patient has always been at the centre of any person-centred care process. Following a fragility fracture, many patients want their family and significant others to be involved in their care, both during hospitalisation and after discharge, and it is often expected that families will provide or lead ongoing care after discharge.

It is well documented that postoperative functional decline is influenced by a great complexity of factors and that care aimed at preserving patients’ maximum autonomy, improving their perception of their health status, maintaining their social support network, and ensuring healthy living conditions is essential. The introduction of orthogeriatric units has made it possible to reduce the average length of stay and mortality, improve diagnostic accuracy, and reduce the cost of caring for these patients.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recognises that the patient’s home is the natural environment in which they can develop their maximum functional and health potential. There is also considerable evidence that educational interventions can effectively contribute to functional recovery and improved patient compliance. Education has also been identified as a key element in the effectiveness of fracture coordination units. Health education aimed at preparing patients and their carers for a safe transition home can help during the first days after discharge from hospital and contribute to a reduction in rehospitalisation and an improvement in functional recovery and quality of life.

This chapter will explore the importance of patient and family partnership in healthcare following fragility fracture and the importance of educational support from health professionals to ensure better functional recovery, quality of life and reduction of care-related burden.
Frailty and Sarcopenia
Authors: Marques Andréa , Queirós Carmen , Santy-Tomlinson Julie
Published: November 2023

Ageing, frailty, sarcopenia, falls, and fragility fractures are strongly linked and are predictors of reduction in physical function, hospitalisation, and negative outcomes for older people following fragility fracture including worsening health, admission to long-term care, and premature death. Frailty is a syndrome which has recently been drawn to the attention of other health professionals besides geriatricians/physicians such as nurses and physiotherapists in fragility fracture care settings. Recognising its elements and effects and intervening appropriately have the potential to significantly improve fragility fracture care and outcomes, especially if the whole multidisciplinary team are involved.

All older people who have fallen and/or sustained an injury/fracture should receive an assessment for the existence of frailty and sarcopenia and an interdisciplinary plan of interventions devised to prevent, slow, or reverse frailty. This chapter aims to outline the role of health professionals in (a) identifying frailty and sarcopenia and (b) preventing decline and improving health in older people with fragility fractures who live with frailty. It will review the concepts of frailty and sarcopenia and their assessment. It will also outline the interventions that can be implemented by nurses and other healthcare professionals which have the potential to positively affect health and functional status and may promote independent functioning of older people with frailty, sarcopenia, and fragility fractures.
Relaxation Theorem for Stieltjes Differential Inclusions on Infinite Intervals
Authors: Marraffa Valeria , Satco Bianca
Published: November 2023

For a very general first-order differential problem on an infinite-time horizon involving the Stieltjes derivative with respect to a left-continuous non-decreasing function $$g:[0,\infty )\rightarrow \mathbb {R}$$

g
:
[
0
,
∞
)
→
R

$$\begin{aligned} \left\{ \begin{array}{l} x'_g(t) \in F(t,x(t)),\; t\in [0,\infty )\\ x(0)=x_0, \end{array} \right. \end{aligned}$$

x
g
′

(
t
)

∈
F

(
t
,
x

(
t
)

)

,

t
∈

[
0
,
∞
)

x

(
0
)

=

x
0

,

we study the possibility to approximate the solutions of the convexified inclusion by the solutions of the non-convexified problem. Via a generalization to this framework of a classical result concerning continuous selection of trajectory, we thus present a relaxation theorem which states that, similarly to the setting of usual differential inclusions, the approximation can be achieved once we allow to the initial value to differ (but remaining close to) from the initial value of the considered solution of the relaxed inclusion.
Mitral valve transcriptome analysis in thirty-four age-matched Cavalier King Charles Spaniels with or without congestive heart failure caused by myxomatous mitral valve disease
Authors: Reimann Maria J. , Cremer Signe , Christiansen Liselotte , Ibragimov Emil , Gao Fei , Cirera Susanna , Fredholm Merete , Olsen Lisbeth H. , Karlskov-Mortensen Peter
Published: November 2023

We here report the results of a mitral valve transcriptome study designed to identify genes and molecular pathways involved in development of congestive heart failure (CHF) following myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) in dogs. The study is focused on a cohort of elderly age-matched dogs (n = 34, age ~ 10 years) from a single breed—Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCS)—with a high incidence of MMVD. The cohort comprises 19 dogs (10♀, 9♂) without MMVD-associated CHF, and 15 dogs (6♀, 9♂) with CHF caused by MMVD; i.e., we compare gene expression in breed and age-matched groups of dogs, which only differ with respect to CHF status. We identify 56 genes, which are differentially expressed between the two groups. In this list of genes, we confirm an enrichment of genes related to the TNFβ-signaling pathway, extracellular matrix organization, vascular development, and endothelium damage, which also have been identified in previous studies. However, the genes with the greatest difference in expression between the two groups are CNTN3 and MYH1. Both genes encode proteins, which are predicted to have an effect on the contractile activity of myocardial cells, which in turn may have an effect on valvular performance and hemodynamics across the mitral valve. This may result in shear forces with impact on MMVD progression.
Mid-term clinical and sonographic outcomes of minimally invasive acromioclavicular joint reconstruction: mini-open versus arthroscopically assisted
Authors: Behrens A. , Behrendt P. , Heintzen M. J. , Finn J. , Seekamp A. , Mader K. , Lippross S. , Klatte T. O.
Published: November 2023

Introduction

The current literature describes various operative stabilization strategies which achieve good clinical outcomes after acute acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) dislocation. The aim of this study was to compare the mid-term clinical and sonographic treatment outcomes after minimally invasive mini-open and arthroscopic reconstruction.

Materials and methods

We conducted a retrospective two-center study of patients with acute ACJ dislocation. Surgical treatment was performed using either a mini-open approach (MIOP) or an arthroscopic technique (AR). The primary outcome parameters of this study were the sonographically measured acromioclavicular (ACD) and coracoclavicular distances (CCD). Secondary outcome parameters included the Constant–Murley score (CS), range of motion (ROM), postoperative pain scale (VAS), return to daily routine, return to sports, complications, as well as operative revisions.

Results

After a mean follow-up of 29 months, 30 patients were included in this study with an average age of 41.3 ± 14.8 years (MIOP) and 41.2 ± 15.4 years (AR). The sonographic ACD (MIOP 9.11 mm vs. AR 8.93 mm, p = 0.41) and CCD (MIOP 25.08 mm vs. AR 24.36 mm, p = 0.29) distances showed no statistically significant differences. Furthermore, there was no statistically significant difference when compared to the contralateral side (p = 0.42). With both techniques, patients achieved excellent clinical outcome parameters without statistically significant differences in CS (MIOP 95 vs. AR 97, p = 0.11) and VAS (MIOP 1.76 vs. AR 1.14, p = 0.18). The return to daily activity and return to sport rates did not differ. There were neither complications nor revisions in both groups.

Conclusion

Both minimally invasive techniques for acute ACJ stabilization achieved excellent clinical and sonographic outcomes without one technique being statistically superior to the other.
mTOR eosinophilic renal cell carcinoma: a distinctive tumor characterized by mTOR mutation, loss of chromosome 1, cathepsin-K expression, and response to target therapy
Authors: Caliò Anna , Marletta Stefano , Settanni Giulio , Rizzo Mimma , Gobbo Stefano , Pedron Serena , Stefanizzi Lavinia , Munari Enrico , Brunelli Matteo , Marcolini Lisa , Pesci Anna , Fratoni Stefano , Pierconti Francesco , Raspollini Maria Rosaria , Marchetti Antonio , Doglioni Claudio , Amin Mahul B. , Porta Camillo , Martignoni Guido
Published: November 2023

In the spectrum of oncocytic renal neoplasms, a subset of tumors with high-grade-appearing histologic features harboring pathogenic mutations in mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and hitherto clinical indolent behavior has been described. Three cases (2F,1 M) with histologically documented metastases (lymph node, skull, and liver) were retrieved and extensively investigated by immunohistochemistry, FISH, and next-generation sequencing. Tumors were composed of eosinophilic cells with prominent nucleoli (G3 by ISUP/WHO) arranged in solid to nested architecture. Additionally, there were larger cells with perinuclear cytoplasmic shrinkage and sparse basophilic Nissl-like granules, superficially resembling the so-called spider cells of cardiac rhabdomyomas. The renal tumors, including the skull and liver metastases, showed immunoexpression PAX8, CK8-18, and cathepsin-K, and negativity for vimentin. NGS identified mTOR genetic alterations in the three cases, including the skull and liver metastases. One patient was then treated with Everolimus (mTOR inhibitors) with clinical response (metastatic tumor shrinkage). We present a distinct renal tumor characterized by high-grade eosinophilic cells, cathepsin-K immunohistochemical expression, and harboring mTOR gene mutations demonstrating a malignant potential and showing responsiveness to mTOR inhibitors.
A New Volumetric Strain-Based Method for Determining the Crack Initiation Threshold of Rocks Under Compression
Authors: Li Hao , Zhong Ruizhi , Pel Leo , Smeulders David , You Zhenjiang
Published: November 2023

The crack initiation stress threshold ($${\sigma }_{\mathrm{ci}}$$

σ
ci

) is an essential parameter in the brittle failure process of rocks. In this paper, a volumetric strain response method (VSRM) is proposed to determine the $${\sigma }_{\mathrm{ci}}$$

σ
ci

based on two new concepts, i.e., the dilatancy resistance state index ($${\delta }_{\mathrm{ci}}$$

δ
ci

) and the maximum value of the dilatancy resistance state index difference ($$\left|{\Delta \delta }_{\mathrm{ci}}\right|$$

Δ
δ

ci

), which represent the state of dilatancy resistance of the rock and the shear sliding resistance capacity of the crack-like pores during the compressive period, respectively. The deviatoric stress corresponding to the maximum $$\left|{\Delta \delta }_{\mathrm{ci}}\right|$$

Δ
δ

ci

is taken as the $${\sigma }_{\mathrm{ci}}$$

σ
ci

. We then examine the feasibility and validity of the VSRM using the experimental results. The results from the VSRM are also compared with those calculated by other strain-based methods, including the volumetric strain method (VSM), crack volumetric strain method (CVSM), lateral strain method (LSM) and lateral strain response method (LSRM). Compared with the other methods, the VSRM is effective and reduces subjectivity when determining the $${\sigma }_{\mathrm{ci}}$$

σ
ci

. Finally, with the help of the proposed VSRM, influences from chemical corrosion and confining stress on the $${\sigma }_{\mathrm{ci}}$$

σ
ci

and $${\Delta \delta }_{\mathrm{ci}}$$

Δ
δ

ci

of the carbonate rock are analyzed. This study provides a subjective and practical method for determining $${\sigma }_{\mathrm{ci}}$$

σ
ci

. Moreover, it sheds light on the effects of confinement and chemical corrosion on $${\sigma }_{\mathrm{ci}}$$

σ
ci

.
An example of a non-associative Moufang loop of point classes on a cubic surface
Authors: Kanevsky D.
Published: November 2023

Let V be a cubic surface defined by the equation $$T_0^3+T_1^3+T_2^3+\theta T_3^3=0$$

T
0
3

+

T
1
3

+

T
2
3

+
θ

T
3
3

=
0

over a quadratic extension of 3-adic numbers $$k=\mathbb {Q}_3(\theta )$$

k
=

Q
3

(
θ
)

, where $$\theta ^3=1$$

θ
3

=
1

. We show that a relation on a set of geometric k-points on V modulo $$(1-\theta )^3$$

(
1
-
θ
)

3

(in a ring of integers of k) defines an admissible relation and a commutative Moufang loop associated with classes of this admissible equivalence is non-associative. This answers a problem that was formulated by Yu. I. Manin more than 50 years ago about existence of a cubic surface with a non-associative Moufang loop of point classes.
Three dimensional (3D) gingival models in periodontal research: a systematic review
Authors: AlFatlawi Z. , Huang M. , Chau D.Y.S. , D’Aiuto F.
Published: November 2023

The aim of this study is to systematically appraise the evidence on available full thickness 3D gingival and mucosal models (3D culture in scaffold base system) and their application in periodontal and peri-implant research. This study involved a systematic review of twenty-two studies obtained from searching from five electronic databases: MEDLINE-OVID, EMBASE, EBSCOhost, Web of Science Core Collection and LILACS, as well as a hand search of eligible articles up to September 2022. A total of 2338 studies were initially identified, after removal of duplicates (573), abstracts/title selection (1765), and full text screening (95), twenty-two studies were included, thirty-seven models were identified. Several cellular markers were reported by the studies included. The expression of keratinocytes differentiation markers (K4, K5, K10, K13, K14, K16, K17, K18, K19, involucrin, laminin5), proliferation marker (Ki67, CD90), and vimentin, Type I, II and IV collagen produced by fibroblasts were investigated in thirty models. No quantitative analyses were performed, and results of the review confirmed a substantial level of heterogeneity across experiments. In conclusion, there is currently insufficient evidence to conclude that the available 3D gingival and mucosal models can entirely recapitulate the human gingival tissue/mucosa and provide a useful research tool for periodontal and peri-implant research. This review also highlighted the lack of a standardized protocol to construct and characterize 3D gingival models. A new protocol is proposed for the characterization of in vitro gingival models for future research.
Reading Instruction for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Comparing Observations of Instruction to Student Reading Profiles
Authors: Solis Michael , McKenna John William
Published: November 2023

Despite a marked increase in the volume of research investigating issues about reading interventions for students with ASD (e.g., Bailey and Arciuli, Rev J Autism Dev Disord 7(2):127–150, 2020; Chiang and Lin, Focus Autism Other Dev Disab 22(4):259–267, 2007), very few studies have examined the current reading practices experienced by children with ASD in the schools. This mixed-method study reports on the observed reading instruction and reading performance of students (N = 39) with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in grades 4–8 (ages 9–14 years.) across two separate geographic regions of the USA. Data collection included systematic observations of tier 1 and tier 2/3 reading instruction. Students were also assessed with standardized measures of word recognition, language, and reading comprehension. The purpose of this investigation was to contribute to the limited corpus of observation research on reading instruction for students with ASD within the context of describing student performance on battery of standardized measures. A total of 168 lesson sessions totaling 7497 min of observed class time were completed and the battery of measures were administered to students. Results of the observations indicated that 44–48% of instructional time across different tiers of instruction were dedicated to comprehension monitoring consisting of answering teacher directed questions. Minimal amounts of time were dedicated to word recognition instruction. According to findings from the assessment battery, approximately 46% of students had below average scores on word recognition and reading comprehension measures. Study findings suggest a mismatch between student needs and the manner in which they were addressed.
How Past Work Stressors Influence Psychological Well-Being in the Face of Current Adversity: Affective Reactivity to Adversity as an Explanatory Mechanism
Authors: Schilbach Miriam , Baethge Anja , Rigotti Thomas
Published: November 2023

This study advances the understanding of the mechanisms that link past challenge and hindrance stressors to resilience outcomes, as indicated by emotional and psychosomatic strain in the face of current adversity. Building on the propositions of Conservation of Resources Theory and applying them to the challenge-hindrance framework, we argue that challenge and hindrance stressors experienced in the past relate to different patterns of affective reactivity to current adversity, which in turn predict resilience outcomes. To test these assumptions, we collected data from 134 employees who provided information on work stressors between April 2018 and November 2019 (T0). During the first COVID-19 lockdown (March/April 2020), the same individuals participated in a weekly study over the course of 6 weeks (T1–T6). To test our assumptions, we combined the pre- and peri-pandemic data. We first conducted multilevel random slope analyses and extracted individual slopes indicating affective reactivity to COVID-19 adversity in positive and negative affect. Next, results of path analyses showed that past challenge stressors were associated with lower affective reactivity to COVID-19 adversity in positive affect, and in turn with lower levels of emotional and psychosomatic strain. Past hindrance stressors were associated with greater affective reactivity to COVID-19 adversity in positive and negative affect, and in turn to higher strain. Taken together, our study outlines that past work stressors may differentially affect employees’ reactivity and resilient outcomes in the face of current nonwork adversity. These spillover effects highlight the central role of work stressors in shaping employee resilience across contexts and domains.
Quality of life of the Canadian population using the VR-12: population norms for health utility values, summary component scores and domain scores
Authors: Trenaman Logan , Guh Daphne , Bansback Nick , Sawatzky Richard , Sun Huiying , Cuthbertson Lena , Whitehurst David G. T.
Published: November 2023

Objectives

To estimate Canadian population norms (health utility values, summary component scores and domain scores) for the VR-12.

Methods

English and French speaking Canadians aged 18 and older completed an online survey that included sociodemographic questions and standardized health status instruments, including the VR-12. Responses to the VR-12 were summarized as: (i) a health utility value; (ii) mental and physical component summary scores (MCS and PCS, respectively), and (iii) eight domain scores. Norms were calculated for the full sample and by gender, age group, and province/territory (univariate), and for several multivariate stratifications (e.g., age group and gender). Results were summarized using descriptive statistics, including number of respondents, mean and standard deviation (SD), median and percentiles (25th and 75th), and minimum and maximum.

Results

A total of 6761 people who clicked on the survey link completed the survey (83.4% completion rate), of whom 6741 (99.7%) were included in the analysis. The mean health utility score was 0.698 (SD = 0.216). Mean health utility scores tended to be higher in older age groups, ranging from 0.661 (SD = 0.214) in those aged 18–29 to 0.728 (SD = 0.310) in those aged 80+. Average MCS scores were higher in older age groups, while PCS scores were lower. Females consistently reported lower mean health utility values, summary component scores and domain scores compared with males.

Conclusions

This is the first study to present Canadian norms for the VR-12. Health utility norms can serve as a valuable input for Canadian economic models, while summary component and domain norms can help interpret routinely-collected data.
Between plaza and peak: a montological perspective on verticality and urbanization in highland Peru
Authors: Haller Andreas , Branca Domenico , Cano Deyvis
Published: November 2023

Under the influence of concentrated and extended urbanization, Andean cities and the different altitudinal zones of their “hinterlands” are experiencing profound changes in land cover — from the central plazas up to the highest peaks. The complex regional-geographic characteristics of these socioecological systems, such as the vertical complementarity of land use, require a montological perspective on verticality and urbanization: it transcends disciplinary approaches and can be crucial to properly interpret the trajectories of land cover change and formulate hypotheses for future practice-oriented research. Which trajectories of land cover change characterized altitudinal zones of Andean cities and their surroundings over the last three decades? Are there similarities that allow for the formulation of more general hypotheses? Using the Peruvian cases of Cusco and Huaraz, and combining a traditional altitudinal zonation model of land use in Peru with direct field observations and GIS-based analyses of remotely sensed data from 1991, 2001, 2011, and 2021, this study identifies the main trajectories of land cover change in the Quechua (>2300–3500 m), Suni (>3500–4000 m), and Puna (>4000–4800 m) regions — and finds insightful similarities between Cusco and Huaraz: (1) an impressive area of built-up land substitutes grassland in the Quechua, which, following regional altitudinal zonation models, is characterized by irrigated and rain-fed cropland; (2) an unexpected expansion of irrigated cropland takes place in the Suni, which, in theory, often lacks irrigation infrastructure and is mostly used for rain-fed tuber cultivation; and (3) a clear change from “other land” to grassland occurs in the Puna — where grassland is thought to predominate, anyway, since pre-Hispanic times. Hypothesizing that these changes reflect the interplay between speculative fallow, agricultural intensification, and ecological restoration, the results can be read as vertically complementary, local manifestations of concentrated and extended urbanization in a formerly peripheral mountain region of the Global South — and they underscore the need to overcome mental city-mountain dichotomies for a socially inclusive and ecologically balanced Andean development between plaza and peak.
Glucose may Contribute to Retrieval and Reconsolidation of Contextual Fear Memory Through Hippocampal Nr4a3 and Bdnf mRNA Expression and May Act Synergically with Adrenaline
Authors: Oliveira Ana , Azevedo Márcia , Seixas Rafaela , Martinho Raquel , Serrão Paula , Moreira-Rodrigues Mónica
Published: November 2023

Adrenaline (Ad) and glucose released into the bloodstream during stress may strengthen contextual fear memory. However, no previous studies have detached the effects of glucose from Ad in this paradigm. Using Ad-deficient mice, we aimed to evaluate the effect of glucose on contextual fear memory when endogenous Ad is absent. Fear conditioning was performed in wild-type (WT) and Ad-deficient mice (129 × 1/SvJ) administered with glucose (30 or 10 mg/kg; i.p.) or/and Ad (0.01 mg/kg; i.p.) or vehicle (0.9% NaCl; i.p.). Catecholamines were quantified using HPLC-ED. Real-time qPCR was used to assess mRNA expression of hippocampal genes. WT and Ad-deficient mice display increased contextual fear memory when administered with glucose both in acquisition and context days when compared to vehicle. Also, Nr4a3 and Bdnf mRNA expression increased in glucose-administered Ad-deficient mice. Sub-effective doses of glucose plus Ad administered simultaneously to Ad-deficient mice increased contextual fear memory, contrary to independent sub-effective doses. Concluding, glucose may be an important part of the peripheral to central pathway involved in the retrieval and reconsolidation of fear contextual memories independently of Ad, possibly due to increased hippocampal Nr4a3 and Bdnf gene expression. Furthermore, Ad and glucose may act synergically to strengthen contextual fear memory.
Improvement of operating conditions and composition of streams in gas condensate stabilization unit with the aim of reducing flare gas in Sarkhon and Qeshm gas plant
Authors: Farahbod Farshad
Published: November 2023

The gas condensate is one of the most valuable products of gas refineries. In unit 700 of the Sarkhon gas refinery, first, the gas condensate is separated from the feed. Then, the vapor pressure of the gas condensate is stabilized by de-ethanizer and de-butanizer towers. The H-701 and H-702 furnaces act as reboilers of the towers. In this research, unit 700 is simulated by HYSYS software. The product of this unit is examined to achieve desirable conditions. In addition, the best conditions are obtained to reduce the gas loss in this unit. The desirable conditions are introduced according to the operational problems of this unit. In this study, the environmental and economic loss due to the loss of hydrocarbons from the de-butanizer tower is identified. Results of this research show that the best operating temperature and pressure of the first feed are 40 °C and 29 bar, respectively. Also, the best temperature and pressure of the second feed are 20 °C and 28 bar, respectively. Also, the best temperature and pressure of the output stream from the S-701 as a feed of the T-701 are 34.35 °C and 22.51 bar, respectively.
Safety and safety protocols for living donor nephrectomy in Italy
Authors: Napoli Niccolò , Kauffmann Emanuele F. , Ginesini Michael , Gianfaldoni Cesare , Fiaschetti Pamela , Lombardi Ilaria , Cardillo Massimo , Vistoli Fabio , Boggi Ugo
Published: November 2023

Living donor kidney transplantation (LDKTx) is recommended by all scientific societies. Living donor nephrectomy (LDN) is probably one of the safest surgical procedures, but it carries some risk for healthy donors. The aim of this study is to provide a snapshot of LDKTx activities in Italy and ask about safety measures implemented in LDN. Data on LDKTx were extracted from the national database. Safety measures were examined through a specific survey. Between 2001 and 2022 40,663 kidney transplants (31.4 per million population-pmp) were performed, including 4731 LDKTx (3.7 pmp). There was no postoperative death of the donor. After a median follow-up of 52.2 months [IQR:17.9–99.5], the 10-year donor survival rate was 93.38% (CI:97.52–98.94). There was evidence of renal disease in 65 donors (1.8%), including 42 (1.1%) with stage III end-stage renal disease. Twenty-nine out of 35 transplant centers (TC) involved in LDKTx responded to the survey (82.9%). Six TCs (21.4%) had a total experience of 20 or fewer LDN. Minimally invasive LDN was the first choice at 24 TC (82.8%). At 10 TC (37.0%) only one surgeon performed LDN. Nineteen TCs (65.5%) had a surgical safety checklist for LDN and 14 had a postoperative surveillance protocol. The renal artery was occluded in 3 TCs (10.3%) mainly by non-transfixion methods (including clips). Redundancy of key safety systems in the operating room was available in 22 of 29 centers (75.8%). In summary, LDKTx should be further implemented in Italy. Donor safety should be improved through the implementation of a national procedural protocol.