bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pain interference, pain type, and quality of life among adults with spina bifida
Authors: Smith Alexis V. , Richardson Elizabeth J. , Cowan Rachel
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Individuals with spina bifida (SB) experience nociceptive and neuropathic pain, and women with SB report more pain. However, the relationship between pain type and gender on pain interference and quality of life (QoL) among individuals with SB is less understood.

Objective

To assess relationships among pain interference, pain quality, participation‐related QoL, and gender among adults with SB.

Design

Fifty‐one adults with SB completed a self‐report survey assessing SB characteristics, pain severity, pain type, pain interference, and QoL.

Setting

Hospital outpatient adult SB clinic.

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measures

Measures of nociceptive pain quality, neuropathic pain quality, participation‐related QoL, as well as pain interference with general activities, mood, and sleep were selected a priori as study measures.

Results

Fifty‐eight percent (N = 30) reported pain and more women than men reported pain (69% vs. 38%, p = .003). Higher general pain interference was associated with lower QoL (r = 0.444, p = .042), but not mood or sleep pain interference (both p's ≥ .451). There was no statistically significant difference in pain interference between genders (p = .138). Nociceptive pain was more common. Levels of nociceptive pain were positively associated with general pain interference, sleep pain interference, and mood pain inference. Neither pain type was associated with QoL (both p's > .082).

Conclusions

The results from this study reveal key differences/similarities among four interrelated factors: pain, pain interference, QoL, and gender. Pertinent information gathered on pain type and QoL, like increased prevalence of nociceptive pain, can be utilized to formulate proactive and effective treatment plans for individuals with SB that may benefit their sleep pain interference and mood pain interference.
Hydrophilic cryogels as potential 3D cell culture materials: Synthesis and characterization of 2‐(methacrylamido) glucopyranose‐based polymer scaffolds
Authors: Behrendt Florian , Pretzel David , Cseresnyés Zoltán , Kleinsteuber Maximilian , Wloka Thomas , Radosa Lukáš , Figge Marc Thilo , Gottschaldt Michael , Brakhage Axel , Schubert Ulrich S.
Published: October 2023

Cell cultures are important techniques to investigate cellular processes in a simplified manner. The most commonly applied 2D models do not simulate most of the in vivo conditions whereas cryogels as promising 3D cell culture materials are able to provide both a structured microenvironment and tailored surface properties, similar to the natural extracellular matrix (ECM). Herein, we present the synthesis and characterization of hydrophilic cryogels with different 2‐(methacrylamido) glucopyranose amounts followed by 3D cell culture experiments with L929 cells. Selected samples are additionally functionalized with fibronectin‐FITC for improved cellular adhesion. The incorporation of different 2‐(methacrylamido) glucopyranose amounts into the cryogels is demonstrated by Fourier‐transform IR (FTIR) and solid‐state NMR (ssNMR). The gels are able to withstand harsh autoclaving conditions as shown by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and ssNMR measurements. Pore size measurements by automated scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image analysis reveal similar pore sizes among the entire cryogel series. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) images suggest the presence of healthy cells due to the absence of morphological abnormalities among the entire cryogel series. L929 cells settled deeper into the cryogels with increasing MAG content. With additional fibronectin functionalization, the cells are retained much stronger and stay in the upper gel layers.
Fabrication of Nitrogen Vacancy Center‐Doped Free‐Standing Diamond Photonic Devices via Faraday Cage‐Angled Etching
Authors: Giese Christian , Quellmalz Patricia , Knittel Peter , Luo Tingpeng , Mathes Niklas , Jeske Jan , Reinke Philipp , Yang Quankui
Published: October 2023

Herein, methods for the fabrication of monolithic diamond integrated photonic devices via Faraday cage‐angled etching of functional epitaxial diamond layers are presented. Optimal waveguide width is determined via simulation and the fabrication of nitrogen vacancy (NV) center‐doped microring resonators is demonstrated. The performance of the devices is verified via microphotoluminescence as well as cathodoluminescence scans of the in‐grown NV centers, revealing clearly visible cavity lines. The scalable fabrication method allows for the realization of large numbers of lateral waveguide structures as needed for future applications in integrated quantum sensing devices as well as novel spin‐based quantum computers.
Alkoxy substitution on simple non‐fused electron acceptors for tuning the photoelectric properties of organic solar cells
Authors: Wang Lei , Cao Mingwei , Wang Miao , Gao Huanhuan , Shi Qiong
Published: October 2023

In order to identify high‐performance non‐fused ring electron acceptors for bulk heterojunction (BHJ) solar cells, six structurally diverse molecules are designed and categorized into two series. The first series is anchored by R1 as the reference molecule, featured fixed BDT, IC‐2F end groups and modified π bridges. The second series is anchored by R2 as the reference molecule, incorporated a terminal IC‐2F and a central core modified with EDOT bridge. The electronic structure and photoelectric properties of all acceptor molecules were investigated using density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent density functional theory (TD‐DFT). Charge transfer matrix (CTM), Density of states (DOS) and Reorganization energy (RE) etc. were analyzed to provide fundamental knowledge on charge transport and electronic excitation. Among the studied molecules, W2 exhibited a smaller energy gap (1.74 eV) compared to the other molecules, effectively transferring its electron from HOMO to LUMO. At the same time, the W2 molecule has excellent Voc and FF. Furthermore, W2 displayed the largest λmax redshift compared to R1. Although W3 had a smaller value of λh, the comprehensive photovoltaic parameters of W2 were more excellent. The research results not only demonstrated the feasibility of introducing different alkoxy groups to alter the structure of the π bridge and central core is a feasible method for constructing high‐performance NFREAs, but also highlighted that BDT cores combined with EDOT bridges are among the most promising small molecule acceptors (SMAs) that could be considered as reasonable candidates for synthesis and incorporation into organic solar cells. The results of this study are expected to provide seminal ideas for the design of high‐performance non‐fullerene acceptors.
Cutaneous Adverse Effects Associated with Lag-3 Inhibitor Use in Cancer Treatment: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ghani Hira , Khan Samavia , Jamgochian Marielle , Richards Beth , DeCecco Erica , Fliorent Rebecca , Cheendalla Nithisha , Khatri Khalil , Rao Babar
Published: October 2023

Immunotherapy has become a mainstay of treatment for many cancers. Multiple immune checkpoint inhibitors have been used to treat malignancies, including anti-programed death-1 (PD1) and anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein (anti-CTLA4). However, a significant percentage of patients develop resistance to these immunotherapy drugs. Therefore, novel strategies were developed to target other aspects of the immune response. Lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3) is a cell-surface molecule found on natural killer cells and activated T-cells which negatively regulates T-cell proliferation and function. LAG-3 inhibitors interact with LAG-3 ligands on the surface of T-cells to block T-regulatory (Treg) cell activity, suppress cytokine secretion and restore dysfunctional effector T-cells which subsequently attack and destroy cancer cells. This review reports the dermatologic side effects associated with LAG-3 inhibitors used in the treatment of melanomas. Using PRISMA 2022 guidelines, a comprehensive literature review of PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases was conducted. Three studies were identified that demonstrated that the use of LAG-3 inhibitors, whether as a single agent or in combination with other immune checkpoint inhibitors, resulted in stomatitis, pruritus, rash, dry skin, erythema, and vitiligo. Further research is warranted to assess the cutaneous adverse events observed with LAG-3 inhibitors in treating melanoma and to identify populations most vulnerable to such side effects.
Long‐term effects of experiencing childhood parental death on mental and physical health: A NESDA study
Authors: van Heijningen Carline J. M. , van Berkel Sheila R. , Rosinda Selena J. , Penninx Brenda W. J. H. , Alink Lenneke R. A. , Elzinga Bernet M.
Published: October 2023

Experiencing parental death during childhood is an adverse, potentially traumatic experience that may have substantial long‐term effects on mental and physical well‐being. The current study was based on data of the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety to investigate mental health (i.e., depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and suicidal ideation) and physical health outcomes (i.e., metabolic syndrome, telomere length, and perceived physical health) as well as health behaviour (i.e., smoking status, alcohol use, and physical activity) to provide more insight into the long‐term outcomes after experiencing childhood parental death (CPD). For individuals who experienced CPD, we also investigated the role of loss‐related factors in these associations, namely the age of the child when their parent passed away and gender of the deceased parent. Interviews and questionnaires were completed by adults between 18 and 65 years; 177 participants experienced CPD (mean age = 45.19, 61.6% female) and 2463 did not (mean age = 41.38, 66.6% female). Results showed no overall association between the experience of CPD and mental and physical health indices and health behaviour. Within the CPD group, experiencing CPD at a younger age was related to a higher likelihood of suicidal ideation. These findings seem to illustrate a general positive adjustment with regard to long‐term health functioning after experiencing such an impactful life event. Future research should focus on individual differences in terms of adaptation, especially elucidating on contextual factors after the loss, such as the kind of support that is or is not provided by the surviving parent and/or other important individuals.
Recent Advances in the 3D Chiral Plasmonic Nanomaterials
Authors: Liu Wenliang , Han Han , Wang Jiqian
Published: October 2023

From the view of geometry, chirality is that an object cannot overlap with its mirror image, which has been a fundamental scientific problem in biology and chemistry since the 19th century. Chiral inorganic nanomaterials serve as ideal templates for investigating chiral transfer and amplification mechanisms between molecule and bulk materials, garnering widespread attentions. The chiroptical property of chiral plasmonic nanomaterials is enhanced through localized surface plasmon resonance effects, which exhibits distinctive circular dichroism (CD) response across a wide wavelength range. Recently, 3D chiral plasmonic nanomaterials are becoming a focal research point due to their unique characteristics and planar‐independence. This review provides an overview of recent progresses in 3D chiral plasmonic nanomaterials studies. It begins by discussing the mechanisms of plasmonic enhancement of molecular CD response, following by a detailed presentation of novel classifications of 3D chiral plasmonic nanomaterials. Finally, the applications of 3D chiral nanomaterials such as biology, sensing, chiral catalysis, photology, and other fields have been discussed and prospected. It is hoped that this review will contribute to the flourishing development of 3D chiral nanomaterials.
Methoxy‐Based Passivator 4‐Methoxyphenethylammonium Iodide as Multifunctional Passivator for High‐Efficiency 3D/2D Flexible Perovskite Solar Cells over 23%
Authors: Cao Ruikun , Wang Yaohua , Sun Kexuan , Meng Yuanyuan , Liu Chang , Ge Ziyi
Published: October 2023

As is well known, the interface of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is rich in deep‐level carrier traps, which act as non‐radiative recombination centers and limit the open‐circuit voltage (VOC) and power conversion efficiency (PCE) of PSCs. Defect chemistry and surface passivation agents have been extensively studied, primarily focusing on the neutralization of non‐coordinated lead or anion defects. Herein, a novel methoxy‐based passivator 4‐methoxyphenethylammonium iodide (p‐MeOPEAI) is introduced for a multifunctional passivation effect at the perovskite interface. It is susceptible for p‐MeOPEAI to form 2D perovskite on top of 3D perovskite, and it interacts with the surface of 3D perovskite in multiple ways, forming a 3D/2D structure that facilitates charge transfer and p‐MeOPEAI passivates the uncoordinated Pb2+ ions of the perovskite film surface. The interface defects in the PSCs are well passivated, minimizing non‐radiative recombination and enhancing device performance. As a result, a champion PCE of 23.3% is achieved for flexible PSCs with a high VOC (1.2 V). In addition, modified devices also show enhanced operational mechanical stability (retention of >80% initial PCE after 10 000 bending cycles).
Enhancing the Performance and Stability of Perovskite Solar Cells through the Introduction of the Multifunctional Additive 5‐Amino‐2‐Fluorobenzoic Acid
Authors: Fang Kai , Wang Jintao , Liu Hao , Chen Shuming , Jiang Ning , Wang Zhenyu , Li Chuannan , Zhang Jian , Duan Yu
Published: October 2023

As the evolution of energy resources continues, perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are gaining increasing attention from researchers and are emerging as strong competitors to silicon‐based solar cells. However, due to the preparation process, defects are inevitable and have a significant impact on the efficiency and stability of PSCs. Therefore, it is essential to explore effective passivation strategies to minimize nonradiative recombination, enhance carrier mobility, and improve the overall photovoltaic performance of these cells. Herein, 5‐amino‐2‐fluorobenzoic acid (5‐AFA) is incorporated into the perovskite precursor solution as an additive. The aim is to investigate the passivation mechanism of the composite, which involves multifunctional groups such as –COOH, –NH2, and –F. The results demonstrate that this additive effectively passivates the defects, suppresses nonradiative recombination, slows down the crystallization process, improves film crystallinity, and ultimately enhances both the efficiency and stability of the PSCs. Specifically, the passivated PSCs achieve an impressive power conversion efficiency of 20.37%. These cells also exhibit remarkable stability with the unencapsulated devices maintaining an initial efficiency of 79% even after 700 h in an indoor environment. These findings highlight the successful application of the 5‐AFA additive in enhancing the performance and durability of PSCs.
Effect of MgO on Evolution of Interface Structure between Low‐Basicity Refining Slag and MgO–C Refractory
Authors: Yu Wenchun , Li Jianli , Zeng Qiang , Xu Qi , Meng Yaoqing
Published: October 2023

MgO–C bricks are widely used as a refractory lining in the slag line part of the ladle of a cord steel refining. The dissolution of their main component MgO into the refining slag is one of the main reasons for their shortened service durability. Laboratory experiments are carried out using low‐alkalinity refining slag and unaltered MgO–C bricks by static crucible method. Physicochemical analysis, FactSage thermodynamic calculations, etc., are performed on the specimens, and the dissolution mechanism of magnesia is investigated. When the low‐melting‐point‐phase CaMgSiO4 (CMS) decomposes at high temperatures, the concentration and activity of (MgO) at the local interface between slag and MgO‐C brick increase rapidly, inhibiting the dissolution of magnesia into slag at the CMS in situ. The rapid weakening of the dissolution drive of the slag to the magnesia corrosion occurs when the MgO content in the refining slag approaches saturation. To verify the feasibility of extending the service life of MgO–C bricks at the refining ladle slag line, the study involves controlling the MgO content in the refining slag.
Study of the High‐Temperature Oxidation Behavior of SUS430 Ferritic Stainless Steel Under Different Content of Water Vapor Atmosphere
Authors: Qian Xing-Qiang , Sun Bin , Tang Dong-Shan , Chen Jian , Cheng Lei , Li Zhi-Feng
Published: October 2023

The oxidation behavior of SUS430 ferritic stainless steel is studied during isothermal oxidation at 1100 °C for 2 h under a mixture of 10, 30, and 50% water vapor and air, and oxidation kinetics curves are drawn. The surface morphology and phase composition of oxide scale are analyzed using X‐Ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscope, and energy dispersive spectrometer. The oxidation kinetic curves under three different humidities are S‐shaped and include three stages: induction period, acceleration period, and deceleration period. The controlling steps under 10% water vapor and air are nucleation and growth, while under 30% and 50% water vapor and air are both phase boundary control reactions. The induction period becomes shorter and the breakaway oxidation occurs earlier with increasing water vapor content. The structure of oxide scale produced is layered, with the outer layer being iron oxide and the inner layer being mainly the Fe–Cr spinel phase. The volatilization of Cr and the growth stress of the Cr2O3 layer cause the formation of nodules, and a large number of cracks are generated in oxide scale. The cracks provide diffusion paths, accelerating the diffusion of Fe ions and electrons, as well as the erosion of the substrate.
What Do We Talk About When We Talk About Neuro? A Response to Suzanne Egan
Authors: Wood Julian
Published: October 2023

The following piece addresses some of the issues raised by Suzanne Egan about the growth of neurologically influenced understandings of trauma and trauma-informed practice. The growth of this phenomenon perhaps reflects an increased tendency to see biological understandings (especially brain chemistry and functioning) as primary. Whilst the piece (and Egan’s discussion) does not dismiss this biological element, it nonetheless seeks to interrogate exactly how neurological understandings can dovetail with other disciplines such as those provided by the social sciences. Both pieces address the ideas of discourse and the discursive constructions of problems as explored in the work of both Michel Foucault and Nikolas Rose.
The Power, Passions, and Perils of Identity: On Chantal Mouffe
Authors: Low Remy Y. S.
Published: October 2023

In this chapter, I engage with the work of political theorist Chantal Mouffe that puts forward a malleable and relational understanding of identity beyond simple demographic categories—specifically her account of how political identities are contingently formed through processes of ‘identification’ and ‘antagonism’. Bringing in illustrative vignettes from discussions in a teacher education classroom, as well as some recent neuroscience research, I gesture towards the power of identification and antagonism in fomenting confidence and collective resolve. I also draw from those discussions and sources to raise questions about the potential hazards with such collective identification and antagonism, especially those of us who are committed to education—even of ‘them’ whom ‘we’ are utterly opposed.
Isolated photon production in association with a jet pair through next-to-next-to-leading order in QCD
Authors: Badger Simon , Czakon Michał , Hartanto Heribertus Bayu , Moodie Ryan , Peraro Tiziano , Poncelet Rene , Zoia Simone
Published: October 2023

Abstract

In this work, we provide a comprehensive set of differential cross-section distributions for photon + di-jet production in proton-proton collisions with next-to-next-to-leading order precision in massless QCD. The event selection corresponds to recent measurements by the ATLAS collaboration. We observe an improved description of data in comparison to lower-order calculations in the case of observables that are expected to be well described by perturbation theory. The results also show better agreement with data than parton-shower-matched and multi-jet-merged predictions generated for the ATLAS analysis using the Sherpa Monte Carlo. A particular highlight of our study is the use of exact five-point two-loop virtual amplitudes. This is the first calculation of a complete two-to-three hadron-collider process at next-to-next-to-leading order in QCD that does not rely on the leading-colour approximation at two loops. We demonstrate, nevertheless, that the sub-leading-colour effects present in the infraredand ultraviolet-finite double-virtual contributions are negligible in view of the remaining scale uncertainties.
Complete analysis on QED corrections to Bq → τ+τ−
Authors: Huang Yong-Kang , Shen Yue-Long , Zhao Xue-Chen , Zhou Si-Hong
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Motivated by a dynamical enhancement of the electromagnetic corrections by a power of ΛQCD/mb in Bd,s→ μ+μ− at next-to-leading order (NLO), we extend the QED factorization effects on the leptonic B meson decays with light muon leptons to tauonic final states, Bd,s→ τ+τ−, using soft-collinear effective theory (SCET). This extension is necessary owing to the appearance of the large τ mass, which will lead to different power counting in SCET and also different results. We provide a complete NLO electromagnetic corrections to Bd,s→ τ+τ−, which include hard functions and hard-collinear functions below the bottom quark mass scale μb. The power enhanced electromagnetic effects from hard-collinear contributions on Bd,s→ μ+μ− discussed before also exist in Bd,s→ τ+τ−. However the logarithm term arising from contributions of hard-collinear photon and lepton virtualities for Bd,s→ τ+τ− is not large as it is in muon case due to the hard-collinear scale of τ mass, which lead to only approximately 0.04% QED corrections to the branching fraction of Bd,s→ τ+τ− compared with overall reduction about 0.5% in Bd,s→ μ+μ−.
Scalarized Kerr-Newman black holes
Authors: Guo Guangzhou , Wang Peng , Wu Houwen , Yang Haitang
Published: October 2023

Abstract

In this paper, we construct scalarized rotating black holes within the framework of Einstein-Maxwell-scalar models. These models incorporate non-minimal couplings that can induce tachyonic instabilities, leading to the spontaneous scalarization of Kerr-Newman (KN) black holes. By exploring the domain of existence, we observe that the presence of scalarized KN black holes is suppressed by the black hole spin, with a maximum spin threshold beyond which scalarized solutions cease to exist. Intriguingly, we find that in specific parameter regimes, scalarized KN black holes can exhibit the presence of two unstable and one stable light rings on the equatorial plane, manifesting in both prograde and retrograde directions.
Tree-level Unitarity in $$ \textrm{SU}{(2)}_L\times \textrm{U}{(1)}_Y\times \textrm{U}{(1)}_{Y^{\prime }} $$ Models
Authors: Bento Miguel P. , Haber Howard E. , Silva João P.
Published: October 2023

Abstract

In models with a U(1) gauge extension beyond the Standard Model, one can derive sum rules for the couplings of the theory that are a consequence of tree-level unitarity. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive list of coupling sum rules for a general $$ \textrm{SU}{(2)}_L\times \textrm{U}{(1)}_Y\times \textrm{U}{(1)}_{Y^{\prime }} $$
SU

2

L

×
U

1

Y

×
U

1

Y
′

gauge theory coupled to an arbitrary set of fermion and scalar multiplets. These results are of particular interest for models of dark matter that employ an extended gauge sector mediated by a new (dark) Z′ gauge boson. For the case of a minimal extension of the Standard Model with a $$ \textrm{U}{(1)}_{Y^{\prime }} $$
U

1

Y
′

gauge boson, we clarify the definitions of the weak mixing angle and the electroweak ρ parameter. We demonstrate the utility of a generalized ρ parameter (denoted by ρ′) whose definition naturally follows from the unitarity sum rules developed in this paper.
Improvement of Neurovascular Imaging Using Ultra-High-Resolution Computed Tomography Angiography
Authors: Ucar Felix A. , Frenzel Marius , Kronfeld Andrea , Altmann Sebastian , Sanner Antoine P. , Mercado Mario Alberto Abello , Uphaus Timo , Brockmann Marc A. , Othman Ahmed E.
Published: October 2023

Objective

To evaluate diagnostic image quality of ultra-high-resolution computed tomography angiography (UHR-CTA) in neurovascular imaging as compared to normal resolution CT-angiography (NR-CTA).

Material and Methods

In this retrospective single-center study brain and neck CT-angiography was performed using an ultra-high-resolution computed tomography scanner (n = 82) or a normal resolution CT scanner (NR-CTA; n = 73). Ultra-high-resolution images were reconstructed with a 1024 × 1024 matrix and a slice thickness of 0.25 mm, whereas NR-CT images were reconstructed with a 512 × 512 matrix and a slice thickness of 0.5 mm. Three blinded neuroradiologists assessed overall image quality, artifacts, image noise, overall contrast and diagnostic confidence using a 4-point Likert scale. Furthermore, the visualization and delineation of supra-aortic arteries with an emphasis on the visualization of small intracerebral vessels was assessed using a cerebral vascular score, also utilizing a 4-point Likert scale. Quantitative analyses included signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), noise and the steepness of gray value transition. Radiation exposure was determined by comparison of computed tomography dose index (CTDIvol), dose length product (DLP) and mean effective dose. Interrater agreement was evaluated via determining Fleiss-Kappa.

Results

Ultra-high-resolution CT-angiography (UHR-CTA) yielded excellent image quality with superior quantitative (SNR: p < 0.001, CNR: p < 0.001, steepness of gray value transition: p < 0.001) and qualitative results (overall image quality: 4 (Inter quartile range (IQR) = 4–4); p < 0.001, diagnostic confidence: 4 (IQR = 4–4); p < 0.001) compared to NR-CT (overall image quality: 3 (IQR = 3–3), diagnostic confidence: 3 (IQR = 3–4)). Furthermore, UHR-CT enabled significantly superior delineation and visualization of all vascular segments, from proximal extracranial vessels to the smallest peripheral cerebral branches (e.g., UHR-CTA PICA: 4 (3–4) vs. NR-CTA PICA: 3 (2–3); UHR-CTA P4: 4 (IQR = 3–4) vs. NR-CTA P4: 2 (IQR = 2–3); UHR-CTA M4: 4 (IQR = 4–4) vs. NR-CTA M4: 3 (IQR = 2–3); UHR-CTA A4: 4 (IQR = 3–4) vs. NR-CTA A4: 2 (IQR = 2–3); all p < 0.001). Noteworthy, a reduced mean effective dose was observed when applying UHR-CT (NR-CTA: 1.8 ± 0.3 mSv; UHR-CTA: 1.5 ± 0.5 mSv; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Ultra-high-resolution CT-angiography improves image quality in neurovascular imaging allowing the depiction and evaluation of small peripheral cerebral arteries. It may thus improve the detection of pathologies in small cerebrovascular lesions and the resulting diagnosis.
Akutes Abdomen – seltene Ursache bei einer 80-jährigen Patientin unter immunsuppressiver Therapie
Authors: Schlottmann J. , Miller S. , Scheurig-Münkler C. , Merkl C. , Weber T. , Eser S. , Fuchs A. , Messmann H. , Probst A.
Published: October 2023

Eine 80-jährige Frau stellte sich zur Abklärung abdomineller Schmerzen vor. Vorausgegangen war die Diagnosestellung einer Autoimmunhepatitis mit Einleitung einer immunsuppressiven Therapie und Auftritt zweier Pneumonien mit opportunistischen Erregern. Die Bildgebung erbrachte einen „omental cake“ mit Verdacht auf Peritonealkarzinose. Bei Auftritt eines akuten Abdomens erfolgte eine explorative Laparotomie, hierbei zeigten sich intraabdominelle Abszesse. Anhand von Blutkulturen und des intraoperativ gewonnenen Materials wurde eine disseminierte Nocardiose diagnostiziert. Die Patientin verstarb aufgrund einer fulminant verlaufenen Sepsis.
Short-term disengagement from early intervention service for first-episode psychosis: findings from the “Parma Early Psychosis” program
Authors: Pelizza Lorenzo , Leuci Emanuela , Quattrone Emanuela , Azzali Silvia , Pupo Simona , Paulillo Giuseppina , Pellegrini Pietro , Menchetti Marco
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Service disengagement is a major concern for “Early Intervention in Psychosis” (EIP). Indeed, identifying predictors of engagement is crucial to maximize mental healthcare interventions in first-episode psychosis (FEP). No Italian study on this topic has been reported to date. Thus, the aims of this investigation were: (1) to examine short-term disengagement rate in an Italian population of FEP patients treated within an EIP service across a 1-year follow-up period, and (b) to assess the most relevant predictors of disengagement in the first year of treatment.

Methods

All participants were young FEP help-seeking patients, aged 12–35 years, enrolled within the “Parma Early Psychosis” (Pr-EP) protocol. At baseline, they completed the Positive And Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), the Health of the Nation Outcome Scale (HoNOS) and the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used.

Results

496 FEP individuals were enrolled in this research. Across the follow-up, a 16.5% prevalence of short-term disengagement was found. Particularly robust predictors of service disengagement were poor baseline treatment non-adherence, living with parents and the presence of brief psychotic disorder or schizophreniform disorder at entry.

Conclusion

About 16% of FEP patients disengaged the Pr-EP program within the first year of treatment. A solution to reduce disengagement and/or to favor re-engagement of these subjects might be to remain on EIP program caseloads allowing the option for low-intensity support and monitoring, also via remote technology.
Online consent: how much do we need to know?
Authors: Chomanski Bartlomiej , Lauwaert Lode
Published: October 2023

This paper argues, against the prevailing view, that consent to privacy policies that regular internet users usually give is largely unproblematic from the moral point of view. To substantiate this claim, we rely on the idea of the right not to know (RNTK), as developed by bioethicists. Defenders of the RNTK in bioethical literature on informed consent claim that patients generally have the right to refuse medically relevant information. In this article we extend the application of the RNTK to online privacy. We then argue that if internet users can be thought of as exercising their RNTK before consenting to privacy policies, their consent ought to be considered free of the standard charges leveled against it by critics.
Diversity of hydrodynamic radii of intrinsically disordered proteins
Authors: Białobrzewski Michał K. , Klepka Barbara P. , Michaś Agnieszka , Cieplak-Rotowska Maja K. , Staszałek Zuzanna , Niedźwiecka Anna
Published: October 2023

Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) form an important class of biomolecules regulating biological processes in higher organisms. The lack of a fixed spatial structure facilitates them to perform their regulatory functions and allows the efficiency of biochemical reactions to be controlled by temperature and the cellular environment. From the biophysical point of view, IDPs are biopolymers with a broad configuration state space and their actual conformation depends on non-covalent interactions of its amino acid side chain groups at given temperature and chemical conditions. Thus, the hydrodynamic radius (Rh) of an IDP of a given polymer length (N) is a sequence- and environment-dependent variable. We have reviewed the literature values of hydrodynamic radii of IDPs determined experimentally by SEC, AUC, PFG NMR, DLS, and FCS, and complement them with our FCS results obtained for a series of protein fragments involved in the regulation of human gene expression. The data collected herein show that the values of hydrodynamic radii of IDPs can span the full space between the folded globular and denatured proteins in the Rh(N) diagram.
Development of flavivirus subviral particles with low cross-reactivity by mutations of a distinct antigenic domain
Authors: Tabata Koshiro , Itakura Yukari , Ariizumi Takuma , Igarashi Manabu , Kobayashi Hiroko , Intaruck Kittiya , Kishimoto Mai , Kobayashi Shintaro , Hall William W. , Sasaki Michihito , Sawa Hirofumi , Orba Yasuko
Published: October 2023

The most conserved fusion loop (FL) domain present in the flavivirus envelope protein has been reported as a dominant epitope for cross-reactive antibodies to mosquito-borne flaviviruses (MBFVs). As a result, establishing accurate serodiagnosis for MBFV infections has been difficult as anti-FL antibodies are induced by both natural infection and following vaccination. In this study, we modified the most conserved FL domain to overcome this cross-reactivity. We showed that the FL domain of lineage I insect-specific flavivirus (ISFV) has differences in antigenicity from those of MBFVs and lineage II ISFV and determined the key amino acid residues (G106, L107, or F108), which contribute to the antigenic difference. These mutations were subsequently introduced into subviral particles (SVPs) of dengue virus type 2 (DENV2), Zika virus (ZIKV), Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), and West Nile virus (WNV). In indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), these SVP mutants when used as antigens reduced the binding of cross-reactive IgG and total Ig induced by infection of ZIKV, JEV, and WNV in mice and enabled the sensitive detection of virus-specific antibodies. Furthermore, immunization of ZIKV or JEV SVP mutants provoked the production of antibodies with lower cross-reactivity to heterologous MBFV antigens compared to immunization with the wild-type SVPs in mice. This study highlights the effectiveness of introducing mutations in the FL domain in MBFV SVPs with lineage I ISFV-derived amino acids to produce SVP antigens with low cross-reactivity and demonstrates an improvement in the accuracy of indirect ELISA-based serodiagnosis for MBFV infections.

Key points

• The FL domain of Lineage I ISFV has a different antigenicity from that of MBFVs.

• Mutated SVPs reduce the binding of cross-reactive antibodies in indirect ELISAs.

• Inoculation of mutated SVPs induces antibodies with low cross-reactivity.
Decoding tumor stage by peritumoral and intratumoral radiomics in resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Tan Xian-Zheng , Ma Rong , Liu Peng , Xiao Chang-Hui , Zhang Hui-Hui , Yang Fan , Liang Chang-Hong , Liu Zai-Yi
Published: October 2023

Purpose

To evaluate the potential application of radiomics in predicting Tumor-Node-Metastasis (TNM) stage in patients with resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

Methods

This retrospective study included 122 consecutive patients (mean age, 57 years; 27 women). Corresponding tumor of interest was identified on axial arterial-phase CT images with manual annotation. Radiomics features were extracted from intra- and peritumoral regions. Features were pruned to train LASSO regression model with 93 patients to construct a radiomics signature, whose performance was validated in a test set of 29 patients. Prognostic value of radiomics-predicted TNM stage was estimated by survival analysis in the entire cohort.

Results

The radiomics signature incorporating one intratumoral and four peritumoral features was significantly associated with TNM stage. This signature discriminated tumor stage with an area under curve (AUC) of 0.823 in the training set, with similar performance in the test set (AUC 0.813). Recurrence-free survival (RFS) was significantly different between different radiomics-predicted TNM stage groups (Low-risk vs high-risk, log-rank P = 0.004). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses revealed that radiomics-predicted TNM stage was an independent preoperative factor for RFS.

Conclusions

The proposed radiomics signature combing intratumoral and peritumoral features was predictive of TNM stage and associated with prognostication in ESCC.

Graphical abstract
Modelling DTPA therapy following Am contamination in rats
Authors: Kastl Manuel , Grémy Olivier , Lamart Stephanie , Giussani Augusto , Li Wei Bo , Hoeschen Christoph
Published: October 2023

A major challenge in modelling the decorporation of actinides (An), such as americium (Am), with DTPA (diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid) is the fact that standard biokinetic models become inadequate for assessing radionuclide intake and estimating the resulting dose, as DTPA perturbs the regular biokinetics of the radionuclide. At present, most attempts existing in the literature are empirical and developed mainly for the interpretation of one or a limited number of specific incorporation cases. Recently, several approaches have been presented with the aim of developing a generic model, one of which reported the unperturbed biokinetics of plutonium (Pu), the chelation process and the behaviour of the chelated compound An–DTPA with a single model structure. The aim of the approach described in this present work is the development of a generic model that is able to describe the biokinetics of Am, DTPA and the chelate Am–DTPA simultaneously. Since accidental intakes in humans present many unknowns and large uncertainties, data from controlled studies in animals were used. In these studies, different amounts of DTPA were administered at different times after contamination with known quantities of Am. To account for the enhancement of faecal excretion and reduction in liver retention, DTPA is assumed to chelate Am not only in extracellular fluids, but also in hepatocytes. A good agreement was found between the predictions of the proposed model and the experimental results for urinary and faecal excretion and accumulation and retention in the liver. However, the decorporation from the skeletal compartment could not be reproduced satisfactorily under these simple assumptions.
Deformed Graphical Zonotopes
Authors: Padrol Arnau , Pilaud Vincent , Poullot Germain
Published: October 2023

We study deformations of graphical zonotopes. Deformations of the classical permutahedron (which is the graphical zonotope of the complete graph) have been intensively studied in recent years under the name of generalized permutahedra. We provide an irredundant description of the deformation cone of the graphical zonotope associated to a graph G, consisting of independent equations defining its linear span (in terms of non-cliques of G) and of the inequalities defining its facets (in terms of common neighbors of neighbors in G). In particular, we deduce that the faces of the standard simplex corresponding to induced cliques in G form a linear basis of the deformation cone, and that the deformation cone is simplicial if and only if G is triangle-free.
Cashing out crypto: state of practice in ransom payments
Authors: Patsakis Constantinos , Politou Eugenia , Alepis Efthimios , Hernandez-Castro Julio
Published: October 2023

The fast pace of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies’ evolution makes people vulnerable to financial fraud and provides a relatively straightforward monetisation mechanism for cybercriminals, in particular ransomware groups which exploit crypto’s pseudo-anonymity properties. At the same time, regulatory efforts for addressing crimes related to crypto assets are emerging worldwide. In this work, we shed light on the current state of practice of ransomware monetisation to provide evidence of their payment traceability, explore future trends, and—above all—showcase that over-regulating cryptocurrencies is not the best way to mitigate their risks. For that purpose, first, we provide an overview of the legislative initiatives currently taken by the USA, the EU, and the OECD to regulate cryptocurrencies, showing that strict laws and the divergences between the regulatory regimes can hardly efficiently regulate the global phenomenon of cryptocurrency, which transcends borders and states. Next, we focus on illicit payments in bitcoin to ransomware groups, illustrating how these payments are siphoned off and how criminals cash out the ransom, often leaving traceable evidence behind. To this end, we leverage a publicly available dataset and a set of state-of-the-art blockchain analysis tools to identify payment patterns, trends, and transaction trails, which are provided in an anonymised form. Our work reveals that a significant amount of illicit bitcoin transactions can be easily traced, and consequently, many cyber crimes like ransomware can actually be tracked down and investigated with existing tools and laws, thus providing fertile ground for better and fairer legislation on crypto.
Clinical effect of progressive pulmonary fibrosis on patients with connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung disease: a single center retrospective cohort study
Authors: Lee Ju Kwang , Ahn Yura , Noh Han Na , Lee Sang Min , Yoo Bin , Lee Chang-Keun , Kim Yong-Gil , Hong Seokchan , Ahn Soo Min , Kim Ho Cheol
Published: October 2023

The concept of progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PPF) has been introduced to predict the diverse prognosis of interstitial lung disease (ILD). However, the incidence and effect of PPF on outcomes in patients with connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung disease (CTD-ILD) need to be elucidated. This study reviewed 197 patients with CTD-ILD. Symptomatic worsening, pulmonary function decline, and radiological deterioration were investigated to assess the fulfillment of PPF diagnostic criteria. Clinical outcomes, including mortality, were compared based on the presence or absence of PPF. The median follow-up duration was 17.4 months. The mean age of the patients was 64.0 years, and 60.9% were female. Among the underlying CTDs, rheumatoid arthritis (42.1%), inflammatory myositis (19.8%), and systemic sclerosis (13.2%) were the most common. Of the 197 patients, 37 (18.8%) met the diagnostic criteria for PPF during the follow-up period. Even after adjusting for other significant risk factors, PPF was independently associated with mortality [hazard ratio (HR) 3.856; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.387–10.715; P = 0.010] and baseline albumin was marginally significantly associated with mortality (HR 0.549; CI 0.298–1.010; P = 0.054). The median survival was also significantly shorter in the PPF group than in the non-PPF group (72.3 ± 12.9 vs. 126.8 ± 15.5 months, P < 0.001). Baseline KL-6 ≥ 1000 (U/mL) was a significant risk factor for PPF (HR 2.885; CI 1.165–7.144; P = 0.022). In addition to increased mortality, the PPF group had significantly higher rates of respiratory-related hospitalizations, pneumonia, acute exacerbations, and weight loss than the non-PPF group. PPF is a significant prognostic indicator in patients with CTD-ILD. Thus, healthcare professionals should know that patients with CTD-ILD are at risk of PPF.
A new mathematical model of phyllotaxis to solve the genuine puzzle spiromonostichy
Authors: Yonekura Takaaki , Sugiyama Munetaka
Published: October 2023

Arrangement of plant leaves around the stem, termed phyllotaxis, exhibits beautiful and mysterious regularities and has been one of the most attractive subjects of biological pattern formation. After the long history of studies on phyllotaxis, it is now widely accepted that the inhibitory effect of existing leaf primordia on new primordium formation determines phyllotactic patterning. However, costoid phyllotaxis unique to Costaceae of Zingiberales, displaying spiromonostichy characterized by a steep spiral with a small divergence angle, seems to disagree with the inhibitory effect-based mechanism and has remained as a “genuine puzzle”. We developed a new mathematical model, hypothesizing that each leaf primordium exerts not only the inhibitory effect but also some inductive effect. Computer simulations with the new model successfully generated a spiromonostichous pattern when these two effects met a certain relationship. The obtained spiromonostichy matched the real costoid phyllotaxis observed with Costus megalobractea, particularly for the decrease of the divergence angle associated with the enlargement of the shoot apical meristem. The new model was also shown to be able to produce a one-sided distichous pattern that is seen in phyllotaxis of a few plants of Zingiberales and has never been addressed in the previous model studies. These results implicated inductive as well as inhibitory mechanisms in phyllotactic patterning, at least in Zingiberales.
Feeding ecology and reproductive success of the Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus in differently managed pond habitats
Authors: Filipiuk Maciej , Buczyński Paweł , Kloskowski Janusz
Published: October 2023

Knowledge of the relationships between food habits and habitat is crucial for the assessment of habitat quality for birds. The present study investigated the diet and reproductive success of Little Bitterns Ixobrychus minutus nesting on cyprinid fish ponds, an important breeding habitat of this species in central and eastern Europe. Being subject to different management practices, fish ponds provide food resources of uneven availability for this small heron. Prey items regurgitated by nestlings were examined, and breeding success was estimated on monoculture ponds stocked either with small fish (of a size suitable for feeding nestlings) or large fish (unavailable to Little Bitterns and adversely affecting their non-fish prey), on abandoned ponds dominated by small fish but with large fish also present, and on angling ponds dominated by large sport fish but harbouring significant numbers of small fish as well. A total of 1356 prey items from 78 broods were identified. Although Little Bitterns exhibited dietary flexibility in response to the contrasting availability of prey on their nesting ponds, the bulk of the nestlings’ diet consisted of fish. The size of fish brought to the nest increased significantly with brood age, showing that parents adjusted the prey size to the gape constraints of their young. The chick production determined for 73 broods did not differ with respect to pond management, but the dietary composition indicated that to compensate for food shortages, birds nesting on ponds containing mainly large fish made foraging flights to food-richer ponds. The abundance of small-sized fish prey may be a factor limiting the breeding success of small- and medium-sized predatory waterbirds and should be taken into consideration in management strategies of habitats dominated by fish.
Vision and Tactile Robotic System to Grasp Litter in Outdoor Environments
Authors: Páez-Ubieta Ignacio de Loyola , Castaño-Amorós Julio , Puente Santiago T. , Gil Pablo
Published: October 2023

The accumulation of litter is increasing in many places and is consequently becoming a problem that must be dealt with. In this paper, we present a manipulator robotic system to collect litter in outdoor environments. This system has three functionalities. Firstly, it uses colour images to detect and recognise litter comprising different materials. Secondly, depth data are combined with pixels of waste objects to compute a 3D location and segment three-dimensional point clouds of the litter items in the scene. The grasp in 3 Degrees of Freedom (DoFs) is then estimated for a robot arm with a gripper for the segmented cloud of each instance of waste. Finally, two tactile-based algorithms are implemented and then employed in order to provide the gripper with a sense of touch. This work uses two low-cost visual-based tactile sensors at the fingertips. One of them addresses the detection of contact (which is obtained from tactile images) between the gripper and solid waste, while another has been designed to detect slippage in order to prevent the objects grasped from falling. Our proposal was successfully tested by carrying out extensive experimentation with different objects varying in size, texture, geometry and materials in different outdoor environments (a tiled pavement, a surface of stone/soil, and grass). Our system achieved an average score of 94% for the detection and Collection Success Rate (CSR) as regards its overall performance, and of 80% for the collection of items of litter at the first attempt.