bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polyvector fields for Fano 3-folds
Authors: Belmans Pieter , Fatighenti Enrico , Tanturri Fabio
Published: April 2023

We compute the Hochschild–Kostant–Rosenberg decomposition of the Hochschild cohomology of Fano 3-folds. This is the first step in understanding the non-trivial Gerstenhaber algebra structure of this invariant, and yields some initial insights in the classification of Poisson structures on Fano 3-folds of higher Picard rank.
Electroacupuncture at Baliao point alleviates post-operative pain and anal distension after procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids (stapled hemorrhoidopexy): a prospective randomized clinical trial
Authors: Shen Jiamen , Zhou Xiecheng , Zhao Jiaying , Wang Huipeng , Ye Tao , Chen Wenjie , Wang Xin , Gong Lifeng , Cai Yuankun
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at Baliao point on short-term complications, such as anal pain and swelling, after procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids (PPH) in patients with mixed hemorrhoids.

Methods

A total of 124 eligible patients undergoing PPH surgery were included in this study and randomly divided into a control group (n = 67) and an EA group (n = 57), with patients in the control group receiving only PPH surgery and patients in the EA group receiving PPH surgery and EA at Baliao point.

Results

The visual analogue scale (VAS) scores of EA group at 8, 24, 48, and 72 h after operation were significantly lower than those of control group. The anal distension scores at 8, 48, and 72 h after operation were also significantly lower than those of control group. The number of postoperative analgesic drug administration per patient was also significantly lower in the EA group. The incidence of urinary retention and tenesmus in EA group was significantly lower than that in control group within the first day after surgery.

Conclusion

EA treatment at the Baliao point can alleviate short-term anal pain and anal swelling after the procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids, reduce the incidence of urinary retention, and decrease the use of postoperative analgesic drugs.

Trial registration

This study was approved and registered by the Chinese Clinical Trial Center, Registration number: ChiCTR2100043519, Registration time: February 21, 2021 (https://www.chictr.org.cn/).
Real-world use of natalizumab in Austria: data from the Austrian Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Registry (AMSTR)
Authors: Monschein Tobias , Dekany Sarinah , Zrzavy Tobias , Ponleitner Markus , Altmann Patrick , Bsteh Gabriel , Kornek Barbara , Rommer Paulus , Enzinger Christian , Di Pauli Franziska , Kraus Jörg , Berger Thomas , Leutmezer Fritz , Guger Michael ,   the Austrian MS Treatment Registry (AMSTR)
Published: April 2023

Introduction

With the approval of natalizumab in Europe in 2006, the Austrian Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Registry (AMSTR) was established. Here, we present data from this registry about effectiveness and safety of natalizumab in patients treated up to 14 years.

Patients/methods

Data retrieved from the AMSTR contained baseline characteristics and biannual documentation of annualised relapse rate (ARR) and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score as well as adverse events and reasons for discontinuation on follow-up visits.

Results

A total of 1596 natalizumab patients (71% women, n = 1133) were included in the analysis and the observed treatment duration ranged from 0 to 164 months (13.6 years). The mean ARR was 2.0 (SD = 1.13) at baseline, decreasing to 0.16 after 1 year and 0.01 after 10 years. A total of 325 patients (21.6%) converted to secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) during the observational period. Of 1502 patients, 1297 (86.4%) reported no adverse events (AE) during follow-up visits. The most common reported AEs were infections and infusion-related reactions. John Cunningham virus (JCV) seropositivity was the most common specified reason for treatment discontinuation (53.7%, n = 607). There were five confirmed cases of Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML) with 1 death.

Conclusion

The effectiveness of natalizumab in patients with active relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) could be confirmed in our real-world cohort even after follow-up of up to 14 years, though after year 10, there were less than 100 remaining patients. A low number of AE were reported in this nationwide registry study, establishing Natalizumab’s favourable safety profile during long-term use.
Finding the most suitable puncture site for intraosseous access in term and preterm neonates: an ultrasound-based anatomical pilot study
Authors: Schwindt Eva M. , Häcker Theresa , Stockenhuber Reinhold , Patsch Janina M. , Mehany Sarah N. , Berger Angelika , Schwindt Jens C.
Published: April 2023

The purpose of this prospective ultrasound-based pilot study was to identify the most suitable tibial puncture site for intraosseous (IO) access in term and preterm neonates, describe tibial dimensions at this site, and provide anatomical landmarks for rapid localization. We measured the tibial dimensions and distances to anatomical landmarks at puncture sites A (proximal: 10 mm distal to the tibial tuberosity; distal: 10 mm proximal to the malleolus medialis) and B (chosen by palpation of the pediatrician), in 40 newborns in four weight groups (< 1000 g; 1000–2000 g, 2000–3000 g, and 3000–4000 g). Sites were rejected if they fell short of the assumed safety distance to the tibial growth plate of 10 mm. If both A and B were rejected, puncture site C was determined sonographically at the maximum tibial diameter while maintaining the safety distance. Puncture site A violated the safety distance in 53% and 85% (proximally and distally, respectively) and puncture site B in 38% and 33%. In newborns weighing 3000–4000 g, at median (IQR), the most suitable puncture site at the proximal tibia was 13.0 mm (12.0–15.8) distal to the tuberosity and 6.0 mm (4.0–8.0) medial to the anterior rim of the tibia. The median (IQR) diameters at this site were 8.3 mm (7.9–9.1) (transverse) and 9.2 mm (8.9–9.8) (anterior–posterior). The diameters increased significantly with increasing weight.

  Conclusion: This study adds concise, practical information on the implementation of IO access in neonatal patients: the tibial dimensions in newborns in four different weight groups and initial data on anatomical landmarks to easily locate the IO puncture site. The results may help implement IO access in newborns more safely.

What is Known:

• Intraosseous access is a feasible option for emergency administration of vital drugs and fluids in newborns undergoing resuscitation when an umbilical venous catheter is impossible to place.

• Severe complications of IO access due to malpositioned IO needles have been reported in neonates.

What is New:

• This study reports the most suitable tibial puncture sites for IO access and the tibial dimensions, in newborns of four weight groups.

• The results can help to implement safe IO access in newborns.
Use of High Energy Devices (HEDs) versus electrocautery for laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Ortenzi Monica , Agresta Ferdinando , Vettoretto Nereo , Gerardi Chiara , Allocati Eleonora , Botteri Emanuele , Montori Giulia , Balla Andrea , Arezzo Alberto , Piatto Giacomo , Sartori Alberto , Antoniou Stavros , Podda Mauro
Published: April 2023

Introduction

According to the literature, there is no clear definition of a High Energy Devices (HEDs), and their proper indications for use are also unclear. Nevertheless, the flourishing market of HEDs could make their choice in daily clinical practice arduous, possibly increasing the risk of improper use for a lack of specific training. At the same time, the diffusion of HEDs impacts the economic asset of the healthcare systems. This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of HEDs compared to electrocautery devices while performing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC).

Materials and methods

On behalf of the Italian Society of Endoscopic Surgery and New Technologies, experts performed a systematic review and meta-analysis and synthesised the evidence assessing the efficacy and safety of HEDs compared to electrocautery devices while performing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Only randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and comparative observational studies were included. Outcomes were: operating time, bleeding, intra-operative and post-operative complications, length of hospital stay, costs, and exposition to surgical smoke. The review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021250447).

Results

Twenty-six studies were included: 21 RCTs, one prospective parallel arm comparative non-RCT, and one retrospective cohort study, while three were prospective comparative studies. Most of the studies included laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed in an elective setting. All the studies but three analysed the outcomes deriving from the utilisation of US sources of energy compared to electrocautery. Operative time was significantly shorter in the HED group compared to the electrocautery group (15 studies, 1938 patients; SMD − 1.33; 95% CI − 1.89 to 0.78; I2 = 97%, Random-effect). No other statistically significant differences were found in the other examined variables.

Conclusions

HEDs seem to have a superiority over Electrocautery while performing LC in terms of operative time, while no difference was observed in terms of length of hospitalisation and blood loss. No concerns about safety were raised.
Prognostic factors for lung transplant recipients focusing on age and gender: the Japanese lung transplantation report 2022
Authors: Oishi Hisashi , Okada Yoshinori , Sato Masaaki , Nakajima Jun , Nakajima Daisuke , Shiraishi Takeshi , Sato Toshihiko , Kanou Takashi , Shintani Yasushi , Miyoshi Kentaroh , Toyooka Shinichi , Maeda Sumiko , Chida Masayuki , Matsumoto Keitaro , Nagayasu Takeshi , Suzuki Hidemi , Yoshino Ichiro , Matsuda Yasushi , Hoshikawa Yasushi , Date Hiroshi
Published: April 2023

Purpose

To clarify the impact of donor and recipient characteristics on the survival of recipients before and after lung transplantation in the Japanese population.

Methods

Patients’ data were collected for retrospective analysis from all authorized lung transplant centers in Japan. We included 1963 patients listed for lung transplantation by the end of December 2021, comprised of 658 deceased-donor and 270 living-donor lung transplants.

Results

Primary disease had a significant impact on the mortality of patients waiting for transplantation. The indications for transplant significantly affected the post-transplant survival rate of deceased-donor lung transplant recipients. The recipient’s age also significantly affected the post-transplant survival rate of the deceased-donor and living-donor lung transplant recipients. The recipients of grafts transplanted from donors aged 61 years or older showed a worse post-transplant survival rate (≧60 years old). The survival rate for the combination of a female donor to a male recipient among the deceased-donor lung transplant recipients was the worst among the four combinations.

Conclusion

The donor and recipient characteristics significantly impacted the survival of recipients after lung transplantation. The underlying mechanism of the negative impact of the gender mismatch of female donor to male recipient on post-transplant survival needs to be investigated further.
Migration and wage inequality: a detailed analysis for German metropolitan and non-metropolitan regions
Authors: Schmid Ramona
Published: April 2023

This study presents new evidence on immigrant-native wage gaps considering regional-specific differences between 2000 and 2019 in Germany. Using linked employer-employee-data, unconditional quantile regression models are estimated in order to assess the degree of labor market integration of foreign workers. The applied extended version of the Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition method provides evidence on driving factors behind wage gaps along the entire wage distribution. Estimated results are presented not only for the whole of West Germany but also differentiated between metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas. On average, larger wage differentials are identified in metropolitan areas with at the same time a higher presence of foreign population. Detailed decompositions show that there are not only changes in the relative importance of explanatory factors over time, but also possible sources of wage differentials shift between different points of the wage distribution. Decisive explanatory variables in this context are the practised profession and the economic sector affiliation. Distinguishing between metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas, provides evidence that especially differences in educational attainment impact wage gaps in urban areas. Regarding the size of overall estimated wage gaps, after 2012 a reversal in trend and particular increasing tendencies around median wages are revealed.
Near-wall hemodynamic parameters quantification in in vitro intracranial aneurysms with 7 T PC-MRI
Authors: Sache Antoine , Reymond Philippe , Brina Olivier , Jung Bernd , Farhat Mohamed , Vargas Maria Isabel
Published: April 2023

Objective

Wall shear stress (WSS) and its derived spatiotemporal parameters have proven to play a major role on intracranial aneurysms (IAs) growth and rupture. This study aims to demonstrate how ultra-high field (UHF) 7 T phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging (PC-MRI) coupled with advanced image acceleration techniques allows a highly resolved visualization of near-wall hemodynamic parameters patterns in in vitro IAs, paving the way for more robust risk assessment of their growth and rupture.

Materials and methods

We performed pulsatile flow measurements inside three in vitro models of patient-specific IAs using 7 T PC-MRI. To this end, we built an MRI-compatible test bench, which faithfully reproduced a typical physiological intracranial flow rate in the models.

Results

The ultra-high field 7 T images revealed WSS patterns with high spatiotemporal resolution. Interestingly, the high oscillatory shear index values were found in the core of low WSS vortical structures and in flow stream intersecting regions. In contrast, maxima of WSS occurred around the impinging jet sites.

Conclusions

We showed that the elevated signal-to-noise ratio arising from 7 T PC-MRI enabled to resolve high and low WSS patterns with a high degree of detail.
Biomechanical Properties of Knee Medial Collateral Ligament Compared to Palmaris Longus for Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Huang Dave , Foster Lukas , Stone Michael , Kulber David , Metzger Melodie F.
Published: April 2023

Ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction (UCLR) is frequently performed among injured overhead-throwing athletes. One of the most common graft choices when performing a UCLR is the ipsilateral palmaris longus tendon (PL). The purpose of this study was to investigate the material properties of aseptically processed cadaveric knee collateral ligaments (kMCL) as a potential graft source for UCLR and compare them to the gold standard PL autograft. Each PL and kMCL cadaveric sample was subjected to cyclic preconditioning, stress relaxation, and load-to-failure testing, and the mechanical properties were recorded. PL samples exhibited a greater average decrease in stress compared to the kMCL samples during the stress-relaxation test (p < 0.0001). PL samples also demonstrated a greater average Young’s modulus in the linear region of the stress–strain curve compared to the kMCL samples (p < 0.01). The average yield strain and maximum strain of kMCL samples were significantly greater than the PL, p = 0.03 and 0.02, respectively. Both graft materials had comparable maximum toughness and demonstrated a similar ability to deform plastically without rupture. The clinical significance of our result is that prepared knee medial collateral ligament allografts may provide a viable graft material for use in the reconstruction of elbow ligaments.
Multi-task learning for few-shot biomedical relation extraction
Authors: Moscato Vincenzo , Napolano Giuseppe , Postiglione Marco , Sperlì Giancarlo
Published: April 2023

Artificial intelligence (AI) has advanced rapidly, but it has limited impact on biomedical text understanding due to a lack of annotated datasets (a.k.a. few-shot learning). Multi-task learning, which uses data from multiple datasets and tasks with related syntax and semantics, has potential to address this issue. However, the effectiveness of this approach heavily relies on the quality of the available data and its transferability between tasks. In this paper, we propose a framework, built upon a state-of-the-art multi-task method (i.e. MT-DNN), that leverages different publicly available biomedical datasets to enhance relation extraction performance. Our model employs a transformer-based architecture with shared encoding layers across multiple tasks, and task-specific classification layers to generate task-specific representations. To further improve performance, we utilize a knowledge distillation technique. In our experiments, we assess the impact of incorporating biomedical datasets in a multi-task learning setting and demonstrate that it consistently outperforms state-of-the-art few-shot learning methods in cases of limited data. This results in significant improvement across most datasets and few-shot scenarios, particularly in terms of recall scores.
Cyclic pressure induced decellularization of porcine descending aortas
Authors: Messner Barbara , Grab Maximilian , Grefen Linda , Laufer Günther , Hagl Christian , König Fabian
Published: April 2023

The demand for decellularized xenogeneic tissues used in reconstructive heart surgery has increased over the last decades. Complete decellularization of longer and tubular aortic sections suitable for clinical application has not been achieved so far. The present study aims at analyzing the effect of pressure application on decellularization efficacy of porcine aortas using a device specifically designed for this purpose. Fresh porcine descending aortas of 8 cm length were decellularized using detergents. To increase decellularization efficacy, detergent treatment was combined with pressure application and different treatment schemes. Quantification of penetration depth as well as histological staining, scanning electron microscopy, and tensile strength tests were used to evaluate tissue structure. In general, application of pressure to aortic tissue does neither increase the decellularization success nor the penetration depth of detergents. However, it is of importance from which side of the aorta the pressure is applied. Application of intermittent pressure from the adventitial side does significantly increase the decellularization degree at the intimal side (compared to the reference group), but had no influence on the penetration depth of SDC/SDS at both sides. Although the present setup does not significantly improve the decellularization success of aortas, it is interesting that the application of pressure from the adventitial side leads to improved decellularization of the intimal side. As no adverse effects on tissue structure nor on mechanical properties were observed, optimization of the present protocol may potentially lead to complete decellularization of larger aortic segments.

Graphical Abstract
Quantum Mechanical Study of the Dielectric Response of V2C-ZnO/PPy Ternary Nanocomposite for Energy Storage Application
Authors: Ezika Anthony Chidi , Sadiku Emmanuel Rotimi , Adekoya Gbolahan Joseph , Ray Suprakas Sinha , Hamam Yskandar
Published: April 2023

With the proliferation of electronic gadgets and the internet of things comes a great need for lightweight, affordable, sustainable, and long-lasting power devices to combat the depletion of fossil fuel energy and the pollution produced by chemical energy storage. The use of high-energy-density polymer/ceramic composites is generating more curiosity for future technologies, and they require a high dielectric constant and breakdown strength. Electric percolation and Interface polarization are responsible for the high dielectric constant. To create composite dielectrics, high-conductivity ceramic particles are combined with polymers to improve the dielectric constant. In this work, ternary nanocomposites with better dielectric characteristics are created using a nanohybrid filler of V2C Mxene-ZnO in a polypyrrole (PPy) matrix. Then, the bonding and the uneven charge distribution in the ceramic/ceramic contact area are investigated using quantum mechanical calculations. This non-uniform distribution of charges is intended to improve the ceramic/ceramic interface’s dipole polarization (dielectric response). The interfacial chemical bond formation can also improve the hybrid filler’s stability in terms of structure and, consequently, of the composite films. To comprehend the electron-transfer process, the density of state and electron localization function of the ceramic hybrid fillers are also studied. The polymer nanocomposite is suggested to provide a suitable dielectric response for energy storage applications.
Formal and informal venous thromboembolism risk assessment and impact on prescribing of thromboprophylaxis: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kemp Megan , Chan Amy Hai Yan , Harrison Jeff , Rogers Hannah , Zhao Adele , Kaur Harleen , Tang Genevieve , Yang Esther , Beyene Kebede
Published: April 2023

Background

Hospital-acquired thrombosis (HAT) is a leading cause of preventable death and disability worldwide. HAT includes any venous thromboembolic (VTE) event occurring in-hospital or within 90-days of hospitalisation. Despite availability of evidence-based guidelines for HAT risk assessment and prophylaxis, guidelines are still underutilised.

Aim

To determine the proportion of patients who developed HAT that could have been potentially prevented with appropriate VTE risk assessment and prophylaxis at a large public hospital in New Zealand. Additionally, the predictors of VTE risk assessment and thromboprophylaxis were examined.

Method

VTE patients admitted under general medicine, reablement, general surgery, or orthopaedic surgery service were identified using ICD-10-AM codes. Data were collected on patient characteristics, VTE risk factors, and the thromboprophylaxis regimen prescribed. The hospital VTE guidelines were used to determine rates of VTE risk assessment and the appropriateness of thromboprophylaxis.

Results

Of 1302 VTE patients, 213 HATs were identified. Of these, 116 (54%) received VTE risk assessment, and 98 (46%) received thromboprophylaxis. Patients who received VTE risk assessment were 15 times more likely to receive thromboprophylaxis (odds ratio [OR] = 15.4; 95% CI 7.65–30.98) and 2.8 times more likely to receive appropriate thromboprophylaxis (OR = 2.79; 95% CI 1.59–4.89).

Conclusion

A large proportion of high-risk patients who were admitted to medical, general surgery and reablement services and who developed HAT did not receive VTE risk assessment and thromboprophylaxis during their index admission, demonstrating a significant gap between guideline recommendations and clinical practice. Implementing mandatory VTE risk assessment and adherence to guidelines to improve thromboprophylaxis prescription in hospitalised patients may help reduce the burden of HAT.
Without Exemptions: Reconciling Equality with the Accommodation of Diversity
Authors: Bardon Aurélia
Published: April 2023

When generally applicable rules clash with one’s cultural, religious or moral commitments, should exemptions be granted? The debate on exemptions raises the question both of what it means to treat people equally and of what it means to protect diversity adequately. The objective of this paper is to defend the no-exemption argument and to make it a more attractive position for liberals. I first argue that exemptions violate the principle of equal treatment because they rely on distinctions that cannot be neutrally justified. I then argue that diversity can be adequately accommodated if we use a more demanding interpretation of the justification of generally applicable rules. There should be no exemption to fully justified rules, but rules are only fully justified when the particular demands that they impose on individuals are justified, i.e. when they are either neutral or pass both a Necessity Test and a Sufficiency Test. When rules are not fully justified, they should be repealed or modified. Based on this focus on the demands of rules, equality can be reconciled with an adequate accommodation of diversity.
Fetal bovine serum contains biologically available ATP
Authors: Vultaggio-Poma Valentina , Scussel Bergamin Leticia , Falzoni Simonetta , Tarantini Mario , Giuliani Anna Lisa , Sandonà Dorianna , Polverino De Laureto Patrizia , Di Virgilio Francesco
Published: April 2023

ATP is a ubiquitous extracellular messenger released in a wide number of pathophysiological conditions. ATP is known to be present in minute amounts in the extracellular space in healthy tissues and in the blood, and to modulate a multiplicity of cell responses. Cell culture systems are widely used to explore purinergic signaling. We show here that currently used fetal bovine sera contain ATP in the 300–1300 pmol/L range. Serum ATP is associated with albumin as well as with microparticle/microvesicle fraction. Serum microparticles/microvesicles affect in vitro cell responses due to their content of miRNAs, growth factors, and other bioactive molecules. ATP is likely to be one of these bioactive factors found in a variable amount in sera of different commercial sources. ATP in serum supports ATP-dependent biochemical reactions such as the hexokinase-dependent phosphorylation of glucose to glucose 6-phosphate, and affects purinergic signaling. These findings show that cells growing in vitro in serum-supplemented media are exposed to varying levels of extracellular ATP, and thus to varying degrees of purinergic stimulation.
A ketogenic diet alters mTOR activity, systemic metabolism and potentially prevents collagen degradation associated with chronic alcohol consumption in mice
Authors: Willemse Luciano , Terburgh Karin , Louw Roan
Published: April 2023

Introduction

A ketogenic diet (KD), which is a high fat, low carbohydrate diet has been shown to inhibit the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway and alter the redox state. Inhibition of the mTOR complex has been associated with the attenuation and alleviation of various metabolic and- inflammatory diseases such as neurodegeneration, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Various metabolic pathways and signalling mechanisms have been explored to assess the therapeutic potential of mTOR inhibition. However, chronic alcohol consumption has also been reported to alter mTOR activity, the cellular redox- and inflammatory state. Thus, a relevant question that remains is what effect chronic alcohol consumption would have on mTOR activity and overall metabolism during a KD-based intervention.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of alcohol and a KD on the phosphorylation of the mTORC1 target p70S6K, systemic metabolism as well as the redox- and inflammatory state in a mouse model.

Methods

Mice were fed either a control diet with/without alcohol or a KD with/without alcohol for three weeks. After the dietary intervention, samples were collected and subjected towards western blot analysis, multi-platform metabolomics analysis and flow cytometry.

Results

Mice fed a KD exhibited significant mTOR inhibition and reduction in growth rate. Alcohol consumption alone did not markedly alter mTOR activity or growth rate but moderately increased mTOR inhibition in mice fed a KD. In addition, metabolic profiling showed alteration of several metabolic pathways as well as the redox state following consumption of a KD and alcohol. A KD was also observed to potentially prevent bone loss and collagen degradation associated with chronic alcohol consumption, as indicated by hydroxyproline metabolism.

Conclusion

This study sheds light on the influence that a KD alongside alcohol intake can exert on not just mTOR, but also their effect on metabolic reprogramming and the redox state.
Veterans Health Administration (VA) vs. Non-VA Healthcare Quality: A Systematic Review
Authors: Apaydin Eric A. , Paige Neil M. , Begashaw Meron M. , Larkin Jody , Miake-Lye Isomi M. , Shekelle Paul G.
Published: April 2023

Background

The Veterans Health Administration (VA) serves Veterans in the nation’s largest integrated healthcare system. VA seeks to provide high quality of healthcare to Veterans, but due to the VA Choice and MISSION Acts, VA increasingly pays for care outside of its system in the community. This systematic review compares care provided in VA and non-VA settings, and includes published studies from 2015 to 2023, updating 2 prior systematic reviews on this topic.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and PsychINFO from 2015 to 2023 for published literature comparing VA and non-VA care, including VA-paid community care. Records were included at the abstract or full-text level if they compared VA medical care with care provided in other healthcare systems, and included clinical quality, safety, access, patient experience, efficiency (cost), or equity outcomes. Data from included studies was abstracted by two independent reviewers, with disagreements resolved by consensus. Results were synthesized narratively and via graphical evidence maps.

Results

Thirty-seven studies were included after screening 2415 titles. Twelve studies compared VA and VA-paid community care. Most studies assessed clinical quality and safety, and studies of access were second most common. Only six studies assessed patient experience and six assessed cost or efficiency. Clinical quality and safety of VA care was better than or equal to non-VA care in most studies. Patient experience in VA care was better than or equal to experience in non-VA care in all studies, but access and cost/efficiency outcomes were mixed.

Discussion

VA care is consistently as good as or better than non-VA care in terms of clinical quality and safety. Access, cost/efficiency, and patient experience between the two systems are not well studied. Further research is needed on these outcomes and on services widely used by Veterans in VA-paid community care, like physical medicine and rehabilitation.
Artificial Intelligence in Physical Sciences: Symbolic Regression Trends and Perspectives
Authors: Angelis Dimitrios , Sofos Filippos , Karakasidis Theodoros E.
Published: April 2023

Symbolic regression (SR) is a machine learning-based regression method based on genetic programming principles that integrates techniques and processes from heterogeneous scientific fields and is capable of providing analytical equations purely from data. This remarkable characteristic diminishes the need to incorporate prior knowledge about the investigated system. SR can spot profound and elucidate ambiguous relations that can be generalizable, applicable, explainable and span over most scientific, technological, economical, and social principles. In this review, current state of the art is documented, technical and physical characteristics of SR are presented, the available programming techniques are investigated, fields of application are explored, and future perspectives are discussed.
Pediatric Sinogenic Subdural Empyema: Case Report and Operative Technique
Authors: Raguso Giuseppe , Cornale Nicola , Rebelo Rita , Molteni Gabriele
Published: April 2023

Intracranial complications of sinusitis in the pediatric age are rare but potentially life threatening. They usually occur with nonspecific symptoms such as headache, fever, nausea and vomiting rather than a classic neurological presentation, but they may evolve in few hours, leading to significant morbidity with permanent brain damage and sometimes to death. For this reason, early diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential. Our case demonstrates a sinogenic subdural empyema in an immunocompetent young boy who reached our Emergency Department due to a continuous right-sided headache, unresponsive to pain relievers. The clinical history and the diagnostic process are described: at first, laboratory exams, neurologic and otolaryngological assessment were performed, together with a cranial CT scan showing an inflammatory involvement of the right frontal, ethmoidal and maxillary sinuses. Intravenous antibiotic therapy was initiated. After a few hours the patient showed a sudden worsening of his clinical conditions: he was drowsy with left lower extremity hyposthenia and ipsilateral deep tendon reflexes absence. Considering the patient’s aggravated clinical presentation an emergent MRI with contrast enhancement was conducted, showing left midline shift, a widening of the liquor space on the right frontal and parietal convexity and noticeable meningeal enhancement after contrast injection. After a Neurosurgical and ENT evaluation the patient was taken to the operating room for a combined craniotomy and trans-nasal endoscopic drainage of the empyema. We present the surgical procedure with a pictorial step-by-step description. After the surgical procedure the patient’s condition gradually improved. He regained full neurological function, was accompanied by a rehabilitation team on recovering full force on the left extremities. At discharge the patient had no apparent neurological deficits. Subdural empyema is a rare but severe complication of pediatric sinusitis. Early diagnosis with combined medical and surgical therapies play a key role to reduce morbidity and mortality.
Refractory Rickets
Authors: Chinoy Amish , Padidela Raja
Published: April 2023

Nutritional rickets, caused by vitamin D and/or calcium deficiency is by far the most common cause of rickets. In resource-limited settings, it is therefore not uncommon to treat rickets with vitamin D and calcium. If rickets fails to heal and/or if there is a family history of rickets, then refractory rickets should be considered as a differential diagnosis. Chronic low serum phosphate is the pathological hallmark of all forms of rickets as its low concentration in extracellular space leads to the failure of apoptosis of hypertrophic chondrocytes leading to defective mineralisation of the growth plate. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) control serum phosphate concentration by facilitating the excretion of phosphate in the urine through their action on the proximal renal tubules. An increase in PTH, as seen in nutritional rickets and genetic disorders of vitamin D-dependent rickets (VDDRs), leads to chronic low serum phosphate, causing rickets. Genetic conditions leading to an increase in FGF23 concentration cause chronic low serum phosphate concentration and rickets. Genetic conditions and syndromes associated with proximal renal tubulopathies can also lead to chronic low serum phosphate concentration by excess phosphate leak in urine, causing rickets.

In this review, authors discuss an approach to the differential diagnosis and management of refractory rickets.
From theory to practice: a novel meditation program at a global corporation
Authors: Weisbrod Anne V. , Bohman Lisa C. , Ramdial Krystyn J.
Published: April 2023

Global levels of stress, worry, sadness, and anger hit new highs in recent years, and employee well-being has been identified as a necessary focus in occupational health. Developed over 6 years in a large multi-national company, the Meditation Without Expectations™ 8-week course evolved from theories to practice. The intervention teaches 8 meditation techniques in a specific order and incorporates health coaching and adult learning principles that drive impact. The wellbeing program was offered using a virtual online platform to employees in more than 30 countries during 2021-22. Its effectiveness was evaluated using established standard questions and cutting-edge consumer research methods. The descriptive study uses quantitative and qualitative analyses from more than a thousand employees. Paired t-tests are used to compare pre- and post-course survey scores. The test subjects who completed the 8-week course had significant improvements (p < 0.0001) across genders, geographies, and durations of employment, and in all measured domains of stress, mindfulness, resiliency, and empathy, whereas the comparison group did not. Advanced topics analysis is used to extract common learning objectives from unstructured text submitted by enrolled employees, which helped focus the intervention on what people need or want to learn. A proprietary artificial intelligence model is used to classify subjects’ comments after completing the course, finding highly positive outcomes with potential for new habit creation due to a mental model change. A framework of characteristics that make the intervention impactful is also shared.
Numerical approach on production optimization of high water-cut well via advanced completion management using flow control valves
Authors: Ahn Seongin , Lee Kyungbook , Choe Jonggeun , Jeong Daein
Published: April 2023

With the development of smart downhole control devices, such as the electric flow control valve (FCV), research on completion optimization using FCV control is gaining traction for successful field production management. Applying and verifying its applicability to actual assets with uncertain production issues occur are important. This study focuses on managing downhole devices to optimize fluid production in an actual onshore oil field in Alberta, Canada. The target field has been in production operation for over 20 years, and water flooding was used in the early stages of production to maintain reservoir pressure. However, according to the flow characteristics of the field, water injection caused a high water-cut issue due to water channeling. To mitigate the problem, proactive and reactive strategies were investigated to optimize FCV control. Additionally, the effect of completion optimization was estimated considering both the field-level economic value and the fluid production behavior at the device level. In most optimization cases, the cumulative water production could be reduced compared with the base case without valve control. Notably, the flow-balancing strategy increased the revenue of the target field by approximately 23 MM$ by maximizing oil production and suppressing water production. However, reactive and streamline-balancing strategies, which directly control and delay water production, undermined the economic value due to the decrease in oil production. The findings imply that FCV control strategy of suppressing only water production for the field with high water-cut could not be the optimal solution considering the reduction in oil production and the field’s revenue. The results of this study could be used as a reference to optimize downhole devices when applying water flooding in fields where high water-cut is expected.
Design of Agricultural Field Experiments Accounting for both Complex Blocking Structures and Network Effects
Authors: Koutra Vasiliki , Gilmour Steven G. , Parker Ben M. , Mead Andrew
Published: April 2023

We propose a novel model-based approach for constructing optimal designs with complex blocking structures and network effects for application in agricultural field experiments. The potential interference among treatments applied to different plots is described via a network structure, defined via the adjacency matrix. We consider a field trial run at Rothamsted Research and provide a comparison of optimal designs under various different models, specifically new network designs and the commonly used designs in such situations. It is shown that when there is interference between treatments on neighboring plots, designs incorporating network effects to model this interference are at least as efficient as, and often more efficient than, randomized row–column designs. In general, the advantage of network designs is that we can construct the neighbor structure even for an irregular layout by means of a graph to address the particular characteristics of the experiment. As we demonstrate through the motivating example, failing to account for the network structure when designing the experiment can lead to imprecise estimates of the treatment parameters and invalid conclusions.Supplementary materials accompanying this paper appear online.
„Derzeit mangels geeignetem Indikator nicht messbar“
Authors: Loparics James , Sobanski Florian
Published: April 2023

Ungeachtet der Tatsache, dass Österreich sich bereits 2016 zur Umsetzung der Sustainable Development Goals der UN bekannt hat, wurden weder geeignete Indikatoren festgelegt noch in systematische Datenerhebungen einbezogen, um die Umsetzung im Bildungsbereich, bezogen auf SDG 4.7, messbar zu machen. Die Autoren beschreiben internationale und nationale Ansätze, um zu aussagekräftigen Indikatoren zu kommen und erarbeiten Vorschläge, wie entsprechende Daten im österreichischen Kontext gewonnen werden können. Schließlich wird auf die Notwendigkeit hingewiesen, neben Output‑/Outcome-Indikatoren auch Prozessindikatoren zu entwickeln, da diese eine notwendige Voraussetzung sind, um die Qualität und das Kompetenzniveau in Bezug auf Bildung für nachhaltige Entwicklung in Österreich sichtbar zu machen.
Robust spectral treatment for time-fractional delay partial differential equations
Authors: Alsuyuti M. M. , Doha E. H. , Bayoumi B. I. , Ezz-Eldien S. S.
Published: April 2023

Fractional delay differential equations (FDDEs) and time-fractional delay partial differential equations (TFDPDEs) are the focus of the present research. The FDDEs is converted into a system of algebraic equations utilizing a novel numerical approach based on the spectral Galerkin (SG) technique. The suggested numerical technique is likewise utilized for TFDPDEs. In terms of shifted Jacobi polynomials, suitable trial functions are developed to fulfill the initial-boundary conditions of the main problems. According to the authors, this is the first time utilizing the SG technique to solve TFDPDEs. The approximate solution of five numerical examples is provided and compared with those of other approaches and with the analytic solutions to test the superiority of the proposed method.
Medication optimization according to the Fit fOR The Aged (FORTA) rules improves functional status in patients hospitalized for geriatric rehabilitation
Authors: Pazan Farhad , Wehling Martin , Weiss Christel , Frohnhofen Helmut
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Functional status is one of the most important issues of geriatric care. Polypharmacy seems to be a modifiable factor associated with functional decline in older adults. However, the impact of pharmacotherapy optimization on the activities of daily living in patients undergoing geriatric rehabilitation has not been investigated prospectively so far.

Methods

This post hoc analysis of a subsample of the VALFORTA study included individuals only undergoing geriatric rehabilitation with a length of in-hospital stay of at least 14 days. Medication was modified according to the FORTA rules in the intervention group while in the control group standard drug treatment was applied. Both groups received comprehensive geriatric treatment.

Results

The intervention and control groups consisted of 96 and 93 individuals respectively. They did not differ according to basic data except for age and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) on admission. On discharge, activities of daily living (Barthel index, BI) were improved in both groups. An increase of at least 20 points of the BI was observed in 40% of patients in the intervention group and in 12% of patients in the control group (p< 0.001). Logistic regression analysis with an increase of at least 20 BI-points was significantly and independently associated with patient group (2.358, p< 0.02), BI on admission (0.957, p< 0.001), and the CCI (0.793, p< 0.041).

Conclusion

This post hoc analysis of a subsample of older individuals hospitalized for geriatric rehabilitation demonstrates a significant additional improvement in activities of daily living by modification of medication according to FORTA.

Registration

DRKS-ID: DRKS00000531.
New protective coatings against liquid zinc corrosion
Authors: Cieplak Aleksandra , Gdoura Asma , Gay Bruno , Portebois Léo , Ramenatte Nicolas , Proriol Serre Ingrid , Balloy David
Published: April 2023

Hot dip galvanizing is a surface treatment used to form a corrosion-resistant layer on the surface of steel by dipping it in a liquid zinc bath. However, a lot of structures used for hanging or containing the parts during the process are made of steel and suffer from liquid zinc corrosion. Furthermore, Fe–Zn intermetallics formed on the surface induce an additional pickling and zinc consummation, therefore generating supplementary economic and environmental costs. In this article, two Fe-Cr-Ni-Si coatings synthetized by the slurry process on carbon steel (C22) were characterized by XRD, EDX, EPMA and EBSD analyses. Their corrosion protective properties were studied in the process imitating cyclic batch galvanizing and compared to those of uncoated carbon steel (C22) and stainless steel (316 L). The coatings were verified to be more efficient than the 316 L steel usually used for this application. After 9 cycles of no weight loss, molten zinc corrosion was linear and the same for Fe-Cr-Ni-Si coatings as for the stainless steel.
Changes in polyamine contents during Fusarium graminearum and Fusarium verticillioides inoculation in maize seedlings with or without seed-priming
Authors: Kovács Blanka , Kovács Anett , Pál Magda , Spitkó Tamás , Marton Csaba L. , Szőke Csaba
Published: April 2023

Maize (Zea mays L.) is the most produced field crop all over the world. One of its most critical diseases that results in economic loss is ear rot caused by various Fusarium species. Previous researches have shown that polyamines, found in all living cells, play crucial role in biotic stress responses. At the same time, biosynthesis of polyamines is of paramount importance not only for plants but also for their pathogens to promote stress tolerance and pathogenicity. In our study, we investigated the polyamine content changes induced in the seedlings of two maize genotypes of different susceptibility by isolates of Fusarium verticillioides and Fusarium graminearum, two Fusarium species of different lifestyles. Apart from that, it was examined how infection efficiency and changes in polyamine contents were modified by salicylic acid or putrescine seed soaking pre-treatments. Our observations confirmed that initial and stress-induced changes in the polyamine contents are not directly related to tolerance in either coleoptile or radicle. However, the two pathogens with different lifestyles induced remarkably distinct changes in the polyamine contents. The effect of the seed soaking pre-treatments depended on the pathogens and plant resistance as well: both salicylic acid and putrescine seed soaking had positive results against F. verticillioides, while in the case of infection with F. graminearum, seed soaking with distilled water alone affected biomass parameters positively in the tolerant genotype.