bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of therapeutic exercise on the motor function of adults with Down syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Méndez-Martínez Melanie , Rodríguez-Grande Eliana-Isabel
Published: December 2023

Therapeutic exercise exerts positive effects by mitigating or reducing the motor or cognitive changes that people with Down syndrome undergo throughout their life. There are no updated systematic reviews that integrate the evidence available in a way that facilitates decision-making for physical rehabilitation teams. This study therefore aimed to consolidate the information available and compare the effects of different types of physical exercise on the motor function of adults with DS. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials and quasi-experimental studies. The literature search was performed between January 2023 and February 2023 using the PubMed, SCIELO, Epistemonikos, and Lilacs databases. Studies were selected according to pre-determined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The risk-of-bias assessment was performed using the risk-of-bias rating tool for randomized clinical trial (RoB) and the risk of bias of non-randomized comparative studies was assessed using the risk of bias in non-randomized studies of interventions (ROBINS-I) tool. Risk-of-bias assessment and meta-analyses were performed using the RevMan software package. Sixteen studies met the eligibility criteria for the qualitative synthesis and 4 were included in the meta-analyses. Combined exercise significantly increased muscle strength both in the upper limbs (SMD = 0.74 [95% CI 0.25–1.22]) and lower limbs (SMD = 0.56[95% CI 0.08–1.04]). Aerobic exercise improved spatiotemporal gait parameters. Aerobic exercise showed significant improvements in dynamic balance while combined exercise significantly increased dynamic and static balance. The certainty of the evidence was low to moderate for all outcomes. There was low and moderate certainty of evidence for the outcomes proposed in this review. However, therapeutic exercise could be effective in improving muscle strength and gait functionality.
Long-term visual outcomes in pachychoroid spectrum diseases and its associating factors of eyes with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy
Authors: Azuma Keiko , Tanaka Nobuya , Aoki Shuichiro , Kitamoto Kohdai , Ueda Kohei , Inoue Tatsuya , Obata Ryo
Published: December 2023

To analyze the long-term visual outcomes of pachychoroid spectrum diseases (PSD). Retrospective study. We reviewed the medical charts of consecutive patients with PSD, including focal choroidal excavation (FCE), pachychoroid pigment epitheliopathy (PPE), central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC), and pachychoroid neovasculopathy (PNV). The patients initially visited the Tokyo University Hospital from January 2008 to March 2021. Survival analyses were performed, in which loss of vision was defined as visual acuity (VA) of 0.2 logarithm of minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) or worse, 0.5 logMAR or worse, or VA worsening by 0.3 logMAR or greater. Moreover, we further investigated factors associated with visual prognosis, particularly in the CSC group. A total of 741 eyes of 638 patients were included in this analysis. The CSC or PNV group showed significantly worse visual prognosis than the FCE&PPE group for VA to 0.2 logMAR or worse (P = 0.0117 or 0.0001, respectively) and for VA worsening by 0.3 logMAR or greater (P = 0.0283 or 0.0037, respectively). In the CSC group, unlike age, sex, or treatment history, the accumulative duration of subfoveal fluid existence ≥ 12 months (continuous or intermittent) was significantly associated with visual prognosis (P < 0.0001). Among PSD, CSC and PNV were associated with a higher risk of vision loss in the long term than FCE and PPE. The duration of subretinal fluid existence was identified as a significant factor affecting long-term visual outcomes in CSC.
Severity of error in hierarchical datasets
Authors: Srivastava Satwik , Mishra Deepak
Published: December 2023

Classification tasks today, especially for the medical domain, use datasets which are often hierarchical. These tasks are approached using methods that consider the class taxonomy for predicting a label. The classifiers are gradually becoming increasingly accurate over the complex datasets. While increasing accuracy is a good way to judge a model, in high-risk applications, it needs to be ensured that even if the model makes a mistake, it does not bear a severe consequence. This work explores the concept of severity of an error and extends it to the medical domain. Further, it aims to point out that accuracy or AUROC alone are not sufficient metrics to decide the performance of a model in a setting where a misclassification will incur a severe cost. Various approaches to reduce severity for classification models are compared and evaluated in this work, which indicate that while many of them might be suited for a traditional image classification setting, there is a need for techniques tailored toward tasks and settings of medical domain to push artificial intelligence in healthcare to a deployable state.
Development and application of fluorine doped bismuth vanadate reduced graphene oxide Nafion composite electrode as an electrochemical sensor for 4-chlorophenol
Authors: Ghorbannejad Bahareh , Mahjoub Alireza , Dalir Nima
Published: December 2023

This study describes the synthesis of fluorine-doped bismuth vanadate (F0.1BiVO4) and its composite with graphene oxide (GO) to improve charge transport properties. Based on the structural and morphological analysis such as X-Ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and RAMAN the composite of F0.1BiVO4/r-GO/Nafion was successfully prepared with no filth. It was used to selectively detect the environmental contaminant 4-chlorophenol (4-CP) on a modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The electron channeling ability of reduced graphene oxide (r-GO) with F0.1BiVO4 yielded a great electrochemical response (ER) in cyclic voltammetry compared to pure GCE and other modified electrodes. The differential pulse voltammetry response of 4-CP was highly sensitive with the detection of limit (LOD) of 0.56 nM and a wide linear response of 0.77–45.0 nM. Fluorine doping, in particular, was able to affect the crystal growth of BiVO4, which was the primary cause of the aforementioned improvement. On the other hand, r-GO acts as an electron bridge to improve charge transfer between electrolytes and F-BiVO4 due to its high electron transport rate. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of F0.1BiVO4/r-GO/Nafion/GCE for the electrochemical detection of 4-CP.
Quantum DFT studies on the drug delivery of favipiravir using pristine and functionalized chitosan nanoparticles
Authors: Ataei Sheyda , Nemati-Kande Ebrahim , Bahrami Aidin
Published: December 2023

Considering the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, finding new drugs along with the development of effective drug delivery methods can help in the treatment of this disease. For this reason, in this research work, the possibility of drug-delivery of Favipiravir (FP), one of the drugs approved in the treatment of COVID-19, by pristine chitosan (Chit) nanoparticles (NP), and functionalized chitosan nanoparticles with N-acylate, N-methyl, O-acetyl, and Oxazoline functional groups was studied using quantum mechanical DFT methods at B3LYP-D3(BJ)/6-311 + g(d,p) theoretical level in water medium. The QTAIM, NBO, DOS, frontier orbital, conceptual-DFT indices, and non-covalent interaction analysis were further implemented to investigate the possible interactions between FP and Chit NPs. The results show that the adsorption of FP on Chit NPs is done through the creation of hydrogen bonds, and the highest absorption energy of − 18.15 kcal/mol between pristine chitosan and FP. In the case of all functionalized Chit NPs, a decrease in the absorption energy is observed, which is more noticeable in the case of N-acylated and O-acetyl functionalize Chit NPs, and indicates the weakening of the van der Waals interactions for these cases. Considering the compatibility of Chit NPs with the human body and their non-toxicity, as well as the fact that factors such as pH, solubility, the ionic strength, and so on can be adjusted to control the release rate using the functionalized Chit NPs, it seems that the results of this work can be a comprehensive guide to design the drug delivery methods of FP drug using Chit NPs, to reduce the symptoms of COVID-19 disease.
Risk factors for pharyngalgia and xerostomia undergoing supraglottic jet oxygenation and ventilation in gastrointestinal endoscopy: a retrospective study
Authors: Xie Ping , Wu Zhiyun , Zha Benjun , Xu Li , Shen Shanyi , Zhuang Haibin , Wei Huafeng
Published: December 2023

Supraglottic jet oxygenation/ventilation (SJOV) can reduce hypoxemia in sedated endoscopy but may increase minor side effects like pharyngalgia and xerostomia. This study aimed to identify risk factors for pharyngalgia/xerostomia with SJOV during gastrointestinal endoscopy. From January 1 to December 31, 2021, 5313 patients with propofol sedation and SJOV underwent gastrointestinal endoscopy or removal of gastrointestinal polyps was analyzed retrospectively. Data included patient characteristics, operation details, postoperative adverse events, and potential risk factors for postoperative adverse events. Parameters considered as potential risk factors were identified based on study results published previously and based on the researcher’s idea and clinical experience. The patient factors and the incidence of pharyngalgia/xerostomia at 30 min post-procedure were assessed. Descriptive statistics were calculated using SPSS software. Evaluation potential risk factors using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Pharyngalgia/xerostomia occurred in 18.7% of patients at 30 min after procedure. A multivariable analysis showed that procedure time and pharyngalgia/xerostomia within 2 weeks were independent risk factors. Procedure time had the strongest association with postoperative pharyngalgia/xerostomia (OR, 8.09 [95% CI, 4.197–6.312]). No factors were significantly associated with hypoxemia risk (1.7% incidence). There were no barotrauma or other serious morbidity or mortality. Procedure duration and recent pharyngalgia/xerostomia increased risk of pharyngalgia/xerostomia with SJOV during endoscopy. Limiting SJOV duration may reduce side effects in susceptible patients. No predictors of hypoxemia were identified.
Biaxial tensile behavior of stainless steel 316L manufactured by selective laser melting
Authors: Wang Hao , Shu Xiaoyong , Zhao Jianping , Alexandrov I. V.
Published: December 2023

In this study, miniaturized cruciform biaxial tensile specimens were optimized by finite element simulation software Ansys to vary five geometric parameters. The optimized specimens were utilized to characterize the biaxial tensile properties of 316L stainless steel fabricated through selective laser melting (SLM), with the two loading directions being vertical (X) and parallel (Y) to the building direction. It was discovered that at load ratios of 4:2 and 2:4, the yield strengths along X and Y orientations reached their respective maxima. By comparing the experimentally obtained yield loci against predictions by theoretical criteria including Mises, Hill48 and Hosford, it was found that the Hill48 anisotropic criterion corresponded most closely with the experimental results, while the other two criteria exhibited considerably larger deviations. Therefore, Hill48 was concluded to most accurately describe the yielding behaviors of SLM 316L under complex loading conditions.
A bibliometric analysis of the gender gap in the authorship of leading medical journals
Authors: Brück Oscar
Published: December 2023

Background

Monitoring gender representation is critical to achieve diversity and equity in academia. One way to evaluate gender representation in academia is to examine the authorship of research publications. This study sought to determine the gender of first and senior authors of articles in leading medical journals and assess trends in the gender gap over time.

Methods

We gather bibliometric data on original research articles (n = 10,558) published in 2010–2019 in five leading medical journals to audit publication and citation frequency by gender. We explored their association with scientific fields, geographical regions, journals, and collaboration scope.

Results

We show that there are fewer women as senior (24.8%) than leading authors (34.5%, p < 0.001). The proportion of women varied by country with 9.1% last authors from Austria, 0.9% from Japan, and 0.0% from South Korea. The gender gap decreased longitudinally and faster for the last (−24.0 articles/year, p < 0.001) than first authors (−14.5 articles/year, p = 0.024) with pronounced country-specific variability. We also demonstrate that usage of research keywords varied by gender, partly accounting for the difference in citation counts.

Conclusions

In summary, gender representation has increased, although with country-specific variability. The study frame can be easily applied to any journal and time period to monitor changes in gender representation in science.
Solid-state reaction among [CoCl4]2−, [CuCl4]2− and [CuCl4(H2O)]2− ions through transmetalation and liquid-assisted grinding
Authors: Li Haitao , Guo Zhenwei , Liu Tie , Xin Lianxin , Guo Fang
Published: December 2023

Transformation of [CoCl4]2−, [CuCl4]2− and [CuCl4(H2O)]2− ions through transmetalation and LAG, monitored using AAS, PXRD and fluorescence spectroscopy.
Physics, electrochemistry, chemistry, and electronics of the vanadium redox flow battery by analyzing all the governing equations
Authors: Krowne Clifford M.
Published: December 2023

Here one examines governing equations to obtain analytical formulas to interpret battery operation. This approach yields an effective way to assess and control battery behavior for engineering designs which will see eventual manufacture.
Novel electrospun bead-like Ag2MoO4 nanofibers coated on Ni foam for visible light-driven heterogeneous photocatalysis and high-performance supercapacitor electrodes
Authors: Safartoobi Amirreza , Mazloom Jamal , Ghodsi Farhad Esmaeili
Published: December 2023

Novel Ag2MoO4 nanofibers grown on Ni foam show enhanced photocatalytic response and supercapacitor performance.
The mechanochemical synthesis of environmentally benign fully biobased 4th generation benzoxazines and their polymers: mechanistic insights into the catalytic activity of latent catalysts
Authors: Duhan Vaishaly , Yadav Shivani , Len Christophe , Lochab Bimlesh
Published: December 2023

Sustainable methodologies, such as mechanochemical mixers, have revolutionized the way compounds are synthesized in minimal time and with better yields.
A potential stibnite reference material for sulfur isotope determination by LA-MC-ICP-MS
Authors: Dai Zhi-hui , Fu Shan-ling , Liu Yue-fu , Meng Yu-miao , Bao Zhi-an , Hou Ke-jun , Lan Ting-guang
Published: December 2023

A natural stibnite (BJ-Snt) is recommended as a potential reference material for S isotope analysis employing laser ablation multicollector inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-MC-ICP-MS).
Efficient degradation of orange G dye using the quartz-sand@polythiophene composite for peroxymonosulfate activation: a sustainable approach for advanced oxidation processes
Authors: Amjlef Asma , El Fakir Abdellah Ait , Farsad Salaheddine , Ben Hamou Aboubakr , Chaoui Ayoub , Et-Taleb Saïd , El Alem Noureddine
Published: December 2023

Synergistic effect of quartz-sand (QS) and polythiophene (PTh) in activating peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for the degradation of Orange G (OG) dye.
An iron(iii) oxide-anchored conductive polymer–graphene ternary nanocomposite decorated disposable paper electrode for non-enzymatic detection of serotonin
Authors: Prashanth Sharmila , Aziz Raifa Abdul , Raghu Shamprasad Varija , Shim Yoon-Bo , Sudhakara Prasad K. , Adhikari Airody Vasudeva
Published: December 2023

A ternary nanocomposite-based electrochemical sensor is reported for the detection of 5-HT.
Spent coffee ground–calcium alginate biosorbent for adsorptive removal of methylene blue from aqueous solutions
Authors: Flores Catalina V. , Obeso Juan L. , Viltres Herlys , Torres-García Enelio , Rajabzadeh Amin Reza , Srinivasan Seshasai , Peralta Ricardo A. , Ibarra Ilich A. , Leyva Carolina
Published: December 2023

The use of the spent coffee grounds–alginate biocomposite, a low-cost adsorbent, removes methylene blue, an organic dye that persists in the environment and is harmful to the ecosystems.
Decal Ni mesh to enhance the conductivity of carbon back contacts in dye sensitized and perovskite solar cells
Authors: Martins Jorge , Pereira Marta , Emami Seyedali , Ivanou Dzmitry , Mendes Adélio
Published: December 2023

Decal of a nickel mesh prepared by photolithography-assisted electroplating on carbon counter-electrode of dye sensitized and perovskite solar cells improves the conductivity of the back contact and the performance of the devices.
Working with the Biochemical Society: student placements
Authors: Heath Catherine
Published: December 2023

This summer, the Biochemical Society hosted students from across the UK to work on projects in different areas of the Society’s work. The Society hosted two students who were awarded Summer Vacation Studentships, and two students on the Micro-Placement Programme at City University of London, which aims to give students real-life exposure to the business environment.
Harmonizing Innovation: The Path to Sustainable Design and Production
Authors: Singh Pradeep Kumar , Khatake Pranali , Gori Yatika , Parmar Ashish , Shivakumar P. , Anandhi R.J. , Kareem Saja Hameed
Published: December 2023

– The characterised by heightened environmental awareness and rapid technical progress, the finding of sustainable design and production has arisen as a pressing imperative. The abstract concept discussed here beyond the conventional limits of various industries, as it involves a dynamic combination of innovation, ethics, and ecological responsibility. The research paper Harmonising Innovation explores the complex relationship between advanced technologies, circular design principles, and ethical manufacturing methods in order to establish a novel framework for achieving sustainable harmony. This expedition delves at both the observable alterations of goods and procedures, as well as the intangible interconnectedness between mankind and our world. The concept of sustainability extends beyond mere rhetoric and encompasses a deep alignment between innovation, ethical principles, and ecological accountability. The paper undertakes a profound exploration that follow into the complex dynamics between state-of-the-art technologies, circular design concepts, and ethical manufacturing practises. The scope of this journey encompasses more than just the alteration of goods and procedures.
A Survey on IoT Security Using Cryptographic Algorithms
Authors: Sai Bella Mohan , Bhatia Max
Published: December 2023

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a system of interconnected materials that have software, detectors, and network integration embedded that make it possible to gather information and communicate. But as the number of connected devices grows rapidly, privacy and security concerns raised by the IoT have been the primary concerns. IoT devices are vulnerable to a range of security hazards, including malware attacks, unauthorised access, and data breaches, which may jeopardise the confidentiality, integrity, and accessibility of the data they collect and process. This paper aims to provide a brief overview of IoT security, which helps identify the most significant issues with IoT ecosystem security and safety. The survey focuses on the cryptographic techniques that are used to provide security to IoT devices and summarises the proposed Internet of Things safeguarding algorithms.
Structure design of variable camber wing trailing edge based on multi-block rotating mechanism
Authors: SHI Xintong , YANG Yu , GE Wenjie , WANG Zhigang , SUN Xiasheng
Published: December 2023

The variable camber trailing edge enables the aircraft to maintain the best aerodynamic performance throughout the flight envelope, so as to achieve the ultimate goal of reducing aircraft fuel consumption and air pollutant emissions. It is one of the important characteristics and development direction of the new generation civil aircraft. In order to solve the contradiction between the high load-bearing and the large deformation of the variable camber trailing edge of large aircraft, a structure scheme for variable camber trailing edge based on multi-block rotation was proposed. A parametric optimization method was established for smooth and continuous deformation of multi-block rotating mechanism. The multi-block rotating structure and driving system of variable camber trailing edge were designed, and the deformation function of the variable camber trailing edge demonstrator was preliminarily verified by ground test. The result shows that variable camber wing trailing edge designed by using the present optimization method of multi-block rotating mechanism can realize smooth and continuous morphing. The actual deformation range of the demonstration is 3.9 degrees up to 12.5 degrees down, and the error with the design target is 16.7%. It provides a design reference for solving the engineering application problem of variable camber structure for large aircraft.
Einstellungen von Hausärzt:innen und Medizinischen
Fachangestellten zur Delegation ärztlicher Leistungen –
Ergebnisse einer Befragung in Berlin, Brandenburg und
Thüringen
Authors: Wolf Florian , Krause Markus , Meißner Franziska , Rost Liliana , Bleidorn Jutta , Dierks Marius Tibor , Kuschick Doreen , Kuempel Lisa , Toutaoui Kahina , Riens Burgi , Schmidt Konrad , Heintze Christoph , Döpfmer Susanne
Published: December 2023

Einleitung Die Übertragung von hausärztlichen Aufgaben und
Verantwortlichkeiten an Medizinische Fachangestellte (MFA) kann zur
Sicherstellung der Primärversorgung in Deutschland beitragen. Das Ziel
der Studie ist die Erfassung und Analyse von Einstellungen und Vorgehensweisen
von Hausärzt:innen und MFA zur Delegation ärztlicher Aufgaben
und Tätigkeiten.

Methodik Allen KV-gelisteten Hausärzt:innen in Thüringen,
Berlin und Brandenburg (N=5.516) sowie deren MFA wurde ein selbst
konzipierter, pilotierter Fragebogen zugesandt. Die Teilnehmer:innen sollten
angeben, welche ärztlichen Tätigkeiten bereits
übertragen bzw. übernommen werden und bei welchen
Anlässen weitere Delegationen vorstellbar wären.

Ergebnisse Es nahmen 890 Ärzt:innen (Rücklaufrate:
16,1%) und 566 MFA an der schriftlichen Befragung teil. Die
Teilnehmer:innen waren überwiegend weiblich und zumeist im
(groß-)städtischen Raum tätig. Zahlreiche
Tätigkeiten, wie z. B. Anamnese, Triage, DMP-Kontrollen,
Impfungen und Hausbesuche, werden bereits delegiert. Die Bereitschaft zur
Übertragung bzw. Übernahme weiterer Aufgaben (z. B.
Folgeverordnung von Rezepten und Überweisungen, eigenständige
Übernahme von einfachen Konsultationen, Erforderlichkeit eines
Arztgespräches einschätzen) ist hoch.

Schlussfolgerung Die Befragung zeigte eine hohe Bereitschaft beider
Berufsgruppen zur Delegation ärztlicher Tätigkeiten an MFA. Eine
Ausweitung scheint unter bestimmten Voraussetzungen möglich. Bereits
heute werden viele Tätigkeiten in hausärztlichen Praxen
delegiert. Unsere Befragung gibt Hinweise auf weitere
Übertragungsmöglichkeiten, die teilweise über die
Delegationsvereinbarung hinausgehen.
Zerebrale Mikroangiopathie: Fortschritte im Verständnis der
Pathophysiologie
Authors: Henneicke Solveig , Meuth Sven Günther , Schreiber Stefanie
Published: December 2023

Die sporadische zerebrale Mikroangiopathie umfasst altersabhängige
Veränderungen der kleinen Hirngefäße, die durch das
Vorliegen vaskulärer Risikofaktoren beschleunigt werden. Die
mikrovaskulären Wandveränderungen entwickeln sich eher langsam,
mit möglichem Beginn bereits in der mittleren Lebensphase –
über Dekaden – und zeigen einen stadienhaften Verlauf. Dieser
wird durch eine Aktivierung von Zellen der neurovaskulären Einheit, wie
Endothel und Perizyten, induziert und setzt sich dann über eine
Blut-Hirn-Schranken-Störung, den Umbau der extrazellulären
Matrix und Neuroinflammation zu den Spätstadien aus Blutungen,
synaptischer und neuronaler Dysfunktion fort. Begleitend kommt es bereits
früh zu Störungen der perivaskulären Drainage von
neurotoxischen Substanzen und deren Akkumulation im Hirngewebe. Die Diagnose der
Mikroangiopathie erfolgt allgemein im Wesentlichen anhand der “Standards
for Reporting Vascular Changes on Neuroimaging 2” in der
Magnetresonanztomographie, und die der zerebralen Amyloidangiopathie im
Speziellen anhand der neuen Boston-Version-2.0 Kriterien. Klinisch kann die
Mikroangiopathie asymptomatisch verlaufen oder sich in einem sehr heterogenen
phänotypischen Spektrum manifestieren. Kognitive Defizite und
Schlaganfallsymptome sind hier, je nach Kohorte, sicher die häufigsten
Präsentationen. In der Therapie und Beratung betroffener Patienten steht
die Kontrolle vaskulärer Risikofaktoren sowie die Empfehlung
körperlicher und kognitiver Aktivität zusammen mit einer guten
Schlafhygiene, die die perivaskuläre Drainage fördert, im
Vordergrund. Herausfordernd bleiben individuelle Konstellationen der
Ischämieprävention durch Antikoagulantien bei gleichzeitig hohem
Hirnblutungsrisiko, v. a. bei Vorliegen einer kortikalen superfizialen
Siderose. Die sehr dynamischen wissenschaftlichen und translationalen
Entwicklungen im Feld der zerebralen Mikroangiopathie zielen auf die Etablierung
von Bildgebungs- und anderen Biomarkern, z. B. in Blut und Liquor, ab,
die bereits die frühen Krankheitsstadien erfassen, bevor es zur
Hirnparenchymschädigung und klinischen Symptomen kommt. Entsprechend
fokussiert werden sich neue Therapieansätze auch dezidiert auf die
Stabilisierung der neurovaskulären Einheit und eine Verbesserung der
Drainagefunktion konzentrieren. Die Mikrovaskulatur und deren
Veränderungen spielen auch für das Verständnis anderer
neurologischer Erkrankungen aus dem Feld der primären Neuroimmunologie
und Neurodegeneration eine zentrale Rolle. Einige, bisher als separate,
neurologische Entitäten betrachtete Erkrankungen könnten
zukünftig folglich zunehmend als Spektrum ähnlicher
pathophysiologischer Prozesse verstanden werden. Das legt perspektivisch den
Grundstein für die Entwicklung und Anwendung überlappender
Therapiekonzepte.
Ist es wirklich die Bizepssehne? – Bizepssehnenerkrankungen
beim Hund
Authors: Winkels Philipp
Published: December 2023

Die Bizepssehnenpathologie ist eine der häufigsten Erkrankungen der
Schulter [1]. Es stellt sich jedoch die Frage, ob sie möglicherweise
überdiagnostiziert wird. Welche Erkrankungen gibt es und welche Schritte
führen zur Diagnose? Ein Update.
Development and Update of Guideline-based Quality Indicators in Lung Cancer
Authors: Utzig Martin , Hoffmann Hans , Reinmuth Niels , Schütte Wolfgang , Langer Thomas , Lobitz Jessica , Rückher Johannes , Wesselmann Simone
Published: December 2023

Background In 2022, an update of the German lung cancer guideline, first published in 2010 and revised in 2018, was released. This article aims to show the process of updating, developing, and implementing guideline-based quality indicators (QI) into the certification system for lung cancer centers (LCC).

Methods A multidisciplinary and interprofessional working group revised the guideline QIs from 2018 using the strong recommendations of the guideline update, a systematic review for QIs, and the results of the implemented QIs from LCC.

Results For 4 out of 8 indicators from the 2018 guideline, the LCC showed an improved implementation of the requirements in the last 3 years (2018–2020). For 3 indicators, the median of the results was constant at a very high level (≥96% or 100%). Only the “adjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy” indicator showed declining values between 2018 and 2020. The target values and plausibility limits were well achieved by LCC. After updating the guideline, one QI from 2018 was not included in the new QI set due to the small denominator population. Based on the new strong recommendations, 8 new QIs were defined. From the QI set of the guideline update, 13 of 15 indicators (7 since 2018 and 6 from 2022 on) were adopted into the certification program.

Conclusions The guideline recommendations are implemented by LCC at a high level. The process presented confirms the successful implementation of the so-called quality cycle in oncology. The QIs developed by the German Guideline Program in Oncology (GGPO) are adopted by the certification program. The implementation of the QI is measured in LCC, evaluated by the German Cancer Society (DKG), and reflected back to the GGPO. The “real world” data have led to the deletion of one QI and show a high implementation of most QIs in LCC.
Radiology meets archaeology: digital restoration and 3D printing using CT data
Authors: Frohwerk Emilia , Dürr Anna-Marie , Fiebich Martin , Zöller Nils , Mahnken Andreas H.
Published: December 2023

Aim Archaeological objects are often recovered in blocks since highly porous materials and unstable and highly decayed objects cannot always be uncovered undamaged or time and resources for classic uncovering are lacking. Therefore, clinical computed tomography (CT) combined with freely available software solutions should be tested as a simple and fast method for visualizing and analyzing archaeological finds as an alternative to time-consuming restoration.

Materials and Methods As an example, a block with a shield boss was selected from a block excavation and examined by means of CT. Using the freely available software 3D-Slicer (https://www.slicer.org/), the shield boss and handle were segmented in the surrounding soil with different tools. They were then digitally reconstructed and then restored using Meshmixer (Autodesk Inc., San Francisco, CA). A 3D print was generated based on the reconstructed model of the shield boss.

Results The individual steps of CT examination of the block recovery, segmentation, reconstruction, and 3D printing were successfully performed. Based on the restored fragments of the shield boss, it was possible to date the object and to determine the initial properties of the find non-destructively without classic restoration.

Conclusion Radiological imaging combined with digital reconstruction and 3D printing makes it possible to determine decisive characteristics of the archaeological find before it is uncovered and restored, which is a time-consuming process. This opens up new opportunities for cooperation between radiology and archaeology for the evaluation and analysis of archaeological finds.

Key Points

Citation Format
Segmental quantification of hepatic lipid content based on volumetric MRI data in patients with suspected iron overload
Authors: Wunderlich Arthur P. , Cario Holger , Kannengießer Stephan , Grunau Veronika , Götz Michael , Hüttner Felix , Backhus Johanna , Beer Meinrad , Schmidt Stefan Andreas
Published: December 2023

Purpose To investigate the segmental distribution of hepatic fat fraction, determined with MRI (MR proton density fat fraction, short MR-PDFF) in patients suspected of having liver iron overload.

Methods The liver of 44 patients examined with MRI using a 3D multi-echo gradient-echo sequence was segmented semiautomatically and subdivided into nine segments (segment 4 divided in 4a and 4b). Segmental fat content was determined on MR-PDFF maps. Whole-liver steatosis grades were compared to those found in individual segments. Segmental MR-PDFF differences were tested for statistical significance.

Results The most common diseases were thalassemia, various forms of anemia, and hereditary hemochromatosis. No patients suffered from fat metabolism disease. Iron overload was present in 37/44 (84 %) patients. For the whole liver, 22 patients showed a steatosis grade of 0, 21 patients were graded S1, and one patient had a steatosis grade of 2. The grade of steatosis was underestimated in 5 of 21 patients (24 %) in segment 8 and in 8 of 21 patients (38 %) in segment 7. Highly significant segmental MR-PDFF differences were detected with p < 0.00 001, e. g., comparing segment 2 to 5. Segments 1 to 3 had the highest fat content, segments 7 and 8 had the lowest.

Conclusion Our results suggest that the storage of fat in the liver is inhomogeneous, so that segment-wise differing fat concentrations were found. Fat distribution in patients with suspected hepatic iron overload was similar to living liver donors. However, it showed significant differences compared with the values published for NAFLD patients, which were less pronounced in the group with high average hepatic MR-PDFF values than in the group with normal lipid content. In patients suspected of having iron overload, segment 8, which is mainly targeted for biopsy, and segment 7 may underestimate steatosis grade.

Key Points:
A Simple, Low-Cost and Effective Technique for Percutaneous Closure of a Coronary Artery Fistula: A Closed-Loop Balloon–Stent System
Authors: Şengör Büşra G. , Yılmaz Cemalettin , Zehir Regayip
Published: December 2023

Coronary artery fistulas (CAFs), rare anomalies of coronary vasculature, often remain asymptomatic but can lead to complications necessitating intervention. We report a case of a 79-year-old man presenting with chest pain and dyspnea. Diagnostic workup revealed atrial fibrillation, severe mitral regurgitation, and a CAF connecting the circumflex artery to the left atrium. Given high surgical risk, percutaneous closure was chosen. Utilizing a closed-loop balloon–stent technique, a stent was positioned at the fistula's ostium, effectively ceasing flow. The patient was discharged after 5 days, reporting symptom relief at 3-month follow-up. Our experience demonstrates the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of this technique, which can be readily implemented using standard materials available in catheterization laboratories. The closed-loop balloon–stent method offers a compelling alternative to surgical closure, particularly in patients with elevated surgical risks. This technique holds advantages over other percutaneous methods, such as coil embolization or vascular plug, due to its simplicity, affordability, and lower risk of coronary thrombosis. In conclusion, percutaneous closure with the closed-loop balloon–stent technique presents a viable approach for managing symptomatic CAFs, offering an attractive option for patients with limited surgical options. This method's practicality and affordability render it an appealing alternative in appropriate cases, highlighting its potential to improve patient outcomes and enhance overall management strategies.
The art of rhetoric: persuasive strategies in Biden’s inauguration speech: a critical discourse analysis
Authors: Al-Khawaldeh Nisreen N. , Rababah Luqman M. , Khawaldeh Ali F. , Banikalef Alaeddin A.
Published: December 2023

This research investigated the main linguistic strategies used in President Biden’s inauguration speech presented in 2021. Data were analyzed in light of Fairclough’s CDA framework: macro-structure (thematic)—intertextually; microstructure in syntax analysis (cohesion); stylistic (lexicon choice to display the speaker’s emphasis); and rhetoric in terms of persuasive function. The thematic analysis of the data revealed that Biden used certain persuasive strategies including creativity, metaphor, contrast, indirectness, reference, and intertextuality, for addressing critical issues. Creative expressions were drawn highlighting and magnifying significant real-life issues. Certain concepts and values (i.e., unity, democracy, and racial justice) were also accentuated as significant elements of America’s status and Biden’s ideology. Intertextuality was employed by resorting to an extract from one of the American presidents in order to convince the Americans and the international community of his ideas, vision, and policy. It appeared that indirect expressions were also used for discussing politically sensitive issues to acquire a political and interactional advantage over his political opponents. His referencing style showed his interest in others and their unity. Significant ideologies encompassing unity, equality, and freedom for US citizens were stated implicitly and explicitly. The study concludes that the effective use of linguistic and rhetorical devices is important to construct meanings in the world, be persuasive, and convey the intended vision and underlying ideologies.
Reifying subaltern voices: a visual communication and figurative discourse of headloading practices in Nigeria
Authors: Morgan Trevor Vermont
Published: December 2023

This study provides an understanding of how headloading practice signifies subaltern voices in Nigeria and Africa, among others. The study has sought to interpret the practice of headloading drawing from its images and representations from selected sources, which include Facebook and catalogues of artwork. This interpretive study constructs meaning through a discursive insight around the social practice of headloading. It expands interpretation and ideological structures to include social, economic, and political applications of the headloading subject within the framework of visual discourse and metaphor. This study directs a rethinking of headloading while underpinning the notion of ‘subalternity.’ While not necessarily asking for abolishing the social practice of headloading, the study communicates an understanding that the social phenomenon is a constant symbol of class and power status that many Africans have experienced. Headloading further ‘metaphorises’ the interaction between developed and developing societies (the Global North and South), and underscores related imports of colonisation.
Rate-induced tracking for concave or d-concave transitions in a time-dependent environment with application in ecology
Authors: Dueñas J. , Longo I. P. , Obaya R.
Published: December 2023

This paper investigates biological models that represent the transition equation from a system in the past to a system in the future. It is shown that finite-time Lyapunov exponents calculated along a locally pullback attractive solution are efficient indicators (early-warning signals) of the presence of a tipping point. Precise time-dependent transitions with concave or d-concave variation in the state variable giving rise to scenarios of rate-induced tracking are shown. They are classified depending on the internal dynamics of the set of bounded solutions. Based on this classification, some representative features of these models are investigated by means of a careful numerical analysis.
Spin Hall magnetoresistance in 2D PtSe2/ferromagnet heterostructures
Authors: Hui Yajuan , Xie Fei , Lin Weinan , Wu Liang , Dong Kaifeng , Yuan Junhui , Miao Xiangshui
Published: December 2023

The recent discovery of inherently stable two-dimensional (2D) transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) provides a unique platform for spintronic devices. However, its efficacy for electric detection by spin Hall magnetoresistance (SMR) has not been established yet. In this work, we report on SMR in 2D TMDs/ferromagnet heterostructures, i.e., PtSe2/NiFe (Py), whose magnitude reaches the maximum with bilayer PtSe2. Notably, the SMR value in bilayer PtSe2/Py heterostructures undergoes a sign change with increasing Py thickness. For thinner Py samples, the SMR rapidly decreases with increasing Py thickness, eventually changing from positive to negative. In the case of intermediate Py thicknesses, the SMR consistently exhibits negative behavior. However, for thicker Py samples, the negative SMR values gradually decrease. This complex behavior is attributed to the dominant and competing mechanisms that contribute to SMR, including the spin Hall effect (or Rashba-induced effect) and its inverse effect, the orbital Hall effect and its inverse effect, as well as interfacial spin–orbit-coupling-induced spin-current-to-charge-current conversion. These findings would expand the arsenal for advanced spintronic applications based on 2D TMDs.
Correlation dimension of high-dimensional and high-definition experimental time series
Authors: Makarov Valeri A. , Muñoz-Arnaiz Ricardo , Herreras Oscar , Makarova Julia
Published: December 2023

The correlation dimension (CD) is a nonlinear measure of the complexity of invariant sets. First introduced for describing low-dimensional chaotic attractors, it has been later extended to the analysis of experimental electroencephalographic (EEG), magnetoencephalographic (MEG), and local field potential (LFP) recordings. However, its direct application to high-dimensional (dozens of signals) and high-definition (kHz sampling rate) 2HD data revealed a controversy in the results. We show that the need for an exponentially long data sample is the main difficulty in dealing with 2HD data. Then, we provide a novel method for estimating CD that enables orders of magnitude reduction of the required sample size. The approach decomposes raw data into statistically independent components and estimates the CD for each of them separately. In addition, the method allows ongoing insights into the interplay between the complexity of the contributing components, which can be related to different anatomical pathways and brain regions. The latter opens new approaches to a deeper interpretation of experimental data. Finally, we illustrate the method with synthetic data and LFPs recorded in the hippocampus of a rat.
Correlation study between internal flow and vibration characteristics in centrifugal pumps at different cavitation levels
Authors: Jia Xiaoqi , Chen Huijie , Wang Hongguang , Sun Yuanwu , Liu Huazhong , Zhu Zuchao
Published: December 2023

The vibration signal is commonly used to detect the cavitation phenomenon in centrifugal pumps in order to investigate the vibration characteristics of centrifugal pumps with different cavitation degrees and then provide the basis for predicting the critical cavitation point of the pump in advance. This paper takes ns = 35 centrifugal pump as the research object and establishes the quantitative relationship between vorticity and entropy generation and vibration energy by studying the internal flow and vibration response of the centrifugal pump under different cavitation degrees. The study shows that with the development of cavitation, the bubble volume inside the impeller channel gradually increases, and vortices with a larger area appear inside the channel and gradually move toward the impeller outlet. The vorticity and entropy generation of the secondary information of the internal flow field during cavitation have a good third-order fit to the vibration energy, and with the increase in the vorticity and entropy generation, there exists a relationship of a third-order polynomial that first increases and then slows down and finally increases rapidly.
Miura maps for Stäckel systems
Authors: Marciniak Krzysztof , Błaszak Maciej
Published: December 2023

We introduce the concept of Miura maps between parameter-dependent algebraic curves of hyper-elliptic type. These Miura maps induce Miura maps between Stäckel systems defined (on the extended phase space) by the considered algebraic curves. This construction yields a new way of generating multi-Hamiltonian representations for Stäckel systems.
Stationary Bragg reflection of laser light in inhomogeneous absorbing plasmas inside inertial confinement fusion Hohlraums
Authors: Vandenboomgaerde M. , Casanova M. , Chaland F. , Bonnefille M. , Grisollet A. , Videau L. , Depierreux S. , Tassin V. , Leidinger J.-P. , Courtois C. , Garnier J. , Chen H.
Published: December 2023

Laser-produced plasma in inertial confinement fusion (ICF) Hohlraums are marked with density non-uniformity whose length scale can go down to micrometers. This scale is of the order of the laser wavelength. The WKB approximation, which is classically used in radiation-hydrodynamic codes to compute the laser trajectory, cannot correctly take into account such small-scale inhomogeneity of the plasma. Going beyond this approximation, we predict a novel mechanism for the laser reflection. We show that an electromagnetic plane wave with wave number k resonates with the kB=2 k Fourier component of a multimode perturbation of the background density and generates a reflected wave. It is the first time that this reflection is considered for stationary inhomogeneous ICF plasmas, and the energy absorption is taken into account. This mechanism, which is a form of Bragg reflection, can occur away from the critical surface and generate a drift of the location of the laser absorption. Furthermore, this absorption will be periodically modulated with a kB wave number. The stationary Bragg reflection can explain ongoing discrepancies between experimental and numerical data about laser trajectory and absorption in ICF Hohlraums.
Ensemble flow reconstruction in the atmospheric boundary layer from spatially limited measurements through latent diffusion models
Authors: Rybchuk Alex , Hassanaly Malik , Hamilton Nicholas , Doubrawa Paula , Fulton Mitchell J. , Martínez-Tossas Luis A.
Published: December 2023

Due to costs and practical constraints, field campaigns in the atmospheric boundary layer typically only measure a fraction of the atmospheric volume of interest. Machine learning techniques have previously successfully reconstructed unobserved regions of flow in canonical fluid mechanics problems and two-dimensional geophysical flows, but these techniques have not yet been demonstrated in the three-dimensional atmospheric boundary layer. Here, we conduct a numerical analogue of a field campaign with spatially limited measurements using large-eddy simulation. We pose flow reconstruction as an inpainting problem, and reconstruct realistic samples of turbulent, three-dimensional flow with the use of a latent diffusion model. The diffusion model generates physically plausible turbulent structures on larger spatial scales, even when input observations cover less than 1% of the volume. Through a combination of qualitative visualization and quantitative assessment, we demonstrate that the diffusion model generates meaningfully diverse samples when conditioned on just one observation. These samples successfully serve as initial conditions for a large-eddy simulation code. We find that diffusion models show promise and potential for other applications for other turbulent flow reconstruction problems.
Investigation on the formation mechanism and flow characteristics of liquid carry-over in gas–liquid cyclone separator
Authors: Xie Xiangdong , Wang Yechun , Wang Jinzhi , Li Yanxi , Wang Jiang , Zhou Yu , Pan Yingxiu , Guo Liejin
Published: December 2023

The liquid carry-over (LCO) phenomenon brings about the performance deterioration of gas–liquid cyclone separator and an increase in pressure drop. However, the formation mechanism of the LCO and its manifestation in the separator cylinder and the overflow pipe have not been fully understood. This work investigated the flow process of the LCO by visual observation and quantitative measurement of the overflow liquid flow rate and liquid holdup. The transient gas–liquid flow feature in the overflow pipe and spatiotemporal relationship between the separator inlet and outlet were characterized by time-frequency analysis and wavelet coherence of liquid holdup, respectively. The results showed that the size of air core determines two kinds of sources of the LCO, including the surrounding liquid direct entry into the overflow pipe and the film short-circuit flow beneath the top wall of the separator. When the air core can continuously wrap up the overflow inlet, the film short-circuit flow became the primary source of the LCO, which was embodied in the significant reduction of the overflow liquid flow rate. Three flow patterns, namely, slug flow, churn flow, and annular flow, were classified in the overflow pipe. The inlet intermittent flow of the separator led to the distribution of churn flow expanding toward higher gas velocity, which was interpreted by flow pattern transition theory. The time-averaged overflow liquid holdup was well predicted by drift-flux model. The results are beneficial to the proposal of inhibition methods of the LCO and structure design of the separator.