bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sputum colour: An indicator of Legionella pneumophila pneumonia
Authors: Sumi Toshiyuki , Suzuki Keito , Koshino Yuta , Ikeda Takumi , Yamada Yuichi , Chiba Hirofumi
Published: February 2024

Key message

The sputum colour in patients with severe pneumonia needs to be considered during diagnosis.
Structural Modulation of Chitosan/Polyacrylic Acid‐based Hydrogels for Optimized Controlled Drug Release Performance
Authors: Simayi Rena , Zhang Xiaohui , Sawut Amatjan , Zhu Ziwen , Wu Tongmeng , Jiang Menghao
Published: February 2024

A pH‐sensitive semi‐interpenetrating network hydrogel was synthesised by free radical polymerization using a one‐pot method using chitosan (CS) and alanine (AA) as the raw materials, and then the hydrogel was immersed in a solution of the model drug aspirin (Asa) for loading, and subsequently used for drug sustained‐release testing. The effects of the ratio of CS and AA on the internal structure of hydrogels were investigated, and the mechanism of CS/PAA semi‐interpenetrating network hydrogels upon drug slow release was explored. The results showed that increasing the composite ratio of PAA resulted in a subsequent increase in the drug loading capacity of CS/PAA hydrogels and the cumulative release of drugs. When the concentration of the drug‐loading solution was 200 mg/L, the drug loading and encapsulation efficiency of CS/PAA‐1 were 16.23±0.57 (%) and 72.16±3.84 (%), respectively (p < 0.05). The hydrogels showed significant pH‐responsive release properties and pH cycling reversibility, with 25.69±1.27 (%) and 77.21±2.68 (%) cumulative drug release over 24 h in the release media of pH 1.2 (simulating gastric fluid) and 7.4 (simulating intestinal fluid), respectively (p < 0.05), and the pH‐responsive reversible release of Asa was maintained in alternating cycles in the release media with pH 1.2 and 7.4.
Synthesis of Nanocube‐Shaped Cobalt Tin Hydroxides for the Preconcentration of Lead in Environmental Seawater Collected from Antarctic Region
Authors: Şaylan Meltem , Ayyıldız Merve Fırat , Zaman Buse Tuğba , Korkunç Ümmügülsüm Polat , Gürsoy Selim , Çetin Gülten , Bakırdere Sezgin
Published: February 2024

Here, a simple/efficient analytical strategy based on dispersive solid phase extraction was developed using CoSn(OH)6 nanocubes for lead ions from environmental water samples by FAAS (flame atomic absorption spectrometry). CoSn(OH)6 was synthesized as an adsorbent using the co‐precipitation method and characterized. The characterization studies proved the cube‐shaped morphology and uniform size distribution. The optimal experimental conditions were found by optimization studies and, the limit of quantification (LOQ), limit of detection (LOD), linear dynamic range were recorded as 37.6 μg/L, 11.3 μg/L, and 40–600 μg/L, respectively. The enhancement factor of the presented method was calculated as 158.7‐folds compared to the LOD of the conventional FAAS system. Recovery experiments were performed to check the method's applicability/accuracy and the percent recovery results varied from 89.0 % to 112.9 %. According to these findings, the developed method was successfully applied for the quantitative determination of the target analyte in a seawater sample matrix.
Lovely and likely: Using historical methods to improve inference to the best explanation in strategy
Authors: Pillai Sandeep Devanatha , Goldfarb Brent , Kirsch David
Published: February 2024

Research Summary

Many strategy studies implicitly rely upon inference to the best explanation (IBE) or modern abduction. We leverage recent work in the philosophy of science to consider how we arrive at “best” explanations, explanations that are lovely, in the sense that they are useful, general, and provide meaning, and likely, in the sense that they are close to the truth. Interpretation of observational results requires an understanding of context that statistical analysis alone cannot provide. At that point of encounter, historical methods—hermeneutics, contextualization and source criticism—can improve IBE by helping scholars (1) generate new candidate explanations and (2) systematically judge, privilege, and balance the explanatory virtues that constitute the loveliness and likeliness of explanations.

Managerial Summary

Many strategy studies iteratively use data and theory to inference to the best explanation of observed phenomena. We leverage recent work in the philosophy of science to consider how we arrive at best explanations that are useful, general, provide meaning, and, at the same time, are close to the truth. Interpreting observational results requires an understanding of the context that statistical analysis alone cannot provide. At that point of encounter, methodological tools from the field of history can improve the process of determining the best explanation by helping scholars (1) generate new candidate explanations and (2) systematically judge and privilege explanations.
Heterostructures by Templated Synthesis of Layered Double Hydroxide to Modulate the Electronic Structure of Nickel Sites for a Highly Efficient Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Xu Kexin , Zhong Haihong , Li Xuying , Song Jie , Estudillo‐Wong Luis Alberto , Yang Jun , Feng Yongjun , Zhao Xiaojuan , Alonso‐Vante Nicolas
Published: February 2024

The design and development of highly efficient electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are critical for renewable energy generation. Ni‐based electrocatalysts are widely used in the water electrolysis process. In this work, heterostructure consisting of selenides and layered double hydroxides (LDH) named (Co, Ni)Se4@NiFe‐LDH, are prepared by an LDH‐based strategy, in which the electronic structure of Ni active sites is regulated by interfacial electron interaction. The (Co, Ni)Se4@NiFe‐LDH shows an optimized charge distribution of Ni sites and excellent catalytic activity. The effective charge modulation results in lowering the energy barrier of OOH* intermediate formation and adequate adsorption strength of the intermediates on Ni‐active sites, which improves the kinetics of OER. Specifically, the (Co, Ni)Se4@NiFe‐LDH only requires an overpotential of 237 mV to reach the current density of 10 mA cm−2 under alkaline conditions. The results of this work demonstrate that reasonable engineering of heterostructure is an effective strategy to improve the intrinsic property of OER electrocatalysts for water splitting.
Development and Challenges of Large‐Area All‐Perovskite Tandem Solar Cells and Modules
Authors: Wang Juncheng , Zhu Jingwei , Chen Cong , Paetzold Ulrich Wilhelm , Zhao Dewei
Published: February 2024

The efficiency of all‐perovskite tandem solar cells has recently surpassed that of single‐junction perovskite solar cells, showing great potential as a future photovoltaic technology due to its low manufacturing cost and high power conversion efficiency potential, yet the size of these cells is still at the laboratory level. It is highly required to develop scalable preparation methods to fabricate large‐area all‐perovskite tandem solar modules for commercial applications. Herein, the key challenges encountered in the laboratory of all‐perovskite tandem solar cells and the existing solutions are summarized and some views on the preparation of large areas and modules are given.
Comparison between tofacitinib and ustekinumab as a third‐line therapy in refractory ulcerative colitis: A multicenter international study
Authors: Allocca Mariangela , Catalano Gaia , Savarino Edoardo V. , Chaparro María , Levartovsky Asaf , Michalopoulos George , Viazis Nikos , Fousekis Fotis S. , Psistakis Andreas , Noviello Daniele , Nascimento Catarina Neto do , Caron Benedicte , Kitsou Vassiliki , Bamias Giorgos , García María José , Zacharopoulou Eirini , Foteinogiannopoulou Kalliopi , D'Amico Ferdinando , Koutroubakis Ioannis , Ellul Pierre , Tzouvala Maria , Peyrin‐Biroulet Laurent , Torres Joana , Caprioli Flavio , Karmiris Konstantinos , Theodoropoulou Angeliki , Katsanos Konstantinos H. , Christodoulou Dimitrios K. , Mantzaris Gerassimos J. , Kopylov Uri , Gisbert Javier P. , Danese Silvio , Magro Fernando , Carla Fornari , Fiorino Gionata
Published: February 2024

Background

Ustekinumab and tofacitinib have recently been approved for the management of moderate to severe ulcerative colitis (UC). However, there is no evidence on how they should be positioned in the therapeutic algorithm. The aim of this study was to compare tofacitinib and ustekinumab as third‐line therapies in UC patients in whom anti‐TNF and vedolizumab had failed.

Methods

This was a multicenter retrospective observational study. The primary outcome was disease progression, defined as the need for steroids, therapy escalation, UC‐related hospitalization and/or surgery. Secondary outcomes were clinical remission, normalization of C‐reactive protein, endoscopic remission, treatment withdrawal, and adverse events.

Results

One‐hundred seventeen UC patients were included in the study and followed for a median time of 11.6 months (q1–q3, 5.5–18.7). Overall, 65% of patients were treated with tofacitinib and 35% with ustekinumab. In the entire study cohort, 63 patients (54%) had disease progression during the follow‐up period. Treatment with ustekinumab predicted increased risk of disease progression compared to treatment with tofacitinib in Cox regression analysis (HR: 1.93 [95% CI: 1.06–3.50] p = 0.030). Twenty‐eight (68%) patients in the ustekinumab group and 35 (46%) in the tofacitinib group had disease progression over the follow‐up period (log‐rank test, p < 0.054). No significant differences were observed for the secondary outcomes. Six and 22 adverse events occurred in the ustekinumab and tofacitinib groups, respectively (15% vs. 31%, p = 0.11).

Conclusions

Tofacitinib was more efficacious in reducing disease progression than ustekinumab in this cohort of refractory UC patients. However, prospective head‐to‐head clinical trials are needed as to confirm these data.
Maternal ethnicity and socioeconomic deprivation: influence on adverse pregnancy outcomes
Authors: Minopoli M. , Noël L. , Dagge A. , Blayney G. , Bhide A. , Thilaganathan B.
Published: February 2024

Objective

To evaluate the relative importance of ethnicity and socioeconomic deprivation in determining the likelihood and prevalence of placentally derived composite of adverse pregnancy outcomes (CAPO) and composite of severe adverse pregnancy outcomes (CAPO‐S).

Methods

This was a single‐center retrospective cohort study of data obtained in a tertiary maternity unit. Data regarding ethnicity and socioeconomic deprivation (as measured with indices of multiple deprivation) were collected for 13 165 singleton pregnancies screened routinely in the first trimester for pre‐eclampsia using the Fetal Medicine Foundation combined risk‐assessment algorithm. CAPO was defined as the presence of one or more interrelated outcomes associated with placental dysfunction, namely, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, preterm birth, birth weight ≤ 10th centile and stillbirth. CAPO‐S was defined as the presence of one or more of the following: hypertensive disorders of pregnancy at < 37 + 0 weeks, preterm birth at < 34 + 0 weeks, birth weight ≤ 5th centile and stillbirth at < 37 + 0 weeks.

Results

The prevalence of CAPO was 16.3% in white women, 29.3% in black women and 29.3% in South Asian women. However, half (51.7%) of all CAPO cases occurred in white women. There was a strong interaction between ethnicity and socioeconomic deprivation, with a correlation coefficient of −0.223. Both ethnicity and socioeconomic deprivation influenced the prevalence of CAPO and CAPO‐S, with the contribution of ethnicity being the strongest.

Conclusions

Black and Asian ethnicity, as well as socioeconomic deprivation, influence the prevalence of placenta‐mediated adverse pregnancy outcomes. Despite this, most adverse pregnancy outcomes occur in white women, who represent the majority of the population and are also affected by socioeconomic deprivation. For these reasons, inclusion of socioeconomic deprivation should be considered in early pregnancy risk assessment for placenta‐mediated CAPO. © 2024 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
How Can We Understand the Everyday Digital Lives of Children and Young People?
Authors: Holmarsdottir Halla , Seland Idunn , Hyggen Christer
Published: February 2024

This chapter, introducing the present book on understanding the digital generation, first presents three different perspectives on technology and social change as (1) technological determinism, (2) social constructivism and (3) social shaping of technology. Second, the chapter introduces a conceptual model, derived from Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory, for investigating and understanding why and how some children and young people seem to benefit from the use of digital technology while others are impacted negatively. This aim equals the overarching research question in DigiGen, a large-scale EU Horizon 2020 project between 2020–2022. The chapter further positions this research question in relation to digital divides, inequality, vulnerability, risk and human agency, the main theoretical concepts utilised in the analyses both in the project and in this book. Starting from the ‘microsystem’ level in ecological systems theory, the chapter reports highlights from novel research generated through the project on children and young people’s relationships, understandings and meaning making connected with use of digital technology within and across the family, for leisure, in school and on digital platforms offering opportunities for civic participation. The outline of the following chapters is then described with relation to the book’s main research question and the conceptual model.
Digitally Disengaged and Digitally Unconfident Children in Europe
Authors: Ayllón Sara , Lado Samuel , Symeonaki Maria
Published: February 2024

The increasing use of information and communications technologies (ICT) in education has raised concerns about exacerbating existing educational inequalities, particularly for students who lack interest or confidence in using digital devices. Drawing from data of the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), this chapter documents the extent to which school-aged children in Europe are digitally disengaged and/or lack digital confidence. We also analyse the socio-economic and demographic characteristics that describe both profiles. By shedding light on these challenges, this research can inform policies and interventions aimed to ensure equitable access and success in digital learning environments.
A Developmental View on Digital Vulnerability and Agency of Children Under 10 Years of Age
Authors: Roth Maria , Schmidt Eva-Maria , Lafton Tove , Kapella Olaf , Bărbuță Alina
Published: February 2024

The digital behaviour of children is influenced by vulnerabilities in their offline world, especially in their families and peer group. By analysing children’s interactions with digital technologies (DT) from a familial–ecological developmental perspective, one objective of this chapter is to identify the general, categorical, situational, and individual vulnerabilities in children’s use of DT, their reflections, and their caretakers’ accounts. Adding the cultural constructivist developmental theory of Vygotsky to the ecological perspective that grounds our work in this chapter offers a second objective to incorporate parenting mediation in the discussion on children’s development regarding digital behaviour. The chapter is based on an analysis of 31 family interviews with children aged 5–6 or 8–10 years and 62 members of their families, as well as 31 focus groups with children in the two age groups. The analysis of the mediation of children’s DT use by caregivers and children’s responses to parenting rules shows the relevance of the constructivist theory in understanding children’s digital behaviour. The evolving agency of children may enhance their chances to overcome vulnerabilities and promote healthy adaptation, growth of competence, and resilience.
Experimental Investigation of Topological Property of Degenerate Singularities in Rescattering Processes
Authors: Mizuno Tomoya , Yang Tianqi , Kurihara Takayuki , Ishii Nobuhisa , Kanai Teruto , Tolstikhin Oleg I. , Morishita Toru , Itatani Jiro
Published: February 2024

We measure rescattering photoelectron momentum distributions (PEMDs) of randomly oriented CO$${ }_2$$

2

molecules by a carrier-envelope phase (CEP)-stable few-cycle pulse. A cutoff structure of measured PEMDs agrees quantitatively with the Airy function-like universal distribution calculated by the adiabatic theory. This behavior is guaranteed by the singularity theory, and originates from the topological property of a caustic, which is singularity of action described by the Hamiltonian formulation. We experimentally reveal the topological properties underlying the caustic in the rescattering processes.
From Ultrafast Light-Induced Currents to Spatially-Resolved Field Sampling
Authors: Blöchl Johannes , Schötz Johannes , Bergues Boris , Kling Matthias F.
Published: February 2024

The sampling of petahertz light fields opens up a new regime for field-resolved spectroscopy of ultrafast light-matter interactions. We derived a theoretical model tested against systematic experimental studies on the emergence of macroscopic currents in photoconductive field sampling. The model overcomes previous heuristic interpretations and can aid in the design of more sensitive and more efficient photoconductive devices. Furthermore, we implemented a near-field method for the spatio-temporal sampling of near-petahertz fields, enabling full vectorial field characterization of light beams with orbital angular momentum.
Non-Invasive Detection of Fetal Ischemia Through Electrocardiography
Authors: Pérez Álvaro José Bocanegra , Magoon Matthew J , Sahota Manisha , Schicketanz Leonie , Uv Julie J , Boyle Patrick M , Arevalo Hermenegild J
Published: February 2024

During pregnancy, fetal distress requiring clinical intervention can be difficult to accurately monitor and diagnose, necessitating technological improvements to bring clear information to patients and their care teams. Non-invasive fetal Electrocardiography (NI-fECG) monitoring may allow for earlier and more reliable detection of global cardiac ischemia due to hypoxia. However, the lowsignal-to-noise ratio of the fetal heartbeat relative to the maternal heartbeat remains a challenge. To enable reliable recognition of ischemia in NI-fECG, we propose an approach that combines simulating a pregnant torso and an unsupervised machine-learning method. Three stages of fetal cardiac ischemia: none (healthy), moderate, and severe, were introduced to the model. For each case, Electrocardiograms (ECGs) were simulated with the standard 12 leads, plus 3 additional abdominal leads. Unsupervised Multiple-Kernel Learning (MKL) with k-means clustering identified changes consistent with fetal cardiac ischemia despite noise from the parental heart. Thus, in this early proof-of-concept investigation, our results suggest that NI-fECG may offer a means for detecting global cardiac ischemia.
Differentially Private Traffic Flow Prediction Using Transformers: A Federated Approach
Authors: Gupta Sargam , Torra Vicenç
Published: February 2024

Accurate traffic flow prediction plays an important role in intelligent transportation management and reducing traffic congestion for smart cities. Existing traffic flow prediction techniques using deep learning, mostly LSTMs, have achieved enormous success based on the large traffic flow datasets collected by governments and different organizations. Nevertheless, a lot of these datasets contain sensitive attributes that may relate to users’ private data. Hence, there is a need to develop an accurate traffic flow prediction mechanism that preserves users’ privacy. To address this challenge, we propose a federated learning-based temporal fusion transformer framework for traffic flow prediction which is a distributed machine learning approach where all the model updates are aggregated through an aggregation algorithm rather than sharing and storing the raw data in one centralized location. The proposed framework trains the data locally on client devices using temporal fusion transformers and differential privacy. Experiments show that the proposed framework can guarantee accuracy in predicting traffic flow for both the short and long term.
Networked Industry Survival
Authors: Ehrich Martha Emilie
Published: February 2024

This chapter introduces the reader to the deeply entrenched relation of capitalist networks and the Dutch paper industry. The production of paper from rags—old and torn cloth—already existed in pre-industrial seventeenth-century Netherlands and continued well into the nineteenth century. Initially, the chapter conducts an international comparison of this well-established industry before delving into a more detailed exploration of the four dimensions of networks in capitalism: technology, state-industry relations, competition and cooperation, and labor-capital relations. The chapter concludes by outlining the methodology used to historicize the industry across four phases of capitalism: the rise of Dutch capitalism (1580–1815), Dutch monarchic liberalism (1815–1914), Fordism (1914–1980), and post-Fordism (1980 until now).
Building Paper Industria
Authors: Ehrich Martha Emilie
Published: February 2024

This chapter delves into the evolution of the Dutch paper industry during the era of Dutch monarchic liberalism, spanning the years between 1815 and 1914. In the early nineteenth century, the industry faced a period of stagnation attributed to the widespread adoption of steam-powered mills for chemically produced paper throughout Europe and Northern America. While this marked a significant transformation for the Dutch paper industry, transitioning from small-scale, handmade, peasant-based paper manufacturing to the dominance of a large-scale, corporate sector, the establishment of Industria served to sustain Dutch paper production without allowing it to match the industrialization levels seen in neighboring countries.
Corporatization of Paper Manufacturing
Authors: Ehrich Martha Emilie
Published: February 2024

This chapter explores the development of the Dutch paper industry in the phase of Fordism between 1914 and 1980. Following periods of economic downturn and uncertainty brought about by the First and Second World Wars, there was a concerted effort towards state-led restructuring and consolidation to rejuvenate national industries. During Fordism, cartel structures emerged as crucial forms of cooperation, while corporatization and mergers and acquisitions became tools for industry consolidation. The 1950s and 1960s witnessed a significant rise in unionism, but the economic downturns of the 1970s led to its rapid decline. Notably, in this era, waste paper emerged as a profitable substitute for virgin wood fiber in Dutch paper production.
Steuerungstheoretische Perspektiven: Welche (nicht) staatlichen Akteure nehmen auf den verschiedenen Ebenen des Schulsystems bis zur Einzelschule als Organisation Einfluss?
Authors: van Ackeren-Mindl Isabell , Klemm Klaus , Schmid-Kühn Svenja Mareike
Published: February 2024

Die Zuständigkeiten und die Kompetenzverteilung zwischen Bund, Ländern und Kommunen sind vielfältig. Auch gibt es weitere Akteursgruppen, die Einfluss nehmen. Das Verhältnis von Schulsystem und Einzelschule wird im Kontext einer stärker wirkungsorientierten Steuerung bei zugleich erweiterten Handlungsspielräumen von Schule beleuchtet. Schließlich wird gefragt, wie die Einzelschule ihr Handeln in diesem Kontext koordiniert.
Qualitätsorientierte Perspektiven: Welche Instrumente und Verfahren sollen zur Qualitätssicherung und Qualitätsentwicklung im Schulsystem beitragen?
Authors: van Ackeren-Mindl Isabell , Klemm Klaus , Schmid-Kühn Svenja Mareike
Published: February 2024

Eine staatliche Verantwortung für die Qualität im Schulsystem gibt es seit jeher, allerdings hat der Qualitätsbegriff in den beiden vergangenen Jahrzehnten in der öffentlichen, bildungspolitischen und auch bildungswissenschaftlichen Diskussion erheblich an Bedeutung gewonnen. Neue Verfahren und Instrumente mit dem Ziel der Qualitätsentwicklung werden vor dem Hintergrund des veränderten Steuerungsparadigmas vorgestellt.
Phase transitions and gravitational waves in a model of ℤ3 scalar dark matter
Authors: Benincasa Nico , Hryczuk Andrzej , Kannike Kristjan , Laletin Maxim
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Theories with more than one scalar field often exhibit phase transitions producing potentially detectable gravitational wave (GW) signal. In this work we study the semi-annihilating ℤ3 dark matter model, whose dark sector comprises an inert doublet and a complex singlet, and assess its prospects in future GW detectors. Without imposing limits from requirement of providing a viable dark matter candidate, i.e. taking into account only other experimental and theoretical constraints, we find that the first order phase transition in this model can be strong enough to lead to a detectable signal. However, direct detection and the dark matter thermal relic density constraint calculated with the state-of-the-art method including the impact of early kinetic decoupling, very strongly limit the parameter space of the model explaining all of dark matter and providing observable GW peak amplitude. Extending the analysis to underabundant dark matter thus reveals region with detectable GWs from a single-step or multi-step phase transition.
Equating extrapolate dictionaries for massless scattering
Authors: Jørstad Eivind , Pasterski Sabrina , Sharma Atul
Published: February 2024

Abstract

We study features of celestial CFT correlation functions when the bulk theory is itself a CFT. We show that conformal inversions in the bulk map boost eigenstates to shadow transformed boost eigenstates. This is demonstrated explicitly for the wavefunctions of free massless scalars, and finds interesting applications to building extrapolate dictionaries. Because inversions exchange null infinity and the light cone of the origin, one finds a relation between the massless extrapolate dictionary — involving correlators of operators inserted along null infinity — and the slice-by-slice extrapolate dictionary recently studied by Sleight and Taronna starting from the hyperbolic foliation of de Boer and Solodukhin. Namely, boundary correlators of Sleight and Taronna coincide with celestial amplitudes of shadow transformed boost eigenstates. These considerations are unified by lifting celestial correlators to the Einstein cylinder. This also sheds new light on the extraction of the 𝑆-matrix from the flat limit of AdS/CFT.
The therapeutic effect of mesenchymal stem cells in diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Habiba Umm E. , Khan Nasar , Greene David Lawrence , Shamim Sabiha , Umer Amna
Published: February 2024

Diabetes mellitus (DM) often causes chronic kidney damage despite best medical practices. Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) arises from a complex interaction of factors within the kidney and the whole body. Targeting specific disease-causing agents using drugs has not been effective in treating DKD. However, stem cell therapies offer a promising alternative by addressing multiple disease pathways and promoting kidney regeneration. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) offer great promise due to their superior accessibility ratio from adult tissues and remarkable modes of action, such as the production of paracrine anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective substances. This review critically evaluates the development of MSC treatment for DKD as it moves closer to clinical application. Results from animal models suggest that systemic MSC infusion may positively impact DKD progression. However, few registered and completed clinical trials exist, and whether the treatments are effective in humans is still being determined. Significant knowledge gaps and research opportunities exist, including establishing the ideal source, dose, and timing of MSC delivery, better understanding of in vivo mechanisms, and developing quantitative indicators to obtain a more significant therapeutic response. This paper reviews recent literature on using MSCs in preclinical and clinical trials in DKD. Potent biomarkers related to DKD are also highlighted, which may help better understand MSCs’ action in this disease progression.

Key messages

Mesenchymal stem cells have anti-inflammatory and paracrine effects in diabetic kidney disease.

Mesenchymal stem cells alleviate in animal models having diabetic kidney disease.

Mesenchymal stem cells possess promise for the treatment of diabetic kidney disease.
Entropy Computation for Oscillator-based Physical Random Number Generators
Authors: Lubicz David , Fischer Viktor
Published: February 2024

In this paper, we provide a complete set of algorithms aimed at the design and security evaluation of oscillator-based True Random Number Generators (TRNG). While depending on some TRNG design assumptions, the proposed algorithms use as inputs the statistical parameters of the underlying random physical process such as the clock jitter originating from the thermal noise and give a lower bound of the entropy rate of the generated bit stream as output. We describe the general structure of a TRNG composed of multiple free-running oscillators and samplers, the outputs of which are post-processed by an entropy conditioner. Depending on the specification of the entropy conditioner, which can usually be any Boolean function, we describe several algorithmic optimizations. We then explain how to compute and efficiently manage the entropy rate at the output of such a post-processing block and at the output of the generator as a whole.
One-shot procedures for efficient minimum compliance topology optimization
Authors: Amir Oded
Published: February 2024

In this paper, a one-shot approach for minimum compliance topology optimization is investigated. In the convex case of variable thickness sheet optimization, an optimality criteria scheme with a single step of an iterative state solver converges to the same solutions as an accurate procedure. This remarkable behavior is explained by the crucial role of the geometric multigrid preconditioner that generates accurate design sensitivities on a coarse scale. When applied to SIMP-based topology optimization, a one-shot procedure yields designs with the same primary load-transferring features as an accurate procedure. The difference is in the absence and presence of thin features that have a relatively minor impact on the objective. Several practical remedies are suggested that can close the small performance gaps between the one-shot procedure and an accurate one. The solution scheme is directly applicable to large-scale problems executed on parallel computers, allowing for significant computational savings.
Investigating attention toward pain-related cues in an Arabic-speaking population with and without chronic pain
Authors: Abudoush Ahmad N. , Poliakoff Ellen , Panagioti Maria , Hodkinson Alexander , Husain Nusrat
Published: February 2024

There is some evidence for attentional biases in individuals with chronic pain (CP). Cultural and linguistic differences might affect the manifestation of these processes across populations. However, such attentional biases have not been explored in the Arabic-speaking population. The current study investigated these attentional biases and possible associations with resilience. Two matched groups of Arabic-speaking participants with (58) and without (58) CP were recruited from Jordan and the United Kingdom. They completed emotionally modified versions of the Posner cueing and Stroop tasks, alongside questionnaires. Significant group differences were found for the Posner task, with the CP group exhibiting disengagement revealed by the inhibition of return (IOR) effect for sensory pain-related cues compared to delayed disengagement for the other cue types. The control group showed IOR across cue types. No group differences were found on the Stroop task. The CP group had lower resilience scores than healthy controls, and resilience moderated performance on the Posner task. The study provides preliminary evidence about the attentional processes in the Arabic population; the speed of disengagement is affected in the CP group with early disengagement for sensory pain-related information compared to affect pain and neutral stimuli. Furthermore, resilience levels in the CP and control group moderated the performance on the Posner task, suggesting that it influences attentional allocation. This study can help in understanding how the phenomenon of attention bias intertwines with the cultural and linguistic factors. Future research should further explore attentional dynamics across different time points in this population and the modulatory effect of resilience.
Uniform negative immersions and the coherence of one-relator groups
Authors: Louder Larsen , Wilton Henry
Published: February 2024

Previously, the authors proved that the presentation complex of a one-relator group $G$
G
satisfies a geometric condition called negative immersions if every two-generator, one-relator subgroup of $G$
G
is free. Here, we prove that one-relator groups with negative immersions are coherent, answering a question of Baumslag in this case. Other strong constraints on the finitely generated subgroups also follow such as, for example, the co-Hopf property. The main new theorem strengthens negative immersions to uniform negative immersions, using a rationality theorem proved with linear-programming techniques.
A newly discovered glycosyltransferase gene UGT88A1 affects growth and polysaccharide synthesis of Grifola frondosa
Authors: Li Jian , Wang Bao-xin , Zhang Jie , Han Na , Liu Shu-ting , Geng Wen-ji , Jia Shi-ru , Li Yan-ru , Gan Quan , Han Pei-pei
Published: February 2024

Grifolafrodosa polysaccharides, especially β-D-glucans, possess significant anti-tumor, antioxidant and immunostimulatory activities. However, the synthesis mechanism remains to be elucidated. A newly discovered glycosyltransferase UGT88A1 was found to extend glucan chains in vitro. However, the role of UGT88A1 in the growth and polysaccharide synthesis of G. frondosa in vivo remains unclear. In this study, the overexpression of UGT88A1 improved mycelial growth, increased polysaccharide production, and decreased cell wall pressure sensitivity. Biomass and polysaccharide production decreased in the silenced strain, and the pressure sensitivity of the cell wall increased. Overexpression and silencing of UGT88A1 both affected the monosaccharide composition and surface morphology of G. frondosa polysaccharides and influenced the antioxidant activity of polysaccharides from different strains. The messenger RNA expression of glucan synthase (GLS), UTP-glucose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase (UGP), and UDP-xylose-4-epimerase (UXE) related to polysaccharide synthesis, and genes related to cell wall integrity increased in the overexpression strain. Overall, our study indicates that UGT88A1 plays an important role in the growth, stress, and polysaccharide synthesis of G. frondosa, providing a reference for exploring the pathway of polysaccharide synthesis and metabolic regulation.

Key points

•UGT88A1 plays an important role in the growth, stress response, and polysaccharide synthesis in G. frondosa.

•UGT88A1 affected the monosaccharide composition, surface morphology and antioxidant activity of G. frondosa polysaccharides.

•UGT88A1 regulated the mRNA expression of genes related to polysaccharide synthesis and cell wall integrity.
Explosive and binary cyclogenesis over a mid-latitude hotspot and its Rossby number dependence in an idealized general circulation model
Authors: Yamamoto Masaru
Published: February 2024

This study presents the optimal conditions for the formation of explosive and binary cyclones over a mid-latitude hotspot in an idealized Earth-like general circulation model of variable planetary size. Multiple solutions of cyclogenesis were obtained for the same Rossby number over the hotspot (RoH), whereas general circulation is uniquely determined with respect to the Rossby number of the zonal-mean westerly jet (RoJ). For low RoJ values, the zonal jet core and its related area of active eddies are longitudinally narrow at 300 hPa over the hotspot. However, the latitudinal extension of the active area over the hotspot is not small. Binary cyclones (pairs of northern and southern lows) are thus frequently formed. For intermediate RoJ values, the zonal jet core and the area of active eddies at 300 hPa are extended from the northern hotspot toward the east. At 900 hPa, the active eddy region is bifurcated along the jet axis and over the hotspot. This may correspond to the bifurcation of storm tracks in winter in the North Pacific hotspot, where both explosive and binary cyclones occur frequently, along with a meridionally elongated trough. For high RoJ values, the zonal jet core and active eddy area at 300 hPa occur north of the hotspot, and the active eddy area at 900 hPa occurs over the hotspot. The upper-level active area is separated from the lower-level area, so cyclones are not explosively developed and binary cyclones are not formed.
Parents’ experiences of sham feeding their child with esophageal atresia at home while awaiting reconstructive surgery. A qualitative interview study
Authors: Tollne AnnaMaria , Nilsson Tuva , Svensson Jan F. , Almström Markus , Öst Elin
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to explore parents’ experience of sham feeding their baby born with esophageal atresia at home, waiting for reconstructive surgery.

Method

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents of six children born with esophageal atresia waiting for delayed reconstruction. The interviews were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

Results

Parents experienced that sham feed reinforced the healthy abilities in their baby. They had faith in their own ability as parents to care for their child as well as to see to their baby’s strength to cope with difficulties. Parents expressed that the health care system can hinder as well as be a major support on their way to a more normal life at home while waiting for reconstructive surgery.

Conclusion

The experience of sham feeding at home while waiting for reconstructive surgery is characterized by positive aspects both for children born with esophageal atresia and their parents.
Prediction of 30-day, 90-day, and 1-year mortality after colorectal cancer surgery using a data-driven approach
Authors: Bräuner Karoline Bendix , Tsouchnika Andi , Mashkoor Maliha , Williams Ross , Rosen Andreas Weinberger , Hartwig Morten Frederik Schlaikjær , Bulut Mustafa , Dohrn Niclas , Rijnbeek Peter , Gögenur Ismail
Published: February 2024

Purpose

To develop prediction models for short-term mortality risk assessment following colorectal cancer surgery.

Methods

Data was harmonized from four Danish observational health databases into the Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership Common Data Model. With a data-driven approach using the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator logistic regression on preoperative data, we developed 30-day, 90-day, and 1-year mortality prediction models. We assessed discriminative performance using the area under the receiver operating characteristic and precision-recall curve and calibration using calibration slope, intercept, and calibration-in-the-large. We additionally assessed model performance in subgroups of curative, palliative, elective, and emergency surgery.

Results

A total of 57,521 patients were included in the study population, 51.1% male and with a median age of 72 years. The model showed good discrimination with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.88, 0.878, and 0.861 for 30-day, 90-day, and 1-year mortality, respectively, and a calibration-in-the-large of 1.01, 0.99, and 0.99. The overall incidence of mortality were 4.48% for 30-day mortality, 6.64% for 90-day mortality, and 12.8% for 1-year mortality, respectively. Subgroup analysis showed no improvement of discrimination or calibration when separating the cohort into cohorts of elective surgery, emergency surgery, curative surgery, and palliative surgery.

Conclusion

We were able to train prediction models for the risk of short-term mortality on a data set of four combined national health databases with good discrimination and calibration. We found that one cohort including all operated patients resulted in better performing models than cohorts based on several subgroups.
Geschichte der Herzschrittmacher-Therapie in Deutschland
Authors: Lemke Bernd
Published: February 2024

Die Herzschrittmachertherapie beginnt bereits in der ersten Hälfte des 20. Jahrhunderts mit ersten erfolgreichen Herzstimulationen beim Menschen. Als eigentliche Geburtsstunde der heutigen Schrittmachertherapie gilt die erste vollständige Implantation eines Herzschrittmachers durch den Herzchirurgen Ake Senning am 08.10.1958 im Karolinska-Hospital in Stockholm. Die erste Herzschrittmacher-Implantation in Deutschland führte Heinz-Joachim Sykosch am 06.10.1961 in der Chirurgischen Klinik der Universität Düsseldorf durch. Zwei Jahre später erfolgte die erste Implantation in der DDR durch Friedrich Flemming am 02.09.1963 an der Charité in Ost-Berlin. Der erste in der BRD produzierte Schrittmacher kam 1963 auf den Markt, die DDR startete eine eigene Schrittmacherproduktion 1978. Im Jahr 1974 führte die Herzschrittmachertherapie in der BRD zu einer 50 %-Überlebensdauer von 6,3 Jahren im Vergleich zur medikamentösen Therapie mit < 1 Jahr. Schrittmacherelektroden haben seit der Verwendung blanker Metalldrähte eine deutlich verbesserte Qualität und Zuverlässigkeit erlangt. Einen vorläufigen Abschluss bildet hier der sondenlose Herzschrittmacher. Die Batterieentwicklung führte zu einer Flut erfinderischer Aktivitäten: wieder aufladbare Herzschrittmacher, biogalvanische Zelle, Bioenergiequellen, Nukleargeneratoren und Lithiumbatterien, die sich letztlich durchsetzten. Nach der Anfangsphase starrfrequenter Ventrikelstimulation wurden zunehmend an die Physiologie angepasste Systeme entwickelt: Bedarfsschrittmacher, vorhofbeteiligte Stimulation und frequenzadaptive Systeme. Aber erst die Rückbesinnung auf eine direkte Stimulation des Reizleitungssystems ermöglichte eine wirklich physiologische Stimulation des Herzens.
The use of LNG-IUS-19.5 mg in daily gynecological routine practice in Germany: data from the Kyleena™ Satisfaction Study (KYSS)
Authors: Römer Thomas , Frenz Ann-Kathrin , Dietrich-Ott Susanne , Fiedler Anja
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The Kyleena™ Satisfaction Study (KYSS) provided the first data on 19.5 mg levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS-19.5 mg) use in routine clinical practice. Here we report results from the German participants in KYSS.

Methods

This prospective, observational, single-arm cohort study recruited women who independently chose to use LNG-IUS-19.5 mg during routine counseling in Germany. Overall satisfaction and bleeding profile satisfaction, continuation rates, and safety profile were evaluated at 12 months or premature end of observation (EoO).

Results

In the German study population, LNG-IUS-19.5 mg placement was attempted in 508 women and successful in 506 women. Mean age was 32.3 years, and 60.0% (n = 305/508) were parous. Placement was considered easy and associated with no more than mild pain, even in younger and nulliparous participants. Of those with satisfaction data available, 87.6% (n = 388/443) were satisfied with LNG-IUS-19.5 mg at 12 months/EoO. Satisfaction was similar for parous (86.9%, n = 238/274) and nulliparous (88.8%, n = 150/169) women, and was independent of age, prior contraceptive method, or reason for choosing LNG-IUS-19.5 mg. Most participants (73.6%, n = 299/406) were also satisfied with their bleeding profile at 12 months/EoO, independent of parity, age, prior contraceptive method, presence of amenorrhea or dysmenorrhea severity. The 12-month continuation rate was 84.1% (n = 427/508). Most discontinuations were due to loss to follow-up (8.5%, n = 43/508) or treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) (4.7%, n = 24/508). TEAEs were reported in 12.6% (n = 64) of participants, with 9.3% (n = 47) considered to have an LNG-IUS-19.5 mg-related TEAE.

Conclusion

Our real-world findings on LNG-IUS-19.5 mg use in German KYSS participants reflected its suitability for a broad population, including young and nulliparous women.

Clinical trial registration

NCT03182140 (date of registration: June 2017).
Transoral laser microsurgery for T1 glottic cancer with anterior commissure: Identifying clinical and radiological variables that predict oncological outcome
Authors: Eker Caglar , Surmelioglu Ozgur , Dagkiran Muhammed , Kaya Omer , Tanrisever Ilda , Arpaci Burak , Kaya Bedir , Yucel Karakaya Sevinc Puren , Onan Elvan
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The involvement of the anterior commissure (AC) is regarded to be a risk factor for poor results after transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) for early glottic cancer. The objective of this study was to determine how AC-related clinical and radiological factors affected oncological outcomes in a cohort of patients with T1 stage early glottic carcinoma involving the anterior commissure who were treated with TLM with negative surgical margins.

Methods

Retrospective analysis was performed on clinical, radiological, and follow-up data of patients consecutively treated with TLM at a tertiary academic center between November 2011 and August 2021 for T1 glottic squamous cell carcinoma involving the anterior commissure. Recurrence-free survival (RFS), local control with laser alone (LCL), laryngeal preservation (LP), and overall survival (OS) rates (Kaplan–Meier) were the primary outcome metrics.

Results

In our series, 5-year OS probability was 75.1%, RFS was 64.8%, LCL was 73.8%, and LP was 83.4%. OS and RFS were higher in patients with early stages of AC pattern than in patients with advanced stage (p = 0.004, p = 0.034, respectively). Vertical extension ratio was found to be associated with OS and RFS (p = 0.023, p = 0.001, respectively), and thyroid cartilage interlaminar angle with LCL by multiple Cox regression analysis (p = 0.041).

Conclusion

TLM remains a valuable treatment option for AC involvement. AC3 type involvement and elevated vertical extension ratio were associated with negative prognosis. There have been signs that thyroid cartilage with a narrow angle increases recurrence. Alternative modalities should be kept in mind in the treatment decision of these cases.