bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kvalitet života pacijenata nakon implantacije totalne endoproteze koljena i medicinske rehabilitacije
Authors: Lazović Milica , Talić Goran , Siniša Ristić
Published: August 2016

Uvod. Uspješna rehabilitacija nakon implantacije totalne endoproteze koljenabi trebalo da omogući bolji kvalitet života operisanih pacijenata. Ciljevi radasu bili uporediti efekte kontinuiranog u odnosu na odloženi nastavak stacionarnerane rehabilitacije nakon implantacije totalne endoproteze koljena nakvalitet života, te procijeniti da li vrijeme čekanja na nastavak rehabilitacijeutiče na kvalitet života.Metode. Prospektivnim istraživanjem obuhvaćeno je 140 pacijenata obapola kojima je implantirana totalna endoproteza koljena zbog promjenauzrokovanih primarnim osteoartritisom. Svi pacijenti su nakon završenoghirurškog liječenja proveli ranu (akutnu) rehabilitaciju. Ispitivani pacijentisu podijeljeni u dvije grupe (obje sa po 70 pacijenata) na osnovu toga da lisu odmah nastavili stacionarnu postakutnu rehabilitaciju (eksperimentalnagrupa) ili su stacionarnu rehabilitaciju imali u odloženom vremenskom periodu(kontrolna grupa). Instrumenti procjene kvaliteta života u istraživanju suukupni skorovi WOMAC indeksa (Western Ontario and McMaster UniversitesIndex) i Oksford skora.Rezultati. U obje ispitivane grupe pacijenata vrijednosti Oksford skora iWOMAC indeksa su se visoko statistički značajno razlikovale na otpustu sarehabilitacije u odnosu na vrijednosti pri prijemu. Od otpusta do kontrolnogpregleda, eksperimentalna grupa je ostvarila veći napredak nego kontrolnagrupa za period od prijema do otpusta sa rehabilitacije (Oksford skor p<0,05;WOMAC indeks p<0,001). Nije postojala statistički značajna razlika izmeđukontrolne i eksperimentalne grupe u trajanju rehabilitacije.Zaključak. Nastavak rane rehabilitacije kod pacijenata sa učinjenom artroplastikomkoljena ima pozitivan efekat na kvalitet života.
Elimination of leakage of optical modes to GaN substrate in nitride laser diodes using a thick InGaN waveguide
Authors: Muziol Grzegorz , Turski Henryk , Siekacz Marcin , Grzanka Szymon , Perlin Piotr , Skierbiszewski Czesław
Published: August 2016

A novel design consisting of a thick InGaN waveguide is proposed to fully eliminate leakage to the GaN substrate in nitride laser diodes. The design is based on the effective refractive index engineering and does not require the commonly used thick AlGaN claddings. The conditions required to fully eliminate the optical leakage are discussed. Experimental results from eight blue laser diodes with different indium contents and thicknesses of the InGaN waveguide grown by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy are presented to validate the theoretical results.
Effect of tunnel-spin polarization on spin accumulation in n-type Ge(001)/MgO/Co40Fe40B20
Authors: Lee Soogil , Kim Sanghoon , Son Jangyup , Cha Jongin , Pathak Sachin , Hong Jongill
Published: August 2016

We found that a huge enhancement of electrical spin accumulation in n-type Ge(001) with the MgO/Co40Fe40B20 (CFB) spin-tunnel contact (STC) is realized by postannealing. The spin-resistance–area product (R
s
A) of this STC on n-type Ge after postannealing at 350 °C (1.97 × 106 Ω·µm2) is nearly one order of magnitude larger than that of the as-deposited one (2.34 × 105 Ω·µm2). The dependence of R
s
A on contact resistance, a scaling property, is also greatly modulated after postannealing. The epitaxial growth of CFB on an MgO(001) template and the consequent TSP improvement are responsible for such changes.
Dark current reduction of small molecule organic photodetectors by controlling gap states of molybdenum oxide buffer layers
Authors: Kim Seong Heon , Heo Sung , Yun Dong-Jin , Satoh Ryu-ichi , Park Gyeongsu , Kim Kyu-Sik
Published: August 2016

The gap states of the molybdenum-oxide (MoO
x
) hole-extraction layer (HEL) in an organic photodetector (OPD) device, which originate from oxygen-vacancy defects, are controlled by appropriate plasma treatments on the MoO
x
layer. The density of MoO
x
gap states, investigated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), is enhanced and depressed with Ar- and O2-plasma treatments, respectively. The dark current of an OPD with a MoO
x
HEL is considerably reduced by controlling the MoO
x
gap states using the plasma-treatment method. The mechanism of dark-current reduction may be interpreted by reduced gap states and by a suitable energy level bending and alignment.
Effect of surface tension on self-termination in Au tip fabrication for tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Chaunchaiyakul Songpol , Yano Takeshi , Krukowski Pawel , Kuwahara Yuji
Published: August 2016

The effect of surface tension on the fabrication of Au tips was investigated. When using a 12 M HCl aqueous solution, the etching process did not consistently self-terminate after the lower part of the wire dropped, resulting in the poor reproducibility of the tip sharpness. However, using an ethanolic solution of 12 mol/l HCl, a self-terminating etching process was always observed, resulting in the improved reproducibility of sharp tips. We attribute this to the reduced surface compared to that of aqueous HCl. The obtained tips were used in tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy experiments, in which significant signal enhancement was observed.
Use of Hematopoietic Cell Transplant for Hematologic Cancers by Race, Ethnicity, and Age
Authors: Hahn Theresa , Herr Megan M. , Brazauskas Ruta , Patel Jinalben , Ailawadhi Sikander , Saber Wael , Khera Nandita
Published: September 2024

Importance

Utilization of hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) for hematologic cancers previously demonstrated race, ethnicity, and age-based disparities.

Objective

To evaluate utilization over time by race, ethnicity, and age to determine if disparities persist in light of recent significant increases in HCT volume.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This US population-based retrospective cohort study includes patients who received transplants from January 2009 to December 2018. Data collection and cleaning occurred from February 2019 to November 2021, and data analysis occurred from January 2022 to October 2023. Method 1 restricted the analysis to Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) reporting areas for cases and transplants. Method 2 applied SEER age-, race-, and ethnicity-specific incidence rates to corresponding US census population and included all transplants reported to the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research. Race and ethnicity groups were hierarchically defined as Hispanic (any race), non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, and non-Hispanic Other (Asian and American Indian).

Exposure

Receipt of HCT.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Utilization rate of autologous or allogeneic HCT for patients with hematologic cancers by age, race, and ethnicity.

Results

From 2009 to 2018, 136 280 HCTs were analyzed for 6 hematologic cancers comprising 16.7% pediatric/adolescent/young adults (0-39 years), 83.3% adults (40-84 years), 58% male, 10.3% Hispanic, 11.4% non-Hispanic Black, 3.8% non-Hispanic Other, and 74.5% non-Hispanic White patients, with 49 385 allogeneic and 86 895 autologous HCTs performed. HCT utilization increased over time for all disease, age, race, and ethnic groups. From 2017 to 2018, adult (40-84 years) allogeneic transplant utilization for acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) was similar for Hispanic and non-Hispanic White or Other patients but was lower for non-Hispanic Black patients (acute myeloid leukemia: 19% vs 13%; MDS: 9%-10% vs 5%). Similarly, autologous transplant utilization for lymphoma was similar for all race and ethnicity groups; however, autologous transplant for multiple myeloma was highest for non-Hispanic White patients and lower for all other groups (31% vs 26%-27%). In patients aged 0 to 39 years, utilization of allogeneic transplant for acute lymphoblastic leukemia was highest in Hispanic patients, followed by non-Hispanic White, Black, and Other races (acute lymphoblastic leukemia: 19%, 18%, 17%, and 16%, respectively).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study of autologous and allogeneic transplant utilization for hematologic cancers, disparities persisted for non-Hispanic Black patients. Hispanic, non-Hispanic Other, and younger age groups had increased utilization over time that was on par with non-Hispanic White patients in the most recent cohort.
The Precision Resuscitation With Crystalloids in Sepsis (PRECISE) Trial
Authors: Bhavani Sivasubramanium V. , Holder Andre , Miltz Danielle , Kamaleswaran Rishikesan , Khan Sharaf , Easley Kirk , Murphy David J. , Franks Nicole , Wright David W. , Kraft Colleen , Semler Matthew W. , Churpek Matthew M. , Martin Greg S. , Coopersmith Craig M.
Published: September 2024

Importance

Intravenous fluids are an essential part of treatment in sepsis, but there remains clinical equipoise on which type of crystalloid fluids to use in sepsis. A previously reported sepsis subphenotype (ie, group D) has demonstrated a substantial mortality benefit from balanced crystalloids compared with normal saline.

Objective

To test the hypothesis that targeting balanced crystalloids to patients with group D sepsis through an electronic health record (EHR) alert will reduce 30-day inpatient mortality.

Design, Setting, and Participants

The Precision Resuscitation With Crystalloids in Sepsis (PRECISE) trial is a parallel-group, multihospital, single-blind, pragmatic randomized clinical trial to be conducted at 6 hospitals in the Emory Healthcare system. Patients with suspicion of group D infection in whom a clinician initiates an order for normal saline in the emergency department (ED) or intensive care unit (ICU) will be randomized to usual care and intervention arms.

Intervention

An EHR alert that appears in the ED and ICUs to nudge clinicians to use balanced crystalloids instead of normal saline.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome is 30-day inpatient mortality. Secondary outcomes are ICU admission, in-hospital mortality, receipt of vasoactive drugs, receipt of new kidney replacement therapy, and receipt of mechanical ventilation (vasoactive drugs, kidney replacement therapy, and mechanical ventilation are counted if they occur after randomization and within the 30-day study period). Intention-to-treat analysis will be conducted.

Discussion

The PRECISE trial may be one of the first precision medicine trials of crystalloid fluids in sepsis. Using routine vital signs (temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure), available even in low-resource settings, a validated machine learning algorithm will prospectively identify and enroll patients with group D sepsis who may have a substantial mortality reduction from used of balanced crystalloids compared with normal saline.

Results

On finalizing participant enrollment and analyzing the data, the study’s findings will be shared with the public through publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

Conclusions

With use of a validated machine learning algorithm, precision resuscitation in sepsis could fundamentally redefine international standards for intravenous fluid resuscitation.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06253585
Coal Gasification
Authors: Zhuang Qianlin , Shadle Lawrence J. , Berry David A. , Syamlal Madhava
Published: September 2024

Coal gasification is presented in terms of the chemistry of coal conversion and the product gas characteristics, the historical development of coal gasifiers, variations in the types and performance of coal gasifiers, the configuration of gasification systems, and the status and economics of coal gasification. In many ways, coal gasification processes have been tailored to adapt to the different types of coal feedstocks available. Gasification technology is presented from a historical perspective considering early uses of coal, the first practical demonstration and utilization of coal gasification, and the evolution of the various processes used for coal gasification. The development of the gasification industry is traced from its inception to its current status in the world economy. Each type of gasifier is considered focusing on the process innovations required to meet the changing market needs. Complete gasification systems are described including typical system configurations, required system attributes, and aspects of the industry's environmental and performance demands. The current status, economics of gasification technology, and future of gasification are also discussed.
Geospatial Knowledge Graphs
Authors: Zhu Rui
Published: September 2024

Geospatial knowledge graphs have emerged as a novel paradigm for representing and reasoning over geospatial information. In this framework, entities such as places, people, events, and observations are depicted as nodes, while their relationships are represented as edges. This graph‐based data format lays the foundation for creating a “FAIR” (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) environment, facilitating the management and analysis of geographic information. Key concepts in knowledge graphs along with their associated standardization and tools are introduced. Their application in geography and environmental sciences is emphasized by their role in bridging symbolic and subsymbolic GeoAI to address cross‐disciplinary geospatial challenges. New research directions related to geospatial knowledge graphs are outlined.
15‐Minute City
Authors: Diab Ehab , Lu Michael
Published: September 2024

The concept of a 15‐minute city has recently emerged in urban planning and endorsed by policymakers across the globe. The concept seeks to increase people's proximity by using active transportation modes such as walking and cycling to different types of activities that they need daily, achieving a wide array of social, economic, health, and environmental goals. The concept and its context are introduced alongside discussion of how early adopter cities have used the concept and the challenges of its implementation.
Triggered Directed Electron Redistribution Endowed by Efficient Ohmic Contacts of NiMoN/Ni3S2 for Boosting Large Current‐Density Overall Seawater Splitting
Authors: Ma Le‐Le , Hao Yi‐Ru , Sun Jiawen , Chen Yaqin , Li Chunhao , Xue Hui , Sun Jing , Wang Qin , Wu Limin
Published: September 2024

The rational construction of interfacial nanostructures of metal/semiconductor (MS) contacted electrocatalysts has a significant impact on improving their intrinsic activities. However, MS contacts are often plagued by a strong Fermi‐level pinning effect, resulting in the formation of the Schottky barrier that affects the adsorption of hydrogen/oxygen intermediates. Herein, an Ohmic contact between metallic Ni3S2 and semiconducting NiMoN is well‐designed, which effectively reduces the electron conduction barriers. The as‐obtained NiMoN/Ni3S2 has remarkable bifunctional water electrolysis performance. At 10 mA·cm−2, the overpotential of hydrogen evolution and oxygen evolution reaction is 70 and 154 mV, respectively. Impressively, the formation of hydroxide during surface reconstruction can avoid the chlorine evolution on the catalyst surface. At an industrial process temperature of 85 °C, it takes only 340 mV for the overall seawater splitting of 500 mA·cm−2. UPS and UV‐VIS diffuse spectra combined with theoretical calculation results confirm that the self‐driven directed electron transfer derived from the Ohmic contact can induce local electron enrichment at the interface region, thus promoting the formation of *O to *OOH. This study provides important insights into the coordinated modulation of built‐in electric fields and the preparation of efficient multifunctional catalysts with a high abundance of active sites.
Embracing diversity in corporate boardrooms
Authors: Barrett Annalisa , Angele Susan
Published: September 2024

Annalisa Barrett and Susan Angele are both senior advisers with KPMG's Board Leadership Center. In this article, they discuss the underrepresentation of Asians and Latinos in the boardroom and the need to bolster board diversity.
Why Board Leadership Must Give “Merger Grief” Its Due
Authors: Wagner Libby
Published: September 2024

Libby Wagner is a poet and president of Libby Wagner & Associates, offering expertise in leadership, strategy, management, and executive team development that helps organizations create environments where clarity and increased trust lead to unrivaled results. In this article, she discusses the need for boards to provide the time and space for employees to come to emotional terms with major organizational changes, such as mergers and acquisitions.
Determining the optimal ratio of resistant to susceptible bentgrass cultivars to reduce dollar spot severity
Authors: Ruwona Justice , Miller Gerald L.
Published: September 2024

Dollar spot, caused by Clarireedia spp., is the most prevalent disease on creeping bentgrass golf fairways. Interseeding newer dollar spot‐resistant cultivars into susceptible bentgrass stands could reduce dollar spot severity and the need for resultant fungicide use. This study was conducted to determine the optimal ratio of resistant to susceptible cultivars in a blend that will result in dollar spot reduction. Greenhouse experiments were conducted on cultivar blend ratios (0%, 10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 90%, 100%) of dollar spot‐resistant (Pure Select, 007XL, Coho) and susceptible (Penncross) bentgrass challenged with inoculation of two Clarireedia spp. isolates. Disease severity was determined using visual estimates and digital image analysis. Dollar spot severity was significantly influenced by the Clarireedia isolate, with a fungicide‐resistant isolate being more aggressive and producing more disease than a sensitive one. Dollar spot severity was highest on Penncross alone, with no statistical differences observed among the resistant cultivar monostands. Mean disease severity of the blended cultivar ratios was divided into three statistically different groups—low resistance (10% and 25%), medium resistance (50% and 75%), and high resistance (90% and 100%). Compared to Penncross, blending a 10% resistant cultivar reduced AUDPC (area under the disease progress curve) values by 2% and 3% in Experiments 1 and 2, respectively, while blending a 90% resistant cultivar yielded 20% and 32% reductions. These results indicate dollar spot severity decreases as the ratio of the resistant cultivar in a stand increases, and blending resistant cultivars into susceptible has the potential for reducing disease.
Facial Artery Perforator Flap for Perioral and Perinasal Oncologic Defect Reconstruction: Surgical Technique and Postoperative Outcomes
Authors: Chiche Pierre‐Louis , Avry François , Drouet Julien , Weill Pierre , Bénateau Hervé , Qassemyar Quentin , Garmi Rachid
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Facial artery perforator (FAP) flap is a versatile and reliable one‐step facial reconstruction technique. However, its full potential remains underutilized due to a lack of clear guidelines and rigorous technique requirements. This study report the use of FAP flaps in our centre for the management of perioral and nasal oncologic defects, focusing on surgical technique performed and post‐operative management.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of all patients who underwent reconstruction with a perioral or perinasal FAP flap only following tumor resection over a 4‐year period (n = 29). Parameters measured included flap survival, complication rates, surgical technique performed, and the need for touch‐up procedures. Patients were grouped based on age, defect size, and location and outcomes were compared across these groups.

Results

The mean histological tumor defect area was 331 mm2. During at least 6 months of follow‐up, no local recurrence was observed. Twenty‐seven (93.1%) flaps survived completely. Major postsurgical complications occurred in seven (23.8%) patients, including complete flap necrosis (1), partial flap necrosis (1), flap collapse (1), venous congestion (1), wound dehiscence (1), and local infection (2). A higher complication rate was associated with nose tip defects (80.0% vs. 12.5%, p = 0.007). Touch‐up procedures were more frequently required for reconstructions involving the nasal sidewall and dorsum (53.8% vs. 13.3%, p = 0.04).

Conclusion

Based on our experience, the FAP flap is highly effective for the reconstruction of the upper lip, nasolabial fold, and certain oncologic nasal defects. However, specific defect locations, such as the nose tip, may be associated with higher complication rates, necessitating careful patient selection and surgical planning.
Transition toward a sustainable future: Exploring the role of green investment, environmental policy, and financial development in the context of load capacity factor in G‐7 countries
Authors: Javed Aamir , Usman Mahjabeen , Rapposelli Agnese
Published: September 2024

Environmental sustainability holds evident significance since it is intricately connected with attaining sustainable development. However, the pre‐requisite of ecological sustainability is the higher ratio of biodiversity to ecological footprint, called the Load Capacity Factor (LCF). Literature is quite scant on the drivers of LCF and the study in hand is the attempt to find the viable policy instruments of this important sustainability indicator. For this purpose, the study has explored the role of green investment (GI), environmental policy (EP), financial development (FD), and natural resources rent (NRR) in the context of the load capacity curve (LCC) hypothesis for G‐7 countries from 1990 to 2019. Considering the co‐dependence among economies, the study has employed a Cross‐sectional Dependence Autoregressive Distributive Lag (CS‐ARDL) technique to investigate the impact of each variable along with other econometric techniques. The observed outcomes suggest that green investment and environmental policy stringency both contribute to improving environmental quality by increasing LCF. Whereas financial development and natural resources rent significantly, reduce the LCF and enhance environmental degradation. Additionally, the findings also validate the LCC hypothesis in the G‐7 context. The study advocates the need for green investment and policy stringency to achieve ecological sustainability and adequate consideration to transform financial development toward sustainability. Finally, the study has presented in‐depth ecological solutions so that G‐7 economies can take possible action to acquire the targets set in COP26.
Inflammatory or Reparative? Tuning Macrophage Polarization Using Anodized Anisotropic Nanoporous Titanium Implant Surfaces
Authors: Moon Ho‐Jin , Gulati Karan , Li Tao , Moran Corey Stephen , Ivanovski Sašo
Published: September 2024

Modulating macrophage phenotype based on implant surface characteristics, including topography and chemistry, has been employed to enhance osseointegration and long‐term functional outcomes for titanium (Ti)‐based implants. An excessive and/or prolonged M1 macrophage response can lead to damaging immune‐inflammatory reactions, negatively influencing the fate of the implant, and hence, modulating these responses via nanoscale implant surface modification is an emerging paradigm. Herein, an anodized titanium implant surface based on single‐step electrochemical anodization, with preserved underlying microfeatures and superimposed nanopores (50 and 70 nm), compared with irregular rough and microrough (machined‐like) surfaces, is investigated for its effect on the functions of primary macrophages in vitro. Significantly reduced macrophage proliferation and increased tissue‐reparative M2 phenotype polarization are confirmed for the nanopores, which are more pronounced for 70 nm diameter. Moreover, osteoclastogenesis is reduced while osteogenic differentiation of osteoblasts is enhanced for the nanopores (higher for 70 nm pores). Advanced nanoengineered Ti implants can enhance titanium implant tissue integration by modulating the inflammatory response at the implant–cell interface.
Phenomenological Study of the Atomization Process in Pre‐Filming Nozzles Typically Used for Steel Atomization
Authors: Kasper Tom , Finster Max , Schwarze Rüdiger
Published: September 2024

Liquid steel atomization using close‐coupled nozzles is highly dependent on the relationship between momentum flux ratio, gas–liquid ratio, aspiration pressure, and operating pressure of inert gases. A strong correlation between these parameters and the final powder must be assumed. Understanding these parameters, their influence on the process, and their interactions with each other is indispensable for efficient powder production. In particular, the industrial application of close‐coupled atomization nozzles, which develop a thin pre‐film on the nozzle tip, is not yet fully understood. A model experiment is presented to investigate interactions between the flow conditions of the gaseous and liquid phases, focusing on recirculation phenomena inside the atomization zone. The experiments show the influence of liquid and gas flow conditions on the spray geometry and the liquid core length, as well as the strong dependence of the liquid mass flux on the gas flow. The aspiration pressure below the liquid nozzle is sensitive to gas pressure and has a major influence on the development of the liquid core and the pre‐film, as it increases the liquid mass flux. For practical application, the results confirm an optimal operating point of interacting system parameters, which leads to high‐quality atomization with minimal use of resources.
A study of tin electrodeposition from ethaline: The electrode material effect
Authors: Phuong Thao Dao Vu , Dien Nguyen Dac , Van Hoang Nhu , Van Thu Vu , Hung Vuong‐Pham , Tam Phuong Dinh
Published: September 2024

This article studies the influence of electrode material on tin (Sn) electrodeposition from deep eutectic solvent. The Sn electrodeposition from ethaline‐based electrolyte onto glassy carbon (GC) and Pt substrates has been studied using cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. The patterns and parameters of Sn nucleation and growth processes have been determined by means of Scharifker and Hills and Scharifker–Mostany models. Results show that Sn nucleation onto GCE follows instantaneous 3D nucleation, while in the case of PtE, it is controlled by adsorption, instantaneous 3D nucleation, and residual water reduction. The growth mechanism is diffusion‐controlled for both electrodes. The parameters of Sn electrodeposition onto GCE and PtE such as diffusion coefficient (D), nucleation rate (A), and active site density of Sn nuclei (No) are evaluated. The results showed that A and No increase linearly as the deposition potential is displaced towards more electronegative values while D is almost unchanged, regardless of the involved working electrode. The morphology and the structure of the electrodeposited Sn are also discussed based on scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy investigations.
Exploring interference effects between two ALP effective operators at the LHC
Authors: Cheung Kingman , Lu Chih-Ting , Ouseph C.J. , Sarmah Priyanka
Published: September 2024

Abstract

We observe that most studies of axion-like particle (ALP) production channels at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) focus on a single type of ALP operator for each process in the effective field theory framework. In this work, we propose an alternative approach that considers two or more types of relevant ALP effective operators together in some specific ALP production channels and study their interference effects. Using the pp → tja process with a → γγ as an example, we show that this approach allows us to constrain the ALP interactions with both the W boson and the top quark, as well as their interference in a single process. For the final state with two isolated photons and a top quark decaying semi-leptonically, we predict that the future bounds on the ALP decay constant can reach around fa ~ 10 (20) TeV for 25 GeV < Ma < 100 GeV at the LHC with 300 (3000) fb−1 luminosity.
Rationality of extended unipotent characters
Authors: Dudas Olivier , Malle Gunter
Published: September 2024

We determine the rationality properties of unipotent characters of finite reductive groups arising as fixed points of disconnected reductive groups under a Frobenius map. In the proof, we use realisations of characters in $$\ell $$
ℓ
-adic cohomology groups of Deligne–Lusztig varieties as well as block theoretic considerations.
Molecular mechanisms of thalidomide effectiveness on COVID-19 patients explained: ACE2 is a new ΔNp63α target gene
Authors: Monteonofrio Laura , Virdia Ilaria , Pozzi Sara , Quadri Roberto , Amendolare Alessandra , Marzano Flaviana , Braile Micaela , Sulfaro Virginia , Paroni Moira , Tullo Apollonia , Soddu Silvia , Guerrini Luisa
Published: September 2024

COVID-19 pandemic is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, whose internalization and infection are mediated by the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). The identification of novel approaches to tackle this step is instrumental for the development of therapies for the management of COVID-19 and other diseases with a similar mechanism of infection. Thalidomide, a drug sadly known for its teratogenic effects, has potent immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. Treatment with this drug has been shown to improve the immune functions of COVID-19 patients and proposed for the management of COVID-19 in clinical practice through drug repositioning. Here, we investigated the molecular details linking thalidomide to ACE2 and COVID-19, showing that in conditions mimicking SARS-CoV-2-associated cytokine storm, the transcription factor ΔNp63α and ACE2 are stabilized, and IL-8 production is increased. In such conditions, we found p63 to bind to and regulate the expression of the ACE2 gene. We previously showed that ΔNp63α is degraded upon thalidomide treatment and now found that treatment with this drug—or with its analogue lenalidomide—downregulates ACE2 in a p63-dependent manner. Finally, we found that thalidomide treatment reduces in vitro infection by pseudo-SARS-CoV-2, a baculovirus pseudotyped with the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Overall, we propose the dual effect of thalidomide in reducing SARS-CoV-2 viral re-entry and inflammation through p63 degradation to weaken SARS-CoV-2 entry into host cells and mitigate lung inflammation, making it a valuable option in clinical management of COVID-19.

Key messages

Thalidomide treatment results in p63-dependent ACE2 downregulation.

ACE2 is a p63 transcriptional target.

Thalidomide reduces the “cytokine storm” associated to COVID-19.

Thalidomide prevents viral re-entry of SARS-CoV-2 by p63-dependent ACE2 downregulation.

Thalidomide is a modulator of SARS-CoV-2 or other ACE2-dependent infections.

ACE2 is modulated by a pharmacological substance.
Relapsed mantle cell lymphoma manifesting with soft tissue tumors of the extremities: University of Miami experience and review of the literature
Authors: Trutzer Iris Margalit , Lossos Izidore S.
Published: September 2024

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is frequently diagnosed at advanced stages and is characterized by multiple extranodal sites of disease, most notably the bone marrow, peripheral blood, and gastrointestinal tract. Historically the prognosis of mantle cell lymphoma has been poor with median survival of four to five years. With new treatment regimens, however, patients have been able to achieve prolonged remissions and require special attention while being evaluated for relapse. This report describes four patients treated for stage IV mantle cell lymphoma at the University of Miami who developed soft tissue relapse presenting as non-tender large masses of the extremities, including one patient who presented without associated nodal involvement. Average time to soft tissue relapse was 99 months (range: 28–240) following initial diagnosis. Providers who care for patients with mantle cell lymphoma should be aware of soft tissue lesions as a presentation of mantle cell lymphoma that merits evaluation for disease relapse.
Paediatric low-grade glioma: the role of classical pathology in integrated diagnostic practice
Authors: Stone Thomas J. , Merve Ashirwad , Valerio Fernanda , Yasin Shireena A. , Jacques Thomas S.
Published: September 2024

Low-grade gliomas are a cause of severe and often life-long disability in children. Pathology plays a key role in their management by establishing the diagnosis, excluding malignant alternatives, predicting outcomes and identifying targetable genetic alterations. Molecular diagnosis has reshaped the terrain of pathology, raising the question of what part traditional histology plays. In this review, we consider the classification and pathological diagnosis of low-grade gliomas and glioneuronal tumours in children by traditional histopathology enhanced by the opportunities afforded by access to comprehensive genetic and epigenetic characterisation.
State of the art medical devices for fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS): technical review and future developments
Authors: Preziosi Alessandra , Cirelli Cecilia , Waterhouse Dale , Privitera Laura , De Coppi Paolo , Giuliani Stefano
Published: September 2024

Background

Medical devices for fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS) are becoming available at a fast pace. The main challenge for surgeons lies in the lack of in-depth knowledge of optical imaging, different technical specifications and poor standardisation, and the selection of the best device based on clinical application.

Methods

This manuscript aims to provide an up-to-date description of the commercially available fluorescence imaging platforms by comparing their mode of use, required settings, image types, compatible fluorophores, regulatory approval, and cost. We obtained this information by performing a broad literature search on PubMed and by contacting medical companies directly. The data for this review were collected up to November 2023.

Results

Thirty-two devices made by 19 medical companies were identified. Ten systems are surgical microscopes, 5 can be used for both open and minimally invasive surgery (MIS), 6 can only be used for open surgery, and 10 only for MIS. One is a fluorescence system available for the Da Vinci robot. Nineteen devices can provide an overlay between fluorescence and white light image. All devices are compatible with Indocyanine Green, the most common fluorescence dye used intraoperatively. There is significant variability in the hardware and software of each device, which resulted in different sensitivity, fluorescence intensity, and image quality. All devices are CE-mark regulated, and 30 were FDA-approved.

Conclusion

There is a prolific market of devices for FGS and healthcare professionals should have basic knowledge of their technical specifications to use it at best for each clinical indication. Standardisation across devices must be a priority in the field of FGS, and it will enhance external validity for future clinical trials in the field.

Graphical abstract
Impact of COVID-19 in the web accessibility of higher education institutions: a pending challenge
Authors: Nso-Mangue P. , Cachero-Castro C. , Meliá S. , Luján-Mora S.
Published: September 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic forced educational institutions to close and led to a radical transformation of the global education system. This process of change had to take place in a short period of time and, as a result, methodologies and learning tools were adapted. The closure of educational institutions and the disruption to learning impacted all students. However, vulnerable students, including those with disabilities, were particularly affected due to the lack of preparedness for inclusive learning during the rapid transition to emergency online learning. One of the many challenges faced by educational institutions during this transition was ensuring web accessibility for students with disabilities. However, it appears that some of the positive changes that took place in the education system during the pandemic, such as the enhancement of web accessibility, have been declining recently. The aim of this article is to review how a group of universities responded to the closure caused by the pandemic from the point of view of web accessibility, whether they improved the accessibility of their websites and whether this improvement has been maintained over time. To achieve this, the web accessibility of the home pages of selected universities around the world was evaluated against Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1, for the period from 2018 to 2024. The results show that there was an improvement in web accessibility immediately after the COVID-19 outbreak, but this trend has not been maintained.
Settlement Selection and Inequality in Video Games through an Anthropological Lens
Authors: Thompson Amy E.
Published: September 2024

For thousands of years, humans have been entertained by board games. The earliest documented game boards date to at least 6000 BC in the Near East (Sebbane 2001), and we know the name, Senet, and rules of a board game from Egypt dating to 3500–3100 BC. Aspects of inequality are omnipresent in the dynamics of the competition and cooperation inherent in games. In this review, I assess the digital version of the board game Catan, which is also called Catan Universe, discussing how anthropological theories such as human behavioral ecology are recognizable in the digital game. Playing this game provides a unique way to test models of inequality.
Levees for a hundred-year flood: impact of a syndrome-based antimicrobial stewardship intervention for coronavirus disease 2019 on antimicrobial use and resistance
Authors: Mena Lora Alfredo J. , Burgos Rodrigo , Huber Dylan , Sanchez Lawrence , Ali Mirza , Krill Candice , Takhsh Eden , Bleasdale Susan C.
Published: September 2024

Coronavirus disease 2019 can be indistinguishable from lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) caused by other viral and bacterial agents. This likely contributed to antimicrobial use (AU) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) during the pandemic. Our antimicrobial stewardship program targeted the selection and duration of therapy for LRTIs and led to a reduction in AU and AMR.
Staphylococcus aureus infection disparities among Hispanics and non-Hispanics in Yuma, Arizona
Authors: Pearson Talima , Kramer Sarah , Panisello Yagüe David , Nangkuu Emmanuel , Medina-Rodriguez Sarah , Wood Colin , Hepp Crystal , Camplain Ricky , Mihaljevic Joseph , Milner Trudie
Published: September 2024

Staphylococcus aureus infection patterns in Yuma, Arizona show a 2.25x higher infection rate in non-Hispanics. Males had higher infection rates in most age classes. These disparities in infection are mostly consistent with previously observed patterns in colonization, suggesting that sex and ethnicity do not differentially impact colonization and infection.
High catalytic performance of thermally treated Mn-rich limonite for catalytic oxidation of toluene
Authors: Dong Shiwei , Chen Tianhu , Zhang Yinsheng , Liu Haibo , Ji Minghao , Zhu Chengzhu , Zou Xuehua
Published: September 2024

The development of active and low-cost transition metal oxide-based catalysts was vital for the catalytic oxidation of toluene. This study aimed to prepare Fe-Mn oxide catalysts by Mn-rich limonite, and investigate the catalytic activity and mechanism for toluene oxidation. The natural Mn-rich limonite was thermally activated at different temperatures and these thermally activated samples exhibited different oxidation activities. YL-300, obtained through thermal treatment at 300°C, exhibited excellent catalytic activity, showing 90% toluene conversion at 239°C (1000 ppm toluene) and remarkable catalytic stability even in the presence of water vapor (5 vol.%). The amount of oxygen vacancies in the catalyst was regulated by tuning the thermal treatment temperatures. Optimal thermal treatment facilitated the increase of oxygen vacancies and enhanced the oxygen mobility and redox capacity of YL-300, contributing to the complete oxidation of toluene to H2O and CO2. The oxidation of toluene was greatly influenced by the adsorbed oxygen species. This study demonstrates the potential of Mn-rich limonite as a promising catalyst for toluene oxidation, thereby promoting the utilization of natural mineral materials in the field of environmental pollution control.
Psychological Impact of Disaster Relief Operations: A Study Following Consecutive Earthquakes in Turkey
Authors: Iseri Ali , Baltaci Recep
Published: September 2024

Objective

This cross-sectional study investigates the immediate psychological effects of disaster relief operations on team members following 2 consecutive major earthquakes in Turkey.

Methods

A total of 170 participants, including professional firefighters, search and rescue (SAR) workers, and volunteers, were surveyed approximately 1 month after the conclusion of active SAR operations. The study utilizes the DSM-V criteria and the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist (PCL-5) to assess symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among participants.

Results

The findings reveal a point prevalence of 35.3% for probable PTSD, highlighting the substantial psychological impact on disaster relief teams. Factors such as age, residency in affected areas, and active SAR involvement significantly influenced probable PTSD rates. Interestingly, actively engaged SAR members had lower probable PTSD rates, possibly due to their training. Those who directly witnessed the earthquakes had higher scores, highlighting the impact of firsthand exposure. Additionally, individuals aged 50 and above displayed a higher mean total severity score compared to younger participants.

Conclusions

This research contributes to understanding the mental well-being of disaster relief professionals. The study’s findings underscore the importance of timely mental health support and training for these responders, emphasizing the need for preparedness in disaster relief teams.
Challenges in applying large language models to requirements engineering tasks
Authors: Norheim Johannes J. , Rebentisch Eric , Xiao Dekai , Draeger Lorenz , Kerbrat Alain , de Weck Olivier L.
Published: September 2024

Growth in the complexity of advanced systems is mirrored by a growth in the number of engineering requirements and related upstream and downstream tasks. These requirements are typically expressed in natural language and require human expertise to manage. Natural language processing (NLP) technology has long been seen as promising to increase requirements engineering (RE) productivity but has yet to demonstrate substantive benefits. The recent addition of large language models (LLMs) to the NLP toolbox is now generating renewed enthusiasm in the hope that it will overcome past shortcomings. This article scrutinizes this claim by reviewing the application of LLMs for engineering requirements tasks. We survey the success of applying LLMs and the scale to which they have been used. We also identify groups of challenges shared across different engineering requirement tasks. These challenges show how this technology has been applied to RE tasks that need reassessment. We finalize by drawing a parallel to other engineering fields with similar challenges and how they have been overcome in the past – and suggest these as future directions to be investigated.
Dangerous Legacy of Food Contact Materials on the EU Market: Recall of Products Containing PFAS
Authors: Ribes Ortega Carme , Molitorisová Alexandra , Purnhagen Kai
Published: September 2024

Toxic substances and endocrine disruptors are present in consumer goods on the European Union (EU) market, such as in food contact materials like cookware. This article investigates whether a legal recall obligation of such products exists in EU law, and in the absence of such an obligation, how the EU legislature has ensured that such products are disposed of in a manner that does not compromise human health and the environment when they become waste. For this purpose, this Article analyses recall obligations for food contact materials containing persistent organic pollutants, as well as their waste regulations. It focuses on a class of substances with non-stick properties, some of them formerly used in cookware, such as pentadecafluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS). We show that there is no single legal recall obligation; rather, many legal obligations are scattered among different provisions of EU law. When read together, they form a complex web of obligations, which may lead to recall measures for most of these products. However, doubts over the feasibility and effectiveness of such recalls remain.
The Role of Heuristics and Biases in the Choice of Risk Triggers for Novel Foods and GMOs in the European Union
Authors: Monaco Alessandro
Published: September 2024

In the European Union (EU), novel foods and Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are subject to long and costly authorisation procedures and post-marketing requirements. The regulatory frameworks applicable to novel foods and GMOs come into effect based on perceived factors of risk. These “risk triggers” are characteristics of novel foods and GMOs which differentiate them from traditional foods, creating a presumption of risk. Within the EU, consumer acceptance of genetically modified foods and novel foods like insects or cultivated meat is shaped by heuristics and biases, mainly focusing on the “novelty” and “unnaturalness” of these products, resulting in a predominantly negative perception. This paper investigates the close connection between cognitive biases identified in consumer perception literature and the implementation of specific risk triggers in the regulation of novel foods and GMOs in the EU. It subsequently raises concerns about the appropriateness of these risk triggers in forming a presumption of risk for these innovative products.
Coffee intake leads to preeclampsia-like syndromes in susceptible pregnant rats
Authors: Chen Linyan , Duan Yi , Wang Pan
Published: September 2024

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages worldwide, and there is an increasing concern of the health risk of coffee consumption in pregnancy. Preeclampsia (PE) is a serious pregnancy disease that causes elevated blood pressure and proteinuria in pregnant women and growth restriction of fetuses due to poorly developed placental vasculature. The aim of our study is to investigate the possible effect of coffee intake during pregnancy in rats with potential underlying vasculature conditions. The endothelial nitric oxide synthase inhibitor N(gamma)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) at a high dose (125 mg/kg/d) was used to induce PE in pregnant rats, which were used as the positive control group. In addition, low-dose L-NAME (10 mg/kg/d) was used to simulate the compromised placental vasculature function in pregnant rats. Coffee was given together with low-dose L-NAME to the pregnant rats from gestational day 10.5–18.5. Our results show that the pregnant rats treated with low-dose L-NAME + coffee, but not low-dose L-NAME alone, developed PE symptoms such as prominent fetal growth restriction, hypertension, and proteinuria. Therefore, our findings suggest that coffee intake during pregnancy may cause an increased risk of PE in susceptible women.