bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What is the best first choice oral drug therapy for OAB?
Authors: Sahai Arun , Robinson Dudley , Abrams Paul , Wein Alan , Malde Sachin
Published: January 2024

Aims

The management of overactive bladder (OAB) involves lifestyle changes and conservative measures in the first instance with the use of liquid/dietary advice, weight loss, and bladder training. Thereafter oral pharmacotherapy is instigated in symptomatic patients. Antimuscarinics and beta 3 agonists form the main classes of drug therapy in this field. Views on what is the best first line OAB treatment is changing based on recent evidence and adverse event profiles of these medications.

Methods

At the ICI‐RS meeting 2023, Bristol, UK this topic was discussed and debated as a proposal. The following article summarizes the concepts presented that day as well as the interactive discussion that took place thereafter.

Results

OAB guidelines are moving in many circumstances to an either antimuscarinic or beta 3 agonist approach based on patient factors. Several studies have raised concerns on the long‐term impact of antimuscarinics, in relation to cognition, dementia, cardiovascular events, and mortality all related to antimuscarinic load. Neither antimuscarinics nor beta 3 agonists have good persistence and adherence rates in the medium to long term. Several barriers also exist to prescribing including guidelines recommending utilizing drugs with the lowest acquisition cost and “step therapy.” A newer approach to managing OAB is personalized therapy in view of the many possible etiological factors and phenotypes. These concepts are highlighted in this article.

Conclusions

Current oral pharmacotherapy in managing OAB is limited by adverse events, adherence and persistence problems. Both antimuscarinics and beta 3 agonists are efficacious but most clinical trials demonstrate significant placebo effects in this field. Personalizing treatment to the individual seems a logical approach to OAB. There is a need for better treatments and further studies are required of existing treatments with high quality longer term outcomes.
A convergence‐enhanced Timoshenko beam element for the stochastic nonlinear analysis of reinforced concrete components
Authors: Xiang Dong , Gao Xiangling
Published: January 2024

An effective and precise physical model is generally required for the performance assessment of reinforced concrete (RC) components. In this study, a convergence‐enhanced Timoshenko beam element considering finite deformation is proposed for the stochastic nonlinear analysis of RC components. The unified framework of the rank 2 correction matrix is obtained by approximating the iterative matrix through the linearly independent basis vectors, and two types of Broyden–Fletcher–Goldfarb–Shanno (BFGS) operators are constructed. Then, a consistent solution scheme with superior numerical stability and efficiency is proposed based on the second kind of BFGS operator and improved quasi‐Newton method. Accurate discretization of the displacement fields and description of nonlinear sectional behavior are achieved by the high‐order Lagrangian interpolation functions, concrete damage‐plasticity model and J2 plasticity model. In an updated Lagrangian formulation, these shape functions and constitutive relationships are used to develop a complete secant stiffness with higher‐order terms in the strain tensor and residual force vector. To validate the proposed Timoshenko beam element, numerical applications involving material nonlinearity and geometrical nonlinearity are conducted. The numerical stability and efficiency of the solution scheme, the shear‐locking free technique, and the oscillation of axial force are thoroughly examined and discussed by solution of RC columns, cantilever beam and progressive collapse of planar RC frame. Finally, the parametric study considering the geometric and material randomness indicates that the RC column designed for flexural failure mode suffered considerable degradation of loading capacity and a larger scatter of residual load.
NN‐mCRE: A modified constitutive relation error framework for unsupervised learning of nonlinear state laws with physics‐augmented neural networks
Authors: Benady Antoine , Baranger Emmanuel , Chamoin Ludovic
Published: January 2024

This article proposes a new approach to train physics‐augmented neural networks with observable data to represent mechanical constitutive laws. To train the neural network and learn thermodynamics potentials, the proposed method does not rely on strain‐stress or strain‐free energy pairs but needs only partial strain or displacement measurements inside the structure. The neural network is trained thanks to an unsupervised procedure in which the modified constitutive relation error (mCRE) is minimized. The mCRE functional provides a bias‐aware data assimilation framework with a rich physical sense as the constitutive relation error (CRE) part can be interpreted as a modeling error continuously defined over the structure, and can be used as a prediction quality in the inference phase. This article also extends previous works on the mCRE by introducing a new minimization procedure in the case of nonlinear state laws. As typical structural health monitoring applications may require that the neural networks should be trained online, an important focus is thus made on automatic and adaptive tuning of sensitive hyperparameters (learning rate, weighting between losses, number of epochs and initialization). It is shown that when the training database is rich enough with respect to the loading cases, the proposed method achieves remarkable performance regarding the quality of the learned model, noise robustness, and low sensitivity to user‐defined hyperparameters. The method is evaluated on two test cases: a non‐quadratic potential in the small strain regime with synthetic optic fiber measurements, and a Mooney–Rivlin model in the hyperelastic case with synthetic digital image correlation observations.
Association study of a single nucleotide polymorphism in the hypoxia response element of the macrophage migration inhibitory factor gene promoter with suicide completers in the Japanese population
Authors: Shirai Toshiyuki , Okazaki Satoshi , Tanifuji Takaki , Otsuka Ikuo , Miyachi Masao , Okada Shohei , Shindo Ryota , Horai Tadasu , Mouri Kentaro , Takahashi Motonori , Kondo Takeshi , Ueno Yasuhiro , Hishimoto Akitoyo
Published: January 2024

Background

More than 800 000 people die by suicide annually. The heritability of suicide is 30%–50%. We focused on the hypoxia response element (HRE), which promotes the expression of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) via the hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF) pathway, important in neurogenesis and neuroprotection. We examined a genetic polymorphism of rs17004038, a single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), in suicide completers and controls.

Methods

The study population included 1336 suicide completers and 814 unrelated healthy controls. All participants were Japanese. We obtained peripheral blood, extracted DNA, and genotyped the patients for SNP rs17004038 (C > A).

Results

No significant differences were observed between the two groups in either the allele or genotype analyses. Subgroup analyses by sex, age (<40 or ≥40), and suicide method (violent or nonviolent suicide) were performed with similar results.

Conclusion

No association was observed between SNP rs17004038 and suicide completion. Although it is challenging to collect a large number of samples from suicide completers, further MIF‐related genetic studies, including those of rs17004038, are necessary with larger sample sizes.
Safety and tolerability of intravenous aprepitant and fosaprepitant in children with cancer: A retrospective, single‐center review
Authors: Kanukollu Srivarshini , Spatz Krisoula , Lavery Jessica A. , Bender Julia Glade , Mauguen Audrey , Mathew Sherry
Published: January 2024

NK‐1 receptor antagonists (NK1‐RA) are key agents for chemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) prevention in patients receiving highly emetogenic chemotherapy. Current pediatric practice guidelines recommend the use of intravenous fosaprepitant or oral aprepitant. However, there are reports of hypersensitivity reactions with fosaprepitant due to polysorbate 80. Intravenous aprepitant does not contain polysorbate 80, but its use in pediatric patients has not been described. In this retrospective, single‐center study, 106 pediatric patients received either fosaprepitant or intravenous aprepitant as part of their antiemetic regimen. Intravenous aprepitant was well tolerated and did not lead to any instances of hypersensitivity reactions requiring discontinuation.
Handheld lidar as a tool for characterizing wood‐rich river corridors
Authors: Marshall Anna , Morrison Ryan R. , Jones Brady , Triantafillou Shayla , Wohl Ellen
Published: January 2024

Wood accumulations influence geomorphic, hydraulic, and ecologic functions within a river corridor, but characterizing these accumulations presents challenges across a range of field and remote sensing methodologies. We evaluate the ability of handheld lidar scanners, specifically lidar‐scanning capabilities of a fourth‐generation iPad Pro, to collect three‐dimensional wood accumulation data, which can be used to inform measurements of wood volume, porosity, complexity, and roughness. We discuss the potential and limitations of this novel methodology for river research and management. We found that handheld lidar presents a cost‐effective input for data‐processing workflows that field measurements of wood accumulation dimensions cannot as easily replicate including (1) a user‐friendly means of data collection and visualization; (2) accurate comparisons of wood volume over time; (3) integration into workflows to measure porosity parameters; and (4) potential use in informing hydraulic and morphodynamic models. Consideration of study area constraints and intended use of scans are prerequisites to using handheld lidar as an effective tool. We identified some specific limitations of using handheld lidar scanners in wood‐rich river corridors, including (1) scanners perform poorly when wood is under water or surrounded by dense vegetation; (2) scanners require physical access to areas of interest at distances less than 5 m; (3) scans need to be manually georeferenced; and (4) scans require manual measurements for any dimensional data, which still have associated user time and error. Handheld lidar as a scientific tool is rapidly developing and there is substantial room for expansion of applications, utilization, and advances in the use of this tool in river research and management.
Fluorinated 1,2,3‐Triazoles: Terra Incognita in 1,2,3‐Triazoles Chemistry
Authors: Pokhodylo Nazariy , Levchenko Kostiantyn , Obushak Mykola
Published: January 2024

This review is devoted to the synthesis and application of fluoro‐substituted 1,2,3‐triazoles. The analysis of the available studies of fluorinated triazoles indicates exceptional value properties especially for biomedical research, despite the significant limitations of synthetic methods of their preparation. In general, it can be noted that today there are only two strategic approaches to obtaining fluorinated triazoles. First, Huisgen 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition, which is significantly limited by stability problems of fluorine‐unsaturated dipolarophiles, regioselectivity and low conversion problems. This approach allows preferentially obtaining 4‐fluoro‐1‐substituted triazoles. Second, nucleophilic substitution, which allows obtaining 5‐fluoro‐1,4‐disubstitution, but under rather hard conditions and is also limited by the nature of the substituent. Finally, there are practically no protocols for the preparation difluorotriazoles, and, also, the use of fluoro‐substituted 1,2,3‐triazoles as regents for further transformations is not enough studied.
Fluorescent Carbon Dots from Bamboo Stem Waste: Synthesis, Characterization, and Inkjet Printing
Authors: V Bavya , Pillai Adarsh Sivan , Surendran Kuzhichalil Peethambharan , T.P.D. Rajan , K.I. Suresh
Published: January 2024

Among the various anti‐counterfeiting solutions, fluorescent compounds gained attention as challenging to copy solutions because of astute technological improvements. However, fluorescent compound usage in counterfeit detection is limited due to high price of rare earth metals, the low photostability of pigments or organic dyes, and the long‐term toxicity of conventional semiconductor quantum dots. Herein lies the value of carbon dot, a very stable, reasonably priced, and environmentally friendly material with intriguing features. In this work the development of blue fluorescent, N‐doped carbon dots (NCD) from waste bamboo stem cuttings via hydrothermal route is presented as an environmentally friendly approach to reduce the risk of toxic gas evolution from burning of bamboo waste. The carbon dot's practical application in anti‐counterfeit printing was ascertained by comprehending it's superior properties, such as high water solubility, eco‐friendliness, dazzling fluorescence, and surface functionalization through various characterization techniques. Inkjet printing of the designs on paper substrate using the aqueous NCD ink displayed reversible encryption‐decryption ability through variation of pH. The development paves the way for value‐added utilization of waste bamboo cuttings in fluorescent ink production.
Design, Synthesis, in vitro Anti‐inflammatory Activity and in silico Studies of Imidazole‐Based 1,2,3‐Triazole Hybrids Targeting p38 MAP Kinase
Authors: Awasthi Archana , Azizur Rahman Md. , Pingili. Divya , Raju M. Bhagavan
Published: January 2024

p38 MAP kinases are involved in numerous inflammatory diseases. A series of 14 molecules of 1,2,3 triazole linked 4‐((2‐cyclohexyl‐4,5‐diphenyl‐1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl) methyl)‐1‐phenyl hybrids(7 a–7 n) has been synthesized by click reaction. Spectral data characterized all the synthesized compounds. The final compounds were screened for in vitro p38 MAP kinase inhibitory activity. Three compounds from the series 7 c, 7 f, and 7 n expounded superior activity with IC50 values 234.08±19.65 nM, 222.68±20.69 nM, and 241.70±20.51 nM respectively while two compounds (7 d and 7 e) showed considerable activity compared to prototype drug Adezmapimod (SB203580) (IC50 value 257.13±23.94 nM). The docking study of synthesized molecules revealed that the three compounds (7 f,7 g, and 7 n) showed higher binding affinities than Adezmapimod. The “Desmond v3.6 Program” was utilized to conduct MD simulations. The result revealed that compound 7 f was conformationally stable. The ADME studies were performed using the Swiss ADME algorithm. Studies revealed that all the compound‘s defiance of Lipinski's rule is within acceptable ranges with few violations. Compound 7 f was orally active and showed good gastrointestinal absorption within the acceptable range. The search for newer compounds with increased activity compared to Adezmapimod resulted in identifying a novel subclass of p38 MAP kinase inhibitors.
Synthesis and cooperative guest binding of tetrameric porphyrin macrocycle
Authors: Tanabe Kouta , Hisano Naoyuki , Haino Takeharu
Published: January 2024

A new family of macrocyclic host molecules that possess two bisporphyrin clefts was synthesized. The tetrameric porphyrin macrocycle provides the two guest binding sites in which two electron‐deficient aromatic molecules are encapsulated through donor‐acceptor and π‐π stacking interactions. The tetrameric porphyrin macrocycle showed positive cooperativity, whereas the nonmacrocyclic analog did not. The preorganization concept drives positive cooperativity, which is directed by the entropy benefit to macrocyclization.
Suppressed Droplet Splashing on Positively Skewed Surfaces for High‐Efficiency Evaporation Cooling
Authors: Wang Zhaochang , Liu Xiaojun , Ji Jiawei , Guo Yuhang , Zhu Yongqing , Zhang Guotao , Tong Baohong , Jiao Yunlong , Liu Kun
Published: January 2024

Two types of functional surfaces with the same roughness but completely different surface topographies are prepared, namely positively skewed surfaces filled with micropillar arrays (Sa ≈4.4 µm, Ssk >0) and negatively skewed surfaces filled with microcavity arrays (Sa ≈4.4 µm, Ssk <0), demonstrating promoting droplet splashing. Remarkably, the critical Weber number for generating satellite droplets on the negatively skewed surfaces is significantly lower than that on the positively skewed surfaces, indicating that the negatively skewed surface with microcavity arrays is more likely to promote droplet splashing. It is mainly attributed to the fact that air on the negatively skewed surface can make the liquid film take on a Cassie‐Baxter state on the surface so that the stabilizing capillary force of the liquid film exceeds the destabilizing stress of the air film. Moreover, the surface topography promoting droplet spreading and the mechanical properties of three‐phase moving contact lines are analyzed from the perspective of microscopic interface mechanics. Finally, it is demonstrated the designed positively skewed surfaces can be employed for large‐area heat dissipation by means of high‐efficiency evaporation.
A Scalable Dendritic Si‐Clad NiSn Anode via One‐Step Electrodeposition with Ultrahigh Areal Capacity for Micro Lithium‐Ion Battery
Authors: Hu Bingmeng , Jiang Siyao , Huang Chenpeng , Xu Sixing , Li Zhangshanhao , Xu Minghao , Feng Haizhao , Allen Mark G. , Wang Xiaohong
Published: January 2024

High energy density, long cyclability, and enhanced stability in a small footprint achieved through microfabrication are crucial for micro lithium‐ion batteries. Herein, a 3D Si‐clad NiSn anode characterized by a dendritic NiSn network and silicon nanoparticles is proposed. The dendritic network facilitates fast ion/electron transfer and provides expansion space for the silicon, while the uniformly distributed silicon enhances capacity and stability. The anode, scalable to the hundred‐micron scale, is fabricated via one‐step electrodeposition incorporating the dynamic template technique. This technique generates interconnected pores extending from the inner to the outer surface of the anode, facilitating electrolyte penetration and ion transport. As a result, the anodes in the Swagelok cells exhibit an ultrahigh areal capacity of up to 28.2 mAh cm−2 and an enhanced stability of 91% capacity retention after 300 cycles. The dendritic Si‐clad NiSn anode, based on microfabrication, presents an excellent opportunity to advance micro energy systems.
Biocompatible Polysaccharide‐Based Wound Dressing Comprising Cellulose Fabric Treated with Gum Tragacanth, Alginate, Bacterial Cellulose, and Chamomile Extracts
Authors: Tohidi Azadeh , Montazer Majid , Mianehro Ali , Rad Mahnaz Mahmoudi
Published: January 2024

Medical fabrics and gauze are some of the most utilized functional fabrics. In this study, an appropriate wound dressing for quick wound healing is produced utilizing natural materials that are compatible with human skin. Because of its biodegradability, biocompatibility, and nontoxic characteristics, gum tragacanth demonstrates a wide range of applications in a variety of sectors, including healthcare, pharmaceutical, and other fields. Chamomile extract is chosen from a variety of extracts and essences for this study. In situ composition of materials and plant extract are employed on cotton fabric. The optimal sample, which contains 0.5 w% gum tragacanth, 0.5 w% alginate, and 0.5 w% bacterial cellulose, has the best antibacterial features while being biocompatible.
Enhancing the Formulation of Chemically Modified Starch Bionanoparticles Through Ultrasonic Assisted Emulsification: A Parameter Study
Authors: Mohyuddin Maradiya , Rami Gaurang , Vora Jabali
Published: January 2024

The design of polymeric nanoparticles has gained significant attention for drug delivery and controlled release applications. Biocompatible and degradable polyesters have emerged as promising materials for this purpose. However, achieving precise control over the size of nanoparticles (NPs) is crucial to ensure selective delivery and avoid clearance by the reticuloendothelial system. This study investigates the impact of external parameters, including polymer concentration, sonication amplitude, and sonication time, on the preparation of polymeric NPs using starch butyrate (SB) via the single emulsification‐solvent evaporation (SE‐SE) technique with ultrasound assistance. Employing a Box–Behnken method, this study optimizes the conditions for nanoformulation, obtaining response surfaces that reveal the effects of these parameters on particle size. These findings highlight that sonication time is the most influential parameter, followed by sonication amplitude and polymer concentration. By utilizing the statistical model, this study predicts and controls the variables to achieve particle diameters ranging from 152 to 346 nm. The optimal conditions for NPs preparation involve a polymer concentration of 1 mg mL−1, 40% sonication amplitude, and a 30‐min sonication time, resulting in particle sizes of 142 nm. Furthermore, this model demonstrates the capability to develop nanoformulations with excellent size homogeneity, enhancing their attractiveness and efficacy in drug delivery applications.
Effect of pH on the Properties of Potato Flour Film‐Forming Dispersions and the Resulting Films
Authors: Fu Zong‐qiang , Li Yi , Guo Shao‐xiang , Yao Xu , Zheng Zi‐xu , Li Fei‐fei , Wu Min
Published: January 2024

Biodegradable films are considered an alternative to petroleum‐based plastics to solve environmental problems. In this study, potato flour films are prepared with dispersions at pH 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. The film‐forming dispersion at pH 7 shows the highest apparent viscosity. Dispersions at alkaline conditions show a reduction in particle size, resulting in a smooth film surface. Films at alkaline conditions present a yellow appearance and have the lower transmittance. The film at pH 5 has the highest retrogradation enthalpy and glass transition temperature, while its moisture content and solubility are the lowest. The water contact angle increases from 33.33° to 93.67° with the increase in pH. However, pH has no significant effect on the water vapor permeability. The tensile strength and elongation at break increase slightly with the increase in pH. Overall, pH modifies the properties of potato flour films. Film with appropriate performance can be selected based on actual needs, such as the use of packaging materials for food preservation.
A tough nutlet to crack: Resolving the phylogeny of Thesium (Thesiaceae), the largest genus in Santalales
Authors: García Miguel A. , Mucina Ladislav , Nickrent Daniel L.
Published: January 2024

With over 350 species, Thesium is the largest genus in Santalales. It is found on all continents except Antarctica; however, its highest diversity is in the Cape Floristic Region of South Africa where approximately half the species occur. Thesium samples of ca. 590 collections from throughout its entire geographic range were obtained and nuclear ribosomal ITS sequenced from 396 accessions representing 196 named taxa and 30 currently unnamed taxa for a total of ca. 230 species. In addition, two chloroplast genome spacers (trnDT, trnLF) were sequenced from 269 and 315 accessions, respectively. Maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods were employed to generate gene trees and infer phylogenies. The value of the morphological characters traditionally used in the taxonomy of the genus and previous infrageneric classifications are discussed. Broad scale relationships were generally congruent among the ITS and the chloroplast trees. For example, both the nuclear and chloroplast trees support the presence of Eurasian and African clades. In contrast, major incongruence was detected between nuclear and chloroplast trees for a number of taxa including the recently described T. nautimontanum that is sister to the entire African clade on the ITS tree. Although the causes of this incongruence are currently unknown, a novel form of chloroplast capture is hypothesized. A hypothesis of the biogeographical history of the genus based on our molecular phylogeny is presented.
Report of the Nomenclature Committee for Fungi: 23
Authors: May Tom W.
Published: January 2024

Five lists of names for protection assembled by working groups set up under Art. F.2.1 are approved. The lists contain one family name along with 39 names of genera and 10 names of species, to be treated as protected against listed and unlisted synonymous or homonymous names. Lists were compiled by working groups (WGs) approved by the International Commission on the Taxonomy of Fungi and the Nomenclature Committee for Fungi: on Homobasidiomycetes, Heterobasidiomycetes, Orbiliomycetes, Sordariomycetes (excluding Diaporthales, Hypocreales and Magnaporthales) and Miscellaneous fungi. The list from the Pyricularia/Magnaporthe WG did not require any formal action. Acceptance of two proposals to conserve names under Art. 14.1 associated with two of the names (Typhula, Typhulaceae) originally included in the list for protection from the Homobasidiomycetes WG led to the removal of those two names from consideration for protection. The names Drechslerella and Dactylellina, initially included in the list from the Orbiliomycetes WG, were withdrawn from that list. In relation to two proposals under Art 14.1 that are connected to the list from the Dothideomycetes WG, the following family name is not recommended for conservation: Pleomassariaceae against Prosthemiaceae; and the following generic name is not recommended for conservation: Pleomassaria against Prosthemium. As a result of consideration of the set of proposals that contained the two proposals connected to Typhulaceae, the following family name is recommended for conservation: Phyllotopsidaceae against Sclerotiaceae; the following two names of genera are recommended for conservation: Macrotyphula against Sclerotium, and Typhula with a conserved type; and the following species name is recommended for rejection under Art. 56: Sclerotium fulvum. A modified proposal resulted in a recommendation to conserve the name Peziza medicaginis against Sporonema phacidioides. The generic name Discosphaera Haeckel (Algae) is recommended for conservation against Discosphaera Dumort. (Fungi). Two individual proposals under Art. 14.1 are listed as having been withdrawn.
Bilomas in a dog secondary to a bite injury
Authors: Pujante Santiago , Mena Beatriz , Carrillo Juana , Soler Marta , Agut Amalia
Published: January 2024

An entire, Pomeranian, female dog was presented to the emergency unit with anorexia, fever, abdominal pain, jaundice and an inguinal hernia. The patient had been bitten by a dog 2 weeks earlier and was on antibiotics and non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug without improvement. Ultrasonographic exam showed peritoneal effusion and hepatic cystic lesions. Fluid analysis was compatible with bile. Bilomas and an inguinal hernia were diagnosed. Computed tomography scan did not reveal the origin of the bilomas. Ultrasound‐guided drainage of the bilomas resulted in a slight improvement. The patient worsened, and an exploratory laparotomy was recommended. The owner declined the surgery due to a guarded prognosis and the dog was humanely euthanased. On postmortem examination, a small laceration of the common bile duct was observed, which was probably the cause of the biliary peritonitis. To the authors’ knowledge, this report represents the first description of intrahepatic bilomas secondary to a bite injury.
Performance investigation of poly(vinylidene fluoride‐cohexafluoropropylene) membranes containing SiO2 nanoparticles in a newly designed single vacuum membrane distillation system
Authors: Hussain mana Turki , Alam Javed , Shukla Arun Kumar , Alkhudhiri Abdullah , Mohammed Abdullah Najib , Alhoshan Mansour
Published: January 2024

The current study focuses on the development of a superhydrophobic poly(vinylidene fluoride‐cohexafluoropropylene) nanocomposite membrane suitable for vacuum membrane distillation by incorporating SiO2 nanoparticles. At loading hydrophobic nano‐SiO2 particle concentration (0.50–1.50 wt.%), the developed nanocomposite membranes are optimized in terms of vacuum membrane distillation performance. The influence of temperature, vacuum pressure, and feed water flow is studied for desalinating high‐salinity brine. The results show that the developed vacuum distillation membrane is capable of 95% salt rejection during the treatment of a highly saline feed (65,000 ppm) at fixed flow rates of 120 L/h saline feed and different operating conditions consisting of feed inlet temperatures ranging from 40°C to 70°C and distillate inlet temperatures of 7–15°C. The vacuum membrane distillation process achieves 0.38–1.66% water recovery with increasing concentration factor, meaning that recovery is increased, and shows a specific electrical energy consumption of 5.16–23.90 kWh/m3 for product water. Overall, the newly designed membrane demonstrates suitability for a vacuum membrane distillation system.

Practitioner Points

Desalinate high‐salinity brine (TDS > 35,000 ppm) using a vacuum membrane distillation system.

A hydrophobic PVDF‐HFP/SiO2 nanocomposite membrane development for vacuum membrane distillation.

A newly designed single vacuum membrane distillation system for RO brine treatment.
LGBTQ Stigma
Authors: Earnshaw Valerie A. , Logie Carmen , Wickersham Jeffrey A. , Kamarulzaman Adeeba
Published: January 2024

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and/or queer (LGBTQ) individuals face significant stigma globally. Examples of stigma range from extreme acts of violence, such as murder, to more subtle yet pervasive forms of marginalization and social exclusion, such as being socially rejected, denied employment opportunities, and given poor healthcare. Stigma has been identified as a fundamental cause of global LGBTQ health inequities. This chapter summarizes research on and theory that defines LGBTQ stigma, documents ways in which stigma is manifested and experienced by LGBTQ individuals, articulates how stigma leads to health inequities among LGBTQ populations, and identifies evidence-based intervention strategies to address LGBTQ stigma. Moreover, recommendations for addressing stigma to promote LGBTQ health equity globally are provided. As examples, promoting policy change and investing in social norm campaigns can reduce stigma at the structural level, enhancing education and providing opportunities for interpersonal contact can reduce stigma among individuals who perpetrate stigma, and bolstering resilience can protect LGBTQ individuals from stigma. Intervention strategies that have been developed in the Global South are being applied in the Global North (e.g., participatory theatre) and vice versa. As the field moves toward addressing stigma to achieve LGBTQ health equity, it is worth bearing in mind that stigma is neither fixed nor insurmountable. Rather, it is malleable and intervenable: it has changed and will continue to change with time. Public health researchers, practitioners, policy makers, and other stakeholders have key roles to play in advocating for continued change in LGBTQ stigma worldwide.
On a theorem of Knörr
Authors: Külshammer Burkhard
Published: January 2024

Knörr has constructed an ideal, in the center of the p-modular group algebra of a finite group G, whose dimension is the number of p-blocks of defect zero in G/Q; here p is a prime and Q is a normal p-subgroup of G. We generalize his construction to symmetric algebras.
Prostate cancer and elective nodal radiation therapy for cN0 and pN0—a never ending story?
Authors: Koerber S. A. , Höcht S. , Aebersold D. , Albrecht C. , Boehmer D. , Ganswindt U. , Schmidt-Hegemann N.-S. , Hölscher T. , Mueller A.-C. , Niehoff P. , Peeken J. C. , Pinkawa M. , Polat B. , Spohn S. K. B. , Wolf F. , Zamboglou C. , Zips D. , Wiegel T.
Published: January 2024

For prostate cancer, the role of elective nodal irradiation (ENI) for cN0 or pN0 patients has been under discussion for years. Considering the recent publications of randomized controlled trials, the prostate cancer expert panel of the German Society of Radiation Oncology (DEGRO) aimed to discuss and summarize the current literature. Modern trials have been recently published for both treatment-naïve patients (POP-RT trial) and patients after surgery (SPPORT trial). Although there are more reliable data to date, we identified several limitations currently complicating the definitions of general recommendations. For patients with cN0 (conventional or PSMA-PET staging) undergoing definitive radiotherapy, only men with high-risk factors for nodal involvement (e.g., cT3a, GS ≥ 8, PSA ≥ 20 ng/ml) seem to benefit from ENI. For biochemical relapse in the postoperative situation (pN0) and no PSMA imaging, ENI may be added to patients with risk factors according to the SPPORT trial (e.g., GS ≥ 8; PSA > 0.7 ng/ml). If PSMA-PET/CT is negative, ENI may be offered for selected men with high-risk factors as an individual treatment approach.
Refined Universality for Critical KCM: Upper Bounds
Authors: Hartarsky Ivailo
Published: January 2024

We study a general class of interacting particle systems called kinetically constrained models (KCM) in two dimensions. They are tightly linked to the monotone cellular automata called bootstrap percolation. Among the three classes of such models (Bollobás et al. in Combin Probab Comput 24(4):687–722, 2015), the critical ones are the most studied. Together with the companion paper by Marêché and the author (Hartarsky and Marêché in Combin Probab Comput 31(5):879–906, 2022), our work determines the logarithm of the infection time up to a constant factor for all critical KCM. This was previously known only up to logarithmic corrections (Hartarsky et al. in Probab Theory Relat Fields 178(1):289–326, 2020, Ann Probab 49(5):2141–2174, 2021, Martinelli et al. in Commun Math Phys 369(2):761–809, 2019). We establish that on this level of precision critical KCM have to be classified into seven categories. This refines the two classes present in bootstrap percolation (Bollobás et al. in Proc Lond Math Soc (3) 126(2):620–703, 2023) and the two in previous rougher results (Hartarsky et al. in Probab Theory Relat Fields 178(1):289–326, 2020, Ann Probab 49(5):2141–2174, 2021, Martinelli et al. in Commun Math Phys 369(2):761–809, 2019). In the present work we establish the upper bounds for the novel five categories and thus complete the universality program for equilibrium critical KCM. Our main innovations are the identification of the dominant relaxation mechanisms and a more sophisticated and robust version of techniques recently developed for the study of the Fredrickson-Andersen 2-spin facilitated model (Hartarsky et al. in Probab Theory Relat Fields 185(3):993–1037, 2023).
Strict Deformation Quantization and Local Spin Interactions
Authors: Drago N. , Ven C. J. F. van de
Published: January 2024

We define a strict deformation quantization which is compatible with any Hamiltonian with local spin interaction (e.g. the Heisenberg Hamiltonian) for a spin chain. This is a generalization of previous results known for mean-field theories. The main idea is to study the asymptotic properties of a suitably defined algebra of sequences invariant under the group generated by a cyclic permutation. Our point of view is similar to the one adopted by Landsman, Moretti and van de Ven (Rev Math Phys 32(10):2050031, 2020, https://doi.org/10.1142/S0129055X20500312), who considered a strict deformation quantization for the case of mean-field theories. However, the methods for a local spin interaction are considerably more involved, due to the presence of a strictly smaller symmetry group.
Decrease of 7T MR short-term effects with repeated exposure
Authors: Hansson Boel , Garzón Benjamín , Lövdén Martin , Björkman-Burtscher Isabella M
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Although participants in 7 T magnetic resonance (MR) studies tolerate ultra-high field (UHF) well, subjectively experienced short-term effects, such as dizziness, inconsistent movement, nausea, or metallic taste, are reported. Evidence on subjectively experienced short-term effects in multiple exposures to UHF MR is scarce. The purpose of this study is to investigated experience of short-term effects, and occurrence of motion in healthy subjects exposed to seven weekly 7 T MR examinations.

Methods

A questionnaire on short-term effects was completed by participants in an fMRI motor skill study. Seven UHF MR examinations were conducted over 7 weeks (exposure number: 1 to 7). Changes of experienced short-term effects were analyzed. Motion in fMRI images was quantified.

Results

The questionnaire was completed 360 times by 67 participants after one to seven 7T MR examinations. Logistic mixed model analysis showed a significant association between dizziness, inconsistent movement, nausea, and headache and the examination numbers (p<0.03). Exposure to repeated examinations had no significant effect on peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) or motion of the subjects. The overall experience of a 7T examination improved significantly (p<0.001) with increasing examination numbers.

Conclusion

During multiple 7T examinations, subjects adapt to the strong static field. The short-term effects dizziness, inconsistent movement, nausea, and headache decrease over time as the MR sessions continue and experienced comfort increases. There was no significant difference in motion during the multiple fMRI examinations.
DNA methylases for site-selective inhibition of type IIS restriction enzyme activity
Authors: Flores-Fernández Carol N. , Lin Da , Robins Katherine , O’Callaghan Chris A.
Published: January 2024

DNA methylases of the restriction-modifications (R-M) systems are promising enzymes for the development of novel molecular and synthetic biology tools. Their use in vitro enables the deployment of independent and controlled catalytic reactions. This work aimed to produce recombinant DNA methylases belonging to the R-M systems, capable of in vitro inhibition of the type IIS restriction enzymes BsaI, BpiI, or LguI. Non-switchable methylases are those whose recognition sequences fully overlap the recognition sequences of their associated endonuclease. In switch methylases, the methylase and endonuclease recognition sequences only partially overlap, allowing sequence engineering to alter methylation without altering restriction. In this work, ten methylases from type I and II R-M systems were selected for cloning and expression in E. coli strains tolerant to methylation. Isopropyl β-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG) concentrations and post-induction temperatures were tested to optimize the soluble methylases expression, which was achieved with 0.5 mM IPTG at 20 °C. The C-terminal His6-Tag versions showed better expression than the N-terminal tagged versions. DNA methylation was analyzed using purified methylases and custom test plasmids which, after the methylation reactions, were digested using the corresponding associated type IIS endonuclease. The non-switchable methylases M2.Eco31I, M2.BsaI, M2.HpyAII, and M1.MboII along with the switch methylases M.Osp807II and M2.NmeMC58II showed the best activity for site-selective inhibition of type IIS restriction enzyme activity. This work demonstrates that our recombinant methylases were able to block the activity of type IIS endonucleases in vitro, allowing them to be developed as valuable tools in synthetic biology and DNA assembly techniques.

Key points

• Non-switchable methylases always inhibit the relevant type IIS endonuclease activity

• Switch methylases inhibit the relevant type IIS endonuclease activity depending on the sequence engineering of their recognition site

• Recombinant non-switchable and switch methylases were active in vitro and can be deployed as tools in synthetic biology and DNA assembly

Graphical Abstract
Crossing and intersecting families of geometric graphs on point sets
Authors: Álvarez-Rebollar J. L. , Cravioto-Lagos J. , Marín N. , Solé-Pi O. , Urrutia J.
Published: January 2024

Let S be a set of n points in the plane in general position. Two line segments connecting pairs of points of Scross if they have an interior point in common. Two vertex-disjoint geometric graphs with vertices in Scross if there are two edges, one from each graph, which cross. A set of vertex-disjoint geometric graphs with vertices in S is called mutually crossing if any two of them cross. We show that there exists a constant c such that from any family of n mutually-crossing triangles, one can always obtain a family of at least $$n^c$$

n
c

mutually-crossing 2-paths (each of which is the result of deleting an edge from one of the triangles) and provide an example that implies that c cannot be taken to be larger than 2/3. Then, for every n we determine the maximum number of crossings that a Hamiltonian cycle on a set of n points might have, and give examples achieving this bound. Next, we construct a point set whose longest perfect matching contains no crossings. We also consider edges consisting of a horizontal and a vertical line segment joining pairs of points of S, which we call elbows, and prove that in any point set S there exists a family of $$\lfloor n/4 \rfloor $$

⌊
n
/
4
⌋

vertex-disjoint mutually-crossing elbows. Additionally, we show a point set that admits no more than n/3 mutually-crossing elbows. Finally we study intersecting families of graphs, which are not necessarily vertex disjoint. A set of edge-disjoint graphs with vertices in S is called an intersecting family if for any two graphs in the set we can choose an edge in each of them such that they cross. We prove a conjecture by Lara and Rubio-Montiel (Acta Math Hung 15(2):301–311, 2019, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10474-018-0880-1), namely, that any set S of n points in general position admits a family of intersecting triangles with a quadratic number of elements. For points in convex position we prove that any set of 3n points in convex position contains a family with at least $$n^2$$

n
2

intersecting triangles.
The effect of a smaller spacer in the PASCAL Ace on residual mitral valve orifice area
Authors: Paukovitsch Michael , Felbel Dominik , Tadic Marijana , Keßler Mirjam , Scheffler Jinny , Gröger Matthias , Markovic Sinisa , Rottbauer Wolfgang , Schneider Leonhard Moritz
Published: January 2024

Background

Mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (M-TEER) is an established treatment for functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) associated with a risk of creating iatrogenic stenosis.

Objectives

To investigate the impact of the P10 and its larger spacer compared to the narrower Ace and its smaller spacer on reduction of mitral valve orifice area (MVOA) during M-TEER.

Methods

Consecutive patients undergoing M-TEER for treatment of severe FMR were screened retrospectively. Patients with a single PASCAL device implantation within the central segments of the MV leaflets, non-complex anatomy, and baseline MVOA ≥ 3.5cm2 were selected. Intraprocedural transesophageal echocardiography was used to compare MVOA reduction with 3D multiplanar reconstruction and direct planimetry. Device selection did not follow a prespecified MVOA threshold.

Results

Seventy-two patients (81.0 years, IQR {74.3–85.0}) were included. In 32 patients, the P10 was implanted (44.4%). MR severity (p = 0.66), MR reduction (p = 0.73), and body surface area (p = 0.56) were comparable. Baseline MVOA tended to be smaller in P10 patients with the larger spacer (5.0 ± 1.1 vs. 5.4 ± 1.3cm2, p = 0.18), however, residual MVOA was larger in these patients (2.7 ± 0.7 vs. 2.3 ± 0.6cm2, p = 0.03). Accordingly, relative MVOA reduction was significantly less in P10 patients (− 45.9 ± 7.6 vs. − 56.3 ± 7.0%, p < 0.01). Indirect annuloplasty was more pronounced in Ace patients whereas mean transmitral gradients were similar.

Conclusion

In FMR patients with non-complex anatomy, the larger spacer of the P10 maintains greater MVOA with similar MR reduction. Hence, the use of the PASCAL Ace device in patients with small MVOAs might correlate with a risk of both clinically relevant orifice reduction and even iatrogenic stenosis.

Graphical Abstract

Seventy-two patients treated for functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) with the narrower PASCAL Ace featuring a smaller spacer (n = 40) or the broader P10 with a larger spacer (n = 32) were included in this study. Using 3D TEE and multiplanar reconstruction for direct planimetry, mitral valve orifice areas (MVOA) were measured before and after device implantation. Only patients with central device positioning were included. The dimensions of the PASCAL device platform are shown as well. Note the larger space and broader design of the P10 compared to the PASCAL Ace. The difference in MVOA reduction amounted to 10%, which translates into roughly 0.5 cm2 based on an average MV found in this study.
Platelet concentrates in macular hole surgery. A journey through the labyrinth of terminology, preparation, and application: a comprehensive review
Authors: Gelormini Francesco , D’antico Sergio , Ricardi Federico , Parisi Guglielmo , Borrelli Enrico , Marolo Paola , Conte Fabio , Salafia Marika , Reibaldi Michele
Published: January 2024

The surgical management of macular holes is undergoing continuous evolution, with recent focus on the utilization of platelet concentrates as a promising adjunctive intervention. Currently, they present a valid surgical approach for achieving anatomical and functional success with a non-inferiority comparably to the alternative surgical techniques. Nonetheless, the utilization of varied platelet concentrates terminologies, coupled with the lack of standardization in their preparation methodologies, engenders both lexical confusion and challenges in comparing scientific studies published up until now. In this review, we summarized the published evidence concerning the application of platelet concentrates in macular holes surgery, aiming to clarify the terminology and methodologies employed and to establish a common consensus facilitating further development and diffusion of this promising technique.
Patient–physician communication about cancer-related fatigue: a survey of patient-perceived barriers
Authors: Milzer Marlena , Wagner Anna S. , Schmidt Martina E. , Maatouk Imad , Hermann Silke ,   Cancer Registry of Baden-Württemberg, Kiermeier Senta , Steindorf Karen
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Cancer-related fatigue is a subjective, distressing, and common sequela of cancer which is often disregarded and underdiagnosed. Fatigue is assessed by self-report requiring communication between patient and physician. In this study, we investigated the patients’ perspective on the patient–physician communication about fatigue.

Methods

On average five months after diagnosis 1179 cancer patients, recruited in Germany, completed a survey as part of the LIFT project. The survey included questions on sociodemographic data, fatigue, depression, fatigue management, patient–physician communication, and communication barriers. Data were analyzed descriptively and using logistic regression analyses.

Results

Half of the participants reported that their physician had never asked them whether they felt exhausted. Patients undergoing chemo-, radio-, or immunotherapy were more likely to be asked about fatigue, while older age and major depression decreased the likelihood. Sixty-four percent of the patients felt impeded by communication barriers. Common barriers were not knowing who to turn to for fatigue (39%), time constraints (31%), and the fear of being perceived as weak (22%). Almost half of the participants indicated that their physicians were not appreciative and did not deal adequately with fatigue-related questions.

Conclusion

This study revealed gaps in the patient–physician communication regarding cancer-related fatigue. Contrary to guideline recommendations a minority of physicians addressed fatigue. On the other hand, cancer patients felt reluctant to bring up this topic due to structural barriers and fears. Physicians should routinely address fatigue and adopt a communication style which encourages patients to likewise state their symptoms and raise their questions.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov, identifier: NCT04921644. Registered in June 2021.