bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Exploratory Study of the Effect of Tinnitus on Listening Effort Using EEG and Pupillometry
Authors: Sendesen Eser , Kılıç Samet , Erbil Nurhan , Aydın Özgür , Turkyilmaz Didem
Published: May 2023

Objective

Previous behavioral studies on listening effort in tinnitus patients did not consider extended high‐frequency hearing thresholds and had conflicting results. This inconsistency may be related that listening effort is not evaluated by the central nervous system (CNS) and autonomic nervous system (ANS), which are directly related to tinnitus pathophysiology. This study matches hearing thresholds at all frequencies, including the extended high‐frequency and reduces hearing loss to objectively evaluate listening effort over the CNS and ANS simultaneously in tinnitus patients.

Study Design

Case‐control study.

Setting

University hospital.

Methods

Sixteen chronic tinnitus patients and 23 matched healthy controls having normal pure‐tone averages with symmetrical hearing thresholds were included. Subjects were evaluated with 0.125 to 20 kHz pure‐tone audiometry, Montreal Cognitive Assessment Test (MoCA), Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), electroencephalography (EEG), and pupillometry.

Results

Pupil dilation and EEG alpha band in the “coding” phase of the sentence presented in tinnitus patients was less than in the control group (p < .05). VAS score was higher in the tinnitus group (p < .01). Also, there was no statistically significant relationship between EEG and pupillometry components and THI or MoCA (p > .05).

Conclusion

This study suggests that tinnitus patients may need to make an extra effort to listen. Also, pupillometry may not be sufficiently reliable to assess listening effort in ANS‐related pathologies. Considering the possible listening difficulties in tinnitus patients, reducing the listening difficulties, especially in noisy environments, can be added to the goals of tinnitus therapy protocols.
Cochlear Implantation in US Military Veterans: A Single Institution Study
Authors: Totten Douglas J. , Saltagi Abdul , Libich Karen , Pisoni David B. , Nelson Rick F.
Published: May 2023

Objective

Military veterans have high rates of noise‐induced hearing loss (NIHL) which is associated with more significant spiral ganglion neuronal loss. This study explores the relationship between NIHL and cochlear implant (CI) outcomes in veterans.

Study Design

Retrospective case series of veterans who underwent CI between 2019 and 2021.

Setting

Veterans Health Administration hospital.

Methods

AzBio Sentence Test, Consonant‐Nucleus‐Consonant (CNC) scores, and Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ) were measured pre‐ and postoperatively. Linear regression assessed relationships between outcomes and noise exposure history, etiology of hearing loss, duration of hearing loss, and Self‐Administered Gerocognitive Exam (SAGE) scores.

Results

Fifty‐two male veterans were implanted at an average (standard deviation) age of 75.0 (9.2) years without major complications. The average duration of hearing loss was 36.0 (18.4) years. The average time of hearing aid use was 21.2 (15.4) years. Noise exposure was reported in 51.3% of patients. Objectively, AzBio and CNC scores 6 months postoperatively showed significant improvement of 48% and 39%, respectively. Subjectively, average 6‐month SSQ scores showed significant improvement by 34 points (p < .0001). Younger age, SAGE score ≥17, and shorter duration of amplification were associated with higher postoperative AzBio scores. Greater improvement in AzBio and CNC scores was associated with lower preoperative scores. Noise exposure was not associated with any difference in CI performance.

Conclusion

Despite high levels of noise exposure and advanced age, veterans derive substantial benefits from cochlear implantation. SAGE score ≥17 may be predictive of overall CI outcomes. Noise exposure does not impact CI outcomes.

Level of Evidence

Level 4.
Kisspeptin regulates airway hyperresponsiveness and remodeling in a mouse model of asthma
Authors: Borkar Niyati A , Ambhore Nilesh Sudhakar , Balraj Premanand , Ramakrishnan Yogaraj S , Sathish Venkatachalem
Published: May 2023

Asthma is a multifactorial disease of origin characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and airway remodeling. Several pieces of evidence from other pathologies suggest that Kisspeptins (Kp) regulate cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, mechanisms that are highly relevant to asthma. Our recent in vitro studies show Kp‐10 (active peptide of Kp), via its receptor, KISS1R, inhibits human airway smooth muscle cell proliferation. Here, we hypothesize a crucial role for Kp‐10 in regulating AHR and airway remodeling in vivo. Utilizing C57BL/6J mice, we assessed the effect of chronic intranasal Kp‐10 exposure on mixed allergen (MA)‐induced mouse model of asthma. MA‐challenged mice showed significant deterioration of lung function compared to those exposed to vehicle (DPBS); Kp‐10 treatment significantly improved the MA‐altered lung functions. Mice treated with Kp‐10 alone did not show any notable changes in lung functions. MA‐exposed mice showed a significant reduction in KISS1R expression as compared to vehicle alone. MA‐challenged mice showed significant alterations in immune cell infiltration in the airways and remodeling changes. Proinflammatory cytokines were significantly increased upon MA exposure, an effect abrogated by Kp‐10 treatment. Furthermore, biochemical and histological studies showed Kp‐10 exposure significantly reduced MA‐induced smooth muscle mass and soluble collagen in the lung. Overall, our findings highlight the effect of chronic Kp‐10 exposure in regulating MA‐induced AHR and remodeling. © 2023 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Hypertonic glucose pleurodesis for preterm neonates with chylothorax
Authors: Hon Kam Lun Ellis , Hui Chuk Man Peter , Fung Genevieve P. G. , Leung Karen K. Y. , Yung Tak C.
Published: May 2023

Chylothorax is a known complication of postcardiac surgery and the most common cause of pleural effusion in neonates. Conservative management is usually adopted, including Nil‐per‐Oral (NPO), treatment of underlying etiology of infection, and use of octreotide. Chylothorax resistant to medical therapy and drainage is often treated by chemical pleurodesis. Previously used pleurodesis agents have included talc, minocycline, OK‐432, bleomycin, and povidone‐iodine. 50% Dextrose (D50) has been reported to be useful for pleurodesis in adults. We successfully managed two cases of prematurely born infants with D50 as an alternative chemical sclerosant for chemical pleurodesis in a resistant chylothorax and discussed evidence of its use in the literature
Pediatric pulmonology year in review 2021 and 2022: Physiology
Authors: Feld Lance , Dobkin Shoshana L. , Maniaci Jon , Ren Clement L.
Published: May 2023

Pulmonary physiology is a core element of pediatric pulmonology care and research. This article reviews some of the notable publications in physiology that were published in Pediatric Pulmonology in 2021 and 2022.
Glutaeal Remodelling Protocol: Volumization with Hyaluronic Acid and Collagen Biostimulation with Poly-L-Lactic Acid
Authors: Faria Gladstone , Boggio Ricardo , Bellini Marcelo
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop an aesthetic treatment protocol for the glutes through the combination of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) and body hyaluronic acid (HA).

Patients and methods

Six female patients who aimed for glutaeal harmonisation were evaluated. Patients were treated with the combined protocol of Rennova Elleva® (poly-L-lactic acid) and Rennova Body Shape® (HA). The results were evaluated through quantitative and ultrasonographic analyses.

Results

The results showed that after 45–90 days after treatment there was an increase in the glutaeal region of the treated patients. The improvement in glutaeal harmonisation was demonstrated through qualitative comparisons and analyses.

Conclusion

Clinical evidence from these six cases suggests that the combined use of PLLA (Rennova Elleva®) and HA (Rennova Body Shape®) offers an excellent balance between efficacy and safety, with excellent aesthetic results.
Male Genital Lichen Sclerosus and Associated Symptoms Range and Severity: Results of a Questionnaire Study
Authors: Shah Manu , van Bodegraven Birgitta
Published: May 2023

Background

Male genital lichen sclerosus (MGLS) is a chronic inflammatory condition most often seen in uncircumcised men. It has an association with squamous cell carcinoma of the penis and causes significant morbidity in many men. It may present with a range of symptoms, notably male dyspareunia. The full range of symptoms in individuals has yet to be elucidated.

Aim

To identify the range and severity of patient's symptoms using a questionnaire to quantify symptoms, including sexual function and urinary symptoms. Patients with MGLS were compared against patients diagnosed with other genital skin conditions (non-MGLS).

Methods

Retrospective review of patients attending a specialist male genital skin clinic. A questionnaire, where symptoms were ranked between 0 (not present/no effect) and 10 (severe effect) was presented as part of the clinical assessment. Clinical diagnosis of MGLS or non-MGLS was made at the assessment.

Results

Sixty four patients attending the clinic completed the questionnaire, and 50 patients were diagnosed with MGLS. Splitting of skin (61.0%), soreness (61.0%), and unusual appearance or colour of penis (57.8%) were the most frequently reported physical symptoms in patients with MGLS. Non-MGLS patients reported these same symptoms in 35.7%, 35.7%, and 50.0% of cases respectively.

Conclusion

Administering a simple numeric questionnaire for patients with MGLS has revealed multiple symptoms experienced by most patients. Scoring these symptoms allows the clinician to focus on the problems that most concern the individual patient, rather than just focussing on the physician's assessment of clinical disease.
Colectomy in patients with ulcerative colitis is not associated to future diagnosis of primary sclerosing cholangitis
Authors: Lundberg Båve Aiva , Olén Ola , Söderling Jonas ,   SWIBREG study Group, Ludvigsson Jonas F. , Bergquist Annika , Nordenvall Caroline
Published: May 2023

Background

Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) is a hepatobiliary disease closely related to ulcerative colitis (UC). In PSC patients, colectomy has been linked to improved prognosis, especially following liver transplantation. This suggests an involvement of the gut‐liver axis in PSC etiology.

Objective

We aimed to investigate the association between colectomy and the risk of future PSC in an epidemiological setting.

Method

Through nationwide registers, we identified all adults diagnosed with UC in Sweden 1990–2018 and retrieved information on PSC diagnosis and colectomy. Within the UC cohort (n = 61,993 patients), we matched 5577 patients with colectomy to 15,078 without colectomy. Matching criteria were sex, age at UC onset (±5 years), year of UC onset (±3 years), and proctitis at the time of colectomy. Incidence rates of PSC per 1000‐person year were calculated, and the Cox proportional hazard regression model estimated hazard ratios (HRs) for PSC until 31 December 2019.

Results

During the follow‐up, 190 (3.4%) colectomized UC patients and 450 (3.0%) UC comparators developed PSC, yielding incidence rates of 2.6 and 2.4 per 1000 person‐years (HR 1.07 [95% CI 0.90–1.28]). The cumulative incidence of colectomy decreased remarkably over calendar periods, but the cumulative incidence of PSC remained unchanged. The risk of developing PSC in colectomized versus comparators changed over time (HR 0.68 [95% CI; 0.48–0.96] in 1990‐97 and HR 2.10 [95% CI; 1.37–3.24] in 2011‐18).

Conclusions

In UC patients, colectomy was not associated with a decreased risk of subsequent PSC. The observed differences in the risk of PSC development over calendar periods are likely due to changes in PSC‐diagnosis and UC‐treatment.
Legal geographies of water
Authors: Vineyard Noel , Berry Kate , Ormerod Kerri Jean
Published: May 2023

Legal geography seeks to understand the complex interactions between people, law, and space. It exists as an interdisciplinary endeavor, incorporating intellectual threads from critical legal studies, political geography, sociology, and related work. The purpose of this focus article is to introduce legal geography to water scholars as practical means to study law and space to human–water relationships (i.e., hydrosocial relations). We start by tracing a history of legal geography's development as a field and highlight important works in legal geography past and present. We then focus on ways legal geography has been utilized to explore four broad topics within the scope of human water: rights to water, water governance, water as imagined and represented, and value of water. We conclude that legal geography frameworks applied to water research may be useful for furthering the understanding of many of the issues important to WIRES Water readers.

This article is categorized under:

Human Water > Water as Imagined and Represented

Human Water > Rights to Water

Human Water > Water Governance
Sliding mesh simulations of a wind turbine rotor with actuator line lattice‐Boltzmann method
Authors: Ribeiro André F. P. , Muscari Claudia
Published: May 2023

Simulating entire wind farms with an actuator line model requires significant computational effort, especially if one is interested in wake dynamics and wants to resolve the tip vortices. A need to explore unconventional approaches for this kind of simulation emerges. In this work, the actuator line method is implemented within a lattice‐Boltzmann flow solver, combined with a sliding mesh approach. Lattice‐Boltzmann solvers have advantages in terms of performance and low dissipation, while the sliding mesh allows for local refinement of the blade and tip vortices. This methodology is validated on a well‐documented case, the NREL Phase VI rotor, and the local refinement is demonstrated on the NREL 5 MW rotor. Results show good agreement with reference Navier–Stokes simulations. Advantages and limitations of the sliding mesh approach are identified.
Concluding Reflections
Authors: Molendijk Tine , Kramer Eric-Hans
Published: May 2023

This chapter draws together the contributions of this book, which reflected on violence in extreme conditions and on related ethical issues at the micro, meso and macro levels. Whilst violence often leaves us speechless, we do speak about it. And for the same reasons that we are repelled by violence, we are fascinated by it. Violence is senseless and meaningful at the same time. Naming different manifestations of violence (physical, psychological, structural and symbolic) as violence is important to understand parallels in their dynamics and impact. Doing so can counterintuitively help to protect the concept of violence from an all-encompassing inflation. It allows us to better define the specific mechanisms of violence and the specific ethical challenges that come with it.
Asymptotics of Impulse Control Problem with Multiplicative Reward
Authors: Jelito Damian , Stettner Łukasz
Published: May 2023

We consider a long-run impulse control problem for a generic Markov process with a multiplicative reward functional. We construct a solution to the associated Bellman equation and provide a verification result. The argument is based on the probabilistic properties of the underlying process combined with the Krein-Rutman theorem applied to the specific non-linear operator. Also, it utilises the approximation of the problem in the bounded domain and with the help of the dyadic time-grid.
RE-MIND2: comparative effectiveness of tafasitamab plus lenalidomide versus polatuzumab vedotin/bendamustine/rituximab (pola-BR), CAR-T therapies, and lenalidomide/rituximab (R2) based on real-world data in patients with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Nowakowski Grzegorz S. , Yoon Dok Hyun , Mondello Patrizia , Joffe Erel , Peters Anthea , Fleury Isabelle , Greil Richard , Ku Matthew , Marks Reinhard , Kim Kibum , Zinzani Pier Luigi , Trotman Judith , Sabatelli Lorenzo , Waltl Eva E. , Winderlich Mark , Sporchia Andrea , Kurukulasuriya Nuwan C. , Cordoba Raul , Hess Georg , Salles Gilles
Published: May 2023

RE-MIND2 (NCT04697160) compared patient outcomes from the L-MIND (NCT02399085) trial of tafasitamab+lenalidomide with those of patients treated with other therapies for relapsed/refractory (R/R) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) who are autologous stem cell transplant ineligible. We present outcomes data for three pre-specified treatments not assessed in the primary analysis.

Data were retrospectively collected from sites in North America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific region. Patients were aged ≥18 years with histologically confirmed DLBCL and received ≥2 systemic therapies for DLBCL (including ≥1 anti-CD20 therapy). Patients enrolled in the observational and L-MIND cohorts were matched using propensity score-based 1:1 nearest-neighbor matching, balanced for six covariates. Tafasitamab+lenalidomide was compared with polatuzumab vedotin+bendamustine+rituximab (pola-BR), rituximab+lenalidomide (R2), and CD19-chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapies. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). Secondary endpoints included treatment response and progression-free survival.

From 200 sites, 3,454 patients were enrolled in the observational cohort. Strictly matched patient pairs consisted of tafasitamab+lenalidomide versus pola-BR (n = 24 pairs), versus R2 (n = 33 pairs), and versus CAR-T therapies (n = 37 pairs). A significant OS benefit was observed with tafasitamab+lenalidomide versus pola-BR (HR: 0.441; p = 0.034) and R2 (HR: 0.435; p = 0.012). Comparable OS was observed in tafasitamab+lenalidomide and CAR-T cohorts (HR: 0.953, p = 0.892).

Tafasitamab+lenalidomide appeared to improve survival outcomes versus pola-BR and R2, and comparable outcomes were observed versus CAR-T. Although based on limited patient numbers, these data may help to contextualize emerging therapies for R/R DLBCL.

Clinical trial registration

NCT04697160 (January 6, 2021)
Digital teaching and assessment of psychomotor skills of the clinical head and neck examination during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Lüdke Theresa , Polk Marie-Luise , Günther Susanne , Kluge Anne , Zahnert Thomas , Neudert Marcus
Published: May 2023

Purpose

During COVID-19, a fully digital course was established for teaching and assessing the psychomotor skills of clinical head and neck examination. Influence of different digital teaching formats was investigated.

Methods

The students (n = 286) received disposable instruments, a manual, and instructional videos for the examination. 221 students additionally received 45 min of interactive teleteaching. After 5 days of practice, all students were required to submit a video of their examination and report their spent practice time. The assessment was carried out using a checklist which was already established in presence teaching.

Results

The average score achieved by digital teaching was 86%. Previously published data show that presence teaching achieved 94%. With a teleteaching unit the total score was significantly better than without (87% vs 83%). Teleteaching leads to a significant positive correlation between practice time and total score. Without teleteaching there is a negative correlation. After the same practice time, presence teaching leads to better total scores than digital teaching.

Conclusion

Digital teaching and assessing of a complex psychomotor skill is possible. Interactive teaching methods increase learning success. Nevertheless, presence teaching seems to be better at teaching these skills. The results can provide a basis for developing hybrid teaching models.
Oxathiazinane derivatives display both antineoplastic and antibacterial activity: a structure activity study
Authors: Majchrzak-Stiller B. , Buchholz M. , Peters I. , Strotmann J. , Möhrke J. , Zelichowski L. , Oehlke L. , Quensel C. , Fein D. , Höhn P. , Müller T. , Uhl W. , Braumann C.
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The Oxathiazinane substance class is characterized by a high diversity of chemical structures yet to be fully investigated. Our research group recently proved that the 1.4.5-oxathiazine-4.4-dioxide, known as substance GP-2250, possesses antineoplastic properties as shown on pancreatic carcinoma. This current study aims to gain insights into the structure and activity relationship of a series of different Oxathiazinanes regarding their antineoplastic activity and the potential correlation with antibacterial activity. We investigated the newly synthesized Oxathiazinane derivatives: 2255, 2256, 2287, 2289, 2293 and 2296 in comparison to GP-2250.

Methods

The antineoplastic effect was evaluated in different cancer entities (breast, skin, pancreas and colon cancer cell lines) by viability, proliferation, and cell migration assays in vitro. Disc diffusion tests were performed on various bacteria strains to examine the antibacterial potential. Additionally, reactive oxygen species (ROS) assays were conducted to investigate mechanistic aspects.

Results

The substances GP-2250, 2293, 2289 and 2296 not only showed antineoplastic activity in four different cancer entities but also antibacterial effects, as tested on multiple bacteria strains including MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). Furthermore, these substances also induced high ROS levels up to 110% in the treated cancer cell lines compared to untreated control cells. These results indicate a correlation between an antineoplastic capacity and antibacterial properties of these derivatives. Both activities appear to be ROS driven. The Oxathiazinane derivatives 2255, 2256 and 2287 lacked both, antineoplastic and antibacterial activity.

Conclusion

Thus, a comparable structure activity relationship became apparent for both the antineoplastic and antibacterial activity.
Comparison of the biological properties between 3D-printed and decellularized tracheal grafts
Authors: Wang Yao , Li Jianfeng , Qian Jun , Sun Yunhao , Xu Jianning , Sun Jian
Published: May 2023

This study sought to characterize the differences between the 3D-printed and decellularized tracheal grafts, providing the basis for the synthesis of the more reasonable and effective tissue-engineered trachea. We compared the biomechanical properties and biocompatibility of the 3D-printed tracheal graft and decellularized tracheal graft in vitro and evaluated the biocompatibility, immune rejection and inflammation of the two materials through in vivo implantation experiments. Compared with the decellularized tracheal graft, the 3D-printed tracheal graft was associated with obviously higher biomechanical properties. The results demonstrated enhanced growth of BMSCs in the decellularized tracheal graft compared to the 3D-printed one when co-culture with two tracheal graft groups. Moreover, the CCK-8 assay demonstrated significant cell proliferation on the decellularized tracheal graft. Serum IgG and IgM measured in vivo by implantation testing indicated that the 3D-Printed tracheal graft exhibited the most significant inflammatory response. HE staining indicated that the inflammatory response in the 3D-printed tracheal graft consisted mainly of eosinophils, while little inflammatory cell infiltrates were observed in the decellularized tracheal graft. CD68 immunohistochemical analysis indicated that the infiltration of macrophages was not significant in both tracheal grafts. Our findings suggest that the biomechanical properties of the 3D-printed tracheal grafts are better than the decellularized tracheal grafts. Nonetheless, the decellularized tracheal graft exhibited better biocompatibility than the 3D-printed tracheal graft.
Operator-norm resolvent estimates for thin elastic periodically heterogeneous rods in moderate contrast
Authors: Cherednichenko Kirill , Velčić Igor , Žubrinić Josip
Published: May 2023

We provide resolvent asymptotics as well as various operator-norm estimates for the system of linear partial differential equations describing thin infinite elastic rods with material coefficients that rapidly oscillate along the rod. The resolvent asymptotics is derived simultaneously with respect to the rod thickness and the period of material oscillations, which are taken to be of the same order. The analysis is carried out separately on two invariant subspaces pertaining to the out-of-line and in-line displacements, under the assumption on material symmetries as well as in the general case when these two types of displacements are intertwined.
Almost minimizers for a sublinear system with free boundary
Authors: De Silva Daniela , Jeon Seongmin , Shahgholian Henrik
Published: May 2023

We study vector-valued almost minimizers of the energy functional $$\begin{aligned} \int _D\left( |\nabla \textbf{u}|^2+\frac{2}{1+q}\left( \lambda _+(x)|\textbf{u}^+|^{q+1}+\lambda _-(x)|\textbf{u}^-|^{q+1}\right) \right) dx,\quad 0<q<1. \end{aligned}$$

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, we take the epiperimetric inequality approach and prove the regularity for both almost minimizers and the set of “regular" free boundary points.
No effects of COVID-19 on the development of type 1 diabetes autoimmunity and no evidence of an increased frequency of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes patients relative to healthy subjects
Authors: Tiberti Claudio , Nenna Raffaella , Tromba Valeria , Filardi Tiziana , Petrarca Laura , Silvestri Francesca , Fassino Valeria , Montuori Monica , Mancino Enrica , Lenzi Andrea , Midulla Fabio , Costantino Francesco , Morano Susanna
Published: May 2023

Aims

To evaluate the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 infection and autoimmunity in type 1 diabetes (T1D) and SARS-CoV-2 antibodies frequency at diagnosis of T1D during pandemic.

Methods

The presence of T1D-specific autoimmunity was evaluated in a cohort of 99 children and adolescents without diabetes that contracted SARS-CoV-2 infection. Moreover, the frequency of IgM- and IgG-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was evaluated in 41 newly diagnosed T1D patients not yet vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 disease, collected during the pandemic, compared to healthy subjects (CTRL).

Results

None of the 99 patients that contracted SARS-CoV-2 infection during the pandemic period was found positive for T1D autoantibodies. The frequency of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was not significantly different in patients newly diagnosed with T1D (12.2%), compared with CTRL (8.4%). Among SARS-CoV-2 antibody positive T1D patients, 80% were target of diabetes autoantibodies and 60% had another concomitant autoimmune disease. Among the CTRL subjects positive for SARS-CoV-2Abs (n = 10), none was found positive for T1D autoantibodies.

Conclusions

The results of the present study do not confirm, at least in the short term, a role of COVID-19 as a potential trigger of T1D autoimmunity and do not provide evidence of an increased frequency of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in newly diagnosed T1D patients in comparison with healthy population.
Assessing the quality of the anaerobic environment — a method developed to support EUCAST disk diffusion of anaerobic bacteria
Authors: Justesen Ulrik Stenz , Åhman Jenny , Matuschek Erika , Kahlmeter Gunnar
Published: May 2023

The purpose of this study is to establish a method for assessing the anaerobic environment for EUCAST disk diffusion antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) of anaerobic bacteria on fastidious anaerobe agar with 5% mechanically defibrinated horse blood (FAA-HB). The method utilizes the association between a decrease in the metronidazole disk zone diameter and increasing oxygen levels with an aerotolerant Clostridium perfringens strain DSM 25589 (CCUG 75076 and NCTC 14679). The C. perfringens strain was tested on FAA-HB with a McFarland 1 inoculum and a metronidazole 5 μg disk. FAA-HB was incubated for 16–20 h at 35–37°C. The association between oxygen levels (0, 0.16, 1, 2, and 4% oxygen) and the metronidazole zone diameter was determined. Reproducibility at 0% oxygen was investigated as part of a European multi-centre study of disk diffusion of anaerobic bacteria. The median zone diameters (n=12) at each oxygen level were 29 mm (0%), 21 mm (0.16%), 16 mm (1%), 15 mm (2%), and 15 mm (4%). The metronidazole zone diameters at 0% oxygen from the multi-centre reproducibility-study had a median of 29 mm and a 95%-percentile range of 25–33 mm (n=236). Only one reading was below 25 mm. Based on our results, a zone diameter of ≥25 mm using a metronidazole 5 μg disk and the C. perfringens strain, tested with EUCAST recommendations, can be used to indicate that the anaerobic environment is of sufficient quality for culture and disk diffusion AST. EUCAST has included the method as part of the quality control for AST of anaerobic bacteria.
A continuum mechanical porous media model for vertebroplasty: Numerical simulations and experimental validation
Authors: Trivedi Zubin , Gehweiler Dominic , Wychowaniec Jacek K. , Ricken Tim , Gueorguiev Boyko , Wagner Arndt , Röhrle Oliver
Published: May 2023

The outcome of vertebroplasty is hard to predict due to its dependence on complex factors like bone cement and marrow rheologies. Cement leakage could occur if the procedure is done incorrectly, potentially causing adverse complications. A reliable simulation could predict the patient-specific outcome preoperatively and avoid the risk of cement leakage. Therefore, the aim of this work was to introduce a computationally feasible and experimentally validated model for simulating vertebroplasty. The developed model is a multiphase continuum-mechanical macro-scale model based on the Theory of Porous Media. The related governing equations were discretized using a combined finite element–finite volume approach by the so-called Box discretization. Three different rheological upscaling methods were used to compare and determine the most suitable approach for this application. For validation, a benchmark experiment was set up and simulated using the model. The influence of bone marrow and parameters like permeability, porosity, etc., was investigated to study the effect of varying conditions on vertebroplasty. The presented model could realistically simulate the injection of bone cement in porous materials when used with the correct rheological upscaling models, of which the semi-analytical averaging of the viscosity gave the best results. The marrow viscosity is identified as the crucial reference to categorize bone cements as ‘high- ’or ‘low-’ viscosity in the context of vertebroplasty. It is confirmed that a cement with higher viscosity than the marrow ensures stable development of the injection and a proper cement interdigitation inside the vertebra.
Lifelong exercise training promotes the remodelling of the immune system and prostate signalome in a rat model of prostate carcinogenesis
Authors: Nascimento-Gonçalves Elisabete , Seixas Fernanda , Palmeira Carlos , Martins Gabriela , Fonseca Carolina , Duarte José Alberto , Faustino-Rocha Ana I. , Colaço Bruno , Pires Maria João , Neuparth Maria João , Moreira-Gonçalves Daniel , Fardilha Margarida , Henriques Magda C. , Patrício Daniela , Pelech Steven , Ferreira Rita , Oliveira Paula A.
Published: May 2023

This work aimed to understand how lifelong exercise training promotes the remodelling of the immune system and prostate signalome in a rat model of PCa. Fifty-five male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control sedentary, control exercised, induced PCa sedentary and induced PCa exercised. Exercised animals were trained in a treadmill for 53 weeks. Pca induction consisted on the sequential administration of flutamide, N-methyl-N-nitrosourea and testosterone propionate implants. Serum concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) were not different among groups. Peripheral levels of γδ T cells were higher in Pca exercised group than in the PCa sedentary group (p < 0.05). Exercise training also induced Oestrogen Receptor (ESR1) upregulation and Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase 13 (MAPK13) downregulation, changed the content of the phosphorylated (at Ser-104) form of this receptor (coded by the gene ESR1) and seemed to increase Erα phosphorylation and activity in exercised PCa rats when compared with sedentary PCa rats. Our data highlight the exercise-induced remodelling of peripheral lymphocyte subpopulations and lymphocyte infiltration in prostate tissue. Moreover, exercise training promotes the remodelling prostate signalome in this rat model of prostate carcinogenesis.
Neurophysiological markers of successful learning in healthy aging
Authors: Strzelczyk Dawid , Kelly Simon P. , Langer Nicolas
Published: May 2023

The capacity to learn and memorize is a key determinant for the quality of life but is known to decline to varying degrees with age. However, neural correlates of memory formation and the critical features that determine the extent to which aging affects learning are still not well understood. By employing a visual sequence learning task, we were able to track the behavioral and neurophysiological markers of gradual learning over several repetitions, which is not possible in traditional approaches that utilize a remember vs. forgotten comparison. On a neurophysiological level, we focused on two learning-related centro-parietal event-related potential (ERP) components: the expectancy-driven P300 and memory-related broader positivity (BP). Our results revealed that although both age groups showed significant learning progress, young individuals learned faster and remembered more stimuli than older participants. Successful learning was directly linked to a decrease of P300 and BP amplitudes. However, young participants showed larger P300 amplitudes with a sharper decrease during the learning, even after correcting for an observed age-related longer P300 latency and increased P300 peak variability. Additionally, the P300 amplitude predicted learning success in both age groups and showed good test–retest reliability. On the other hand, the memory formation processes, reflected by the BP amplitude, revealed a similar level of engagement in both age groups. However, this engagement did not translate into the same learning progress in the older participants. We suggest that the slower and more variable timing of the stimulus identification process reflected in the P300 means that despite the older participants engaging the memory formation process, there is less time for it to translate the categorical stimulus location information into a solidified memory trace. The results highlight the important role of the P300 and BP as a neurophysiological marker of learning and may enable the development of preventive measures for cognitive decline.
New Insight Into Crack-Healing Mechanism via Electropulsing Treatment
Authors: Cai Qing , Zhou Mian , Bagherpour Ebad , Hosseini Seyedmehdi , Mendis Chamini , Chang Isaac , Assadi Hamid
Published: May 2023

A combination of experiment and numerical simulation was employed to study the healing mechanism of fatigue crack via a novel route of electropulsing treatment (EPT) named dual-step EPT processing. By applying cyclic loads, similar cracks were generated in 316L stainless steel samples. Then, cracked specimens were subjected to electropulsing treatment under different conditions in order to find the optimum EPT condition to effectively heal the crack. The geometry of the fatigue crack before and after EPT was investigated in 3D by Micro-CT. SEM-EBSD was used to evaluate the microstructure of the healed region. To understand the dominant mechanism of crack healing by EPT, the temperature and stress/strain fields were evaluated by the finite element method (FEM) considering non-uniform Joule heating. The results demonstrate that complete crack healing requires a balanced combination of melting and compressive stress as well as increased peak current density regarding the reduced crack length. The simulations also suggest that Joule heating alone is sufficient to induce the observed melting in the examined samples. The fatigue crack after EPT was found to be effectively healed, as indicated by the similar crack growth rate compared with the samples without electropulsing treatment. In addition, a refined microstructure can be achieved after EPT.
Potential for Mitigation of Cave Lampenflora Using Benzalkonium Chloride or UV-C
Authors: Kieft Thomas L. , Del Curto Devyn , Havlena Zoë , Hettiarachchi Eshani , Lakis Isabelle , Nourse Emma , Skaar Cassandra , Ulbrich Joseph , Veni George
Published: May 2023

Artificial illumination in caves visited by tourists (“show caves”) gives rise to growth of photosynthetic biofilms, termed “lampenflora.” Besides being unsightly, these biofilms can damage speleothems, and thus finding a safe and effective means of controlling lampenflora is an important consideration in cave management. A variety of different physical and chemical means of biofilm mitigation have been proposed and tested. Here we tested benzalkonium chloride (BAC), a quaternary ammonium cationic detergent commonly used in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, and germicidal UV light (UV-C) for lampenflora control. Algae and cyanobacteria derived from Carlsbad Cavern, USA, were cultivated in the lab and inoculated onto smooth calcium carbonate (CaCO3) tiles and incubated under fluorescent lighting to simulate lampenflora; these were then treated with BAC or UV-C in various concentrations and intensities, respectively. A 1–10% BAC solution prevented biofilm growth, and repeated treatments with a 1% solution bleached preformed photosynthetic pigments. Germicidal UV-C (≥ 3200 mJ cm−2) also bleached preformed biofilms. BAC may be especially useful for bleaching thick localized growths, since high concentrations are required and toxicity to non-toxic organisms could be an issue; whereas UV-C could more easily be applied to broader areas, e.g., the tens of square meter areas in the immediate vicinity of the lamps at Carlsbad Cavern and other show caves.
Assessing the effect of climate and land use changes on the hydrologic regimes in the upstream of Tajan river basin using SWAT model
Authors: Amiri Sedighe Nikkhoo , Khoshravesh Mojtaba , Valashedi Reza Norooz
Published: May 2023

Climate change is the most important challenge in achieving sustainable development. Semi-arid and arid areas (such as Iran) are particularly susceptible to the effects of climate change on water supply. In this research, the effect of climate change and upstream land use is investigated on Tajan, a river in the north of Iran. The data regarding the climate were produced via second-generation Canadian Earth System Model (CanESM2) and adopted as the input to SWAT hydrologic model under RCP2.6 and RCP8.5 for the period of 2016–2066. The results showed that the peak streamflow will increase by 4% and 5.7% and the average annual discharges will decrease by 16% and 16.5% from 2016 to 2066 for RCP2.6 and RCP8.5 scenarios, respectively. Besides, the effect of different land use change scenarios on streamflow was investigated under four diverse scenarios selected to represent a comprehensive range of possible land use map of the basin. Land use change scenarios led to 8.5–15.8% increase in the average annual streamflow, highlighting the fact that it is less effective than climate change on streamflow. It could be concluded that downstream water users in the basin should adopt strategies to cope with water-stressed condition under the changing climate.
A Study of Dimensionality Reduction in GLCM Feature-Based Classification of Machined Surface Images
Authors: Prasad Ganesha , Gaddale Vijay Srinivas , Kamath Raghavendra Cholpadi , Shekaranaik Vishwanatha Jampenahalli , Pai Srinivasa Padubidri
Published: May 2023

The surfaces produced by the machining process are sensitive to the type of machining process and the conditions under which it is performed. Thus, surface texture identification is crucial in quality assurance, as it acts as a feedback to the machining process. Machined surface identification using image processing and machine learning (ML)-based techniques is gaining much importance due to industrial automation. This investigation addresses the development of ML models using gray-level co-occurrence matrices (GLCM) features to classify the machined (turned, ground and shaped) surfaces. The influence of distance-based dimensionality reduction techniques (DRT) viz., Fisher's criterion, Separation index and Bhattacharya distance on the performance of the ML-based image classifiers is explored. The GLCM features extracted from the machined surface images are used as inputs to ML classifiers. A threshold criterion function (TCF) is used to select the sensitive features in the DRT. Among all the classifiers, the (Random Forest) RAF model could produce a better classification accuracy as high as 95.3%. Also, analysis results show that the proposed dimensionality reduction methodology with TCF effectively identifies the most sensitive features. A maximum dimensionality reduction of 62% is achieved. The proposed methodology showed a 7.2% improvement in classification accuracy over the techniques reported in the previous study. Thus, developed ML models successfully classify the machined surface images with a minimum time and computational burden on the computer.
The medicinal chemistry of Urtica dioica L.: from preliminary evidence to clinical studies supporting its neuroprotective activity
Authors: Semwal Prabhakar , Rauf Abdur , Olatunde Ahmed , Singh Pooja , Zaky Mohamed Y. , Islam Md. Mozahidul , Khalil Anees Ahmed , Aljohani Abdullah S. M. , Al Abdulmonem Waleed , Ribaudo Giovanni
Published: May 2023

Urtica dioica is a perennial herb from the family of Urticaceae that is commonly known as stinging nettle. This plant is widespread in Europe, Africa, America, and a part of Asia, as it adapts to different environments and climatic conditions. The leaves, stalk, and bark of U. dioica found applications in the field of nutrition, cosmetics, textile, pest control and pharmacology. In this connection, bioactive chemical constituents such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, amino acids, carotenoids, and fatty acids have been isolated from the plant. With this review, we aim at providing an updated and comprehensive overview of the contributions in literature reporting computational, in vitro, pre-clinical and clinical data supporting the therapeutic applications of U. dioica. Experimental evidence shows that U. dioica constituents and extracts can provide neuroprotective effects by acting through a combination of different molecular mechanisms, that are discussed in the review. These findings could lay the basis for the identification and design of more effective tools against neurodegenerative diseases.

Graphical Abstract
Causes of deaths in long-term care and hospice care facilities during the first year of COVID-19 pandemic: a snapshot of Italy during 2020
Authors: Zazzara Maria Beatrice , Colloca Giuseppe Ferdinando , Maraschini Alice , Bellieni Andrea , Dispenza Sabrina , Meloni Eleonora , Ricciotti Maria Adelaide , Penco Italo , Minelli Giada , Onder Graziano
Published: May 2023

Background

Older adults living in long-term care facilities (LTCF) have been severely affected by COVID-19. Hospice care (HC) facilities and palliative care are essential in treating patients dying from COVID-19. In Italy, little is known about the impact of COVID-19 on deaths in LTCF and the care provided in HC to COVID-19 patients.

Aim

To assess overall and case-specific mortality in 2020 in LTC and HC facilities in comparison to the previous five years (2015–2019).

Methods

We performed a descriptive study using data derived from the Italian national “Cause of Death” registry—managed by the Italian National Institute of Statistics—on deaths occurred in LTC and HC facilities during 2020 and the period 2015–2019.

Results

Number of deaths significantly increased in 2020 compared with 2015–2019 in LTCF (83,062 deaths vs. 59,200) and slightly decreased in hospices (38,788 vs. 39,652). COVID-19 caused 12.5% of deaths in LTCF and only 2% in hospices. Other than COVID-19, in 2020, cancer accounted for 77% of all deaths that occurred in HC, while cardiovascular diseases (35.6%) and psychotic and behavioral disorders (10%) were the most common causes of death in LTCF. Overall, 22% of the excess mortality registered in Italy during 2020 is represented by the deaths that occurred in LTCF.

Discussion and conclusion

LTCF were disproportionally affected by COVID-19, while the response to the pandemic in HC was limited. These data can help plan strategies to limit the impact of future epidemics and to better understand residential care response to COVID-19 epidemic.
Zoo Studies
Authors: Rees Paul A.
Published: May 2023

Zoos and aquariums are culturally and historically important places where families enjoy their leisure time and scientists study exotic animals. Many contain buildings of great architectural merit. Some people consider zoos little more than animal prisons, while others believe they play an important role in conservation and education. Zoos have been the subject of a vast number of academic studies, whose results are scattered throughout the literature. This interdisciplinary volume brings together research on animal behaviour, visitor studies, zoo history, human-animal relationships, veterinary medicine, welfare, education, enclosure design, reproduction, legislation, and zoo management conducted at around 200 institutions located throughout the world. The book is neither 'pro-' nor 'anti-' zoo and attempts to strike a balance between praising zoos for the good work they have done in the conservation of some species, while recognising that they face many challenges in making themselves relevant in the modern world.
THE CHRONOLOGY OF WESTERN ZHOU
Authors: Zhang Pengcheng
Published: May 2023

By systematically analyzing the relative relationship between complete bronze inscription dates, this study deduces the lunar phases described by the specialized terms jishengba 既生霸, jiwang 既望, and jisiba 既死霸, finding that the term chuji 初吉 is unrelated to the lunar phase. The study then reconstructs a complete chronology of Western Zhou that is highly consistent with archaeological and textual evidence. The results support the traditional notion that the Zhou calendar year began in the month containing the winter solstice, and show that the Western Zhou calendar month began with the first invisibility of the waning lunar crescent while the calendar day began at sunrise. The overall evidence indicates that King Wu 武王 led an initial campaign against the Shang in 1046 b.c.e. and defeated Zhòu 紂 in 1044 b.c.e., lending credence to the narrative of the military display at Mengjin (觀兵孟津). The derived chronology reveals a previously unknown seven-year gap between King You's 幽王 final year and King Ping's 平王 first year, thus explaining the discrepancies between Shi ji 史記 and the archaeological evidence. This study demonstrates that the Modern Text (jinben 今本) Bamboo Annals 竹書紀年 is unsuitable for use in chronological studies, and suggests that the dates of Western Zhou were already obscure in Eastern Zhou. These results provide testable hypotheses and raise new questions that can guide further research into Western Zhou archaeology, history, society, and culture.