bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Training of the lateral pterygoid muscle in the treatment of temporomandibular joint disc displacement with reduction: A randomised clinical trial
Authors: Olbort Christin , Pfanne Falk , Schwahn Christian , Bernhardt Olaf
Published: May 2023

Background

Disc displacement with reduction (DDwR) therapy should be performed only when pain or discomfort is presented. Data on treatment options for painful DDwR are very limited.

Objective

The aim was to investigate whether isometric training of the lateral pterygoid muscle (LPM) is equivalent to stabilisation appliance therapy with regard to the treatment of painful DDwR. The training program is based on the science of Janda.

Methods

This was a prospective, randomised study with a comparative treatment group. Sixty patients (≥18 years) with DDwR and pain were randomly assigned to two groups: (1) muscle training and (2) stabilisation appliance. The following variables were recorded at baseline examination and after 2, 4 and 6 months: changes in orofacial pain, clicking sounds of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), force degrees for the lateral movement of the mandible and interincisal opening distance. p values of <.05 were considered statistically significant but 95% confidence intervals were also presented.

Results

A decrease in orofacial pain intensity was seen in both groups (p < .0001). Registered TMJ clicking disappeared after 6 months of treatment in 37% (n = 11) of the patients in the training group and in 27% (n = 8) of the appliance group (p = .0009 and p = .0047). Muscle training showed 27 improvements in Janda force degrees at the end of the study (p < .0001).

Conclusion

Muscle training and appliance therapy improved mouth opening and reduced pain intensity in both patient groups. Muscle training might be a promising option in the treatment of patients suffering from painful DDwR.
The prevalence of breastfeeding aversion response in Australia: A national cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Morns Melissa A. , Burns Elaine , McIntyre Erica , Steel Amie E.
Published: May 2023

Some women who breastfeed will experience complex ongoing difficulties, such as breastfeeding aversion response (BAR). This recently named breastfeeding challenge is defined as feelings of aversion while breastfeeding for the entire time that the child is latched. This study provides the first prevalence data for the experience of BAR in Australian breastfeeding women. A national online survey investigated the breastfeeding experience of Australian women including data on (1) participant demographics, (2) breastfeeding experience with up to four children, (3) breastfeeding challenges and prevalence of BAR, and (4) the value of available breastfeeding support. This study found that of the Australian breastfeeding women who participated (n = 5511), just over one in five self‐identified as having experienced a BAR (n = 1227, 22.6%). Most reported experiencing some breastfeeding challenges, with only 4.5% (n = 247) having had no breastfeeding complications. Importantly, despite these difficulties, 86.9% of the total women in this study rated their overall breastfeeding experience as good (n = 2052, 37.6%), or very good (n = 2690, 49.3%), and 82.5% of those who experience BAR as good (n = 471, 38.7%) or very good (n = 533, 43.8%). BAR reporting was decreased in higher education and income groups. Women who are breastfeeding for the first time are more likely to encounter difficulties with breastfeeding such as BAR. Complications with breastfeeding are pervasive, but women who can overcome breastfeeding issues often report a positive overall breastfeeding experience.
Ectomycorrhizal diversity, taxon‐specific traits and root N uptake in temperate beech forests
Authors: Khokon Anis Mahmud , Janz Dennis , Polle Andrea
Published: May 2023

Roots of forest trees are colonized by a diverse spectrum of ectomycorrhizal (EM) fungal species differing in their nitrogen (N) acquisition abilities. Here, we hypothesized that root N gain is the result of EM fungal diversity or related to taxon‐specific traits for N uptake.

To test our hypotheses, we traced 15N enrichment in fine roots, coarse roots and taxon‐specific ectomycorrhizas in temperate beech forests in two regions and three seasons, feeding 1 mM NH4NO3 labelled with either 15NH4+ or 15NO3−.

We morphotyped > 45 000 vital root tips and identified 51 of 53 detected EM species by sequencing. EM root tips exhibited strong, fungal taxon‐specific variation in 15N enrichment with higher NH4+ than NO3− enrichment. The translocation of N into the upper parts of the root system increased with increasing EM fungal diversity. Across the growth season, influential EM species predicting root N gain were not identified, probably due to high temporal dynamics of the species composition of EM assemblages.

Our results support that root N acquisition is related to EM fungal community‐level traits and highlight the importance of EM diversity for tree N nutrition.
Biological properties, genetic structure and molecular variability of brome mosaic virus population
Authors: Trzmiel Katarzyna , Zarzyńska‐Nowak Aleksandra , Hasiów‐Jaroszewska Beata
Published: May 2023

Brome mosaic virus (BMV) is a member of the Bromovirus genus in the Bromoviridae family. Due to its genetic and biochemical features, BMV is considered as one of the most important plant viruses in molecular plant pathology. Although BMV is widely used in many laboratories as a convenient model for molecular studies, knowledge regarding its biology, pathogenicity, virulence and genetic differentiation within natural populations is rather limited. In this study, the complete genome sequence of 16 BMV isolates originating from different hosts was obtained. Recombination, selection pressure and phylogenetic analyses were carried out using newly obtained BMV sequences and 10 others described to date. The nucleotide and amino acid sequence identities of the 26 BMV sequences were relatively high and ranged from 96.4% to 99.4% for nucleotide sequences and from 95.7% to 99.6% for amino acid sequences. Further analysis revealed that both selection and recombination are shaping the population structure of BMV. The presence of six possible recombination sites within open reading frames and one within the 3′ untranslated region of RNA2 was identified. Selection pressure analysis indicated that most codons were subjected to purifying selection; however, 14 codons were found to be under positive selection pressure. The results presented here expand the current knowledge regarding BMV diversity and the evolutionary forces shaping BMV population structure.
HCPro affects heterologous virus infection through salicylic acid and auxin pathways
Authors: Zeng Mengyuan , Jiao Bolei , Liu Sucen , Yang Yufan , Peng Qiding , Huang Wanying , Xi Dehui
Published: May 2023

Mixed infection by plant viruses is common in nature, but how a key viral protein of one virus affects the infection by heterologous viruses is not yet fully understood. The helper component proteinase (HCPro) is a widely studied RNA silencing suppressor encoded by viruses of the family Potyviridae. Here, we investigated the defence response of Nicotiana tabacum plants overexpressing HCPro of chilli veinal mottle virus (HCPro‐OX) to tobacco mosaic virus and cucumber mosaic virus infection. We monitored the physiological and molecular changes of HCPro‐OX plants in response to virus infection. The results showed that HCPro‐OX plants under virus infection exhibited higher susceptibility at the early stage but stronger tolerance at the later stage compared to wild‐type plants. The tolerance to heterologous virus infection of HCPro‐OX plants corresponded to a lower level of reactive oxygen species accumulation and higher activities of several antioxidant enzymes. Reverse transcription‐quantitative PCR assays showed that the expression of genes related to salicylic acid (SA) pathways was significantly upregulated, but the expression of genes related to the auxin pathways was downregulated at the late stage of virus infection in HCPro‐OX plants compared to wild‐type plants. By contrast, the situation in the early stage of virus infection was reversed. In addition, pretreatment with SA, the auxin naphthylacetic acid (NAA) and their respective inhibitors 1‐aminobenzotriazole (ABT) and naphthalam (NPA) further confirmed the antagonistic effects of SA and NAA in the response of HCPro‐OX plants to heterologous virus infection. Thus, our results demonstrate that HCPro affects heterologous virus infection through SA and auxin pathways.
A job trial subsidy for youth: Cheap labour or a screening device?
Authors: Krekó Judit , Munkácsy Balázs , Csillag Márton , Scharle Ágota
Published: May 2023

This paper evaluates a 90‐day hiring subsidy designed for young jobseekers aged below 25, introduced in Hungary in 2015 as part of the Youth Guarantee programme. The subsidy covers the total wage cost with no obligation to retain the new hire when the subsidy expires. The analysis is based on linked administrative data on registered unemployment, cognitive skills measured around age 15, healthcare, and social security records. The causal impact of the subsidy on subsequent employment is identified in comparison to participants of a uniquely large public works programme, using propensity score matching with exceptionally rich controls. The estimates indicate significant positive effects: participants spent 14–20 days more in employment within 6 months after the programme ended in the whole sample. The impact is weaker on the 12‐month horizon. We find that the subsidy works well as a screening device: the programme has the highest impact on youths who have very low levels of schooling (8 years of primary school or less), but scored high on cognitive skills tests. One potential explanation is that employers tend to retain those with better cognitive skills, irrespective of their formal qualifications. We also find some indication that the subsidy is (mis)used by some employers to hire short term, seasonal workers.
Evaluating the inventory impact of utilizing low titer platelets in regional hospitals
Authors: Blake John T. , Clarke Gwenn , Bodnar Melanie , Stepien Jennifer
Published: May 2023

Background

As a result of constrained supply, it is sometimes necessary to provide patients with ABO‐mismatched platelets. Such practices increase the risk of acute hemolytic transfusion reaction (AHTR). Providing patients with platelets suspended in O plasma having low‐titer Anti‐A and Anti‐B antibodies (LtABO) could reduce the incidence of AHTR. However, natural scarcity limits the number of such units that can be produced. In this paper we present a study to evaluate strategies for deploying LtABO at regional hospitals in Canada.

Study Design and Methods

Regional hospitals often experience demand for platelets on an irregular basis. They are, however, required to stock some number of platelets (typically one A‐unit and one O‐unit) for emergencies; outdates are common, with discard rates sometimes >>50%. A simulation study was completed to determine the impact of replacing a (1A, 1O) inventory with 2 or 3 units of LtABO at regional hospitals.

Results

A significant decreases in wastage and shortage can be expected by replacing a (1A, 1O) inventory policy with 2 units of LtABO. In tested cases, a 2‐unit LtABO dominated a (1A, 1O) policy, resulting in statistically fewer outdates and instances of shortage. Holding 3 units of LtABO, increases product availability, but results in an increase in outdates when compared to a (1A, 1O) policy.

Conclusion

Providing LtABO platelets to smaller, regional hospitals will lower wastage rates and improve patient access to care, when compared to existing (1A, 1O) inventory policies.
Optimization of Steel Jackets to Support Offshore Wind Turbines Using Evolutionary Algorithms
Authors: Cruz Rodrigo Oliveira , Duarte Grasiele Regina , de Lima Beatriz Souza Leite Pires , Jacob Breno Pinheiro
Published: May 2023

This paper presents an optimization tool for jacket structures to support Offshore Wind Turbines (OWTs). The tool incorporates several combinations of optimization algorithms and constraint-handling techniques (CHTs): Genetic Algorithm; Differential Evolution (DE); Tournament Selection Method; Multiple Constraint Ranking (MCR); Adaptive Penalty Method, and Helper-and-Equivalent Optimization. The objective function regards the minimization of the jacket weight; the design variables are the diameter and thickness of the tubular members. The constraints are related to natural frequencies and Ultimate Limit State criteria. The candidate solutions are evaluated by full nonlinear time-domain Finite Element coupled analyses. To assess the optimization algorithms and CHTs, a case study is presented for the standardized OWT/jacket structure from the Offshore Code Comparison Collaboration Continuation project. First, a numerical model is built and validated, in terms of masses, natural frequencies, and vibration modes; then, this model is employed to run the optimization tool for all combinations of optimization algorithms and CHTs. The results indicate that, while all methods lead to feasible optimal solutions that comply with the constraints and present considerable weight reductions, the best performer is the combination of the DE algorithm with the MCR constraint-handling technique.
Combination of ultrasound-guided percutaneous A1 pulley release and intra-tendon sheath injection improves the therapeutic outcomes in adult trigger finger patients
Authors: Zan Xingyou , Zhou Wei-Ping , Wang Yan , Xu Min , Zhou Feng-Sheng , Fang Xiang-Ming
Published: May 2023

Aim: This study aimed to use high-frequency ultrasound guidance to compare the efficacy of percutaneous release combined with intra-tendon sheath injection (PR-ITSI) and percutaneous release only (PR-ONLY) in the treatment of adult trigger finger (TF) patients.Materials and methods: A total of 48 patients were randomly divided into PR-ITSI group and PR-ONLY group. The thickness of the A1 pulley was measured prior to surgery and 1-year after surgery. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score and Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) scale score of affected fingers were evaluated at 1 day, 1 month, and 1 year after surgery.Results: The overall difference of VAS score between the two groups after treatment was statistically significant (p<0.001), while the VAS scores gradually decreased in both groups at different time-points after treatment. The VAS scores in the PR-ITSI group at 1 day and 1 month after surgery were 1.475 and 0.904 (p<0.001), respectively, which were lower than those in the PR-ONLY group. Different treatment methods had no effect on the VAS score at 1 year after surgery (p=0.055). The thickness of the A1 pulley at 1 year after surgery was lower than that before surgery (p<0.001), whereas there was no significant difference in A1 pulley thickness between the two groups (p=0.095). The rate of PGI-I scale improvement by one grade at 1 day, 1 month, and 1 year after surgery in the PR-ITSI group was 15.322 times (95%CI: 4.466-52.573, p<0.001), 14.807 times (95%CI: 2.931-74.799, p=0.001), and 15.557 times (95%CI: 1.119-216.307, p=0.041), respectively, than that in the PR-ONLY group.Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided PR-ITSI is superior to PR-ONLY in the VAS score and PGI-I scale for adult TF patients.
Efficient deep-blue luminescence based on dual-channel intra/intermolecular exciplexes
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Dou Dehai , Xia Rongrong , Wu Peng , Spuling Eduard , Wang Ke , Cao Jin , Wei Bin , Li Xifeng , Zhang Jianhua , Bräse Stefan , Wang Zixing
Published: May 2023

Highly efficient and stable blue organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) cannot be easily obtained simultaneously. In particular, the efficiency roll-off as a reference index to evaluate the lifetime of deep-blue OLED at high luminescence is still severe. A novel molecule (
CzSiTrz
) connected with carbazole and triazine fragments by a nonconjugated silicon atom is designed. An intramolecular charge transfer emission and intermolecular exciplex luminescence in the aggregated state are obtained, resulting in a dual-channel intra/intermolecular exciplex (
DCIE

) emission

with fast and efficient reverse intersystem crossing (RISC). Deep-blue OLED with Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) coordinates of (0.157, 0.076) and a record-high external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 20.35% at high luminance (5000 cd m
−2
) is accomplished. Simple molecular synthesis and device fabrication of this strategy give a unique approach to realizing high-performance deep-blue electroluminescence.
Lead-chelating hole-transport layers for efficient and stable perovskite minimodules
Authors: Fei Chengbin , Li Nengxu , Wang Mengru , Wang Xiaoming , Gu Hangyu , Chen Bo , Zhang Zhao , Ni Zhenyi , Jiao Haoyang , Xu Wenzhan , Shi Zhifang , Yan Yanfa , Huang Jinsong
Published: May 2023

The defective bottom interfaces of perovskites and hole-transport layers (HTLs) limit the performance of p-i-n structure perovskite solar cells. We report that the addition of lead chelation molecules into HTLs can strongly interact with lead(II) ion (Pb
2+
), resulting in a reduced amorphous region in perovskites near HTLs and a passivated perovskite bottom surface. The minimodule with an aperture area of 26.9 square centimeters has a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 21.8% (stabilized at 21.1%) that is certified by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), which corresponds to a minimal small-cell efficiency of 24.6% (stabilized 24.1%) throughout the module area. Small-area cells and large-area minimodules with lead chelation molecules in HTLs had a light soaking stability of 3010 and 2130 hours, respectively, at an efficiency loss of 10% from the initial value under 1-sun illumination and open-circuit voltage conditions.
An abundance of free regulatory (19
S
) proteasome particles regulates neuronal synapses
Authors: Sun Chao , Desch Kristina , Nassim-Assir Belquis , Giandomenico Stefano L. , Nemcova Paulina , Langer Julian D. , Schuman Erin M.
Published: May 2023

The proteasome, the major protein-degradation machine in cells, regulates neuronal synapses and long-term information storage. Here, using super-resolution microscopy, we found that the two essential subcomplexes of the proteasome, the regulatory (19
S
) and catalytic (20
S
) particles, are differentially distributed within individual rat cortical neurons. We discovered an unexpected abundance of free 19
S
particles near synapses. The free neuronal 19
S
particles bind and deubiquitylate lysine 63–ubiquitin (Lys
63
-ub), a non–proteasome-targeting ubiquitin linkage. Pull-down assays revealed a significant overrepresentation of synaptic molecules as Lys
63
-ub interactors. Inhibition of the 19
S
deubiquitylase activity significantly altered excitatory synaptic transmission and reduced the synaptic availability of AMPA receptors at multiple trafficking points in a proteasome-independent manner. Together, these results reveal a moonlighting function of the regulatory proteasomal subcomplex near synapses.
Structures of the free and capped ends of the actin filament
Authors: Carman Peter J. , Barrie Kyle R. , Rebowski Grzegorz , Dominguez Roberto
Published: May 2023

The barbed and pointed ends of the actin filament (F-actin) are the sites of growth and shrinkage and the targets of capping proteins that block subunit exchange, including CapZ at the barbed end and tropomodulin at the pointed end. We describe cryo-electron microscopy structures of the free and capped ends of F-actin. Terminal subunits at the free barbed end adopt a “flat” F-actin conformation. CapZ binds with minor changes to the barbed end but with major changes to itself. By contrast, subunits at the free pointed end adopt a “twisted” monomeric actin (G-actin) conformation. Tropomodulin binding forces the second subunit into an F-actin conformation. The structures reveal how the ends differ from the middle in F-actin and how these differences control subunit addition, dissociation, capping, and interactions with end-binding proteins.
Plainly fixing crystal lattices
Authors: Chung In
Published: May 2023

A thermoelectric alloy achieves high performance in electronic cooling
Assessment of Enterovirus Antibodies during Early Childhood Using a Multiplex Immunoassay
Authors: Jouppila N. V. V. , Lehtonen J. , Seppälä E. , Puustinen L. , Oikarinen S. , Laitinen O. H. , Knip M. , Hyöty H. , Hytönen V. P.
Published: May 2023

Enteroviruses cause a wide variety of symptoms ranging from a mild rash and the common cold to paralyzing poliomyelitis. While enteroviruses are among the most common human pathogens, there is a need for new, affordable serological assays with which to study pathogen-disease connections in large cohorts, as enteroviruses have been linked to several chronic illnesses, such as type 1 diabetes mellitus and asthma exacerbations.
Sequence of Three-, Two-, and One-Dimensional Structures Formed from a Cholesteric Liquid Crystal at Change in the Chirality
Authors: Baklanova K. D. , Dolganov V. K. , Kats E. I. , Dolganov P. V.
Published: May 2023

In this work the formation of modulated structures in chiral liquid crystals is studied. For different chiral nematics that at low temperature form the usual (with twist in one direction) cholesteric phase, we found that at high temperature in the vicinity of the phase transition into isotropic liquid a universal sequence of structural transformations is observed. Planar cholesteric transforms at short helical pitch into the three-dimensional phases with cubic symmetry (Blue Phases), in two-dimensional structure at intermediate helical pitch and in one-dimensional structure in the plane of the sample at large pitch. The structures possess periodic orientational and translational order on scales much larger than molecular scale. Optical measurements were made on ordered structures obtained near the transition temperature to the isotropic phase. Possible reasons of formation of the structures are discussed on the basis of existing experimental data and theoretical considerations.
Active Suppression of the Light Shift in an Atomic Clock Based on Coherent Population Trapping in 87Rb Vapor Using the Phase Jump Technique
Authors: Radnatarov D. A. , Kobtsev S. M. , Andryushkov V. A. , Basalaev M. Yu. , Taichenachev A. V. , Radchenko M. D. , Yudin V. I.
Published: May 2023

The active suppression of light shift of the reference coherent population trapping (CPT) resonance in87Rb vapor to improve the long-term stability of compact atomic clocks has been demonstrated experimentally. The approach is based on the phase jump technique used to synthesize an error signal, which is proportional to the light shift of the CPT resonance, from an optical transmission signal. The use of this error signal in an additional feedback loop allows one to stabilize the amplitude of a microwave signal for the phase modulation of laser radiation near a value at which the light shift of the CPT resonance is absent. This technique has made it possible to reduce the long-term instability of CPT atomic clocks in our experiments by a factor of 15 at an integration time of 10 000–20 000 s.
Observation of the Strong Magneto-Optical Rotation of the Polarization of Light in Rubidium Vapor for Applications in Atomic Magnetometry
Authors: Makarov A. O. , Brazhnikov D. V. , Goncharov A. N.
Published: May 2023

Nonlinear resonances in alkali metal vapor, which are detected by the magneto-optical rotation of the linear polarization of light, are actively used in quantum magnetometry to fabricate atomic magnetometers. The magneto-optical rotation in most such sensors is due to magnetic birefringence, and rotation angles usually do not exceed tens of milliradians. In this work, an experiment where magneto-optical resonances of linear polarization rotation of a probe wave are due to strong dichroism induced in a medium by a counterpropagating pump wave has been proposed. Both waves are in resonance with the Fg = 2 → Fe = 1 optical transition in the 87Rb D1 line (λ ≈ 795 nm). Experiments have been carried out with a 2-cm-long cylindrical cell filled with a buffer gas, and the maximum rotation angle is ≈390 mrad (22°) at a width of resonance of about 300 nT. The results show that the configuration proposed for the observation of magneto-optical rotation is promising for the fabrication of compact high-sensitivity atomic magnetometers.
Ethical reporting of research on violence against women and children: a review of current practice and recommendations for future guidelines
Authors: Peterman Amber , Devries Karen , Guedes Alessandra , Chandan Joht Singh , Minhas Sonica , Lim Rachel Qian Hui , Gennari Floriza , Bhatia Amiya
Published: May 2023

Changes in research practice during the COVID-19 pandemic necessitates renewed attention to ethical protocols and reporting for data collection on sensitive topics. This review summarises the state of ethical reporting among studies collecting violence data during early stages of the pandemic. We systematically searched for journal publications from the start of the pandemic to November 2021, identifying 75 studies that collected primary data on violence against women and/or violence against children. We developed and applied a 14-item checklist of best practices to assess the transparency of ethics reporting and adherence to relevant global guidelines on violence research. Studies reported adhering to best practices on 31% of scored items. Reporting was highest for ethical clearance (87%) and informed consent/assent (84/83%) and lowest for whether measures to promote interviewer safety and support (3%), for facilitating referrals for minors and soliciting participant feedback were in place (both 0%). Violence studies employing primary data collection during COVID-19 reported on few ethical standards, obscuring stakeholder ability to enforce a ‘do no harm’ approach and to assess the reliability of findings. We offer recommendations and guidelines to improve future reporting and implementation of ethics within violence studies.
Investigating online activity in UK adolescent mental health patients: a feasibility study using a natural language processing approach for electronic health records
Authors: Sedgwick Rosemary , Bittar André , Kalsi Herkiran , Barack Tamara , Downs Johnny , Dutta Rina
Published: May 2023

Objectives

To assess the feasibility of using a natural language processing (NLP) application for extraction of free-text online activity mentions in adolescent mental health patient electronic health records (EHRs).

Setting

The Clinical Records Interactive Search system allows detailed research based on deidentified EHRs from the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, a large south London Mental Health Trust providing secondary and tertiary mental healthcare.

Participants and methods

We developed a gazetteer of online activity terms and annotation guidelines, from 5480 clinical notes (200 adolescents, aged 11–17 years) receiving specialist mental healthcare. The preprocessing and manual curation steps of this real-world data set allowed development of a rule-based NLP application to automate identification of online activity (internet, social media, online gaming) mentions in EHRs. The context of each mention was also recorded manually as: supportive, detrimental or neutral in a subset of data for additional analysis.

Results

The NLP application performed with good precision (0.97) and recall (0.94) for identification of online activity mentions. Preliminary analyses found 34% of online activity mentions were considered to have been documented within a supportive context for the young person, 38% detrimental and 28% neutral.

Conclusion

Our results provide an important example of a rule-based NLP methodology to accurately identify online activity recording in EHRs, enabling researchers to now investigate associations with a range of adolescent mental health outcomes.
DIONYSIUS trial: “Does increasing oxygen nurture your symptomatic ischaemic ulcer sufficiently?” Study protocol for an international multicentre randomised trial
Authors: Brouwer Robin , van der Peet Rowan , Hoencamp Rigo , Koelemay Mark , van Dieren Susan , van Hulst Rob , Ubbink Dirk
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a major complication of diabetes and often associated with peripheral arterial occlusive disease. Current available evidence shows hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can reduce the risk of major amputation, but clinicians remain sceptical about the (cost-)effectiveness and feasibility of HBOT for ischaemic DFUs in clinical practice. Therefore, vascular surgeons and HBOT physicians worldwide feel a strong need for a sufficiently powered clinical trial to determine whether and how many HBOT sessions may be a (cost-)effective adjunctive treatment to ischaemic DFUs.

Methods

An international, multicentre, multi-arm multi-stage design is chosen to conduct an efficient randomised clinical trial. Patients will be randomised to receive standard care (wound treatment and surgical interventions following international guidelines) with either 0, 20, 30 or at least 40 sessions of HBOT. These sessions will comprise 90–120 min of HBOT at a pressure of 2.2–2.5 atmospheres absolute according to international standards. Based on a planned interim analysis, the best performing study arm(s) will continue. Primary end point is major amputation (ie, above ankle) rate after 12 months. Secondary end points are amputation-free survival, wound healing, health-related quality of life and cost-effectiveness.

Ethics and dissemination

All patients enrolled in this trial will receive maximum vascular, endovascular or conservative treatment and local wound care according to best practice and (inter)national guidelines. HBOT therapy is added to the standard treatment and is regarded as a low-risk to moderate-risk therapy. The study is approved by the medical ethics committee of the Amsterdam University Medical Centers, location University of Amsterdam.

Trial registration number

2020-000449-15, NL9152,NCT05804097.
Activities of daily living after surgery among older patients with gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary-pancreatic cancers: a retrospective observational study using nationwide health services utilisation data from Japan
Authors: Okuyama Ayako , Kosaka Hisashi , Kaibori Masaki , Higashi Takahiro , Ogawa Asao
Published: May 2023

Objectives

The effectiveness and impact of any treatment on patients’ physical functions, especially in older patients, should be closely considered. This study aimed to evaluate activities of daily living (ADLs) after oncological surgery in patients with gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary-pancreatic cancers by age groups in Japan.

Design

Retrospective observational study using health services utilisation data from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2016.

Setting

Data for patients with gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary-pancreatic cancers diagnosed in 2015 from 431 hospitals nationwide in Japan.

Participants

Patients who underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and laparoscopic or open surgery were included.

Outcome measures

The proportion of ADL decline at discharge, death and unexpected readmission within 6 weeks postsurgery was calculated by age groups (40–74, 75–79 and ≥80 years).

Results

Data for 68 032 patients were analysed. The difference in the proportion of ADL decline after ESD/EMR between patients aged ≥80 years and <75 years was marginal (0.8%–2.5%), whereas that after laparoscopic (4.8%–5.9%) or open surgery (4.6%–9.4%) was large, except for pancreatic cancer (3.0%). Among patients with gastric cancer who underwent laparoscopic or open surgery, the proportion of unexpected readmission tended to be higher in patients aged ≥80 years than in the remaining younger patients (laparoscopic surgery 4.8% vs 2.3% (p=0.001); open surgery 7.3% vs 4.4% (p<0.001)). The postoperative mortality rate was <3% (<10 cases) across all ages and cancer types.

Conclusions

In ESD/EMR, postoperative ADL decline was almost the same between older and younger patients. Laparoscopic or open surgery is associated with increased rates of ADL decline in older patients, especially in those aged ≥80 years. The potential decline in ADLs should be carefully considered preoperatively to best maintain the patient’s quality of life postsurgery.
Development of quality indicators for the diagnosis and treatment of urinary tract infections in general practice: a RAND appropriateness method
Authors: Saust Laura Trolle , Siersma Volkert Dirk , Bjerrum Lars , Hansen Malene Plejdrup
Published: May 2023

Objective

To develop a set of quality indicators for the diagnosis and antibiotic treatment of adult patients with suspected urinary tract infections in general practice.

Design

A Research and Development/University of California Los Angeles appropriateness method was used.

Setting

Danish general practice.

Subjects

A panel of nine experts, mainly general practitioners, was asked to rate the relevance of 27 preliminary quality indicators. The set of indicators was based on the most recent Danish guidelines for the management of patients with suspected urinary tract infection. An online meeting was held to resolve misinterpretations and achieve consensus.

Main outcome measures

The experts were asked to rate the indicators on a nine-point Likert scale. Consensus of appropriateness was reached if the overall panel median rating was 7–9 with agreement. Agreement was defined as: no more than one expert rated the indicator outside the three-point region (1–3, 4–6 and 7–9) containing the median.

Results

A total of 23 of the 27 proposed quality indicators attained consensus. One additional indicator was proposed by the panel of experts, leading to a final set of 24 quality indicators. All indicators focusing on the diagnostic process achieved consensus of appropriateness, while the experts agreed on three quarters of the proposed quality indicators concerning either the treatment decision or the choice of antibiotics.

Conclusion

This set of quality indicators may be used to strengthen general practice’s focus on the management of patients with a possible urinary tract infection and to identify potential quality problems.
Registry-based study in people with cystic fibrosis and anR117Hvariant treated with ivacaftor
Authors: Higgins Mark , Farietta Thalia , Campbell Daniel , Liu Meng , Ostrenga Josh , Elbert Alexander , Shih Judy , Volkova Nataliya
Published: May 2023

Background

Ivacaftor approval was extended to people with cystic fibrosis (CF) and anR117Hvariant in 2014 in the USA. This observational, real-world, postapproval study evaluated long-term outcomes among people with CF and anR117Hvariant on ivacaftor using data from the US Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Patient Registry.

Methods

Key outcomes were evaluated in ivacaftor-treated people with CF and anR117Hvariant for up to 36 months before and after treatment initiation using within-group comparisons. Analyses were descriptive in nature, focused on evaluation of observed outcome patterns over time and were performed both overall and for age groups ≥2 to <6 years, ≥6 to <18 years and ≥18 years. Key outcomes included lung function, body mass index (BMI), pulmonary exacerbations (PEx) and hospitalisations.

Results

The ivacaftor cohort included 369 people with CF and anR117Hvariant who initiated therapy between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2016. During each of the 12-month intervals following treatment initiation, the mean observed percent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s (ppFEV1) and BMI values were higher and the mean annualised number of PEx and hospitalisation events were lower than pretreatment values. Mean change in ppFEV1from pretreatment baseline was an increase of 1.5 (95% CI 0.8 to 2.3), 1.7 (95% CI 0.7 to 2.7) and 1.8 (95% CI 0.6 to 3.0) percentage points in the first, second and third years of treatment, respectively. Similar trends were observed in adult and paediatric subgroups.

Conclusions

The results support the clinical effectiveness of ivacaftor in people with CF and anR117Hvariant, including adult and paediatric subgroups.
Activation of an alkyne: the preparation, structure, and reactivity of an acetylenic amidinium ion derived from an N-heterocyclic carbene
Authors: Laprade Matthew J.J. , Robertson Katherine N. , Clyburne Jason A.C.
Published: May 2023

(Bromoethynyl)benzene dissolved in hexane reacts with 1,3-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene (IMes) to produce the acetylenic amidinium salt [Ph-C≡C-IMes][Br]. Treatment of the bromide salt with KPF6 then results in the isolation of solid [Ph-C≡C-IMes][PF6]. Both salts have been characterized spectroscopically and their structures determined using X-ray crystallography. Crystals of a hydrolysis product were also isolated from this reaction on one occasion and its structure is reported. This led us to explore the reactivity of the bromide salt further. It was found to react rapidly with sodium azide (NaN3), azidotrimethylsilane ((CH3)3Si-N3), cyanotrimethylsilane ((CH3)3Si-CN), and also with IMes. All of the addition products have been characterized using X-ray crystallography.
A Nondegenerate n-Dimensional Hyperchaotic Map Model with Application in a Keyed Parallel Hash Function
Authors: Zhao Mengdi , Liu Hongjun
Published: May 2023

The construction of multidimensional discrete hyperchaotic maps with ergodicity and larger Lyapunov exponents is desired in cryptography. Here, we have designed a general [Formula: see text]D ([Formula: see text]) discrete hyperchaotic map ([Formula: see text]D-DHCM) model that can generate any nondegenerate [Formula: see text]D chaotic map with Lyapunov exponents of desired size through setting the control matrix. To verify the effectiveness of the [Formula: see text]D-DHCM, we have provided two illustrative examples and analyzed their dynamic behavior, and the results demonstrated that their state points have ergodicity within a sufficiently large interval. Furthermore, to address the finite precision effect of the simulation platform, we analyzed the relationship between the size of Lyapunov exponent and the randomness of the corresponding state time sequence of the [Formula: see text]D-DHCM. Finally, we designed a keyed parallel hash function based on a 6D-DHCM to evaluate the practicability of the [Formula: see text]D-DHCM. Experimental results have demonstrated that [Formula: see text]D discrete chaotic maps constructed using [Formula: see text]D-DHCM have desirable Lyapunov exponents, and can be applied to practical applications.
Impact liquefaction mechanism of sandy silt with a change in impact energy
Authors: Dong Chen-Xi , Duan Zhao , Li Renwei , Li Jiangshan , Li Heng , Wang Nianqin , Peng Jianbing , Chen Xin
Published: May 2023

The impact liquefaction of sediments in the path of a landslide would reduce the friction of the sliding surface, leading to an increase in the speed and distance of the landslide. In this study, a self-designed impact-liquefaction test was used to explore the pressure development of soil under the effect of different impact energies. The microscopic mechanisms were unravelled by using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) methods. The results show that soil at the middle depth shows a higher porewater pressure than at the top and bottom of the layer. Furthermore, the variation in the porewater pressure in these parts is relatively stable, and the peak pressure linearly increases with impact energy. The collapse of large pores in sandy silt is the primary reason for the generation of high porewater pressures in sandy silt. But when the soils are high-energy impacted, the mesopores and small pores are compressed and blocked, which also stimulates the porewater pressure. The results also demonstrate weak drainage behaviour of sandy silt under conditions of rapid impact. If the impact energy is sufficient, the porewater pressure in sandy silt suppresses dissipation, causing quick liquefaction in the interior of the sandy silt.

Supplementary material:
Language embellishment proof and SEM image binarization method are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.6655482
Redactable Distributed Ledgers: A Survey
Authors: Fathalla Efat , Wang Chonggang , Li Xu , Gazda Robert , Wu Hongyi
Published: May 2023

Blockchain and distributed ledger technology started as a decentralized infrastructure to enable and manage digital currency like Bitcoin without relying on a central authority. One of the attractive features provided by blockchain technology is its append-only “immutability” feature, which means the stored data cannot be modified or manipulated by any means once it is validated in the blockchain ledger. Such immutability helps traceability, auditing, and non-repudiation, which builds decentralized trust among un-trusted parties. Despite that, immutability if misused could lead to the permanent existence of sensitive information and misinformation in the blockchain. Incidents like broadcasting illegal content have already taken their place in blockchain systems. Such incidents call for prompt solutions for mitigation. One emerging research theme, “redactable distributed ledgers” such as redactable blockchain provides approaches for modifying ledgers with certain controllability. This article aims to survey the current research landscape about redactable distributed ledgers. We will first describe the motivations behind redactable distributed ledgers. Compared to other relevant surveys, we comprehensively summarized and briefly explained the underlying technologies for supporting redactable distributed ledgers. We mainly focused on chameleon hash-based redactable blockchain structure and classifications, with detailed comparisons and illustrations. Further, we tackled new distributed ledger structures, including the new state-of-the-art block matrix structure. Furthermore, new applications that can be enabled by redactable distributed ledgers and future research directions are discussed in detail. This article emphasizes the motivation of utilizing the redactable distributed ledgers in several critical applications to mitigate misuse of immutability features threatening the original known design of distributed ledgers.
Investigation of the Direct Contact Prelithiation of Silicon-Graphite Composite Anodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Stumper Benedikt , Mayr Andreas , Mosler Kathrin , Kriegler Johannes , Daub Rüdiger
Published: May 2023

Silicon is a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries due to its high theoretical capacity. However, current lithium-ion batteries with high silicon shares in the anodes suffer from rapid capacity fading. The continuous reformation of the solid electrolyte interphase due to particle volume changes during lithiation consumes cyclable lithium. Direct contact prelithiation is a method to counteract lithium losses during the formation and operation of lithium-ion batteries. By providing excess lithium to the anodes during battery cell production, the cycle life of lithium-ion batteries can be increased. Within this work, the process characteristics of direct contact prelithiation and its effect on battery performance are investigated experimentally. Therefore, silicon-graphite composite anodes were mechanically prelithiated using lithium foil and incorporated in lithium-ion battery pouch cells. The prelithiation time and the cell pressure were systematically varied to obtain insights in to the process behavior. Additionally, the lithium quantity was controlled by lithium foil thickness and sample geometry. The prelithiation state of the anodes was examined by optical analysis and measurements of the cells’ open circuit voltage. The effect of anode prelithiation on the battery cell cycling behavior showed a cycle life increase of up to 150% compared to reference cells with non-prelithiated anodes.
An Adaptive Double Extended Kalman Filter Algorithm Based on Incremental Change Rate for Co-estimation of Battery SOC and Capacity
Authors: Lei Mingdong , Wu Bin , Li Peng , Yang Wenyao , Xu Jianhua , Yang Yajie
Published: May 2023

The battery state of charge (SOC) and capacity are important state management indicators of the battery management system, and their estimation accuracy directly affects the safety of power battery use and the driver’s driving experience. Since the increment change rate of the estimated variable can reflect the changing trend of the estimated variable, an extended Kalman filter algorithm based on the increment change rate is proposed in this paper, on this basis, an adaptive double-extended Kalman filter algorithm based on incremental change rate is constructed for the co-estimation of SOC and capacity of batteries. The tests under various operating conditions show that the target algorithm proposed in this paper has greater advantages over the traditional adaptive double-extended Kalman filter algorithm, and the maximum absolute error value (MAE) and root mean square error (RMSE) of the target algorithm can be reduced by 36.3% and 74.4% (SOC), 95.5% and 97.6% (capacity) compared with the traditional adaptive double-extended Kalman filter algorithm under DST operating conditions; The MAE and RMSE of the target algorithm can be reduced by 79.1% and 92.3% (SOC), 95.4% and 96.2% (capacity) under BBDST operating conditions.
Synthesis of Ni–TiO2 Nanocomposites as Enzyme–Less, Amperometric Sensors for the Electrooxidation of Glucose
Authors: de los Rios J. P. , Galvan Vicente , Prakash G. K. Surya
Published: May 2023

The simple synthesis of a Ni–TiO2 nanocomposite supported on Vulcan carbon (XC–72 R) for the electrooxidation reaction of glucose is reported. Four transition metal weight ratios were synthesized and characterized. Cyclic voltammetry studies in 0.1 M NaOH demonstrate that the four metal catalysts can effectively oxidize 1 mM glucose, with the 3:1 (60%) Ni to Ti nanocomposite yielding the highest current. The 60% Ni–TiO2/XC72R catalyst was used to construct an enzyme–less, chronoamperometric sensor for glucose detection in an alkaline medium. Using 50 μM aliquots of glucose at a potential of +0.7 V (vs Hg/HgO), the sensor responded rapidly (<3 s), provided a sensitivity of 3300 μA mM−1 cm−2, detection limits of 144 nM (Signal/Noise = 3), and excellent selectivity and reproducibility. The glucose aliquot concentrations were then increased to 1 mM to mimic physiological blood conditions of 1–20 mM. At a potential of +0.7 V (vs Hg/HgO), the sensor continued to respond rapidly (<1 s), showed a sensitivity of 273.7 μA mM−1 cm−2, detection limits of 3.13 μM (S/N = 3), and excellent selectivity and reproducibility. The catalyst also exhibited an ideal anti–poisoning capability to free chloride ions and negligible signals towards other interfering species.
Unpacking and validating the “integration” core concept of physiology by an Australian team
Authors: Moro Christian , Douglas Tracy , Phillips Ruben , Towstoless Michelle , Hayes Alan , Hryciw Deanne H. , Lexis Louise , Tangalakis Kathy ,   Task Force
Published: May 2023

This article proposes the inclusion of a core concept regarding “integration” into physiology-based curricula, with the descriptor “cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems interact to create and sustain life.” This concept expands prior knowledge and applies physiological understanding to real-world scenarios and introduces contexts such as medications, diseases, and aging to the student learning experience. To comprehend the topics within the Integration core concept, students will need to apply learned material from earlier semesters.
Use of factor analysis to model relationships between bone mass and physical, dietary, and metabolic factors in frail and pre-frail older adults
Authors: Esteves Gabriel P. , Swinton Paul , Sale Craig , Gualano Bruno , Roschel Hamilton , Dolan Eimear
Published: May 2023

We used factor analysis and structural equation modeling, which are rarely used in nutrition or exercise science, but constitute powerful tools that may overcome limitations of traditional analyses, combining individual related variables into factors or constructs of interest. Our investigation represents a starting point on this progressive pathway, providing useful insight and a working model for researchers and practitioners who wish to tackle complex problems such as the multifactorial causes of bone loss in older adults.