bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early‐Onset and Severe Complex Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia Caused by De Novo Variants in SPAST
Authors: Mo Alisa , Saffari Afshin , Kellner Melanie , Döbler‐Neumann Marion , Jordan Catherine , Srivastava Siddharth , Zhang Bo , Sahin Mustafa , Fink John K. , Smith Linsley , Posey Jennifer E. , Alter Katharine E. , Toro Camilo , Blackstone Craig , Soldatos Ariane G. , Christie Michelle , Schüle Rebecca , Ebrahimi‐Fakhari Darius
Published: September 2022

Background

Familial hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP)‐SPAST (SPG4) typically presents with a pure HSP phenotype.

Objective

The aim of this study was to delineate the genotypic and phenotypic spectrum of children with de novo HSP‐SPAST.

Methods

This study used a systematic cross‐sectional analysis of clinical and molecular features.

Results

We report the clinical and molecular spectrum of 40 patients with heterozygous pathogenic de novo variants in SPAST (age range: 2.2–27.7 years). We identified 19 unique variants (16/40 carried the same recurrent variant, p.Arg499His). Symptom onset was in early childhood (median: 11.0 months, interquartile range: 6.0 months) with significant motor and speech delay, followed by progressive ascending spasticity, dystonia, neurogenic bladder dysfunction, gastrointestinal dysmotility, and epilepsy. The mean Spastic Paraplegia Rating Scale score was 32.8 ± 9.7 (standard deviation).

Conclusions

These results confirm that de novo variants in SPAST lead to a severe and complex form of HSP that differs from classic familial pure HSP‐SPAST. Clinicians should be aware of this syndrome in the differential diagnosis for cerebral palsy. © 2022 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Convergence to diffusion waves for solutions of 1D Keller–Segel model
Authors: Liu Fengling , Zhang Nangao , Zhu Changjiang
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we are concerned with the asymptotic behavior of solutions to the Cauchy problem (or initial‐boundary value problem) of one‐dimensional Keller–Segel model. For the Cauchy problem, we prove that the solutions time‐asymptotically converge to the nonlinear diffusion wave whose profile is self‐similar solution to the corresponding parabolic equation, which is derived by Darcy's law. For the initial‐boundary value problem, we consider two cases: Dirichlet boundary condition and null‐Neumann boundary condition on
. In the case of Dirichlet boundary condition, similar to the Cauchy problem, the asymptotic profile is still the self‐similar solution of the corresponding parabolic equation, which is derived by Darcy's law; thus, we only need to deal with boundary effect. In the case of null‐Neumann boundary condition, the global existence and asymptotic behavior of solutions near constant steady states are established. The proof is based on the elementary energy method and some delicate analysis of the corresponding asymptotic profiles.
Factors associated with sleep health in young women after breast cancer treatment
Authors: Hwang Youri , Conley Samantha , Jeon Sangchoon , Redeker Nancy S. , Sanft Tara , Knobf M. Tish
Published: September 2022

Young women with breast cancer (YWBC) report physical and psychological symptom distress after therapy but little is known about their sleep health. The purpose of this study was to identify sociodemographic, clinical, and psychosocial factors associated with sleep health and assess the potential role of appraisal of illness and coping on sleep health. An adapted cognitive appraisal and coping conceptual framework guided the study. We used a cross‐sectional design with 159 women who were diagnosed with stage I–III breast cancer ≤50 years old. Sleep health was measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The mean age was 43.6 years (SD = 6.8), the majority of whom were non‐Hispanic White (84%) and completed chemotherapy or radiotherapy (>70%). More than half of participants (55%) reported poor sleep health (PSQI > 8), and those with worse family functioning and from a racial/ethnic minority group were significantly more likely to have poor sleep health. Cognitive appraisal had a minimal mediation effect for anxiety on sleep health, and coping did not mediate the effect of any psychosocial variables on sleep health. Poor sleep health is a significant clinical problem in YWBC. Further research is needed to explore sleep health disparities among diverse cancer survivors and to examine sleep health in the context of family. Sleep assessment, management, and appropriate referrals to sleep providers should be part of routine survivorship care.
An uncertain time: Clinical nurses' first impressions during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Copel Linda Carman , Lengetti Evelyn , McKeever Amy , Pariseault Christine A. , Smeltzer Suzanne C.
Published: September 2022

The COVID‐19 pandemic overwhelmed the US healthcare system and healthcare providers. Nurses, who comprise one of the most affected groups because they are the largest group of healthcare providers, were in a unique position to speak about their perspectives. As a result of the COVID‐19 pandemic, nurses have experienced ongoing physical and psychological challenges while displaying strength and perseverance during uncertain times. In this study, we explored the perceptions and experiences of nurses in clinical practice caring for patients diagnosed with COVID‐19 during the pandemic. Researchers conducted a qualitative descriptive study with 20 clinical nurses most of whom were enrolled in a graduate program while working in healthcare settings. Semi‐structured interviews conducted through Zoom occurred between August 2020 and December 2020. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the transcripts. Five themes emerged: navigating uncertainty, managing death and loss, acknowledging emotional responses, learning opportunities, and facing community undercurrents. Lack of clinical practice guidelines, and inconsistent access to personal protective equipment when providing care to patients with COVID‐19 caused emotional strain for nurses and highlighted future learning opportunities. Providing support to dying patients was devastating to nurses. Concern about community misunderstandings of the pandemic created challenges. Evolving teamwork provided invaluable support to study participants. Nurses shared essential information for revising and creating clinical practice guidelines. Nursing interventions and strategies were used to produce humane and positive patient outcomes and provide a foundation for nurse‐driven care in possible future pandemics.
Crystal structure of Arabidopsis DWARF14‐LIKE2 (DLK2) reveals a distinct substrate binding pocket architecture
Authors: Bürger Marco , Honda Kaori , Kondoh Yasumitsu , Hong Sharon , Watanabe Nobumoto , Osada Hiroyuki , Chory Joanne
Published: September 2022

In Arabidopsis thaliana, the Sigma factor B regulator RsbQ‐like family of α/β hydrolases contains the strigolactone (SL) receptor DWARF14 (AtD14), the karrikin receptor KARRIKIN INSENSITIVE2 (AtKAI2), and DWARF14‐LIKE2 (AtDLK2), a protein of unknown function. Despite very similar protein folds, AtD14 and AtKAI2 differ in size and architecture of their ligand binding pockets, influencing their substrate specificity. We present the 1.5 Å crystal structure of AtDLK2, revealing the smallest ligand binding pocket in the protein family, bordered by two unique glycine residues. We identified a gatekeeper residue in the protein's lid domain and present a pyrrolo‐quinoline‐dione compound that inhibits AtDLK2's enzymatic activity.
Aromaticity study of singlet‐ and triplet‐state corannulene dianion and dication
Authors: Aleksić Jovana , Stojanović Milovan , Baranac‐Stojanović Marija
Published: September 2022

Aromaticity rules in the ground singlet state and the first excited triplet state are exactly opposite, as shown by Baird. Thus, (4n + 2)π electron annulenes are antiaromatic and 4nπ annulenes are aromatic in their triplet state. In this work, we employ quantum‐mechanical calculations at the density functional theory (DFT) level to examine (anti)aromaticity of singlet and triplet corannulene dianion and dication in their bowl‐shaped ground‐state structure and planar transition‐state structure. We find that singlet dianion contains aromatic hub and antiaromatic rim, whereas singlet dication is an antiaromatic system. This agrees with previous calculations of current density induced by perpendicular magnetic field. For triplet dianion, we find that it can be described as having aromatic rim and nonaromatic hub. Triplet dication was found to be nonaromatic, though in planar transition‐state structure, locally and semiglobally antiaromatic naphthalene subunit and aromatic central ring can be discerned.
Knowledge domain and emerging trends in brachytherapy: A scientometric analysis
Authors: Ghazbani Arash , Abdolahi Mohammad , Mansourzadeh Mohammad Javad , BasirianJahromi Reza , Behzadipour Sina , Mohseni Azad Anali , Talebzadeh Bardia , Khosravi Abdolrasoul , Hamidi Ali
Published: September 2022

Objective

Assessing the current scientific situation helps to recognize the gaps and strengths of brachytherapy research projects. This research project was conducted to assess the knowledge domain and emerging trends in brachytherapy through a scientometric perspective.

Methods

For the present research, the Web of Science database was considered as the data source. Integrated data was transferred to Bibliometrix R Package V3.1. In this study, the scientometric approach was performed by CiteSpace 5.8.R3 to draw the trends and signify issues in the research area. Eventually, scientometric indicators were evaluated at the level of authors, documents, journals, organizations, and countries.

Results

A total of 31,362 documents from 64,740 Independent researchers were retrieved. The United States, Germany, and Canada were the most active countries in brachytherapy‐related research projects. In the present study, Luc Beaulieu, Christine Kirisits, and Ronald Nath were identified as the most influential authors. Eventually, keywords clusters were constructed by using the method of co‐citation analysis. In this case, the main clusters were cervical cancer and prostate cancer.

Conclusion

Assessing the scientific trends in brachytherapy indicated that new insights have been gained into this cancer treatment technique. In this case, development of computer applications and artificial intelligence alongside deep learning utilization provides new horizons for oncology and radiotherapy researchers.
Systematic comparison of 1D and 2D hydrodynamic models for the assessment of hydropeaking alterations
Authors: Bürgler Matthias , Vetsch David F. , Boes Robert M. , Vanzo Davide
Published: September 2022

Numerical hydrodynamic models enable the simulation of hydraulic conditions under various scenarios and are thus suitable tools for hydropeaking related assessments. However, the choice of the necessary model complexity and the consequences of modelling choices are not trivial and only few guidelines exist. In this study, we systematically evaluate numerical one‐dimensional (1D) and two‐dimensional (2D) hydrodynamic models with varying spatial resolution regarding their suitability as input for hydropeaking‐sensitive, ecologically relevant hydraulic parameters (ERHPs), and their computational efficiency. The considered ERHPs include the vertical dewatering velocity, the wetted area variation between base and peak flow and the bed shear stress as a proxy for macroinvertebrate drift. Furthermore, we quantified the habitat suitability of brown trout for different life stages. The evaluation is conducted for three channel planforms with morphological characteristics representative for regulated Alpine Rivers, ranging from alternating bars to a braiding river morphology. For the prediction of habitat suitability and bed shear stress, a 1D model appears to be always insufficient, and a highly resolved 2D model is suggested. Reducing the spatial resolution of 2D models leads to computational efficiency similar to 1D, while providing more accurate results. Thus, our results suggest, that while a highly resolved 1D model is sufficient for accurate predictions of the dewatering velocity and wetted area in the less complex alternating bar morphology, a 2D model is recommended for more complex wandering or braiding morphologies. This study can serve as guideline for researchers and practitioners in the selection and setup of hydrodynamic models for hydropeaking.
The influence of renewable energy and economic freedom aspects on ecological sustainability in the G7 countries
Authors: Alola Andrew Adewale , Doganalp Nihat , Obekpa Hephzibah Onyeje
Published: September 2022

With the exemption of Canada, the G‐7 countries have largely flourished at the detriment of their ecological sustainability bearing in mind that these countries' have remained ecologically deficit for several decades. Given the potential effect of environmental degradation associated with the trend of ecological deficit of these countries, this study attempts to understand the contribution of renewable energy dimensions through the measure of renewable energy efficiency and renewable energy use alongside evaluating the role of the four main aspects of economic freedom. By using empirical tools, the findings revealed that renewable energy aspects contribute to environmental sustainability among the countries through a significant mitigation of their ecological footprint. Importantly, the aspects of economic freedom, that is, government size, legal system and property rights, freedom to trade internationally, and regulation hampers environmental sustainability by increasing the countries ecological footprint. The elasticity of impact of this dimension of economic freedom is in the range of 0.19–0.21 at 1% statistically significant level. However, population of these countries does not show a detrimental effect, rather the finding revealed that population improves environmental quality by a statistically significant degree. Given these revelations, there are deducible policy take home from this study.
Design, Synthesis, and Biological Study of Novel Farnesoid X Receptor Agonist for the Treatment of Cholestatic Liver Disease
Authors: Wang Han , Sun Yating , Li Hewei , Yang Shengli , Yi Wen
Published: September 2022

Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) plays an important role in regulating bile acid homeostasis, which is considered as an innovative target for cholestasis. In this study, we have hybrid FXR agonists LY2562175 with GW4064, and we introduced the urea linker to avoid the potentially toxic scaffold stilbene in GW4064. These efforts provided FXR partial agonist 1 (EC50=282 nM, efficacy=70 %), which binds very tightly to the pocket of FXR by forming an ionic bond with Arg331, the residue is vital to the activity of FXR. Indeed, compound 1 exhibited little cytotoxicity in the MTT assay. Moreover, compound 1 revealed a comparative protective effect against ANIT‐induced cholestasis to that of obeticholic acid, the most advanced FXR agonist in this field. Further studies exhibited that partial agonist 1 exerts multiple synergetic mechanisms on bile acid homeostasis in vivo: 1) Decreasing hepatic uptake and increasing efflux of bile acids by regulating the gene expression of Ntcp, Bsep, and Mrp2. 2) Reducing hepatic bile acid synthesis by inhibiting the expressions of Cyp7a1 and Cyp8b1. 3) Increasing hepatic bile acid metabolism by promoting gene expression of Sult2a1. In conclusion, these results suggested that compound 1 is a promising FXR partial agonist suitable for further study.
Divergent Crystallographic Architecture for Silver‐Flavin Complexes Induced via pH Variation
Authors: Vinod Mouli M. S. S. , Kumar Mishra Ashutosh
Published: September 2022

Herein we report solid state analysis of the silver‐flavin complexes grown under different chemical environments‐neutral (complex 1), acidic (complex 2) and basic (complex 3) mediums. While preferred and frequently reported primary coordination is observed in all three cases; involvement of rare secondary coordination in 2 and deprotonated carboxyl functionality of the modified flavin in 3 for silver ion coordination results in discrete, zig‐zag and ribbon‐like architecture. Crystallographically unique silver ions, anion‐pi/lone pair‐pi interactions and the argentophilic interactions are some of the unique features observed for silver‐flavin complexes. Notably, such extended geometry involving flavin moiety is scarcely reported and these results expand the unexplored coordination horizon of the flavin entities.
1,2‐Bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane (dppe)/NBS: An Unprecedented Combination for Deoxygenation of Sulfoxides Under Mild Conditions
Authors: Joshi Asha , Iqbal Zafar , De Saroj Ranjan
Published: September 2022

A novel, efficient and metal‐free strategy for the deoxygenation of sulfoxides to sulfides has been disclosed under mild conditions using dppe/NBS reagent system. Among several developed methods using phosphine based ligands, very few are convenient as most of them are confined to harsh reaction conditions, inseparable side products, moderate yields, and the use of costly and toxic reagents. The developed dppe/NBS promoted deoxygenation strategy tolerates a wide range of functional groups to afford good yields of desired sulfides.
Encapsulation of Dual‐Passivated Perovskite Quantum Dots for Bio‐Imaging
Authors: Song Wentao , Wang Dandan , Tian Jianwu , Qi Guobin , Wu Min , Liu Shitai , Wang Tongtong , Wang Bing , Yao Yingfang , Zou Zhigang , Liu Bin
Published: September 2022

Due to their marvelous electrical and optical properties, perovskite nanocrystals have reached remarkable landmarks in solar cells, light‐emitting diodes, and photodetectors. However, the intrinsic instability of ionic perovskites, which would undergo an undesirable phase transition and decompose rapidly in ambient humidity, limits their long‐term practical deployment. To address this challenge, halogenated trimethoxysilane as the passivation additive is chosen, which utilizes simultaneous halide and silica passivation to enhance the stability of perovskite nanoparticles via a dual‐passivation mechanism. The processable nanoparticles show high photoluminescence quantum yield, tunable fluorescence wavelength, and excellent resistance against air and water, highlighting great potential as green to deep‐red bio‐labels after further phospholipid encapsulation. This work demonstrates that the dual‐passivation mechanism could be used to maintain the long‐term stability of ionic crystals, which sheds light on the opportunity of halide perovskite nanoparticles for usage in a humid environment.
Cryptanalysis and improvement of REAS‐TMIS: Resource‐efficient authentication scheme for telecare medical information system
Authors: Kumar C Madan , Amin Ruhul , Brindha M
Published: September 2022

Recently, Tanveer et al. proposed a resource‐efficient authentication scheme for telecare medical information systems employing the authenticated key exchange. Tanveer et al. vehemently claimed that the protocol is safe against smart card stolen attacks, password guessing attacks, anonymity and untraceability, replay attacks, man‐in‐the‐middle attacks, impersonation attacks, and so forth. We have scrutinized the Tanveer et al. protocol. Based on his attack model, we have analyzed that this protocol is not secured against session key disclosure attacks, privileged insider attacks, and medical server impersonation attacks. We have also discussed improvement mechanisms to protect the mentioned security threats.
Isolation and Characterization of Cellulose Nanocrystals from Waste Cotton Fibers Using Sulfuric Acid Hydrolysis
Authors: Soleimani Soraya , Heydari Amir , Fattahi Moslem
Published: September 2022

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are one of the most useful materials that have recently been used in various fields. There are many natural resources on earth from which CNC can be extracted in a variety of methods. This study focuses on the extraction of CNCs from waste cotton fibers (WCFs) by sulfuric acid hydrolysis. Physicochemical characterization of the synthesized CNCs was examined by different techniques. The results revealed good performance and properties for synthesized CNCs. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis demonstrated the successful synthesis of CNCs by acid hydrolysis without the formation of byproducts or further degradation. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed that the crystallinity index increased from 79.87 to 88.37% during the conversion of WCFs to CNCs. The rod‐like morphology structure of CNC was confirmed using microscopic techniques. The AFM results for CNCs showed a length and diameter of 170 ± 60 nm and 25 ± 10 nm, respectively. Also, DLS measurements showed high stability of CNCs in aqueous solution. Moreover, due to the presence of 0.74 weight% of sulfur in the CNC backbone, CNCs showed lower thermal stability at 170–348 °C compared to WCFs.
The air that we all breathe
Authors: Kirby Roger
Published: September 2022

In this editorial, Professor Roger Kirby, Editor‐in‐Chief of Trends in Urology and Men's Health, reflects on the impact of air pollution on global health.
Personalbezogene Befugnisse von Schulleiterinnen und Schulleitern
Authors: Schewe Claudia Manuela , Thiel Felicitas
Published: September 2022

Personalentwicklung als schulische Führungsaufgabe ist an die Übertragung von Dienstvorgesetztenbefugnissen gebunden, die grundsätzlich der Schulaufsicht als der dienstvorgesetzten Stelle obliegen. Eine Übertragung von Dienstvorgesetztenfunktionen auf Schulleiterinnen und Schulleiter wurde Anfang der 2000er Jahre in unterschiedlichen Modellversuchen erprobt und teilweise in den Regelbetrieb übernommen.

An Beispielen wird ein Spektrum unterschiedlicher für Personalentwicklung relevanter Dienstvorgesetztenfunktionen beschrieben, die in den letzten Jahren auf Schulleiterinnen und Schulleiter übertragen wurden.
Reflected entropy and entanglement negativity for holographic moving mirrors
Authors: Basak Jaydeep Kumar , Basu Debarshi , Malvimat Vinay , Parihar Himanshu , Sengupta Gautam
Published: September 2022

Abstract

We investigate the time evolution of reflected entropy and entanglement negativity for mixed state configurations involving two adjacent and disjoint intervals in the radiation flux of moving mirrors by utilizing the AdS/BCFT duality. These measures are computed for the required mixed state configurations by using the respective replica techniques in the large central charge limit of the BCFT1+1. We demonstrate that the results obtained exactly agree with the corresponding holographic computations in the dual bulk AdS3 geometry with an end of the world brane. In this context, the analogues of the Page curves for these measures are obtained for the required configurations in the radiation flux of kink and escaping mirrors which mimic the Hawking radiation from evaporating and eternal black holes respectively.
Die Reform des Betreuungsrechts
Authors: Henking Tanja
Published: September 2022

Die Betreuungsrechtsreform ist beschlossen! Zum 01.01.2023 tritt sie in Kraft. Das Betreuungsrecht wird in seiner inhaltlichen Ausrichtung nicht völlig neu aufgestellt. Das Spannungsverhältnis zwischen dem Schutz der Person vor einer nicht eigenverantwortlichen Entscheidung und der Selbstbestimmung der Person wird konsequent weitergedacht und die Selbstbestimmung der betroffenen Person gestärkt. Unterstützende Entscheidungsfindung, die Befolgung von Wünschen und die Aufgabe des Begriffs „Wohl“ als Maßstab für das Betreuerhandeln sind einige Beispiele hierfür. Das neue Recht zieht auch Grenzen bei der Befolgung von Wünschen. Nämlich dann, wenn mit ihnen die Gefahr einer erheblichen Schädigung der Person oder ihres Vermögens einhergeht. Der Beitrag stellt zunächst wesentliche Ziele der Reform dar. Hiervon ausgehend werden Schwerpunkte gesetzt, die für die psychiatrische Praxis relevant erscheinen: die Streichung des Worts „Wohl“, die Regelung der Vorsorgevollmacht, Maßnahmen zur stärkeren Beachtung und zur besseren Umsetzung des im Betreuungsrecht zentralen Grundsatzes der Erforderlichkeit. Kritisch wird Stellung bezogen zum neu eingefügten Ehegattenvertretungsrecht. Im Ergebnis bleibt festzustellen, dass im Bereich der Gesundheitssorge und erst recht im Bereich der Zwangsmaßnahmen für die Praxis recht wenig bedeutsame Änderungen eintreten werden. Ob sich das begrüßenswerte Anliegen des Gesetzgebers verwirklicht, Betreuungen durch eine verbesserte Information und Beratung zu sozialen Rechten und Ansprüchen zu vermeiden, wird die Praxis erst noch zeigen müssen. Gleiches gilt sicherlich auch für eine Stärkung der Entscheidungsunterstützung, eine Idee, die ebenfalls zu begrüßen ist, für die die Praxis aber noch nach einem Goldstandard sucht.
An age-related decline in the cholinergic synaptic response may cause the firing pattern in the jaw-closing motor neurons, which resembles the aversive taste response in the feeding behavior of old Aplysia kurodai
Authors: Nagahama Tatsumi , Muramatsu Motohiro , Nagahama Setsuko
Published: September 2022

Anorexia due to aging is recognized as a syndrome of animal feeding behavior. Age-related functional disorders of the brain often cause behavioral changes. We used Aplysia kurodai to study this neural mechanism, following our previous study on food preference behaviors. The age of each wild animal was defined by a previously described method, and a significant age-related decline in food intake was observed. In this study, we explored the effects of aging on a specific inhibitory synaptic response in jaw-closing (JC) motor neurons produced by cholinergic multiaction (MA) neurons, the size of which determines the delay between MA and JC firings and this delay is reduced during aversive taste responses; in our analyses, we found a significant age-related decline in the synaptic response. Thereafter, we further explored whether such functional decline affects the JC firing pattern during the normal feeding response. During the feeding-like rhythmic responses induced by electrical nerve stimulation, the firing of the JC motor neurons advanced toward that of the MA burst, which typically happens during aversive taste responses. These results suggest that the age-related decline in the cholinergic synaptic response may partly cause the JC firing patterns that resemble the aversive taste response in old animals.
Information theoretic and neural computational tools for meta-analysis of cumulative databases in the age of Big Physics experiments
Authors: Murari A. , Lungaroni M. , Spolladore L. , Peluso E. , Rossi R. , Gelfusa M.
Published: September 2022

In the era of Big Data, many scientific disciplines and engineering activities rely on cumulative databases, consisting of many entries derived from different experiments and studies, to investigate complex problems. Their contents can be analysed with much finer granularity than with the usual meta-analytic tools, based on summary statistics such as means and standard deviations. At the same time, not being primary studies, also traditional statistical techniques are not adequate to investigate them. New meta-analysis methods have therefore been adapted to study these cumulative databases and to ensure their validity and consistency. Information theoretic and neural computational tools represent a series of complementary techniques, which can be deployed to identify the most important variables to analyse the problem at hand, to detect whether quantities are missing and to determine the coherence between the entries provided by the individual experiments and studies. The performances of the developed methodologies are verified with a systematic series of tests with synthetic data. An application to thermonuclear fusion proves the capability of the tools to handle real data, in one of the most complex fields of modern physics.
Serum metal ion levels following spinal deformity surgery: a case-control study of 182 individuals
Authors: Fell Daniel , Diarbakerli Elias , Gerdhem Paul
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study is to evaluate the levels of chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), and titanium (Ti) after instrumented fusion for scoliosis.

Methods

Serum samples were collected at median 2.24 (range 0.1–38.8) years after fusion surgery for scoliosis in 91 individuals, of which 71 had been treated with steel implants and 20 with titanium implants. 91 sex and age-matched non-surgically treated individuals with scoliosis were used as controls. Levels of Cr, Co, and Ti were measured.

Results

In the 91 surgically treated individuals median levels of Cr were 0.54 µg/l vs 0 µg/l in the 91 controls, p < 0.001. Corresponding results for Co were 0.29 µg/l vs. 0.24 µg/l, p = 0.19, and for Ti were 0 µg/l vs. 0 µg/l, p < 0.001.

In the individuals with steel implants and their corresponding controls median Cr levels were 0.63 µg/l vs. 0.00 µg/l, p < 0.001 and Co levels 0.27 µg/l vs. 0.23 µg/l, p = 0.36. No Ti was detected.

In the individuals with titanium implants, median Cr levels were 0 µg/l vs. 0 µg/l in their corresponding controls, p = 0.38. Corresponding results for Co was 0.39 µg/l vs. 0.31 µg/l, p = 0.27 and for Ti 4.31 µg/l vs. 0 µg/l, p < 0.001.

In the individuals with steel implants a negative correlation between implant time in situ and levels of Cr was found ($$\rho$$
ρ
 = − 0.52, p < 0.001) but not with Co ($$\rho$$
ρ
 = − 0.14, p = 0.23). Ti was not detected.

In the individuals with titanium implants, there was no correlation between implant time in situ and levels of Cr ($$\rho$$
ρ
 = 0.36, p = 0.12), Co ($$\rho$$
ρ
 = − 0.12, p = 0.60) or Ti ($$\rho$$
ρ
 = 0.22, p = 0.35).

Conclusion

The use of stainless steel and titanium implants in spinal fusion surgery is associated with elevated metal ion concentrations several years after surgery.
The effect of prophylactic mesh implantation on the development of incisional hernias in patients with elevated BMI: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Pianka F. , Werba A. , Klotz R. , Schuh F. , Kalkum E. , Probst P. , Ramouz A. , Khajeh E. , Büchler M. W. , Harnoss J. C.
Published: September 2022

Background

Incisional hernia is a common complication after midline laparotomy. In certain risk profiles incidences can reach up to 70%. Large RCTs showed a positive effect of prophylactic mesh reinforcement (PMR) in high-risk populations.

Objectives

The aim was to evaluate the effect of prophylactic mesh reinforcement on incisional hernia reduction in obese patients after midline laparotomies.

Methods

Following the PRISMA guidelines, a systematic literature search in Medline, Web of Science and CENTRAL was conducted. RCTs investigating PMR in patients with a BMI ≥ 27 reporting incisional hernia as primary outcome were included. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool and certainty of evidence was rated according to the GRADE Working Group grading of evidence. A random-effects model was used for the meta-analysis. Secondary outcomes included postoperative complications.

Results

Out of 2298 articles found by a systematic literature search, five RCTs with 1136 patients were included. There was no significant difference in the incidence of incisional hernia when comparing PMR with primary suture (odds ratio (OR) 0.59, 95% CI 0.34–1.01, p = 0.06, GRADE: low). Meta-analyses of seroma formation (OR 1.62, 95% CI 0.72–3.65; p = 0.24, GRADE: low) and surgical site infections (OR 1.52, 95% CI 0.72–3.22, p = 0.28, GRADE: moderate) showed no significant differences as well as subgroup analyses for BMI ≥ 40 and length of stay.

Conclusions

We did not observe a significant reduction of the incidence of incisional hernia with prophylactic mesh reinforcement used in patients with elevated BMI. These results stand in contrast to the current recommendation for hernia prevention in obese patients.
A Thermal-Solid–Fluid Method for Topology Optimization of Structures with Design-Dependent Pressure Load
Authors: Huang Huixin , Hu Jingyu , Liu Shutian , Liu Yang
Published: September 2022

For the topology optimization of structures with design-dependent pressure, an intuitive way is to directly describe the loading boundary of the structure, and then update the load on it. However, boundary recognition is usually cumbersome and inaccurate. Furthermore, the pressure is always loaded either outside or inside the structure, instead of both. Hence, the inner enclosed and outer open spaces should be distinguished to recognize the loading surfaces. To handle the above issues, a thermal-solid–fluid method for topology optimization with design-dependent pressure load is proposed in this paper. In this method, the specific void phase is defined to be an incompressible hydrostatic fluid, through which the pressure load can be transferred without any needs for special loading surface recognition. The nonlinear-virtual thermal method (N-VTM) is used to distinguish the enclosed and open voids by the temperature difference between the enclosed (with higher temperature) and open (with lower temperature) voids, where the solid areas are treated as the thermal insulation material, and other areas are filled with the self-heating highly thermally conductive material. The mixed displacement–pressure formulation is used to model this solid–fluid problem. The method is easily implemented in the standard density approach and its effectiveness is verified and illustrated by several typical examples at the end of the paper.
Repair of critical diaphyseal defects of lower limbs by 3D printed porous Ti6Al4V scaffolds without additional bone grafting: a prospective clinical study
Authors: Liu Bingchuan , Hou Guojin , Yang Zhongwei , Li Xingcai , Zheng Yufeng , Wen Peng , Liu Zhongjun , Zhou Fang , Tian Yun
Published: September 2022

The repair of critical diaphyseal defects of lower weight-bearing limbs is an intractable problem in clinical practice. From December 2017, we prospectively applied 3D printed porous Ti6Al4V scaffolds to reconstruct this kind of bone defect. All patients experienced a two-stage surgical process, including thorough debridement and scaffold implantation. With an average follow-up of 23.0 months, ten patients with 11 parts of bone defects were enrolled in this study. The case series included three females and seven males, their defect reasons included seven parts of osteomyelitis and four parts of aseptic nonunion. The bone defects located at femur (five parts) and tibia (six parts), with an average defect distance of 12.2 cm. Serial postoperative radiologic follow-ups displayed a continuous process of new bone growing and remodeling around the scaffold. One patient suffered tibial varus deformity, and he underwent a revision surgery. The other nine patients achieved scaffold stability. No scaffold breakage occurred. In conclusion, the implantation of 3D printed Ti6Al4V scaffold was feasible and effective to reconstruct critical bone defects of lower limbs without additional bone grafting.
How do Gambling Providers Use the Social Network Twitter in Germany? An Explorative Mixed-Methods Topic Modeling Approach
Authors: Singer Johannes , Kufenko Vadim , Wöhr Andrea , Wuketich Marius , Otterbach Steffen
Published: September 2022

This study examines the social media activities of gambling providers in Germany, focusing on the platform Twitter. A collection of 34.151 tweets from 13 Twitter accounts was made, representing casinos, sports betting, state lotteries, social lotteries and lottery brokers. We apply an explorative mixed-methods approach, integrating a summative content analysis together with a semi-supervised guided topic modeling approach, to analyse frequency, number of followers, interaction and content of Twitter messages, and work out differences among the individual providers. The results show that Twitter does not seem to be particularly important for gambling providers who are active in Germany. Regarding outreach, frequency of tweets and interaction, Twitter plays a much smaller role than, for example, in the UK. The potential for Twitter to be an advertising, marketing and interaction channel has not yet been fully exploited, which would make it a perfect moment for developing an appropriate regulatory framework. Overall, the results of semi-supervised topic modeling show that providers most often use informative content (news) and combine it with other, usually less neutral content. It is alarming that many providers make little or no use of Responsible Gambling messages. Even though the activities are presently on a low level, they contribute to the normalization of gambling, setting incentives for increasing gambling participation. Children and youth form a large segment of Twitter users. Potential harm can arise especially for this group because of the lack of enforcement of any age limit.
Surgical results of 158 petroclival meningiomas with special focus on standard craniotomies
Authors: Schackert Gabriele , Lenk Miriam , Kirsch Matthias , Hennig Silke , Daubner Dirk , Engellandt Kay , Appold Steffen , Podlesek Dino , Sandi-Gahun Sahr , Juratli Tareq A.
Published: September 2022

Objective

The goal of this retrospective study is the evaluation of risk factors for postoperative neurological deficits after petroclival meningioma (PCM) surgery with special focus on standard craniotomies.

Materials and methods

One-hundred-fifty-eight patients were included in the study, of which 133 patients suffered from primary and 25 from recurrent PCM. All patients were operated on and evaluated concerning age, tumor size, histology, pre- and postoperative cranial nerve (CN) deficits, morbidity, mortality, and surgical complications. Tumor-specific features—e.g., consistency, surface, arachnoid cleavage, and location—were set in a four-grade classification system that was used to evaluate the risk of CN deficits and tumor resectability.

Results

After primary tumor resection, new CN deficits occurred in 27.3% of patients. Preoperative ataxia improved in 25%, whereas 10% developed new ataxia. Gross total resection (GTR) was achieved in 59.4%. The morbidity rate, including hemiparesis, shunt-dependence, postop-hemorrhage, and tracheostomy was 22.6% and the mortality rate was 2.3%. In recurrent PCM surgery, CN deficits occurred in 16%. GTR could be achieved in three cases. Minor complications occurred in 20%. By applying the proposed new classification system to patients operated via standard craniotomies, the best outcome was observed in type I tumor patients (soft tumor consistency, smooth surface, plane arachnoid cleavage, and unilateral localization) with GTR in 78.7% (p < 0.001) and 11.9% new CN deficits (p = 0.006).

Conclusion

Standard craniotomies as the retrosigmoid or subtemporal/pterional approaches are often used for the resection of PCMs. Whether these approaches are sufficient for GTR—and avoidance of new neurological deficits—depends mainly on the localization and intrinsic tumor-specific features.
Photosynthetic patterns during autumn in three different Salix cultivars grown on a brownfield site
Authors: Palm Emily , Guidi Nissim Werther , Gagnon-Fee Daphné , Labrecque Michel
Published: September 2022

Leaf senescence at the end of the growing season is a complex process stimulated by changes in daylength and temperature that prepares deciduous trees for winter by reducing photosynthetic rates and remobilization of nutrients. Extending the duration of photosynthetic activity could have important consequences for the translocation of heavy metals in the phytoremediation of contaminated sites using deciduous trees like willow. In the present study, three Salix cultivars (‘India,’ ‘SX67,’ and ‘Fish Creek’) that were observed to maintain green leaves late into autumn were evaluated over an 11-week period extending from mid-September to mid-November on a brownfield site in Montreal, Canada. Gas exchange rates, chlorophyll fluorescence, and leaf pigments were measured weekly. A general trend of declining stomatal conductance and transpiration were observed early in the trial, followed by reductions in photosynthetic efficiency and concentrations of chl a, chl b, and carotenoids, in agreement with other studies. In particular, the cultivar ‘Fish Creek’ had higher rates of gas exchange and pigment concentrations than either ‘SX67’ or ‘India,’ but values for these parameters also declined more rapidly over the course of the trial. Both photoperiod and soil and air temperatures were strong drivers of changes in photosynthetic activity in all three of these cultivars according to correlation analyses. Further studies should focus on their biomass production and heavy metal accumulation capacity in light of the observed variation in photosynthetic activity stimulated by seasonal changes in light and temperature.
The dawn and rise of antimony use in the southern Caucasus
Authors: Dillis Sarah , Degryse Patrick
Published: September 2022

Antimony (Sb) was utilised over several millennia as the prime material to opacify or decolour glass and glazes, as well as an accompanying element in copper (Cu) alloys. Metallic antimony objects are rare, and mostly confined to Chalcolithic Central Italy and to the first millennia BCE in the southern Caucasus. The innovation of antimony use in metallurgy seems to be confined to the southern Caucasus, and the invention of it might be even more specifically situated in the Great Caucasus. Preexisting knowledge of mining set the pathway for the initial stage of antimonial copper alloys in the first half of the third millennium BCE and for metallic antimony ornaments in the second half of the third millennium BCE. However, the first major expansion of antimony in the metallurgy of the Racha-Lechkumi district in the southern Caucasus (present-day Georgia) started around 1700 BCE, while its spreading in glassmaking occurred in the Late Bronze Age (LBA). Explanations that place antimony adoption within its broader social context are favoured over those that consider material or geological properties in isolation. A recurring theme is the importance of comparative analysis, both geographically and between the different pyrotechnologies, including the precious metals and glass industries, to explore how social, political, climatic and economic conditions affected adoption and innovation patterns. All these factors are considered to explain why the extraction of antimony blossomed in the Late Bronze Age in the southern Caucasus and to reconstruct a framework of exploitation, distribution/trade and use of antimony in the Caucasus and its neighbouring regions in the south and east.
Outcomes of lung cancer surgery in patients with COVID-19 history: a single center cohort study
Authors: Gabryel Piotr , Zielińska Dominika , Skrzypczak Piotr , Sielewicz Magdalena , Campisi Alessio , Kasprzyk Mariusz , Piwkowski Cezary
Published: September 2022

Objectives

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can irreversibly damage the lungs and could possibly increase the risk of surgical treatment of lung cancer. The study aimed to assess the relationship between preoperative COVID-19 and complications and early outcomes of lung cancer surgery.

Methods

This single-center cohort study included 444 patients who underwent lobectomy or segmentectomy for primary lung cancer from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2021. The exclusion criteria were pneumonectomy, extended resection, and wedge resection. The groups of patients with (n = 72) and without (n = 372) the history of COVID-19 prior to surgery were compared. The groups were similar in terms of distribution of baseline, surgical and histopathological characteristics. The primary endpoint was the incidence of postoperative complications. Secondary endpoints were outcomes at discharge and at 90 days.

Results

The incidence of postoperative complications did not differ between the groups of patients with and without COVID-19 history (30.6% vs 29.3%, p = 0.831). Outcomes at discharge and at 90 days after surgery did not differ between the groups. Among the patients with and without prior COVID-19, 97.2 and 99.5% were alive at discharge (p = 0.125), and 97.2% and 98.1% ninety days after surgery (p = 0.644), respectively. Patients with COVID-19 history more often required re-drainage (6.9% v 2.2%, p = 0.044) and reoperation (5.6 v 1.3%, p = 0.042).

Conclusions

COVID-19 history is not related to the general incidence of complications, outcomes at discharge from the hospital, and at 90-days after surgery.
Utilization of Receptor-Binding Domain of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Expressed in Escherichia coli for the Development of Neutralizing Antibody Assay
Authors: Tantiwiwat Termsak , Thaiprayoon Apisitt , Siriatcharanon Ake-kavitch , Tachaapaikoon Chakrit , Plongthongkum Nongluk , Waraho-Zhmayev Dujduan
Published: September 2022

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has resulted from widespread infection by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. As new variants of concern continue to emerge, understanding the correlation between the level of neutralizing antibodies (NAb) and clinical protection from SAR-CoV-2 infection could be critical in planning the next steps in COVID-19 vaccine programs. This study explored the potential usefulness of E. coli as an alternative expression system that can be used to produce a SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) for the development of an affordable and flexible NAb detection assay. We expressed the RBD of Beta, Delta, and Omicron variants in the E. coli BL21(DE3) strain and purified them from whole bacterial cells using His-tag-mediated affinity chromatography and urea-assisted refolding. Next, we conducted a head-to-head comparison of the binding activity of our E. coli-produced RBD (E-RBD) with commercial HEK293-produced RBD (H-RBD). The results of a direct binding assay revealed E-RBD and H-RBD binding with ACE2-hFc in similar signal strengths. Furthermore, in the NAb detection assay, % inhibition obtained from both E-RBD and H-RBD demonstrated comparable results in all the investigated assays, suggesting that non-glycosylated RBD produced from E. coli may offer a cost-effective alternative to the use of more expensive glycosylated RBD produced from human cells in the development of such an assay.
Het mannelijk bekken en de mannelijke bekkenfysiotherapeut
Authors: van der Heide Carel Jan , Gianotten Woet L.
Published: September 2022

Samenvatting

In de afgelopen decennia heeft de bekkenfysiotherapie zich zowel in Nederland als in het buitenland ontwikkeld tot een vakgebied dat voornamelijk wordt beoefend door vrouwelijke fysiotherapeuten en met vooral aandacht voor het vrouwelijke bekken. Dit artikel draagt drie belangrijke argumenten aan om deze situatie te veranderen: 1) mannelijke fysiotherapeuten zijn hard nodig bij het personeelstekort in de bekkenfysiotherapie, 2) zonder mannelijke bekkenfysiotherapeuten kan de patiënt niet vrij kiezen, hetgeen relevant is in de context van schaamte, beladenheid en seksueel misbruik, en 3) er is een grote kennisachterstand rond bekken en bekkenfysiotherapie bij de man. Bekkenfysiotherapeutische expertise is nodig bij aanvullende diagnostiek en bij de behandeling van de hypertone bekkenbodem, chronische bekkenpijn, chronische prostatitis, prostaatkanker, benigne prostaathyperplasie (BPH), transurethrale resectie van de prostaat (TURP), lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) en seksuele disfuncties, en daarnaast bij colorectale en anale kanker. Een nieuwe uitdaging is de bekkenfysiotherapie als onderdeel van de prevalidatie bij radicale prostatectomie en TURP. Het artikel sluit af met aanbevelingen om mannelijke fysiotherapeuten naar deze specialisatie toe te motiveren.