bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intragraft immune cells: accomplices or antagonists of recipient-derived macrophages in allograft fibrosis?
Authors: Li Xiaoping , Wu Jing , Zhu Shan , Wei Qiuyu , Wang Liyan , Chen Jingtao
Published: July 2023

Organ fibrosis caused by chronic allograft rejection is a major concern in the field of transplantation. Macrophage-to-myofibroblast transition plays a critical role in chronic allograft fibrosis. Adaptive immune cells (such as B and CD4+ T cells) and innate immune cells (such as neutrophils and innate lymphoid cells) participate in the occurrence of recipient-derived macrophages transformed to myofibroblasts by secreting cytokines, which eventually leads to fibrosis of the transplanted organ. This review provides an update on the latest progress in understanding the plasticity of recipient-derived macrophages in chronic allograft rejection. We discuss here the immune mechanisms of allograft fibrosis and review the reaction of immune cells in allograft. The interactions between immune cells and the process of myofibroblast formulation are being considered for the potential therapeutic targets of chronic allograft fibrosis. Therefore, research on this topic seems to provide novel clues for developing strategies for preventing and treating allograft fibrosis.
Wallace–Simson Theorem on Four Lines Parallel to a Plane
Authors: Blažek Jiří , Pech Pavel
Published: July 2023

The impulse to study this topic came from a variant of the Wallace-Simson theorem, which deals with the locus of the point P such that the points that are symmetric to P with respect to three lines in the plane are collinear. A 3D generalization can be as follows: Given four straight lines which are parallel to a plane. Determine the locus of the point P such that points that are symmetric to P with respect to these four lines are coplanar. Surprisingly, the locus of P is a cylinder of revolution with the axis which is perpendicular to the fixed plane. Moreover, all planes given by points that are symmetric with an arbitrary point P of the locus with respect to the given four lines pass through a fixed line f. While in the planar version the fixed element is the orthocenter of the triangle given by the three lines, the role of the fixed line f with respect to the four given lines is not obvious.
Acupressure versus NSAID for relief of orthodontic pain
Authors: Elshehaby Moataz , Ali Tawfik Marwa , Montasser Mona A.
Published: July 2023

Aim

To compare ibuprofen and acupressure for pain relief after insertion of elastomeric orthodontic separators.

Materials and methods

A randomized control clinical trial was conducted in an orthodontic clinic. A total of 75 orthodontic patients aged 12–16 years participating in the study were randomly allocated to receive either 400 mg of oral ibuprofen, applying acupressure therapy, or no pain-relief approach. Pain scores were recorded on visual analog scales (10 cm) over a week at different times (4, 10, 18, 24 h, and 1 week). The margin of equivalence was defined as 10 mm.

Results

For all timepoints, the control group recorded the highest pain. For the ibuprofen and acupressure group, after 4 h, 18 h, and 1 week, no significant difference was noted. However, after 10 h, no significant difference in pain between the control and acupressure groups was noted and the ibuprofen group showed significantly lower pain. In the acupressure group, the highest pain was noted at 10 h. After this timepoint, pain progressively decreased with time and the lowest pain was noted after 1 week. In the control and ibuprofen groups, the highest pain was after 4 h, and then progressively decreased with time and the lowest pain was noted after 1 week.

Conclusions

There was no significant difference in pain perception between participants using ibuprofen or acupressure and both groups recorded significantly lower pain than the control group at most of the observed timepoints. Results support the analgesic effect of the acupressure approach.
COVID-19-bezogene Selbststigmatisierung: Zusammenhang mit Vulnerabilität und Vertrauen in Institutionen
Authors: Reibling Nadine , Linden Philipp , Schneider Torsten
Published: July 2023

Hintergrund

Selbststigmatisierung kann im Rahmen von Infektionskrankheiten eine psychosoziale Belastung darstellen und die Bereitschaft, Infektionsschutzmaßnahmen einzuhalten, reduzieren. In dieser Studie wird erstmalig untersucht, wie COVID-19-bezogene Selbststigmatisierung in Deutschland in Gruppen mit unterschiedlicher sozialer und medizinischer Vulnerabilität ausgeprägt war.

Methoden

Datengrundlage bildet eine webbasierte Befragung (CAWI: Computer Assisted Web Interview), die während der COVID-19-Pandemie im Winter 2020/2021 durchgeführt wurde. Die Quotenstichprobe (N = 2536) ist repräsentativ für die deutsche Erwachsenenbevölkerung hinsichtlich zentraler soziodemografischer Merkmale (Geschlecht, Alter, Bildung, Wohnort). Zur Operationalisierung der COVID-19-bezogenen Selbststigmatisierung wurde eine selbst entwickelte Skala verwendet. Außerdem wurden Daten zur medizinischen und sozialen Vulnerabilität sowie zum Vertrauen in Institutionen erhoben. Die Auswertung erfolgte mittels deskriptiver Statistiken und multipler OLS-Regressionen (engl. Ordinary Least Squares).

Ergebnisse

Insgesamt liegt die durchschnittliche Selbststigmatisierung leicht über dem Skalenmittelwert. Während hinsichtlich sozial vulnerabler Gruppen nur Frauen eine erhöhte Selbststigmatisierung angeben, weisen Personen mit medizinischer Vulnerabilität (hohe Infektionswahrscheinlichkeit, schlechter Gesundheitszustand, Zugehörigkeit zur Risikogruppe) signifikant höhere Werte auf. Ein höheres Vertrauen in Institutionen ist mit stärkerer Selbststigmatisierung assoziiert.

Diskussion

Stigmatisierung sollte in Pandemien regelmäßig monitort und für Kommunikationsmaßnahmen berücksichtigt werden. Es ist wichtig, auf weniger stigmatisierende Formulierungen zu achten und auf Risiken hinzuweisen, ohne Risikogruppen zu definieren.
The struggle for the social: rejecting the false separation of 'social' worlds in mental health spaces
Authors: Burgess Rochelle A.
Published: July 2023

How are we to best grapple with the notion of the Social in mental health landscapes? This piece of speculative work explores a series of tensions that emerge in our attempt to contemplate, engage with, and address the social in mental health spaces. First, I will explore the tensions created by disciplinary demands for specialisation, questioning the value of this with regard to treating social and emotional bodies which continually reject such fragmentation. This line of inquiry then leads to reflection on the value of a social topology—enabled through the application of intersectionality principles, Black Sociological analytical frameworks, including the worldview approach, and societal psychological perspectives on knowledge and action. I argue the possibilities in actioning these approaches emerge through the application of a social-political economy of mental health, that holds the complexity presented by the totality of social life as it potentially relates to mental health. The piece seeks to advance a space of thinking on how we transition global mental health projects to be more effectively situated in a needed commitment for social justice as a remedy and repair to broken social worlds.
Blood flow restriction training in the pre- and postoperative phases of joint surgery
Authors: Franz A. , Praetorius A. , Raeder C. , Hirschmüller A. , Behringer M.
Published: July 2023

Orthopedic patients are frequently affected by temporary phases of immobility during the course of traumatic/degenerative joint diseases and particularly after joint surgery. These phases are usually accompanied by a significant loss of muscle mass and strength. However, since the patients’ load capacity is usually reduced, physicians and physiotherapists are often faced with the dilemma of not being able to offer an adequate therapeutic strategy for muscle preservation or early muscle building, since the high mechanical loads required for this in the training process are usually not feasible or even contraindicated for a certain period of time. In recent years, a training technique originating from sports science, called blood flow restriction (BFR) training, has increasingly been used in preoperative therapy or for rehabilitation. As the BFR method uses special blood pressure cuffs to occlude venous outflow from the exercising limb during exclusively low mechanical load strength training, the significant effects of muscle hypertrophy demonstrated by this method are of greatest interest to rehabilitation research. This article focuses on the training technique, the underlying mechanisms and potential risks, as well as integration of the technique into the clinical rehabilitation process based on existing data. Furthermore, this article provides the basis for a future consensus paper to validate the usability and effectiveness of BFR training in the conservative and rehabilitative therapeutic phases of joint surgery.
Antidepressant effects of novel positive allosteric modulators of Trk-receptor mediated signaling – a potential therapeutic concept?
Authors: Madjid Nather , Lidell Veronica , Nordvall Gunnar , Lindskog Maria , Ögren Sven-Ove , Forsell Pontus , Sandin Johan
Published: July 2023

Background

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is defined as a complex mental disorder which is characterized by a pervasive low mood and aversion to activity. Several types of neurotransmitter systems e.g. serotonergic, glutamatergic and noradrenergic systems have been suggested to play an important role in the origination of depression, but neurotrophins such as brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) have also been implicated in the disease process.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a newly developed class of molecules, characterized as positive allosteric modulators of neurotrophin/Trk receptor mediated signaling (Trk-PAM), on neurotransmitter release and depression-like behavior in vivo.

Methods

The effect of and possible interaction of neurotrophin/Trk signaling pathways with serotonergic and glutamatergic systems in the modulation of depression-related responses was studied using newly developed Trk-PAM compounds (ACD855, ACD856 and AC26845), as well as ketamine and fluoxetine in the forced swim test (FST) in rodents. Moreover, in vivo microdialysis in freely moving rats was used to assess changes in neurotransmitter levels in the rat.

Results

The results from the study show that several different compounds, which all potentiate Trk-receptor mediated signaling, display antidepressant-like activity in the FST. Moreover, the data also indicate that the effects of both fluoxetine and ketamine in the FST, both used in clinical practice, are
mediated via BDNF/TrkB signaling, which could have implications for novel therapies in MDD.

Conclusions

Trk-PAMs could provide an interesting avenue for the development of novel therapeutics in this area.
An arithmetic valuative criterion for proper maps of tame algebraic stacks
Authors: Bresciani Giulio , Vistoli Angelo
Published: July 2023

The valuative criterion for proper maps of schemes has many applications in arithmetic, e.g. specializing $$\mathbb {Q}_{p}$$

Q
p

-points to $$\mathbb {F}_{p}$$

F
p

-points. For algebraic stacks, the usual valuative criterion for proper maps is ill-suited for these kind of arguments, since it only gives a specialization point defined over an extension of the residue field, e.g. a $$\mathbb {Q}_{p}$$

Q
p

-point will specialize to an $$\mathbb {F}_{p^{n}}$$

F

p
n

-point for some n. We give a new valuative criterion for proper maps of tame stacks which solves this problem and is well-suited for arithmetic applications. As a consequence, we prove that the Lang–Nishimura theorem holds for tame stacks.
Role of zinc in bulk precipitation from the steaming process of potable water
Authors: Al-Gailani Amthal , Taylor Martin J. , Barker Richard
Published: July 2023

Water chemistry plays an important role in fouling kinetics and morphology. This work investigates the influence of zinc cations in potable water, specifically the kinetics of crystallisation and their effect on the fouling layer during the operation of a batch steam generator system and a once-through flow system. The kinetics of precipitation in the batch crystalliser were examined based on the change in concentration of the foulants, while the fouling resistance approach was used in the flow system. In addition, morphological testing was carried out using Scanning Electron Microscopy, Powder X-ray Diffraction, and Energy dispersive X-ray. The findings showed that the precipitation rate of calcium carbonate decreases with the increase in zinc ions until reaching the zinc carbonate supersaturation in the water due to water evaporation. Regarding morphology, co-precipitation of zinc carbonate was observed at high zinc concentrations. As a result, a double effect was observed where zinc both retarded and enhanced fouling over time. The fouling rate in the flow system decreased as the zinc concentration increased. Zinc ions were found to influence the morphology of deposit minerals significantly. Moreover, the surface deposition of zinc salts increased with the solution content of zinc.
The EANM guideline on radioiodine therapy of benign thyroid disease
Authors: Campennì Alfredo , Avram Anca M. , Verburg Frederik A. , Iakovou Ioannis , Hänscheid Heribert , de Keizer Bart , Petranović Ovčariček Petra , Giovanella Luca
Published: July 2023

This document provides the new EANM guideline on radioiodine therapy of benign thyroid disease. Its aim is to guide nuclear medicine physicians, endocrinologists, and practitioners in the selection of patients for radioiodine therapy. Its recommendations on patients’ preparation, empiric and dosimetric therapeutic approaches, applied radioiodine activity, radiation protection requirements, and patients follow-up after administration of radioiodine therapy are extensively discussed.
The impact of high temperatures on bird responses to alarm calls
Authors: Cordonnier Marion , Ridley Amanda R. , Lengagne Thierry , Dutour Mylène
Published: July 2023

Given the current pace of climate change, high temperature events will become increasingly frequent in many parts of the world. Predicting how high temperatures will impact the behavior of songbirds—highly sensitive to temperature change due to their tendency to be small in size, and to have high metabolic rates and diurnal habits—is therefore crucial and urgent. However, the behavioral impacts of high temperatures on acoustic communication in birds have rarely been studied. Responsiveness to antipredator signals is an important behavior to consider because failure to detect such signals could be lethal. We investigated whether, in great tits (Parus major), high temperatures would affect behavioral responses to playback of conspecific mobbing calls. We found a significant lag effect of temperature on how closely great tits would approach the playback speaker, with birds approaching less closely at higher temperatures. Further, we found that the emission of mobbing calls by great tits was affected by the current ambient temperature, with birds calling less at higher temperatures. The results suggest that at high temperatures, great tits change their tactic from active defense to less active response. High temperatures can thus induce behavioral shifts in great tits. In the current context of increasing average temperatures, such effect of temperature on response to vital indicators such as antipredator signals could impact survival when inducing greater risk of depredation.

Significance statement

Climate change is causing heatwaves to increase in number and intensity. High temperatures can reduce the ability of birds to respond to vocalizations. Here, we test if high temperatures affect the ability of great tits (Parus major) to respond to conspecific mobbing calls—these calls generally serve to mob a predator and to recruit conspecifics and heterospecifics to join the caller. At higher temperatures, great tits produce fewer mobbing vocalizations and approach the loudspeaker broadcasting mobbing calls less often.
Species diversity and spatial distribution of pelagic amphipods in Terra Nova Bay (Ross Sea, Southern Ocean)
Authors: Minutoli Roberta , Bergamasco Alessandro , Guglielmo Letterio , Swadling Kerrie M. , Bergamasco Andrea , Veneziano Francesca , Geraci Andrea , Granata Antonia
Published: July 2023

A greater understanding of biodiversity and the roles of various species involved in Southern Ocean pelagic food webs is needed to predict and hypothesize about responses to future scenarios in relation to climate changes. The aim of this paper was to describe for the first time the composition, relative abundance, spatial distribution and relation with water masses of pelagic amphipods in Terra Nova Bay, Ross Sea, based on stratified sampling. Zooplankton was collected by BIONESS (Bedford Institute of Oceanography Net Environmental Sampling System), during the 1987–1988 Italian Antarctic R/V Polar Queen Expedition. A total of 1331 specimens of pelagic amphipods was counted and 17 species belonging to nine families were identified. Significantly relative higher abundances were related to Modified Circumpolar Deep Water (MCDW) in the upper layer than modified Ross Sea Shelf Water (RSSW) and High Salinity Shelf Water (HSSW). Hyperiella dilatata was the most abundant species (48% of relative abundance), followed by Pseudorchomene plebs (14%), Hyperia macrocephala (8%) and Hyperiella macronyx (6%). Hyperiella dilatata was distributed widely across the study area and showed a link with Antarctic Surface Waters (AASW) and MCDW. Hyperiella macronyx and Pseudorchomene rossi were also distributed widely though were much lower in abundance. Hyperia macrocephala were high in abundance though had a narrow distribution that was linked with AASW. The vertical distributions showed variable patterns for adult and juvenile specimens. This study represents a knowledge base against which to compare more recent studies to highlight any structural changes attributable to ongoing climate change in the Terra Nova Bay and Ross Sea ecosystems.
Reducing honeycomb-generated turbulence with a passive grid
Authors: Schipper N. R. M. , Kuerten J. G. M. , Zeegers J. C. H.
Published: July 2023

Honeycombs are widely used to laminarize fluid streams by inhibiting the lateral components of the fluctuating velocity. However, they also produce additional turbulence by themselves due to the formation of large-scale instabilities and the breakup of the individual velocity profiles stemming from the honeycomb cells. In the present research, we use 2D-planar particle image velocimetry to study how honeycomb-generated turbulence is affected by a downstream grid. It is found that placing a grid near the honeycomb discharge drastically enhances flow uniformity by separating the strong jets stemming from the individual honeycomb cells into many smaller jets that are much more rapidly dissipated. The results show that using a grid reduces the integral length scale by up to a factor 10, and the axial and lateral energy spectra reveal that the grid primarily limits the energy contained in eddies with lower wave numbers. Furthermore, the grid can reduce the magnitude of peak turbulence intensity by as much as 95% and leads to a large reduction of the correlation length, as long as it is positioned upstream of the onset of the large-scale honeycomb-induced instabilities. A downstream grid is highly beneficial for both a laminar and turbulent honeycomb discharge and is most effective when there is a slight offset between the grid and honeycomb. Even though longer honeycombs generally produce more turbulence than short ones due to the larger length-scale of the shear layers, these effects are almost entirely decoupled when using a honeycomb-grid combination. Finally, a honeycomb-grid combination effectively inhibits both axial and lateral turbulence.

Graphic abstract
Failure rates in surgical treatment in adults with bacterial arthritis of a native joint: a systematic review of 8,586 native joints
Authors: Walinga Alex B. , Stornebrink Tobias , Emanuel Kaj S. , Kievit Arthur J. , Janssen Stein J. , Kerkhoffs Gino M. M. J.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Most adult cases of bacterial–septic–arthritis of a native joint are effectively managed with a single surgical debridement, but some cases may require more than one debridement to control the infection. Consequently, this study assessed the failure rate of a single surgical debridement in adults with bacterial arthritis of a native joint. Additionally, risk factors for failure were assessed.

Materials and Methods

The review protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021243460) before data collection and conducted in line with the ‘Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses’ (PRISMA) guidelines. Multiple libraries were systematically searched to identify articles including patients reporting on the incidence of failure (i.e. persistence of infection requiring reoperation) of the treatment of bacterial arthritis. The quality of individual evidence were assessed using the Quality in Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) tool. Failure rates were extracted from included studies and pooled. Risk factors for failure were extracted and grouped. Moreover, we evaluated which risk factors were significantly associated with failure.

Results

Thirty studies (8,586 native joints) were included in the final analysis. The overall pooled failure rate was 26% (95% CI 20 to 32%). The failure rate of arthroscopy and arthrotomy was 26% (95% CI 19 to 34%) and 24% (95% CI 17 to 33%), respectively. Seventy-nine potential risk factors were extracted and grouped. Moderate evidence was found for one risk factor (synovial white blood cell count), and limited evidence was found for five risk factors (i.e. sepsis, large joint infection, the volume of irrigation, blood urea nitrogen-test, and blood urea nitrogen/creatinine ratio).

Conclusion

A single surgical debridement fails to control bacterial arthritis of a native joint in approximately a quarter of all adult cases. Limited to moderate evidence exists that risk factors associated with failure are: synovial white blood cell count, sepsis, large joint infection, and the volume of irrigation. These factors should urge physicians to be especially receptive to signs of an adverse clinical course.
Muscle hypertrophy and neuroplasticity in the small bowel in short bowel syndrome
Authors: Khasanov Rasul , Svoboda Daniel , Tapia-Laliena María Ángeles , Kohl Martina , Maas-Omlor Silke , Hagl Cornelia Irene , Wessel Lucas M. , Schäfer Karl-Herbert
Published: July 2023

Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is a severe, life-threatening condition and one of the leading causes of intestinal failure in children. Here we were interested in changes in muscle layers and especially in the myenteric plexus of the enteric nervous system (ENS) of the small bowel in the context of intestinal adaptation. Twelve rats underwent a massive resection of the small intestine to induce SBS. Sham laparotomy without small bowel transection was performed in 10 rats. Two weeks after surgery, the remaining jejunum and ileum were harvested and studied. Samples of human small bowel were obtained from patients who underwent resection of small bowel segments due to a medical indication. Morphological changes in the muscle layers and the expression of nestin, a marker for neuronal plasticity, were studied. Following SBS, muscle tissue increases significantly in both parts of the small bowel, i.e., jejunum and ileum. The leading pathophysiological mechanism of these changes is hypertrophy. Additionally, we observed an increased nestin expression in the myenteric plexus in the remaining bowel with SBS. Our human data also showed that in patients with SBS, the proportion of stem cells in the myenteric plexus had risen by more than twofold. Our findings suggest that the ENS is tightly connected to changes in intestinal muscle layers and is critically involved in the process of intestinal adaptation to SBS.
What is the optimal classical style sub-technique during uphill roller skiing in elite male cross-country skiers?
Authors: Lund-Hansen Magne , Gløersen Øyvind , Rud Bjarne , Losnegard Thomas
Published: July 2023

Purpose

To compare performance, physiological and biomechanical responses between double poling (DP) and diagonal stride (DIA) during treadmill roller skiing in elite male cross-country skiers.

Method

Twelve skiers (VO2peak DIAup; 74.7 ± 3.7 ml kg−1 min−1) performed two DP conditions at 1° (DPflat) and 8° (DPup) incline, and one DIA condition, 8° (DIAup). Submaximal gross efficiency (GE) and maximal 3.5 min time-trial (TT) performance, including measurements of VO2peak and maximal accumulated O2-deficit (MAOD), were determined. Temporal patterns and kinematics were assessed using 2D video, while pole kinetics were obtained from pole force.

Results

DIAup induced (mean, [95% confidence interval]) 13% [4, 22] better 3.5-min TT performance, 7%, [5, 10]) higher VO2peak and 3% points [1, 5] higher GE compared to DPup (all P < 0.05). DPup induced 120% higher MAOD compared to DPflat, while no significant differences were observed for VO2peak or GE between DPflat and DPup. There was a large correlation between performance and GE in DP and a large correlation between performance and VO2peak for DIAup (all r = 0.7–0.8, P < 0.05). No correlations were found between performance and VO2peak for any of the DP conditions, nor between performance and GE for DIAup (r = 0.0–0.2, P > 0.1).

Conclusion

At 8º uphill roller skiing, DIAup induce higher VO2peak, GE, and superior time-trial performance than DPup in elite male skiers. There was no difference between VO2peak or GE between DPflat and DPup. A large correlation was observed between DIAup performance and DIAupVO2peak, while DP performance was best correlated to submaximal GE.
Peroperative administration of tranexamic acid in sleeve gastrectomy to reduce hemorrhage: a double-blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: ‘t Hart J. W. H. , Noordman B. J. , Wijnand J. M. A. , Biter L. U. , Verbrugge S. J. C. , Birnie E. , Dunkelgrun M. , Huisbrink J. , Apers J. A.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

In metabolic surgery, hemorrhage is the most common major complication. This study investigated whether peroperative administration of tranexamic acid (TXA) reduced the risk of hemorrhage in patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG).

Methods

In this double-blind randomized controlled trial, patients undergoing primary SG in a high-volume bariatric hospital were randomized (1:1) to receive 1500-mg TXA or placebo peroperatively. Primary outcome measure was peroperative staple line reinforcement using hemostatic clips. Secondary outcome measures were peroperative fibrin sealant use and blood loss, postoperative hemoglobin, heart rate, pain, major and minor complications, length of hospital stay (LOS), side effects of TXA (i.e., venous thrombotic event (VTE)) and mortality.

Results

In total, 101 patients were analyzed and received TXA (n = 49) or placebo (n = 52). There was no statistically significant difference in hemostatic clip devices used in both groups (69% versus 83%, p = 0.161). TXA administration showed significant positive changes in hemoglobin levels (millimoles per Liter; 0.55 versus 0.80, p = 0.013), in heart rate (beats per minute; -4.6 versus 2.5; p = 0.013), in minor complications (Clavien–Dindo ≤ 2, 2.0% versus 17.3%, p = 0.016), and in mean LOS (hours; 30.8 versus 36.7, p = 0.013). One patient in the placebo-group underwent radiological intervention for postoperative hemorrhage. No VTE or mortality was reported.

Conclusion

This study did not demonstrate a statistically significant difference in use of hemostatic clip devices and major complications after peroperative administration of TXA. However, TXA seems to have positive effects on clinical parameters, minor complications, and LOS in patients undergoing SG, without increasing the risk of VTE. Larger studies are needed to investigate the effect of TXA on postoperative major complications.

Graphical abstract
Advances and potential of regenerative medicine in pediatric nephrology
Authors: Slaats Gisela G. , Chen Junyu , Levtchenko Elena , Verhaar Marianne C. , Arcolino Fanny Oliveira
Published: July 2023

The endogenous capacity of the kidney to repair is limited, and generation of new nephrons after injury for adequate function recovery remains a need. Discovery of factors that promote the endogenous regenerative capacity of the injured kidney or generation of transplantable kidney tissue represent promising therapeutic strategies. While several encouraging results are obtained after administration of stem or progenitor cells, stem cell secretome, or extracellular vesicles in experimental kidney injury models, very little data exist in the clinical setting to make conclusions about their efficacy. In this review, we provide an overview of the cutting-edge knowledge on kidney regeneration, including pre-clinical methodologies used to elucidate regenerative pathways and describe the perspectives of regenerative medicine for kidney patients.
The Norwegian degenerative spondylolisthesis and spinal stenosis (NORDSTEN) study: study overview, organization structure and study population
Authors: Indrekvam Kari , Bånerud Ingrid Fjeldheim , Hermansen Erland , Austevoll Ivar Magne , Rekeland Frode , Guddal Maren Hjelle , Solberg Tore K. , Brox Jens Ivar , Hellum Christian , Storheim Kjersti
Published: July 2023

Purpose

To provide an overview of the The Norwegian Degenerative spondylolisthesis and spinal stenosis (NORDSTEN)-study and the organizational structure, and to evaluate the study population.

Methods

The NORDSTEN is a multicentre study with 10 year follow-up, conducted at 18 public hospitals. NORDSTEN includes three studies: (1) The randomized spinal stenosis trial comparing the impact of three different decompression techniques; (2) the randomized degenerative spondylolisthesis trial investigating whether decompression surgery alone is as good as decompression with instrumented fusion; (3) the observational cohort tracking the natural course of LSS in patients without planned surgical treatment. A range of clinical and radiological data are collected at defined time points. To administer, guide, monitor and assist the surgical units and the researchers involved, the NORDSTEN national project organization was established.

Corresponding clinical data from the Norwegian Registry for Spine Surgery (NORspine) were used to assess if the randomized NORDSTEN-population at baseline was representative for LSS patients treated in routine surgical practice.

Results

A total of 988 LSS patients with or without spondylolistheses were included from 2014 to 2018. The clinical trials did not find any difference in the efficacy of the surgical methods evaluated. The NORDSTEN patients were similar to those being consecutively operated at the same hospitals and reported to the NORspine during the same time period.

Conclusion

The NORDSTEN study provides opportunity to investigate clinical course of LSS with or without surgical interventions. The NORDSTEN-study population were similar to LSS patients treated in routine surgical practice, supporting the external validity of previously published results.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT02007083 10/12/2013, NCT02051374 31/01/2014 and NCT03562936 20/06/2018.
Baryon Anticorrelations in PYTHIA
Authors: Demazure Noe , González Sebastián V. , Llanes-Estrada Felipe J.
Published: July 2023

We present a computational investigation of a problem of hadron collisions from recent years, that of baryon anticorrelations. This is an experimental dearth of baryons near other baryons in phase space, not seen upon examining numerical Monte Carlo simulations. We have addressed one of the best known Monte Carlo codes, , to see what baryon (anti)correlations it produces, where they are originated at the string-fragmentation level in the underlying Lund model, and what simple modifications could lead to better agreement with data. We propose two ad-hoc alterations of the fragmentation code, a “one-baryon” and an “always-baryon” policies that qualitatively reproduce the data behaviour, i.e anticorrelation, and suggest that lacking Pauli-principle induced corrections at the quark level could be the culprit behind the current disagreement between computations and experiment.
Knowledge mapping of COVID-19 and autoimmune diseases: a visual and bibliometric analysis
Authors: Zhang Youao , Jia Zixuan , Xia Xu , Wang Jieyan
Published: July 2023

Background

Many studies have shown an association between COVID-19 and autoimmune diseases (ADs). Studies on COVID-19 and ADs have also increased significantly, but there is no bibliometric analysis to summarize the association between COVID-19 and ADs. The purpose of this study was to perform a bibliometric and visual analysis of published studies related to COVID-19 and ADs.

Methods

Based on the Web of Science Core Collection SCI-Expanded database, we utilize Excel 2019 and visualization analysis tools Co-Occurrence13.2 (COOC13.2), VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and HistCite for analysis.

Results

A total of 1736 related kinds of papers were included, and the number of papers presented an overall increasing trend. The country/region with the most publications is the USA, the institution is the Harvard Medical School, the author is Yehuda Shoenfeld from Israel, and the journal is Frontiers in Immunology. Research hotspots include immune responses (such as cytokines storm), multisystem ADs (such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis), treatment modalities (such as hydroxychloroquine, rituximab), vaccination and autoimmune mechanisms (such as autoantibodies, molecular mimicry). The future research direction may be the mechanisms and treatment ideas of the association between ADs and COVID-19 (such as NF-κB, hyperinflammation, antiphospholipid antibodies, neutrophil extracellular traps, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor), other cross-diseases of COVID-19 and ADs (such as inflammatory bowel disease, chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis, acute respiratory distress syndrome).

Conclusion

The growth rate of publications regarding ADs and COVID-19 has risen sharply. Our research results can help researchers grasp the current status of ADs and COVID-19 research and find new research directions in the future.
The molecular composition of humic substances extracted from green composts and their potential for soil remediation
Authors: Stancampiano Lavinia M. , Verrillo Mariavittoria , Cangemi Silvana , Meignant Ilwan , Spaccini Riccardo , Piccolo Alessandro , Bridoux Maxime C.
Published: July 2023

Humic substances play empirically several essential functions in biogeochemical cycles such as storage of carbon, pollutants, nutrients and water, yet the underlying mechanisms remain poorly known because their precise molecular structure is largely unknown so far. Here, we extracted humic substances from biomass waste of bell pepper, fennel, artichoke, coffee ground, coffee husks, and nursery residues. We analyzed humic extracts by ultra-high resolution Orbitrap Fusion Lumos Tribrid 1 M mass spectrometry, using both positive photoionization and negative electrospray ionization modes, and by 13C cross polarization/magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. We identified 5000–7000 unique organic compounds in humic substances by integrating photoionization with electrospray ionization. The chemical distribution of all components was depicted by nuclear magnetic resonance. Humic substances from green composts are composed by a wide variety of hydrophilic and hydrophobic moieties, thus providing the required biosurfactant properties for effective soil washing capacities, with carboxyl-rich alicyclic molecules, fatty acids, and phenolic acids as major constituents. Overall, our findings provide a major insight in the molecular structure of humic substances, thus opening research on mechanisms ruling the origin, fate and behavior of humic substances.
Design and implementation of symbolic algorithms for the computation of generalized asymptotes
Authors: Fernández de Sevilla Marián , Magdalena Benedicto Rafael , Pérez-Díaz Sonia
Published: July 2023

In this paper we present two algorithms for computing the g-asymptotes or generalized asymptotes, of a plane algebraic curve, $$\mathscr {C}$$
C
, implicitly or parametrically defined. The asymptotes of a curve $$\mathscr {C}$$
C
reflect the status of $$\mathscr {C}$$
C
at points with sufficiently large coordinates. It is well known that an asymptote of a curve $$\mathscr {C}$$
C
is a line such that the distance between $$\mathscr {C}$$
C
and the line approaches zero as they tend to infinity. However, a curve $$\mathscr {C}$$
C
may have more general curves than lines describing the status of $$\mathscr {C}$$
C
at infinity. These curves are known as g-asymptotes or generalized asymptotes. The pseudocodes of these algorithms are presented, as well as the corresponding implementations. For this purpose, we use the algebra software . A comparative analysis of the algorithms is carried out, based on some properties of the input curves and their results to analyze the efficiency of the algorithms and to establish comparative criteria. The results presented in this paper are a starting point to generalize this study to surfaces or to curves defined by a non-rational parametrization, as well as to improve the efficiency of the algorithms. Additionally, the methods developed can provide a new and different approach in prediction (regression) or classification algorithms in the machine learning field.
Deep convolutional Ritz method: parametric PDE surrogates without labeled data
Authors: Fuhg J. N. , Karmarkar A. , Kadeethum T. , Yoon H. , Bouklas N.
Published: July 2023

The parametric surrogate models for partial differential equations (PDEs) are a necessary component for many applications in computational sciences, and the convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have proven to be an excellent tool to generate these surrogates when parametric fields are present. CNNs are commonly trained on labeled data based on one-to-one sets of parameter-input and PDE-output fields. Recently, residual-based deep convolutional physics-informed neural network (DCPINN) solvers for parametric PDEs have been proposed to build surrogates without the need for labeled data. These allow for the generation of surrogates without an expensive offline-phase. In this work, we present an alternative formulation termed deep convolutional Ritz method (DCRM) as a parametric PDE solver. The approach is based on the minimization of energy functionals, which lowers the order of the differential operators compared to residual-based methods. Based on studies involving the Poisson equation with a spatially parameterized source term and boundary conditions, we find that CNNs trained on labeled data outperform DCPINNs in convergence speed and generalization abilities. The surrogates generated from the DCRM, however, converge significantly faster than their DCPINN counterparts, and prove to generalize faster and better than the surrogates obtained from both CNNs trained on labeled data and DCPINNs. This hints that the DCRM could make PDE solution surrogates trained without labeled data possibly.
Substrate type and CO2 addition significantly influence succinic acid production of Basfia succiniciproducens
Authors: Balázs Márta , Bartos Hunor , Lányi Szabolcs , Bodor Zsolt , Miklóssy Ildikó
Published: July 2023

Metabolic engineering has shown that optimizing metabolic pathways’ fluxes for industrial purposes requires a methodical approach. Accordingly, in this study, in silico metabolic modeling was utilized to characterize the lesser-known strain Basfia succiniciproducens under different environmental conditions, followed by the use of industrially relevant substrates for succinic acid synthesis. Based on RT-qPCR carried out in flask experiments, we discovered a relatively large difference in the expression levels of ldhA gene compared to glucose in both xylose and glycerol cultures. In bioreactor-scale fermentations, the impact of different gas phases (CO2, CO2/AIR) on biomass yield, substrate consumption, and metabolite profiles was also investigated. In the case of glycerol, the addition of CO2 increased biomass as well as target product formation, while using CO2/AIR gas phase resulted in higher target product yield (0.184 mM⋅mM−1). In case of xylose, using CO2 alone would result in higher succinic acid production (0.277 mM⋅mM−1). The promising rumen bacteria, B. succiniciproducens, has shown to be suitable for succinic acid production from both xylose and glycerol. As a result, our findings present new opportunities for broadening the range of raw materials used in this significant biochemical process. Our study also sheds light on fermentation parameter optimization for this strain, namely that, CO2/AIR supply has a positive effect on target product formation.
Genomics of founders for conservation breeding: the Jasper caribou case
Authors: Cavedon Maria , Neufeld Lalenia , Finnegan Laura , Hervieux Dave , Michalak Anita , Pelletier Agnes , Polfus Jean , Schwantje Helen , Skinner Geoff , Steenweg Robin , Thacker Caeley , Poissant Jocelyn , Musiani Marco
Published: July 2023

Conservation breeding programs are increasingly used as recovery actions for wild animals; bringing founders into captivity to rear captive populations for future reintroduction into the wild. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature recommends that founders should come from genetically close populations and should have sufficient genetic diversity to avoid mating among relatives. Genomic data are highly informative for evaluating founders due to their high resolution and ability to capture adaptive divergence, yet, their application in that context remains limited. Woodland caribou are federally listed as a Species at Risk in Canada, with several populations facing extirpation, such as those in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta and British Columbia (BC). To prevent local extirpation, Jasper National Park (JNP) is proposing a conservation breeding program. We examined single nucleotide polymorphisms for 144 caribou from 11 populations encompassing a 200,0002 km area surrounding JNP to provide information useful for identifying appropriate founders for this program. We found that this area likely hosts a caribou metapopulation historically characterized by high levels of gene flow, which indicates that multiple sources of founders would be appropriate for initiating a breeding program. However, population structure and adaptive divergence analyses indicate that JNP caribou are closest to populations in the BC Columbia range, which also have suitable genetic diversity for conservation breeding. We suggest that collaboration among jurisdictions would be beneficial to implement the program to promote recovery of JNP caribou and possibly other caribou populations in the surrounding area, which is strategically at the periphery of the distribution of this endangered species.
A multi-year analysis of factors affecting ecosystem metabolism in forested and meadow reaches of a Piedmont stream
Authors: Bott Thomas L. , Newbold J. Denis
Published: July 2023

Studies of stream ecosystem metabolism over decades are rare and focused on responses to a single factor, e.g., nutrient reduction or storms. Numerous studies document that light, temperature, allochthonous inputs, nutrients, and flow affect metabolism. We use measurements spanning ~ 40 years to examine the interplay of all these influences on metabolism in forested and meadow reaches of a rural stream in southeastern Pennsylvania, USA. Measurements made in 1971–1975 used benthic substrata transferred to chambers (Period 1, P1), and ones in 1997–2010 used open system methodology (P2). Metabolism was greater in the Meadow reach both periods. Gross primary productivity (GPP) was driven primarily by light and chlorophyll, and respiration (R) by temperature and inclusion of hyporheic metabolism. Annually, processes were nearly balanced (Forested reach) or dominated by autotrophy (Meadow reach) in P1. Heterotrophy predominated in both reaches in P2, fueled by litter inputs (Forested reach) and fine particulate organic matter from the agricultural watershed (Meadow reach). Storms reduced GPP, R, and chlorophyll in proportion to storm size, but had less influence than other environmental factors. Riparian-zone reforestation of the P1 Meadow reach resulted in incident light and GPP similar to that in the permanent Forested reach within ~ 20 years.
Preparation and characterization of Cu-In-Ga-Se thin films by the electrodeposition technique using different metal salts and substrates
Authors: Ledesma-Juárez Arelis , Fernández A. M.
Published: July 2023

Cu(In, Ga)Se2 thin films possess important optoelectronic properties desirable for their application in devices such as solar cells. Solar cells based on this material have reached higher efficiencies than 23%. However, the commercialization of these cells has been restricted due to the use of thin film deposition methods involving costly high vacuum and cost. To reduce costs, it is necessary to use methods that do not use a high vacuum, among which electrodeposition stands out. Unfortunately, solar cells produced with this technique have yet to achieve high conversion efficiencies. Several authors attribute the lower efficiencies in such cells to the use of chemical additives in the preparation, different substrates, different deposition temperatures, etc. Nevertheless, there are very few reports on the influence of other metal salts in electrolytic baths. This work aims to use three different types of metal salts and voltages to produce Cu(In, Ga)Se2 (CIGS) absorber thin films by co-electrodeposition technique. The effect of nucleation type with two different substrates is studied, also report the studies carried out on the atomic composition and structural, morphological, and electrochemical characterization to understand the formation, growth, and morphology of CIGS films and, in this way, to obtain a suitable stoichiometry of thin film solar cells using this absorber.
What motivates and demotivates Estonian mathematics teachers to continue teaching? The roles of self-efficacy, work satisfaction, and work experience
Authors: Täht Karin , Mikkor Kristel , Aaviste Getriin , Rozgonjuk Dmitri
Published: July 2023

Estonian students achieved high scores in the latest Programme for International Student Assessment surveys. At the same time, there needs to be more knowledge about the teachers guiding these students, as this could provide insights into effective teaching methods that can be replicated in other educational contexts. According to the Teaching and Learning International Survey, Estonian teachers' average age is among the highest in the world, and the shortage of young, qualified mathematics teachers is well-documented. The present study aimed to map the motivating and demotivating factors for mathematics teachers to continue working in this profession. The effective sample comprised 164 Estonian mathematics teachers who responded to items regarding self-efficacy and job satisfaction and open-ended questions about motivating and demotivating factors regarding their work. The results showed that students, salary and vacation, and job environment are both motivating and demotivating for mathematics teachers. On the one hand, helping the students to succeed (and witnessing the progress), satisfying salaries and a good job climate motivate the teachers. And at the same time, students' low motivation, poor salary, and straining work conditions (e.g., very high workload) serve as demotivating factors. We showed that mathematics teachers' work experience is an essential factor to be considered when thinking about motivating and demotivating factors for teachers, as well as their self-efficacy and job satisfaction. The reasons, possible impact, and potential interventions on an educational policy level are discussed.