bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a Divergent Synthetic Avenue towards Conduritol‐E, allo‐Inositol, talo‐Quercitol and Palitantin from D‐Ribose
Authors: Sivakrishna Balija , Sahoo Subrata , Kumar Aditya , Pal Shantanu
Published: October 2022

A convenient and diverse common synthetic strategy was developed for total synthesis of conduritol‐E, allo‐inositol, talo‐quercitol, and formal synthesis of palitantin from the common polyhydroxylated cyclohexenol intermediate, which was synthesized from readily available D‐ribose. The synthetic avenue includes Barbier allylation, RCM reaction, and oxidative diol cleavage as key steps.
1,3‐Dipolar Cycloadditions of Cyanoheteroarenes with non‐stabilized Azomethine Ylides : C≡N vs Aromatic C=C Reactivity
Authors: Rkein Batoul , Manneveau Maxime , Gérard Hélène , Legros Julien , Chataigner Isabelle
Published: October 2022

Indoles, benzofurans and benzothiophenes substituted by a cyano group at positions 2 or 3 are shown to behave differently toward azomethine ylide 1,3‐dipole 1, in (3+2) cycloadditions. While the C2=C3 aromatic double bond of 3‐cyanoheteroarene reacts as dipolarophile to generate the corresponding dearomatized cycloadducts, the C≡N bond of 2‐cyanobenzofuran reveals more reactive and imidazoline are obtained in this case. 2‐Cyanoindole substituted by an electron‐withdrawing triflyl group on the nitrogen atom allows the formation of the bis‐cycloadduct where the C=C and C≡N moieties both reacted. The C≡N vs C=C reactivity is nicely supported by DFT computations.
Epitaxially Grown p‐type Silicon Wafers Ready for Cell Efficiencies Exceeding 25%
Authors: Rittmann Clara , Schindler Florian , Richter Armin , Niewelt Tim , Stolzenburg Hannah , Steinhauser Bernd , Dalke Jonas , Drießen Marion , Weiss Charlotte , Janz Stefan , Schubert Martin C.
Published: October 2022

Combining the advantages of a high‐efficiency solar cell concept and a low carbon footprint base material is a promising approach for highly efficient, sustainable, and cost‐effective solar cells. In this work, we investigate the suitability of epitaxially grown p‐type silicon wafers for solar cells with tunnel oxide passivating contact rear emitter. As a first proof of principle, an efficiency limiting bulk recombination analysis of epitaxially grown p‐type silicon wafers deposited on high quality substrates (EpiRef) unveils promising cell efficiency potentials exceeding 25% for three different base resistivities of 3, 14, and 100 Ω cm. To understand the remaining limitations in detail, concentrations of metastable defects Fei, CrB and BO are assessed by lifetime‐calibrated photoluminescence imaging and their impact on the overall recombination is evaluated. The EpiRef wafers’ efficiency potential is tracked along the solar cell fabrication process to quantify the impact of high temperature treatments on the material quality. We observe large areas with few structural defects on the wafer featuring lifetimes exceeding 10 ms and an efficiency potential of 25.8% even after exposing the wafer to a thermal oxidation at 1050 °C.
A simplified stress–strain relationship for the mechanical behavior of corroded prestressing strands: The SCPS‐model
Authors: Franceschini Lorenzo , Belletti Beatrice , Tondolo Francesco , Sanchez Montero Javier
Published: October 2022

This article presents a simplified stress–strain relationship for the definition of the mechanical behavior of prestressing strands subjected to chloride‐induced corrosion, named SCPS‐model (Simplified Model for Corroded Prestressing Strands). The constitutive law adopts the equivalent spring model, that reproduces the overall behavior of a corroded strand by summing the contributions of each wire, assumed as a spring working in parallel to the others. The SCPS‐model is designed for the application in the daily engineering practice; to this aim, it is based on a single input parameter that is the maximum penetration depth of the most corroded wire. Following a detailed description of the model formulation and parameters, the article shows the validation of the stress–strain relationship through several comparisons with experimental tensile test outcomes coming from scientific literature. Finally, a statistical analysis of the dimensionless ratio of experimental and analytical results in terms of ultimate corroded strength and strain is carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness of the SCPS‐model. Concluding, the accurate and safe side prediction of the residual mechanical behavior of corroded prestressing strands is proposed using the SCPS‐model.
The influence of granite powder waste and the addition of fly ash on concrete bleeding
Authors: Chajec Adrian , Kwietniowski Szymon , Woźniak Zuzanna , Šavija Branko , Sadowski Łukasz
Published: October 2022

Bleeding is a common problem in concrete slabs, and may lead to serious damage. The goal of this article is to understand the impact of alternative binders and their properties on the bleeding of concrete. Therefore, the impact of the type of binder on the bleeding process is investigated. The results show that the addition of granite powder or fly ash allows for the increased control of the bleeding process. It was found that a finer particle size distribution (PSD), an increased specific surface area (SSA), and a higher bulk density may reduce the amount of dispensed water in the concrete mix. Furthermore, the use of additives with an increased SSA leads to even a 30% reduction of the bleeding rate of mixes. The utilization of additives with a finer PSD than cement enables a 37% reduction of the bleeding rate of mixes. The influence of bleeding on compressive strength was assessed using destructive and non‐destructive tests: Replacing 30% of cement with granite powder leads to a 30% reduction of concrete strength after 28 days of curing; on the other hand, replacing 30% of cement with siliceous fly ash leads to an 18% reduction of strength. Importantly, bleeding was also found to lead to the heterogeneity of the physical and mechanical properties across the concrete section. Consequently, the proper control of the bleeding process leads to more homogeneous properties of concrete across its cross‐section.
Effects of treadmill exercise and chronic stress on anxiety‐like behavior, neuronal activity, and oxidative stress in basolateral amygdala in morphine‐treated rats
Authors: Shahidani Somayeh , Jokar Zahra , Alaei Hojjatallah , Reisi Parham
Published: October 2022

The basolateral amygdala (BLA), which is sensitive to stress, is necessary for reward‐seeking behavior and addiction. Regular exercise can produce various positive effects by affecting the BLA. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effects of chronic stress and treadmill running (TR) on anxiety‐like behavior, neuronal activity, lipid peroxidation (measured by malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, a marker for oxidative stress), and total thiol in BLA, in morphine‐treated rats.

Male Wistar rats were restricted in restraint stress and/or ran on the treadmill and treated with morphine (5 mg/kg) for 21 days. Anxiety‐like behavior was evaluated using an elevated plus maze (EPM) and open field tests (OFTs), on day 22. On day 23, neuronal activity in BLA was assessed via single‐unit recording. Finally, MDA and total thiol were assessed in BLA.

Our results showed that chronic administration of morphine (5 mg/kg) did not affect anxiety‐like behavior. However, the morphine‐treated rats, subjected to chronic stress and exercise, showed fewer anxiety‐like behaviors. Morphine increased BLA's MDA levels but it was prevented by TR. Glutamatergic and GABAergic basal neuronal activities were low in morphine‐treated rats but after acute morphine application, there was a significant decrease in GABAergic neuronal activities in the morphine‐exercise‐stress (Mor‐Exe‐St) group.

The results of this study showed that in morphine‐treated rats, stress and exercise or their combination could have either co‐directional or opposite effects to the chronic effects of morphine. These results indicate the existence of common pathways similar to endogenous opioids.
Data validation and statistical issues such as power and other considerations in genome‐wide association study (GWAS)
Authors: Tomita Makoto
Published: October 2022

A series of steps in genomic data analysis will be presented. In data validation, starting with marker quality control, he mentioned structuring problems from ethnic populations, genome‐wide significant levels, Manhattan plots, and Haploview. Statistical issues such as power, sample size calculation, false discovery rate, and QQ plot ofp‐values were also introduced.

This article is categorized under:

Applications of Computational Statistics > DNA Analysis
CRISPR‐Cas system manipulating nanoparticles signal transduction for cancer diagnosis
Authors: Guo Yuqian , Guo Liang , Su Yu , Xiong Yonghua
Published: October 2022

Early diagnosis of cancer is important to improve the survival rate and relieve patient pain. Sensitive detection of cancer related biomarkers in body fluids is a critical approach for the early diagnosis of cancer. The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat‐associated protein (CRISPR‐Cas) system has emerged as a molecular manipulation technology because of its simple detection procedure, high base resolution, and isothermal signal amplification. Recently, various nanomaterials with unique optical and electrical characteristics have been introduced as the novel signal transducers to enhance the detection performance of CRISPR‐Cas‐based nanosensors. This review summarizes the working mechanisms of the CRISPR‐Cas system for biosensing. It also enumerates the strategies of CRISPR‐manipulated nanosensors based on various signal models for cancer diagnosis, including colorimetric, fluorescence, electrochemical, electrochemiluminescence, pressure, and other signals. Finally, the prospects and challenges of CRISPR‐Cas‐based nanosensors for cancer diagnostic are also discussed.

This article is categorized under:

Diagnostic Tools > Biosensing
Energy extraction from AdS black holes via superradiance
Authors: Ishii Takaaki , Kaku Youka , Murata Keiju
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Superradiance is known as a wave amplification process caused by rotating or charged black holes. We argue that the superradiance of stationary black holes in asymptotically AdS spacetimes can be characterized by the ability of energy extraction. Specifically, we demonstrate that energy can be extracted from Reissner-Nordström-AdS4 and Kerr-AdS4 under appropriate time-dependent boundary conditions at conformal boundaries. This indicates that energy can be extracted from thermal states dual to these black holes by applying appropriate time-dependent sources. We also show that the energy extraction can be realized as a reversible process.
AdS Virasoro-Shapiro from dispersive sum rules
Authors: Alday Luis F. , Hansen Tobias , Silva Joao A.
Published: October 2022

Abstract

We consider the four-point correlator of the stress-energy tensor in $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 SYM, to leading order in inverse powers of the central charge, but including all order corrections in 1/λ. This corresponds to the AdS version of the Virasoro-Shapiro amplitude to all orders in the small α′/low energy expansion. Using dispersion relations in Mellin space, we derive an infinite set of sum rules. These sum rules strongly constrain the form of the amplitude, and determine all coefficients in the low energy expansion in terms of the CFT data for heavy string operators, in principle available from integrability. For the first set of corrections to the flat space amplitude we find a unique solution consistent with the results from integrability and localisation.
Sextic tensor model in rank 3 at next-to-leading order
Authors: Harribey Sabine
Published: October 2022

Abstract

We compute the four-loop beta functions of short and long-range multi-scalar models with general sextic interactions and complex fields. We then specialize the beta functions to a U(N)3 symmetry and study the renormalization group at next-to-leading order in N and small ϵ. In the short-range case, ϵ is the deviation from the critical dimension while it is the deviation from the critical scaling of the free propagator in the long-range case. This allows us to find the 1/N corrections to the rank-3 sextic tensor model of [1]. In the short-range case, we still find a non-trivial real IR stable fixed point, with a diagonalizable stability matrix. All couplings, except for the so-called wheel coupling, have terms of order ϵ0 at leading and next-to-leading order, which makes this fixed point different from the other melonic fixed points found in quartic models. In the long-range case, the corrections to the fixed point are instead not perturbative in ϵ and hence unreliable; we thus find no precursor of the large-N fixed point.
A phase-field study of neck growth in electron beam powder bed fusion (EB-PBF) process of Ti6Al4V powders under different processing conditions
Authors: Rizza Giovanni , Galati Manuela , Iuliano Luca
Published: October 2022

Traditional sintering processes are carried out to achieve complete material densification. In an electron beam powder bed fusion (EB-PBF) process, the same sintering mechanisms occur but only with the aim to form small connections between the particles (necks). A proper neck formation is central for the EB-PBF process because, among other effects, ensures the thermal stability of the process and helps to avoid smoke phenomena. This work presents a numerical study of neck formation under the EB-PBF processing conditions. A new type of modelling is introduced for the temperature sintering load and included in a phase-field model, which simulates the neck growth during the EB-PBF process of Ti6Al4V powders. The model was validated with an ad-hoc experiment, which provided a deviation with respect to the estimated neck diameter of about 9%. The deviation was investigated by reasonably varying the processing conditions. The results showed that the thermal history, the process time scale (including also the cooling phase), and the geometrical characteristics of the particles significantly affected the sintering rate and neck radius.
Accurate 24-h urine cystine quantification for patients on cystine-binding thiol drugs
Authors: Mikel Charles C. , Goldfarb David S. , Ponte Amy , Steigelman Katherine , Latyshev Sergey
Published: October 2022

Cystinuria is a rare disorder resulting in development of recurrent kidney stones, adversely affecting patient quality of life. The goal of cystinuria management is to reduce stone formation by increasing cystine solubility in urine, which includes lowering the urinary cystine level below its solubility limit. Treatment usually involves alkalinization of the urine and often requires initiating pharmacotherapy with a cystine-binding thiol drug (CBTD) such as tiopronin; however, proper dose adjustment requires accurate measurement of urinary cystine. The goal of this study was to validate a novel high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS/MS) method for quantification of cystine in the urine of patients with cystinuria receiving a CBTD. Urine samples were collected over 24 h from 24 patients and separated into 2 aliquots. Chromatographic separation of samples was conducted and separation of cystine from the cysteine-tiopronin drug complex was complete in < 3 min. The method was validated for accuracy, precision, linearity, limit of detection (LOD), and limit of quantification (LOQ). Mean accuracy range was 97.7–102.3%; intermediate precision was high with relative percent difference values calculated at 1.2–9.3%; the calibration curve resulted in a linear response throughout the concentration range (R2 = 0.998); and the LOD and LOQ were 0.002 and 0.005 mg/mL, respectively. Mean (range) cystine concentrations measured were 111.10 (51.31–179.46) and 242.21 (61.14–741.80) g/L in Aliquots A and B, respectively. The HPLC–MS/MS method presented here indicates that urine cystine can be reliably quantified in patients receiving a CBTD.
Heightened 30‐Day Postoperative Complication Risk Persists After COVID‐19 Infection
Authors: Neumaier Mackenzie , Thirukumaran Caroline , Ramirez Gabriel , Ricciardi Benjamin
Published: October 2022

Background

Current literature describing the riskiness of operating on actively infected COVID‐19 patients far outnumbers that on the risk of operating on recovered patients. The purpose of this study was to analyze a single, tertiary referral center experience regarding postoperative complications and readmissions in COVID‐19‐recovered patients versus COVID‐19‐naïve (never previously infected) patients undergoing elective and emergency surgery across all surgical subspecialties.

Methods

All PCR positive COVID‐19 patients that underwent a surgical procedure between February 1, 2020, and November 1, 2020, were included in the COVID‐positive cohort. These patients were then matched to COVID‐naïve controls that underwent similar procedures within the same time frame. Primary outcomes included 30‐day postoperative complications as well as 90‐day readmissions. Multivariable analyses were also performed.

Results

112 COVID‐positive patients met inclusion criteria and were all matched to COVID‐naïve controls. 76 patients (68%) underwent surgery > 30 days from their COVID diagnosis. COVID‐positive patients were at significantly higher risk of 30‐day complications compared to the COVID‐naïve cohort (22% versus 8%, respectively; p < 0.01). Multivariable analyses found ambulatory/asymptomatic infections, undergoing surgery between 30 and 120 days from diagnosis, initial presentation to the emergency department and elevated ASA scores to be significantly associated with 30‐day complications. No differences were found for 90‐day readmissions.

Conclusion

Patients with previous COVID‐19 infections carry a higher perioperative risk profile for 30‐day complications compared to COVID‐naïve counterparts in unvaccinated populations.
Glucose variability increases during minimally invasive procedures in very preterm infants
Authors: Galderisi Alfonso , Res Giulia , Guiducci Silvia , Savio Federica , Brigadoi Sabrina , Forlani Laura , Mastrandrea Biancamaria , Moschino Laura , Lolli Elisabetta , Priante Elena , Trevisanuto Daniele , Baraldi Eugenio
Published: October 2022

The objective of this study is to assess the effect of neonatal procedures on glucose variability in very preterm infants. Preterm infants (≤ 32 weeks gestation and/or birthweight ≤ 1500 g) were started on continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) on day 2 of birth and monitored for 5 days. Minimally invasive (heel stick, venipunctures) and non-invasive (nappy change, parental presence) procedures were recorded. CGM data were analyzed 30 min before and after each procedure. The primary outcome was the coefficient of glucose variation (CV = SD/mean) before and after the procedure; SD and median glucose were also evaluated. We analyzed 496 procedures in 22 neonates (GA 30.5 weeks [29–31]; birthweight 1300 g [950–1476]). Median glucose did not change before and after each procedure, while CV and SD increased after heel prick (p = 0.017 and 0.030), venipuncture (p = 0.010 and 0.030), and nappy change (p < 0.001 and < 0.001), in the absence of a difference during parental presence.

Conclusions: Non-invasive and minimally invasive procedures increase glucose variability in the absence of changes of mean glucose.

What is Known:• Minimally invasive procedures - including nappy change - may increase neonatal stress in preterm infants.

What is New:• Continuous glucose monitoring provides a quantitative measure of neonatal stress during neonatal care procedures demonstrating an increase of glucose variability.
Indications for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy before bariatric surgery: a multicenter study
Authors: Abdallah Hussein , El Skalli Mehdi , Mcheimeche Hussein , Casagranda Biagio , de Manzini Nicolò , Palmisano Silvia
Published: October 2022

Background

The role of preoperative upper gastrointestinal endoscopy before bariatric surgery is still debated, and a consensus among the international scientific community is lacking. The aims of this study, conducted in three different geographic areas, were to analyze data regarding the pathological endoscopic findings and report their impact on the decision-making process and surgical management, in terms of delay in surgical operation, modification of the intended bariatric procedure, or contraindication to surgery.

Methods

This is a multicenter cross-sectional study using data obtained from three prospective databases. The preoperative endoscopic reports, patient demographics, Body Mass Index, type of surgery, and Helicobacter pylori status were collected. Endoscopic findings were categorized into four groups: (1) normal endoscopy, (2) abnormal findings not requiring a change in the surgical approach, (3) clinically important lesions that required a change in surgical management or further investigations or therapy prior to surgery, and (4) findings that contraindicated surgery.

Results

Between 2006 and 2020, data on 643 patients were analyzed. In all of the enrolled bariatric institutions, preoperative endoscopy was performed routinely. A total of 76.2% patients had normal and/or abnormal findings that did not required a change in surgical management; in 23.8% cases a change or a delay in surgical approach occurred. Helicobacter pylori infection was detected in 15.2% patients. No patient had an endoscopic finding contraindicating surgery.

Conclusions

The role of preoperative UGE is to identify a wide range of pathological findings in patients with obesity that could influence the therapeutic approach, including the choice of the proper bariatric procedure. Considering the anatomical modifications, the incidence of asymptomatic pathologies, and the risk of malignancy, we support the decision of performing preoperative endoscopy for all patients eligible for bariatric operation.

Graphical abstract
Frequency of cholelithiasis in need of surgical or endoscopic treatment a decade or more after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
Authors: Belgau Ingrid , Johnsen Gjermund , Græslie Hallvard , Mårvik Ronald , Nymo Siren , Bjerkan Kirsti , Hyldmo Åsne , Klöckner Christian , Kulseng Bård , Hoff Dag , Sandvik Jorunn
Published: October 2022

Background

Symptomatic cholelithiasis requiring treatment is a known side effect after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), but reported rates vary greatly. The objectives for this study were to evaluate the long-term frequency of surgical or endoscopic treatment for symptomatic cholelithiasis 10–15 years after RYGB and its relation to self-reported abdominal pain.

Methods

Observational data from 546 patients who underwent RYGB at public hospitals in Central Norway between March 2003 and December 2009 were analyzed.

Results

Median follow-up was 11.5 (range 9.1–16.8) years. Sixty-five (11.9%) patients had undergone cholecystectomy prior to RYGB. Out of the 481 patients with intact gallbladder, 77 (16.0%) patients underwent cholecystectomy and six (1.2%) patients had treatment for choledocholithiasis during the observation period. Median time from RYGB to cholecystectomy or treatment of choledocholithiasis was 51 (range 1–160) and 109 (range 10–151) months, respectively. Female sex was associated with an increased risk of subsequent cholecystectomy [OR (95% CI) 2.88 (1.31–7.15)], p < 0.05. There was a higher frequency of self-reported abdominal pain at follow-up [OR (95% CI) 1.92 (1.25–2.93)] among patients who underwent cholecystectomy before or after RYGB.

Conclusion

With a median follow-up of more than 11 years after RYGB, one in six patients with an intact gallbladder at time of RYGB underwent cholecystectomy, and 1.1% of the patients needed surgical or endoscopic treatment for choledocholithiasis. Patients with a history of cholecystectomy reported a higher frequency of abdominal pain.
Implementation of the robotic abdominal phase during robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE): results from a high-volume center
Authors: de Groot E. M. , Goense L. , Kingma B. F. , van den Berg J. W. , Ruurda J. P. , van Hillegersberg R.
Published: October 2022

Background

Evidence on the added value of robotic-assistance in the abdominal phase during esophagectomy is scarce. In 2003, our center implemented the robotic thoracic phase for esophagectomy. In November 2018 the robot was also implemented in the abdominal phase. The aim of this study was to evaluate the implementation of the abdominal phase during robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE).

Methods

Consecutive patients who underwent full RAMIE with intrathoracic anastomosis for esophageal cancer were included. Patients were extracted from a prospectively maintained institutional database. A cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis was performed for abdominal operation time and abdominal lymph node yield. Intraoperative, postoperative and oncological outcomes including collected lymph nodes per abdominal lymph node station were reported.

Results

Between 2018 and 2021, 70 consecutive patients were included. The majority of the patients had an adenocarcinoma (n = 55, 77%) and underwent neoadjuvant chemo(radio)therapy (n = 65, 95%). The median operative time for the abdominal phase was 180 min (range 110–233). The CUSUM analysis for abdominal operation time showed a plateau at case 22. There were no intraoperative complications or conversions during the abdominal phase. The most common postoperative complications were pneumonia (n = 18, 26%) and anastomotic leakage (n = 14, 20%). Radical resection margins were achieved in 69 (99%) patients. The median total lymph node yield was 42 (range 23–83) and the median abdominal lymph node yield was 16 (range 2–43). The CUSUM analysis for abdominal lymph node yield showed a plateau at case 21. Most abdominal lymph nodes were collected from the left gastric artery (median 4, range 0–20).

Conclusions

This study shows that a robotic abdominal phase was safely implemented for RAMIE without compromising intraoperative, postoperative and oncological outcomes. The learning curve is estimated to be 22 cases in a high-volume center with experienced upper GI robotic surgeons.
Posterior tibial slope (PTS) ≥ 10 degrees is a risk factor for further anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury; BMI is not
Authors: Fares Ali , Horteur Clément , Abou Al Ezz Morad , Hardy Alexandre , Rubens-Duval Brice , Karam Karam , Gaulin Benoit , Pailhe Regis
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This case–control study aimed to assess the influence of BMI and PTS on subsequent ACL injury affecting either ACL graft or the native ACL of the contralateral knee after primary ACL reconstruction.

Methods

A retrospective case–control study was performed using a cohort of patients who underwent arthroscopic ACL reconstruction between 2010 and 2020 using the same surgical procedure: Hamstring tendon autograft. The study group (group I) included all the patients (n = 94) during this period who sustained a subsequent ACL injury. The control group (group II) consisted of 94 patients randomly selected (matched Group I in terms of sex, age, and ACL graft) who did not sustain any further ACL injury. PTS was measured by two blinded surgeons on lateral knee view radiographs of the operated knee after primary ACL. BMI in kg/m2 was measured during the preoperative anesthesia consultation. Exclusion criteria were: non-true or rotated lateral knee radiographs of the operated knee post-ACLR, associated knee ligament injury requiring surgical management, iterative knee surgeries, open growth plate, and related fracture.

Results

The mean posterior tibial slope in group I was 7.5° ± 2.9, and 7.2° ± 2.0 in group II. A PTS angle cutoff was set at 10 degrees. The rate of patients showing a PTS ≥ 10° was significantly higher in group I compared to group II (p < 0.01). Patients with PTS ≥ 10° were 5.7 times more likely to sustain a subsequent ACL injury, (OR: 5.7 95% CI[1.858–17.486]). The Average BMI in group I was 24.5 ± 3.7 kg.m−2 compared to group II which was 23.3 ± 3.0 kg.m−2. There were no significant differences in any of the four BMI categories between both groups (p value 0.289). A series of BMI cut-offs were also analyzed at 23 to30 kg/m2, and there was no significant difference between both groups.

Conclusions

A posterior tibial slope equal to or above 10 degrees measured on lateral knee radiographs was associated with 5.7 times higher risk of ACL graft rupture or contralateral native ACL injury; however, BMI was not.
Efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics of teduglutide in adult Japanese patients with short bowel syndrome and intestinal failure: two phase III studies with an extension
Authors: Nakamura Shiro , Wada Motoshi , Mizushima Tsunekazu , Sugita Akira , Tazuke Yuko , Ohge Hiroki , Udagawa Eri , Suzuki Ryohsuke Ken , Yoon MinJung , Grimm Andrew , Chen Szu-Ta , Ikeuchi Hiroki
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The short- and long-term efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics of teduglutide were analyzed in adult Japanese patients with short bowel syndrome and intestinal failure (SBS-IF).

Methods

Patients received teduglutide 0.05 mg/kg/day in clinical trials (TED-C14-004, SHP633-306, and extension SHP633-307). Data were analyzed at 24 weeks and an interim data cut-off of 4.5 years.

Results

The parenteral support (PS) volume decreased by ≥ 20% for 9/18 patients at 24 weeks and in all 11 patients by data cut-off in SHP633-307. The mean (standard deviation) PS volume decreased from baseline at 24 weeks in TED-C14-004 (−30.1 ± 25.9%) and SHP633-306 (−25.6 ± 25.5%), and at data cut-off in SHP633-307 (−57.08 ± 28.49%). Teduglutide was absorbed quickly. The adverse events were consistent with the underlying disease and known adverse drug reactions. Anti-teduglutide antibody titers declined with long-term treatment.

Conclusions

In Japanese adults with SBS-IF, teduglutide treatment was associated with clinically meaningful reductions in PS requirements, similar to findings in prior international studies. No new safety concerns specific to the Japanese SBS-IF patient population were identified with short- or long-term teduglutide treatment. Anti-teduglutide antibody titers disappeared in most Japanese adults with long-term treatment. These results constitute the longest evaluation of teduglutide treatment within clinical trials reported to date.
The use of ecological analytical tools as an unconventional approach for untargeted metabolomics data analysis: the case of Cecropia obtusifolia and its adaptive responses to nitrate starvation
Authors: Cadena-Zamudio Jorge David , Monribot-Villanueva Juan Luis , Pérez-Torres Claudia-Anahí , Alatorre-Cobos Fulgencio , Jiménez-Moraila Beatriz , Guerrero-Analco José A. , Ibarra-Laclette Enrique
Published: October 2022

Plant metabolomics studies haves revealed new bioactive compounds. However, like other omics disciplines, the generated data are not fully exploited, mainly because the commonly performed analyses focus on elucidating the presence/absence of distinctive metabolites (and/or their precursors) and not on providing a holistic view of metabolomic changes and their participation in organismal adaptation to biotic and abiotic stress conditions. Therefore, spectral libraries generated from Cecropia obtusifolia cell suspension cultures in a previous study were considered as a case study and were reanalyzed herein. These libraries were obtained from a time-course experiment under nitrate starvation conditions using both electrospray ionization modes. The applied methodology included the use of ecological analytical tools in a systematic four-step process, including a population analysis of metabolite α diversity, richness, and evenness (i); a chemometrics analysis to identify discriminant groups (ii); differential metabolic marker identification (iii); and enrichment analyses and annotation of active metabolic pathways enriched by differential metabolites (iv). Our species α diversity results referring to the diversity of metabolites represented by mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) values detected at a specific retention time (rt) (an uncommon way to analyze untargeted metabolomic data) suggest that the metabolome is dynamic and is modulated by abiotic stress. A total of 147 and 371 m/z_rt pairs was identified as differential markers responsive to nitrate starvation in ESI− and ESI+ modes, respectively. Subsequent enrichment analysis showed a high degree of completeness of biosynthetic pathways such as those of brassinosteroids, flavonoids, and phenylpropanoids.
MetaMorph: formalization of domain-specific conceptual modeling methods—an evaluative case study, juxtaposition and empirical assessment
Authors: Döller Victoria , Karagiannis Dimitris , Utz Wilfrid
Published: October 2022

Models have evolved from mere pictures supporting human understanding and communication to sophisticated knowledge structures processable by machines and establish value through their processing capabilities. This entails an inevitable need for computer-understandable modeling languages and causes formalization to be a crucial part in the lifecycle of engineering a modeling method. An appropriate formalism must be a means for providing a structural definition to enable a theoretical investigation of conceptual modeling languages and a unique, unambiguous way of specifying the syntax and semantics of an arbitrary modeling language. For this purpose, it must be generic and open to capturing any domain and any functionality. This paper provides a pervasive description of the formalism MetaMorph based on logic and model theory—an approach fulfilling the requirements above for modeling method engineering. The evaluation of the formalism is presented following three streams of work: First, two evaluative case studies illustrate the applicability of MetaMorph formalism concept by concept on the modeling language ProVis from the domain of stochastic education and the well-known Entity-Relationship language. ProVis as well as ER comprise only a few objects and relation types but with high interconnection and expressive power and are therefore considered interesting specimens for formalization. Second, a comprehensive juxtaposition of MetaMorph to three other formalization approaches based on different foundational theories is outlined concept by concept to underpin the formalism design. Third, an empirical evaluation has been performed, assessing the usability and adequacy of the formalism within a classroom assessment. The results allow for conclusions on the completeness, intuitiveness, and complexity as well as on interdependencies with engineers’ skills.
Age-period-cohort analysis of depression trends: are depressive symptoms increasing across generations in Germany?
Authors: Beller Johannes
Published: October 2022

Several studies have examined trends in depression, but only few have explicitly considered possible generational differences. I examined changes in the burden of depressive symptoms between 2002 and 2017 according to age, time period and birth cohort in Germany. I used population-based data drawn from the German Aging Survey (N = 33,723, 54% female, ages 40 +) from 2002, 2008, 2011, 2014, and 2017. Depressive symptoms were measured via the CES-D 15. Hierarchical age-period-cohort models were used to examine trends in depression. I found that depressive symptoms changed across age, time period and birth cohorts. While there was a general decrease across time periods, strong evidence for a U-shaped cohort effect was also found: Younger generations, beginning with cohorts born after the World War II, increasingly report more depressive symptoms than older generations. This U-shaped cohort trend appeared most pronounced for the somatic symptoms subscale. Contrarily, only minimal cohort differences were found regarding the positive affect subscale. Therefore, depressive symptoms, and especially somatic symptoms, seem to increase in more recent birth cohorts in Germany, who might thus be at risk to experience more mental health problems in the future. Potential reasons for these trends and the generalizability of the results to other countries should be investigated by future studies.
Russia’s nationalities policy and the country’s Central Asian residents’ identity-based activities
Authors: Simon Mark E. , Kokoeva Nadezhda , Slinko Yury
Published: October 2022

As applied to the Russian case, identity politics means first and foremost a state strategy that regulates the public expressions of ethnicity-based solidarity in a way that prevents them from being motivated by a sense of injustice. With regard to Russia’s Central Asian residents, injustice lies in tacit racist treatment by officials, police officers, employers and landlords. The peculiarity of officially recognised Central Asian organisations operating on the basis of state nationalities policy institutions is that they contribute to maintaining the status quo. They do so through orchestrating cultural activities that reproduce stereotypical images of harmonious ethnic diversity in Russia, as well as by supervising labour migrants. However, there are members in these organisations who do manage to use the resources of Russia’s rather idiosyncratic nationalities policy to fulfil their own aspirations, i.e. to practice identity politics for which the policy is not intended.
Lorentz Transformation Under a Discrete Dynamical Time and Continuous Space
Authors: Riek Roland
Published: October 2022

The Lorentz transformation of space and time between two reference frames is one of the pillars of the special relativity theory. As a result of the Lorentz transformation, space and time are only relative and are entangled, while the Minkowski metric is Lorentz invariant. For this reason, the Lorentz transformation is one of the major obstructions in the development of physical theories with quantized space and time. Here is described the Lorentz transformation of a physical system with a discrete dynamical time and a continuous space that fulfills Lorentz invariance while approximating the Lorentz transformation at the time continuous limit and the Galilei transformation at the classical limit. Furthermore, the discreteness of time is not mixed with the continuous nature of space, making time distinct from space.
A Two-stream Convolutional Network for Musculoskeletal and Neurological Disorders Prediction
Authors: Zhu Manli , Men Qianhui , Ho Edmond S. L. , Leung Howard , Shum Hubert P. H.
Published: October 2022

Musculoskeletal and neurological disorders are the most common causes of walking problems among older people, and they often lead to diminished quality of life. Analyzing walking motion data manually requires trained professionals and the evaluations may not always be objective. To facilitate early diagnosis, recent deep learning-based methods have shown promising results for automated analysis, which can discover patterns that have not been found in traditional machine learning methods. We observe that existing work mostly applies deep learning on individual joint features such as the time series of joint positions. Due to the challenge of discovering inter-joint features such as the distance between feet (i.e. the stride width) from generally smaller-scale medical datasets, these methods usually perform sub-optimally. As a result, we propose a solution that explicitly takes both individual joint features and inter-joint features as input, relieving the system from the need of discovering more complicated features from small data. Due to the distinctive nature of the two types of features, we introduce a two-stream framework, with one stream learning from the time series of joint position and the other from the time series of relative joint displacement. We further develop a mid-layer fusion module to combine the discovered patterns in these two streams for diagnosis, which results in a complementary representation of the data for better prediction performance. We validate our system with a benchmark dataset of 3D skeleton motion that involves 45 patients with musculoskeletal and neurological disorders, and achieve a prediction accuracy of 95.56%, outperforming state-of-the-art methods.
Smelting copper in decorated pottery: communities of practice in the Niari Basin, Republic of the Congo, fifteenth–seventeenth centuries CE
Authors: Cordivari Braden W. , Nikis Nicolas , Martinón-Torres Marcos
Published: October 2022

This paper considers copper production in the Niari Basin, Republic of the Congo, during a period dated to the mid-fifteenth–mid-seventeenth centuries CE. Using a combination of pXRF, OM, SEM–EDS, and FTIR, it assesses the microstructure and composition of slags and technical ceramics from sites associated with two different regional pottery traditions: Moubiri-type at the site of Kingoyi near Mindouli and Kindangakanzi-type at Kindangakanzi near Boko-Songho. Both sites are characterised by the use of refractory domestic pottery as crucibles for copper smelting. Moubiri-type pottery is alumina-rich, while Kindangakanzi-type pottery is formed from a magnesia-rich clay, a crucible type unique in sub-Saharan Africa. Similarities in chaînes opératoires at Kingoyi and Kindangakanzi suggest sharing of knowledge at mining and smelting sites, interactions we reconstruct as a metallurgical constellation of practice comprised of the distinct potting communities of practice (see Supplementary information for abstract in Lingala and French).
Therapeutic Process of Change During Participation in the Parents Under Pressure Program for a Cohort of Parents Who Misuse Substances
Authors: Eggins Elizabeth , Gullo Matthew J. , Harnett Paul , Barlow Jane , Jackson-Hollis Vicki , Cotmore Richard , Dawe Sharon
Published: October 2022

Objectives

Despite a large evaluation literature for interventions aiming to improve the lives of families affected by parent substance misuse, very few studies have examined how families change when engaged with treatment. This study examines the interactive process of change in parent psychopathology and mindful parenting during participation in the Parents under Pressure (PuP) program for parents engaged in community addiction services.

Methods

Parents (n = 164) provided baseline, mid- and end-treatment measures of parent psychopathology and mindful parenting. Cross-lagged modelling was used to examine therapeutic process of change.

Results

Parent psychopathology decreased, and mindful parenting increased from baseline to end-treatment (ps < .001). Less psychopathology at mid-treatment predicted higher levels of overall mindful parenting upon completion of the PuP program (p = .005). Examination of the mindful parenting dimensions revealed variation in the therapeutic process of change. While higher levels of Non-Judgemental Acceptance of Parental Functioning (NJAPF) at baseline predicted lower psychopathology at mid-treatment (p = .03), higher levels of Compassion for Child (CC) at baseline predicted greater psychopathology at mid-treatment (p = 0.004). Higher levels of NJAPF mid-treatment predicted lower psychopathology upon treatment completion (p = .023), yet higher levels of Emotional Awareness of Child (EAC) at mid-treatment predicted greater psychopathology upon treatment completion (p = .023). Lower parent psychopathology at mid-treatment predicted higher levels of LFA, EAC, Self-Regulation in Parenting and NJAPF upon completion of the PuP program (ps < .05).

Conclusions

The findings highlight the importance of reducing parent psychopathology as a precursor to more mindful parenting and also provide new evidence regarding the way in which variation in mindful parenting dimensions influences the therapeutic process of change.
Comparative Validation of Spatial Interpolation Methods for Traffic Density for Data-driven Travel-time Prediction
Authors: Katayama Hiroki , Yasuda Shohei , Fuse Takashi
Published: October 2022

In data-driven travel-time prediction, previous studies have mainly used speed as the input. However, from a traffic engineering perspective, given that speed varies little in the free-flow regime, traffic density, which can accurately represent traffic conditions from the free-flow regime to the congested-flow regime, is preferable as an input. In this study, we compared the accuracy of traffic densities spatially interpolated using spatial statistical and machine learning methods, and validated their effectiveness as inputs for travel-time prediction. The results show that even traffic density interpolated by simple spatial interpolation contributes to the accuracy of travel-time prediction and is superior to speed for early detection of traffic congestion.
Effectiveness and safety of safinamide in routine clinical practice in a Belgian Parkinson’s disease population: an open-label, levodopa add-on study
Authors:   The Belgian Safinamide Study Group, Bergmans Bruno , Bourgeois Philip , Cras Patrick , Dethy Sophie , De Klippel Nina , Franco Gianni , Garraux Gaëtan , Geens Karine , Jacquerye Philippe , Jeanjean Anne , Supiot Frédéric , Van der Linden Chris , Krygier Claude
Published: October 2022

Background

Safinamide is a recent multimodal antiparkinsonian drug that inhibits monoamine oxidase B and modulates the glutamatergic system with positive effects on motor and nonmotor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD). This post-hoc analysis of the European SYNAPSES study provides first-time data on the use of safinamide in routine clinical practice in Belgium.

Objective

To describe the efficacy and safety of safinamide in Belgian PD patients in real-life conditions.

Methods

Post-hoc analysis of the Belgian cohort from the European SYNAPSES trial, which was an observational, multicenter, retrospective-prospective cohort study. Patients were followed up to 12 months. Analyses were performed in the overall population and according to different criteria such as the age limit (> 75 years), presence or absence of relevant comorbidities, presence or absence of psychiatric conditions such as depression and anxiety, patients on levodopa monotherapy or levodopa in combination with other treatments, patients on rasagiline before inclusion or not.

Results

Of the 172 patients included, 29.2% were > 75 years, 58.9% had relevant comorbidities and 32.7% had psychiatric conditions. Almost all the patients reported motor (98.8%) or non-motor (86.3%) symptoms. During the study, 36.3% of patients reported drug-related reactions. The adverse drug reactions were those already described in the patients’ information leaflet. The majority were mild or moderate and completely resolved and no differences were detected between the subgroups of patients. Almost 35% of the patients demonstrated a clinically significant improvement in the UPDRS and 50% of the patients with wearing-off at baseline, did not report wearing-off anymore after one year of treatment. Patients under levodopa monotherapy compared to patients receiving levodopa combined with other antiparkinsonian treatments benefit more from safinamide treatment. Patients switched from rasagiline to safinamide seemed also to benefit more from safinamide treatment.

Conclusion

The study confirms the excellent safety and efficacy profile of safinamide, particularly in more vulnerable groups of patients such as the elderly and patients with significant comorbidities or psychiatric conditions such as depression or anxiety.