bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A unifying approach toward boundedness in Keller–Segel type cross‐diffusion systems via conditional L∞$L^\infty$ estimates for taxis gradients
Authors: Winkler Michael
Published: September 2022

This manuscript is concerned with the problem of efficiently estimating chemotactic gradients, as forming a ubiquitous issue of key importance in virtually any proof of boundedness features in Keller–Segel type systems. A strategy is proposed which at its core relies on bounds for such quantities, conditional in the sense of involving certain Lebesgue norms of solution components that explicitly influence the signal evolution.

Applications of this procedure firstly provide apparently novel boundedness results for two particular classes chemotaxis systems, and apart from that are shown to significantly condense proofs for basically well‐known statements on boundedness in two further Keller–Segel type problems.
Positive radial solutions for Dirichlet problems via a Harnack‐type inequality
Authors: Precup Radu , Rodríguez‐López Jorge
Published: September 2022

We deal with the existence and localization of positive radial solutions for Dirichlet problems involving
‐Laplacian operators in a ball. In particular,
‐Laplacian and Minkowski‐curvature equations are considered. Our approach relies on fixed point index techniques, which work thanks to a Harnack‐type inequality in terms of a seminorm. As a consequence of the localization result, it is also derived the existence of several (even infinitely many) positive solutions.
Ultra‐High Temperature Treatment and Storage of Infant Formula Induces Dietary Protein Modifications, Gut Dysfunction, and Inflammation in Preterm Pigs
Authors: Sun Jing , Akıllıoğlu Halise Gül , Aasmul‐Olsen Karoline , Ye Yuhui , Lund Pernille , Zhao Xiao , Brunse Anders , Nielsen Christian Fiil , Chatterton Dereck E. W. , Sangild Per Torp , Lund Marianne N. , Bering Stine Brandt
Published: September 2022

Scope

Ready‐to‐feed liquid infant formula is increasingly used for preterm infants when human milk is unavailable. These formulas are sterilized by ultra‐high temperature treatment, but heating and storage may reduce bioactivity and increase formation of Maillard reaction products with potential negative consequences for immature newborns.

Methods and results

Using preterm pigs as a model for sensitive newborn infants, the study tests the intestinal responses of feeding experimental liquid formula within 5 days. A pasteurized formula (PAST) with the same nutrient composition but less protein modifications serves as control to ultra‐high temperature‐treated formula without (UHT) and with prolonged storage (SUHT). Relative to PAST, UHT contains lower levels of lactoferrin and IgG. Additional storage (40 °C, 60 days, SUHT) reduces antimicrobial capacity and increases non‐reducible protein aggregates and Maillard reaction products (up to 13‐fold). Pigs fed SUHT have more diarrhea and show signs of intestinal inflammation (necrotizing enterocolitis) compared with pigs fed PAST and UHT. These clinical effects are accompanied by accumulation of Maillard reaction products, protein cross‐links, and inflammatory responses in the gut.

Conclusion

The results demonstrate that feeding UHT infant formulas, particularly after prolonged storage, adversely affects gut maturation and function in preterm pigs used as a model of preterm infants.
Improved food Go/No‐Go scores after transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to prefrontal cortex in a randomized trial
Authors: Stinson Emma J. , Travis Katherine T. , Magerowski Greta , Alonso‐Alonso Miguel , Krakoff Jonathan , Gluck Marci E.
Published: September 2022

Objective

Reduced dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) activity and inhibitory control may contribute to obesity. The study objective was to assess effects of repeated transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on food Go/No‐Go (GNG), food Stroop performance, and snack food intake.

Methods

Twenty‐nine individuals with obesity (12 male; mean [SD], age 42 [11] years; BMI 39 [8]) participated in a combined inpatient/outpatient randomized parallel‐design trial and received 15 sessions of anodal or sham tDCS to the left dlPFC. Food‐related inhibitory control (GNG), attentional bias (Stroop), and snack food intake were assessed at baseline, completion of inpatient sessions (day 7), and follow‐up (day 31).

Results

GNG performance improved in the anodal group by day 31, compared with sham (p = 0.01), but Stroop scores did not differ by intervention. Greater snack food intake was associated with lower GNG scores (p = 0.01), driven by the sham group (p < 0.001) and higher food and palatable bias scores on the Stroop (all p = 0.02) across both groups. Changes on tasks were not associated with changes in intake.

Conclusions

Anodal tDCS to the left dlPFC improved performance on a food‐related inhibitory control task, providing evidence of potential for therapeutic benefit of neuromodulation in areas controlling executive function. Results showed that tDCS to the dlPFC reduced snack food intake and hunger; however, underlying neurocognitive mechanisms remain uncertain.
Screening and Training Analysts to Detect Geosmin
Authors: Shawwa Ayman , Sebastiani Enio , Tran Megan , Reggio Damien , Dietrich Andrea M.
Published: September 2022

The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission needed a simple yet effective method for screening and training sensory analysts to detect geosmin in drinking water. The result was a modified version of the agency's triangle test, using sets of 40‐mL vials for each participant.
Composite laminates made of unidirectional carbon fiber reinforced polymer interleaved with recycled carbon fiber and short virgin aramid fiber non‐woven mats for structural applications
Authors: Attahu Cephas Yaw
Published: September 2022

The Ashby limit for mechanical damping and stiffness trade‐off must be escaped to quantify composites for structural applications. To make the composites, all the participating fibers were converted into 60 g/m2 non‐woven mats, which were then sized with 1.5 wt. percent titanate coupling, TCA‐L12, before being sandwiched between two layers of 125 g/m2 resin films and used to interleave 12 unidirectional carbon fiber reinforced polymer prepreg tapes. Using the vacuum‐assisted compression molding method, the assemblage was subsequently turned into composites. The impact of micro‐hybridizing recycled carbon fibers with short virgin aramid fibers on mechanical damping and stiffness trade‐offs was examined. The Ashby limit was exceeded by 1600%, and compared to the control sample, the best laminate had a figure of merit that was 15.3% higher.
Serotonin syndrome induced by overdose of atomoxetine alone in a patient with attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder: A case report
Authors: Sato Fumika , Suzuki Akihito , Noto Keisuke , Shirata Toshinori , Kanno Muneaki , Kobayashi Ryota , Otani Koichi
Published: September 2022

Background

Serotonin syndrome is characterized by mental status changes, autonomic hyperactivity, and neuromuscular abnormalities. This syndrome results from various medications that engender serotonergic overactivity. Atomoxetine is a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor used for the treatment of attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Two case reports have described serotonin syndrome induced by the combination of atomoxetine with venlafaxine or methylphenidate, but no report describes this syndrome induced by atomoxetine alone. This report describes serotonin syndrome induced solely by an overdose of atomoxetine in a patient with ADHD.

Case Presentation

The patient in this case was a 21‐year‐old man who had been treated with atomoxetine for ADHD. He was transported to our hospital 1 h after intentional ingestion of 1200 mg of atomoxetine in a suicide attempt. On admission, he showed profuse diaphoresis, marked agitation, somnolence, slight fever, tachycardia, prolonged QT interval, myoclonus, tremor, and hyperreflexia. He was diagnosed as having serotonin syndrome and was treated with administration of activated charcoal and massive infusion. Three days later, his serotonin syndrome symptoms had disappeared completely.

Conclusion

Findings in this case suggest that atomoxetine alone can cause serotonin syndrome presumably via its effects of serotonin reuptake inhibition. Clinicians should consider this syndrome induced by atomoxetine overdose.
The distribution of electrospun polylactic acid in polycaprolactone matrix controlled by traction rate and its effect on the foamed porous tissue engineering scaffolds
Authors: Wang Lixia , Zheng Lun , Zhou Lu , Shi Miaolei , Bi Zhaojie , Wang Chen , Wang Dongfang , Li Qian
Published: September 2022

Polycaprolactone (PCL) matrix scaffolds have been extensively studied for tissue engineering applications, which were limited by poor cell adhesion and mechanical strength. Fiber reinforcement modification could be used to improve material properties and optimize material structure. In this study, polylactic acid (PLA) electrospun nanofibers were dispersed in PCL powder, and then the composites were extruded and blended at different traction speed. During the blending and extrusion process, the nanofibrous phase was uniformly dispersed in the matrix, and a kind of tissue engineering scaffold with high connectivity and network structure was prepared using supercritical carbon dioxide foaming. The effect of nanofibers on the foaming behavior of PCL matrix composites prepared at different traction rates was investigated, and the addition of nanofibers promoted the connectivity of the scaffold. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) culture results showed that the high‐connectivity scaffold was biocompatible and could significantly promote the adhesion and growth of HUVECs. Therefore, fiber‐reinforced porous scaffolds have great application potential in the field of tissue engineering scaffolds.
Parent–teacher communication for children on the autism spectrum: An examination of communication skill use and problematic communication
Authors: Azad Gazi , Sridhar Aksheya , Taormina Isabella , Roter Debra L.
Published: September 2022

The purpose of this investigation was to examine communication skill use and related characteristics, as well as factors associated with problematic communication during conferences, in parents and teachers of children on the autism spectrum (AS). Participants were 36 parent–teacher dyads who completed questionnaires on communication, defined within the Listen, Educate, Assess, Partners, Support (LEAPS) Model, as well as measures on problem‐solving and relationship quality. Parents reported more frequent use of LEAPS‐defined skills than teachers, as well as a more positive view of problem‐solving and relationship quality. Both parents and teachers reported similar levels of problematic communication. Problematic communication was inversely associated with problem‐solving and relationship quality for parents. For teachers, problematic communication was inversely related to skill use and relationship quality. Communication during parent–teacher conferences may be improved through LEAPS‐based communication training for both teachers and parents. This training may diminish problematic communication and align cross‐setting intervention practices, and subsequently optimize outcomes for children on the AS.
Concurrent design error, poor welding, and code inadequacy cause jet‐FIRE on a topping column
Authors: Doglione Roberto , Piccinini Norberto
Published: September 2022

The paper reports the analysis of an accident that occurred in a petroleum refinery. During the start‐up maneuver of the topping column, the anchoring of the riser pipe to metal guide support on the topping column suddenly failed. This caused a rip in the riser pipe, and gasoline squirted out, followed by the ignition of a jet fire. The investigations showed an unusual differential thermal expansion between the topping column and riser. The riser guide to the column was wrongly installed, preventing adequate relative displacements when thermal expansion occurred. Metallographic and fractographic analyses did not discover any inadequacy in the steel of the failed parts. But the lack of penetration of the welding seam resulted in a weak bond between the support and the riser. The high stress induced by the badly installed guide and the weakness of the welding was the cause of the failure and the jet fire. The paper also analyses the application of existing codes to the riser support installation and shows that the code recommendations do not satisfactorily cover the case of topping column risers. The issue is raised to alert operators in the plant, stimulate the improvement of the codes and standards, and avoid future accidents.
Family values, parent roles, and life challenges: Parent reflections on the factors shaping long‐term interest development for young children and their families participating in an early childhood engineering program
Authors: Pattison Scott , Ramos Montañez Smirla , Svarovsky Gina
Published: September 2022

Interest is a critical motivating factor shaping how children and youth engage with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) inside and outside of school and to what extent they continue to be STEM learners throughout their lives. Emerging evidence over the last several decades indicates that the foundation of STEM‐related interests develops in early childhood, even before children enter the formal education system. Although researchers have documented the emergence of these early interests and their implications for long‐term learning outcomes, there is still much that is not understood about how and why these interests develop, including the role of parents and caregivers in supporting interest development at this age. To explore the processes of early STEM‐related interest development, we recruited 18 low‐income Spanish‐ and English‐speaking parents who had completed an informal engineering education program for preschool‐age children and their families 1–2 years previously. Participants engaged in an in‐depth home‐based interview about their program experience and the subsequent impacts on their children's and families' interests. Using a family systems perspective, we analyzed the ways these families described how their interests related to the program had evolved over the years and the factors that had shaped that process. Findings highlight the diversity of interests that emerge from this type of experience and the ways that family values, parent roles, and life challenges shape the unique interest development patterns of each family.
Synthesis of Axial Bis(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol‐5‐ylmethoxy)phthalocyaninato Silicon (IV): Photophysical and Photochemical Properties and Docking Studies on DNA‐SiPc Interactions
Authors: Solğun Derya Güngördü , Yıldıko Ümit , Ağırtaş Mehmet Salih
Published: September 2022

The synthesis of an axial phthalocyanine compound by the reaction of piperonyl alcohol and SiPcCl2 has been reported. Its structure was characterized by compound 1HNMR,13CNMR, Mass, FTIR and UV visible spectroscopy. Photophysical and photochemical properties of the compound were investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy. The photosensitizer performance of the compound was determined. In addition, with the quantum chemical study, the HOMO ‐ LUMO band gap and the optimized structure of the compound were investigated with two basic sets of the TD‐DFT B3LYP method. The band gap (ΔE) was found to be in the range of 0.6–0.7 eV, and it was determined that the compound would require low energy in the chemotherapeutic interaction with light and in its stimulation. As a chemotherapy drug candidate, its adhesion to protein and DNA structure has been evaluated as in‐silico. In this context, the potential binding and interaction aspects of the new chemotherapeutically effective phthalocyanine compound with two kinds of homo sapiens protein‐DNA complexes were investigated by molecular docking approach. It bonded with the phthalocyanine compound in both crystal structures. A docking score of 6.315 kcal/mol was obtained in the 6DIA encoded DNA polymerase beta substrate complex.
Minimalistic Metabolite‐Based Building Blocks for Supramolecular Functional Materials
Authors: Wang Yuehui , Yin Yuanyuan , Rencus‐Lazar Sigal , Cai Kaiyong , Gazit Ehud , Ji Wei
Published: September 2022

Metabolites are the set of substances produced or utilized in the biochemical process of metabolism known to perform diverse physiological functions in every living organism. As very simple molecules, metabolites can self‐assemble into functional materials for biomedical and nanotechnology applications. Simple amino acid‐based crystals exhibit interesting physicochemical properties of piezoelectricity, fluorescence and optical waveguiding. Combinations of metal‐coordinated metabolites display catalytic properties mimicking natural enzymes for chemical reactions and environmental remediation. Furthermore, excessive accumulation of metabolites spontaneously forms toxic assemblies implicated in the pathogenesis of metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases. Herein, we mainly review the progress of recent three years on the assembly of minimalistic metabolite‐based building blocks into bionanomaterials and their potential applications in energy harvesting, optical waveguiding, enzymatic catalysis, and biomedicine. We hope this review can promote the understanding and development of metabolite materials to meet functional requirements.
Multiple myeloma involving the gastrointestinal tract in an English Springer Spaniel
Authors: Roberts Emma , Shirlow Alex , Cox Alistair , Davies Owen
Published: September 2022

A 10‐year‐old, entire male, English Springer Spaniel was referred for evaluation of weight loss, polyuria, polydipsia and gastrointestinal tract signs including melena/haematochezia for the previous six months. Results of serum protein electrophoresis, urine analysis, computed tomography of the thorax/abdomen, bone marrow aspiration and core biopsy, and splenic and mesenteric lymph node cytology were consistent with multiple myeloma. Endoscopically obtained gastrointestinal tract biopsies identified marked plasma cell infiltration within the duodenum, ileum and colon; immunohistochemistry showed positive labelling to MUM1 and Lambda confirming clonal plasma cell involvement. The dog entered complete clinical remission seven weeks after starting a melphalan/prednisolone protocol. The dog was euthanised 475 days after starting treatment due to cervical pain and collapse. At the time of euthanasia, blood work was not supportive of a relapse of multiple myeloma. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of multiple myeloma involving the gastrointestinal tract in a dog.
Pre‐operative management of paroxysmal ventricular tachycardia in a stallion scheduled for castration
Authors: Gerardo Citarella , Bettschart‐Wolfensberger Regula
Published: September 2022

A 15‐year‐old, fractious, weighing 470 kg, Achal‐Tekkiner stallion was referred for elective castration. Pre‐anaesthetic clinical evaluation revealed tachycardia with a heart rate (HR) of 66 bpm and diastolic left side heart murmur II/VI grade. Lung auscultation was unremarkable. Acepromazine (0.03 mg/kg) was administered intramuscularly to calm the horse for reassessment. Thirty minutes later, HR was 120 bpm. An electrocardiogram (ECG) showed monomorphic ventricular tachycardia. A bolus of Ringer lactate, 10 ml/kg over 30 minutes, and magnesium, 27 g diluted in 1 L 0.9% sodium chloride (NaCl), was administered intravenously. As arrhythmia persisted, a constant‐rate infusion of lidocaine, 50 mcg/kg/h, was started. The horse was monitored with telemetry ECG. The arrhythmia resolved after 24 hours and echocardiography showed mild tricuspid, aortic and pulmonary insufficiency. Anaesthetic risk was considered to be acceptable and the procedure was performed without complications. The horse was discharged after another 24 hours without detectable ECG abnormalities.
The Unconventional Cadmium Borosulfates Cd[B2O(SO4)3] and Cd4[B2O(SO4)6]
Authors: Hämmer Matthias , Höppe Henning A.
Published: September 2022

Borosulfates are an expanding class of silicate‐analogous materials. We report the syntheses and crystal structures of two unconventional cadmium borosulfates. Cd[B2O(SO4)3] crystallises in a new structure type in space group Pnma (no. 62, a=896.92(8), b=1152.0(1), c=872.75(8) pm, 1380 refl., 94 ref. param., wR2=0.112). Cd4[B2O(SO4)6] adapts the α‐Mg4[B2O(SO4)6]‐type structure with space group P
(no. 147, a=822.22(4), c=797.88(5) pm, 1810 refl., 58 ref. param., wR2=0.078). Together with simultaneously elsewhere reported conventional phyllosilicate‐analogous Cd[B2(SO4)4], there are now in total three cadmium borosulfates with differing dimensionality of their anions, i. e. 0D, 1D and 2D. These results highlight the special position of cadmium in the periodic table and the ambiguity of its behaviour as main group or transition metal when comparing to other analogous or related borosulfates. The [B2O(SO4)3]2− and [B2O(SO4)6]8− anions are known from other main group and transition metal borosulfates. However, Cd2+ is the first cation for which borosulfates comprising both anions are reported for the same cation. Moreover, the optical and thermal properties of both compounds are reported using IR and UV‐Vis spectroscopy as well as thermogravimetry. Both unconventional borosulfates were prepared by the thermal decomposition of the conventional borosulfate Cd[B2(SO4)4] pursueing our studies on the complex thermal decomposition behaviour of such borosulfates.
5‐Amino‐2‐isopropenyltetrazole and its Cupric Chloride Complex: Synthesis, Structure and Magnetism
Authors: Voitekhovich Sergei V. , Lyakhov Alexander S. , Ivashkevich Ludmila S. , Matulis Vadim E. , Grigoriev Yuri V. , Klose Jennifer , Kersting Berthold , Ivashkevich Oleg A.
Published: September 2022

A new tetrazole ligand, 5‐amino‐2‐isopropenyltetrazole, was prepared by regioselective alkylation of 5‐aminotetrazole with allyl bromide in sulfuric acid followed by dehydrobromination of intermediate 5‐amino‐2‐(1‐bromopropan‐2‐yl)tetrazole. 5‐Amino‐2‐isopropenyltetrazole (L) was found to react with copper(II) chloride to generate complex [CuL2Cl2]n. The ligand and its complex were characterized by single crystal X‐ray and thermal analyses. Complex [CuL2Cl2]n presents 1D coordination polymer, formed at the expense of double chlorido bridges between neighbouring octahedral coordinated CuII cations. Tetrazole ligand acts as monodentate ligand coordinated by CuII cations via the heteroring N4 atoms only. Magnetic studies revealed that the copper(II) ions were weakly antiferromagnetically coupled. Natural bond orbital analysis was performed to explain the structural peculiarities of the ligand. Its basicity and the relative stability of the protonated forms were investigated using MO calculations.
Instanton solutions in open superstring field theory
Authors: Berkovits Nathan , Juliatto Vilson Fabricio , Portugal Ulisses M.
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Open superstring field theory admits a “hybrid” formulation where N = 1 D = 4 supersymmetry is manifest for Calabi-Yau compactifications to four dimensions. Using this formulation, the half-BPS instanton solution of four-dimensional super-Yang-Mills can be easily generalized to the full open superstring field theory. In this paper, we compute the first stringy correction to the super-Yang-Mills instanton solution which involves turning on certain fields at the first massive level.
Entanglement between two evaporating black holes
Authors: Miyata Akihiro , Ugajin Tomonori
Published: September 2022

Abstract

We study a thermo-field double type entangle state on two disjoint gravitating universes, say A and B, with an eternal black hole on each. As was shown previously, its entanglement entropy of the universe A is computed by the generalized entropy on a new spacetime constructed by suitably gluing the black holes on A and B. We study such spacetime gluings when universes are asymptotically flat and AdS cases, especially when the masses of these black holes are different. We also clarify the rule to construct such a glued spacetime in more general settings from the gravitational path integral view point.
Acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular ligamentous insertion distances depend on the scapular tilt and decrease with anterior direction of the inferior scapula angle
Authors: Sußiek Julia , Wermers Jens , Raschke Michael J. , Herbst Elmar , Dyrna Felix , Riesenbeck Oliver , Katthagen J. Christoph
Published: September 2022

Purpose

A variety of reconstruction techniques exist for the operative treatment of a ruptured acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular ligamentous complex. However, the complication rate remains high; between 5 and 89%.
The intraoperative distance between the clavicle, acromion and coracoid is important for the refixation quality. In this study, the influence of scapular deflection on coracoclavicular and acromioclavicular distances was analysed.

Methods

The ligamentous insertions of 24 fresh-frozen human scapulae were exposed. The coracoclavicular and acromioclavicular ligaments were referenced and captured in a rigid body system using a three-dimensional (3D) measurement arm. The inferior angle of the scapula was manually pulled into maximum anterior and posterior deflection, simulating a patient positioning with or without dorsal scapular support, respectively. Based on the rigid body system, the distances between the ligamentous insertions were calculated. Statistical evaluation was performed by setting the distances in anterior deflection to 100% and considering the other distances relative to this position.

Results

The scapular deflection had a considerable impact on the distance between the ligamentous insertions. Concerning the conoid ligament, the mean distance was almost doubled when the inferior angle pointed posteriorly compared to anterior deflection (195.3 vs 100.0%; p = 0.028). The insertion of the acromioclavicular capsule also showed a significant association with the direction of deflection (posterior = 116.1% vs. anterior = 100%; p = 0.008).

Conclusion

Dorsal support shifting the inferior angle of the scapula anteriorly reduces the distance between the ligamentous insertions. Therefore, a patient position on a shoulder table with posterior support of the scapula is recommended to reliability reduce the acromioclavicular joint.
Semi-supervised learning for quality control of high-value wood products
Authors: Schubert Mark , Sonderegger Walter , Luković Mirko , Kläusler Oliver
Published: September 2022

The quality control of wood products is often only checked at the end of the production process so that countermeasures can only be taken with a time delay in the event of fluctuations in product quality. This often leads to unnecessary and cost-intensive rejects. Furthermore, since quality control often requires additional procedural steps to be performed by a skilled worker, testing is time-consuming and costly. While traditional machine learning (ML) methods based on supervised learning have been used in the field with some success, the limited availability of labeled data is the major hurdle for further improving model performance. In the present study, the potential of enhancing the performance of the ML methods random forest (RF) and support vector machines (SVM) for quality classification by using semi-supervised learning (SSL) was investigated. Labeled and unlabeled data were provided by Swiss Wood Solutions AG, which produces densified wood for high-value wood products such as musical instruments. The developed approach includes labeling of the unlabeled data using SSL, training and 10k cross-validation of the ML algorithms RF and SVM, and determining the generalization ability using the hold-out test set. Based on the evaluation indices such as accuracy, F1-score, recall, false-positive-rate and confusion matrices, it was shown that SSL could enhance the prediction performance of the quality classification of ML models compared to the conventional supervised learning method. Despite having a small dataset, the work paves the way for future applications of SSL for wood quality assessment.
Adaptive structural changes in the motor cortex and white matter in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Fu YuHong , Zhou Liche , Li Hongyun , Hsiao Jen-Hsiang T. , Li Binyin , Tanglay Onur , Auwyang Andrew D. , Wang Elinor , Feng Jieyao , Kim Woojin S. , Liu Jun , Halliday Glenda M.
Published: September 2022

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a movement disorder characterized by the early loss of nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathways producing significant network changes impacting motor coordination. Recently three motor stages of PD have been proposed (a silent period when nigrostriatal loss begins, a prodromal motor period with subtle focal manifestations, and clinical PD) with evidence that motor cortex abnormalities occur to produce clinical PD[8]. We directly assess structural changes in the primary motor cortex and corticospinal tract using parallel analyses of longitudinal clinical and cross-sectional pathological cohorts thought to represent different stages of PD. 18F-FP-CIT positron emission tomography and subtle motor features identified patients with idiopathic rapid-eye-movement sleep behaviour disorder (n = 8) that developed prodromal motor signs of PD. Longitudinal diffusion tensor imaging before and after the development of prodromal motor PD showed higher fractional anisotropy in motor cortex and corticospinal tract compared to controls, indicating adaptive structural changes in motor networks in concert with nigrostriatal dopamine loss. Histological analyses of the white matter underlying the motor cortex showed progressive disorientation of axons with segmental replacement of neurofilaments with α-synuclein, enlargement of myelinating oligodendrocytes and increased density of their precursors. There was no loss of neurons in the motor cortex in early or late pathologically confirmed motor PD compared to controls, although there were early cortical increases in neuronal neurofilament light chain and myelin proteins in association with α-synuclein accumulation. Our results collectively provide evidence of a direct impact of PD on primary motor cortex and its output pathways that begins in the prodromal motor stage of PD with structural changes confirmed in early PD. These adaptive structural changes become considerable as the disease advances potentially contributing to motor PD.
Minimal-invasive anterior approach to the hip provides a better surgery-related and early postoperative functional outcome than conventional lateral approach after hip hemiarthroplasty following femoral neck fractures
Authors: Orth M. , Osche D. , Mörsdorf P. , Holstein J. H. , Rollmann M. F. , Fritz T. , Pohlemann T. , Pizanis A.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Femoral neck fractures (FNF) are one of the most frequent fractures among elderly patients and commonly require surgical treatment. Bipolar hip hemiarthroplasty (BHHA) is mostly performed in these cases.

Material and methods

In the present retrospective study geriatric patients with FNF (n = 100) treated either by anterior minimal-invasive surgery (AMIS; n = 50) or lateral conventional surgery (LCS; n = 50) were characterized (age at the time of surgery, sex, health status/ASA score, walking distance and need for walking aids before the injury) and intraoperative parameters (duration of surgery, blood loss, complications), as well as postoperative functional performance early (duration of in-patient stay, radiological leg length discrepancy, ability to full weight-bearing, mobilization with walking aids) and 12 months (radiological signs of sintering, clinical parameters, complication rate) after surgery were analyzed.

Results

Patients in the AMIS group demonstrated a reduced blood loss intraoperatively, while the duration of surgery and complication rates did not differ between the two groups. Further, more patients in the AMIS group achieved full weight-bearing of the injured leg and were able to walk with a rollator or less support during their in-patient stay. Of interest, patients in the AMIS group achieved this level of mobility earlier than those of the LCS group, although their walking distance before the acute injury was reduced. Moreover, patients of the AMIS group showed equal leg lengths postoperatively more often than patients of the LCS group. No significant differences in functional and surgery-related performance could be observed between AMIS and LCS group at 12 months postoperatively.

Conclusions

In conclusion, geriatric patients treated by AMIS experience less surgery-related strain and recover faster in the early postoperative phase compared to LCS after displaced FNF. Hence, AMIS should be recommended for BHHA in these vulnerable patients.
23Na chemical shift imaging in the living rat brain using a chemical shift agent, Tm[DOTP]5–
Authors: Bajwa Awais A , Neubauer Andreas , Schwerter Michael , Schilling Lothar
Published: September 2022

Objective

It is well known that the use of shift reagents (SRs) in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies is substantially limited by an intact blood–brain barrier (BBB). The current study aims to develop a method enabling chemical shift imaging in the living rat brain under physiological conditions using an SR, Tm[DOTP]5−.

Materials and methods

Hyperosmotic mannitol bolus injection followed by 60 min infusion of a Tm[DOTP]5− containing solution was administered via a catheter inserted into an internal carotid artery. We monitored the homeostasis of physiological parameters, and we measured the thulium content in brain tissue post mortem using total reflection fluorescence spectroscopy (T-XRF). The alterations of the 23Na resonance spectrum were followed in a 9.4T small animal scanner.

Results

Based on the T-XRF measurements, the thulium concentration was estimated at 2.3 ± 1.8 mM in the brain interstitial space. Spectroscopic imaging showed a split of the 23Na resonance peak which became visible 20 min after starting the infusion. Chemical shift imaging revealed a significant decrease of the initial intensity level to 0.915 ± 0.058 at the end of infusion.

Conclusion

Our novel protocol showed bulk accumulation of Tm[DOTP]5− thus enabling separation of the extra-/intracellular 23Na signal components in the living rat brain while maintaining physiological homeostasis.
Female participation or “feminization” of medicine
Authors: Steiner-Hofbauer Verena , Katz Henri W. , Grundnig Julia S. , Holzinger Anita
Published: September 2022

More and more women chose medicine as their profession. Female students and graduates outnumber their male colleagues in Austria and the EU. However, the career paths of men and women differ after a certain point, and more and more female talent is lost along the career stages. Women hold only 30% of professor positions at state medical universities in Austria and only 11.9% of all chief physicians are female. Motherhood and related absence is the main career obstacle, but gender bias and missing role models are also factors hindering women to thrive. Improved working conditions would be beneficial for all members of the medical profession. Future generations (Generation Y, Generation Z) will likely expedite changes toward a better work-life balance and claim the right to find fulfillment besides work. Compatibility of family and work and the chance to individualize career paths could be important factors for employers to find and bind their employees. Additionally, (gender) diverse teams improve the group process and collective intelligence. Therefore, patient care and innovation can only benefit from a diverse medical workforce.
Little Evidence to Support the Risk–Disturbance Hypothesis as an Explanation for Responses to Anthropogenic Noise by Pygmy Marmosets (Cebuella niveiventris) at a Tourism site in the Peruvian Amazon
Authors: Hawkins Emilie , Papworth Sarah
Published: September 2022

The risk–disturbance hypothesis states that animals react to human stressors in the same way as they do to natural predators. Given increasing human–wildlife contact, understanding whether animals perceive anthropogenic sounds as a threat is important for assessing the long-term sustainability of wildlife tourism and proposing appropriate mitigation strategies. A study of pygmy marmoset (Cebuella niveiventris) responses to human speech found marmosets fled, decreased feeding and resting, and increased alert behaviors in response to human speech. Following this study, we investigated pygmy marmoset reactions to playbacks of different acoustic stimuli: controls (no playback, white noise and cicadas), anthropogenic noise (human speech and motorboats), and avian predators. For each playback condition, we recorded the behavior of a marmoset and looked at how the behaviors changed during and after the playback relative to behaviors before. We repeated this on ten different marmoset groups, playing each condition once to each group. The results did not replicate a previous study on the same species, at the same site, demonstrating the importance of replication in primate research, particularly when results are used to inform conservation policy. The results showed increased scanning during playbacks of the cicadas and predators compared with before the playback, and an increase in resting after playbacks of avian predators, but no evidence of behavior change in response to playbacks of human speech. There was no effect of ambient sound levels or distance between the playback source and focal animals on their behavior for all playback conditions. Although we find that noise can change the behavior of pygmy marmosets, we did not find evidence to support the risk–disturbance hypothesis.
Does Happiness Increase in Old Age? Longitudinal Evidence from 20 European Countries
Authors: Becker Christoph K. , Trautmann Stefan T.
Published: September 2022

Several studies indicate that happiness follows a U-shape over the life cycle: Happiness decreases after the teenage years until reaching its nadir in middle age. A similar number of studies views the U-shape critically, stating that it is the result of the wrong controls or the wrong model. In this paper, we study the upward-pointing branch of the U-shape, tracing the happiness of European citizens 50 and older over multiple waves. Consistent with a U-shape around middle age, we find that happiness initially increases after the age of 50, but commonly stagnates afterwards and eventually reverts at high age. This pattern is generally observed irrespective of the utilized happiness measure, control variables, estimation methods, and the consideration of selection effects due to mortality. However, the strength of this pattern depends on the utilized happiness measure, control variables, and on mortality effects. The general pattern does not emerge for all countries, and is not always observed for women.
Treatment and labeling of silica sand for obtaining a prospective solid 99mTc radiotracer
Authors: Montesino Luis Enrique Llanes , Corrales Yuri Aguilera , Páez Ahmed Díaz , Mazola Yuniel Tejeda , Catasús Judith Domínguez , Portela Jorge Borroto
Published: September 2022

Pretreated silica sand labeling using varying concentrations of tin(II) fluoride and chloride as reducing agents and different times labeling was performed in order to develop a methodology for labeling silica sand with 99mTc for using as solid radiotracer. Influence of different sand pretreatment parameters on the sorption yield (Rret%) was statistically evaluated. The effectiveness of the methods used to reduce pertechnetate (99mTcO4−) by ascending paper chromatography was confirmed. Results show relatively high values of 99mTc sorption yields on silica sand. It was possible to establish a methodology for obtaining solid 99mTc labeled radiotracers in support of silica sand.
A qualitative study to explore the symptoms and impacts of Crohn’s disease and to develop the Crohn’s Disease Diary
Authors: Williams-Hall Rebecca , Trennery Claire , Sully Kate , Wratten Samantha , Francis Anya , Chandler Dale , Flynn Jessica , Turner Megan , Marks Daniel J. B. , Sackeyfio Alfred , Bracher Marguerite , Walker Alex , Walker-Nthenda Louise , Arbuckle Rob , Keeley Tom
Published: September 2022

Purpose

To explore symptoms and disease impacts of Crohn’s disease and to develop a new patient-reported outcomes (PRO) measure according to industry best practices.

Methods

A conceptual model of relevant symptoms experienced by patients with Crohn’s disease was developed following a literature review. Three rounds of combined qualitative semi-structured concept elicitation and cognitive debriefing interviews with 36 patients (≥ 16 years) with Crohn’s disease and 4 clinicians were conducted to further explore the most commonly reported and most bothersome symptoms to patients. Interview results were used to update the conceptual model as well as items and response options included in The Crohn’s Disease Diary, a new PRO measure.

Results

All patients (N = 36) reported abdominal pain, loose or liquid bowel movements, and high or increased frequency of bowel movements, with most reporting these symptoms spontaneously (100%, 92%, and 75%, respectively). All patients reported bowel movement urgency, but 61% reported this symptom only when probed. Most also reported that symptoms impacted activities of daily living, work/school, and emotional, social, and physical functioning (overall, 78%–100%; spontaneously, 79% – 92%). Data regarding core symptoms of Crohn’s disease from clinician concept elicitation interviews supported patient data. The 17-item Crohn’s Disease Diary assesses core symptoms and impacts of Crohn’s disease over 24 h, and extraintestinal manifestations over 7 days. The content validity of the diary was confirmed during cognitive debriefing interviews.

Conclusion

The Crohn’s Disease Diary is a new PRO measure for the assessment of Crohn’s disease symptoms and impacts, developed according to industry best practices.
CASSIA (cardiology software suite for image analysis): a potential new tool for the evaluation of [18F]FDG PET/CT in the setting of infective endocarditis
Authors: Palomino-Fernández David , Gómez-Grande Adolfo , Fernández-Igarza Mirene , Pilkington Patrick , Seiffert Alexander P. , Bueno Héctor , Gómez Enrique J. , Sánchez-González Patricia
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Due to the high morbidity and mortality of infective endocarditis (IE), medical imaging techniques are combined to ensure a correct diagnosis. [18F]FDG PET/CT has demonstrated the ability to improve diagnostic accuracy compared with the conventional modified Duke criteria in patients with suspected IE, especially those with prosthetic valve infective endocarditis (PVIE). The aim of this study is to provide an adjunctive diagnostic tool to improve the diagnostic accuracy in cardiovascular infections, specifically PVIE.

Methods

A segmentation tool to extract quantitative measures of [18F]FDG PET/CT image studies of prosthetic heart valve regions was developed and validated in 20 cases of suspected PVIE, of which 9 were confirmed. For that, Valvular Heterogeneity Index (VHI) and Ring-to-Center Ratio (RCR) were defined.

Results

Results show an overall increase in the metabolic uptake of the prosthetic valve ring in the studies with confirmed PVIE diagnosis (SUVmax from 1.70 to 3.20; SUVmean from 0.86 to 1.50). The VHI and RCR showed areas under the curve of 0.727 and 0.808 in the receiver operating characteristics curve analyses, respectively, for PVIE diagnosis. Mann–Whitney U tests showed statistically significant differences between groups for RCR (p = 0.02). Visual analyses and clinical reports were concordant with the extracted quantitative metrics.

Conclusion

The proposed new method and presented software solution (CASSIA) provide the capability to assess quantitatively myocardial metabolism along the prosthetic valve region in routine [18F]FDG PET/CT scans for evaluating heart valve infectious processes. VHI and RCR are proposed as new potential adjunctive measures for PVIE diagnosis.
Algebraic reasoning in years 5 and 6: classifying its emergence and progression using reverse fraction tasks
Authors: Pearn Catherine , Stephens Max , Pierce Robyn
Published: September 2022

This paper builds on our previous research and investigates how students’ fractional competence and reasoning can provide clear evidence of non-symbolic algebraic thinking and its progressive transition towards fully generalised algebraic thinking. In a large-scale study, 470 primary students completed a written paper and pencil test. This included three reverse fraction tasks which required students to find an unknown whole when presented with a quantity representing a fraction of that whole. Seventeen students from one participating primary school undertook a semi-structured interview which included reverse fraction tasks, similar to those on the written test, but with progressive levels of abstraction, starting with particular instances and becoming more generalised. Two important products of the study are the Classification Framework for Reverse Fraction Tasks and the Emerging Algebraic Reasoning Framework. The interview results highlight two critical transition points for the emergence of students’ algebraic reasoning. The first is the ability to transition from additive strategies to multiplicative strategies to solve reverse fraction problems. Students reliant on diagrams and additive strategies struggled to solve more generalised tasks that required multiplicative rather than additive strategies. The second transition is the shift from multiplicative thinking to algebraic reasoning where students could generalise their multiplicative knowledge to deal with any quantity represented in a reverse fraction task.
Outgrowth Endothelial Cell Conditioned Medium Negates TNF-α-Evoked Cerebral Barrier Damage: A Reverse Translational Research to Explore Mechanisms
Authors: Kadir Rais Reskiawan A. , Alwjwaj Mansour , Rakkar Kamini , Othman Othman Ahmad , Sprigg Nikola , Bath Philip M. , Bayraktutan Ulvi
Published: September 2022

Improved understanding of the key mechanisms underlying cerebral ischemic injury is essential for the discovery of efficacious novel therapeutics for stroke. Through detailed analysis of plasma samples obtained from a large number of healthy volunteers (n = 90) and ischemic stroke patients (n = 81), the current study found significant elevations in the levels of TNF-α at baseline (within the first 48 h of stroke) and on days 7, 30, 90 after ischaemic stroke. It then assessed the impact of this inflammatory cytokine on an invitro model of human blood–brain barrier (BBB) and revealed dramatic impairments in both barrier integrity and function, the main cause of early death after an ischemic stroke. Co-treatment of BBB models in similar experiments with outgrowth endothelial cell-derived conditioned media (OEC-CM) negated the deleterious effects of TNF-α on BBB. Effective suppression of anti-angiogenic factor endostatin, stress fiber formation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis along with concomitant improvements in extracellular matrix adhesive and tubulogenic properties of brain microvascular endothelial cells and OECs played an important role in OEC-CM-mediated benefits. Significant increases in pro-angiogenic endothelin-1 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in OEC-CM compared to the secretomes of OEC and HBMEC, detected by proteome profiling assay, accentuate the beneficial effects of OEC-CM. In conclusion, this reverse translational study identifies TNF-α as an important mediator of post-ischemic cerebral barrier damage and proposes OEC-CM as a potential vasculoprotective therapeutic strategy by demonstrating its ability to regulate a wide range of mechanisms associated with BBB function. Clinical trial registration NCT02980354.

Graphical Abstract