bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
To support self‐management for people with long‐term conditions – The effect on shared decision‐making, empowerment and coping after participating in group‐learning sessions
Authors: Petersson Christina , Nygårdh Annette , Hedberg Berith
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Interventions that support patients to handle the emotional and medical aspects of a long‐term health condition is important. One way is to use peer‐support groups, to help patients solving problems, increasing their knowledge and making decisions.

Aim

was to investigate the impact on shared decision‐making, empowerment and coping after participation in group‐learning sessions for patients with long‐term conditions (N = 42).

Design

An intervention following a health education programme based on group‐learning sessions was established. Eight different programmes were held in five different departments at a regional county hospital in Sweden.

Methods

Questionnaires were analysed using paired‐sample t‐test.

Results

Results showed that patients might have better opportunities to be more active during their patient encounter after attending the group learning sessions. Interventions directed to patient activation may be one key in future healthcare management, especially concerning long‐term conditions. Empowering patients is central in healthcare, and using different approaches is important.
Has variable access to health care during the COVID‐19 pandemic impacted the severity of paediatric diabetic ketoacidosis?
Authors: Fathi Alireza , Levine Glenn K , Hicks Rebecca , Morphew Tricia , Babbitt Christopher J
Published: June 2022

Previous studies have indicated that paediatric patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus are presenting with more severe diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) during the COVID‐19 pandemic. This study was performed to determine the effect that access to health care had on DKA severity and outcomes in children and young people (CYP) with new‐onset diabetes mellitus.

This is a retrospective cohort analysis comparing pre‐pandemic and pandemic patients admitted to a 30‐bed paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) in the United States with DKA. A database query identified patients and clinical data were extracted and analysed. Additionally, phone interviews focusing on challenges with health care access during the COVID‐19 pandemic were performed with the parents of CYP admitted during the pandemic.

A total of 50 pre‐pandemic and 43 pandemic patients met inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. Pandemic patients had more severe acidosis (pH 7.10 versus 7.17), a longer duration of insulin infusion (19 versus 15 hours) and increased PICU length of stay (1 versus 0.75 days, all p < 0.05) than pre‐pandemic patients. Patients whose families felt the pandemic affected their child's ability to see a physician had a longer PICU length of stay (1.5 versus 0.9 days, p = 0.004) and a trend towards a lower pH (7.01 versus 7.13, p = 0.106). Patients with a social vulnerability index ≥0.75 were less likely to see a physician before coming to the hospital (p = 0.017).

In conclusion, CYP with new‐onset type 1 diabetes who were admitted with DKA during the COVID‐19 pandemic had more severe acidosis and a longer PICU stay. Variable access to health care during the COVID‐19 pandemic may be contributing to this. Copyright © 2022 John Wiley & Sons.
Diabetes UK professional meeting focuses on improved care for people with diabetes
Authors: Greener Mark
Published: June 2022

Highlights from the 2022 Diabetes UK professional conference bring good news in terms of improved diabetes care and recent innovations, but there are still key areas which must be addressed. Mark Greener reports.
Mental health impact ofCOVID‐19 pandemic on therapists at an inpatient rehabilitation facility
Authors: Jow Steven , Doshi Saumil , Desale Sameer , Malmut Laura
Published: June 2022

Background

Healthcare workers have faced extraordinary work‐related stress in the face of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech‐language pathology providers at inpatient rehabilitation facilities may represent a distinct at‐risk subgroup for work‐related stress during the pandemic due to the usual nature of their job duties, including close physical contact and extended treatment times.

Objective

To evaluate the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on work‐related stress and occurrence of depression and anxiety in physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech‐language pathologists during the first surge of COVID‐19 hospitalizations.

Design

Cross‐sectional survey.

Setting

Academic, freestanding inpatient rehabilitation facility.

Participants

Survey responses were collected from 38 therapists.

Intervention

A 26‐item electronic questionnaire containing a mix of multiple‐choice and open‐ended questions.

Main Outcome Measures

Positive screens for depression or anxiety as measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9) and the General Anxiety Disorder 7‐item (GAD‐7) scale, respectively.

Results

Seven individuals (19%) scored at or above the clinically significant cutoff of 10 on each the PHQ‐9 and GAD‐7, corresponding to increased risk for depression and anxiety. Therapists younger than 30 years old had significantly higher GAD‐7 scores compared to therapists between 30‐39 years old (p < .05). Occupational stress was attributed to a number of causes including concerns for health and safety, unpredictable changes in hospital protocols and work assignments, acquisition of additional work duties, concerns about the ability to provide high‐quality patient care in a restricted environment, and the psychological toll of caring for patients with or recovering from COVID‐19.

Conclusion

This cross‐sectional survey highlights the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on occupational stress and mental health of therapists working at an inpatient rehabilitation facility during the first surge of COVID‐19 hospitalizations. This research may help institutions identify at‐risk individuals who may benefit from support and guide policy changes to resolve potentially modifiable factors at a systems level.
Hidden Sectors from Multiple Line Bundles for the B−L$B-L$ MSSM
Authors: Ashmore Anthony , Dumitru Sebastian , Ovrut Burt A.
Published: June 2022

We give a formalism for constructing hidden sector bundles as extensions of sums of line bundles in heterotic M‐theory. Although this construction is generic, we present it within the context of the specific Schoen threefold that leads to the physically realistic MSSM model. We discuss the embedding of the line bundles, the existence of the extension bundle, and a number of necessary conditions for the resulting bundle to be slope‐stable and thus supersymmetric. An explicit example is presented, where two line bundles are embedded into the factor of the maximal subgroup of the hidden sector E8 gauge group, and then enhanced to a non‐Abelian bundle by extension. For this example, there are in fact six inequivalent extension branches, significantly generalizing that space of solutions compared with hidden sectors constructed from a single line bundle.
Incremental nonlinear stability analysis of stochastic systems perturbed by Lévy noise
Authors: Han SooJean , Chung Soon‐Jo
Published: June 2022

We present a theoretical framework for characterizing incremental stability of nonlinear stochastic systems perturbed by either compound Poisson shot noise or finite‐measure Lévy noise. For each noise type, we compare trajectories of the perturbed system with distinct noise sample paths against trajectories of the nominal, unperturbed system. We show that for a finite number of jumps arising from the noise process, the mean‐squared error between the trajectories exponentially converge toward a bounded error ball across a finite interval of time under practical boundedness assumptions. The convergence rate for shot noise systems is the same as the exponentially stable nominal system, but with a tradeoff between the parameters of the shot noise process and the size of the error ball. The convergence rate and the error ball for the Lévy noise system are shown to be nearly direct sums of the respective quantities for the shot and white noise systems separately, a result which is analogous to the Lévy–Khintchine theorem. We demonstrate both empirical and analytical computation of the error ball using several numerical examples, and illustrate how varying the parameters of the system affect the tightness of the bound.
Spike‐and‐slab least absolute shrinkage and selection operator generalized additive models and scalable algorithms for high‐dimensional data analysis
Authors: Guo Boyi , Jaeger Byron C. , Rahman A. K. M. Fazlur , Long D. Leann , Yi Nengjun
Published: June 2022

There are proposals that extend the classical generalized additive models (GAMs) to accommodate high‐dimensional data () using group sparse regularization. However, the sparse regularization may induce excess shrinkage when estimating smooth functions, damaging predictive performance. Moreover, most of these GAMs consider an “all‐in‐all‐out” approach for functional selection, rendering them difficult to answer if nonlinear effects are necessary. While some Bayesian models can address these shortcomings, using Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithms for model fitting creates a new challenge, scalability. Hence, we propose Bayesian hierarchical generalized additive models as a solution: we consider the smoothing penalty for proper shrinkage of curve interpolation via reparameterization. A novel two‐part spike‐and‐slab LASSO prior for smooth functions is developed to address the sparsity of signals while providing extra flexibility to select the linear or nonlinear components of smooth functions. A scalable and deterministic algorithm, EM‐Coordinate Descent, is implemented in an open‐source R package BHAM. Simulation studies and metabolomics data analyses demonstrate improved predictive and computational performance against state‐of‐the‐art models. Functional selection performance suggests trade‐offs exist regarding the effect hierarchy assumption.
High‐Throughput Parallel Optofluidic 3D‐Imaging Flow Cytometry
Authors: Ugawa Masashi , Ota Sadao
Published: June 2022

3D light‐sheet microscopy is a powerful tool to obtain content‐rich information of cell populations. However, the limited frame rate of high‐quantum‐efficiency cameras hinders its application in high‐throughput flow cytometry. Herein, a high‐throughput 3D‐imaging flow cytometry technique based on light‐sheet microscopy that can screen thousands of cells per second is introduced. This method enables fast, parallel optofluidic scanning of cells by performing 1D acoustofluidic focusing on multiple cells under wide‐field light‐sheet microscopy with a single objective lens. Multicolor 3D‐imaging flow cytometry with cell‐line samples at a record detection throughput of over 2000 cells s−1 is demonstrated. Furthermore, an unprecedentedly large‐scale 3D‐morphology‐based flow cytometric analysis at an order of 105 cells is demonstrated. Results show that the system is able to capture subcellular structures even at high throughputs and obtain cellular information that is overlooked under 2D‐imaging cytometry.
Application of viable system model in diagnosing defects and problems of the credit supply chain network in the Iranian banking industry
Authors: Jabbarzadeh Eissa , Teimoury Ebrahim , Shavvalpour Saeed
Published: June 2022

The present study attempts to study the credit supply process in the Iranian banking industry by using the viable system model (VSM) to identify its vulnerabilities and improve the financing system. The method used in this study consists of three steps: (a) identification of system, (b) diagnosis of system and (c) control of information flow, communication channels and frequent errors. In this research, 37 credit experts from 17 different bank branches were interviewed about the process of granting facilities, and SPSS 23 was used to examine research objectives through the Delphi method. The results show that the structure of Iran's credit supply chain network suffers from such problems as deviation in the appropriate use of allocated credit resources, structural faults of the banking system and lack of administrative health, high bureaucracy, directed facilities, etc. In the end, some suggestions are provided for redesign and optimization of the credit supply network.
The antagonistic effect of melatonin onTBBPA‐induced apoptosis and necroptosis viaPTEN/PI3K/AKTsignaling pathway in swine testis cells
Authors: Sun Kexin , Wang Xu , Zhang Xinyu , Shi Xu , Gong Duqiang
Published: June 2022

Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) is a widely used industrial brominated flame retardant, which can endanger animal and human health, including cytotoxicity, endocrine disruption, reproductive toxicity and so on. Melatonin (MT) is a noteworthy free radical scavenger and an antioxidant to alleviate oxidative stress. To investigate the cytotoxic of TBBPA on swine testis cells (ST cells), as well as the antagonistic effect of MT, we established TBBPA exposure and MT antagonistic models, used flow cytometry and AO/EB staining methods to detect apoptosis and necroptosis, used DCFH‐DA method to examine the content of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and investigated the expression of associated genes using RT‐PCR and Western blot. According to our findings, TBBPA exposure induced cell death in ST cells. TBBPA increased ROS levels, thus increasing PTEN expression and decreasing PI3K and AKT expression. Apoptosis‐related factors (Caspase‐3, Bax, Cyt‐c, and Caspase‐9) and necroptosis‐related factors (RIPK1, RIPK3, and MLKL) were considerably elevated, in addition to the reduced expression of BCL‐2 and Caspase‐8. We also found that MT inhibited apoptosis and necroptosis in TBBPA‐induced ST cells and effectively resolved the abnormal expression of related signaling pathways. In summary, the above results indicate that MT alleviates the disorder of PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway via inhibiting ROS overproduction, thereby mitigating apoptosis and necroptosis caused by TBBPA. This research provides a theoretical basis for further understanding of the toxicity of TBBPA and the detoxification of MT against environmental toxics.
In silico exploration of amyloid‐related imaging abnormalities in the gantenerumab open‐label extension trials using a semi‐mechanistic model
Authors: Aldea Roxana , Grimm Hans Peter , Gieschke Ronald , Hofmann Carsten , Lott Dominik , Bullain Szofia , Delmar Paul , Klein Gregory , Lyons Marco , Piazza Fabrizio , Carare Roxana O. , Mazer Norman A.
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Amyloid‐related imaging abnormalities with edema/effusion (ARIA‐E) are commonly observed with anti‐amyloid therapies in Alzheimer's disease. We developed a semi‐mechanistic, in silico model to understand the time course of ARIA‐E and its dose dependency.

Methods

Dynamic and statistical analyses of data from 112 individuals that experienced ARIA‐E in the open‐label extension of SCarlet RoAD (a study of gantenerumab in participants with prodromal Alzheimer's disease) and Marguerite RoAD (as study of Gantenerumab in participants with mild Alzheimer's disease) studies were used for model building. Gantenerumab pharmacokinetics, local amyloid removal, disturbance and repair of the vascular wall, and ARIA‐E magnitude were represented in the novel vascular wall disturbance (VWD) model of ARIA‐E.

Results

The modeled individual‐level profiles provided a good representation of the observed pharmacokinetics and time course of ARIA‐E magnitude. ARIA‐E dynamics were shown to depend on the interplay between drug‐mediated amyloid removal and intrinsic vascular repair processes.

Discussion

Upon further refinement and validation, the VWD model could inform strategies for dosing and ARIA monitoring in individuals with an ARIA‐E history.
Integrated Alzheimer's Disease Rating Scale: Clinically meaningful change estimates
Authors: Wessels Alette M. , Rentz Dorene M. , Case Michael , Lauzon Steve , Sims John R.
Published: June 2022

Introduction

The Integrated Alzheimer's Disease Rating Scale (iADRS) has been used to detect differences in disease progression in early Alzheimer's disease (AD). The objectives of this study were to enhance understanding of iADRS point changes within the context of clinical trials, and to establish a minimal clinically important difference (MCID) on the iADRS.

Methods

Data from AMARANTH and EXPEDITION3 were analyzed using various approaches, including anchor‐based, distribution‐based, regression analyses, and cumulative distribution function (CDF) plots. Three potential anchors were examined, including the Clinical Dementia Rating—Sum of Boxes, Mini‐Mental State Examination, and Functional Activities Questionnaire. Triangulation of all results was used to determine the MCID for participants with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to AD and AD with mild dementia.

Results

All three anchors met criteria for “sufficiently associated” (|r| = 0.4–0.7). Cumulatively, results from anchor‐based and distribution‐based results converged to suggest an iADRS MCID of 5 points for MCI due to AD and 9 points for AD with mild dementia. Regression analyses and CDF plots supported these values.

Discussion

These findings suggest the iADRS can be used in clinical trials to detect a clinically meaningful outcome of AD progression.
Focus on affordability, student support leads to enrollment growth
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: June 2022

A few years ago, members of the board asked Ryan Smith, President of the University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College in Ohio, what his biggest worry was. He told them he was concerned the institution would run out of space in the residence halls. At the time, Rio Grande had about 180 residents and capacity for 500 to live on campus.
‘We're gonna end up scared to do anything’: A qualitative exploration of how client complaints are experienced by UK veterinary practitioners
Authors: Gibson Julie , White Kate , Mossop Liz , Oxtoby Catherine , Brennan Marnie
Published: June 2022

Background

UK veterinary practitioners are reported to be fearful of client complaints, but their experiences have not been formally captured. Understanding how complaints impact veterinary practitioners is key to mitigating detrimental consequences.

Methods

A qualitative exploration of how UK veterinary practitioners experience and respond to adverse events was conducted. Data were collected via focus groups and interviews, which were transcribed and simultaneously analysed. Coding and theme development were inductive rather than restricted by preconceived theories.

Results

Twelve focus groups and 15 individual interviews took place. One theme identified focused on the impact of client complaints. Practitioners experienced unintentional distraction and disengagement from clinical work, as well as employing defensive strategies as a direct result of complaints. The vexatious nature of some complainants was highlighted, along with concerns about practice and regulatory complaint management, lack of appropriate support, discriminatory behaviours and the influence of ‘trial by media’.

Conclusions

Client complaints present a threat to practitioner mental health and workforce sustainability, as well as having implications for patient safety. Mitigating these effects is a complex and multifaceted undertaking, but fairness, transparency and timeliness of practice and regulatory complaint investigation must be prioritised, along with provision of tailored support for those facing complaints.
Indigenous legume fodder trees and shrubs with emphasis on land use and agroecological zones: Identification, diversity, and distribution in semi‐humid condition of southern Ethiopia
Authors: Abraham Getachew , Kechero Yisehak , Andualem Dereje , Dingamo Temesgen
Published: June 2022

Background

Fodder trees and shrubs are among the strategic feed resources that complement the dry season feed supply in the tropics. They are an integral element of the farming system incorporated into different land uses and deliver multiple functions, even though their diversity relies on various anthropogenic, physiographic, and agroecological factors.

Objective

The study aimed to identify indigenous legume fodder trees and shrubs (ILFTS) and estimate their diversity in terms of land use and agroecological zones in southern Ethiopia's Gamo landscape.

Method

Respondent households were selected using a stratified multistage sampling procedure. Information about the ILFTS was gathered through key informant interviews conducted in each agro‐ecological zone. A total of 273 households from three agro‐ecological zones were selected and interviewed using a semi‐structured questionnaire to assess ILFTS. The information acquired by the questionnaire survey was complemented with a focus group discussion held with 10 respondents in each agro‐ecological zone. Herbarium samples were collected for each of the species for identification and confirmation of the botanical names. Sixty randomly selected sampling plots of each with a dimension of 20 m × 20 m were created, and inventories of ILFTS species were performed and recorded on species inventory sheets. The Shannon–Wiener diversity index (H) was used to determine the species diversity.

Result

The study identified 21 ILFTS that have been an integral constituent of the land uses recognised for their multiple functions in all agroecological zones. The mean species richness and diversity indices of the ILFTS differed significantly with land use and agroecological zones, where the lowland area closure exhibited the highest, and the highland homesteads and highland grazing land revealed the least.

Conclusion

Farmers’ indigenous knowledge and previous experience determined the species richness and diversity of ILFTS in farmlands and homesteads; however, the level of exploitation or protection was the reason for variation in area closure and grazing lands.
Stable Isotope Signatures of Wood, its Constituents and Methods of Cellulose Extraction
Authors: Helle Gerhard , Pauly Maren , Heinrich Ingo , Schollän Karina , Balanzategui Daniel , Schürheck Lucas
Published: June 2022

In this chapter, we give some basic information on the chemical and isotopic properties of wood constituents and describe their relative contribution to the isotopic signature of wood. Based on these considerations we review studies that have compared stable isotope signals of wood with those of corresponding cellulose. We exemplify how relationships of wood-based tree-ring stable isotope sequences with climate can be affected by varying proportions of wood constituents like cellulose, lignin and extractives. A majority of benchmarking studies suggests that cellulose extraction may not be necessary. However, based upon existing research, a general statement cannot be made on the necessity of cellulose extraction. Changes in wood composition can particularly influence environmental signal strength during periods of low isotope variability. Cellulose extraction removes any effects from changing wood composition. We present the three established chemical approaches of extraction, outline how to test the purity of isolated cellulose and present user-friendly efficient experimental setups allowing to simultaneously process hundreds of samples in one batch. Further, we briefly address the analysis of stable isotopes of lignin methoxyl groups because of easy sample preparation and its potential additional value for studies on fossil wood.
Factorization for azimuthal asymmetries in SIDIS at next-to-leading power
Authors: Ebert Markus A. , Gao Anjie , Stewart Iain W.
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Differential measurements of the semi-inclusive deep inelastic scattering (SIDIS) process with polarized beams provide important information on the three-dimensional structure of hadrons. Among the various observables are azimuthal asymmetries that start at subleading power, and which give access to novel transverse momentum dependent distributions (TMDs). Theoretical predictions for these distributions are currently based on the parton model rather than a rigorous factorization based analysis. Working under the assumption that leading power Glauber interactions do not spoil factorization at this order, we use the Soft Collinear Effective Theory to derive a complete factorization formula for power suppressed hard scattering effects in SIDIS. This yields generalized definitions of the TMDs that depend on two longitudinal momentum fractions (one of them only relevant beyond tree level), and a complete proof that only the same leading power soft function appears and can be absorbed into the TMD distributions at this order. We also show that perturbative corrections can be accounted for with only one new hard coefficient. Factorization formulae are given for all spin dependent structure functions which start at next-to-leading power. Prospects for improved subleading power predictions that include resummation are discussed.
Are there ALPs in the asymptotically safe landscape?
Authors: de Brito Gustavo P. , Eichhorn Astrid , Lino dos Santos Rafael R.
Published: June 2022

Abstract

We investigate axion-like particles (ALPs) in the context of asymptotically safe gravity-matter systems. The ALP-photon interaction, which facilitates experimental searches for ALPs, is a dimension-5-operator. Quantum fluctuations of gravity lower its scaling dimension, and the ALP-photon coupling can become asymptotically free or even asymptotically safe. However, quantum fluctuations of gravity need to be strong to overcome the canonical scaling and this strong-gravity regime is in tension with the weak-gravity bound in asymptotic safety. Thus, we tentatively conclude that fundamental ALPs can likely not be accommodated in asymptotically safe gravity-matter systems. In turn, an experimental discovery of an ALP would thus shed valuable light on the quantum nature of gravity.
Increasing grades of frontal deformities in knee osteoarthritis are not associated with ligamentous ankle instabilities
Authors: Graef F. , Rühling M. , Gwinner C. , Hommel H. , Tsitsilonis S. , Perka C.
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Varus or valgus deformities in knee osteoarthritis may have a crucial impact on ankle subtalar range of motion (ROM) and ligamentous stability. The purpose of this study was to assess whether the grade of ankle eversion and inversion rotation stability was influenced by frontal deformities of the knee joint.

Methods

Patients who were planned to undergo total knee arthroplasty (TKA) were prospectively included in this study. Patients were examined radiologically (mechanical tibiofemoral angle (mTFA), hindfoot alignment view angle (HAVA), anterior distal tibia angle (ADTA)) and clinically (ROM of the knee and ankle joint, foot function index, knee osteoarthritis outcome score). Ankle stability was assessed using an ankle arthrometer (AA) to test inversion/eversion (ie) rotation and anterior/posterior (ap) displacement stability of the ankle joint. Correlations were calculated using Pearson’s coefficient, and differences between two independent groups of nonparametric data were calculated using a two-sided Wilcoxon signed rank test.

Results

Eighty-two (varus n = 52, valgus n = 30) patients were included. The preoperative mTFA significantly correlated with the HAVA (Pearson’s correlation = − 0.72, p < 0.001). Laxity testing of the ankle demonstrated that in both varus and valgus knee osteoarthritis, higher grades of mTFA did not correlate with the inversion or eversion capacity of the ankle joint. The ADTA significantly correlated with the posterior displacement of the ankle joint (cor = 0.24, p = 0.049).

Conclusions

This study could not confirm that higher degrees of frontal knee deformities in osteoarthritis were associated with increasing grades of ligamentous ankle instabilities or a reduced ROM of the subtalar joint.

Level of evidence

II.
Primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus: differentiation from esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and leiomyoma using dynamic contrast-enhanced CT findings
Authors: Shi Yan-Jie , Yang Xin , Yan Shuo , Li Xiao-Ting , Wei Yi-Yuan , Zhang Xiao-Yan , Sun Ying-Shi
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to summarize the computed tomography (CT) findings of PMME and differentiate it from esophageal SCC and leiomyoma using CT analysis.

Methods

This was a retrospective study including 23 patients with PMME, 69 patients with SCC, and 21 patients with leiomyoma in our hospital. Qualitative CT morphological characteristics of each lesion included the location, tumor range, ulcer, enhanced pattern, and so on. For quantitative CT analysis, thickness, length and area of tumor, size of largest lymph node, number of metastatic lymph node, and CT value of tumor in plain, arterial, and delayed phases were measured. The associated factors for differentiating PMME from SCC and leiomyoma were examined with univariate and multivariate analysis. Receive operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to determine the performance of CT models in discriminating PMME from SCC and leiomyoma.

Results

The thickness, mean CT value in arterial phase, and range of tumor were the independent factors for diagnosing PMME from SCC. These parameters were used to establish a diagnostic CT model with area under the ROC (AUC) of 0.969, and accuracy of 90.2%. In pathology, interstitial vessels in PMME were more abundant than that of SCC, and the stromal fibrosis was more obvious in SCC. PMME commonly exhibited intraluminal expansively growth pattern and SCC often showed infiltrative pattern. The postcontrast attenuation difference in maximum CT attenuation value between plain and arterial phases was the independent factor for diagnosing PMME from leiomyoma. This parameter was applied to differentiate PMME from leiomyoma with AUC of 0.929 and accuracy of 86.4%.

Conclusion

The qualitative and quantitative CT analysis had excellent performance for differentiating PMME from SCC and esophageal leiomyoma.

Graphical abstract
Effects of deficit irrigation with saline water on yield and grape composition of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Monastrell
Authors: Martínez-Moreno A. , Pérez-Álvarez E. P. , Intrigliolo D. S. , Mirás-Avalos J. M. , López-Urrea R. , Gil-Muñoz R. , Lizama V. , García-Esparza M. J. , Álvarez M. I. , Buesa I.
Published: June 2022

Warm and semi-arid climates are characterized by rainfall scarcity, resulting in the frequent use of low-quality water for irrigation. This work was undertaken to study the effects of water stress and saline irrigation on yield and grape composition of Monastrell grapevines grafted onto 1103P rootstock. The experiment was carried out during three consecutive seasons in a commercial vineyard located in Jumilla (SE Spain) with a loamy-sandy soil. Rainfed vines were compared with five watering regimes including a Control, irrigated with standard water, and four treatments that combined two different schedules for irrigation initiation (pre- and post-veraison) with saline water obtained by adding two types of salts (sulphates and chlorides). Vines from treatments with more severe water stress (i.e., rainfed) showed lower yields and vegetative growth. Moreover, the Rainfed treatment clearly modified grape composition when compared with the Control treatment by increasing berry phenolic content. The application of saline water slightly affected vine performance and grape composition regardless of the type of salts added to the irrigation water. Indeed, the watering regime had a greater effect on yield, vegetative growth and grape composition than the use of different saline waters. Our results suggest that, in the mid-term (3 years), and with a vineyard soil with good drainage, the use of saline waters is not detrimental to vine performance, but does not improve grape composition. Further research is required to assess the long-term effects of saline water application, particularly in view of the important accumulation of chlorides and sodium in leaf tissues observed in vines watered with salty water at the last season of this experiment.
Urinary stone composition in Germany: results from 45,783 stone analyses
Authors: Siener Roswitha , Herwig Helena , Rüdy Jakob , Schaefer Reinhold M. , Lossin Philipp , Hesse Albrecht
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Stone composition can provide valuable information for the diagnosis, treatment and recurrence prevention of urolithiasis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the distribution of urinary stone components and the impact of different crystal forms according to gender and age of patients in Germany.

Methods

A total of 45,783 urinary stones submitted from 32,512 men and 13,271 women between January 2007 and December 2020 were analyzed by infrared spectroscopy. Only the first calculus obtained per patient was included in the analysis.

Results

The most common main stone component was calcium oxalate (CaOx) (71.4%), followed by carbonate apatite (CA) (10.2%) and uric acid (UA) (8.3%). Struvite (2.1%), brushite (1.3%), protein (0.5%) and cystine (0.4%) stones were only rarely diagnosed. CaOx (75%) and UA stones (81%) were more frequently obtained from men than women (p < 0.001). Weddellite (COD) and uric acid dihydrate (UAD) were more common in younger ages than whewellite (COM) and anhydrous uric acid (UAA), respectively, in both men and women. The ratios of COM-to-COD and UAA-to-UAD calculi were approximately 4:1 and 8:1, respectively. The peak of stone occurrence was between the ages of 40 and 59 years.

Conclusion

Stone composition is strongly associated with gender and age. The peak incidence of calculi in both women and men was in the most active phase of their working life. The distinction between different crystal forms could provide clues to the activity and mechanisms of lithogenesis. Further research is needed in understanding the causative factors and the process of stone formation.
Impact of a food-based dietary fat exchange model for replacing dietary saturated with unsaturated fatty acids in healthy men on plasma phospholipids fatty acid profiles and dietary patterns
Authors: Sellem Laury , Antoni Rona , Koutsos Athanasios , Ozen Ezgi , Wong Gloria , Ayyad Hasnaa , Weech Michelle , Schulze Matthias B. , Wernitz Andreas , Fielding Barbara A. , Robertson M. Denise , Jackson Kim G. , Griffin Bruce A. , Lovegrove Julie A.
Published: June 2022

Purpose

UK guidelines recommend dietary saturated fatty acids (SFAs) should not exceed 10% total energy (%TE) for cardiovascular disease prevention, with benefits observed when SFAs are replaced with unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs). This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a dietary exchange model using commercially available foods to replace SFAs with UFAs.

Methods

Healthy men (n = 109, age 48, SD 11 year) recruited to the Reading, Imperial, Surrey, Saturated fat Cholesterol Intervention-1 (RISSCI-1) study (ClinicalTrials.Gov n°NCT03270527) followed two sequential 4-week isoenergetic moderate-fat (34%TE) diets: high-SFA (18%TE SFAs, 16%TE UFAs) and low-SFA (10%TE SFAs, 24%TE UFAs). Dietary intakes were assessed using 4-day weighed diet diaries. Nutrient intakes were analysed using paired t-tests, fasting plasma phospholipid fatty acid (PL-FA) profiles and dietary patterns were analysed using orthogonal partial least square discriminant analyses.

Results

Participants exchanged 10.2%TE (SD 4.1) SFAs for 9.7%TE (SD 3.9) UFAs between the high and low-SFA diets, reaching target intakes with minimal effect on other nutrients or energy intakes. Analyses of dietary patterns confirmed successful incorporation of recommended foods from commercially available sources (e.g. dairy products, snacks, oils, and fats), without affecting participants’ overall dietary intakes. Analyses of plasma PL-FAs indicated good compliance to the dietary intervention and foods of varying SFA content.

Conclusions

RISSCI-1 dietary exchange model successfully replaced dietary SFAs with UFAs in free-living healthy men using commercially available foods, and without altering their dietary patterns. Further intervention studies are required to confirm utility and feasibility of such food-based dietary fat replacement models at a population level.
Evolution and dynamics of the open-vent eruption at Arenal volcano (Costa Rica, 1968–2010): what we learned and perspectives
Authors: Mora Mauricio M. , Lesage Philippe , Taylor-Castillo Waldo , Vergniolle Sylvie , Fourel Loïc , Soto Gerardo J.
Published: June 2022

On 29 July 1968, there was a violent reactivation of Arenal volcano. The resulting westward-directed lateral blast eruption left two villages destroyed and 78 people dead. The activity continued as a long-lasting, open-vent eruption that evolved into seven recognisable phases reflecting changes in magma supply, explosive activity and cone evolution, and ended in October 2010. Here, we review this activity, the geophysical approaches applied to understanding it and the open questions resulting from these insights. The eruptive dynamics were characterised by almost constant lava effusion, degassing, strombolian and vulcanian explosions and infrequent pyroclastic density currents. In this study, the total rock dense equivalent volume of lava and tephra erupted is calculated at 757 ± 77 Mm3, while the volume of the lava flow field is 527 ± 58 Mm3. Typical seismic activity included harmonic and spasmodic tremors, long-period events and explosion signals with frequent audible “booms”. The decline of the eruptive activity started in 2000, with a decrease in the number and size of explosive events, a shift from long to short lava flows along with the collapse of lava flow fronts and the subsequent formation of downward-rolling lava block aprons, the frequent growth of dome-like structures on the summit and a gradual decrease in seismic energy. Multiple geological and geophysical studies during this 42-year-long period of open-vent activity at Arenal resulted in many advances in understanding the dynamics of andesitic blocky lava flows, the origin and diversity of pyroclastic density currents and seismic sources, as well as the role of site effects and rough topography in modifying the seismic wavefield. The acoustic measurements presented here include two types of events: typical explosions and small pressure transients. Features of the latter type are not usually observed at volcanoes with intermediate to evolved magma composition. Explosions have different waveforms and larger gas volumes than pressure transients, both types being associated with active and passive degassing, respectively. This body of data, results and knowledge can inform on the type of activity, and associated geophysical signals, of open-vent systems that are active for decades.
Patient-reported cognitive function before and after glioma surgery
Authors: Schei Stine , Solheim Ole , Salvesen Øyvind , Hansen Tor Ivar , Sagberg Lisa Millgård
Published: June 2022

Background

Little is known about the extent to which glioma patients experience subjective changes in cognitive function following surgery. We sought to assess patient-reported cognitive function before and after glioma surgery and explore potential factors associated with cognitive change.

Methods

In a prospective population-based study, patient-reported cognitive function was measured in 182 patients undergoing primary surgery for diffuse glioma (141 high-grade gliomas (HGG) and 41 low-grade gliomas (LGG)) by using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30 cognitive function subscale preoperatively and at 1 and 6 months postoperatively. Binomial logistic regression models were used to assess factors possibly associated with patient-reported cognitive changes.

Results

In the HGG group, the mean cognitive function score increased from 70.9 (95% 66.6, 75.2) preoperatively to 85.1 (95% CI 81.2, 89.0) (p < 0.001) and 83.3 (95% CI 79.1, 87.6) (p < 0.001) at 1 and 6 months postoperatively, respectively. In the LGG group, the mean score was 80.9 (95% CI 74.4, 87.4) preoperatively and remained stable at postoperative follow-ups. Females reported lower scores than males. At an individual level, both improvement and deterioration in cognitive scores were frequently seen in LGG and HGG patients after surgery. Preoperative use of corticosteroids and large tumor volume were predictors for cognitive improvement at 1 month postoperatively. No predictors were identified for cognitive improvement at 6 months and worsening at 1 and 6 months.

Conclusion

Many glioma patients experience perioperative subjective changes in cognitive function after surgery. At group level, HGG patients reported improved cognitive function after surgery, while LGG patients reported stable cognitive function. Preoperative use of corticosteroids and large tumor volume were independently associated with postoperative improvement.
Adaptive Quasi-Monte Carlo Finite Element Methods for Parametric Elliptic PDEs
Authors: Longo Marcello
Published: June 2022

We introduce novel adaptive methods to approximate moments of solutions of partial differential Equations (PDEs) with uncertain parametric inputs. A typical problem in Uncertainty Quantification is the approximation of the expected values of quantities of interest of the solution, which requires the efficient numerical approximation of high-dimensional integrals. We perform this task by a class of deterministic quasi-Monte Carlo integration rules derived from Polynomial lattices, that allows to control a-posteriori the integration error without querying the governing PDE and does not incur the curse of dimensionality. Based on an abstract formulation of adaptive finite element methods (AFEM) for deterministic problems, we infer convergence of the combined adaptive algorithms in the parameter and physical space. We propose a selection of examples of PDEs admissible for these algorithms. Finally, we present numerical evidence of convergence for a model diffusion PDE.
Modern imaging in Cushing’s disease
Authors: Bashari W. A. , Gillett D. , MacFarlane J. , Powlson A. S. , Kolias A. G. , Mannion R. , Scoffings D. J. , Mendichovszky I. A. , Jones J. , Cheow H. K. , Koulouri O. , Gurnell M.
Published: June 2022

Management of Cushing’s disease is informed by dedicated imaging of the sella and parasellar regions. Although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) remains the investigation of choice, a significant proportion (30–50%) of corticotroph tumours are so small as to render MRI indeterminate or negative when using standard clinical sequences. In this context, alternative MR protocols [e.g. 3D gradient (recalled) echo, with acquisition of volumetric data] may allow detection of tumors that have not been previously visualized. The use of hybrid molecular imaging (e.g. 11C-methionine positron emission tomography coregistered with volumetric MRI) has also been proposed as an additional modality for localizing microadenomas.
The Critical Pressure for Bulk Leakage of Non-planar Smooth Surfaces
Authors: Huang De , Yan Xiang , Larsson Roland , Almqvist Andreas
Published: June 2022

The sealing surfaces subjected to the hydrostatic load from the sealed fluid can deform to such an extent that leakage occurs when the sealed fluid pressure is sufficiently high, and this critical pressure that the seal can sustain without leakage is a fundamental aspect of the seal design. This paper presents a new numerical method based on the bisection algorithm and the boundary element method, which can be utilized to capture the critical pressure with high accuracy. The present method is employed to study the relationship between the critical pressure and the non-planar geometry of the sealing surfaces, under a wide range of loading conditions. The results show that the critical pressure can be acquired from the surface’s dry contact state with a dimensionless correction factor.
Extent of intrinsic disorder and NMR chemical shift assignments of the distal N-termini from human TRPV1, TRPV2 and TRPV3 ion channels
Authors: Wiedemann Christoph , Goretzki Benedikt , Merz Zoe N. , Tebbe Frederike , Schmitt Pauline , Hellmich Ute A.
Published: June 2022

The mammalian Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid (TRPV) channels are a family of six tetrameric ion channels localized at the plasma membrane. The group I members of the family, TRPV1 through TRPV4, are heat-activated and exhibit remarkable polymodality. The distal N-termini of group I TRPV channels contain large intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs), ranging from ~ 75 amino acids (TRPV2) to ~ 150 amino acids (TRPV4), the vast majority of which is invisible in the structural models published so far. These IDRs provide important binding sites for cytosolic partners, and their deletion is detrimental to channel activity and regulation. Recently, we reported the NMR backbone assignments of the distal TRPV4 N-terminus and noticed some discrepancies between the extent of disorder predicted solely based on protein sequence and from experimentally determined chemical shifts. Thus, for an analysis of the extent of disorder in the distal N-termini of all group I TRPV channels, we now report the NMR assignments for the human TRPV1, TRPV2 and TRPV3 IDRs.
Digital biomarkers and sex impacts in Alzheimer’s disease management — potential utility for innovative 3P medicine approach
Authors: Harms Robbert L. , Ferrari Alberto , Meier Irene B. , Martinkova Julie , Santus Enrico , Marino Nicola , Cirillo Davide , Mellino Simona , Catuara Solarz Silvina , Tarnanas Ioannis , Szoeke Cassandra , Hort Jakub , Valencia Alfonso , Ferretti Maria Teresa , Seixas Azizi , Santuccione Chadha Antonella
Published: June 2022

Digital biomarkers are defined as objective, quantifiable physiological and behavioral data that are collected and measured by means of digital devices. Their use has revolutionized clinical research by enabling high-frequency, longitudinal, and sensitive measurements. In the field of neurodegenerative diseases, an example of a digital biomarker-based technology is instrumental activities of daily living (iADL) digital medical application, a predictive biomarker of conversion from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) to dementia due to AD in individuals aged 55 + . Digital biomarkers show promise to transform clinical practice. Nevertheless, their use may be affected by variables such as demographics, genetics, and phenotype. Among these factors, sex is particularly important in Alzheimer’s, where men and women present with different symptoms and progression patterns that impact diagnosis. In this study, we explore sex differences in Altoida’s digital medical application in a sample of 568 subjects consisting of a clinical dataset (MCI and dementia due to AD) and a healthy population. We found that a biological sex-classifier, built on digital biomarker features captured using Altoida’s application, achieved a 75% ROC-AUC (receiver operating characteristic — area under curve) performance in predicting biological sex in healthy individuals, indicating significant differences in neurocognitive performance signatures between males and females. The performance dropped when we applied this classifier to more advanced stages on the AD continuum, including MCI and dementia, suggesting that sex differences might be disease-stage dependent. Our results indicate that neurocognitive performance signatures built on data from digital biomarker features are different between men and women. These results stress the need to integrate traditional approaches to dementia research with digital biomarker technologies and personalized medicine perspectives to achieve more precise predictive diagnostics, targeted prevention, and customized treatment of cognitive decline.