bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Voice Disorders Associated With the Use of Inhaled Corticosteroids
Authors: Naunheim Matthew R. , Huston Molly N. , Bhattacharyya Neil
Published: January 2023

Objective

Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) have been demonstrated to be associated with voice changes. The goal was to determine the strength of the association between ICS use and a diagnosis of dysphonia made by an otolaryngologist and to determine whether inhaler particle type or medication type influenced this risk.

Study Design

A case‐control study from 2018 to 2020.

Setting

Urban academic medical system.

Methods

Adult patients with dysphonia diagnosed by an otolaryngologist, and control patients matched on age, gender, race, and health status, were included. Exposure to ICS was assessed, and the odds ratio (OR) of the association of ICS with dysphonia was calculated.

Results

A total of 6551 cases and 6551 matched controls were included. We found that ICS use was significantly associated with dysphonia (OR: 5.11, 95% confidence interval: 4.23‐6.17, p < .001). Subset analyses demonstrated no significant differences between inhaler particle types or specific active medications.

Conclusion

This study emphasizes the importance of identifying ICS use in the evaluation and treatment of patients with dysphonia.
Defining the Performance of Clinician's Ability to Screen for Laryngeal Mass From Voice
Authors: Wandell Grace M. , Law Anthony B. , Maxin Anthony , Ha Vivian T. , Wilson Emily C. , Nash Michael G. , Merati Albert L. , Whipple Mark E. , Meyer Tanya K.
Published: January 2023

Objective

Defining a clinician's ability to perceptually identify mass from voice will inform the feasibility, design priorities, and performance standards for tools developed to screen for laryngeal mass from voice. This study defined clinician ability of and examined the impact of expertise on screening for laryngeal mass from voice.

Study Design

Task comparison study between experts and nonexperts rating voices for the probability of a laryngeal mass.

Setting

Online, remote.

Methods

Experts (voice‐focused speech‐language pathologists and otolaryngologists) and nonexperts (general medicine providers) rated 5‐s/i/voice samples (with pathology defined by laryngoscopy) for the probability of laryngeal mass via an online survey. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) estimated interrater and intrarater reliability. Diagnostic performance metrics were calculated. A linear mixed effects model examined the impact of expertise and pathology on ratings.

Results

Forty clinicians (21 experts and 19 nonexperts) evaluated 344 voice samples. Experts outperformed nonexperts, with a higher area under the curve (70% vs 61%), sensitivity (49% vs 36%), and specificity (83% vs 77%) (all comparisons p < .05). Interrater reliability was fair for experts and poor for nonexperts (ICC: 0.48 vs 0.34), while intrarater reliability was excellent and good, respectively (ICC: 0.9 and 0.6). The main effects of expertise and underlying pathology were significant in the linear model (p < .001).

Conclusion

Clinicians demonstrate inadequate performance screening for laryngeal mass from voice to use auditory perception for dysphonia triage. Experts' superior performance indicates that there is acoustic information in a voice that may be utilized to detect laryngeal mass based on voice.
Physical, mechanical, viscoelastic, and morphological properties of poly(lactic acid)/ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate blend reinforced with silicon carbide nanoparticles
Authors: Arezoumand Sahar , Kaffashi Babak , Naderi Ghasem
Published: January 2023

Phase morphology, mechanical properties, melting and crystallinity, as well as the dynamic viscoelastic properties of poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate (EVA) (80/20) blend containing 0–3 wt% nano‐silicon carbide (SiC) were studied. Morphological observations revealed the localization of nano‐SiC particles around the EVA droplets with the consequence of a fall in the size of EVA dispersed phase in the nanocomposites compared with the unfilled blends. The mechanical characterization results showed a gradual increase in the elastic moduli and yield stress with increasing nano‐SiC content in the nanocomposites, while the strain at break and Izod impact strength were steadily decreased. The nano‐SiC particles served as nucleating agents for crystallization of the PLA matrix from the molten state. The crystallinity of the PLA matrix in the nanocomposites was slightly reduced compared with that of the unfilled blend. The dynamic mechanical thermal analysis results showed a gradual increase in the glass transition temperature of PLA matrix together with a steady decline of damping capability as the nano‐SiC content in the nanocomposite was increased. The dynamic rheological data demonstrated enhanced complex viscosities and storage moduli of the nanocomposites in a direct proportion to the nanofiller loading, specially at the low‐frequency region. The changes occurred in the various properties of the fabricated nanocomposites were interpreted in terms of alteration in the phase morphology and the physical interactions of the nano‐SiC particles with the blend's components.
A new CL‐20/1,4‐DNP cocrystal explosive with good comprehensive performance
Authors: Yu Yanwu , Miao Shuyue , Jia Kanghui , Wang Hongbin , Qin Wuli , Jing Suming
Published: January 2023

A new energetic cocrystal of 2,4,6,8,10,12‐hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane (CL‐20) and 1,4‐dinitropyrazole (1,4‐DNP) with a 1 : 1 molar ratio was prepared by slow solvent evaporation. This cocrystal belongs to monoclinic system with P21/c space group formed mainly by the CH−O, CH−N, and NO2−π interactions through analyzing the structures and interactions. CL‐20/1,4‐DNP cocrystal has a melting point of 132 °C with a decomposition temperature of 253 °C, showing an excellent stability. Moreover, the impact sensitivity of the cocrystal (13.5 J) is similar to that of 1,1‐diamino‐2,2‐dinitroethene (FOX‐7, 14 J), a typical insensitive energetic material, indicating a favorable low sensitivity. Furthermore, the detonation performances of the cocrystal (8954 m/s, 35.90 GPa) are slightly superior to that of 1,3,5‐trinitro‐1,3,5‐ triazacyclohexane (RDX, 8877 m/s, 34.94 GPa), suggesting that CL‐20/1,4‐DNP cocrystal has an excellent detonation property. Therefore, the CL‐20/1,4‐DNP cocrystal may be an attractive new explosive with a good comprehensive performance and thus, may be used as a promising candidate instead of RDX for safety ammunitions in future.
Fractional‐order integral terminal sliding‐mode control for perturbed nonlinear systems with application to quadrotors
Authors: Labbadi Moussa , Defoort Michael , Incremona Gian Paolo , Djemai Mohamed
Published: January 2023

In this article, a novel fractional‐order recursive integral terminal sliding mode (FORITSM) control is proposed for nonlinear systems in the presence of external disturbances with unknown bounds. The proposed control approach provides an easy‐to implement solution capable of zeroing the sliding variable in a finite‐time (FnT) by adding a fractional‐order command filter. Moreover, the reaching phase is eliminated, and FnT convergence of the system states is proved. The proposed technique has also a chattering alleviation property, which is beneficial for practical cases, as the control of quadrotor UAVs presented in the article. Finally, a simulation case study on a quadrotor system is illustrated to show the effectiveness of the proposed FORITSM control, also with respect to classical methods.
Alexander Bogdanov and the question of unity: An emerging research agenda
Authors: Şenalp Örsan , Midgley Gerald
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we propose a research agenda to support the recovery of Alexander Bogdanov's philosophical and systemic thinking that culminated in his magnum opus,Tektology. Our main reason for doing so is to re‐address enduring questions about the unity of science and the unity of the systems paradigm. Since the turn of the new millennium, there has been renewed interest in the ideal of the unity of science. General system theory (GST), cybernetics and complexity science are three significant intellectual sources inspiring this renewal. It is not unusual for these ideas to be grouped under the umbrella termssystems scienceorsystems thinking, which are two ways to present a singlesystems paradigm, and we will explain why its “unity” is both necessary and problematic. Bringing Bogdanov's work back to address the unity question can help us to progress toward unity in diversity.
Targeted mutagenesis with sequence‐specific nucleases for accelerated improvement of polyploid crops: Progress, challenges, and prospects
Authors: May David , Paldi Katalin , Altpeter Fredy
Published: January 2023

Many of the world's most important crops are polyploid. The presence of more than two sets of chromosomes within their nuclei and frequently aberrant reproductive biology in polyploids present obstacles to conventional breeding. The presence of a larger number of homoeologous copies of each gene makes random mutation breeding a daunting task for polyploids. Genome editing has revolutionized improvement of polyploid crops as multiple gene copies and/or alleles can be edited simultaneously while preserving the key attributes of elite cultivars. Most genome‐editing platforms employ sequence‐specific nucleases (SSNs) to generate DNA double‐stranded breaks at their target gene. Such DNA breaks are typically repaired via the error‐prone nonhomologous end‐joining process, which often leads to frame shift mutations, causing loss of gene function. Genome editing has enhanced the disease resistance, yield components, and end‐use quality of polyploid crops. However, identification of candidate targets, genotyping, and requirement of high mutagenesis efficiency remain bottlenecks for targeted mutagenesis in polyploids. In this review, we will survey the tremendous progress of SSN‐mediated targeted mutagenesis in polyploid crop improvement, discuss its challenges, and identify optimizations needed to sustain further progress.
Decision‐making factor interactions influencing climate migration: A systems‐based systematic review
Authors: Nabong Emily C. , Hocking Lauren , Opdyke Aaron , Walters Jeffrey P.
Published: January 2023

Global migration and mobility dynamics are expected to shift in the coming decades as a result of climate change. However, the extent to which migration is caused by climate hazards, in contrast or addition to other intervening factors, is a point of debate in literature. In this study, we conducted a systematic literature review to identify and consolidate factors which directly and indirectly influence climate change migration. In our review of the literature, we found a total of 21 economic, environmental, demographic, political, social, and personal intervening decision‐making factors which affect climate migration. Causal interactions between these factors were identified using an axial qualitative coding technique called purposive text analysis. By combining causal links, a semi‐quantitative causal loop diagram was created that represented factor interaction and feedback within the “climate migration system.” Using this model, we highlight influential feedback loops and point to how intervention strategies may cause downstream effects. This research helps to address calls for a better understanding of the complex decision‐making dynamics in climate migration. In particular, results from our causal feedback loops show that intervention strategies targeted toward economic factors such as financial capital and livelihoods, as well as food security, would have the greatest impact in assisting climate‐affected communities. These results help inform climate migration policy and aid planners in the future to better understand the interconnected system of factors that lead to the emergent outcome of climate migration.

This article is categorized under:

Vulnerability and Adaptation to Climate Change > Learning from Cases and Analogies

The Social Status of Climate Change Knowledge > Climate Science and Decision Making
Spatiotemporal variation of rainfall and its implications on water resources management: The case of Manyame River catchment in Zimbabwe
Authors: Murove Brian , Mujere Never , Gumindoga Webster
Published: January 2023

Rainfall is an important hydrometeorological variable that affects river flow regimes and the amount of water flowing into surface water bodies and underground aquifers. Changing rainfall patterns and magnitudes contribute to extreme events including floods, droughts, and landslides. Thus, understanding of rainfall distribution is vital to sound water resources planning and allocation to users. Owing to the shortage of evenly distributed of rainfall stations in the arid and semiarid catchments, satellite rainfall products are regarded as reliable alternatives. This study therefore analyzes the long‐term spatiotemporal variation of rainfall in Manyame River catchment in Zimbabwe. Monthly rainfall data spanning from 1982 to 2019 were retrieved from the Climate Hazards Group Infra‐Red Precipitation with Station (CHIRPS). In situ rainfall data obtained from the country's two Meteorological Services Department were used to determine the accuracy of satellite data. Rainfall trends were tested using the Mann–Kendall trend test. The results showed goodness of fit between in situ and remotely sensed rainfall data. There is no significant increasing and decreasing trends in quarterly, monthly, and wet season rainfall. Statistically significant decreasing trends were observed in the central parts of the catchment during the dry season. The changing rainfall trends highlight the need for integrated and adaptive water resource management strategies to avoid adverse effects of floods and droughts in the catchment.
Extracting Us: Co-curating Creative Responses to Extractivism Through a Feminist Political Ecology Praxis
Authors: Owen Alice , Maimunah Siti , Ekowati Dian , Elmhirst Rebecca , Hoover Elona M.
Published: January 2023

In this chapter, members of the Extracting Us Curatorial Collective reflect on the process, experiences and learnings of co-curating a series of exhibitions and events. We identify ourselves as situated researchers, activists and creatives. Engaging with feminist political ecology as both theory and practice, we revisit how we cultivated care, foregrounding community and weaving connections between extractive contexts. Our collective inquiry, made possible through paying attention to how the emotional and the embodied brings the everyday into scholar-activist exhibition spaces, has allowed us to present and explore different perspectives to the multitude of critical registers through which extractivism, resistance and solidarity are understood.
More-Than-Human Co-becomings: The Interdependencies of Water, Embodied Subjectivities and Ethics
Authors: Bourguignon Nick , Leonardelli Irene , Still Enid , Nelson Ingrid L. , Nightingale Andrea J.
Published: January 2023

In this chapter, we explore the politics of interdependencies through situated entanglements with water. Framing more-than-human interdependencies within feminist political ecology means starting from an understanding of relationality. Drawing on research with waters and communities in Maharashtra, India and the Tagus River in Spain, we focus on the co-constitution of embodied subjectivities with the more-than-human, addressing issues of well-being, illness and ecological change in contemporary waterscapes. In doing so we explore the contradictions, tensions and ethical implications of situated more-than-human co-becomings.
Die menschliche Perspektive im Naturschutz und Wildtiermanagement: Eine Einführung in die „Human Dimensions of Wildlife“
Authors: Straka Tanja M. , Drijfhout Margreet , Kochalski Sophia , von Ruschkowski Eick , Gruenewald Claudia
Published: January 2023

Die menschliche Perspektive in Mensch-Wildtier-Konflikten zu verstehen, ist wichtig für ein ganzheitliches Naturschutzmanagement, da solche Konflikte oft über die direkten Mensch-Tier-Begegnungen und deren negative Folgen hinausgehen. Stattdessen handelt es sich zumeist um Konflikte zwischen Menschen bzw. Interessengruppen („Stakeholder“), die verschiedene Ansichten zu Wildtieren und deren Management vertreten. Als „Human Dimensions of Wildlife“ (HDW) werden die menschlichen oder gesellschaftlichen Aspekte in Bezug auf Natur und Wildtiere bezeichnet. Als eine Teildisziplin der Naturschutzsozialwissenschaften („Conservation Social Sciences“) stellen sie einen inter- und transdisziplinären Ansatz dar, der vielfältige Sichtweisen zur Lösung komplexer Sachverhalte in das Naturschutzmanagement einbezieht. In diesem Kapitel stellen wir gängige HDW-Konzepte vor, illustrieren auf der Grundlage einschlägiger Literatur deren analytisches Potenzial und veranschaulichen praktische Anwendungen in Fallbeispielen zu Wölfen, Wildschweinen, Bibern und Fledermäusen.

Abstract

Understanding people in the context of human-wildlife conflict is important for integrated conservation management, as these conflicts often go beyond people and their direct encounters with or negative impacts from wildlife. They often include social conflicts among people or groups of people (i.e. stakeholders) that have different views about wildlife and how it should be managed. “Human Dimensions of Wildlife” (HDW) is a sub-discipline of “Conservation Social Sciences”, an inter- and transdisciplinary approach including multiple perspectives to solve complex conservation and management matters. Here, we provide an overview of frequently used HDW concepts and illustrate their predictive potential with evidence from the literature, while their practical application is demonstrated with examples and case studies on wolves, boars, beavers and bats.
A minimal modular invariant neutrino model
Authors: Ding Gui-Jun , Liu Xiang-Gan , Yao Chang-Yuan
Published: January 2023

Abstract

We present a neutrino mass model based on modular symmetry with the fewest input parameters to date, which successfully accounts for the 12 lepton masses and mixing parameters through 6 real free parameters including the modulus. The neutrino masses are predicted to be normal ordering, the atmospheric angle θ23 is quite close to maximal value and the Dirac CP phase δCP is about 1.34π. We also study the soft supersymmetry breaking terms due to the modulus F-term in this minimal model, which are constrained to be the non-holomorphic modular forms. The radiative lepton flavor violation process μ → eγ is discussed.
Comparison of linear and semi-parametric models incorporating genomic, pedigree, and associated loci information for the prediction of resistance to stripe rust in an Austrian winter wheat breeding program
Authors: Morales Laura , Ametz Christian , Dallinger Hermann Gregor , Löschenberger Franziska , Neumayer Anton , Zimmerl Simone , Buerstmayr Hermann
Published: January 2023

Key message

We used a historical dataset on stripe rust resistance across 11 years in an Austrian winter wheat breeding program to evaluate genomic and pedigree-based linear and semi-parametric prediction methods.

Stripe rust (yellow rust) is an economically important foliar disease of wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) caused by the fungusPuccinia striiformisf. sp.tritici. Resistance to stripe rust is controlled by both qualitative (R-genes) and quantitative (small- to medium-effect quantitative trait loci, QTL) mechanisms. Genomic and pedigree-based prediction methods can accelerate selection for quantitative traits such as stripe rust resistance. Here we tested linear and semi-parametric models incorporating genomic, pedigree, and QTL information for cross-validated, forward, and pairwise prediction of adult plant resistance to stripe rust across 11 years (2008–2018) in an Austrian winter wheat breeding program. Semi-parametric genomic modeling had the greatest predictive ability and genetic variance overall, but differences between models were small. Including QTL as covariates improved predictive ability in some years where highly significant QTL had been detected via genome-wide association analysis. Predictive ability was moderate within years (cross-validated) but poor in cross-year frameworks.
The sensitivity kernel perspective on GRACE mass change estimates
Authors: Döhne Thorben , Horwath Martin , Groh Andreas , Buchta Eric
Published: January 2023

Mass change inferences from GRACE and GRACE-FO typically involve, first, the preparation of spherical harmonic (SH) datasets on global gravity field changes and, second, their subsequent analysis that leads to mass change estimates. This study addresses the second step, which builds on SH input datasets that comprise the monthly gravity field solutions as well as amendments to low-degree components and subtraction or re-addition of certain modeled geophysical signals. A variety of methods have been developed to estimate mass changes from SH input datasets. It remains a challenge to assess and compare different methods adopted by different studies and to understand the mechanisms by which their results differ. Methods are often distinguished as belonging to either the inverse or direct approach. In the inverse approach, mass changes are estimated using a set of predefined spatial patterns. In the direct approach, surface mass density variations are integrated by using a predefined weight function, or sensitivity kernel. In this paper, we recall that sensitivity kernels are inherent not only to the direct approach. They are also inherent and may be made explicit, for inverse approaches. We prove that certain implementations of the direct and inverse approach have identical sensitivity kernels, and are therefore equivalent, under the condition that they rigorously incorporate the same signal and error covariance information. We present sensitivity kernels for the example of four different methods to estimate Greenland Ice Sheet mass changes. We discuss the sensitivity kernels in relation to the underlying differences in the methods. We propose to use sensitivity kernels as a means of communicating, assessing and comparing methods of mass change estimates. Once the sensitivity kernels associated to a method are made explicit, any user can readily investigate the method in terms of leakage effects, error propagation from the input SH datasets, or effects of the choice of the SH input datasets.
Quantitative analysis of fatty acids and vitamin E and total lipid profiling of dietary supplements from the German market
Authors: Zartmann Anne , Völcker Leon , Hammann Simon
Published: January 2023

Certain polyunsaturated fatty acids with n-3 double bonds are essential nutrients for the human body and are part of the bilayer of cell membranes or precursors of tissue hormones. The most abundant dietary n-3 fatty acids in human nutrition are α-linolenic, eicosapentaenoic, and docosahexaenoic acid and can be taken up through dietary sources such as vegetable oils or fish or, alternatively, dietary supplements with high levels of n-3 fatty acids. In previous studies, considerable variation of lipid patterns and quantities of n-3 fatty acids were observed. In this study, 33 dietary supplements from the German market, based on fish-, krill-, microalgae, and plant oil, have been analyzed. Lipid profiling (LC–MS) revealed triacylglycerols as the dominant lipid species in most samples. However, krill oil was rich in phospholipids and samples containing fatty acid concentrates featured abundant fatty acid ethyl esters and diacylglycerols. Furthermore, total lipid profiles showed considerable variance depending on the lipid sources (e.g., fish or plant oil), which was also apparent in fatty acid analysis. The contents of n-3 fatty acids ranged between 150 and 570 mg/g capsule content (GC–MS) and vitamin E (α-tocopherol and tocopheryl acetate) were found in quantities ranging from 1.2 to 86.1 mg/g capsule content (HPLC–UV/Vis). While our analyses indicated a good agreement between labeled and present quantities of total n-3 fatty acids and vitamin E for the majority of samples, significant differences in agreement between individual fatty acids were observed, as well as frequent mismatches between declared and present vitamin E derivatives.
Carryover effects in a sea star: juvenile resource availability does not compensate for a poor larval environment
Authors: Richardson Emily L. , Allen Jonathan D.
Published: January 2023

Carryover effects are widespread in nature and can link early-life experiences to the regulation of populations. However, for organisms with complex life cycles, it is unclear whether offspring can overcome negative early-life experiences when provided with abundant post-metamorphic resources. We tested this by rearing larvae of the keystone sea star Asterias forbesi, under high or low food conditions, and then reared the juveniles for 2–3 weeks under one of four food treatments. Larvae reared under low food conditions took longer to reach metamorphosis and settled as smaller juveniles with fewer spines. For early settlers (mean age at settlement = 24.0 d), carryover effects of low larval food significantly reduced post-metamorphic size, mussel consumption and growth. However for late settlers (mean age at settlement = 29.3 d), there were no carryover effects of larval food availability detected post-metamorphosis. The differences between early and late settlers may indicate a trade-off between larval duration and the presence of carryover effects. Our data suggest that carryover effects mediated by body size at settlement could determine post-metamorphic survival, growth, and performance, ultimately impacting the recruitment of this keystone predator.
A rare bilateral variant of the coracobrachialis muscle with supernumerary heads and coexisted variant branching patterns of the brachial plexus and the axillary artery
Authors: Filippou Dimitrios , Piagkou Maria , Natsis Konstantinos , Chytas Dimitrios , Kostare Georgia , Triantafyllou George , Kostares Evangelos , Koutserimpas Christos , Totlis Trifon , Salmas Marios , Karampelias Vasilios , Tsakotos George
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The study report describes a rare bilateral variant of a six- and five-headed coracobrachialis muscle (CB). The musculocutaneous nerve (MCN) (bilaterally) and the median nerve (MN) lateral root (unilaterally) pierced CB heads, separating superficial from deep heads.

Methods

The variant bilateral CB was identified in a 78-year-old formalin-embalmed male cadaver, derived from a body donation program after a signed informed consent.

Results

At the right side: The 6-headed CB was pierced by the MCN, while the MN lateral root pierced the one superficial and deep head. CB was supplied by the lateral cord and the MCN. At the left side: A 5-headed CB was identified with three superficial distinct origins that fused into a common superficial head coursing anterior to MCN. The variant CB bilaterally (with 11 heads in total) coexisted with a MN variant formation, an atypical course of the MN lateral root through CB (right side), a connection of the MN lateral root with the MCN (left side) and a variant axillary artery branching pattern (bilaterally).

Conclusions

Course and direction of the accessory CB heads may occasionally entrap the MCN and/or adjacent structures (brachial artery and MN). The MCN compression results in problems in the glenohumeral joint flexion and adduction, and tingling or numbness of the elbow joint, the forearm lateral parts and the hand.
Digitales Energiemanagement im Milchviehbereich
Authors: Bernhardt Heinz
Published: January 2023

Die nachhaltige Nutzung von Energie spielt weltweit eine immer wichtigere Rolle in der gesellschaftlichen Diskussion. Am Beispiel der Milchviehhaltung sollen die Möglichkeiten, die sich dadurch für ein Energiemanagement ergeben, erläutert werden. Als Basis für dieses Energiemanagementsystem ist eine umfassende Durchdringung des Systems Kuhstall mit Digitalisierung, Automatisierung und IoT notwendig. Dabei werden die einzelnen Bereiche der Energieerzeugung, -speicherung und -nutzung in der Landwirtschaft aufgezeigt. Als Regelgröße dienen dabei Smart Livestock Farming und regionalisierte Wetterdaten. Aufbauend auf diesem Datenpool können dann Entscheidungssysteme die internen und externen Energieflüsse ordnen. Dabei wird auf die besonderen Anforderungen des Energiemanagements im regionalen Verbund eingegangen und welche Auswirkungen dies auf die Landwirtschaft, die Region und die Gemeinschaft hat.
MDCT-findings in patients with non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI): influence of vasoconstrictor agents
Authors: Topolsky Antoine , Pantet Olivier , Liaudet Lucas , Sempoux Christine , Denys Alban , Knebel Jean-François , Schmidt Sabine
Published: January 2023

Objectives

To evaluate the influence of vasoconstrictor agents (VCAs) on signs of vasoconstriction and bowel ischemia on MDCT detected in patients with non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI).

Methods

This 8-year single-center retrospective study consecutively included all patients with histopathologically proven NOMI who underwent MDCT ≤ 48 h prior to surgical bowel resection. Two blinded radiologists jointly reviewed each examination for signs of bowel ischemia, abdominal organ infarct, mesenteric vessel size and regularity, and ancillary vascular findings. VCA administration (length and dosage), clinical and biochemical data, risk factors, and outcomes were retrieved from patients’ medical records. Subgroup comparisons were performed.

Results

Ninety patients were included (59 males, mean age 65 years); 40 (44.4%) had received VCAs before MDCT. Overall mortality was 32% (n = 29), with no significant difference between the two groups. In patients treated with VCAs, the calibre of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) was smaller (p = 0.032), and vasoconstriction of its branches tended to be more important (p = 0.096) than in patients not treated with VCAs. The presence and extent of bowel ischemia did not significantly correlate with VCA administration, but abdominal organ infarcts tended to be more frequent (p = 0.005) and involved more organs (p = 0.088). The VCA group had lower mean arterial pressure (p = 0.006) and lower hemoglobin levels (p < 0.001). Several biomarkers of organ failure and inflammation, differed significantly with VCA use, proving worse clinical condition.

Conclusions

MDCT demonstrates more severe SMA vasoconstriction and tends to show increased abdominal organ infarcts after VCA administration in NOMI patients compared to NOMI patients not treated with VCAs.

Key Points

• In critically ill patients with NOMI, MDCT demonstrates VCA support via increased vasoconstriction of the main SMA and its branches.

• VCA administration in NOMI patients tends to contribute to the development of organ infarcts, as shown on MDCT.

• An important degree of vasoconstriction in NOMI patients may indicate insufficient resuscitation and, thus, help clinicians in further patient management.
In situ measurements of void fractions and bubble size distributions in bubble curtains
Authors: Beelen Simon , van Rijsbergen Martijn , Birvalski Miloš , Bloemhof Fedde , Krug Dominik
Published: January 2023

We report the development of a novel measurement system designed to measure bubble properties in bubble curtains (i.e. planar bubble plumes) in situ alongside acoustical measurements. Our approach is based on electrical, contact-based needle sensors in combination with an optical system. The latter is used for calibration and validation purposes. Correcting for the insensitive distance of the needle tips yields very good agreement between the two approaches in terms of the local void fraction and bubble size distributions. Finally, the system is employed to study bubble plumes evolving from three different hose types. All hoses display consistent self-similar behaviour with spreading rates increasing with increasing gas flow. The spreading is further found to be significantly higher when the bubble plumes originated from a porous hose compared to the two other hose types featuring either discrete holes or nozzle elements.
On some problems of Bayesian region construction with guaranteed coverages
Authors: Evans Michael , Liu Miaoshiqi , Moon Michael , Sixta Sabrina , Wei Siyi , Yang Siyue
Published: January 2023

The general problem of constructing regions that have a guaranteed coverage probability for an arbitrary parameter of interest $$\psi \in \Psi $$

ψ
∈
Ψ

is considered. The regions developed are Bayesian in nature and the coverage probabilities can be considered as Bayesian confidences with respect to the model obtained by integrating out the nuisance parameters using the conditional prior given $$\psi .$$

ψ
.

Both the prior coverage probability and the prior probability of covering a false value (the accuracy) can be controlled by setting the sample size. These coverage probabilities are considered as a priori figures of merit concerning the reliability of a study while the inferences quoted are Bayesian. Several problems are considered where obtaining confidence regions with desirable properties have proven difficult to obtain. For example, it is shown that the approach discussed never leads to improper regions which has proven to be an issue for some confidence regions.
High-K andesites as witnesses of a continental arc system in the Western Alps, Italy: constraints from HFSE and Hf–Nd–Sr–Pb–O isotope systematics
Authors: Jung S. , Pfänder J. A. , Nebel O. , Willbold M. , Hoernes S. , Berndt J. , Pack A.
Published: January 2023

Geochemical and isotopic data are presented for ~ 32 Ma-old high-K andesites and dacites from the Alpine Chain. The samples consist of plagioclase, amphibole, titanomagnetite and rare biotite and quartz. Geochemical and isotope data indicate that slab-derived fluids, sediment melts and presumably AFC processes involving continental crust played a key role in the petrogenesis of the high-K rocks. A contribution of fluids is suggested based on the overall enrichment of large-ion lithophile elements and related high Ba/La, Ba/Zr, Ba/Th, Ba/Nb and Pb/Nd, sometimes distinctively higher than average continental crust. Positively correlated Ba/Nb–Th/Nb relationships, low Ce/Pb, low Nb/U and a negative correlation of Pb isotopes with Ce/Pb and Nb/U and positive ∆ 7/4 and ∆ 8/4 values similar to GLOSS imply the additional involvement of a sediment-derived melt. Negatively correlated Nb/Ta–Zr/Hf ratios at overall low Nb/Ta (13–7.5) are best explained by parental magma differentiation involving amphibole and biotite in a continental arc system. The samples have moderately unradiogenic Nd (εNd: – 2.0 to – 6.7) and radiogenic 87Sr/86Sr isotope compositions (0.7085–0.7113), moderately radiogenic Pb isotope compositions (206Pb/204Pb: 18.50–18.72; 207Pb/204Pb: 15.59–15.65; 208Pb/204Pb: 38.30–38.67), and elevated δ18O values (+ 6.5 to + 9.1 ‰). Epsilon Hf isotope values range from + 2.5 to – 4.0. Negative εHf(t) and εNd(t) values and 206Pb/204Pb ratios are correlated with elevated K2O abundances that indicate enrichment in K2O is related to AFC processes. The offset of εHf at a given εNd points to involvement of aged garnet-bearing crustal lithologies. The latter feature is qualitatively consistent with modification of unexposed primary basaltic andesites by AFC processes involving deep crustal material. In conclusion, in an Alpine context, inferred unexposed primitive high-K basaltic to andesitic melts are generated in the mantle wedge through fluid infiltration from the descending slab where fluids may have caused also partial melting of sedimentary rocks that mixed with evolving andesite–dacite compositions towards shallow-level intrusive and extrusive rocks. High-K and related trace element and isotope features thus result from a combination of already elevated values with participation of fluids and melts and probably AFC processes.
Reevaluation of ambiguous genetic variants in sudden unexplained deaths of a young cohort
Authors: Martinez-Barrios Estefanía , Sarquella-Brugada Georgia , Perez-Serra Alexandra , Fernandez-Falgueras Anna , Cesar Sergi , Alcalde Mireia , Coll Mónica , Puigmulé Marta , Iglesias Anna , Ferrer-Costa Carles , del Olmo Bernat , Picó Ferran , Lopez Laura , Fiol Victoria , Cruzalegui José , Hernandez Clara , Arbelo Elena , Díez-Escuté Nuria , Cerralbo Patricia , Grassi Simone , Oliva Antonio , Toro Rocío , Brugada Josep , Brugada Ramon , Campuzano Oscar
Published: January 2023

Sudden death cases in the young population remain without a conclusive cause of decease in almost 40% of cases. In these situations, cardiac arrhythmia of genetic origin is suspected as the most plausible cause of death. Molecular autopsy may reveal a genetic defect in up to 20% of families. Most than 80% of rare variants remain classified with an ambiguous role, impeding a useful clinical translation. Our aim was to update rare variants originally classified as of unknown significance to clarify their role. Our cohort included fifty-one post-mortem samples of young cases who died suddenly and without a definite cause of death. Five years ago, molecular autopsy identified at least one rare genetic alteration classified then as ambiguous following the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics’ recommendations. We have reclassified the same rare variants including novel data. About 10% of ambiguous variants change to benign/likely benign mainly because of improved population frequencies. Excluding cases who died before one year of age, almost 21% of rare ambiguous variants change to benign/likely benign. This fact makes it important to discard these rare variants as a cause of sudden unexplained death, avoiding anxiety in relatives’ carriers. Twenty-five percent of the remaining variants show a tendency to suspicious deleterious role, highlighting clinical follow-up of carriers. Periodical reclassification of rare variants originally classified as ambiguous is crucial, at least updating frequencies every 5 years. This action aids to increase accuracy to enable and conclude a cause of death as well as translation into the clinic.
Mapping myelin in white matter with T1-weighted/T2-weighted maps: discrepancy with histology and other myelin MRI measures
Authors: Sandrone Stefano , Aiello Marco , Cavaliere Carlo , Thiebaut de Schotten Michel , Reimann Katja , Troakes Claire , Bodi Istvan , Lacerda Luis , Monti Serena , Murphy Declan , Geyer Stefan , Catani Marco , Dell’Acqua Flavio
Published: January 2023

The ratio of T1-weighted/T2-weighted magnetic resonance images (T1w/T2w MRI) has been successfully applied at the cortical level since 2011 and is now one of the most used myelin mapping methods. However, no reports have explored the histological validity of T1w/T2w myelin mapping in white matter. Here we compare T1w/T2w with ex vivo postmortem histology and in vivo MRI methods, namely quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) and multi-echo T2 myelin water fraction (MWF) mapping techniques. We report a discrepancy between T1w/T2w myelin maps of the human corpus callosum and the histology and analyse the putative causes behind such discrepancy. T1w/T2w does not positively correlate with Luxol Fast Blue (LFB)-Optical Density but shows a weak to moderate, yet significant, negative correlation. On the contrary, MWF is strongly and positively correlated with LFB, whereas T1w/T2w and MWF maps are weakly negatively correlated. The discrepancy between T1w/T2w MRI maps, MWF and histological myelin maps suggests caution in using T1w/T2w as a white matter mapping method at the callosal level. While T1w/T2w imaging may correlate with myelin content at the cortical level, it is not a specific method to map myelin density in white matter.
Intrinsic hippocampal connectivity is associated with individual differences in retrospective duration processing
Authors: Teghil Alice , Bonavita Alessia , Procida Federica , Giove Federico , Boccia Maddalena
Published: January 2023

The estimation of incidentally encoded durations of time intervals (retrospective duration processing) is thought to rely on the retrieval of contextual information associated with a sequence of events, automatically encoded in medial temporal lobe regions. “Time cells” have been described in the hippocampus (HC), encoding the temporal progression of events and their duration. However, whether the HC supports explicit retrospective duration judgments in humans, and which neural dynamics are involved, is still poorly understood. Here we used resting-state fMRI to test the relation between variations in intrinsic connectivity patterns of the HC, and individual differences in retrospective duration processing, assessed using a novel task involving the presentation of ecological stimuli. Results showed that retrospective duration discrimination performance predicted variations in the intrinsic connectivity of the bilateral HC with the right precentral gyrus; follow-up exploratory analyses suggested a role of the CA1 and CA4/DG subfields in driving the observed pattern. Findings provide insights on neural networks associated with implicit processing of durations in the second range.
Influence of sex on the requirement for and outcomes following late postnatal corticosteroid treatment
Authors: Lee Rebecca , Kostina Emily , Dassios Theodore , Greenough Anne
Published: January 2023

There remains a disparity between the outcomes of male and female prematurely born infants. Our aim was to assess the influence of sex on the requirement for late (> 7 days) postnatal corticosteroid (PNS) treatment and the outcomes following treatment. A retrospective whole population study of infants born at less than 28 weeks of gestation in all neonatal units in England between 2014 and 2018. The impact of exposure to at least five consecutive days of dexamethasone or hydrocortisone on bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) at 36 weeks corrected gestation and survival to discharge from neonatal care was determined. Ten thousand, six hundred and fifty-five infants survived to seven days. Male sex was associated with an increased incidence of BPD (OR 1.41, 95%CI 1.287–1.552, p < 0.001) and death (OR 1.227, 95%CI 1.123–1.452, p < 0.001). Two thousand, three hundred and forty-four infants (22%) received at least one course of PNS at a median of 23 (IQR 15–40) days after birth. Males (23.6%) were more likely to receive PNS than females (20.1%), p < 0.001 and receive repeated courses (mean 1.67 compared to a mean of 1.59 in the females), p = 0.027. Multivariate regression analysis identified no significant differences in the incidence of BPD or death between male and females who received PNS.

  Conclusions: Males and females had similar outcomes after receiving PNS, but a significantly greater proportion of males met the clinical threshold to receive PNS and were more likely to receive repeated courses which may expose them to a greater risk of adverse long-term outcomes.

What is Known:• There remains a difference in outcomes of male and female infants born prematurely.• Prematurely born male infants were more likely to receive postnatal corticosteroids and a greater number of courses but had similar outcomes compared to female infants.

What is New:• Postnatal corticosteroids have long-term adverse effects. Such outcomes should be considered when weighing up the risk–benefit ratio of prescribing postnatal corticosteroids, particularly in very prematurely born male infants.
In vitro model of brain endothelial cell barrier reveals alterations induced by Plasmodium blood stage factors
Authors: Pais Teresa F. , Penha-Gonçalves Carlos
Published: January 2023

Cerebral malaria (CM) is a severe neurological condition caused by Plasmodium falciparum. Disruption of the brain-blood barrier (BBB) is a key pathological event leading to brain edema and vascular leakage in both humans and in the mouse model of CM. Interactions of brain endothelial cells with infected red blood cells (iRBCs) and with circulating inflammatory mediators and immune cells contribute to BBB dysfunction in CM. Adjunctive therapies for CM aim at preserving the BBB to prevent neurologic deficits. Experimental animal and cellular models are essential to develop new therapeutic strategies. However, in mice, the disease develops rapidly, which offers a very narrow time window for testing the therapeutic potential of drugs acting in the BBB. Here, we establish a brain endothelial cell barrier whose disturbance can be monitored by several parameters. Using this system, we found that incubation with iRBCs and with extracellular particles (EPs) released by iRBCs changes endothelial cell morphology, decreases the tight junction protein zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), increases the gene expression of the intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), and induces a significant reduction in transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) with increased permeability. We propose this in vitro experimental setup as a straightforward tool to investigate molecular interactions and pathways causing endothelial barrier dysfunction and to test compounds that may target BBB and be effective against CM. A pre-selection of the effective compounds that strengthen the resistance of the brain endothelial cell barrier to Plasmodium-induced blood factors in vitro may increase the likelihood of their efficacy in preclinical disease mouse models of CM and in subsequent clinical trials with patients.
Factors influencing carrion communities are only partially consistent with those of deadwood necromass
Authors: von Hoermann Christian , Benbow M. Eric , Rottler-Hoermann Ann-Marie , Lackner Tomáš , Sommer David , Receveur Joseph P. , Bässler Claus , Heurich Marco , Müller Jörg
Published: January 2023

Research on decomposer communities has traditionally focused on plant litter or deadwood. Even though carrion forms highly nutrient-rich necromass that enhance ecosystem heterogeneity, the factors influencing saprophytic communities remain largely unknown. For deadwood, experiments have shown that different drivers determine beetles (i.e., decay stage, microclimate, and space), fungi (i.e., decay stage and tree species) and bacteria (decay stage only) assemblages. To test the hypothesis that similar factors also structure carrion communities, we sampled 29 carcasses exposed for 30 days that includedCervus elaphus(N = 6),Capreolus capreolus(N = 18), andVulpes vulpes(N = 5) in a mountain forest throughout decomposition. Beetles were collected with pitfall traps, while microbial communities were characterized using amplicon sequencing. Assemblages were determined with a focus from rare to dominant species using Hill numbers. With increasing focus on dominant species, the relative importance of carcass identity on beetles and space on bacteria increased, while only succession and microclimate remained relevant for fungi. For beetle and bacteria with focus on dominant species, host identity was more important than microclimate, which is in marked contrast to deadwood. We conclude that factors influencing carrion saprophytic assemblages show some consistency, but also differences from those of deadwood assemblages, suggesting that short-lived carrion and long-lasting deadwood both provide a resource pulse with different adaptions in insects and microbes. As with deadwood, a high diversity of carcass species under multiple decay stages and different microclimates support a diverse decomposer community.