bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustainable Synthesis of Heteroaryl‐Ethers: Fe(III)‐Catalyzed C−H Activation under Air Using a Mild Oxidant
Authors: Chahal Kapil , Shantharjun Bangarigalla , Sankar Dev , Priyanka K. Krishna , Rajender Reddy Kallu
Published: February 2024

A cost effective protocol has been developed for the synthesis of diverse heterocyclic ethers through the radical cross‐coupling of heteroarenes and cyclic ethers. This reaction is catalyzed by inexpensive iron(III) perchlorate and employs TBHP (tert‐butyl hydroperoxide) as an external oxidant. The protocol demonstrates remarkable versatility in substrate compatibility and can accommodate various functional groups, all under mild reaction conditions. Importantly, this method eliminates the need for costly metals and avoids photo‐redox processes, making it a promising strategy for efficient and sustainable chemical synthesis.
Self‐Templating Copolymerization to Produce Robust Conductive Nanocoatings Based on Conjugated Polymer Brushes with Implementable Memristive Characteristics
Authors: Wolski Karol , Smenda Joanna , Świerz Wojciech , Dąbczyński Paweł , Marzec Mateusz , Zapotoczny Szczepan
Published: February 2024

An effective synthesis of conductive polymer brushes, i.e., self‐templating surface‐initiated copolymerization (ST‐SICP), is developed. It proceeds through copolymerization of pendant thiophene groups in the precursor multimonomer poly(3‐methylthienyl methacrylate) (PMTM) brushes with free 3‐methylthiophene (3MT) monomers leading to PMTM‐co‐P3MT brushes. This approach leads to improved conformational freedom of generated conjugated poly(thiophene)‐based chains and their higher share in the brushes with respect to conjugation of pendant thiophene groups only. As a result, best performing conjugated PMTM‐co‐P3MT brushes demonstrate high ohmic conductivity in both out‐of‐plane and in‐plane direction. Furthermore, thanks to the covalent anchoring as well as intra‐ and intermolecular connections, highly stable and mechanically robust nanocoatings are produced which can survive mechanical cleaning and long‐term storage under ambient conditions. Grafting of ionic poly(sodium 4‐styrenesulfonate) (PSSNa) in between PMTM‐co‐P3MT chains brings new properties to such binary mixed brushes that can operate as thin‐film memristive coating with switchable conductance. It is worth mentioning that the crucial synthetic steps, i.e., grafting of precursor PMTM brushes by surface‐initiated organocatalyzed atom transfer radical polymerization (SI‐O‐ATRP) and PSSNa chains by surface‐initiated photoiniferter‐mediated polymerization (SI‐PIMP) are conducted under ambient conditions using only microliter volumes of reagents providing methodology that can be considered for use beyond the laboratory scale.
Building research capacity in ultrasound departments
Authors: McLean Glenda , Lewis Annie
Published: February 2024

Research is integral to evidence‐based practice in healthcare benefiting both the professional's knowledge and improving patient care. Despite its importance, building research capacity within ultrasound departments presents significant challenges for sonographers, managers and health services. In this commentary key factors influencing research culture and capacity building are explored, emphasising the role of the individual sonographer, organisations and structural support, in fostering a culture of research in the ultrasound department.
From graphs as task to graphs as tool
Authors: Stephens A. Lynn
Published: February 2024

It is widely recognized that we need to prepare students to think with data. This study investigates student interactions with digital data graphs and seeks to identify what might prompt them to shift toward using their graphs as thinking tools in the authentic activity of doing science. Drawing from video screencast data of three small groups engaged in sensor‐based and computer simulation‐based experiments in high school physics classes, exploratory qualitative methods are used to identify the student interactions with their graphs and what appeared to prompt shifts in those interactions. Analysis of the groups, one from a 9th grade class and two from 11th/12th grade combined classes, revealed that unexpected data patterns and graphical anomalies sometimes, but not always, preceded deeper engagement with the graphs. When shifts toward deeper engagement did occur, transcripts revealed that the students perceived the graphical patterns to be misaligned with the actions they had taken to produce those data. Misalignments between the physical, digital, and conceptual worlds of the investigations played an important role in these episodes, appearing to motivate students to revise either their experimental procedures or their conceptions of the phenomena being explored. If real‐time graphs can help foster a sense in students that there should be alignments between their data production and data representations, it is suggested that pedagogy leverage this as a way to support deeper student engagement with graphs.
The functional role of the pulvinar in discriminating between objective and subjective cognitive impairment in major depressive disorder
Authors: Yulug Burak , Ayyildiz Sevilay , Sayman Dila , Karaca Ramazan , Ipek Lutfiye , Cankaya Seyda , Salar Ali Behram , Ayyildiz Behcet , Mikuta Christian , Yagci Nilay , Oktem Ece Ozdemir , Ozsimsek Ahmet , Velioglu Halil Aziz , Hanoglu Lutfu
Published: February 2024

INTRODUCTION

Emotionally driven cognitive complaints represent a major diagnostic challenge for clinicians and indicate the importance of objective confirmation of the accuracy of depressive patients’ descriptions of their cognitive symptoms.

METHODS

We compared cognitive status and structural and functional brain connectivity changes in the pulvinar and hippocampus between patients with total depression and healthy controls. The depressive group was also classified as “amnestic” or “nonamnestic,” based on the members’ subjective reports concerning their forgetfulness. We then sought to determine whether these patients would differ in terms of objective neuroimaging and cognitive findings.

RESULTS

The right pulvinar exhibited altered connectivity in individuals with depression with objective cognitive impairment, a finding which was not apparent in depressive patients with subjective cognitive impairment.

DISCUSSION

The pulvinar may play a role in depression‐related cognitive impairments. Connectivity network changes may differ between objective and subjective cognitive impairment in depression and may play a role in the increased risk of dementia in patients with depression.
Numerical analysis of a tethered‐buoy mooring system for a prototype floating wind farm
Authors: Liang Guodong , Wickmann Hanssen Finn‐Christian , Otto Merz Karl , Jiang Zhiyu
Published: February 2024

Conventional mooring systems contribute significantly to the cost of floating wind projects, and innovative solutions with cost‐saving potentials are desired. In the present paper, we investigate the fundamental dynamic behavior of an innovative tethered‐buoy mooring system for a prototype wind farm in which two spar floating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs) are moored to five submerged tethered buoys. Numerical decay tests are used to characterize the fundamental frequencies and oscillatory modes of the system. The influence of net buoyancy is established through a parametric study. Finally, the dynamic response of the tethered‐buoy mooring system is compared against two alternative shared mooring configurations with catenary mooring lines. Time‐domain simulations are carried out for one accidental scenario with a parked and an operational FOWT, and one extreme scenario with two parked FOWTs. The results show that net buoyancy has a significant influence on platform motions and mooring loads. Compared to alternative configurations with catenary mooring lines, the tethered‐buoy mooring system exhibits substantially lower mooring tension loads and practically eliminates the threat of snap events. The reduction in the maximum characteristic fairlead tension is up to 85%. The mean positional offset of the wind turbines in the loading direction is larger, up to 36% of the water depth, however, the relative motions are comparable. The mean distance between the FOWTs is even smaller for the tethered‐buoy system. With the application of dynamic inter‐array cables, the proposed tethered‐buoy system can be a promising mooring solution for floating offshore wind farms.
In‐office serial intralesional steroid injection for subglottic stenosis: Case series of 14 patients with multiple etiologies
Authors: Wehbi Nader , Gleadhill Claire M. E. , Ahmadian David , Skirko Jonathan R. , Yip Helena T.
Published: February 2024

Objective

Subglottic stenosis (SGS) is commonly treated with endoscopic dilations or tracheal resection. Since office‐based serial intralesional steroid injections (SILSI) were first reported in 2017, they have been established as an effective, less invasive treatment alternative or adjunct. The aim of this study is to add to the literature investigating the efficacy of office‐based SILSIs for idiopathic and post‐intubation SGS patients, specifically studying surgery‐free intervals (SFIs) and discussing our experience with SILSI treatment order and stenosis grade.

Methods

This study is a retrospective case series of 14 patients with subglottic stenosis treated with in‐office serial intralesional steroid injections as a primary or adjuvant treatment from 2018 to 2022 in an academic tertiary care center.

Results

Of seven patients with calculable SFI, a mean SFI increase of 481.28 days was observed following SILSI treatment (p = 0.042). Ten patients in our cohort presented with idiopathic or post‐intubation grade 2 SGS and were managed successfully with a combination of endoscopic dilation and SILSI. Two patients with post‐intubation grade 1 SGS were managed successfully with SILSI as their primary treatment. Two patients with post‐intubation grade 3 SGS required a tracheal resection and did not benefit from SILSI.

Conclusions

We have found that SFI significantly increased following SILSI initiation. Although statistical power was limited given the small sample size, our findings suggest that SILSI may be an effective primary treatment in low‐grade stenosis. SILSI as an adjuvant to endoscopic dilation may be most effective in intermediate‐grade stenosis. SILSI may not be effective in high‐grade stenosis patients who failed prior endoscopic treatment.
Central Bank Digital Currency and the Agenda of Monetary Devolution
Authors: Zelmanovitz Leonidas , Salama Bruno Meyerhof
Published: February 2024

The creation of central bank digital currencies, or CBDCs, can be thought of as a form of “monetary devolution”. The devolution lies in that the power to create money is shifted at least in part from commercial banks to the state. This is particularly clear if the CBDCs take on properties of cash and are made available to the public at large. We discuss the agenda of monetary devolution in the United States and outline an alternative that incorporates the technological edge provided by CBDCs. This alternative would be the creation of wholesale CBDCs to serve as the monetary base to settle retail payments with stablecoins. Designed as such, CBDCs could preserve the current balance between private and public money. This alternative is worth contemplating, but its political appeal is severely diminished by its incompatibility with a program of persistent monetary financing of the Treasury.
New physics in single resonant top quarks
Authors: Tong Shelley , Corcoran James , Fieg Max , Fenton Michael , Whiteson Daniel
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Searches for new physics in the top quark sector are of great theoretical interest, yet some powerful avenues for discovery remain unexplored. We characterize the expected statistical power of the LHC dataset to constrain the single production of heavy top partners T decaying to a top quark and a photon or a top quark and a gluon. We describe an effective interaction which could generate such production, though the limits apply to a range of theoretical models. We find sensitivity to cross sections in the 102 − 105 fb range, for T masses between 300 and 1000 GeV, depending on decay mode.
Baryogenesis and leptogenesis from supercooled confinement
Authors: Dichtl Maximilian , Nava Jacopo , Pascoli Silvia , Sala Filippo
Published: February 2024

Abstract

We propose a framework of baryogenesis and leptogenesis that relies on a supercooled confining phase transition (PT) in the early universe. The baryon or lepton asymmetry is sourced by decays of hadrons of the strong dynamics after the PT, and it is enhanced compared to the non-confining case, which was the only one explored so far. This widens the energy range of the PT, where the observed baryon asymmetry can be reproduced, down to the electroweak scale. The framework then becomes testable with gravity waves (GW) at LISA and the Einstein Telescope. We then study two explicit realisations: one of leptogenesis from composite sterile neutrinos that realises inverse see-saw; one of baryogenesis from composite scalars that is partly testable by existing colliders and flavour factories.
The female happiness paradox
Authors: Blanchflower David G. , Bryson Alex
Published: February 2024

Using data across countries and over time, we show that women have worse mental health than men in negative affect equations, irrespective of the measure used — anxiety, depression, fearfulness, sadness, loneliness, anger — and they have more days with bad mental health and more restless sleep. Women are also less satisfied with many aspects of their lives, such as democracy, the economy, the state of education, and health services. They are also less satisfied in the moment in terms of peace and calm, cheerfulness, feeling active, vigorous, fresh, and rested. However, prior evidence on gender differences in happiness and life satisfaction is less clear cut. Differences vary over time, location, and with model specification and the inclusion of controls, especially marital status. We now find strong evidence that males have higher levels of both happiness and life satisfaction in recent years even before the onset of the pandemic. As in the past, women continue to have worse mental health. A detailed analysis of several data files, with various metrics, for the UK confirms that men now are happier than women and the size of the effect is not trivial.
Economics of technology cycle time (TCT) and catch-up by latecomers: Micro-, meso-, and macro-analyses and implications
Authors: Lee Keun
Published: February 2024

This paper provides an analytical review of the literature on the role of technology cycle time (TCT) in the catching-up process of latecomers at the firm, sectoral, and national levels. At the national level, latecomer economies follow a detour that consists of economic growth through specialization in short-TCT sectors during the catching-up phase, followed by a shift to long-TCT sectors in the post-catching-up phase. The paper then discusses the double-edged nature of TCT at the sectoral level, such that short TCT can either be a window of opportunity associated with the rapid obsolescence of existing technologies and thus low entry barriers, or another source of difficulty associated with the truncation of learning from existing technologies. Only latecomers with a certain absorptive capacity can benefit from short TCT as a window of opportunity. Finally, at the firm level, this paper discusses the issue of possible convergence in the behavior of catching-up firms towards those of mature firms in advanced economies. At all three levels, the keywords are detours and convergence. Given the barriers to entry in long-TCT sectors, latecomers pursue a strategy of detouring into short-TCT sectors. That is, instead of trying to emulate incumbents by entering long-TCT sectors, latecomers take the opposite route. Subsequently, as latecomers improve their capabilities over time, they shift their specialization from short to long TCT sectors, thereby achieving convergence in behavior and strategy at the firm, sectoral, and national levels.
Prediction of motif-mediated viral mimicry through the integration of host–pathogen interactions
Authors: Idrees Sobia , Paudel Keshav Raj , Hansbro Philip M.
Published: February 2024

One of the mechanisms viruses use in hijacking host cellular machinery is mimicking Short Linear Motifs (SLiMs) in host proteins to maintain their life cycle inside host cells. In the face of the escalating volume of virus-host protein–protein interactions (vhPPIs) documented in databases; the accurate prediction of molecular mimicry remains a formidable challenge due to the inherent degeneracy of SLiMs. Consequently, there is a pressing need for computational methodologies to predict new instances of viral mimicry. Our present study introduces a DMI-de-novo pipeline, revealing that vhPPIs catalogued in the VirHostNet3.0 database effectively capture domain-motif interactions (DMIs). Notably, both affinity purification coupled mass spectrometry and yeast two-hybrid assays emerged as good approaches for delineating DMIs. Furthermore, we have identified new vhPPIs mediated by SLiMs across different viruses. Importantly, the de-novo prediction strategy facilitated the recognition of several potential mimicry candidates implicated in the subversion of host cellular proteins. The insights gleaned from this research not only enhance our comprehension of the mechanisms by which viruses co-opt host cellular machinery but also pave the way for the development of novel therapeutic interventions.
The impact of doxycycline on human contextual fear memory
Authors: Wehrli Jelena M. , Xia Yanfang , Abivardi Aslan , Kleim Birgit , Bach Dominik R.
Published: February 2024

Rationale

 Previous work identified an attenuating effect of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitor doxycycline on fear memory consolidation. This may present a new mechanistic approach for the prevention of trauma-related disorders. However, so far, this has only been unambiguously demonstrated in a cued delay fear conditioning paradigm, in which a simple geometric cue predicted a temporally overlapping aversive outcome. This form of learning is mainly amygdala dependent. Psychological trauma often involves the encoding of contextual cues, which putatively necessitates partly different neural circuits including the hippocampus. The role of MMP signalling in the underlying neural pathways in humans is unknown.

Methods

Here, we investigated the effect of doxycycline on configural fear conditioning in a double-blind placebo-controlled randomised trial with 100 (50 females) healthy human participants.

Results

Our results show that participants successfully learned and retained, after 1 week, the context-shock association in both groups. We find no group difference in fear memory retention in either of our pre-registered outcome measures, startle eye-blink responses and pupil dilation. Contrary to expectations, we identified elevated fear-potentiated startle in the doxycycline group early in the recall test, compared to the placebo group.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that doxycycline does not substantially attenuate contextual fear memory. This might limit its potential for clinical application.
Polar licit and illicit ingredients in dietary supplements: chemometric optimization of extraction and HILIC-MS/MS analysis
Authors: Baglietto Matteo , Benedetti Barbara , Di Carro Marina , Magi Emanuele
Published: February 2024

Many dietary supplements claim the ability to enhance sports performance and to improve the fitness of the consumers. Occasionally, along with legal ingredients, illicit compounds may be added without being labelled, leading to unintended doping. Hence, the aim of this study was to develop an analytical method to determine a set of 12 polar (logDpH=7 from −2.0 to +0.3) compounds including diuretics, stimulants, β2-agonists, methylxanthines, and sweeteners. Hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography was chosen as separation strategy, coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. The instrumental method was optimized using a two-step design of experiments (DoE). Firstly, a Plackett–Burman (PB) DoE was performed to identify the more influencing variables affecting peak areas and chromatographic resolution among temperature, water percentage in the mobile phase, and flow rate, as well as type and concentration of buffers. Secondly, a D-optimal DoE was set, considering only the most significant variables from the PB-DoE results, achieving a deeper understanding of the retention mechanism. Sample processing by salt-assisted liquid–liquid extraction was studied through DoE as well, and the whole method showed recoveries in the range 40–107% and procedural precision ≤11% for all analytes. Finally, it was applied to real samples, in which the four methylxanthines and two artificial sweeteners were detected and quantified in the range of 0.02–192 mg g−1. These values were compared to the quantities declared on the DS labels, when possible. Furthermore, a sequence of MS/MS scans allowed detection of a signal in one of the samples, structurally similar to the β2-agonist clenbuterol.

Graphical Abstract
Phase Diagram of the Ashkin–Teller Model
Authors: Aoun Yacine , Dober Moritz , Glazman Alexander
Published: February 2024

The Ashkin–Teller model is a pair of interacting Ising models and has two parameters:Jis a coupling constant in the Ising models and Udescribes the strength of the interaction between them. In the ferromagnetic case $$J,U>0$$J,U>0on the square lattice, we establish a complete phase diagram conjectured in physics in 1970s (by Kadanoff and Wegner, Wu and Lin, Baxter and others): when $$J<U$$J<U, the transitions for the Ising spins and their products occur at two distinct curves that are dual to each other; when $$J\ge U$$J≥U, both transitions occur at the self-dual curve. All transitions are shown to be sharp using the OSSS inequality. We use a finite-size criterion argument and continuity to extend the result of Glazman and Peled (Electron J Probab 28:1-53, 2023) from a self-dual point to its neighborhood. Our proofs go through the random-cluster representation of the Ashkin–Teller model introduced by Chayes–Machta and Pfister–Velenik and we rely on couplings to FK-percolation.
Freedman’s Theorem for Unitarily Invariant States on the CCR Algebra
Authors: Crismale Vitonofrio , Del Vecchio Simone , Monni Tommaso , Rossi Stefano
Published: February 2024

The set of states on $$\textrm{CCR}({{\mathcal {H}}})$$

CCR
(
H
)

, the CCR algebra of a separable Hilbert space $${{\mathcal {H}}}$$
H
, is here looked at as a natural object to obtain a non-commutative version of Freedman’s theorem for unitarily invariant stochastic processes. In this regard, we provide a complete description of the compact convex set of states of $$\textrm{CCR}({{\mathcal {H}}})$$

CCR
(
H
)

that are invariant under the action of all automorphisms induced in second quantization by unitaries of $${{\mathcal {H}}}$$
H
. We prove that this set is a Bauer simplex, whose extreme states are either the canonical trace of the CCR algebra or Gaussian states with variance at least 1.
Ethische Aspekte der Therapie mit Psychedelika
Authors: Repantis Dimitris , Koslowski Michael , Fink Sascha Benjamin
Published: February 2024

Hintergrund

In den letzten Jahren wurde die klinische Forschung zu Psychedelika-gestützter Therapie psychischer Störungen wieder aufgenommen, mit einer stetig steigenden Zahl von Studien und Publikationen. Dabei sind viele ethische Fragen aufgekommen, die noch nicht ausreichend untersucht und beantwortet wurden.

Ziel

Dieser Beitrag gibt einen Überblick zum Stand der klinischen Forschung und widmet sich anschließend den zentralen ethischen Fragen, die sich aus dieser besonderen Therapieform ergeben.

Material und Methoden

Anhand der aktuellen Literatur und von Beispielen aus einer derzeit in Deutschland erfolgenden Studie werden ethische Fragen näher beleuchtet.

Ergebnisse

Zentrale Themen wie die erhöhte Suggestibilität unter der Wirkung von Psychedelika, die daraus resultierende hohe Verantwortung der Therapeut:innen, die zu erwartende temporäre Ich-Auflösung sowie langfristige Wirkungen auf das Weltbild und die tiefen Überzeugungen der Patient:innen werden näher behandelt.

Diskussion

Da es um eine Behandlungsform geht, die in kurzer Zeit tiefgreifende Veränderungen bewirken kann, kommt der ärztlichen Aufklärung eine besondere Bedeutung zu, ebenso wie der gesamtgesellschaftlichen Diskussion über die epistemologische Dimension der Inhalte der psychedelischen Erfahrungen.
The impact of submucosal PRP injection on wound healing after endoscopic sinus surgery: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Dinaki Konstantina , Grigoriadis Nikolaos , Vizirianakis Ioannis S. , Constantinidis Jannis , Triaridis Stefanos , Karkos Petros
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a prevalent chronic disease observed on a global scale. The utilization of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) has gained significant recognition as an effective intervention for individuals with CRS and nasal polyps who have not responded to conventional treatments. The need (or not) for revision surgery frequently relies on the promotion of optimal wound healing. The impact of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on tissue healing has been extensively examined in various surgical fields.

Methods

The present prospective study involved 30 patients suffering with nasal polyposis who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery. 15 patients were assigned to the PRP group, and 15 patients to the control group. The clinical follow-up of the patients took place at specific intervals, at weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, and 12 after the surgical procedure. The evaluator identified the existence of adhesions, crusting, bleeding, granulation and infection using a visual analogue scale score. The patients also completed the SNOT 22 questionnaire prior to surgery and at each postoperative visit.

Results

The present study observed a lower incidence of adhesion, infection, hemorrhage and granulation in the PRP group. Furthermore, a statistically significant difference was detected between the groups.

Conclusion

Based on the findings of the present investigation, it seems that platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is beneficial on wound healing during the early stages following the surgical procedure. The technique is characterized by its limited invasiveness, which contributes to its low risk profile and the achievement of clinically good outcomes.
Short term safety of magnetic sphincter augmentation vs minimally invasive fundoplication: an ACS-NSQIP analysis
Authors: Wisniowski Paul , Putnam Luke R. , Gallagher Shea , Rawal Rushil , Houghton Caitlin , Lipham John C.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Magnetic Sphincter Augmentation (MSA) is an FDA-approved anti-reflux procedure with comparable outcomes to fundoplication. However, most data regarding its use are limited to single or small multicenter studies which may limit the generalizability of its efficacy. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of patients undergoing MSA vs fundoplication in a national database.

Materials and Methods

The 2017–2020 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) Registry was utilized to evaluate patients undergoing MSA or fundoplication. Patients requiring Collis gastroplasty, paraesophageal hernia repair, and emergency cases, were excluded. Patient outcomes included overall complication rates, readmissions, reoperations, and mortality.

Results

A total of 7,882 patients underwent MSA (n = 597) or fundoplication (n = 7285). MSA patients were younger (51 vs 57, p < 0.001), and more often male (49.6 vs 34.3%, p < 0.001). While patients undergoing MSA experienced similar rates of reoperation (1.0 vs 2.0%, p = 0.095), they experienced fewer readmissions (2.2 vs 4.7%, p = 0.005), complications (0.6 vs 4.0%, p < 0.001), shorter mean (SD) hospital length of stay(days) (0.4 ± 4.3 vs 1.8 ± 4.6, p < 0.001) and operative time(min) (80.8 ± 36.1 vs 118.7 ± 63.7, p < 0.001). Mortality was similar between groups (0 vs 0.3%, p = 0.175). On multivariable analysis, MSA was independently associated with reduced postoperative complications (OR 0.23, CI 0.08 to 0.61, p = 0.002), readmissions (OR 0.53, CI 0.30 to 0.94, p = 0.02), operative time (RC − 36.56, CI − 41.62 to − 31.49. p < 0.001) and length of stay (RC − 1.22, CI − 1.61 to − 0.84 p < 0.001).

Conclusion

In this national database study, compared to fundoplication MSA was associated with reduced postoperative complications, fewer readmissions, and shorter operative time and hospital length of stay. While randomized trials are lacking between MSA and fundoplication, both institutional and national database studies continue to support the use of MSA as a safe anti-reflux operation.
Anterior gastric wall anastomosis may lead to lower rate of delayed gastric emptying after minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomy: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Uzun Eren , d’Amore Alberto , Berlth Felix , Mann Carolina , Tagkalos Evangelos , Hadzijusufovic Edin , Lang Hauke , Grimminger Peter Philipp
Published: February 2024

Introduction

In minimally invasive esophagectomy, a circular stapled anastomosis is common, but no evidence exists investigating the role of the specific localization of the anastomosis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of an esophagogastrostomy on the anterior or posterior wall of the gastric conduit on the postoperative outcomes.

Material and methods

All oncologic minimally invasive Ivor Lewis procedures, performed between 2017 and 2022, were included in this study. The cohort was divided in two groups: a) intrathoracic esophagogastrostomy on the anterior gastric wall of the conduit (ANT, n = 285, 65%) and b) on the posterior gastric wall (POST, n = 154, 35%). Clinicopathological parameters and short-term outcomes were compared between both groups by retrieving data from the prospective database.

Results

Overall, 439 patients were included, baseline characteristics were similar in both groups, there was a higher proportion of squamous cell carcinoma in ANT (22.8% vs. 16.2%, P = 0.043). A higher rate of robotic-assisted procedures was observed in ANT (71.2% vs. 49.4%). Anastomotic leakage rate was similar in both groups (ANT 10.4% vs. POST 9.8%, P = 0.851). Overall complication rate and Clavien–Dindo > 3 complication rates were higher in POST compared to ANT: 53.2% vs. 40% (P = 0.008) and 36.9% vs. 25.7% (P = 0.014), respectively. The rate of delayed gastric emptying (20.1% vs. 7.4%, P < 0.001) and nosocomial pneumonia (22.1% vs. 14.8%, P = 0.05) was significantly higher in POST.

Conclusion

Patients undergoing minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomy with an intrathoracic circular stapled anastomosis may benefit from esophagogastrostomy on the anterior wall of the gastric conduit, in terms of lower rate of delayed gastric emptying.
Distinctive development of embryo and endosperm caused by male gametes irradiated with carbon-ion beam
Authors: Hirano Tomonari , Murata Muneaki , Watarikawa Yurie , Hoshino Yoichiro , Abe Tomoko , Kunitake Hisato
Published: February 2024

Key message

In Cyrtanthus mackenii, development of embryo and endosperm were differentially affected by fertilization of male gametes with DNA damage and mutations.

Pollen irradiation with ionizing radiations has been applied in plant breeding and genetic research, and haploid plant induction has mainly been performed by male inactivation with high-dose irradiation. However, the fertilization process of irradiated male gametes and the early development of embryo and endosperm have not received much attention. Heavy-ion beams, a type of radiation, have been widely applied as effective mutagens for plants and show a high mutation rate even at low-dose irradiation. In this study, we analyzed the effects of male gametes of Cyrtanthus mackenii irradiated with a carbon-ion beam at low doses on fertilization. In immature seeds derived from the pollination of irradiated pollen grains, two types of embryo sacs were observed: embryo sac with a normally developed embryo and endosperm and embryo sac with an egg cell or an undivided zygote and an endosperm. Abnormalities in chromosome segregation, such as chromosomal bridges, were observed only in the endosperm nuclei, irrespective of the presence or absence of embryogenesis. Therefore, in Cyrtanthus, embryogenesis is strongly affected by DNA damage or mutations in male gametes. Moreover, various DNA contents were detected in the embryo and endosperm nuclei, and endoreduplication may have occurred in the endosperm nuclei. As carbon-ion irradiation causes chromosomal rearrangements even at low doses, pollen irradiation can be an interesting tool for studying double fertilization and mutation heritability.
Untersuchung und Simulation des Temperatureinflusses auf das Anregungsverhalten von Kunststoffzahnrädern
Authors: Namhoff Christian , Brimmers Jens , Brecher Christian
Published: February 2024

Ein Trend des Einsatzes von Kunststoffzahnrädern in Getrieben hoher Leistungsdichte ist infolge der zunehmenden Entwicklung von Hochleistungskunststoffen zu beobachten. Simulationsmethoden zur Berechnung des Betriebsverhaltens und Untersuchungen zum Anregungsverhalten von Kunststoffzahnrädern in Leistungsgetrieben sind im Stand der Technik kaum vorhanden. Aktuelle Zahnkontaktanalysen stoßen bei der Berechnung von Kunststoffzahnrädern mit den ihnen zugrunde liegenden linear-elastischen Modellannahmen an ihre Grenzen, da Kunststoffzahnräder ein nichtlineares Materialverhalten aufweisen. Der Bericht umfasst experimentelle und simulative Untersuchungen zum Einfluss der Materialnichtlinearität auf das quasistatische und dynamische Anregungsverhalten von Kunststoffzahnrädern. Um den Einfluss der Materialnichtlinearität infolge einer Temperaturerhöhung auf das Anregungsverhalten zu ermitteln, werden Radvarianten aus ausferritischem Gusseisen mit Kugelgraphit (ADI 900) und Polyetheretherketon (PEEK) bei zwei unterschiedlichen Öltemperaturen untersucht. Das experimentell ermittelte quasistatische Anregungsverhalten wird mit Simulationsmethoden aus dem aktuellen Stand der Technik verglichen, um deren Berechnungsgüte zu quantifizieren. Neben einer Berechnung basierend auf einem linear-elastischen Materialmodell wird das quasistatische Anregungsverhalten der Kunststoffzahnräder mit einem nichtlinearen Materialmodell bestimmt. Der Abgleich der Simulationsergebnisse mit den experimentellen Untersuchungen zeigt, dass die Berechnung des quasistatischen Anregungsverhaltens der Kunststoffzahnräder basierend auf einem linear-elastischen Materialmodell zu höheren Abweichungen führt im Vergleich zu einer nichtlinearen Materialmodellierung.
HoloGCS: mixed reality-based ground control station for unmanned aerial vehicle
Authors: Widiyanti Daniar Estu , Asmoro Krisma , Shin Soo Young
Published: February 2024

Human–robot interaction (HRI), which studies the interaction between robots and humans, appears as a promising research idea for the future of smart factories. In this study, HoloLens as ground control station (HoloGCS) is implemented, and its performance is discussed. HoloGCS is a mixed reality-based system for controlling and monitoring unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). The system incorporates HRI through speech commands and video streaming, enabling UAV teleoperation. HoloGCS provides a user interface that allows operators to monitor and control the UAV easily. To demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed systems, a user case study (user testing and SUS-based questionnaire) was performed to gather qualitative results. In addition, throughput, RTT, latency, and speech accuracy were also gathered and analyzed to evaluate quantitative results.
A Systematic Review on the Genetic Contribution to Tinnitus
Authors: Perez-Carpena Patricia , Lopez-Escamez Jose A. , Gallego-Martinez Álvaro
Published: February 2024

Purpose

To assess the available evidence to support a genetic contribution and define the role of common and rare variants in tinnitus.

Methods

After a systematic search and quality assessment, 31 records including 383,063 patients were selected (14 epidemiological studies and 17 genetic association studies). General information on the sample size, age, sex, tinnitus prevalence, severe tinnitus distribution, and sensorineural hearing loss was retrieved. Studies that did not include data on hearing assessment were excluded. Relative frequencies were used for qualitative variables to compare different studies and to obtain average values. Genetic variants and genes were listed and clustered according to their potential role in tinnitus development.

Results

The average prevalence of tinnitus estimated from population-based studies was 26.3% for any tinnitus, and 20% of patients with tinnitus reported it as an annoying symptom. One study has reported population-specific differences in the prevalence of tinnitus, the white ancestry being the population with a higher prevalence. Genome-wide association studies have identified and replicated two common variants in the Chinese population (rs2846071; rs4149577) in the intron of TNFRSF1A, associated with noise-induced tinnitus. Moreover, gene burden analyses in sequencing data from Spanish and Swede patients with severe tinnitus have identified and replicated ANK2, AKAP9, and TSC2 genes.

Conclusions

The genetic contribution to tinnitus is starting to be revealed and it shows population-specific effects in European and Asian populations. The common allelic variants associated with tinnitus that showed replication are associated with noise-induced tinnitus. Although severe tinnitus has been associated with rare variants with large effect, their role on hearing or hyperacusis has not been established.
In vivo application of potent probiotics for enhancing potato growth and controlling Ralstonia solanacearum and Fusarium oxysporum infections
Authors: Abdel-Moghies Ahmed Hamdy , El-Sehrawy Motaz Hassan , Zakaria Abeer Emam , Fahmy Shimaa Mohamed
Published: February 2024

Plant probiotics are live microbial cells or cultures that support plant growth and control plant pathogens through different mechanisms. They have various effects on plants, including plant growth promotion through the production of indole acetic acid (IAA), biological control activity (BCA), and production of cellulase enzymes, thus inducing systemic resistance and increasing the availability of mineral elements. The present work aimed to study the potential of Achromobacter marplatensis and Bacillus velezensis as plant probiotics for the field cultivation of potatoes. In vitro studies have demonstrated the ability of selected probiotics to produce IAA and cellulase, as well as antimicrobial activity against two plant pathogens that infect Solanum tuberosum as Fusarium oxysporum and Ralstonia solanacearum under different conditions at a broad range of different temperatures and pH values. In vivo study of the effects of the probiotics A. marplatensis and B. velezensis on S. tuberosum plants grown in sandy clay loamy soil was detected after cultivation for 90 days. Probiotic isolates A. marplatensis and B. velezensis were able to tolerate ultraviolet radiation (UV) exposure for up to two hours, the dose response curve exhibited that the D10 values of A. marplatensis and B. velezensis were 28 and 16 respectively. In the case of loading both probiotics with broth, the shoot dry weight was increased significantly from 28 in the control to 50 g, shoot length increased from 24 to 45.7 cm, branches numbers increased from 40 to 70 branch, leaves number increased from 99 to 130 leaf, root dry weight increased from 9.3 to 12.9 g, root length increased from 24 to 35.7 cm, tuber weight increased from 15 to 37.0 g and tubers number increased from 9 to 24.4 tuber, the rot percentage was reduced to 0%. The addition of both probiotic isolates, either broth or wheat grains load separately has enhanced all the growth parameters; however, better results and increased production were in favor of adding probiotics with broth more than wheat. On the other hand, both probiotics showed a remarkable protective effect against potato pathogens separately and reduced the negative impact of the infection using them together.
Conserving large mammals on small islands: A case study on one of the world’s most understudied pigs, the Togean islands babirusa
Authors: Jati Agus Sudibyo , Broto Bayu Wisnu , Dri Gabriela Franzoi , Latifiana Kurnia , Fraver Shawn , Rejeki Ikeu Sri , Bustang  , Mortelliti Alessio
Published: February 2024

Conserving large mammals on small islands poses a great challenge, given their high resource demand within the limited space available. The endangered Togean Islands babirusa (Babyrousa togeanensis) is one of these species, with a distribution range limited to four small islands in the Togean Archipelago, Indonesia. Despite being listed as endangered, very little information is available on the distribution and ecology of this species. To address this critical knowledge gap, we here report the first field-based ecological study of the Togean Islands babirusa across its entire distribution range. Following a stratified random sampling procedure, we distributed camera traps at 103 stations across four islands to collect data on the species distribution from July-October 2022. We performed an occupancy modeling analysis to assess the species’ habitat use, with various habitat features estimated through remote sensing and field measurements as covariates. We found that forest and mangrove availability over a large area positively influenced babirusa habitat selection. Babirusas only made use of agricultural areas when large forest areas were available nearby. Our results highlight the benefits of redesigning the national park area to accommodate babirusa habitat requirements, specifically by reassigning the non-forested park areas (about 30% of the park area) to non-protected forests currently outside the park boundary (about 50% of total forested area). Our case study exemplifies key challenges associated with conserving large mammals on small islands and highlights the importance of following an adaptive management approach, which in this case implies shifting 30% of the current protected area.
Determination of suitable agricultural areas and current land use in Isparta Province, Türkiye, through a linear combination technique and geographic information systems
Authors: Demir Sinan
Published: February 2024

Sustainable land use is vital for the increasing population’s food supply and global food security. The use of the soils in the world for agricultural purposes makes a significant contribution to both national and international food supply, while the remaining plays a crucial role in maintaining forested and semi-natural ecosystems. For this reason, it is important to determine suitable agricultural areas. Soils in the study area are used for agricultural areas at 27.49%, while 63.17% are designated for forest and semi-natural areas. This study’s aim is to locate suitable agricultural areas in the semiarid Isparta province using the linear combination technique (LCT), a multi-criteria analysis method that uses topographic data and national soil data. The weights of the parameters were determined using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). The agricultural land suitability map generated by LCT was divided into five categories according to the land suitability classification determined by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). It has been determined that 39.52% of the study area is for highly suitable (S1), moderately suitable (S2), and marginally suitable (S3) classes in the map of suitable agricultural areas using LCT. It is determined that 3991.24 ha of land in the S1 class, which shows the highly suitable areas for agriculture in the study area, was used as artificial surfaces. The results showed that the misuse of suitable agricultural lands increased in the study area. It was determined that artificial areas are expanding into agricultural areas, according to the CLC 2018 database. It shows that soil survey and mapping studies should be carried out according to soil classification systems such as Soil Taxonomy 2022, Land Use/Land Cover Area Frame Survey (LUCAS), and World Reference Base (WRB) 2022, for the determination and use of suitable agricultural lands in Türkiye.
Exploring the impact of optical corrections on visual functions in myopia control–a scoping review
Authors: Janarthanan Salai Dhavamathi , Samiyullah Kaleem , Madheswaran Gopinath , Ballae Ganeshrao Shonraj , Watt Kathleen
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Myopia is controlled optically with peripheral defocus spectacles, multifocal contact lenses, or orthokeratology lenses. However, it is unknown which optical correction will improve visual performance. This scoping review aimed to identify and summarize studies on various visual functions using optical corrections for myopia control.

Methods

To develop the search strategy, population (Myopia), concept (visual performance), and context (unrestricted race/region) were used. PubMed, SCOPUS, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched using the keywords myopia, contrast sensitivity, high and low contrast visual acuity, stereopsis, and optical correction of myopia control. This scoping review protocol was registered in the Open Science Framework registry and followed the framework for scoping review outlined by the Joanna Briggs Institute.

Results

Eight studies (n = 8) met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Four were conducted in Europe, two were conducted in China, and one was conducted in Japan and Singapore. Five studies were randomized controlled trials, out of which three used contact lenses and two studies used peripheral defocus spectacles lenses. Studies ranged from one day to 2 years. Three studies that used orthokeratology lenses were prospective study designs. Among the studies that used orthokeratology lenses and contact lenses, two studies measured the contrast sensitivity function with CSV1000 (Vector Vision) under mesopic and photopic conditions, with and without glare. Two studies measured the central and peripheral contrast sensitivity using psychophysics experiments. High and low contrast visual acuity was measured using the Freiburg Vision Test (n = 1) and ETDRS charts (n = 3), and stereopsis was assessed using a random dot stereogram (n = 1). The studies showed a reduction in central and peripheral contrast sensitivity function and low contrast acuity when treated with multifocal contact lenses, orthokeratology lenses, and peripheral defocus lenses compared with single-vision lenses.

Conclusion

This scoping review found a reduction in central and peripheral contrast sensitivity function, as well as low contrast visual acuity when using various optical corrections for myopia control, while high-contrast visual acuity remained the same. The impact of visual functions may not influence the effectiveness of myopia control. Eye care practitioners should provide awareness to the parent and patient population about the potential visual impact of recent designs for optical corrections of myopia control.