bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a continuous spatiotemporal finite element-based representation of the mean sea surface
Authors: Borlinghaus Moritz , Neyers Christian , Brockmann Jan Martin
Published: February 2023

The mean sea surface (MSS) has an important role, both, in the calculation of the mean dynamic topography and in the area of sea-level change as a reference surface. This paper presents a new approach to estimate a continuous spatiotemporal MSS from along-track altimetric sea surface height measurements. A parametric function continuously defined in the spatial as well as temporal domain is constructed from a $$C^1$$

C
1

-smooth finite element space to represent the MSS. Least-squares observation equations are set up, to estimate the unknown scaling coefficients from the sea surface height measurements as collected by altimetric exact repeat missions and geodetic missions. An advantage of the proposed method is that the surface is represented by an analytic model and the unknown parameters can be physically interpreted. Whereas the static component of the function represents the MSS, the temporal component is used to absorb the ocean variability. Within this initial study, 10 years of satellite altimetry over the period 2010–2019 are analyzed in a small study region around the Agulhas Current. To obtain the best possible data coverage, all missions available via AVISO, which provide data in the study region and period, are included, i.e., geodetic missions and mission phases as well as exact repeat missions. Besides the static MSS, the temporal component, which is co-estimated to absorb the dominating ocean variability, is modeled with different basis functions to study their performance. On the one hand, global basis functions considering a linear trend and periodic functions are compared with B-Spline basis functions. The comparison of the static component to the global CNES_CLS15 MSS shows a reasonable agreement with a root-mean-square error in the range of 1–4 cm for the well-suited model configurations. To validate the modeling approach and the different analyzed configurations, the temporal model component is compared to gridded sea-level anomaly products. Although it is not (yet) a target quantity, the analysis can serve as a quality check of the MSS and the proposed modeling approach as well. It is shown that in regions with relatively low ocean variability the combination of a linear trend with an annual period is well suited to model the dominant temporal signal, whereas it is not sufficient in regions with strong ocean variability, e.g., close to the Agulhas Current. In those regions, the scenario which utilizes B-Splines in the temporal domain performs significantly better. In general, it is demonstrated that the proposed approach can be an alternative to the well-established MSS estimation procedures.
Liquid-phase microextraction of aromatic amines: hollow fiber–liquid-phase microextraction and parallel artificial liquid membrane extraction comparison
Authors: Lorenzo-Parodi Nerea , Kaziur-Cegla Wiebke , Gjelstad Astrid , Schmidt Torsten C.
Published: February 2023

Aromatic amines (AA) are carcinogenic compounds that can enter the human body through many sources, one of the most important being tobacco smoke. They are excreted with the urine, from which they can be extracted and measured. To that end, hollow fiber-liquid-phase microextraction (HF-LPME) and parallel artificial liquid membrane extraction (PALME) were optimized for the analysis of representative aromatic amines, as alternatives to liquid–liquid extraction (LLE). Relevant extraction parameters, namely organic solvent, extraction time, agitation speed, and acceptor solution pH, were studied, and the two optimized techniques—HF-LPME: dihexyl ether, 45 min, 250 rpm, and pH 1; PALME: undecane, 20 min, 250 rpm and pH 1—were compared. Comparison of the optimized methods showed that significantly higher recoveries could be obtained with PALME than with HF-LPME. Therefore, PALME was further validated. The results were successful for nine different AA, with regression coefficients (R2) of at least 0.991, limits of detection (LOD) of 45–75 ng/L, and repeatability and peak area relative standard deviations (RSD) below 20%. Furthermore, two urine samples from smokers were measured as proof of concept, and 2-methylaniline was successfully quantified in one of them. These results show that PALME is a great green alternative to LLE. Not only does it use much smaller volumes of toxic organic solvents, and sample—enabling the study of samples with limited available volumes—but it is also less time consuming and labor intensive, and it can be automated.

Graphical Abstract
Development and application of Adverse drug reactions reports QUality Algorithm (AQUA-12) score: a single-centre quality improvement initiative
Authors: Aung Ar Kar , Zubrinich Celia M. , Goh Michelle S. Y. , Snyder Benjamin , Tang Mei Jie , Khu Cindy Y. L. , Lee Jennifer I. , Graudins Linda V.
Published: February 2023

Purpose

To develop a reliable assessment tool to monitor the quality of adverse drug reaction (ADR) reports and evaluate its performance within a quaternary hospital setting.

Methods

Adverse drug reactions report QUality Algorithm (AQUA-12) was developed by a multidisciplinary team with the expertise in the management of ADRs. The design was based on data elements required to establish medication causality. Inter-rater reliability of AQUA-12 was evaluated over three rounds in two phases: development and prospective evaluation phases, by independent assessors both internal and external to the institutional ADR review processes. The characteristics and quality of ADR reports were subsequently assessed, and potential factors contributing to low-quality reports were identified.

Results

A total of 70 ADR reports were assessed, 20 in development and 50 in evaluation phases. The inter-rater reliability of AQUA-12 was found to be excellent in all three rounds (Cronbach’s alpha of  ≥ 0.9, p < 0.001 for all). Approximately one in five reports concerned immediate hypersensitivity reactions while delayed hypersensitivity reactions constituted 60% of all reactions. AQUA-12 identified 18 (25.7%) reports as ‘low-quality’ with a score of  < 10. Identification of suspected medications (37.1%), description of index ADR (27.1%), and key events (ADR narrative, 35.7%) were the top data elements incomplete or missing from all reports. Univariable analyses identified the severity of the reaction as a factor associated with low quality of reports (p = 0.008).

Conclusions

AQUA-12 is a practical and highly reliable assessment tool that can be utilised in hospital settings to regularly monitor the completeness of ADR reports to guide quality improvement initiatives.
Prediction of CYP2D6 poor metabolizers by measurements of solanidine and metabolites—a study in 839 patients with known CYP2D6 genotype
Authors: Wollmann Birgit M. , Størset Elisabet , Kringen Marianne Kristiansen , Molden Espen , Smith Robert L.
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Poor metabolizers (PMs) of the highly polymorphic enzyme CYP2D6 are usually at high risk of adverse effects during standard recommended dosing of CYP2D6-metabolized drugs. We studied if the metabolism of solanidine, a dietary compound found in potatoes, could serve as a biomarker predicting the CYP2D6 PM phenotype for precision dosing.

Methods

The study included 839 CYP2D6-genotyped patients who were randomized by a 4:1 ratio into test or validation cohorts. Full-scan high-resolution mass spectrometry data files of previously analyzed serum samples were reprocessed for identification and quantification of solanidine and seven metabolites. Metabolite-to-solanidine ratios (MRs) of the various solanidine metabolites were calculated prior to performing receiver operator characteristic (ROC) and multiple linear regression analyses on the test cohort. The MR thresholds obtained from the ROC analyses were tested for the prediction of CYP2D6 PMs in the validation cohort.

Results

In the test cohort, the M414-to-solanidine MR attained the highest sensitivity and specificity parameters from the ROC analyses (0.98 and 1.00) and highest explained variance from the linear models (R2 = 0.68). Below these thresholds, CYP2D6 PM predictions were tested in the validation cohort providing positive and negative predictive values of 100% for the MR of M414, while similar values for the other MRs ranged from 20.5 to 73.3% and 96.7 to 99.3%, respectively.

Conclusion

The M414-to-solanidine MR is an excellent predictor of the CYP2D6 PM phenotype. By measuring solanidine and metabolites using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry in patient serum samples, CYP2D6 PMs can easily be identified, hence facilitating the implementation of precision dosing in clinical practice.
Fibroblast activation protein-targeted radionuclide therapy: background, opportunities, and challenges of first (pre)clinical studies
Authors: Privé Bastiaan M. , Boussihmad Mohamed A. , Timmermans Bart , van Gemert Willemijn A. , Peters Steffie M. B. , Derks Yvonne H. W. , van Lith Sanne A. M. , Mehra Niven , Nagarajah James , Heskamp Sandra , Westdorp Harm
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is highly overexpressed in stromal tissue of various cancers. While FAP has been recognized as a potential diagnostic or therapeutic cancer target for decades, the surge of radiolabeled FAP-targeting molecules has the potential to revolutionize its perspective. It is presently hypothesized that FAP targeted radioligand therapy (TRT) may become a novel treatment for various types of cancer. To date, several preclinical and case series have been reported on FAP TRT using varying compounds and showing effective and tolerant results in advanced cancer patients. Here, we review the current (pre)clinical data on FAP TRT and discuss its perspective towards broader clinical implementation. 

Methods

A PubMed search was performed to identify all FAP tracers used for TRT. Both preclinical and clinical studies were included if they reported on dosimetry, treatment response or adverse events. The last search was performed on July 22 2022. In addition, a database search was performed on clinical trial registries (date 15th of July 2022) to search for prospective trials
on FAP TRT.

Results

In total, 35 papers were identified that were related to FAP TRT. This resulted in the inclusion of the following tracers for review: FAPI-04, FAPI-46, FAP-2286, SA.FAP, ND-bisFAPI, PNT6555, TEFAPI-06/07, FAPI-C12/C16, and FSDD.

Conclusion

To date, data was reported on more than 100 patients that were treated with different FAP targeted radionuclide therapies such as [177Lu]Lu-FAPI-04, [90Y]Y-FAPI-46, [177Lu]Lu-FAP-2286, [177Lu]Lu-DOTA.SA.FAPI
and [177Lu]Lu-DOTAGA.(SA.FAPi)2. In these studies, FAP targeted radionuclide therapy has resulted in objective responses in difficult to treat end stage cancer patients with manageable adverse events. Although no prospective data is yet available, these early data encourages further research.
A machine learning tool to improve prediction of mediastinal lymph node metastases in non-small cell lung cancer using routinely obtainable [18F]FDG-PET/CT parameters
Authors: Rogasch Julian M. M. , Michaels Liza , Baumgärtner Georg L. , Frost Nikolaj , Rückert Jens-Carsten , Neudecker Jens , Ochsenreither Sebastian , Gerhold Manuela , Schmidt Bernd , Schneider Paul , Amthauer Holger , Furth Christian , Penzkofer Tobias
Published: February 2023

Background

In patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), accuracy of [18F]FDG-PET/CT for pretherapeutic lymph node (LN) staging is limited by false positive findings. Our aim was to evaluate machine learning with routinely obtainable variables to improve accuracy over standard visual image assessment.

Methods

Monocentric retrospective analysis of pretherapeutic [18F]FDG-PET/CT in 491 consecutive patients with NSCLC using an analog PET/CT scanner (training + test cohort, n = 385) or digital scanner (validation, n = 106). Forty clinical variables, tumor characteristics, and image variables (e.g., primary tumor and LN SUVmax and size) were collected. Different combinations of machine learning methods for feature selection and classification of N0/1 vs. N2/3 disease were compared. Ten-fold nested cross-validation was used to derive the mean area under the ROC curve of the ten test folds (“test AUC”) and AUC in the validation cohort. Reference standard was the final N stage from interdisciplinary consensus (histological results for N2/3 LNs in 96%).

Results

N2/3 disease was present in 190 patients (39%; training + test, 37%; validation, 46%; p = 0.09). A gradient boosting classifier (GBM) with 10 features was selected as the final model based on test AUC of 0.91 (95% confidence interval, 0.87–0.94). Validation AUC was 0.94 (0.89–0.98). At a target sensitivity of approx. 90%, test/validation accuracy of the GBM was 0.78/0.87. This was significantly higher than the accuracy based on “mediastinal LN uptake > mediastinum” (0.7/0.75; each p < 0.05) or combined PET/CT criteria (PET positive and/or LN short axis diameter > 10 mm; 0.68/0.75; each p < 0.001). Harmonization of PET images between the two scanners affected SUVmax and visual assessment of the LNs but did not diminish the AUC of the GBM.

Conclusions

A machine learning model based on routinely available variables from [18F]FDG-PET/CT improved accuracy in mediastinal LN staging compared to established visual assessment criteria. A web application implementing this model was made available.
Litigation Cases After Post-Bariatric Surgery: Lesson from the Past
Authors: Facchin Federico , Pagani Andrea , Perozzo Filippo Andrea Giovanni , Scarpa Carlotta , Bassetto Franco , Vindigni Vincenzo
Published: February 2023

Background

Due to the high demand of post-bariatric surgeries, the number of litigation cases is rapidly growing. Even if surgical mistakes still represent one of the main causes of medico-legal issues, many disputes depend on what happens in the post-operative course. In this article we analyzed the litigation cases that occurred in our Plastic Surgery Department, the current literature about medico-legal disputes and the importance of the doctor–patient relationship.

Patients and methods

The medical records of 788 post-bariatric surgeries, the post-operative complications and the related litigation cases from January 2015 to December 2019 were collected, analyzed and compared.

Results

We performed 380 abdominoplasties, 28 torsoplasties, 65 breast reductions, 99 mastopexies, 94 brachioplasties, 52 thighplasties, 65 liposuctions and 5 facelifts between 2015 and 2019. Eight patients complained of medical issues and claimed for litigation. Despite in all cases the judges highlighted the risk of consent misinterpretation, the payout was granted only in one case.

Conclusion

Post-bariatric patients often mistake their preoperative condition and consider body contouring procedures as an aesthetic surgery treatment. Patients should be therefore clearly informed about the complexity of body contouring procedures after massive weight loss, which should never be compared to aesthetic surgery. Surgeons should always promote the communication with their patients and build a strong and trustworthy relationship. This attitude will allow to deal more easily with complications and, in the worst situations, with medico-legal litigations.

Level of Evidence IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.
Impact of D2 Gastrectomy for Locally Advanced Gastric Cancer in the Era of Effective Adjuvant Chemotherapy
Authors: Yamagata Yukinori , Yoshikawa Takaki , Ishizu Kenichi , Tsutsui Mai , Wada Takeyuki , Hayashi Tsutomu
Published: February 2023

Background

Gastrectomy with D2 dissection has been established as the standard procedure for locally advanced gastric cancer in the era of surgery alone. However, no consideration has been given to the efficacy of dissection in the era of effective adjuvant chemotherapy.

Methods

This study included 1298 advanced gastric cancer patients, consisting of 725 cases treated between January 2000 and December 2006 (Former group), and 573 cases treated between January 2007 and July 2015 (Latter group). Clinicopathological data were collected, survival and the therapeutic value index were determined.

Results

The background characteristics were well balanced, except for age, tumor location, and intraoperative blood loss. The Latter group showed the following characteristics: an older population (p < 0.001), a frequent upper location (p = 0.008), and less blood loss (p < 0.001). Adjuvant chemotherapy was administered to 75.2% of the Latter group and was 9.4% in the Former group. The 5‐year overall survival rate of the Latter group was 75.7% (95% confidence interval: 71.7–79.1), significantly better than that of the Former group (70.0%, 95% confidence interval: 66.5–73.2) (p = 0.025). Improvement in the index from the Former group was observed in the Latter group at almost all stations. The ratio of the index between these two groups was 1.09 at the D1 station and 1.19 at the D2 station.

Conclusion

The therapeutic value index was improved in all nodal stations by S‐1 adjuvant chemotherapy, regardless of whether the D1 or D2 nodes were involved. D2 gastrectomy would be still important for locally advanced gastric cancer in the era of effective adjuvant chemotherapy.
Preliminary evaluation of dual-energy CT to quantitatively assess bone marrow edema in patients with diabetic foot ulcers and suspected osteomyelitis
Authors: Mens M. A. , de Geus A. , Wellenberg R. H. H. , Streekstra G. J. , Weil N. L. , Bus S. A. , Busch-Westbroek T. E. , Nieuwdorp M. , Maas M.
Published: February 2023

Objectives

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the value of dual-energy CT (DECT) with virtual non-calcium (VNCa) in quantitatively assessing the presence of bone marrow edema (BME) in patients with diabetic foot ulcers and suspected osteomyelitis.

Methods

Patients with a diabetic foot ulcer and suspected osteomyelitis that underwent DECT (80 kVp/Sn150 kVp) with VNCa were retrospectively included. Two observers independently measured CT values of the bone adjacent to the ulcer and a reference bone not related to the ulcer. The patients were divided into two clinical groups, osteomyelitis or no-osteomyelitis, based on the final diagnosis by the treating physicians.

Results

A total of 56 foot ulcers were identified of which 23 were included in the osteomyelitis group. The mean CT value at the ulcer location was significantly higher in the osteomyelitis group (− 17.23 ± 34.96 HU) compared to the no-osteomyelitis group (− 69.34 ± 49.40 HU; p < 0.001). Within the osteomyelitis group, the difference between affected bone and reference bone was statistically significant (p < 0.001), which was not the case in the group without osteomyelitis (p = 0.052). The observer agreement was good for affected bone measurements (ICC = 0.858) and moderate for reference bone measurements (ICC = 0.675). With a cut-off value of − 40.1 HU, sensitivity was 87.0%, specificity was 72.7%, PPV was 69.0%, and NPV was 88.9%.

Conclusion

DECT with VNCa has a potential value for quantitatively assessing the presence of BME in patients with diabetic foot ulcers and suspected osteomyelitis.

Key Points

• Dual-energy CT (DECT) with virtual non-calcium (VNCa) is promising for detecting bone marrow edema in the case of diabetic foot ulcers with suspected osteomyelitis.

• DECT with VNCa has the potential to become a more practical alternative to MRI in assessing the presence of bone marrow edema in suspected osteomyelitis when radiographs are not sufficient to form a diagnosis.
Effect of reduced-calcium and high-calcium cheddar cheese consumption on the excretion of faecal fat: a 2-week cross-over dietary intervention study
Authors: Feeney Emma L. , Daly Aisling , Dunne Simone , Dible Victoria , Barron Rebecca , Seratlic Sanja , Jacquier J. C. , O’Sullivan Michael , Beresford Tom , Jensen Søren Krogh , Gibney Eileen R.
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Studies show that dairy fat consumed in the form of cheese reduce LDL-cholesterol concentration (LDL-c) compared to butter and mechanistic suggestions include the calcium content of cheese leading to enhanced faecal fat excretion. The aim of this study was to test the effect of varying the calcium content within a cheese, on faecal fat excretion as a primary outcome, and blood lipid markers, fasting glucose and calcium excretion as secondary outcomes.

Methods

7 healthy males (BMI 18–25) participated in this randomized, cross-over control intervention, of 3 × 2 week periods. Diets contained 240 g/day cheese; a High Calcium Cheese (HCC) diet, a Reduced Calcium Cheese (RCC) diet, and a control arm: Reduced Calcium Cheese + CaCO3 Supplement (RCC + Supp) diet. Diets differed in calcium content and form but were otherwise controlled for energy and key macronutrients. Blood and 5-day faecal samples were collected.

Results

There was no significant difference in faecal fat excretion (g/day) between the diets (P = 0.066). Percent fat of faecel excretion was higher after RCC + Supp (P = 0.016). None of the individual fatty acids were different. Fasting LDL-c was significantly lower following the HCC diet vs. the other arms (P = 0.002). Faecal Ca was different across all diets (P = 0.001), lowest after RCC, and greatest after RCC + Supp. No differences were observed for fasting blood parameters or changes in anthropometry.

Conclusion

Varying the calcium content within a cheese matrix significantly affected fasting LDL-c values. Results did not support higher faecal fat excretion as an underlying mechanism, but the high attrition rate was a limitation.

Trial registerer Trial Registered at ISRCTN.org, registration number ISRCTN11663659 on 12.07.2022. Retrospectively registered.
Consequences of the lack of clinical forensic medicine in emergency departments
Authors: Cattaneo Cristina , Tambuzzi Stefano , De Vecchi Stefano , Maggioni Lidia , Costantino Giorgio
Published: February 2023

Most victims of physical violence sooner or later will access a hospital or medical cabinet because of that violence, and in particular emergency departments (EDs). This paper aims to analyze the performance of emergency ward clinicians in the forensic management of such victims by examining the activities carried out and the data reported. A total of 991 medical records were extrapolated from the database of the ED of the Policlinico of Milan in an average pre-pandemic 1-year activity. For each medical record, 16 parameters were analyzed in-depth including epidemiological data, information on the type of violent actions, injuries, and time between the infliction of the lesion and access to the ED. In the vast majority of cases, all the actions with medicolegal implications had been neglected by health professionals causing loss of data not only for the justice system but especially for correctly interpreting what happened and taking appropriate measures to protect the patient/victim. Hence, given that clinicians in EDs are busy with non-forensic clinical tasks (and rightly so), it should be ensured that there be specific forensic clinical personnel. However, it is crucial that when unfortunately there can be no forensic staff, at least the clinicians who work in the ED are properly trained to correctly apply essential medicolegal measures. Overall, timely and informed medical and forensic intervention is possible and necessary for the improvement and maintenance of the mental and physical health of victims of violence.
Whole-brain diffusion tensor imaging predicts 6-month functional outcome in acute intracerebral haemorrhage
Authors: Schwarz G. , Kanber B. , Prados F. , Browning S. , Simister R. , Jäger H. R. , Ambler G. , Gandini Wheeler-Kingshott C. A. M. , Werring D. J. ,   the SIGNAL Investigators
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Small vessel disease (SVD) causes most spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) and is associated with widespread microstructural brain tissue disruption, which can be quantified via diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) metrics: mean diffusivity (MD) and fractional anisotropy (FA). Little is known about the impact of whole-brain microstructural alterations after SVD-related ICH. We aimed to investigate: (1) association between whole-brain DTI metrics and functional outcome after ICH; and (2) predictive ability of these metrics compared to the pre-existing ICH score.

Methods

Sixty-eight patients (38.2% lobar) were retrospectively included. We assessed whole-brain DTI metrics (obtained within 5 days after ICH) in cortical and deep grey matter and white matter. We used univariable logistic regression to assess the associations between DTI and clinical-radiological variables and poor outcome (modified Rankin Scale > 2). We determined the optimal predictive variables (via LASSO estimation) in: model 1 (DTI variables only), model 2 (DTI plus non-DTI variables), model 3 (DTI plus ICH score). Optimism-adjusted C-statistics were calculated for each model and compared (likelihood ratio test) against the ICH score.

Results

Deep grey matter MD (OR 1.04 [95% CI 1.01–1.07], p = 0.010) and white matter MD (OR 1.11 [95% CI 1.01–1.23], p = 0.044) were associated (univariate analysis) with poor outcome. Discrimination values for model 1 (0.67 [95% CI 0.52–0.83]), model 2 (0.71 [95% CI 0.57–0.85) and model 3 (0.66 [95% CI 0.52–0.82]) were all significantly higher than the ICH score (0.62 [95% CI 0.49–0.75]).

Conclusion

Our exploratory study suggests that whole-brain microstructural disruption measured by DTI is associated with poor 6-month functional outcome after SVD-related ICH. Whole-brain DTI metrics performed better at predicting recovery than the existing ICH score.
Effects of motor–cognitive training on dual-task performance in people with Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Johansson Hanna , Folkerts Ann-Kristin , Hammarström Ida , Kalbe Elke , Leavy Breiffni
Published: February 2023

Motor–cognitive training in Parkinson’s disease (PD) can positively affect gait and balance, but whether motor–cognitive (dual-task) performance improves is unknown. This meta-analysis, therefore, aimed to establish the current evidence on the effects of motor–cognitive training on dual-task performance in PD. Systematic searches were conducted in five databases and 11 studies with a total of 597 people (mean age: 68.9 years; mean PD duration: 6.8 years) were included. We found a mean difference in dual-task gait speed (0.12 m/s (95% CI 0.08, 0.17)), dual-task cadence (2.91 steps/min (95% CI 0.08, 5.73)), dual-task stride length (10.12 cm (95% CI 4.86, 15.38)) and dual-task cost on gait speed (− 8.75% (95% CI − 14.57, − 2.92)) in favor of motor–cognitive training compared to controls. The GRADE analysis revealed that the findings were based on high certainty evidence. Thus, we can for the first time systematically show that people with PD can improve their dual-task ability through motor–cognitive training.
A thermodynamics-informed active learning approach to perception and reasoning about fluids
Authors: Moya Beatriz , Badías Alberto , González David , Chinesta Francisco , Cueto Elías
Published: February 2023

Learning and reasoning about physical phenomena is still a challenge in robotics development, and computational sciences play a capital role in the search for accurate methods able to provide explanations for past events and rigorous forecasts of future situations. We propose a thermodynamics-informed active learning strategy for fluid perception and reasoning from observations. As a model problem, we take the sloshing phenomena of different fluids contained in a glass. Starting from full-field and high-resolution synthetic data for a particular fluid, we develop a method for the tracking (perception) and simulation (reasoning) of any previously unseen liquid whose free surface is observed with a commodity camera. This approach demonstrates the importance of physics and knowledge not only in data-driven (gray-box) modeling but also in real-physics adaptation in low-data regimes and partial observations of the dynamics. The presented method is extensible to other domains such as the development of cognitive digital twins able to learn from observation of phenomena for which they have not been trained explicitly.
Environmental and parental risk factors for congenital solitary functioning kidney — a case–control study
Authors: Groen in ‘t Woud Sander , Roeleveld Nel , van Rooij Iris A. L. M. , Feitz Wout F. J. , Schreuder Michiel F. , van der Zanden Loes F. M. ,   for the SOFIA study group, van Wijk J. A. E. , Westland R. , Renkema K. Y. , Lilien M. R. , Keijzer-Veen M. G. , Kloosterman F. J. , Steffens M. G. , Gracchi V. , Zegers B. , Jira P. E. , van der Deure H. , van Rooij R. W. G. , Wijnands - van den Berg E. , Breukels M. , de Pont S. M. H. B. , Harnisch E. , van Dael C. M. L. , Creemers D. , de Moor R. , Konijnenberg A. Y. , Knots E. , van der Kuur E. C. , Jacobs M. J. , Koppejan-Stapel M. , Pijning A. , Dorresteijn E. , Leunissen R. W. J. , Rijlaarsdam R. , del Canho R. , Semmekrot B. , Dings-Lammertink A. , Nijhuis I. J. M. , van Ledden-Klok M. J. , van den Broek L. M. , Jansen C. Meine , Beeren M. C. G. , Blokland-Loggers H. E. , Dorrepaal C. , Pierik L. J. W. M. , Tanja A. L.
Published: February 2023

Background

The etiology of congenital solitary functioning kidney (CSFK) is largely unknown but likely includes various risk factors. We performed a case–control study to compare exposure to environmental and parental risk factors during embryonic kidney development between children with CSFK and healthy controls.

Methods

We included 434 children with CSFK and 1302 healthy controls from the AGORA data- and biobank matched on year of birth. Exposure to potential risk factors was investigated using parental questionnaire data. Crude and adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated for each potential risk factor. Multiple imputation was used to deal with missing values. Confounders for each potential risk factor were selected using directed acyclic graphs.

Results

Maternal stress was newly identified as a risk factor for CSFK (aOR 2.1, 95% CI 1.2–3.5). Known associations with conception using in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (aOR 1.8, 95% CI 1.0–3.2), maternal infections during pregnancy (aOR 2.5, 95% CI 1.4–4.7), smoking during pregnancy (aOR 1.4, 95% CI 1.0–2.0), and parental CAKUT (aOR 6.6, 95% CI 2.9–15.1) were confirmed, but previous associations with diabetes and obesity could not be replicated. Folic acid supplement use and younger maternal age seemed to reduce the risk of CSFK (aORs 0.7, 95% CI 0.5–1.0, and 0.8, 95% CI 0.6–1.0, respectively).

Conclusions

Environmental and parental risk factors are likely to be involved in the development of CSFK and future studies should combine genetic, environmental, and gene-environment interaction analyses. Women wanting to become pregnant should consider optimizing their health and lifestyle.

Graphical abstract
Analyzing the impact of Driving tasks when detecting emotions through brain–computer interfaces
Authors: Quiles Pérez Mario , Martínez Beltrán Enrique Tomás , López Bernal Sergio , Martínez Pérez Gregorio , Huertas Celdrán Alberto
Published: February 2023

Traffic accidents are the leading cause of death among young people, a problem that today costs an enormous number of victims. Several technologies have been proposed to prevent accidents, being brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) one of the most promising. In this context, BCIs have been used to detect emotional states, concentration issues, or stressful situations, which could play a fundamental role in the road since they are directly related to the drivers’ decisions. However, there is no extensive literature applying BCIs to detect subjects’ emotions in driving scenarios. In such a context, there are some challenges to be solved, such as (i) the impact of performing a driving task on the emotion detection and (ii) which emotions are more detectable in driving scenarios. To improve these challenges, this work proposes a framework focused on detecting emotions using electroencephalography with machine learning and deep learning algorithms. In addition, a use case has been designed where two scenarios are presented. The first scenario consists in listening to sounds as the primary task to perform, while in the second scenario listening to sound becomes a secondary task, being the primary task using a driving simulator. In this way, it is intended to demonstrate whether BCIs are useful in this driving scenario. The results improve those existing in the literature, achieving 99% accuracy for the detection of two emotions (non-stimuli and angry), 93% for three emotions (non-stimuli, angry and neutral) and 75% for four emotions (non-stimuli, angry, neutral and joy).
Assessing attitudes towards insulin pump therapy in adults with type 1 diabetes: Italian validation of the Insulin Pump Attitudes Questionnaire (IT-IPA questionnaire)
Authors: Messina Rossella , Indelicato Liliana , Iommi Marica , Trombetta Maddalena , Roos Timm , Hermanns Norbert , Di Sipio Annamaria , Fantini Maria Pia , Calvo Vincenzo
Published: February 2023

Aims

The aim of the study was to adapt the German version of the insulin pump therapy (IPA) questionnaire to Italian (IT-IPA) and to evaluate its psychometric properties in adults with type 1 diabetes.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study, data were collected through an online survey. In addition to IT-IPA, questionnaires evaluating depression, anxiety, diabetes distress, self-efficacy, and treatment satisfaction were administered.

The six factors identified in the IPA German version were assessed using confirmatory factor analysis; psychometric testing included construct validity and internal consistency.

Results

The online survey was compiled by 182 individuals with type 1 diabetes: 45.6% continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) users and 54.4% multiple daily insulin injection users.

The six-factor model had a very good fit in our sample. The internal consistency was acceptable (Cronbach’s α = 0.75; 95% IC [0.65–0.81]).

Diabetes treatment satisfaction was positively correlated with a positive attitude towards CSII therapy (Spearman’s rho = 0.31; p < 0.01), less Technology Dependency, higher Ease of Use, and less Impaired Body Image. Furthermore, less Technology Dependency was associated with lower diabetes distress and depressive symptoms.

Conclusions

The IT-IPA is a valid and reliable questionnaire evaluating attitudes towards insulin pump therapy. The questionnaire can be used for clinical practice during consultations for shared decision-making to CSII therapy.
Anisotropic Triebel–Lizorkin spaces and wavelet coefficient decay over one-parameter dilation groups, I
Authors: Koppensteiner Sarah , van Velthoven Jordy Timo , Voigtlaender Felix
Published: February 2023

This paper provides maximal function characterizations of anisotropic Triebel–Lizorkin spaces associated to general expansive matrices for the full range of parameters $$p \in (0,\infty )$$

p
∈
(
0
,
∞
)

, $$q \in (0,\infty ]$$

q
∈
(
0
,
∞
]

and $$\alpha \in {\mathbb {R}}$$

α
∈
R

. The equivalent norm is defined in terms of the decay of wavelet coefficients, quantified by a Peetre-type space over a one-parameter dilation group. As an application, the existence of dual molecular frames and Riesz sequences is obtained; the wavelet systems are generated by translations and anisotropic dilations of a single function, where neither the translation nor dilation parameters are required to belong to a discrete subgroup. Explicit criteria for molecules are given in terms of mild decay, moment, and smoothness conditions.
The importance of topography in the formation of cold-air pooling in urban spaces. The example of the city of Coimbra (Portugal)
Authors: Rochette Cordeiro António M. , Ornelas Alexandre , Silva Djime Dourado
Published: February 2023

The aim of this paper is to analyze the existence of cold-air pools on anticyclonic nights in a narrow urban valley where three hospital units and a road with intense traffic are located and where the slopes associated with proximity to a medium-size mountain introduce different factors from that observed in other valleys where this phenomenon forms on cold, calm nights. On these nights, it is observed that cold-air pools develop in the valley just after sunset, in opposition to the ridge that dominates the valley (thermal belts), and it is found that their formation, development, and disappearance after the first hours of the day is a daily phenomenon. Using fixed data loggers and portable data loggers on the surface and at altitude coupled to a UAV (drone), it was possible to calculate the variation of the air temperature (as well as to locate the inversion layer) in different sectors defined along the valley. The finding of temperature oscillation along the longitudinal profile and at altitude, reflects a double source of feeding: in-situ irradiation, and the air draining down the slopes of the massif.
Distribution of tritium-helium groundwater ages in a large Cenozoic sedimentary basin (North German Plain)
Authors: Desens Annika , Houben Georg , Sültenfuß Jürgen , Post Vincent , Massmann Gudrun
Published: February 2023

The travel time of groundwater plays a major role in the understanding of hydrogeological systems; however, large data sets necessary for regional studies of groundwater age are rare. In this study, a unique large data set of groundwater samples analysed for tritium and helium isotopes collected over the last 20 years from Cenozoic aquifers of the North German Plain is explored. Hereby, the variety of natural and technical influences on the tritium-helium age, including screen depth and length, groundwater recharge rate and climatic effects, are investigated. To a sampling depth of ~40 m below ground level, the median tritium-helium age increases almost linearly with depth, reaching a maximum of 40 years. Below, the portion of older, tritium-free water rises. The tritium-helium ages of the tritium-bearing portion increase only slightly to a maximum of about 46 years. The depth distribution of the tritium-helium age shows a dependency on groundwater recharge rates. Considering the same depth level, younger ages are related to higher groundwater recharge rates as compared to groundwater that infiltrated in areas with lower recharge rates. This is especially observed for shallow depths. Tritium-helium ages younger than 40 years are reflected well in the atmospheric tritium input curves, while deviations from it can be related to anthropogenic influences such as input from nuclear power plants and irrigation with deep, tritium-poor groundwater. The regional distribution for shallow wells indicates increasing tritium-helium ages from west to east, corresponding to decreasing groundwater recharge rates due to the more continental climate in the east.
Direct measurement of unsaturated permeability of kaolin-sand mixtures
Authors: Rahimi Arezoo , Rahardjo Harianto
Published: February 2023

Unsaturated permeabilities of six different kaolin-sand mixtures named as 100K0S, 90K10S, 80K20S, 50K50S, 20K80S, and 10K90S were directly measured using a modified flexible wall triaxial permeameter system. 90K10S means that the soil mixture contains 90% kaolin and 10% sand by dry mass. Soil–water characteristic curves (SWCC) of the kaolin-sand soil mixtures were also measured for a wide range of suctions using a Tempe pressure cell, 5-bar pressure plate, 15-bar pressure plate, and saturated salt solutions. The unsaturated permeabilities of the soil mixtures were also estimated using ten different theoretical models using (1) the measured SWCC data over a complete suction range and (2) the measured SWCC data up to 100 kPa suction in combination with the estimated SWCC data at higher suction values. The directly measured unsaturated permeability of the soil mixtures was used to validate the estimated values of unsaturated permeability. The results showed that the unsaturated permeability estimation models could reasonably fit the directly measured unsaturated permeability data when both the data from the complete measurement of SWCC and the measured SWCC data up to 100 kPa suction in combination with the estimated SWCC data at higher suction values were used.
Improved survival after laparoscopic compared to open gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer: a Swedish population-based cohort study
Authors: Tsekrekos Andrianos , Vossen Laura E. , Lundell Lars , Jeremiasen Martin , Johnsson Erik , Hedberg Jakob , Edholm David , Klevebro Fredrik , Nilsson Magnus , Rouvelas Ioannis
Published: February 2023

Background

Laparoscopic gastrectomy is increasingly used for the treatment of locally advanced gastric cancer but concerns remain whether similar results can be obtained compared to open gastrectomy, especially in Western populations. This study compared the short-term postoperative, oncological and survival outcomes following laparoscopic versus open gastrectomy based on data from the Swedish National Register for Esophageal and Gastric Cancer.

Methods

Patients who underwent surgery with curative intent for adenocarcinoma of the stomach or gastroesophageal junction Siewert type III from 2015 to 2020 were identified, and 622 patients with cT2-4aN0-3M0 tumors were included. The impact of surgical approach on short-term outcomes was assessed using multivariable logistic regression. Long-term survival was compared using multivariable Cox regression.

Results

In total, 350 patients underwent open and 272 laparoscopic gastrectomy, of which 12.9% were converted to open surgery. The groups were similar regarding distribution of clinical disease stage (27.6% stage I, 46.0% stage II, and 26.4% stage III). Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was administered to 52.7% of the patients. There was no difference in the rate of postoperative complications, but laparoscopic approach was associated with lower 90 day mortality (1.8 vs 4.9%, p = 0.043). The median number of resected lymph nodes was higher after laparoscopic surgery (32 vs 26, p < 0.001), while no difference was found in the rate of tumor-free resection margins. Better overall survival was observed after laparoscopic gastrectomy (HR 0.63, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Laparoscopic gastrectomy can be safely preformed for advanced gastric cancer and is associated with improved overall survival compared to open surgery.
Accuracy of a hand-held resistance-free flowmeters for flow adjustments of Hirst-Type pollen traps
Authors: Suarez-Suarez Mariel , Maya-Manzano Jose M. , Clot Bernard , Graber Marie-José , Sallin Christine , Tummon Fiona , Buters Jeroen
Published: February 2023

The Hirst-type pollen trap (1952) is the most common device for aerobiological measurements of pollen and fungal spores in ambient air. In the 1960s the in-line flowmeter was removed and studies since then showed considerable variability in the airflow pumped through the instrument when using hand-held rotameters with an internal airflow resistance to adjust flowrates. To avoid this problem, our study compared the variability of airflow rates of Hirst-type traps when using commercially-available low-resistance airflow meters (heat anemometers) at various timescales. Experiments were conducted in Munich (Germany) and Payerne (Switzerland), using 4 different easyFlux® instruments and 6 Hirst-type pollen traps. Measurements were taken on an hourly basis from dawn to dusk at both locations, and in addition at Payerne, weekly observations over a period of one year. When using the common hand-held rotameters (with airflow resistance) the flow was 28.3% lower than with resistance-free flowmeter (i.e., measured 10 L/min which was in reality 12.8 L/min). The coefficient of variation between the four easyFlux® devices ranged from 0.32% to 1.55% over one day and from 2.88% to 8.17% over an entire year. Some of the traps showed surprising flow variations during the day. Furthermore, flowrates deviated more when measurements were made at the point where the double-sided tape is behind the orifice than elsewhere on the drum. The measurements away from this point are representative of the flow rates for most of the period of operation and flow calibration should thus be carried out away from this point, contrary to the current procedure.
Male and stale? Questioning the role of “opinion leaders” in agricultural programs
Authors: Matous Petr
Published: February 2023

Social networks can influence people’s behaviour and therefore it is assumed that central individuals in social networks, also called “opinion leaders”, play a key role in driving change in agricultural and food systems. I analyse the outcomes of an intervention (that encouraged Sulawesi smallholder farmers to take a specific action toward improving the health of their cocoa trees) to assess the impact of engaging opinion leaders in agricultural programs that aim to change farmers’ practices. The intervention has been implemented through (a) 18 opinion leaders identified by interviews and a social network survey of 1885 cocoa farmers; and (b) 18 randomly selected farmers who were not central in local social networks. The obtained social networks and statistical data were quantitatively analysed and the results were interpreted with input from the field staff. Contrary to expectations, the highly socially central opinion leaders were not more effective in promoting the initiative in their communities. On average, randomly selected low-centrality farmers convinced almost twice as many of their peers to take the recommended action as compared to the identified opinion leaders (17.1 versus 8.6) but the variation within the random group was also significantly higher. Importantly, while the identified opinion leaders were mostly senior men, women performed better in influencing others into taking action even when their centrality in local social networks of agricultural advice was lower. I discuss the implications of the conventional selection of perceived opinion leaders as model farmers for achieving sustainable and equitable change at scale in agriculture and propose practical alternatives.
The continental shelf seascape: a network of species and habitats
Authors: de Juan Silvia , Ospina-Alvarez Andres , Hinz Hilmar , Moranta Joan , Barberá Carmen
Published: February 2023

The diversity of benthic communities on continental shelves is tightly linked to the diversity of habitats. Therefore, considering seascape habitat composition can help to gain insights into the spatial variability of benthic communities and move away from single-habitats approaches. This perspective needs different analytical methods, such as network analysis that enable the study of complex ecological interactions. This work explores the relationships between habitat and benthic species diversity in the Menorca Channel (the Balearic Islands, western Mediterranean). The seascape in the study area is a mosaic of alternating biogenic and sandy habitats that increases the total benthic species richness. Of the 442 benthic species included in the analyses, 286 species are shared by the six habitats identified, contributing to ecological connectivity across the seascape; 73 generalist species inhabit all six habitats simultaneously, however, 156 species are specialists and are linked to a single habitat, particularly to biogenic habitats, which increases specialization and the vulnerability of the species to habitat fragmentation. The network approach shows a tight link between epibenthic species diversity and the distribution of habitats over the continental shelf, providing essential information for optimal conservation strategies that move from a focus on protecting the most sensitive habitats to marine conservation schemes that encompass a diversity of habitats.