bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient and stable hybrid conjugated polymer/perovskite quantum dot solar cells
Authors: Huang Hehe , Zhang Xuliang , Zhao Chenyu , Yuan Jianyu
Published: February 2023

Emerging lead halide perovskite quantum dots (QDs) have attracted great research interest relative to conventional metal chalcogenide-based QDs for applications like solar cells.
Assessing Patients and Care Partner Ratings of Communication-Related Participation Restrictions: Insights From Degenerative Disease
Authors: Utianski Rene L. , Martin Peter R. , Duffy Joseph R. , Clark Heather M. , Stierwalt Julie A. G. , Botha Hugo , Ali Farwa , Whitwell Jennifer L. , Josephs Keith A.
Published: February 2023

Purpose:

Prior studies have shown that communication-related participation restrictions in patients with degenerative disease do not always match clinician judgment or objective indices of symptom severity. Although there is a growing body of literature documenting that discrepancies between patients with dementia and their care partners' perception of participation restrictions exist, it is not known how care partner perceptions of
communication
participation restrictions specifically match or diverge from the patients' experiences, which may inform the use of care partner proxy in the context of degenerative diseases.

Method:

Thirty-eight patients with progressive neurologic conditions (progressive supranuclear palsy, corticobasal syndrome, and primary progressive aphasia or apraxia of speech) and, in most instances, focal cognitive-communication disorders were included. The patients and their accompanying care partners independently completed the Communicative Participation Item Bank, short form, a 10-question survey about communication participation restrictions in different contexts. Care partners were instructed to complete the form with their perception of the patient's experience. The difference between patient and care partner total scores were calculated and analyzed relative to clinical and demographic variables of interest.

Results:

Care partner ratings modestly tracked with patient experience and objective indices of symptom severity but did not exactly match patient ratings. The presence of aphasia increased, but did not fully account for, the likelihood of a discrepancy between care partner and patient ratings.

Conclusion:

Although careful consideration should be given prior to using care-partner report as a proxy for patient experience, it is worthwhile to include care partner ratings as a means of supporting conversations about differing perceptions, guiding joint intervention planning, and monitoring care-partner perceptions of change along with the implementation of supported conversation strategies.
No clinical difference at mid-term follow-up between TiN-coated versus uncoated cemented mobile-bearing total knee arthroplasty: a matched cohort study
Authors: Deroche Etienne , Batailler Cécile , Shatrov Jobe , Gunst Stanislas , Servien Elvire , Lustig Sébastien
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Nitride-based ceramic coating was introduced into surgical implants to improve hardness, reduce abrasion, and decrease the risk of metal-induced adverse reactions, especially for patients with suspected or identified metal hypersensitivity. The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a titanium nitride (TiN) coated prosthesis with a mobile bearing design. Methods: This was a retrospective matched-cohort study from a single center, comparing clinical outcomes between patients receiving either a TiN-coated versus an uncoated cobalt-chromium-molybdenum (CoCrMo) prostheses for primary total knee replacement. Seventeen patients received the TiN prosthesis between 2015 and 2019. These were matched 1:2 with patients receiving uncoated mobile-bearing knee prostheses with the same design manufacturer. Results: Fourteen patients in the TiN group had complete 5-year follow-up data and were compared with 34 patients from the CoCrMo group. The Knee Society Score was 170.6 ± 28.0 (Function subscore 83.7 ± 17.5 and Knee subscore 86.9 ± 13.8) in the TiN group and 180.7 ± 49.4 (Function subscore 87.5 ± 14.3 and Knee subscore 93.2 ± 9.6) in CoCrMo group, with no statistically significant difference (p = 0.19). One patient underwent a revision for instability requiring the removal of the implant in the TiN group and none in the CoCrMo group. The survival rates were 92.9% (CI95% 77.3–100.0) and 100.0% in the TiN group and CoCrMo group respectively (p = 1.0). Discussion: TiN-coated TKA with mobile bearing resulted in satisfactory clinical outcomes, and a low revision rate, and there was no complication related to the coated implant. The use of TiN-coated prostheses in case of confirmed or suspected metal allergy provides satisfactory short-term clinic outcomes.
Pulmonalarterielle Hypertonie und kardiopulmonale Komorbidität
Authors: Grünig Ekkehard , Benjamin Nicola , Echampati Ishan , Xanthouli Panagiota
Published: February 2023

In den neuen Leitlinien für pulmonalarterielle Hypertonie (PAH, Gruppe 1) wird erstmals empfohlen, vor Therapiebeginn zwischen PAH-Patienten mit bzw. ohne kardiopulmonale Komorbiditäten zu
unterscheiden. Hintergrund hierfür ist, dass einerseits in den zulassungsrelevanten Therapiestudien Patienten mit Komorbiditäten unterrepräsentiert bzw. ausgeschlossen waren, andererseits
diese Gruppe aber bei Weitem den größten Anteil der PAH-Patienten in der klinischen Praxis stellen. Während Patienten mit Komorbiditäten von PAH-Medikamenten wie
Phosphodiesterase-5-Inhibitoren zumeist als Monotherapie profitieren, ist eine Therapie der Patienten mit einer pulmonalen Hypertonie (PH) bei Linksherz- (Gruppe 2) oder Lungenerkrankung
(Gruppe 3) mittels PAH-Medikamente nicht indiziert und kann z. T. sogar zu einer erhöhten Letalität führen. In diesem Artikel wird beschrieben, wie man PAH-Patienten mit Komorbiditäten von
PH-Patienten der Gruppe 2 und 3 differenzieren kann. Die Unterscheidung und Stellung der Therapieindikation ist dabei oft nicht einfach und sollte in einem PH-Zentrum vorgenommen werden.
Pulmonale Hypertonie – alte vs. neue Leitlinie Hämodynamische Definition und klinische Klassifikation – Was ändert sich 2022?
Authors: Heberling Melanie , Grünig Ekkehard , Kolditz Martin , Koschel Dirk , Halank Michael
Published: February 2023

Ende August 2022 wurde die neue europäische Leitlinie (LL) zur Diagnose und Therapie der pulmonalen Hypertonie (PH) von der Europäischen Gesellschaft für Kardiologie (ESC) und der
Europäischen Gesellschaft für Pneumologie (ERS) gemeinsam publiziert. Eine wesentliche Neuerung der PH-LL ist die neue Definition der PH durch den mittleren pulmonalarteriellen Druck (mPAP)
von > 20 mmHg und einem pulmonalvaskulären Widerstand (PVR) auf > 2 Wood-Einheiten (WU) in Ruhe. Eine schwere PH bei Lungen- oder Linksherzerkrankung wird aktuell durch einen PVR
> 5 WU charakterisiert. Die Kriterien einer Belastungs-PH wurden neu definiert und wieder mit in die Leitlinie aufgenommen. Bei der klinischen Klassifikation wurde im Wesentlichen nur die
Gruppe der idiopathischen pulmonalarteriellen Hypertonie (IPAH) neu in die Subgruppen „Nonresponder“ und „Responder“ untergliedert sowie PAH-Patienten mit Merkmalen einer zusätzlichen
venösen/kapillären Veränderung (PVOD/PCH) wieder in die Gruppe 1 eingegliedert.
Realistic characteristics and driving mechanisms of pseudo-human settlements in Chinese cities
Authors: Yu Wenbo , Yang Jun , Wu Feng , He Baojie , Xue Bing , Wang Shaohua , Yu Huisheng , Xiao Xiangming , Xia Jianhong
Published: February 2023

Pseudo-human settlements (PHS) reflect the subjective wishes and needs of residents. An in-depth characterization of PHS aids in clarifying the actual development needs and future development directions of the city from the residents’ perspective. China is currently undergoing high-speed urbanization and advocates improving the quality of cities. It is particularly important to test the achievements of urbanization through PHS. This study quantitatively analyses spatiotemporal characteristics and the realistic driving mechanism of PHS in 286 Chinese cities through spatial autocorrelation analysis and geographic detectors. The results indicate that (1) the PHS level exhibited notable hierarchical characteristics and spatial differences (high in the eastern coastal regions and low in the western inland regions), with weak positive autocorrelation characteristics; (2) nighttime light index, per capital GRP, and population size are major drivers of heterogeneity of development level and functional structure of PHS; and (3) the functional structure followed an emergence-development-maturity-decline-extinction life cycle. Overall, the development of PHS must play a leading role in high-level areas, and urban decision-makers should clarify and adapt to local preferences of PHS and predict future changes. The findings of this study can help China and other countries promote realistic development by unveiling the characteristics of PHS.
In-fiber interferometry sensors for refractive index
Authors: Aydin Deniz , Barnes Jack A. , Loock Hans-Peter
Published: February 2023

Compact interferometers based on waveguiding structures have found countless applications in refractive index measurements, chemical sensing, as well as temperature and pressure measurements. The most common fiber devices are based on Mach–Zehnder interferometry and Michelson interferometry—two design concepts that can readily be implemented using simple fiber optic components, such as mode splitters and combiners, fiber optic gratings, and fiber tapers, among others. Fiber interferometry can also be conducted based on the Sagnac effect and the Young (double-slit) interferometer. In this review, we examine and compare over 400 fiber optic interferometers as well as more than 60 fiber optic refractive sensors based on fiber optic cavities. Even though many of the devices show temperature-, strain-, and pressure-sensitivity, we focus our review on refractive index measurements, as these are the most common applications. Many devices were characterized by their inventors using their sensitivity to refractive index changes. While the sensitivity is an important characteristic of the device, it does not easily relate to the smallest resolvable refractive index change or the limit of detection when applied to chemical measurements. Instead, we propose here that one should use the figure of merit, which is defined through the refractive index sensitivity and the width of an interferometer fringe. Using simple assumptions, we were able to mathematically relate the sensitivity and the figure of merit to common design parameters, such as the length of the interferometer arms, the operating wavelength, refractive indices of the fiber and the sample, as well as an overlap parameter, which describes the fraction of the guided wave in the sensing arm that interacts with the sample. We determined this overlap parameter for each reviewed device from the reported interferograms. Our meta-analysis provides for the first time simple and easily applicable guidance to increase the figure of merit of fiber optic interferometers and fiber optic cavities with regard to their ability to detect small refractive index changes. A high figure of merit allows measuring very small refractive index changes such as those of gases at different pressures or of very dilute solutions.
Effect of the Gaussian distribution parameters of the electron beam generated at the target on the simulated x-ray dose
Authors: Assalmi Mustapha , Diaf EL Yamani
Published: February 2023

The purpose of this work was to investigate by Monte Carlo method the adjustment of photon beams delivered by the medical LINear ACcelerator (LINAC) Elekta Synergy MLCi2. This study presents an optimization of the Gaussian distribution parameters of the accelerated electrons before the target simulated by two Monte Carlo codes and for three beams. The photon (x-ray) beam is produced by the interaction of accelerated electrons with the LINAC target. The electrons are accelerated by a potential difference created between the anode and the cathode of the gun and directed towards the target. In the Monte Carlo simulation, it is necessary to setup the spectrum parameters of the generated electrons to simulate the x-ray dose distribution. In this study, we modeled the LINAC geometry for photon beams 18MV and 6MV in cases Flattened (FF) and Flattening-Filter-Free (FFF). The Monte Carlo simulations are based on G4Linac_MT and GATE codes. The results of the optimized configurations determined after more than 20 tests for each beam energy show a very good agreement with the experimental measurements for different irradiation fields for the depth (PDD) and lateral (Profile) dose distribution. In all Monte Carlo calculations performed in this study, the statistical uncertainty is less than 2%. The results were also in very good agreement in terms of γ-index analysis, for the 3%/3 mm and 2%/2 mm criteria.
Modeling resistance increase in a composite ink under cyclic loading
Authors: Li Q , Chung E , Antoniou A , Pierron O
Published: February 2023

The electrical performance of stretchable electronic inks degrades as they undergo cyclic deformation during use, posing a major challenge to their reliability. The experimental characterization of ink fatigue behavior can be a time-consuming process, and models allowing accurate resistance evolution and life estimates are needed. Here, a model is proposed for determining the electrical resistance evolution during cyclic loading of a screen-printed composite conductive ink. The model relies on two input specimen-characteristic curves, assumes a constant rate of normalized resistance increase for a given strain amplitude, and incorporates the effects of both mean strain and strain amplitude. The model predicts the normalized resistance evolution of a cyclic test with reasonable accuracy. The mean strain effects are secondary compared to strain amplitude, except for large strain amplitudes (>10%) and mean strains (>30%). A trace width effect is found for the fatigue behavior of 1 mm vs 2 mm wide specimens. The input specimen-characteristic curves are trace-width dependent, and the model predicts a decrease in N
f by a factor of up to 2 for the narrower trace width, in agreement with the experimental results. Two different methods are investigated to generate the rate of normalized resistance increase curves: uninterrupted fatigue tests (requiring ∼6–7 cyclic tests), and a single interrupted cyclic test (requiring only one specimen tested at progressively higher strain amplitude values). The results suggest that the initial decrease in normalized resistance rate only occurs for specimens with no prior loading. The minimum-rate curve is therefore recommended for more accurate fatigue estimates.
Electromagnetic simulation and microwave circuit approach of heat transport in superconducting qubits
Authors: Satrya Christoforus Dimas , Guthrie Andrew , Mäkinen Ilari K , Pekola Jukka P
Published: February 2023

The study of quantum heat transport in superconducting circuits is significant for further understanding the connection between quantum mechanics and thermodynamics, and for possible applications for quantum information. The first experimental realisations of devices demonstrating photonic heat transport mediated by a qubit have already been designed and measured. Motivated by the analysis of such experimental results, and for future experimental designs, we numerically evaluate the photonic heat transport of qubit-resonator devices in the linear circuit regime through electromagnetic simulations using Sonnet software, and compare with microwave circuit theory. We show that the method is a powerful tool to calculate heat transport and predict unwanted parasitic resonances and background.
Streamer and leader characterization in HFO1234ze(E) gas, in a divergent electric field
Authors: Soulié S , Bonifaci N , Lesaint O , Gentils F
Published: February 2023

Pre-breakdown phenomena in HFO1234ze-(E) gas, considered as a potential replacement of SF6 for medium voltage insulation, are studied in needle-plane electrode systems versus pressure (0.01 to 0.3 MPa) under positive impulse voltage. Measurements are also carried out in air and SF6 in the same conditions for comparison. At the lowest pressure in HFO, the propagation of fast streamers is observed. Above 0.03 MPa, breakdown is the consequence of the propagation of stepped leaders, with shapes and velocities nearly identical to those observed in SF6. Several leader features (minimum inception voltage, propagation length) show that leader formation and propagation is easier in HFO compared to SF6. In turn, this allow explaining why breakdown voltages in HFO are slightly lower than in SF6.
Neuromorphic deep spiking neural networks for seizure detection
Authors: Yang Yikai , Eshraghian Jason K , Duy Truong Nhan , Nikpour Armin , Kavehei Omid
Published: February 2023

The vast majority of studies that process and analyze neural signals are conducted on cloud computing resources, which is often necessary for the demanding requirements of deep neural network workloads. However, applications such as epileptic seizure detection stand to benefit from edge devices that can securely analyze sensitive medical data in a real-time and personalised manner. In this work, we propose a novel neuromorphic computing approach to seizure detection using a surrogate gradient-based deep spiking neural network (SNN), which consists of a novel spiking ConvLSTM unit. We have trained, validated, and rigorously tested the proposed SNN model across three publicly accessible datasets, including Boston Children’s Hospital–MIT (CHB-MIT) dataset from the U.S., and the Freiburg (FB) and EPILEPSIAE intracranial electroencephalogram datasets from Germany. The average leave-one-out cross-validation area under the curve score for FB, CHB-MIT and EPILEPSIAE datasets can reach 92.7

%

, 89.0

%

, and 81.1

%

, respectively, while the computational overhead and energy consumption are significantly reduced when compared to alternative state-of-the-art models, showing the potential for building an accurate hardware-friendly, low-power neuromorphic system. This is the first feasibility study using a deep SNN for seizure detection on several reliable public datasets.
Development of fuelling protocols for gaseous hydrogen vehicles: a key component for efficient and safe hydrogen mobility infrastructures
Authors: Xu Zhuang , Dong Wenping , Zhao Yuejing , Dong Hui , He Guangli
Published: February 2023

Large-scale applications of fuel-cell vehicles (FCVs) are of vital importance to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases in the transportation sector, especially in the heavy-duty and long-distance scenarios. Efficient fuelling for the on-board gaseous hydrogen cylinders of an FCV is essential to achieve a fuelling experience that is comparable to that of traditional fossil-fuel-powered vehicles. However, the heating effect during refuelling leads to potential safety issues when the hydrogen temperature in the cylinder exceeds 85°C. Therefore, fuelling protocols are critical to ensure the efficiency and safety of the hydrogen mobility infrastructure. In this paper, the fuelling protocols for FCV vans and buses with type III cylinders were developed and the pre-cooling temperatures were optimized to minimize the energy consumption. Their performance was demonstrated with a 35-MPa hydrogen fuelling station. We found that FCV vans and buses can be safely refuelled in 3 or 5 minutes at a minimum, respectively, demonstrating a fuelling experience that is similar to that of traditional vehicles.
Genome Report: Genome sequence of 1S1, a transformable and highly regenerable diploid potato for use as a model for gene editing and genetic engineering
Authors: Jayakody Thilani B , Hamilton John P , Jensen Jacob , Sikora Samantha , Wood Joshua C , Douches David S , Buell C Robin
Published: February 2023

Availability of readily transformable germplasm, as well as efficient pipelines for gene discovery are notable bottlenecks in the application of genome editing in potato. To study and introduce traits such as resistance against biotic and abiotic factors, tuber quality traits and self-fertility, model germplasm that is amenable to gene editing and regeneration is needed. Cultivated potato is a heterozygous autotetraploid and its genetic redundancy and complexity makes studying gene function challenging. Genome editing is simpler at the diploid level, with fewer allelic variants to consider. A readily transformable diploid potato would be further complemented by genomic resources that could aid in high throughput functional analysis. The heterozygous Solanum tuberosum Group Phureja clone 1S1 has a high regeneration rate, self-fertility, desirable tuber traits and is amenable to Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. We leveraged its amenability to Agrobacterium-mediated transformation to create a Cas9 constitutively expressing line for use in viral vector-based gene editing. To create a contiguous genome assembly, a homozygous doubled monoploid of 1S1 (DM1S1) was sequenced using 44 Gbp of long reads generated from Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT), yielding a 736 Mb assembly that encoded 31,145 protein-coding genes. The final assembly for DM1S1 represents a nearly complete genic space, shown by the presence of 99.6% of the genes in the Benchmarking Universal Single Copy Orthologs (BUSCO) set. Variant analysis with Illumina reads from 1S1 was used to deduce its alternate haplotype. These genetic and genomic resources provide a toolkit for applications of genome editing in both basic and applied research of potato.
Residual Central Nervous System Immune Activation Is Not Prevented by Antiretroviral Therapy Initiated During Early Chronic HIV Infection
Authors: Edén Arvid , Rydberg Frida , Yilmaz Aylin , Hagberg Lars , Gostner Johanna , Nilsson Staffan , Fuchs Dietmar , Gisslén Magnus
Published: February 2023

Background

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiated during acute infection can potentially impact the central nervous system (CNS) reservoir, but the differential long-term effects of ART initiation during early or late chronic infection are unknown.

Methods

We included neuroasymptomatic people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) with suppressive ART initiated during chronic (>1 year since transmission) HIV with archived cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum samples after 1 and/or ≥3 years of ART from a cohort study. CSF and serum neopterin was measured using a commercial immunoassay (BRAHMS, Germany).

Results

In total, 185 people with HIV (median, 79 [interquartile range, 55–128] months on ART) were included. A significant inverse correlation was found between CD4+ T-cell count and CSF neopterin only at baseline (r = −0.28, P = .002), but not after 1 (r = −0.026, P = .8) or ≥3 (r −0.063, P = .5) years of ART. No significant differences were seen in CSF or serum neopterin concentrations between different pretreatment CD4+ T-cell strata after 1 or ≥3 (median, 6.6) years of ART.

Conclusions

In people with HIV initiating ART during chronic infection, occurrence of residual CNS immune activation was not correlated with pretreatment immune status, even when treatment was initiated at high CD4+ T-cell counts, suggesting that the CNS reservoir, once established, is not differentially affected by the timing of ART initiation during chronic infection.
Impact of Age and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Breakthrough Infection on Humoral Immune Responses After Three Doses of Coronavirus Disease 2019 mRNA Vaccine
Authors: Mwimanzi Francis , Lapointe Hope R , Cheung Peter K , Sang Yurou , Yaseen Fatima , Kalikawe Rebecca , Datwani Sneha , Burns Laura , Young Landon , Leung Victor , Ennis Siobhan , Brumme Chanson J , Montaner Julio S G , Dong Winnie , Prystajecky Natalie , Lowe Christopher F , DeMarco Mari L , Holmes Daniel T , Simons Janet , Niikura Masahiro , Romney Marc G , Brumme Zabrina L , Brockman Mark A
Published: February 2023

Background

Longer-term immune response data after 3 doses of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mRNA vaccine remain limited, particularly among older adults and after Omicron breakthrough infection.

Methods

We quantified wild-type- and Omicron-specific serum immunoglobulin (Ig)G levels, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 displacement activities, and live virus neutralization up to 6 months after third dose in 116 adults aged 24–98 years who remained COVID-19 naive or experienced their first severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection during this time.

Results

Among the 78 participants who remained COVID-19 naive throughout follow up, wild-type- and Omicron-BA.1-specific IgG concentrations were comparable between younger and older adults, although BA.1-specific responses were consistently significantly lower than wild-type-specific responses in both groups. Wild-type- and BA.1-specific IgG concentrations declined at similar rates in COVID-19-naive younger and older adults, with median half-lives ranging from 69 to 78 days. Antiviral antibody functions declined substantially over time in COVID-19-naive individuals, particularly in older adults: by 6 months, BA.1-specific neutralization was undetectable in 96% of older adults, versus 56% of younger adults. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection, experienced by 38 participants, boosted IgG levels and neutralization above those induced by vaccination alone. Nevertheless, BA.1-specific neutralization remained significantly lower than wild-type, with BA.5-specific neutralization lower still. Higher Omicron BA.1-specific neutralization 1 month after third dose was an independent correlate of lower SARS-CoV-2 infection risk.

Conclusions

Results underscore the immune benefits of the third COVID-19 mRNA vaccine dose in adults of all ages and identify vaccine-induced Omicron-specific neutralization as a correlate of protective immunity. Systemic antibody responses and functions however, particularly Omicron-specific neutralization, decline rapidly in COVID-19-naive individuals, particularly in older adults, supporting the need for additional booster doses.
The entropy of galaxy spectra: how much information is encoded?
Authors: Ferreras Ignacio , Lahav Ofer , Somerville Rachel S , Silk Joseph
Published: February 2023

The inverse problem of extracting the stellar population content of galaxy spectra is analysed here from a basic standpoint based on information theory. By interpreting spectra as probability distribution functions, we find that galaxy spectra have high entropy, thus leading to a rather low effective information content. The highest variation in entropy is unsurprisingly found in regions that have been well studied for decades with the conventional approach. We target a set of six spectral regions that show the highest variation in entropy – the 4000 Å break being the most informative one. As a test case with real data, we measure the entropy of a set of high-quality spectra from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, and contrast entropy-based results with the traditional method based on line strengths. The data are classified into star-forming (SF), quiescent (Q), and active galactic nucleus (AGN) galaxies, and show – independently of any physical model – that AGN spectra can be interpreted as a transition between SF and Q galaxies, with SF galaxies featuring a more diverse variation in entropy. The high level of entanglement complicates the determination of population parameters in a robust, unbiased way, and affects traditional methods that compare models with observations, as well as machine learning (especially deep learning) algorithms that rely on the statistical properties of the data to assess the variations among spectra. Entropy provides a new avenue to improve population synthesis models so that they give a more faithful representation of real galaxy spectra.
Long-term weight changes are associated with initial weight changes after nonalcoholic fatty liver disease diagnosis
Authors: DiBattista Jacob V. , Lok Anna S. , Chen Vincent L.
Published: February 2023

Objectives:

Weight loss is the mainstay of treatment of NAFLD, but longitudinal data on weight changes and their impact on liver disease are limited. We aimed to characterize weight trajectory up to 5 years of follow-up, effects of weight loss on liver enzyme levels, and predictors of weight loss in NAFLD.

Methods:

This was a single-center retrospective study of consecutive patients with hepatic steatosis diagnosed on imaging, liver biopsy, or transient elastography between 2010 and 2020. The primary outcome was ≥5% weight change at 1–2 years. Secondary outcomes were weight change at 4–5 years and alanine aminotransferase level at 1–2 and 4–5 years. We conducted multivariable logistic regression to identify predictors of ≥5% weight loss at 1–2 years.

Results:

We included 11,559 patients with NAFLD. At year 1–2, 27% had ≥5% weight loss, whereas 26% had ≥5% weight gain. Total 59% and 68% of patients with weight loss and gain, respectively, sustained their weight change by year 4–5. Patients with weight loss at year 1–2 had lower alanine aminotransferase levels at year 1–2 and 4–5. Predictors of ≥5% weight loss included female sex, severe obesity, diabetes, and consultation with a dietitian or pharmacist.

Conclusions:

Over half of patients with NAFLD had ≥5% weight loss or gain within 1–2 years, and these changes were usually sustained at 4–5 years. Intensive intervention early after NAFLD diagnosis may result in long-term weight loss and decreased NAFLD disease activity.
Long-Term Outcomes After Autologous Intestinal Reconstructive Surgery in Children With Short Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Pajunen Sanni , Mutanen Annika , Kivisaari Reeta , Merras-Salmio Laura , Pakarinen Mikko P.
Published: February 2023

Objectives:

Autologous intestinal reconstructive (AIR) surgery is frequently utilized in the management of pediatric short bowel syndrome (SBS). However, little is known about the long-term sequela of these procedures.

Methods:

We undertook a retrospective follow-up study addressing parenteral nutrition (PN) dependence, nutritional status, intestinal morbidity, and related complications in SBS patients having undergone AIR surgery (SBS-AIR, n = 19). We compared results with conservatively treated control SBS patients (SBS-C, n = 45). Eligible patients were identified from our institutional intestinal failure registry during 1985–2019.

Results:

After median 11.4 follow-up years, 42% of SBS-AIR patients received PN in relation to 36% in SBS-C group (P = 0.6210), and overall PN duration was significantly longer (35.4 vs 10 months, P = 0.0004) in SBS-AIR group. Although symptoms of intestinal dysfunction improved in majority (62%) of patients after AIR surgery, their symptoms remained more frequent and severe at latest follow-up compared to SBS-C group (39% vs 5%, P = 0.0015). Although bacterial overgrowth was more frequent in SBS-AIR group (53% vs 24%, P = 0.0416), latest endoscopy findings and fecal calprotectin levels as well as occurrence of anastomotic/staple line ulcerations were comparable between groups. Histological liver steatosis (50% vs 18%, P = 0.042) and impaired bone health (26% vs 6.7%, P = 0.042) were more frequent in SBS-AIR patients.

Conclusions:

While AIR surgery improved gastrointestinal symptoms and transition to enteral autonomy in majority of patients, a noteworthy proportion of them continued to suffer from clinically significant intestinal dysfunction and related complications. Close long-term follow-up of pediatric AIR surgery patients is mandatory.
Clinical Course of Very Early-Onset Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Cucinotta Ugo , Arrigo Serena , Dipasquale Valeria , Gramaglia Simone Maria Calogero , Laganà Francesca , Romano Claudio , Gandullia Paolo
Published: February 2023

Objectives:

Data on the phenotypes and disease outcomes of very early-onset inflammatory bowel disease (VEO-IBD) are limited. The aims of this study were to describe the clinical features, outcomes, and treatment response of VEO-IBD patients and to compare them with later-onset pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (P-IBD) patients.

Methods:

All consecutive patients aged 0–6 years who were diagnosed with Crohn disease (CD), ulcerative colitis, or IBD unclassified (IBD-U) at 2 academic hospitals from 2010 to March 2021 were included. They were compared to sex-matched IBD patients aged 6–17 years.

Results:

Two hundred thirty-two patients were included, 78 (34%) with VEO-IBD and 154 (66%) with P-IBD. IBD-U was the most common diagnosis in the VEO-IBD group compared to P-IBD (28% vs 3%, P < 0.001), while CD was predominant in older children (27% vs 52%, P < 0.001). The VEO-IBD group showed lower rates of clinical remission after induction with steroids compared to older children (82% vs 93%, P = 0.01), higher rates of steroid resistance (14% vs 5%, P = 0.02), and steroid dependence (27% vs 8%, P < 0.001). The number of patients who started anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α agents was similar between the groups. Anti-TNF-α retention was lower in the VEO-IBD group at 1 and 2 years (59% vs 85%, P = 0.003; 16% vs 55%, P < 0.001, respectively). Surgical risk appeared to be higher for VEO-IBD (32% vs 14%, P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

When compared to P-IBD patients, patients with VEO-IBD may have a more severe disease course, a poorer response to steroids and anti-TNF-α agents, and require more frequent surgical procedures.
Assessing the performance of ChatGPT in answering questions regarding cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Yeo Yee Hui , Samaan Jamil S. , Ng Wee Han , Ting Peng-Sheng , Trivedi Hirsh , Vipani Aarshi , Ayoub Walid , Yang Ju Dong , Liran Omer , Spiegel Brennan , Kuo Alexander
Published: February 2023

Background

Patients with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) require extensive and personalized care to improve outcomes. ChatGPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer), a natural language processing model, holds potential to provide professional yet patient-friendly support.

Aim

Examining the accuracy and reproducibility of ChatGPT in answering questions regarding knowledge, management, and emotional support for cirrhosis and HCC.

Method

ChatGPT’s responses to 164 questions were independently graded by two transplant hepatologists and resolved by a third reviewer. The performance of ChatGPT was compared to physicians or trainees in two validated questionnaires. ChatGPT’s knowledge on cirrhosis care was tested using 26 quality measures of cirrhosis management. Finally, its emotional support capacity was tested.

Results

ChatGPT regurgitated extensive knowledge of cirrhosis and HCC, but for questions with correct responses, only a small proportion was labelled as comprehensive. The performance was better in basic knowledge, lifestyle, and treatment than in the domains of diagnosis and preventive medicine. For the quality measures, the model answered 76.9% of questions correctly but failed to specify decision-making cut-offs and treatment durations. Compared to physicians/trainees, ChatGPT lacked knowledge of regional guidelines variations, such as HCC screening criteria. However, it provided practical and multifaceted advice to patients and caregivers regarding the next steps and adjusting to a new diagnosis.

Conclusion

In summary, we analyzed the areas of robustness and limitations of ChatGPT’s responses on the management of cirrhosis and HCC and relevant emotional support. ChatGPT may have a role as an adjunct informational tool for patients and physicians to improve outcomes.

Conflict of Interest Disclosures

None declared.

Funding/Support

None

Ethics Approval

Since all responses from ChatGPT were publicly available, approval from the institutional review board was not sought.

Guarantors of article:

Dr. Kuo and Spiegel

Author Contributions

Concept and design: Yeo, Samaan, Spiegel, Kuo

Acquisition of data: Yeo, Samaan, Ng, Vipani

Data review: Ting, Trivedi, Kuo

Statistical analysis: Yeo

Drafting of the manuscript: Yeo, Samaan, Ng

Critical revision of the manuscript: All authors
A unifying model for discordant and concordant results in human neuroimaging studies of facial viewpoint selectivity
Authors: Revsine Cambria , Gonzalez-Castillo Javier , Merriam Elisha P , Bandettini Peter A , Ramírez Fernando M
Published: February 2023

Our ability to recognize faces regardless of viewpoint is a key property of the primate visual system. Traditional theories hold that facial viewpoint is represented by view-selective mechanisms at early visual processing stages and that representations become increasingly tolerant to viewpoint changes in higher-level visual areas. Newer theories, based on single-neuron monkey electrophysiological recordings, suggest an additional intermediate processing stage invariant to mirror-symmetric face views. Consistent with traditional theories, human studies combining neuroimaging and multivariate pattern analysis (MVPA) methods have provided evidence of view-selectivity in early visual cortex. However, contradictory results have been reported in higher-level visual areas concerning the existence in humans of mirror-symmetrically tuned representations. We believe these results reflect low-level stimulus confounds and data analysis choices. To probe for low-level confounds, we analyzed images from two popular face databases. Analyses of mean image luminance and contrast revealed biases across face views described by even polynomials—i.e., mirror-symmetric. To explain major trends across human neuroimaging studies of viewpoint selectivity, we constructed a network model that incorporates three biological constraints: cortical magnification, convergent feedforward projections, and interhemispheric connections. Given the identified low-level biases, we show that a gradual increase of interhemispheric connections across network layers is sufficient to replicate findings of mirror-symmetry in high-level processing stages, as well as view-tuning in early processing stages. Data analysis decisions—pattern dissimilarity measure and data recentering—accounted for the variable observation of mirror-symmetry in late processing stages. The model provides a unifying explanation of MVPA studies of viewpoint selectivity. We also show how common analysis choices can lead to erroneous conclusions.
Force generation in the coiling tendrils ofPassiflora caerulea
Authors: Klimm Frederike , Speck Thomas , Thielen Marc
Published: February 2023

Tendrils of climbing plants coil along their length and thus form a striking helical spring and generate tensional forces. We have found that, for tendrils of the passion flowerPassiflora caerulea, the generated force lies in the range of 6-140 mN, which is sufficient to lash the plant tightly to its substrate. Further, we revealed that the generated force strongly correlates with the water status of the plant. By combining force measurements with anatomical investigations and dehydration-rehydration experiments on both entire tendril segments and isolated lignified tissues, we are able to propose a two-phasic principle of spring formation: First, during the free coiling phase, the tendril coiling is based on the active contraction of a fiber ribbon in interaction with the surrounding parenchyma as resistance layer. Second, in a stabilization phase, the entire center of the coiled tendril lignifies, stiffening the spring and securing its function independent of hydration status.
Inversely regulated immune-related processes mediate anxiety-obesity links in zebrafish
Authors: Yehuda Hila , Madrer Nimrod , Goldberg Doron , Soreq Hermona , Meerson Ari
Published: February 2023

Anxiety disorders often associate with metabolic impairments, but the underlying developmental and molecular mechanisms are yet unknown. To seek RNAs that may link anxiety and obesity, we subjected RNA from zebrafish larvae of a caffeine-induced anxiety model and a high fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity model to RNA-sequencing. We found differentially expressed genes in the larval anxiety and obesity models, including long noncoding RNAs and transfer fragment RNAs. Surprisingly, they were inversely regulated and comprised overrepresentation of immune system pathways, e.g., interleukin signaling and inflammation. Similarly, inverse regulation persisted in adulthood, but with different overrepresented immune system processes, e.g., T cell activation, leukocyte cell-cell adhesion and antigen processing and presentation. Furthermore, unlike the known link in adult zebrafish, obesity in zebrafish larvae was not accompanied by anxiety-like behavior. These results may reflect an antagonistic pleiotropic phenomenon involving re-adjusted modulation of the anxiety-metabolic links with the immune system. Furthermore, the HFD potential to normalize the anxiety-upregulated immune-related genes may explain previously reported protective roles of high fat diet in rodent anxiety and Alzheimer’s disease models.
Palmitoyl transferase ZDHHC20 promotes pancreatic cancer metastasis
Authors: Tomić Goran , Sheridan Clare , Refermat Alice Y. , Baggelaar Marc P. , Sipthorp James , Sudarshan Bhuvana , Ocasio Cory A. , Suárez-Bonnet Alejandro , Priestnall Simon L. , Herbert Eleanor , Tate Edward W. , Downward Julian
Published: February 2023

Metastasis is one of the defining features of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) that contributes to poor prognosis. In this study, the palmitoyl transferase ZDHHC20 was identified in anin vivoshRNA screen as critical for metastatic outgrowth, with no effect on proliferation and migrationin vitro, or primary PDAC growth in mice. This phenotype is abrogated in immunocompromised animals, and in animals with depleted natural killer (NK) cells, indicating that ZDHHC20 affects the interaction of tumour cells and the innate immune system. Using a chemical genetics platform for ZDHHC20-specific substrate profiling, a number of novel substrates of this enzyme were identified. These results describe a role for palmitoylation in enabling distant metastasis that could not have been detected usingin vitroscreening approaches and identify potential effectors through which ZDHHC20 promotes metastasis of PDAC.
Aquaporin-4 mediated aggregation of Alzheimer’s amyloid β-peptide
Authors: Maroli Nikhil
Published: February 2023

Clearance of Alzheimer’s amyloid oligomers from the brain is crucial for preventing cell toxicity. Dementia complications arise as a result of apoptosis, which is caused by peptide plaques on the lipid surface of cells. Here, we employed all-atom and coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the aggregation of amyloid peptides at the lipid surface and the role of the Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) in facilitating peptide clearance from astrocytes. The network of protein-protein interactions through text mining revealed that the expression of AQP4 and amyloid aggregation were strongly correlated. It has also been revealed that the role of aquaporins in the etiology of Alzheimer’s involves several interconnected proteins and pathways. The nature of aggregation at the surface of the 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC) lipid bilayer was revealed by the interaction of amyloid oligomers. The membrane-bound pore region of AQP4 interacts with the peptide and slows its aggregation. This interaction maintains the helical content of the peptide while lowering its toxicity at the lipid surface. The hydrophobicity of the peptide also decreased because of these interactions, which may help in the removal of the peptide from astrocytes. Long-term coarse-grained MD simulations demonstrated different features of oligomer aggregation at the surface and strong oligomer attraction to AQP4, which inhibited aggregation. Additionally, the water dynamics of aquaporins demonstrate how the selectivity filter is broken to disrupt water flow. Our findings also provide insight into the physiological alterations in brain tissue associated with Alzheimer’s disease, including water retention and increased water flow in the CSF. Furthermore, in vitro thioflavin fluorescence spectroscopy revealed a slower aggregation of the peptide in the presence of AQP4.
Lower-limb Nonparametric Functional Muscle Network: Test-retest Reliability Analysis
Authors: O’Keeffe Rory , Yang Jinghui , Mehrdad Sarmad , Rao Smita , Atashzar S. Farokh
Published: February 2023

Objective

Functional muscle network analysis has attracted a great deal of interest in recent years, promising high sensitivity to changes of intermuscular synchronicity, studied mostly for healthy subjects and recently for patients living with neurological conditions (e.g., those caused by stroke). Despite the promising results, the between- and within-session reliability of the functional muscle network measures are yet to be established. Here, for the first time, we question and evaluate the test-retest reliability of non-parametric lower-limb functional muscle networks for controlled and lightly-controlled tasks, i.e., sit-to-stand, and over-the-ground walking, respectively, in healthy subjects.

Method

Fifteen subjects (eight females) were included over two sessions on two different days. The muscle activity was recorded using 14 surface electromyography (sEMG) sensors. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of the within-session and between-session trials was quantified for the various network metrics, including degree and weighted clustering coefficient. In order to compare with common classical sEMG measures, the reliabilities of the root mean square (RMS) of sEMG and the median frequency (MDF) of sEMG were also calculated.

Results

The ICC analysis revealed superior between-session reliability for muscle networks, with statistically significant differences when compared to classic measures.

Conclusion and Significance

This paper proposed that the topographical metrics generated from functional muscle network can be reliably used for multi-session observations securing high reliability for quantifying the distribution of synergistic intermuscular synchronicities of both controlled and lightly controlled lower limb tasks. In addition, the low number of sessions required by the topographical network metrics to reach reliable measurements indicates the potential as biomarkers during rehabilitation.
Ketamine’s pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions with anticonvulsants, and their implications for psychiatry: A scoping review protocol
Authors: Stein Hans-Christian , Strawbridge Rebecca , Silman Daniel , Carmellini Pietro , Young Allan H. , Juruena Mario F.
Published: February 2023

Considering the ever-increasing use of ketamine as a rapid-acting and efficacious agent for difficult-to-treat affective disorders, it is paramount that clinicians understand pharmacological interactions between ketamine and other drugs commonly used in unipolar and bipolar depression. Anticonvulsants appear of particular interest in this context, as some (valproate, lamotrigine, carbamazepine, pregabalin, gabapentin) are widely employed as mood-stabilisers and/or anxiolytics, while others are still commonly encountered due to the significant comorbidity between affective disorders and epilepsy.

This is the protocol for a scoping review aiming to comprehensively collect evidence regarding pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic interactions between ketamine (and its enantiomers) and anticonvulsants. Our review was designed in accordance with the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, ProQuest andClinicalTrials.govwill be searched for relevant papers. Primary and non-primary research of any design will be included to ensure comprehensiveness. All data will be synthetised and presented in narrative form. We anticipate that our results will provide useful insight for clinicians and highlight gaps in knowledge that may be explored in future research.