bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimated impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the prevalence and treatment of depressive symptoms in Peru: an interrupted time series analysis in 2014–2021
Authors: Villarreal-Zegarra David , Reátegui-Rivera C. Mahony , Otazú-Alfaro Sharlyn , Yantas-Alcantara Gloria , Soto-Becerra Percy , Melendez-Torres G. J.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic increased the burden of mental disorders worldwide. Peru has been one of the countries most affected by COVID-19, however, studies evaluating the medium and long-term consequences of the pandemic on Peruvians’ mental health are recent and represent a new field of study in proliferation. We aimed to estimate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the prevalence and treatment of depressive symptoms using nationally representative surveys in Peru.

Methods

Our study is an analysis of secondary data. We carried out a time series cross-sectional analysis based on the National Demographic and Health Survey of Peru, collected using a complex sampling design. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 was used to measure mild (5–9 points), moderate (10–14 points), and severe (15 points or more) depressive symptoms. The participants were men and women aged 15 years and older, living in urban and rural areas of all regions of Peru. The main statistical analysis used segmented regression with Newey-West standard errors, taking into account that each year of the evaluation was divided into four measures (quarter measure).

Results

We included 259,516 participants. An average quarterly increase of 0.17% (95% CI 0.03–0.32%) in the prevalence of moderate depressive symptoms was identified after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic (approximately an increase of 1583 new cases of moderate depressive symptoms by each quarter). The percentage of cases treated for mild depressive symptoms increased quarterly by an average of 0.46% (95% CI 0.20–0.71%) after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic (approximately an increase of 1242 new cases treated for mild depressive symptoms by each quarter).

Conclusion

In Peru, increases in the prevalence of moderate depressive symptoms and the proportion of cases treated with mild depressive symptoms were found after the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, this study is a precedent for future research assessing the prevalence of depressive symptoms and the proportion of cases receiving treatment during the pandemic and post-pandemic years.
Parental mental disorders and offspring schizotypy in middle childhood: an intergenerational record linkage study
Authors: O’Hare Kirstie , Laurens Kristin R. , Watkeys Oliver , Tzoumakis Stacy , Dean Kimberlie , Harris Felicity , Linscott Richard J. , Carr Vaughan J. , Green Melissa J.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

To investigate relationships between distinct schizotypy risk profiles in childhood and the full spectrum of parental mental disorders.

Methods

Participants were 22,137 children drawn from the New South Wales Child Development Study, for whom profiles of risk for schizophrenia-spectrum disorders in middle childhood (age ~ 11 years) were derived in a previous study. A series of multinomial logistic regression analyses examined the likelihood of child membership in one of three schizotypy profiles (true schizotypy, introverted schizotypy, and affective schizotypy) relative to the children showing no risk, according to maternal and paternal diagnoses of seven types of mental disorders.

Results

All types of parental mental disorders were associated with membership in all childhood schizotypy profiles. Children in the true schizotypy group were more than twice as likely as children in the no risk group to have a parent with any type of mental disorder (unadjusted odds ratio [OR] = 2.27, 95% confidence intervals [CI] = 2.01–2.56); those in the affective (OR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.42–1.67) and introverted schizotypy profiles (OR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.29–1.51) were also more likely to have been exposed to any parental mental disorder, relative to children showing no risk.

Conclusion

Childhood schizotypy risk profiles appear not to be related specifically to familial liability for schizophrenia-spectrum disorders; this is consistent with a model where liability for psychopathology is largely general rather than specific to particular diagnostic categories.
Association of child neurodevelopmental or behavioural problems with maternal unemployment in a population-based birth cohort
Authors: Amaro Joana , Costa Raquel , Popovic Maja , Maule Milena Maria , Mehlum Ingrid Sivesind , Lucas Raquel
Published: March 2023

Purpose

To estimate associations between suspected or diagnosed neurodevelopmental or behavioural problems in 7-year-old children and maternal unemployment at child age 7 and 10, in a Portuguese birth cohort.

Methods

We evaluated 5754 mothers and their children of the population-based birth cohort Generation XXI in Porto, Portugal. Data on suspected and diagnosed child neurodevelopmental and behavioural problems (exposures)—learning, attention and language problems, externalising behaviours, developmental delay, autism spectrum disorders, and other neurodevelopmental problems—were retrieved at 7 years of age by interviewing caregivers. Maternal employment status (outcome) was collected at the 7- and 10-year follow-up waves. Robust Poisson regression models were used to estimate associations.

Results

After adjustment for maternal and household characteristics, women were more likely to be unemployed at child age 10 if the child had, up to age 7, any of the following suspected problems: an autism spectrum disorder (PR = 1.73; 95% CI 1.07, 2.79), developmental delay (PR = 1.58; 95% CI 1.20, 2.06), externalising behaviours (PR = 1.29; 95% CI 1.11, 1.50) or learning problems (PR = 1.26; 95% CI 1.07, 1.48). When the exposure was restricted to clinically diagnosed disorders, the magnitude of associations remained similar but estimates were less precise. Associations with unemployment were stronger at child age 10 (prospective analyses), than at child age 7 (cross-sectional).

Conclusion

Having a child with learning, developmental or behavioural problems, or an autism spectrum disorder up to age 7 was associated with maternal unemployment three years later, even in a less affluent European economy where the dual-earner family structure is often necessary to make ends meet.
A continuous model for connectivity constraints in topology optimization
Authors: Donoso Alberto , Aranda Ernesto , Ruiz David
Published: March 2023

The aim of this work is to present a continuos mathematical model that characterizes and enforces connectivity in a topology optimization problem. That goal is accomplished by constraining the second eigenvalue of an auxiliary eigenproblem, solved together with the governing state law in each step of the iterative process. Our density-based approach is illustrated with 2d and 3d numerical examples in the context of structural design.
High variation among clinical studies in the assessment of physical function after knee replacement: a systematic review
Authors: Adriani Marco , Becker Roland , Milano Giuseppe , Lachowski Krzysztof , Prill Robert
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to summarise the current use of outcome measures for the assessment of physical function after knee joint replacement.

Methods

A systematic approach following the PRISMA guidelines was used. Literature search was performed on MEDLINE database via PubMed and on Epistemonikos. Clinical trials (level of evidence I-II) on knee joint replacement reporting data on the ‘physical function’ domain published between January 2017 and June 2022 were included. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the evidence.

Results

In the 181 articles that met the inclusion criteria, 49 different outcome measurements were used to evaluate clinical outcomes after knee joint replacement. The most frequently adopted patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were the Knee Society Score (KSS) (78 studies; 43.1%), the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) Arthritis Index (62 studies; 34.3%), the Oxford Knee Score (OKS) (51 studies; 28.2%) and the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) (36 studies; 20%). The most frequently used performance-based outcome measures (PBOMs) were the Timed-Up-and-Go (TUG) test (30 studies; 16.6%) and the 6-min-walk test (6MWT) (21 studies; 11.6%). Among impairment-based outcome measures (IBOMs), range of motion (ROM) was the most used (74 studies; 40.9%).

Conclusion

There is considerable variation among clinical studies regarding the assessment of the physical function of patients after knee joint replacement. PROMs were found to be the most commonly adopted outcome measures; however, no single PROM was used in more than half of the papers analysed.

Level of evidence

Level II, systematic review of level I-II studies.
Generation of rule-adhering robot programs for aluminium welding automatically from CAD
Authors: Tran Tuan Anh , Njåstad Eirik Bjørndal , Midling Ole Terje , Bjelland Morten , Lobov Andrei
Published: March 2023

This paper presents a method to automatically generate robot welding programs from CAD to address the ever-constant demand for product customisation. Furthermore, to ensure that proper welding operations and structural integrity are met, the generated programs also consider the welding conditions and requirements. These welding conditions and requirements are defined by the weld direction and face relative to gravity and surrounding geometry, which has not been observed in the present research sphere. To achieve this, the approach leverages information that can be extracted from a topological analysis of tessellated geometry local to the weld joint in conjunction with available CAD API functions. Finally, an implementation of the method using Siemens NX and the Robotics Toolbox for Python is presented and tested on three geometrically different node configurations and a stiffener piece provided by industrial collaborators. In all, the proposed system was able to correctly generate programs adhering to allowed welding operations as long as a solution existed. For the more complex node configurations (which require reorientation when welded by humans), 32 weld path programs out of 42 were generated based on the given criteria. For the least complex node, a total of 20 out of 24 were generated with the same criteria. All 14 weld programs were generated for the stiffener representation.
Fluid topology optimization and additive manufacturing of a liquid atomizer using an extensive number of grid points
Authors: Yonekura Kazuo , Hattori Hitoshi , Nishizu Takafumi
Published: March 2023

Additive manufacturing (AM) can fabricate complicated shapes and is useful when manufacturing topology optimized shapes. Fluid parts often consists of three dimensional curves that are suitable for AM fabrication. However, the application of fluid topology optimization and AM has not been investigated yet. However, modeling and solving an optimization problem have not been investigated for a real industrial fluid topology optimization problem of AM parts with tiny channels, i.e., a liquid atomizer which is equipped with an aero-engine fuel injector. In order to reduce computation time, which is an important issue in real industrial problem, the instantaneous sensitivity approximation method is used as a topology optimization method. The optimized part exhibited a reduction in pressure loss compared to that of a conventional part.
A model-based ultrametric composite indicator for studying waste management in Italian municipalities
Authors: Cavicchia Carlo , Sarnacchiaro Pasquale , Vichi Maurizio , Zaccaria Giorgia
Published: March 2023

A Composite Indicator (CI) is a useful tool to synthesize information on a multidimensional phenomenon and make policy decisions. Multidimensional phenomena are often modeled by hierarchical latent structures that reconstruct relationships between variables. In this paper, we propose an exploratory, simultaneous model for building a hierarchical CI system to synthesize a multidimensional phenomenon and analyze its several facets. The proposal, called the Ultrametric Composite Indicator (UCI) model, reconstructs the hierarchical relationships among manifest variables detected by the correlation matrix via an extended ultrametric correlation matrix. The latter has the feature of being one-to-one associated with a hierarchy of latent concepts. Furthermore, the proposal introduces a test to unravel relevant dimensions in the hierarchy and retain statistically significant higher-level CIs. A simulation study is illustrated to compare the proposal with other existing methodologies. Finally, the UCI model is applied to study Italian municipalities’ behavior toward waste management and to provide a tool to guide their councils in policy decisions.
Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy mesh excision step-by-step
Authors: Mohr Stefan , Imboden Sara , Mueller Michael D. , Kuhn Annette
Published: March 2023

Introduction and hypothesis

The objective was to demonstrate the surgical procedure of laparoscopic mesh removal after sacrocolpopexy to aid clinicians facing mesh complications.

Methods

Video footage shows the laparoscopic management of mesh failure and mesh erosion after sacrocolpopexy with narrated video sequences of two patients.

Results

Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy represents the gold standard in advanced prolapse repair. Mesh complications occur infrequently but infections, failure of prolapse repair and mesh erosions necessitate mesh removal and repeat sacrocolpopexy if applicable.

The video deals with two women referred to our tertiary referral urogynecology unit in the University Women’s Hospital of Bern, Switzerland, after laparoscopic sacrocolpopexies that were carried out in remote hospitals. Both patients were asymptomatic more than 1 year after surgery.

Conclusions

Complete mesh removal after sacrocolpopexy and repeat prolapse surgery can be challenging but is feasible and is aimed at improving patients’ complaints and symptoms.
Hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) causes seizure activity in larval zebrafish via antagonism of γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptor α1β2γ2
Authors: Mundy Paige C. , Werner Alicia , Singh Latika , Singh Vikrant , Mendieta Rosalia , Patullo Caitlyn E. , Wulff Heike , Lein Pamela J.
Published: March 2023

Hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine, or Royal Demolition Explosive (RDX), is a major component of plastic explosives such as C-4. Acute exposures from intentional or accidental ingestion are a documented clinical concern, especially among young male U.S. service members in the armed forces. When ingested in large enough quantity, RDX causes tonic–clonic seizures. Previous in silico and in vitro experiments predict that RDX causes seizures by inhibiting α1β2γ2 γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptor-mediated chloride currents. To determine whether this mechanism translates in vivo, we established a larval zebrafish model of RDX-induced seizures. After a 3 h of exposure to 300 µM RDX, larval zebrafish exhibited a significant increase in motility in comparison to vehicle controls. Researchers blinded to experimental group manually scored a 20-min segment of video starting at 3.5 h post-exposure and found significant seizure behavior that correlated with automated seizure scores. Midazolam (MDZ), an nonselective GABAAR positive allosteric modulator (PAM), and a combination of Zolpidem (α1 selective PAM) and compound 2-261 (β2/3-selective PAM) were effective in mitigating RDX-triggered behavioral and electrographic seizures. These findings confirm that RDX induces seizure activity via inhibition of the α1β2γ2 GABAAR and support the use of GABAAR-targeted anti-seizure drugs for the treatment of RDX-induced seizures.
Rates of Convergence to Non-degenerate Asymptotic Profiles for Fast Diffusion via Energy Methods
Authors: Akagi Goro
Published: March 2023

This paper is concerned with a quantitative analysis of asymptotic behaviors of (possibly sign-changing) solutions to the Cauchy–Dirichlet problem for the fast diffusion equation posed on bounded domains with Sobolev subcritical exponents. More precisely, rates of convergence to non-degenerate asymptotic profiles are revealed via an energy method. The sharp rate of convergence to positive ones was recently discussed by Bonforte and Figalli (Commun Pure Appl Math 74:744-789, 2021) based on an entropy method. An alternative proof for their result is also provided. Furthermore, the dynamics of fast diffusion flows with changing signs is discussed more specifically under concrete settings; in particular, exponential stability of some sign-changing asymptotic profiles is proved in dumbbell domains for initial data with certain symmetry.
Threshold for the expected measure of random polytopes
Authors: Brazitikos Silouanos , Giannopoulos Apostolos , Pafis Minas
Published: March 2023

Let $$\mu $$
μ
be a log-concave probability measure on $${\mathbb R}^n$$

R

n

and for any $$N>n$$

N
>
n

consider the random polytope $$K_N=\textrm{conv}\{X_1,\ldots ,X_N\}$$

K
N

=
conv

{

X
1

,
…
,

X
N

}

, where $$X_1,X_2,\ldots $$

X
1

,

X
2

,
…

are independent random points in $${\mathbb R}^n$$

R

n

distributed according to $$\mu $$
μ
. We study the question if there exists a threshold for the expected measure of $$K_N$$

K
N

. Our approach is based on the Cramer transform $$\Lambda _{\mu }^{*}$$

Λ

μ

∗

of $$\mu $$
μ
. We examine the existence of moments of all orders for $$\Lambda _{\mu }^{*}$$

Λ

μ

∗

and establish, under some conditions, a sharp threshold for the expectation $${\mathbb {E}}_{\mu ^N}[\mu (K_N)]$$

E

μ
N

[
μ

(

K
N

)

]

of the measure of $$K_N$$

K
N

: it is close to 0 if $$\ln N\ll {\mathbb {E}}_{\mu }(\Lambda _{\mu }^{*})$$

ln
N
≪

E
μ

(

Λ

μ

∗

)

and close to 1 if $$\ln N\gg {\mathbb {E}}_{\mu }(\Lambda _{\mu }^{*})$$

ln
N
≫

E
μ

(

Λ

μ

∗

)

. The main condition is that the parameter $$\beta (\mu )=\textrm{Var}_{\mu }(\Lambda _{\mu }^{*})/({\mathbb {E}}_{\mu }(\Lambda _{\mu }^{*}))^2$$

β

(
μ
)

=

Var
μ

(

Λ

μ

∗

)

/

(

E
μ

(

Λ

μ

∗

)

)

2

should be small.
Outcomes of high-risk adult outpatients treated with early remdesivir therapy during the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) omicron era: experiences from the national centre of Hungary
Authors: Gáspár Zsófia , Szabó Bálint Gergely , Ábrahám Anita , Várnai Zsuzsanna , Kiss-Dala Noémi , Szlávik János , Sinkó János , Vályi-Nagy István , Lakatos Botond
Published: March 2023

Emerging evidence suggests that remdesivir might improve clinical outcome of high-risk outpatients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Our aim was to evaluate characteristics and outcomes of nonhospitalised adults diagnosed with COVID-19 and treated with early remdesivir therapy during the omicron wave. A single-centre prospective cohort study was performed among adult patients between February and June 2022, during the circulation of phylogenetic assignment of named global outbreak (PANGO) subvariants BA.2, BA.4, and BA.5 in Hungary. Patients were enrolled based on pre-defined criteria. Clinical characteristics (demography, comorbidities, vaccination status, imaging, treatment, and disease course) and outcomes (COVID-19 related hospitalisation, oxygen supplementation, intensive care support, and all-cause death) were assessed at 28 days post-treatment. A subgroup analysis of patients with and without active haematological malignancies was also carried out. Altogether, 127 patients were enrolled: 51.2% (65/127) were female with a median age of 59 (IQR: 22, range: 21‒92) years, and 48.8% (62/127) had active haematological malignancy. At 28 days post-treatment, 7.1% (9/127) of patients required COVID-19-related hospitalisation, 2.4% (3/127) required oxygen supplementation, 1.6% (2/127) required intensive care, and 0.8% (1/127) died due to a non-COVID-19-related secondary infection at the intensive care unit, all with haematological malignancies. Early remdesivir treatment might be a feasible strategy among high-risk outpatients with COVID-19 during the omicron wave.
Quantum Brascamp–Lieb Dualities
Authors: Berta Mario , Sutter David , Walter Michael
Published: March 2023

Brascamp–Lieb inequalities are entropy inequalities which have a dual formulation as generalized Young inequalities. In this work, we introduce a fully quantum version of this duality, relating quantum relative entropy inequalities to matrix exponential inequalities of Young type. We demonstrate this novel duality by means of examples from quantum information theory—including entropic uncertainty relations, strong data-processing inequalities, super-additivity inequalities, and many more. As an application we find novel uncertainty relations for Gaussian quantum operations that can be interpreted as quantum duals of the well-known family of ‘geometric’ Brascamp–Lieb inequalities.
Performance on the balloon analogue risk task and anticipatory response inhibition task is associated with severity of impulse control behaviours in people with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Hall Alison , Weightman Matthew , Jenkinson Ned , MacDonald Hayley J.
Published: March 2023

Dopamine agonist medication is one of the largest risk factors for development of problematic impulse control behaviours (ICBs) in people with Parkinson’s disease. The present study investigated the potential of dopamine gene profiling and individual performance on impulse control tasks to explain ICB severity. Clinical, genetic and task performance data were entered into a mixed-effects linear regression model for people with Parkinson’s disease taking (n = 50) or not taking (n = 25) dopamine agonist medication. Severity of ICBs was captured via the Questionnaire for Impulsive-compulsive disorders in Parkinson’s disease Rating Scale. A cumulative dopamine genetic risk score (DGRS) was calculated for each participant from variance in five dopamine-regulating genes. Objective measures of impulsive action and impulsive choice were measured on the Anticipatory Response Inhibition Task and Balloon Analogue Risk Task, respectively. For participants on dopamine agonist medication, task performance reflecting greater impulsive choice (p = 0.014), and to a trend level greater impulsive action (p = 0.056), as well as a longer history of DA medication (p < 0.001) all predicted increased ICB severity. DGRS however, did not predict ICB severity (p = 0.708). No variables could explain ICB severity in the non-agonist group. Our task-derived measures of impulse control have the potential to predict ICB severity in people with Parkinson’s and warrant further investigation to determine whether they can be used to monitor ICB changes over time. The DGRS appears better suited to predicting the incidence, rather than severity, of ICBs on agonist medication.
Embodied decision biases: individually stable across different tasks?
Authors: Grießbach Eric , Raßbach Philipp , Herbort Oliver , Cañal-Bruland Rouwen
Published: March 2023

In everyday life, action and decision-making often run in parallel. Action-based models argue that action and decision-making strongly interact and, more specifically, that action can bias decision-making. This embodied decision bias is thought to originate from changes in motor costs and/or cognitive crosstalk. Recent research confirmed embodied decision biases for different tasks including walking and manual movements. Yet, whether such biases generalize within individuals across different tasks remains to be determined. To test this, we used two different decision-making tasks that have independently been shown to reliably produce embodied decision biases. In a within-participant design, participants performed two tasks in a counterbalanced fashion: (i) a walking paradigm for which it is known that motor costs systematically influence reward decisions, and (ii) a manual movement task in which motor costs and cognitive crosstalk have been shown to impact reward decisions. In both tasks, we successfully replicated the predicted embodied decision biases. However, there was no evidence that the strength of the biases correlated between tasks. Hence, our findings do not confirm that embodied decision biases transfer between tasks. Future research is needed to examine whether this lack of transfer may be due to different causes underlying the impact of motor costs on decisions and the impact of cognitive crosstalk or task-specific differences.
Advancing Use of DEXA Scans to Quantitatively and Qualitatively Evaluate Lateral Spinal Curves, for Preliminary Identification of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: Ng P. T. T. , Straker L. , Tucker K. , Izatt M. T. , Claus A.
Published: March 2023

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan is an emerging screening method for identifying likely adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Using DEXA in an unbiased population sample (the Raine Study), we aimed to report the inter-rater reliability and minimal detectable change (MDC95) for scoliosis curve angle measurement, identify likely AIS prevalence, and the concordance between reported AIS diagnosis and DEXA-identified likely AIS. Scoliosis curve angles were measured using the modified Ferguson method on DEXA scans (n = 1238) at age 20 years. For curve angle inter-rater reliability, two examiners measured angles (6–40°) on 41 scans. Likely, AIS was determined with quantitative and qualitative criteria (modified Ferguson angles ≥ 10° and expert review of spinal curves).The inter-rater reliability for scoliosis curve angle measurement was good–excellent (ICC: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.71–0.89; p < 0.001), and MDC95 was 6.2°. The prevalence of likely AIS was 2.1% (26/1238). Diagnosis of AIS was reported despite little or no scoliosis curve (< 3.8°) for 20 participants (1.6%), and diagnosis of AIS was not reported despite scoliosis curve ≥ 10° for 11 participants (0.9%). Results support the use of modified Ferguson method to measure scoliosis curve angles on DEXA. There is potential utility for using a combination of quantitative measurement and qualitative criteria to evaluate DEXA images, to identify likely AIS for reporting prevalence. Without formal school screening, the analysis of DEXA in this population sample suggested that relying on current health professional diagnosis alone could result in 2.5% of this cohort being at risk of false positive diagnosis or delay in necessary management due to non-diagnosis of AIS.
Association between computed tomography perfusion and the effect of intravenous alteplase prior to endovascular treatment in acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Hoving Jan W. , van Voorst Henk , Peerlings Daan , Daems Jasper D. , Koopman Miou S. , Wouters Anke , Kappelhof Manon , LeCouffe Natalie E. , Treurniet Kilian M. , Bruggeman Agnetha A. E. , Rinkel Leon A. , van den Wijngaard Ido R. , Coutinho Jonathan M. , van der Lugt Aad , Marquering Henk A. , Roos Yvo B. W. E. M. , Majoie Charles B. L. M. , Emmer Bart J. ,   on behalf of the MR CLEAN-NO IV Investigators
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Intravenous alteplase (IVT) prior to endovascular treatment (EVT) is neither superior nor noninferior to EVT alone in acute ischemic stroke patients. We aim to assess whether the effect of IVT prior to EVT differs according to CT perfusion (CTP)–based imaging parameters.

Methods

In this retrospective post hoc analysis, we included patients from the MR CLEAN-NO IV with available CTP data. CTP data were processed using syngo.via (version VB40). We performed multivariable logistic regression to obtain the effect size estimates (adjusted common odds ratio a[c]OR) on 90-day functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale [mRS]) and functional independence (mRS 0-2) for CTP parameters with two-way multiplicative interaction terms between IVT administration and the studied parameters.

Results

In 227 patients, median CTP-estimated core volume was 13 (IQR 5–35) mL. The treatment effect of IVT prior to EVT on outcome was not altered by CTP-estimated ischemic core volume, penumbral volume, mismatch ratio, and presence of a target mismatch profile. None of the CTP parameters was significantly associated with functional outcome after adjusting for confounders.

Conclusion

In directly admitted patients with limited CTP-estimated ischemic core volumes who presented within 4.5 h after symptom onset, CTP parameters did not statistically significantly alter the treatment effect of IVT prior to EVT. Further studies are needed to confirm these results in patients with larger core volumes and more unfavorable baseline perfusion profiles on CTP imaging.
A Note on the Differentiability of the Hellinger–Kantorovich Distances
Authors: Fleißner Florentine Catharina
Published: March 2023

This paper will deal with differentiability properties of the class of Hellinger–Kantorovich distances $$\textsf{HK}_{\Lambda , \Sigma } \ (\Lambda , \Sigma > 0)$$

HK

Λ
,
Σ

(
Λ
,
Σ
>
0
)

which was recently introduced on the space $${\mathcal {M}}({\mathbb {R}}^d)$$

M
(

R

d

)

of finite nonnegative Radon measures. The derivatives of $$t\mapsto \textsf{HK}_{\Lambda , \Sigma }(\mu _t, \nu _t)^2,$$

t
↦

HK

Λ
,
Σ

(

μ
t

,

ν
t

)

2

,

for absolutely continuous curves $$(\mu _t)_t, (\nu _t)_t$$

(

μ
t

)

t

,

(

ν
t

)

t

in $$({\mathcal {M}}({\mathbb {R}}^d),\textsf{HK}_{\Lambda , \Sigma })$$

(
M

(

R

d

)

,

HK

Λ
,
Σ

)

, will be computed $${\mathscr {L}}^1$$

L

1

-a.e.. The characterization of absolutely continuous curves in $$({\mathcal {M}}({\mathbb {R}}^d), \textsf{HK}_{\Lambda , \Sigma })$$

(
M

(

R

d

)

,

HK

Λ
,
Σ

)

will be refined.
Time-Domain Decomposition for Mixed-Integer Optimal Control Problems
Authors: Hante Falk M. , Krug Richard , Schmidt Martin
Published: March 2023

We consider mixed-integer optimal control problems, whose optimality conditions involve global combinatorial optimization aspects for the corresponding Hamiltonian pointwise in time. We propose a time-domain decomposition, which makes this problem class accessible for mixed-integer programming using parallel-in-time direct discretizations. The approach is based on a decomposition of the optimality system and the interpretation of the resulting subproblems as suitably chosen mixed-integer optimal control problems on subintervals in time. An iterative procedure then ensures continuity of the states at the boundaries of the subintervals via co-state information encoded in virtual controls. We prove convergence of this iterative scheme for discrete-continuous linear-quadratic problems and present numerical results both for linear-quadratic as well as nonlinear problems.
Analysis of District Heating Networks
Authors: Borsche R. , Eimer M. , Garavello M. , Rossi E.
Published: March 2023

In the context of district heating networks we consider a model for the distribution of energy through water (for heating or cooling) from a central power station to the consumers. We prove the well posedness of the system, by using the Banach Fixed Point Theorem together with stability estimates for reduced systems. Eventually we consider optimal control problems motivated by applications and we provide the existence of optimal controls in special situations.
An Eikonal Equation with Vanishing Lagrangian Arising in Global Optimization
Authors: Bardi Martino , Kouhkouh Hicham
Published: March 2023

We show a connection between global unconstrained optimization of a continuous function f and weak KAM theory for an eikonal-type equation arising also in ergodic control. A solution v of the critical Hamilton–Jacobi equation is built by a small discount approximation as well as the long time limit of an associated evolutive equation. Then v is represented as the value function of a control problem with target, whose optimal trajectories are driven by a differential inclusion describing the gradient descent of v. Such trajectories are proved to converge to the set of minima of f, using tools in control theory and occupational measures. We prove also that in some cases the set of minima is reached in finite time.
On the Strong Subregularity of the Optimality Mapping in an Optimal Control Problem with Pointwise Inequality Control Constraints
Authors: Osmolovskii N. P. , Veliov V. M.
Published: March 2023

This paper presents sufficient conditions for strong metric subregularity (SMsR) of the optimality mapping associated with the local Pontryagin maximum principle for Mayer-type optimal control problems with pointwise control constraints given by a finite number of inequalities$$G_j(u)\le 0$$Gj(u)≤0. It is assumed that all data are twice smooth, and that at each feasible point the gradients$$G_j'(u)$$Gj′(u)of the active constraints are linearly independent. The main result is that the second-order sufficient optimality condition for a weak local minimum is also sufficient for a version of the SMSR property, which involves two norms in the control space in order to deal with the so-called two-norm-discrepancy.
Effect of Temperature Upon Double Diffusive Instability in Navier–Stokes–Voigt Models with Kazhikhov–Smagulov and Korteweg Terms
Authors: Straughan Brian
Published: March 2023

We present models for convection in a mixture of viscous fluids when the layer is heated from below and simultaneously the pointwise volume concentration of one of the fluids is heavier below. This configuration produces a problem of competitive double diffusion since heating from below promotes instability, but the greater density of fluid below is stabilizing. The fluids are of linear viscous type which may contain Kelvin–Voigt terms, but density gradients due to the mixture appear strongly in the governing equations. The density gradients give rise to Korteweg stresses, but may also be described by theory due to Kazhikhov and Smagulov. The systems of equations which appear are thus highly nonlinear. The instability surface threshold is calculated and this is found to have a complex nonlinear shape, very different from the linear ones found in classical thermohaline convection in a Navier–Stokes fluid. It is shown that the Kazhikhov–Smagulov terms, Korteweg terms and Kelvin–Voigt term play a key role in acting as stabilizing agents but the associated effect is very nonlinear. Quantitative values of the instability surface are displayed showing the effect Korteweg terms, Kazhikhov–Smagulov terms, and the Kelvin Voigt term have. The nonlinear stability problem is addressed by means of a generalized energy theory deriving different results depending on which underlying theory is employed.
Current Scenario and Future Prospects of Endophytic Microbes: Promising Candidates for Abiotic and Biotic Stress Management for Agricultural and Environmental Sustainability
Authors: Anand Uttpal , Pal Tarun , Yadav Niraj , Singh Vipin Kumar , Tripathi Vijay , Choudhary Krishna Kumar , Shukla Awadhesh Kumar , Sunita Kumari , Kumar Ajay , Bontempi Elza , Ma Ying , Kolton Max , Singh Amit Kishore
Published: March 2023

Globally,
substantial research into endophytic microbes is being conducted to increase agricultural and environmental sustainability. Endophytic microbes such as bacteria, actinomycetes, and fungi inhabit ubiquitously within the tissues of all plant species without causing any harm or disease. Endophytes form symbiotic relationships with diverse plant species and can regulate numerous host functions, including resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses, growth and development, and stimulating immune systems. Moreover, plant endophytes play a dominant role in nutrient cycling, biodegradation, and bioremediation, and are widely used in many industries. Endophytes have a stronger predisposition for enhancing mineral and metal solubility by cells through the secretion of organic acids with low molecular weight and metal-specific ligands (such as siderophores) that alter soil pH and boost binding activity. Finally, endophytes synthesize various bioactive compounds with high competence that are promising candidates for new drugs, antibiotics, and medicines. Bioprospecting of endophytic novel secondary metabolites has given momentum to sustainable agriculture for combating environmental stresses. Biotechnological interventions with the aid of endophytes played a pivotal role in crop improvement to mitigate biotic and abiotic stress conditions like drought, salinity, xenobiotic compounds, and heavy metals. Identification of putative genes from endophytes conferring resistance and tolerance to crop diseases, apart from those involved in the accumulation and degradation of contaminants, could open new avenues in agricultural research and development. Furthermore, a detailed molecular and biochemical understanding of endophyte entry and colonization strategy in the host would better help in manipulating crop productivity under changing climatic conditions. Therefore, the present review highlights current research trends based on the SCOPUS database, potential biotechnological interventions of endophytic microorganisms in combating environmental stresses influencing crop productivity, future opportunities of endophytes in improving plant stress tolerance, and their contribution to sustainable remediation of hazardous environmental contaminants.

Graphical Abstract
HER2-targeting antibody–drug conjugate RC48 alone or in combination with immunotherapy for locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma: a multicenter, real-world study
Authors: Chen Meiting , Yao Kai , Cao Manming , Liu Hao , Xue Cong , Qin Tao , Meng Lingru , Zheng Zhousan , Qin Zike , Zhou Fangjian , Liu Zhuowei , Shi Yanxia , An Xin
Published: March 2023

Background

Phase II trials showed the efficacy of anti-HER2 RC48-ADC (disitamab vedotin) for HER2-positive metastatic urothelial carcinoma (UC). This study evaluated RC48 alone verses in combination with immunotherapy for locally advanced or metastatic UC using real-world data.

Methods

This retrospective, multicenter, real-world study included patients with locally advanced or metastatic UC who received RC48 in five hospitals in China between July 2021 and April 2022. The outcomes were progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), and adverse events.

Results

Thirty-six patients were included. The patients were 47–87 years, and 26 (72.2%) were male. Eighteen patients received RC48 alone, and 18 received RC48 combined with a programmed death-1 antibody. The median PFS was 5.4 months. The median OS was not reached. The 6-month and 1-year PFS rates were 38.8% and 15.5%, respectively. The 1-year OS rate was 79.6%. Fourteen (38.9%) patients achieved a partial response, and the ORR was 38.9%. Eleven patients had stable disease, and the DCR was 69.4%. The median PFS for patients who received RC48 combined with immunotherapy and those who received RC48 alone was 8.5 and 5.4 months, respectively. The main treatment-related adverse events included anemia, hypoesthesia, fatigue, and elevated transaminase. No treatment-related death occurred.

Conclusion

RC48 alone or combined with immunotherapy might benefit patients with locally advanced or metastatic UC, regardless of impaired renal function.
Increased Surgical Delays Seen During the COVID‐19 Pandemic in a Regional Referral Hospital in Soroti, Uganda: Perspective from a Low‐Resource Setting
Authors: Starr Savannah , Oke Rasheedat , Okullu Silas , Ariokot Mary Goretty , Wange Andrew Hyginus , Agwang Esther , Ekuchu Peter , Juillard Catherine , Ajiko Mary Margaret , Dicker Rochelle A.
Published: March 2023

Introduction

The impact of COVID‐19 on low‐resource surgical systems is concerning but there are limited studies examining the effect in low‐ and middle‐income countries. This study assesses changes in surgical capacity during the COVID‐19 pandemic at Soroti Regional Referral Hospital, a tertiary healthcare facility in Soroti, Uganda.

Methods

Patients from a prospective general surgery registry at SRRH were divided into cohorts admitted prior to the pandemic (January 2017 to February 2020) and during the pandemic (March 2020 to May 2021). Demographics, pre‐hospital characteristics, in‐hospital characteristics, provider‐reported delays in care, and adverse events were compared between cohorts.

Results

Of the 1547 general surgery patients, 1159 were admitted prior to the pandemic and 388 were admitted during the pandemic. There was no difference in the median number of elective (24.5 vs. 20.0, p value = 0.16) or emergent (6.0 vs. 6.0, p value = 0.36) surgeries per month. Patients were more likely to have a delay in surgical care during the pandemic (22.6% vs. 46.6%, p < 0.01), particularly from lack of operating space (16.9% vs. 46.3%, p < 0.01) and lack of a surgeon (1.6% vs. 4.4%, p < 0.01). Increased proportion of delays in care appear correlated with waves of COVID‐19 cases at SRRH. There were no changes in rates of adverse events (5.7% vs. 7.7%, p = 0.18).

Discussion

The COVID‐19 pandemic caused significant increases in surgical care delays and emergency surgery at SRRH. Strengthening surgical systems when not in crisis and including provisions for safe, timely surgical delivery during epidemic resource allocation is needed to strengthen the overall healthcare system.
Prevalence and morphometry of sternal and xiphoid foramen: a meta-analysis on 16,666 subjects
Authors: Pasieka Patrycja , Pasieka Paweł Melchior , Komosa Alexander , Barnowska Agnieszka , Pękala Jakub , Malinowski Konrad , Tomaszewski Krzysztof
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Sternal foramen is a perforation of the sternum that can be a source of misdiagnosis during radiographic imaging or life-threatening perforations during bone marrow sampling. The aim of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis on the prevalence, morphometrics, and location of foramen in the sternal body and xiphoid process, describe morphometric features of this phenomenon, and thus verify its clinical importance. Moreover, our secondary outcome was to compare effectiveness of various imaging methods in diagnosis of the sternal or xiphoid foramen.

Methods

A comprehensive search was conducted on major scientific databases to identify studies containing relevant information. Data on foramen’s prevalence, location, morphometrics, and accompanying findings were extracted and pooled into a meta-analysis using MetaXL 5.0.

Results

Thirty-five studies (n = 16,666 subjects) were included. The overall pooled prevalence of a foramen in the sternal body and/or a xiphoid process was 8.9% (95% CI 6.5–11.7) and it equaled 6.5% (95% CI 5.6–7.6) for sternal body alone and 2.9% (95% CI 0.5–6.9) for the xiphoid process. The foramen was more prevalent in males than in females (12.2% vs. 6.8%). The prevalence of sternal foramen was higher in South American [13.9% (95% CI 11.2–16.9)] and African [13.6% (95% CI 9.7–18.0)] studies compared to North American [6.2% (95% CI 5.0–7.5)] and European populations [8.6% (95% CI 3.1–16.3)]. Mean transverse and vertical diameter of foramen equaled 4.7 mm (95% CI 3.8–5.5), and 5.6 mm (95% CI 4.2–6.9), respectively.

Conclusion

Our analysis proves that the sternal foramina are structures of significant prevalence and size. Any physician should keep them in mind when performing punctures in this area.
Computed tomography-based angle measurements of the sagittal capitulum and trochlea position in relation to the humeral shaft
Authors: Przyklenk Axel , Hackl Michael , Iuga Andra-Iza , Leschinger Tim , Maintz David , Harbrecht Andreas , Müller Lars Peter , Wegmann Kilian
Published: March 2023

The radiologic evaluation of the sagittal angulation of the distal humerus is commonly based on standard lateral radiographs. However, lateral radiographs do not allow to examine the lateral angulation of the capitulum and the trochlea, separately. Although this problem could be approached via computed tomography, there are no data available describing the difference between the angulation of the capitulum and trochlea. Therefore, we aimed to assess sagittal angles of the capitulum and trochlea in relation to the humeral shaft based on 400 CT-scans of the elbow in healthy adults. Angles were measured in sagittal planes at the capitulum center and three anatomically defined trochlea locations and were spanned between the axis of the joint component and the humerus shaft. Angles were tested for differences between measurement locations and correlation with patient characteristics (age, sex, trans-epicondylar distance). Angles increased from lateral to medial measurement locations (107.4 ± 9.6°, 167.4 ± 8.2°, 171.8 ± 7.3°, 179.1 ± 7.0°; p < 0.05). Largest angle differences were detected between the capitulum and trochlea with smallest angles measured at the capitulum. Patient characteristics did not correlate with angles (p > 0.05). Intra-rater-reliability was r = 0.79–0.86. As CT-imaging allows to distinguish between sagittal capitulum and trochlea locations, it might benefit the radiologic diagnostic of sagittal malalignments of the distal humerus at the capitulum and trochlea, separately.
Determination of the crosslink density of silica-filled styrene butadiene rubber compounds by different analytical methods
Authors: Bernal-Ortega Pilar , Anyszka Rafal , Morishita Yoshihiro , di Ronza Raffaele , Blume Anke
Published: March 2023

The crosslink density of rubber compounds has a great effect on the properties of the final product. For this reason, a suitable characterization method is required to understand and optimize the final performance of rubber materials. Four different experimental techniques were used to determine the crosslink density of silica-filled styrene butadiene rubber composites: equilibrium swelling experiments, stress–strain measurements using the Mooney–Rivlin theory, freezing point depression temperature tests and Temperature Scanning Stress Relaxation (TSSR) measurements. The evaluation of these different techniques shows that the results obtained follow a similar trend for all four methods. The results from the Mooney-Rivlin and TSSR measurements correlate the best. These two techniques are the least affected by the presence of fillers and are the less time-consuming ones. Furthermore, they also show the best correlation with the mechanical properties of the studied compounds.
Association between levels of serotonin, melatonin, cortisol and the clinical condition of patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Wróbel Aldona , Szklarczyk Joanna , Barańska Ilona , Majda Anna , Jaworek Jolanta
Published: March 2023

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic connective tissue disease of autoimmune basis. It is characterized by inflammation of joints and systemic complications. The etiopathogenesis is still unknown. Predisposing factors for the disease include genetic, immunological and environmental. Chronic disease and the stress experienced by patients disrupt the body’s homeostatic state and weaken the human immune system. Reduced immunity and endocrine disruption may influence the development of autoimmune diseases and exacerbate their course. The aim of the study was to investigate whether there is a relationship between the blood levels of hormones such as cortisol, serotonin, melatonin and the clinical status of RA patients as determined by the DAS28 index and CRP protein. A total of 165 people participated in the study of these 84 subjects had RA and the rest were the control group. All participants completed a questionnaire and had their blood drawn to determine hormones. Patients with RA had higher plasma cortisol (324.6 ng/ml vs. 292.9 ng/ml) and serotonin concentrations (67.9 ng/ml vs. 22.1 ng/ml) and lower plasma melatonin (116.8 pg/ml vs. 330.2 pg/ml) compared to controls. Patients whose CRP concentration were above normal also had elevated plasma cortisol concentration. No significant association was observed in RA patients between plasma melatonin, serotonin and DAS28 values. However, it can be concluded that those with high disease activity had lower melatonin levels as compared to patients with low and moderate DAS28 values. Significant differences were found between RA patients not using steroids and plasma cortisol (p = 0.035). In RA patients, it was observed that as plasma cortisol concentration increased, the chance of having an elevated DAS28 score, indicating high disease activity, increased.