bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Femoral nerve block using lower concentration ropivacaine preserves quadriceps strength while providing similar analgesic effects after knee arthroscopy
Authors: Zhang Tao , Zhang Tingting , Niu Xiaoyin , Li Lantao , Gu Jiaji , Chen Minghui , Zhao Xuan
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Femoral nerve block (FNB) is widely used in patients undergoing knee arthroscopy. However, the most commonly used concentration of ropivacaine (0.2% or above) may cause an unexpected decrease in the muscle strength of the quadriceps. Therefore, a lower concentration of ropivacaine (0.1%) for FNB was administered to investigate the effect on quadriceps strength and postoperative pain after knee arthroscopy.

Methods

This was a double‐blind, randomized, controlled trial (ChiCTR2000041404). A total of 83 patients scheduled for elective knee arthroscopy were randomized to receive 0.1% or 0.2% ropivacaine for FNB under ultrasound guidance. The primary outcomes were quadriceps strength and numerical rating scale (NRS) pain score. Quadriceps strength was measured before surgery and 6 h and 24 h after surgery, while NRS score was recorded before surgery, at the postanaesthesia care unit (PACU), and 6 h and 24 h after surgery. Multiple linear regression tests were used to compare the differences in quadriceps strength and NRS score between the two groups. Two‐factor analysis of variance, using the factors group and time of measurement, was used for repeated NRS scores. Secondary outcomes included knee mobility, side effects, patient satisfaction, and length of hospital stay.

Results

The mean (SD) quadriceps strength at 6 h after surgery was 7.5 (5.7) kg for the 0.1% ropivacaine group and 3.0 (4.4) kg for the 0.2% ropivacaine group. The mean difference adjusted for baseline characteristics was − 5.2 (95% CI − 7.2 to − 3.1) kg (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the two groups in quadriceps strength at 24 h after surgery. The mean differences in the average NRS score and maximum NRS score in the PACU were − 0.6 (P = 0.008) and − 1.0 (P < 0.001), respectively. There was no significant difference in NRS score at 6 h or 24 h after surgery. Two‐factor analysis of variance showed no significant difference in the interaction factors of time and group for average NRS score and maximum NRS score.

Conclusions

Compared with 0.2% ropivacaine, 0.1% ropivacaine for FNB preserved quadriceps strength at 6 h after knee arthroscopy while providing similar analgesic effects.

Level of evidence

I.
A novel germline hyperactivating JAK2 mutation L604F
Authors: Dvořáček Lukáš , Marková Jana , Holoubek Aleš , Grebeňová Dana , Kundrát David , Kuželová Kateřina , Schwarz Jiří
Published: August 2023

Somatic JAK2 mutations are the main molecular cause of the vast majority of polycythemia vera (PV) cases. According to a recent structural model, the prevalent acquired V617F mutation improves the stability of the JAK2 dimer, thereby enhancing the constitutive JAK2 kinase activity. Germline JAK2 mutations usually do not largely alter JAK2 signaling, although they may modulate the impact of V617F. We found an unusual germline JAK2 mutation L604F in homozygous form in a young PV patient, along with a low allele burden JAK2 V617F mutation, and in her apparently healthy sister. Their father with a PV-like disease had L604F in a heterozygous state, without V617F. The functional consequences of JAK2 L604Fmutation were compared with those induced by V617F in two different in vitro model systems: (i) HEK293T cells were transfected with plasmids for exogenous JAK2-GFP expression, and (ii) endogenous JAK2 modifications were introduced into HeLa cells using CRISPR/Cas9. Both mutations significantly increased JAK2 constitutive activity in transfected HEK293T cells. In the second model, JAK2 modification resulted in reduced total JAK2 protein levels. An important difference was also detected: as described previously, the effect of V617F on JAK2 kinase activity was abrogated in the absence of the aromatic residue F595. In contrast, JAK2 hyperactivation by L604F was only partially inhibited by the F595 change to alanine. We propose that the L604F mutation increases the probability of spontaneous JAK2 dimer formation, which is physiologically mediated by F595. In addition, L604F may contribute to dimer stabilization similarly to V617F.
„Bad or Evil“ – vom Gassenjungen zum Präsidenten
Authors: Herpertz Stephan
Published: August 2023

Obschon Ende 2021 die Welt über Monate den russischen Aufmarsch an den Grenzen zu der Ukraine beobachten konnte, überraschte die am 24.02.2022 beginnende Invasion der Ukraine durch russische Truppen die meisten westlichen Beobachter. Mindestens ebenso überraschend zeigte sich die Stärke des ukrainischen Widerstands, die der russischen „Spezialoperation“ und dem Präsidenten der Russischen Föderation, Wladimir Putin, ein Desaster bescherte. Wer ist aber der Mann, dem es gelang, westliche Regierungen und die NATO bis zu dem Tag des Angriffs zu täuschen, der sich aber gleichzeitig so täuschen ließ. So mancher namhafte deutsche Politiker pflegte mit ihm viele Jahre enge Kontakte bis hin zu innigen Freundschaften und machte ihn zu dem wichtigsten Energielieferanten und dies trotz seiner Vernichtungskriege in Tschetschenien, Georgien, Syrien und im Donbass. Politiker fast aller Parteien in Europa haben sich nunmehr von ihm abgewandt. Für die meisten Menschen gilt er als das Böse schlechthin, und doch ist wenig über ihn bekannt. Die vorliegende Arbeit unternimmt nicht den Versuch einer Charakter- bzw. Persönlichkeitsstudie. Das Anliegen des Autors besteht vielmehr darin, zeitgeschichtliche und biografische Fäden zusammenzuführen, das Ende der Sowjetunion und des Kommunismus, die Transformation der ökonomischen Ordnung und der Werdegang Putins vom Gassenjungen in St. Petersburg zum Präsidenten der Russischen Föderation.
Motor performance and functional connectivity between the posterior cingulate cortex and supplementary motor cortex in bipolar and unipolar depression
Authors: Marten Lara E. , Singh Aditya , Muellen Anna M. , Noack Sören M. , Kozyrev Vladislav , Schweizer Renate , Goya-Maldonado Roberto
Published: August 2023

Although implicated in unsuccessful treatment, psychomotor deficits and their neurobiological underpinnings in bipolar (BD) and unipolar (UD) depression remain poorly investigated. Here, we hypothesized that motor performance deficits in depressed patients would relate to basal functional coupling of the hand primary motor cortex (M1) and the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) with the supplementary motor area (SMA). We performed a longitudinal, naturalistic study in BD, UD and matched healthy controls comprising of two resting-state functional MRI measurements five weeks apart and accompanying assessments of motor performance using a finger tapping task (FTT). A subject-specific seed-based analysis describing functional connectivity between PCC-SMA as well as M1-SMA was conducted. The basal relationships with motor performance were investigated using linear regression models and all measures were compared across groups. Performance in FTT was impaired in BD in comparison to HC in both sessions. Behavioral performance across groups correlated significantly with resting state functional coupling of PCC–SMA, but not of M1-SMA regions. This relationship was partially reflected in a reduced PCC–SMA connectivity in BD vs HC in the second session. Exploratory evaluation of large-scale networks coupling (SMN–DMN) exhibited no correlation to motor performance. Our results shed new light on the association between the degree of disruption in the SMA–PCC anticorrelation and the level of motor impairment in BD.
A dynamic interpretation of κFLC index for the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis: a change of perspective
Authors: Toscano Simona , Chisari Clara Grazia , Lo Fermo Salvatore , Gulino Giuseppa , Zappia Mario , Patti Francesco
Published: August 2023

Background

Previous studies attempted to define the best threshold for κ free light chains (κFLC) index, confirming higher sensitivity (Se) but less specificity (Sp) compared with IgG oligoclonal bands (OCB) for the diagnosis of MS.

Objective

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of different κFLC index intervals in a miscellaneous cohort of neurological patients, proposing a procedural flowchart for MS diagnosis.

Methods

We analyzed data from 607 patients diagnosed with MS (179), CIS (116), other inflammatory (94) or non-inflammatory neurological diseases (218). Measures of diagnostic accuracy were reported for different potential thresholds of κFLC index, and for IgG OCB and IgG index. Binary logistic regression was to used to calculate the odds of being diagnosed with MS based on each increase of κFLC index.

Results

CSF IgG OCB showed 72.2% Se (CI 95% 68.4–75.7) and 95.2% Sp (CI 95% 93.1–96.7) in discriminating between MS/CIS and controls, with an AUC of 0.84 (CI 95% 0.80–0.87). The highest diagnostic accuracy was reported for κFLC index cut-off of 5.0 (Se = 85.4%, Sp = 90.4%, AUC = 0.88), while a threshold of 11.0 exhibited higher Sp (95.5%, 95% CI 93.1–97.1) than IgG OCB. AUCs for all thresholds between 4.25 and 6.6 were not significantly different from each other, but were significantly higher than the AUC of IgG OCB (p < 0.05). The odds of being diagnosed with MS/CIS increased by 17.1% for each unit increase of κFLC index (OR = 1.17; 95% CI 1.12–1.23; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

κFLC index performed better than CSF IgG OCB in supporting the diagnosis of MS/CIS, with the advantage of being a cost-effective and quantitative analysis.
Endoscopic management of acute sigmoid volvulus in high risk surgical elderly patients: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Negm Said , Farag Ahmed , Shafiq Ahmed , Moursi Adel , Abdelghani Amr A.
Published: August 2023

Background

Most patients with sigmoid volvulus are of old age with multiple comorbidities. So, the risk of surgery for those elderly patients is usually associated with increased rates of morbidity and mortality. Early intervention is required for managing sigmoid volvulus to avoid its serious complications; therefore, early endoscopic untwist of sigmoid colon can be performed followed by endoscopic fixation of sigmoid colon under sedation in this category of the patients to avoid development of high risk surgical complications following surgical fixation of sigmoid colon or sigmoidectomy after initial simple loop colostomy procedure to relieve obstruction.

Methods

This prospective randomized controlled clinical trial included all patients who developed acute sigmoid volvulus and were referred to the Zagazig University Hospital Emergency Department between December 2020 and August 2022. The study was prospectively approved by Zagazig University Faculty of Medicine Institutional Review Board (Approval Number: 9989/23-10-2022) and was retrospectively submitted in http://clinicaltrials.gov in November 2022 (http://clinicaltrials.gov ID: NCT05620446). Included eligible patients were simply randomized at a 1:1 ratio to “Endoscopic Group (EG)” or “Surgical Group (SG)” via drawing of sealed envelopes containing computer-generated random numbers prepared by a third party before start of intervention.

Results

Sample size included 18 patients divided into 2 equal groups. (1) Endoscopic group included 9 patients who were subjected to endoscopic untwist of sigmoid colon followed by endoscopic fixation of sigmoid colon under sedation; (2) Surgical group included 9 patients who were subjected to surgical fixation of sigmoid colon or sigmoidectomy after initial simple loop colostomy under general anesthesia. In comparison between both groups, there were statistically significant differences regarding length of hospital stay and procedure time. Unfortunately, there were no statistically significant differences regarding postoperative complications and co-morbidities. Eight patients in the endoscopy group demonstrated excellent quality of life, and one demonstrated good quality of life; unlike the surgical group, there were 3 patients with excellent quality of life, 5 patients with good quality of life, and 1 patient with poor quality of life. So there was statistically significant difference regarding quality of life between both groups. During the 9-month follow-up period, both groups demonstrated no cases of recurrence post-fixation.

Conclusion

Endoscopic management of acute sigmoid volvulus is effective and safe in elderly high risk surgical patients (either in managing the intestinal obstruction caused by volvulus or in definitive treatment of volvulus).
Hsa_circ_0041150 serves as a novel biomarker for monitoring chemotherapy resistance in small cell lung cancer patients treated with a first-line chemotherapy regimen
Authors: Zhang Yang , Chao Fengmei , Lv Lihua , Li Ming , Shen Zuojun
Published: August 2023

Purpose

To explore the potential of circRNAs as biomarkers in non-invasive body fluids for monitoring chemotherapy resistance in SCLC patients.

Methods

CircRNAs were screened and characterized using transcriptome sequencing, Sanger sequencing, actinomycin D treatment, and Ribonuclease R assay. Our study involved 174 participants, and serum samples were collected from all chemotherapy-resistant patients (n = 54) at two time points: stable disease and progressive disease. We isolated and identified serum extracellular vesicles (EVs) from the patients using ultracentrifugation, transmission electron microscopy, nanoflow cytometry, and western blotting analysis. The expression levels of serum and serum EVs circRNAs were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The impact of circRNA on the function of SCLC cells was assessed through various assays, including proliferation assay, scratch assay, transwell assay, and cisplatin resistance assay.

Results

Hsa_circ_0041150 was found to be upregulated in chemoresistant SCLC cells and played a role in promoting proliferation, invasion, migration, and cisplatin resistance. Furthermore, the expression levels of hsa_circ_0041150 in serum and serum EVs increased when SCLC patients developed resistance after a first-line chemotherapy regimen. When combined with NSE, the monitoring sensitivity (70.37%) and specificity (81.48%) for chemotherapy resistance significantly improved. Moreover, the expression level of hsa_circ_0041150 showed significant associations with time to progression from SD to PD, and high hsa_circ_0041150 levels after drug resistance were more likely to cause chemotherapy resistance. Additionally, hsa_circ_0041150 demonstrated valuable potential in monitoring the progression from initial diagnosis to chemotherapy resistance in SCLC patients.

Conclusion

Thus, EVs hsa_circ_0041150 holds promise as a biomarker for monitoring chemotherapy resistance in SCLC patients.
New characterizations of strategy-proofness under single-peakedness
Authors: Jennings Andrew B. , Laraki Rida , Puppe Clemens , Varloot Estelle M.
Published: August 2023

We provide novel representations of strategy-proof voting rules applicable when voters have uni-dimensional single-peaked preferences. In particular, we introduce a ‘grading curve’ representation which is particularly useful when introducing variable electorates. Our analysis recovers, links and unifies existing results in the literature, and provides new characterizations when strategy-proofness is combined with other desirable properties such as ordinality, participation, consistency, and proportionality. Finally, the new representations are used to compute the strategy-proof methods that maximize the ex-ante social welfare for the $$L_2$$

L
2

-norm and a uniform prior. The resulting strategy-proof welfare maximizer is the linear median (or ‘uniform median’), that we also characterize as the unique proportional strategy-proof voting rule.
Periodic linear groups in which permutability is a transitive relation
Authors: Ferrara Maria , Trombetti Marco
Published: August 2023

A PT-group is a group in which the relation of being a permutable subgroup is transitive. The main aim of this paper is to show that a (homomorphic image of a) periodic linear group is a soluble PT-group if and only if each subgroup of a Sylow subgroup is permutable in the corresponding Sylow normalizer (see Theorem 4.7); for a fixed prime p, the latter condition is denoted by $$\mathfrak {X}_p$$

X
p

. In order to prove our main theorem, we need (i) to characterize (homomorphic images of) periodic linear groups that are PT-groups (see Sect. 2), (ii) to develop a fusion theory for locally finite groups (see Sect. 3), (iii) to carefully study (homomorphic images of) periodic linear groups with the property $$\mathfrak {X}_p$$

X
p

for a fixed prime p (see for instance Theorem 4.6). As a by-product we obtain (among other results) a characterization of (homomorphic images of) periodic linear $$\mathfrak {X}_p$$

X
p

-groups in terms of pronormality (see Theorem 4.11) that will allow us to show that, on some occasions, the property $$\mathfrak {X}_p$$

X
p

is inherited by subgroups.
Quantitative modelling and analysis of BDI agents
Authors: Archibald Blair , Calder Muffy , Sevegnani Michele , Xu Mengwei
Published: August 2023

Belief–desire–intention (BDI) agents are a popular agent architecture. We extend conceptual agent notation (Can)—a BDI programming language with advanced features such as failure recovery and declarative goals—to include probabilistic action outcomes, e.g. to reflect failed actuators, and probabilistic policies, e.g. for probabilistic plan and intention selection. The extension is encoded in Milner’s bigraphs. Through application of our BigraphER tool and the PRISM model checker, theprobabilityof success (intention completion) under different probabilistic outcomes and plan/event/intention selection strategies can be investigated and compared. We present a smart manufacturing use case. A significant result is that plan selection has limited effect compared with intention selection. We also see that the impact of action failures can be marginal—even when failure probabilities are large—due to the agent making smarter choices.
COVID-19 Testing of United States-Bound Agricultural Workers in Mexico
Authors: Teleaga Jessica , White Zachary A. , Cervantes Joaquin , Assael Roberto , Barrera Gerardo , Toney Sean , Marano Nina , Rodriguez Lainz Alfonso , Assael Chantal , Ortega Alexandra , Chappelle Courtney G. , Bustamante Nirma , Moser Kathleen , Posey Drew L.
Published: August 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic presents global health, welfare, and economic concerns. The agricultural workforce has experienced adverse effects, placing the U.S. food supply at risk. Agricultural workers temporarily travel to the United States on H-2A visas to supplement the agricultural workforce. Approximately 300,000 agricultural workers enter the United States with H-2A visas each year; over 90.0% are from Mexico. During February–May 2021, a COVID-19 testing pilot was performed with Clínica Médica Internacional (CMI), a clinic that performs medical examinations for US-bound immigrants, to determine the SARS-CoV-2 infection status of H-2A agricultural workers in Mexico before entry to the US. The CerTest VIASURE Real Time PCR Detection Kit was used. Participants’ demographic information, test results, and testing turnaround times were collected. Workers who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 completed isolation before US entry. During the pilot, 1195 H-2A workers were tested; 15 (1.3%) tested positive. Average reporting time was 31 h after specimen collection. This pilot demonstrated there is interest from H-2A employers and agents in testing the H-2A community before US entry. Testing for SARS-CoV-2 can yield public health benefit, is feasible, and does not delay entry of temporary agricultural workers to the US.
Cross-Cultural Contact and Norwegian Language Skills Among Ethnic Minority Women in Norway, and Relationship with Physical Activity in Pregnancy and Postpartum: The STORK-Groruddalen Cohort Study
Authors: Bennetter Karin Elisabeth , Waage Christin Wiegels , Jenum Anne Karen , Vøllestad Nina Køpke , Robinson Hilde Stendal , Richardsen Kåre Rønn
Published: August 2023

There are few studies of the migration context factors and physical activity (PA) level among minority ethnic women in Europe. We investigated the association between migration context factors and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) among minority ethnic women. Objectively recorded MVPA were obtained from 487 minority ethnic women included in the STORK-Groruddalen Cohort Study at three time points in pregnancy/postpartum. We investigated the associations between (a) contact with ethnic Norwegians and (b) Norwegian language skills and. No associations were observed in pregnancy. Postpartum, women who reported contact with ethnic Norwegians accumulated 17 MVPA min/day (95% CI: -.60, 34.54) more than women with no contact. In complete case analyses, this difference was significant (27 MVPA min/day (95% CI: 8.60, 44.54)). In early postpartum women with contact with ethnic Norwegians seems to be more physically active than women without contact. No associations were observed in pregnancy.
Body temperature NiTi alloys: effect of the heat treatment on the functional thermo-mechanical properties
Authors: Ninarello Davide , Passaretti Francesca , Nespoli Adelaide
Published: August 2023

The design process of devices based on shape memory alloys (SMA) is particularly demanding. It is fundamental the investigation of parameters describing the thermo-mechanical behavior of these materials, such as the phase transformation temperatures and the Clausius-Clapeyron coefficient (CCC). The aim of this study is to determine how heat treatment (HT) affects the above-mentioned parameters on two commercially available body-temperature NiTi alloys. This analysis is accomplished through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and strain recovery (SR) tests. Finally, the two NiTi alloys have been compared to determine whether exists a significant difference between different casting batches of the same commercial alloy conformed to the ASTM F2063. It results that both alloys present a similar overall trend of Af as a function of HT temperature and time, even if the values significantly differ for treatment at temperatures higher than 773 K for all HT times. Furthermore, it is noted that the HT time presents a minor effect on the value of Af. After the SR analysis, it has been possible to highlight the effect of the HT on the values of CCC for As, Ms and Rs. The overall trend is similar between the two NiTi alloys. These results lead to the conclusion that HT highly affect not only the transformation temperatures but also the transformation path of the alloy, thus its mechanical properties.
Renewing the social contract for education: Governing education as a common good
Authors: Locatelli Rita
Published: August 2023

In its report published in 2021, the UNESCO International Commission on the Futures of Education invited the international community to forge a “new social contract for education” in order to repair past injustices and build a more equitable and sustainable planet. This new social contract should involve all education stakeholders and be governed by the principle of education as a common good. However, neither the concept of the new social contract nor the principle of education as a common good appear to be clearly defined in the 2021 UNESCO report, and this results in a lack of political discussion regarding the relationship among the institutions that should govern the new social contract for education. This article discusses the extent to which the notion of education as a common good provides the political framing for such a new social contract. It recalls the theoretical background of this concept and identifies some key areas that may be relevant to the discussion on the governance arrangements required to forge a new social contract for education with a view to revisiting existing hierarchies of power and strengthening democratic processes.
The Balance Between the Therapeutic Efficacy and Safety of [177Lu]Lu-NeoB in a Preclinical Prostate Cancer Model
Authors: Verhoeven Marjolein , Haeck Joost , de Blois Erik , Orlandi Francesca , Barbato Donato , Tedesco Mattia , Konijnenberg Mark , Dalm Simone U.
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Radiolabeled NeoB is a promising gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR)–targeting radiopharmaceutical for theranostics of GRPR-expressing malignancies, e.g., prostate cancer (PCa). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different doses of [177Lu]Lu-NeoB on the balance between therapeutic efficacy and safety in a preclinical PCa model.

Procedures

To determine the efficacy of [177Lu]Lu-NeoB, PC-3 xenografted mice received 3 sham injections (control group) or 3 injections of 30 MBq/300 pmol, 40 MBq/400 pmol, or 60 MBq/600 pmol [177Lu]Lu-NeoB (groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively) 1 week apart. To quantify tumor uptake, single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) imaging was performed 4 h after the first, second, and third injection on a separate group of animals. For safety evaluations, pancreatic and renal tissues of non-tumor-bearing mice treated with the abovementioned [177Lu]Lu-NeoB doses were evaluated 12 and 24 weeks post-treatment.

Results

Treatment of PC-3 tumors with all three studied [177Lu]Lu-NeoB doses was effective. Median survival times were significantly (p < 0.0001) improved for treatment groups 1, 2, and 3 versus the control group (82 days, 89 days, 99 days versus 19 days, respectively). However, no significant differences were observed between treatment groups. Quantification of SPECT/CT images showed minimal differences in the average absolute radioactivity uptake, especially after the third injection. Histopathological analysis revealed no clear signs of treatment-related pancreatic toxicity. For the kidneys, atrophy and fibrosis were observed for one animal from group 1 and a chronic inflammatory response was observed for both animals from group 3 at 24 weeks post-treatment.

Conclusions

Treatment with [177Lu]Lu-NeoB is effective in a preclinical PCa model. Adjusting the administered dose could positively impact the risk-benefit balance as a higher dose might not lead to an increased therapeutic effect, but it may lead to an increase in toxicological effects in healthy organs such as the kidneys.
Relationship Between Criminal and Status Offense Behaviors, Substance Use, and HIV Risk Among Adolescent Girls and Young Women in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Carney Tara , Myers Bronwyn , Browne Felicia A. , Kline Tracy , Bonner Courtney Peasant , Ndirangu Jacqueline , Wechsberg Wendee M.
Published: August 2023

This study aimed to examine the relationship between externalizing behaviors, substance use, and sexual risk among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in Cape Town, South Africa, who experience social disadvantage characterized by poverty and school dropout. We analyzed baseline data from 500 AGYW in a cluster-randomized trial who had dropped out of school. Multivariate logistic regression models explored associations between self-reported criminal behaviors and other status offenses, heavy episodic drinking, polydrug use, and condomless sex. Engagement in status offenses was associated with heavy episodic drinking (OR = 3.56, 95% CI: 2.05–6.20), while crimes against other people were associated with polydrug use (OR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.03–2.63). Drug-related illegal behavior was associated with polydrug use (OR = 7.78, 95% CI: 3.53–8.69) and reduced odds of condom use during last sexual episode, after adjusting for drug use (OR = 0.56, 95% CI: 4.00–5.15). As externalizing behaviors are prevalent among this sample of AGYW and associated with greater likelihood of problem substance use and condomless sex, interventions to improve the physical and mental well-being of AGYW should assess for and address engagement in criminal and status offenses.
Biological age is superior to chronological age in predicting hospital mortality of the critically ill
Authors: Ho Kwok M. , Morgan David J. , Johnstone Mason , Edibam Cyrus
Published: August 2023

Biological age is increasingly recognized as being more accurate than chronological age in determining chronic health outcomes. This study assessed whether biological age, assessed on intensive care unit (ICU) admission, can predict hospital mortality. This retrospective cohort study, conducted in a tertiary multidisciplinary ICU in Western Australia, used the Levine PhenoAge model to estimate each patient’s biological age (also called PhenoAge). Each patient’s PhenoAge was calibrated to generate a regression residual which was equivalent to biological age unexplained by chronological age in the local context. PhenoAgeAccel was a dichotomized measure of the residuals, and its presence suggested that one was biologically older than the corresponding chronological age. Of the 2950 critically ill adult patients analyzed, 291 died (9.9%) before hospital discharge. Both PhenoAge and its residuals (after regressing on chronological age) had a significantly better ability to differentiate between hospital survivors and non-survivors than chronological age (area under the receiver-operating-characteristic curve 0.648 and 0.654 vs. 0.547 respectively). Being phenotypically older than one’s chronological age was associated with an increased risk of mortality (PhenoAgeAccel hazard ratio [HR] 1.997, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.568–2.542; p = 0.001) in a dose-related fashion and did not reach a plateau until at least a 20-year gap. This adverse association remained significant (adjusted HR 1.386, 95% CI 1.077–1.784; p = 0.011) after adjusted for severity of acute illness and comorbidities. PhenoAgeAccel was more prevalent among those with pre-existing chronic cardiovascular disease, end-stage renal failure, cirrhosis, immune disease, diabetes mellitus, or those treated with immunosuppressive therapy. Being phenotypically older than one’s chronological age was more common among those with comorbidities, and this was associated with an increased risk of mortality in a dose-related fashion in the critically ill that was not fully explained by comorbidities and severity of acute illness.
Masked Hypertension in Healthy Children and Adolescents: Who Should Be Screened?
Authors: Seeman Tomáš , Šuláková Terezie , Stabouli Stella
Published: August 2023

Purpose of Review

The goal is to review masked hypertension (MH) as a relatively new phenomenon when patients have normal office BP but elevated out-of-office BP. Firstly, it was described in children in 2004. It has received increased attention in the past decade.

Recent Findings

The prevalence of MH in different pediatric populations differs widely between 0 and 60% based on the population studied, definition of MH, or method of out-of-office BP measurement. The highest prevalence of MH has been demonstrated in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD), obesity, diabetes, and after heart transplantation. In healthy children but with risk factors for hypertension such as prematurity, overweight/obesity, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or positive family history of hypertension, the prevalence of MH is 9%. In healthy children without risk factors for hypertension, the prevalence of MH is very low ranging 0–3%.

In healthy children, only patients with the following clinical conditions should be screened for MH: high-normal/elevated office BP, positive family history of hypertension, and those referred for suspected hypertension who have normal office BP in the secondary/tertiary center.
Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents—benefits and harms in the treatment of anemia in cancer patients
Authors: Heregger Ronald , Greil Richard
Published: August 2023

Anemia is a common finding in patients with solid or hematological malignancies. The underlying causes of cancer-related anemia can be multifactorial, including toxicity of cancer therapy, raised inflammatory conditions by the cancer, chronic bleeding and malnutrition. Therapeutic approaches for the treatment of chemotherapy induced anemia encompass red blood cell (RBC) transfusions and erythropoietin-stimulating agents (ESAs). The latter are approved for the treatment of patients with symptomatic anemia caused by palliative chemotherapy to reduce the number of RBC transfusions and gradually improve anemia-related symptoms. Before the treatment with ESA, a baseline Hb level < 10 g/dl is mandatory and iron deficiency must be ruled out. ESAs are linked to an increase in thromboembolic events and potentially raised mortality. Therefore, the risk-benefit ratio should be carefully assessed.
Studies and design considerations for animated transitions between small-scale visualizations
Authors: Huth Franziska , Blascheck Tanja , Koch Steffen , Ertl Thomas
Published: August 2023

Small-scale visualizations can augment text, show information on mobile devices, or geographical information on a map. In such situations, there is often not enough space to show complex data with approaches like juxtaposed visualizations. To alleviate this issue, we propose the use of animated transitions between several small-scale visualizations. We discuss design considerations for animated transitions between small-scale visualizations and differences to normal-sized visualizations. Further, we present the results of two online studies on the effectiveness of those animated transitions to convey information and attribute relations, as well as the mental load of following the animated transitions. As a result, we found that animated transitions between visualizations are understandable in small scale, but performance depends on the specific task and the type of operation carried out with the animated transition.

Graphical abstract
Heuristic techniques for maximum likelihood localization of radioactive sources via a sensor network
Authors: Abdelhakim Assem
Published: August 2023

Maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) is an effective method for localizing radioactive sources in a given area. However, it requires an exhaustive search for parameter estimation, which is time-consuming. In this study, heuristic techniques were employed to search for radiation source parameters that provide the maximum likelihood by using a network of sensors. Hence, the time consumption of MLE would be effectively reduced. First, the radiation source was detected using the k-sigma method. Subsequently, the MLE was applied for parameter estimation using the readings and positions of the detectors that have detected the radiation source. A comparative study was performed in which the estimation accuracy and time consumption of the MLE were evaluated for traditional methods and heuristic techniques. The traditional MLE was performed via a grid search method using fixed and multiple resolutions. Additionally, four commonly used heuristic algorithms were applied: the firefly algorithm (FFA), particle swarm optimization (PSO), ant colony optimization (ACO), and artificial bee colony (ABC). The experiment was conducted using real data collected by the Low Scatter Irradiator facility at the Savannah River National Laboratory as part of the Intelligent Radiation Sensing System program. The comparative study showed that the estimation time was 3.27 s using fixed resolution MLE and 0.59 s using multi-resolution MLE. The time consumption for the heuristic-based MLE was 0.75, 0.03, 0.02, and 0.059 s for FFA, PSO, ACO, and ABC, respectively. The location estimation error was approximately 0.4 m using either the grid search-based MLE or the heuristic-based MLE. Hence, heuristic-based MLE can provide comparable estimation accuracy through a less time-consuming process than traditional MLE.
A Novel Approach to Predicting Early Pregnancy Outcomes Dynamically in a Prospective Cohort Using Repeated Ultrasound and Serum Biomarkers
Authors: Petersen Jesper Friis , Friis-Hansen Lennart Jan , Bryndorf Thue , Jensen Andreas Kryger , Andersen Anders Nyboe , Løkkegaard Ellen
Published: August 2023

This study aimed to develop a dynamic model for predicting outcome during the first trimester of pregnancy using baseline demographic data and serially collected blood samples and transvaginal sonographies. A prospective cohort of 203 unselected women with an assumed healthy pregnancy of < 8 weeks’ gestation was followed fortnightly from 4–14 weeks’ gestation until either miscarriage or confirmed first trimester viability. The main outcome was development of a model to predict outcome from gestational age-dependent hazard ratios using both baseline and updated serial data from each visit. Secondary outcomes were descriptions of risk factors for miscarriage. The results showed that 18% of the women experienced miscarriages. A fetal heart rate detected before 8 weeks’ gestation indicated a 90% (95% CI 85–95%) chance of subsequent delivery. Maternal age (≥ 35 years), insufficient crown-rump-length (CRL) and mean gestational sac diameter (MSD) development, and presence of bleeding increased the risk of miscarriage. Serum biomarkers, including hCG, progesterone, and estradiol, were found to impact the risk of miscarriage with estradiol as the most important. The best model to predict miscarriage was a combination of maternal age, vaginal bleeding, CRL, and hCG. The second-best model was the sonography-absent model of maternal age, bleeding, hCG, and estradiol. This study suggests that combining maternal age, and evolving data from hCG, estradiol, CRL, and bleeding could be used to predict fetal outcome during the first trimester of pregnancy.

Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02761772.
Range of surgical strategies for individual adolescent idiopathic scoliosis cases: evaluation of a multi-centre survey
Authors: Schlager Benedikt , Großkinsky Maresa , Ruf Michael , Wiedenhöfer Bernd , Akbar Michael , Wilke Hans-Joachim
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Surgical treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is very complex, involves many critical decisions and modern instrumentation techniques, and offers multiple possibilities. It is known that the surgical strategy may vary strongly between surgeons for AIS cases. The goal of this study was to document, summarize, and analyse the current biomechanical relevant variabilities in the surgical treatments of individual AIS patient cases.

Methods

Eight experienced scoliosis surgeons from different hospitals were asked to plan surgeries on 12 representative patients with AIS. The surgeons were provided with radiographs during upright standing in the coronal and sagittal plane, as well as lateral bending images to the left and right. The surgeons were asked to specify the Lenke type, their surgical approach, the resection steps, the planned fusion length, and the type of implants. The data were analysed with respect to the inter-rater variability, which was quantified using the Fleiss Kappa method.

Results

In the selection of the surgical approach, the surgeons concurred most with Lenke curve types 2 (κ = 0.88) and 4 (κ = 0.75). The largest differences were shown at Lenke 1 (κ = 0.39) and 5 (κ = 0.32). Anterior approaches were selected in the majority of cases at Lenke types 5, with an average of 50%. The strongest deviation in fusion length was documented at Lenke curve type 6.

Conclusion

The survey highlighted differences in the surgical strategy depending on the Lenke curve type, the direction of the surgical approach, and the surgeon. The main discrepancies between the surgeons were found for Lenke 1, 5, and 6 curves, and consistencies for Lenke 2, 3, and 4. The documented discrepancies indicate the remaining open questions in the surgical treatment and understanding of scoliosis biomechanics.
Cancer Burden Variations and Convergences in Globalization: A Comparative Study on the Tracheal, Bronchus, and Lung (TBL) and Liver Cancer Burdens Among WHO Regions from 1990 to 2019
Authors: Zhang Mengwei , Jin Weiqiu , Tian Yu , Zhu Hongda , Zou Ningyuan , Jia Yunxuan , Jiang Long , Huang Jia , Hu Yingjie , Luo Qingquan
Published: August 2023

Lung cancer and liver cancer are the leading and third causes of cancer death, respectively. Both lung and liver cancer are with clear major risk factors. A thorough understanding of their burdens in the context of globalization, especially the convergences and variations among WHO regions, is useful in precision cancer prevention worldwide and understanding the changing epidemiological trends with the expanding globalization. The Global Burden of Disease (GBD) and WHO Global Health Observatory (GHO) database were analyzed to evaluate the burden metrics and risk factors of trachea, bronchus, and lung (TBL) cancer and liver cancer. Western Pacific Region (WPR) had the highest age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) for both liver cancer (11.02 [9.62–12.61] per 100,000 population) and TBL cancer (38.82 [33.63–44.04] per 100,000 population) in 2019. Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) for liver and TBL cancer elevated with the increasing sociodemographic index (SDI) level, except for liver cancer in WPR and TBL cancer in European Region (EUR). Region of the Americas (AMR) showed the biggest upward trends of liver cancer age-standardized rates (ASRs), as well as the biggest downward trends of TBL cancer ASRs, followed by Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR). Alcohol use and smoking were the leading cause of liver and TBL cancer death in most WHO regions. Variances of ASRs for liver and TBL cancer among WHO memberships have been decreasing during the past decade. The homogenization and convergence of cancer burdens were also demonstrated in different agegroups and sexes and in the evolution of associated risk factors and etiology. In conclusion, our study reflects the variations and convergences in the liver and lung cancer burdens among the WHO regions with the developing globalization, which suggests that we need to be acutely aware of the global homogeneity of the disease burden that accompanies increasing globalization, including the global convergences in various populations, risk factors, and burden metrics.

Graphical Abstract
The 2023 T�rkiye-Syria Earthquakes Shifted Stress in the Crust
Authors: Martin-Jones Erin
Published: August 2023

In February, a devastating magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck the eastern Mediterranean, triggering a second major jolt and a cascade of aftershocks.
Callisto's Atmosphere: The Oxygen Enigma
Authors: Carberry Mogan Shane R. , Liuzzo Lucas , Poppe Andrew R. , Simon Sven , Szalay Jamey R. , Tucker Orenthal J. , Johnson Robert E.
Published: August 2023

Observations of Callisto's atmosphere have indicated an O2 component should exist, but the evolution from its initial source to its inferred steady‐state abundance is not well understood. Herein we constrain the production of O2 via radiolysis within Callisto's exposed ice patches and determine the corresponding O2 column density. To do so, for the first time we simulate the thermal and energetic components of the Jovian magnetospheric plasma irradiating Callisto's atmosphere and estimate energy deposited therein by the impinging charged particles along their trajectories to the surface. We then calculate O2 source fluxes corresponding to the energy of the impacting plasma fluxes, which is coupled with estimated atmospheric lifetimes to determine the steady‐state abundance of O2. Our results suggest that production of O2 via radiolysis within the exposed ice on Callisto's surface does not produce a sufficiently dense atmosphere relative to the column densities inferred from observations by about 2–3 orders of magnitude. To resolve this discrepancy between estimated and observed abundances, we provide the first estimates for other potential sources of atmospheric O2. We also make similar estimates for the production of H2 in Callisto's atmosphere relative to constraints provided in the literature, and the conclusion is the same: a sufficiently dense atmosphere is not produced. Thus, we have shown that a better understanding of the production and fate of radiolytic products in Callisto's regolith is required in order to place firmer constraints on the generation mechanisms of its atmosphere in preparation for future observations.
Denitrification Losses in Response to N Fertilizer Rates—Integrating High Temporal Resolution N2O, In Situ 15N2O and 15N2 Measurements and Fertilizer 15N Recoveries in Intensive Sugarcane Systems
Authors: Takeda Naoya , Friedl Johannes , Kirkby Robert , Rowlings David , Scheer Clemens , De Rosa Daniele , Grace Peter
Published: August 2023

Denitrification is a key process in the global nitrogen (N) cycle, causing both nitrous oxide (N2O) and dinitrogen (N2) emissions. However, estimates of seasonal denitrification losses (N2O + N2) are scarce, reflecting methodological difficulties in measuring soil‐borne N2 emissions against the high atmospheric N2 background and challenges regarding their spatio‐temporal upscaling. This study investigated N2O + N2 losses in response to N fertilizer rates (0, 100, 150, 200, and 250 kg N ha−1) on two intensively managed tropical sugarcane farms in Australia, by combining automated N2O monitoring, in situ N2 and N2O measurements using the 15N gas flux method and fertilizer 15N recoveries at harvest. Dynamic changes in the N2O/(N2O + N2) ratio (<0.01 to 0.768) were explained by fitting generalized additive mixed models (GAMMs) with soil factors to upscale high temporal‐resolution N2O data to daily N2 emissions over the season. Cumulative N2O + N2 losses ranged from 12 to 87 kg N ha−1, increasing non‐linearly with increasing N fertilizer rates. Emissions of N2O + N2 accounted for 31%–78% of fertilizer 15N losses and were dominated by environmentally benign N2 emissions. The contribution of denitrification to N fertilizer loss decreased with increasing N rates, suggesting increasing significance of other N loss pathways including leaching and runoff at higher N rates. This study delivers a blueprint approach to extrapolate denitrification measurements at both temporal and spatial scales, which can be applied in fertilized agroecosystems. Robust estimates of denitrification losses determined using this method will help to improve cropping system modeling approaches, advancing our understanding of the N cycle across scales.
Spin-orbit Rabi oscillations in optically synthesized magnetic fields
Authors: Liu Guohua , Zhang Xiliang , Zhang Xin , Hu Yanwen , Li Zhen , Chen Zhenqiang , Fu Shenhe
Published: August 2023

Rabi oscillation has been proven to be one of the cornerstones of quantum mechanics, triggering substantial investigations in different disciplines and various important applications both in the classical and quantum regimes. So far, two independent classes of wave states in the Rabi oscillations have been revealed as spin waves and orbital waves, while a Rabi wave state simultaneously merging the spin and orbital angular momentum has remained elusive. Here we report on the experimental and theoretical observation and control of spin–orbit-coupled Rabi oscillations in the higher-order regime of light. We constitute a pseudo spin-1/2 formalism and optically synthesize a magnetization vector through light-crystal interaction. We observe simultaneous oscillations of these ingredients in weak and strong coupling regimes, which are effectively controlled by a beam-dependent synthetic magnetic field. We introduce an electrically tunable platform, allowing fine control of transition between different oscillatory modes, resulting in an emission of orbital-angular-momentum beams with tunable topological structures. Our results constitute a general framework to explore spin–orbit couplings in the higher-order regime, offering routes to manipulating the spin and orbital angular momentum in three and four dimensions. The close analogy with the Pauli equation in quantum mechanics, nonlinear optics, etc., implies that the demonstrated concept can be readily generalized to different disciplines.