bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solvent‐Induced Polymorphism in Non‐Fullerene‐Based Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Xin Jingming , Zhao Heng , Xue Jingwei , Seibt Susanne , Collins Brian A. , Ma Wei
Published: October 2022

Organic photovoltaics have achieved breakthroughs in power conversion efficiency due to the superior aggregation and packing nature of non‐fullerene acceptors (NFAs). Solution processing and various treatments would tend to form distinct packing motifs for state‐of‐the‐art NFAs. Herein, the solvent‐induced polymorphism for 3,9‐bis(2‐methylene‐(3‐(1,1‐dicyanomethylene)‐indanone))‐5,5,11,11‐tetrakis(4‐hexylphenyl)‐dithieno[2,3‐d:2′,3′‐d′]‐s‐indaceno[1,2‐b:5,6‐b′]dithiophne) (ITIC) prepared by chloroform (CF) and chlorobenzene (CB) is revealed. The packing motif of ITIC exhibits dense π–π stacking from CF induction, which presents red‐shifted absorption and reversible high‐temperature crystallization and melting. Meanwhile, strong lamellar stacking and π–π stacking can be formed in the CB solution with unstable low‐temperature crystallization and melting. Combining in situ absorption spectra and interaction calculation, the stronger preaggregation of ITIC in the CF solution was found to be the main reason for forming a different packing motif from in the CB solution. The packing and thermodynamic features are retained in the PBDB‐T:ITIC blends, though good miscibility weakens characteristic features. Benefiting from the polymorph structure, CB‐processed devices denote more favorable performance but less thermal stability. This research indicates the significant effect of solvent induction for manipulating and optimizing the morphology of organic solar cell devices.
Boosting Photocatalytic Nitrogen Fixation via In Situ Constructing Bi Metal Active Sites over BiOBr/BiOI Heterojunction
Authors: Gao Kaiyue , Zhu Haibao , Zhang Chengming , Song Xiaojie , Lao Li , Ni Liping , Chen Jianli , Cheng Congliang , Wang Xiufang
Published: October 2022

The main obstacles to the photocatalytic reduction of nitrogen are the low separation efficiency of photogenerated charges and the few activation sites for nitrogen. It is highly desirable to explore new strategies for improving the nitrogen fixation performance of catalysts. Herein, the Bi metal active sites are constructed on the surface of BiOBr/BiOI heterojunction by in situ reaction, which promote the absorption, activation, and dissociation of nitrogen molecules. Moreover, the existence of Bi metal and BiOBr/BiOI heterojunction enhances the light absorption ability and facilitates the separation and transfer of photogenerated charges. The theoretical calculation also demonstrates that the BiOBr/BiOI/Bi composite has excellent electron structure and electron transfer efficiency. So, the ternary BiOBr/BiOI/Bi catalyst shows excellent performance of photocatalytic reduction of nitrogen to ammonia. The nitrogen reduction rate is 221.9 μmol g−1 h−1, which is 7.6 and 5 times higher than that of pure BiOBr and BiOBr/BiOI. The mechanism of photocatalytic nitrogen fixation of the BiOBr/BiOI/Bi is proposed based on the experimental and theoretical results. This study provides a novel method for improving the photocatalytic nitrogen reduction performance of catalysts.
Impact of Self‐Absorption and Cavity Effects on the Electroluminescence Spectra of Thin‐Film Solar Cells
Authors: van der Pol Tom P. A. , Datta Kunal , Wienk Martijn M. , Janssen René A. J.
Published: October 2022

Thin‐film organic and perovskite solar cells have seen tremendous advances in recent years. A common technique to characterize the low‐energy states in these solar cells is electroluminescence spectroscopy. Stemming from their thin film nature, however, the outcoupled electroluminescence spectra of these devices are affected by cavity effects and self‐absorption. Herein, a modeling approach is developed taking into account self‐absorption, cavity effects, and a nonhomogeneous emission profile, to correct the outcoupled spectrum, thereby yielding the intrinsically emitted spectrum. The modeling approach is then employed to structurally investigate the impact of these effects for a variety of active layer thicknesses, complex refractive indices, device structures, and emission profiles. The data presented uncover trends and provide guidelines that enable gauging the impact of self‐absorption and cavity effects on the electroluminescence spectra of a large set of thin‐film devices.
Ground Fault Protection Methods in Microgrid Systems
Authors: Kodama Yasuhiro , Hayashi Yasuhiro
Published: October 2022

Microgrids, which independently configure power supply and demand from large‐scale power grids, are attracting attention for improving resilience and increasing the rate of local production and consumption of renewable energy. The establishment of a protection system against ground fault phenomena to protect the public and equipment is a microgrid implementation challenge that has not been given sufficient attention. This study evaluated the applicability of zero‐phase potential devices (ZPDs) and earthed voltage transformers (EVTs) for real‐world ground fault detection. We evaluated the effect of the number of ZPDs and EVTs installed on the effectiveness of ground fault detection. In addition, we analyzed the dependencies of ground fault occurrence on variable ground fault resistances and ground capacitances to determine the feasibility of detecting ground faults using ZPDs and EVTs in the real world. Based on the results of this study, ground fault detection using ZPD and EVT is feasible when applied to existing distribution lines in microgrid systems. © 2022 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
N6‐methyladenosine modification in trophoblasts promotes circSETD2 expression, inhibits miR‐181a‐5p, and elevates MCL1 transcription to reduce apoptosis of trophoblasts
Authors: Wang Dan , Guan Hongbo , Wang Ying , Song Guiyu , Xia Yajun
Published: October 2022

Preeclampsia (PE) is an obstetric disorder. N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) modification is related to PE trophoblast biological behaviors. This study explored the mechanism of m6A‐modified circSETD2 in trophoblast biological behaviors. Chorionic trophoblast apoptosis and circSETD2 expression in PE rat models were detected. HTR8/SVneo cells were induced by CoCl2 to establish PE trophoblast models. circSETD2 was silenced or overexpressed to evaluate its effect on cell proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis. m6A level of circSETD2 in trophoblasts was changed by pcDNA3.1‐METTL3 and pcDNA3.1‐FTO. The targeting relations among miR‐181a‐5p, circSETD2, and MCL1 were verified by dual‐luciferase assay. miR‐181a‐5p and MCL1 expressions were interfered with to confirm the effect of m6A‐modified circSETD2. m6A methylation level was changed in PE rats for in vivo validation. PE rats showed diminished circSETD2 expression and increased apoptosis index. circSETD2 overexpression promoted trophoblast proliferation and invasion, and reduced apoptosis. METTL3 overexpression increased total m6A, circSETD2 m6A, and circSETD2 levels. m6A modification mediated circSETD2 upregulation. circSETD2 was a sponge of miR‐181a‐5p to elevate MCL1 transcription. miR‐181a‐5p overexpression or MCL1 silencing annulled the role of m6A‐modified circSETD2. circSETD2 inhibition negated suppression of METTL3 overexpression on chorionic trophoblast apoptosis in vivo. Collectively, m6A modification of circSETD2 suppressed miR‐181a‐5p and increased MCL1 transcription, thus regulating trophoblasts.
Depolymerization of polyaromatic hydrocarbons by Penicillium spp. inhabit the phyllosphere of urban ornamental plants
Authors: Dharmasiri R. B. N. , Undugoda L. J. S. , Nilmini A. H. L. , Pathmalal M. M. , Nugara N. N. R. N. , Udayanga D. , Kannangara S.
Published: October 2022

A variety of anthropogenic sources release hazardous polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) into the phyllosphere which is an excellent niche for diverse fungi, and some of them have PAHs degradation capabilities. Therefore, this research attempted to determine the PAHs (phenanthrene, anthracene, naphthalene, and pyrene) degradation capability of phyllosphere inhabited Penicillium species. The leaf samples were collected from highly polluted urban areas (Panchikawatta, Pettah, Orugodawatta, Maradana, Sapugaskanda, and Colombo Fort) in Sri Lanka to isolate fungal species inhabiting the phyllosphere. Furthermore, their distribution patterns among the leaf tissue layers were studied using bright‐field microscopic observations. Moreover, the best PAH degraders were screened out using plate assays and confirmed through High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis. Further, their enzymatic activities during the PAHs degradation were analyzed. As per the microscopic observations, the highest fungal distribution was in the upper epidermis of the leaves followed by the fungal distribution in the interspaces of palisade mesophyll layers. Out of isolated fungal species, two Penicillium spp. (Penicillium citrinum P23B‐91 and Penicillium griseofulvum P9B ‐ 30) showed the highest PAHs (phenanthrene, anthracene, naphthalene, and pyrene) degradation capabilities. Manganese peroxidase (MnP) enzyme dominated phenanthrene degradation in P. griseofulvum P9B ‐ 30, which showed the highest phenanthrene degradation ability (61%). In addition, P. citrinum P23B‐91 was good at degrading anthracene (88%) and also displayed a higher MnP activity during the anthracene degradation than laccase and lignin peroxidase activities. The discoveries from the toxicity assay during the PAHs degradation processes revealed that the produced byproducts had no toxic effects on the fungal growth cycle and the phyllosphere. Therefore this phyllosphere Penicillium spp. are ideal for the bioremediation of polluted air in urbanized areas.
Protein fractionation of Hibiscus cannabinus (kenaf) seeds, its characterization, and potential use for water treatment
Authors: Okoro Benjamin U. , Sharifi Soroosh , Jesson Mike , Bridgeman John
Published: October 2022

This study evaluates the coagulation performance of kenaf protein fractions (KPFs) comprising of albumin (AlbKP), globulin (GloKP), prolamin (ProKP), and glutenin (GluKP), in the treatment of high (500 NTU), medium (150 NTU), and low (30 NTU) turbidity water. Based on preliminary experimental results, the study focused on GloKP due to it outperforming the other kenaf coagulation products (KCPs) in all water types tested. The influence of GloKP, both as a primary coagulant and coagulant aid to aluminum sulfate (AS) on organic matter removal, was examined. Parametric analysis on turbidity, TSS, pH, dosages, retention time, and KPFs storage time was completed. Results indicated that GloKP could be used both as a primary coagulant and coagulant aid. GloKP had a higher turbidity and solids removal than the AlbKP and other KPFs (ProKP and GluKP). Solution pH greatly influenced the performance of the GloKP, and optimum dosage at pH 2 resulted in the highest organic matter removal. High dosages also resulted in negative mobility of particles and a more stable suspension. When used as a coagulant aid to AS, GloKP was more effective in removing dissolved organic carbon (DOC). Scanning electron microscopy elemental analysis (SEM‐EDAX) and Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectra showed the structure of the KPFs. SEM‐EDAX indicated the presence of metal cations capable of forming complexes essential for flocs formation. The enhanced floc formation, detailed in this paper, is ascribed to the collective effect of charge neutralization of the AS species and the adsorption and bridging effect of the GloKP, which improves the bonds formed between flocs. The coagulation–flocculation process can be significantly improved using dual coagulants. GloKP was also an excellent alternative to its crude (CrKP) and solvent extract (HxKP) form for removing suspended and dissolved particles from all water types.

Practitioner Points

Kenaf protein fractionates can destabilize stable particles.

The globulin protein fractionate (GloKP) aggregated the most particles and contained least dissolved organic material.

GloKP is pH sensitive with pH 2 reported as best working pH.

Coagulant dosage and coagulation mechanism were assessed.
2,6‐Di(1H‐tetrazol‐1‐yl)pyridine and its cupric chloride complex
Authors: Grigoryev Evgeny Y. , Grigorieva Inna M. , Lyakhov Alexander S. , Ivashkevich Ludmila S. , Matulis Vadim E. , Lavrenova Ludmila G. , Voitekhovich Sergei V. , Grigoriev Yuri V.
Published: October 2022

2,6‐Di(1H‐tetrazol‐1‐yl)pyridine (DTP) was prepared by a four‐stage procedure, including step‐by‐step heterocyclization of both amino groups of 2,6‐diaminopyridine with triethyl orthoformate and sodium azide. According to quantum‐chemical calculations and single crystal X‐ray diffraction data, DTP crystallizes in the form of the thermodynamically most stable conformer and has an almost flat molecular geometry. DTP was found to react with CuCl2 ⋅ 2H2O in ethanol to give the [Cu(DTP)Cl2(H2O)]n complex, which is a 1D coordination polymer, formed at the expense of bridging DTP ligand via the tetrazole ring nitrogen atoms N4. Possible coordination cites in DTP molecule are discussed using the data of quantum chemical calculations. The pyridine ring nitrogen atom of DTP does not participate in the formation of either coordination or intermolecular hydrogen bonds. This is explained by the results of quantum chemical calculations showing that this atom is less basic than N3 and N4 atoms of DTP molecule.
Traffic Safety in India and Vision Zero
Authors: Tiwari Geetam , Mohan Dinesh
Published: October 2022

This chapter presents the current state of traffic safety in India and a brief overview of history of traffic safety policies in India. The road safety policy adopted by the Government of India does not have any specific targets; however, the government has accepted the UN sustainable development goals (SDG) and targets in 2016. SDG 3.6 is related to road traffic injuries, and it requires that the fatalities due to road traffic crashes must be reduced by 50% by 2030. The last section of the chapter presents a roadmap for selected cities in India for achieving SDG target 3.6 by 2030 and discusses the results in the context of “Vision Zero” for India.
Evaluation of Crowd-Sourced PM2.5 Measurements from Low-Cost Sensors for Air Quality Mapping in Stuttgart City
Authors: Gitahi Joseph , Hahn Michael
Published: October 2022

Exposure to particulate matter (PM) pollution poses a major risk to the environment and human health. Monitoring PM pollution is thus crucial to understand particle distribution and mitigation. There has been rapid development of low-cost PM sensors and advancement in the field of Internet of Things (IoT) that has led to the deployment of the sensors by technology-aware people in cities. In this study, we evaluate the stability and accuracy of PM measurements from low-cost sensors crowd-sourced from a citizen science project in Stuttgart. Long-term measurements from the sensors show a strong correlation with measurements from reference stations with most of the selected sensors achieving Pearson correlation coefficients of r > 0.7. We investigate the stability of the sensors for reproducibility of measurements using five sensors installed at different height levels and horizontal distances. They exhibit minor variations with low correlation of variation (CV) values of between 10 and 14%. A CV of ≤10% is recommended for low-cost sensors. In a dense network, the sensors enable extraction pollution patterns and trends. We analyse PM measurements from 2 years using space-time pattern analysis and generate two clusters of sensors that have similar trends. The clustering shows the relationship between traffic and pollution with most sensors near major roads being in the same cluster.
Cooperative Planning Strategies in Urban Development Processes
Authors: Lahode Carolin , Schaumann Elisabeth
Published: October 2022

Cities face a variety of challenges today. To react on these challenges, especially the design of public space as a space of encounter and negotiation is important. In this context, cooperative planning processes are gaining more and more popularity, as cooperation seems to offer the chance to produce solutions for a diverse urban coexistence and a collective understanding of the common good.

Despite the frequent use of the term, there is yet no clear definition of cooperative planning processes. In this regard, the article analyses the development process of the ‘Österreichischer Platz’ in Stuttgart. The project strategy included an open-ended experimental process over the course of 2 years with a multiplicity of stakeholders. The innovative cooperation of various initiatives, the civil population and representatives of the city administration and politics defines the project as a lighthouse project for urban development in Stuttgart.
Challenges to Turn Transport Behavior into Emission-Friendly Use of Means of Transport
Authors: Armstroff Torsten , Gaspers Lutz
Published: October 2022

The target of emission reduction in Germany requires a turn from petrol/diesel motorized private transport toward emission-free transport solutions. Besides electrified cars, bicycles, scooters, and pedelecs become more and more common: easy to finance, easy to use, fast in town, reliable, and emission-free. Hence, many local authorities intend to force bicycle use significantly. Almost every German citizen owns a bicycle; however, roughly 50% are used less than once a month or not at all.

Bicycle traffic contributes just 11% to Germany’s modal split (amount of moves). Other countries nearby indicate that pedelec movement will become a significant player in people movement. The means of transports are just one side of the medal of the turn to future transport opportunities.

Is it necessary to own vehicles, bicycles, and scooters? There are plenty of scenarios, where private ownership of means of traffic does not solve transport problems and/or lacks of availability at a certain point of need.

How does sharing satisfy local transportation needs? How can sharing of emission-free vehicles contribute to a successful future transportation in Germany? The chapter will focus on a few hints to answer these questions, building on findings of studies and field tests and the view beyond the German horizon.
Marriage Matters. Or Does It?
Authors: Lee Rennie , Baxter Janeen
Published: October 2022

Married couples generally experience higher levels of subjective wellbeing than cohabiting couples or single people, though the relationship between wellbeing and partnering is context-specific. Marriage has different benefits for different demographic and subgroups and varies by gender, nativity, birth region, and country contexts. We find that across several measures of socioeconomic wellbeing, married individuals show better outcomes than their cohabiting counterparts and single individuals. Married individuals are more likely to be employed, own a home, and have access to emergency funds, net of various socioeconomic and demographic controls. These advantages remain even when we consider their outcomes after they have transitioned to marriage controlling for unobserved and observed bias. We find no substantive differences in health and wellbeing across individuals of different marital statuses. We conclude that policies aimed at supporting individuals to achieve fulfilling lives must recognise increased diversity in partnership arrangements and provide strong supports to those who choose not to pursue traditional marital arrangements.
Parenthood: Disrupting the Intergenerational Transmission of Social Disadvantage
Authors: Burke Kylie , Dittman Cassandra K.
Published: October 2022

This chapter examines parenthood, arguably one of the most significant life course transitions in an individual’s life with consequences not just for the adults involved, but also children whose developmental outcomes are strongly influenced by parenting styles, practices and resources. We examine how parenting practices are influenced by social disadvantage, including disadvantage at the individual, family and community levels, arguing that this influence is complex and multi-directional, with reciprocal associations among children, parents, family systems and the broader social and economic ecology. Parenting support programs are an important means of interrupting the intergenerational transmission of disadvantage, but these programs require rigorous evaluation to ensure optimal use of resources and outcomes for children. We conclude by drawing attention to the need for programs that support parenting across all stages of the life course, including during emerging adulthood and grandparenthood.
Verification of Variability-Intensive Stochastic Systems with Statistical Model Checking
Authors: Lazreg Sami , Cordy Maxime , Legay Axel
Published: October 2022

We propose a simulation-based approach to verify Variability-Intensive Systems (VISs) with stochastic behaviour. Given an LTL formula and a model of the VIS behaviour, our method estimates the probability for each variant to satisfy the formula. This allows us to learn the products of the VIS for which the probability stands above a certain threshold. To achieve this, our method samples VIS executions from all variants at once and keeps track of the occurrence probability of these executions in any given variant. The efficiency of this algorithm relies on Algebraic Decision Diagram (ADD), a dedicated data structure that enables orthogonal treatment of variability, stochasticity and property satisfaction. We implemented our approach as an extension of the ProVeLines model checker. Our experiments validate that our method can produce accurate estimations of the probability for the variants to satisfy the given properties.
Epistemic Ensembles
Authors: Hennicker Rolf , Knapp Alexander , Wirsing Martin
Published: October 2022

An ensemble consists of a set of computing entities which collaborate to reach common goals. We introduce epistemic ensembles that use shared knowledge for collaboration between agents. Collaboration is achieved by different kinds of knowledge announcements. For specifying epistemic ensemble behaviours we use formulas of dynamic logic with compound ensemble actions. Our semantics relies on an epistemic notion of ensemble transition systems as behavioural models. These transition systems describe control flow over epistemic states for expressing knowledge-based collaboration of agents. Specifications are implemented by epistemic processes that are composed in parallel to form ensemble realisations. We give a formal operational semantics of these processes that generates an epistemic ensemble transition system. A realisation is correct w. r. t. an ensemble specification if its semantics is a model of the specification.
Spin fields for the spinning particle
Authors: Boffo E. , Sachs I.
Published: October 2022

Abstract

We propose an analogue of spin fields for the relativistic RNS-particle in 4 dimensions, in order to describe Ramond-Ramond states as “two-particle” excitations on the world line. On a natural representation space we identify a differential whose cohomology agrees with RR-fields equations. We then discuss the non-linear theory encoded in deformations of the latter by background fields. We also formulate a sigma model for this spin field from which we recover the RNS-formulation by imposing suitable constraints.
Local unitarity: cutting raised propagators and localising renormalisation
Authors: Capatti Zeno , Hirschi Valentin , Ruijl Ben
Published: October 2022

Abstract

The Local Unitarity (LU) representation of differential cross-sections locally realises the cancellations of infrared singularities predicted by the Kinoshita-Lee-Nauenberg theorem. In this work we solve the two remaining challenges to enable practical higher-loop computations within the LU formalism. The first concerns the generalisation of the LU representation to graphs with raised propagators. The solution to this problem results in a generalisation of distributional Cutkosky rules. The second concerns the regularisation of ultraviolet and spurious soft singularities, solved using a fully automated and local renormalisation procedure based on Bogoliubov’s R-operation. We detail an all-order construction for the hybrid $$ \overline{\textrm{MS}} $$

MS
¯

and On-Shell scheme whose only analytic input is single-scale vacuum diagrams. We validate this novel technology by providing (semi-)inclusive results for two multi-leg processes at NLO, study limits of individual supergraphs up to N3LO and present the first physical NNLO cross-sections computed fully numerically in momentum-space, namely for the processes γ∗→ jj and $$ {\gamma}^{\ast}\to t\overline{t} $$

γ
∗

→
t

t
¯

.
Positivity of Mass in Higher Dimensions
Authors: Cameron Peter
Published: October 2022

The positive mass theorem in higher dimensions is proved using causality arguments inspired by those of Penrose et al. (a positive mass theorem based on the focusing and retardation of null geodesics, 1993) in $$3+1$$

3
+
1

dimensions.
On Invertible m-isometrical Extension of an m-isometry
Authors: Bermúdez T. , Martinón A. , Müller V. , Zaway H.
Published: October 2022

We give necessary and sufficient conditions on an m-isometry to have an invertible m-isometrical extension. As particular cases, we give a useful characterization for a general m-isometrical unilateral weighted shift and for $$\ell $$
ℓ
-Jordan isometries. In particular, every $$\ell $$
ℓ
-Jordan isometry operator has an invertible $$(2\ell -1)$$

(
2
ℓ
-
1
)

-isometrical extension.
A Dubrovin-Frobenius manifold structure of NLS type on the orbit space of $$B_n$$
Authors: Arsie Alessandro , Lorenzoni Paolo , Mencattini Igor , Moroni Guglielmo
Published: October 2022

Generalizing a construction presented in Arsie and Lorenzoni (Lett Math Phys 107:1919–1961, 2017), we show that the orbit space of $$B_2$$

B
2

less the image of the coordinate lines under the quotient map is equipped with two Dubrovin-Frobenius manifold structures which are related respectively to the defocusing and the focusing nonlinear Schrödinger (NLS) equations. Motivated by this example, we study the case of $$B_n$$

B
n

and we show that the defocusing case can be generalized to arbitrary n leading to a Dubrovin-Frobenius manifold structure on the orbit space of the group. The construction is based on the existence of a non-degenerate and non-constant invariant bilinear form that plays the role of the Euclidean metric in the Dubrovin–Saito standard setting. Up to $$n=4$$

n
=
4

the prepotentials we get coincide with those associated with the constrained KP equations discussed in Liu et al. (J Geom Phys 97:177–189, 2015).
Higher sensitivity and accuracy of synovial next-generation sequencing in comparison to culture in diagnosing periprosthetic joint infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hantouly Ashraf T. , Alzobi Osama , Toubasi Ahmad A. , Zikria Bashir , Al Dosari Mohammed Al Ateeq , Ahmed Ghalib
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this meta-analysis was to compare the diagnostic parameters of synovial next-generation sequencing (NGS) and cultures in diagnosing periprosthetic joint infections (PJI).

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Google Scholar were searched from inception until 8 Jan 2022 for literature investigating the role of NGS in comparison to culture in the diagnosis of PJI. The studies were included if they investigated the diagnostic value of culture and NGS in diagnosing PJIs against the Musculoskeletal Infection Society (MSIS) criteria. Diagnostic parameters, such as sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, positive-likelihood ratio, negative-likelihood ratio, accuracy, and area under the curve (AUC), were calculated for the included studies to evaluate the performance of NGS in comparison to culture in PJI diagnosis.

Results

The total number of the included patients was 341 from seven articles. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio of NGS were 94% (95% CI 91–97%), 89% (95% CI 82–95%), and 138.5 (95% CI 49.1–390.5), respectively. NGS has positive- and negative-likelihood ratios of 7.9 (95% CI 3.99–15.6) and 0.1 (95% CI 0.0–0.1), respectively. On the other hand, the pooled sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio of culture were 70% (95% CI 61–79%), 94% (95% CI 88–98%), and 28.0 (95% CI 12.6–62.2), respectively. The SROC curve for NGS showed that the accuracy (AUC) was 91.9%, and that the positive and negative predictive values were 8.6 (95% CI 5.0–19.5) and 0.1 (95% CI 0.0–0.1), respectively. While, culture SROC curve demonstrated that the accuracy (AUC) was 80.5% and the positive- and negative-likelihood ratio were 12.1 (95% CI 4.5–49.6) and 0.3 (95% CI 0.2–0.4).

Conclusions

NGS has a potential role in diagnosing hip and knee PJIs due to its high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. However, the sensitivity and specificity reported by the studies varied according to the time of synovial sampling (preoperative, postoperative, or mixed).
Probiotics Inhibit Cartilage Damage and Progression of Osteoarthritis in Mice
Authors: Sophocleous Antonia , Azfer Asim , Huesa Carmen , Stylianou Eleni , Ralston Stuart H.
Published: October 2022

Increasing interest has focussed on the possible role of alterations in the microbiome in the pathogenesis of metabolic disease, inflammatory disease, and osteoporosis. Here we examined the role of the microbiome in a preclinical model of osteoarthritis in mice subjected to destabilisation of medical meniscus (DMM). The intestinal microbiome was depleted by broad-spectrum antibiotics from 1 week before birth until the age of 6 weeks when mice were subjected reconstitution of the microbiome with faecal microbial transplant (FMT) followed by the administration of a mixture of probiotic strains Lacticaseibacillus paracasei 8700:2, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum HEAL9 and L. plantarum HEAL19 or vehicle. All mice were subjected to DMM at the age of 8 weeks. The severity of osteoarthritis was evaluated by histological analysis and effects on subchondral bone were investigated by microCT analyses. The combination of FMT and probiotics significantly inhibited cartilage damage at the medial femoral condyle such that the OARSI score was 4.64 ± 0.32 (mean ± sem) in the FMT and probiotic group compared with 6.48 ± 0.53 in the FMT and vehicle group (p = 0.007). MicroCT analysis of epiphyseal bone from the femoral condyle showed that the probiotic group had higher BV/TV, increased Tb.Th, and moderately thicker subchondral bone plates than the control group. There was no difference between groups in joint inflammation or in serum concentrations of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. We conclude that treatment with probiotics following FMT in mice where the microbiome has been depleted inhibits DMM-induced cartilage damage and impacts on the structure of subchondral bone particularly at the femoral condyle. While further studies are required to elucidate the mechanism of action, our research suggests that these probiotics may represent a novel intervention for the treatment of osteoarthritis.
Inhibitory receptors for HLA class I as immune checkpoints for natural killer cell-mediated antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity in cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Beelen Nicky A. , Ehlers Femke A. I. , Bos Gerard M. J. , Wieten Lotte
Published: October 2022

Natural killer (NK) cells mediate potent anti-tumor responses, which makes them attractive targets for immunotherapy. The anti-tumor response of endogenous- or allogeneic NK cells can be enhanced through clinically available monoclonal antibodies that mediate antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). NK cell activation is regulated by interaction of inhibitory receptors with classical- and non-classical human leukocyte antigens (HLA) class I molecules. Inhibitory receptors of the killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) family interact with HLA-A, -B or –C epitopes, while NKG2A interacts with the non-classical HLA-E molecule. Both types of inhibitory interactions may influence the strength of the ADCC response. In the present review, we provide an overview of the effect of inhibitory KIRs and NKG2A on NK cell-mediated ADCC, which highlights the rationale for combination strategies with ADCC triggering antibodies and interference with the NK cell relevant inhibitory immune checkpoints, such as KIR and NKG2A.
Clinical Outcome and Quality of Life of Multimodal Treatment of Extracranial Arteriovenous Malformations: The APOLLON Study Protocol
Authors: Schmidt Vanessa F. , Masthoff Max , Vielsmeier Veronika , Seebauer Caroline T. , Cangir Özlem , Meyer Lutz , Mükke Antje , Lang Werner , Schmid Axel , Sporns Peter B. , Brill Richard , Wohlgemuth Walter A. , da Silva Natascha Platz Batista , Seidensticker Max , Schinner Regina , Küppers Julia , Häberle Beate , Haubner Frank , Ricke Jens , Zenker Martin , Kimm Melanie A. , Wildgruber Moritz ,   for the APOLLON investigators
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) as rare diseases are diagnostically and therapeutically challenging. Due to the limited evidence regarding treatment outcome, prospective data are needed on how different treatment regimens affect outcome. The aims of this prospective trial are to determine effectiveness, safety, and clinical outcome of multimodal treatment in patients with extracranial AVMs.

Materials and Methods

After clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based diagnosis and informed consent, 146 patients (> 4 years and < 70 years) undergoing multimodal therapy in tertiary care vascular anomalies centers will be included in this prospective observational trial. Treatment options include conservative management, medical therapy, minimally invasive image-guided procedures (embolization, sclerotherapy) and surgery as well as combinations of the latter. The primary outcome is the patient-reported QoL 6 months after completion of treatment using the short form-36 health survey version 2 (SF-36v2) and the corresponding short form-10 health survey (SF-10) for children. In addition, clinical presentation (physician-reported signs), MRI imaging (radiological assessment of devascularization), recurrence rate, and therapeutic safety will be analyzed. Further follow-up will be performed after 12, 24, and 36 months. Moreover, liquid biopsies are being obtained from peripheral blood at multiple time points to investigate potential biomarkers for therapy response and disease progression.

Discussion

The APOLLON trial is a prospective, multicenter, observational open-label trial with unequal study groups to generate prospective evidence for multimodal treatment of AVMs. A multicenter design with the potential to assess larger populations will provide an increased understanding of multimodal therapy outcome in this orphan disease.

Trial Registration

German Clinical Trials Register (identification number: DRKS00021019) https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00021019.
High diversity of benthic cyanobacterial mats on coral reefs of Koh Tao, Gulf of Thailand
Authors: Stuij Tamara M. , Cleary Daniel F. R. , Gomes Newton C. M. , Mehrotra Rahul , Visser Petra M. , Speksnijder Arjen G. C. L. , Hoeksema Bert W.
Published: October 2022

Benthic cyanobacterial mats are increasingly reported to cover major coral reef areas. Although suggestions have been made that cyanobacterial mats impair coral reef health in multiple ways, information is lacking regarding the distribution, morphotypical variation and bacterial species composition of these microbial mats. As such, this study aimed to (1) Reveal the bacterial community diversity and composition of different mat morphotypes, (2) Identify the most abundant community members and closely related organisms, (3) Assess to what extent, morphotype, colonized substrate (coral or abiotic substrate), depth, and site were significant predictors of bacterial composition. Data were collected on reefs surrounding the island of Koh Tao (Gulf of Thailand). A total of 201 mats from 16 different locations around the island were classified into eight distinct morphotypes. Of these, the bacterial communities of 44 mats, representing colour groups from multiple sites, were characterized using 16S rRNA gene high-throughput sequencing. Our data revealed that Proteobacteria, Cyanobacteria, Bacteriodetes and Planctomycetes were the four most abundant phyla and occurred in all samples. Abundant cyanobacterial zero-radius operational taxonomic units (ZOTUs) were closely related to prokaryotic sequences found in previous studies of coastal mats (98–100%) and were assigned to genera in the order Oscillatoriales, e.g. Hormoscilla, Okeania, and Oscillatoria. Abundant proteobacterial ZOTUs were assigned to orders in the classes Alpha- and Gammaproteobacteria, e.g. Rhodobacterales, Rhizobiales and Alteromonadales. Abundant Bacteriodetes ZOTUs were mainly assigned to the class Bacteroidia and order Cytophagales. Our results showed that mats consist of a diverse and variable bacterial consortium, with mat colour (morphotype), substrate type and geographic location only explaining a small part of the total variation in composition.
Use of retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) compared with mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mini-PCNL) in pediatric kidney stones
Authors: Mahmoud Mahmoud Ahmed , Shawki Amir Samuel , Abdallah Hany Mostafa , Mostafa Diaa , Elawady Hossam , Samir Mohamed
Published: October 2022

Objective

We aimed to compare the cost-effectiveness and safety of retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) and mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mini-PCNL) for pediatric kidney stones management.

Patients and methods

Ninety pediatric patients with single or multiple renal stones 1–3 cm in diameter were collected prospectively and equally divided into two groups to undergo RIRS or mini-PCNL. The groups were compared for fluoroscopy and operative time, postoperative hospital stay time, stone-free rate (SFR), need for auxiliary procedures, and cost as well as complications.

Results

There were no differences found between RIRS and mini-PCNL groups with regard to operative time and postoperative DJ stent application, while the mean of fluoroscopy time and postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter in the RIRS than in the mini-PCNL group. The SFR, auxiliary treatment on residual stones, and complications were comparable. In both groups, no major (Clavien IV–V) complications were observed. The mean cost of RIRS was $1210 and $733 for the mini-PCNL.

Conclusions

Both RIRS and mini-PCNL are effective and safe treatment modalities for pediatric renal stones 10–30 mm in size. However, mini-PCNL is more cost-effective making it a viable alternative to RIRS.
Whole fresh fruit intake and risk of incident diabetes in different glycemic stages: a nationwide prospective cohort investigation
Authors: Li Li , Yang Hai-Yan , Ma Yan , Liang Xing-Huan , Xu Min , Zhang Jie , Huang Zhen-Xing , Meng Li-Heng , Zhou Jia , Xian Jing , Suo Ying-Jun , Huang Song , Cai Jin-Wei , Meng Bi-Hui , Zhao Zhi-Yun , Lu Jie-Li , Xu Yu , Wang Tian-Ge , Li Mian , Chen Yu-Hong , Wang Wei-Qing , Bi Yu-Fang , Ning Guang , Shen Fei-Xia , Hu Ru-Ying , Chen Gang , Chen Li , Chen Lu-Lu , Deng Hua-Cong , Gao Zheng-Nan , Huo Ya-Nan , Li Qiang , Liu Chao , Mu Yi-Ming , Qin Gui-Jun , Shi Li-Xin , Su Qing , Wan Qin , Wang Gui-Xia , Wang Shuang-Yuan , Wang You-Min , Wu Sheng-Li , Xu Yi-Ping , Yan Li , Yang Tao , Ye Zhen , Yu Xue-Feng , Zhang Yin-Fei , Zhao Jia-Jun , Zeng Tian-Shu , Tang Xu-Lei , Qin Ying-Fen , Luo Zuo-Jie ,   4C Study Group
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Fruit intake is beneficial to several chronic diseases, but controversial in diabetes. We aimed to investigate prospectively the associations of whole fresh fruit intake with risk of incident type 2 diabetes (T2D) in subjects with different glucose regulation capacities.

Methods

The present study included 79,922 non-diabetic participants aged ≥ 40 years from an ongoing nationwide prospective cohort in China. Baseline fruit intake information was collected by a validated food frequency questionnaire. Plasma HbA1c, fasting and 2 h post-loading glucose levels were measured at both baseline and follow-up examinations. Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for incident diabetes among participants with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and prediabetes, after adjusted for multiple confounders. Restricted cubic spline analysis was applied for dose–response relation.

Results

During a median 3.8-year follow-up, 5886 (7.36%) participants developed diabetes. Overall, we identified a linear and dose-dependent inverse association between dietary whole fresh fruit intake and risk of incident T2D. Each 100 g/d higher fruit intake was associated with 2.8% lower risk of diabetes (HR 0.972, 95%CI [0.949–0.996], P = 0.0217), majorly benefiting NGT subjects with 15.2% lower risk (HR 0.848, 95%CI [0.766–0.940], P = 0.0017), while not significant in prediabetes (HR 0.981, 95%CI 0.957–4.005, P = 0.1268). Similarly, the inverse association was present in normoglycemia individuals with a 48.6% lower risk of diabetes when consuming fruits > 7 times/week comparing to those < 1 time/week (HR 0.514, 95% CI [0.368–0.948]), but not in prediabetes (HR 0.883, 95% CI [0.762–1.023]).

Conclusion

These findings suggest that higher frequency and amount of fresh fruit intake may protect against incident T2D, especially in NGT, but not in prediabetes, highlighting the dietary recommendation of higher fresh fruit consumption to prevent T2D in normoglycemia population.
Phosphoserine-86-HSPB1 (pS86-HSPB1) is cytoplasmic and highly induced in rat myometrium at labour
Authors: Miskiewicz E. I. , Olaloku A. , MacPhee B. K. , MacPhee D. J.
Published: October 2022

Uterine myocytes during pregnancy proceed through a series of adaptations and collectively transform into a powerfully contractile tissue by term. Previous work has indicated that members of the heat shock protein (HSP) B family of stress proteins are associated with the process of adaptation and transformation. Utilizing immunoblot analyses, widefield epifluorescence and total internal reflection (TIRF) microscopy, this study investigated the temporal and spatial detection of HSPB1 phosphorylated on serine-86 (pS86-HSPB1) in rat myometrium during pregnancy, the role of uterine distension in regulation of pS86-HSPB1, and the comparative localization with pS15-HSPB1 in rat myometrial tissue as well as in an immortalized human myometrial cell line. Immunoblot detection of pS86-HSPB1 was significantly elevated during late pregnancy and labour. In particular, pS86-HSPB1 was significantly increased at day (d)22 and d23 (labour) compared with all other timepoints assessed. Localization of pS86-HSPB1 in myometrium became prominent at d22 and d23 with cytoplasmic detection around myometrial cell nuclei. Furthermore, pS86-HSPB1 detection was found to be significantly elevated in the gravid rat uterine myometrium compared with the non-gravid tissue at d19 and d23. Both widefield epifluorescence and TIRF microscopy examination of human myometrial cells demonstrated that pS15-HSPB1 was prominently localized to focal adhesions, while pS82-HSPB1 (homologous to rodent pS86-HSPB1) was primarily located in the cell cytoplasm. Our data demonstrate that levels of phosphorylated HSPB1 increase just prior to and during labour, and that uterine distension is a stress-inducing signal for HSPB1 phosphorylation. The exact roles of these phosphorylated forms in myometrial cells remain to be determined.
Can alternative liver function scores facilitate the establishment of an indication for radioablative therapy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma?
Authors: Ott Dominik , Gawish Ahmed , Lux Anke , Heinze Constanze , Brunner Thomas B. , Hass Peter
Published: October 2022

Background and purpose

ALBI and IBI are new scores to evaluate the liver function in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prognostic abilities of those scores in patients treated with interstitial brachytherapy (iBT).

Materials and methods

190 patients treated with iBT between 01.01.2006 and 01.01.2018 were included in this study. The clinical target dose was 15 Gy. The patients were all in Child–Pugh stadium A or B and across the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Stages 0–C. Retrospectively ALBI and IBI were calculated pre- and post-therapeutic until 6 months after iBT. Hazards ratios were calculated, and p values corrected using the false discovery rate according to Benjamini and Hochberg.

Results

The median overall survival was 23.5 months (CI 19–28.5 months), and the median progression-free survival was 7.5 months (CI 6–9 months). Elevated ALBI showed a significantly higher risk to die with a hazard ratio (HR) of 2.010 (ALBI 2 vs. 1) and 4082 (ALBI 3 vs. 1), respectively. The IBI did also show a higher risk with an HR of 1.816 (IBI 1 vs. 0) and 4608 (IBI 2 vs. 0), respectively. Even 3 months after therapy elevated ALBI and IBI showed poor overall survival. Concerning progression-free survival, ALBI and IBI could not provide any relevant additional information.

Conclusion

ALBI and IBI are useful tools to predict the overall survival in patients treated with iBT and might be helpful to assign the patients to the appropriate therapy.
How to define and assess the clinically significant causes of hematuria in childhood
Authors: Horváth Orsolya , Szabó Attila J. , Reusz George S.
Published: October 2022

Given the wide diversity of causes of hematuria, ranging from simple urinary tract infections with rapid recovery to severe glomerulonephritis with fast decline in kidney function, it is essential to recognize the underlying disease. The first objective of the assessment is to determine whether the cause of the hematuria is medically significant. The combination of hematuria with proteinuria, the presence of hypertension, or worsening kidney function can represent signs of progressive kidney disease. Differentiating the various causes of hematuria is often simple and obvious based on the clinical signs and gross appearance of the urine. However, in some instances, additional non-invasive investigations, such as ultrasound imaging, urinary red cell morphology, measurement of calcium and other solutes in the urine, evaluation of kidney function, and protein excretion, are needed to elucidate the nature of the hematuria. Taking a detailed family history can help in establishing the underlying cause in cases of familial hematuria. On the other hand, the decision to perform a kidney biopsy in children with asymptomatic hematuria remains a challenging issue for clinicians. Ultimately, the frequency of diagnosis of glomerular involvement causing hematuria may depend on the threshold for performing a kidney biopsy. The following review will focus on the diagnostics of hematuria, starting with difficulties regarding its definition, followed by various means to differentiate between urinary, glomerular, and other causes, and finally reviewing the most common diseases that, due to their frequency or their effect on kidney function, present a diagnostic challenge in everyday practice.