bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estudios de vulnerabilidad sísmica, rehabilitación y refuerzo de casas en adobe y tapia pisada
Authors: Yamín Lacouture Luis Eduardo , Phillips Bernal Camilo , Reyes Ortiz Juan Carlos , Ruiz Valencia Daniel
Published: January 2024

Aproximadamente un quinto de la población mundial y alrededorde 35 millones de personas en Suramérica habitan en edificacionesde adobe y tapia pisada. Este tipo de edificaciones handemostrado un pobre comportamiento sísmico en los terremotosocurridos en los últimos cincuenta años alrededor del mundo generandomiles de muertes. Adicionalmente, en Colombia, una grancantidad de construcciones históricas y culturales en tierra estánlocalizadas en zonas de alta sismicidad. Con estos antecedentes,se desarrolló una investigación orientada a conocer el comportamientode esta tipología constructiva en su estado actual y proponeralternativas de rehabilitación sísmica viables desde el puntode vista técnico. Las dos alternativas propuestas, refuerzo conmalla y pañete y refuerzo con maderas de confinamiento, pruebanser factibles, presentando la segunda un mejor comportamientosísmico relativo.
Postural Balance in Boys With Intellectual Disabilities Who Participate in Soccer Training
Authors: Jouira Ghada , Rebai Haithem , Alexe Dan Iulian , Sahli Sonia
Published: January 2024

Purpose: The aim of this study is to investigate the postural balance in children with intellectual disabilities who participate in soccer training compared with their sedentary peers. Method: Two groups of boys with intellectual disabilities aged 8–10 years participated in this study: a soccer group (n = 12) and a sedentary group (n = 12). Postural balance was assessed using a force platform under 4 different conditions: open eyes, and closed eyes, on firm and foam surfaces. The Timed Up and Go Test, 10-m Walking Test, and Four-Square Step Test were also conducted. Results: The soccer group had significantly lower (P < .05) center of pressure values compared with the sedentary group, on both firm and foam surfaces, but only under the open eyes condition. They were significantly faster (P < .05) in the Timed Up and Go Test, 10-m Walking Test, and Four-Square Step Test compared with their sedentary peers. However, there were no significant differences between the 2 groups on the sit-to-stand and turn-to-sit phases of the Timed Up and Go Test. Conclusion: Soccer participation may have a positive effect on postural balance in boys with intellectual disabilities. These findings may have implications for the development of exercise programs to improve postural balance and reduce the risk of falls in this population.
Tumor cell–intrinsic PD-1 promotes Merkel cell carcinoma growth by activating downstream mTOR-mitochondrial ROS signaling
Authors: Martins Christina , Rasbach Erik , Heppt Markus V. , Singh Praveen , Kulcsar Zsofi , Holzgruber Julia , Chakraborty Asmi , Mucciarone Kyla , Kleffel Sonja , Brandenburg Anne , Hoetzenecker Wolfram , Rahbari Nuh N. , DeCaprio James A. , Thakuria Manisha , Murphy George F. , Ramsey Matthew R. , Posch Christian , Barthel Steven R. , Schatton Tobias
Published: January 2024

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive skin cancer. Inhibitors targeting the programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) immune checkpoint have improved MCC patient outcomes by boosting antitumor T cell immunity. Here, we identify PD-1 as a growth-promoting receptor intrinsic to MCC cells. In human MCC lines and clinical tumors, RT-PCR–based sequencing, immunoblotting, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence analyses demonstrated PD-1 gene and protein expression by MCC cells. MCC–PD-1 ligation enhanced, and its inhibition or silencing suppressed, in vitro proliferation and in vivo tumor xenograft growth. Consistently, MCC–PD-1 binding to PD-L1 or PD-L2 induced, while antibody-mediated PD-1 blockade inhibited, protumorigenic mTOR signaling, mitochondrial (mt) respiration, and ROS generation. Last, pharmacologic inhibition of mTOR or mtROS reversed MCC–PD-1:PD-L1–dependent proliferation and synergized with PD-1 checkpoint blockade in suppressing tumorigenesis. Our results identify an MCC–PD-1–mTOR–mtROS axis as a tumor growth–accelerating mechanism, the blockade of which might contribute to clinical response in patients with MCC.
Open-endedness in synthetic biology: A route to continual innovation for biological design
Authors: Stock Michiel , Gorochowski Thomas E.
Published: January 2024

Design in synthetic biology is typically goal oriented, aiming to repurpose or optimize existing biological functions, augmenting biology with new-to-nature capabilities, or creating life-like systems from scratch. While the field has seen many advances, bottlenecks in the complexity of the systems built are emerging and designs that function in the lab often fail when used in real-world contexts. Here, we propose an open-ended approach to biological design, with the novelty of designed biology being at least as important as how well it fulfils its goal. Rather than solely focusing on optimization toward a single best design, designing with novelty in mind may allow us to move beyond the diminishing returns we see in performance for most engineered biology. Research from the artificial life community has demonstrated that embracing novelty can automatically generate innovative and unexpected solutions to challenging problems beyond local optima. Synthetic biology offers the ideal playground to explore more creative approaches to biological design.
Corticotropin-releasing hormone neurons control trigeminal neuralgia-induced anxiodepression via a hippocampus-to-prefrontal circuit
Authors: Lv Su-Su , Lv Xue-Jing , Cai Ya-Qi , Hou Xin-Yu , Zhang Zhi-Zhe , Wang Guo-Hong , Chen Li-Qiang , Lv Ning , Zhang Yu-Qiu
Published: January 2024

Anxiety and depression are frequently observed in patients suffering from trigeminal neuralgia (TN), but neural circuits and mechanisms underlying this association are poorly understood. Here, we identified a dedicated neural circuit from the ventral hippocampus (vHPC) to the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) that mediates TN-related anxiodepression. We found that TN caused an increase in excitatory synaptic transmission from vHPC
CaMK2A
neurons to mPFC inhibitory neurons marked by the expression of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH). Activation of CRH
+
neurons subsequently led to feed-forward inhibition of layer V pyramidal neurons in the mPFC via activation of the CRH receptor 1 (CRHR1). Inhibition of the vHPC
CaMK2A
-mPFC
CRH
circuit ameliorated TN-induced anxiodepression, whereas activating this pathway sufficiently produced anxiodepressive-like behaviors. Thus, our studies identified a neural pathway driving pain-related anxiodepression and a molecular target for treating pain-related psychiatric disorders.
Temperature-dependent molecular sieving of fluorinated propane/propylene mixtures by a flexible-robust metal-organic framework
Authors: Xia Wei , Yang Yisi , Sheng Liangzheng , Zhou Zhijie , Chen Lihang , Zhang Zhangjing , Zhang Zhiguo , Yang Qiwei , Ren Qilong , Bao Zongbi
Published: January 2024

The electronics industry necessitates highly selective adsorption separation of hexafluoropropylene (C
3
F
6
) from perfluoropropane (C
3
F
8
), which poses a challenge due to their similar physiochemical properties. In this work, we present a microporous flexible-robust metal-organic framework (Ca-tcpb) with thermoregulatory gate opening, a rare phenomenon that allows tunable sieving of C
3
F
8
/C
3
F
6
. Remarkably, the temperature-dependent adsorption behavior enhances the discrimination between the larger C
3
F
8
and the smaller C
3
F
6
, resulting in unprecedented C
3
F
6
/C
3
F
8
selectivity (over 10,000) compared to other well-known porous materials at an optimal temperature (298 K). Dynamic breakthrough experiments demonstrate that high-purity C
3
F
8
(over 99.999%) could be obtained from a C
3
F
6
/C
3
F
8
(10:90) mixture under ambient conditions. The unique attributes of this material encompass exceptional adsorption selectivity, remarkable structural stability, and outstanding separation performance, positioning it as a highly promising candidate for C
3
F
6
/C
3
F
8
separation. Single-crystal structural analysis of C
3
F
6
-loaded Ca-tcpb and theoretical calculations elucidate the host-guest interaction via multiple intermolecular interactions.
Interaction of PINK1 with nucleotides and kinetin
Authors: Gan Zhong Yan , Callegari Sylvie , Nguyen Thanh N. , Kirk Nicholas S. , Leis Andrew , Lazarou Michael , Dewson Grant , Komander David
Published: January 2024

The ubiquitin kinase PINK1 accumulates on damaged mitochondria to trigger mitophagy, and PINK1 loss-of-function mutations cause early onset Parkinson’s disease. Nucleotide analogs such as kinetin triphosphate (KTP) were reported to enhance PINK1 activity and may represent a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Here, we investigate the interaction of PINK1 with nucleotides, including KTP. We establish a cryo-EM platform exploiting the dodecamer assembly of
Pediculus humanus corporis
(
Ph
) PINK1 and determine PINK1 structures bound to AMP-PNP and ADP, revealing conformational changes in the kinase N-lobe that help establish PINK1’s ubiquitin binding site. Notably, we find that KTP is unable to bind
Ph
PINK1 or human (
Hs
) PINK1 due to a steric clash with the kinase “gatekeeper” methionine residue, and mutation to Ala or Gly is required for PINK1 to bind and use KTP as a phosphate donor in ubiquitin phosphorylation and mitophagy.
Hs
PINK1 M318G can be used to conditionally uncouple PINK1 stabilization and activity on mitochondria.
Fifteen-minute consultation: Assessment of pain in a non-verbal child
Authors: Haddick Anne , Thompson Sam , Lundy Claire
Published: January 2024

In both inpatient and outpatient settings, clinicians will encounter patients with pain. This consultation is further complicated if the child is non-verbal. This article aims to equip the clinician with tools to assess these patients comprehensively and develop an appropriate management plan. It will take the clinician through the important aspects of a comprehensive history from the caregiver, thorough examination, importance of understanding how the child communicates and pain assessment tools to consider.
Lacrimal sac massage for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction: a multicentre randomised controlled trial
Authors: Asano Mizuki , Takeuchi Masaki , Ohno Tomoko , Nakamura Jutaro , Mizuki Nobuhisa , Matsumura Nozomi
Published: January 2024

Aim

Congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) is the most common cause of epiphora and mucous discharge in the newborn. We conducted a multicentre randomised controlled trial to determine whether Crigler massage promotes the resolution of CNLDO in infants under 1 year of age.

Methods

A total of 102 infants aged 3–11 months with unilateral CNLDO were enrolled in the study. Patients were randomly assigned to the massage and non-massage groups (n=51/group). As an allocation adjustment factor, the patients were divided into age groups of 3–5, 6–8 and 9–11 months. In the massage group, the guardian performed 10 strokes two times per day for each day until resolution or 1 month. The primary endpoint was a comparison of the 1-month resolution rate in the massage and non-massage groups.

Results

This study included 49 male and 53 female patients with a mean age of 6.4±2.4 months. Overall, in this study, the resolution rate was not significantly different between the massage and non-massage groups (31.4% and 33.3%, respectively). However, the resolution rate was higher in the massage group in the 3–5 months age group among the protocol-compliant patients after excluding those with insufficient massage frequency (the massage group, 68.8% and the non-massage group, 28.6%, p=0.022).

Conclusions

There was no increase in the resolution rate after 1 month of lacrimal sac massage in patients 3–11 months old with unilateral CNLDO. However, in protocol-compliant younger age groups, Crigler massage may be effective.

Trial registration number

UMIN Clinical Trial Registry (UMIN000032840;www.umin.ac.jp/).
Descriptive registry study on outcome and complications of external ventricular drainage treatment of intraventricular haemorrhage in a Danish cohort: a study protocol
Authors: Gu Chenghao , Haldrup Mette , Rasmussen Mads , Dyrskog Stig , Simonsen Claus Ziegler , Grønhøj Mads Hjortdal , Poulsen Frantz Rom , Busse Thor , Wismann Joakim , Debrabant Birgit , Korshoej Anders Rosendal
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. External ventricular drainage (EVD) has been shown to decrease mortality. Although EVD is widely used, outcome and complication rates in EVD-treated patients with IVH are not fully elucidated. This study aims to describe EVD complication rates and outcomes in patients with primary and secondary IVH at two university hospitals in Denmark. The study will provide a historical reference of relevant endpoints for use in future clinical trials involving patients with IVH.

Methods and analysis

This descriptive, multicentre registry study included adult patients (age 18+) with primary or secondary IVH and treated with at least one EVD between 2017 and 2021 at Aarhus University Hospital or Odense University Hospital. Patients are identified using the Danish National Patient Register. Data are collected and recorded from patient medical records. Relevant descriptive statistics and correlation analyses will be applied.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval and authorisation to access, store and analyse data have been obtained (Central Denmark Region Committee on Health Research Ethics). The research lead will present the results of the study. Data will be reported according to the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology and results submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
Efficacy and safety of avatrombopag in combination with immunosuppressive therapy in treatment-naïve and relapsed/refractory severe aplastic anaemia: protocol for the DIAAMOND-Ava-FIRST and DIAAMOND-Ava-NEXT Bayesian Optimal Phase II trials
Authors: McQuilten Zoe , Heritier Stephane , Fox Lucy , Fox Vanessa , Young Lauren , Blombery Piers , Cunningham Ilona , Curnow Jennifer , Higgins Alisa , Hiwase Devendra K , Filshie Robin , Firkin Frank , Lacaze Paul , Mason Kylie , Mills Anthony K , Pepperell Dominic , Patil Sushrut , Stevenson William , Szer Jeff , Waters Neil , Wilson Kate , Ting Stephen , Wood Erica
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Immunosuppressive therapy (IST) with antithymocyte globulin (ATG) and ciclosporin is standard of care for patients with severe aplastic anaemia (sAA) not eligible or suitable for allogeneic stem cell transplant. While patients respond to IST, few achieve complete responses and a significant proportion are refractory or relapse. The addition of eltrombopag, a thrombopoietin-receptor agonist (TPO-A), to IST has been shown to improve haematological responses in sAA. Avatrombopag is a second-generation TPO-A with potential advantages over eltrombopag. However, to date avatrombopag has not been studied in sAA.

Methods and analysis

Investigator-initiated, single-arm registry-based Bayesian Optimal Phase II trial of avatrombopag conducted in two cohorts, patients with untreated sAA (FIRST cohort) and in patients with sAA that has relapsed or is refractory to IST (NEXT cohort). In the FIRST cohort, participants receive IST (equine ATG and ciclosporin) plus avatrombopag from day 1 until day 180 at 60 mg oral daily, with dose adjusted according to platelet count. Participants in the NEXT cohort receive avatrombopag at 60 mg oral daily from day 1 until day 180, with or without additional IST at the discretion of the treating clinician.

For each cohort, two primary endpoints (haematological response and acquired clonal evolution) are jointly monitored and the trial reviewed at each interim analysis where a ‘go/no-go’ decision is made by evaluating the posterior probability of the events of interests.

Ethics and dissemination

The trial has received ethics approval (Monash Health RES-18-0000707A). The trial conduct will comply with ICH-GCP and all applicable regulatory requirements. The results of the trial will be submitted to a peer-review journal for publication.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12619001042134, ACTRN12619001043123.
Do current maternal health staffing and bed occupancy benchmarks work in practice? Results from a simulation model
Authors: Baggaley Rebecca F , Gon Giorgia , Mohammed Ali Said , Abdi Mahmoud Salma , Jowhar Farhat , Vegvari Carolin
Published: January 2024

Introduction

The WHO has issued the global target of reducing maternal mortality rates by two-thirds of 2010 baseline levels by 2030. In low-income settings, high birth rates and a relative lack of medical resources mean that an efficient use of resources and skilled staff is important in ensuring quality of intrapartum and postpartum care.

Methods

We use a stochastic, individual-based model to explore whether WHO resourcing benchmarks are sufficient to ensure consistent quality of care. We simulate all deliveries occurring in a region over a year, with date and time of presentation of each woman delivering at a facility assigned at random. Each woman stays in the delivery room for an assigned duration before her delivery, then moves to the maternity ward, followed by discharge. We explore the potential impact of seasonality of births on our findings and then apply the model to a real-world setting using 2014 data from Emergency Obstetric Care (EmOC) facilities in Zanzibar, United Republic of Tanzania.

Results

We find that small EmOCs are frequently empty, while larger EmOCs are at risk of temporarily falling below minimum recommended staff-to-patient ratios. Similarly for Zanzibar, capacity of EmOCs in terms of beds is rarely exceeded. Where over-capacity occurs, it is generally smaller, basic EmOCs (BEmOCs) that are affected. In contrast, capacity in terms of staffing (skilled birth attendants:women in labour ratio) is exceeded almost 50% of the time in larger Comprehensive EmOCs (CEmOCs).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that increasing staffing levels of CEmOCs while maintaining fewer small BEmOCs may improve quality of care (by increasing the staff-to-patient ratio for the most frequently used facilities), provided that timely access to EmOCs for all women can still be guaranteed. Alternatively, BEmOCs may need to be upgraded to ensure that women trust and choose these facilities for giving birth, thus relieving pressure on CEmOCs.
Development and validation of multicentre study on novel Artificial Intelligence-based Cardiovascular Risk Score (AICVD)
Authors: Jalepalli Shiv Kumar , Gupta Prashant , Dekker Andre L A J , Bermejo Inigo , Kar Sujoy
Published: January 2024

Objective

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are one of the most prevalent diseases in India amounting for nearly 30% of total deaths. A dearth of research on CVD risk scores in Indian population, limited performance of conventional risk scores and inability to reproduce the initial accuracies in randomised clinical trials has led to this study on large-scale patient data. The objective is to develop an Artificial Intelligence-based Risk Score (AICVD) to predict CVD event (eg, acute myocardial infarction/acute coronary syndrome) in the next 10 years and compare the model with the Framingham Heart Risk Score (FHRS) and QRisk3.

Methods

Our study included 31 599 participants aged 18–91 years from 2009 to 2018 in six Apollo Hospitals in India. A multistep risk factors selection process using Spearman correlation coefficient and propensity score matching yielded 21 risk factors. A deep learning hazards model was built on risk factors to predict event occurrence (classification) and time to event (hazards model) using multilayered neural network. Further, the model was validated with independent retrospective cohorts of participants from India and the Netherlands and compared with FHRS and QRisk3.

Results

The deep learning hazards model had a good performance (area under the curve (AUC) 0.853). Validation and comparative results showed AUCs between 0.84 and 0.92 with better positive likelihood ratio (AICVD −6.16 to FHRS −2.24 and QRisk3 −1.16) and accuracy (AICVD −80.15% to FHRS 59.71% and QRisk3 51.57%). In the Netherlands cohort, AICVD also outperformed the Framingham Heart Risk Model (AUC −0.737 vs 0.707).

Conclusions

This study concludes that the novel AI-based CVD Risk Score has a higher predictive performance for cardiac events than conventional risk scores in Indian population.

Trial registration number

CTRI/2019/07/020471.
Clinicopathological features of kidney injury in patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICPi) combined with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy
Authors: Jin Shi , Shen Ziyan , Li Jie , Liu Xueguang , Zhu Qifan , Li Fang , Shi Yiqin , Lin Pan , Xu Xialian , Chen Xiaohong , Geng Xuemei , Ding Xiaoqiang , Liu Hong
Published: January 2024

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICPi) combined with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy has increasingly become a promising strategy in various malignancies. However, the combination might be associated with increased risk of nephrotoxicity.

Methods

We retrospectively recruited patients who suffered kidney injury and received renal biopsy after anti-VEGF/ICPi mono- or combination therapy and divided them into three groups: anti-VEGF monotherapy, ICPi monotherapy and combination therapy. Clinical and histopathological features of three groups were analysed. All patients were followed-up for 3 months after biopsy, with or without glucocorticoid treatment, and renal outcome were compared.

Results

A total of 46 patients were enrolled. Eighteen patients received anti-VEGF monotherapy, 12 received ICPi monotherapy and 16 received combined treatment of anti-VEGF and ICPi. Proteinuria level of anti-VEGF group, ICPi group and combination group were 4.07±3.17 g/day, 0.60±0.61 g/day and 2.05±2.50 g/day, respectively (p=0.002). The peak serum creatinine level of combination group (1.75±0.77 mg/dL) was also in between ICPi group (2.79±0.90 mg/dL) and anti-VEGF group (1.34±0.60 mg/dL) (p<0.001). Multiple histopathological patterns involving glomerulus, tubulointerstitium and vessel existed in the majority of cases in combination group (68.8%). Renal complete and partial recovery rate of combination therapy were also in between monotherapy (57.1% vs 40.0% in anti-VEGF group, 100.0% in ICPi group, respectively).

Conclusions

Kidney injury in patients treated with combination therapy of ICPi and anti-VEGF shows hybrid pathological patterns and intermediate clinical features compared with monotherapy. Cohorts with larger sample and better design, as well as basic research, are needed to elucidate the mechanism of ‘protection’ effect of combination anti-cancer therapy to renal function.
Emulating randomised clinical trials in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis with non-randomised real-world evidence: an application using data from the MSBase Registry
Authors: Signori Alessio , Ponzano Marta , Kalincik Tomas , Ozakbas Serkan , Horakova Dana , Kubala Havrdova Eva , Alroughani Raed , Patti Francesco , Kuhle Jens , Izquierdo Guillermo , Eichau Sara , Yamout Bassem , Khoury Samia Joseph , Karabudak Rana , Grammond Pierre , Duquette Pierre , Roos Izanne , Butzkueven Helmut , van der Walt Anneke , Sormani Maria Pia
Published: January 2024

Background

To mimic as closely as possible a randomised controlled trial (RCT) and calibrate the real-world evidence (RWE) studies against a known treatment effect would be helpful to understand if RWE can support causal conclusions in selected circumstances. The aim was to emulate the TRANSFORMS trial comparing Fingolimod (FTY) versus intramuscular interferon β-1a (IFN) using observational data.

Methods

We extracted from the MSBase registry all the patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) collected in the period 2011–2021 who received IFN or FTY (0.5 mg) and with the same inclusion and exclusion criteria of the TRANSFORMS RCT. The primary endpoint was the annualised relapse rate (ARR) over 12 months. Patients were 1:1 propensity-score (PS) matched. Relapse-rate ratio (RR) was calculated by mean of a negative binomial regression.

Results

A total of 4376 patients with RRMS (1140 in IFN and 3236 in FTY) were selected. After PS, 856 patients in each group were matched. The ARR was 0.45 in IFN and 0.25 in FTY with a significant difference between the two groups (RR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.45 to 0.68; p<0.001). The result of the emulation was very similar and fell within the 95% CI of that observed in the RCT (RR: 0.49, 95% CI: 0.37 to 0.64; p<0.001) with a standardised difference of 0.66 (p=0.51).

Conclusions

By applying the same inclusion and exclusion criteria used in the RCT and employing appropriate methodology, we successfully replicated the RCT results with only minor discrepancies. Also, even if the confounding bias cannot be fully eliminated, conducting a rigorous target trial emulation could still yield valuable insights for comparative effectiveness research.
Cost-effectiveness of stepwise provisional versus systematic dual stenting strategies in patients with distal bifurcation left main stem lesions: economic analysis of the EBC MAIN trial
Authors: Le Bras Alicia , Hildick-Smith David , Nze Ossima Arnaud , Supplisson Olivier , Egred Mohaned , Brunel Philippe , Banning Adrian P , Morice Marie-Claude , Durand-Zaleski Isabelle
Published: January 2024

Background

In patients with distal bifurcation left main stem lesions requiring intervention, the European Bifurcation Club Left Main Coronary Stent Study trial found a non-significant difference in major adverse cardiac events (MACEs, composite of all-cause death, non-fatal myocardial infarction and target lesion revascularisation) favouring the stepwise provisional strategy, compared with the systematic dual stenting.

Aims

To estimate the 1-year cost-effectiveness of stepwise provisional versus systematic dual stenting strategies.

Methods

Costs in France and the UK, and MACE were calculated in both groups to estimate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). Uncertainty was explored by probabilistic bootstrapping. The analysis was conducted from the perspective of the healthcare provider with a time horizon of 1 year.

Results

The cost difference between the two groups was €−755 (€5700 in the stepwise provisional group and €6455 in the systematic dual stenting group, p value<0.01) in France and €−647 (€6728 and €7375, respectively, p value=0.08) in the UK. The point estimates for the ICERs found that stepwise provisional strategy was cost saving and improved outcomes with a probabilistic sensitivity analysis confirming dominance with an 80% probability.

Conclusion

The stepwise provisional strategy at 1 year is dominant compared with the systematic dual stenting strategy on both economic and clinical outcomes.
Decision tree algorithm to predict mortality in incurable cancer: a new prognostic model
Authors: Souza-Silva Renata de , Calixto-Lima Larissa , Varea Maria Wiegert Emanuelly , de Oliveira Livia Costa
Published: January 2024

Objectives

To develop and validate a new prognostic model to predict 90-day mortality in patients with incurable cancer.

Methods

In this prospective cohort study, patients with incurable cancer receiving palliative care (n = 1322) were randomly divided into two groups: development (n = 926, 70%) and validation (n = 396, 30%). A decision tree algorithm was used to develop a prognostic model with clinical variables. The accuracy and applicability of the proposed model were assessed by the C-statistic, calibration and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results

Albumin (75.2%), C reactive protein (CRP) (47.7%) and Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) ≥50% (26.5%) were the variables that most contributed to the classification power of the prognostic model, named Simple decision Tree algorithm for predicting mortality in patients with Incurable Cancer (acromion STIC). This was used to identify three groups of increasing risk of 90-day mortality: STIC-1 - low risk (probability of death: 0.30): albumin ≥3.6 g/dL, CRP <7.8 mg/dL and KPS ≥50%; STIC-2 - medium risk (probability of death: 0.66 to 0.69): albumin ≥3.6 g/dL, CRP <7.8 mg/dL and KPS <50%, or albumin ≥3.6 g/dL and CRP ≥7.8 mg/dL; STIC-3 - high risk (probability of death: 0.79): albumin <3.6 g/dL. In the validation dataset, good accuracy (C-statistic ≥0.71), Hosmer-Lemeshow p=0.12 and area under the ROC curve=0.707 were found.

Conclusions

STIC is a valid, practical tool for stratifying patients with incurable cancer into three risk groups for 90-day mortality.
Metabolic remodeling of visceral and subcutaneous white adipose tissue during reacclimation of rats after cold
Authors: Soskic Marta Budnar , Zakic Tamara , Korac Aleksandra , Korac Bato , Jankovic Aleksandra
Published: January 2024

Deciphering lipid metabolism in white adipose tissue (WAT) depots during weight gain is important to understand the heterogeneity of WAT and its roles in obesity. Here, we examined the expression of key enzymes of lipid metabolism and changes in the morphology of representative visceral (epididymal) and subcutaneous (inguinal) WAT (eWAT and iWAT, respectively)-in adult male rats acclimated to cold (4 ± 1 °C) for 45 days and reacclimated to room temperature (RT, 22 ± 1 °C) for 1, 3, 7, 12, 21, or 45 days. The relative mass of both depots decreased to a similar extent after cold acclimation. However, fatty acid synthase (FAS), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), and medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (ACADM) protein level increased only in eWAT, whereas adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) expression increased only in iWAT. During reacclimation, the relative mass of eWAT reached control values on day 12 and that of iWAT on day 45 of reacclimation. The faster recovery of eWAT mass is associated with higher expression of FAS, acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), G6PDH, and ACADM during reacclimation and a delayed increase in ATGL. The absence of an increase in proliferating cell nuclear antigen suggests that the observed depot-specific mass increase is predominantly due to metabolic adjustments. In summary, this study shows a differential rate of visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue weight regain during post-cold reacclimation of rats at RT. Faster recovery of the visceral WAT as compared to subcutaneous WAT during reacclimation at RT could be attributed to observed differences in the expression patterns of lipid metabolic enzymes.
Influence of overconsolidation ratio on hydromechanical behaviour of unsaturated silty soil under various shearing rates
Authors: Wu Shengshen , Zhou Annan , Li Jie , Wu Bisheng
Published: January 2024

Due to the limited land resources in major cities, reclamation becomes an optimal option to solve this issue, unsaturated soil is often involved in these projects, and the hydro-mechanical behaviour of this type of soil significantly are affected by the stress history and time effect. In this study, the overconsolidation ratio (OCR) effect of unsaturated silt under different shearing rates was studied through a series of constant water content tests. The specimens were under an effective confining pressure of 400 kPa. The samples were unloaded to 100 kPa, and 50 kPa to achieve different values of OCRs (4 and 8). The samples with different OCRs were then dried from saturated state to initial suction = 100, 200, and 300 kPa via axis-translation, and then sheared at three different rates. The results show that higher strain rates led to a higher degree of saturation during shearing under different OCRs. The shear strength increased with increasing shearing rates while the maximum deviator stress decreased when OCR decreased. Higher OCRs resulted in larger volume change during shearing; similar behaviour was observed for increasing rates.
Global phase space analysis for a class of single scalar field bouncing solutions in general relativity
Authors: Agrawal A. S. , Chakraborty Saikat , Mishra B. , Dutta Jibitesh , Khyllep Wompherdeiki
Published: January 2024

We carry out a compact phase space analysis of a non-canonical scalar field theory whose Lagrangian is of the form $$F(X)-V(\phi )$$

F
(
X
)
-
V
(
ϕ
)

within general relativity. In particular, we focus on a kinetic term of the form $$F(X)=\beta X^m$$

F

(
X
)

=
β

X
m

($$m\ne 1/2$$

m
≠
1
/
2

) with power-law potential $$V_0 \phi ^n$$

V
0

ϕ
n

and exponential potential $$V_0 e^{-\lambda \phi /M_{Pl}}$$

V
0

e

-
λ
ϕ
/

M

Pl

of the scalar field. The Cuscuton case $$m=1/2$$

m
=
1
/
2

where the scalar field is non-dynamical is left out of consideration. The main aim of this work is to investigate the genericity of nonsingular bounce in these models and to investigate the cosmic future of the bouncing cosmologies when they are generic. A global dynamical system formulation that is particularly suitable for investigating nonsingular bouncing cosmologies is used to carry out the analysis. We show that when $$F(X)=\beta X^m$$

F

(
X
)

=
β

X
m

($$\beta <0$$

β
<
0

), nonsingular bounce is generic for a power law potential $$V(\phi ) = V_0 \phi ^n$$

V

(
ϕ
)

=

V
0

ϕ
n

only within the parameter range $$\left\{ \frac{1}{2}<m<1,\,n<\frac{2\,m}{m-1}\right\} $$

1
2

<
m
<
1
,

n
<

2

m

m
-
1

and for an exponential potential $$V(\phi ) = V_0 e^{-\lambda \phi /M_{Pl}}$$

V

(
ϕ
)

=

V
0

e

-
λ
ϕ
/

M

Pl

only within the parameter range $$\left\{ \frac{1}{2}<m\le 1\right\} $$

1
2

<
m
≤
1

. Except in these cases, nonsingular bounce in these models is not generic due to the non-existence of global past or future attractors. Our analysis serves to show the importance of a global phase space analysis to address important questions about nonsingular bouncing solutions, an idea that may and must be adopted for such solutions even in other theories.
Abnormal states with unequal constituent masses
Authors: Karmanov V. A.
Published: January 2024

The Bethe–Salpeter equation for system of two oppositely charged particles not only reproduces the Coulomb spectrum, but, for enough large coupling constant $${\mathcal C}>\frac{\pi }{4}$$

C
>

π
4

, predicts additional levels not predicted by the Schrödinger equation. These relativistic states (called abnormal), in contrast to the normal ones, are dominated, for more than 90–99%, by Fock states involving the exchange particles—the photons, whereas contribution of two massive charged particles themselves is rather small (1–10%). Since the carrier of a large (positive) charge is a heavy ion, and the negative charge is provided by electron, the masses of two constituents are very different. It is shown that in a system with so different masses the abnormal states still exist. Moreover, the effect of unequal masses is attractive. The balance between photons and charged constituents is weakly sensitive to the mass ratio, so the photons still predominate.
Dynamics of quantum coherence and correlations in a transverse Ising spin chain environment
Authors: Han Qi , Wang Huan , Wang Shuai , Gou Lijie , Zhang Rong
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we study the dynamical processes of quantum coherence and correlations for two central qubits system coupled with a transverse Ising spin chain. Suppose the initial state of quantum system is the Werner state and the initial state of environment is the ground state of spin chain, and the corresponding time evolution operator, decoherence factor and reduced density matrix are given. We deduce the analytical expressions of evolution of quantum coherence, entanglement and quantum discord. We find that when the spin chain undergoes quantum phase transition (QPT), the entanglement vanished at time [Formula: see text], and the coherence and discord vanished when the decoherence factor decayed to zero. Besides, we also find that the environmental scale N, coupling strength g and parameter P of Werner state do not change the evolution rules of quantum correlation, but accelerate their decay rate with these parameters’ increase.
Study on symptomatic and asymptomatic transmissions of COVID-19 including flip bifurcation
Authors: Ahmad Aqeel , Farooq Qazi Muhammad , Ahmad Hijaz , Ozsahin Dilber Uzun , Tchier Fairouz , Ghaffar Abdul , Mustafa Ghulam
Published: January 2024

The aim of this study is to analyze and investigate the COVID-19 transmission with effect of symptomatic and asymptomatic in the community. Mathematical model is converted into fractional order with the help of fractal fractional definition. The proposed fractional order system is investigated qualitatively as well as quantitatively to identify its stable position. Local stability of the COVID-19 system is verified and test the system is tested with flip bifurcation. Also the system is investigated for global stability using Lyapunov first and second derivative functions to see its rate of spread after recovery. The existence, boundedness and positivity of the COVID-19 are checked which are the key properties for such of type of epidemic problem to identify reliable findings. Effect of global derivative is demonstrated to verify its rate of effects according to their sub compartments to identify in which rate the symptomatic and asymptomatic transmission occurs. Solutions for fractional order system are derived with the help of advanced tool fractal fractional operator with generalized mittag-leffler kernel for different fractional values. Simulations are carried out to see symptomatic as well as asymptomatic effects of COVID-19 in the worldwide using MATLAB Coding. They show the actual behavior of COVID-19 especially for asymptomatic measures which will be helpful in early detection, also which will be helpful to understand the outbreak of COVID-19 as well as for future prediction and better control strategies.
Beyond the Akiyoshi Orogeny: unravelling overturned structures and tectonic processes in the Permian accretionary complex of the Mine-Akiyoshidai area, Yamaguchi, western Japan
Authors: Wakita Koji , Kametaka Masao
Published: January 2024

The concept of the Akiyoshi Orogeny emerged from geological studies of the overturned Akiyoshi Limestone. However, our understanding of the stratigraphy and geological structure of the siliceous–clastic rocks surrounding the Akiyoshi Limestone remains incomplete. We therefore conducted a geological survey within the Beppu unit, which is distributed north of the Akiyoshi Limestone. We found substantial overturning of the strata, even within the siliceous–clastic rocks that form the upper section of the ocean plate stratigraphy within the accretionary complex. The Tsunemori Formation, representing sediments of the forearc or trench slope basin, has also undergone overturning. Extensive overturned structures therefore exist throughout the entire accretionary complex of the Mine-Akiyoshidai area. To understand the mechanism behind these overturned structures within the accretionary complex, we focused on the collision and deformation resulting from the interaction between the accretionary wedge and a massive seamount, along with the back-stop. The overturning of the forearc or slope basin sediments suggests that post-accretion deformation along a large lateral fault may have occurred during the collision between the South and North China blocks. These tectonic events during and after accretion may represent the true nature of the Akiyoshi Orogeny.

Thematic collection:
This article is part of the Ophiolites, melanges and blueschists collection available at:
https://www.lyellcollection.org/topic/collections/ophiolites-melanges-and-blueschists
Nonideal Compressible Fluid Dynamics of Dense Vapors and Supercritical Fluids
Authors: Guardone Alberto , Colonna Piero , Pini Matteo , Spinelli Andrea
Published: January 2024

The gas dynamics of single-phase nonreacting fluids whose thermodynamic states are close to vapor-liquid saturation, close to the vapor-liquid critical point, or in supercritical conditions differs quantitatively and qualitatively from the textbook gas dynamics of dilute, ideal gases. Due to nonideal fluid thermodynamic properties, unconventional gas dynamic effects are possible, including nonclassical rarefaction shock waves and the nonmonotonic variation of the Mach number along steady isentropic expansions. This review provides a comprehensive theoretical framework of the fundamentals of nonideal compressible fluid dynamics (NICFD). The relation between nonideal gas dynamics and the complexity of the fluid molecules is clarified. The theoretical, numerical, and experimental tools currently employed to investigate NICFD flows and related applications are reviewed, followed by an overview of industrial processes involving NICFD, ranging from organic Rankine and supercritical CO2 cycle power systems to supercritical processes. The future challenges facing researchers in the field are briefly outlined.
Application of the Multi-Species, Multi-Reaction Model to Coal-Derived Graphite for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Paul Abigail , Magee Regan , Wilczewski Warren , Wichert Nathan , Gula Caleb , Olson Rudolph , Shereda Eric , Al-Majali Yahya , Trembly Jason , Wolfe Kody , Staser John A. , Garrick Taylor R.
Published: January 2024

Graphite is a critical material used as the negative electrode in lithium-ion batteries. Both natural and synthetic graphites are utilized, with the latter obtained from a range of carbon raw materials. In this paper, efforts to synthesize graphite from coal as a domestic feedstock for synthetic graphite are reported. Domestic coal-derived graphite could address national security and energy issues by standing up domestic supply chains for battery critical materials. The performance in lithium-ion coin cells of this coal derived graphite is compared to a commercial battery-grade graphite. For the first time, a multi-species, multi-reaction (MSMR) modeling technique is applied to synthetic graphite derived from coal. Key thermodynamic, transport, and kinetic parameters are obtained for the coal derived graphite and compared to the same parameters for commercial battery-grade graphite. Modeling of synthetic graphites will allow for virtual evaluation of these materials toward production of domestically sourced graphite.
Review—Preparation of Hafnium Metal by Electrolysis
Authors: Wei Ranran , Huang Zheng , Wei Tianwei , Wang Zhe , Jiao Shuqiang
Published: January 2024

Hafnium, owing to its excellent mechanical characteristics, corrosion resistance, high temperature resistance, and remarkable nuclear attributes, is widely used in a variety of fields, including aerospace engineering, nuclear technology, and metallurgy. Nonetheless, the burgeoning nuclear industry has led to an increasing demand for hafnium of elevated purity, and the conventional thermal reduction method for producing hafnium metal is no longer sufficient to meet the market requirements. This review summarizes recent progresses on the extraction and purification technology of hafnium metal, with a specific focus on the electrolysis process, as a prospective alternative to the conventional Kroll process. The electrolysis process can be divided into two categories: molten salt electrolysis and electro-deoxidation. The principles, flow, current status, and obstacles of industrial application of these electrolysis processes are discussed in detail. The review conclusively offers recommendations and maps out the prospects for future research exploration on hafnium metal.
Hemorheological, cardiorespiratory, and cerebrovascular effects of pentoxifylline following acclimatization to 3,800 m
Authors: Steele Andrew R. , Howe Connor A. , Gibbons Travis D. , Foster Katharine , Williams Alexandra M. , Caldwell Hannah G. , Brewster L. Madden , Duffy Jennifer , Monteleone Justin A. , Subedi Prajan , Anholm James D. , Stembridge Mike , Ainslie Philip N. , Tremblay Joshua C.
Published: January 2024

We conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled study on the rheological, cardiorespiratory and cerebrovascular effects of acute pentoxifylline in healthy lowlanders after 11–14 days at 3,800 m. Although red blood cell deformability was reduced and blood viscosity increased compared with low altitude, acute pentoxifylline administration had no impact on arterial blood gases, hemorheology, inflammation, cerebral blood flow, or ventilation. Pentoxifylline decreased pulmonary artery systolic pressure in female, but not male, participants.
Gaussian Copula Regression Modeling for Marker Classification Metrics with Competing Risk Outcomes
Authors: Vásquez Alejandro Román , Escarela Gabriel , Reyes-Cervantes Hortensia Josefina , Núñez-Antonio Gabriel
Published: January 2024

Decisions regarding competing risks are usually based on a continuous-valued marker toward predicting a cause-specific outcome. The classification power of a marker can be summarized using the time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve and the corresponding area under the curve (AUC). This paper proposes a Gaussian copula-based model to represent the joint distribution of the continuous-valued marker, the overall survival time, and the cause-specific outcome. Then, it is used to characterize the time-varying ROC curve in the context of competing risks. Covariate effects are incorporated by linking linear components to the skewed normal distribution for the margin of the marker, a parametric proportional hazards model for the survival time, and a logit model for the cause of failure. Estimation is carried out using maximum likelihood, and a bootstrap technique is implemented to obtain confidence intervals for the AUC. Information-criteria strategies are employed to find a parsimonious model. The performance of the proposed model is evaluated in simulation studies, considering different sample sizes and censoring distributions. The methods are illustrated with the reanalysis of a prostate cancer clinical trial. The joint regression strategy produces a straightforward and flexible model of the time-dependent ROC curve in the presence of competing risks, enhancing the understanding of how covariates may affect the discrimination of a marker.
Methodology for the Holistic Design of Format‐Flexible Lithium‐Ion Battery Systems
Authors: Gandert Julia C. , Mühlpfort Raphael , Müller-Welt Philip , Schall Daniel , Schmidt Adrian , Schuhmann Sebastian , Seegert Philipp , Weber Niklas , Zeng Yunying , Wetzel Thomas , Paarmann Sabine
Published: January 2024

Most battery cells are developed according to a standard design and optimized regarding their electrical properties. However, firstly, there is a demand for an individual cell design adapted to the application. Secondly, additional properties, for example, thermal and mechanical, are decisive for the cell behavior and should be considered in the overall design. Therefore, the present work introduces a model‐based development tool for the holistic design of format‐flexible battery cells, which are optimized for their future application, allowing for different cell geometries within one battery system. The different approaches and simulation models for the single design steps are presented, and the prediction of the electrochemical, electrical, and thermal behaviors of the cell and whole battery system is described. A key aspect here is the appropriate interconnection of the single models in a way that helps to narrow down the multitude of interacting parameters in a systematic manner and, thus, makes a holistic design possible. In a last step, the functionality of the tool is shown in a case study by means of an e‐bike battery pack.