bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conformal to confining SQFTs from holography
Authors: Chatzis Dimitrios , Fatemiabhari Ali , Nunez Carlos , Weck Peter
Published: August 2024

Abstract

In this paper we present three new families of smooth Type II string theory backgrounds. These are dual to supersymmetry-preserving deformations of 4d SCFTs. The deformations include a VEV for a global current and a ‘twisted compactification’ on a circle. We study various holographic aspects of the dual QFTs, focusing on Wilson loops and Entanglement Entropy. Additionally, we present a monotonic quantity calculating the density of degrees of freedom in terms of the energy, which interpolates between the IR 3d gapped theory and the 4d SCFT result. Other probes related to global aspects of the QFTs are briefly discussed.
Hyperbolic vacua in Minkowski space
Authors: Melton Walker , Niewinski Filip , Strominger Andrew , Wang Tianli
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Families of Lorentz, but not Poincare, invariant vacua are constructed for a massless scalar field in 4D Minkowski space. These are generalizations of the Rindler vacuum with a larger symmetry group. Explicit expressions are given as squeezed excitations of the Poincare vacuum. The effective reduced vacua on the 3D hyperbolic de Sitter slices are the well-known de Sitter α-vacua with antipodal singularities in the Wightman function. Several special interesting cases are discussed.
Neuroprotection by ADAM10 inhibition requires TrkB signaling in the Huntington’s disease hippocampus
Authors: Scolz Andrea , Vezzoli Elena , Villa Michela , Talpo Francesca , Cazzola Jessica , Raffin Francesca , Cordiglieri Chiara , Falqui Andrea , Pepe Giuseppe , Maglione Vittorio , Besusso Dario , Biella Gerardo , Zuccato Chiara
Published: August 2024

Synaptic dysfunction is an early pathogenic event leading to cognitive decline in Huntington’s disease (HD). We previously reported that the active ADAM10 level is increased in the HD cortex and striatum, causing excessive proteolysis of the synaptic cell adhesion protein N-Cadherin. Conversely, ADAM10 inhibition is neuroprotective and prevents cognitive decline in HD mice. Although the breakdown of cortico-striatal connection has been historically linked to cognitive deterioration in HD, dendritic spine loss and long-term potentiation (LTP) defects identified in the HD hippocampus are also thought to contribute to the cognitive symptoms of the disease. The aim of this study is to investigate the contribution of ADAM10 to spine pathology and LTP defects of the HD hippocampus. We provide evidence that active ADAM10 is increased in the hippocampus of two mouse models of HD, leading to extensive proteolysis of N-Cadherin, which has a widely recognized role in spine morphology and synaptic plasticity. Importantly, the conditional heterozygous deletion of ADAM10 in the forebrain of HD mice resulted in the recovery of spine loss and ultrastructural synaptic defects in CA1 pyramidal neurons. Meanwhile, normalization of the active ADAM10 level increased the pool of synaptic BDNF protein and activated ERK neuroprotective signaling in the HD hippocampus. We also show that the ADAM10 inhibitor GI254023X restored LTP defects and increased the density of mushroom spines enriched with GluA1-AMPA receptors in HD hippocampal neurons. Notably, we report that administration of the TrkB antagonist ANA12 to HD hippocampal neurons reduced the beneficial effect of GI254023X, indicating that the BDNF receptor TrkB contributes to mediate the neuroprotective activity exerted by ADAM10 inhibition in HD. Collectively, these findings indicate that ADAM10 inhibition coupled with TrkB signaling represents an efficacious strategy to prevent hippocampal synaptic plasticity defects and cognitive dysfunction in HD.
Sequential Stub Matching for Asymptotically Uniform Generation of Directed Graphs with a Given Degree Sequence
Authors: van Ieperen Femke , Kryven Ivan
Published: August 2024

We discuss sequential stub matching for directed graphs and show that this process can be used to sample simple digraphs with asymptotically equal probability. The process starts with an empty edge set and repeatedly adds edges to it with a certain state-dependent bias until the desired degree sequence is fulfilled, whilst avoiding placing a double edge or self-loop. We show that uniform sampling is achieved in the sparse regime when the maximum degree $$d_\text {max}$$

d
max

is asymptotically dominated by $$m^{1/4}$$

m

1
/
4

, where m is the number of edges. The proof is based on deriving various combinatorial estimates related to the number of digraphs with a given degree sequence and controlling concentration of these estimates in large digraphs. This suggests that sequential stub matching can be viewed as a practical algorithm for almost uniform sampling of digraphs. We show that this algorithm can be implemented to feature a linear expected runtime O(m).
Einsamkeit bei Arbeitslosen mit psychischen Erkrankungen
Authors: Hussenoeder Felix S. , Koschig Maria , Conrad Ines , Pabst Alexander , Gatzsche Katharina , Bieler Luise , Alberti Mathias , Stengler Katarina , Riedel-Heller Steffi G.
Published: August 2024

Hintergrund

Einsamkeit ist ein weitverbreitetes Phänomen und steht in Zusammenhang mit gesundheitlichen Beeinträchtigungen. Dabei stellen Arbeitslose mit psychischen Erkrankungen (ALPE) eine Hochrisikogruppe in Hinblick auf Gesundheit und berufliche Wiedereingliederung dar. Ziel dieser Studie ist ein besseres Verständnis der Zusammenhänge zwischen Soziodemografie, psychischer Gesundheit und Einsamkeit bei ALPE.

Methoden

Für die vorliegende Studie wurden die Fragebögen von 526 arbeitslosen Personen im ALG-2-Bezug und mit mindestens einer psychiatrischen Diagnose aus dem Erhebungszeitraum 09/2020–09/2023 ausgewertet. Es wurden 2 Regressionsanalysen mit robusten Schätzern und der Outcome-Variable Einsamkeit (University of California, Los Angeles, Loneliness Scale, UCLA) durchgeführt. Bei der ersten Regression wurde der alleinige Prädiktor soziales Netzwerk (Lubben Social Network Scale, LSNS-6) verwendet, bei der zweiten wurden Schulden (Ja/Nein), Depression (Patient Health Questionnaire, PHQ-9), Angst (Mini-Symptom-Checkliste, MSCL) und Somatisierung (MSCL) ergänzt sowie Alter, Geschlecht, Bildung und Zusammenleben mit Partner als Kontrollvariablen.

Ergebnisse

Es zeigen sich ein signifikant negativer Zusammenhang zwischen sozialem Netzwerk und Einsamkeit sowie ein signifikant positiver Zusammenhang zwischen hoher Bildung, Depression, Angst und Einsamkeit.

Diskussion

Bei den ALPE fanden sich im Vergleich zu anderen Studien hohe Belastungen durch Depression, Angst, Somatisierung und Einsamkeit. Die identifizierten Zusammenhänge zwischen sozialem Netzwerk, psychischer Gesundheit und Einsamkeit verdeutlichen die Wichtigkeit von psychologischen Screeningverfahren und/oder Diagnostik in dieser Hochrisikogruppe und bieten Ansatzpunkte für die Prävention.
Patientenberichtete Endpunkte – die Bedeutung der subjektiven Patientenperspektive für Forschung und klinische Versorgung
Authors: Dinkel Andreas , Jahnen Matthias
Published: August 2024

Symptome, Funktionsbeeinträchtigungen und die Lebensqualität können nur Patientinnen und Patienten adäquat beurteilen, die Einschätzung der Behandelnden stimmt diesbezüglich häufig nicht mit der von Betroffenen überein. Dem Rechnung tragend gewinnt die Berücksichtigung von patientenberichteten Endpunkten („patient-reported outcomes“, PROs) sowohl in der Forschung wie auch in der klinischen Routine an Bedeutung. In der praktischen Anwendung werden PROs nicht nur bei der Evaluation des Ergebnisses einer Behandlung berücksichtigt, sie können auch den Status vor einer therapeutischen Maßnahme beschreiben. Für die Erfassung der wichtigsten PROs liegen typischerweise mehrere reliable und valide Selbstbeurteilungsinstrumente vor, sog. „patient-reported outcome measures“ (PROMs). Im klinischen Alltag können PROs z. B. für die Diagnostik und Behandlungsplanung oder im Rahmen des Qualitätsmanagements genutzt werden. Das routinemäßige Patientenmonitoring mittels digitaler Medien (ePROMs) stellt gegenwärtig das vielversprechendste und am meisten beachtete Anwendungsgebiet in der klinischen Routine dar. Systematische Übersichtsarbeiten zeigen, dass die routinemäßige Erfassung von PROs u. a. mit einer Verbesserung der Arzt-Patient-Kommunikation, gesteigerter Patientenzufriedenheit, Symptombesserung, höherer Lebensqualität und einer höheren Überlebensdauer assoziiert ist. Dies gilt insbesondere dann, wenn die Ergebnisse des PRO-Monitorings an die Behandelnden zurückgemeldet werden. Trotz des inzwischen von vielen erkannten Nutzens von PROs und PROMs und der hohen Bereitschaft von Patienten, Angaben zu subjektiven Gesundheitsmerkmalen zu machen, gibt es noch zahlreiche Hürden bei deren Implementierung.
The problem of alignment
Authors: Hristova Tsvetelina , Magee Liam , Soldatic Karen
Published: August 2024

Large language models (LLMs) produce sequences learned as statistical patterns from large corpora. Their emergent status as representatives of the advances in artificial intelligence (AI) have led to an increased attention to the possibilities of regulating the automated production of linguistic utterances and interactions with human users in a process that computer scientists refer to as ‘alignment’—a series of technological and political mechanisms to impose a normative model of morality on algorithms and networks behind the model. Alignment, which can be viewed as the superimposition of normative structure onto a statistical model, however, reveals a conflicted and complex history of the conceptualisation of an interrelationship between language, mind and technology. This relationship is shaped by and, in turn, influences theories of language, linguistic practice and subjectivity, which are especially relevant to the current sophistication in artificially produced text. In this paper, we propose a critical evaluation of the concept of alignment, arguing that the theories and practice behind LLMs reveal a more complex social and technological dynamic of output coordination. We examine this dynamic as a two-way interaction between users and models by analysing how ChatGPT4 redacts perceived ‘anomalous’ language in fragments of Joyce’s Ulysses. We then situate this alignment problem historically, revisiting earlier postwar linguistic debates which counterposed two views of meaning: as discrete structures, and as continuous probability distributions. We discuss the largely occluded work of the Moscow Linguistic School, which sought to reconcile this opposition. Our attention to the Moscow School and later related arguments by Searle and Kristeva casts the problem of alignment in a new light: as one involving attention to the social regulation of linguistic practice, including rectification of anomalies that, like the Joycean text, exist in defiance of expressive conventions. The “problem of alignment” that we address here is, therefore, twofold: on one hand, it points to its narrow and normative definition in current technological development and critical research and, on the other hand, to the reality of complex and contradictory relations between subjectivity, technology and language that alignment problems reveal.
Influence of pre-treatment with non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma on bond strength of TP340 titanium-PEEK direct bonding
Authors: Takenaka Kosuke , Nakamoto Soutaro , Koyari Ryosuke , Jinda Akiya , Toko Susumu , Uchida Giichiro , Setsuhara Yuichi
Published: August 2024

Direct bonding of a TP340 titanium to PEEK by hot pressing via pre-treatment of non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma jet has been demonstrated. The plasma irradiation effect on the bonding surface on the bond strength after hot pressing was investigated. The tensile shear strength of TP340-PEEK joined by hot pressing after plasma pre-treatment was measured by comparing specimens bonded using conventional hot pressing and those bonded using adhesives. The plasma treatment to the TP340 side resulted in the formation of TiO2, which is chemically fed to oxide formation due to the irradiation of oxygen radicals generated by the plasma, resulting in a bond strength of less than 1 MPa, similar to the bond strength of the untreated specimens. The plasma irradiation effect on the PEEK side on the bond strength of TP340-PEEK bonded samples was also investigated. The bonding strength was increased by plasma irradiation to PEEK. As the plasma irradiation time was increased, the bonding strength gradually increased to 9.2 MPa, which is about 19 times higher than the bonding strength without plasma irradiation. These results suggest that oxygen radicals in the atmospheric pressure RF plasma jet produced oxygen-containing surface functional groups on the PEEK surface, which increased the strength of the TP340-PEEK direct joining.
Sediment trap illustrates taxon-specific seasonal signals in Southern Ocean zooplankton
Authors: Atherden Florence , Slomska Angelika , Manno Clara
Published: August 2024

Southern Ocean zooplankton provide globally significant ecosystem services through their role in carbon sequestration, nutrient cycling and food webs. However, the remote and extreme nature of the Southern Ocean creates significant logistical difficulties for studying zooplankton all year round. Here, for the first time in the Southern Ocean, we present the seasonal occurrence of the zooplankton assemblage in the Northeast Scotia Sea using a sediment trap deployed throughout 2018 (P3 observation site, 52.80˚ S, 40.14˚ W). Results show that copepods and pteropods dominated trap abundance, representing 25.0–68.3% and 13.4–72.5% respectively, followed by amphipods (1.0–7.2%) and hydrozoa (0.2–15.6%). The dominant signal in copepods was consistent with previous observations using traditional (net) sampling methods while the relative contribution of pteropods, amphipods and hydrozoa was increased in our trap. Further, zooplankton showed taxon-specific seasonal signals, with a relatively high number of individuals throughout winter, including an increase in hydrozoa occurrences. This observation highlights the importance of zooplankton as source of nutrition for the benthic community in the winter. Our data reiterate the utility of sediment traps for observing zooplankton in remote locations and sampling specific taxa that might be otherwise understudied.
The impact of PET imaging on triple negative breast cancer: an updated evidence-based perspective
Authors: Filippi Luca , Urso Luca , Ferrari Cristina , Guglielmo Priscilla , Evangelista Laura
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of breast cancer characterized by the absence of estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors. It predominantly affects younger women and is associated with a poor prognosis. This systematic review aims to evaluate the current role of positron emission tomography (PET) in the management of TNBC patients and to identify future research directions.

Methods

We systematically searched the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases up to February 2024. A team of five researchers conducted data extraction and analysis. The quality of the selected studies was assessed using a specific evaluation form.

Results

Twenty-eight studies involving 2870 TNBC patients were included in the review. Key clinical applications of PET in TNBC included predicting pathological complete response (pCR) in patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), assessing the prognostic value of baseline PET, and initial disease staging. Two studies utilized PSMA-ligand agents, while the majority used [18F]FDG-based PET. Significant associations were found between baseline [18F]FDG uptake and molecular biomarkers such as PDL-1, androgen receptor, and Ki67. Baseline [18F]FDG PET led to the upstaging of patients from stage IIB to stage IV, influencing treatment decisions and survival outcomes. In the NAC setting, serial PET scans measuring changes in [18F]FDG uptake, indicated by maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), predicted pCR with varying cut-off values correlated with different response rates. Semiquantitative parameters such as metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and PET lung index were prognostic for metastatic disease.

Conclusions

In TNBC patients, [18F]FDG PET is essential for initial disease staging in both localized and metastatic settings. It is also useful for assessing treatment response to NAC. The ability of PET to correlate metabolic activity with molecular markers and predict treatment outcomes highlights its potential in TNBC management. Further prospective studies are needed to refine these clinical indications and establish its definitive role.
Residual gait deviations in children treated by medial open reduction for developmental dysplasia of the hip at long-term follow-up: a comparison with healthy controls
Authors: Demirel Mehmet , Evrendilek Halenur , Akalan N. Ekin , Bilgili Fuat , Meriç Emre , Kuchimov Shavkat , Önerge Kübra
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to analyze and compare gait patterns and deviations at long-term follow-up in children who received medial open reduction (MOR) before 18 months for unilateral or bilateral hip developmental dysplasia (DDH).

Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted on children who underwent MOR. The study population was divided into two groups: the unilateral group, including unilateral (five children with unilateral) and bilateral (five children with bilateral DDH). Ten healthy children were recruited for the control group. Spatiotemporal, kinematic, stiff-knee gait (SKG), and kinetic gait characteristics were analyzed.

Results

Stance time was significantly shorter in both the unilateral (median [IQR]; 590 ms, [560.0–612.5] and bilateral (575 ms, [550–637.5]) groups than in the control group (650, [602.5–677.5]) (p < 0.001), whereas swing time did not differ substantially (p = 0.065) There was no considerable difference in the mean knee flexion at swing between the unilateral (31.6°, [30–36]) and control (30.11°, [27.8–33.6] groups (p > 0.05), but the bilateral group (28.5°, [24.9–32.1]) showed the lower values than the other groups (p < 0.001 for bilateral vs unilateral group; p = 0.008 bilateral vs unilateral group). All the SKG parameters significantly differed among the groups in multi-group comparisons (p < 0.001 for each parameter). Three children had borderline SKG, and two had not-stiff limbs in the unilateral group. In the bilateral group, four children had stiff limbs, and one had borderline SKG. Most kinetic gait parameters were not statistically different between groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

This study has revealed notable deviations in gait patterns of children with DDH treated by MOR at long-term follow-up compared to healthy children’s gait. MOR could negatively affect pelvic motion during gait due to impaired functions of the iliopsoas and adductor muscles, and SKG can be encountered secondary to iliopsoas weakness.
Fat-signal suppression in breast diffusion-weighted imaging: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Authors: Le Bihan Denis , Iima Mami , Partridge Savannah C.
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Fat-signal suppression is essential for breast diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (or diffusion-weighted MRI, DWI) as the very low diffusion coefficient of fat tends to decrease absolute diffusion coefficient (ADC) values. Among several methods, the STIR (short-tau inversion recovery) method is a popular approach, but signal suppression/attenuation is not specific to fat contrary to other methods such as SPAIR (spectral adiabatic (or attenuated) inversion recovery). This article focuses on those two techniques to illustrate the importance of appropriate fat suppression in breast DWI, briefly presenting the pros and cons of both approaches.

Methods and results

We show here through simulation and data acquired in a dedicated breast DWI phantom made of vials with water and various concentrations of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) how ADC values obtained with STIR DWI may be biased toward tissue components with the longest T1 values: ADC values obtained with STIR fat suppression may be over/underestimated depending on the T1 and ADC profile within tissues. This bias is also illustrated in two clinical examples.

Conclusion

Fat-specific methods should be preferred over STIR for fat-signal suppression in breast DWI, such as SPAIR which also provides a higher sensitivity than STIR for lesion detection. One should remain aware, however, that efficient fat-signal suppression with SPAIR requires good B0 shimming to avoid ADC underestimation from residual fat contamination.

Clinical relevance statement

The spectral adiabatic (or attenuated) inversion recovery (SPAIR) method should be preferred over short-tau inversion recovery (STIR) for fat suppression in breast DWI.

Key Points

Fat-signal suppression is essential for breast DWI; the SPAIR method is recommended.

Short-tau inversion recovery (STIR) is not specific to fat; as a result, SNR is decreased and ADC values may be over- or underestimated.

The STIR fat-suppression method must not be used after the injection of gadolinium-based contrast agents.
Consensus statement addressing controversies and guidelines on pediatric urolithiasis
Authors: Güven S. , Tokas T. , Tozsin A. , Haid B. , Lendvay T. S. , Silay S. , Mohan V. C. , Cansino J. R. , Saulat S. , Straub M. , Tur A. Bujons , Akgül B. , Samotyjek J. , Lusuardi L. , Ferretti S. , Cavdar O. F. , Ortner G. , Sultan S. , Choong S. , Micali S. , Saltirov I. , Sezer A. , Netsch C. , de Lorenzis E. , Cakir O. O. , Zeng G. , Gozen A. S. , Bianchi G. , Jurkiewicz B. , Knoll T. , Rassweiler J. , Ahmed K. , Sarica K.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

We aimed to investigate controversial pediatric urolithiasis issues systematically, integrating expert consensus and comprehensive guidelines reviews.

Methods

Two semi-structured online focus group meetings were conducted to discuss the study’s need and content, review current literature, and prepare the initial survey. Data were collected through surveys and focus group discussions. Existing guidelines were reviewed, and a second survey was conducted using the Delphi method to validate findings and facilitate consensus. The primary outcome measures investigated controversial issues, integrating expert consensus and guideline reviews.

Results

Experts from 15 countries participated, including 20 with 16+ years of experience, 2 with 11–15 years, and 4 with 6–10 years. The initial survey identified nine main themes, emphasizing the need for standardized diagnostic and treatment protocols and tailored treatments. Inter-rater reliability was high, with controversies in treatment approaches (score 4.6, 92% agreement), follow-up protocols (score 4.8, 100% agreement), and diagnostic criteria (score 4.6, 92% agreement). The second survey underscored the critical need for consensus on identification, diagnostic criteria (score 4.6, 92% agreement), and standardized follow-up protocols (score 4.8, 100% agreement).

Conclusion

The importance of personalized treatment in pediatric urolithiasis is clear. Prioritizing low-radiation diagnostic tools, effectively managing residual stone fragments, and standardized follow-up protocols are crucial for improving patient outcomes. Integrating new technologies while ensuring safety and reliability is also essential. Harmonizing guidelines across regions can provide consistent and effective management. Future efforts should focus on collaborative research, specialized training, and the integration of new technologies in treatment protocols.
Acetabular posterior column screws via an anterior approach
Authors: Krappinger Dietmar , Gänsslen Axel , Wilde Lukas , Lindtner Richard A.
Published: August 2024

Screw fixation of acetabular column fractures is a well-established alternative option to plate fixation providing comparable biomechanical strength and requiring less surgical exposure. For displaced acetabular fractures involving both columns open reduction and plate fixation of one column in combination with a column-crossing screw fixation of the opposite column via a single approach is a viable treatment option. Preoperative planning of posterior column screws (PCS) via an anterior approach is mandatory to assess the eligibility of the fracture for this technique and to plan the entry point and the screw trajectory. The intraoperative application requires fluoroscopic guidance using several views. A single view showing an extraarticular screw position is adequate to rule out hip joint penetration. The fluoroscopic assessment of cortical perforation of the posterior column requires several oblique views such as lateral oblique views, obturator oblique views and axial views of the posterior column or alternatively intraoperative CT scans. The application of PCS via an anterior approach is a technically demanding procedure, that allows for a relevant reduction of approach-related morbidity, surgical time and blood loss by using a single approach.
The analysis of tear meniscus parameters during daily soft contact lens wear using optical coherence tomography
Authors: Dogan Levent , Arslan Gurcan Dogukan
Published: August 2024

Purpose

To evaluate tear meniscus parameters in soft contact lens wearers (SCL) using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and ImageJ software.

Methods

This prospective study included 50 soft contact lens wearers (group 1: 25 symptomatic SCL wearers (SCLW), group 2: 25 asymptomatic SCL wearers (ASCW)) and 25 healthy non-CL wearers (group 3 (NCLW)). SCLs were fitted on each eye of CL wearers, and the lower tear meniscus was imaged using OCT before CL insertion, immediately afterward, and reimaged 2, 5 and 10 h after insertion. Tear meniscus parameters, including tear meniscus height (TMH), depth (TMD), turbidity, and percentage area occupied by particles (PAOP) were measured in all groups.

Results

Turbidity and PAOP measurements at baseline in SCLW were significantly higher than in other groups (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between TMH, TMD, turbidity, and PAOP parameters calculated at baseline visit and two hours after SCL insertion in all groups (p > 0.05 for 2 comparisons). The symptomatic SCL users had a significant decrease in TMH and TMD in the fifth hour. The turbidity and PAOP measurements of SCLW and ASCW at the fifth and tenth hours were significantly higher than those of NCLW (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

TMD and height TMH decrease throughout the day in all participants; however, a significant decrease in these parameters was observed only in symptomatic SCL users at the fifth hour, at the earliest. As the duration of CL wear increases, turbidity and PAOP even in asymptomatic SCL wearers become significantly higher than those in healthy non-CL wearers.

Key Messages

What Is Known

• Contact lens wear is associated with an increased risk of dry eye.

• Tear volume decreases gradually during contact lens wear.

What Is New

• Tear meniscus turbidity and particle area occupied by particles (PAOP) were higher in symptomatic contact lens wearers and they increase gradually during contact lens wear.

• Tear meniscus turbidity and PAOP may be measures of how well the tear film and meniscus are functioning in contact lens wearers.
Immediate effect of local vibration on motor unit firing behavior and muscle strength in healthy young adult males
Authors: Nishikawa Yuichi , Holobar Aleš , Watanabe Kohei , Komatsuzaki Toshihiko , Chihara Takanori , Sakamoto Jiro , Kawagoe Takashi , Nagayasu Hidetaka , Mori Kyoko , Kawano Kenji , Maeda Noriaki , Tanaka Shinobu , Hyngstrom Allison S.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of vibration on motor unit (MU) firing behavior and physical performance of antagonist muscles in healthy young adult males.

Methods

Fourteen males (age = 24.3 ± 3.6 years) were included in this study. There were two conditions, one in which participants received 80 Hz vibration in the distal tendon of the hamstring for 30 s and the control condition (no vibration). High-density surface electromyography (HD-SEMG) signals and maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of knee extensor muscles were evaluated before and after the respective conditions and recorded from the vastus lateralis muscle during submaximal ramp-up and sustained contractions at 30% MVC. Convolution blind source separation was used to decompose the HD-SEMG signals into individual MU firing behaviors.

Results

In total, 739 MUs were detected (control; 360 MUs and vibration; 379 MUs), and a total of 312 matched MUs were identified across both submaximal contraction conditions (control: 150 MUs; vibration: 162 MUs). Vibration significantly increased the discharge rate (p = 0.047) and decreased the recruitment threshold before and after intervention (p = 0.001) but not in the control condition. Furthermore, the recruitment threshold is a factor that influences discharge rate. Significant correlations were observed between the recruitment threshold and both the ∆ discharge rate and the ∆ recruitment threshold under the vibration condition (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Vibration increased in the discharge rate and decreased the recruitment threshold of the antagonist muscle. These findings suggested that vibration contributes to immediate changes in the neural control of antagonist muscles.
The Impact of Different MEFV Genotypes on Clinical Phenotype of Patients with Familial Mediterranean Fever: Special Emphasis on Joint Involvement
Authors: Aslan Esma , Akay Nergis , Gul Umit , Konte Elif Kilic , Gunalp Aybuke , Haslak Fatih , Adrovic Amra , Barut Kenan , Yildiz Mehmet , Sahin Sezgin , Kasapcopur Ozgur
Published: August 2024

Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is the most common monogenic autoinflammatory disease worldwide. In this retrospective cohort study, we aimed to assess the effects of variousMEFVgenotypes on the clinical characteristics of the patients, with a special focus on the joint involvement. In total, 782 patients with FMF were categorized into 3 groups according to theMEFVmutation; Group 1: Patients homozygous for M694V; Group 2: Patients carrying other pathogenic MEFV variants in exon 10 in homozygous or compound heterozygous states; and Group 3: FMF patients with other variants or without mutations. Clinical and demographic findings were compared between groups. Among the 782 FMF patients, total frequency of arthritis was 237 (30.3%): 207 (26.4%) were acute monoarthritis and 67 (8.5%) were chronic arthritis. Both the frequency of arthritis (acute and/or chronic) (40.4% vs. 24.8% vs. 26.7%; p:0.001) and acute monoarthritis (35.4% vs. 20% vs. 23.7%; p:0.001) were significantly higher in Group 1 than in the other groups. FMF patients with chronic arthritis showed a distinct juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) distribution pattern with a more frequent enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA) subtype (43.2%). HLA-B27 was positive in 24% of the ERA patients.

Conclusion: Homozygous M694V mutation is associated with a more frequent and longer acute monoarthritis comparing to otherMEFVgenotypes. In addition, the risk of chronic arthritis seems not related to theMEFVmutations. However, FMF patients with chronic arthritis show a distinct ILAR JIA distribution pattern with a more frequent ERA and undifferentiated arthritis subtype.

What is known:• Homozygous M694V mutation is associated with a more frequent and longer acute monoarthritisWhat is new:• FMF patients with chronic arthritis show a distinct ILAR JIA distribution pattern with a more frequent ERA subtype• ERA patients with negative HLA-B27 antigen should also be assessed for polyserositis episodes of FMF, especially in countries with high FMF carrier frequency
The first report of digenean infecting short mackerel (Rastrelliger brachysoma) from Chon Buri Province, the Gulf of Thailand
Authors: Kaenkaew Chanisara , Chan Abigail Hui En , Thaenkham Urusa , Ratnarathorn Napat , Sagulwong Sarid , Pakdee Wallop
Published: August 2024

Rastrelliger brachysoma (Bleeker, 1851), the short mackerel, is a dietary staple and of significant economic demand in Southeast Asia and Thailand. However, the demand for short mackerel has precipitated an overfishing crisis, leading to a depletion of fish stocks. Overfishing, coupled with parasitism, may result in a decline in the population of R. brachysoma. Digenetic trematode infection is prevalent in marine fish and has a considerable impact on the overall health of the fish. Here, to identify digenetic trematodes infecting R. brachysoma, we aim to determine the identity, prevalence, and intensity of digenean infections in R. brachysoma from the Gulf of Thailand. A total of 194 short mackerel were obtained from Chon Buri Province, where digeneans were isolated and identified. The molecular identity of the digeneans was confirmed using the nuclear 28S rRNA gene. Of the 194 short mackerel, 100% were found to be infected with digeneans, comprising of Lecithocladium, Prodistomum, Opechona, and Aphanurus. Lecithocladium was the most prevalent (98%) and had the highest intensity of infection (37 mean intensity), followed by Prodistomum (75% prevalence and 17 mean intensity). Our study thus presents the first evidence of digeneans infecting the economically important short mackerel from the Gulf of Thailand. The high infection rate of digenetic trematodes may have implications on the health of R. brachysoma, further driving their population decline. These data underscore the importance of safeguarding fisheries resources in the Gulf of Thailand, and downstream conservation efforts are crucial for evidence-based management decisions to safeguard the long-term sustainability of fish resources.
Non-reversible lifts of reversible diffusion processes and relaxation times
Authors: Eberle Andreas , Lörler Francis
Published: August 2024

We propose a new concept of lifts of reversible diffusion processes and show that various well-known non-reversible Markov processes arising in applications are lifts in this sense of simple reversible diffusions. Furthermore, we introduce a concept of non-asymptotic relaxation times and show that these can at most be reduced by a square root through lifting, generalising a related result in discrete time. Finally, we demonstrate how the recently developed approach to quantitative hypocoercivity based on space–time Poincaré inequalities can be rephrased and simplified in the language of lifts and how it can be applied to find optimal lifts.
Kidney transplantation in children and adolescents with C3 glomerulopathy or immune complex membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis: a real-world study within the CERTAIN research network
Authors: Patry Christian , Webb Nicholas J. A. , Feißt Manuel , Krupka Kai , Becker Jan , Bald Martin , Antoniello Benedetta , Bilge Ilmay , Gulhan Bora , Hogan Julien , Kanzelmeyer Nele , Ozkaya Ozan , Büscher Anja , Sellier-Leclerc Anne-Laure , Shenoy Mohan , Weber Lutz T. , Fichtner Alexander , Höcker Britta , Meier Matthias , Tönshoff Burkhard
Published: August 2024

Background

Complement 3 glomerulopathy (C3G) and immune complex membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (IC-MPGN) are ultra-rare chronic kidney diseases with an overall poor prognosis, with approximately 40–50% of patients progressing to kidney failure within 10 years of diagnosis. C3G is characterized by a high rate of disease recurrence in the transplanted kidney. However, there is a lack of published data on clinical outcomes in the pediatric population following transplantation.

Methods

In this multicenter longitudinal cohort study of the Cooperative European Paediatric Renal Transplant Initiative (CERTAIN) registry, we compared the post-transplant outcomes of pediatric patients with C3G (n = 17) or IC-MPGN (n = 3) with a matched case–control group (n = 20).

Results

Eleven of 20 children (55%) with C3G or IC-MPGN experienced a recurrence within 5 years post-transplant. Patients with C3G or IC-MPGN had a 5-year graft survival of 61.4%, which was significantly (P = 0.029) lower than the 5-year graft survival of 90% in controls; five patients with C3G or IC-MPGN lost their graft due to recurrence during this observation period. Both the 1-year (20%) and the 5-year (42%) rates of biopsy-proven acute rejection episodes were comparable between patients and controls. Complement-targeted therapy with eculizumab, either as prophylaxis or treatment, did not appear to be effective.

Conclusions

These data in pediatric patients with C3G or IC-MPGN show a high risk of post-transplant disease recurrence (55%) and a significantly lower 5-year graft survival compared to matched controls with other primary kidney diseases. These data underscore the need for post-transplant patients for effective and specific therapies that target the underlying disease mechanism.

Graphical abstract
Techno-economic assessment of waste heat recovery for green hydrogen production: a simulation study
Authors: Frassl Natalie , Sistani Nina Ranjbar , Wimmer Yannick , Kapeller Judith , Maggauer Klara , Kathan Johannes
Published: August 2024

The demand for hydrogen as a green energy carrier is increasing as energy sources shift towards sustainable solutions. Alkaline electrolysers offer a clean method to produce hydrogen, though their limited efficiency results in significant energy loss. This study explores the potential to enhance electrolyser efficiency through waste heat recovery. It examines the technical and economic aspects of using excess heat from an alkaline electrolyser, powered by surplus renewable energy, as a feed-in source for district heating. Utilising a simulation framework for renewable power plants, the study integrates a validated electrolyser model. The analysis focuses on the impact of heat utilisation and heat sales on system efficiency, economic viability, and hydrogen pricing. Findings show improved efficiency with heat supply, especially for smaller electrolyser configurations. Heat sales lead to a slight reduction in hydrogen costs and the study demonstrates their viability for smaller electrolysers. Additionally, it highlights the need for an advanced cooling strategy for larger systems. Overall, the results underscore the potential of integrating electrolysis with district heating, offering valuable insights for future renewable-powered energy systems.
Supportive care needs after surgery in patients with breast cancer
Authors: Rizalar Selda , Hamarat Elif , Goktas Sonay
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to determine supportive care needs and related factors after surgery in patients with breast cancer.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted with 98 breast cancer patients in a Training and Research Hospital in Istanbul between September 2022 and November 2023. The Personal Information Form and the Supportive Care Needs Survey Short Form Turkish version were used to collect data. One-way variance analysis, post hoc (Tukey, LSD), and t-test were used to analyze the data.

Results

The total scale mean score for women who underwent surgery for breast cancer in the study was 83.95 22.97. Statistically significantly higher total scale scores were observed in younger women and those who received chemotherapy and radiotherapy than in others. The mean physical and daily living subscale scores of those who received chemotherapy and radiotherapy were higher than those who did not (p < .05). The psychology subscale mean scores of those who were young and unemployed were higher than the others (p < .05). The mean sexuality scores of those who were young, those with high education levels, and those who received chemotherapy were higher than the other groups (p < .05). Age factor affects SCN scores in women with breast cancer.

Conclusion

Supportive care needs are higher among women with breast cancer who are younger and receive chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The physical needs of those who receive chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the psychological needs of those who are younger and unemployed, and the need for support regarding sexuality were greater among those who are younger and with higher education. Nurses should be aware of the specific needs of these disadvantaged groups and provide individualized holistic care.
A deep learning LSTM-based approach for AMD classification using OCT images
Authors: Hamid Laila , Elnokrashy Amgad , Abdelhay Ehab H. , Abdelsalam Mohamed M.
Published: August 2024

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an age-related, persistent, painless eye disease that impairs central vision. The central area (macula) of the retina, located at the back of the eye, sustains damage that is the cause of loss of vision. The early detection of AMD can increase the probability of treatment and prevent vision loss. The AMD can be classified into dry and wet AMD based on the absence of neovascularization. This study introduces a new methodology for the classification of AMD using optical coherence tomography (OCT) retinal images. The proposed methodology is based on three stages. The first stage is the data preparation stage for resizing and normalizing the used images. The second stage is the image processing stage for enhancing the image quality as contrast and resolution these enhancements have been checked by the weighted peak signal-to-noise ratio (WPSNR) methodology. The third stage is the deep feature extraction and classification stage, which consists of two sub-models. The first model is MobileNet V1 which has been used as a deep feature extractor. The second model is LSTM (long short-term memory), fed with deep features to classify the AMD stages. A multi-classification with six separate trials has been employed with the proposed methodology, and compared with other models like DenseNet201 and InceptionV3. The proposed model has been tested on a sample of benchmark data with 4005 grayscale images labeled into three classes. The proposed methodology has achieved an accuracy of 98.85%, a sensitivity of 99.09%, and a specificity of 99.1%. To ensure the effectiveness of the proposed methodology, a comparative analysis has been established with previous approaches in the related field, and the results demonstrated the superiority of the proposed system in AMD multi-classification.
The hydrogeology of sacred wells: insights from Ireland
Authors: Misstear Bruce , Gill Laurence
Published: August 2024

Sacred wells and springs are important cultural features in many societies. A recent study in Ireland may be the first detailed countrywide investigation of the hydrogeology and water chemistry of sacred wells. Key findings are discussed in relation to case studies elsewhere. A wide range of hydrogeological settings are represented. There is evidence of anthropogenic impacts at many sacred springs and wells. Communication of potential health impacts is necessary but challenging, because of the sensitivities surrounding these sacred water sources.
Impact of blue-collar vs. white-collar occupations on disease burden in psoriatic arthritis patients: A Swiss clinical quality management in rheumatic diseases cohort study
Authors: Colla Nina , Maul Julia-Tatjana , Vallejo-Yagüe Enriqueta , Burden Andrea Michelle , Möller Burkhard , Nissen Michael J. , Yawalkar Nikhil , Papagiannoulis Eleftherios , Distler Oliver , Ciurea Adrian , Micheroli Raphael
Published: August 2024

Biomechanical stress may exacerbate inflammation in psoriatic arthritis (PsA). This study aimed to investigate disease activity, work disability, and drug response/retention rates in PsA patients among two different occupation’s types: blue-collar workers (BCol) with manual labor versus white-collar workers (WCol) with sedentary occupations. PsA patients registered in the Swiss cohort (SCQM) were classified as BCol or WCol workers and assessed at the initiation of a biologic or targeted synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (b-/tsDMARD). We compared the baseline characteristics at treatment start and the DAS28-CRP for the 1-year remission. Treatment retention was investigated using Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox regression analysis. Multivariable models were adjusted for potential confounders. Of 564 patients, 29% were BCol, and 71% were WCol workers. Baseline disease activity was comparable between both groups. BCol workers were predominantly male (79.8%) and more work disabled at baseline (84.0% vs. 27.9%; p < 0.01). One hundred seventy-four treatment courses (TCs) of 165 PsA patients were included for longitudinal analysis. Occupation did not significantly influence the achievement of DAS28-CRP remission at 1 year. Kaplan–Meier analysis (n = 671) indicated longer retention for BCol workers (mean retention duration: 3.15 years vs. 2.15 years, (p = 0.006). However, adjusted Cox regression analysis did not corroborate these findings. This study indicates that physically demanding occupations correlate with increased rates of work disability among PsA patients, while treatment response seems to be unaffected by the patients’ occupation type. Additional research is required to thoroughly comprehend the relationship between physical workload, disease activity, and treatment outcomes.

Key Points• This study indicates that physically demanding occupations correlate with increased rates of work disability among PsA patients.• The treatment response among of PsA patients seems unaffected by the patients’ occupation type.
Sex-specific discrimination of familiar and unfamiliar mates in the Tokay gecko
Authors: Verger Marie-Ornélia , Devillebichot Maëlle , Ringler Eva , Szabo Birgit
Published: August 2024

Social animals need to keep track of other individuals in their group to be able to adjust their behaviour accordingly and facilitate group cohesion. This recognition ability varies across species and is influenced by cognitive capacities such as learning and memory. In reptiles, particularly Squamates (lizards, snakes, and worm lizards), chemical communication is pivotal for territoriality, reproduction, and other social interactions. However, the cognitive processes underlying these social interactions remain understudied. In our study, we examined the ability of male and female Tokay geckos (Gekko gecko) to chemically differentiate familiar and unfamiliar mating partners. Our findings suggest that both sexes can make this distinction, with males responding more to the odour of a familiar mate, and females responding more to unfamiliar mates. The lizards maintained their discriminatory abilities for two to three weeks but not up to six weeks after separation. This research highlights the efficacy of using odours as social stimuli for investigating social cognition in lizards, a promising avenue to better understand social cognition in these animals.