bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
3D C-arm navigated suture button implantation for AC joint dislocations - the pilot study
Authors: Böhringer Alexander , Gebhard Florian , Dehner Christoph , Eickhoff Alexander , Cintean Raffael , Pankratz Carlos , Schütze Konrad
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The surgical treatment of acute traumatic AC joint dislocations is still a subject of scientific debate in the literature. The arthroscopically assisted stabilization procedure with a suture button system has been successfully established and is widely used in daily practice. It is minimally invasive and allows the anatomical reconstruction of the torn coracoclavicular ligaments in one step with a permanent implant that does not have to be removed in a second operation. This clinical pilot study is the first to describe the new method of navigated suture button implantation with the future aim of further reducing surgical invasiveness and further increasing surgical precision.

Materials and methods

10 patients with a Rockwood 3b/5 injury could be included in the prospective study (DRKS00031855) within 5 months according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Surgical stabilization was performed with a suture button system via a navigated coracoclavicular drill tunnel. Demographic and radiological data as well as information on health and shoulder function were collected from patient records, X-rays, DVT scan and 3 questionnaires (DASH, NHS and Eq. 5D) at the preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative (discharge, 6 weeks and 3 months) time points.

Results

All operations could be performed within 8.8 days (± 6.81) after trauma. The average operation time was 50.3 min (± 8.81). The mean distance of the drill hole in the clavicle to the AC joint was 26.6 mm (± 2.63). The radiologically measured vertical coracoclavicular distance was 38.8 mm (± 6.16) at discharge and 41.11 mm (± 7.51) at 3 months. This loss of reduction was not statistically significant. In contrast, the DASH, NHS and Eq. 5D results showed significant improvement from discharge to 3 months postoperatively.

Conclusion

Image-guided 3D C-arm navigated AC joint suture button stabilization is feasible in everyday surgical practice. It may be possible to achieve a further reduction in invasiveness while at the same time increasing the accuracy of implant positioning. Further clinical studies with a larger number of patients and a longer follow-up period are necessary to enable a comparison with conventional methods.
Medical imaging in cancer cachexia
Authors: Ko Hyun Soo , Attenberger Ulrike
Published: July 2024

Cancer cachexia, often referred to as “wasting syndrome,” is characterized by fatigue, weakness, and involuntary weight loss. This syndrome is concomitant with progressive skeletal muscle atrophy with or without adipose tissue loss and is frequently accompanied by systemic inflammation. Understanding the complexities of cancer cachexia is crucial for early detection and intervention, and it is also paramount for enhancing patient outcomes. Medical imaging, comprising diverse imaging modalities, plays a pivotal role in this context, facilitating the diagnosis and surveillance assessment of both the disease extent and the body composition changes that offer valuable information and insights into disease progression. This article provides a comprehensive discourse of the pathophysiological mechanisms and clinical manifestations of cancer cachexia as well as the role of medical imaging in this setting. Particular emphasis is placed on contemporary multidisciplinary and translational research efforts for the development of diagnostic and treatment tools, aiming to mitigate the devastating consequences of cancer cachexia.
Machine learning-based digital twin of a conveyor belt for predictive maintenance
Authors: Pulcini Valerio , Modoni Gianfranco
Published: July 2024

The problem of achieving a good maintenance plan is well-known in the modern industry. One of the most promising approaches is predictive maintenance, which schedules interventions based on predictions made by collecting and analyzing data from the process. However, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this approach is still not widespread and known enough, and particularly, the real-case scenarios of its application appear not exhaustive. To contribute to fill this gap, this work proposes a digital twin (DT), which performs a predictive maintenance approach for a conveyor belt within a real-case scenario with the overall goal of predicting faults during normal belt operations. Specifically, the core of the implemented DT is a model that analyzes the data collected by various sensors distributed along the conveyor belt. In turn, this model exploits a machine learning-based algorithm that predicts the insurgence of faults. The tests of the developed solution, conducted within a real scenario, demonstrated good precision and accuracy in identifying the fault status and also in a time deemed acceptable for the involved stakeholders.
A stochastic approach for parameter optimization of feature detection algorithms for non-target screening in mass spectrometry
Authors: Sadia Mohammad , Boudguiyer Youssef , Helmus Rick , Seijo Marianne , Praetorius Antonia , Samanipour Saer
Published: July 2024

Feature detection plays a crucial role in non-target screening (NTS), requiring careful selection of algorithm parameters to minimize false positive (FP) features. In this study, a stochastic approach was employed to optimize the parameter settings of feature detection algorithms used in processing high-resolution mass spectrometry data. This approach was demonstrated using four open-source algorithms (OpenMS, SAFD, XCMS, and KPIC2) within the patRoon software platform for processing extracts from drinking water samples spiked with 46 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The designed method is based on a stochastic strategy involving random sampling from variable space and the use of Pearson correlation to assess the impact of each parameter on the number of detected suspect analytes. Using our approach, the optimized parameters led to improvement in the algorithm performance by increasing suspect hits in case of SAFD and XCMS, and reducing the total number of detected features (i.e., minimizing FP) for OpenMS. These improvements were further validated on three different drinking water samples as test dataset. The optimized parameters resulted in a lower false discovery rate (FDR%) compared to the default parameters, effectively increasing the detection of true positive features. This work also highlights the necessity of algorithm parameter optimization prior to starting the NTS to reduce the complexity of such datasets.

Graphical Abstract
Development of a supramolecular solvent–based extraction method for application to quantitative analyses of a wide range of organic contaminants in indoor dust
Authors: Marcinekova Paula , Melymuk Lisa , Bohlin-Nizzetto Pernilla , Martinelli Erika , Jílková Simona Rozárka , Martiník Jakub , Šenk Petr , Kukučka Petr , Audy Ondřej , Kohoutek Jiří , Ghebremeskel Mebrat , Håland Alexander , Borgen Anders Røsrud , Eikenes Heidi , Hanssen Linda , Harju Mikael , Cebula Zofia , Rostkowski Pawel
Published: July 2024

This study investigates the efficacy of supramolecular solvent (SUPRAS) in extracting a diverse spectrum of organic contaminants from indoor dust. Initially, seven distinct SUPRAS were assessed across nine categories of contaminants to identify the most effective one. A SUPRAS comprising Milli-Q water, tetrahydrofuran, and hexanol in a 70:20:10 ratio, respectively, demonstrated the best extraction performance and was employed for testing a wider array of organic contaminants. Furthermore, we applied the selected SUPRAS for the extraction of organic compounds from the NIST Standard Reference Material (SRM) 2585. In parallel, we performed the extraction of NIST SRM 2585 with conventional extraction methods using hexane:acetone (1:1) for non-polar contaminants and methanol (100%) extraction for polar contaminants. Analysis from two independent laboratories (in Norway and the Czech Republic) demonstrated the viability of SUPRAS for the simultaneous extraction of twelve groups of organic contaminants with a broad range of physico-chemical properties including plastic additives, pesticides, and combustion by-products. However, caution is advised when employing SUPRAS for highly polar contaminants like current-use pesticides or volatile substances like naphthalene.
Heterogeneous shell growth of the neustonic goose barnacle Lepas anserifera
Authors: Watanabe Hiromi K. , Nagai Yukiko , Sakai Saburo , Kobayashi Genki , Yamamori Luna , Tada Noriko , Kuwatani Tatsu , Nishikawa Haruka , Horigome Takuto , Uehara Haruka , Yusa Yoichi
Published: July 2024

Floating materials of both natural and anthropogenic origin affect marine ecosystems and human economic activities. Although the tracking of floating materials is important to manage the economic risks, it is difficult to trace them back to the events of origin, such as tsunamis and underwater volcanic eruptions. The gooseneck barnacle Lepas anserifera, a rapid colonizer in pelagic environments, is a potential “natural logger” of floating materials. In this study, we performed temperature-controlled culture experiments and growth line staining in the laboratory to quantify the growth increments of shells (scutum and tergum) consisting the capitulum of L. anserifera separately, and to examine the effects of the temperature on their growth. Following calcein staining, the growth lines of L. anserifera were visualized under a fluorescent microscope, and gross (capitular length and width) and individual (scutum and tergum) shell growth were compared. Shells grew in twice as much in the capitular length direction than in the capitular width direction owing to the larger growth increases in the scutum than in the tergum. Growth increments were unaffected by temperatures in the range from 20°C to 30°C, although the growth appeared to slow down in September and October compared with August. The stable oxygen isotope composition (δ18O) of the shells represented the water temperature as previously known, and the present results showed that 18O enriched in scutum than tergum in most cases. Further understanding for the biomineralization process of barnacles is required for the precise application of environmental proxies in barnacle shells.
Feasibility and diagnostic accuracy of fast whole-body MRI in slightly to moderately injured trauma patients
Authors: Reichel Katrin , Hahlbohm Patricia , Kromrey Marie-Luise , Nebelung Heiner , Schön Felix , Kamin Konrad , Goronzy Jens , Kühn Jens-Peter , Hoffmann Ralf-Thorsten , Blum Sophia Freya Ulrike
Published: July 2024

Objectives

To determine the feasibility and diagnostic accuracy of fast whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (WB-MRI) compared to whole-body computed tomography (WB-CT) in detecting injuries of slightly to moderately injured trauma patients.

Materials and methods

In a prospective single-center approach, trauma patients from convenience sampling with an expected Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) score ≤ 3 at admission, received an indicated contrast-enhanced WB-CT (reference standard) and a plain WB-MRI (index test) voluntarily up to five days after trauma. Two radiologists, blinded to the WB-CT findings, evaluated the absence or presence of injuries with WB-MRI in four body regions: head, torso, axial skeleton, and upper extremity. Diagnostic accuracy was determined using sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value by body region.

Results

Between June 2019 and July 2021, 40 patients were assessed for eligibility of whom 35 (median age (interquartile range): 50 (32.5) years; 26 men) received WB-MRI. Of 140 body regions (35 patients × 4 regions), 31 true positive, 6 false positive, 94 true negative, and 9 false negative findings were documented with WB-MRI. Thus, plain WB-MRI achieved a total sensitivity of 77.5% (95%-confidence interval (CI): (61.6–89.2%)), specificity of 94% (95%-CI: (87.4–97.8%)), and diagnostic accuracy of 89.3% (95%-CI: (82.9–93.9%)). Across the four regions sensitivity and specificity varied: head (66.7%/93.1%), torso (62.5%/96.3%), axial skeleton (91.3%/75%), upper extremity (33.3%/100%). Both radiologists showed substantial agreement on the WB-MRI reading (Cohen’s Kappa: 0.66, 95%-CI: (0.51–0.81)).

Conclusion

Regarding injury detection, WB-MRI is feasible in slightly to moderately injured trauma patients, especially in the axial skeleton.

Clinical relevance statement

Besides offering a radiation-free approach, whole-body MRI detects injuries almost identically to whole-body CT in slightly to moderately injured trauma patients, who comprise a relevant share of all trauma patients.

Key Points

Whole-body MRI could offer radiation-free injury detection in slightly to moderately injured trauma patients.

Whole-body MRI detected injuries almost identically compared to whole-body CT in this population.

Whole-body MRI could be a radiation-free approach for slightly to moderately injured young trauma patients.
Effect of agricultural management system (“cash crop”, “livestock” and “climate optimized”) on nitrous oxide and ammonia emissions
Authors: Well Reinhard , Ruoss Nicolas , Grosz Balazs , Brunotte Joachim , Buchen-Tschiskale Caroline , Lewicka-Szczebak Dominika , Schäfer Bernhard C.
Published: July 2024

The study aimed to measure soil-atmosphere N2O fluxes and their controlling factors, as well as NH3 emissions and yields for two soils (silt loam and clay loam) in three management systems over two years under subsequent wheat and maize cultivation. The management systems were characterized as follows: (1) cash crop (C) with mineral fertilizer and conventional tillage; (2) livestock (L) with biogas residue fertilization and its incorporation prior to sowing in maize and reduced tillage; and (3) climate optimized (O) with minimum tillage, 8-year crop rotation, with biogas residue fertilization, in maize without incorporation in clay loam soil or incorporation by strip-tillage prior to seeding in silt loam soil. Stable isotope ratios of N2O and mineral N were determined to identify N2O processes. Within the organically fertilized maize treatments, cumulative N2O fluxes were highest in the O-system treatments of both sites (4.0 to 9.4 kg N ha− 1 a− 1), i.e. more than twice as high as in the L-system (1.5 to 3.1 kg N ha− 1 a− 1). Below root-strip till fertilizer application did not enhance N2O fluxes. Fluxes with mineral fertilization of wheat (1.1 to 3.1 kg N ha− 1 a− 1) were not different from those with organic fertilization. Isotopic values of emitted N2O revealed that bacterial denitrification dominated most of the peak flux events, while the N2O/(N2 + N2O) ratio of denitrification was mostly between 0.1 and 0.5. It can be concluded that, contrary to the intention to lower greenhouse gas fluxes by the O-system management, the highest N2O fluxes occurred in the O-system without biogas digestate incorporation in maize. With respect to NH3 fluxes, we could confirm that the application of digestate application in growing crops without incorporation or late incorporation in fertilization before sowing induces high fluxes. The beneficial aspects of the O-system including more stable soil structure and resource conservation, are thus potentially counteracted by increased N2O and NH3 emissions.
Association of resection margin distance with anastomotic recurrence in stage I-III colon cancer: data from the National Colorectal Cancer Cohort (NCRCC) study in China
Authors: Huang Fei , Jiang Shan , Wei Ran , Xiao Tixian , Wei Fangze , Zheng Zhaoxu , Liu Qian
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Few studies have focused on anastomotic recurrence (AR) in colon cancer. This study aimed to clarify the association of resection margin distance with AR and compare the prognosis with nonanastomotic local recurrence (NAR).

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included the clinical data of patients who underwent radical colon cancer surgery between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2019.

Results

A total of 1958 colon cancer patients were included in the study. 34 of whom (1.7%) had AR and 105 of whom (5.4%) had NAR. Multivariate analysis revealed that the lower distal resection margin distance, advanced N stage, and number of lymph nodes dissected were risk factors for AR. In the proximal resection margin, the risk of AR was lowest at a distance of 6 cm or greater, with a 3-year rate of 1.3%. In the distal resection margin, the 3-year AR risk increased rapidly if the distance was less than 3 cm. The prognosis of patients in the AR group was similar to that of patients in the NAR group, regardless of synchronous distant metastases. Furthermore, the radical surgery rate for AR was significantly higher than that for NAR, but the prognosis of AR was comparable to that of NAR.

Conclusions

The distal resection margin distance, advanced N stage, and less number of lymph nodes dissected are associated with AR of colon cancer. The prognosis of patients with AR was similar to that of patients with NAR.

Trial registration

Clinical Trial Numbers NCT04074538 (clinicaltrials.gov), August 26, 2019, registered, retrospectively registered.
Short and long-term 2100 MHz radiofrequency radiation causes endoplasmic reticulum stress in rat testis
Authors: Kirimlioglu Esma , Oflamaz Asli Okan , Hidisoglu Enis , Ozen Sukru , Yargicoglu Piraye , Demir Necdet
Published: July 2024

Long-term radiofrequency radiation (RFR) exposure, which adversely affects organisms, deteriorates testicular functions. Misfolding or unfolding protein accumulation in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) initiates an intracellular reaction known as ER stress (ERS), which activates the unfolded protein response (UPR) for proteostasis. Since both RFR exposure and ERS can cause male infertility, we hypothesized that RFR exposure causes ERS to adversely affect testicular functions in rats. To investigate role of ERS in mediating RFR effects on rat testis, we established five experimental groups in male rats: control, short-term 2100-megahertz (MHz) RFR (1-week), short-term sham (sham/1-week), long-term 2100-MHz RFR (10-week), and long-term sham (sham/10-week). ERS markers Grp78 and phosphorylated PERK (p-Perk) levels and ERS-related apoptosis markers Chop and caspase 12 were investigated by immunohistochemistry, immunoblotting, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Long-term RFR exposure increased Grp78, p-Perk, and Chop levels, while short-term RFR exposure elevated Chop and caspase 12 levels. Chop expression was not observed in spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes, which may protect spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes against RFR-induced ERS-mediated apoptosis, thereby allowing transmission of genetic material to next generations. While short and long-term RFR exposures trigger ERS and ERS-related apoptotic pathways, further functional analyses are needed to elucidate whether this RFR-induced apoptosis has long-term male infertility effects.
How the brain can be trained to achieve an intermittent control strategy for stabilizing quiet stance by means of reinforcement learning
Authors: Takazawa Tomoki , Suzuki Yasuyuki , Nakamura Akihiro , Matsuo Risa , Morasso Pietro , Nomura Taishin
Published: July 2024

The stabilization of human quiet stance is achieved by a combination of the intrinsic elastic properties of ankle muscles and an active closed-loop activation of the ankle muscles, driven by the delayed feedback of the ongoing sway angle and the corresponding angular velocity in a way of a delayed proportional (P) and derivative (D) feedback controller. It has been shown that the active component of the stabilization process is likely to operate in an intermittent manner rather than as a continuous controller: the switching policy is defined in the phase-plane, which is divided in dangerous and safe regions, separated by appropriate switching boundaries. When the state enters a dangerous region, the delayed PD control is activated, and it is switched off when it enters a safe region, leaving the system to evolve freely. In comparison with continuous feedback control, the intermittent mechanism is more robust and capable to better reproduce postural sway patterns in healthy people. However, the superior performance of the intermittent control paradigm as well as its biological plausibility, suggested by experimental evidence of the intermittent activation of the ankle muscles, leaves open the quest of a feasible learning process, by which the brain can identify the appropriate state-dependent switching policy and tune accordingly the P and D parameters. In this work, it is shown how such a goal can be achieved with a reinforcement motor learning paradigm, building upon the evidence that, in general, the basal ganglia are known to play a central role in reinforcement learning for action selection and, in particular, were found to be specifically involved in postural stabilization.
Reactive nitrogen species act as the enhancers of glutathione pool in embryonic axes of apple seeds subjected to accelerated ageing
Authors: Marcin Tyminski , Katarzyna Ciacka , Urszula Krasuska
Published: July 2024

Main conclusion

Reactive nitrogen species mitigate the deteriorative effect of accelerated seed ageing by affecting the glutathione concentration and activities of GR and GPX-like.

The treatment of apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) embryos isolated from accelerated aged seeds with nitric oxide-derived compounds increases their vigour and is linked to the alleviation of the negative effect of excessive oxidation processes. Reduced form of glutathione (GSH) is involved in the maintenance of redox potential. Glutathione peroxidase-like (GPX-like) uses GSH and converts it to oxidised form (GSSG), while glutathione reductase (GR) reduces GSSG into GSH. The aim of this work was to investigate the impact of the short-time NOx treatment of embryos isolated from apple seeds subjected to accelerated ageing on glutathione-related parameters. Apple seeds were subjected to accelerated ageing for 7, 14 or 21 days. Isolated embryos were shortly treated with NOx and cultured for 48 h. During ageing, in the axes of apple embryos, GSH and GSSG levels as well as half-cell reduction potential remained stable, while GR and GPX-like activities decreased. However, the positive effect of NOx in the vigour preservation of embryos isolated from prolonged aged seeds is linked to the increased total glutathione pool, and above all, higher GSH content. Moreover, NOx increased the level of transcripts encoding GPX-like and stimulated enzymatic activity. The obtained results indicate that high seed vigour related to the mode of action of NO and its derivatives is closely linked to the maintenance of higher GSH levels.
First detection and a new avian host of the tick Ixodes ventalloi Gil Collado, 1936, in Slovakia
Authors: Peňazziová Katarína Loziaková , Chitimia-Dobler Lidia , Csank Tomáš , Peťko Branislav , Ondrejková Anna , Halán Miloš , Schusterová Petra , Pivka Soňa , Korytár Ľuboš
Published: July 2024

This study describes the first detection of Ixodes ventalloi in Slovakia. Two engorged females of I. ventalloi were collected from Dunnocks (Prunella modularis) captured in eastern Slovakia. The identification of females was based on morphological and molecular 16S rRNA gene features. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a classification of the females into distinct genogroups. Moreover, comparative morphological analysis highlighted variations between the two females, particularly in the curvature of the auriculae, the shape of coxa I, and the internal spur. These findings suggest the potential for varied phenotypes of I. ventalloi correlated with their genogroups. Nonetheless, I. ventalloi population establishment within Slovakia necessitates further investigation through flagging or drag sampling.
k-filters and k-$$\{^*\}$$-congruences of core regular double Stone algebras
Authors: Badawy Abd El-Mohsen , Gomaa Eman
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we investigate various elegant filters and congruences of the class of core regular double Stone algebras (briefly CRD-Stone algebras). We define and characterize the concepts of k-filters and principal k-filters of a core regular double Stone algebra with the core element k, as well as their algebraic structures. We also look at k-$$\{^*\}$$

{
∗

}

-congruences and principal k-$$\{^*\}$$

{
∗

}

-congruences of a CRD-Stone algebra L that are induced by k-filters and principal k-filters of L, respectively. We find an isomorphism between the lattice $$F_{k}(L)$$

F
k

(
L
)

of all k-filters of L (the lattice $$F_{k}^{p}(L)$$

F

k

p

(
L
)

principal k-filters of L) and the lattice $$Con^{*}_{k}(L)$$

C
o

n
k

∗

(
L
)

of all k-$$\{^*\}$$

{
∗

}

-congruences on L (the lattice $$Con^{*}_{k}(L)$$

C
o

n
k

∗

(
L
)

of all principal k-$$\{^*\}$$

{
∗

}

-congruences) of a CRD-Stone algebra L.
Antipsychotic-induced prolactin elevation in premenopausal women with schizophrenia: associations with estrogen, disease severity and cognition
Authors: Brand Bodyl A. , de Boer Janna N. , Willemse Elske J. M. , Weickert Cynthia S. , Sommer Iris E. , Weickert Thomas W.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Antipsychotic-induced prolactin elevation may impede protective effects of estrogens in women with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders (SSD). Our study sought to confirm whether the use of prolactin-raising antipsychotics is associated with lower estrogen levels, and to investigate how estrogen and prolactin levels relate to symptom severity and cognition in premenopausal women with SSD.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 79 premenopausal women, divided in three groups of women with SSD treated with prolactin-sparing antipsychotics (n = 21) or prolactin-raising antipsychotics (n = 27), and age-matched women without SSD (n = 31). Circulating 17β-estradiol was compared among groups. In patients, we assessed the relationship between prolactin and 17β-estradiol, and the relationships of these hormones to symptom severity and cognition, using correlation analyses and backward regression models.

Results

In women receiving prolactin-raising antipsychotics, 17β-estradiol levels were lower as compared to both other groups (H(2) = 8.34; p = 0.015), and prolactin was inversely correlated with 17β-estradiol (r=-0.42, p = 0.030). In the prolactin-raising group, 17β-estradiol correlated positively with verbal fluency (r = 0.52, p = 0.009), and 17β-estradiol and prolactin together explained 29% of the variation in processing speed (β17β−estradiol = 0.24, βprolactin = -0.45, F(2,25) = 5.98, p = 0.008). In the prolactin-sparing group, 17β-estradiol correlated negatively with depression/anxiety (r = -0.57, p = 0.014), and together with prolactin explained 26% of the variation in total symptoms (β17β−estradiol = -0.41, βprolactin = 0.32, F(2,18) = 4.44, p = 0.027).

Conclusions

In women with SSD, antipsychotic-induced prolactin elevation was related to lower estrogen levels. Further, estrogens negatively correlated with symptom severity and positively with cognition, whereas prolactin levels correlated negatively with cognition. Our findings stress the clinical importance of maintaining healthy levels of prolactin and estrogens in women with SSD.
Software verification challenges in the blockchain ecosystem
Authors: Olivieri Luca , Spoto Fausto
Published: July 2024

Blockchain technology has created a new software development context, with its own peculiarities, mainly due to the guarantees that the technology must satisfy, that is, immutability, distributability, and decentralization of data. Its rapid evolution over the last decade implied a lack of adequate verification tools, exposing developers and users to critical vulnerabilities and bugs. This paper clarifies the extent of block chain-oriented software (BoS), that goes well beyond smart contracts. Moreover, it provides an overview of the challenges related to software verification in the blockchain context, encompassing smart contracts, blockchain layers, cross-chain applications, and, more generally, BoS. This study aims to highlight the shortcomings of the state-of-art and of the state-of-practice of software verification in that context and identify, at the same time, new research directions.
Multicenter study on clinical outcomes and poor prognostic factors in patients with Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteremia receiving cefoperazone/sulbactam treatment
Authors: Chiang Tsung-Ta , Chiang Ming-Hsien , Tang Hung-Jen , Shi Zhi-Yuan , Ho Mao-Wang , Chou Chia-Hui , Lin Shang-Yi , Lu Po-Liang , Wu Ting-Shu , Shie Shian-Sen , Liu Jien-Wei , Chang Feng-Yee , Chuang Yin-Ching , Wang Fu-Der , Yang Ya-Sung
Published: July 2024

Background

Infections caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae are common and result in high mortality rates. In vitro studies demonstrated the potency of cefoperazone/sulbactam (CPZ/SUL) against Klebsiella pneumoniae. However, the clinical efficacy of CPZ/SUL for the treatment of K. pneumoniae bacteremia has not been studied.

Objectives

This study aimed to associate the clinical outcomes of patients with bacteremia with the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of CPZ/SUL against the causative K. pneumoniae isolates.

Methods

This multicenter, retrospective study was conducted in Taiwan between July 2017 and April 2021. Patients with K. pneumoniae bacteremia treated with CPZ/SUL were enrolled in this study. CPZ/SUL MICs were determined using the agar dilution method. Data on the patients’ clinical outcomes and characteristics were collected and analyzed.

Results

In total, 201 patients were enrolled. Among the causative K. pneumoniae isolates, 180 (89.5%) were susceptible to CPZ/SUL. Most patients (n = 156, 77.6%) had favorable outcomes. The 30-day mortality rate was 11.9% (n = 24). Multivariate risk analyses showed that higher APACHE II score (Odds Ratio [OR], 1.14; Confidence Interval [CI], 1.07–1.21; p < 0.001), metastatic tumors (OR, 5.76; CI, 2.31–14.40; p < 0.001), and causative K. pneumoniae CPZ/SUL MICs > 16 µg/ml (OR, 4.30; CI, 1.50–12.27; p = 0.006) were independently associated with unfavorable outcomes.

Conclusion

Patients with K. pneumoniae bacteremia treated with CPZ/SUL at a ratio 1:1 had favorable outcomes when the CPZ/SUL MICs were ≤ 16 µg/ml. Patients with higher APACHE II scores and metastatic tumors had unfavorable outcomes.
Intake Characteristics as Predictors of Psychotherapy Outcome in a Practice Research Network in Argentina
Authors: Fernández-Álvarez Javier , Martín Gómez Penedo Juan , Meglio Manuel , Gómez Beatriz , Babl Anna , García Fernando , Roussos Andrés , Muiños Roberto
Published: July 2024

There are few studies exploring intake diagnostic characteristics as predictors of change in integrative naturalistic settings. The aim of this study is to explore baseline variables at the intake process and establish the predictive value of the individual trajectories of the patients. We recruited 259 patients undergoing an integrative psychotherapy network of psychotherapists from Buenos Aires, Argentina. Every therapist completed the intake form of each patient involved in the routine outcome monitoring. Thereafter step-wise regressions based on forward selection strategies were used, in order to identify meaningful baseline predictors of patients’ clinical evolution, derived from the intake process. The selected predictors were social support network, subjective distress, the initial measure of clinical distress, unemployment, sociocultural status and reactance. When including those six variables in a multilevel model, the results indicate that social support network, subjective distress, and the initial measure of clinical distress were significant predictors of the trajectories of OQ-30, whereas unemployment, sociocultural status and reactance were not significant. The results regarding social support network are in line with the literature, while results of socioeconomic status (unemployment and sociocultural level) move in an opposite direction in comparison to the available evidence. Moreover, the mental health findings (initial OQ-30 and subjective distress) confirm the contradictory body of literature produced in this domain. Finally, reactance seems to be a significant predictor in previous study in contradiction of our results. Overall, this endeavor constitutes important but preliminary evidence to enhance the production of bottom-up science within practice research networks in the global south.
Phytoseiid mites benefited from organic fertilization by increasing the population of Tyrophagus mites in apple orchards
Authors: Komagata Yasuyuki , Oe Takaho , Sekine Takayuki , Shimmura Ruri , Toyama Masatoshi , Kishimoto Hidenari
Published: July 2024

This study explores sustainable agricultural practices by examining the role of organic materials in enhancing native predatory mites for controlling spider mites in apple orchards. Developing techniques to conserve indigenous natural enemies is vital for sustainable agricultural production. Phytoseiid mites can control spider mites, which are among the most significant pests in apple production. To conserve phytoseiid mite populations, it is important to identify alternative prey and to determine their role in phytoseiid mite proliferation. We demonstrated that the concurrent use of specific organic fertilizers and coconut husks can increase prey Tyrophagus mites, thereby enhancing phytoseiid mite density. Our research was conducted using sticky traps at the Miyagi Prefectural Agriculture and Horticulture Research Center in Japan. The occurrence of Tyrophagus mites was significantly correlated with the occurrence of phytoseiid mites in 2 years. In laboratory experiments, the use of organic fertilizers increased the density of Tyrophagus mites by 83 × within 4 weeks. Several species of phytoseiid mites were able to lay between 0.25 and 1.03 eggs per day per female by preying on Tyrophagus larvae. A 2-year field survey revealed that the use of organic fertilizers more than doubled the density of phytoseiid mites on apple leaves, likely through promoting Tyrophagus mite proliferation on the ground. These results highlight the potential of organic fertilizers not only to enhance soil nutrients, but also to boost phytoseiid mite populations, thereby contributing to more sustainable apple production.
The use of insect cell line Sf21 for ecotoxicity testing
Authors: Grigg Trevor , Handy Richard D. , Billington Richard A.
Published: July 2024

Insect cell lines are finding utility in many areas of biology, but their application as an in vitro tool for ecotoxicity testing has been given less attention. Our study aimed to demonstrate the utility and sensitivity of Sf21 cells to commonly used fungicides: Propiconazole and CuSO4, as well as dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) an industrial solvent. Sf21 cells were readily cultured from frozen stocks in 3-4 days and showed utility as an invertebrate in vitro acute toxicity test. The data showed the threshold levels of cell survivability against propiconazole and CuSO4. The EC50 values were 135.1 μM and 3.31 mM respectively. The LOAEL (lowest observed adverse effect level) was ≈ 1 μM for propiconazole and ≈ 10 μM for CuSO4. Culturing of Sf21 cells in media containing the solvent DMSO showed that 0.5% DMSO concentration did not effect cell viability. Sf21 cells are sensitive and useful as a robust ecologically relevant screening tool for acute toxicity testing.
Structural, morphological, optical and electrical characterization of MgO thin films grown by sputtering technique on different substrates
Authors: Toprak Başak Çağlayan , Efkere Halil İbrahim , Aydın Saime Şebnem , Tataroğlu Adem , Özçelik Süleyman
Published: July 2024

Magnesium Oxide (MgO) thin film structures were deposited on glass and n-Si substrates by means of RF magnetron sputtering technique. Structural, morphological, optical characteristics of MgO thin film were determined by XRD, AFM and UV–Vis spectrometer techniques. The optical properties like absorption coefficient and optical band gap were extracted using optical transmittance and absorption spectra. The band-gap of MgO thin film was determined for direct electronic transition. Additionally, electric parameters like ideality factor, saturation current and barrier height of the Au/MgO/n-Si device were computed from the forward I–V data in dark state. The ideality factor was found to be greater than one. This indicates that the I–V characteristics of the device exhibits non-ideal attitude. The results show that the MgO thin film can be applied to both optical and electronic device applications.
Social Support and Optimism in deaf and hard-of-hearing College Students: A Moderated Mediation Model of Belief about Adversity
Authors: Luo Ye , Xu Tian , Liu Yuanfei , Yu Guofeng , Bao Guanjun
Published: July 2024

Purposes

Few studies focus on the mental health of deaf population. This study aims to explore the association between social support and optimism and advance knowledge of why and for whom increased social support was effective. 771 deaf and hard-of-hearing (D/HH) students from two special education colleges in China were investigated. Questionnaires regarding social support, belief about adversity and optimism were distributed online. Multivariate linear regression and structural equation model were performed to examine mediating and moderating effects. This study found that perceived social support was positively associated with optimism in 771 Chinese college students who were D/HH. The study also found that having a belief in being able to face adversity successfully was associated with great social support. The relationship between a positive perspective regarding dealing with adversity and optimism was moderated by gender. For females, a positive belief regarding dealing with adversity was related to optimism. For males there was no relationship between belief about adversity and optimism. Additional consideration needs to be given to those D/HH students who report little social support and to females who do not believe they can successfully overcome adversity. Our study identified the risk population for intervention to improve mental health and well-being in D/HHcommunities.
“Some Handle It in Ways Others See as Insane:” College Individuals’ Meaning-Making about their Motivations for Severe Unwanted Pursuit Behaviors
Authors: Pierorazio Nicholas A. , Dardis Christina M.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Post-relationship pursuit can range from normative to problematic, including stalking. While there are some theories and research about motivations for engaging in unwanted pursuit behaviors (UPBs), most lack the first-person perspectives of people who pursue. Little is known about the ways these individuals make sense of their behaviors and their related motivations. No qualitative studies have examined such meaning-making in non-forensic, young adult datasets.

Methods

In a larger survey study, 141 undergraduate students who endorsed a history of severe UPBs indicated their personal reasons for engaging in the UPBs. We used reflexive thematic analysis to analyze patterns across the dataset.

Results

Through our analytic co-creation of meaning, we conceptualized participants’ UPBs as located in narratives. Some participants understood their UPBs as instrumental ways to control their stories, using UPBs to grapple with (un)certainty or hold power over their former partner. Other participants understood their UPBs as powerlessly reactive in their story. A subset of participants denied ownership of their UPBs.

Conclusions

Severe UPBs are entwined in personal and social narratives, with people who pursue making sense of the behaviors as having diverse roles and motivations. Meaning-making about UPBs creates social narratives wherein people who pursue create complex realities, including being both victims and offenders, among others. Both personal and social interventions, such as psychotherapy and education respectively, are warranted for the prevention and treatment of severe UPBs. Future research should use more in-depth qualitative methods to understand pathways of UPBs and related processes.
Understanding Social Workers and Health Professionals’ Public Stigma against Women who Experience Intimate Partner Violence in Spain
Authors: Murvartian Lara , Saavedra-Macías Francisco Javier , de la Mata Manuel Luis , Crowe Allison
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Social workers and health professionals play a relevant role in the detection and intervention of intimate partner violence against women (IPVAW). However, these professionals may exert public stigma against IPVAW survivors, which prevents disclosure, help seeking and affects women’s health. There are no comprehensive models that explain stigma functioning in Spain. Our aim was to explore the functioning of such stigma that may be exercised by social workers and health professionals in Spain. Their perceived impact of stigma on survivors was also studied.

Methods

Interviews with 18 providers were conducted and analyzed through template analysis.

Results

The findings confirmed the presence of stigma and revealed that it was often unintentional. Factors about the Roots of stigma were identified (e.g., Privileged social identities or Symptom-focused role of psychology), which triggered several Myths about IPVAW and survivors (e.g., Broken toy or Survivor-profile) and Stigmatizing responses (e.g., Being paternalistic or Judging) when offering professional help. Several consequences of these myths and responses showed the perceived high Cost of stigma for survivors (e.g., Leaving support services or Internalizing stigma).

Conclusions

The results confirmed the importance of effective professional training to prevent stigmatizing myths and responses. Training should reduce professionals’ patriarchal values, increase their knowledge about IPVAW, self-reflection on how personal experiences and social identity influence their practice, and self-reflection on their own practice in general. Such training should also promote an intersectional perspective on recovery, a view of survivors as agents, a contextual approach, active listening, close contact with survivors, and informed care.
Investigation of Adsorption Optimization, Kinetic and Isotherm Behaviors of 60Co and 152+154Eu Radioisotopes from Nuclear Radioactive Wastewater onto a Novel Co0.5Ni0.5O–Co2Mo3O8–CuO–ZnO Perovskite Metal Oxides Nanosorbent
Authors: Allam Elhassan A. , Ghamry Mohamed A. , Gizawy Mohamed A. , El-Sharkawy Rehab M. , Mahmoud Mohamed E.
Published: July 2024

Herein in this study, a new nanosorbent consisted of perovskite cobalt–nickel oxide Co0.5Ni0.5O and perovskite cobalt–molybdenum oxide Co2Mo3O8, copper oxide CuO, and zinc oxide ZnO, has been synthesized. The structural and morphological properties of the nanosorbent were established by using FT-IR, PXRD, TGA, HR-TEM, SEM, and EDX. The nanosorbent was implemented to adsorb 60Co and 152+154Eu radioactive isotopes under diverse conditions using different pH values, contact times, radioactive nuclides concentrations, and temperatures. The highest adsorption removal for both radionuclides was obtained at pH 6.0 as 83.65 and 122.50 mg/g for 60Co(II), and 152+154Eu(III), respectively. The adsorption models for 60Co(II) were fitted with Temkin only, on the other hand, the adsorption of 152+154Eu(III) was fitted with four adsorption models. The kinetics for 60Co(II) were fitted with the Pseudo first order (PFO), Pseudo second order (PSO), and Intraparticle models on the other hand 152+154Eu(III) were found to agree with the Pseudo first order (PFO) and intraparticle models.
The Evolution of Symbolic Thought: At the Intersection of Schizophrenia Psychopathology, Ethnoarchaeology, and Neuroscience
Authors: Tonna Matteo
Published: July 2024

The human capacity for symbolic representation arises, evolutionarily and developmentally, from the exploitation of a widespread sensorimotor network, along a fundamental continuity between embodied and symbolic modes of experience. In this regard, the fine balancing between constrained sensorimotor connections (responsible for self-embodiment processing) and more untethered neural associations (responsible for abstract and symbolic processing) is context dependent and plastically neuromodulated, thus intersubjectively constructed within a specific socio-cultural milieu. Instead, in the schizophrenia spectrum this system falls off catastrophically, due to an unbalance toward too unconstrained sensorimotor connectivity, leading to a profound distortion of self/world relation with a symbolic activity detached from its embodied ground. For this very reason, however, schizophrenia psychopathology may contribute to unveil, in a distorted or magnified way, ubiquitous structural features of human symbolic activity, beneath the various, historically determined cultural systems. In this respect, a comparative approach, linking psychopathology and ethnoarchaeology, allows highlight the following invariant formal characteristics of symbolic processing: (1) Emergence of salient perceptive fragments, which stand out from the perceptual field. (2) Spreading of a multiplicity of new significances with suspension of common-sense meaning. (3) Dynamic and passive character through which meaning proliferation is experienced. This study emphasizes the importance of fine-grained psychopathology to elucidate, within a cross-disciplinary framework, the evolutionarily and developmental pathways that shape the basic structures of human symbolization.
Status of truffle science and cultivation in North America
Authors: Coleman Mark D. , Berch Shannon , Bonito Gregory , Allen Brian , Andrews Ellie , Arechiga Carvajal Elva T. , Cook Stephen P. , D’Amours Cameron , Garibay-Orijel Roberto , Guevara Gonzalo , Hatzenbuehler Patrick , Hawkins Barbara , Heinse Robert , Kernaghan Gavin , Lefevre Charles , Lemmond Benjamin , Meadows Inga M. , Oneto Scott , Sharma Jyotsna , Strawn Daniel G. , Tanney Joey B. , Türkoğlu Aziz , Uehling Jessie , Winfree Jason , Smith Matthew E.
Published: July 2024

Background

Truffles are subterranean fungal fruiting bodies that are highly prized for their culinary value. Cultivation of truffles was pioneered in Europe and has been successfully adapted in temperate regions throughout the globe. Truffle orchards have been established in North America since the 1980s, and while some are productive, there are still many challenges that must be overcome to develop a viable North American truffle industry. These challenges include extended delays between establishment and production, comparatively low yields, high spatial heterogeneity in yield distribution, and orchard contamination with lower-value truffle fungi.

Aim

Here we review known requirements for truffle production including necessary environmental conditions, reproductive biology, and effective agronomic practices.

Content

We consider the potential limitations of importing exotic host-fungal associations into North America where there is already a rich community of competing ectomycorrhizal fungi, host pests and pathogens. We also describe the status of the North American truffle industry with respect to market potential, including production costs, pricing, and biological and socioeconomic risk factors. A critical aspect of modern trufficulture involves monitoring with genetic tools that supply information on identity, abundance and distribution of fungal symbionts, abundance of competitive and contaminating fungi, and insight into the interactions between fungal mating types that are fundamental to the formation of truffle primordia.

Implications

Cultivation of the ectomycorrhizal truffle symbiosis requires application of pragmatic agronomic practices, adopting rigorous quality control standards, and an understanding of fungal biology, microbiology, and molecular biology. Consequently, significant interdisciplinary collaboration is crucial to further develop the North American truffle industry.