bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Satisfactory 2-year outcome of minimal invasive hybrid stabilization with double treated screws for unstable osteoporotic spinal fractures
Authors: Mahmoud Mohamad Agha , Afifi Anas , Ghandour Maher , Mert Ümit , Herren Christian , Blume Christian , Pishnamaz Miguel , Hildebrand Frank , Oikonomidis Stavros , Sobottke Rolf , Teuben Michel
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study evaluates whether the fracture level alters the outcomes of minimally invasive hybrid stabilization (MIHS) with double-threaded, uncemented polyaxial screws for unstable osteoporotic vertebral fractures.

Methods

This prospective cohort study included 73 patients (71.23% females, mean age: 79.9 ± 8.8 years) with unstable OF 3–4 fractures treated by MIHS between Nov 2015-Jan 2018. Patient characteristics, operative data, clinical outcomes, complications, radiological outcomes, and midterm (24-month) follow-up regarding functionality, pain, and quality of life were analyzed.

Results

Patients had thoracolumbar (71.23%), thoracic (10.97%), and lumbar (17.8%) fractures. Operative time was < 120 min in 73.97% of patients, with blood loss < 500 ml in 97.25% of cases. No in-hospital mortality was recorded. Spine-associated complications occurred in 15.07% of patients, while 36.98% of patients had urinary tract infections (n = 12), pneumonia (n = 5), and electrolyte disturbances (n = 9). The mean length of hospital stay was 13.38 ± 7.20 days. Clinically-relevant screw loosening occurred in 1.7% of screws, and secondary adjacent fractures were diagnosed in 5.48% of patients. The alpha-angle improved significantly postoperatively (mean change: 5.4°) and remained stable for 24 months. The beta-angle improved significantly from 16.3° ± 7.5 to 10.8° ± 5.6 postoperatively but increased slightly to 14.1° ± 6.2 at midterm follow-up. Although no differences were seen regarding baseline data, clinical outcomes, and complications, fracture level significantly altered the COMI score at 24 months with no effect on pain score or quality-of-life.

Conclusion

MIHS using polyaxial screws is a safe treatment for single-level osteoporotic spinal fractures. Fracture level did not alter radiological reduction loss; however, it significantly altered patients’ function at 24 months.
Psychiatrische Symptome der Huntington-Krankheit
Authors: Mühlbäck Alzbeta , Hoffmann Rainer , Pozzi Nicolo Gabriele , Marziniak Martin , Brieger Peter , Dose Matthias , Priller Josef
Published: August 2024

Die Huntington-Krankheit (HK) ist eine autosomal-dominante Erbkrankheit, die zu motorischen, kognitiven und psychiatrischen Symptomen führt. Die Diagnose kann durch den molekulargenetischen Nachweis einer verlängerten CAG-Wiederholung im Huntingtin-Gen gesichert werden. Psychische und Verhaltenssymptome sind bei der HK häufig und können Jahre vor den motorischen Symptomen auftreten. Zu den psychiatrischen Symptomen gehören Apathie, Depression, Angst, Zwangssymptome und in einigen Fällen Psychosen und Aggression. Diese können aktuell nur symptomatisch behandelt werden, da sich krankheitsmodifizierende Therapieansätze bei der HK noch in der Erprobung befinden. Die derzeitige klinische Praxis basiert auf Expertenmeinungen sowie Erfahrung mit der Behandlung ähnlicher Symptome bei anderen neurologischen und psychiatrischen Krankheiten. In diesem Artikel geben wir einen Überblick über die komplexen psychischen Manifestationen der HK, die diagnostischen Möglichkeiten und die etablierten pharmakologischen und nichtpharmakologischen Behandlungsansätze.
Influence of fuel inhomogeneity on detonation wave propagation in a rotating detonation combustor
Authors: Raj P. , Meadows J.
Published: August 2024

Rotating detonation combustor (RDC) is a form of pressure gain combustion, which is thermodynamically more efficient than the traditional constant-pressure combustors. In most RDCs, the fuel–air mixture is not perfectly premixed and results in inhomogeneous mixing within the domain. Due to discrete fuel injection locations, local pockets of rich and lean mixtures are formed in the refill region. The objective of the present work is to gain an understanding of the effects of reactant mixture inhomogeneity on detonation wave structure, wave velocity, and pressure profile. To study the effect of mixture inhomogeneity, probability density functions of fuel mass fractions are generated with varying standard deviations. These distributions of fuel mass fractions are incorporated in 2D reacting simulations as a spatially/temporally varying inlet boundary condition. Using this methodology, the effect of mixture inhomogeneity is independently investigated to determine the effects on detonation wave propagation and RDC performance. As mixture inhomogeneity is increased, detonation wave speed, detonation efficiency, and potential for pressure gain all decrease, ultimately leading to the separation of the reaction zone from the shock wave.
Let us talk about mistakes
Authors: Sorantin Erich , Grasser Michael Georg , Hemmelmayr Ariane , Heinze Sarah
Published: August 2024

Unfortunately, errors and mistakes are part of life. Errors and mistakes can harm patients and incur unplanned costs. Errors may arise from various sources, which may be classified as systematic, latent, or active. Intrinsic and extrinsic factors also contribute to incorrect decisions. In addition to cognitive biases, our personality, socialization, personal chronobiology, and way of thinking (heuristic versus analytical) are influencing factors. Factors such as overload from private situations, long commuting times, and the complex environment of information technology must also be considered. The objective of this paper is to define and classify errors and mistakes in radiology, to discuss the influencing factors, and to present strategies for prevention. Hierarchical responsibilities and team “well-being” are also discussed.
The fetal programming effect of maternal immune activation (MIA) on the offspring’s immune system
Authors: Hofsink Naomi , Groenink Lucianne , Plösch Torsten
Published: August 2024

The first 1000 days of life is a critical period of development in which adverse circumstances can have long-term consequences for the child’s health. Maternal immune activation is associated with increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in the child. Aberrant immune responses have been reported in individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders. Moreover, lasting effects of maternal immune activation on the offspring’s immune system have been reported. Taken together, this indicates that the effect of maternal immune activation is not limited to the central nervous system. Here, we explore the impact of maternal immune activation on the immune system of the offspring. We first describe the development of the immune system and provide an overview of reported alterations in the cytokine profiles, immune cell profiles, immune cell function, and immune induction in pre-clinical models. Additionally, we highlight recent research on the impact of maternal COVID-19 exposure on the neonatal immune system and the potential health consequences for the child. Our review shows that maternal immune activation alters the offspring’s immune system under certain conditions, but the reported effects are conflicting and inconsistent. In general, epigenetic modifications are considered the mechanism for fetal programming. The available data was insufficient to identify specific pathways that may contribute to immune programming. As a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, more research now focuses on the possible health effects of maternal immune activation on the offspring. Future research addressing the offspring’s immune response to maternal immune activation can elucidate specific pathways that contribute to fetal immune programming and the long-term health effects for the offspring.
Preserved prenatal lung growth assessed by fetal MRI in the omicron-dominated phase of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic
Authors: Biechele Gloria , Koliogiannis Vanessa , Rennollet Philippe , Prester Tobias , Schulz Enrico , Kolben Thomas , Jegen Magdalena , Hübener Christoph , Hasbargen Uwe , Flemmer Andreas , Dietrich Olaf , Burkard Tanja , Schinner Regina , Dinkel Julien , Muenchhoff Maximilian , Hintz Susan , Delius Maria , Mahner Sven , Ricke Jens , Hilgendorff Anne , Stoecklein Sophia
Published: August 2024

Objectives

With SARS-CoV-2 evolving, disease severity and presentation have changed due to changes in mechanisms of entry and effector site as well as due to effects of vaccination- and/or infection-acquired immunity. We re-assessed fetal lung pathology in pregnancies with uncomplicated SARS-CoV-2 infections during the late, omicron-dominated pandemic phase to inform disease understanding and pregnancy consultation.

Methods

In this case-control study, fetal lung volumes were assessed by fetal MRI in 24 pregnancies affected by mild maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection during the omicron-dominated pandemic phase with prevailing immunity through vaccination and/or prior SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Results

Fetal lung volumes (normalized to estimated fetal weight) in 24 pregnancies (GA 33.3 ± 3.8, 12 female fetuses) following mild, uncomplicated SARS-CoV-2 infection did not differ significantly from both, published reference values (96.3% ± 22.5% of 50th percentile reference values, p = 0.43), or fetal lung volumes of a site-specific, non-COVID control group (n = 15, 94.2% ± 18.5%, p = 0.76). Placental assessment revealed no group differences in thrombotic changes or placental heterogeneity (p > 0.05, respectively), and fetal lung volume did not correlate with placental heterogeneity when adjusting for gestational age at scan (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Assessment of fetal lung volume by MRI revealed unaffected lung growth in pregnancies affected by uncomplicated SARS-CoV-2 infection in the omicron-dominated pandemic phase in the presence of prevailing hybrid immunity. This finding contrasts sharply with the observed reduction in fetal lung volume following maternal alpha-variant infection in the pre-vaccination era and might reflect tropism- as well as immunity-related effects.

Key Points

Question: Is fetal lung development affected by mild maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection during the omicron-dominated phase of the pandemic?

Findings: Fetal lung volume in 24 affected pregnancies did not differ significantly from published reference values or fetal lung volumes in 15 site-specific, non-COVID-affected control pregnancies.

Clinical relevance: Preserved fetal lung volume following mild maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection during the omicron-dominated phase contrasts with previous findings of reduced volume in unvaccinated pregnancies during the alpha-dominated pandemic phase. These observations might reflect tropism- as well as immunity-related effects.
Interleukin-1α inhibitor bermekimab in patients with atopic dermatitis: randomized and nonrandomized studies
Authors: Simpson Eric L. , Guttman-Yassky Emma , Pawlikowski Jeffrey , Ghorayeb Eric G. , Ota Takayuki , Lebwohl Mark G.
Published: August 2024

Bermekimab is a human-derived recombinant monoclonal antibody that exhibits immunoregulatory activity by specifically blocking interleukin-1α activity. Four phase 2 studies evaluated efficacy and safety of bermekimab in patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD). In addition, a novel human skin explant model was developed to assess bermekimab pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics and proteomic/transcriptomic effects. Study 1 (NCT03496974, N = 38) was an open-label, dose escalation study of subcutaneous bermekimab (200 mg or 400 mg). Study 2 (NCT04021862, N = 87) was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized (1:1:1) study of subcutaneous bermekimab (400 mg every week (qw) or every 2 weeks) or placebo. GENESIS (NCT04791319, N = 198) was a double-blind, placebo- and active-comparator-controlled, randomized (1:1:2:2) study of placebo, subcutaneous bermekimab (350 mg or 700 mg qw), or dupilumab. LUNA (NCT04990440, N = 6) was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized (4:1) study of intravenous bermekimab 800 mg qw or placebo. A novel human ex vivo skin pharmacodynamic assay supported phase 0 (NCT03953196) and phase 1 (NCT04544813) studies. In Study 1, 400 mg subcutaneous bermekimab showed improvement in efficacy assessments (e.g., ≥ 75% improvement of EASI over baseline, IGA 0/1, and worst itch); however, efficacy was not confirmed in Study 2 or GENESIS. Consequently, GENESIS and LUNA were terminated early. The novel human ex vivo skin pharmacodynamic assay demonstrated that bermekimab reduced downstream skin injury responses. Although bermekimab showed potential as an AD treatment in preclinical and early open-label trials, larger controlled studies (Study 2 and GENESIS) did not confirm those initial results.
Curvature analysis of CI electrode arrays: a novel approach to categorize perimodiolar positions without anatomical landmarks
Authors: Mewes Alexander , Dambon Jan , Brademann Goetz , Hey Matthias
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Perimodiolar electrode arrays may be positioned regular, over-inserted or under-inserted into the cochlea depending on the cochlear size and shape. The study aimed to examine whether there are differences between these groups in the local curvature along the intracochlear array. Individual curvature variables were developed to categorize the groups and the relationship between the curvature and the angular insertion depth at the electrode tip was analyzed.

Methods

The curvature along the intracochlear array was measured in the CBCT image of 85 perimodiolar electrodes of a single type. The mean curvature and the ratio of the mean curvature at contacts E14–16 to the mean curvature at E7–8 (bowing ratio) were calculated across the array, and its true positive rate (TPR) and false positive rate (FPR) were calculated to establish optimal threshold values to categorize the groups.

Results

68.2% of the cases were categorized as regular positioned, 22.4% had an over-insertion and 9.4% had an under-insertion. The mean curvature was significantly weaker with under-insertion (< 342°) than with normal insertion depth (≥ 342°). With an over-insertion, the bowing ratio was < 1 and otherwise > 1. Both the mean curvature and bowing ratio were found to have an optimal threshold value with high TPR (= 1.00) and low FPR (≤ 0.06) for categorizing under-insertion and over-insertion, respectively.

Conclusion

Curvature analysis is a useful tool to assess if a perimodiolar electrode array has been inserted deep enough into the cochlea. Independent of critical anatomical landmarks, over-inserted arrays and under-inserted arrays could be well categorized by using individual curvature variables. The results need to be validated using additional data sets.
170th anniversary of Graefe’s Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology
Authors: Grzybowski Andrzej , Łagód Katarzyna Pawlikowska – , Rohrbach Martin
Published: August 2024

The year 2024 marks the 170th anniversary of the journal Graefe’s Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology. The journal is the first printed journal specializing in ophthalmology, founded by Albrecht von Graefe (1828–1870) in 1854. The reason behind creating the journal was to publish useful clinical information and develop discussion and debate among ophthalmologists and vision scientists. Thanks to its diligence and appropriate selection of published content, the journal has become widely read not only among the German scientific community, but also internationally. The aim of this review article is to present the activities of Graefe’s Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology during the past 170 years.

Key messages

What is known

Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology is the oldest worldwide ophthalmology journal that in 2024 celebrates its 170th anniversary.

The journal was founded by Albrecht von Graefe, and after his death continued by other giants in ophthalmology, including Ferdinand von Arlt and Franciscus Cornelius Donders.

What is new

There were mostly male editors-in-chief, with Antonia Joussen as the first female editor-in-chief in the long journal's history.

This article presents for the first time the complete list of all editors-in-chief in the 170 year long history of the journal.
The effect of age on heart rate variability indices during and following high-intensity continuous exercise in masters and young cyclists
Authors: Borges Nattai R. , Reaburn Peter R. , Michael Scott , Doering Thomas M.
Published: August 2024

This study compared heart rate variability (HRV) parameters of cardiovascular autonomic regulation between well-trained masters and young cyclists at rest, during and following a continuous cycle (CTS) protocol. Ten masters (age = 56 ± 5 years) and eight young (age = 26 ± 3 years) cyclists completed a 100 min experimental protocol consisting of a 60 min CTS cycling bout at 95% of Ventilatory Threshold 2 followed by 40 min of supine recovery. Beat-to-beat heart rate was measured continuously, and HRV parameters analysed at standardised 5 min intervals during rest, exercise and recovery. The root mean square of the successive differences (RMSSD), low-frequency power and high-frequency power parameters were corrected by division of the R-R interval (time domain), or R-R interval squared (frequency domain). Further, the RMSSD and RMSSD:RR for successive 60-s R-R intervals at the onset (0–10 min) and offset (60–70 min) of CTS exercise were analysed over 10-min periods. The natural logarithm (Ln) of skewed parameters was taken for analysis. Significant interaction effects (P < 0.05) for 5 min segments were found for (LnRMSSD, LnRMSSD:RR, LnHF and LnHF:RR2. Masters cyclists demonstrated lower values of parasympathetic activity at rest and during recovery (15–20 min and 35–40 min) compared to younger cyclists. However, similar HRV responses were observed during exercise, including throughout the acute onset and offset periods (P > 0.05). This data shows that cardiac autonomic regulation during, or immediately following CTS exercise may not be influenced by age, but masters athletes may exhibit a lower baseline for parasympathetic activity.
Assessing risk factors for elevated creatine kinase levels as an indicator of compartment syndrome following laparoscopic or robot-assisted colorectal cancer surgery in the lithotomy-trendelenburg position
Authors: Kusunoki Chikako , Uemura Mamoru , Takeda Mitsunobu , Sekido Yuki , Hata Tsuyoshi , Hamabe Atsushi , Ogino Takayuki , Miyoshi Norikatsu , Kagawa Yoshinori , Tei Mitsuyoshi , Eguchi Hidetoshi , Doki Yuichiro
Published: August 2024

Background

Well-leg compartment syndrome (WLCS) can occur due to compression and lower limb circulation disturbances caused by the surgical position during the procedure. Although rare, with an incidence of 1 in 3500 surgeries performed in the lithotomy position, it can lead to serious complications. Therefore, prevention and early diagnosis are critical. Symptoms of WLCS, such as leg pain, swelling, paresthesia, and serum creatine kinase (CK) levels are useful for diagnosis. This study aimed to investigate the risk factors for postoperative CK elevation in laparoscopic or robot-assisted colorectal cancer surgery performed in the lithotomy-Trendelenburg position.

Methods

Postoperative CK levels were measured in 178 patients who underwent laparoscopic or robot-assisted colorectal cancer surgery between February 2022 and March 2023. We compared patient backgrounds, short-term outcomes, and thigh/calf circumferences between patients with CK levels ≥ 250 (n = 62) and those with CK levels < 250 (n = 116). We investigated risk factors for elevated CK levels using both univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

Four patients with CK levels of 22405 U/L, 4685 U/L, 4050 U/L, and 3824 U/L reported symptoms, which improved with conservative treatment. The following independent prognostic factors were identified by multivariate analysis: male sex (odds ratio [OR], 4.403; 95% CI, 1.960 to 9.892), rectal surgery (OR, 2.779; 95% CI, 1.249 to 6.184), continuous head-down position duration ≥ 180 min (OR, 3.523; 95% CI, 1.552 to 7.997), and preoperative calf circumference ≥ 33 cm (OR, 2.482; 95% CI, 1.154 to 5.339).

Conclusions

Risk factors for CK elevation after colorectal cancer surgery in the lithotomy position include male sex, rectal surgery, an extended continuous head-down position without position changes, and a larger preoperative calf circumference. This study highlights the potential importance of intraoperative position changes every 3 h for preventing elevated CK levels, although the preventive effect was not specifically examined.
Free bone fragments are associated with the development of heterotopic ossification after hemiarthroplasty for femoral neck fracture: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Yokoi Hiroyuki , Takegami Yasuhiko , Ochiai Satoshi , Miyachi Takumi , Urasaki Tetsuya , Imagama Shiro
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Heterotopic ossification (HO) can occur after hemiarthroplasty (HA) for femoral neck fractures (FNF). This study aimed to investigate the frequency and factors contributing to the development of HO after HA.

Methods

The study included data from 92 of 183 patients (26 male and 66 female) who sustained FNF and underwent HA between April 2019 and January 2022. HO was identified on postoperative radiographic images. Patient background, operative duration, blood loss, and presence of free bone fragments immediately after surgery were compared between the HO and non-HO groups. Statistical analyses included the independent-sample t-test for continuous variables and the chi-squared test for categorical variables. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed using HO as an objective variable.

Results

HO occurred in 50 of the 92 (54%) patients. There were no statistically significant differences in patient backgrounds. Univariate analysis revealed significantly longer mean operative duration and greater blood loss in the HO group. Free bone fragments in the immediate postoperative period were observed in 29 of 50 (58%) patients in the HO group and in 3 of 42 (7.1%) patients in the non-HO group, a statistically significant difference. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the presence of free bone fragments was an independent explanatory factor for HO development.

Conclusion

The presence of free bone fragments immediately after surgery may be significantly associated with the development of HO. Therefore, it is necessary to sufficiently remove such fragments during surgery because they may trigger HO.
Effect of weight loss interventions on metabolomic signatures in obese children with insulin resistance
Authors: Liu Xiaoguang , Zhu Lin , Liu Jingxin , Nie Zichen , Qiu Wenjun
Published: August 2024

The obesity epidemic among children has become a major public health issue, and the presence of childhood insulin resistance (IR) has been demonstrated prior to the onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, it is unclear whether the metabolomic signature is associated with weight loss interventions in obese children with IR. Thirty-six obese children with IR were selected from the weight loss camp (Shenzhen Sunshine Xing Yada health Technology Co., LTD). Clinical parameters were collected before and after weight loss intervention. Targeted metabolomics of plasma samples was performed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to the tandem mass spectrometry, and principal component analysis, variable importance in projection, and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis were used to obtain the differentially expressed metabolites. Pathway analysis was conducted with the Homo sapiens (HSA) sets in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes. We used machine learning algorithms to obtain the potential biomarkers and Spearman correlation analysis to clarify the association between potential biomarkers and clinical parameters. We found that clinical parameters and metabolite clusters were significantly changed in obese children with IR before and after weight loss intervention. Mechanistically, weight loss intervention significantly changed 61 metabolites in obese children with IR. Furthermore, 12 pathways were significantly changed. Moreover, the machine learning algorithm found 6 important potential biomarkers. In addition, these potential biomarkers were strongly associated with major clinical parameters. These data indicate different metabolomic profiles in obese children with IR after weight loss intervention, providing insights into the clinical parameters and metabolite mechanisms involved in weight loss programs.
Enpp1 mutations promote upregulation of hedgehog signaling in heterotopic ossification with aging
Authors: He Zhongyuan , Zhu Zhengya , Tang Tao , Wang Fuan , Guo Peng , Li Jianfeng , Tung Nguyen Tran Canh , Liang Qian , Liu Shaoyu , Gao ManMan , Liu Xizhe , Zhou Zhiyu
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Heterotopic ossification of the tendon and ligament (HOTL) is a chronic progressive disease that is usually accompanied by thickening and ossification of ligaments and high osteogenic activity of the surrounding ligament tissue. However, the molecular mechanism of maintaining the cellular phenotype of HOTL remains unclear.

Materials and methods

We first constructed a model of HOTL, Enpp1flox/flox/EIIa-Cre mice, a novel genetic mouse system. Imaging, histological, and cell-level analyses were performed to investigate the progressive ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament, Achilles tendons, and degeneration joints caused by Enpp1 deficiency.

Results

The results indicate that Enpp1 deficiency led to markedly progressive heterotopic ossification (HO), especially spine, and Achilles tendons, and was associated with progressive degeneration of the knees. The bone mass was decreased in the long bone. Furthermore, fibroblasts from Enpp1flox/flox/EIIa-Cre mice had greater osteogenic differentiation potential following induction by osteogenesis, accompanied by enhanced hedgehog (Hh) signaling. In addition, fibroblast cells show senescence, and aggravation of the senescence phenotype by further osteogenic induction.

Conclusion

Our study indicated that with increasing age, mutations in Enpp1 promote ectopic ossification of spinal ligaments and endochondral ossification in tendons and further aggravate knee degeneration by upregulating hedgehog signaling.
Pleural and pericardial effusions as prognostic factors in patients with acute pulmonary embolism: a multicenter study
Authors: Meyer Hans-Jonas , Ehrengut Constantin , Aghayev Anar , Hinnerichs Mattes , Schramm Dominik , Meinel Felix G. , Borggrefe Jan , Surov Alexey
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The prognostic role of pleural and pericardial effusion in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is still unclear with a trend for worse clinical outcome. The aim of the present study was to demonstrate the prognostic role of pleural and pericardial effusion in patients with acute PE in a large multicentre setting.

Methods

The investigated patient sampled was retrospectively comprised of 1082 patients (494 female, 45.7%) with a mean age of 63.8 years ± 15.8. In every case, contrast enhanced computed tomography (CT) pulmonalis angiography was analyzed to diagnose and quantify the pleural and pericardial effusion. The 30-day mortality was the primary endpoint of this study.

Results

A total of 127 patients (11.7%) died within the 30-day observation period. Pleural effusion was identified in 438 patients (40.5%) and pericardial effusion was identified in 196 patients (18.1%). The presence of pleural effusion was associated with 30-day mortality, HR = 2.78 (95%CI1.89-4.0), p < 0.001 (univariable analysis), and HR = 2.52 (95%CI1.69-3.76), p < 0.001 (multivariable analysis). The pleural effusion width and density were not associated with 30-day mortality. The presence of pericardial effusion was not associated with 30-day mortality in multivariable analysis, HR = 1.28 (95%CI 0.80–2.03), p = 0.29.

Conclusions

Pleural effusion is a common finding in patients with acute pulmonary embolism, occurring in 40.5% of cases, and is a prognostic imaging finding associated with 30-day mortality. The presence of pleural effusion alone, regardless of volume or density, has been shown to be prognostic and should be included in CT reports. The prognostic role of pericardial effusion is limited.
The added value of the cognition, dining, gastrointestinal problems, sleep and tiredness bolt-on dimensions to the EQ-5D-5L in patients with coeliac disease
Authors: Angyal M. Mercédesz , Janssen Mathieu F. , Lakatos Péter L. , Brodszky Valentin , Rencz Fanni
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Multiple studies suggest that the EQ-5D may overestimate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with coeliac disease (CD). We aimed to develop and psychometrically test potentially relevant bolt-on dimensions to improve the measurement performance of the EQ-5D-5L in CD patients.

Methods

The development and selection of bolt-ons were informed by a literature review on HRQoL in CD, expert and patient input. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted amongst 312 adult CD patients. Respondents completed the EQ-5D-5L, two condition-specific bolt-ons newly-developed for the present study [dining (DI) and gastrointestinal problems (GI)] and three existing bolt-ons [cognition (CO), sleep (SL) and tiredness (TI)]. The following psychometric properties were tested: ceiling, informativity, convergent and known-group validity, and dimensionality (confirmatory factor analysis).

Results

Adding the TI, SL, GI, DI and CO individual bolt-ons reduced the ceiling of the EQ-5D-5L (39%) to 17%, 23%, 24%, 26% and 37%, respectively. GI excelled with strong convergent validity with the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale total score (rs=0.71) and improved the discriminatory power for all known-groups. GI was the only bolt-on loading on a different factor from the five core dimensions, whereas the other four bolt-ons loaded onto the same ‘psychosocial health’ factor as the EQ-5D-5L anxiety/depression dimension.

Conclusion

The DI, GI, SL and TI bolt-ons, especially the GI, enhance the validity of EQ-5D-5L in patients with CD, suggesting their value in capturing important HRQoL aspects potentially missed by the five core dimensions. These bolt-ons can be used in sensitivity analyses supporting health technology assessments and subsequent resource allocation decisions.
Nematicidal activity of the essential oil from Cinnamomum cassia and (E)-cinnamaldehyde against phytoparasitic nematodes
Authors: D’Addabbo T. , Laquale S. , Veronico P. , Avato P. , Argentieri M. P.
Published: August 2024

The activity of Cinnamomum cassia essential oil (EO) and (E)-cinnamaldehyde was investigated on the phytoparasitic species Meloidogyne incognita, Globodera rostochiensis, and Xiphinema index. Juveniles (J2) or eggs of M. incognita and G. rostochiensis and mixed-age specimens of X. index were exposed to 12.5–100 µg mL−1 concentrations of the two products. The suppressiveness of soil treatments with 100–800 mg kg−1 soil rates of the C. cassia EO and (E)-cinnamaldehyde to M. incognita and G. rostochiensis was assessed on potted tomato and potato, respectively. A 24-h exposure to a 12.5 µg mL−1 solution of (E)-cinnamaldehyde resulted in more than 68% mortality of M. incognita J2, while a poor mortality occurred at the same concentration of the whole EO. The mortality of G. rostochiensis J2 ranged 39 and 42%, respectively, since after a 4-h exposure to a 12.5 µg mL−1 solution of both products. All the X. index specimens died after a 48- and 8-h exposure to a 100 µg mL−1 solution of the EO and (E)-cinnamaldehyde, respectively. Egg hatch was reduced by more than 90% after exposing the M incognita egg masses or the G. rostochiensis cysts to 800 µg mL−1 concentration of both EO and (E)-cinnamaldehyde for 24 and 96 h, respectively. The infestation of M. incognita and G. rostochiensis on tomato and potato, respectively, was significantly reduced by all soil treatments with both products, though (E)-cinnamaldehyde generally resulted more suppressive than the whole EO to both nematode species. According to these results, C. cassia EO and (E)-cinnamaldehyde could be suggested as a potential source of new environment-friendly nematicides.
Microbial nitrogen transformations in tundra soil depend on interactive effects of seasonality and plant functional types
Authors: Koranda Marianne , Michelsen Anders
Published: August 2024

Nitrogen (N) cycling in organic tundra soil is characterised by pronounced seasonal dynamics and strong influence of the dominant plant functional types. Such patterns in soil N-cycling have mostly been investigated by the analysis of soil N-pools and net N mineralisation rates, which, however, yield little information on soil N-fluxes. In this study we investigated microbial gross N-transformations, as well as concentrations of plant available N-forms in soils under two dominant plant functional types in tundra heath, dwarf shrubs and mosses, in subarctic Northern Sweden. We collected organic soil under three dwarf shrub species of distinct growth form and three moss species in early and late growing season. Our results showed that moss sites were characterised by significantly higher microbial N-cycling rates and soil N-availability than shrub sites. Protein depolymerisation, the greatest soil N-flux, as well as gross nitrification rates generally did not vary significantly between early and late growing season, whereas gross N mineralisation rates and inorganic N availability markedly dropped in late summer at most sites. The magnitude of the seasonal changes in N-cycling, however, clearly differed among plant functional types, indicating interactive effects of seasonality and plant species on soil N-cycling. Our study highlights that the spatial variation and seasonal dynamics of microbial N transformations and soil N availability in tundra heath are intimately linked with the distinct influence of plant functional types on soil microbial activity and the plant species-specific patterns of nutrient uptake and carbon assimilation. This suggests potential strong impacts of future global change-induced shifts in plant community composition on soil N-cycling in tundra ecosystems.
Dynamics of oil slicks on wavy water surfaces
Authors: Lukyanov Alex V. , Hozan Hanan , Sialounas Georgios , Pryer Tristan
Published: August 2024

We hypothesize that the spread of oil slicks on the water’s surface during oil spills is significantly influenced by water wave motion at the initial or intermediate spreading stages, well before emulsification processes have a substantial impact on the oil film’s state. We demonstrate that the spreading dynamics of an oil slick on the water surface are facilitated by water waves, employing the thin film approximation. It is shown that water wave motion can rapidly deplete any oil slick, reducing the oil layer’s thickness to nearly zero. This mechanism may act as a precursor to emulsification processes, leading to the accelerated depletion of oil spills into a distribution of droplets that form an emulsion.
Higher education and the public good in France
Authors: Carpentier Vincent , Courtois Aline
Published: August 2024

The article examines the relationship between higher education and the public good in France. It draws on interviews conducted with staff across four French universities as part of a larger international comparative project. We argue that the ‘Republican model’ is strongly underpinned by the notion of ‘public service’ which is itself guided by the idea of ‘general interest’. The state is understood as playing a central role in the provision of the public service of higher education, guaranteeing fundamental research is funded and that all students, including the underprivileged, are catered for. At the same time, the state drives neoliberal reforms that threaten the model itself. We examine three recent reforms: Parcoursup, Bienvenue en France and the Loi de Programmation Recherche in light of these findings.
How Phenograms and Cladograms Became Molecular Phylogenetic Trees
Authors: Kranke Nina
Published: August 2024

Tree diagrams are the prevailing form of visualization in biological classification and phylogenetics. Already during the time of the so-called Systematist Wars from the mid-1960s until the 1980s most journal articles and textbooks published by systematists contained tree diagrams. Although this episode of systematics is well studied by historians and philosophers of biology, most analyses prioritize scientific theories over practices and tend to emphasize conflicting theoretical assumptions. In this article, I offer an alternative perspective by viewing the conflict through the lens of representational practices with a case study on tree diagrams that were used by numerical taxonomists (phenograms) and cladists (cladograms). I argue that the current state of molecular phylogenetics should not be interpreted as the result of a competition of views within systematics. Instead, molecular phylogenetics arose independently of systematics and elements of cladistics and phenetics were integrated into the framework of molecular phylogenetics, facilitated by the compatibility of phenetic and cladistic practices with the quantitative approach of molecular phylogenetics. My study suggests that this episode of scientific change is more complex than common narratives of battles and winners or conflicts and compromises. Today, cladograms are still used and interpreted as specific types of molecular phylogenetic trees. While phenograms and cladograms represented different forms of knowledge during the time of the Systematist Wars, today they are both used to represent evolutionary relationships. This indicates that diagrams are versatile elements of scientific practice that can change their meaning, depending on the context of use within theoretical frameworks.
I have the touch – evidence for considerable N transfer from peas to oats by rhizodeposition
Authors: Hupe Anke , Naether Franziska , Haase Thorsten , Bruns Christian , Heß Jürgen , Dyckmans Jens , Joergensen Rainer Georg , Wichern Florian
Published: August 2024

Aims

The current study quantified the carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) transfer from peas to oats under field conditions to assess the effects of intercropping. The data obtained were compared with previously published pot and field experiments.

Methods

Pea (Pisum sativum L. cv. Santana) and oat (Avena sativa L. cv Dominik) plants were grown as intercrops for 105 days. Pea plants were labelled with a solution of 2% 13C glucose (99 atom%) and 0.5% 15N urea (95 atom%), using the cotton wick technique.

Results

Pea rhizodeposits reached 540 kg C ha−1 and 17 kg N ha−1. CdfR (C derived from rhizodeposition) and NdfR corresponded to a proportion of 18.2 and 12.7%, respectively, of total pea biomass C and N. In the intercropped oat plants, only 0.6% of the total pea CdfR amount was found, but nearly 30% of the total pea NdfR amount.

Conclusions

CdfR and NdfR as proportion of total pea biomass C and N, respectively, were 2.5 times higher in peas intercropped with oat plants than in sole-cropped pea plants, comparing the current results with those from previously published pot and field experiments. Future studies on intercropping should consider root formation and rhizodeposition more often.
Are Move-In Ready Homes More Expensive?
Authors: Dutta Arnab , Green Richard K. , Panchapagesan Venkatesh , Venkataraman Madalasa
Published: August 2024

Most residential homes in developing countries such as India sell before construction is complete. Completed or move-in ready homes command a premium because of the compounded cost of capital and uncertainty costs incurred over time from holding under-construction homes. In this paper, we use listing data from India’s six largest urban agglomerations (UAs) between 2010–2012 and show that sellers expect 2–15% move-in ready premia in five UAs. Moreover, in four UAs, individuals reselling homes expect five to eight percentage points higher move-in ready premia than developers selling new homes because of additional costs incurred by individuals from holding under-construction homes. We do not find any evidence of substantial speculative gains among individual resellers. At mean listed prices, the expected move-in ready premium is 383% of an average household’s annual income in Mumbai, India’s most expensive city. Our findings indicate that within the context of a developing country, lengthy construction times and expensive capital exacerbate already poor affordability conditions.
Noise-tolerant NMF-based parallel algorithm for respiratory rate estimation
Authors: Revuelta-Sanz Pablo , Muñoz-Montoro Antonio J. , Torre-Cruz Juan , Canadas-Quesada Francisco J. , Ranilla José
Published: August 2024

The accurate estimation of respiratory rate (RR) is crucial for assessing the respiratory system’s health in humans, particularly during auscultation processes. Despite the numerous automated RR estimation approaches proposed in the literature, challenges persist in accurately estimating RR in noisy environments, typical of real-life situations. This becomes especially critical when periodic noise patterns interfere with the target signal. In this study, we present a parallel driver designed to address the challenges of RR estimation in real-world environments, combining multi-core architectures with parallel and high-performance techniques. The proposed system employs a nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF) approach to mitigate the impact of noise interference in the input signal. This NMF approach is guided by pre-trained bases of respiratory sounds and incorporates an orthogonal constraint to enhance accuracy. The proposed solution is tailored for real-time processing on low-power hardware. Experimental results across various scenarios demonstrate promising outcomes in terms of accuracy and computational efficiency.
Partners in crime? Radical scepticism and malevolent global conspiracy theories
Authors: Schönbaumsfeld Genia
Published: August 2024

Although academic work on conspiracy theory has taken off in the last two decades, both in other disciplines as well as in epistemology, the similarities between global sceptical scenarios and global conspiracy theories have not been the focus of attention. The main reason for this lacuna probably stems from the fact that most philosophers take radical scepticism very seriously, while, for the most part, regarding ‘conspiracy thinking’ as epistemically defective. Defenders of conspiracy theory, on the other hand, tend not to be that interested in undermining radical scepticism, since their primary goal is to save conspiracy theories from the charges of irrationality. In this paper, I argue that radical sceptical scenarios and global conspiracy theories exhibit importantly similar features, which raises a serious dilemma for the ‘orthodox’ view that holds that while we must respond to radical scepticism, global conspiracy theories can just be dismissed. For, if, as I will show, both scenarios can be seen to be epistemically on a par, then either radical sceptical scenarios are as irrational as global conspiracy theories or neither type of scenario is intrinsically irrational. I argue for the first option by introducing a distinction between ‘local’ and ‘global’ sceptical scenarios and showing how this distinction maps onto contemporary debates concerning how best to understand the notion of a ‘conspiracy theory’. I demonstrate that, just as in the case of scepticism, ‘local’ conspiracies are, at least in principle, detectable and, hence, epistemically unproblematic, while global conspiracy theories, like radical scepticism, are essentially invulnerable to any potential counterevidence. This renders them theoretically vacuous and idle, as everything and nothing is compatible with what these ‘theories’ assert. I also show that radical sceptical scenarios and global conspiracy theories face the self-undermining problem: As soon as global unreliability is posited, the ensuing radical doubt swallows its children – the coherence of the sceptic’s proposal or the conspiracy theorist’s preferred conspiracy. I conclude that radical sceptical scenarios and global conspiracy theories are indeed partners in crime and should, therefore, be regarded as equally dubious.
Inequalities and Trends in Under-Five Mortality Between Formal and Informal Areas in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Authors: Lankoandé Bruno Yempabou , Compaoré Yacouba , Dianou Kassoum , Sanogo Souleymane , Soura Abdramane , Maïga Abdoulaye , Amouzou Agbessi
Published: August 2024

The physical expansion of the city of Ouagadougou, the capital and largest city of Burkina Faso, subsided in 2015 after the government banned land speculation that contributed to the growth and entrenchment of informal areas. The government subsequently implemented social policies such as free health care for pregnant women and children under 5 years of age. Against this background, we tested the convergence of under-5 mortality trends between formal and informal areas in the city between 2010 and 2019; data covering that period came from the Ouagadougou Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS). The analyses included the calculation of all-cause and cause-specific mortality rates, the implementation of a Poisson regression model, and competing risk models. Over the study period, children in formal areas had lower mortality than those in informal areas. However, the inequality gap decreased over time due to a faster mortality decline in informal areas. This decline was explained by a rapid decline in deaths from malaria and other causes including sepsis, HIV/AIDS, measles, meningitis, and encephalitis. The pursuit of upgrading informal areas and the implementation of social policies targeting the poorest are likely to accelerate the mortality decline in Ouagadougou overall.