bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glycation promotes pulp calcification in Type 2 diabetes rat model
Authors: Takashima Aoi , Miura Jiro , Sugiyama Keita , Shimizu Masato , Okada Misa , Otani Tomohiro , Nagashima Tadashi , Tsuda Tetsuya , Araki Tsutomu
Published: February 2023

Objectives

Intrapulpal calcifications can occur in the dental pulp of patients with diabetes. We focused on the association between ectopic calcifications in the dental pulp and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in Spontaneously Diabetic Torii (SDT)‐fatty rats, an obese type 2 diabetic rat model, to determine the mechanism of calcification with pulp stone in the dental pulp.

Materials and Methods

Pathologic calcification in the dental pulp of SDT‐fatty rats was observed using electron microscopy and immunohistochemical analysis. Moreover, mechanical analysis of periapical region of molar tooth against occlusal force was performed.

Results

In SDT‐fatty rats, pathogenic pulpal calcifications occurred during blood glucose elevation after 6 weeks, and granular calcification was observed in the dental pulp after 11 weeks. Pentosidine, a major AGE, and the receptor for AGEs were strongly expressed in the dental pulp of SDT‐fatty rats. S100A8, TNF‐α, and IL‐6 also showed positive response in the dental pulp of the SDT‐fatty rat, which indicated pulpal inflammation. Blood flow disorder and hypoxic dental pulp cells were also observed. In silico simulation, strain from occlusal force concentrates on the root apex.

Conclusions

Glycation makes blood vessels fragile, and occlusal forces damage the vessels mechanically. These are factors for intrapulpal calcification of diabetes.
Extra‐articular Blocking Technique to Resolve Severe Acetabular Bone Defect in Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip
Authors: Xu Zhonghua , Li Ziqiang , Li Jie , Zhang Yiling , Wang Min , Zhang Yuan
Published: February 2023

Objective

The reconstruction of acetabular bone defect in developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a great challenge. Although several successful solutions have been raised, their efficacy and reliability have not been fully substantiated. This work aims to present a simple, economic and effective acetabular reconstructive technique to resolve the massive acetabular bone defect in DDH scenario.

Methods

This is a case series and observational study investigating the effectiveness and safety of extra‐articular blocking technique in patients diagnosed as DDH of Crowe type II‐III and Hartofilakidis B. Sixteen consecutive patients indicated for extra‐articular blocking and treated with total hip arthroplasty were enrolled in this series from January 2019 to August 2020. The outcome measures included the surgical indicators such as acetabular coverage, prosthesis position, operational time, medical cost, and short‐term follow‐up indicators such as complications profile, patient‐reported functional scales, overall recovery after surgery, and radiographic bone integration and remodeling. Their medical documentation and follow‐up records were carefully reviewed with ethical approval.

Results

The mean values of postoperative acetabular component inclination and anteversion were 42.3° ± 2.1° and 16.4° ± 1.8°, with an average acetabular coverage of 92.1%. The mean cost reduction for patients treated with this technique compared with those treated with trabecular metal augmentation was 15.3%. The mean time until walking under full‐weight bearing decreased by 3.5 weeks compared with patients treated with autologous bone grafting. Within an average observational period of 18 months, the mean improvements in Harris hip score and WOMAC score were 31 and 22 points, respectively, which were identical to those with bone graft and metal augmentation techniques. No complications such as dislocation, acetabular loosening, periprosthetic joint infection, and limb length discrepancy were recorded. No signs of translucent line formation, third‐party reaction, and wear‐associated osteolysis were identified.

Conclusion

The extra‐articular blocking can work simply and effectively to address acetabular bone defect in DDH patients of Crowe II–III and Hartofilakidis B, as evidenced by cost‐effectiveness and instant weight‐bearing advantages, low failure rate, and early osteointegration and remodeling.
Facemasks selectively impair the recognition of facial expressions that stimulate empathy: An ERP study
Authors: Proverbio Alice Mado , Cerri Alice , Gallotta Cristina
Published: February 2023

Previous research suggests that masks disrupt expression recognition, but the neurophysiological implications of this phenomenon are poorly understood. In this study, 26 participants underwent EEG/ERP recording during the recognition of six masked/unmasked facial expressions. An emotion/word congruence paradigm was used. Face‐specific N170 was significantly larger to masked than unmasked faces. The N400 component was larger for incongruent faces, but differences were more substantial for positive emotions (especially happiness). Anterior P300 (reflecting workload) was larger to masked than unmasked faces, while posterior P300 (reflecting categorization certainty) was larger to unmasked than masked faces, and to angry faces. Face masking was more detrimental to sadness, fear, and disgust than positive emotions, such as happiness. In addition, mask covering did not impair the recognition of angry faces, as the wrinkled forehead and frowning eyebrows remained visible. Overall, facial masking polarized nonverbal communication toward the happiness/anger dimension, while minimizing emotions that stimulate an empathic response.
The degenerate hyperbolic problem for the two‐dimensional nonlinear wave system
Authors: Xiao Wei , Feng Tian
Published: February 2023

This paper constructs a local classical solution of degenerate hyperbolic problem for the two‐dimensional nonlinear wave system. To deal with the parabolic degeneracy, we introduce a new set of coordinates to transform the nonlinear wave system to a new system that has explicitly singularity‐regularity structures. By constructing a weighted metric space, we establish the existence of solution for the new system. Returning the solution to the original variables, we obtain the existence of the classical solution for the nonlinear wave system with degenerate boundary value problem.
Antibody response to ChAdOx1 nCoV‐19 (Covishield®) vaccine in people on maintenance hemodialysis
Authors: Bhadauria Dharmendra Singh , Tiwari Prachi , Goel Amit , Katiyar Harshita , Kaul Anupma , Mayank  , Aggarwal Amita , Verma Alka , Khetan Dhiraj , Yachha Monika , Behera Manas Ranjan , Yadav Brijesh , Agarwal Kartik , Prasad Narayan
Published: February 2023

Introduction: People on renal replacement therapy (RRT) have a high risk of COVID‐19 infection and subsequent death. COVID‐19 vaccination is strongly recommended for those on RRT. Data are limited on the immune response of the ChAdOx1 nCoV‐19/AZD1222 (Covishield®) vaccine in patients on RRT. Methods: A prospective cohort of adult (age > 18 years), on RRT in the form of hemodialysis were included and received two intramuscular doses of Covishield®. A blood specimen of 5.0 mL was collected at two time points, within a few days before administering the first dose of the vaccine and at 4–16 weeks after the second dose. According to their prior COVID‐19 infection status, the participants were grouped as (i) prior symptomatic COVID‐19 infection, (ii) prior asymptomatic COVID‐19 infection, and (iii) no prior COVID‐19 infection. Results: A large proportion (81%) of participants had anti‐spike antibodies (ASAb) before vaccination, and a reasonable proportion (30%) also had neutralizing antibodies (NAb). The titer of ASAb was relatively low (207 U/mL) before vaccination. The ASAb titer (9405 [1635–25,000] U/mL) and percentage of NAb (96.4% [59.6–98.1%]) were markedly increased following the administration of two doses of the vaccine. The participants' prior COVID‐19 exposure status did not influence the rise in ASAb titer and NAb percentage. Further, administering two doses of the Covishield vaccine helps them achieve a high ASAb titer. Conclusion: Two doses of ChAdOx1 nCoV‐19/AZD1222 (Covishield®) vaccine, given 12 weeks apart, achieve a high titer of ASAb and a high percentage of NAb in people on hemodialysis.
Regulating gene editing in agriculture and food in the European Union: Disentangling expectations and path dependencies
Authors: Lindberg Sonja , Bain Carmen , Selfa Theresa
Published: February 2023

This study investigates how proponents and critics of gene editing in agriculture and food (GEAF) employ expectations—discourses with future‐oriented impacts—as they compete to secure desired futures and mobilise social processes and resources towards their goal of influencing GEAF (re)regulation and agro‐food systems within the EU. We draw on 27 semi‐structured interviews and 53 Euractiv media articles to identify and analyse GEAF proponents’ and critics’ responses to the 2018 European Court of Justice regulatory decision that GEAF will be regulated as genetically modified organisms. Despite similar themes of environmental sustainability, food security and winners and losers in agricultural innovation systems, proponents’ and critics’ discourses reflect divergent expectations of GEAF. We argue that both groups link their expectations with concerns about path dependencies in technological innovations and agro‐food systems, which serve to influence emerging political, public and elite perspectives on GEAF. Although to some extent performative, these concerns offer important insights that should be problematised and engaged within GEAF governance spaces. This study is conceptually framed by the socio‐technical futures, path dependency and political economy of food and agriculture literature.
A novel HLA‐C*06 allele, HLA‐C*06:02:96, identified by next‐generation sequencing in a Chinese family
Authors: Wang Xiaojing , Wang Jiying , Zhang Yan , Yao Yao
Published: February 2023

HLA‐C*06:02:96 differs from HLA‐C*06:02:01:01 (924C → A, I284I), resulting in a synonymous change in exon 5.
Bumetanide increases postsynaptic inhibition after chronic SCI and decreases presynaptic inhibition with step‐training
Authors: Caron Guillaume , Bilchak Jadwiga , Côté Marie‐Pascale
Published: February 2023

Current anti‐spastic medication significantly compromises motor recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI), indicating a critical need for alternative interventions. Because a shift in chloride homeostasis decreases spinal inhibition and contributes to hyperreflexia after SCI, we investigated the effect of bumetanide, an FDA‐approved sodium‐potassium‐chloride intruder (NKCC1) antagonist, on presynaptic and postsynaptic inhibition. We compared its effect with step‐training as it is known to improve spinal inhibition by restoring chloride homeostasis. In SCI rats, a prolonged bumetanide treatment increased postynaptic inhibition but not presynaptic inhibition of the plantar H‐reflex evoked by posterior biceps and semitendinosus (PBSt) group I afferents. By using in vivo intracellular recordings of motoneurons, we further show that a prolonged bumetanide increased postsynaptic inhibition by hyperpolarizing the reversal potential for inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs) after SCI. However, in step‐trained SCI rats an acute delivery of bumetanide decreased presynaptic inhibition of the H‐reflex, but not postsynaptic inhibition. These results suggest that bumetanide might be a viable option to improve postsynaptic inhibition after SCI, but it also decreases the recovery of presynaptic inhibition with step‐training. We discuss whether the effects of bumetanide are mediated by NKCC1 or by off‐target effects.

image

Key points

After spinal cord injury (SCI), chloride homeostasis is dysregulated over time in parallel with the decrease in presynaptic inhibition of Ia afferents and postsynaptic inhibition of motoneurons, and the development of spasticity.

While step‐training counteracts these effects, it cannot always be implemented in the clinic because of comorbidities. An alternative intervention is to use pharmacological strategies to decrease spasticity without hindering the recovery of motor function with step‐training.

Here we found that, after SCI, a prolonged bumetanide (an FDA‐approved antagonist of the sodium‐potassium‐chloride intruder, NKCC1) treatment increases postsynaptic inhibition of the H‐reflex, and it hyperpolarizes the reversal potential for inhibitory postsynaptic potentials in motoneurons.

However, in step‐trained SCI, an acute delivery of bumetanide decreases presynaptic inhibition of the H‐reflex, but not postsynaptic inhibition.

Our results suggest that bumetanide has the potential to decrease spastic symptoms related to a decrease in postsynaptic but not presynaptic inhibition after SCI.
"Shattering peace”
Authors: Garcia Ramirez Diego , Charry Joya Carlos Andrés
Published: February 2023

Based on an analysis of the main trends expressed by some of the most influential Colombian media, this research addresses the dynamics of public opinion regarding peace and peace agreements in Colombia. In light of the fact that the country is going through the implementation stage of the agreements signed with the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (FARC), we analyze the question of whether there have been substantial changes in how the subject of peace is presented and established by the media during the government of the Iván Duque and how these changes potentially impact public discussion. The proposed approach is based on mixed methods applied to the analysis of media discourse. This approach allows us to combine an analysis of trends to form an analysis of content drawn from semantic association networks.
Electromagnetic Model of Linear Resonant Actuators
Authors: Sorensen Khalid , Schmidt Ryan , Jenkins Alison , Lyman Colin , Singhose William , Schlagenhauf Franziska , Dobson Kelly
Published: February 2023

Linear resonant actuators (LRAs) are used extensively in consumer electronic devices such as cell phones and fitness trackers to provide haptic signals to users. This work presents a dynamic model of LRAs based, principally, on the electromagnetic aspects of the these devices. The model predicts that the natural frequency exhibited by an LRA can deviate significantly from that predicted by conventional spring-mass-damper dynamic models. Preliminary experimental results appear to support theoretical findings.
Gas–Liquid Transport Behaviors and Mass Transfer Mechanism During Oxygen Dissolution and Evolution Processes in a Micropump
Authors: Ren Zhipeng , Li Deyou , Hao Honglei , Wang Hongjie , Liu Jintao , Li Yong
Published: February 2023

On-orbit refueling and space circulation technologies involve the use of a space micropump to transport gas–liquid mixed fluids, which affects the gas–liquid mass transfer and dynamic behaviors. To predict dynamic mass transfer processes, our proposed dissolved and released models were applied to space micropump calculation after the verification of dissolved oxygen concentration and micropump energy characteristics. The mass transfer characteristics and gas–liquid states were investigated by combining the correlation analyses. The results show that the dissolved concentration and the volume fraction are considered to be strongly related to the mass transfer rate, and the effect of turbulence kinetic energy cannot be ignored particularly in the impeller and volute. Based on this, the gas–liquid state parameters are focused on unidirectional dissolved and bidirectional released-dissolved conditions. The released gas occupied the head of the suction surface of the long blades and developed downstream, and its presence causes a significant gas increase downstream. According to the mass-transfer characteristics comparisons, the oxygen increment decreases as the inlet dissolved oxygen concentration increases, exhibiting the similarity of the two-film theory. In addition, the evolution increases the fluctuation in the gas volume fraction and the total hydraulic loss. The current study guides the fueling gas–liquid mixed delivery status, and the dissolved gas concentration must be controlled strictly to avoid the evolution of gas to ensure safety and decrease the flow loss.
Control of the ion flux and energy distribution of dual-frequency capacitive RF plasmas by the variation of the driving voltages
Authors: Kim Hwan Ho , Shin Ji Hyun , Lee Hae June
Published: February 2023

Due to its advantages of spatial uniformity and ion energy control, a dual-frequency (DF) capacitive-coupled plasma is widely used in semiconductor etching and deposition processes. In low-pressure discharges, the mean free path of ions is longer than the sheath width, and the ion energy distribution function is sensitive to the driving voltage waveform. In this respect, it is necessary to use a particle-in-cell (PIC) simulation to observe ion movement according to the time-varying electric field in the sheath. This study uses a two-dimensional PIC simulation parallelized with a graphics processing unit to monitor the ion energy distribution and flux according to the DF voltage waveform. We suggested a method to control the ion energy through a phase-resolved ion energy distribution in the region, where the ion transit time is longer than the high-frequency period and shorter than the low-frequency period.
Tarsal Navicular Stress Fractures: A Rare Soccer Injury Twelve-Year Follow-Up of the First Reported Case in a Professional Player and Literature Review
Authors: Barroso Rosa Sergio , Aniel-Quiroga Bilbao Manuel , De Santos Tena Daniel
Published: February 2023

Tarsal navicular stress fractures are rare injuries, mostly occurring in long-distance runners, jumpers, and occasionally affecting athletes in high-contact sports such as rugby or American/Australian football. This condition generally represents a clinical challenge, resulting in considerable diagnostic delays. While the ideal treatment is still controversial, surgical treatment seems to provide good results in recovering function and return to play. Tarsal navicular stress fractures have been extremely rare in soccer players; only seven published cases have been located to date. This article is a paradigmatic report on a professional player with this injury and a successful outcome after a 12-year follow-up.
Exploring the Sport–Alcohol Relationship: A Longitudinal Qualitative Study of Student-Athlete Drinking Following the Transition out of University
Authors: Jankowski Mark , Partington Sarah , Heather Nick , Partington Elizabeth
Published: February 2023

The purpose of this study was to provide new knowledge about the temporal and contextual aspects of the alcohol–sport relationship. Eight U.K. student-athletes completed the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test in their final year at university, 18 months, and 30 months after graduation. They also completed semistructured interviews about their drinking motives, behaviors, and life circumstances. Results showed that participants reduced their alcohol consumption after leaving university, but despite the onset of some adult responsibilities, most were still drinking at hazardous levels. After university, drinking took place with old friends, new colleagues, and new sporting teammates. At all time points, social drinking motives were the most prevalent. Findings demonstrate a relationship between alcohol and sport that is cemented at university but continues beyond it. Targeted interventions to reduce the role of alcohol in the social experience of sport are needed to support long-term athlete health.
Complete Genome Sequences of Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae Strains 150 and 274, Isolated from Different Regions in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Hao Huafang , Maksimović Zinka , Ma Lina , Rifatbegović Maid , Chen Shengli , Yan Xinmin , Fu Lei , Chu Yuefeng
Published: February 2023

Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae
is an important pathogen in sheep, goats, and wild ruminants. We sequenced
M. ovipneumoniae
strains 150 and 274 from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Strain 150 has a circular genome of 1,053,380 bp with 29.15% GC content while strain 274 has 1,081,404 bp with 28.82% GC content.
Susceptibility of Aerococcus urinae and Aerococcus sanguinicola to Standard Antibiotics and to Nitroxoline
Authors: Ahmadzada Aysel , Fuchs Frieder , Hamprecht Axel
Published: February 2023

A. urinae
and
A. sanguinicola
have been increasingly recognized as causative agents in urinary tract infections. Currently, there are few data available on the activity of different antibiotics against these species and no data on nitroxoline.
Probiotic Potential and Safety Assessment of Type Strains of
Weissella
and
Periweissella
Species
Authors: Fanelli Francesca , Montemurro Marco , Verni Michela , Garbetta Antonella , Bavaro Anna Rita , Chieffi Daniele , Cho Gyu-Sung , Franz Charles M. A. P. , Rizzello Carlo Giuseppe , Fusco Vincenzina
Published: February 2023

A comprehensive analysis of safety and functional features of six
Weissella
and
Periweissella
type strains was performed. Our data demonstrated the probiotic potential of these species, indicating the
P. beninensis
type strain as the best candidate based on its potential probiotic features and the safety assessment.
Machine Learning Prediction and Phyloanatomic Modeling of Viral Neuroadaptive Signatures in the Macaque Model of HIV-Mediated Neuropathology
Authors: Ramirez-Mata Andrea S. , Ostrov David , Salemi Marco , Marini Simone , Magalis Brittany Rife
Published: February 2023

HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders remain prevalent among persons living with HIV (PLWH) owing to our limited understanding of the contributing viral mechanisms and ability to predict disease onset. We have expanded on a machine learning method previously used on HIV genetic sequence data to predict neurocognitive impairment in PLWH to the more extensively sampled SIV-infected macaque model in order to (i) determine the translatability of the animal model and (ii) more accurately characterize the predictive capacity of the method.
Sonication of Vascular Grafts and Endografts to Diagnose Vascular Graft Infection: a Head-To-Head Comparison with Conventional Culture and Its Clinical Impact
Authors: Braams Lisanne , Vlaspolder Gro , Boiten Kathleen , Salomon Elisa , Winter Rik , Saleem Ben , Wouthuyzen-Bakker Marjan , van Oosten Marleen
Published: February 2023

Sonication culture of explanted vascular grafts was shown to be a noninferior method compared to conventional culturing in diagnosing vascular graft and endograft infection (VGEI). Moreover, sonication culture has probable additional value in microbiological characterization of VGEI by giving more detailed information on growth densities, especially when the conventional culture shows intermediate growth.
Molecular Epidemiology of Global Carbapenemase-Producing
Citrobacter
spp. (2015–2017)
Authors: Nobrega Diego , Peirano Gisele , Matsumura Yasufumi , Pitout Johann D. D.
Published: February 2023

Citrobacter
spp. are gaining recognition as important causes of hospital-acquired infections in humans. Among
Citrobacter
spp., carbapenemase-producing strains are cause of utmost concern to health care services globally due to their ability to resist therapy with virtually any beta-lactam antibiotic.
Reservoir characterization and geologic modeling of the Lower Cretaceous Muddy Formation at Bell Creek Field, Montana, USA
Authors: Sharaf Essam F. , Sheikha Hussain
Published: February 2023

The Lower Cretaceous Muddy Formation at the Bell Creek Field, Montana, USA, is characterized by a clastic sequence of mixed lithofacies. An integrated workflow was applied to define the reservoir compartments and distribution of petrophysical properties throughout the central and northern areas of the field. The workflow focused on the heterogeneity of the reservoir flow units, diagenetic complexities, and the associated compartments. The compartments play a considerable role in controlling the connectivity and fluid flow through the reservoir. Descriptions of the reservoir properties were used as inputs to a three-dimensional (3-D) geologic model for history matching and prediction of CO2 flooding. History matching of the primary production of the Muddy Formation helped to improve understanding of the distribution of the rock and fluid properties. The simulation model was then used to forecast future CO2 flooding in the study area. Following CO2 injection, the collected production data were utilized to verify the validity of the model by comparing the production forecast with the actual field results. The simulation model successfully predicted the CO2 flood response, pressure, and production data.
Systematic vertical organization of matrix-rich and associated matrix-poor sandstones in ancient deep-marine slope and basin-floor deposits
Authors: Ningthoujam Jagabir , (Bill) Arnott R.W.C. , Wearmouth Curran
Published: February 2023

Deepmarine two-part strata consisting of a sand-rich basal part overlain sharply by a mud-rich upper part have been termed linked debrites, hybrid event beds, transitional flow deposits, and bipartite facies. In continental slope and proximal basin floor strata of the Neoproterozoic Windermere Supergroup (western North America) and distal basin-floor strata of the Ordovician Cloridorme Formation (eastern North America), bipartite facies form the middle of a depositional continuum hundreds of meters long consisting upflow of thick-bedded, matrix-poor sandstone (<20% detrital mud matrix) to thin-bedded, sandy mud-stone (50%–90% mud matrix). This consistent lithofacies change is interpreted to reflect particle settling in a rapidly but systematically evolving, negligibly sheared sand-mud suspension developed along the margins (Windermere) and downflow terminus (Cloridorme) of a high-energy, mud-enriched avulsion jet.

In both study areas, beds of similar lithofacies type succeed one another vertically and transform to the next facies in the depositional continuum at about the same along-strike position, forming stratal units two to nine beds thick whose grain-size distribution gradually decreases upward. This spatial and temporal regularity is interpreted to be caused by multiple surges of a single, progressively waning turbidity current, with sufficient lag between successive surges for the deposition of a traction-structured sandstone overlain by mudstone cap. Furthermore, the systematic back-stepping or side-stepping recognized at the stratal unit scale is interpreted to have been driven by a combination of knickpoint migration and local topographic steering of the flows, which continued until the supply of mud from local seafloor erosion became exhausted, the main channel avulsed elsewhere, or a new stratal element developed.
Oral iron supplementation and anaemia in children according to schedule, duration, dose and cosupplementation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 129 randomised trials
Authors: Andersen Christopher T , Marsden Daniel M , Duggan Christopher P , Liu Enju , Mozaffarian Dariush , Fawzi Wafaie W
Published: February 2023

Introduction

WHO guidelines on iron supplementation among children call for further research to identify the optimal schedule, duration, dose and cosupplementation regimen.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials was undertaken. Randomised controlled trials providing ≥30 days of oral iron supplementation versus placebo or control to children and adolescents aged <20 years were eligible. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to summarise the potential benefits and harms of iron supplementation. Meta-regression was used to estimate iron effect heterogeneity.

Results

129 trials with 201 intervention arms randomised 34 564 children. Frequent (3–7/week) and intermittent (1–2/week) iron regimens were similarly effective at decreasing anaemia, iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia (p heterogeneity >0.05), although serum ferritin levels and (after adjustment for baseline anaemia) haemoglobin levels increased more with frequent supplementation. Shorter (1–3 months) versus longer (7+ months) durations of supplementation generally showed similar benefits after controlling for baseline anaemia status, except for ferritin which increased more with longer duration of supplementation (p=0.04). Moderate-dose and high-dose supplements were more effective than low-dose supplements at improving haemoglobin (p=0.004), ferritin (p=0.008) and iron deficiency anaemia (p=0.02), but had similar effects to low-dose supplements for overall anaemia. Iron supplementation provided similar benefits when administered alone or in combination with zinc or vitamin A, except for an attenuated effect on overall anaemia when iron was cosupplemented with zinc (p=0.048).

Conclusions

Weekly and shorter duration iron supplementation at moderate or high doses might be optimal approaches for children and adolescents at risk of deficiency.

Trial registration number

CRD42016039948.
Neurofilament light oligomers in neurodegenerative diseases: quantification by homogeneous immunoassay in cerebrospinal fluid
Authors: Meda Francisco J. , Knowles Kathryn , Swift Imogen J. , Sogorb-Esteve Aitana , Rohrer Jonathan D. , Dittrich Anna , Skoog Ingmar , Kern Silke , Becker Bruno , Blennow Kaj , Andreasson Ulf , Kvartsberg Hlin , Zetterberg Henrik
Published: February 2023

Background

Neurofilament light (NfL) is a widely used biomarker for neurodegeneration. NfL is prone to oligomerisation, but available assays do not reveal the exact molecular nature of the protein variant measured. The objective of this study was to develop a homogeneous ELISA capable of quantifying oligomeric NfL (oNfL) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Methods

A homogeneous ELISA, based on the same capture and detection antibody (NfL21), was developed and used to quantify oNfL in samples from patients with behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD, n=28), non-fluent variant primary progressive aphasia (nfvPPA, n=23), semantic variant PPA (svPPA, n=10), Alzheimer’s disease (AD, n=20) and healthy controls (n=20). The nature of NfL in CSF, and the recombinant protein calibrator, was also characterised by size exclusion chromatography (SEC).

Results

CSF concentration of oNfL was significantly higher in nfvPPA (p<0.0001) and svPPA patients (p<0.05) compared with controls. CSF oNfL concentration was also significantly higher in nfvPPA compared with bvFTD (p<0.001) and AD (p<0.01) patients. SEC data showed a peak fraction compatible with a full-length dimer (~135 kDa) in the in-house calibrator. For CSF, the peak was found in a fraction of lower molecular weight (~53 kDa), suggesting dimerisation of NfL fragments.

Conclusions

The homogeneous ELISA and SEC data suggest that most of the NfL in both the calibrator and human CSF is present as a dimer. In CSF, the dimer appears to be truncated. Further studies are needed to determine its precise molecular composition.
Women’s needs for lifestyle risk reduction engagement during the interconception period: a scoping review
Authors: James Sharon , Moulton Jessica E , Assifi Anisa , Botfield Jessica , Black Kirsten , Hanson Mark , Mazza Danielle
Published: February 2023

Background

Unhealthy lifestyle is responsible for many chronic conditions, and antenatal engagement with women about lifestyle behaviours can be too late to prevent some adverse pregnancy outcomes and subsequent childhood risks. To reduce the risk of future adverse outcomes, the interconception period is an opportunity to implement positive health changes. The aim of this scoping review was to explore women’s needs for lifestyle risk reduction engagement during the interconception period.

Methods

The JBI methodology guided our scoping review. Six databases were searched for peer-reviewed, English-language research papers published between 2010 and 2021 on topics including perceptions, attitudes, lifestyle, postpartum, preconception and interconception. Title-abstract and full text screening was independently undertaken by two authors. Included papers’ reference lists were searched to find additional papers. The main concepts were then identified using a descriptive and tabular approach.

Results

A total of 1734 papers were screened and 33 met our inclusion criteria. Most included papers (82%, n=27) reported on nutrition and/or physical activity. Papers identified interconception through postpartum and/or preconception. Women’s self-management needs for lifestyle risk reduction engagement during interconception included: informational needs, managing competing priorities, physical and mental health, self-perception and motivation, access to services and professional support, and family and peer networks.

Conclusions

There is a range of challenges for women to engage in lifestyle risk reduction during interconception. To enable women’s preferences for how lifestyle risk reduction activities can be enacted, issues including childcare, ongoing and tailored health professional support, domestic support, cost and health literacy need to be addressed.
Cost-effectiveness of home-based cardiac rehabilitation: a systematic review
Authors: Shields Gemma E , Rowlandson Aleix , Dalal Garima , Nickerson Stuart , Cranmer Holly , Capobianco Lora , Doherty Patrick
Published: February 2023

Objective

Centre-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is recognised as cost-effective for individuals following a cardiac event. However, home-based alternatives are becoming increasingly popular, especially since COVID-19, which necessitated alternative modes of care delivery. This review aimed to assess whether home-based CR interventions are cost-effective (vs centre-based CR).

Methods

Using the MEDLINE, Embase and PsycINFO databases, literature searches were conducted in October 2021 to identify full economic evaluations (synthesising costs and effects). Studies were included if they focused on home-based elements of a CR programme or full home-based programmes. Data extraction and critical appraisal were completed using the NHS EED handbook, Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards and Drummond checklists and were summarised narratively. The protocol was registered on the PROSPERO database (CRD42021286252).

Results

Nine studies were included in the review. Interventions were heterogeneous in terms of delivery, components of care and duration. Most studies were economic evaluations within clinical trials (8/9). All studies reported quality-adjusted life years, with the EQ-5D as the most common measure of health status (6/9 studies). Most studies (7/9 studies) concluded that home-based CR (added to or replacing centre-based CR) was cost-effective compared with centre-based options.

Conclusions

Evidence suggests that home-based CR options are cost-effective. The limited size of the evidence base and heterogeneity in methods limits external validity. There were further limitations to the evidence base (eg, limited sample sizes) that increase uncertainty. Future research is needed to cover a greater range of home-based designs, including home-based options for psychological care, with greater sample sizes and the potential to acknowledge patient heterogeneity.
Formal consensus study on surgery to replace the aortic valve in adults aged 18–60 years
Authors: Stoica Serban , Beard Chloe , Takkenberg Johanna J M , Mokhles Mostafa M , Turner Mark , Pepper John , Hopewell-Kelly Noreen , Benedetto Umberto , Nashef Samer A M , El-Hamamsy Ismail , Skillington Peter , Glauber Mattia , De Paulis Ruggero , Tseng Elaine , Meuris Bart , Sitges Marta , Delgado Victoria , Krane Markus , Kostolny Martin , Pufulete Maria
Published: February 2023

Objective

There is uncertainty about surgical procedures for adult patients aged 18–60 years undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR). Options include conventional AVR (mechanical, mAVR; tissue, tAVR), the pulmonary autograft (Ross) and aortic valve neocuspidisation (Ozaki). Transcatheter treatment may be an option for selected patients. We used formal consensus methodology to make recommendations about the suitability of each procedure.

Methods

A working group, supported by a patient advisory group, developed a list of clinical scenarios across seven domains (anatomy, presentation, cardiac/non-cardiac comorbidities, concurrent treatments, lifestyle, preferences). A consensus group of 12 clinicians rated the appropriateness of each surgical procedure for each scenario on a 9-point Likert scale on two separate occasions (before and after a 1-day meeting).

Results

There was a consensus that each procedure was appropriate (A) or inappropriate (I) for all clinical scenarios as follows: mAVR: total 76% (57% A, 19% I); tAVR: total 68% (68% A, 0% I); Ross: total 66% (39% A, 27% I); Ozaki: total 31% (3% A, 28% I). The remainder of percentages to 100% reflects the degree of uncertainty. There was a consensus that transcatheter aortic valve implantation is appropriate for 5 of 68 (7%) of all clinical scenarios (including frailty, prohibitive surgical risk and very limited life span).

Conclusions

Evidence-based expert opinion emerging from a formal consensus process indicates that besides conventional AVR options, there is a high degree of certainty about the suitability of the Ross procedure in patients aged 18–60 years. Future clinical guidelines should include the option of the Ross procedure in aortic prosthetic valve selection.
Role of peripheral blood MRD and 18F-FDG PET in the post-CAR relapse setting: a case study of discordant peripheral blood and bone marrow MRD
Authors: Schultz Liora , Davis Kara Lynn , Walkush Ann , Baggott Christina , Erickson Courtney , Ramakrishna Sneha , Aftandilian Catherine , Lacayo Norman , Nadel Helen Ruth , Oak Jean , Mackall Crystal L
Published: February 2023

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy is an effective salvage therapy for pediatric relapsed B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), yet is challenged by high rates of post-CAR relapse. Literature describing specific relapse patterns and extramedullary (EM) sites of involvement in the post-CAR setting remains limited, and a clinical standard for post-CAR disease surveillance has yet to be established. We highlight the importance of integrating peripheral blood minimal residual disease (MRD) testing and radiologic imaging into surveillance strategies, to effectively characterize and capture post-CAR relapse. Main body: Here, we describe the case of a child with multiply relapsed B-ALL who relapsed in the post-CAR setting with gross non-contiguous medullary and EM disease. Interestingly, her relapse was identified first from peripheral blood flow cytometry MRD surveillance, in context of a negative bone marrow aspirate (MRD <0.01%). Positron emission tomography with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose revealed diffuse leukemia with innumerable bone and lymph node lesions, interestingly sparing her sacrum, the site of her bone marrow aspirate sampling. Conclusions: We highlight this case as both peripheral blood MRD and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography imaging were more sensitive than standard bone marrow aspirate testing in detecting this patient’s post-CAR relapse. Clinical/Biologic Insight: In the multiply relapsed B-ALL setting, where relapse patterns may include patchy medullary and/or EM disease, peripheral blood MRD and/or whole body imaging, may carry increased sensitivity at detecting relapse in patient subsets, as compared with standard bone marrow sampling.
TRAPPC2L-related disorder: first homozygous protein-truncating variant and further delineation of the phenotype
Authors: Abaji Mario , Mignon-Ravix Cécile , Gorokhova Svetlana , Cacciagli Pierre , Mortreux Jérémie , Molinari Florence , Chabrol Brigitte , Sigaudy Sabine , Villard Laurent , Riccardi Florence
Published: February 2023

The TRAPP (TRAfficking Protein Particle) complexes are evolutionarily conserved tethering factors involved in the intracellular transport of vesicles for secretion and autophagy processes. Pathogenic variants in 8 genes (of 14) encoding TRAPP proteins are involved in ultra-rare human diseases, called TRAPPopathies. Seven of them are autosomal recessive neurodevelopmental disorders with overlapping phenotypes. Since 2018, two homozygous missense variants inTRAPPC2Lhave been reported in five individuals from three unrelated families with early-onset and progressive encephalopathy, with episodic rhabdomyolysis. We now describe the first pathogenic protein-truncating variant in theTRAPPC2Lgene found at a homozygous state in two affected siblings. This report provides key genetic evidence invaluable to establishing the gene-disease relationship for this gene and important insights into the TRAPPC2L phenotype. Regression, seizures and postnatal microcephaly initially described are not constant features. Acute episodes of infection do not contribute to the neurological course. HyperCKaemia is part of the clinical picture. Thus, TRAPPC2L syndrome is mainly characterised by a severe neurodevelopmental disorder and a variable degree of muscle involvement, suggesting that it belongs to the clinical entity of rare congenital muscular dystrophies.
Power of mentorship for civilian and military acute care surgeons: identifying and leveraging opportunities for longitudinal professional development
Authors: Knowlton Lisa Marie , Butler William Jason , Dumas Ryan Peter , Bankhead Brittany K , Meizoso Jonathan P , Bruns Brandon , Van Gent Jan-Michael , Kaafarani Haytham M A , Martin Matthew J , Namias Nicholas , Stein Deborah M. , Tadlock Matthew D , Martin R Shayn , Staudenmayer Kristan L , Gurney Jennifer M
Published: February 2023

Across disciplines, mentorship has been recognized as a key to success. Acute care surgeons, focused on the care of trauma surgery, emergency general surgery and surgical critical care, practice in a wide variety of settings and have unique mentorship needs across all phases of their career. Recognizing the need for robust mentorship and professional development, the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) convened an expert panel entitled ‘The Power of Mentorship’ at the 81st annual meeting in September 2022 (Chicago, Illinois). This was a collaboration between the AAST Associate Member Council (consisting of surgical resident, fellow and junior faculty members), the AAST Military Liaison Committee, and the AAST Healthcare Economics Committee. Led by two moderators, the panel consisted of five real-life mentor-mentee pairs. They addressed the following realms of mentorship: clinical, research, executive leadership and career development, mentorship through professional societies, and mentorship for military-trained surgeons. Recommendations, as well as pearls and pitfalls, are summarized below.
The effective equation of state in Palatini $$f({{\mathcal {R}}})$$ cosmology
Authors: Camera Stefano , Capozziello Salvatore , Fatibene Lorenzo , Orizzonte Andrea
Published: February 2023

We investigate how the cosmological equation of state can be used for scrutinizing extended theories of gravity, in particular, the Palatini $$f({{\mathcal {R}}})$$

f
(
R
)

gravity. Specifically, the approach consists, at first, in investigating the effective equation of state produced by a given model. Then, the inverse problem can also be considered in view of determining which models are compatible with a given effective equation of state. We consider and solve some cases and show that, for example, power-law models are (the only models) capable of transforming barotropic Equations of State into effective barotropic ones. Moreover, the form of equation of state is preserved (only) for $$f({{\mathcal {R}}})={{\mathcal {R}}}$$

f
(
R
)
=
R

, as expected. In this perspective, modified Equations of State are a feature capable of distinguishing extended gravity with respect to general relativity. We investigate also quadratic and non-homogeneous effective Equations of State showing, in particular, that they contain the Starobinsky model and other ones.
Surface modification of poly(ethylene terephthalate) fabric using conductive polyaniline
Authors: Chen Cheng-Ho , Kao Shih-Yun , Lin Hung-Mao
Published: February 2023

In this study, pure polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fabric was coated with polyaniline (PANI) doped with hydrochloric acid (HCl) by in situ chemical oxidation polymerization to form conductive PET/PANIHCl fabric. The surface morphology, chemical, structural, and electrical conductivity of the conductive PET/PANIHCl fabric are examined by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and a four-point probe, respectively. FE-SEM images showed that PANIHCl was successfully coated on the PET fabric. According to the four-point probe test, the electrical conductivity of pure PET and PET/PANIHCl fabrics were [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] S/cm, respectively. The electrical conductivity of PET/PANIHCl fabric is about 106 higher than that of pure PET fabric. The conductive PET/PANIHCl fabric can be used as antistatic and electrostatic discharge material, and even anti-electromagnetic interference material.
ZyPR: End-to-end Build Tool and Runtime Manager for Partial Reconfiguration of FPGA SoCs at the Edge
Authors: Bucknall Alex R. , Fahmy Suhaib A.
Published: February 2023

Partial reconfiguration (PR) is a key enabler to the design and development of adaptive systems on modern Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) Systems-on-Chip (SoCs), allowing hardware to be adapted dynamically at runtime. Vendor-supported PR infrastructure is performance-limited and blocking, drivers entail complex memory management, and software/hardware design requires bespoke knowledge of the underlying hardware. This article presents ZyPR: a complete end-to-end framework that provides high-performance reconfiguration of hardware from within a software abstraction in the Linux userspace, automating the process of building PR applications with support for the Xilinx Zynq and Zynq UltraScale+ architectures, aimed at enabling non-expert application designers to leverage PR for edge applications. We compare ZyPR against traditional vendor tooling for PR management as well as recent open source tools that support PR under Linux. The framework provides a high-performance runtime along with low overhead for its provided abstractions. We introduce improvements to our previous work, increasing the provisioning throughput for PR bitstreams on the Zynq Ultrascale+ by  2× and  5.4× compared to Xilinx’s FPGA Manager.
Chains, Koch Chains, and Point Sets with Many Triangulations
Authors: Rutschmann Daniel , Wettstein Manuel
Published: February 2023

We introduce the abstract notion of a chain, which is a sequence of
n
points in the plane, ordered by
x
-coordinates, so that the edge between any two consecutive points is unavoidable as far as triangulations are concerned. A general theory of the structural properties of chains is developed, alongside a general understanding of their number of triangulations.

We also describe an intriguing new and concrete configuration, which we call the Koch chain due to its similarities to the Koch curve. A specific construction based on Koch chains is then shown to have Ω (9.08

n

) triangulations. This is a significant improvement over the previous and long-standing lower bound of Ω (8.65

n

) for the maximum number of triangulations of planar point sets.