bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fluoroquinolone‐associated adverse events of interest among hospitalized veterans affairs patients with community‐acquired pneumonia who were treated with a fluoroquinolone: A focus on tendonitis, Clostridioides difficile infection, and aortic aneurysm
Authors: Patel Nimish , Gorseth Allison , Belfiore Gina , Stornelli Nicholas , Lowry Colleen , Thomas Lodise
Published: September 2023

Study Objective

The objectives of this study were to (i) quantify the incidence of three concerning fluoroquinolone adverse events of interest (FQAEI, i.e., adverse tendon event (TE), clostridioides difficile infection (CDI), and aortic aneurysm/dissection (AAD)), (ii) identify the patient‐level factors that predict these events, and (iii) develop clinical risk scores to estimate the predicted probabilities of each FQAEI based on patient‐level covariates available on clinical presentation.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Upstate New York Veterans' Healthcare Administration from 2011 to 2016.

Patients

Hospitalized patients with community‐acquired pneumonia receiving care in the Upstate New York Veterans' Healthcare Administration from 2011 to 2016.

Intervention

N/A.

Measurements

The outcomes of interest for this study were the occurrence of TE, CDI, and AAD. We also evaluated a composite of these three outcomes, FQAEI.

Main Results

The study population consisted of 1071 patients. The overall incidence of FQAEI, TE, AAD, and CDI was 6.5%, 1.8%, 4.5%, and 0.3%, respectively. For each outcome evaluated, the probability of the event of interest was predicted by the presence of certain comorbidities, previous healthcare exposure, choice of specific FQ antibiotic, or therapy duration. Concomitant steroids, pneumonia in preceding 180 days, and creatinine clearance <30 mL/min predicted FQAEI.

Conclusions

Individual frequencies of three important FQAEIs were quantified, and risk scores were developed to estimate the probabilities of experiencing these events to help clinicians individualize treatment decisions for patients and reduce the potential risks of select FQAEIs.
Blue‐green fluorescence during hypersensitive cell death arises from phenylpropanoid deydrodimers
Authors: Kanawati Basem , Bertic Marko , Moritz Franco , Habermann Felix , Zimmer Ina , Mackey David , Schmitt‐Kopplin Philippe , Schnitzler Jörg‐Peter , Durner Jörg , Gaupels Frank
Published: September 2023

Infection of Arabidopsis with avirulent Pseudomonas syringae and exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) both trigger hypersensitive cell death (HCD) that is characterized by the emission of bright blue‐green (BG) autofluorescence under UV illumination. The aim of our current work was to identify the BG fluorescent molecules and scrutinize their biosynthesis, localization, and functions during the HCD. Compared with wild‐type (WT) plants, the phenylpropanoid‐deficient mutant fah1 developed normal HCD except for the absence of BG fluorescence. Ultrahigh resolution metabolomics combined with mass difference network analysis revealed that WT but not fah1 plants rapidly accumulate dehydrodimers of sinapic acid, sinapoylmalate, 5‐hydroxyferulic acid, and 5‐hydroxyferuloylmalate during the HCD. FAH1‐dependent BG fluorescence appeared exclusively within dying cells of the upper epidermis as detected by microscopy. Saponification released dehydrodimers from cell wall polymers of WT but not fah1 plants. Collectively, our data suggest that HCD induction leads to the formation of free BG fluorescent dehydrodimers from monomeric sinapates and 5‐hydroxyferulates. The formed dehydrodimers move from upper epidermis cells into the apoplast where they esterify cell wall polymers. Possible functions of phenylpropanoid dehydrodimers are discussed.
Follow to be followed: The centrality of MFAs in Twitter networks
Authors: Manor Ilan , Segev Elad
Published: September 2023

This article outlines three major features of the digital society (information sharing, a levelled‐playing field, and reciprocal surveillance) and explores their manifestation in the field of diplomacy. The article analyzed the international network of 78 Ministries of Foreign Affairs (MFAs) on Twitter during the critical period of its growth between 2014 and 2016. To explain why some MFAs follow or are followed by their peers, both internal (Twitter) and external (gross domestic product) factors were considered. The analysis found the principle of digital reciprocity to be the most important factor in explaining an MFA's centrality. Ministries who follow their peers are more likely to be followed in return. Other factors that predict the popularity of MFAs among their peers are regionality, technological savviness, and national media environments. These findings provide a broader understanding of contemporary diplomacy and the fierce competition over attention in the digital society.
Analysis of Accretion Disk Around the Euler‐Heisenberg Anti‐de Sitter Black Hole
Authors: Abbas Ghulam , Rehman Hamza
Published: September 2023

The investigation of thin accretion disc surrounding the Einstein‐ Euler‐ Heisenberg‐ Anti‐ de Sitter black hole is demonstrated. Additionally, the black hole event horizons and compute their effective potential and equations of motion is analyzed. The specific energy, specific angular momentum, and specific angular velocity of the particles that move in circular orbits above the thin accretion disk are obtained. Also, the effects of parameters of the Einstein‐ Euler‐ Heisenberg‐ Anti De sitter black hole on specific angular velocity, specific heat energy, and specific angular momentum, have been discussed in detail. The positions of the innermost stable circular orbits and illustrate the effective potential are displayed. Furthermore, the circular orbits of black hole are obtained numerically and locates the position of the innermost stable circular orbit and event horizon. Also, the Gamma ray burst emitted from the Einstein Euler Heisenberg Anti de sitter black hole is studied.
A two‐parameter parsimonious bathtub model for the analysis of system failure times with illustrations to reliability data
Authors: Bakouch Hassan S. , Abba Badamasi , Jónás Tamás , Muhammad Mustapha
Published: September 2023

In this study, a two‐parameter, upper‐bounded probability distribution called the tau distribution is introduced and its applications in reliability engineering are presented. Each of the parameters of the tau distribution has a clear semantic meaning. Namely, one of them determines the upper bound of the distribution, while the value of the other parameter influences the shape of the cumulative distribution function. A remarkable property of this new probability distribution is that its probability density function, survival function, hazard rate function (HRF), and quantile function can all be expressed in terms of its cumulative distribution function. The HRF of the proposed probability distribution can exhibit an increasing trend and various bathtub shapes with or without a low and long‐flat phase (useful time phase), which makes this new distribution suitable for modeling a wide range of real‐world problems. The constraint maximum likelihood estimation, percentile estimation, approximate Bayesian computation, and approximate quantile estimation computation are proposed to calculate the unknown parameters of the model. The suitability of the estimation methods is verified with the aid of simulation and real‐world data results. The modeling capability of the tau distribution was compared with that of some well‐known two‐ and three‐parameter probability distributions using two data sets known from the literature of reliability engineering: time between failures data of a machining center, and time to failure of data acquisition system cards. Based on empirical results, the new distribution may be viewed as a viable competitor to the Weibull, Gamma, Chen, and modified Weibull distributions.
Vegetarian diets and global disparities in calcium intake in pregnant women: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kasper Marina , Bickelmann Franziska , Leitzmann Michael , Jochem Carmen
Published: September 2023

Background

Vegetarian diets are currently experiencing increasing popularity and are also becoming more common in pregnant women. Calcium plays a crucial role for skeletal health and for physiologic processes during pregnancy for the mother and foetus.

Aims

Our study aimed to evaluate calcium intake of vegetarian versus nonvegetarian expectant mothers.

Materials and Methods

We searched PubMed and retrieved seven studies (six prospective cohort and one cross‐sectional) for inclusion in our random‐effects meta‐analysis. We calculated standardised mean differences (SMD).

Results

Results showed a significantly higher calcium intake in vegetarian than nonvegetarian pregnant women [SMD: 0.25; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.14, 0.36].

Discussion

Most studies showed that the recommendations for calcium intake during pregnancy (ranging from 700 to 1200 mg/d) were met. Both vegetarian and nonvegetarian pregnant women showed higher calcium intakes in Europe and North America than in Asia. Serum calcium levels did not differ between vegetarian and nonvegetarian pregnant women (SMD: − 0.15; 95% CI: −0.42, 0.11), confirming that the tight regulation of calcium metabolism is not affected by dietary calcium intake.

Conclusion

To prevent inadequate calcium intake potentially associated with adverse gestational outcomes, we recommend adherence to existing recommendations by means of calcium supplementation (1.5–2 g/d), food fortification strategies, or behavioural interventions.
State‐society relations and industrial sustainable growth: The case of post‐Revolution Tunisia
Authors: Sabry Mohamed Ismail
Published: September 2023

This paper investigates the effect of state‐society relations (SSR) in the industrial sector on the sustainable economic growth of post‐Revolution Tunisia. The empirical part of the paper depends mainly on qualitative data collected from fieldwork interviews with the most important actors and publications of civil society organizations. The paper suggests the presence of state capture as the defining characteristic of SSR in post‐Revolution Tunisia. The combination of having powerful tycoons, weaker state, and ineffectively organized social actors produced conditions that harmed sustainability. These settings allowed tycoons to violate environmental regulations and prevented Green innovation through the adoption of Green technologies. Yet, factors such as low value‐added creation, increased labor‐intensity, and low environmental awareness or prioritization all interact with state capture to lower sustainability. In those sectors where tycoons are active and dominant, competing social actors are incapable of effectively exploiting the presence of a freer political system, ultimately failing to successfully organize resisting coalitions, as evident in the textile sector. While higher resistance is witnessed where tycoons are not dominant as was the case in the phosphate sector, tycoons could still use the situation to their advantage.
Multimodal Sensing of Acetate Anion by Using Anthraimidazoledione‐Based Redox‐Active Amphiphilic Dye in Aqueous Environment
Authors: Chettri Bimal , Mondal Sourav , Jha Satadru , Dey Nilanjan
Published: September 2023

Anthraimidazoledione based amphiphilic dye is synthesized that exhibits pH‐responsive chromogenic response in aqueous environment. This entices us to investigate its anion‐responsive behavior. In pure water, the compound shows no optical response towards anions (poor sensitivity), whereas interaction with multiple anions is witnessed in acetonitrile medium (poor selectivity). Interestingly, changes in solution color from yellow to orange is observed explicitly upon addition of acetate anion, accompanied by fluorescence turn‐off response. Further, it is revealed that the acetate engaged in hydrogen bonding interaction with both imidazole −NH group and hydroxyl unit. The high basicity of acetate anion along with ‘Y‐shaped’ structure might be responsible for such unique selectivity. The present system has been involved in analyzing residual acetate in natural water samples. Low‐cost, reusable paper strips have been designed for equipment free, rapid on‐location detection of acetate.
Rapid Access to Functionalized 2‐Quinolinones and Coumarins by Direct Coupling of 2‐Alkynyl‐anilines/phenols and Diazo Ketones
Authors: Yang Meixiong , Zu Liansuo , Zhao Yaqiu , Huang Luqi , Chen Lu
Published: September 2023

The microwave‐assisted direct coupling of 2‐alkynyl‐anilines/phenols and diazo ketones through Wolff rearrangement, intramolecular 1,4‐addition and nucleophile assisted fragmentation to synthesize functionalized 2‐quinolinones and coumarins are reported. This one‐pot manipulation features a short reaction time, high synthetic efficiency and broad substrate scope.
Synthesis of Thiazoloquinolines with Diverse Molecular Skeletons: A Review
Authors: Karmakar Sulakshana
Published: September 2023

Thiazoloquinolines are an important class of heterocyclic molecules having a wide variety of biological activities. Since the first synthesis of this fused heterocyclic ring system in 1937, quite a good number of research works have been accomplished in designing and achieving the synthesis of various substituted thiazoloquinolines. These molecules possess diverse structural features and bioactive potentials. A thorough survey of literature, available in this field, clearly indicates that there are certain fused thiazoloquinolines whose syntheses have been largely dealt with while the synthesis of some other fusion pattern remains comparatively less explored. The objective of this review is to present a concise overview of the methods towards the synthesis of thiazoloquinolines in a chronological manner.
Future Nanotechnology‐Based Strategies for Improved Management of Helicobacter pylori Infection
Authors: Kamankesh Mojtaba , Yadegar Abbas , Llopis‐Lorente Antoni , Liu Chenguang , Haririan Ismaeil , Aghdaei Hamid Asadzadeh , Shokrgozar Mohammad Ali , Zali Mohammad Reza , Miri Amir Hossein , Rad‐Malekshahi Mazda , Hamblin Michael R. , Wacker Matthias G.
Published: September 2023

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a recalcitrant pathogen, which can cause gastric disorders. During the past decades, polypharmacy‐based regimens, such as triple and quadruple therapies have been widely used against H. pylori. However, polyantibiotic therapies can disturb the host gastric/gut microbiota and lead to antibiotic resistance. Thus, simpler but more effective approaches should be developed. Here, some recent advances in nanostructured drug delivery systems to treat H. pylori infection are summarized. Also, for the first time, a drug release paradigm is proposed to prevent H. pylori antibiotic resistance along with an IVIVC model in order to connect the drug release profile with a reduction in bacterial colony counts. Then, local delivery systems including mucoadhesive, mucopenetrating, and cytoadhesive nanobiomaterials are discussed in the battle against H. pylori infection. Afterward, engineered delivery platforms including polymer‐coated nanoemulsions and polymer‐coated nanoliposomes are poposed. These bioinspired platforms can contain an antimicrobial agent enclosed within smart multifunctional nanoformulations. These bioplatforms can prevent the development of antibiotic resistance, as well as specifically killing H. pylori with no or only slight negative effects on the host gastrointestinal microbiota. Finally, the essential checkpoints that should be passed to confirm the potential effectiveness of anti‐H. pylori nanosystems are discussed.
A rapid and sensitive ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry method for the simultaneous determination of atorvastatin calcium and lisinopril in rat plasma and its application in a pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Jia Jirun , Bao Rui , Hou Jiayue , Qin Mengdi , Li Wen , Yang Li , Fu Qiang
Published: September 2023

Atorvastatin calcium and lisinopril are commonly used to reduce cholesterol and control blood pressure in the clinic. In this study, a sensitive and rapid method was developed and validated for the simultaneous detection of plasma concentrations of atorvastatin calcium and lisinopril using an ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry with an ACQUITY UPLC BEH C18 column. The mobile phase of methanol and 0.1% formic acid aqueous solution was pumped at a flow rate of 0.2 mL/min. The retention times of atorvastatin calcium and lisinopril were 2.48 min and 1.99 min, respectively. The linear range of atorvastatin calcium in plasma samples was 1–2000 ng/mL, while that of lisinopril was 5–2000 ng/mL. The absolute values of intraday and inter‐day precision and accuracy were all below 15%. Furthermore, the recovery and matrix effects of atorvastatin calcium, lisinopril, and nimodipine were 80%–120% and 85%‐115%, respectively. Therefore, the developed method can be applied for the simultaneous quantification of atorvastatin calcium and lisinopril in rat plasma. The Cmax were about 199 ng/mL and 2059 ng/mL for atorvastatin calcium and lisinopril, respectively. In addition, the T1/2 of atorvastatin calcium and lisinopril were 0.6 ± 0.3 and 5.4 ± 1.7 h, respectively.
Penile enhancement: men who want more
Authors: Carson Culley C
Published: September 2023

Penile enhancement, while indicated for men with penile abnormalities, is controversial for men who are simply dissatisfied with the size or appearance of their penis. A multidisciplinary approach to evaluate men for penile enhancement is key to appropriate management, and patients need to be made fully aware of the likely outcomes and risks of procedures on offer, not all of which are fully supported by clinical evidence.
Journal watch
Authors: Kirby Mike
Published: September 2023

Professor Mike Kirby, Editor of Trends in Urology and Men's Health, picks two interesting recent papers and highlights the ‘take‐home’ messages.
Umami and MSG
Authors: Yoshida Ryusuke , Ninomiya Yuzo
Published: September 2023

Umami taste was first proposed by Kikunae Ikeda in the early 1900s as the taste of glutamate. His first paper described many basic aspects of umami taste that were consolidated by later studies conducted by many researchers around the world. Since his discovery of umami taste and the development of the production process for glutamate (monosodium L-glutamate, MSG), for over 100 years, MSG has been used to improve the palatability of many foods. As the production and consumption of MSG became prevalent worldwide, the safety of MSG as a food additive was questioned. Many researchers tackled this problem, resulting in MSG now being placed in the safest category of food ingredients. In contrast, establishing umami as a unique taste by taste scientists needed much time and effort. By the 1980s, the taste of glutamate had been thoroughly investigated from physiological, behavioral, and psychological perspectives, leading many investigators to conclude that umami is a basic taste much like sweet, salty, sour, and bitter. Subsequent molecular studies identified taste receptors for glutamate, which provided conclusive evidence for umami as a basic taste. This chapter aims to provide a broad understanding of umami taste, including the historical context for umami and MSG, why umami is considered a basic taste, and differences of umami taste in different regions of the tongue and across species. This chapter closes by describing some distinctive phenomena surrounding umami taste, such as its intensity and synergism, its long-lasting effects, and the salivary secretions and feelings of mouthfullness and satisfaction elicited by umami stimuli.
Neural Networks-Based Immune Optimization Regulation Using Adaptive Dynamic Programming
Authors: Sun Jiayue , Xu Shun , Liu Yang , Zhang Huaguang
Published: September 2023

This chapter investigates optimal regulation scheme between tumor and immune cells based on ADP approach. The therapeutic goal is to inhibit the growth of tumor cells to allowable injury degree, and maximize the number of immune cells in the meantime. The reliable controller is derived through the ADP approach to make the number of cells achieve the specific ideal states. Firstly, the main objective is to weaken the negative effect caused by chemotherapy and immunotherapy, which means that minimal dose of chemotherapeutic and immunotherapeutic drugs can be operational in the treatment process. Secondly, according to nonlinear dynamical mathematical model of tumor cells, chemotherapy and immunotherapeutic drugs can act as powerful regulatory measures, which is a closed-loop control behavior. Finally, states of the system and critic weight errors are proved to be ultimately uniformly bounded with the appropriate optimization control strategy and the simulation results are shown to demonstrate effectiveness of the cybernetics methodology.
Lorentzian quantum gravity via Pachner moves: one-loop evaluation
Authors: Borissova Johanna N. , Dittrich Bianca
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Lorentzian quantum gravity is believed to cure the pathologies encountered in Euclidean quantum gravity, such as the conformal factor problem. We show that this is the case for the Lorentzian Regge path integral expanded around a flat background. We illustrate how a subset of local changes of the triangulation, so-called Pachner moves, allow to isolate the indefinite nature of the gravitational action at the discrete level. The latter can be accounted for by oppositely chosen deformed contours of integration. Moreover, we construct a discretization-invariant local path integral measure for 3D Lorentzian Regge calculus and point out obstructions in defining such a measure in 4D. We see the work presented here as a first step towards establishing the existence of the non-perturbative Lorentzian path integral for Regge calculus and related frameworks such as spin foams.

An extensive appendix provides an overview of Lorentzian Regge calculus, using the recently established concept of the complexified Regge action, and derives useful geometric formulae and identities needed in the main text.
Gauged D = 4 $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 4 supergravity
Authors: Dall’Agata G. , Liatsos N. , Noris R. , Trigiante M.
Published: September 2023

Abstract

We present the full Lagrangian and supersymmetry transformation rules for the gauged D = 4, $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 (half-maximal) supergravity coupled to an arbitrary number of vector multiplets. Using the embedding tensor formulation, the final results are universal and valid in arbitrary symplectic frames. We also analyze the conditions for the critical points of the scalar potential and specify the full spectrum of the quadratic fluctuations about Minkowski vacua. This allows us also to exclude the appearance of quadratic divergences in the 1-loop corrections to the scalar potential for any Minkowski vacuum fully breaking supersymmetry. We also provide some interesting byproducts of our analysis, like the field equations and the quadratic constraints for the fermion shifts characterizing the gauging (also known as T-tensor identities).
The bounded slope condition for parabolic equations with time-dependent integrands
Authors: Schätzler Leah , Siltakoski Jarkko
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we study the Cauchy–Dirichlet problem $$\begin{aligned} \left\{ \begin{array}{ll} \partial _t u - {\text {div}} \left( D_\xi f(t, Du)\right) = 0 &{} \quad \hbox {in} \ \Omega _T, \\ u = u_o &{} \quad \hbox { on} \ \partial _{\mathcal {P}} \Omega _T,\\ \end{array} \right. \end{aligned}$$

∂
t

u
-
div

D
ξ

f

(
t
,
D
u
)

=
0

in

Ω
T

,

u
=

u
o

on

∂
P

Ω
T

,

where $$\Omega \subset \mathbb {R}^n$$

Ω
⊂

R

n

is a convex and bounded domain, $$f:[0,T]\times {\mathbb {R}}^n \rightarrow {\mathbb {R}}$$

f
:

[
0
,
T
]

×

R

n

→
R

is $$L^1$$

L
1

-integrable in time and convex in the second variable. Assuming that the initial and boundary datum $$u_o:{\overline{\Omega }}\rightarrow {\mathbb {R}}$$

u
o

:

Ω
¯

→
R

satisfies the bounded slope condition, we prove the existence of a unique variational solution that is Lipschitz continuous in the space variable.
Beyond the Erdős discrepancy problem in function fields
Authors: Klurman Oleksiy , Mangerel Alexander P. , Teräväinen Joni
Published: September 2023

We characterize the limiting behavior of partial sums of multiplicative functions $$f:\mathbb {F}_q[t]\rightarrow S^1$$

f
:

F
q

[
t
]

→

S
1

. In contrast to the number field setting, the characterization depends crucially on whether the notion of discrepancy is defined using long intervals, short intervals, or lexicographic intervals. Concerning the notion of short interval discrepancy, we show that a completely multiplicative $$f:\mathbb {F}_q[t]\rightarrow \{-1,+1\}$$

f
:

F
q

[
t
]

→

{
-
1
,
+
1
}

with q odd has bounded short interval sums if and only if f coincides with a “modified" Dirichlet character to a prime power modulus. This confirms the function field version of a conjecture over $$\mathbb {Z}$$
Z
that such modified characters are extremal with respect to partial sums. Regarding the lexicographic discrepancy, we prove that the discrepancy of a completely multiplicative sequence is always infinite if we define it using a natural lexicographic ordering of $$\mathbb {F}_{q}[t]$$

F
q

[
t
]

. This answers a question of Liu and Wooley. Concerning the long sum discrepancy, it was observed by the Polymath 5 collaboration that the Erdős discrepancy problem admits infinitely many completely multiplicative counterexamples on $$\mathbb {F}_q[t]$$

F
q

[
t
]

. Nevertheless, we are able to classify the counterexamples if we restrict to the class of modified Dirichlet characters. In this setting, we determine the precise growth rate of the discrepancy, which is still unknown for the analogous problem over the integers.
The classification of leek seeds based on fluorescence spectroscopic data using machine learning
Authors: Ropelewska Ewa , Sabanci Kadir , Slavova Vanya , Genova Stefka
Published: September 2023

The objective of this study was to distinguish leek seeds belonging to the Starozagorski kamush variety and two breeding lines based on the selected fluorescence spectroscopic data. The classification models were developed for three classes of Starozagorski kamush vs. breeding line 4 vs. breeding line 39 and pairs of classes of Starozagorski kamush vs. breeding line 4, Starozagorski kamush vs. breeding line 39, and breeding line 4 vs. breeding line 39. The traditional machine learning algorithms, such as PART, Logistic, Naive Bayes, Random Forest, IBk, and Filtered Classifier were applied. All three classes were distinguished with an average accuracy of up to 93.33% for models built using IBk and Filtered Classifier. In the case of each model, Starozagorski kamush variety was completely different (accuracy of 100%, precision, and F-measure, MCC (Matthews correlation coefficient), and ROC (receiver operating characteristic) area of 1.000) from breeding lines, and the mixing of cases was observed between breeding line 4 and breeding line 39. The models built for pairs of leek seed classes distinguished Starozagorski kamush and breeding line 4 with an average accuracy reaching 100% (Logistic, Naive Bayes, Random Forest, IBk). The classification accuracy of Starozagorski kamush and breeding line 39 also reached 100% (Logistic, Naive Bayes, Random Forest, IBk), whereas breeding line 4 and breeding line 39 were classified with an average accuracy of up to 80% (Logistic, Naive Bayes, Random Forest, Filtered Classifier). The proposed approach combining fluorescence spectroscopy and machine learning may be used in practice to distinguish leek seed varieties and breeding lines.
Quantitative ultrasound fatty liver evaluation in a pediatric population: comparison with magnetic resonance imaging of liver proton density fat fraction
Authors: Polti Giorgia , Frigerio Francesco , Del Gaudio Giovanni , Pacini Patrizia , Dolcetti Vincenzo , Renda Maurizio , Angeletti Sergio , Di Martino Michele , Iannetti Giovanni , Perla Francesco Massimo , Poggiogalle Eleonora , Cantisani Vito
Published: September 2023

Background

Biopsy remains the gold standard for the diagnosis of hepatic steatosis, the leading cause of pediatric chronic liver disease; however, its costs call for less invasive methods.

Objective

This study examined the diagnostic accuracy and reliability of quantitative ultrasound (QUS) for the assessment of liver fat content in a pediatric population, using magnetic resonance imaging proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF) as the reference standard.

Materials and methods

We enrolled 36 patients. MRI-PDFF involved a 3-dimensional T2*-weighted with Dixon pulse multiple-echo sequence using iterative decomposition of water and fat with echo asymmetry and least squares estimation (IDEAL IQ). QUS imaging relied on the ultrasound system “RS85 A” (Samsung Medison, Seoul, South Korea) and the following software: Hepato-Renal Index with automated region of interest recommendation (EzHRI), Tissue Attenuation Imaging (TAI), and Tissue Scatter Distribution Imaging (TSI). For each QUS index, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis against MRI-PDFF was used to identify the associated cut-off value and the area under the ROC curve (AUROC). Concordance between two radiologists was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and Bland–Altman analysis.

Results

A total of 61.1% of the sample (n=22) displayed a MRI-PDFF ≥ 5.6%; QUS cut-off values were TAI=0.625 (AUROC 0.90, confidence interval [CI] 0.77–1.00), TSI=91.95 (AUROC 0.99, CI 0.98–1.00) and EzHRI=1.215 (AUROC 0.98, CI 0.94–1.00). Inter-rater reliability was good-to-excellent for EzHRI (ICC 0.91, 95% C.I. 0.82–0.95) and TAI (ICC 0.94, 95% C.I. 0.88–0.97) and moderate to good for TSI (ICC 0.73; 95% C.I. 0.53–0.85).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that QUS can be used to reliably assess the presence and degree of pediatric hepatic steatosis.

Graphical abstract
Meta-research: How many diagnostic or prognostic models published in radiological journals are evaluated externally?
Authors: Hameed Maira , Yeung Jason , Boone Darren , Mallett Sue , Halligan Steve
Published: September 2023

Objectives

Prognostic and diagnostic models must work in their intended clinical setting, proven via “external evaluation”, preferably by authors uninvolved with model development. By systematic review, we determined the proportion of models published in high-impact radiological journals that are evaluated subsequently.

Methods

We hand-searched three radiological journals for multivariable diagnostic/prognostic models 2013–2015 inclusive, developed using regression. We assessed completeness of data presentation to allow subsequent external evaluation. We then searched literature to August 2022 to identify external evaluations of these index models.

Results

We identified 98 index studies (73 prognostic; 25 diagnostic) describing 145 models. Only 15 (15%) index studies presented an evaluation (two external). No model was updated. Only 20 (20%) studies presented a model equation. Just 7 (15%) studies developing Cox models presented a risk table, and just 4 (9%) presented the baseline hazard. Two (4%) studies developing non-Cox models presented the intercept. Just 20 (20%) articles presented a Kaplan–Meier curve of the final model. The 98 index studies attracted 4224 citations (including 559 self-citations), median 28 per study. We identified just six (6%) subsequent external evaluations of an index model, five of which were external evaluations by researchers uninvolved with model development, and from a different institution.

Conclusions

Very few prognostic or diagnostic models published in radiological literature are evaluated externally, suggesting wasted research effort and resources. Authors’ published models should present data sufficient to allow external evaluation by others. To achieve clinical utility, researchers should concentrate on model evaluation and updating rather than continual redevelopment.

Clinical relevance statement

The large majority of prognostic and diagnostic models published in high-impact radiological journals are never evaluated. It would be more efficient for researchers to evaluate existing models rather than practice continual redevelopment.

Key Points

• Systematic review of highly cited radiological literature identified few diagnostic or prognostic models that were evaluated subsequently by researchers uninvolved with the original model.

• Published radiological models frequently omit important information necessary for others to perform an external evaluation: Only 20% of studies presented a model equation or nomogram.

• A large proportion of research citing published models focuses on redevelopment and ignores evaluation and updating, which would be a more efficient use of research resources.

Graphical abstract
Porous carbon matrix modified with copper and lead as a positive plate current collector for carbon lead-acid battery
Authors: Wróbel Kamil , Czerwiński Andrzej
Published: September 2023

In this work, the experimental current collector based on a reticulated vitreous carbon (RVC®) matrix modified with copper and lead was obtained and examined for usage as the current collectors of lead-acid batteries. The collectors under investigation were obtained using galvanic methods. Electrochemical tests of the obtained collectors were carried out using cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and galvanostatic gravimetric corrosion rate test. The morphology and metal coating compositions were analyses based on the results obtained by utilizing a scanning electron microscope (SEM) coupled with an X-ray dispersion analyzer (EDS). The measurements indicated the feasibility of obtaining a collector with a metallic copper-lead bilayer that remains stable under the operating conditions of the positive plate. However, the corrosion resistance of the collector relies on the durability of the outer lead coating. At the same time, incorporating a copper layer enables a reduction in charge transfer resistance during the electrode process.
The learning curve for endoscopic endonasal pituitary surgery: a systematic review
Authors: Candy Nicholas G. , Ovenden Christopher , Jukes Alistair K. , Wormald Peter-John , Psaltis Alkis J.
Published: September 2023

Recent literature demonstrates that a learning curve exists for endoscopic pituitary surgery. However, there is significant variability in the way these studies report their outcomes. This study aims to systematically review the literature regarding outcomes for endoscopic pituitary surgery and how this may be related to a surgical learning curve. An electronic search of the databases Medline, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases was performed and data extracted according 2020 Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Ten articles were included in the review as they examined the following: rates of gross total resection, average operative time, CSF leak rate, visual outcomes, endocrine outcomes and how these results were influenced by surgical experience. We have demonstrated that a learning curve exists for some outcome variables for endoscopic pituitary surgery. However, there is significant heterogeneity in the current body of literature which makes clear comparisons difficult.
Early mortality in German patients with lung cancer: risk factors associated with 30-and 60-day mortality
Authors: Tufman Amanda , Schneiderbauer Sophie , Walter Julia , Resuli Blerina , Kauffmann-Guerrero Diego , Mümmler Carlo , Mertsch Pontus , Götschke Jeremias , Kovács Julia , Manapov Farkhad , Schneider Christian , Sellmer Laura , Arnold Paola , Heinemann Volker , Behr Jürgen , Nasseh Daniel
Published: September 2023

Despite therapeutic advances, early mortality in lung cancer is still prevalent. In this study, we aimed to assess risk factors for 30- and 60-day mortality in German lung cancer patients. In this retrospective cross-sectional analysis, we used data of lung cancer patients treated at LMU Hospital Munich between 2015 and 2019. We categorized patients into 30-day mortality, 60 day-mortality, and longer survival. We used Student’s t-test and ANOVA to compare means and Chi2-test to compare frequencies. We used logistic regression analysis to identify factors associated with a risk for early mortality. Of the 2454 lung cancer patients, 2.0% (n = 50) died within 30 and 1.7% (n = 41) within 30 to 60 days of diagnosis. Older age and advanced stage at diagnosis were significantly associated with early mortality in the univariate and the multivariate analysis. Patients in the 30-day mortality group significantly more often did not receive tumor-directed therapy. They were also more likely to die in an acute care setting compared to the 60-day mortality group. The group of patients who died unexpectedly (12.0%) was dominantly female, with a high proportion of patients with unintentional weight loss at the time of diagnosis. Our results suggest that in the treatment of patients with lung cancer there is a need for a greater focus on older patients. Moreover, physicians should pay special attention to females with recent weight loss and patients with a comorbidity of diabetes mellitus or renal impairment. Engaging a case manager focused on detecting patients with the above characteristics could help improve overall care.
Digitalisierung und Automatisierung der Weiterbildung in Organisationen: Chancen, Herausforderungen und Praxisbeispiele
Authors: Wesche Jenny S. , Handke Lisa , Pahl Burkhard , Diering Lotte-Eleonora , Junger Adrian J. , Gieselmann Louis R. L.
Published: September 2023

Dieser Beitrag in der Zeitschrift „Gruppe. Interaktion. Organisation. (GIO)“ gibt einen Überblick über die vielfältigen Digitalisierungs- und Automatisierungsmöglichkeiten, die aktuelle technologische Entwicklungen für die Weiterbildung in Organisationen eröffnen, und diskutiert Chancen und Risken ihres Einsatzes.

Um wettbewerbsfähig, effizient und produktiv zu bleiben, müssen Organisationen sicherstellen, dass ihre Beschäftigten sich fortwährend weiterbilden und entwickeln. Die Weiterbildung aller Beschäftigten in allen notwendigen Kompetenzbereichen durch entsprechende Maßnahmen beansprucht jedoch viele Ressourcen. Um diese Ressourcen optimal einsetzen zu können, muss der Kompetenzentwicklungsbedarf der Beschäftigten kontinuierlich und zutreffend ermittelt werden, damit dieser auch durch passende Weiterbildungsmaßnahmen gezielt und adäquat adressiert werden kann. Auch diese übergeordneten Prozesse der Weiterbildung sind ressourcenintensiv. Daher wurde bereits in der Vergangenheit eine Vielzahl von Technologien eingesetzt, um die organisationale Weiterbildung (bspw. durch digital zur Verfügung gestellte Materialien zum Selbststudium) und die damit zusammenhängenden Prozesse durch Digitalisierung effizienter gestalten und verwalten zu können. In diesem Beitrag betrachten wir vor allem die vielfältigen Digitalisierungs- und Automatisierungsmöglichkeiten, die aktuelle technologische Entwicklungen eröffnen, und führen diese – strukturiert am Prozess der Personalentwicklung – mit Beispielen aus Forschung und Praxis aus.
SARS-CoV-2 spread to endocrine organs is associated with obesity: an autopsy study of COVID-19 cases
Authors: Poma Anello Marcello , Basolo Alessio , Alì Greta , Bonuccelli Diana , Di Stefano Iosè , Conti Marco , Mazzetti Paola , Sparavelli Rebecca , Vignali Paola , Macerola Elisabetta , Pistello Mauro , Santini Ferruccio , Basolo Fulvio , Toniolo Antonio
Published: September 2023

Purpose

SARS-CoV-2 infection may be limited to the respiratory tract or may spread to multiple organs. Besides disease severity, factors associated with virus spread within the host are elusive. Here, we tried to identify features associated with SARS-CoV-2 spread to endocrine organs.

Methods

In a retrospective autoptic cohort of 51 subjects who died because of COVID-19, we analyzed the severity and type of lung pathology, patients’ features and the detection of virus in thyroid, testis, adrenal gland, pancreas, anterior pituitary, and the white adipose tissue (WAT).

Results

The SARS-CoV-2 genome was detected in endocrine organs of 30/51 cases. The anterior pituitary and WAT were most frequently positive for virus. While pathological features of lung were not associated with the presence of virus in endocrine organs, obesity (BMI > 30) was significantly associated to virus detection in pancreas (p = 0.01) and thyroid (p = 0.04). WAT infection was detected more frequently in males (p = 0.03).

Conclusion

In subject with obesity dying of COVID-19, the virus frequently spreads to endocrine organs. The findings emphasize the need for optimal treatment of patients with obesity at the very onset of COVID-19. Since post-COVID conditions remain a major issue worldwide, a rigorous follow-up of endocrine function—especially of thyroid and pancreas—is advocated in subjects with obesity.
Animalista, Narco-Cultural, Conservacionista. Visions of Nature Around the Case of Hippos in Colombia
Authors: Rodríguez Gómez Sergio , Jiménez Germán
Published: September 2023

Since their introduction in Colombia in the '80s for Pablo Escobar’s extravagant zoo, hippos have become an ecological problem around the basin of the Magdalena River. This article proposes an ecosemiotic discourse analysis of different visions of nature enacted by stakeholders and public opinion around the management of hippos in Colombia. Concretely, we focus on three particular discourses and visions of nature: animalista, narco-cultural, and conservacionista. In this article, we present the relevant social and ecological context of Colombia, the visions of nature theory and the impact of such visions on conservation measures regarding so-called invasive species; we describe and analyze the three visions of nature we center on, and present a computational analysis of discourse dynamics and controversies in Twitter between of such visions of nature; and we reflect on possible courses of action and recommendations about addressing the close interrelation of public discourses and ecosystem conservation by proposing an alternative view, based on the biosemiotic framework of semiocide, to the concept of invasive species.
The multi-faceted roles of R2TP complex span across regulation of gene expression, translation, and protein functional assembly
Authors: Luthuli Sifiso Duncan , Shonhai Addmore
Published: September 2023

Macromolecular complexes play essential roles in various cellular processes. The assembly of macromolecular assemblies within the cell must overcome barriers imposed by a crowded cellular environment which is characterized by an estimated concentration of biological macromolecules amounting to 100–450 g/L that take up approximately 5–40% of the cytoplasmic volume. The formation of the macromolecular assemblies is facilitated by molecular chaperones in cooperation with their co-chaperones. The R2TP protein complex has emerged as a co-chaperone of Hsp90 that plays an important role in macromolecular assembly. The R2TP complex is composed of a heterodimer of RPAP3:P1H1DI that is in turn complexed to members of the ATPase associated with diverse cellular activities (AAA +), RUVBL1 and RUVBL2 (R1 and R2) families. What makes the R2TP co-chaperone complex particularly important is that it is involved in a wide variety of cellular processes including gene expression, translation, co-translational complex assembly, and posttranslational protein complex formation. The functional versatility of the R2TP co-chaperone complex makes it central to cellular development; hence, it is implicated in various human diseases. In addition, their roles in the development of infectious disease agents has become of interest. In the current review, we discuss the roles of these proteins as co-chaperones regulating Hsp90 and its partnership with Hsp70. Furthermore, we highlight the structure–function features of the individual proteins within the R2TP complex and describe their roles in various cellular processes.
Evaluation and optimization of hydrometric locations using entropy theory and Bat algorithm (case study: Karkheh Basin, Iran)
Authors: Eslamian Saeid , Fallah Khashayar Esmaili , Sabzevari Yaser
Published: September 2023

Hydrometric stations are important in most countries because of the application and importance of the data obtained from these stations. It is necessary to choose the best place for their establishment according to the cost of constructing hydrometric stations. The aim and innovation of this research are to optimize the location of hydrometric stations using Bat's meta-heuristic algorithm and interpolation methods, which information transfer entropy theory and Bat's algorithm were used to maximize the average amount of information transfer entropy. For this purpose, the data of 43 hydrometric stations of Karkheh basin in western Iran in period of 1991–2015 were used. In this research, two scenarios were investigated in order to improve the entropy of information transmission between stations. In the first scenario, using the kriging method to prepare the flow distribution map in the region and choosing normal kriging with spherical variogram as the best model to fit the average annual flow data and using the Bat algorithm to increase the correlation coefficient between the data and assuming no none of the available stations, 43 points were used to redeploy stations with higher average entropy in the region. The results of this scenario showed the concentration of new stations in the central and eastern areas of the basin. In the second scenario, the amount of entropy of information transfer at the regional level was calculated and 18 potential points were recommended for the establishment of new stations. The obtained variogram for the discharge of the basin showed that the range of influence is low and it is necessary to establish the stations at a close distance.
Singular two-phase problem on a complete manifold: analysis and insights
Authors: Benslimane Omar , Aberqi Ahmed
Published: September 2023

We focus on two-phase problems with singular and superlinear parametric terms on the right-hand side. Using fibering maps and the Nehari manifold method, we prove that there are at least two non-trivial positive solutions in a geometric setting that is locally similar to Euclidean spaces but has different global properties for all except the smallest values of parameter $$\mu > 0.$$

μ
>
0
.

Singularities may appear at discrete locations in the manifold, which is a challenge for the work due to the unpredictable behavior of the solution. The findings presented here generalize some known results.