bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association Between Mobilization and Composite Postoperative Complications Following Major Elective Surgery
Authors: Turan Alparslan , Khanna Ashish K. , Brooker Jack , Saha Amit K. , Clark Clancy J. , Samant Anusha , Ozcimen Elif , Pu Xuan , Ruetzler Kurt , Sessler Daniel I.
Published: May 2023

Importance

Mobilization after surgery is a key component of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) pathways.

Objective

To evaluate the association between mobilization and a collapsed composite of postoperative complications in patients recovering from major elective surgery as well as hospital length of stay, cumulative pain scores, and 30-day readmission rates.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective observational study conducted at a single quaternary US referral center included patients who had elective surgery between February 2017 and October 2020. Mobilization was assessed over the first 48 postoperative hours with wearable accelerometers, and outcomes were assessed throughout hospitalization. Patients who had elective surgery lasting at least 2 hours followed by at least 48 hours of hospitalization were included. A minimum of 12 hours of continuous accelerometer monitoring was required without missing confounding variables or key data. Among 16 203 potential participants, 8653 who met inclusion criteria were included in the final analysis. Data were analyzed from February 2017 to October 2020.

Exposures

Amount of mobilization per hour for 48 postoperative hours.

Outcomes

The primary outcome was a composite of myocardial injury, ileus, stroke, venous thromboembolism, pulmonary complications, and all-cause in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included hospital length of stay, cumulative pain scores, and 30-day readmission.

Results

Of 8653 included patients (mean [SD] age, 57.6 [16.0] years; 4535 [52.4%] female), 633 (7.3%) experienced the primary outcome. Mobilization time was a median (IQR) of 3.9 (1.7-7.8) minutes per monitored hour overall, 3.2 (0.9-7.4) in patients who experienced the primary outcome, and 4.1 (1.8-7.9) in those who did not. There was a significant association between postoperative mobilization and the composite outcome (hazard ratio [HR], 0.75; 95% CI, 0.67-0.84; P < .001) for each 4-minute increase in mobilization. Mobilization was associated with an estimated median reduction in the duration of hospitalization by 0.12 days (95% CI, 0.09-0.15; P < .001) for each 4-minute increase in mobilization. The were no associations between mobilization and pain score or 30-day readmission.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this study, mobilization measured by wearable accelerometers was associated with fewer postoperative complications and shorter hospital length of stay.
Dosimetric effect of six degrees of freedom couch top with rotational setup error corrections in proton therapy
Authors: Kato Takahiro , Sasaki Sho , Ikeda Tomohiro , Kato Ryohei , Kato Masato , Narita Yuki , Oyama Sho , Komori Shinya , Harada Takaomi , Murakami Masao
Published: May 2023

Purpose

To investigate the dosimetric effect of six degrees of freedom (6DoF) couch top with rotational corrections in proton therapy (PT).

Methods

The water equivalent thickness (WET) was measured using a proton beam with a 6DoF couch top and patient immobilization base plate (PIBP) placed in front of a motorized water phantom. The accuracy verification was performed with the beam axis set perpendicular to the 6DoF couch top and tilted in 10° steps from 10° to 30°. Up to 3° rotational correction may be added during the actual treatment to correct the rotational setup error on our system. The measured and calculated values using the treatment planning system were compared. Additionally, the effect of the 3° difference was evaluated using actual measurements concerning each angle on the proton beam range.

Results

The WET of the 6DoF couch top and PIBP were 8.5 ± 0.1 mm and 6.8 ± 0.1 mm, respectively. The calculation and the actual measurement at each angle agreed within 0.2 mm at the maximum. A maximum difference of approximately 0.6 mm was confirmed when tilted at 3° following 30° with the 6DoF couch top plus PIBP.

Conclusions

The dosimetric effect of the 6DoF couch top with rotational corrections in PT differs depending on the incidence angle on the couch top, and it increased with the increased oblique angle of incidence. However, the effect on the range was as small as 0.6 mm at the maximum. The amount of rotational correction, the angle of incidence of the beam, and the effect of rotational corrections on the proton beam range may differ depending on the structure of the couch top. Therefore, sufficient prior confirmation, and subsequent periodical quality assurance management are important.
Energy spectrum CT index‐based machine learning model predicts the effect of intravenous thrombolysis in lower limbs
Authors: Liu Rong , Yang Junlin , Yin Hongkun , Wu Qian , Yu Pengxin , Zhang Wei , Li Chenglong , Fan Guohua , Ju Shenghong , Cai Wu
Published: May 2023

To develop a noninvasive machine learning (ML) model based on energy spectrum computed tomography venography (CTV) indices for preoperatively predicting the effect of intravenous thrombolytic treatment in lower limbs.

A total of 3492 slices containing thrombus regions from 58 veins in lower limbs in a cohort of 18 patients, divided in good and poor thrombolysis prognosis groups, were analyzed. Key indices were selected by univariate analysis and Pearson correlation coefficient test. A support vector machine classifier‐based model was developed through ten‐fold cross validation. Model performance was assessed in terms of discrimination, calibration, and clinical usefulness at both per‐slice and per‐vessel levels. Continuous variables and categorical variables were compared between good and poor thrombolysis prognosis group by Mann‐Whitney U‐test and chi‐square test, respectively. A nomogram was built by integrating clinical factors and the energy spectrum CTV index‐based score calculated by the model.

Six indices selected from 192 indices were used to build the predictive model. The ML model achieved area under the curves (AUCs) of 0.838 and 0.767 [95% CI (confidence interval), 0.825–0.850, 0.752–0.781] in the training and validation datasets at the per‐slice level, and the per‐vessel level AUCs were 0.945 and 0.876 (95% CI, 0.852–0.988, 0.763–0.948) in the training and validation datasets, respectively. The nomogram showed better performance with the per‐vessel level AUC, accuracy, sensitivity and specificity, yielding 0.901(95% CI, 0.793–0.964), 86.2%, 87.9% and 84.0% in the validation dataset, respectively. There was no significant difference in the vessel distribution between good and poor thrombolysis prognosis groups (chi‐square test, p = 0.671).

The energy spectrum CTV index‐based ML model achieved favorable effectiveness in predicting the outcome of vessel‐level intravenous thrombolysis. A nomogram integrating clinical factors, and risk score calculated by the developed model showed improved performance and had potential to be used as a noninvasive preoperative tool for clinicians.
Mask dependency of the lacrimal gland dose under whole brain radiotherapy when the six‐degrees of freedom couch is not available
Authors: Yoon Jai‐Woong , Kim Me Young , Park Soah , Cheong Kwang‐Ho , Kang Sei‐Kwon , Koo Taeryool , Han Tae Jin
Published: May 2023

Background

Dry eye syndrome has been recently reported in patients who underwent whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT). WBRT based on a couch with three‐degrees of freedom (3D) can occasionally be performed in which the rotational head motion is not corrected. This study assessed the dependency of the rotational errors on the mask and the dose variation of the lens and lacrimal gland in WBRT patients.

Methods

Translational and rotational setup errors were obtained at the first treatment with cone‐beam CT (CBCT) for patients under WBRT and frameless stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) (n = 20 each) immobilized using a conventional WB mask and an SRS mask with a bite block, respectively. For the CT sets of SRS cases, WBRT plans were generated for the study. To simulate the rotational error, rotated CT images were created with each rotational error, on which initial WBRT plans were copied and doses were recalculated. The lens and lacrimal gland doses with and without rotation errors were compared.

Results

Despite similar translational setup errors for the two masks, the SRS mask showed a dramatic reduction in rotational errors compared to those of the WB mask. The errors varied within −2.9° to 2.9° and −1.2° to 0.7° for the WB and SRS masks, respectively. Accordingly, the SRS mask confined the change in the maximum lens dose, mean dose of the lacrimal gland, and lacrimal volume receiving 15 Gy to one‐third of those using the WB mask.

Conclusion

When the six‐degrees of freedom (6D) couch is not available, the frameless SRS mask is beneficial to WBRT for the faithful treatment as it was planned.
Degradable Antimicrobial Ureteral Stent Construction with Silver@graphdiyne Nanocomposite
Authors: Zhang Yang , Wang Lizhen , Wang Yan , Li Linhao , Zhou Jin , Dou Dandan , Wu Zebin , Yu Lu , Fan Yubo
Published: May 2023

In the surgical treatment of urinary diseases, ureteral stents are commonly used interventional medical devices. Although polymer ureteral stents with polyurethane as the main constituent are widely used in the clinic, the need for secondary surgery to remove them and their propensity to cause bacterial infections greatly limit their effectiveness. To satisfy clinical requirements, an electrospinning‐based strategy to fabricate PLGA ureteral stents with silver@graphdiyne is innovated. Silver (Ag) nanoparticles are uniformly loaded on the surface of graphdiyne (GDY) flakes. It is found that the incorporation of Ag nanoparticles into GDY markedly increases their antibacterial properties. Subsequently, the synthesized and purified Ag@GDY is homogeneously blended with poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) as an antimicrobial agent, and electrospinning along with high‐speed collectors is used to make tubular stents. The antibacterial effect of Ag@GDY and the porous microstructure of the stents can effectively prevent bacterial biofilm formation. Furthermore, the stents gradually decrease in toughness but increase in strength during the degradation process. The cellular and subcutaneous implantation experiments demonstrate the moderate biocompatibility of the stents. In summary, considering these performance characteristics and the technical feasibility of the approach taken, this study opens new possibilities for the design and application of biodegradable ureteral stents.
SoilType: An R package to interplay soil characterization in plant science
Authors: Fritsche‐Neto Roberto
Published: May 2023

Yield is a complex quantitative trait whose expression is sensitive to environmental stimuli. Therefore, soil‐related information can increase the predictive ability of genotype's performances across different locations. However, soil information is not always readily available worldwide or before the site or plot level growing season. Thus, in the current version, this tool has two functions. The first function retrieves soil samples and soil (from WoSIS Soil Profile Database) near your target location. Then it predicts 13 soil characteristics (physical and chemical). If the number of samples per location is greater than five, the function uses random forest to predict soil characteristics otherwise it averages the information. The output is a table with the target location and its latitude and longitude coordinates—the number of samples used, the root mean square error (RMSE), and the R‐square for each prediction. From a couple of instances in a trial (location), the second function predicts soil characteristics at the plot level via random forest. The output is a table with the plot IDs, coordinates, number of samples used to make predictions, the RMSE and R‐square for each prediction, the trait predicted, and the predicted value. As a proof‐of‐concept, we used the first function in the LSU Rice Breeding multi‐environmental trials (24 locations), identified the most important soil covariates to determine rice yield, and then clustered the locations. This tool can support breeders in better allocating trials in advance, borrow information from other regions, identify the best variety for each location, reduce costs, and increase accuracy.
Spectrum of white matter abnormalities associated with FOXC1‐related disorders in two unrelated cases
Authors: Tabassum Tasnim , Maria Daniela D'Agostino , La Piana Roberta
Published: May 2023

The purpose of this study is to document the wide spectrum of white matter abnormalities associated with FOXC1 pathogenic variants. We report two adult individuals—a 60‐year‐old individual and a 24‐year‐old one, presenting with hearing loss, anterior eye segment dysgenesis, and very different severity of cerebral small vessel disease. Molecular testing documented the presence of FOXC1 pathogenic variants in both individuals. Our paper documents the broad spectrum of radiological white matter involvement in adult individuals with FOXC1‐related disorders. Mild forms of FOXC1‐related small vessel disease, as we observed in individual 2, should be included in the list of genetic mimickers of MS.
Diurnal fecal glucocorticoid metabolite rhythms in a cathemeral primate, the red‐bellied lemur (Eulemur rubriventer), and across mammalian species
Authors: Tecot Stacey R. , Ossello Gianna M. , Smith Paige G. , Rakotonirina Laingoniaina H. F. , Telo Albert , Rasendry N. Victor , Rakotonirina T. Emile , Peñaherrera‐Aguirre Mateo
Published: May 2023

Measuring glucocorticoids is one of the most reliable and widely used techniques to monitor stress responses, however invasive techniques to collect plasma samples may not be applicable for wild populations. Monitoring excreted glucocorticoids is an effective noninvasive technique that researchers have used increasingly over the past two decades, and it has allowed the investigation of glucocorticoids in a variety of species with a range of activity patterns. Many species exhibit predictable circadian patterns of glucocorticoid secretion in accordance with their daily activity pattern. There remains a gap in our understanding of how excreted glucocorticoid metabolites vary throughout the day and across species, despite the utility of this information when developing sampling protocols and analyzing data. We investigated circadian patterns of glucocorticoid excretion in a cathemeral primate species, Eulemur rubriventer (red‐bellied lemur), in Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar. We collected fecal samples from 10 individuals throughout the day and analyzed fecal glucocorticoid levels across three time points (Early, Midday, and Late), and again across two time points (Morning and Afternoon). We also investigated whether activity pattern, sex (as a control variable), and other traits associated with gut passage rate (diet, body mass) could help predict the presence and timing of circadian patterns of fecal glucocorticoid metabolites across mammal species. We found that fecal glucocorticoid metabolite levels in E. rubriventer fluctuate throughout the day, with lowest levels in the morning and peak levels in the afternoon. None of the variables that we tested predicted whether daily fecal glucocorticoid metabolites changed significantly throughout the day, nor when levels were likely to peak, across species. We stress the importance of controlling for sampling time and reporting these results as standard practice in studies of fecal glucocorticoid metabolites.
Profiling baseline performance on the Longitudinal Early‐Onset Alzheimer's Disease Study (LEADS) cohort near the midpoint of data collection
Authors: Hammers Dustin B. , Eloyan Ani , Taurone Alexander , Thangarajah Maryanne , Beckett Laurel , Gao Sujuan , Kirby Kala , Aisen Paul , Dage Jeffrey L. , Foroud Tatiana , Griffin Percy , Grinberg Lea T. , Jack Clifford R. , Kramer Joel , Koeppe Robert , Kukull Walter A. , Mundada Nidhi S , La Joie Renaud , Soleimani‐Meigooni David N. , Iaccarino Leonardo , Murray Melissa E. , Nudelman Kelly , Polsinelli Angelina J. , Rumbaugh Malia , Toga Arthur , Touroutoglou Alexandra , Vemuri Prashanthi , Atri Alireza , Day Gregory S. , Duara Ranjan , Graff‐Radford Neill R. , Honig Lawrence S. , Jones David T. , Masdeu Joseph , Mendez Mario F. , Womack Kyle , Musiek Erik , Onyike Chiadi U. , Riddle Meghan , Rogalski Emily , Salloway Steven , Sha Sharon J. , Turner Raymond Scott , Wingo Thomas S. , Wolk David A. , Carrillo Maria C. , Dickerson Bradford C. , Rabinovici Gil D. , Apostolova Liana G. ,   the LEADS Consortium
Published: May 2023

Objective

The Longitudinal Early‐Onset Alzheimer's Disease Study (LEADS) seeks to provide comprehensive understanding of early‐onset Alzheimer's disease (EOAD; onset <65 years), with the current study profiling baseline clinical, cognitive, biomarker, and genetic characteristics of the cohort nearing the data‐collection mid‐point.

Methods

Data from 371 LEADS participants were compared based on diagnostic group classification (cognitively normal [n = 89], amyloid‐positive EOAD [n = 212], and amyloid‐negative early‐onset non‐Alzheimer's disease [EOnonAD; n = 70]).

Results

Cognitive performance was worse for EOAD than other groups, and EOAD participants were apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 homozygotes at higher rates. An amnestic presentation was common among impaired participants (81%), with several clinical phenotypes present. LEADS participants generally consented at high rates to optional trial procedures.

Conclusions

We present the most comprehensive baseline characterization of sporadic EOAD in the United States to date. EOAD presents with widespread cognitive impairment within and across clinical phenotypes, with differences in APOE ε4 allele carrier status appearing to be relevant.

HIGHLIGHTS

Findings represent the most comprehensive baseline characterization of sporadic early‐onset Alzheimer's disease (EOAD) to date. Cognitive impairment was widespread for EOAD participants and more severe than other groups.

EOAD participants were homozygous apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 carriers at higher rates than the EOnonAD group.

Amnestic presentation predominated in EOAD and EOnonAD participants, but other clinical phenotypes were present.
Tri(ethylene glycol) modified HYC‐100 resin for lithium ion recovery from aqueous solution
Authors: Liu Shi‐Bo , Li Cheng , Li Deyuan , Zhao Shuguang , Song Leshan , Kuang Gui‐Chao
Published: May 2023

Polymeric resin has shown great application in recovery the lithium ion from aqueous solution due to their structure's tunability and reusability. However, the conventional resins such as commercial HYC‐100 is suffering by its low lithium adsorption capacity and slow inclusion rate. Herein, a series of HYC‐100 modified resins (MRs) using oligo(ethylene glycol) as crosslinker were synthesized and their adsorption capacities for lithium ion in aqueous solution (pH 9.1, ionic concentration 500 mg/L, 25°C) were determined by adding 1 g resin to 500 mL lithium chloride aqueous solution. The new formed cyclic structure from oligo(ethylene glycol) provides lithium ion binding sites which play an important role for lithium ion adsorption. The tri(ethylene glycol) modified resin (3EGMR) showed the highest capacity to be 18 mg/g, which was three times more than that of HYC‐100 (5 mg/g). Therefore, Scale‐up experiment was conducted by using 20 L reactor and the adsorption capacity is satisfactory. This work might pave a new avenue to develop new polymeric resin to enhance the lithium ion adsorption performance.
Structure evolution and properties enhancement of polyamide‐6/polyamide‐1010 films under uniaxial and biaxial stretching
Authors: Lin Xintu , Liu Yuejun , Jin Ruijie , Peng Yong
Published: May 2023

The effect of stretching process on the structures and properties of the stretch‐oriented PA6/PA1010 film was investigated during the uniaxial and biaxial stretching. The results showed that the PA6/PA1010 cast film exhibited β‐form crystals, and the uniaxial stretching induced the β → α + γ phase transition and preferential orientation along the stretching direction, while the β → α phase transition and no preferential orientation were observed during the biaxial stretching process. Meanwhile, the melting temperature and crystallinity of PA6 in uniaxially and biaxially stretched PA6/PA1010 films were improved with the increasing stretching ratios, thus creating a much more tortuous pathway for the diffusion of oxygen molecules to enhance the oxygen barrier property of the stretched films after uniaxial and biaxial stretching. The morphological analysis showed that the PA1010 particles were oriented and deformed along the stretching direction and no obvious debonding and voids were observed at the interface. In addition, the mechanical properties of the stretched films were closely dependent upon the stretching ratios. It was found that the tensile strength of the biaxially stretched PA6/PA1010 films with stretching ratio of 3.5 × 3.5 in MD and TD exhibited about 1.7 times and 2.2 times higher than that of the PA6/PA1010 cast film, respectively.
Israeli‐Palestinian conflict: The archaic fraternal complex
Authors: Salaam Abdel‐Malek Hana
Published: May 2023

The Israeli–Palestinian conflict is one of the world's most persistent and intractable conflicts. Despite extensive and in‐depth analyses to help understand and transform it, the parties have failed to reach sustainable peace. In this article, I extend group and family psychoanalytic theories to analyze the unconscious dynamics that potentially underlie this relationship, interpreting it in light of the biblical narrative of Abraham, his wives—Sarah and Hagar, and sons—Isaac and Ishmael. Using the above‐mentioned framework, I interpret the Israeli–Palestinian conflict over land as an enactment of the archaic fraternal complex, whereby each sibling unconsciously entertains the fantasy of returning to the maternal womb and aspires to be the exclusive owner of maternal space and the mother's phallus. Consideration of the archaic fraternal complex dynamics offers psychoanalytically oriented mediators an additional tool to understand conflicts, especially land‐related disputes. To work through intractable conflict, these mediators can help the belligerent parties perform the psychic work of trauma and primal mourning to stop enacting the fantasy of returning to the maternal womb and to accept symbolic castration. This work could contribute to the warring parties' ability to renounce their rigid ideological positions and seal new fraternal pacts under the aegis of the law of reason. Their fraternal complex would thus be transformed from archaic and talionic to symbolic and Oedipal.
Sihler's staining technique: How to and guidance for botulinum neurotoxin injection in human muscles
Authors: Yi Kyu‐Ho , Hu Hyewon , Lee Ji‐Hyun , An Min Ho , Lee Hyung‐Jin , Choi You‐Jin , Kim Hee‐Jin
Published: May 2023

The Sihler's stain is a whole‐mount nerve staining technique that allows visualization of the nerve distribution and permits mapping of the entire nerve supply patterns of the organs, skeletal muscles, mucosa, skin, and other structures that contain myelinated nerve fibers. Unlike conventional approaches, this technique does not require extensive dissection or slide preparation. To date, the Sihler's stain is the best tool for demonstrating the precise intramuscular branching and distribution patterns of skeletal muscles. The intramuscular neural distribution is used as a guidance tool for the application of botulinum neurotoxin injections. In this review, we have identified and summarized the ideal botulinum neurotoxin injection points for several human tissues.
An object‐oriented approach toward two‐dimensional engineering mechanics
Authors: Ghosh Sunavo , Kundu Soumalya , Neogy Sumanta , Nandi Arghya
Published: May 2023

The present work proposes an object‐oriented approach for the solution of problems in two‐dimensional engineering mechanics. New classes (in the terminology of object‐oriented programming) are proposed and implemented in the popular programming language ‘Python.’ These classes, along with the symbolic computation module of Python ‘sympy,’ enable one to reduce the solution of a large class of problems in undergraduate engineering mechanics to a set of Python statements. These statements are definitions of objects as instances of the proposed classes and calling of their relevant methods. If the thought process in the manual solution is represented by a flowchart, the present work can be viewed as a flowchart translator. As all the calculations are automatically performed, the present work relieves the student from the burden and fear of lengthy calculations. Different diagrammatic representations of velocity, acceleration, shear force, and bending moments are included for better physical understanding. It is believed that the proposed simple implementation would make problem‐solving and the learning process more enjoyable. Apart from a standard PC, the proposed work runs on a single‐board computer (tested in raspberry pi 4) and on an Android mobile device. A student feedback study ascertains the acceptability of the proposed method.
Chronic active Epstein–Barr virus and hydroa vacciniforme‐like lymphoproliferative disorder in a pediatric patient complicated by fatal ruptured cerebral artery aneurysm
Authors: Yi Troy , Steinberg Jeffrey , Olson Scott , El‐Said Howaida , Mo Jun , Anderson Eric , Gloude Nicholas , Schiff Deborah
Published: May 2023

Key Clinical Message

Hydroa vacciniforme‐like lymphoproliferative disorder (HV‐LPD) is a rare cutaneous form of chronic active Epstein–Barr virus (CAEBV) that presents with vesicular lesions induced by sun‐exposure. Arterial aneurysm is a rare but potentially fatal complication of CAEBV and HV‐LPD.
Photochemical Aminochlorination of Alkenes without the Use of an External Catalyst
Authors: Constantinou Constantinos T. , Gkizis Petros L. , Lagopanagiotopoulou Olga Thomais G. , Skolia Elpida , Nikitas Nikolaos F. , Triandafillidi Ierasia , Kokotos Christoforos G.
Published: May 2023

The niche field of photochemistry offers opportunities that are not found in “traditional” ground state chemical pathways. Aminochlorinated derivatives are an interesting family of 1,2‐difunctionalised compounds that provide access to a variety of natural products and pharmaceutical active substances. A practical, catalyst‐free chloroamination protocol is described herein, providing access to intermediates of great importance, utilising mild and photochemical reaction conditions (370 nm), where N‐chlorosulfonamides are used as both nitrogen and chlorine sources. A wide variety of olefins, decorated with a plethora of functional groups, was tested providing excellent results (28 examples, 18–88 % yield). Mechanistic studies (UV‐Vis, control experiments and quantum yield measurement) were also performed.
Plasma TDP‐43 levels are associated with neuroimaging measures of brain structure in limbic regions
Authors: Bauer Christopher E. , Zachariou Valentinos , Sudduth Tiffany L. , Van Eldik Linda J. , Jicha Gregory A. , Nelson Peter T. , Wilcock Donna M. , Gold Brian T.
Published: May 2023

Introduction

We evaluated the relationship between plasma levels of transactive response DNA binding protein of 43 kDa (TDP‐43) and neuroimaging (magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]) measures of brain structure in aging.

Methods

Plasma samples were collected from 72 non‐demented older adults (age range 60–94 years) in the University of Kentucky Alzheimer's Disease Research Center cohort. Multivariate linear regression models were run with plasma TDP‐43 level as the predictor variable and brain structure (volumetric or cortical thickness) measurements as the dependent variable. Covariates included age, sex, intracranial volume, and plasma markers of Alzheimer's disease neuropathological change (ADNC).

Results

Negative associations were observed between plasma TDP‐43 level and both the volume of the entorhinal cortex, and cortical thickness in the cingulate/parahippocampal gyrus, after controlling for ADNC plasma markers.

Discussion

Plasma TDP‐43 levels may be directly associated with structural MRI measures. Plasma TDP‐43 assays may prove useful in clinical trial stratification.

HIGHLIGHTS

Plasma transactive response DNA binding protein of 43 kDa (TDP‐43) levels were associated with entorhinal cortex volume.

Biomarkers of TDP‐43 and Alzheimer's disease neuropathologic change (ADNC) may help distinguish limbic‐predominant age‐related TDP‐43 encephalopathy neuropathologic change (LATE‐NC) from ADNC.

A comprehensive biomarker kit could aid enrollment in LATE‐NC clinical trials.
Growing Intact Membrane by Tuning Carbon Down to Ultrasmall 0.37 nm Microporous Structure for Confining Dissolution of Polysulfides Toward High‐Performance Sodium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Wu Chao , Li Juan , Liu Lifei , Zhang Heng , Zou Zhuo , Sun Wei , Dai Fangyin , Li Changming
Published: May 2023

Room temperature sodium–sulfur (Na–S) batteries are severely hampered by dissolution of polysulfides into electrolytes. Herein, a facile approach is used to tune a biomass‐derived carbon down to an ultrasmall 0.37 nm microporous structure for the first time as a cathode in sodium–sulfur batteries. This produced an intact uniform Na2S membrane to greatly confine the dissolution of polysulfides while realizing a direct solid phase conversion for complete reduction of sulfur to Na2S, which delivers a sulfur loading of 1 mg cm−2 (50 wt.%), an excellent rate capacity (933 mAh g−1 @ 0.1 A g−1 and 410 mAh g−1 @ 2 A g−1), long cycle performance (0.036% per cycle decay at 1 A g−1 after 1500 cycles), and a high energy density for 373 Wh kg−1 (0.1 A g−1) based on whole electrode weight (active sulfur loading + carbon), ranking the best among all reported plain carbon cathode‐based room temperature sodium–sulfur batteries in terms of the cycle life and rate capacity. It is proposed that the solid Na2S produced in the ultrasmall pores (0.37 nm) can be squeezed out to grow an intact membrane on the electrode surface covering the outlet of the pores and greatly depressing the dissolution effect of polysulfides for the long cycle life. This work provides a green chemistry to recycle wastes for sustainable energies and sheds light on design of a unique pore structure to effectively block the dissolution of polysulfides for high‐performance sodium–sulfur batteries.
Bayesian model selection considering model complexity using stochastic filtering
Authors: Ameri Fard Nasrand MohammadAli , Mahsuli Mojtaba , Ghahari S. Farid , Taciroglu Ertugrul
Published: May 2023

This paper proposes a Bayesian model selection framework to determine optimal, parsimonious models for given building structures under ground motion excitation using stochastic filtering. Structural system identification at a regional scale after an earthquake is nominally a monumental task due to its inherently high computational cost. This challenge is currently addressed in the literature by using simplified structural models that bear analytical solutions, such as Timoshenko or shear beams, and shear building models. However, a low computational effort usually leads to an increased prediction error and consequently, a higher model uncertainty. This poses the dilemma of prediction accuracy versus model complexity when selecting a model class to represent a building structure. The proposed framework selects the model class that strikes the best balance between the two. To this end, the notion of cumulative evidence is introduced here as the integral of local evidence over the ground motion duration, which is then formulated as the difference between the cumulative likelihood of the observed measurements and the cumulative penalty. The likelihood measure promotes models whose predictions better match the observations. This is counteracted by the penalty, which is devised as an “Ockham factor,” and penalizes models with higher information gains due to their higher complexities, for example, a larger number of parameters. The proposed approach also yields the best tuning parameters of the stochastic filter for each model class and the best initial values of the identification parameters. The proposed framework is verified using a synthetic example, and validated using recorded data from the Millikan Library building in California and the ANX building in Japan.
Built lives: Khwajasaras, Jouno‐Karmis, and the Politics of Non‐Normative Kinship and Citizenship in South Asia
Authors: Hussain Salman , Dasgupta Simanti
Published: May 2023

This paper examines how relationships are ‘built’ among khwajasaras [non‐normative non‐binary persons] and female jouno karmis [sex workers] in two sites in Pakistan and India respectively. We focus on the non‐normative nature of these relationships, first, to disassemble gender normativity itself; second, to argue that the colonial legacy of bureaucratic norming of kinship in South Asia, anchored in legal consanguinity and affinity on one hand, and territory and patriarchy on the other, erases these found relationships. Finally, in formulating what we term, ‘relative kinship’ –authenticating one's identity and belonging as a citizen typically through a male kin –we trace the current impetus in Pakistan and India to algorithmically converge biographies and biometrics to recalibrate citizenship. We ask, how may we understand the built lives of those deemed by the state to be legally out of place as ‘aliens’ or ‘foreigners’. Through the lens of kinship and gender modalities in marginalized communities, the article has wider implications for thinking about the kinship‐nation continuum and the ways in which one does or can belong, if at all.
Optimizing the timing of antenatal corticosteroid administration prior to anticipated preterm birth: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Danieli‐Gruber Shir , Levy Hillah , Gomez Rachel , Houri Ohad , Geron Yossi , Hadar Eran
Published: May 2023

Objective

To examine suboptimal antenatal corticosteroid (ACS) administration based on indications and maternal‐obstetrical factors.

Methods

Women who prematurely delivered (24 + 0 to 36 + 6 gestational weeks) a viable neonate following ACS treatment between 2012 and 2019 were identified by a retrospective database review. The cohort was divided into patients in whom ACS administration was optimally timed (≥24 h to ≤7 days) or suboptimally timed (>7 days). The groups were compared for ACS indications and maternal, obstetrical, and neonatal parameters.

Results

The cohort included 399 women. ACS timing was optimal in 233 patients (58%) and was associated with nulliparity (109 [46.8%] vs. 54 [32.5%], P = 0.004) and preterm premature rupture of membranes (89 [38.2%] vs. 45 [27.1%], P = 0.021). Suboptimal timing was associated with chronic hypertension (22 [9.4%] vs. 36 [21.7%], P < 0.001) and asymptomatic cervical shortening (23 [9.9%] vs. 26 [15.7%], P = 0.020). Optimal ACS timing was associated with higher neonatal intensive care unit admission (135 [58%] vs. 71 [42.8%], P = 0.003). On multivariate analysis, the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of neonatal intensive care unit admission was 0.69 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.58–0.83, P < 0.001) and 0.99 (95% CI, 0.99–1, P = 0.003) when adjusted for gestational age and birth weight, respectively. When adjusting for maternal age, the aOR for suboptimal ACS administraion due to chronic hypertension was 2.65 (95% CI, 1.49–4.72; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Optimal timing of ACS varies based on different maternal characteristics and clinical indications. In the presence of certain parameters physicians tend to administer ACS suboptimally, diminishing its beneficial effect.
Enhanced bioactivity and hydrothermal aging resistance of Y‐TZP ceramics for dental implant
Authors: He Qixuan , Zhang Wenmin , Zhan Xiaozhen , Qin Yanping , Ye Jiandong
Published: May 2023

Although yttria‐stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (Y‐TZP) ceramics have been widely used as restorative materials due to their high mechanical strength, unique esthetic effect, and good biocompatibility, their general application to implant materials is still limited by their biological inertness and hydrothermal aging phenomenon. Existing studies have attempted to investigate how to enhance the bioactivity or hydrothermal aging resistance of Y‐TZP. Still, more studies need to be done on the modification that combines these two aspects. In this study, Y‐TZP was prepared by 77S bioactive glass (BG) sol and akermanite (AKT) sol infiltration and microwave sintering, which provided Y‐TZP with high bioactivity while maintaining resistance to hydrothermal aging. Results of phase composition evaluation, microstructural characteristics, and mechanical property tests showed that modified Y‐TZP specimens exhibited little or no tetragonal‐to‐monoclinic (t → m) transformation and maintained relatively high mechanical properties after accelerated hydrothermal aging treatment. The in vitro biological behaviors showed that the introduction of 77S BG and AKT significantly promoted cell adhesion, spreading, viability, and proliferation on the surface of modified Y‐TZP ceramics. Therefore, this modification could effectively enhance the bioactivity and hydrothermal aging resistance of Y‐TZP ceramics for its application in dental implant materials.
Recent Advances in Habenula Imaging Technology: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Bian BingYang , Zhang Bei , Wong ChinTing , Dou Le , Pan XingChen , Wang HongChao , Guo ShiYu , Zhang HuiMao , Zhang Lei
Published: May 2023

The habenula (Hb) is involved in many natural human behaviors, and the relevance of its alterations in size and neural activity to several psychiatric disorders and addictive behaviors has been presumed and investigated in recent years using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Although the Hb is small, an increasing number of studies have overcome the difficulties in MRI. Conventional structural‐based imaging also has great defects in observing the Hb contrast with adjacent structures. In addition, more and more attention should be paid to the Hb's functional, structural, and quantitative imaging studies. Several advanced MRI methods have recently been employed in clinical studies to explore the Hb and its involvement in psychiatric diseases. This review summarizes the anatomy and function of the human Hb; moreover, it focuses on exploring the human Hb with noninvasive MRI approaches, highlighting strategies to overcome the poor contrast with adjacent structures and the need for multiparametric MRI to develop imaging markers for diagnosis and treatment follow‐up.

Level of Evidence

3

Technical Efficacy Stage

2
Gait speed and kinesiophobia explain physical activity level in adults with osteoarthritis: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Aydemir Burcu , Huang Chun‐Hao , Foucher Kharma C.
Published: May 2023

Identifying potential contributing factors for physical inactivity in people with knee osteoarthritis is vital for designing practical activity promoting interventions. Walking is a common activity, but it is unknown how gait characteristics may influence physical activity and if psychological factors, specifically fear of movement (kinesiophobia), contribute to this relationship. The aim of our study was to investigate the contributions of select gait parameters and kinesiophobia to activity levels. Cross‐sectional data from 40 participants (F 24|M 16; age 57.6 ± 8.9 years; BMI 34.7 ± 7.0 kg/m2) with uni‐ or bilateral knee osteoarthritis were included. Physical activity and kinesiophobia were assessed by self‐report using the University of California, Los Angeles activity rating scale, and Tampa scale for kinesiophobia, respectively. Gait parameters were collected with three‐dimensional gait analysis while participants walked on an instrumented split‐belt treadmill at a self‐selected speed. Higher peak sagittal plane joint moments at the ankle (ρ = 0.418, p = 0.007), and hip (ρ = 0.348, p = 0.028), faster self‐selected gait speed (ρ = 0.553, p < 0.001), and less kinesiophobia or fear of movement (ρ = −0.695, p < 0.001) were independently related to higher physical activity level in adults with knee osteoarthritis. In hierarchical regression models, after accounting for covariates, only self‐selected gait speed, and kinesiophobia significantly contributed to explaining the variation in physical activity level. Statement of clinical significance: Interventions aimed at improving physical activity participation in those with lower limb osteoarthritis should consider assessing the contribution of pain‐related fear of movement.
Association between enteral feeding and gastrointestinal complications in children receiving extracorporeal life support: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Tume Lyvonne N. , Beech Gail , Tse Chi , Nolan Shirley , Brady Alison , Odutolu Yetunde , Latten Lynne
Published: May 2023

Background

Extracorporeal life support is an accepted treatment modality for children with severe cardiac and/or respiratory dysfunction. However, after a period of inadequate gut perfusion, clinicians are often reluctant to initiate enteral nutrition.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study in a single large pediatric intensive care unit in North West England over 5.5 years (2017–2022).

Results

One hundred fifty‐six children, who had a median age of 2 months (IQR, 0.3–15) and a mean weight‐for‐age z score of –1.50 (SD, 1.7), were included. Indications for extracorporeal life support were respiratory failure (31%), cardiac arrest (28%), low cardiac output state (27%), and inability to separate from cardiopulmonary bypass (12%). Most (75%) children were fed during extracorporeal life support, with a median time to initiate feeding of 24 h (IQR, 12.2–42.7). More gastrointestinal complications were associated with being enterally fed (86% vs 14%; P < 0.001), but complications were predominantly feed intolerance (46%), which was associated with receiving formula feeds rather than maternal (breast) milk (P < 0.001). Overall, the proportion of children's median energy targets achieved by 72 h was 38% (IQR, 10.7%−76%), but this varied by support indication.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest most children tolerated enteral feeding within 24 h after extracorporeal life support initiation, with only mild gastrointestinal complications.
Plant availability and leaching of 15N‐labelled mineral fertilizer residues retained in agricultural soil for 25 years: A lysimeter study
Authors: Sørensen Peter , Pedersen Betina N. , Thomsen Ingrid K. , Eriksen Jørgen , Christensen Bent T.
Published: May 2023

Background

A high use‐efficiency of fertilizer N remains essential to sustain high crop productivity with low environmental impact. However, little is known on the long‐term lability of mineral fertilizer N.

Aims

To quantify crop uptake and leaching of 15N‐labelled mineral fertilizer that has been retained in an agricultural soil for 25–30 years in crops with variable growing season.

Methods

A field plot received 15N‐labelled mineral fertilizers over a period of 5 years and was then kept under arable cropping for 12 years. After relocation to 16 lysimeters, the topsoil grew set‐aside grassland for the next 13 years. Then crop uptakes and leaching losses of 15N remaining in soil was tested over a 2‐year period by either converting set‐aside grass to production grassland, or by replacing it with spring barley (+/− autumn cover crop) or vegetation‐free fallow. All treatments received unlabelled mineral N fertilizers.

Results

Crop uptake and leaching of 15N were generally highest in the first test year after termination of the set‐aside. The leaching of residual 15N in soil declined in the order: vegetation‐free soil (4.7%), spring barley (1.9%), spring barley + cover crop (0.7%) and production grassland (0.2%). Corresponding losses for the second leaching period were 2.7%, 0.9%, 0.4% and 0.06%. There was a fixed relationship between leaching losses of 15N and total N.

Conclusions

After residing in soil for 25–30 years, the lability of labelled mineral N fertilizer residues appeared slightly higher than the lability of bulk soil N. Autumn vegetation was crucial for reducing leaching losses.
Transoral Surgery in HPV‐Positive Oropharyngeal Carcinoma: Oncologic Outcomes in the Veterans Affairs System
Authors: Faraji Farhoud , Kumar Abhishek , Voora Rohith , Soliman Shady I. , Cherry Daniel , Courtney P. Travis , Finegersh Andrey , Guo Theresa , Cohen Ezra , Califano Joseph A. , Mell Loren , Rose Brent , Orosco Ryan K.
Published: May 2023

Objectives

Most transoral robotic surgery (TORS) literature for HPV‐positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPV‐OPC) derives from high‐volume tertiary‐care centers. This study aims to describe long‐term recurrence and survival outcomes among Veterans Health Administration patients.

Materials and Methods

Using the US Veterans Affairs database, we identified patients with HPV‐OPC treated with TORS between January 2010 and December 2016. Patients were stratified in risk categories: low (0–1 metastatic nodes, negative margins), intermediate (close margins, 2–4 metastatic nodes, lymphovascular or perineural invasion, pT3‐pT4 tumor), or high (positive margins, extranodal extension (ENE), and/or ≥5 metastatic nodes). Primary outcomes included overall survival (OS), disease‐specific survival (DSS), and recurrence‐free survival (RFS).

Results

The cohort included 161 patients of which 29 (18%) were low‐risk, 45 (28%) intermediate‐risk, and 87 (54%) high‐risk. ENE was present in 41% of node‐positive cases and 24% had positive margins. Median follow‐up was 5.6 years (95% CI, 3.0–9.3). The 5‐year DSS for low, intermediate, and high‐risk groups were: 100%, 90.0% (95% CI, 75.4–96.1%), and 88.7% (95% CI, 78.3–94.2%). Pathologic features associated with poor DSS on univariable analysis included pT3‐T4 tumors (HR 3.81, 95% CI, 1.31–11; p = 0.01), ≥5 metastatic nodes (HR 3.41, 95% CI, 1.20–11; p = 0.02), and ENE (HR 3.53, 95% CI, 1.06–12; p = 0.04). Higher 5‐year cumulative incidences of recurrence were observed in more advanced tumors (pT3‐T4, 33% [95% CI, 14–54%] versus pT1‐T2, 13% [95% CI, 8–19%]; p = 0.01).

Conclusions

In this nationwide study, patients with HPV‐OPC treated with TORS followed by adjuvant therapy at Veterans Affairs Medical Centers demonstrated favorable survival outcomes comparable to those reported in high‐volume academic centers and clinical trials.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 134:207–214, 2024
Coupling analysis of polytetrafluoroethylene dielectric waveguides in the sub‐THz band
Authors: Li Yue , Liao Shaowei , Xue Quan , Che Wenquan
Published: May 2023

This letter investigates the coupling between two parallel‐placed polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) dielectric waveguides over the frequency band from 90 to 110 GHz. The coupling is considered under different working frequencies, coupling spacings, coupling lengths, and polarizations. Simulations and measurements are carried out, and the results indicate the coupling can be significantly reduced by increasing the operating frequency and coupling spacing and adopting vertical polarization (VP) for a specific coupling length. In particular, the simulated and measured results with a 9‐mm coupling distance under two polarization states can be kept under −30 dB for 50‐ and 100‐mm coupling lengths, leading to negligible interference. In the practical arrangement of PTFE dielectric waveguides working at the other frequencies, one can follow the same rule to reduce the coupling between waveguides and thus avoid interference.
TOC‐Analytik: Organische Kohlenstoff im Boden
Authors: Kerkhof Heidrun , Hupach Sascha
Published: May 2023

Der Gehalt an organischem Kohlenstoff ist in der physischen Geographie ein Parameter für die Bodenqualität. Die Erkenntnisse dienen dazu, Biodiversität zu erhalten und Ernteerträge zu sichern. Um Bodenproben für die Analyse zu gewinnen, gibt es mehrere Verfahren.
Industrie: Mit dem digitalen Zwilling Emissionen senken
Authors: Reynolds Stephen
Published: May 2023

Die chemische Industrie ist der drittgrößte Industriezweig Deutschlands und zeichnet für einen hohen Anteil an emittierten Treibhausgasen verantwortlich. Damit Unternehmen diese reduzieren können, braucht es Techniken wie Anlagen in digitaler Form.