bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A field‐based evaluation of portable XRF to screen for toxic metals in seafood products
Authors: Roberts Austin A. , Guimarães Diana , Tehrani Mina W. , Lin Shao , Parsons Patrick J.
Published: October 2023

Portable X‐Ray Fluorescence (XRF) has become increasingly popular where traditional laboratory methods are either impractical, time consuming, and/or too costly. While the Limit of Detection (LOD) is generally poorer for XRF compared to laboratory‐based methods, recent advances have improved XRF LODs and increased its potential for field‐based studies. Portable XRF can be used to screen food products for toxic elements such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), manganese, (Mn), zinc (Zn), and strontium (Sr). In this study, 23 seafood samples were analyzed using portable XRF in a home setting. After XRF measurements were completed in each home, the same samples were transferred to the laboratory for re‐analysis using microwave‐assisted digestion and Inductively Coupled Plasma Tandem Mass Spectrometry (ICP‐MS/MS). Four elements (Mn, Sr, As, and Zn) were quantifiable by XRF in most samples, and those results were compared to those obtained by ICP‐MS/MS. Agreement was judged reasonable for Mn, Sr, and As, but not for Zn. Discrepancies could be due to (1) the limited time available to prepare field samples for XRF, (2) the heterogeneous nature of “real samples” analyzed by XRF, and (3) the small beam spot size (~1 mm) of the XRF analyzer. Portable XRF is a cost‐effective screening tool for public health investigations involving exposure to toxic metals. It is important for practitioners untrained in XRF spectrometry to (1) recognize the limitations of portable instrumentation, (2) include validation data for each specific analyte(s) measured, and (3) ensure personnel have some training in sample preparation techniques for field‐based XRF analyses.
A Comparison of Pointwise and Levelling Assisted Regional Realisations of IHRS with a Case Study over Sweden
Authors: Alfredsson Anders , Ågren Jonas , Olsson Per-Anders
Published: October 2023

The International Height Reference System (IHRS) was defined by the International Association of Geodesy (IAG) in 2015. The global International Height Reference Frame (IHRF) should provide access to the IHRS in a broad sense. To provide high accuracy local access, regional (or national) realisations will also be needed. This study aims at evaluating different approaches to compute a denser regional realisation of IHRS in case a high accuracy levelling network is available. Using Sweden as a case study region, a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) and geoid based pointwise realisation is compared with three types of levelling assisted realisations. The latter are made by applying least squares adjustments of the precise levelling observations with fixed potential value(s) from either the global IHRF station in Sweden or the pointwise potentials of a larger number of stations. It is concluded that making a minimum constraint adjustment with one station fixed is not the best option. It is favourable to fix a reasonable number of pointwise stations at an internal distance over which the relative uncertainty of levelling is significantly lower than the relative uncertainty of the pointwise solution. The investigation is made using levelling data from the third precise levelling of Sweden, the NKG2015 quasigeoid model and the NKG2016LU postglacial land uplift model.
Improved accuracy of implant placement with an imageless handheld robotic system compared to conventional instrumentation in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty: a prospective randomized controlled trial using CT‐based assessment of radiological outcomes
Authors: Bollars Peter , Janssen Daniel , De Weerdt Wim , Albelooshi Ali , Meshram Prashant , Nguyen Thang D. , Lacour Michael T. , Schotanus Martijn G. M.
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Image‐free handheld robotic‐assisted total knee arthroplasty (RATKA) has shown to achieve desired limb alignment compared to conventional jig‐based instrumented total knee arthroplasty (CTKA). The aim of this prospective randomized controlled trial (RCT) was to evaluate the accuracy of a semi‐autonomous imageless handheld RATKA compared to CTKA in order to achieve the perioperative planned target alignment of the knee postoperatively.

Methods

Fifty‐two patients with knee osteoarthritis were randomized in 1:1 ratio to undergo unilateral CTKA or an imageless handheld RATKA. A full‐length lower limb CT‐scan was obtained pre‐ and 6‐week postoperative. The primary outcomes were radiologic measurements of achieved target hip–knee–ankle axis (HKA‐axis) and implant component position including varus and external rotation and flexion of the femur component, and posterior tibial slope. The proportion of outliers in above radiographic outcomes, defined as > 3° deviation in postoperative CT measurements as compared to perioperative planned target, were also noted. Knee phenotypes were compared with use of the Coronal Plane Alignment of the Knee (CPAK) classification.

Results

Baseline conditions were comparable between both groups. The overall proportion and percentage of outliers (n = 38, 24.4% vs n = 9, 5.8%) was statistically significant (p < 0.001) in favor of RATKA. The achieved varus–valgus of the femoral component (varus 1.3° ± 1.7° vs valgus − 0.1° ± 1.9°, p < 0.05) with statistically significant less outliers (0% vs 88.5%, p < 0.01), the achieved HKA‐axis (varus 0.4° ± 2.1° vs valgus − 1.2° ± 2.1°, p < 0.05) and the posterior tibial slope (1.4° ± 1.1° vs 3.2° ± 1.8°, p < 0.05) were more accurate with RATKA. The most common postoperative CPAK categories were type II (50% CTKA vs 61.5% RATKA), type I (3.8% CTKA vs 23.1% RATKA) and type V (26.9% CTKA vs 15.4% RATKA). CPAK classification III was only found in CTKA (19.2%). Type VI, VII, VIII, and IX were rare in both populations.

Conclusions

The present trial demonstrates that an imageless handheld RATKA system can be used to accurately perioperatively plan the desired individual component implant positions with less alignment outliers whilst aiming for a constitutional alignment.

Level of evidence

I.
Comparative metabolism of aflatoxin B1 in mouse, rat and human primary hepatocytes using HPLC–MS/MS
Authors: Gerdemann Andrea , Cramer Benedikt , Degen Gisela H. , Veerkamp Jannik , Günther Georgia , Albrecht Wiebke , Behrens Matthias , Esselen Melanie , Ghallab Ahmed , Hengstler Jan G. , Humpf Hans-Ulrich
Published: October 2023

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a highly hepatotoxic and carcinogenic mycotoxin produced by Aspergillus species. The compound is mainly metabolized in the liver and its metabolism varies between species. The present study quantified relevant AFB1- metabolites formed by mouse, rat, and human primary hepatocytes after treatment with 1 µM and 10 µM AFB1. The use of liquid chromatographic separation coupled with tandem mass spectrometric detection enabled the selective and sensitive determination of phase I and phase II metabolites of AFB1 over incubation times of up to 24 h. The binding of AFB1 to macromolecules was also considered. The fastest metabolism of AFB1 was observed in mouse hepatocytes which formed aflatoxin P1 as a major metabolite and also its glucuronidated form, while AFP1 occurred only in traces in the other species. Aflatoxin M1 was formed in all species and was, together with aflatoxin Q1 and aflatoxicol, the main metabolite in human cells. Effective epoxidation led to high amounts of DNA adducts already 30 min post-treatment, especially in rat hepatocytes. Lower levels of DNA adducts and fast DNA repair were found in mouse hepatocytes. Also, protein adducts arising from reactive intermediates were formed rapidly in all three species. Detoxification via glutathione conjugation and subsequent formation of the N-acetylcysteine derivative appeared to be similar in mice and in rats and strongly differed from human hepatocytes which did not form these metabolites at all. The use of qualitative reference material of a multitude of metabolites and the comparison of hepatocyte metabolism in three species using advanced methods enabled considerations on toxification and detoxification mechanisms of AFB1. In addition to glutathione conjugation, phase I metabolism is strongly involved in the detoxification of AFB1.
Effectiveness of nanoscale silicon dioxide-coated picker fingers on Salmonella Enteritidis and Escherichia coli
Authors: Schumann-Muck Felicitas Maria , Blaeske Victoria , Braun Peggy G. , Koethe Martin
Published: October 2023

In poultry slaughtering, cross-contamination with Salmonella Enteritidis is a constant ongoing challenge. Interaction between food contact surfaces can potentially transfer pathogenic material like feces from carcasses to another one. One approach to break this chain is to modify surfaces that frequently come into contact with the animal during the slaughtering process. Surface alterations like nanoscale coatings have already been successfully applied in various fields to lower the bacterial load. The aim of the study was to compare bacterial attachment, proliferation and detachment of Salmonella Enteritidis and Escherichia coli on uncoated and on nanoscale silica coated rubber picker fingers at laboratory scale. It was shown that both target organisms did not adhere less to coated surface than to uncoated picker fingers, whereas no difference in bacterial growth or detachment was detected. It can be concluded that the coating used in this study did not contribute to a reduction of the bacterial load on this surface in the specific experimental setups employed. Further studies should focus on whether nanoscale surface modifications achieve improved results under more practical conditions and whether other factors such as surface durability can be influenced by a coating.

Graphical abstract
Ionic liquid, ultrasound-assisted synthesis of lignin nanoparticles for barrier-enhanced all-cellulose nanocomposite films
Authors: Amini Elahe , Valls Cristina , Roncero M. Blanca
Published: October 2023

The primary purpose of this work was to develop novel all-cellulose nanocomposite (ACNC) films by following a green approach that uses an ionic liquid as solvent and requires no additional reducing agents or stabilizers. In this way, biodegradable, UV-blocking ACNC films were obtained by partially dissolving cellulose to entrap lignin nanoparticles (LNP) within. Lignin particles in proportions of 3–7 wt% were modified by sonication in an ionic liquid (IL) to obtain lignin-IL dispersions. The influence of the LNP-IL medium on the chemical, physical, and morphological properties of the resulting nanocomposites was examined, and the properties compared with those of an all-cellulose composite (ACC) film and untreated paper. The TEM technique revealed the formation of unevenly spherical LNPs as small as 5.133 ± 0.003 nm, and XRD spectroscopy a transition from cellulose I to II and an increase in the proportion of non-crystalline cellulose as a result of partial dissolution and regeneration. In addition, SEM images confirmed the deposition of LNPs onto the surface of the regenerated cellulose matrix. The incorporation of LNPs considerably enhanced the UV-blocking, oxygen and water-barrier, biodegradation, antioxidant and antibacterial properties of the films. Moreover, LNPs in proportions of 3 and 5 wt% increased tensile strength, and a proportion of 7 wt% allowed the films to block 97% of light at 280 nm and increased antioxidant activity by 68% relative to the control sample. Interestingly, a 7 wt% LNP content in the films decreased antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli by about 42.85% and 63.88%, respectively. The new, multifunctional biocomposite films are suitable for various uses in cellulose-based food packaging.
ATOR-1017 (evunzekibart), an Fc-gamma receptor conditional 4-1BB agonist designed for optimal safety and efficacy, activates exhausted T cells in combination with anti-PD-1
Authors: Enell Smith Karin , Fritzell Sara , Nilsson Anneli , Barchan Karin , Rosén Anna , Schultz Lena , Varas Laura , Säll Anna , Rose Nadia , Håkansson Maria , von Schantz Laura , Ellmark Peter
Published: October 2023

Background

4-1BB (CD137) is a co-stimulatory receptor highly expressed on tumor reactive effector T cells and NK cells, which upon stimulation prolongs persistence of tumor reactive effector T and NK cells within the tumor and induces long-lived memory T cells. 4-1BB agonistic antibodies have been shown to induce strong anti-tumor effects that synergize with immune checkpoint inhibitors. The first generation of 4-1BB agonists was, however, hampered by dose-limiting toxicities resulting in suboptimal dose levels or poor agonistic activity.

Methods

ATOR-1017 (evunzekibart), a second-generation Fc-gamma receptor conditional 4-1BB agonist in IgG4 format, was designed to overcome the limitations of the first generation of 4-1BB agonists, providing strong agonistic effect while minimizing systemic immune activation and risk of hepatoxicity. The epitope of ATOR-1017 was determined by X-ray crystallography, and the functional activity was assessed in vitro and in vivo as monotherapy or in combination with anti-PD1.

Results

ATOR-1017 binds to a unique epitope on 4-1BB enabling ATOR-1017 to activate T cells, including cells with an exhausted phenotype, and NK cells, in a cross-linking dependent, FcγR-conditional, manner. This translated into a tumor-directed and potent anti-tumor therapeutic effect in vivo, which was further enhanced with anti-PD-1 treatment.

Conclusions

These preclinical data demonstrate a strong safety profile of ATOR-1017, together with its potent therapeutic effect as monotherapy and in combination with anti-PD1, supporting further clinical development of ATOR-1017.
Evaluation der Lernplattform TF-KVT Web für psychotherapeutisch Tätige
Authors: Kasparik Barbara , Eilers Rebekka , Rosner Rita
Published: October 2023

Hintergrund

Webbasierte Schulungen können ein effektiver Weg sein, auf dem Psychotherapeutinnen und Psychotherapeuten Wissen über Interventionen erwerben können. Die manualisierte traumafokussierte kognitive Verhaltenstherapie (TF-KVT) hat zur Behandlung der posttraumatischen Belastungsstörung (PTBS) bei Kindern und Jugendlichen derzeit die beste Evidenzbasis. Seit 2018 steht eine kostenfreie deutschsprachige Version des Schulungsprogramms TF-KVT Web zur Verfügung, welches 12 Lernmodule umfasst.

Ziel der Arbeit

In diesem Beitrag soll anhand von Merkmalen der psychotherapeutisch tätigen Personen, die sich für die deutsche TF-KVT-Website registriert haben, beschrieben werden, welche Zielgruppe eine solche Form der Weiterbildung nutzt. Es wird untersucht, ob die Teilnahme am Schulungsprogramm zu einem Wissenszuwachs über die Inhalte führt, und wie die Teilnehmenden die Chancen und Barrieren dieser Lernplattform bewerten.

Material und Methoden

Nutzerinnen und Nutzer des Schulungsprogramms gaben im Rahmen der Registrierung demografische Informationen an und füllten vor und nach jedem Modul einen Wissenstest zu den Inhalten des Moduls aus. Nach Bearbeitung konnte in einem Freitextfeld Rückmeldung zu wahrgenommen Chancen und Barrieren gegeben werden.

Ergebnisse

Mittelwertvergleiche zeigten einen signifikanten Wissenszuwachs durch die Bearbeitung der Schulungskomponenten in allen 12 Modulen (d = 0,18–1,16). Achtunddreißig Prozent der Teilnehmenden schlossen das Lernprogramm vollständig ab. Insgesamt wurden das Lernprogramm und die zur Verfügung gestellten Materialien positiv bewertet.

Diskussion

Die Ergebnisse stützen am Beispiel von TF-KVT Web die Wirksamkeit webbasierter Schulungsprogramme zur Wissensverbreitung im Bereich psychotherapeutischer Behandlungsmethoden. Künftige Forschung sollte die Umsetzung der vermittelten Methoden in der klinischen Praxis evaluieren.
Alarming Increase of Azole-Resistant Candida Causing Blood Stream Infections in Oncology Patients in Egypt
Authors: El-Mahallawy Hadir A. , Abdelfattah Nesma E. , Wassef Mona A. , Abdel-Hamid Rasha M.
Published: October 2023

Candidemia is a life-threatening invasive fungal infection in immunocompromised patients. The widespread use of azoles and the shift toward non-albicans Candida (NAC) species remarkably increase azole resistance in developing countries. We aimed to study candidemia trends and associated risk factors in oncology patients since they vary geographically, and rapid and appropriate treatment improves outcomes. Vitek 2 was used to identify the Candida species, and the E-test determined their susceptibility to azoles. Candida was the cause of 3.1% (n = 53/1701) of bloodstream infections (BSIs) during a 1-year study. Candida tropicalis was the most predominant species among the 30 candidemia episodes studied (36.7%), followed by C. albicans (33.3%). However, C. krusei, C. guilliermondii, C. pelliculosa, C. parapsilosis, C. famata, and C. inconspicua accounted for 30.0% of the isolates. An increased risk of NAC BSI was significantly associated with chemotherapy and leucopenia (P = 0.036 and 0.016, respectively). However, the multivariable analysis revealed that leucopenia was the only independent risk factor (P = 0.048). Fluconazole and voriconazole resistance were 58.3% and 16.7%, with NAC species showing higher resistance rates than C. albicans. Both fluconazole and voriconazole minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) median values were higher in NAC than in C. albicans, but only voriconazole was significantly higher (0.220 versus 0.048 μg/ml, P = 0.047). In conclusion, the increased prevalence of NAC BSIs and incredibly high fluconazole resistance rates in cancer patients emphasize the necessity of antifungal stewardship to preserve voriconazole effectiveness, continued surveillance of candidemia, and future studies into azole resistance molecular mechanisms.
ChatGPT makes medicine easy to swallow: an exploratory case study on simplified radiology reports
Authors: Jeblick Katharina , Schachtner Balthasar , Dexl Jakob , Mittermeier Andreas , Stüber Anna Theresa , Topalis Johanna , Weber Tobias , Wesp Philipp , Sabel Bastian Oliver , Ricke Jens , Ingrisch Michael
Published: October 2023

Objectives

To assess the quality of simplified radiology reports generated with the large language model (LLM) ChatGPT and to discuss challenges and chances of ChatGPT-like LLMs for medical text simplification.

Methods

In this exploratory case study, a radiologist created three fictitious radiology reports which we simplified by prompting ChatGPT with “Explain this medical report to a child using simple language.” In a questionnaire, we tasked 15 radiologists to rate the quality of the simplified radiology reports with respect to their factual correctness, completeness, and potential harm for patients. We used Likert scale analysis and inductive free-text categorization to assess the quality of the simplified reports.

Results

Most radiologists agreed that the simplified reports were factually correct, complete, and not potentially harmful to the patient. Nevertheless, instances of incorrect statements, missed relevant medical information, and potentially harmful passages were reported.

Conclusion

While we see a need for further adaption to the medical field, the initial insights of this study indicate a tremendous potential in using LLMs like ChatGPT to improve patient-centered care in radiology and other medical domains.

Clinical relevance statement

Patients have started to use ChatGPT to simplify and explain their medical reports, which is expected to affect patient-doctor interaction. This phenomenon raises several opportunities and challenges for clinical routine.

Key Points

• Patients have started to use ChatGPT to simplify their medical reports, but their quality was unknown.

• In a questionnaire, most participating radiologists overall asserted good quality to radiology reports simplified with ChatGPT. However, they also highlighted a notable presence of errors, potentially leading patients to draw harmful conclusions.

• Large language models such as ChatGPT have vast potential to enhance patient-centered care in radiology and other medical domains. To realize this potential while minimizing harm, they need supervision by medical experts and adaption to the medical field.

Graphical Abstract
A Three-Dimensional Generalization of QRT Maps
Authors: Alonso Jaume , Suris Yuri B. , Wei Kangning
Published: October 2023

We propose a geometric construction of three-dimensional birational maps that preserve two pencils of quadrics. The maps act as compositions of involutions, which, in turn, act along the straight line generators of the quadrics of the first pencil and are defined by the intersections with quadrics of the second pencil. On each quadric of the first pencil, the maps act as two-dimensional QRT maps. While these maps are of a pretty high degree in general, we find geometric conditions which guarantee that the degree is reduced to 3. The resulting degree 3 maps are illustrated by two known and two novel Kahan-type discretizations of three-dimensional Nambu systems, including the Euler top and the Zhukovski–Volterra gyrostat with two non-vanishing components of the gyrostatic momentum.
Orientation Preserving Maps of the Square Grid II
Authors: Bárány Imre , Pór Attila
Published: October 2023

For a finite set $$S\subset {\mathbb {R}}^2$$

S
⊂

R

2

, a map $$\varphi :S\rightarrow {\mathbb {R}}^2$$

φ
:
S
→

R

2

is orientation preserving if for every non-collinear triple $$u,v,w\in S$$

u
,
v
,
w
∈
S

the orientation of the triangle u, v, w is the same as that of the triangle $$\varphi (u),\varphi (v),\varphi (w)$$

φ
(
u
)
,
φ
(
v
)
,
φ
(
w
)

. Assuming that $$\varphi :G_n\rightarrow {\mathbb {R}}^2$$

φ
:

G
n

→

R

2

is an orientation preserving map where $$G_n$$

G
n

is the grid $$\{0,\pm 1,\dots ,\pm n\}^2$$

{
0
,
±
1
,
⋯
,
±
n
}

2

and n is large enough we prove that there is a projective transformation $$\mu :{\mathbb {R}}^2\rightarrow {\mathbb {R}}^2$$

μ
:

R

2

→

R

2

such that $$\Vert \mu \circ \varphi (z)-z\Vert =O(1/n)$$

‖
μ
∘
φ
(
z
)
-
z
‖
=
O
(
1
/
n
)

for every $$z\in G_n$$

z
∈

G
n

.
Surgical treatment of retrorectal tumors: a plea for a laparoscopic approach
Authors: Galán Clara , Hernández M. Pilar , Martínez M. Carmen , Sánchez Anna , Bollo Jesús , Targarona Eduardo Mª
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Retrorectal tumors (RRTs) are rare and often surgically excised due to the risk of malignant degeneration and compressive or obstructive symptoms. The approach for excision has traditionally been based on tumor location and performed using either a transabdominal or perineal approach depending on the position of the tumor. The advent of minimally invasive surgery, however, has challenged this paradigm. Here, we determined the applicability and potential advantages of a laparoscopic transabdominal approach in a series of 23 patients with RRTs.

Material and methods

We included 23 patients presenting with RRTs treated at the Surgical Gastrointestinal Unit at Hospital de Sant Pau that were registered prospectively since 1998. The preoperative evaluation consisted of colonoscopy, CT scan and/or MRI, mechanical bowel lavage, and antibiotic therapy. Signed consent was obtained from all patients for a laparoscopic transabdominal approach unless the tumor was easily accessible via a perineal approach. In case of recurrence, a transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) approach was considered.

Surgical details, immediate morbidity, and short- and long-term outcomes were recorded.

Results

Of the 23 RRT cases evaluated, 16 patients underwent a laparoscopic transabdominal approach and 6 underwent a perineal approach. No patients required conversion to open surgery. In the laparoscopic transabdominal group, the mean operating time was 158 min, the average postoperative hospital stay was 5 days, and postoperative morbidity was 18%. Three patients had recurrent RRTs, two of the three underwent surgical reintervention. The third patient was radiologically stable and close follow-up was decided.

Conclusion

Our results show that laparoscopic transabdominal excision of RRT is a safe and effective technique, offering the potential advantages of less invasive access and reduced morbidity. This approach challenges the traditional paradigm of excision of these infrequent tumors based solely on tumor location and offers a viable alternative for the treatment of these infrequent tumors.
Promoting Peer Connectedness Through Social-Emotional Learning: Evaluating the Intervention Effect Mechanisms and Implementation Factors of a Social-Emotional Learning Programme for 9 to 12-Year-Olds
Authors: Pollak Isabella , Stiehl Katharina A. M. , Birchwood James , Schrank Beate , Zechner Kerstin Angelika , Wiesner Christian , Woodcock Kate Anne
Published: October 2023

There is little evidence regarding the effect mechanisms of social-emotional learning programs on children’s peer relationships. The current study evaluated a novel school-based social-emotional learning program for the first year of secondary school assessing effects on social-emotional skills, peer connectedness, happiness, student and teacher classroom climate. The sample included 19 intervention classrooms (n = 399) and 16 waitlist-control classrooms (n = 281), with a mean age of 10.34 (SD = 0.76) and 48.8% girls. The main intervention effect analysis followed a per-protocol approach and was thus conducted with eight classes that finished all sessions (n = 195) and the control group classes (n = 281). It was further hypothesized that increases in social-emotional skills would predict peer connectedness and class climate increases, which would predict happiness. Results indicated significant intervention effects for social skills, peer connectedness and happiness. Classroom climate declined for both groups, seemingly affected by the school transition. Hypothesized relationships between target variables were partly supported with significant effects of social-emotional skills on connectedness and significant effects of peer connectedness on happiness for children reporting connectedness decreases. Additional analyses were conducted including all classrooms to compare the intervention’s effectiveness across different implementation progress groups. Significant group differences were found, indicating that implementation aspects impact intervention outcomes. The findings indicate that universal, school-based social-emotional leaning programs are effective approaches to support peer relationships in the context of the school transition. However, more implementation support seems to be needed to ensure best-practice delivery and achieve maximal intervention effectiveness.
Skeletal remains of human perinatal individuals from the fortified Iberian Period settlement of Ca n’Oliver (6th century to 50 years BCE)
Authors: Rissech Carme , Witzel Carsten , Guardia Marc , López-Costas Olalla , Götherström Anders , Krzewińska Maja , Kırdök Emrah , Mendiela Susana , Merino Marta , Francès Joan
Published: October 2023

Burial customs in the Iberian Period (Iron Age II) included cremation. Only perinatal and newborn infants were buried directly beneath floor settlement. These infants represent the very few unburned human remains recovered from Iberian sites. The interpretation of these infant burials is in debate, focusing on whether they are unnatural or natural deaths. Our aim is to infer mortality patterns and developmental conditions of these individuals, in order to respond if infanticide was present in these assemblages. A large perinatal human skeletal sample from the Ca n’Oliver site (sixth century to 50 years BCE) from the Iberian Period of the northeast of the Iberian Peninsula was analysed, combining osteological methods together with tooth histology and aDNA analysis. Combining osteological and odontological estimates indicated ages between 22 and 42 weeks of gestation for 47 out of a total of 48 individuals. The remaining individual died at about 6 months after birth. Tooth height and enamel histology indicated in 9 out of a subgroup of 13 individuals a low probability of live birth. The remaining 4 individuals possibly survived birth for less than 2 months. According to morphological and molecular results, the sex ratio of this sample is approximately 1:1 male to female. The mortality distribution is consistent with natural mortality. These perinatal deaths were probably spontaneous abortions and neonatal deaths, reflecting an endogenous mortality profile due to genetic and maternal influences. The present study will serve to broaden our knowledge on perinatal individuals of the Iberian Period.
Vibrational spectroscopy and multiphoton microscopy for label-free visualization of nervous system degeneration and regeneration
Authors: Galli Roberta , Uckermann Ortrud
Published: October 2023

Neurological disorders, including spinal cord injury, peripheral nerve injury, traumatic brain injury, and neurodegenerative diseases, pose significant challenges in terms of diagnosis, treatment, and understanding the underlying pathophysiological processes. Label-free multiphoton microscopy techniques, such as coherent Raman scattering, two-photon excited autofluorescence, and second and third harmonic generation microscopy, have emerged as powerful tools for visualizing nervous tissue with high resolution and without the need for exogenous labels. Coherent Raman scattering processes as well as third harmonic generation enable label-free visualization of myelin sheaths, while their combination with two-photon excited autofluorescence and second harmonic generation allows for a more comprehensive tissue visualization. They have shown promise in assessing the efficacy of therapeutic interventions and may have future applications in clinical diagnostics. In addition to multiphoton microscopy, vibrational spectroscopy methods such as infrared and Raman spectroscopy offer insights into the molecular signatures of injured nervous tissues and hold potential as diagnostic markers. This review summarizes the application of these label-free optical techniques in preclinical models and illustrates their potential in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders with a special focus on injury, degeneration, and regeneration. Furthermore, it addresses current advancements and challenges for bridging the gap between research findings and their practical applications in a clinical setting.
Experienced Meditators Show Multifaceted Attention-Related Differences in Neural Activity
Authors: Bailey Neil W. , Baell Oliver , Payne Jake Elijah , Humble Gregory , Geddes Harry , Cahill Isabella , Hill Aron T. , Chung Sung Wook , Emonson Melanie , Murphy Oscar W. , Fitzgerald Paul B.
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Mindfulness meditation (MM) is suggested to improve attention. Research has explored this using the “attentional-blink” (AB) task, where stimuli are rapidly presented, and a second target stimulus (T2) is often missed if presented ~300 ms after an initial target stimulus (T1). Previous research has shown improved task accuracy during the AB task and altered neural activity following an intensive 3-month MM retreat. We tested whether these results replicated in a community sample of typical meditators.

Method

Thirty-one mindfulness meditators and 30 non-meditators completed an AB task while electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded. Between-group comparisons were made for task accuracy, event-related potential activity (posterior-N2 and P3b), theta and alpha oscillatory phase synchronisation to stimuli presentation, and alpha-power. The primary aim was to examine effects within the time windows reported in previous research. Additional exploratory aims assessed effects across broader time windows.

Results

No differences were detected in task accuracy or neural activity within our primary hypotheses. However, exploratory analyses showed posterior-N2 and theta phase synchronisation (where the phase of theta oscillations were synchronised to stimuli onset) effects indicating meditators showed a priority towards attending to T2 stimuli (p < 0.01). Meditators also showed more alpha-phase synchronisation, and lower alpha-power (with smaller amplitudes of activity in the alpha frequency) when processing T2 stimuli (p < 0.025).

Conclusions

Our results showed multiple differences in neural activity that suggested enhanced attention in meditators. The neural activity patterns in meditators aligned with theoretical perspectives on activity associated with enhanced cognitive performance. These include enhanced alpha “gating” mechanisms (where alpha activity acts as a filter between sensory and higher order neural processes), increased oscillatory synchronisation to stimuli, and more equal allocation of neural activity across stimuli. However, meditators did not show higher task accuracy, nor were the effects consistent with our primary hypotheses or previous research.

Preregistration

This study was not preregistered.
An algorithmic approach to solving split common fixed point problems for families of demicontractive operators in Hilbert spaces
Authors: Abass H. A. , Aphane M.
Published: October 2023

In this article, we propose a new iterative algorithm for solving split common fixed point problems for finite families of single-valued demicontractive mappings in the setting of real Hilbert spaces. In order to solve this problem, we introduce a Halpern method with with an Armijo-line search for approximating the solution of the aforementioned problems. We establish a strong convergence result of the proposed method and display some numerical examples to illustrate the performance of our main result. Our result complements and generalizes some related results in literature.
Environmental performance assessments of different methods of coal preparation for use in small-capacity boilers: experiment and theory
Authors: Kozlov A. N. , Maysyuk E. P. , Ivanova I. Yu.
Published: October 2023

The purpose of this article is to receive environmental assessments of combustion of different types of coal fuel depending on the preparation (unscreened, size-graded, briquetted and heat-treated) in automated boilers and boilers with manual loading. The assessments were made on the basis of data obtained from experimental methods of coal preparation and calculated methods of determining the amount of pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions, as well as the mass of ash and slag waste. The main pollutants from coal combustion are calculated: particulate matter, benz(a)pyrene, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide. Of the greenhouse gases carbon dioxide is calculated. As a result of conducted research it is shown that the simplest preliminary preparation (size-graded) of coal significantly improves combustion efficiency and environmental performance: emissions are reduced by 13% for hard coal and up to 20% for brown coal. The introduction of automated boilers with heat-treated coal in small boiler facilities allows to reduce emissions and ash and slag waste by 2–3 times. The best environmental indicators correspond to heat-treated lignite, which is characterized by the absence of sulfur dioxide emissions.
Evaluation and identification of viruses for biocontrol of the ash dieback disease
Authors: Lutz Tobias , Ridley Maia , Hadeler Birgit , Schulz Barbara , Enderle Rasmus , Steinert Michael , Heinze Cornelia
Published: October 2023

The invasive ascomycete Hymenoscyphus fraxineus is the causative agent for ash dieback on the European species Fraxinus excelsior and Fraxinus angustifolia, and there is concern that it is going to replace the native, closely related and nonpathogenic Hymenoscyphus albidus. Fungal management in forests is limited, and alternative approaches for control are needed. Within the scope of the project “FraxForFuture”, several strategies are being investigated. One idea comprises the use of a viral hyperparasite, which can induce a reduced virulence in the fungal host H. fraxineus in an antagonist-like system. This phenomenon, the reduction of fungal virulence by a viral infection, is known as hypovirulence, and a similar method has already been established to control the Chestnut Blight in Europe. We examined 34 isolates of H. fraxineus for both their virulence and presence of a viral infection. Although a predominant number of isolates were found to be infected with Hymenoscyphus mitovirus 1 (HfMV1), no additional viruses were detected, and our data did not indicate a link to reduced virulence. The search for a viral infection was extended to one isolate of H. albidus in which we found and characterized a novel mycovirus. Based on phylogenetic analysis and sequence properties, it was assigned to the genus Victorivirus in the family of Totiviridae and was tentatively denominated as Hymenoscyphus albidus victorivirus 1. This novel and native mycovirus might be suitable for inducing hypovirulence in H. fraxineus as a biocide.
Pseudo labelling workflow, margin losses, hard triplet mining, and PENViT backbone for explainable age and biological gender estimation using dental panoramic radiographs
Authors: Arian Md. Sahadul Hasan , Rakib Md. Tahmid Ahmed , Ali Samira , Ahmed Saif , Farook Taseef Hasan , Mohammed Nabeel , Dudley James
Published: October 2023

This study aimed to estimate human age and gender from panoramic radiographs using various deep learning techniques while using explainability to have a novel hybrid unsupervised model explain the decision-making process. The classification task involved training neural networks and vision transformers on 706 panoramic radiographs using different loss functions and backbone architectures namely ArcFace, a triplet network named TriplePENViT, and the subsequently developed model called PENViT. Pseudo labeling techniques were applied to train the models using unlabeled data. FullGrad Explainable AI was used to gain insights into the decision-making process of the developed PENViT model. The ViT Large 32 model achieved a validation accuracy of 68.21% without ArcFace, demonstrating its effectiveness in the classification task. The PENViT model outperformed other backbones, achieving the same validation accuracy without ArcFace and an improved accuracy of 70.54% with ArcFace. The TriplePENViT model achieved a validation accuracy of 67.44% using hard triplet mining techniques. Pseudo labeling techniques yielded poor performance, with a validation accuracy of 64.34%. Validation accuracy without ArcFace was established at 67.44% for Age and 84.49% for gender. The unsupervised model considered developing tooth buds, tooth proximity and mandibular shape for estimating age within deciduous and mixed dentitions. For ages 20–29, it factored permanent dentition, alveolar bone density, root apices, and third molars. Above 30, it notes occlusal deformity resulting from missing dentition and the temporomandibular joint complex as predictors for age estimation from panoramic radiographs.

Graphical abstract
Convergence of Hyperbolic Neural Networks Under Riemannian Stochastic Gradient Descent
Authors: Whiting Wes , Wang Bao , Xin Jack
Published: October 2023

We prove, under mild conditions, the convergence of a Riemannian gradient descent method for a hyperbolic neural network regression model, both in batch gradient descent and stochastic gradient descent. We also discuss a Riemannian version of the Adam algorithm. We show numerical simulations of these algorithms on various benchmarks.
Focusing a realist evaluation of peer support for paediatric mental health
Authors: Thompson Dean M. , Bernard Mark , Maxfield Bob , Halsall Tanya , Mathers Jonathan
Published: October 2023

Objective

Mental health problems are a leading and increasing cause of health-related burden in children across the world. Peer support interventions are increasingly used to meet this need using the lived experience of people with a history of mental health problems. However, much of the research underpinning this work has focused on adults, leaving a gap in knowledge about how these complex interventions may work for different children in different circumstances. Realist research may help us to understand how such complex interventions may trigger different mechanisms to produce different outcomes in children. This paper reports on an important first step in realist research, namely the construction of an embryonic initial programme theory to help ‘focus’ realist evaluation exploring how children’s peer support services work in different contexts to produce different outcomes in the West Midlands (UK).

Methods

A survey and preliminary semi-structured realist interviews were conducted with 10 people involved in the delivery of peer support services. Realist analysis was carried out to produce context-mechanism-outcome configurations (CMOC).

Results

Analysis produced an initial programme theory of peer support for children’s mental health. This included 12 CMOCs. Important outcomes identified by peer support staff included hope, service engagement, wellbeing, resilience, and confidence; each generated by different mechanisms including contextualisation of psychoeducation, navigating barriers to accessing services, validation, skill development, therapeutic relationship, empowerment, and reducing stigma.

Conclusion

These data lay the groundwork for designing youth mental health realist research to evaluate with nuance the complexities of what components of peer support work for whom in varying circumstances.
The Early Christians
Authors: Leppin Hartmut , Bremmer Jan N.
Published: October 2023

The early Christians were by no means a homogeneous group, let alone a church. This is the fascinating story of the beliefs, practices and experience of individual Christians of antiquity, their relationships to Jewish tradition and the wider Roman world, and the shockwaves they caused among their contemporaries. Ancient Christians are closely connected to today's world through a living memory and a common textual heritage - the Bible - even for those who maintain a distance from Christianity. Yet, paradoxically, much about the early Christians is foreign to us and far removed from what passes for this faith as it currently stands. The distinguished historian Hartmut Leppin explores this paradox, and considers how such a small, diverse band of followers originating on the edge of the Roman Empire was able within less than three centuries to grow and become its dominant force under Emperor Constantine and his successors.
Elisabeth Lutyens and Edward Clark
Authors: Forkert Annika
Published: October 2023

The composer Elisabeth Lutyens and her second husband, the conductor and music programmer Edward Clark, were innovators in composition, conducting, programming, teaching, and music administration in Britain between 1918 and 1983. Controversial in their professional and personal views and tastes, their achievements obscured by layers of anecdote and some self-inflicted reputational harm, this book critically re-assesses their roles as cornerstones of structures and developments in British music that we now take for granted. Key to understanding their central roles in orchestrating musical progress is the ambiguous role of influence in their work and the intimate connections between British and European music. This study critically charts their professional lives in music, taking a holistic approach to contextualise Lutyens and Clark's multifaceted work in music historically, music-analytically, and culturally.
Libels and Theater in Shakespeare's England
Authors: Mansky Joseph
Published: October 2023

In the first comprehensive history of libels in Elizabethan England, Joseph Mansky traces the crime across law, literature, and culture, outlining a viral and often virulent media ecosystem. During the 1590s, a series of crises – simmering xenophobia, years of dearth and hunger, surges of religious persecution – sparked an extraordinary explosion of libeling. The same years also saw the first appearances of libels on London stages. Defamatory, seditious texts were launched into the sky, cast in windows, recited in court, read from pulpits, and seized by informers. Avatars of sedition, libels nonetheless empowered ordinary people to pass judgment on the most controversial issues and persons of the day. They were marked by mobility, swirling across the early modern media and across class, confessional, and geographical lines. Ranging from Shakespearean drama to provincial pageantry, this book charts a public sphere poised between debate and defamation, between free speech and fake news.
No Sex Differences in Mechanical Thrombectomy Time Metrics and Outcomes in Saskatchewan
Authors: Ospel Johanna M. , Kashani Nima , Singh Nishita , Zhou Amy , Cimflova Petra , Kappelhof Manon , Liu Eva , Pendleton Nicole , Marciniuk Kristen , Toyota Patrick , Newton Braedon , Persad Amit , Holodinsky Jessalyn , Yang Lotus , Perlau Michaela , Abdalrahman Sarah , Gardner Aaron , Cooley Regan , Wasyliw Sanchea , Graham Brett R. , Ganesh Aravind , Hunter Gary , Whelan Ruth , Ahmed Uzair , Kelly Michael E. , Peeling Lissa
Published: October 2023

Background and Purpose:

Numerous studies have shown longer pre-hospital and in-hospital workflow times and poorer outcomes in women after acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in general and after endovascular treatment (EVT) in particular. We investigated sex differences in acute stroke care of EVT patients over 5 years in a comprehensive Canadian provincial registry.

Methods:

Clinical data of all AIS patients who underwent EVT between January 2017 and December 2022 in the province of Saskatchewan were captured in the Canadian OPTIMISE registry and supplemented with patient data from administrative data sources. Patient baseline characteristics, transport time metrics, and technical EVT outcomes between female and male EVT patients were compared.

Results:

Three-hundred-three patients underwent EVT between 2017 and 2022: 144 (47.5%) women and 159 (52.5%) men. Women were significantly older (median age 77.5 [interquartile range: 66–85] vs.71 [59–78], p < 0.001), while men had more intracranial internal carotid artery occlusions (48/159 [30.2%] vs. 26/142 [18.3%], p = 0.03). Last-known-well to comprehensive stroke center (CSC)-arrival time (median 232 min [interquartile range 90–432] in women vs. 230 min [90–352] in men), CSC-arrival-to-reperfusion time (median 108 min [88–149] in women vs. 102 min [77–141] in men), reperfusion status (successful reperfusion 106/142 [74.7%] in women vs. 117/158 [74.1%] in men) as well as modified Rankin score at 90 days did not differ significantly. This held true after adjusting for baseline variables in multivariable analyses.

Conclusion:

While women undergoing EVT in the province of Saskatchewan were on average older than men, they were treated just as fast and achieved similar technical and clinical outcomes compared to men.
The RBA (Reserve Bank of Australia) Review 2023: A missed opportunity
Authors: Quiggin John
Published: October 2023

The 2022–2023 review of the Reserve Bank of Australia, published in March 2023, was a missed opportunity to reconsider the currently dominant framework for monetary policy. This framework, based on strong central bank independence and reliance on adjustments to central bank interest rates to achieve a 2–3% inflation target, has performed poorly at a global level and is no longer sustainable. A new framework, accepting a higher average rate of inflation and taking explicit account of the objectives of full employment and economic prosperity, is needed.
Heterogeneity in precision oncology
Authors: Tomasik Bartłomiej , Garbicz Filip , Braun Marcin , Bieńkowski Michał , Jassem Jacek
Published: October 2023

Precision oncology is a rapidly evolving concept that holds great promise in cancer treatment. However, a cancer complexity attributed to genomic and acquired tumour heterogeneity limits treatment effectiveness and increases toxicity. These limitations refer to both systemic therapies and radiotherapy, which are two mainstays of non-invasive cancer treatment. By understanding cancer heterogeneity and utilising advanced tools to personalise treatment strategies, precision oncology has the potential to revolutionise cancer care. In this article, we review the current status of precision oncology in solid tumours, specifically focusing on the impact of tumour heterogeneity and genomic patient features on systemic therapies and radiation. We also discuss the implementation of novel tools, such as next-generation sequencing and liquid biopsies, to overcome this problem.