bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anxiety and depression prior to total knee arthroplasty are associated with worse pain and subjective function: A prospective comparative study
Authors: Aalders Margot B. , van der List Jelle P. , Keijser Lucien C. M. , Benner Joyce L.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of preoperative anxiety and depression on subjective function, pain and revision rates following total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Methods

A prospective comparative study was conducted, including 349 patients undergoing TKA surgery between January 2019 and April 2021. Patients completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaire preoperatively, and a set of Patient‐Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) preoperatively and at 6, 12 and 24 months postoperatively. Patients were categorized into anxiety and depression groups based on HADS scores. PROMs included the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score‐Physical Function Shortform (KOOS‐PS), Oxford Knee Score (OKS) and NRS‐Pain. Differences in PROM scores between the anxiety/depression group and, respectively, nonanxiety/nondepression group were assessed, as well as differences in minimal clinical important difference (MCID) and attainment of Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS). Lastly, revision rates were compared.

Results

Anxiety and depression groups exhibited inferior subjective function preoperatively and postoperatively compared to nonanxiety and nondepression groups (all p < 0.05), experienced more pain preoperatively (p < 0.001) and also postoperatively for depression patients (all p < 0.05). Significantly fewer patients with anxiety and depression reached the PASS for KOOS‐PS, OKS and NRS‐Pain (all p < 0.05). There were no differences in the proportion of patients reaching the MCID for all PROMs (all p > 0.060), and revision rates did not differ between groups (both p > 0.96).

Conclusion

Preoperative anxiety and depression negatively influence subjective function and pain preoperatively and up to 2‐year follow‐up in patients undergoing TKA. Revision rates did not differ between groups, and there were no relevant differences in clinical improvement of subjective function and pain.

Level of Evidence

Level II, prospective comparative study.
Chemical spaces of taste and odor
Authors: Dunkel Andreas , Hofmann Thomas F.
Published: July 2024

The thesis provides a draft map of the chemical space of chemosensory active molecules in foods and enables, by application of cheminformatics approaches, the deduction of general principles of raw material influence and processing on the sensory perception of complex food systems. The summarized data supports the development of analytical methods targeting the efficient quantitation of key compounds, provides a database for screening of chemosensory receptor agonists and facilitates the optimization of in‐silico tools for prediction of receptor activation determining sensory quality and biological function.
Nanofabrication of Lithium Niobate Anti‐Reflective Subwavelength Structures for High Power Mid‐Infrared Lasers
Authors: Zheng Jia‐Xin , Liu Xue‐Qing , Tian Ke‐Shuai , Li Hong‐Yu , Zhang Xin , Tian Zhen‐Nan , Qian Meng‐Dan , Wang Lei , Chen Qi‐Dai
Published: June 2024

Lithium niobate (LN) crystal with anti‐reflective subwavelength structures (ASSs) has great applications in high‐power tunable optical parametric oscillator (OPO) lasers. However, it is still a great challenge to 3D nanofabrication of LN ASSs. Herein, a wet‐etching‐assisted laser polarization domain inversion (WE‐LPDI) technology is proposed to fabricate periodic cone arrays with a period from 200 nm to 4 µm on LN. Based on the optimized structural parameters, large‐area LN ASSs with a period of 1.3 µm and a height of 1.7 µm were fabricated on LN, which exhibits an average transmittance of 3–5 µm increasing from 78% to 85% and a highest transmittance of 88% at 5 µm. It has been demonstrated that the LN ASSs show high stability under high‐temperature and high‐power laser irradiation, which shows potential applications for high‐power mid‐IR lasers. The results indicate that the WE‐LPDI technology provides a novel way for 3D nanofabrication of LN.
Spawning run estimates and phenology for an extremely small population of Atlantic Sturgeon in the Marshyhope Creek–Nanticoke River system, Chesapeake Bay
Authors: Coleman Nicholas , Fox Dewayne , Horne Ashlee , Hostetter Nathan J. , Madsen John , O'Brien Michael , Park Ian , Stence Chuck , Secor David
Published: July 2024

Objective

Once thought to be extirpated from the Chesapeake Bay, fall spawning runs of Atlantic Sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus have been rediscovered in the Marshyhope Creek (MC)–Nanticoke River (NR) system of Maryland, United States. High recapture rates in past telemetry surveys suggested a small population in the two connected tributaries. This study aims to generate estimates of abundance and understand within system connectivity for spawning runs in 2020 and 2021.

Methods

Data from mobile side-scan sonar surveys and detections of acoustically tagged adults on stationary telemetry receivers were analyzed in an integrated model to estimate spawning season abundance and examine run timing and system connectivity for this population. An array of acoustic receivers was deployed throughout the MC–NR system to monitor the movement of tagged fish during the spawning run period from mid-August to late October. Side-scan sonar surveys were conducted weekly in September in an area of high spawner aggregation to generate count data on spawning run abundance.

Result

In 2020 and 2021, 32 (95% credible interval [CRI] = 23–47) and 70 (95% CRI = 49–105) Atlantic Sturgeon, respectively, used the MC–NR system. The lower estimate for 2020 coincided with an earlier end to the spawning run related to cooler September temperatures in that year.

Conclusion

In both years, high spawning run connectivity between MC and the upper NR was observed. Overall, run estimates supported previous hypotheses that the MC–NR system supports a very small population and that both MC and the upper NR serve as important areas for spawning activity.
Filter‐exchange spectroscopy is sensitive to gradual cell membrane degradation
Authors: Kaika Athanasia , Topping Geoffrey J. , Nagel Luca , Schilling Franz
Published: July 2024

Transmembrane water permeability changes occur after initialization of necrosis and are a mechanism for early detection of cell death. Filter‐exchange spectroscopy (FEXSY) is sensitive to transmembrane water permeability and enables its quantification by magnetic resonance via the apparent exchange rate (AXR). In this study, we investigate AXR changes during necrotic cell death. FEXSY measurements of yeast cells in different necrotic stages were performed and compared with established fluorescence cell death markers and pulsed gradient spin echo measurements. Furthermore, the influence of T2 relaxation on AXR was examined in a two‐compartment system. The AXR of yeast cells increased slightly after incubation with 20% isopropanol, whereas it peaked sharply after incubation with 25% isopropanol. At this point, almost all the yeast cells were vital but showed compromised membranes. After incubation with 30% isopropanol, AXR measurements showed high variability, at a point corresponding to a majority of the yeast cells being in late‐stage necrosis with disrupted cell membranes. Simulations revealed that, for FEXSY measurements in a two‐compartment system, a long filter echo time (TEf), compared with the T2 of the slow‐diffusing compartment, filters out a fraction of the slow‐diffusing compartment signal and leads to overestimation of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and underestimation of AXR. Our results demonstrate that AXR is sensitive to gradual permeabilization of the cell membrane of living cells in different permeabilization stages without exogenous contrast agents. AXR measurements were sensitive to permeability changes induced by relatively low concentrations of isopropanol, at levels for which no measurable effect was detectable by ADC measurements. TEf may act as a signal filter that affects the estimated AXR value of a system consisting of a variety of local diffusivities and a range of T2 that includes T2 values shorter or comparable with the TEf.
Comparison of baseline correction algorithms for in vivo 1H‐MRS
Authors: Pasmiño Diego , Slotboom Johannes , Schweisthal Brigitte , Guevara Pamela , Valenzuela Waldo , Pino Esteban J.
Published: July 2024

Proton MRS is used clinically to collect localized, quantitative metabolic data from living tissues. However, the presence of baselines in the spectra complicates accurate MRS data quantification. The occurrence of baselines is not specific to short‐echo‐time MRS data. In short‐echo‐time MRS, the baseline consists typically of a dominating macromolecular (MM) part, and can, depending on B0 shimming, poor voxel placement, and/or localization sequences, also contain broad water and lipid resonance components, indicated by broad components (BCs). In long‐echo‐time MRS, the MM part is usually much smaller, but BCs may still be present. The sum of MM and BCs is denoted by the baseline. Many algorithms have been proposed over the years to tackle these artefacts. A first approach is to identify the baseline itself in a preprocessing step, and a second approach is to model the baseline in the quantification of the MRS data themselves. This paper gives an overview of baseline handling algorithms and also proposes a new algorithm for baseline correction. A subset of suitable baseline removal algorithms were tested on in vivo MRSI data (semi‐LASER at TE = 40 ms) and compared with the new algorithm. The baselines in all datasets were removed using the different methods and subsequently fitted using spectrIm‐QMRS with a TDFDFit fitting model that contained only a metabolite basis set and lacked a baseline model. The same spectra were also fitted using a spectrIm‐QMRS model that explicitly models the metabolites and the baseline of the spectrum. The quantification results of the latter quantification were regarded as ground truth. The fit quality number (FQN) was used to assess baseline removal effectiveness, and correlations between metabolite peak areas and ground truth models were also examined. The results show a competitive performance of our new proposed algorithm, underscoring its automatic approach and efficiency. Nevertheless, none of the tested baseline correction methods achieved FQNs as good as the ground truth model. All separately applied baseline correction methods introduce a bias in the observed metabolite peak areas. We conclude that all baseline correction methods tested, when applied as a separate preprocessing step, yield poorer FQNs and biased quantification results. While they may enhance visual display, they are not advisable for use before spectral fitting.
The chain mediating effect of spiritual well‐being and anticipatory grief between benefit finding and meaning in life of patients with advanced lung cancer: Empirical research quantitative
Authors: Luo Qingyue , Liu Fanglin , Jiang Zhaoyu , Zhang Lan
Published: June 2024

Aim

This study aimed to explore the chain mediating effect of spiritual well‐being and anticipatory grief between benefit finding and meaning in life of patients with advanced lung cancer.

Design

This was a cross‐sectional study.

Methods

The research included 400 patients with advanced lung cancer who attended REDACTE from December 2022 to August 2023 as the research subjects. Data were collected using a questionnaire including socio‐demographic and clinical characteristics, the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy‐Spiritual Well‐Being scale (FACIT‐Sp‐12), the Benefit Finding Scale (BFS), the Preparatory Grief in Advanced Cancer Patients Scale (PGAC), and the Meaning of Life Questionnaire (MLQ). The structural equation model (SEM) was used to analyse the relationship between benefit finding, spiritual well‐being, anticipatory grief and meaning in life.

Results

There was a significant correlation between benefit finding, spiritual well‐being, anticipatory grief, and meaning in life. Benefit finding could have a direct positive impact on meaning in life of patients with advanced lung cancer, but it could also indirectly affect meaning in life of patients with advanced lung cancer through three pathways: the mediating effect of spiritual well‐being, the mediating effect of anticipatory grief and the chain mediating effect of spiritual well‐being and anticipatory grief. Nursing staff should develop an integrated program of interventions to enhance the meaning in life of patients with advanced lung cancer.
The impact of clinical internship experience on nursing students' attitudes towards death and choices of end‐of‐life care: A self‐control study
Authors: Jiang Jingyuan , Zhou Jing , Chen Xiaoli , Zhu Xiaolin , Zhang Hao , Zhang Qin , Zhang Jianna
Published: June 2024

Aim

This study aims to explore the impact of emergency department internships on the attitudes towards death among undergraduate nursing students and their preferences for end‐of‐life care settings. Additionally, the study analyzes the reasons behind nursing students' choices of end‐of‐life care settings and provides insights for improving undergraduate education on attitudes towards death and end‐of‐life care, and provide reference for the development of emergency hospice care.

Design

This study adopts an observational design with a self‐controlled before‐and‐after approach.

Methods

A questionnaire survey was conducted with 96 nursing interns between July 2021 to June 2022. Demographic information and data on attitudes towards death, and preferences for end‐oflife care location were collected by online questionnaire. Paired test were conducted to compare differences between groups.

Results

The study included a total of 96 nursing students with an average age of 21.11 years. The scores for the avoidance‐acceptance dimension of death attitudes before and after the internship were 2.40 (1.80, 3.00) and 2.20 (1.60, 3.00), respectively, showing a significant difference (Z = −2.084, p = 0.037). Factors such as gender, experience in caring for critically ill or dying patients, knowledge of death education, and discussions about death at home were found to influence nursing students' attitudes towards death. Nursing students expressed a preference for receiving end‐of‐life care and treatment in their homes or in hospice/palliative care wards, while the intensive care unit, emergency department, and nursing homes were the least preferred settings. There were significant differences in nursing students' preferences for end‐of‐life care settings before and after the internship (p = 0.000). Importantly, the number of nursing students expressing a desire to receive end‐of‐life care in the emergency department increased from 2 to 7 after the internship, while the number of students not wanting end‐of‐life care in the emergency department decreased by 5.
Anti‐PD‐(L)1‐Based Neoadjuvant Therapy in Head and Neck Carcinoma: a Meta‐analysis of Prospective Clinical Trials
Authors: Yu Yaner , Chen Haiyan , Huang Zhifei , Yuan Zhijun , Liu Lihong , Zhao Jian , Wei Qichun
Published: June 2024

Objective

This meta‐analysis aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of antiprogressive disease (PD)‐(L)1‐based neoadjuvant therapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients and identify potential prognostic biomarkers.

Data Sources

Databases were systematically searched for prospective clinical trials evaluating the efficacy and safety of anti‐PD‐(L)1‐based neoadjuvant therapy for HNSCC before January 12, 2024.

Review Methods

We estimated the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant immune checkpoint inhibitors. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were further performed.

Results

A total of 570 patients from 20 studies were included. The pooled major pathological response (MPR), pathological complete response (pCR), and partial pathological response (PPR) rates were 30.7%, 15.3%, and 68.2%, respectively. Surgical complications, surgical delayed rate, all grade treatment‐related adverse effects (TRAEs) and ≥Grade 3 TRAEs were 0.6%, 0.3%, 82.6%, and 9.7%, respectively. Best MPR or pCR rate was detected in patients receiving neoadjuvant anti‐PD‐(L)1 therapy + radiotherapy (with MPR rate of 75.5% and pCR rate of 51.1%) and neoadjuvant anti‐PD‐(L)1 therapy + chemotherapy groups (with MPR rate of 57.5% and pCR rate of 26.7%). No differences were detected in subgroups stratified by neoadjuvant treatment cycles, human papillomavirus (HPV) status, and tumor location. Patients with baseline Combined Positive Score (CPS) ≥ 20 have higher MPR and pCR rates compared to patients with CPS < 20. High Tumor Cell Proportion Score was also associated with MPR and pCR. Objective response rate is a strong predictor of MPR (odds ratio [OR] = 7.78, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.20%‐18.91%) and pCR (OR = 3.24, 95% CI = 1.40%‐7.48%).

Conclusion

Anti‐PD‐(L)1‐based neoadjuvant therapy was effective and safe for HNSCC patients.
Is Preoperative Chemoprophylaxis Safe for Venous Thromboembolism Prevention in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer?
Authors: Isaac Heba , Arnold Mark A. , Pagedar Nitin A. , Buchakjian Marisa R. , Arnold Kiranya E.
Published: June 2024

Objective

To assess the safety of preoperative chemoprophylaxis (PEC) in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients undergoing oncologic procedures.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary academic center.

Methods

HNC patients with Caprini risk score (CRS) ≥5 who underwent inpatient surgery ≥3 hours between 2015 and 2020 were included. Patients were divided into 2 cohorts, PEC and control, based on whether or not they received a single dose of low molecular weight heparin or unfractionated heparin prior to surgery. The primary endpoint was the 30‐day rate of major bleeding events.

Results

A total of 539 patients were included; 427 patients received PEC prior to surgery. The rate of major bleeding was 6.7%. The PEC cohort was more likely to have received concurrent aspirin or ketorolac (225 of 427 patients vs 36 of 112 patients; P = .0002), greater duration of chemoprophylaxis (7.8 vs 5.0 days; P < .0001), have higher CRS (7.2 vs 6.6; P < .0001), longer operative times (596 vs 512 minutes; P < .0001), higher blood loss (265 vs 214 ml; P = .02), and higher bleeding rates when compared to the control (34 of 427 patients; P = .03). On multivariate analysis, only PEC was associated with bleeding (odds ratio, 8.74; 95% confidence interval, 1.15‐66.5). The rate of VTE was 1.3% and was not significantly different between cohorts.

Conclusion

PEC was associated with an increase in bleeding and did not result in lower rates of VTE in patients with HNC. This study highlights the need to determine the optimal regimen of chemoprophylaxis in this patient cohort.

Level of Evidence

3
Decreasing the Size of Bottle Caps: Helping or Hurting Children?
Authors: DiNardo Lauren A. , Vijay Arunima , Reese Alyssa D. , Alzouhayli Suma , Carr Michele M.
Published: June 2024

Objective

Our study aims to assess if decreasing bottle cap size was associated with more ingestions and injuries nationally.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Setting

The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database.

Methods

The NEISS was queried for bottle cap ingestions in children 0 to 18 years old between 2002 and 2021. Demographic factors including age, race, and sex of the patient were recorded. The location where the ingestion took place and the disposition of the patient were also analyzed. Data were excluded if the narrative did not specify the ingestion of a cap of a drinking bottle.

Results

A total of 415 bottle cap ingestion injuries were identified, for a national estimate of 11,683 injuries. The mean age at the time of ingestion was 10.3 ± 5.2 years and the majority of the injuries occurred in males (N = 9129, 78.4%). 46.4% (N = 5398) were Caucasian, 17.6% (N = 2046) were Black or African American, and 2.7% (N = 311) were Hispanic. 55.0% (N = 6405) of injuries occurred at an unknown location, 41.4% (N = 4781) occurred at home, and 2.8% (N = 326) occurred at school. 82.3% (N = 9584) of patients were treated in the emergency department and released, 6.9% (N = 808) were treated and admitted, 6.7% (N = 783) were treated and transferred, and 0.9% (N = 110) were held for observation. From 2002 (N = 6) to 2021 (N = 2291), there was a statistically significant increase in bottle cap ingestions (P < .001).

Conclusion

Plastic bottle cap ingestions have increased in children over the last 20 years, coincident with the change to smaller bottle caps.
Preparation of poly(butyl acrylate)‐grafted‐poly(styrene‐co‐acrylonitrile) particles for toughening poly(styrene‐co‐acrylonitrile) resin
Authors: Liu Mengen , Tang Qianyi , Liu Baijun , Zhang Mingyao
Published: July 2024

Herein, the impact modifier of poly(butyl acrylate) grafted poly(styrene‐co‐acrylonitrile) (PBA‐g‐SAN) with 60% rubber content was prepared by emulsion grafting polymerization and subsequently blended with styrene–acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN) resin to construct acrylate styrene acrylonitrile (ASA) resins. The effects of acrylonitrile content of PBA‐g‐SAN copolymer and PBA size on the ASA resins' mechanical properties were investigated. Experimental results revealed that ASA resin's highest impact strength reached 27.75 kJ/m2. The lap shear adhesion test suggested that the PBA‐g‐SAN copolymer with 21% AN content exhibited excellent interfacial adhesion with SAN resin. The PBA‐g‐SAN particles with 100 and 400 nm poly (butyl acrylate) as core rubbers demonstrated a synergistic toughening effect for SAN resin. The high blackness ASA resin with excellent impact resistance was obtained when the 100 nm and the 400 nm poly (butyl acrylate) particle mass ratio reached 8/2.

Highlights

The ASA resin with 27.75KJ/m2 impact strength was prepared.

The synergistic toughening mechanisms were investigated.

The high blackness ASA resin was constructed.
Au(I) complexes installed on a self‐assembled peptide efficiently catalyze intramolecular cyclization reactions
Authors: Pirovano Valentina , Brini Patrizia , Brambilla Elisa , Gelmi Maria Luisa , Romanelli Alessandra
Published: June 2024

Self‐assembled peptides are used for diverse applications in the biomedical and technological fields. The morphology and function of the assembled systems are dictated by the peptide sequence and length. In this work, a supramolecular catalyst was obtained upon self‐assembly of the diphenylalanine peptide conjugated to a triphenylphosphine Au(I) complex in acetonitrile. The assembled molecules were characterized by spectroscopic techniques and by scanning electron microscopy. The activity of the catalyst was tested on two substrates in cyclization reactions. The morphology and the dimensions of the assembled systems vary depending on the presence of a carboxyl versus an amide C‐terminal end. The catalyst efficiently promotes intramolecular cyclization reactions. Results obtained encourage the use of self‐assembled peptides for the obtainment of new and efficient catalysts.
Außerhäusliche Mobilität von Personen ab 75 Jahren im ländlichen Raum. Ergebnisse aus einer GPS-Studie
Authors: Haeger Christine , Mümken Sandra A. , Spang Robert P. , Brauer Max , Voigt-Antons Jan-Niklas , Gellert Paul
Published: July 2024

Hintergrund

Außerhäusliche Mobilität, definiert als aktives und passives Bewegen durch außerhäusliche Umwelten, ist eine Ressource für Autonomie, Lebensqualität und Selbstverwirklichung im Alter. Beeinflusst wird diese multifaktoriell, was bisher vor allem im urbanen Raum untersucht wurde. Ziel der Studie ist es, assoziierte Faktoren in einer ländlichen Studienpopulation ab 75 Jahren zu untersuchen.

Methoden

Baseline-Daten der MOBILE-Studie von 212 Personen ab 75 Jahren erhoben zwischen Juni 2021 und Oktober 2022 gingen in die Analysen ein. Außerhäusliche Mobilität (GPS-basiert an 7 aufeinanderfolgenden Tagen) wurde zeitlich als Time out of Home (TOH) sowie räumlich als Convex Hull (CHull) gemessen. Gemischte Modelle berücksichtigten neben ambulanten Versorgungsparametern persönliche, soziale und umweltbezogene Faktoren sowie Kovariaten wie Alter und Geschlecht.

Ergebnisse

Die Teilnehmenden der MOBILE-Studie (MAlter 81,5, SD: 4,1, davon 56,1 % weiblich) zeigten eine tägliche außerhäusliche Mobilität von MTOH: 319,3 min; SD: 196,3 und MCHull: 41,3; SD: 132,8. Signifikante Assoziationen wurden für Alter (TOH: ß = −0,039; p < 0,001), soziales Netzwerk (TOH: ß = 0,123; p < 0,001), Zusammenleben (CHull: ß = 0,689; p = 0,035), Gesundheitskompetenz (CHull: ß = 0,077; p = 0,008), Gehwegqualität (ß = 0,366; p = 0,003), Grünflächenanteil (TOH: ß = 0,005; p = 0,047), ambulante Versorgungsinanspruchnahme (TOH: ß = −0,637; p < 0,001, CHull: ß = 1,532; p = 0,025) und aktives Autofahren (TOH: ß = −0,361; p = 0,004) gefunden.

Diskussion

Bereits bekannte multifaktorielle Assoziationen mit objektiv gemessener außerhäuslicher Mobilität konnten im ländlichen Raum bestätigt werden. Neuartig und für Forschung und Praxis relevant ist der signifikante Zusammenhang außerhäuslicher Mobilität mit der Versorgungsinanspruchnahme.
Real-time temperature control in rubber extrusion lines: a neural network approach
Authors: Lukas Marco , Leineweber Sebastian , Reitz Birger , Overmeyer Ludger
Published: July 2024

In rubber extrusion, precise temperature control is critical due to the process’s sensitivity to fluctuating parameters like compound behavior and batch-specific material variations. Rapid adjustments to temperature deviations are essential to ensure stable throughput and extrudate surface integrity. Based on our previous research, which initiated the development of a feedforward neural network (FNN) without real-world empirical application, we now present a real-time control system using artificial neural networks (ANNs) for dynamic temperature regulation. The underlying FNN was trained on a dataset comprising different ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber compounds, totaling 14,923 measurement points for each temperature value. After training, the FNN achieves remarkable precision, evidenced by a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 0.68% and a mean squared error (MSE) of 0.63°C2 in predicting temperature variations. Its integration into the control system enables real-time responsiveness, allowing for adjustments to temperature deviations within an average timeframe of 68 ms. A key advantage over proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controllers is the ability to continuously learn and adjust to complex, non-linear, and batch-specific process dynamics. This adaptability results in enhanced process stability, as evidenced by inline manufacturing validation. Our paper presents the first ANN-based rubber extrusion control, demonstrating how machine learning techniques can be effectively leveraged for real-time, adaptive temperature control. Beyond rubber extrusion, this strategy has potential applications in various polymer processing and other industries requiring precise temperature control. Future trends may involve the integration of online learning techniques and the expansion of interconnected manufacturing processes.
Resolution of extravascular hemolysis with oral iptacopan monotherapy in a patient with treatment experienced paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH)
Authors: Füreder Wolfgang , Thalhammer Renate , Valent Peter
Published: July 2024

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is an acquired hematologic disorder characterized by a loss of glycosyl-phosphatidyl-inositol-linked (GPI) proteins on various hematopoietic cells. Some GPI proteins are involved in the regulation of the complement system, and their absence renders erythrocytes susceptible to complement-mediated lysis. Current standard of care in PNH is to block the complement system at the level of C5 using ravulizumab or eculizumab; however, some patients with PNH may develop extravascular hemolysis (EVH) during treatment with C5 inhibitors. The proximal complement inhibitor iptacopan has recently been shown to be efficacious in patients with PNH. This article reports on a 43-year-old female patient with PNH who was successfully treated with iptacopan. The patient had received ravulizumab for several years and developed a clinically relevant EVH. After obtaining informed consent, the patient received oral iptacopan 200 mg twice daily and ravulizumab was discontinued. Over the next few weeks hemoglobin levels and reticulocyte counts normalized. The patient reported mild flushes with erythema, chills, and mild muscle pain, all of which resolved during follow-up. No breakthrough hemolysis occurred, and no severe adverse events were recorded.
Management of external ventricular drain: to wean or not to wean?
Authors: Hallenberger Tim Jonas , Tharmagulasingam Thavena , Licci Maria , Mariani Luigi , Guzman Raphael , Soleman Jehuda
Published: July 2024

Purpose

External ventricular drain (EVD) is one of the most frequent procedures in neurosurgery and around 15 to 30% of these patients require a permanent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion. The optimal EVD weaning strategy is still unclear. Whether gradual weaning compared to rapid closure, reduces the rate of permanent CSF diversion remains controversial. The aim of this trial is to compare the rates of permanent CSF diversion between gradual weaning and rapid closure of an EVD.

Methods

This was a single-center, retrospective cohort study including patients between 2010 to 2020. Patients were divided into a weaning (WG) and non-weaning (NWG) group. The primary outcome was permanent CSF diversion rates, secondary outcomes included hospitalization time, EVD-related morbidity, and clinical outcome.

Results

Out of 412 patients, 123 (29.9%) patients were excluded due to early death or palliative treatment. We registered 178 (61.6%) patients in the WG and 111 (38.4%) in the NWG. Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups. The VPS rate was comparable in both groups (NWG 37.8%; WG 39.9%, p = 0.728). EVD related infection (13.5% vs 1.8%, p < 0.001), as well as non-EVD related infection rates (2.8% vs 0%, p < 0.001), were significantly higher in the WG. Hospitalization time was significantly shorter in the NWG (WG 24.93 ± 9.50 days; NWG 23.66 ± 14.51 days, p = 0.039).

Conclusion

Gradual EVD weaning does not seem to reduce the need for permanent CSF diversion, while infection rates and hospitalization time were significantly higher/longer. Therefore, direct closure should be considered in the clinical setting.
Artificial Intelligence Application in Skull Bone Fracture with Segmentation Approach
Authors: Lu Chia-Yin , Wang Yu-Hsin , Chen Hsiu-Ling , Goh Yu-Xin , Chiu I-Min , Hou Ya-Yuan , Kuo Kuei-Hong , Lin Wei-Che
Published: July 2024

This study aims to evaluate an AI model designed to automatically classify skull fractures and visualize segmentation on emergent CT scans. The model’s goal is to boost diagnostic accuracy, alleviate radiologists’ workload, and hasten diagnosis, thereby enhancing patient outcomes. Unique to this research, both pediatric and post-operative patients were not excluded, and diagnostic durations were analyzed. Our testing dataset for the observer studies involved 671 patients, with a mean age of 58.88 years and fairly balanced gender representation. Model 1 of our AI algorithm, trained with 1499 fracture-positive cases, showed a sensitivity of 0.94 and specificity of 0.87, with a DICE score of 0.65. Implementing post-processing rules (specifically Rule B) improved the model’s performance, resulting in a sensitivity of 0.94, specificity of 0.99, and a DICE score of 0.63. AI-assisted diagnosis resulted in significantly enhanced performance for all participants, with sensitivity almost doubling for junior radiology residents and other specialists. Additionally, diagnostic durations were significantly reduced (p < 0.01) with AI assistance across all participant categories. Our skull fracture detection model, employing a segmentation approach, demonstrated high performance, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and efficiency for radiologists and clinical physicians. This underlines the potential of AI integration in medical imaging analysis to improve patient care.
Science or scientism? On the momentum illusion
Authors: Grobys Klaus
Published: July 2024

This study explores the risk of the traditional momentum strategy in terms of its realized variance using various data frequencies. It is shown that momentum risk is infinite regardless of the data frequency, implying that (a) t-statistics for this strategy do not exist, (b) correlation-based metrics such as Sharpe ratios do not exist either, and (c) the momentum premium is not observable in reality. It is further shown that the time-honored lognormal distribution is unable to accurately model extreme events observed at various variance data frequencies. Finally, it is shown that the well-known effect of time aggregation does not work for this investment vehicle. Hence, the study is forced to conclude that momentum stories have no valid foundation for their claims.
The performance of transmission pipelines on February 6th, 2023 Kahramanmaras earthquake: a series of case studies
Authors: Uckan E. , Aksel M. , Atas O. , Toprak S. , Kaya E. S.
Published: July 2024

The Mw 7.8 earthquake that struck Kahramanmaras on February 6, 2023, caused significant damage to hydrocarbon and water transmission lines due to permanent ground deformations. Explosions occurred in the Kahramanmaras–Gaziantep Natural Gas transmission pipeline causing disruption of gas in the cities of Gaziantep and Hatay Fault Displacement Hazard. Water transmission pipelines were also damaged due to extreme fault offsets. This paper presents the findings from the earthquake affected zones. Particular attention was given to the performance of the 2600 mm diameter Duzbag–Gaziantep water transmission pipeline due to three reported challenges: (#1) The behavior of the pipe in the Duzbag tunnel, (#2) The pipe bend behavior at the fault crossing, and (#3) The pull-out of the pipe at valve room. Based on field observations, extreme damage forms at pipes were presented. A three-dimensional nonlinear numerical analysis was performed to simulate the observed damage of the reoriented water pipe at the fault crossing for Case #2. The nonlinear finite element model was able to capture the complex nature of the post-yield behavior of steel pipe as well as the damage locations along the pipe and their sequence of occurrences. As a mitigation measure for new pipes, the need for using flexible connections at critical crossings was highlighted. For existing pipes, the importance of developing secondary (by-pass) lines was emphasized.
Orbit determination from one position vector and a very short arc of optical observations
Authors: Scantamburlo Erica , Gronchi Giovanni F. , Baù Giulio
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we address the problem of computing a preliminary orbit of a celestial body from one topocentric position vector $$\mathcal{P}_1$$

P
1

and a very short arc (VSA) of optical observations $$\mathcal{A}_2$$

A
2

. Using the conservation laws of the two-body dynamics, we write the problem as a system of 8 polynomial equations in 6 unknowns. We prove that this system is generically consistent, namely, for a generic choice of the data $$\mathcal{P}_1, \mathcal{A}_2$$

P
1

,

A
2

, it always admits solutions in the complex field, even when $$\mathcal{P}_1, \mathcal{A}_2$$

P
1

,

A
2

do not correspond to the same celestial body. The consistency of the system is shown by deriving a univariate polynomial $$\mathfrak {v}$$
v
of degree 8 in the unknown topocentric distance at the mean epoch of the observations of the VSA. Through Gröbner bases theory, we also show that the degree of $$\mathfrak {v}$$
v
is minimum among the degrees of all the univariate polynomials solving this problem. Even though we can find solutions to our problem for a generic choice of $$\mathcal{P}_1, \mathcal{A}_2$$

P
1

,

A
2

, most of these solutions are meaningless. In fact, acceptable solutions must be real and have to fulfill other constraints, including compatibility with Keplerian dynamics. We also propose a way to select or discard solutions taking into account the uncertainty in the data, if present. The proposed orbit determination method is relevant for different purposes, e.g., the computation of a preliminary orbit of an Earth satellite with radar and optical observations, the detection of maneuvres of an Earth satellite, and the recovery of asteroids which are lost due to a planetary close encounter. We conclude by showing some numerical tests in the case of asteroids undergoing a close encounter with the Earth.
Evaluation and thermodynamic optimization of phase diagram of lithium niobate tantalate solid solutions
Authors: Bashir Umar , Klimm Detlef , Rusing Michael , Bickermann Matthias , Ganschow Steffen
Published: July 2024

The lithium niobate–lithium tantalate solid solution’s phase diagram was investigated using experimental data from differential thermal analysis (DTA) and crystal growth. We used XRF analysis to determine the elemental composition of the crystals. The Neumann–Kopp rule provided essential data for the end members lithium niobate (LN) and lithium tantalate (LT). The heats of fusion of the end members, given by DTA measurements, are 103 kJ/mol at 1531 K for LN and 289 kJ/mol at 1913 K for LT. These values were used as input parameters to generate the data. This data served as the basis for calculating a phase diagram for LN-LT solid solutions. Finally, based on the experimental data and a thermodynamic solution model, the Calphad Factsage module optimized the phase diagram. We also generated thermodynamic parameters for Gibbs’ excess energy of the solid solution. A plot of the segregation coefficient as a function of Ta concentration was derived from the phase diagram.
Individual Placement and Support and Participatory Workplace Intervention on the Work Participation of People with Disabilities: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Oude Geerdink E. , Huysmans M. A. , van Kempen H. , van Weeghel J. , Motazedi E. , Anema J. R.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study assessed the effectiveness of Individual Placement and Support (IPS), Participatory Workplace Intervention (PWI), and IPS + PWI on work participation and health of people with work disabilities.

Methods

A randomised controlled 2 × 2 factorial trial with 120 clients and an 18-month follow-up was performed. Differences between IPS and no-IPS and between PWI and no-PWI were assessed using log-rank tests and Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

In the IPS group, restricted mean survival time (RMST) for sustainable paid employment was 352 days, compared to 394 in the no-IPS group (HR = 1.47, 95% CI = 0.81–2.63). In the PWI group the RMST was 378 days, compared to 367 in the no-PWI group (HR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.48–1.64). For the secondary outcome ‘starting any paid employment, a trial placement, or education’ RMST was significantly lower for the IPS group (222 days) than for the no-IPS group (335 days; HR = 1.85, 95% CI = 1.01–3.42). Mental health was significantly lower (worse) in the PWI group (difference -4.07, 95% CI = -7.93 to -0.22) than in the no-PWI group. For all other secondary outcomes, no statistically significant differences were found.

Conclusion

No statistically significant differences were observed in the duration until starting sustainable employment between IPS and no-IPS, and between PWI and no-PWI. The duration until starting any paid employment, a trial placement, or education was shorter in the IPS group than in the no-IPS group, but further research should explore whether this also increases sustainable employment in the longer term.
Approximations and inference for envelopment estimators of production frontiers
Authors: Daraio Cinzia , Simar Léopold
Published: July 2024

Nonparametric methods have been commonly used to assess the performance of both private and public organizations. Among them, the most popular ones are envelopment estimators such as Free Disposal Hull (FDH) or Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), which estimate the attainable sets and their efficient boundaries by enveloping the cloud of observed units in the appropriate input-output space. However, these nonparametric envelopment techniques do not provide estimates of marginal products and other coefficients of economic interest. This paper presents a new approach that provides local estimates of all the desired partial derivatives and economic coefficients, which complement and complete the analysis based on nonparametric envelopment estimators. We improve nonparametric estimators by estimating nonparametrically smoothed efficient boundaries and providing derivatives and other coefficients without having to assume any parametric structure for the frontier and the inefficiency distribution. Our approach offers several advantages, such as a flexible nonparametric adjustment of the efficient frontier based on local linear models; a general multivariate efficiency model based on directional distances where one can choose the desired benchmark direction; the possibility of assessing the impact of external-environmental variables; a bootstrap-based statistical inference for deriving confidence intervals on the estimated coefficients for nonparametric and robust frontier approximations; the possibility of including factors aggregating inputs or outputs and recovering the estimated coefficients in the original units. To demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed approach, we provide an illustration in the field of education, where economic coefficients are important but the parametric assumptions have been questioned.
Valorization of residual lignocellulosic biomass in South America: a review
Authors: Pardo Cuervo Oscar H. , Rosas Camila A. , Romanelli Gustavo P.
Published: July 2024

Residual lignocellulosic biomass (RLB) is a valuable resource that can help address environmental issues by serving as an alternative to fossil fuels and as a raw material for producing various value-added molecules. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the use of lignocellulosic waste in South America, a review was conducted over the last 4 years. The review focused on energy generation, biofuel production, obtaining platform molecules (such as ethanol, hydroxymethylfurfural, furfural, and levulinic acid), and other materials of interest. The review found that Brazil, Colombia, and Ecuador had the most RLB sources, with sugarcane, oil palm, and rice crop residues being the most prominent. In South America, RLB is used to produce biogas, syngas, hydrogen, bio-oil, biodiesel, torrefied biomass, pellets, and biomass briquettes. The most studied and produced value-added molecule was ethanol, followed by furfural, hydroxymethylfurfural, and levulinic acid. Other applications of interest that have been developed with RLB include obtaining activated carbon and nanomaterials. Significant progress has been made in South America in utilizing RLB, and some countries have been more proactive in regulating its use. However, there is still much to learn about the potential of RLB in each country. This review provides an updated perspective on the typification and valorization of residual biomass in South America and discusses the level of research and technology being applied in the region. This information can be helpful for future research on RLB in South America.
Developing a method to measure bioavailable phosphorus in river water via simultaneous multisample ultrasonic extraction
Authors: Ling Ting Ka , Phong Nguyen Tan , Yokota Kuriko , Inoue Takanobu , Ngoc Nguyen Minh
Published: July 2024

To reduce aquatic eutrophication, measurements of bioavailable phosphorus (BAP) rather than total phosphorus (TP) are deemed critical. However, current methods require much time to separate sediments from river water, which limits the routine measurement of BAP in rivers. Therefore, in this study, a simultaneous multisample ultrasonic extraction method is proposed to directly measure total BAP (TBAP) in river water without the separation of sediment and water. Spike-and-recovery assessments showed that at least three extractions are required to maintain efficiency. A process including 2-min extraction time and three extractions was suggested. The concentrations of TBAP extracted by this process showed no significant differences with the spike calculations. Furthermore, river water TBAP was quantified using the conventional and proposed method to examine the practicality of using the proposed method for simultaneous multisample ultrasonic extraction and to evaluate its adaptability to actual river water analysis. The extracted concentrations matched those obtained using the conventional method, in which total BAP is calculated as the sum of dissolved BAP and particulate BAP; no significant difference was observed between the concentrations. Ultrasonic extraction was considerably less time-consuming than the conventional method because more samples could be analyzed during a single run. Therefore, the simultaneous multisample ultrasonic extraction method proposed in this study can be used to directly quantify total BAP in river water.
Aging is associated with sex-specific alteration in the expression of genes encoding for neuroestradiol synthesis and signaling proteins in the mouse trigeminal somatosensory input
Authors: Bautista-Abad Álvaro , García-Magro Nuria , Pinto-Benito Daniel , Cáceres-Pajuelo Julio Eduardo , Alises Carlos Vicente , Ganchala Danny , Lagunas Natalia , Negredo Pilar , García-Segura Luis Miguel , Arevalo Maria-Angeles , Grassi Daniela
Published: July 2024

Pain perception is influenced by sex and aging, with previous studies indicating the involvement of aromatase, the estradiol synthase enzyme, in regulating pain perception. Previous research has established the presence of aromatase in dorsal root ganglia sensory neurons and its role in modulating pain perception. The present study aims to explore the implications of aging and sex on the expression of aromatase and estrogen receptors in the trigeminal ganglion. The study examined mRNA levels of aromatase, ERs, and the androgen receptor (AR) in the trigeminal ganglion of 3-month-old and 27-month-old male and female mice, as well as 3-month-old mice from the four-core genotype (FCG) transgenic model. The latter facilitates the assessment of gonadal hormone and sex chromosome implications for sex-specific traits. Aromatase localization in the ganglion was further assessed through immunohistochemistry. Aromatase immunoreactivity was observed for the first time in sensory neurons within the trigeminal ganglion. Trigeminal ganglion gene expressions were detected for aromatase, ERs, and AR in both sexes. Aromatase, ERβ, and GPER gene expressions were higher in young males versus young females. Analyses of the FCG model indicated that sex differences depended solely on gonadal sex. The aging process induced an enhancement in the expression of aromatase, ERs, and AR genes across both sexes, culminating in a reversal of the previously observed gender-based differences. the potential impact of estrogen synthesis and signaling in the trigeminal ganglion on age and sex differences warrants consideration, particularly in relation to trigeminal sensory functions and pain perception.

Graphical abstract

Age and gonadal sex influence ERs, AR, and ARO levels in the trigeminal ganglion. Although somatosensory perception shows a decline in the elderly, the incidence of trigeminal neuralgia intensifies in aged adults and is predominantly prevalent in women relative to men. The increased expression of aromatase and estrogen receptors in aged female animals suggests that the modulatory influence that neuroestradiol exerts over the trigeminal somatosensory input, inclusive of pain, undergoes changes in elderly male and female individuals in a sex-specific manner.