bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparing long‐term observations of sediment yield with estimates of soil erosion rate based on recent 137Cs measurements. Results from an experimental catchment in Southern Italy
Authors: Porto Paolo , Callegari Giovanni
Published: August 2022

Recent increase of soil erosion rates in Southern Italy emphasizes the need to identify areas subjected to higher environmental risks. Over the last few decades, several techniques have been used to this purpose. They include mainly experimental sites, like plots and catchments of different size, and the use of prediction models calibrated using local parameters. More recently, some of the limitations associated with these techniques suggested the use of radiotracers, mainly 137Cs, both as alternative and complementary tools to traditional methods. However, some of the assumptions associated with the application of the 137Cs technique still require testing and validation to provide robust estimates of soil erosion rate. These assumptions relate mainly the 137Cs spatial variability on the reference area and the effects of possible additional fallout due to nuclear accidents (e.g., Chernobyl and/or Fukushima). In this contribution, a small experimental catchment located in Calabria, Southern Italy, was selected as a study area by virtue of its long‐term record (29 years) of sediment yield measurements. This database made it possible a comparison between long‐term observations and estimates of soil erosion rate provided by recent measurements of 137Cs. The overall results indicate that if the uncertainty of the reference value is taken into account and the Chernobyl additional flux is incorporated into a physically based conversion model, the latter is able to provide robust estimates of soil erosion rate in the area.
The burden of colon cancer attributable to modifiable factors—The Norwegian Women and Cancer Study
Authors: Lukic Marko , Licaj Idlir , Laaksonen Maarit A. , Weiderpass Elisabete , Borch Kristin B. , Rylander Charlotta
Published: August 2022

Colon cancer is the second most frequently diagnosed cancer in women in Norway, where incidence rates of colon cancer increased 3‐fold between 1955 and 2014, for unknown reasons. We aimed to assess the burden of colon cancer attributable to modifiable risk factors in Norwegian women using the data from the Norwegian Women and Cancer (NOWAC) study. Self‐reported information from 35 525 women from the NOWAC study were available. These included the following exposures: smoking status, alcohol consumption, body mass index, physical activity, intake of calcium, fibers, and red and processed meat. Colon cancer cases were identified from the Cancer Registry of Norway. A parametric piecewise constant hazards model was used to estimate the strength of exposure‐cancer associations. Population attributable fractions with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated considering competing risk of death. The fraction of incident colon cancer attributable to ever smoking was 18.7% (95% CI 4.7%‐30.6%), low physical activity 10.8% (95% CI −0.7% to 21.0%), alcohol consumption 14.5% (95% CI −2.8% to 28.9%), and low intake of calcium 10.0% (95% CI −7.8% to 24.8%). A small proportion of colon cancer cases was attributable to combined intake of red and processed meat over 500 g/week, overweight/obesity, and low intake of fibers. Jointly, these seven risk factors could explain 46.0% (95% CI 23.0%‐62.4%) of the colon cancer incidence burden. Between 23% and 62% of the colon cancer burden among women in Norway was attributable to modifiable risk factors, indicating an important preventive potential of a healthy lifestyle.
Adverse effect of FTY720P on colonic Na+/K+ ATPase is mediated via ERK, p38MAPK, PKC, and PI3K
Authors: Rida Reem , Hodeify Rawad , Kreydiyyeh Sawsan
Published: August 2022

FTY720P, an analogue of sphingosine 1‐phosphate, has emerged lately as a potential causative agent of inflammatory bowel disease, in which electrolytes movements driven by the sodium gradient established by the Na+/K+ ATPase are altered. We showed previously in Caco‐2 cells, a 50% FTY720P‐induced decrease in the ATPase activity, mediated via S1PR2 and PGE2. This work aims at delineating the mechanism underlying PGE2 release and at investigating if the ATPase inhibition is due to changes in its abundance. The activity of the ATPase and the localization of a GFP‐tagged Na+/K+‐ATPase α1‐subunit were assessed in cells treated with 7.5 nM FTY720P. The involvement of ERK, p38 MAPK, PKC, and PI3K was studied in cells treated with 7.5 nM FTY720P or 1 nM PGE2 in presence of their inhibitors, or by determining changes in the protein expression of their activated phosphorylated forms. Imaging data showed ∼30% reduction in the GFP‐tagged Na+/K+ ATPase at the plasma membrane. Both FTY720P and PGE2 showed, respectively, 50% and 60% reduction in ATPase activity that disappeared when p38 MAPK, PKC, and PI3K were inhibited individually but not with ERK inhibition. The effect of FTY720P was imitated by PMA, an activator of PKC. Western blotting revealed inhibition of ERK by FTY720P. It was concluded that FTY720P, through activation of S1PR2, downregulates the Na+/K+ ATPase by inhibiting ERK, which in turn activates p38 MAPK leading to the sequential activation of PKC and PI3K, PGE2 release, and a decrease in the Na+/K+ ATPase activity and membrane abundance.
Tissue‐specific response of the RB‐E2F1 complex during mammalian hibernation
Authors: Singh Gurjit , Bloskie Tighe , Storey Kenneth B.
Published: August 2022

Metabolic rate depression during prolonged bouts of torpor is characteristic of mammalian hibernation, reducing energy expenditures over the winter. Cell cycle arrest is observed in quiescent cells during dormancy, partly due to the retinoblastoma (Rb) protein at G1/S, given cell division and proliferation are metabolic‐costly processes. Rb binds to E2F transcription factors and recruits corepressors (e.g., SUV39H1) to E2F target genes, blocking their transcription and cell cycle passage. Phosphorylation by cyclin‐CDK complexes at S780 or S795 abolishes Rb‐mediated repression, allowing transition into S phase. The present study compares Rb‐E2F1 responses between euthermic and torpid states in five organs (brain, heart, kidney, liver, skeletal muscle) of 13‐lined ground squirrels (Ictidomys tridecemlineatus). Immunoblotting assessed the expression of Rb, pRb (S780, S795), E2F1, and SUV39H1. Our findings demonstrate multi‐tissue upregulation of Rb and SUV39H1 during torpor, with tissue‐specific changes to E2F1 and pRb (S780), suggesting Rb‐E2F1 contributes to cell cycle control in hibernation.
Trends and outcomes of children, adolescents, and adults hospitalized with inherited metabolic disorders: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Hauser Stephanie Isabelle , Gregoriano Claudia , Koehler Henrik , Ebrahimi Fahim , Szinnai Gabor , Schuetz Philipp , Mueller Beat , Kutz Alexander
Published: August 2022

Inherited metabolic disorders (IMDs) comprise a heterogeneous class of genetic disorders characterized by impaired biochemical functions in metabolism. However, incidences and outcomes of patients hospitalized with IMDs are largely unknown. We conducted a population‐based cohort study using nationwide in‐hospital claims data in Switzerland from 2012 to 2020. We assessed incidence rates of hospitalizations and hospital‐associated outcomes, stratified in five age groups (0–9, 10–19, 20–39, 40–59, and 60–90 years) and three types of IMDs (peptide, amine and amino acid metabolism disorders [AD], carbohydrate metabolism disorders [CD], fatty acid, and ketone body metabolism disorders [FD]). A total of 7293 hospitalizations with IMD were identified, of which 3638 had AD, 3153 CD, and 502 FD. Incidence rates for hospitalizations per 100 000 person‐years were highest under the age of 10 years across all types of IMDs (8.69 for AD, 5.73 for CD, 3.71 for FD) and decreased thereafter. In patients with AD and CD, hospitalization rates increased again in adults aged 60–90 years (7.28 for AD, 7.25 for CD), while they remained low in patients with FD (0.31). Compared to inpatients without IMD, adult IMD patients had a higher burden of hospital‐associated adverse outcomes including an increased risk of in‐hospital mortality, intensive care unit admission, mechanical ventilation, and longer length of hospital or intensive care unit stay. Incremental risk of 30‐day, 1‐year, and 2‐year hospital readmission was highest among children and adolescents with IMD.
The interplay of long noncoding RNAs and hepatitis B virus
Authors: Sarfaraz Nima , Somarowthu Srinivas , Bouchard Michael J.
Published: August 2022

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infections remain a major global health burden with an estimated 296 million people living with a chronic infection and 884,000 HBV‐related deaths annually. Notably, patients with a chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection are at a 30‐fold greater risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of primary liver cancer, which is the 3rd deadliest cancer worldwide. Several groups have assessed HBV‐related aberrant expression of host‐cell long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and how altered expression of specific lncRNAs affects HBV replication and progression to associated disease states. Given the challenges in establishing effective HBV models and analyzing transcriptomic data, this review focuses on lncRNA expression data primarily collected from clinical patient samples and primary human hepatocytes, with the subsequent mechanism of action analysis in cell lines or other model systems. Ultimately, understanding HBV‐induced lncRNA‐expression dysregulation could lead to new treatments and biomarkers for HBV infection and its associated diseases.
Tracing the origin of Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2): A systematic review and narrative synthesis
Authors: Thakur Nagendra , Das Sayak , Kumar Swatantra , Maurya Vimal K. , Dhama Kuldeep , Paweska Janusz T. , Abdel‐Moneim Ahmed S. , Jain Amita , Tripathi Anil K. , Puri Bipin , Saxena Shailendra K.
Published: August 2022

The aim of the study was to trace and understand the origin of Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) through various available literatures and accessible databases. Although the world enters the third year of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, health and socioeconomic impacts continue to mount, the origin and mechanisms of spill‐over of the SARS‐CoV‐2 into humans remain elusive. Therefore, a systematic review of the literature was performed that showcased the integrated information obtained through manual searches, digital databases (PubMed, CINAHL, and MEDLINE) searches, and searches from legitimate publications (1966–2022), followed by meta‐analysis. Our systematic analysis data proposed three postulated hypotheses concerning the origin of the SARS‐CoV‐2, which include zoonotic origin (Z), laboratory origin (L), and obscure origin (O). Despite the fact that the zoonotic origin for SARS‐CoV‐2 has not been conclusively identified to date, our data suggest a zoonotic origin, in contrast to some alternative concepts, including the probability of a laboratory incident or leak. Our data exhibit that zoonotic origin (Z) has higher evidence‐based support as compared to laboratory origin (L). Importantly, based on all the studies included, we generated the forest plot with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the risk ratio estimates. Our meta‐analysis further supports the zoonotic origin of SARS/SARS‐CoV‐2 in the included studies.
Distribution and transmission of copy number variations of uncertain significance in 105 trios
Authors: Wen Qiang , Wang Xiu , Zhang Hao , Liu Xiaoyan , Xu Zhihong
Published: August 2022

Background

The distribution and genetic characteristics of copy number variations (CNVs) remain unclear. Here, we investigated the distribution and transmission of CNVs of uncertain significance in fetuses.

Methods

Low‐coverage massively parallels CNV sequencing of 105 families (parents and their fetuses) was performed to identify fetal CNVs of uncertain significance.

Results

In the 105 fetuses, 176 CNVs of uncertain significance were detected, and the average number of CNVs carried by fetuses was 1.68 ± 0.80. Among the CNVs carried by the fetuses, 79.8% were inherited (~90.0% of the fetuses) and 20.2% were new mutations (~30.0% of the fetuses). We found that 58.9% CNVs were of maternal origin and 41.1% were of paternal origin. Among the CNV subtypes, de novo CNV distribution was significantly different from inherited CNV distribution. There was no difference in the distribution of maternal and paternal CNV subtypes in the fetuses. The proportion of microdeletions (36.7%) and microduplications (63.3%) was similar in the fetuses and parents. Furthermore, we found that when parents carried more CNVs of uncertain significance, the chance of passing them on to their offspring decreased.

Conclusion

This study deepens our understanding of the genetic mechanisms associated with CNV transmission to assist clinicians in prenatal counseling.
Synergistic effect of graphene on dielectric and piezoelectric characteristic of PVDF‐(BZT‐BCT) composite for energy harvesting applications
Authors: Muduli Sakti P. , Parida Sabyasachi , Behura Sanjay K. , Rajput Shailendra , Rout Sanjeeb K. , Sareen Shweta
Published: August 2022

Piezoelectric energy harvester has attracted considerable attention as an independent power source for applications in biocompatible, implantable, and flexible electronic devices. However, the lacuna of getting enhanced piezoelectric response from flexible lead‐free polymer‐based composite persists in this field. Here, we present a detailed study on the electrical characteristics such as dielectric, ferroelectric, and piezoelectric properties of (PVDF)‐[0.5Ba(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3–0.5(Ba0.7Ca0.3)TiO3]‐graphene oxide (GO) three‐phase composite films synthesized by solvent‐casting followed by a hot pressing method. Structural investigations reveal that the fraction of β‐phase of PVDF in all the composites is more than 65%. The dielectric constant of the composite increases up to the threshold value (0.16 wt% for GO and 0.08 wt% for rGO), and further loading causes a decrease in the dielectric constant. The composite with GO concentration of 0.16 wt% (G‐0.16) shows a dielectric constant of 25.6 with a loss tangent of 0.0498. In contrast, composite with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) concentration of 0.08 wt% (R‐0.08) are 24.3 and 0.0681, respectively, at 1 kHz. Remnant polarization and d33 value of G‐0.16 are 0.012 μC cm−2 and 11 pC N−1, respectively, which are six times and four times more than pure PVDF. The piezoelectric harvester from G‐0.16 produces an open‐circuit voltage of ~4 V and a short‐circuit current of ~1.6 μA with simple hand tapping, which is the highest among the compositions, makes it a suitable candidate for piezoelectric energy harvesting applications.
A small addition of reduced graphene oxide to protect fluorosilicone rubber from thermal oxidative degradation
Authors: You Yang , Zheng Anna , Wei Dafu , Xu Xiang , Guan Yong , Chen Jianding
Published: August 2022

As an essential elastomer used in edge technologies, fluorosilicone rubber (FSR) suffers serious oxidative aging problem when serving at high temperature. In this study, a small amount of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) was added to FSR, and the resulting rGO/FSR compounds were vulcanized using 2,5‐dimethyl‐2,5‐di(tert‐butyl) peroxyhexane as the vulcanizer. The dispersion of rGO was investigated using scanning electron microscope. The mechanical properties and thermal‐oxidative stability of the rGO/FSR vulcanizates were investigated via thermal aging test at 230°C for 72 h, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and isothermal degradation test at 280, 320, and 350°C. The results showed the small addition of rGO (0.5 wt%) significantly improved the thermo‐oxidative stability of FSR. In particular, the FSR incorporating of 0.5 wt% of rGO could maintain more than 85% of tensile strength after aging at 230°C for 72 h. The FSR incorporating of 0.5 wt% of rGO can maintain more than 90% of initial weight after aging at 350°C for 12 h. The experiment of scavenging hydroxyl radical by rGO, and quantum chemistry calculation indicated rGO containing aryloxy radicals can scavenge the initial radicals during thermal degradation of FSR, which might be prime reason for the antioxidant properties of rGO.
A method of automatically obtaining master surfaces of resin matrix composites by time–temperature superposition
Authors: Guan Chengyu , Yang Zhiyong , Li Huimin
Published: August 2022

The time–temperature superposition (TTS) is a data processing method of viscoelastic mechanics, which is realized by translating and superposing the responses at different temperatures to get master curves beyond the test time or frequency. In this study, an automatic shift method is developed to obtain master surfaces of the carbon fiber reinforced plastics and epoxy resin. First step, an interpolation is used to process the dynamic mechanical analysis test data measured by frequency sweep/temperature step or continuous heating‐up method. Second step, the Prony series of the generalized Maxwell model are used to fit the storage and loss modulus at each temperature, which makes the fitting curves have physical meaning and causality. Third step, the automatic shift is achieved by minimizing the sum of squares of the vertical distances between two fitting curves. Last step, master surfaces are created by Prony series fitting and interpolation, and the storage modulus, loss modulus, loss factors, and relaxation modulus at any temperature, frequency or time can be found on the master surfaces. Both storage modulus and loss modulus are considered at same time according to the weight. The effects of different weights are studied.
Thromboembolic events after Ad.26.COV2.S COVID‐19 vaccine: Reports to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System
Authors: Woo Emily Jane , Mba‐Jonas Adamma , Thomas Alisha , Baer Bethany , Day Brendan , Kim Yeowon , Gomez‐Lorenzo Margarita , Nair Narayan
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has identified a potential safety concern for thromboembolic events (TEEs) after Ad.26.COV2.S COVID‐19 Vaccine. We sought to characterize the frequency, severity, type, and anatomic location of TEEs reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) following Ad.26.COV2.S.

Methods

Reports of TEEs after Ad.26.COV2.S were identified in VAERS, and demographics, clinical characteristics, and relevant medical history were summarized. For a subset of reports, physicians reviewed available medical records and evaluated clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, risk factors, and treatment. The crude reporting rate of TEEs was estimated based on case counts in VAERS and vaccine administration data.

Results

Through February 28, 2022, FDA identified 3790 reports of TEEs after Ad.26.COV2.S. Median age was 56 years, and 1938 individuals (51.1%) were female. Most reports, 2892 (76.3%), were serious, including 421 deaths. Median time to onset was 12 days post‐vaccination. Obesity and ischemia were among the most commonly documented risk factors. Thrombocytopenia (platelet count less than 150 000/μl) was documented in 63 records (11.5%) and anti‐platelet 4 antibodies in 25 (4.6%). Medical review identified cases of severe clot burden (e.g., bilateral, saddle, or other massive pulmonary embolism with or without cor pulmonale; lower extremity thrombus involving the external iliac, common femoral, popliteal, posterior tibial, peroneal, and gastrocnemius veins). The crude reporting rate was ~20.7 cases of TEE per 100 000 doses of Ad.26.COV2.S administered.

Conclusions

Life‐threatening or fatal TEEs have been reported after Ad.26.COV2.S, including bilateral massive pulmonary embolism or other severe clot burden.
Toughening of a polytriazole resin with diprogargyl poly(propylene glycol)s
Authors: Wu Bangqiang , Hao Xufeng , Zhang Jun , Wan Liqiang , Zhou Yan , Huang Farong
Published: August 2022

The rapid development of aerospace technology has put demands on the high tough thermosetting resins. Polytriazole (PTA) resins are a kind of high performance thermosetting resins as matrices of structural composites for aerospace parts. It is necessary to develop polytriazole resins with high toughness. In this paper, propargyl‐terminated polypropylene glycols (PtPGs) with various molecular weights (PtPG400, PtPG600, PtPG725) were synthesized and characterized. A series of PtPG‐toughened polytriazole (PPTA) resins were prepared by the “Click” reaction of PtPG and N,N,N′,N′‐tetrapropargyl‐4,4′‐diaminodiphenylmethane (TPDDM) with 1,1‐bisazidomethyl‐4,4′‐biphenyl (BAMBP). The curing behavior of the PPTA resins and the thermal, mechanical, as well as water absorption of the cured PPTA resins were investigated. The results show that the PPTA resins have excellent processing properties and can be cured and molded at 80°C. The molecular weight and the amount of PtPG have a significant influence on the mechanical properties of PPTA resins. When PtPG600 with the molar ratio of alkyne groups 1.0% is formulated, the impact strength of the cured PPTA‐600‐1.0 resin reaches 63.6 ± 8.2 kJ·m−2 and KIC 2.57 MPa·m−1/2, which are 57.4% and 41.2% higher than those of PTA resin respectively. The glass transition temperature (Tg) and water absorption of the cured PPTA‐600‐1.0 resin are 223.8°C and 0.22% respectively.
Proteomic insight into the interaction of Paenibacillus larvae with honey bee larvae before capping collected from an American foulbrood outbreak: Pathogen proteins within the host, lysis signatures and interaction markers
Authors: Erban Tomas , Sopko Bruno , Bodrinova Miroslava , Talacko Pavel , Chalupnikova Julie , Markovic Martin , Kamler Martin
Published: August 2022

American foulbrood (AFB) is a devastating disease of honey bees. There remains a gap in the understanding of the interactions between the causative agent and host, so we used shotgun proteomics to gain new insights. Nano‐LC–MS/MS analysis preceded visual description and Paenibacillus larvae identification in the same individual sample. A further critical part of our methodology was that larvae before capping were used as the model stage. The identification of the virulence factors SplA, PlCBP49, enolase, and DnaK in all P. larvae‐positive samples was consistent with previous studies. Furthermore, the results were consistent with the array of virulence factors identified in an in vitro study of P. larvae exoprotein fractions. Although an S‐layer protein and a putative bacteriocin were highlighted as important, the microbial collagenase ColA and InhA were not found in our samples. The most important virulence factor identified was isoform of neutral metalloproteinase (UniProt: V9WB82), a major protein marker responsible for the shift in the PCA biplot. This protein is associated with larval decay and together with other virulence factors (bacteriocin) can play a key role in protection against secondary invaders. Overall, this study provides new knowledge on host‐pathogen interactions and a new methodical approach to study the disease.
The accuracy of a novel image‐guided hybrid robotic system for dental implant placement: An in vitro study
Authors: Tao Baoxin , Feng Yuan , Fan Xingqi , Lan Kengliang , Zhuang Minjie , Wang Shigang , Wang Feng , Chen Xiaojun , Wu Yiqun
Published: August 2022

Background

This in vitro study aims to evaluate the accuracy of dental implant placement by a novel image‐guided hybrid robotic system for dental implant surgery (HRS‐DIS).

Methods

The HRS‐DIS with a 5 degree of freedom (DOF) serial manipulator and a 6 DOF Stewart platform was developed. To evaluate the accuracy of repeated drilling, the holes were prepared twice with a 2.2 mm drill. To evaluate the accuracy of dental implant placement, the entry, exit and angle deviations of dental implants were measured.

Results

Twenty‐four holes were prepared twice, and mean (±SD) of diameters were measured as 2.2 ± 0.02 mm. A total of 160 dental implants were placed in 32 phantoms by HRS‐DIS. The mean (±SD) of the entry, exit and angle deviation were 0.8 ± 0.54 mm, 0.87 ± 0.54 mm and 1.0 1 ± 0.44°, respectively.

Conclusions

The results of the in vitro study preliminarily validated that the HRS‐DIS could provide a high accuracy for dental implant surgery.
Nanoporous Anodic Alumina Photonic Crystals for Sunlight Harvesting Applications: A Perspective
Authors: Lim Siew Yee , Hedrich Carina , Law Cheryl Suwen , Abell Andrew D. , Blick Robert H. , Furlan Kaline P. , Zierold Robert , Santos Abel
Published: August 2022

Nanoporous anodic alumina (NAA) fabricated by anodization of aluminum is a versatile platform material with tailorable geometric, optical, and chemical features for specific light‐based technologies and applications. Recent advances in anodization technology have enabled a new generation of NAA‐based photonic crystals (PCs)—periodic dielectric nanoporous structures that selectively allow, forbid, and confine the flow of incoming electromagnetic waves of specific wavelengths across their structure. NAA–PCs provide exciting new opportunities to engineer light–matter interactions with versatility across the broad spectrum, from UV to IR. But despite these fundamental advances, demonstrations of sunlight‐harvesting technologies based on NAA–PCs are still limited. Herein, an up‐to‐date summary of recent advances in NAA–PC technology is provided, and proof‐of‐concept demonstrations and future pathways to propel this versatile platform material across sunlight‐harvesting technologies such as photocatalysis, photoelectrocatalysis, photothermal energy conversion, and solar cells are discussed.
Comparison of advanced semi‐probabilistic methods for design and assessment of concrete structures
Authors: Novák Lukáš , Červenka Jan , Červenka Vladimír , Novák Drahomír , Sýkora Miroslav
Published: August 2022

This paper presents the comparison of advanced semi‐probabilistic methods for the design and assessment of concrete structures represented by mathematical models solved by non‐linear finite element methods. The special attention is given to the advanced methods focused on the estimation of the coefficient of variation of structural resistance. Numerical examples represent a replication of laboratory experiments of beams with different failure modes. The obtained results are discussed with respect to the accuracy of the employed methods and the influence of the assumed statistical correlation among basic variables. Simplified methods give a good estimation of the design values, though their accuracy is dependent on the type of the failure mechanism. Moreover, it is shown that mutual correlations among random variables may significantly affect the design value of resistance, and they should be carefully defined and modeled.
Influence of tibial plateau levelling osteotomy on the tensile forces sustained by ligaments in cranial cruciate ligament‐intact canine stifles: An ex vivo pilot study
Authors: Shimada Masakazu , Takagi Tetsuya , Kanno Nobuo , Yamakawa Satoshi , Fujie Hiromichi , Hara Yasushi
Published: August 2022

Background

Tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO) changes the anatomical tibial conformation and might alter the positional relationship of the ligaments comprising the stifle joint. As a result, it is expected to affect the tensile force of the ligaments. However, studies analyzing the details of the effect of osteotomy are limited.

Objectives

To evaluate the influence of TPLO on the tensile force on the stifle ligaments in the intact canine stifle using a six‐degree‐of‐freedom (6‐DOF) robotic testing system.

Methods

Eight stifles were categorised into the reference group and nine stifles into the TPLO group. The stifles were then analysed using a 6‐DOF robotic joint biomechanical testing system. The stifles were applied 30 N at cranial, caudal, and compression loads and 1 Nm at the internal and external torque loads (the load applied to the tibia relative to the femur) on extension, at 135° and 120°, respectively. The tensile force placed on the cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL), the caudal cruciate ligament, the medial collateral ligament, lateral collateral ligament and the total tensile force placed on the four ligaments was calculated under each load.

Results

For the caudal load applied to the tibia relative to the femur, the CrCL tensile force in the TPLO group was lower than that in the reference group at 120° (p = 0.02). The CrCL tensile force in the TPLO group was lower than that in the reference group at 120° (p < 0.01) for the compression load. Regarding the cranial, internal, and external load, the CrCL tensile force remains unchanged between both groups at each angle.

Conclusions

TPLO reduces CrCL tensile force during compression and caudal force application. TPLO may reduce tensile forces contributing to CrCL rupture.
Bone meal ingestion in dogs: 255 Cases reported to the Veterinary Poisons Information Service
Authors: Little Annika , Bates Nicola , Tizzard Zoe , Savage Claire , Trehy Mary
Published: August 2022

Bone meal is a widely used fertiliser, and its ingestion in dogs is common, presumably because they are attracted by the odour. In a case series of 255 cases reported to the Veterinary Poisons Information Service, 47.1% of dogs remained well. Clinical signs were reported in 52.9% and were predominantly gastrointestinal, particularly vomiting and diarrhoea. Some dogs also displayed lethargy (14.9%) and abdominal pain (5.9%). Signs were typically mild, but in a small number of cases, gastrointestinal impaction and/or perforation (1.2%) occurred. Of the 135 symptomatic dogs that ingested bone meal, 132 recovered (51.8%), two were euthanased (0.8%) and one died (0.4%). Two dogs with gastrointestinal complications following bone meal ingestion are described in detail. Both had prolonged gastrointestinal signs, and exploratory coeliotomy confirmed gastrointestinal impaction with perforation in one case and necrosis of the gastric wall in the other. Both dogs were euthanased perioperatively due to poor prognosis.
Review of automated time series forecasting pipelines
Authors: Meisenbacher Stefan , Turowski Marian , Phipps Kaleb , Rätz Martin , Müller Dirk , Hagenmeyer Veit , Mikut Ralf
Published: August 2022

Time series forecasting is fundamental for various use cases in different domains such as energy systems and economics. Creating a forecasting model for a specific use case requires an iterative and complex design process. The typical design process includes five sections (1) data preprocessing, (2) feature engineering, (3) hyperparameter optimization, (4) forecasting method selection, and (5) forecast ensembling, which are commonly organized in a pipeline structure. One promising approach to handle the ever‐growing demand for time series forecasts is automating this design process. The article, thus, reviews existing literature on automated time series forecasting pipelines and analyzes how the design process of forecasting models is currently automated. Thereby, we consider both automated machine learning (AutoML) and automated statistical forecasting methods in a single forecasting pipeline. For this purpose, we first present and compare the identified automation methods for each pipeline section. Second, we analyze these automation methods regarding their interaction, combination, and coverage of the five pipeline sections. For both, we discuss the reviewed literature that contributes toward automating the design process, identify problems, give recommendations, and suggest future research. This review reveals that the majority of the reviewed literature only covers two or three of the five pipeline sections. We conclude that future research has to holistically consider the automation of the forecasting pipeline to enable the large‐scale application of time series forecasting.

This article is categorized under:

Technologies > Machine Learning

Technologies > Prediction

Algorithmic Development > Spatial and Temporal Data Mining
Reduction with degenerate Gram matrix for one-loop integrals
Authors: Feng Bo , Hu Chang , Li Tingfei , Song Yuekai
Published: August 2022

Abstract

An improved PV-reduction (Passarino-Veltman) method for one-loop integrals with auxiliary vector R has been proposed in [1, 2]. It has also been shown that the new method is a self-completed method in [3]. Analytic reduction coefficients can be easily produced by recursion relations in this method, where the Gram determinant appears in denominators. The singularity caused by Gram determinant is a well-known fact and it is important to address these divergences in a given frame. In this paper, we propose a systematical algorithm to deal with this problem in our method. The key idea is that now the master integral of the highest topology will be decomposed into combinations of master integrals of lower topologies. By demanding the cancellation of divergence for obtained general reduction coefficients, we solve decomposition coefficients as a Taylor series of the Gram determinant. Moreover, the same idea can be applied to other kinds of divergences.
Nanoscale organization of the MHC I peptide-loading complex in human dendritic cells
Authors: Koller Nicole , Höllthaler Philipp , Barends Martina , Döring Marius , Spahn Christoph , Durán Verónica , Costa Bibiana , Becker Jennifer , Heilemann Mike , Kalinke Ulrich , Tampé Robert
Published: August 2022

Dendritic cells (DCs) translate local innate immune responses into long-lasting adaptive immunity by priming antigen-specific T cells. Accordingly, there is an ample interest in exploiting DCs for therapeutic purposes, e.g., in personalized immunotherapies. Despite recent advances in elucidating molecular pathways of antigen processing, in DCs the exact spatial organization of the underlying processes is largely unknown. Here, we unraveled the nanoscale organization of the transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP)-dependent peptide-loading machinery in human monocyte-derived DCs (moDC). We detected an unexpected accumulation of MHC I peptide-loading complexes (PLCs) and TAP-dependent peptide compartmentalization in protrusions of activated DCs. Using single-molecule localization microscopy we revealed that PLCs display homogeneously sized assemblies, independent of the DC activation status or cellular localization. Our data indicate that moDCs show augmentation of subcellular PLC density during DC maturation. We observed a twofold density increase in the cell body, while an even fourfold accumulation was detected in the tips of the protrusions at the mature DC stage in comparison to immature DCs. In these tip regions, PLC assemblies are found along highly compressed tubular ER networks. These findings provide novel insights into nanoscale organization of the antigen presentation machinery, and open new perspectives on the T cell stimulatory capacity of DCs.
Test of a PSHA Map of China with Fortification Benefit Evaluation
Authors: Tao Zhengru , Tao Xiaxin , Chen Weijue , Tao Zhiguo
Published: August 2022

A path for testing a probabilistic seismic hazard assessment (PSHA) map is presented in this paper via the evaluation of fortification benefit with two indices, economic benefit and safety benefit. The effect of fortification intensity on the vulnerability of the engineering structure is emphasized in the damage estimation of the evaluation. The expected losses and casualties are calculated based on the total areas in each of the five damage states with local parameters. The result of a case study of the 1990 PSHA map of China shows that the expected total reduction of loss from the damage to brick concrete and reinforced concrete buildings constructed during the in-service period of the map and damaged in the subsequent destructive earthquakes is RMB 216.5 billion. Thus the expected economic benefit is RMB 17.5 billion in comparison to the additional fortification cost of RMB 199.0 billion. The expected casualty reductions are 20,838 fewer deaths and 77,801 fewer serious injuries. This indicates that the implementation of the 1990 PSHA map has indeed played a beneficial role in earthquake disaster mitigation. The evaluation result of the marginal benefit of fortification, in terms of increasing or decreasing the fortification intensities by one degree further for the whole country, shows that the fortification level adopted in China is appropriate as a whole.
Acceptability of multimodal pelvic floor physical therapy to treat dyspareunia after gynecological malignancies: a qualitative study of women’s views and experiences
Authors: Cyr Marie-Pierre , Dostie Rosalie , Camden Chantal , Dumoulin Chantale , Bessette Paul , Pina Annick , Gotlieb Walter Henry , Lapointe-Milot Korine , Mayrand Marie-Hélène , Morin Mélanie
Published: August 2022

Introduction and hypothesis

Multimodal pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT) is recommended after gynecological malignancies to treat dyspareunia. However, data to strongly support its implementation in the cancer care continuum are lacking. The aim of this study was to explore the views and experiences of gynecological cancer survivors with dyspareunia regarding the acceptability of multimodal PFPT.

Methods

This qualitative study was conducted with the participants (n = 28) of a study investigating a 12-week multimodal PFPT treatment. Individual semi-structured telephone interviews served to collect qualitative data pertaining to women’s views and experiences of the treatment they received. Interviews were recorded and transcribed for analysis using the interpretative description framework.

Results

Our cohort described the appropriateness of the treatment in terms of modalities, physical therapist, care delivery, and intensity (Theme 1). While the intensity was reported as demanding by a few, all participants stressed that it was relevant to see significant improvements (Theme 2). In addition to the treatment characteristics and women’s beliefs and attitudes, noticing the treatment effects motivated their participation (Theme 2). Women expressed being highly satisfied with the treatment based on their positive experiences and the balance between their efforts and the results they obtained (Theme 3). As a result, they all recommended this treatment (Theme 3).

Conclusions

This is the first study to examine the acceptability of multimodal PFPT in the context of gynecological malignancies. This treatment was found acceptable and can be offered to gynecological cancer survivors.
The Efficacy and Safety of Intravenous Iron in Geriatric Hip Fracture Surgeries: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Cao Mu‐Min , Chi Jia‐Yu , Zhang Yuan‐Wei , Sheng Ren‐Wang , Gao Wang , Zhao Ya‐Kuan , Rui Yun‐Feng
Published: August 2022

Background

With the increasing evidence provided by recent high‐quality studies, the intravenous iron appears to be a reliable therapy for blood administration in geriatric patients with hip fractures. Here, this systematic review and meta‐analysis were aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of intravenous iron in geriatric patients sustaining hip fractures.

Methods

Potential pertinent literatures evaluating the effects of intravenous iron in the geriatric patients undergoing hip fractures were identified from Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, and Scopus. We performed a pairwise meta‐analysis using fixed‐ and random‐effects models, and the pooling of data was carried out by using RevMan 5.1.

Results

Four randomized controlled trials and four observational studies conform to inclusion criteria. The results of meta‐analysis showed that intravenous iron reduced transfusion rates compared to the control group, yet the result did not reach statistical significance. The intravenous iron was related to lower transfusion volumes, shorter length of stay, and a reduced risk of nosocomial infections. And there was no significant difference in terms of the mortality and other complications between the treatment group and the control group.

Conclusion

Current evidence suggests that intravenous iron reduces the transfusion volume, length of hospital stay, and risk of nosocomial infections. It takes about 7 days for intravenous iron to elevate hemoglobin by 1 g/dl and about 1 month for 2 g/dl. The safety profile of intravenous iron is also reassuring, and additional high‐quality studies are needed.
Taxonomic Characterization, Antiviral Activity and Induction of Three New Kenalactams in Nocardiopsis sp. CG3
Authors: Messaoudi Omar , Steinmann Eike , Praditya Dimas , Bendahou Mourad , Wink Joachim
Published: August 2022

Exploration of secondary metabolites secreted by new Actinobacteria taxa isolated from unexplored areas, can increase the possibility to obtain new compounds which can be developed into new drugs for the treatment of serious diseases such as hepatitis C. In this context, one actinobacterial strain, CG3, has been selected based on the results of polyphasic characterization, which indicate that it represents a new putative species within the genus Nocardiopsis. Two fractions (F2 and F3), prepared from the culture of strain CG3 in soybean medium, exhibited a pronounced antiviral activity against the HCV strain Luc-Jc1. LC–HRESIMS analysis showed different bioactive compounds in both active fractions (F2 and F3), including five polyenic macrolactams (kenalactams A-E), three isoflavone metabolites, along with mitomycin C and one p-phenyl derivative. Furthermore, feeding with 1% of methionine, lysine or alanine as a unique nitrogen source, induced the production of three novel kenalactam derivatives.
Ophthalmologische Arzneitherapie bei Profisportlern – Was ist erlaubt, was Doping?
Authors: Wall Katharina , Rokohl Alexander C. , Scheiff Anja B. , Katlun Thomas , Heindl Ludwig M.
Published: August 2022

Ophthalmologische Medikamente stehen auf den ersten Blick nicht unbedingt im Verdacht, als leistungsfördernde Mittel im Leistungssport angewandt zu werden. Es gibt jedoch einige Beschränkungen, die vor allem bei oraler Einnahme bestimmter Medikamente zu beachten sind. Unter Einbeziehung der aktuellen Maßgaben der Nationalen Anti Doping Agentur Deutschland und der World Anti-Doping Agency wurde eine strukturierte Analyse der Dopingrelevanz ophthalmologischer Medikamente auf Basis einer Literaturrecherche durchgeführt. Eine Anwendung der häufigsten ophthalmologischen Wirkstoffgruppen ist ohne Einschränkungen möglich, vor allem bei topischer Applikation. Eine Ausnahme bildet die orale Einnahme von Diuretika, die jederzeit verboten ist. Bei Glukokortikoiden ist beispielsweise die topische Applikation am Auge erlaubt, jedoch eine orale Applikation innerhalb von Wettkämpfen untersagt. Eine ähnliche Beschränkung gilt bei der Anwendung von Epinephrin, bei der alle systemischen Applikationsformen innerhalb von Wettkämpfen untersagt sind. Bei der Anwendung von Betablockern ist die ausgeübte Sportart maßgeblich, da beim Billard, Bogenschießen, Darts, Golf, Motorsport, Schießsportarten, Skifahren/Snowboarding, Skispringen, Freistil Aerials/Halfpipe und Snowboard Halfpipe/Big Air und Tauchen eine lokale und systemische Anwendung innerhalb von Wettkämpfen unzulässig ist. Beim Schießen und Bogenschießen ist der Gebrauch von Betablockern auch außerhalb von Wettkämpfen untersagt. Sportler*innen mit ophthalmologischen Vorerkrankungen sollten sich vor Anwendung von Medikamenten umfassend von einem Facharzt für Augenheilkunde beraten lassen und gemeinsam einen zulässigen Wirkstoff auswählen, die geeignete Applikationsart beachten und gegebenenfalls, bei obligater Einnahme, einen Antrag auf eine Medizinische Ausnahmegenehmigung stellen. Aktuell ist nicht bekannt wie viele der nationalen und internationalen Sportler*Innen mit Augentropfen behandelt werden müssen.
Role of cochlear reserve in adults with cochlear implants following post-lingual hearing loss
Authors: Thangavelu Kruthika , Nitzge Markus , Weiß Rainer M. , Mueller-Mazzotta Jochen , Stuck Boris A. , Reimann Katrin
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Pre-operative assessments before cochlear implantation (CI) includes the examination of both tone hearing, and the level of the cochlear reserve indicated by speech understanding. The goal of this study was to explore the predictive influence of tone hearing and cochlear reserve in CI.

Methods

We did a retrospective cohort study, which included adult patients who had undergone CI between January 2012 and December 2019 in a tertiary care center. The pre-operative tone hearing, unaided maximum monosyllabic word recognition score (WRSmax), aided hearing gain, aided monosyllabic word recognition score at 65 dB (WRS65(HA)), and speech perception gap (SPG) were measured. The duration of unaided hearing loss (UHL) was also assessed. These variables were compared with post-operative monosyllabic word recognition score after CI at 65 dB (WRS65(CI)).

Results

103 patients and 128 ears were included in this study. Regardless of tone hearing, patients with better pre-operative WRSmax and WRS65(HA) performed better post-operatively. WRSmax was found to be the most important factor that was statistically significantly associated with WRS65(CI). SPG was statistically significantly associated with WRSmax and SPG ≥ 20% group performed better post-operatively. Any duration of unaided hearing loss was statistically significantly inversely associated with WRSmax above 0%.

Conclusion

Cochlear reserve represented by WRSmax may play the most important role as a predictive factor in outcomes after CI. SPG should be considered for indicating CI in patients, when WRS65(HA) does not reach WRSmax. Early rehabilitation with hearing aids and duration of hearing aid usage might play an important role in preserving cochlear reserve in adults.
Evaluation of five methods to identify composite restorations in human teeth on a forensic purpose—an ex vivo comparative study
Authors: Auderset Florence C. , Connert Thomas , Meller Christian , Filippi Andreas , Dagassan-Berndt Dorothea C.
Published: August 2022

The use of tooth-colored composite resin materials in dentistry is increasing. As composite restorations appear similar to the natural tooth structure, their detection is becoming more challenging. The aim of this study was to compare five diagnostic methods for detection of dental restorations and to create reliable postmortem dental records for forensic purposes. A conventional examination method without a direct light source (CONV), with a dental loupe light (DL), Galilean loupes with a direct light source (GDL), a fluorescence-inducing device (FIT), and intraoral radiographs (RX) were compared. Dentists specializing in conservative dentistry or oral surgery and dentistry students participated. Regarding sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value, FIT and RX showed significantly higher results than CONV, DL, and GDL. RX and FIT showed comparable results in identifying composite restorations but depending on their location. The combination of both methods may lead to even better results. In conclusion fluorescence-inducing devices show good results in identifying composite restorations and therefore should be considered as a standard tool in forensic examinations. Another advantage is their small size, low cost, and mobility. Good illumination and magnification devices are recommended to enhance performance during conventional examinations. Involving dentists specialized in conservative dentistry could contribute to dental identification.