bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measure quantity of mitochondrial DNA in aged bones or calculate it from nuclear DNA quantitative PCR results?
Authors: Obal Marcel , Zupanc Tomaž , Zupanič Pajnič Irena 
Published: August 2023

AbstractMitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is of great value in forensics to procure information about a person when a next of kin, personal belongings, or other sources of nuclear DNA (nDNA) are unavailable, or nDNA is lacking in quality and quantity. The quality and reliability of the results depend greatly on ensuring optimal conditions for the given method, for instance, the optimal input of the copy number (CN) in next-generation sequencing (NGS) methods. The unavailability of commercial quantitative PCR (qPCR) methods to determine mtDNA CN creates the necessity to rely on recommendations to infer mtDNA CN from nDNA yield. Because nDNA yield varies between individuals, tissues, parts of the same tissue, and because mtDNA CN varies between tissues, such assumptions must be examined for a specific context, rather than be generalized. This study compares mtDNA CN calculated from nDNA yield and qPCR measured mtDNA CN. Seventy-five femurs from the Second World War victims were used as samples; they were cut below the greater trochanter, surface contaminants were removed by mechanical and chemical cleaning, samples were fully demineralized, and DNA was isolated. PowerQuant® Kit (Promega) was used to analyze DNA yield. An in-house method was used to determine mtDNA CN. Comparison of mtDNA CN from nDNA derived calculations and measured mtDNA CN highlighted vast differences. The results emphasize the need to perform qPCR to assess mtDNA CN before NGS analyses of aged bones’ mitogenomes rather than estimating mtDNA CN from nDNA yield to ensure the quality and reliability of the results of NGS analysis.
A three-step approach to close refractory persistent macular holes: a releasing-closing-tapping approach
Authors: Su Tong , He Shuai , Mao Peiyao , Gu Chufeng , Meng Chunren , Zhou Chuandi , Chen Jili , Zheng Zhi , Qiu Qinghua 
Published: August 2023

AbstractPurposeThe aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of a novel releasing-closing-tapping approach in the treatment of persistent macular holes (PMHs) after initial surgery with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed patients with PMHs after initial surgery with ILM peeling who were treated with a novel releasing-closing-tapping approach. After repeated pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), the surgeon effectively released the adhesion between the edges and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) by gently scraping the retinal neuroepithelium. Then, the hole was converted into a transverse slit, and the edges were gently tapped flat so that they attached to the RPE, and no space was left under the edges. Finally, air tamponade was carried out. The primary outcome measures included MH closure and the change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) from preoperatively to postoperatively.ResultsThe study included 11 PMH patients with a mean age of 63.82 ± 3.31 years. The mean minimum linear diameter of PMHs was 666.3 ± 208.1 μm, and the mean basal diameter was 1547.2 ± 351.8 μm. MH closure was achieved in 90.9% (10/11) of eyes, with significant improvement of visual acuity from 1.19 ± 0.30 logMAR to 0.65 ± 0.29 logMAR postoperatively.ConclusionThe releasing-closing-tapping approach with repeated PPV is a simple, effective, and safe surgical procedure for refractory PMHs after initial surgery with ILM peeling that can significantly improve the visual outcome and achieve a high surgical success rate.
Modelling human endurance: power laws vs critical power
Authors: Drake Jonah P. , Finke Axel , Ferguson Richard A. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe power–duration relationship describes the time to exhaustion for exercise at different intensities. It is believed to be a “fundamental bioenergetic property of living systems” that this relationship is hyperbolic. Indeed, the hyperbolic (a.k.a. critical-power) model which formalises this belief is the dominant tool for describing and predicting high-intensity exercise performance, e.g. in cycling, running, rowing or swimming. However, the hyperbolic model is now the focus of a heated debate in the literature because it unrealistically represents efforts that are short (< 2 min) or long (> 15 min). We contribute to this debate by demonstrating that the power–duration relationship is more adequately represented by an alternative, power-law model. In particular, we show that the often-observed good fit of the hyperbolic model between 2 and 15 min should not be taken as proof that the power–duration relationship is hyperbolic. Rather, in this range, a hyperbolic function just happens to approximate a power law fairly well. We also prove mathematical results which suggest that the power-law model is a safer tool for pace selection than the hyperbolic model and that the former more naturally models fatigue than the latter.
Ten rapid antigen tests for SARS-CoV-2 widely differ in their ability to detect Omicron-BA.4 and -BA.5
Authors: Krenn Franziska , Dächert Christopher , Badell Irina , Lupoli Gaia , Öztan Gamze Naz , Feng Tianle , Schneider Nikolas , Huber Melanie , Both Hanna , Späth Patricia M. , Muenchhoff Maximilian , Graf Alexander , Krebs Stefan , Blum Helmut , Durner Jürgen , Czibere Ludwig , Kaderali Lars , Keppler Oliver T. , Baldauf Hanna-Mari , Osterman Andreas 
Published: August 2023

AbstractSince late 2021, the variant landscape of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been dominated by the variant of concern (VoC) Omicron and its sublineages. We and others have shown that the detection of Omicron-BA.1 and -BA.2-positive respiratory specimens by rapid antigen tests (RATs) is impaired compared to Delta VoC-containing samples. Here, in a single-center retrospective laboratory study, we evaluated the performance of ten most commonly used RATs for the detection of Omicron-BA.4 and -BA.5 infections. We used 171 respiratory swab specimens from SARS-CoV-2 RNA-positive patients, of which 71 were classified as BA.4 and 100 as BA.5. All swabs were collected between July and September 2022. 50 SARS-CoV-2 PCR-negative samples from healthy individuals, collected in October 2022, showed high specificity in 9 out of 10 RATs. When assessing analytical sensitivity using clinical specimens, the 50% limit of detection (LoD50) ranged from 7.6 × 104 to 3.3 × 106 RNA copies subjected to the RATs for BA.4 compared to 6.8 × 104 to 3.0 × 106 for BA.5. Overall, intra-assay differences for the detection of these two Omicron subvariants were not significant for both respiratory swabs and tissue culture-expanded virus isolates. In contrast, marked heterogeneity was observed among the ten RATs: to be positive in these point-of-care tests, up to 443-fold (BA.4) and up to 56-fold (BA.5) higher viral loads were required for the worst performing RAT compared to the best performing RAT. True-positive rates for Omicron-BA.4- or -BA.5-containing specimens in the highest viral load category (Ct values < 25) ranged from 94.3 to 34.3%, dropping to 25.6 to 0% for samples with intermediate Ct values (25–30). We conclude that the high heterogeneity in the performance of commonly used RATs remains a challenge for the general public to obtain reliable results in the evolving Omicron subvariant-driven pandemic.
Interdisziplinäres Multimodales Assessment
Authors: Schouten Leonie , Kaiser Ulrike ,   PAIN2020-Team, Isenberg Thomas , Lindena Gabriele , Martin Carolin , Möller André , Augustin Katharina , Kaiser Ulrike , Gärtner Anne , Preißler Anke , Hoffmann Greta , Pritzke Michael Julia , Petzke Frank , Pfingsten Michael , Schouten Leonie , Deppe Karin , Casser Hans-Raimund , Nagel Bernd , Schwenk Katja , Metz-Oster Beatrice , Milch Lena , Rensland Jana , Kohlmann Thomas , Szczotkowski Daniel , Marschall Ursula , Schumacher Catharina , Petzke Frank 
Published: August 2023

ZusammenfassungHintergrundIn PAIN2020 (Innovationsfond, 01NVF17049) wurde ein frühzeitig im Krankheitsverlauf ansetzendes, ambulantes Interdisziplinäres Multimodales Assessment (IMA) eingeführt. Zentrales Qualitätsmerkmal ist die enge interdisziplinäre Zusammenarbeit der Schmerzmedizin, Physiotherapie und Psychologie, die eines komplexen Organisations- bzw. Abstimmungsprozesses, insbesondere in Teamsitzung und Abschlussgespräch, bedarf.ZielDie (unterschiedlichen) Sichtweisen der beteiligten Berufsgruppen werden im Teamprozess als gemeinsamer Konsens zusammengeführt. Der Ablauf zur Gestaltung der Interaktion der Berufsgruppen untereinander in Teamsitzung und Abschlussgespräch sowie mit den Patient:innen soll untersucht (qualitativ) und diskutiert werden.MethodikIn PAIN2020 fand ein Workshop zum IMA statt, um die im Prozess bisher gewonnenen Erkenntnisse und Erfahrungen durch das Monitoring mit Mitarbeitenden bzw. Teams der PAIN2020-Zentren gemeinsam zu reflektieren. In einer von drei Arbeitsphasen wurden in interprofessionell zusammengestellten Gruppen im Rahmen eines World Cafés in drei rotierenden Durchgängen Aussagen der Teilnehmenden zur Gestaltung der Interaktion in Teamsitzung und Abschlussgespräch eingeholt.ErgebnisseEs konnten förderliche und hinderliche Faktoren für die Gestaltung interdisziplinärer Zusammenarbeit in Teamsitzung und Abschlussgespräch identifiziert werden, die übergeordnet in einem Rahmenmodell zusammengeführt wurden.DiskussionDas Erbringen der neuen Versorgungsleistung als eine interdisziplinäre Aufgabe im Team geht über bestehende Struktur- und Prozessparameter in der Definition von Rahmenbedingungen in der Interdisziplinären Multimodalen Schmerztherapie hinaus und sollte daher ebenfalls personale Kompetenzen und Fachkompetenzen mitberücksichtigen. Für die Umsetzung des IMAs ergeben sich daher neue Dimensionen, die zukünftig diskutiert werden sollten.
Divided method of intercostal nerve block reduces ropivacaine dose by half in thoracoscopic pulmonary resection while maintaining the postoperative pain score and 4-h mobilization: a retrospective study
Authors: Nakai Aiko , Nakada Jyunya , Takahashi Yusuke , Sakakura Noriaki , Masago Katuhiro , Okamoto Sakura , Kuroda Hiroaki 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Purpose
This study investigated whether the divided method of multi-level intercostal nerve block (ML-ICB) could reduce the ropivacaine dose required during thoracoscopic pulmonary resection, while maintaining the resting postoperative pain scores.

Methods
This retrospective, single-cohort study enrolled 241 patients who underwent thoracoscopic pulmonary resection for malignant tumors between October 2020 and March 2022 at a cancer hospital in Japan. ML-ICB was performed by surgeons under direct vision. The differences in intraoperative anesthetic use and postoperative pain-related variables at the beginning and end of surgery between group A (single-shot ML-ICB; 0.75% ropivacaine, 20 mL at the end of the surgery) and group B (divided ML-ICB, performed at the beginning and end of surgery; 0.25% ropivacaine, 30 mL total) were assessed. The numerical rating scale (NRS) was used to evaluate pain 1 h and 24 h postoperatively.

Results
Intraoperative remifentanil use was significantly lower in group B (14.4 ± 6.4 μg/kg/h) than in group A (16.7 ± 8.4 μg/kg/h) (P = 0.02). The proportion of patients with NRS scores of 0 to 3 at 24 h was significantly higher in group B (85.4%, 106/124) than in group A (73.5%, 86/117) (P = 0.02). The proportion of patients not requiring postoperative intravenous rescue drugs was significantly higher in group B (78.2%, 97/124) than in group A (61.5%, 72/117) (P < 0.01).

Conclusion
The divided method of ML-ICB could reduce the intraoperative remifentanil dose, decrease the postoperative pain score at 24 h, and curtail postoperative intravenous rescue drug use, despite using half the total ropivacaine dose intraoperatively.
Heterogeneous Swelling of an Isotropically Compacted Bentonite-Based Material: Experimental Observations and Modelling
Authors: Dieudonné Anne-Catherine , Gatabin Claude , Dridi Wissem , Talandier Jean , Collin Frédéric , Charlier Robert 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThis paper presents a comprehensive investigation of the swelling behaviour of a compacted bentonite–sand mixture subjected to hydration under constant volume conditions. Contrary to previous studies, the tested sample was isotropically compacted before being hydrated under constant volume conditions until full saturation was reached. The total axial pressure, total radial pressures at four different heights of the sample, and injected water volume were recorded over time. The experimental data reveal a complex and non-uniform evolution of the axial and radial stresses over time, as well as anisotropy of the total stresses, which persist at the saturated equilibrated state. To gain further insights, a numerical analysis was performed using an advanced hydromechanical framework for partially saturated porous media, accounting for the evolving microstructure of the material. The complex evolution of the total axial and radial pressures with time is attributed to the advancing hydration and swelling front in the sample, along with the development of irreversible strains. The good agreement between the numerical results and the experimental data enables validation of the developed framework. Implications for engineered barriers in deep geological disposal of radioactive waste are discussed.
Mapping high-grade glioma immune infiltration to 5-ALA fluorescence levels: TCGA data computation, classical histology, and digital image analysis
Authors: Lang Alexandra , Jeron Raphael L. , Lontzek Bastian , Kiesel Barbara , Mischkulnig Mario , Berghoff Anna S. , Ricken Gerda , Wöhrer Adelheid , Rössler Karl , Lötsch-Gojo Daniela , Roetzer-Pejrimovsky Thomas , Berger Walter , Hainfellner Johannes A. , Höftberger Romana , Widhalm Georg , Erhart Friedrich 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Resection of high-grade gliomas has been considerably improved by 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA). However, not all neurobiological properties of 5-ALA are fully understood. Specifically, potential differences in immune infiltration have not been conclusively examined, despite recent reports that immune cells might play a role. Thus, we here provide a systematic mapping of immune infiltration of different 5-ALA fluorescence levels.

Methods
Tumor-associated macrophages (CD68, CD163), cytotoxic T cells (CD8), and regulatory T cells (FoxP3) were quantified via three methods. First, data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) of 172 patients was examined for correlations between 5-ALA fluorescence-related mRNA expression signatures and immune markers. Second, as classical histology, 508 stained slides from 39 high-grade glioma patients were analysed semi-quantitatively by two independent reviewers, generating 1016 data points. Third, digital image analysis was performed with automated scanning and algorithm-based cell quantification.

Results
TCGA mRNA data from 172 patients showed a direct, significant correlation between 5-ALA signatures and immune markers (p < 0.001). However, we were not able to confirm this finding in the here studied initial set of 39 patient histologies where we found a comparable immune infiltration in different fluorescence levels. Digital image analysis correlated excellently with standard histology.

Conclusion
With mapping the immune infiltration pattern of different 5-ALA categories, we are adding fundamental basic insights to the field of 5-ALA and glioma biology. The observation that a significant correlation in TCGA data did not fully translate to detectable differences in immune infiltration in first histology data warrants further investigation in larger cohorts.
Mediterranean lifestyle index and 24-h systolic blood pressure and heart rate in community-dwelling older adults
Authors: Talavera-Rodríguez Irene , Banegas José R. , de la Cruz Juan J. , Martínez-Gómez David , Ruiz-Canela Miguel , Ortolá Rosario , Hershey Maria S. , Artalejo Fernando Rodríguez , Sotos-Prieto Mercedes 
Published: August 2023

AbstractSpecific foods, nutrients, dietary patterns, and physical activity are associated with lower blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR), but little is known about the joint effect of lifestyle factors captured in a multidimensional score. We assessed the association of a validated Mediterranean-lifestyle (MEDLIFE) index with 24-h-ambulatory BP and HR in everyday life among community-living older adults. Data were taken from 2,184 individuals (51% females, mean age: 71.4 years) from the Seniors-ENRICA-2 cohort. The MEDLIFE index consisted of 29 items arranged in three blocks: 1) Food consumption; 2) Dietary habits; and 3) Physical activity, rest, and conviviality. A higher MEDLIFE score (0–29 points) represented a better Mediterranean lifestyle adherence. 24-h-ambulatory BP and HR were obtained with validated oscillometric devices. Analyses were performed with linear regression adjusted for the main confounders. The MEDLIFE-highest quintile (vs Q1) was associated with lower nighttime systolic BP (SBP) (-3.17 mmHg [95% CI: -5.25, -1.08]; p-trend = 0.011), greater nocturnal-SBP fall (1.67% [0.51, 2.83]; p-trend = 0.052), and lower HR (-2.04 bpm [daytime], -2.33 bpm [nighttime], and -1.93 bpm [24-h]; allp-trend < 0.001). Results were similar for each of the three blocks of MEDLIFE and by hypertension status (yes/no). Among older adults, higher adherence to MEDLIFE was associated with lower nighttime SBP, greater nocturnal-SBP fall, and lower HR in their everyday life. These results suggest a synergistic BP-related protection from the components of the Mediterranean lifestyle. Future studies should determine whether these results replicate in older adults from other Mediterranean and non-Mediterranean countries.
Geroprotective potential of microbiome modulators in the Caenorhabditis elegans model
Authors: Miller Brandi C. , Mathai Megha , Yadav Hariom , Jain Shalini 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAging is associated with cellular and physiological changes, which significantly reduce the quality of life and increase the risk for disease. Geroprotectors improve lifespan and slow the progression of detrimental aging-related changes such as immune system senescence, mitochondrial dysfunction, and dysregulated nutrient sensing and metabolism. Emerging evidence suggests that gut microbiota dysbiosis is a hallmark of aging-related diseases and microbiome modulators, such as probiotics (live bacteria) or postbiotics (non-viable bacteria/bacterial byproducts) may be promising geroprotectors. However, because they are strain-specific, the geroprotective effects of probiotics and postbiotics remain poorly understood and understudied. Drosophila melanogaster, Caenorhabditis elegans, and rodents are well-validated preclinical models for studying lifespan and the role of probiotics and/or postbiotics, but each have their limitations, including cost and their translation to human aging biology. C. elegans is an excellent model for large-scale screening to determine the geroprotective potential of drugs or probiotics/postbiotics due to its short lifecycle, easy maintenance, low cost, and homology to humans. The purpose of this article is to review the geroprotective effects of microbiome modulators and their future scope, using C. elegans as a model. The proposed geroprotective mechanisms of these probiotics and postbiotics include delaying immune system senescence, preventing or reducing mitochondrial dysfunction, and regulating food intake (dietary restriction) and metabolism. More studies are warranted to understand the geroprotective potential of probiotics and postbiotics, as well as other microbiome modulators, like prebiotics and fermented foods, and use them to develop effective therapeutics to extend lifespan and reduce the risk of debilitating aging-related diseases.
Augmented reality for constructivist learning at work: current perspectives and future applications
Authors: Bödding Rabea , Bentler Dominik , Maier Günter W. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThis manuscript for the journal Gruppe. Interaktion. Organisation. (GIO) addresses the use of a new and very promising technology for work-related learning, Augmented Reality. New technological solutions have and continue to impact work in different areas, one of which is work-related learning. While Augmented Reality has been subject to numerous studies in the context of work and work training, there is a need for more detailed discussion of its relation to the theoretical foundations of learning and the therein based implications for designing and testing learning environments in Augmented Reality. For this purpose, our paper first reviews current perspectives on Augmented Reality and its value for work-related learning, before introducing and examining the concept of Instructional Design Methods. These are abstract mechanisms that can be used to support training using Augmented Reality based on expert performance. Through thorough discussion of these methods, we pose new perspectives on their application for future research and practical application.
Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy as a hybrid day care procedure: a case series of the first 53 patients at a tertiary care center
Authors: Alshahrani Mohammad S. , Babiker Ayman M. , Alsuhaibani Youssuf A. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractLaparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is the most common bariatric procedure. Outpatient LSG is gaining popularity, but the literature is conflicting regarding its safety. Innovative approaches are needed to improve access to bariatric surgery. In this pilot study, we proposed an alternative approach to assess the safety and efficacy of LSG in selected cases as hybrid day care surgery. Data were collected retrospectively from 53 patients who underwent LSG between June 2017 and September 2020 using a hybrid day care approach. Outcomes of the study included patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and outcome variables, including conversion to inpatient care, emergency room visits after discharge, and patient satisfaction. Fifty-three patients (68% females) were included in the study. Mean age was 35.32 years, and mean preoperative body mass index was 42.93. The most common comorbidity was type 2 diabetes mellitus (30.2%), followed by hypertension (15.09%), hypothyroidism (13.2%), and dyslipidemia (9.4%). One (1.89%) patient visited the emergency room because of abdominal pain and was managed and discharged with analgesia. Readmission within 24 h of discharge was not required. One (1.89%) patient developed a staple line gastric leak two weeks after the surgery and was successfully managed with a gastric stent. The series had no mortality, with high patient and family satisfaction. Our approach to performing LSG in hybrid day care surgery is safe and feasible. Adopting this protocol will improve the utilization of resources, while maintaining high levels of patient satisfaction with safety outcomes comparable to the current practice.
Graphical abstract