Disease-State Dependent Associations Between Intrinsic Brain Function and Symptoms of Fatigue, Depression, and Anxiety in Crohn's Disease.

Background: Extraintestinal symptoms (EIS) in inflammatory bowel diseases, including fatigue, depression and anxiety, are highly prevalent, but poorly understood. Alterations of brain function may contribute to EIS, but their association with disease activity is unclear. This study analyzed intrinsic neural activity (INA) of individuals with Crohn's disease (CD) in different disease states and examined the relationship between INA and EIS.

Keyhole Fenestration for Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks in the Thoracic Spine: Quantification of Bone Removal and Microsurgical Anatomy.

Background And Objective: A safe working trajectory is mandatory for spinal pathologies, especially in the midline, anterior to the spinal cord. For thoracic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks, we developed a minimally invasive keyhole fenestration. This study investigates the necessary bone removal for sufficient exposure of different leak types particularly regarding weight-bearing structures.

Can back exosuits simultaneously increase lifting endurance and reduce musculoskeletal disorder risk?

The objectives of this case series study were to test whether an elastic back exosuit could increase a wearer's endurance when lifting heavy objects and to assess whether lifting more cancels out the exosuit's risk reduction benefits. We found that 88% of participants increased their lifting repetitions while wearing an exosuit, with endurance increases ranging from 28 to 75%. We then used these empirical data with an ergonomic assessment model based on fatigue failure principles to estimate the effects on cumulative back damage (an indicator of low back disorder risk) when an exosuit is worn and more lifts are performed.

Sensorless model-based tension control for a cable-driven exosuit.

Cable-driven exosuits have the potential to support individuals with motor disabilities across the continuum of care. When supporting a limb with a cable, force sensors are often used to measure tension. However, force sensors add cost, complexity, and distal components.

Mechanistic insights into the visible-light-driven -arylation of carboxylic acids catalyzed by xanthine-based nickel complexes.

We present a photocatalytic protocol for the -arylation of carboxylic acids using nickel complexes bearing C8-pyridyl xanthines. Our studies suggest that the underlying mechanism operates independently of external photosensitizers. Stoichiometric experiments and crystallographic studies characterize the catalytically relevant Ni complexes.

Direct Observation of Fully Spin-Polarized Tunnel Current Between Quantum Spins Using a Single Molecule Sensor.

Controlling spin-polarized currents at the nanoscale is of immense importance for high-density magnetic data storage and spin-based logic devices. As electronic devices are miniaturized to the ultimate limit of individual atoms and molecules, electronic transport is strongly influenced by the properties of the individual spin centers and their magnetic interactions. In this work, we demonstrate the precise control and detection of spin-polarized currents through two coupled spin centers at a tunnel junction by controlling their spin-spin interactions.

Deep-Learning-based Automated Identification of Ventriculoperitoneal-Shunt Valve Models from Skull X-rays.

Introduction: Ventriculoperitoneal shunts (VPS) are an essential part of the treatment of hydrocephalus, with numerous valve models available with different ways of indicating pressure levels. The model types often need to be identified on X‑rays to assess pressure levels using a matching template. Artificial intelligence (AI), in particular deep learning, is ideally suited to automate repetitive tasks such as identifying different VPS valve models.

The hummingbird's adipostat: can a simple rule explain torpor frequency and duration in hummingbirds?

Because hummingbirds are small and have an expensive mode of locomotion, they have constrained energy budgets. Torpor is used to buffer against these energetic challenges, but its frequency and duration vary. We measured lipid content, metabolic rates and torpor use in two species of migrating hummingbirds, calliope () and rufous hummingbirds () at a stopover site.

A One-Dimensional Energy Balance Model Parameterization for the Formation of CO Ice on the Surfaces of Eccentric Extrasolar Planets.

Eccentric planets may spend a significant portion of their orbits at large distances from their host stars, where low temperatures can cause atmospheric CO to condense out onto the surface, similar to the polar ice caps on Mars. The radiative effects on the climates of these planets throughout their orbits would depend on the wavelength-dependent albedo of surface CO ice that may accumulate at or near apoastron and vary according to the spectral energy distribution of the host star. To explore these possible effects, we incorporated a CO ice-albedo parameterization into a one-dimensional energy balance climate model.

Laser induced oxidation Raman spectroscopy as an analysis tool for iridium-based oxygen evolution catalysts.

The study of degradation behavior of electrocatalysts in an industrial context calls for rapid and efficient analysis methods. Optical methods like Raman spectroscopy fulfil these requirements and are thus predestined for this purpose. However, the iridium utilized in proton exchange membrane electrolysis (PEMEL) is Raman inactive in its metallic state.

Secondary bile acid derivatives are contributors to the fecal bile acid pool and associated with bile acid modulating nutrients.

Objective: Accumulation of hydrophobic bile acids is linked with cancer development. However, derivatives of deoxycholic acid (DCA) and lithocholic acid (LCA) produced via bacterial metabolism may mitigate the proinflammatory and cytotoxic effects of hydrophobic bile acids. The impact of diet on secondary bile acid (BA) derivative production has not been determined.

Paediatric sedation with intranasal dexmedetomidine: Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Sedation ensures a child remains motionless during a procedure and decreases anxiety. Several pharmacologic regimes exist for paediatric sedation. However, often, intravenous cannulation is required, causing distress for the child.

Critical reflection on the indication for computed tomography: an interdisciplinary survey of risk and benefit management in patients with sepsis.

Objectives: To survey physicians' views on the risks and benefits of computed tomography (CT) in the management of septic patients and indications for and contraindications to contrast media use in searching for septic foci.

Methods: A web-based questionnaire was administered to physicians at a large European university medical center in January 2022. A total of 371 questionnaires met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed with physicians' work experience, workplace, and medical specialty as independent variables.

Virtual Monitoring Technician Performance in High-Fidelity Simulations of Remote Patient Monitoring: An Exploratory Study.

Introduction: Virtual Monitor Technicians (VMTs) are crucial in remotely monitoring inpatient telemetry. However, little is known about VMT workload and intratask performance changes, and their potential impact on patient safety. This exploratory study used a high-fidelity simulation aimed to evaluate VMTs' workload and performance changes over time in telemetry monitoring and identify future research directions for performance improvement.

Mineralocorticoid axis activity and cardiac remodeling in patients with ACTH dependent Cushing's syndrome.

Background: Arterial hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy and remodeling are independent cardiovascular risk factors in patients with Cushing's syndrome. Changes in the renin-angiotensin system and in the mineralocorticoid axis activity could be involved as potential mechanisms in their pathogenesis, in addition to cortisol excess.

Methods: In this ancillary study of our previous study prospectively investigating patients with ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (NCT02202902), 11 patients without any interfering medication were cross-sectionally compared to 20 control subjects matched for age, sex and body mass index.

The key role of cheaters in the persistence of cooperation.

Unlabelled: Evolution of cooperation is a major, extensively studied problem in evolutionary biology. Cooperation is beneficial for a population as a whole but costly for the bearers of social traits such that cheaters enjoy a selective advantage over cooperators. Here we focus on coevolution of cooperators and cheaters in a multi-level selection framework, by modeling competition among groups composed of cooperators and cheaters.

Ecological Determinants of Altruism in Prokaryote Antivirus Defense.

Prokaryote evolution is driven in large part by the incessant arms race with viruses. Genomic investments in antivirus defense can be coarsely classified into two categories, immune systems that abrogate virus reproduction resulting in clearance, and altruistic programmed cell death (PCD) systems. Prokaryotic defense systems are enormously diverse, as revealed by an avalanche of recent discoveries, but the basic ecological determinants of defense strategy remain poorly understood.

Selecting repetitive focal and rotational activation patterns with the highest probability of being a source of atrial fibrillation.

Introduction: Repetitive focal and rotational activation patterns are currently used as additional ablation targets for atrial fibrillation (AF). However, there is no evidence that all these detected targets are actual sources of AF. In this paper, we present an approach that detects and ranks AF activation patterns not only based on the degree of pattern repetitiveness but also on the extent to which they are able to entrain their vicinity.

Comparison of the effects of two soy waste-based culture media on the technological properties of 90 as adjunct culture in miniature Cremoso cheese.

We compared the effects of two waste-based culture media (M1 and M2) on the technological properties of (L90) for its application as a secondary culture in Cremoso cheese. The following parameters were studied at different ripening times: pH (7, 20, and 40 d), microbiological counts, carbohydrates and organic acids (7 and 40 d), moisture, fat, protein and volatile compounds (40 d). The viability and the metabolic performance of the strain in cheeses were also verified along ripening.

Acute pulmonary embolism with and without hemodynamic instability (2003-2022): A Swiss nationwide epidemiological study.

Background: Data on the epidemiological burden of acute pulmonary embolism (PE) in Switzerland is unavailable. Knowledge gaps remain on trends in PE-related comorbidities, PE severity, and length of in-hospital stay (LOS) at a nationwide level.

Methods: We used nationwide, patient-level data including all patients aged 15 years or older hospitalized for PE in Switzerland from 2003 to 2022, amounting to N=180,600.

Symptom Evolution in Individuals with Ongoing Symptomatic COVID-19 and Post COVID-19 Syndrome After SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination Versus Influenza Vaccination.

Background: COVID-19 symptoms may persist beyond acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, as ongoing symptomatic COVID-19 [OSC] (symptom duration 4-12 weeks) and post-COVID syndrome [PCS] (symptom duration ≥12 weeks). Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 decreases OSC/PCS in individuals subsequently infected with SARS-CoV-2 post-vaccination. Whether vaccination against SARS-CoV-2, or any other vaccinations (such as against influenza) affects symptoms in individuals already experiencing OSC/PCS, more than natural symptom evolution, is unknown.

Using functional calibration methods to estimate the midfoot joint center in planovalgus feet.

In order to improve the understanding foot function in the presence of planovalgus foot deformity, functional joint center determination is applied to the ankle and midfoot for application in 3D-gait analysis. Gait data of 36 patients with planovalgus (PV) foot deformity as well as of 33 typically developing (TD) subjects were collected using foot markers according to the Heidelberg Foot Measurement method. During single-limb stance subjects performed a circular movement of the foot and ankle (CIR) by drawing a circle with the hallux in the air.

Development and Validation of a Brief Age-Normed Screening Tool for Subthreshold Psychosis Symptoms in Youth.

Background And Hypothesis: Improvements in screening tools for early subthreshold psychosis symptoms are needed to facilitate early identification and intervention efforts, especially given the challenges of rapidly differentiating age-appropriate experiences from potential early signs of emerging psychosis. Tools can be lengthy and time-consuming, impacting their utility and accessibility across clinical settings, and age-normed data are limited. To address this gap, we sought to develop and validate a brief, empirically derived, age-normed, subthreshold psychosis screening tool, for public use.

Evaluating the Biomechanical Effects and Real-World Usability of a Novel Ankle Exo for Runners.

Achilles tendon overuse injuries are common for long-distance runners. Ankle exos (exoskeletons and exosuits) are wearable devices that can reduce Achilles tendon loading and could potentially aid in the rehabilitation or prevention of these injuries by helping to mitigate and control tissue loading. However, most ankle exos are confined to controlled lab testing and are not practical to use in real-world running.