bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research and Documentation of Outdoor-Based Teaching in Teacher Education—The EOT Project
Authors: Wolf Christina , Kunz Patrick , Robin Nicolas
Published: July 2022

This chapter presents the five-year national research and development project ‘Enabling outdoor-based teaching’ (EOT), focusing on the actual integration and practice of outdoor teaching in teacher education in Switzerland. Teachers’ own outdoor learning experiences are an essential condition for practicing outdoor teaching, as professional life history is a major factor influencing teachers’ decisions on whether and how to implement outdoor sequences in their teaching. There is a current trend for professional development in outdoor education, yet the majority of teachers, experienced and novice, use it rarely. Positive effects of outdoor learning on children’s skill development are widely confirmed by research.While the number of case studies that describe and analyze aspects of outdoor teaching increases, the importance of it for Swiss teacher education is still unknown. Documenting the practice of outdoor teaching and investigating the attitudes of pre-service teachers and teacher educators towards outdoor teaching provide a basis for deeper knowledge on its essence, methods and practice. Furthermore, results from the project can be transferred directly into the practice of participating universities and lead to recommendations on the holistic integration of outdoor learning and teaching in teacher education.
Bonding with the World: A Pedagogical Approach
Authors: Lausselet Nadia , Zosso Ismaël
Published: July 2022

Outdoor Education activities are rapidly developing in school practice in Switzerland, still mainly based on personal initiatives from teachers. Teacher training universities have a role to play to reinforce and facilitate professional development of these teachers, guarantee a coherent approach to quality outdoor education, and promote its implementation at a larger scale. In order to do this, universities have to develop programmes both for initial and in-service training, in which they support a progression with various levels of expertise. They also have to develop a scientific discourse around outdoor teacher education, and contribute to a better recognition of the field at a political level. At the moment, in Switzerland, few teacher training institutions have organised any specific arrangements in this direction. The Haute Ecole Pédagogique Vaud has set up a Competence Centre for Outdoor Education, made possible by the priority recently given to sustainability education at state level. The approach promoted within this centre is nourished by ongoing discussions around the Anthropocene and its implications for schools. It therefore fosters a quality outdoor education that builds up environmental literacy and agency by cultivating a sense of bonding with the world. This article presents this approach, focusing on its theoretical and didactical framework before tackling a possible curricular progression at the level of both pupils and teachers. It highlights training and research issues and aims, looking at possibilities and complexities when combining transformative sustainability education, place-based outdoor education and teacher education, while making the link to schools and their structural and curricular realities.
Do Experiences with Nature Promote Learning? Converging Evidence of a Cause-And-Effect Relationship
Authors: Kuo Ming , Barnes Michael , Jordan Cathy
Published: July 2022

Do experiences with nature—from wilderness backpacking, to plants in a preschool, to a wetland lesson on frogs, promote learning? Until recently, claims outstripped evidence on this question. But the field has matured, not only substantiating previously unwarranted claims but also deepening our understanding of the cause-and-effect relationship between nature and learning. Hundreds of studies now bear on this question, and converging evidence strongly suggests that experiences of nature boost academic learning, personal development, and environmental stewardship. This brief integrative review summarizes recent advances and the current state of our understanding. The research on personal development and environmental stewardship is compelling although not quantitative. Report after report—from independent observers as well as participants themselves—indicate shifts in perseverance, problem solving, critical thinking, leadership, teamwork, and resilience after time in nature. Similarly, over fifty studies point to nature playing a key role in the development of pro-environmental behavior, particularly by fostering an emotional connection to nature. In academic contexts, nature-based instruction outperforms traditional instruction. The evidence here is particularly strong, including experimental evidence; evidence across a wide range of samples and instructional approaches; outcomes such as standardized test scores and graduation rates; and evidence for specific explanatory mechanisms and ‘active ingredients’. Nature may promote learning by improving learners’ attention, levels of stress, self-discipline, interest and enjoyment in learning, and physical activity and fitness. Nature also appears to provide a calmer, quieter, safer context for learning; a warmer, more cooperative context for learning; and a combination of “loose parts” and autonomy that fosters developmentally beneficial forms of play. It is time to take nature seriously as a resource for learning—particularly for students not effectively reached by traditional instruction.
Some Impacts on Health and Wellbeing from School-Based Outdoor Learning
Authors: Waite Sue , Aronsson Jennie
Published: July 2022

School-based outdoor learning can offer a valuable means to reach a wider range of children than through community-based health and wellbeing projects as the majority of children regularly attend school. This is especially important now as the time children spend outside has decreased over recent years with access most restricted for low socioeconomic and minority ethnic groups and the COVID-19 pandemic has placed increasing pressures on how to maintain educational outcomes and health. The challenges to contemporary health and wellbeing include both physical and mental health, with rising levels of childhood obesity and declining mental health in youth. In this chapter, we describe research that has looked at pupils’ physical activity levels during the school day, and children’s and teachers’ wellbeing as a result of school-based outdoor learning. We reflect on how these key outcomes—health and wellbeing—may best be supported for this and future generations.
Intraoperative fluoroscopic protocol to avoid rotational malalignment after nailing of tibia shaft fractures: introduction of the ‘C-Arm Rotational View (CARV)’
Authors: Bleeker Nils Jan , Doornberg Job N. , ten Duis Kaj , El Moumni Mostafa , Reininga Inge H. F. , Jaarsma Ruurd L. , IJpma Frank F. A. ,   On behalf of the Traumaplatform 3D Consortium, Goedhart L. M. , de Cort B. , Hendrickx L. A. M. , ter Horst M. , Gorter J. , van Luit R. J. , Nieboer P. , Füssenich W. , Zwerver T. , Koster R. , Valk J. J. , Reinke L. , Bleeker J. G. , Cain M. , Beeres F. J. P. , Kerkhoffs G. M. M. J.
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Rotational malalignment (≥ 10°) is a frequent pitfall of intramedullary-nailing of tibial shaft fractures. This study aimed to develop an intraoperative fluoroscopy protocol, coined ‘C-Arm Rotational View (CARV)’, to significantly reduce the risk for rotational malalignment and to test its clinical feasibility.

Methods

A cadaver and clinical feasibility study was conducted to develop the CARV-technique, that included a standardized intraoperative fluoroscopy sequence of predefined landmarks on the uninjured and injured leg in which the rotation of the C-arm was used to verify for rotational alignment. A mid-shaft tibia fracture was simulated in a cadaver and an unlocked intramedullary-nail was inserted. Random degrees of rotational malalignment were applied using a hand-held goniometer via reference wires at the fracture site. Ten surgeons, blinded for the applied rotation, performed rotational corrections according to (1) current clinical practice after single-leg and dual-leg draping, and (2) according to the CARV-protocol. The primary outcome measure was the accuracy of the corrections relative to neutral tibial alignment. The CARV-protocol was tested in a small clinical cohort.

Results

In total, 180 rotational corrections were performed by 10 surgeons. Correction according to clinical practice using single-leg and dual-leg draping resulted in a median difference of, respectively, 10.0° (IQR 5.0°) and 10.0° (IQR 5.0°) relative to neutral alignment. Single-leg and dual-leg draping resulted in malalignment (≥10°) in, respectively, 67% and 58% of the corrections. Standardized correction using the CARV resulted in a median difference of 5.0° (IQR 5.0°) relative to neutral alignment, with only 12% categorized as malalignment (≥10°). The incidence of rotational malalignment after application of the CARV decreased from 67% and 58% to 12% (p =  <0.001). Both consultants and residents successfully applied the CARV-protocol. Finally, three clinical patients with a tibial shaft fracture were treated according to the CARV-protocol, resulting all in acceptable alignment (<10°) based on postoperative CT-measurements.

Conclusion

This study introduces an easy-to-use and clinically feasible standardized intraoperative fluoroscopy protocol coined ‘C-arm rotational view (CARV)’ to minimize the risk for rotational malalignment following intramedullary-nailing of tibial shaft fractures.
Personalised prevention of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Wareham Nicholas J.
Published: August 2022

It is well established from clinical trials that behavioural interventions can halve the risk of progression from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes but translating this evidence of efficacy into effective real-world interventions at scale is an ongoing challenge. A common suggestion is that future preventive interventions need to be more personalised in order to enhance effectiveness. This review evaluates the degree to which existing interventions are already personalised and outlines how greater personalisation could be achieved through better identification of those at high risk, division of type 2 diabetes into specific subgroups and, above all, more individualisation of the behavioural targets for preventive action. Approaches using more dynamic real-time data are in their scientific infancy. Although these approaches are promising they need longer-term evaluation against clinical outcomes. Whatever personalised preventive approaches for type 2 diabetes are developed in the future, they will need to be complementary to existing individual-level interventions that are being rolled out and that are demonstrably effective. They will also need to ideally synergise with, and at the very least not detract attention from, efforts to develop and implement strategies that impact on type 2 diabetes risk at the societal level.

Graphical abstract
Prospective associations between strengths of moral character and health: longitudinal evidence from survey and insurance claims data
Authors: Weziak-Bialowolska Dorota , Lee Matthew T. , Bialowolski Piotr , Chen Ying , VanderWeele Tyler J. , McNeely Eileen
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Excellent character, reflected in adherence to high standards of moral behavior, has been argued to contribute to well-being. The study goes beyond this claim and provides insights into the role of strengths of moral character (SMC) for physical and mental health.

Methods

This study used longitudinal observational data merged with medical insurance claims data collected from 1209 working adults of a large services organization in the US. Self-reported physical and mental health as well as diagnostic information on depression, anxiety, and cardiovascular disease were used as outcomes. The prospective associations between SMC (7 indicators and a composite measure) and physical and mental health outcomes were examined using lagged linear and logistic regression models. A series of sensitivity analyses provided evidence for the robustness of results.

Results

The results suggest that persons who live their life according to high moral standards have substantially lower odds of depression (by 21–51%). The results were also indicative of positive associations between SMC and self-reports of mental health (β = 0.048–0.118) and physical health (β = 0.048–0.096). Weaker indications were found for a protective role of SMC in mitigating anxiety (OR = 0.797 for the indicator of delayed gratification) and cardiovascular disease (OR = 0.389 for the indicator of use of SMC for helping others).

Conclusions

SMC may be considered relevant for population mental health and physical health. Public health policies promoting SMC are likely to receive positive reception from the general public because character is both malleable and aligned with the nearly universal human desire to become a better person.
The German version of the KOOS-Child questionnaire (Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for children) shows a good to excellent internal consistency and a high test–retest reliability in children with knee problems
Authors: Neuhaus Cornelia , Camathias Carlo , Mumme Marcus , Faude Oliver
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The Knee Injury Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for children (KOOS-Child) is a self-administered, valid and reliable questionnaire for children and adolescents with knee disorders such as Osgood Schlatter disease, anterior knee pain, and patella dislocation. This study aimed to cross-culturally adapt the German version of the KOOS-Child questionnaire and test the reliability in two groups of children, one treated conservatively and the other surgically.

Methods

A forward–backward translation of the original questionnaire into the German language was conducted. Children and adolescents between 10 and 18 years of age with knee disorders were included. Two groups were compared: sample one consisted of 24 participants with knee pain [20.8% boys; mean age = 13.4 (1.8) years treated conservatively. These participants completed the KOOS-Child questionnaire twice within two weeks to assess test–retest reliability. The second sample included 23 subjects (21.7% boys; mean age = 15.3 (1.9) years] treated surgically due to a knee disorder. They completed the questionnaire before surgery and six months postoperatively. Test–retest reliability and internal consistency were assessed using Spearman’s rank correlation and Cronbach’s alpha.

Results

All subscales showed a good to excellent internal consistency at both measurement points in both groups (conservatively treated group:a = 0.88–0.95; surgery groupa = 0.80–0.91), with the exception of the subscale knee problems (conservatively treated:a = 0.60 and 0.52; surgery:α = 0.77 and 0.66). Test–retest reliability was betweenr = 0.85 and 0.94.

Conclusion

The predominantly good to excellent internal consistency and the high test–retest reliability justifies the use of the German adaptation of the KOOS-Child questionnaire as a reliable multidimensional instrument for measuring health status and therapeutic effects in adolescents’ knee disorders.
Pelvic inclination correction system for magnetic resonance imaging analysis of pelvic organ prolapse in upright position
Authors: Morsinkhof Lisan M. , Schulten Martine K. , DeLancey John O. L. , Simonis Frank F. J. , Grob Anique T. M.
Published: July 2022

Introduction and hypothesis

Pelvic organ prolapse quantification by means of upright magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a promising research field. This study determines the angle for the pelvic inclination correction system (PICS) for upright patient position, which is hypothesized to deviate from the supine PICS angle. The necessity of different PICS angles for various patient positions will also be discussed.

Methods

Magnetic resonance scans of 113 women, acquired in an upright patient position, were used to determine the upright PICS angle, defined as the angle between the sacrococcygeal–inferior pubic point (SCIPP) line and the horizontal line. The difference and correlation between the upright and supine PICS angles were calculated using the paired Student’s t-test and the Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) respectively. The effect of the difference between the upright and supine PICS angle on the measured pelvic organ extent was calculated using goniometry.

Results

The mean (interquartile range) PICS angles were 29° (26–35°) for the upright and 33° (30–37°) for the supine patient position. They were significantly different (p<0.001) and very strongly correlated (r = 0.914, p<0.001). The 4° difference between the average upright and supine PICS angle results in an average underestimation of the measured cervix height of approximately 0.5 cm for patients scanned in upright position.

Conclusions

The PICS angle for the upright patient position is 29°. The use of a dedicated PICS angle for different patient positions allows for more accurate pelvic organ extent analysis in patients with prolapse.
Diagnostic yield of simultaneous dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance perfusion measurements and [18F]FET PET in patients with suspected recurrent anaplastic astrocytoma and glioblastoma
Authors: Henriksen Otto M. , Hansen Adam E. , Muhic Aida , Marner Lisbeth , Madsen Karine , Møller Søren , Hasselbalch Benedikte , Lundemann Michael J. , Scheie David , Skjøth-Rasmussen Jane , Poulsen Hans S. , Larsen Vibeke A. , Larsson Henrik B. W. , Law Ian
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Both amino acid positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) blood volume (BV) measurements are used in suspected recurrent high-grade gliomas. We compared the separate and combined diagnostic yield of simultaneously acquired dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) perfusion MRI and O-(2-[18F]-fluoroethyl)-L-tyrosine ([18F]FET) PET in patients with anaplastic astrocytoma and glioblastoma following standard therapy.

Methods

A total of 76 lesions in 60 hybrid [18F]FET PET/MRI scans with DCE MRI from patients with suspected recurrence of anaplastic astrocytoma and glioblastoma were included retrospectively. BV was measured from DCE MRI employing a 2-compartment exchange model (2CXM). Diagnostic performances of maximal tumour-to-background [18F]FET uptake (TBRmax), maximal BV (BVmax) and normalised BVmax (nBVmax) were determined by ROC analysis using 6-month histopathological (n = 28) or clinical/radiographical follow-up (n = 48) as reference. Sensitivity and specificity at optimal cut-offs were determined separately for enhancing and non-enhancing lesions.

Results

In progressive lesions, all BV and [18F]FET metrics were higher than in non-progressive lesions. ROC analyses showed higher overall ROC AUCs for TBRmax than both BVmax and nBVmax in both lesion-wise (all lesions, p = 0.04) and in patient-wise analysis (p < 0.01). Combining TBRmax with BV metrics did not increase ROC AUC. Lesion-wise positive fraction/sensitivity/specificity at optimal cut-offs were 55%/91%/84% for TBRmax, 45%/77%/84% for BVmax and 59%/84%/72% for nBVmax. Combining TBRmax and best-performing BV cut-offs yielded lesion-wise sensitivity/specificity of 75/97%. The fraction of progressive lesions was 11% in concordant negative lesions, 33% in lesions only BV positive, 64% in lesions only [18F]FET positive and 97% in concordant positive lesions.

Conclusion

The overall diagnostic accuracy of DCE BV imaging is good, but lower than that of [18F]FET PET. Adding DCE BV imaging did not improve the overall diagnostic accuracy of [18F]FET PET, but may improve specificity and allow better lesion-wise risk stratification than [18F]FET PET alone.
Addition of Y-90 radioembolization increases tumor response and local disease control in hepatocellular carcinoma patients receiving sorafenib
Authors: Öcal Osman , Schütte Kerstin , Zech Christoph J. , Loewe Christian , van Delden Otto , Vandecaveye Vincent , Verslype Chris , Gebauer Bernhard , Sengel Christian , Bargellini Irene , Iezzi Roberto , Philipp Alexander , Berg Thomas , Klümpen Heinz J. , Benckert Julia , Pech Maciej , Gasbarrini Antonio , Amthauer Holger , Bartenstein Peter , Sangro Bruno , Malfertheiner Peter , Ricke Jens , Seidensticker Max
Published: August 2022

Purpose

To compare
the treatment response and progression-free survival (PFS) in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients who received sorafenib treatment either alone or combined with radioembolization (RE).

Methods

Follow-up images of the patients treated within a multicenter phase II trial (SORAMIC) were assessed by mRECIST. A total of 177 patients (73 combination arm [RE + sorafenib] and 104 sorafenib arm) were included in this post-hoc analysis. Response and progression characteristics were compared between treatment arms. Survival analyses were done to compare PFS and post-progression survival between treatment arms. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to compare survival with factors known to influence PFS in patients with HCC.

Results

The combination arm had significantly higher objective response rate (61.6% vs. 29.8%, p < 0.001), complete response rate (13.7% vs. 3.8%, p = 0.022), and a trend for higher disease control rate (79.2% vs. 72.1%, p = 0.075). Progression was encountered in 116 (65.5%) patients and was more common in the sorafenib arm (75% vs. 52.0%, p = 0.001). PFS (median 8.9 vs. 5.4 months, p = 0.022) and hepatic PFS were significantly better in the combination arm (9.0 vs. 5.7 months, p = 0.014). Multivariate analysis confirmed the treatment arm as an independent predictor of PFS.

Conclusion

In advanced HCC patients receiving sorafenib, combination with RE has an additive anticancer effect on sorafenib treatment resulting in a higher and longer tumor response. However, the enhanced response did not translate into prolonged survival. Better patient selection and superselective treatment could improve outcomes after combination therapy.
A phase I dose escalation, dose expansion and pharmacokinetic trial of gemcitabine and alisertib in advanced solid tumors and pancreatic cancer
Authors: Chen Justin A. , Huynh Jasmine C. , Wu Chun-Yi , Yu Ai-Ming , Matsukuma Karen , Semrad Thomas J. , Gandara David R. , Li Tianhong , Riess Jonathan W. , Tam Kit , Mack Philip C. , Martinez Anthony , Mahaffey Nichole , Kelly Karen L. , Kim Edward J.
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Aurora Kinase A (AKA) inhibition with gemcitabine represents a potentially synergistic cancer treatment strategy via mitotic catastrophe. The feasibility, safety, and preliminary efficacy of alisertib (MLN8237), an oral AKA inhibitor, with gemcitabine was evaluated in this open-label phase I trial with dose escalation and expansion.

Methods

Key inclusion criteria included advanced solid tumor with any number of prior chemotherapy regimens in the dose escalation phase, and advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma with up to two prior chemotherapy regimens. Four dose levels (DLs 1–4) of alisertib (20, 30, 40, or 50 mg) were evaluated in 3 + 3 design with gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 on days 1, 8, and 15 in 28-day cycles.

Results

In total, 21 subjects were treated in dose escalation and 5 subjects were treated in dose expansion at DL4. Dose-limiting toxicities were observed in 1 of 6 subjects each in DL3 and DL4. All subjects experienced treatment-related adverse events. Grade ≥ 3 treatment-related adverse events were observed in 73% of subjects, with neutropenia observed in 54%. Out of 22 subjects evaluable for response, 2 subjects (9%) had partial response and 14 subjects (64%) had stable disease. Median PFS was 4.1 months (95% CI 2.1–4.5). No significant changes in pharmacokinetic parameters for gemcitabine or its metabolite dFdU were observed with alisertib co-administration.

Conclusions

This trial established the recommended phase 2 dose of alisertib 50 mg to be combined with gemcitabine. Gemcitabine and alisertib are a feasible strategy with potential for disease control in multiple heavily pre-treated tumors, though gastrointestinal and hematologic toxicity was apparent.
Has the STARD statement improved the quality of reporting of diagnostic accuracy studies published in European Radiology?
Authors: Stahl Ann-Christine , Tietz Anne-Sophie , Kendziora Benjamin , Dewey Marc
Published: July 2022

Objectives

To investigate whether encouraging authors to follow the Standards for Reporting Diagnostic Accuracy (STARD) guidelines improves the quality of reporting of diagnostic accuracy studies.

Methods

In mid-2017, European Radiology started encouraging its authors to follow the STARD guidelines. Our MEDLINE search identified 114 diagnostic accuracy studies published in European Radiology in 2015 and 2019. The quality of reporting was evaluated by two independent reviewers using the revised STARD statement. Item 11 was excluded because a meaningful decision about adherence was not possible. Student’s t test for independent samples was used to analyze differences in the mean number of reported STARD items between studies published in 2015 and in 2019. In addition, we calculated differences related to the study design, data collection, and citation rate.

Results

The mean total number of reported STARD items for all 114 diagnostic accuracy studies analyzed was 15.9 ± 2.6 (54.8%) of 29 items (range 9.5–22.5). The quality of reporting of diagnostic accuracy studies was significantly better in 2019 (mean ± standard deviation (SD), 16.3 ± 2.7) than in 2015 (mean ± SD, 15.1 ± 2.3; p < 0.02). No significant differences in the reported STARD items were identified in relation to study design (p = 0.13), data collection (p = 0.87), and citation rate (p = 0.09).

Conclusion

The quality of reporting of diagnostic accuracy studies according to the STARD statement was moderate with a slight improvement since European Radiology started to recommend its authors to follow the STARD guidelines.

Key Points

• The quality of reporting of diagnostic accuracy studies was moderate with a mean total number of reported STARD items of 15.9 ± 2.6.

• The adherence to STARD was significantly better in 2019 than in 2015 (16.3 ± 2.7 vs. 15.1 ± 2.3; p = 0.016).

• No significant differences in the reported STARD items were identified in relation to study design (p = 0.13), data collection (p = 0.87), and citation rate (p = 0.09).
Ablation characteristics on silicon from ultrafast laser radiation containing single MHz and GHz burst pulses
Authors: Metzner Daniel , Lickschat Peter , Engel Andy , Lampke Thomas , Weißmantel Steffen
Published: July 2022

The authors present results of ablation on silicon with ultrafast laser radiation featuring burst pulses using an amplified burst-mode solid-state laser, featuring an emitting wavelength of 1030 nm to generate single burst cavities on silicon. Laser parameter are varied for different pulse durations from 270 fs up to 10 ps, burst fluences, and number of sub-pulses per burst in the respective burst regime with sub-pulse repetition rates of 65 MHz and 5 GHz. The resulting ablated volume per burst and per sub-pulse in a burst as well as the topography are investigated and discussed.
Associations of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids with bone mineral density and bone turnover in postmenopausal women
Authors: Feehan Orlagh , Magee Pamela Jane , Pourshahidi Laura Kirsty , Armstrong David John , Slevin Mary Martina , Allsopp Philip James , Conway Marie Catherine , Strain J J , McSorley Emeir Mary
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The immunomodulatory properties of n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) are reported to reduce bone loss through alteration of bone remodelling and n-3 LCPUFA, therefore, may benefit bone health in post-menopausal women, a vulnerable group at high risk of osteoporosis.

Methods

Measures of bone mineral density (BMD) were determined using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) in 300 post-menopausal women. The bone turnover markers osteocalcin (OC), C-terminal telopeptides of type 1 collagen (CTX) and total alkaline phosphatase were quantified in serum along with urinary creatinine corrected deoxypyridinoline (DPD/Cr) and CTX/Cr and the CTX:OC ratio calculated. Total serum n-6 PUFA (LA + AA) and n − 3 LCPUFA (ALA + EPA + DPA + DHA) were measured and the n − 6:n − 3 ratio was calculated.

Results

Mean (SD) age and body mass index (BMI) were 61 (6.4) years and 27.4 (4.8) kg/m2, respectively with participants being 12.6 (7.6) years post-menopause. Multiple regression analysis identified no association between n-3 LCPUFA and any of the measures of T-score or BMD albeit a significant positive association between total n − 3 LCPUFA and femur BMD (β = 0.287; p = 0.043) was observed within those women with a low n − 6:n − 3 ratio. There was a significant inverse association between ALA and urinary DPD/Cr (β = − 0.141; p = 0.016).

Conclusion

A favourable low n − 6:n − 3 ratio was associated with higher femur BMD and a higher n − 3 LCPUFA (ALA) was associated with lower bone resorption. These results support a beneficial role for n − 3 LCPUFA in reducing postmenopausal bone resorption and favourably influencing BMD.

Trial number & date of registration

ISRCTN63118444, 2nd October 2009, “Retrospectively registered”.
Bifico relieves irritable bowel syndrome by regulating gut microbiota dysbiosis and inflammatory cytokines
Authors: Zhou Yanlin , Zhang Fan , Mao Liqi , Feng Tongfei , Wang Kaijie , Xu Maosheng , Lv Bin , Wang Xi
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Gut microbiota dysbiosis, a core pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), is closely related to immunological and metabolic functions. Gut microbiota-based therapeutics have been recently explored in several studies. Bifico is a probiotic cocktail widely used in gastrointestinal disorders which relate to the imbalance of gut microbiota. However, the efficacy and potential mechanisms of Bifico treatment in IBS remains incompletely understood.

Methods

Adopting a wrap restraint stress (WRS) -induced IBS mice model. Protective effect of Bifico in IBS mice was examined through abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) scores. 16S rDNA, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) and western blot assays were performed to analyze alterations of gut microbiota, microbiome metabolites and inflammatory cytokines, respectively.

Results

Bifico could decrease intestinal visceral hypersensitivity. Although gut microbiota diversity did not increase, composition of gut microbiota was changed after treatment of Bifico, which were characterized by an increase of Proteobacteria phylum and Actinobacteria phylum, Muribaculum genus, Bifidobacterium genus and a decrease of Parabacteroides genus, Sutterella genus and Lactobacillus genus. Moreover, Bifico elevated the concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and reduced protein levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). From further Spearman’s correlation analysis, Bifidobacterium genus were positively correlated with SCFAs including propionate, butyrate, valerate and negatively correlated with IL-6 and TNF-α.

Conclusion

Bifico could alleviate symptoms of IBS mice through regulation of the gut microbiota, elevating production of SCFAs and reducing the colonic inflammatory response.
Intrauterine transfusion in 103 fetuses with severe anemia caused by parvovirus infection. A multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Kosian Philipp , Hellmund Astrid , Geipel Annegret , Bald Rainer , Geist Otilia-Maria , Böckenhoff Paul , Jimenez-Cruz Jorge , Deja Maria , Strizek Brigitte , Berg Christoph , Gembruch Ulrich
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Evaluating procedure-related complications and perinatal outcomes after intrauterine transfusion (IUT) before or after 20+0 weeks of gestation in fetuses with severe anemia due to intrauterine human parvovirus B19 infection.

Methods

A retrospective study investigating fetuses requiring IUT for fetal Parvo B19 infection in two tertiary referral centers between December 2002 and December 2021. Procedure-related complications, intrauterine fetal death (IUFD), and perinatal outcome were correlated to gestational age (GA) at first IUT, the presence of hydrops and fetal blood sampling results.

Results

A total of 186 IUTs were performed in 103 fetuses. The median GA at first IUT was 19+3 (13+0–31+4) weeks of gestation. IUFD occurred in 16/103 fetuses (15.5%). Overall survival was 84.5% (87/103). Hydrops (p = 0.001), lower mean hemoglobin at first IUT (p = 0.001) and low platelets (p = 0.002) were strongly associated with IUFD. There was no difference observed in fetuses transfused before or after 20+0 weeks of gestation.

Conclusion

IUT is a successful treatment option in fetuses affected by severe anemia due to parvovirus B19 infection in specialized centers. In experienced hands, IUT before 20 weeks is not related to worse perinatal outcome.
Pre- and intra-operative prognostic factors of facial nerve function in cerebellopontine angle surgery
Authors: Gazia Francesco , Callejo Àngela , Pérez-Grau Marta , Lareo Susana , Prades José , Roca-Ribas Francesc , Amilibia Emilio
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The study assesses whether pre- and intraoperative factors linked to electromyography and direct electrical stimulation (DES) of facial nerve can predict facial nerve function in the short- (12 days) and long-term (1 year) after cerebellopontine angle (CPA) tumor resection.

Methods

157 patients who underwent surgical resection of CPA tumors with facial nerve monitoring. Pre-operative factors (age, tumor size, pure tone average), surgical time and intra-operative parameters regarding facial function, minimum stimulation threshold (MST), compound muscle action potential (CMAP) and the difference between proximal and distal CMAP (DPDC) were evaluated.

Results

A correlation between tumor size, MST, CMAP and facial function in both short and long term was found. A higher grade of immediate facial paralysis corresponded to a higher risk of poor outcome after one year. A postoperative House–Brackmann (HB) score of V or VI was correlated with poor outcome in 88.8% and 93.8% of cases. A risk of HB 3 or more, in the long term, was correlated with a tumor size of 20.2 mm. Using an MST of 0.1 mA, for long-term predictions, sensitivity and specificity were 0.62 (95% CI 0.46–0.75) and 0.73 (95% CI 0.61–0.82), respectively. With a CMAP cut-off < 200 µV, for long-term prediction, sensitivity was 0.73 (95% CI 0.53–0.87) and specificity 0.73 (95% CI 0.55–0.85).

Conclusion

The assessment based on the cut-offs described increases the ability to predict facial function. Improving predictive accuracy enables surgeons to address patients’ expectations and to establish an intervention timeline for planning facial reanimation.
Transcription factor Sp1 regulates mitotic chromosome assembly and segregation
Authors: Flashner Samuel , Swift Michelle , Sowash Aislinn , Fahmy Alexander N. , Azizkhan-Clifford Jane
Published: August 2022

Aneuploidy is a pervasive feature of cancer cells that results from chromosome missegregation. Several transcription factors have been associated with aneuploidy; however, no studies to date have demonstrated that mammalian transcription factors directly regulate chromosome segregation during mitosis. Here, we demonstrate that the ubiquitously expressed transcription factor specificity protein 1 (Sp1), which we have previously linked to aneuploidy, has a mitosis-specific role regulating chromosome segregation. We find that Sp1 localizes to mitotic centromeres and auxin-induced rapid Sp1 degradation at mitotic onset results in chromosome segregation errors and aberrant mitotic progression. Furthermore, rapid Sp1 degradation results in anomalous mitotic chromosome assembly characterized by loss of condensin complex I localization to mitotic chromosomes and chromosome condensation defects. Consistent with these defects, Sp1 degradation results in reduced chromosome passenger complex activity and histone H3 serine 10 phosphorylation during mitosis, which is essential for condensin complex I recruitment and chromosome condensation. Together, these data provide the first evidence of a mammalian transcription factor acting specifically during mitosis to regulate chromosome segregation.
Model predictive control for steady-state performance in integrated continuous bioprocesses
Authors: Pappenreiter Magdalena , Döbele Sebastian , Striedner Gerald , Jungbauer Alois , Sissolak Bernhard
Published: August 2022

Perfusion bioreactors are commonly used for the continuous production of monoclonal antibodies (mAb). One potential benefit of continuous bioprocessing is the ability to operate under steady-state conditions for an extended process time. However, the process performance is often limited by the feedback control of feed, harvest, and bleed flow rates. If the future behavior of a bioprocess can be adequately described, predictive control can reduce set point deviations and thereby maximize process stability. In this study, we investigated the predictive control of biomass in a perfusion bioreactor integrated to a non-chromatographic capture step, in a series of Monte-Carlo simulations. A simple algorithm was developed to estimate the current and predict the future viable cell concentrations (VCC) of the bioprocess. This feature enabled the single prediction controller (SPC) to compensate for process variations that would normally be transported to adjacent units in integrated continuous bioprocesses (ICB). Use of this SPC strategy significantly reduced biomass, product concentration, and harvest flow variability and stabilized the operation over long periods of time compared to simulations using feedback control strategies. Additionally, we demonstrated the possibility of maximizing product yields simply by adjusting perfusion control strategies. This method could be used to prevent savings in total product losses of 4.5–10% over 30 days of protein production.
Triclosan-coated barbed sutures in elective laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery: a propensity score matched cohort study
Authors: Pla-Martí Vicente , Martín-Arévalo José , Moro-Valdezate David , García-Botello Stephanie , Pérez-Santiago Leticia , Izquierdo-Moreno Ana , Muñoz-Sornosa Ernesto , Espí-Macías Alejandro
Published: August 2022

Background

Most of the studies published to date which assess the role of antibacterial sutures in surgical site infection (SSI) prevention include heterogeneous groups of patients, and it is therefore difficult to draw conclusions. The objective of the present study was to investigate whether the use of Triclosan-coated barbed sutures (TCBS) was associated with a lower incidence of incisional SSI and lower duration of hospital stay compared to standard sutures, in elective laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery.

Method

Observational including patients who underwent elective colorectal cancer laparoscopic surgery between January 2015 and December 2020. The patients were divided into two groups according to the suture used for fascial closure of the extraction incision, TCBS vs conventional non-coated sutures (CNCS), and the rate of SSI was analysed. The TCBS cases were matched to CNCS cases by propensity score matching to obtain comparable groups of patients.

Results

488 patients met the inclusion criteria. After adjusting the patients with the propensity score, two new groups of patients were generated: 143 TCBS cases versus 143 CNCS cases. Overall incisional SSI appeared in 16 (5.6%) of the patients with a significant difference between groups depending on the type of suture used, 9.8% in the group of CNCS and 1.4% in the group of TCBS (OR 0.239 (CI 95%: 0.065–0.880)). Hospital stay was significantly shorter in TCBS group than in CNCS, 5 vs 6 days (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

TCBS was associated with a lower incidence of incisional SSI compared to standard sutures in a cohort of patients undergoing elective laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery.

Graphical abstract
A genetic programming-based approach for classifying pancreatic adenocarcinoma: the SICED experience
Authors: D’Angelo Gianni , Scoppettuolo Maria Nunzia , Cammarota Anna Lisa , Rosati Alessandra , Palmieri Francesco
Published: July 2022

Ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas is a cancer with a high mortality rate. Among the main reasons for this baleful prognosis is that, in most patients, this neoplasm is diagnosed at a too advanced stage. Clinical oncology research is now particularly focused on decoding the cancer molecular onset by understanding the complex biological architecture of tumor cell proliferation. In this direction, machine learning has proved to be a valid solution in many sectors of the biomedical field, thanks to its ability to mine useful knowledge by biological and genetic data. Since the major risk factor is represented by genetic predisposition, the aim of this study is to find a mathematical model describing the complex relationship existing between genetic mutations of the involved genes and the onset of the disease. To this end, an approach based on evolutionary algorithms is proposed. In particular, genetic programming is used, which allows solving a symbolic regression problem through the use of genetic algorithms. The identification of these correlations is a typical objective of the diagnostic approach and is one of the most critical and complex activities in the presence of large amounts of data that are difficult to correlate through traditional statistical techniques. The mathematical model obtained highlights the importance of the complex relationship existing between the different gene’s mutations present in the tumor tissue of the group of patients considered.
Omics profiles of fecal and oral microbiota change in irritable bowel syndrome patients with diarrhea and symptom exacerbation
Authors: Tanaka Yukari , Yamashita Riu , Kawashima Junko , Mori Hiroshi , Kurokawa Ken , Fukuda Shinji , Gotoh Yasuhiro , Nakamura Keiji , Hayashi Tetsuya , Kasahara Yoshiyuki , Sato Yukuto , Fukudo Shin
Published: July 2022

Background

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder of gut–brain interaction, including dysregulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis with salivary cortisol changes. However, the role of gastrointestinal microbiota during IBS symptom exacerbation remains unclear. We tested the hypothesis that the microbial species, gene transcripts, and chemical composition of fecal and oral samples are altered during the exacerbation of IBS symptoms.

Methods

Fecal, salivary, and dental plaque samples were collected at baseline from 43 men with IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D) and 40 healthy control (HC) men. Samples in the IBS-D patients were also collected during symptom exacerbation. The composition of the fecal microbiota was determined by analyzing the 16S rRNA gene, RNA-based metatranscriptome, and metabolites in samples from HC and IBS patients with and without symptom exacerbation. Oral samples were also analyzed using omics approaches.

Results

The fecal microbiota during IBS symptom exacerbation exhibited significant differences in the phylogenic pattern and short-chain fatty acid compared with fecal samples during defecation when symptoms were not exacerbated. Although there were no significant differences in the phylogenic pattern of fecal microbiota abundance between HCs and IBS-D patients, significant differences were detected in the expression patterns of bacterial transcriptomes related to butyrate production and neuroendocrine hormones, including tryptophan-serotonin-melatonin synthesis and glutamine/GABA. The composition of plaque microbiota was different between HC and IBS-D patients during normal defecation.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that colonic host-microbial interactions are altered in IBS-D patients during exacerbation of symptoms. There were no overlaps between feces and oral microbiomes.
Recycled aggregates derived from excavation materials—mechanical performance and identification of weak minerals
Authors: Adomako Solomon , Engelsen Christian John , Danner Tobias , Thorstensen Rein Terje , Barbieri Diego Maria
Published: July 2022

The present study investigates the mechanical performance of recycled aggregates derived from excavation materials (REM). REM is blended with different quantities of recycled phyllite materials (RPM) and is investigated by Los Angeles (LA) and micro-Deval (MD) tests. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and acid solubility test are performed on the pulverized fractions < 1.6 mm obtained from the LA and MD tests to assess the respective degree of fragmentation and wear of mineral components. The results of the materials in unblended conditions showed considerable difference between MD performance while similar performance was found for LA. Furthermore, about 40% of RPM was sufficient to blend with REM without disturbing the required performance for blended mixtures. Mechanically weak minerals, i.e., phyllosilicates in RPM, significantly influenced the MD performance in blended and unblended varieties, and limestone minerals seem to disintegrate when mixed with amphibolite -which has the potential to dissolve in acidic environments.
Node connectivity augmentation via iterative randomized rounding
Authors: Angelidakis Haris , Hyatt-Denesik Dylan , Sanità Laura
Published: August 2022

Many network design problems deal with the design of low-cost networks that are resilient to the failure of their elements (such as nodes or links). One such problem is Connectivity Augmentation, with the goal of cheaply increasing the (edge- or node-)connectivity of a given network from a valuekto$$k+1$$k+1. The problem is NP-hard for$$k \ge 1$$k≥1, and the most studied setting focuses on the case of edge-connectivity with$$k=1$$k=1. In this work, we give a 1.892-approximation algorithm for the NP-hard problem of augmenting the node-connectivity of any given graph from 1 to 2, which improves upon the state-of-the-art approximation previously developed in the literature. The starting point of our work is a known reduction from Connectivity Augmentation to some specific instances of the Node-Steiner Tree problem, and our result is obtained by developing a new and simple analysis of the iterative randomized rounding technique when applied to such Steiner Tree instances. Our results also imply a 1.892-approximation algorithm for the problem of augmenting the edge-connectivity of a given graph from any valuekto$$k+1$$k+1. While this does not beat the best approximation factor known for this problem, a key point of our work is that the analysis of our approximation factor is less involved when compared to previous results in the literature. In addition, our work gives new insights on the iterative randomized rounding method, that might be of independent interest.
gRosSo: mining statistically robust patterns from a sequence of datasets
Authors: Tonon Andrea , Vandin Fabio
Published: August 2022

Pattern mining is a fundamental data mining task with applications in several domains. In this work, we consider the scenario in which we have a sequence of datasets generated by potentially different underlying generative processes, and we study the problem of mining statistically robust patterns, which are patterns whose probabilities of appearing in transactions drawn from such generative processes respect well-defined conditions. Such conditions define the patterns of interest, describing the evolution of their probabilities through the datasets in the sequence, which may, for example, increase, decrease, or stay stable, through the sequence. Due to the stochastic nature of the data, one cannot identify the exact set of the statistically robust patterns by analyzing a sequence of samples, i.e., the datasets, taken from the generative processes, and has to resort to approximations. We then propose gRosSo, an algorithm to find rigorous approximations of the statistically robust patterns that do not contain false positives or false negatives with high probability. We apply our framework to the mining of statistically robust sequential patterns and statistically robust itemsets. Our extensive evaluation on pseudo-artificial and real data shows that gRosSo provides high-quality approximations for the problem of mining statistically robust sequential patterns and statistically robust itemsets.