bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digital Storytelling Outcomes and Emotional Experience among Middle School EFL Learners: Robot‐Assisted versus PowerPoint‐Assisted Mode
Authors: Chen Hsieh Jun
Published: May 2021

Despite the widespread applications of robots in education, fewer attempts have been made to how robots help middle school students in English‐as‐a‐foreign‐language (EFL) contexts to tell stories, let alone the probe into student emotions. This mixed‐methods study, therefore, aimed to address these concerns by focusing on digital storytelling outcomes, positive/negative affect, and learner perceptions as the result of different presentation modes (robot‐assisted versus PowerPoint‐assisted). With 52 third‐grade middle school students from two intact classes in a junior high school in Central Taiwan, the results from multiple data sources (pre‐/posttests, an emotion questionnaire, and interview) revealed the benefits of both presentation modes, yet the robot‐assisted mode was more advantageous in contributing to higher storytelling outcomes and more positive emotions. Despite the positive emotions experienced in both presentation modes, the results of the negative emotions were more mixed, as the students in both groups highlighted feeling scared and afraid in digital storytelling preparation and presentation. Suggestions based on the results of the study are provided.
Michigan ZoomIN: Validating Crowd‐Sourcing to Identify Mammals from Camera Surveys
Authors: Gadsden Gabriel I. , Malhotra Rumaan , Schell Justin , Carey Tiffany , Harris Nyeema C.
Published: May 2021

Camera trap studies have become a popular medium to assess many ecological phenomena including population dynamics, patterns of biodiversity, and monitoring of endangered species. In conjunction with the benefit to scientists, camera traps present an unprecedented opportunity to involve the public in scientific research via image classifications. However, this engagement strategy comes with a myriad of complications. Volunteers vary in their familiarity with wildlife, thus, the accuracy of user‐derived classifications may be biased by the commonness or popularity of species and user‐experience. From an extensive multi‐site camera trap study across Michigan, U.S.A, we compiled and classified images through a public science platform called Michigan ZoomIN. We aggregated responses from 15 independent users per image using multiple consensus methods to assess accuracy by comparing to species identification completed by wildlife experts. We also evaluated how different factors including consensus algorithms, study area, wildlife species, user support, and camera type influenced the accuracy of user‐derived classifications. Overall accuracy of user‐derived classification was 97%; although, several canid (e.g., Canis lupus, Vulpes vulpes) and mustelid (e.g., Neovison vison) species were repeatedly difficult to identify by users and had lower accuracy. When validating user‐derived classification, we found that study area, consensus method, and user support best explained accuracy. To overcome hesitancy associated with data collected by untrained participants, we demonstrated their value by showing that the accuracy from volunteers was comparable to experts when classifying North American mammals. Our hierarchical workflow that integrated multiple consensus methods led to more image classifications without extensive training and even when the expertise of the volunteer was unknown. Ultimately, adopting such an approach can harness broader participation, expedite future camera trap data synthesis, and improve allocation of resources by scholars to enhance performance of public participants and increase accuracy of user‐derived data. © 2021 The Wildlife Society.
Influences of cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide on structure, optical and electrical properties of ZnS nanoparticles prepared by hydrothermal method
Authors: Yang Qinghua , Zhou Xiaoli , Wang Huanping , Huang FeiFei , Xu Shiqing
Published: May 2021

ZnS nanoparticles were prepared by hydrothermal method using cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) as surfactant. As prepared ZnS nanoparticles have broad emission centered at 457 nm with full width at the half maxima (FWHM) of 113 nm excited at 357 nm, band gap of 3.89 eV, dielectric constant of 4.47 and dielectric loss of 2.40×104, indicating a potential application on light emitting diodes. The influences of CTAB on the structure, optical and electrical properties were investigated systematically at the content range from 0 wt% to 9 wt%. The results show that the proper content of CTAB were absorbed and capped on the surface of ZnS nanoparticles, which reduced the nonradiative defects and increased the zinc vacancies. when the content of CTAB increases from 0 wt% to 7 wt%, the structure of lattice volume, lattice constant and average crystallite size decrease, the optical property of emission intensity enhances, the electrical property of band gap increase, and the electrical properties of dielectric constant and dielectric loss decrease.
A new family of AdS4 S-folds in type IIB string theory
Authors: Arav Igal , Cheung K. C. Matthew , Gauntlett Jerome P. , Roberts Matthew M. , Rosen Christopher
Published: May 2021

Abstract

We construct infinite new classes of AdS4× S1× S5 solutions of type IIB string theory which have non-trivial SL(2, ℤ) monodromy along the S1 direction. The solutions are supersymmetric and holographically dual, generically, to $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 SCFTs in d = 3. The solutions are first constructed as AdS4× ℝ solutions in D = 5 SO(6) gauged supergravity and then uplifted to D = 10. Unlike the known AdS4× ℝ S-fold solutions, there is no continuous symmetry associated with the ℝ direction. The solutions all arise as limiting cases of Janus solutions of d = 4, $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 SYM theory which are supported both by a different value of the coupling constant on either side of the interface, as well as by fermion and boson mass deformations. As special cases, the construction recovers three known S-fold constructions, preserving $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1, 2 and 4 supersymmetry, as well as a recently constructed $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 AdS4× S1× S5 solution (not S-folded). We also present some novel “one-sided Janus” solutions that are non-singular.
Silencing of Mcl-1 overcomes resistance of melanoma cells against TRAIL-armed oncolytic adenovirus by enhancement of apoptosis
Authors: Tolksdorf Beatrice , Zarif Sina , Eberle Jürgen , Hazini Ahmet , Dieringer Babette , Jönsson Franziska , Kreppel Florian , Kurreck Jens , Fechner Henry
Published: May 2021

Arming of oncolytic viruses with tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) has been shown as a viable approach to increase the antitumor efficacy in melanoma. However, melanoma cells may be partially or completely resistant to TRAIL or develop TRAIL resistance, thus counteracting the antitumor efficiency of TRAIL-armed oncolytic viruses. Recently, we found that TRAIL resistance in melanoma cells can be overcome by inhibition of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 protein myeloid cell leukemia 1 (Mcl-1). Here, we investigated whether the cytotoxicity of AdV-TRAIL, an oncolytic adenovirus, which expresses TRAIL after induction by doxycycline (Dox), can be improved in melanoma cells by silencing of Mcl-1. Two melanoma cell lines, the TRAIL-resistant MeWo and the TRAIL-sensitive Mel-HO were investigated. Treatment of both cell lines with AdV-TRAIL resulted in a decrease of cell viability, which was caused by an increase of apoptosis and necrosis. The proapoptotic effects were dependent on induction of TRAIL by Dox and were more pronounced in Mel-HO than in MeWo cells. SiRNA-mediated silencing of Mcl-1 resulted in a further significant decrease of cell viability and a further increase of apoptosis and necrosis in AdV-TRAIL-infected MeWo and Mel-HO cells. However, while in absolute terms, the effects were more pronounced in Mel-HO cells, in relative terms, they were stronger in MeWo cells. These results show that silencing of Mcl-1 represents a suitable approach to increase the cytotoxicity of a TRAIL-armed oncolytic adenovirus in melanoma cells.

Key messages

• Cytotoxicity of TRAIL-expressing adenovirus can be enhanced by silencing of Mcl-1.

• The effect occurs in TRAIL-sensitive and TRAIL-resistant melanoma cells.

• Increase of apoptosis is the main mechanism induced by Mcl-1 silencing.
Segmentation of photovoltaic module cells in uncalibrated electroluminescence images
Authors: Deitsch Sergiu , Buerhop-Lutz Claudia , Sovetkin Evgenii , Steland Ansgar , Maier Andreas , Gallwitz Florian , Riess Christian
Published: May 2021

High resolution electroluminescence (EL) images captured in the infrared spectrum allow to visually and non-destructively inspect the quality of photovoltaic (PV) modules. Currently, however, such a visual inspection requires trained experts to discern different kinds of defects, which is time-consuming and expensive. Automated segmentation of cells is therefore a key step in automating the visual inspection workflow. In this work, we propose a robust automated segmentation method for extraction of individual solar cells from EL images of PV modules. This enables controlled studies on large amounts of data to understanding the effects of module degradation over time—a process not yet fully understood. The proposed method infers in several steps a high-level solar module representation from low-level ridge edge features. An important step in the algorithm is to formulate the segmentation problem in terms of lens calibration by exploiting the plumbline constraint. We evaluate our method on a dataset of various solar modules types containing a total of 408 solar cells with various defects. Our method robustly solves this task with a median weighted Jaccard index of $$94.47\%$$94.47%and an $$F_1$$F1 score of$$97.62\%$$97.62%, both indicating a high sensitivity and a high similarity between automatically segmented and ground truth solar cell masks.
Suitable Spaces for Shape Optimization
Authors: Welker Kathrin
Published: May 2021

The differential-geometric structure of the manifold of smooth shapes is applied to the theory of shape optimization problems. In particular, a Riemannian shape gradient with respect to the first Sobolev metric and the Steklov–Poincaré metric are defined. Moreover, the covariant derivative associated with the first Sobolev metric is deduced in this paper. The explicit expression of the covariant derivative leads to a definition of the Riemannian shape Hessian with respect to the first Sobolev metric. In this paper, we give a brief overview of various optimization techniques based on the gradients and the Hessian. Since the space of smooth shapes limits the application of the optimization techniques, this paper extends the definition of smooth shapes to $$H^{1/2}$$

H

1
/
2

-shapes, which arise naturally in shape optimization problems. We define a diffeological structure on the new space of $$H^{1/2}$$

H

1
/
2

-shapes. This can be seen as a first step towards the formulation of optimization techniques on diffeological spaces.
Whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (WBMRI) versus whole-body computed tomography (WBCT) for myeloma imaging and staging
Authors: Treitl Karla M. , Ricke Jens , Baur-Melnyk Andrea
Published: May 2021

Myeloma-associated bone disease (MBD) develops in about 80–90% of patients and severely affects their quality of life, as it accounts for the majority of mortality and morbidity. Imaging in multiple myeloma (MM) and MBD is of utmost importance in order to detect bone and bone marrow lesions as well as extraosseous soft-tissue masses and complications before the initiation of treatment. It is required for determination of the stage of disease and aids in the assessment of treatment response. Whole-body low-dose computed tomography (WBLDCT) is the key modality to establish the initial diagnosis of MM and is now recommended as reference standard procedure for the detection of lytic destruction in MBD. In contrast, whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (WBMRI) has higher sensitivity for the detection of focal and diffuse plasma cell infiltration patterns of the bone marrow and identifies them prior to osteolytic destruction. It is recommended for the evaluation of spinal and vertebral lesions, while functional, diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI-MRI) is a promising tool for the assessment of treatment response. This review addresses the current improvements and limitations of WBCT and WBMRI for diagnosis and staging in MM, underlining the fact that both modalities offer complementary information. It further summarizes the corresponding radiological findings and novel technological aspects of both modalities.
Effectiveness of endoscopic intranasal incision reduction for nasal fractures
Authors: Yan Shu , Jiang Yan , Wang Yan , Chen Kaixuan , Yan Xudong , Sun Xiaohan , Zhang Jisheng , Li Na
Published: May 2021

Purpose

To report our experience using endoscopic intranasal incision reduction (EIIR) for nasal fractures and to assess effectiveness of the method.

Methods

30 patients who underwent EIIR were retrospectively analysed. All the patients were examined by three-dimensional computed tomography (3D CT), acoustic rhinometry and rhinomanometry, preoperatively and postoperatively at 1 month. The visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to assess the preoperative aesthetics and nasal airflow satisfaction and at 1, 3 and 6 months postoperatively. VAS aesthetic satisfaction was also scored by two junior doctors.

Results

3D CT showed that the fracture fragments fitted well in 30 patients postoperatively at 1 month. VAS aesthetics and nasal airflow scores were significantly improved postoperatively at 1, 3 and 6 months compared with preoperative scores (P < 0.01). The VAS aesthetic scores from the two surgeons were also significantly improved (P < 0.01). The minimal cross-sectional area increased from 0.39 ± 0.13 to 0.64 ± 0.13 (P < 0.001), the nasal volume increased from 4.65 ± 0.86 to 6.37 ± 0.94 (P < 0.001) and the total inspiratory airway resistance of the bilateral nasal cavity median decreased from 0.467 Pa/mL/s to 0.193 Pa/mL/s (P < 0.001). There were no technique-related intraoperative complications.

Conclusion

EIIR was a practical choice, and the aesthetics and nasal airflow were significantly improved in patients with overlapped and displaced bone fragments, patients with fractures of the frontal process of the maxilla (FFPM), patients who underwent failed CR and patients beyond the optimal temporal window.
Continual rehabilitation motivation of patients with postparalytic facial nerve syndrome
Authors: Osthues Maike , Kuttenreich Anna-Maria , Volk Gerd Fabian , Dobel Christian , Strauss Bernhard , Altmann Uwe , Guntinas-Lichius Orlando
Published: May 2021

Purpose

To evaluate the continued rehabilitation motivation in patients with postparalytic facial synkinesis (PFS).

Methods

In this single-center cross-sectional survey, the multidimensional patient questionnaire for assessment of rehabilitation motivation (PAREMO-20) was used to assess the rehabilitation motivation. Associations Sunnybrook and Stennert index grading, Facial Clinimetric Evaluation (FaCE) survey, general quality of life (SF-36), Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-9, technology commitment and affinity, and interest in further therapy were analyzed.

Results

69 adults with PFS (73% women; median age: 54 years) answered the survey. In comparison to prior treatment forms, there was a significant higher future interest in computer-based home facial training (p < 0.0001). For PAREMO Psychological burden subscore, SF36 Emotional role was the highest negative correlative factor (p < 0.0001). For PAREMO Physical burden subscore, SF-36 General health was the highest negative correlative factor (p = 0.018). Working (p = 0.033) and permanent relationship (p = 0.029) were the only independent factors correlated to PAREMO Social Support Subscore. Higher positive impacts of technology affinity was inversely correlated to PAREMO Knowledge subscore (p = 0.017). Lower SF-36 Role physical subscore p = 0.045) and a lower SF-36 General health (p = 0.013) were correlated to a higher PAREMO Skepticism subscore.

Conclusions

Patients with PFS seem to have a high facial motor and non-motor psychosocial impairment even after several facial therapies. Rehabilitation-related motivation increases with both, higher facial motor and non-motor dysfunction. Social and emotional dysfunction are drivers to be interested in innovative digital therapy forms.
Saliva RNA biomarkers predict concussion duration and detect symptom recovery: a comparison with balance and cognitive testing
Authors: Fedorchak Gregory , Rangnekar Aakanksha , Onks Cayce , Loeffert Andrea C. , Loeffert Jayson , Olympia Robert P. , DeVita Samantha , Leddy John , Haider Mohammad N. , Roberts Aaron , Rieger Jessica , Uhlig Thomas , Monteith Chuck , Middleton Frank , Zuckerman Scott L. , Lee Timothy , Yeates Keith Owen , Mannix Rebekah , Hicks Steven
Published: May 2021

Objective

The goals of this study were to assess the ability of salivary non-coding RNA (ncRNA) levels to predict post-concussion symptoms lasting ≥ 21 days, and to examine the ability of ncRNAs to identify recovery compared to cognition and balance.

Methods

RNA sequencing was performed on 505 saliva samples obtained longitudinally from 112 individuals (8–24-years-old) with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Initial samples were obtained ≤ 14 days post-injury, and follow-up samples were obtained ≥ 21 days post-injury. Computerized balance and cognitive test performance were assessed at initial and follow-up time-points. Machine learning was used to define: (1) a model employing initial ncRNA levels to predict persistent post-concussion symptoms (PPCS) ≥ 21 days post-injury; and (2) a model employing follow-up ncRNA levels to identify symptom recovery. Performance of the models was compared against a validated clinical prediction rule, and balance/cognitive test performance, respectively.

Results

An algorithm using age and 16 ncRNAs predicted PPCS with greater accuracy than the validated clinical tool and demonstrated additive combined utility (area under the curve (AUC) 0.86; 95% CI 0.84–0.88). Initial balance and cognitive test performance did not differ between PPCS and non-PPCS groups (p > 0.05). Follow-up balance and cognitive test performance identified symptom recovery with similar accuracy to a model using 11 ncRNAs and age. A combined model (ncRNAs, balance, cognition) most accurately identified recovery (AUC 0.86; 95% CI 0.83–0.89).

Conclusions

ncRNA biomarkers show promise for tracking recovery from mTBI, and for predicting who will have prolonged symptoms. They could provide accurate expectations for recovery, stratify need for intervention, and guide safe return-to-activities.
Predictive model estimating the decrease of postoperative gastrointestinal quality of life index (GIQLI) in patients after elective laparoscopic sigmoid resection for diverticular disease
Authors: Posabella Alberto , Steinemann Daniel Christian , Droeser Raoul André , Varathan Nadshathra , Ayçiçek Selin Göksu , Nocera Fabio , von Flüe Markus , Rotigliano Niccolò , Füglistaler Ida
Published: May 2021

Background

Growing consideration in quality of life (QoL) has changed the therapeutic strategy in patients suffering from diverticular disease. Patients’ well-being plays a crucial role in the decision-making process. However, there is a paucity of studies investigating patients’ or surgery-related factors influencing the postoperative gastrointestinal function. The aim of this study was to investigate in a predictive model patients or surgical variables that allow better estimation of the postoperative gastrointestinal QoL.

Methods

This observational study retrospectively analyzed patients undergoing elective laparoscopic sigmoidectomy for diverticulitis between 2004 and 2017. The one-time postoperative QoL was assessed with the gastrointestinal quality of life index (GIQLI) in 2019. A linear regression model with stepwise selection has been applied to all patients and surgery-related variables.

Results

Two hundred seventy-two patients with a mean age of 62.30 ± 9.74 years showed a mean GIQLI of 116.39±18.25 at a mean follow-up time of 90.4±33.65 months. Women (n=168) reported a lower GIQLI compared to male (n=104; 112.85±18.79 vs 122.11±15.81, p<0.001). Patients with pre-operative cardiovascular disease (n=17) had a worse GIQLI (106.65 ±22.58 vs 117.08±17.66, p=0.010). Finally, patients operated less than 5 years ago (n=63) showed a worse GIQLI compared to patients operated more than 5 years ago (n=209; 111.98±19.65 vs 117.71±17.63, p=0.014).

Conclusions

Female gender and the presence of pre-operative cardiovascular disease are predictive for a decreased postoperative gastrointestinal QoL. Furthermore, patients’ estimation of gastrointestinal functioning seems to improve up to 5 years after surgery.

Graphical abstract
Effects of indacaterol on the LPS-evoked changes in fluid secretion rate and pH in swine tracheal membrane
Authors: Aritake Hidemi , Tamada Tsutomu , Murakami Koji , Gamo Shunichi , Nara Masayuki , Kazama Itsuro , Ichinose Masakazu , Sugiura Hisatoshi
Published: May 2021

An acquired dysregulation of airway secretion is likely involved in the pathophysiology of chronic bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Nowadays, it is widely known that several kinds of long-acting bronchodilators reduce the frequency of COPD exacerbations. However, limited data are available concerning the complementary additive effects on airflow obstruction. Using an optical method and a selective pH indicator, we succeeded in evaluating the gland secretion rate and the pH in swine tracheal membrane. A physiologically relevant concentration of acetylcholine (ACh) 100 nM induced a gradual increase in the amount of gland secretion. Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) accelerated the ACh-induced secretory responses up to around threefold and lowered the pH level significantly. Long-acting β2-agonists (LABAs) including indacaterol (IND), formoterol, and salmeterol restored the LPS-induced changes in both the hypersecretion and acidification. The subsequent addition of the long-acting muscarine antagonist, glycopyrronium, further increased the pH values. Two different inhibitors for cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), NPPB and CFTRinh172, abolished the IND-mediated pH normalization in the presence of both ACh and ACh + LPS. Both immunofluorescence staining and western blotting analysis revealed that LPS downregulated the abundant expression of CFTR protein. However, IND did not restore the LPS-induced decrease in CFTR expression on Calu-3 cells. These findings suggest that the activation of cAMP-dependent HCO3− secretion through CFTR would be partly involved in the IND-mediated pH normalization in gland secretion and may be suitable for the maintenance of airway defense against exacerbating factors including LPS.
Abnormal neonatal sodium handling in skin precedes hypertension in the SAME rat
Authors: Mullins Linda , Ivy Jessica , Ward Mairi , Tenstad Olav , Wiig Helge , Kitada Kento , Manning Jon , Rakova Natalia , Muller Dominik , Mullins John
Published: May 2021

We discovered high Na+ and water content in the skin of newborn Sprague–Dawley rats, which reduced ~ 2.5-fold by 7 days of age, indicating rapid changes in extracellular volume (ECV). Equivalent changes in ECV post birth were also observed in C57Bl/6 J mice, with a fourfold reduction over 7 days, to approximately adult levels. This established the generality of increased ECV at birth. We investigated early sodium and water handling in neonates from a second rat strain, Fischer, and an Hsd11b2-knockout rat modelling the syndrome of apparent mineralocorticoid excess (SAME). Despite Hsd11b2−/− animals exhibiting lower skin Na+ and water levels than controls at birth, they retained ~ 30% higher Na+ content in their pelts at the expense of K+ thereafter. Hsd11b2−/− neonates exhibited incipient hypokalaemia from 15 days of age and became increasingly polydipsic and polyuric from weaning. As with adults, they excreted a high proportion of ingested Na+ through the kidney, (56.15 ± 8.21% versus control 34.15 ± 8.23%; n = 4; P < 0.0001), suggesting that changes in nephron electrolyte transporters identified in adults, by RNA-seq analysis, occur by 4 weeks of age. Our data reveal that Na+ imbalance in the Hsd11b2−/− neonate leads to excess Na+ storage in skin and incipient hypokalaemia, which, together with increased, glucocorticoid-induced Na+ uptake in the kidney, then contribute to progressive, volume contracted, salt-sensitive hypertension. Skin Na+ plays an important role in the development of SAME but, equally, may play a key physiological role at birth, supporting post-natal growth, as an innate barrier to infection or as a rudimentary kidney.
Head-to-head performance comparison of self-collected nasal versus professional-collected nasopharyngeal swab for a WHO-listed SARS-CoV-2 antigen-detecting rapid diagnostic test
Authors: Klein Julian A. F. , Krüger Lisa J. , Tobian Frank , Gaeddert Mary , Lainati Federica , Schnitzler Paul , Lindner Andreas K. , Nikolai Olga , Knorr B. , Welker A. , de Vos Margaretha , Sacks Jilian A. , Escadafal Camille , Denkinger Claudia M. ,   for the Study Team
Published: May 2021

In 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended two SARS-CoV-2 lateral flow antigen-detecting rapid diagnostics tests (Ag-RDTs), both initially with nasopharyngeal (NP) sample collection. Independent head-to-head studies are necessary for SARS-CoV-2 Ag-RDT nasal sampling to demonstrate comparability of performance with nasopharyngeal (NP) sampling. We conducted a head-to-head comparison study of a supervised, self-collected nasal mid-turbinate (NMT) swab and a professional-collected NP swab, using the Panbio™ Ag-RDT (distributed by Abbott). We calculated positive and negative percent agreement between the sampling methods as well as sensitivity and specificity for both sampling techniques compared to the reference standard reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). A SARS-CoV-2 infection could be diagnosed by RT-PCR in 45 of 290 participants (15.5%). Comparing the NMT and NP sampling the positive percent agreement of the Ag-RDT was 88.1% (37/42 PCR positives detected; CI 75.0–94.8%). The negative percent agreement was 98.8% (245/248; CI 96.5–99.6%). The overall sensitivity of Panbio with NMT sampling was 84.4% (38/45; CI 71.2–92.3%) and 88.9% (40/45; CI 76.5–95.5%) with NP sampling. Specificity was 99.2% (243/245; CI 97.1–99.8%) for both, NP and NMT sampling. The sensitivity of the Panbio test in participants with high viral load (> 7 log10 SARS-CoV-2 RNA copies/mL) was 96.3% (CI 81.7–99.8%) for both, NMT and NP sampling. For the Panbio supervised NMT self-sampling yields comparable results to NP sampling. This suggests that nasal self-sampling could be used for to enable scaled-up population testing.

Clinical Trial DRKS00021220.
Outcomes associated with the use of a new powered circular stapler for left-sided colorectal reconstructions: a propensity score matching-adjusted indirect comparison with manual circular staplers
Authors: Sylla Patricia , Sagar Peter , Johnston Stephen S. , Dwarakanathan Harikumaran R. , Waggoner Jason R. , Schwiers Michael , Roy Sanjoy
Published: May 2021

Background

This was a retrospective, matching-adjusted indirect comparison of clinical outcomes between patients from a single-arm trial of the ECHELON CIRCULAR™ Powered Stapler (ECP) and those from a historical cohort of patients who underwent left-sided colorectal resection using conventional manual circular staplers, extracted from the Premier Healthcare Database.

Methods

Patients in the ECP trial cohort were propensity score matched to those in the historical cohort through nearest neighbor matching. Outcomes included 30-day readmission rates; length of stay (LOS) for the index admission; rates of anastomotic leak, pelvic abscess, ileus/small bowel obstruction, infection, bleeding, and stoma creation.

Results

The study included 168 patients in the ECP trial cohort and 4544 patients in the historical cohort; 165 ECP trial patients were matched to 1348 historical cohort patients. After matching, conversions were more prevalent in the historical cohort than the ECP trial cohort (4.2% ECP vs. 10.2% historical, p = 0.001). Relative to the historical cohort, the ECP trial cohort had statistically significant lower rates of 30-day inpatient readmission (6.1% vs. 10.8%, p = 0.019), anastomotic leak (1.8% vs. 6.9%, p < 0.001), ileus/small bowel obstruction (4.8% vs. 14.7%, p < 0.001), infection (1.8% vs. 5.7%, p = 0.001), and bleeding (1.8% vs. 9.2%, p < 0.001) during the index admission or within 30 days thereafter. No statistically significant differences in rates of pelvic abscess, stoma creation, or LOS were found between the two cohorts. Three sensitivity analyses to address the difference in conversion rates yielded largely consistent results, with loss of statistical significance for inpatient admission in some cases. This study is limited by its potential for differences in unmeasurable factors between the ECP trial and historical cohorts.

Conclusions

In this study, the ECP trial cohort had lower incidence proportions of several surgical complications as compared with the historical cohort. Further controlled prospective clinical studies are needed to confirm the validity of this finding.
An intelligent Bayesian hybrid approach to help autism diagnosis
Authors: Souza Paulo Vitor de Campos , Guimaraes Augusto Junio , Araujo Vanessa Souza , Lughofer Edwin
Published: May 2021

This paper proposes a Bayesian hybrid approach based on neural networks and fuzzy systems to construct fuzzy rules to assist experts in detecting features and relations regarding the presence of autism in human beings. The model proposed in this paper works with a database generated through mobile devices that deals with diagnoses of autistic characteristics in human beings who answer a series of questions in a mobile application. The Bayesian model works with the construction of Gaussian fuzzy neurons in the first and logical neurons in the second layer of the model to form a fuzzy inference system connected to an artificial neural network that activates a robust output neuron. The new fuzzy neural network model was compared with traditional state-of-the-art machine learning models based on high-dimensional based on real-world data sets comprising the autism occurrence in children, adults, and adolescents. The results (97.73- Children/94.32-Adolescent/97.28-Adult) demonstrate the efficiency of our new method in determining children, adolescents, and adults with autistic traits (being among the top performers among all ML models tested), can generate knowledge about the dataset through fuzzy rules.
Surgically generated aerosol and mitigation strategies: combined use of irrigation, respirators and suction massively reduces particulate matter aerosol
Authors: Schramm Moritz W. J. , Sheikh Asim J. , Chave-Cox Rebecca , McQuaid James , Whitty Rachel C. W. , Ilyinskaya Evgenia
Published: May 2021

Background

Aerosol is a health risk to theatre staff. This laboratory study quantifies the reduction in particulate matter aerosol concentrations produced by electrocautery and drilling when using mitigation strategies such as irrigation, respirator filtration and suction in a lab environment to prepare for future work under live OR conditions.

Methods

We combined one aerosol-generating procedure (monopolar cutting or coagulating diathermy or high-speed diamond- or steel-tipped drilling of cadaveric porcine tissue) with one or multiple mitigation strategies (instrument irrigation, plume suction and filtration using an FFP3 respirator filter) and using an optical particle counter to measure particulate matter aerosol size and concentrations.

Results

Significant aerosol concentrations were observed during all aerosol-generating procedures with concentrations exceeding 3 × 106 particles per 100 ml. Considerable reductions in concentrations were observed with mitigation. In drilling, suction, FFP3 filtration and wash alone respectively reduced aerosol by 19.3–31.6%, 65.1–70.8% and 97.2 to > 99.9%. The greatest reduction (97.38 to > 99.9%) was observed when combining irrigation and filtration. Coagulating diathermy reduced concentrations by 88.0–96.6% relative to cutting, but produced larger particles. Suction alone, and suction with filtration reduced aerosol concentration by 41.0–49.6% and 88.9–97.4% respectively. No tested mitigation strategies returned aerosol concentrations to baseline.

Conclusion

Aerosol concentrations are significantly reduced through the combined use of filtration, suction and irrigation. Further research is required to characterise aerosol concentrations in the live OR and to find acceptable exposure limits, and in their absence, to find methods to further reduce exposure to theatre staff.
Electric potential and energy band in ZnO nanofiber tuned by local mechanical loading
Authors: Fan Shuaiqi , Chen Ziguang
Published: May 2021

Recent success in strain engineering has triggered tremendous interest in its study and potential applications in nanodevice design. In this paper, we establish a coupled piezoelectric/semiconducting model for a wurtzite structure ZnO nanofiber under the local mechanical loading. The energy band structure tuned by the local mechanical loading and local length is calculated via an eight-band k · p method, which includes the coupling of valance and conduction bands. Poisson’s effect on the distribution of electric potential inversely depends on the local mechanical loading. Numerical results reveal that both the applied local mechanical loading and the local length exhibit obvious tuning effects on the electric potential and energy band. The band gap at band edges varies linearly with the applied loading. Changing the local length shifts the energy band which is far away from the band edges. This study will be useful in the electronic and optical enhancement of semiconductor devices.
The consumer’s demand functions defined to study contingent consumption plans
Authors: Angelini Pierpaolo , Maturo Fabrizio
Published: May 2021

Given two probability distributions expressing returns on two single risky assets of a portfolio, we innovatively define two consumer’s demand functions connected with two contingent consumption plans. This thing is possible whenever we coherently summarize every probability distribution being chosen by the consumer. Since prevision choices are consumption choices being made by the consumer inside of a metric space, we show that prevision choices can be studied by means of the standard economic model of consumer behavior. Such a model implies that we consider all coherent previsions of a joint distribution. They are decomposed inside of a metric space. Such a space coincides with the consumer’s consumption space. In this paper, we do not consider a joint distribution only. It follows that we innovatively define a stand-alone and double risky asset. Different summary measures of it characterizing consumption choices being made by the consumer can then be studied inside of a linear space over $${\mathbb {R}}$$
R
. We show that it is possible to obtain different summary measures of probability distributions by using two different quadratic metrics. In this paper, our results are based on a particular approach to the origin of the variability of probability distributions. We realize that it is not standardized, but it always depends on the state of information and knowledge of the consumer.
The variability and burden of severe sleep apnea and the relationship with atrial fibrillation occurrence: analysis of pacemaker-detected sleep apnea
Authors: Chen RuoHan , Chen KePing , Dai Yan , Zhang Shu
Published: May 2021

Study objectives

This was a pilot study to evaluate the long-term variability and burden of respiratory disturbance index (RDI) detected by pacemaker and to investigate the relationship between RDI and atrial fibrillation (AF) event in patients with pacemakers.

Methods

This was a prospective study enrolling patients implanted with a pacemaker that could calculate the night-to-night RDI. The mean follow-up was 348 ± 34 days. The RDI variability was defined as the standard deviation of RDI (RDI-SD). RDI burden was referred to as the percentage of nights with RDI ≥ 26. The patient with RDI ≥ 26 in more than 75% nights was considered to have a high sleep apnea (SA) burden. An AF event was defined as a daily AF duration > 6 h.

Results

Among 30 patients, the mean RDI of the whole follow-up period was 24.5 ± 8.6. Nine (30%) patients were diagnosed with high SA burden. Patients with high SA burden had a higher BMI (26.7 ± 4.8 vs 23.2 ± 3.9, p = 0.036), a higher prevalence of hypertension (86% vs 39%, p = 0.031), and a larger left ventricular diastolic diameter (49.2 mm vs 46.7 mm, p = 0.036). The RDI-SD in patients with a higher burden was significantly greater than that in the patients with less burden (10.7 ± 4.9 vs 5.7 ± 1.4, p = 0.036). Linear regression showed that participants with a higher RDI tended to have a higher SD (R = 0.661; p < 0.001). The mean RDI (OR = 1.118, 95%CI 1.008–1.244, p = 0.044) was associated with AF occurrence.

Conclusion

Using a metric such as burden of severe SA may be more appropriate to demonstrate a patient’s true disease burden.
Multipliers on $${{\mathcal {S}}}_{\omega }({{\mathbb {R}}}^N)$$
Authors: Albanese Angela A. , Mele Claudio
Published: May 2021

The aim of this paper is to introduce and to study the space$${{\mathcal {O}}}_{M,\omega }({{\mathbb {R}}}^N)$$OM,ω(RN)of the multipliers of the space$${{\mathcal {S}}}_\omega ({{\mathbb {R}}}^N)$$Sω(RN)of the$$\omega $$ω-ultradifferentiable rapidly decreasing functions of Beurling type. We determine various properties of the space$${{\mathcal {O}}}_{M,\omega }({{\mathbb {R}}}^N)$$OM,ω(RN). Moreover, we define and compare some lc-topologies of which$${{\mathcal {O}}}_{M,\omega }({{\mathbb {R}}}^N)$$OM,ω(RN)can be naturally endowed.
QBism and the limits of scientific realism
Authors: Glick David
Published: May 2021

QBism is an agent-centered interpretation of quantum theory. It rejects the notion that quantum theory provides a God’s eye description of reality and claims instead that it imposes constraints on agents’ subjective degrees of belief. QBism’s emphasis on subjective belief has led critics to dismiss it as antirealism or instrumentalism, or even, idealism or solipsism. The aim of this paper is to consider the relation of QBism to scientific realism. I argue that while QBism is an unhappy fit with a standard way of thinking about scientific realism, an alternative conception I call “perspectival normative realism” may allow for a reconciliation.
Planned relocation in Peru: advancing from well-meant legislation to good practice
Authors: Bergmann Jonas
Published: May 2021

Along Peru’s rainforest rivers, rising flood extremes are increasingly exceeding coping capacities of vulnerable households. Peru has detailed legislation that embraces planned relocation as a strategic solution to such situations and various relocation projects are underway across the country. This research brief analyzes well-being consequences for two communities requesting relocation, using qualitative data collected from experts and 30 affected people. Initial results emphasize that weak governance, poverty, third-party involvement, and community action have influenced relocation outcomes. Delays and fragmented implementation have threatened people’s well-being. One community, waiting for land to relocate since 2015, has suffered from continued hazard exposure, deteriorated material conditions, and reduced subjective well-being. The second community achieved relocation only after a decade in detrimental limbo. Although livelihood challenges persist, its inhabitants now benefit from better market access and decreased exposure, leading to higher subjective well-being. With rising needs for relocation worldwide, the cases highlight that detailed legislation is not sufficient to safeguard people’s well-being. Advancing from well-meant legislation to good practice requires adequate institutional capacity, effective mechanisms for oversight and accountability, better engagement of third parties, and dedicated efforts to strengthen community agency.
Time for Inclusion of Racial and Gender Discrimination in Routine Clinical Assessment
Authors: De Rose Cristina , Spinola Olivia , Buonsenso Danilo
Published: May 2021

Recently, there has been an increasing amount of scientific interest towards the broad theme of racial inequalities and their impact on human health, specifically exploring how ethnic discrimination affects the wellness of black people and the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of these conditions of inequity also affect black children. Discrimination and racism should be routinely considered as causative agents or triggers of disease and routinely included in clinical examination, during history collection and evaluation of vital signs. This will benefit child and family health, worldwide. We shared our recent experience by reporting a case of a 13-year-old black girl who came to Italy from Niger about 3 years earlier through the traumatizing migratory journey. She was evaluated in the Pediatric Emergency Department (PED) for sleepiness that had progressively worsened during the last days. We describe the case and how it was handled differently by pediatricians and pediatric trainees with equally different personal and professional backgrounds.

We also report the preliminary results of a national survey aimed to assess discrimination and inequalities in Italian Paediatric Residency Schools. Medical ability has been allowing us to respond rapidly to a novel virus in order to save lives. The expertise of doctors and researchers must be used to evaluate this hidden crisis as well, to address racism and injustice and to protect vulnerable people from harm. Our case showed us how it is essential including racial and gender discrimination in a diagnostic process.
NGAL/hepcidin-25 ratio and AKI subtypes in patients following cardiac surgery: a prospective observational study
Authors: Elitok Saban , Devarajan Prasad , Bellomo Rinaldo , Isermann Berend , Haase Michael , Haase-Fielitz Anja
Published: May 2021

Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI) subtypes combining kidney functional parameters and injury biomarkers may have prognostic value. We aimed to determine whether neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL)/hepcidin-25 ratio (urinary concentrations of NGAL divided by that of hepcidin-25) defined subtypes are of prognostic relevance in cardiac surgery patients.

Methods

We studied 198 higher-risk cardiac surgery patients. We allocated patients to four groups: Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO)-AKI-negative and NGAL/hepcidin-25 ratio-negative (no AKI), KDIGO AKI-negative and NGAL/hepcidin-25 ratio-positive (subclinical AKI), KDIGO AKI-positive and NGAL/hepcidin-25 ratio-negative (clinical AKI), KDIGO AKI-positive and NGAL/hepcidin-25 ratio-positive (combined AKI). Outcomes included in-hospital mortality (primary) and long-term mortality (secondary).

Results

We identified 127 (61.6%) patients with no AKI, 13 (6.6%) with subclinical, 40 (20.2%) with clinical and 18 (9.1%) with combined AKI. Subclinical AKI patients had a 23-fold greater in-hospital mortality than no AKI patients. For combined AKI vs. no AKI or clinical AKI, findings were stronger (odds ratios (ORs): 126 and 39, respectively). After adjusting for EuroScore, volume of intraoperative packed red blood cells, and aortic cross-clamp time, subclinical and combined AKI remained associated with greater in-hospital mortality than no AKI and clinical AKI (adjusted ORs: 28.118, 95% CI 1.465–539.703; 3.737, 95% CI 1.746–7.998). Cox proportional hazard models found a significant association of biomarker-informed AKI subtypes with long-term survival compared with no AKI (adjusted ORs: pooled subclinical and clinical AKI: 1.885, 95% CI 1.003–3.542; combined AKI: 1.792, 95% CI 1.367–2.350).

Conclusions

In the presence or absence of KDIGO clinical criteria for AKI, the urinary NGAL/hepcidin-25-ratio appears to detect prognostically relevant AKI subtypes.

Trial registration number

NCT00672334, clinicaltrials.gov, date of registration: 6th May 2008, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00672334.

Graphic abstract

Definition of AKI subtypes: subclinical AKI (KDIGO negative AND Ratio-positive), clinical AKI (KDIGO positive AND Ratio-negative) and combined AKI (KDIGO positive AND Ratio-positive) with urinary NGAL/hepcidin-25 ratio-positive cut-off at 85% specificity for in-hospital death. AKI, acute kidney injury. AUC, area under the curve. NGAL, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin. KDIGO, Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes Initiative AKI definition.
Twelve new microsatellite loci of Eurasian perch Perca fluviatilis Linnaeus, 1758
Authors: Kánainé Sipos Dóra , Csenki-Bakos Katalin , Ősz Ágnes , Bokor Zoltán , Kotrik László , Żarski Daniel , Ittzés István , Urbányi Béla , Kovács Balázs
Published: May 2021

The Eurasian perch (Perca fluviatilis Linnaeus, 1758) is native to almost entire Eurasia. For over the last two decades, this species became an important candidate for intensive freshwater aquaculture due to its high consumer’s acceptance and overall market value. Hence, the intensive production of Eurasian perch has increased considerably allowing effective domestication; there is still a need for the development of effective selective breeding programmes allowing its further expansion. This process, in turn, can be significantly facilitated by molecular genetics. The genetic information of Eurasian perch and its populations is limited. Up to date information of regarding genetic diversity of many populations is still missing, including microsatellites for Eurasian perch, which could be useful during the selective breeding programmes allowing parental assignment and/or to follow heritability of desired traits. In this study, we have developed and characterized new polymorphic microsatellites. Subsequently, those 12 markers have been used further to compare two Hungarian and one Polish Eurasian perch populations. The Hungarian stocks had high genetic similarity (with low diversity), as we assumed, while the Polish population differed significantly. All populations deviated significantly from the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, and heterozygote deficiency was detected in all, showing the presence of an anthropogenic effect.
Biomedical Technology Innovation Education and Its Effect on Graduate Student Careers Over 17 Years
Authors: Denend Lyn , Xu Shiqin , Yock Paul , Venook Ross
Published: May 2021

In the 1990s, interest in biomedical technologies blossomed among students across disciplines. In parallel, there was a push in academia to develop courses enabling interdisciplinary problem solving and more holistic, practice-oriented education. In response, Stanford Biodesign created a graduate course in biomedical technology innovation. Seventeen years later, we sought to gauge the impact of this course on student commitment to careers in biomedical technology, whether students took on leadership and innovation roles, and if they found the holistic innovation process we teach to be useful in their careers. We disseminated a web-based survey to collect self-reported data from students completing the course between 2003 and 2019. 186 students responded (24.8%). 62% (n = 115/186) reported a strong commitment to careers in biomedical technology before the course while 84% (n = 156/186) felt that way after. The improvement in mean scores from pre-course (3.8) to post-course (4.3) was statistically significant (p < 0.0001). Additionally, 78% (n = 145/186) currently work in healthcare, with 72% of those (n = 115/145) in biomedical technology. 82% (n = 146/179) were in innovation roles and 58% (n = 102/177) were in leadership positions. Nearly 94% (n = 161/172) found the course influential and the process to be useful in their careers. The data suggest that the course is perceived as valuable and is effective at creating and/or sustaining student interest in biomedical technology innovation. The results point to multiple improvement opportunities that are important for keeping the course relevant.