bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor family proteins are multitasking cytokines in tissue injury
Authors: Song Shanshan , Xiao Zhangping , Dekker Frank J. , Poelarends Gerrit J. , Melgert Barbro N.
Published: January 2022

The family of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) proteins in humans consist of MIF, its functional homolog D-dopachrome tautomerase (D-DT, also known as MIF-2) and the relatively unknown protein named DDT-like (DDTL). MIF is a pleiotropic cytokine with multiple properties in tissue homeostasis and pathology. MIF was initially found to associate with inflammatory responses and therefore established a reputation as a pro-inflammatory cytokine. However, increasing evidence demonstrates that MIF influences many different intra- and extracellular molecular processes important for the maintenance of cellular homeostasis, such as promotion of cellular survival, antioxidant signaling, and wound repair. In contrast, studies on D-DT are scarce and on DDTL almost nonexistent and their functions remain to be further investigated as it is yet unclear how similar they are compared to MIF. Importantly, the many and sometimes opposing functions of MIF suggest that targeting MIF therapeutically should be considered carefully, taking into account timing and severity of tissue injury. In this review, we focus on the latest discoveries regarding the role of MIF family members in tissue injury, inflammation and repair, and highlight the possibilities of interventions with therapeutics targeting or mimicking MIF family proteins.
Matrix-Valued Truncated Toeplitz Operators: Unbounded Symbols, Kernels and Equivalence After Extension
Authors: O’Loughlin Ryan
Published: January 2022

This paper studies matrix-valued truncated Toeplitz operators, which are a vectorial generalisation of truncated Toeplitz operators. It is demonstrated that, although there exist matrix-valued truncated Toeplitz operators without a matrix symbol in $$L^p$$

L
p

for any $$p \in (2, \infty ]$$

p
∈
(
2
,
∞
]

, there is a wide class of matrix-valued truncated Toeplitz operators which possess a matrix symbol in $$L^p$$

L
p

for some $$p \in (2, \infty ]$$

p
∈
(
2
,
∞
]

. In the case when the matrix-valued truncated Toeplitz operator has a symbol in $$L^p$$

L
p

for some $$p \in (2, \infty ]$$

p
∈
(
2
,
∞
]

, an approach is developed which bypasses some of the technical difficulties which arise when dealing with problems concerning matrix-valued truncated Toeplitz operators with unbounded symbols. Using this new approach, two new notable results are obtained. The kernel of the matrix-valued truncated Toeplitz operator is expressed as an isometric image of an $$S^*$$

S
∗

-invariant subspace. Also, a Toeplitz operator is constructed which is equivalent after extension to the matrix-valued truncated Toeplitz operator. In a different yet overlapping vein, it is also shown that multidimensional analogues of the truncated Wiener–Hopf operators are unitarily equivalent to certain matrix-valued truncated Toeplitz operators.
Explicit Diagrammatic Solution of Normalised, Nondegenerate Rayleigh–Schrödinger Perturbation Theory
Authors: Pommerening Joel C. , DiVincenzo David P.
Published: January 2022

We solve the coupled recurrence relations for eigenenergies and -vectors in nondegenerate Rayleigh–Schrödinger perturbation theory under the constraint that the approximate eigenvector is normalised to 1 in every order. The series can be expressed in terms of diagrams that were first introduced by Bloch (Nucl Phys 6:329, 1958) for the degenerate, unnormalised case. Normalisation increases the number of terms and introduces a nontrivial dependence on the diagrams’ topology to the coefficients.
Blue collar with tie: a human-centered reformulation of the ironies of automation
Authors: Meisinger Norman
Published: January 2022

When Lisanne Bainbridge wrote about counterintuitive consequences of the increasing human–machine interaction, she concentrated on the resulting issues for system performance, stability, and safety. Now, decades later, however, the automized work environment is substantially more pervasive, sophisticated, and interactive. Current advances in machine learning technologies reshape the value, meaning, and future of the human workforce. While the ‘human factor’ still challenges automation system architects, inconspicuously new ironic settings have evolved that only become distinctly evident from a human-centered perspective. This brief essay discusses the role of the human workforce in human–machine interaction as machine learning continues to improve, and it points to the counterintuitive insight that although the demand for blue-collar workers may decrease, exactly this labor class increasingly enters more privileged working domains and establishes itself henceforth as ‘blue collar with tie.’
Mapping the Green-Lipped Mussel (Perna canaliculus) Microbiome: A Multi-Tissue Analysis of Bacterial and Fungal Diversity
Authors: Li Siming , Young Tim , Archer Stephen , Lee Kevin , Sharma Shaneel , Alfaro Andrea C.
Published: January 2022

Poor health and mortality events of the commercially important and endemic New Zealand green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus) pose a threat to its industry. Despite the known importance of microbiomes to animal health and environmental resilience, the host-associated microbiome is unexplored in this species. We conducted the first baseline characterization of bacteria and fungi within key host tissues (gills, haemolymph, digestive gland, and stomach) using high-throughput amplicon sequencing of 16S rRNA gene and ITS1 region for bacteria and fungi, respectively. Tissue types displayed distinctive bacterial profiles, consistent among individuals, that were dominated by phyla which reflect (1) a fluid exchange between the circulatory system (gills and haemolymph) and surrounding aqueous environment and (2) a highly diverse digestive system (digestive gland and stomach) microbiota. Gammaproteobacteria and Campylobacterota were mostly identified in the gill tissue and haemolymph, and were also found in high abundance in seawater. Digestive gland and stomach tissues were dominated by common gut bacterial phyla, such as Firmicutes, Cyanobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Bacteroidota, which reflects the selectivity of the digestive system and food-based influences. Other major notable taxa included the family Spirochaetaceae, and genera Endozoicomonas, Psychrilyobacter, Moritella and Poseidonibacter, which were highly variable among tissue types and samples. More than 50% of fungal amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) were unclassified beyond the phylum level, which reflects the lack of studies with marine fungi. However, the majority of those identified were assigned to the phylum Ascomycota. The findings from this work provide the first insight into healthy tissue microbiomes of P. canaliculus and is of central importance to understanding the effect of environmental changes on farmed mussels at the microbial level.
Multiparametric bone MRI can improve CT-guided bone biopsy target selection in cancer patients and increase diagnostic yield and feasibility of next-generation tumour sequencing
Authors: Donners Ricardo , Figueiredo Ines , Tunariu Nina , Blackledge Matthew , Koh Dow-Mu , de la Maza Maria de los Dolores Fenor , Chandran Khobe , de Bono Johann S. , Fotiadis Nicos
Published: January 2022

Objectives

To evaluate whether multiparametric bone MRI (mpBMRI) utilising a combination of DWI signal, ADC and relative fat-fraction (rFF) can identify bone metastases, which provide high diagnostic biopsy yield and next-generation genomic sequencing (NGS) feasibility.

Methods

A total of 150 CT-guided bone biopsies performed by interventional radiologists (3/2013 to 2/2021) at our centre were reviewed. In 43 patients, contemporaneous DWI and rFF images, calculated from 2-point T1w Dixon MRI, were available. For each biopsied lesion, a region of interest (ROI) was delineated on ADC and rFF images and the following MRI parameters were recorded: visual classification of DWI signal intensity (SI), mean, median, 10th and 90th centile ADC and rFF values. Non-parametric tests were used to compare values between tumour positive/negative biopsies and feasible/non-feasible NGS, with p-values < 0.05 deemed significant.

Results

The mpBMRI combination high DWI signal, mean ADC < 1100 µm2/s and mean rFF < 20% identified tumour-positive biopsies with 82% sensitivity, 80% specificity, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 93% (p = 0.001) and NGS feasibility with 91% sensitivity, 78% specificity and 91% PPV (p < 0.001). The single MRI parameters DWI signal, ADC and rFF failed to distinguish between tumour-positive and tumour-negative biopsies (each p > 0.082). In NGS feasible biopsies, mean and 90th centile rFF were significantly smaller (each p < 0.041). Single ADC parameters did not show significant difference regarding NGS feasibility (each p > 0.292).

Conclusions

MpBMRI utilising the combination of DWI signal, ADC and rFF can identify active bone metastases, which provide biopsy tissue with high diagnostic yield and NGS feasibility.

Key Points

• Multiparametric bone MRI with diffusion-weighted and relative fat-fraction images helps to identify active bone metastases suitable for CT-guided biopsy.

• Target lesions for CT-guided bone biopsies in cancer patients can be chosen with greater confidence.

• CT-guided bone biopsy success rates, especially yielding sufficient viable tissue for advanced molecular tissue analyses, can be improved.
Incidence and prognosis of thyroid cancer in children: based on the SEER database
Authors: Zhang Bing , Wu Wenming , Shang Xiaofei , Huang Deliang , Liu Mingbo , Zong Liang
Published: January 2022

Objective

To update the recognition of the trends in the incidence of childhood thyroid cancer (TC) and its prognosis.

Methods

A large-scale sample based on long time-line public database was recruited. Join-point regression model was used to analyze the incidence trend of childhood TC. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression model analyses were applied to explore the survival situation and prognostic factors.

Results

The incidence rate of childhood TC increased between 1975 and 2016 from 3.8/million (95% CI 2.6–5.5) to 11.5/million (95% CI 9.2–14.1), AAPC = 2.38% (95% CI 1.98–9.65) and could be divided into two stages of increasing trends. The incidence rate of Trend1 (1975–2005) increased slowly (APC = 1.08%, 95% CI 0.38–1.82) while Trend2 (2005–2016) increased dramatically (APC = 6.77%, 95% CI 4.30–9.28). Annual incidence rate of small size tumor (< 4 cm) and local stage childhood TC increased significantly. The overall cumulative survival rate for childhood TC was high up to 97–99%. Males, black race, MTC type, distant metastasis, tumor size ≥ 4 cm, non-primary cancer were the independent risk factors of childhood TC prognosis.

Conclusion

A contribution of overdetection to rising pediatric TC rates might not be able to rule out. For clinical implications, screening TC in children with potential specific risk factors is feasible. Over-treatment to small size and local stage TC in children should be avoided.
Variant interpretation in molecular autopsy: a useful dilemma
Authors: Scheiper-Welling Stefanie , Tabunscik Monika , Gross Theresa E. , Jenewein Tina , Beckmann Britt M. , Niess Constanze , Gradhand Elise , Wunder Cora , Schneider Peter M. , Rothschild Markus A. , Verhoff Marcel A. , Kauferstein Silke
Published: January 2022

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) in adolescents and young adults may be the first manifestation of an inherited arrhythmic syndrome. Thus identification of a genetic origin in sudden death cases deemed inconclusive after a comprehensive autopsy and may help to reduce the risk of lethal episodes in the remaining family. Using next-generation sequencing (NGS), a large number of variants of unknown significance (VUS) are detected. In the majority of cases, there is insufficient evidence of pathogenicity, representing a huge dilemma in current genetic investigations. Misinterpretation of such variants may lead to inaccurate genetic diagnoses and/or the adoption of unnecessary and/or inappropriate therapeutic approaches. In our study, we applied current (ACMG) recommendations for variant classification in post-mortem genetic screening of a cohort of 56 SCD victims. We identified a total 53 rare protein-altering variants (MAF < 0.2%) classified as VUS or worse. Twelve percent of the cases exhibited a clinically actionable variant (pathogenic, likely pathogenic or VUS – potentially pathogenic) that would warrant cascade genetic screening in relatives. Most of the variants detected by means of the post-mortem genetic investigations were VUS. Thus, genetic testing by itself might be fairly meaningless without supporting background data. This data reinforces the need for an experienced multidisciplinary team for obtaining reliable and accountable interpretations of variant significance for elucidating potential causes for SCDs in the young. This enables the early identification of relatives at risk or excludes family members as genetic carriers. Also, development of adequate forensic guidelines to enable appropriate interpretation of rare genetic variants is fundamental.
Indications of medical plants: what do medical students in Germany know? A cross-sectional study
Authors: Büntzel Sören Klaus , Ritschel Maria-Louisa , Wurm-Kuczera Rebecca , Büntzel Judith
Published: January 2022

Background

Patients use phytotherapy in addition to cancer therapy. Aiming to equip students with the knowledge necessary for a holistic treatment approach, the (German) national competence-based catalogue of educational objectives in medicine advises to include phytotherapy as part of the curriculum. Here, we evaluate if medical students know the official indication of herbal products as stated by the German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) for treating oral and abdominal discomfort.

Methods

In an online survey, students were asked to write down indications they associated with 25 plants used for treating either oral or abdominal discomfort. Students’ indications were then sorted according to symptom complexes (oral discomfort, abdominal discomfort, skin care, others) and compared with the official indications stated by the BfArM.

Results

Of 168 participating students, 113 wrote down indications for 22 of the 25 plants surveyed. 70.80% of the students knew the correct indication for Matricaria recutita, 41.59% for Salvia officinalis, 37.17% for Foeniculum vulgare Mill. and 36.28% for Mentha piperita. Those were the highest rates of correct answers. Looking at symptom complexes (e.g., oral/ abdominal discomfort) instead of single symptoms, ≥ 10% of the students stated an indication that fell into the same symptom complex as the BfArM’s indication for 10 out of 25 plants surveyed. The most well-known plants and indications were Matricaria recutita, Salvia officinalis and Mentha x piperita.

Conclusion

Only a small minority of participating students know the official indications for specific phytotherapeutic drugs. Our study demonstrates that phytotherapy needs to be incorporated into the medical teaching curriculum.
Correction to: Fine structure of mushroom bodies and the brain in Sthenelais boa (Phyllodocida, Annelida)
Authors: Beckers Patrick , Pein Carla , Bartolomaeus Thomas
Published: January 2022

Unfortunately, the captions of figures were incorrectly published in original publication. The corrected version updated here.
Esomeprazole inhibits hypoxia/endothelial dysfunction–induced autophagy in preeclampsia
Authors: Gu Shengyi , Zhou Chenchen , Pei Jindan , Wu Yuelin , Wan Sheng , Zhao Xiaobo , Hu Junhao , Hua Xiaolin
Published: January 2022

Preeclampsia (PE) affects 3 to 5% of pregnant women worldwide and is associated with fetal and maternal morbidity and mortality. Although a complete understanding of PE remains elusive, it has been widely accepted that a dysfunction of the placenta plays a key role in the pathogenesis of PE. In this study, we investigated the role of excessive placental autophagy during PE pathogenesis and explored whether esomeprazole ameliorates PE by inhibiting the autophagy in the placenta. The PE cellular model was established by treating the cells’ L-NAME and hypoxia. The PE mice model was established by L-NAME administration and was confirmed by the increased systolic blood pressure (SBP) and urinary protein detected. The autophagy and key proteins were detected in human placental tissue, in cells, and in the mice model by Western blot and immunofluorescence staining. Results showed that excessive autophagy could be detected in human PE placental tissue, in the PE cellular model, and in the PE mice model. Hypoxia induces autophagy by activating AMPKα and inhibiting mTOR in vivo and in vitro. Esomeprazole inhibits L‐NAME-induced autophagy in mice by inhibiting AMPKα and activating mTOR. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that the excessive autophagy induced by the SIRT1/AMPKα-mTOR pathway plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of PE. However, esomeprazole treatment inhibits AMPKα but activates mTOR, resulting in the inhibition of autophagy in the placenta and, therefore, mitigates PE symptoms.
“Metal-modified base pairs” vs. “metal-mediated pairs of bases”: not just a semantic issue!
Authors: Lippert Bernhard
Published: January 2022

A “nucleobase pair” is not identical with a “pair of basic ligands”, as only in the first case, the existence of inter-base hydrogen bonds is implied. The cross-linking of two nucleobases or two basic ligands by a metal ion of suitable geometry produces either “metal-modified” or “metal-mediated” species, but in the author’s opinion, this difference is not always properly made. This commentary is an attempt to provide a clearer distinction between the two scenarios.

Graphical abstract
Comparative in vitro analysis of the sliding resistance of a modern 3D-printed polymer bracket in combination with different archwire types
Authors: Hodecker Lutz , Bourauel Christoph , Braumann Bert , Kruse Teresa , Christ Hildegard , Scharf Sven
Published: January 2022

Objectives

To analyse the sliding resistance of a modern 3D-printed polymer bracket combined with different archwire types and to compare the results with conventionally used polymeric, ceramic and metal brackets. It was of further interest which bracket-archwire combination could be best qualified for clinical use.

Materials and methods

The sliding behaviour was tested using an orthodontic measurement and simulation system (OMSS) for the use of two bracket types of the polymer, ceramic and metal group in combination with a 0.016 inch × 0.022 inch and 0.017 inch × 0.025 inch archwire of nickel-titanium (NiTi), titanium-molybdenum alloy (TMA) and stainless steel. Six bracket types were combined with six different archwire types and compared to each other.

Results

The sliding resistance showed significant differences between various the bracket-archwire complexes. The combination of 3D-printed polymer brackets with both steel archwire cross-sections showed the least values of sliding resistance (average 23–29%), while the combination of ceramic brackets with TMA archwires presented the highest (average 47%).

Conclusions

The present study could show that modern 3D-printed bracket materials can have similar or even better mechanical properties than conventional ones regarding sliding resistance. Although the combination of bracket and archwire material is decisive for low sliding resistance values, the selection of the bracket material seems to have a greater influence than the selection of the archwire material or its cross section.

Clinical relevance

It might be possible in future to combine aesthetic and biomechanical requirements for aesthetic brackets by using 3D-printing technology.
Assessing the burden of osteoarthritis in Latin America: a rapid evidence assessment
Authors: de Andrade Daniel Ciampi , Saaibi Diego , Sarría Nicolas , Vainstein Nora , Ruiz Leslie Cano , Espinosa Rolando
Published: January 2022

This rapid evidence assessment (REA) was conducted to explore the burden of weight-bearing joint osteoarthritis in the developing countries of Latin America. REA methodology used a standardized search strategy to identify observational studies published from 2010 to 23 April 2020 that reported outcomes pertaining to the epidemiology and humanistic or economic burden of weight-bearing osteoarthritis. Relevant data from each included study were used to populate bespoke data extraction tables and qualitatively analyzed. Thirteen publications were identified that reported on knee and hip osteoarthritis in the Latin American region. Overall prevalence of physician-diagnosed symptomatic knee osteoarthritis in adults ranged from 1.55% in Peru to 7.4% in Ecuador. Total prevalence of grade ≥ 2 radiographic knee osteoarthritis was 22% among those ≥ 39 years of age in Brazil and 25.5% among those ≥ 40 years of age in Mexico. The prevalence of symptomatic/radiographic knee osteoarthritis was 7.1% in people ≥ 18 years of age in Mexico and 17.6% among those ≥ 40 years of age. Prevalence of hip osteoarthritis was similar to or slightly lower than knee osteoarthritis. The limited data available indicates weight-bearing osteoarthritis negatively affects quality of life and that the economic burden may vary between countries with different healthcare systems. The limited evidence found in the published literature suggests the burden of osteoarthritis in Latin America is substantial. Our analysis identified several evidence gaps, particularly for health-related quality of life and socioeconomic outcomes. Further research is of particular importance in areas where government-subsidized healthcare and resources are scarce.
Generalized self-concordant analysis of Frank–Wolfe algorithms
Authors: Dvurechensky Pavel , Safin Kamil , Shtern Shimrit , Staudigl Mathias
Published: January 2022

Projection-free optimization via different variants of the Frank–Wolfe method has become one of the cornerstones of large scale optimization for machine learning and computational statistics. Numerous applications within these fields involve the minimization of functions with self-concordance like properties. Such generalized self-concordant functions do not necessarily feature a Lipschitz continuous gradient, nor are they strongly convex, making them a challenging class of functions for first-order methods. Indeed, in a number of applications, such as inverse covariance estimation or distance-weighted discrimination problems in binary classification, the loss is given by a generalized self-concordant function having potentially unbounded curvature. For such problems projection-free minimization methods have no theoretical convergence guarantee. This paper closes this apparent gap in the literature by developing provably convergent Frank–Wolfe algorithms with standard $$\mathcal {O}(1/k)$$

O
(
1
/
k
)

convergence rate guarantees. Based on these new insights, we show how these sublinearly convergent methods can be accelerated to yield linearly convergent projection-free methods, by either relying on the availability of a local liner minimization oracle, or a suitable modification of the away-step Frank–Wolfe method.
Initial clinical experience with a novel flexible endoscopic robot for transanal surgery
Authors: Morino M. , Forcignanò E. , Arezzo A.
Published: January 2022

Background

The Flex® Robotic System (Medrobotics, Raynham, MA, USA) is the first miniaturised flexible endoscopic robot that aims to allow surgical manoeuvres beyond the area currently reached by transanal endoscopic microsurgery. The aim of this study is to evaluate our initial clinical experience with this novel tool.

Methods

We prospectively collected all consecutive cases of local excisions of rectal lesions performed with the Flex® Robotic System performed at the Department of Surgical Sciences of the University of Turin between October 2018 and December 2019. Indications were benign, or early rectal lesions judged unsuitable for endoscopic removal, within 20 cm of the anal verge. Debriefing meetings after each procedure allowed technology assessment leading to the modification, development, and implementation of tools according to the clinical experience. We analysed the data in terms of the safety and efficacy of treatment.

Results

Between October 2018 and February 2020, 26 patients were treated. We performed a full-thickness excision in 14 patients and a submucosal dissection in 12. The median operating time was 115 min (range 45–360 min). In six patients (23.1%), we converted to standard transanal endoscopic operation (TEO®) (Karl Storz, Tuttlingen, Germany) to complete the procedure. The 30-day morbidity rate was 11.5% (3/26). Positive resection margins were detected in 4 (15.4%) patients. At a minimum follow-up of 12 months, 2 (7.7%) local recurrences were observed.

Conclusions

This first clinical series demonstrates that the Flex® Robotic System is a fascinating technology that deserves further development to increase surgical dexterity, thereby overcoming current technical limitations and improving clinical outcomes.
When ethnic minority students are judged as more suitable for the highest school track: a shifting standards experiment
Authors: Nishen Anna K. , Corcoran Katja , Holder Katharina , Kessels Ursula
Published: January 2022

When students are grouped into school tracks, this has lasting consequences for their learning and later careers. In Germany to date, some groups of students (boys, ethnic minority students) are underrepresented in the highest track. Stereotypes about these groups exist that entail negative expectations about their suitability for the highest track. Based on the shifting standards model, the present research examines if and how stereotypes influence tracking recommendations. According to this theory, members of negatively stereotyped groups will be judged more leniently or more strictly depending on the framing of the judgment situation (by inducing minimum or confirmatory standards). N = 280 teacher students participated in a vignette study in which they had to choose the amount of positive evidence for suitability they wanted to see before deciding to recommend a fictitious student to the highest track. A 2 (judgment standard: minimum vs. confirmatory) × 2 (target student’s gender: male vs. female) × 2 (target student’s ethnicity: no migration background vs. Turkish migration background) between-subjects design was used. No effects of target gender occurred, but the expected interaction of target’s ethnicity and judgment standard emerged. In the minimum standard condition, less evidence was required for the ethnic minority student to be recommended for the highest track compared to the majority student. In the confirmatory standards condition, however, participants tended to require less evidence for the ethnic majority student. Our experiment underlines the importance of the framing of the recommendation situation, resulting in a more lenient or stricter assessment of negatively stereotyped groups.
(Un-)konventionelle Methoden zur Finanzierung der Ampelpläne
Authors: Südekum Jens
Published: January 2022

The new German government plans to increase investment spending considerably, yet without increasing taxes or reforming the debt brake enshrined in the constitution. This article explores the government’s (un)conventional approaches to squaring this circle.
Der antizyklische Kapitalpuffer: Reformoptionen
Authors: Menkhoff Lukas
Published: January 2022

Der antizyklische Eigenkapitalpuffer, dessen Anforderung Kreditinstitute erfüllen müssen, soll die Widerstandskraft des Bankensystems stärken und dadurch die Kreditversorgung verstetigen. Damit sollen starke Auswirkungen des Finanzzyklus und entsprechende Krisen abgeschwächt werden. Dieses Instrument wurde 2016 eingeführt, sodass jetzt erste Erfahrungen vorliegen. Diese werden derzeit z. B. im makroprudenziellen Review der Europäischen Kommission bewertet.
Coronabedingte Ungleichheit und Armut in Deutschland: Überschätzt oder unterschätzt?
Authors: Dauderstädt Michael
Published: January 2022

Recent data from EU-SILC and Destatis seemed to indicate a dramatic increase in German inequality and poverty in the pandemic year 2020. But Destatis had changed its data collection method. Based on several studies, it is likely that the actual rise has been much weaker while the previous data collection by Destatis might have underestimated the true disparities within German society in the past.
Modelling greenhouse gas emissions of cacao production in the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Vervuurt W. , Slingerland M. A. , Pronk A. A. , Van Bussel L. G. J.
Published: January 2022

The current expansion of cacao cultivation in the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire is associated with deforestation, forest degradation, biodiversity loss and high greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Global concerns about emissions that are associated with tropical commodity production are increasing. Consequently, there is a need to change the present cacao-growing practice into a more climate-friendly cultivation system. A more climate-friendly system causes lower GHG emissions, stores a high amount of carbon in its standing biomass and produces high cacao yields. GHG emissions and carbon stocks associated with the present cacao production, as assessed in 509 farmers’ fields, were estimated by using the Perennial GHG model and the Cool Farm Tool. On average, the production of 1 kg cacao beans is associated with an emission of 1.47 kg CO2e. Deforestation contributed largely to GHG emissions, while tree biomass and residue management contributed mainly to carbon storage. The collected data combined with the model simulations revealed that it is feasible to produce relatively high yields while at the same time storing a high amount of carbon in the standing biomass and causing low GHG emissions. The climate-friendliness of cacao production is strongly related to farm management, especially the number of shade trees and management of residues. Calculated emissions related to good agricultural practices were 2.29 kg CO2e per kg cacao beans. The higher emissions due to the use of more agro-inputs and other residue management practices such as recommended burning of residues for sanitary reasons were not compensated for by higher yields. This indicates a need to revisit recommended practices with respect to climate change mitigation objectives.
Cool runnings: behavioural plasticity and the realised thermal niche of basking sharks
Authors: Johnston E. M. , Houghton J. D. R. , Mayo P. A. , Hatten G. K. F. , Klimley A. P. , Mensink P. J.
Published: January 2022

Long-distance migrations by marine vertebrates are often triggered by pronounced environmental cues. For the endangered basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus), seasonal changes in water temperature are frequently proposed as a cue for aggregation within (and dispersal from) coastal hotspots. The inference is that such movements reflect year-round occupancy within a given thermal ‘envelope’. However, the marked variance in timing, direction and depth of dispersal movements hint at a more nuanced explanation for basking sharks. Here, using data from pop-off archival transmitters deployed on individuals in Irish waters, we explored whether autumnal decreases in water temperature triggered departure from coastal habitats and how depth and location shaped the sharks’ realised thermal environment over time. Temperature was not an apparent driver of dispersal from coastal seas, and variance in daily temperature ranges reflected occupancy of different habitats; coastal mixed/stratified and offshore subtropical/tropical waters. Furthermore, individuals that moved offshore and into more southern latitudes off Africa, exhibited a distinct daily cycle of deep dives (00:00–12:00, 200 m–700 m; 12:00–00:00, 0–300 m), experiencing a more extreme range of temperatures (6.8–27.4 °C), including cooler minimum temperatures, than those remaining in European coastal habitat (9.2–17.6 °C). Collectively, these findings challenge the supposition that temperature serves as a universal driver of seasonal dispersal from coastal seas and prompts further studies of deep-water forays in offshore areas.
Exploring the role of compactness in path-dependent land-taking processes in Italy
Authors: Orsi Francesco
Published: January 2022

Land take, namely the conversion of natural land into impervious surfaces, is partly driven by path dependency, whereby dispersed settlements tend to spread more than compact ones over time. Yet there is limited knowledge about the extent to which specific aspects of compactness are associated with land take: a link that is instead crucial to formulate effective policies. This study investigates the impact of density, centrality, contiguity and degree of imperviousness by regressing land take data from 100 Italian NUTS3 administrative units for the period 2006–2012 against measures of the above-mentioned aspects as of 2006. Results indicate that higher shares of people in the 2000–2500 people km−2 density class, greater proximity of the population to urban centres, more contiguous urbanization patterns all help contain land take over time, whereas no significant effect was found for imperviousness. Increasing distance from protected areas reduces the positive effect of having more people live at densities of 2000–3000 people km−2, while steeper slopes enhance such effect. Planning interventions aimed at raising the share of people living at densities of 2000–2500 people km−2 as well as improving the degree of centrality or contiguity of urbanization patterns can lead to a decline in land take (measured as area of new land take per unit area of current land take) over a 6-year time span comprised between around 6 and 35% depending on location. Further research is needed to confirm the validity of our results and explore the feasibility of such interventions.
Antibody glycosylation in COVID-19
Authors: Pongracz Tamas , Vidarsson Gestur , Wuhrer Manfred
Published: January 2022

Antibody glycosylation has received considerable attention in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections and recently also in vaccination. Antibody glycosylation and in particular immunoglobulin G1 fucosylation levels influence effector functions and are therefore key parameters for assessing the efficacy and safety of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) directed immune responses. This review article summarizes and interprets recent research into antibody glycosylation in COVID-19. Experimental approaches for analyzing the glycosylation of SARS-CoV-2-directed antibody responses are evaluated. The pronounced dynamics, effector functions, clinical utility, and regulation of antibody glycosylation in COVID-19 are assessed. Future research on the role of antibody glycosylation in COVID may cover the glycosylation of other antibody classes beyond immunoglobulin G, the regulation of antibody glycosylation, and the role of non-canonical antibody receptors in determining effector functions.

Graphical abstract
Temporal and spatial differences of the under-ice microbiome are linked to light transparency and chlorophyll-a
Authors: Obertegger Ulrike
Published: January 2022

Under-ice community dynamics are barely understood. Temporal and spatial studies are needed to fully understand the consequences of a declining ice cover on microbial biodiversity. Here, bacterial communities of different years (2015, 2017–2021) and layers (upper and lower euphotic layer, euphotic layer, hypolimnion) were assessed by Illumina sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. Alpha- and beta-diversity of summer and under-ice hypolimnetic communities were similar, and a seasonal difference was found only when excluding summer hypolimnetic communities. Similarly, in non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS), summer and under-ice communities were different even though hypolimnetic communities were similar. Investigating under-ice conditions, the year 2017 showed highest under-ice light and chlorophyll-a while 2021 showed no under-ice light and lowest chlorophyll-a. Under-ice communities were not linked to layer differences implying that a spatial distinction under ice was less important than in summer, especially in years with little or no under-ice light. Most under-ice bacterial classes and ASVs showed direct and indirect dependencies on light availability and primary production. Similarly in NMDS with only under-ice communities, light transparency and primary production were important. In the future, ice conditions with less snow cover might lead to bacterial communities similar to that of high-light years (2017, 2018, 2020).
The role of hydrogen diffusion, trapping and desorption in dual phase steels
Authors: Drexler Andreas , Helic Besim , Silvayeh Zahra , Mraczek Klemens , Sommitsch Christof , Domitner Josef
Published: January 2022

Hydrogen embrittlement (HE) of advanced high-strength steels is a crucial problem in the automotive industry, which may cause time-delayed failure of car body components. Practical approaches for evaluating the HE risk are often partially and contradictive in nature, because of hydrogen desorption during testing and inhomogenous hydrogen distributions in, e.g., notched samples. Therefore, the present work aims to provide fully parametrized and validated bulk diffusion models for three dual phase steels to simulate long-range chemical diffusion, trapping and hydrogen desorption from the surface. With one constant set of parameters, the models are able to predict the temperature dependency of measured Choo-Lee plots as well as the concentration dependency of measured effective diffusion coefficients. Finally, the parametrized and validated bulk diffusion models are applied for studying the role of the current density on the permeation time and the role of coatings as effective diffusion barriers.

Graphical abstract
Preoperative heart rate variability as a predictor of perioperative outcomes: a systematic review without meta-analysis
Authors: Frandsen Mikkel Nicklas , Mehlsen Jesper , Foss Nicolai Bang , Kehlet Henrik
Published: January 2022

Heart rate variability (HRV) is a predictor of mortality and morbidity after non-lethal cardiac ischemia, but the relation between preoperatively measured HRV and intra- and postoperative complications is sparsely studied and most recently reviewed in 2007. We, therefore, reviewed the literature regarding HRV as a predictor for intra- and postoperative complications and outcomes. We carried out a systematic review without meta-analysis. A PICO model was set up, and we searched PubMed, EMBASE, and CENTRAL. The screening was done by one author, but all authors performed detailed review of the included studies. We present data from studies on intraoperative and postoperative complications, which were too heterogeneous to warrant formal meta-analysis, and we provide a pragmatic review of HRV indices to facilitate understanding our findings. The review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021230641). We screened 2337 records for eligibility. 131 records went on to full-text assessment, 63 were included. In frequency analysis of HRV, low frequency to high frequency ratio could be a predictor for intraoperative hypotension in spinal anesthesia and lower total power could possibly predict intraoperative hypotension under general anesthesia. Detrended fluctuation analysis of HRV is a promising candidate for predicting postoperative atrial fibrillation. This updated review of the relation between preoperative HRV and surgical outcome suggests a clinically relevant role of HRV but calls for high quality studies due to methodological heterogeneity in the current literature. Areas for future research are suggested.
Fundamental Connection Between Temperature-Quenched 2D Superfluids and 2D Quantum Turbulence
Authors: Williams Gary A.
Published: January 2022

There is a fundamental connection between temperature-quenched 2D superfluids and 2D quantum turbulence: the mechanism responsible for the decay of the vorticity after the quench is the enstrophy cascade of 2D turbulence. The range of the cascade is shown to increase with time after the quench as $$t^{1/2}$$

t

1
/
2

, being equal to the dynamic scaling length characterizing the quench. These results may apply to other phase-ordering transitions involving the decay of topological objects.
Perspectives of Major World Religions regarding Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Grove Graham , Lovell Melanie , Best Megan
Published: January 2022

Euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide (EPAS) are important contemporary societal issues and religious faiths offer valuable insights into any discussion on this topic. This paper explores perspectives on EPAS of the four major world religions, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism, through analysis of their primary texts. A literature search of the American Theological Library Association database revealed 41 relevant secondary texts from which pertinent primary texts were extracted and exegeted. These texts demonstrate an opposition to EPAS based on themes common to all four religions: an external locus of morality and the personal hope for a better future after death that transcends current suffering. Given that these religions play a significant role in the lives of billions of adherents worldwide, it is important that lawmakers consider these views along with conscientious objection in jurisdictions where legal EPAS occurs. This will not only allow healthcare professionals and institutions opposed to EPAS to avoid engagement, but also provide options for members of the public who prefer an EPAS-free treatment environment.
The impact of the COVID-19 recession on Mexican households: evidence from employment and time use for men, women, and children
Authors: Hoehn-Velasco Lauren , Silverio-Murillo Adan , Balmori de la Miyar Jose Roberto , Penglase Jacob
Published: January 2022

This study examines changes in labor supply, income, and time allocation during the COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico. Using an event-study design, we show that the COVID-19 recession had severe negative consequences for Mexican households. In the first month of the pandemic, employment declined by 17 percentage points. Men recovered their employment faster than women, where men’s employment approaches original levels by 2021Q2. Women, on the other hand, experienced persistent employment losses. Within-household, men also increased their time spent on household chores while neither gender (persistently) increased their time caring for others. Instead, children reduced their time spent on schoolwork by 25%.
Justice Sensitivity in Intergroup Contexts: A Theoretical Framework
Authors: Baumert Anna , Adra Aya , Li Mengyao
Published: January 2022

Individuals differ systematically in how much they are concerned with matters of justice or injustice. So far, in various domains of life, such as romantic relationships, work, and school contexts, dispositional justice sensitivity has been found to be a powerful predictor of individual-level processing and interpersonal behaviors. Yet, matters of justice and injustice often materialize at the group level, especially when conflicts about status, rights, and resources occur between groups. Here, we propose a theoretical framework to understand how different facets of justice sensitivity (i.e., victim, beneficiary/perpetrator, and observer sensitivities) are relevant for group-level processes in intergroup contexts. Integrating research on justice sensitivity and intergroup conflict, we develop several propositions regarding how and under which conditions justice sensitivity influences intergroup experiences, attitudes, and behaviors. We selectively review the existing empirical evidence that can speak to the validity of these propositions, and outline future research that can test our propositions.
The Mystery of God and the Claim of Reason: Comparative Patterns in Hindu-Christian Theodicy
Authors: Barua Ankur
Published: January 2022

In a comparative study of karma theodicy and atonement theodicy, as developed by some Hindu and Christian theologians, this article argues that they present teleological visions where individuals become purged, purified, and perfected in and through their worldly suffering. A karma theodicy operates with the notion that there is some form of proportionality between past evil and present suffering, even if such correlations can only be traced by an enlightened sage or are known to the omniscient God. Christian mystics too seek not so much to explain suffering as to identify suffering with the agony of Christ on the cross, and they envision such suffering as part of a unitive journey where their love of Christ is purified. In these ways, both styles of theodicy use rational resources towards the goal of explanation, while reminding their adherents that the faltering intelligibility that they seek is to be seen as an integral component of their active participation in a sense of theological mystery that enfolds, and yet transcends, their finite existences.
EROS 2.0 study: evaluation of two interventional radiotherapy (brachytherapy) schedules for endometrial cancer: a comparison of late vaginal toxicity rates
Authors: Lancellotta Valentina , Macchia Gabriella , Dinapoli Nicola , Autorino Rosa , Campitelli Maura , Nardangeli Alessia , Salvati Alessandra , Fionda Bruno , Casà Calogero , Cornacchione Patrizia , Rovirosa Angeles , Kovács György , Morganti Alessio Giuseppe , Ferrandina Maria Gabriella , Gambacorta Maria Antonietta , Tagliaferri Luca
Published: January 2022

Background

To compare the late toxicity rates after two different high dose rate (HDR) adjuvant intravaginal interventional radiotherapy (IRT-brachytherapy) dose schedules in stage I-II endometrial cancer.

Methods

Stage I-II patients with endometrial cancer treated with surgery (with or without lymphadenectomy) and adjuvant HDR-IRT between 2014 and 2020 were included in this analysis. Patients were treated with two schedules. In the first cohort (C1), 21 Gy were delivered in three weekly fractions (7 Gy) prescribed 0.5 cm from the applicator surface. In the second cohort (C2), 24 Gy were delivered in four weekly fractions (6 Gy). The clinical target volume was the upper third of the vagina for C1 and the upper 3 cm for C2. HDR-IRT technique and point prescription (5 mm depth from the applicator surface) were the same for all patients. Vaginal toxicity was scored according to the CTCAE 5.0 scale in terms of the presence versus absence of any toxicity grade. The correlation among toxicity and clinical covariates (age, lymphadenectomy, fractionation, stage) was tested by Pearson correlation test (univariate) and by logistic regression (multivariable).

Results

114 stage I and three stage II patients, median age 62 (range: 32–85) years, were included in this analysis. The mean follow-up was 56.3 months in C1 (40–76) and 20 months in C2 (8–42). Vaginal late toxicity was recorded in 40 and 15 patients in C1 and 2, respectively. Age, lymphadenectomy, and fractionation were significantly correlated with toxicity at univariate analysis (p value = 0.029, 0.006, and 0.002, respectively), while stepwise logistic regression confirmed only age and fractionation as significantly correlated parameters (p value = 0.02 and 0.001, respectively). Three-year local relapse-free, distant metastasis-free and cause-specific survival rates were 96.6%, 94.8%, and 99.1%, respectively.

Conclusions

This analysis showed lower vaginal late toxicity rate in C2 compared to C1.