bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A single-cell transcriptomic atlas of the human ciliary body
Authors: Lou Bingsheng , Zeng Lei , Gao Xinbo , Qian Xiaobing , Li Jing Jing , Gu Xinyu , Liu Zheng , Liu Keli , Chen Xun , Lin Xiaofeng , Zhang Feng
Published: September 2022

The ciliary body critically contributes to the ocular physiology with multiple responsibilities in the production of aqueous humor, vision accommodation and intraocular immunity. Comparatively little work, however, has revealed the single-cell molecular taxonomy of the human ciliary body required for studying these functionalities. In this study, we report a comprehensive atlas of the cellular and molecular components of human ciliary body as well as their interactions using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq). Cluster analysis of the transcriptome of 14,563 individual ciliary cells from the eyes of 3 human donors identified 14 distinct cell types, including the ciliary epithelium, smooth muscle, vascular endothelial cell, immune cell and other stromal cell populations. Cell-type discriminative gene markers were also revealed. Unique gene expression patterns essential for ciliary epithelium-mediated aqueous humor inflow and ciliary smooth muscle contractility were identified. Importantly, we discovered the transitional states that probably contribute to the transition of ciliary macrophage into retina microglia and verified no lymphatics in the ciliary body. Moreover, the utilization of CellPhoneDB allowed us to systemically infer cell–cell interactions among diverse ciliary cells including those that potentially participate in the pathogenesis of glaucoma and uveitis. Altogether, these new findings provide insights into the regulation of intraocular pressure, accommodation reflex and immune homeostasis under physiological and pathological conditions.
The paradox of the artificial intelligence system development process: the use case of corporate wellness programs using smart wearables
Authors: Angelucci Alessandra , Li Ziyue , Stoimenova Niya , Canali Stefano
Published: September 2022

Artificial intelligence (AI) systems have been widely applied to various contexts, including high-stake decision processes in healthcare, banking, and judicial systems. Some developed AI models fail to offer a fair output for specific minority groups, sparking comprehensive discussions about AI fairness. We argue that the development of AI systems is marked by a central paradox: the less participation one stakeholder has within the AI system’s life cycle, the more influence they have over the way the system will function. This means that the impact on the fairness of the system is in the hands of those who are less impacted by it. However, most of the existing works ignore how different aspects of AI fairness are dynamically and adaptively affected by different stages of AI system development. To this end, we present a use case to discuss fairness in the development of corporate wellness programs using smart wearables and AI algorithms to analyze data. The four key stakeholders throughout this type of AI system development process are presented. These stakeholders are called service designer, algorithm designer, system deployer, and end-user. We identify three core aspects of AI fairness, namely, contextual fairness, model fairness, and device fairness. We propose a relative contribution of the four stakeholders to the three aspects of fairness. Furthermore, we propose the boundaries and interactions between the four roles, from which we make our conclusion about the possible unfairness in such an AI developing process.
No difference in sports participation and patient-reported functional outcomes between total knee arthroplasty and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty at minimum 2-year follow-up in a matched control study
Authors: Meena Amit , Abermann Elisabeth , Hoser Christian , Farinelli Luca , Hepperger Caroline , Raj Akshya , Patralekh Mohit Kumar , Fink Christian
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to compare (1) sports participation and type of sports activity between TKA and UKA patients; (2) functional outcome and activity level between TKA and UKA; and (3) survivorship of the prosthesis in both the groups.

Methods

Prospectively collected data were obtained from an arthroplasty database to identify patients who underwent primary TKA and UKA. Both the cohorts of TKA and UKA were matched, controlling for age, sex, BMI and preoperative patient-reported outcomes, which include Oxford Knee Score (OKS), Tegner activity level, and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain score. After matching the two groups, 287 TKA and 69 UKA cases were available to be included in the study. Patients were evaluated pre- and postoperatively at 2 years for sports participation and sports preference, patient-reported outcomes, activity levels, and improvement in knee pain.

Results

The mean age of the TKA and UKA groups were 75.7 ± 8.1 and 74.2 ± 8.8, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups concerning the demographic variables. Significant improvement was noted in the weekly sports participation at the final follow-up compared to preoperative sports participation in both the TKA and UKA groups (p < 0.05). All patients were able to return to their desired sporting activity. No significant difference was noted between the two groups in sports participation preoperatively and postoperatively (p > 0.05). OKS, Tegner activity level and VAS for pain demonstrated a significant improvement from preoperative to 2 years postoperatively (p < 0.05). However, preoperative and postoperative patient-reported outcomes did not differ significantly between the TKA and UKA groups (p > 0.05). No case of revision surgery was found at a 2-year follow-up in both groups.

Conclusion

Traditionally, in isolated medial compartment osteoarthritis, UKA has been considered to be the procedure with better functional outcomes, but the current study demonstrates that when confounding factors are controlled, both TKA and UKA are effective, and offer similar functional outcomes and result in similar improvement in sports participation. These findings will be helpful to counsel the patients to choose the best suitable operative procedure between UKA and TKA.

Level of evidence

Level 3.
Characterization of the exopolymer-producing Pseudoalteromonas sp. S8-8 from Antarctic sediment
Authors: Rizzo Carmen , Perrin Elena , Poli Annarita , Finore Ilaria , Fani Renato , Lo Giudice Angelina
Published: September 2022

A synergistic approach using cultivation methods, chemical, and bioinformatic analyses was applied to explore the potential of Pseudoalteromonas sp. S8-8 in the production of extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) and the possible physiological traits related to heavy metal and/or antibiotic resistance. The effects of different parameters (carbon source, carbon source concentration, temperature, pH and NaCl supplement) were tested to ensure the optimization of growth conditions for EPS production by the strain S8-8. The highest yield of EPS was obtained during growth in culture medium supplemented with glucose (final concentration 2%) and NaCl (final concentration 3%), at 15 °C and pH 7. The EPS was mainly composed of carbohydrates (35%), followed by proteins and uronic acids (2.5 and 2.77%, respectively) and showed a monosaccharidic composition of glucose: mannose: galactosamine: galactose in the relative molar proportions of 1:0.7:0.5:0.4, as showed by the HPAE-PAD analysis. The detection of specific molecular groups (sulfates and uronic acid content) supported the interesting properties of EPSs, i.e. the emulsifying and cryoprotective action, heavy metal chelation, with interesting implication in bioremediation and biomedical fields. The analysis of the genome allowed to identify a cluster of genes involved in cellulose biosynthesis, and two additional gene clusters putatively involved in EPS biosynthesis.

Key points

• A cold-adapted Pseudoalteromonas strain was investigated for EPS production.

• The EPS showed emulsifying, cryoprotective, and heavy metal chelation functions.

• Three gene clusters putatively involved in EPS biosynthesis were evidenced by genomic insights.
Tuberous Breast, Deformities, and Asymmetries: A Retrospective Analysis Comparing Fat Grafting Versus Mastopexy and Breast Implants
Authors: Gentile Pietro
Published: September 2022

Background

The tuberous breast is considered a breast deformity characterized by varying degrees of herniation of the parenchyma, widened nipple-areolar complex (NAC), absence of the lower quadrants, and may involve several degrees of hypoplasia and asymmetry causing significant psychosocial distress.

Objectives

The paper aimed to compare the results obtained in patients suffering tuberous breast treated with fat grafting (FG), with those of patients treated with a mastopexy and silicone implants (M-SI) also analyzing the influence of breast and chest deformities (degrees of hypoplasia and tuberous breast, volume and NAC asymmetry, pectus excavatum, and carinatum) in the reconstructive outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective, case-control study was conducted. Thirty-five patients affected by tuberous breast with several degrees of hypoplasia and asymmetry were treated with FG, comparing results with those of 30 patients treated with M-SI. Postoperative follow-up took place at 1, 3, 7, 12, 24, 48, weeks, and then annually for 2 years.

Results

77% (n = 27) of patients treated with two FG procedures showed excellent results after 1 year compared with the patients treated with only one M-SI procedure, who showed the same results in 73% (n = 22) of cases, but the naturalness and the satisfaction degree in the FG group were higher than that in the M-SI group (p < .0001 vs. M-SI group).

Conclusions

Patients treated with FG showed natural breasts without scars and excellent cosmetic results after two procedures. Patients treated with M-SI showed more evident and lasting results after only one procedure, presenting though scars and less natural results.

Level of Evidence IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these evidence-based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266
Tackling the Science Usability Gap in a Warming World: Co-Producing Useable Climate Information for Natural Resource Management
Authors: Cross Molly S. , Oakes Lauren E. , Kretser Heidi E. , Bredehoft Raymond , Dey Paul , Mahoney Anika , Smith Noelle , Tator Ian , Wasseen Jim
Published: September 2022

Developing scientific information that is used in policy and practice has been a longstanding challenge in many sectors and disciplines, including climate change adaptation for natural resource management. One approach to address this problem encourages scientists and decision-makers to co-produce usable information collaboratively. Researchers have proposed general principles for climate science co-production, yet few studies have applied and evaluated these principles in practice. In this study, climate change researchers and natural resource managers co-produced climate-related knowledge that was directly relevant for on-going habitat management planning. We documented our methods and assessed how and to what extent the process led to the near-term use of co-produced information, while also identifying salient information needs for future research. The co-production process resulted in: 1) an updated natural resource management plan that substantially differed from the former plan in how it addressed climate change, 2) increased understanding of climate change, its impacts, and management responses among agency staff, and 3) a prioritized list of climate-related information needs that would be useful for management decision-making. We found that having a boundary spanner—an intermediary with relevant science and management expertise that enables exchange between knowledge producers and users—guide the co-production process was critical to achieving outcomes. Central to the boundary spanner’s role were a range of characteristics and skills, such as knowledge of relevant science, familiarity with management issues, comfort translating science into practice, and an ability to facilitate climate-informed planning. By describing specific co-production methods and evaluating their effectiveness, we offer recommendations for others looking to co-produce climate change information to use in natural resource management planning and implementation.
Environmental Chemicals and their Association with Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: McMullin Jessica Liu , Codner Jesse , Patel Snehal G. , Sharma Jyotirmay , Hu Xin , Jones Dean P. , Weber Collin J. , Saunders Neil D.
Published: September 2022

Background

The incidence of hyperparathyroidism has increased in the USA. The previous work from our institution detected environmental chemicals (EC) within hyperplastic parathyroid tumors. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) is a program designed to assess the health status of people in the USA and includes measurements of EC in serum. Our aim was to determine which EC are associated with elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcium levels within NHANES.

Methods

NHANES was queried from 2003–2016 for our analysis with calcium. A separate subgroup was queried from 2003–2006 that included PTH levels. Subjects with elevated calcium, and elevated PTH and normal Vitamin D levels were identified. Wilcoxon rank sum tests were used to analyze levels of EC in those with elevated calcium, and those with elevated PTH in the subgroup. All EC with p < 0.05 were then included in separate multivariate models adjusting for serum vitamin D and creatinine for PTH and albumin for calcium.

Results

There were 51,395 subjects analyzed, and calcium was elevated in 2.1% (1080) of subjects. Our subgroup analysis analyzed 14,681 subjects, and PTH was elevated without deficient Vitamin D in 9.4% (1,377). Twenty‐nine different polychlorinated biphenyls and the organochlorine pesticides hexachlorobenzene, transnonachlor, oxychlordane, and p,p’‐dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) were found to be associated with elevated calcium and separately with elevated PTH (all p < 0.05).

Conclusion

In NHANES, 33 ECs were found to be associated with elevated calcium as well as elevated PTH levels on our subgroup analysis. These chemicals may lead us toward a causal link between environmental factors and the development of hyperparathyroidism and should be the focus of future studies looking at chemical levels within specimens.
Scaling relations for auxin waves
Authors: Bakker Bente Hilde , Faver Timothy E. , Hupkes Hermen Jan , Merks Roeland M. H. , van der Voort Jelle
Published: September 2022

We analyze an ‘up-the-gradient’ model for the formation of transport channels of the phytohormone auxin, through auxin-mediated polarization of the PIN1 auxin transporter. We show that this model admits a family of travelling wave solutions that is parameterized by the height of the auxin-pulse. We uncover scaling relations for the speed and width of these waves and verify these rigorous results with numerical computations. In addition, we provide explicit expressions for the leading-order wave profiles, which allows the influence of the biological parameters in the problem to be readily identified. Our proofs are based on a generalization of the scaling principle developed by Friesecke and Pego to construct pulse solutions to the classic Fermi–Pasta–Ulam–Tsingou model, which describes a one-dimensional chain of coupled nonlinear springs.
Long-Term Effects of Cold Atmospheric Plasma-Treated Water on the Antioxidative System of Hordeum vulgare
Authors: Bussmann Frederik , Krüger Andrea , Scholz Caterina , Brust Henrike , Stöhr Christine
Published: September 2022

Facing climate change, the development of innovative agricultural technologies securing food production becomes increasingly important. Plasma-treated water (PTW) might be a promising tool to enhance drought stress tolerance in plants. Knowledge about the effects of PTW on the physiology of plants, especially on their antioxidative system on a long-term scale, is still scarce. In this work, PTW was applied to barley leaves (Hordeum vulgare cv. Kosmos) and various constituents of the plants’ antioxidative system were analyzed 30 days after treatment. An additional drought stress was performed after foliar PTW application followed by a recovery period to elucidate whether PTW treatment improved stress tolerance. Upon PTW treatment, the Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) in leaves and roots was lower in comparison to deionized water treated plants. In contrast, PTW treatment caused a higher content of chlorophyll, quantum yield and total ascorbate content in leaves compared to deionized water treated plants. After additional drought application and subsequent recovery period, an enhancement of values for TAC, contents of malondialdehyde, glutathione as well as activity of ascorbate peroxidase indicated a possible upregulation of antioxidative properties in roots. Hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide might mediate abiotic stress tolerance and are considered as key components of PTW.
Stoma versus anastomosis after sphincter-sparing rectal cancer resection; the impact on health-related quality of life
Authors: Algie Jelle P. A. , van Kooten Robert T. , Tollenaar Rob A. E. M. , Wouters Michel W. J. M. , Peeters Koen C. M. J. , Dekker Jan Willem T.
Published: September 2022

Background

Surgical resection is the mainstay of curative treatment for rectal cancer. Post-operative complications, low anterior resection syndrome (LARS), and the presence of a stoma may influence the quality of life after surgery. This study aimed to gain more insights into the long-term trade-off between stoma and anastomosis.

Methods

All patients who underwent sphincter-sparing surgical resection for rectal cancer in the Leiden University Medical Center and the Reinier de Graaf Gasthuis between January 2012 and January 2016 were included. Patients received the following questionnaires: EORTC-QLQ-CR29, EORTC-QLQ-C30, EQ-5D-5L, and the LARS score. A comparison was made between patients with a stoma and without a stoma after follow-up.

Results

Some 210 patients were included of which 149 returned the questionnaires (70.9%), after a mean follow-up of 3.69 years. Overall quality of life was not significantly different in patients with and without stoma after follow-up using the EORTC-QLQ-C30 (p = 0.15) or EQ-5D-5L (p = 0.28). However, after multivariate analysis, a significant difference was found for the presence of a stoma on global health status (p = 0.01) and physical functioning (p < 0.01). Additionally, there was no difference detected in the quality of life between patients with major LARS or a stoma.

Conclusion

This study shows that after correction for possible confounders, a stoma is associated with lower global health status and physical functioning. However, no differences were found in health-related quality of life between patients with major LARS and patients with a stoma. This suggests that the choice between stoma and anastomosis is mainly preferential and that shared decision-making is required.
Long-term follow-up of patients with vestibular neuritis by caloric testing and directional preponderance calculation
Authors: Molnár András , Jassoy Benjámin Donát , Maihoub Stefani , Mavrogeni Panayiota , Tamás László , Szirmai Ágnes
Published: September 2022

Objectives

This study focuses on the diagnostic precision of caloric testing in detecting vestibular neuritis (VN).

Materials and methods

In this study, 99 patients (36 men, 63 women, mean age: 44.63 years $$\pm$$
±
12.08 SD) with superior VN were involved, and 157 participants with a normal functioning vestibular system were also investigated. All patients underwent a complete neurotological examination, including the caloric test with electronystagmography registration. The canal paresis (CP) and directional preponderance (DP) values were analysed.

Results

A VN on the right side was diagnosed in 31.3% and on the left side in 68.7%. When the CP parameters between the control and VN patients were contrasted, a statistically significant difference was observed (p < 0.00001*, Mann–Whitney U test), indicating higher values in the latter group. The prediction of VN based on the CP value was successful in 71%, and statistical analysis indicated a significant result [p < 0.0001*; OR: 5.730 (95% CI 3.301–9.948)]. The DP values were also significantly higher in the VN group (p < 0.00001*). The prediction of VN according to the DP value was successful in 69.8%. A significant result was also observed in this case [p < 0.001*; OR: 4.162 (95% CI 2.653–8.017)]. When both CP and DP were considered, a predictive value of 84.8% with a significant outcome [p < 0.0001*; OR: 82.7 (95% CI 28.4–241.03)] was detected.

Conclusions

Including the CP and DP parameters of the caloric test, VN could be detected in around 85%. Therefore, the caloric helps diagnose the disorder, but both parameters must be considered.
Deep reinforcement learning for automated search of model parameters: photo-fenton wastewater disinfection case study
Authors: Hernández-García Sergio , Cuesta-Infante Alfredo , Moreno-SanSegundo José Ángel , Montemayor Antonio S.
Published: September 2022

Numerical optimization solves problems that are analytically intractable at the cost of arriving at a sufficiently good but rarely optimal solution. To maximize the result, optimization algorithms are run with the guidance and supervision of a human, usually an expert in the problem. Recent advances in deep reinforcement learning motivate interest in an artificial agent capable of learning to do the expert’s task. Specifically, we present a proximal policy optimization agent that learns to optimize in a real case study such as the modeling of the photo-fenton disinfection process, which involves a number of parameters that have to be adjusted to minimize the error of the model with respect to the experimental data collected in several trials. The expert spends an average of 4 h to find a suitable set of parameters. On the other hand, the agent we present does not require a human expert to guide or validate the optimization procedure and achieves similar results in $$2.5\times$$

2.5
×

less time.
Blow up solutions for Sinh-Gordon equation with residual mass
Authors: Ao Weiwei , Jevnikar Aleks , Yang Wen
Published: September 2022

We are concerned with the Sinh-Gordon equation in bounded domains. We construct blow up solutions with residual mass exhibiting either partial or asymmetric blow up, i.e. where both the positive and negative part of the solution blow up. This is the first result concerning residual mass for the Sinh-Gordon equation showing in particular that the concentration-compactness theory with vanishing residuals of Brezis-Merle can not be extended to this class of problems.
Whole genome analyses based on single, field collected spores of the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Funneliformis geosporum
Authors: Sahraei Shadi Eshghi , Sánchez-García Marisol , Montoliu-Nerin Merce , Manyara David , Bergin Claudia , Rosendahl Søren , Rosling Anna
Published: September 2022

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are ubiquitous mutualistic symbionts of most terrestrial plants and many complete their lifecycles underground. Whole genome analysis of AM fungi has long been restricted to species and strains that can be maintained under controlled conditions that facilitate collection of biological samples. There is some evidence suggesting that AM fungi can adapt to culture resulting in phenotypic and possibly also genotypic changes in the fungi. In this study, we used field isolated spores of AM fungi and identified them as Funneliformis geosporum based on morphology and phylogenetic analyses. We separately assembled the genomes of two representative spores using DNA sequences of 19 and 22 individually amplified nuclei. The genomes were compared with previously published data from other members of Glomeraceae including two strains of F. mosseae. No significant differences were observed among the species in terms of gene content, while the single nucleotide polymorphism density was higher in the strains of F. geosporum than in the strains of F. mosseae. In this study, we demonstrate that it is possible to sequence and assemble genomes from AM fungal spores sampled in the field, which opens up the possibility to include uncultured AM fungi in phylogenomic and comparative genomic analysis and to study genomic variation in natural populations of these important plant symbionts.
A novel formulation for the weak quadrature element method for solving vibration of strain gradient graded nonlinear nanobeams
Authors: Trabelssi M. , El-Borgi S.
Published: September 2022

A novel formulation of the weak form quadrature element method, referred to as the locally adaptive weak quadrature element method, is proposed to develop elements for nonlinear graded strain gradient Timoshenko and Euler–Bernoulli nanobeams. The equations of motion are obtained based on Hamilton principle while accounting for the position of the physical neutral axis. The proposed elements use Gauss quadrature points to ensure full integration of the variational statement. The proposed formulation develops matrices based on the differential quadrature method which employs Lagrange-based polynomials. These matrices can be modified to accommodate any number of extra derivative degrees of freedom including third-order beams and higher-order strain gradient beams without requiring an entirely new formulation. The performance of the proposed method is evaluated based on the free vibration response of the linear and nonlinear strain gradient Timoshenko and Euler–Bernoulli nanobeams. Both linear and nonlinear frequencies are evaluated for a large number of configurations and boundary conditions. It is shown that the proposed formulation results in good accuracy and an improved convergence speed as compared to the locally adaptive quadrature element method and other weak quadrature element methods available in the literature.
The impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on cause-specific mortality patterns: a systematic literature review
Authors: Sanmarchi Francesco , Esposito Francesco , Adorno Emanuele , De Dominicis Francesco , Fantini Maria Pia , Golinelli Davide
Published: September 2022

Background

Understanding the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on cause-specific mortality should be a priority, as this metric allows for a detailed analysis of the true burden of the pandemic. The aim of this systematic literature review is to estimate the impact of the pandemic on different causes of death, providing a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the phenomenon.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, Scopus, and ProQuest for studies that reported cause-specific mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic, extracting relevant data.

Results

A total of 2413 articles were retrieved, and after screening 22 were selected for data extraction. Cause-specific mortality results were reported using different units of measurement. The most frequently analyzed cause of death was cardiovascular diseases (n = 16), followed by cancer (n = 14) and diabetes (n = 11). We reported heterogeneous patterns of cause-specific mortality, except for suicide and road accident.

Conclusions

Evidence on non-COVID-19 cause-specific deaths is not exhaustive. Reliable scientific evidence is needed by policymakers to make the best decisions in an unprecedented and extremely uncertain historical period. We advocate for the urgent need to find an international consensus to define reliable methodological approaches to establish the true burden of the COVID-19 pandemic on non-COVID-19 mortality.
How do foreign direct investment flows affect carbon emissions in BRICS countries? Revisiting the pollution haven hypothesis using bilateral FDI flows from OECD to BRICS countries
Authors: Apergis Nicholas , Pinar Mehmet , Unlu Emre
Published: September 2022

Foreign direct investment (FDI) flows from developed to developing countries may increase carbon emissions in developing countries as developing countries are seen as pollution havens due to their lenient environmental regulations. On the other hand, FDI flows from the developed world may improve management practices and advanced technologies in developing countries, and an increase in FDI flows reduces carbon emissions. Most of the existing studies examine the relationship between FDI flows and carbon emissions by using aggregate FDI flows; however, this paper contributes to the literature by analyzing the impact of FDI flows on carbon emissions in Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) between 1993 and 2012 using bilateral FDI flows from eleven OECD countries. According to our empirical results, from which OECD country FDI flows to BRICS countries matters for carbon emissions in BRICS countries. Our results confirm that FDI flows to BRICS countries from Denmark and the UK increase carbon emissions in BRICS countries, confirming the pollution haven hypothesis. On the other hand, FDI that flows from France, Germany, and Italy reduced carbon emissions in the BRICS countries, confirming the pollution halo effect. FDI flows from Austria, Finland, Japan, Netherlands, Portugal, and Switzerland have no significant impact on carbon emissions in BRICS countries. The BRICS countries should promote clean FDI flows by reducing environmental damages, and investing countries should be rated based on their environmental damage in the host countries.
Changing Urban Environments and the Impact on Coastal Cultural Heritage at Marsa Matruh, Egypt
Authors: Ray Nick , Nikolaus Julia
Published: September 2022

This paper examines the impact of urban expansion on coastal heritage in and around the port-city of Marsa Matruh on the northwest coast of Egypt. The city is located along a series of lagoons that have offered safe harbor for ships since antiquity. Over the last 80 years Marsa Matruh has developed from a small settlement of a few houses into a large port city that sprawls along the lagoons and further inland. The continuous growth has damaged or destroyed many of the remains of previous human occupation, including ancient harbor facilities. Evidence suggests that people have lived around these lagoons since at least the Bronze Age and a port town developed in the classical period on this important crossroad for transport and trade. Based on previous publications, historical aerial photographs and satellite imagery, this illustrates the range of heritage that once was present, from the ancient settlement, harbor, and rock cut tombs to remains from the two World Wars. It demonstrates how urban expansion has affected those sites and discusses the threats to coastal heritage to the west of Marsa Matruh, where new construction projects have recently emerged.
The feasibility of pelvic floor training to treat urinary incontinence in women with breast cancer: a telehealth intervention trial
Authors: Colombage Udari N. , Soh Sze-Ee , Lin Kuan-Yin , Kruger Jennifer , Frawley Helena C.
Published: September 2022

Purpose

To investigate the feasibility of recruiting into a pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) program delivered via telehealth to treat urinary incontinence (UI) in women with breast cancer on aromatase inhibitors.

Methods

We conducted a pre-post single cohort clinical trial with 54 women with breast cancer. Participants underwent a 12-week PFMT program using an intra-vaginal pressure biofeedback device: femfit®. The intervention included eight supervised individual PFMT sessions over Zoom™ and a 12-week home exercise program. The primary outcome of this study was feasibility, specifically consent rate. Secondary outcomes which included prevalence and burden of UI measured using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire–Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF), and pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength measured as intravaginal squeeze pressure were compared using McNemar’s and paired t tests.

Results

The mean age of participants was 50 years (SD ± 7.3). All women who were eligible to participate in this study consented (n = 55/55, 100%). All participants reported that the program was beneficial and tailored to their needs. The results showed a statistically significant decline in the prevalence (percentage difference 42%, 95% CI 28, 57%) and burden (ICIQ-UI SF score mean change 9.4, 95% CI 8.5, 10.4) of UI post intervention. A significant increase in PFM strength was observed post-intervention (mean change 4.8 mmHg, 95% CI 3.9, 5.5).

Conclusion

This study indicated that PFMT delivered via telehealth may be feasible and potentially beneficial in treating stress UI in women with breast cancer. Further studies such as randomized controlled trials are required to confirm these results.
Supporting students with complex needs living in rural and regional New South Wales: is wraparound the answer?
Authors: Cumming Therese M. , Strnadová Iva , Gilanyi Lisa , Lee Hee Min
Published: September 2022

Historically, students attending school in rural and regional New South Wales have experienced poorer outcomes than their peers attending metropolitan schools. The lack of coordinated support services for students with complex support needs compounds this issue. Wraparound models of support have been successful in improving outcomes for students with complex support needs, and the New South Wales government has prioritised the establishment of strong relationships between schools and communities to overcome the limitations of geographic isolation. The aim of the current study was to explore wraparound support for students with complex support needs attending schools in rural and regional New South Wales. A qualitative research approach was employed, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with key stakeholders to gain an in-depth understanding of current successes, barriers, and needs. The findings indicated that wraparound was most effective in rural and remote schools when school staff implemented bespoke approaches to wraparound, such as restorative practices. Resourcing was a barrier found to be central to all schools. Recommendations are provided to enhance the capacity of rural and regional NSW schools to provide wraparound support for students with complex support needs.
Governing through Controversy: The Challenge of New Toxicological Methodologies
Authors: Ellis Jaye
Published: September 2022

Building institutional and procedural bridges between science and policy is a vital role for law. Fundamental to the success of this work is the development of more sophisticated, nuanced understandings of scientific knowledge production than those which are current in legal and policy spheres. In this paper, I consider scientific controversies that have emerged in the field of human and environmental health impacts of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), notably around methodological approaches to identifying such chemicals and analysing the risks they pose. Building on literatures in the philosophy and sociology of science, I identify bases on which bridge-building between science and policy could proceed and discuss the role that legal normativity can play in those processes.
Application of multivariate joint modeling of longitudinal biomarkers and time-to-event data to a rare kidney stone cohort
Authors: Vaughan Lisa E. , Lieske John C. , Milliner Dawn S. , Schulte Phillip J.
Published: September 2022

Background:

Time-dependent Cox proportional hazards regression is a popular statistical method used in kidney disease research to evaluate associations between biomarkers collected serially over time with progression to kidney failure. Typically, biomarkers of interest are considered time-dependent covariates being updated at each new measurement using last observation carried forward (LOCF). Recently, joint modeling has emerged as a flexible alternative for multivariate longitudinal and time-to-event data. This study describes and demonstrates multivariate joint modeling using as an example the association of serial biomarkers (plasma oxalate [POX] and urinary oxalate [UOX]) and kidney function among patients with primary hyperoxaluria in the Rare Kidney Stone Consortium Registry.

Methods:

Time-to-kidney failure was regressed on serially measured biomarkers in two ways: time-dependent LOCF Cox proportional hazards regression and multivariate joint models.

Results:

In time-dependent LOCF Cox regression, higher POX was associated with increased risk of kidney failure (HR = 2.20 per doubling, 95% CI = [1.38-3.51], p < 0.001) whereas UOX was not (HR = 1.08 per doubling, [0.66–1.77], p = 0.77). In multivariate joint models, estimates suggest higher UOX may be associated with lower risk of kidney failure (HR = 0.42 per doubling [0.15–1.04], p = 0.066), though not statistically significant, since impaired urinary excretion of oxalate may reflect worsening kidney function.

Conclusions:

Multivariate joint modeling is more flexible than LOCF and may better reflect biological plausibility since biomarkers are not steady-state values between measurements. While LOCF is preferred to naïve methods not accounting for changes in biomarkers over time, results may not accurately reflect flexible relationships that can be captured with multivariate joint modeling.
Evolution and dysfunction of human cognitive and social traits: A transcriptional regulation perspective
Authors: Zug Roman , Uller Tobias
Published: September 2022

Evolutionary changes in brain and craniofacial development have endowed humans with unique cognitive and social skills, but also predisposed us to debilitating disorders in which these traits are disrupted. What are the developmental genetic underpinnings that connect the adaptive evolution of our cognition and sociality with the persistence of mental disorders with severe negative fitness effects? We argue that loss of function of genes involved in transcriptional regulation represents a crucial link between the evolution and dysfunction of human cognitive and social traits. The argument is based on the haploinsufficiency of many transcriptional regulator genes, which makes them particularly sensitive to loss-of-function mutations. We discuss how human brain and craniofacial traits evolved through partial loss of function (i.e. reduced expression) of these genes, a perspective compatible with the idea of human self-domestication. Moreover, we explain why selection against loss-of-function variants supports the view that mutation-selection-drift, rather than balancing selection, underlies the persistence of psychiatric disorders. Finally, we discuss testable predictions.
History of Pre-Modern Chinese Studies in Germany
Authors: van Ess Hans
Published: September 2022

Research into traditional China at German universities began in the early nineteenth century. It took several decades, however—until after the unification of Germany in 1871—positions at the universities of first Leipzig and then Berlin and Hamburg to be established in order to professionalize traditional China studies. The third and fourth decades of the twentieth century saw a rapid expansion, but Nazi rule between 1933–1945 led to massive emigration of German sinologists. This article looks into the details of this development and the disastrous consequences it had for German sinology. It then proceeds to the new beginnings made after World War II when some emigrants returned to Germany from China. East Germany lost many sinologists, who left the GDR when the Berlin wall was built. The article finishes with the challenges that a politically important China presents to traditional sinology.
MethylScore, a pipeline for accurate and context-aware identification of differentially methylated regions from population-scale plant whole-genome bisulfite sequencing data
Authors: Hüther Patrick , Hagmann Jörg , Nunn Adam , Kakoulidou Ioanna , Pisupati Rahul , Langenberger David , Weigel Detlef , Johannes Frank , Schultheiss Sebastian J. , Becker Claude
Published: September 2022

Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) is the standard method for profiling DNA methylation at single-nucleotide resolution. Different tools have been developed to extract differentially methylated regions (DMRs), often built upon assumptions from mammalian data. Here, we present MethylScore, a pipeline to analyse WGBS data and to account for the substantially more complex and variable nature of plant DNA methylation. MethylScore uses an unsupervised machine learning approach to segment the genome by classification into states of high and low methylation. It processes data from genomic alignments to DMR output and is designed to be usable by novice and expert users alike. We show how MethylScore can identify DMRs from hundreds of samples and how its data-driven approach can stratify associated samples without prior information. We identify DMRs in theA. thaliana1,001 Genomes dataset to unveil known and unknown genotype–epigenotype associations .
Application of naphthalene acetic acid and gibberellic acid favours fruit induction and development in oil palm hybrid (Elaeis oleiferaxElaeis guineensis)
Authors: Cayón Salinas Daniel Gerardo , Ligarreto Moreno Gustavo Adolfo , Magnitskiy Stanislav , Rosero Gustavo , Leguizamón Omaira
Published: September 2022

The OxG hybrid bunches contain more parthenocarpic fruits (PF) than normal fruits (NF) and present problems of development and ripening due to either an asynchronous opening of flowers or insufficient pollination. The objective of this study was to compare the effect of α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and gibberellic acid (GA3) in the induction and development of PF and NF, the fatty acid profile (FAP), and the oil potential in the ‘Coari x La Mé’ oil palm hybrid. NAA and GA3induced parthenocarpy in the fruits and did not alter the FAP of the mesocarp oil. The commercial dose of pollen (0.9 g talc + 0.1 g pollen) resulted in increased bunch weight (BW) (20.8 kg) and lower percentage of PF in the bunch (65.4%). The most effective hormonal doses to induce the formation of PF in the bunch were NAA 300 and 600 mg L-1. GA3alone or in mixture with NAA increased the percentage of PF but did not increase the BW, indicating that GA3had no synergistic effect on BW. The NAA applications represent alternatives to complement assisted pollination of OxG hybrids to increase bunch production and oil yield.
Do unwanted children face growth penalties in resource poor environments? Evidence from Roma Settlements in Serbia
Authors: Čvorović Jelena
Published: September 2022

In a high fertility context, research on the relationship between parental investment, unwanted births and child nutritional outcomes is limited. The implications may be especially relevant for children coming from the most disadvantaged backgrounds and at increased risk of nutritional deprivation. This study assessed the association between maternal investment, unwanted births disaggregated into mistimed and unwanted children, and child nutritional outcomes in a poor population of Serbian Roma. Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys rounds 5 and 6 data for Serbian Roma settlements were used to account for the association between two measures of maternal investment: weight at birth and parity, and mistimed and unwanted children, and children height-for-age z-score (HAZ), weight-for-age z score (WAZ) and weight-for- height z-score (WHZ). The sample included 130 children aged 0-24 months. The child variables were age, gender, and birth order, while maternal independent variables included age, literacy and access to improved toilet facility as proxies for socioeconomic status. Children born with low birth weight (lower maternal investment in utero) face a significant deficit in terms of their nutritional outcomes, measured by HAZ and WAZ. The effect was aggravated for height if the child was unwanted while there was a positive relationship between access to improved toilet facility and WHZ. Unwanted children were of higher birth order, with older, higher parity mothers than mistimed children. Many of the Roma children may be at risk of undernutrition, however, Roma children who received lower maternal investment in utero, unwanted and living in poorest households may face additional risk.
Secondary post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage: is there evidence of diurnal and monthly variation in haemorrhage rates?
Authors: Lancer H R , Beech T , Weller M
Published: September 2022

Background

Anecdotally, secondary post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage tends to occur out-of-hours. This study sought to establish whether there is a link between haemorrhage and time of day, and examined correlations with month and with monthly temperature.

Methods

Data were obtained for patients in our hospital undergoing surgical arrest of secondary post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage between January 2002 and December 2020. Haemorrhage timing was categorised into daytime (07:00–18:00), evening (18:00–22:00) and overnight (22:00–07:00). The chi-square test was used to assess diurnal and monthly variation in haemorrhage rates (p < 0.05). Pearson's correlation test was used to analyse monthly haemorrhage rates and average monthly temperature.

Results

Fifty per cent of patients suffered post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage overnight and 28.1 per cent haemorrhaged in the evening, representing a significant difference (p = 0.018). The highest rate of haemorrhage was in July (2.96 per cent), which was statistically significant (p = 0.0024). There was a positive correlation between average monthly temperature and haemorrhage rate (Pearson's correlation = 0.478, p = 0.116004), although this was not significant.

Conclusion

Most post-tonsillectomy haemorrhages occur out-of-hours (78.1 per cent), which could be conveyed during the consent process. The haemorrhage rate is lower in winter, which may influence planned operating theatre scheduling.
Assessment of YouTube as an educational tool in teaching flexible nasendoscopy and peritonsillar abscess drainage
Authors: Devakumar H , Tailor B V , Myuran T , Ioannidis D
Published: September 2022

Background

Partly as a result of coronavirus disease 2019, YouTube has become a more frequent educational source for otolaryngology trainees. This study sought to assess the quality of flexible nasendoscopy and peritonsillar abscess drainage videos.

Method

YouTube was systematically searched using 13 terms related to flexible nasendoscopy and peritonsillar abscess drainage. Two independent reviewers assessed the quality of each video using the Laparoscopic Video Educational Guidelines.

Results

Twenty-seven videos were deemed suitable. The mean total Laparoscopic Video Educational Guidelines scores for videos on flexible nasendoscopy (18 videos) and peritonsillar abscess drainage (9 videos) were 10.3 (standard deviation = 3.1) and 11.7 (standard deviation = 4.6), respectively. Most of the videos were deemed of medium quality. The Laparoscopic Video Educational Guidelines score correlated positively with flexible nasendoscopy video length and how recently a peritonsillar abscess drainage video had been uploaded.

Conclusion

The limited high-quality videos on YouTube are difficult to identify from the search metrics available. Trainees and ENT induction programmes would benefit greatly from an online platform that contains a catalogue of high-quality surgical videos.