bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GNSS observable-specific phase biases for all-frequency PPP ambiguity resolution
Authors: Geng Jianghui , Wen Qiang , Zhang Qiyuan , Li Guangcai , Zhang Kunlun
Published: February 2022

An unwritten rule to resolve GNSS ambiguities in precise point positioning (PPP-AR) is that users should follow faithfully the frequency choices and observable combinations mandated by satellite clock and phase bias providers. Switching to other frequencies of measurements requires that the satellite clocks be converted, albeit in a roundabout way, to agree with the new frequencies of code biases. Satellite phase biases, on the other hand, are prescribed conventionally as wide-lane and narrow-lane combinations, which prevents users from resolving other phase combinations in the case of multi-frequency observables. We therefore develop an approach to compute observable-specific phase biases (phase OSBs) in concert with the legacy, but ambiguity-fixed, satellite clocks to enable PPP-AR over any frequency choices and observable combinations at the user end, i.e., all-frequency PPP-AR. In particular, the phase OSBs on the baseline frequencies (e.g., L1/L2 for GPS and E1/E5a for Galileo) are estimated by decoupling the code OSBs pre-aligned with the satellite clocks; then satellite clocks are re-estimated by holding pre-resolved undifferenced ambiguities and phase OSBs on the baseline frequencies; finally, all third-frequency phase OSBs are determined by introducing the ambiguity-fixed satellite clocks above. We used a global network of multi-frequency GPS/Galileo data over a month to verify this approach. In dual-frequency PPP-AR using GPS L1/L2, L1/L5, Galileo E1/E5a, E1/E5b, E1/E5 and E1/E6 signals, over 95% of wide-lane and narrow-lane ambiguity residuals were within ±0.25 and ±0.15 cycles, respectively, after the code and phase OSB corrections on raw GNSS measurements. As a result, the ambiguity fixing rates reached around 95% in all PPP-AR tests, though it was only the satellite clocks aligned with the GPS L1/L2 and Galileo E1/E5a pseudorange that were applied throughout. We stress that the key to computing such phase OSBs for all-frequency PPP-AR is that the code OSBs have the same bias datum as that of the satellite clocks.
Pathogenic potential of bacteria isolated from commercial biostimulants
Authors: Bulgari Daniela , Filisetti Silvia , Montagna Matteo , Gobbi Emanuela , Faoro Franco
Published: February 2022

Microbial-based products are a promising alternative to agrochemicals in sustainable agriculture. However, little is known about their impact on human health even if some of them, i.e., Bacillus and Paenibacillus species, have been increasingly implicated in different human diseases. In this study, 18 bacteria were isolated from 2 commercial biostimulants, and they were genotypically and phenotypically characterized to highlight specific virulence properties. Some isolated bacteria were identified as belonging to the genus Bacillus by BLAST and RDP analyses, a genus in-depth studied for plant growth-promoting ability. Moreover, 16S rRNA phylogenetic analysis showed that seven isolates grouped with Bacillus species while two and four clustered, respectively, with Neobacillus and Peribacillus. Unusually, bacterial strains belonging to Franconibacter and Stenotrophomonas were isolated from biostimulants. Although Bacillus species are generally considered nonpathogenic, most of the species have shown to swim, swarm, and produced biofilms, that can be related to bacterial virulence. The evaluation of toxins encoding genes revealed that five isolates had the potential ability to produce the enterotoxin T. In conclusion, the pathogenic potential of microorganisms included in commercial products should be deeply verified, in our opinion. The approach proposed in this study could help in this crucial step.
Clinical Utility and Characteristics of the LARS Score Compared to the CCIS
Authors: Akizuki Emi , Okita Kenji , Noda Ai , Tsuruma Tetsuhiro , Nishimori Hidefumi , Sasaki Kenichi , Kimura Masami , Nishidate Toshihiko , Okuya Koichi , Hamabe Atsushi , Ishii Masayuki , Takemasa Ichiro
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) score (LS) has been widely validated and has become an international tool for evaluating postoperative bowel dysfunction. However, many physicians still use the conventional incontinence scores in LARS treatment. Moreover, interpretation of LS and its relationship with conventional incontinence scores are not yet well understood. Here we compared the LS with the Cleveland Clinic Incontinence Score (CCIS) to clarify the clinical utility and characteristics of the LARS score.

Methods

We performed a multicentre observational study, recruiting 246 rectal cancer patients following sphincter‐preserving surgery. Patients completed the LS, CCIS, and SF36 questionnaires.

Results

The response rate was 76.4%, and a total of 180 patients were analysed. The LS was strongly correlated with the CCIS (P < 0.001, rs = 0.727). However, among 116 patients determined to not have incontinence (CCIS 0–5), 51 (44%) were diagnosed with LARS (29 with minor LARS and 22 with major LARS). Among 68 patients without LARS, only 3 were diagnosed as having incontinence (CCIS > 6). In comparison with background factors, aging and elapsed time were associated with only LS. High LS and CCIS both showed significant quality‐of‐life impairment as assessed by the SF‐36.

Conclusion

This is the first study to determine the difference in the numeric values between the CCIS and LS. The LS can be a convenient tool for LARS screening, identifying a wide range of patients with LARS, including those with incontinence evaluated by CCIS. Assessment using the CCIS may often underestimate LARS.
Long‐Term Outcome of Patients with Postoperative Refractory Diarrhea After Tailored Nerve Plexus Dissection Around the Major Visceral Arteries During Pancreatoduodenectomy for Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Kuroki Naomi , Ono Yoshihiro , Sato Takafumi , Inoue Yosuke , Oba Atsushi , Ito Hiromichi , Mise Yoshihiro , Saiura Akio , Takahashi Yu
Published: February 2022

Background

For pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) surgery, extended dissection of the nerve plexus (pl) around the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) or celiac artery (CA) is sometimes necessary. This consequently results in postoperative refractory diarrhea. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical impact of extended nerve plexus dissection around major arteries on postoperative diarrhea.

Methods

Patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) for PDAC between January 2013 and December 2016 were included. The frequency of diarrhea (defined as a condition requiring opioid antidiarrheal drug for at least 6 months after surgery) and its short‐ and long‐term outcomes were reviewed.

Results

Of 200 consecutive patients who underwent PD, 78 (39.0%) developed postoperative refractory diarrhea (diarrhea group), and 73 of them (93.6%) underwent hemi‐circumferential or more nerve dissection for SMA or CA; both plSMA and plCA dissection were associated with diarrhea. Borderline resectable artery (BR‐A) PDAC was included more in the diarrhea group (32.0% vs. 13.1%, P = 0.001); however, the local recurrence rate in the diarrhea group was significantly lower than that in the non‐diarrhea group (14.1% vs. 26.2%, P = 0.036). The completion of adjuvant chemotherapy and overall survival were comparable between the two groups. The pre‐albumin level improved in 2 years, and 61.3% of patients with diarrhea could stop opioid antidiarrheal drugs within 3 years of surgery.

Conclusions

Although the frequency of diarrhea increased following nerve plexus dissection around arteries, diarrhea was controllable and resulted in a reduced local recurrence rate. Aggressive dissection of the nerve plexus may be justified for local disease control in BR‐A PDAC.
Randomized Phase 3 LEAP-012 Study: Transarterial Chemoembolization With or Without Lenvatinib Plus Pembrolizumab for Intermediate-Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma Not Amenable to Curative Treatment
Authors: Llovet Josep M. , Vogel Arndt , Madoff David C. , Finn Richard S. , Ogasawara Sadahisa , Ren Zhenggang , Mody Kalgi , Li Jerry J. , Siegel Abby B. , Dubrovsky Leonid , Kudo Masatoshi
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the standard of care for patients with intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Lenvatinib, a multikinase inhibitor, and pembrolizumab, a PD-1 inhibitor, have shown efficacy and tolerability in patients with HCC, and adding this combination to TACE may enhance clinical benefit.

Protocol

LEAP-012 is a prospective, double-blind randomized phase 3 study. Adults with confirmed HCC localized to the liver without portal vein thrombosis and not amenable to curative treatment, ≥ 1 measurable tumor per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors 1.1 (RECIST 1.1), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0 or 1, Child–Pugh class A and no previous systemic treatment for HCC are eligible. Patients will be randomly assigned to lenvatinib once daily plus pembrolizumab every 6 weeks plus TACE or placebos plus TACE. Dual primary endpoints are overall survival and progression-free survival per RECIST 1.1 by blinded independent central review (BICR). Secondary endpoints are progression-free survival, objective response rate, disease control rate, duration of response and time to progression per modified RECIST by BICR; objective response rate, disease control rate, duration of response and time to progression per RECIST 1.1 by BICR; and safety.

Statistics

The planned sample size, 950 patients, was calculated to permit accumulation of sufficient overall survival events in 5 years to achieve 90% power for the overall survival primary endpoint.

Discussion

LEAP-012 will evaluate the clinical benefit of adding lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab to TACE in patients with intermediate-stage HCC not amenable to curative treatment.

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04246177.
Individualized arterial spin labeling background suppression by rapid T1 mapping during acquisition
Authors: Lindner T. , Guerreiro H. , Austein F. , Fiehler J.
Published: February 2022

Objective

Arterial spin labeling blood perfusion signal relies on the difference between a label and a control image. Background suppression pulses are commonly used to improve the contrast, yet these are based on estimates of tissue relaxation times. The aim of this study is to improve the perfusion contrast by individualizing the timing of these background suppression pulses by means of T1 mapping.

Methods

The optimized timing of the background suppression pulses is obtained by rapid T1 mapping employing the variable flip angle technique. Ten healthy volunteers were included in this study. To compare the results, visual grading and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used comparing three categories of image quality.

Results

The readers confirmed that the images of the proposed method generally show a higher signal-to-background ratio and cortical structures are better visible. Noise was mostly comparable to the standard method. Relative blood flow was statistically significant higher in the modified method.

Conclusion

The individually optimized background suppression pulses improve the image appearance and allow for a better visualization of cortical structures. The proposed technique however prolongs scan time, which can be seen as negative result, yet needs to be further evaluated.

Key Points

• Background suppression timing in ASL can vary.

• Both the label and control condition can be modified for T1 mapping.

• Adapting the pulse timing improves the signal-to-background ratio.
Prospective association between dietary magnesium intake and physical performance in older women and men
Authors: Arias-Fernández Lucía , Struijk Ellen A. , Caballero Francisco Félix , Ortolá Rosario , García-Esquinas Esther , Rodríguez-Artalejo Fernando , Lopez-Garcia Esther , Lana Alberto
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Magnesium is a profuse intracellular cation with a key role in muscle function and cellular senescence. The aim was to examine the prospective association between 5 year changes in dietary intake of magnesium and changes in physical performance among older men and women.

Methods

Prospective study conducted over 863 community-dwellers aged ≥ 65 years from the Seniors-ENRICA cohort (Spain). In 2012 and 2017, a validated computerized face-to-face diet history was used to record the consumption of up to 880 foods. From these data, we estimated changes in dietary magnesium intake. The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) was also conducted in both time points and we obtained changes in the score during follow-up, with positive values indicating physical performance improvement.

Results

Over 5 years of follow-up, an increase in magnesium intake was associated with an increment in the SPPB score among older women [multivariate β (95% confidence interval): 1.01 (0.49; 1.52), p-trend: 0.001]. In addition, changes from non-adherence to adherence to both estimated average requirement and recommended dietary allowance during follow-up period were associated with an increment in SPPB score among older women [1.14 (0.36; 1.92) and 0.84 (0.22; 1.47), respectively]. No significant associations between changes in magnesium intake and changes in SPPB score were observed in men.

Conclusions

Both increase of magnesium intake and change from non-adherence to adherence to dietary reference magnesium intake was prospectively associated with better physical performance among older women, but not among men.
Prognostic value and management of regional lymph nodes in locoregional breast cancer recurrence: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Ge Isabell , Erbes Thalia , Juhasz-Böss Ingolf
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Management of regional lymph nodes in breast cancer recurrence has been heterogeneous. To facilitate clinical practice, this review aims to give an overview on the prognosis, staging and operative management of (inapparent) regional lymph nodes.

Methods

Current national and international guidelines are reviewed and a structured search of the literature between Jan 1, 1999 and Feb 1, 2021 on the repeat sentinel node biopsy (re-SNB) procedure was performed.

Results

Positive regional lymph nodes in recurrent breast cancer indicate a poorer outcome with axillary recurrences being the most favorable tumor site among all nodal regions. Most preferred staging method is ultrasound ± guided biopsy. PET-CT, scintimammography, SPECT-CT may improve visualization of affected lymph nodes outside the axilla. Concerning operative management 30 articles on re-SNB were identified with a mean harvesting rate of 66.4%, aberrant drainage and aberrant metastasis in 1/3 of the cases. Total rate of metastasis is 17.9%. After previous axillary dissection (ALND) the re-SNB has a significantly lower harvesting rate and higher aberrant drainage and aberrant metastasis rate. The prognostic outcome after re-SNB has been favorable.

Conclusion

Nodal status in recurrent disease has prognostic value. The choice of operative management of clinically inapparent regional lymph nodes during local recurrence should be based on the previous nodal staging method. Patients with previous ALND should be spared a second systematic ALND. Re-SNB or no axillary surgery at all are possible alternatives. Lymphoscintigraphy may be performed to identify extraaxillary drainage. However, for definite recommendations randomized controlled studies are heavily needed.
An integrated TMS-EEG and MRI approach to explore the interregional connectivity of the default mode network
Authors: Esposito Romina , Bortoletto Marta , Zacà Domenico , Avesani Paolo , Miniussi Carlo
Published: February 2022

Explorations of the relation between brain anatomy and functional connections in the brain are crucial for shedding more light on network connectivity that sustains brain communication. In this study, by means of an integrative approach, we examined both the structural and functional connections of the default mode network (DMN) in a group of sixteen healthy subjects. For each subject, the DMN was extracted from the structural and functional resonance imaging data; the areas that were part of the DMN were defined as the regions of interest. Then, the target network was structurally explored by diffusion-weighted imaging, tested by neurophysiological means, and retested by means of concurrent transcranial magnetic stimulation and electroencephalography (TMS-EEG). A series of correlational analyses were performed to explore the relationship between the amplitude of early-latency TMS-evoked potentials and the indexes of structural connectivity (weighted number of fibres and fractional anisotropy). Stimulation of the left or right parietal nodes of the DMN-induced activation in the contralateral parietal and frontocentral electrodes within 60 ms; this activation correlated with fractional anisotropy measures of the corpus callosum. These results showed that distant secondary activations after target stimulation can be predicted based on the target’s anatomical connections. Interestingly, structural features of the corpus callosum predicted the activation of the directly connected nodes, i.e., parietal-parietal nodes, and of the broader DMN network, i.e., parietal-frontal nodes, as identified with functional magnetic resonance imaging. Our results suggested that the proposed integrated approach would allow us to describe the contributory causal relationship between structural connectivity and functional connectivity of the DMN.
Determinants of antibiotic prescriptions in a large cohort of children discharged from a pediatric emergency department
Authors: Covino Marcello , Buonsenso Danilo , Gatto Antonio , Morello Rosa , Curatole Antonietta , Simeoni Benedetta , Franceschi Francesco , Chiaretti Antonio
Published: February 2022

While there is evidence of high use of wide-spectrum antibiotics in children evaluated in the pediatric emergency departments, determinants of this behavior are still unclear. This study was aimed at defining the demographic, social, clinical, and laboratory factors that affect antibiotic prescriptions in children discharged from the emergency department. We performed a retrospective observational study of children aged younger than 18 years discharged from a pediatric university hospital between Jan. 1, 2015 and Dec. 31, 2020. We determined the proportion and type of antibiotic prescription according to demographic, social, clinical, laboratory, and imaging data, as well as doctor’s expertise. Fifty-one thousand six hundred thirty-three children were included, and 13,167 (25.5%) received an antibiotic prescription. Amoxicilline/clavulanate (Am/Cl) was the most prescribed antibiotic (8453, 64.2% of all prescriptions). Factors independently associated with an antibiotic prescription were older age (OR = 1.62 [1.53–1.73] for age 2–5 years, OR = 1.77 [1.64–1.91] for age 6–10 years, OR = 1.36 [1.25–1.49] for age 11–18 years, p < 0.001 for all groups); being evaluated by a physician with > 3 years of pediatric expertise (OR = 1.22 [1.13–1.31], p < 0.001); fever peak higher than 40 °C (OR = 1.37 [1.21–1.54], p < 0.001); abnormal findings on auscultation (OR = 1.95 [1.75–2.17], p < 0.001), CRP values (OR = 1.63 [1.26–2.10] for CRP < 50 mg/L, and OR = 3.78 (2.75–5.21) for CRP ≥ 50 mg/L with respect to CRP not requested; p < 0.01); CXR results whatever positive (OR = 4.47 [3.62–5.52], p < 0.001) or negative (1.82 [1.62–2.04], p < 0.001); being diagnosed with upper respiratory tract infections (OR = 4.27 [4.04–4.51], p < 0.001), lower respiratory tract infections (OR = 5.35 [4.88–5.85]; p < 0.001), and UTI (OR = 9.33 [8.14–10.71], p < 0.001).

   Conclusions: Overprescription of antibiotics, including Am/Cl, is relevant in pediatric emergency departments. Factors associated with overprescription are not limited to the clinical characteristics of the treated patients. These findings highlight the need for a new and comprehensive approach to ensure successful antibiotic stewardship initiatives in the emergency departments.

What is Known:• Antibiotic resistance is a growing problem in medical practice, including in pediatrics.• Antibiotics are overprescribed in children assessed in the emergency department, but comprehensive and large studies are lacking.

What is New:• Factors associated with overprescription are not limited to the clinical characteristics of the patients.• Non-clinical factors such as environmental variables, doctor’s expertise, and attitudes to laboratory and radiological examinations affect prescription.
Parasitic threat in commercial organic fertilizers
Authors: Figura Aleksandra , Cencek Tomasz , Żbikowska Elżbieta
Published: February 2022

The use of fertilizers based on sewage sludge is common practice. Due to the possible presence of pathogens and eggs of intestinal parasites like Ascaris sp., Toxocara sp., and Trichuris sp. in these products, it is necessary to control them. The aim of the study was to determine the presence of parasite eggs in commercial organic fertilizers available on the market. Selected commercial products were tested using the Quinn flotation method and a method dedicated to the study of dewatered sewage sludge. Assessment of the viability of helminth eggs was carried out on the basis of staining with calcein and propidium iodide. In 57% of the tested samples, the presence of live eggs of the abovementioned parasites was detected, and in 21% of samples, the eggs with live larvae were detected. Eggs of Trichuris sp. (50%) and Ascaris sp. (36%) were the most common. The obtained results clearly indicate that the process of hygienization of the sewage sludge before the production of fertilizers was not effective enough and it is necessary to standardize the prophylaxis against the spread of parasitic nematodes in commercially available products.
Intracaldera explosions and lava emissions during the 2007 caldera collapse of Piton de la Fournaise, La Réunion Island
Authors: Vergani Daniele , McPhie Jocelyn , Carey Rebecca , Di Muro Andrea
Published: February 2022

The March–April 2007 Piton de la Fournaise basaltic eruption was the most significant eruption on La Réunion Island in historical times. On 2 April, a fissure opened on the southeastern flank of the volcano. Vigorous fountains fed lavas that rapidly reached the coast. Three days later, on the 5–6 April, major caldera collapse occurred at the summit, affecting the floor and walls of Dolomieu caldera. Monitoring records, primarily webcam images, have been analysed and integrated with geophysical data to reconstruct the chronology of events at the summit during caldera collapse. Those events included progressive subsidence of the former caldera floor, landslides, explosions, lava emissions and steam fumaroles, and lasted until 19 April though diminished greatly in frequency after 7 April. For two days after the main caldera collapse on 5 April, subsidence increments, intracaldera lava emission and explosions were closely associated in time and in location. Abundant steam and wet talus on the caldera walls imply that the shallow hydrothermal system and/or groundwater were exposed by subsidence. The presence of juvenile components in ash deposited at the summit during caldera collapse and the close link between intracaldera lavas and explosions suggest that many explosions were phreatomagmatic. Although caldera collapse was related to magma withdrawal from beneath the summit via the flank vent activity, numerous intracaldera lava emissions indicated that magma was nevertheless present at the summit during caldera collapse. We infer that the lava emissions were fed by an intrusion emplaced at the end of March into the eastern summit region and that the intrusion was being actively recharged during caldera collapse. Caldera collapse involved a complex combination of magma withdrawal and magma replenishment at separate summit reservoirs.
An FE-DMN method for the multiscale analysis of thermomechanical composites
Authors: Gajek Sebastian , Schneider Matti , Böhlke Thomas
Published: February 2022

We extend the FE-DMN method to fully coupled thermomechanical two-scale simulations of composite materials. In particular, every Gauss point of the macroscopic finite element model is equipped with a deep material network (DMN). Such a DMN serves as a high-fidelity surrogate model for full-field solutions on the microscopic scale of inelastic, non-isothermal constituents. Building on the homogenization framework of Chatzigeorgiou et al. (Int J Plast 81:18–39, 2016), we extend the framework of DMNs to thermomechanical composites by incorporating the two-way thermomechanical coupling, i.e., the coupling from the macroscopic onto the microscopic scale and vice versa, into the framework. We provide details on the efficient implementation of our approach as a user-material subroutine (UMAT). We validate our approach on the microscopic scale and show that DMNs predict the effective stress, the effective dissipation and the change of the macroscopic absolute temperature with high accuracy. After validation, we demonstrate the capabilities of our approach on a concurrent thermomechanical two-scale simulation on the macroscopic component scale.
Craniotomies following acute traumatic brain injury in Finland—a national study between 1997 and 2018
Authors: Nevalainen Nea , Luoto Teemu M. , Iverson Grant L. , Mattila Ville M. , Huttunen Tuomas T.
Published: February 2022

Background

A number of patients who sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI) require surgical intervention due to acute intracranial bleeding. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the national trends of acute craniotomies following TBI in the Finnish adult population.

Methods

The data were collected retrospectively from the Finnish Care Register for Health Care (1997–2018). The study cohort covered all first-time registered craniotomies following TBI in patients aged 18 years or older. A total of 7627 patients (median age = 59 years, men = 72%) were identified.

Results

The total annual incidence of acute trauma craniotomies decreased by 33%, from 8.6/100,000 in 1997 to 5.7/100,000 in 2018. The decrease was seen in both genders and all age groups, as well as all operation subgroups (subdural hematoma, SDH; epidural hematoma, EDH; intracerebral hematoma, ICH). The greatest incidence rate of 15.4/100,000 was found in patients 70 years or older requiring an acute trauma craniotomy. The majority of surgeries were due to an acute SDH and the patients were more often men. The difference between genders decreased with age (18–39 years = 84% men, 40–69 = 78% men, 70 + years = 55% men). The median age of the patients increased from 58 to 65 years during the 22-year study period.

Conclusions

The number of trauma craniotomies is gradually decreasing; nonetheless, the incidence of TBI-related craniotomies remains high among geriatric patients. Further studies are needed to determine the indications and derive evidence-based guidelines for the neurosurgical care of older adults with TBIs to meet the challenges of the growing elderly population.
Effects of storage and toothbrush simulation on color, gloss, and roughness of CAD/CAM, hand-cast, thermoforming, and 3D-printed splint materials
Authors: Hickl Verena , Strasser Thomas , Schmid Alois , Rosentritt Martin
Published: February 2022

Objectives

The aim was to investigate color, gloss, or roughness of splint materials after storage in liquids and toothbrush simulation.

Materials and methods

A total of 58 × 8 (n = 10 per material and group) specimens were fabricated (hand-cast, thermoforming, CAD/CAM-milled, 3D-printed materials); stored in air, water, coffee, red wine, and cleaning tablets; and investigated after fabrication, 24 h, two-, and four-week storage or toothbrushing. Color values (L*, a*, b*; ISO 11664–4:2008; CM–3500d, Konica-Minolta), gloss (ISO 2813:2014), and roughness values were determined (3D laser-scanning-microscope, KJ 3D, Keyence) before and after simulation or storage. Statistics: Levene-test, one-way ANOVA, Bonferroni post hoc test, between-subjects effects, Pearson correlation (α = 0.05).

Results

Color, gloss, and roughness altered due to contact with staining solutions/toothbrush simulation. Highest impact on color, gloss, and roughness presented the material followed by storage time (ΔE material (η2 = 0.239/p < 0.001), storage time (η2 = 0.179/p < 0.001); gloss (η2 = 0.751/p < 0.001) (η2 = 0.401/p < 0.001); Ra/Rz (η2 ≥ 0.801/p < 0.001) (η2 ≥ 0.416/p < 0.001)). Correlations were found between Rz and Ra (Pearson 0.887/p ≤ 0.001) or Rz and ΔE (0.517/p ≤ 0.001) or Ra and ΔE (0.460/p ≤ 0.001).

Conclusions

Storage and toothbrushing were accompanied by a change in color, gloss, and roughness. Almost all materials showed visible discoloration after 4 weeks of storage. Gloss values decreased as storage time increased. The initial roughness and polishability were better with harder materials.

Clinical relevance.

Milled and 3D printed splints show good color, gloss, and roughness resistance after 4-week storage or toothbrush application.
Mechanism of moisture adsorption in plant fibers surface-modified with glycerol evaluated by LF-NMR relaxation technique
Authors: Fu Lili , Zhang Ke , Zhang Mingjian , Wang Le , Zheng Songjin , Liu Ze , Shang Shanzhai , Sun Yue , Huang Feng , Wang Shuang , Zhang Qi , Wang Bing , Li Bin , Cao Yan , Guo Zhongya
Published: February 2022

Surface modification by humectants is an important technology to improve product quality in textile field, healthcare, tobacco processing and paper-making industry. As a common humectant glycerol is applied to keep the moisture adsorbability of the plant fibers during manufacturing. The effects of glycerol on the moisture adsorption of the plant fibers were studied by analyzing the induced differences of bulk and surface physicochemical property with XRD, FTIR, SEM characterizations. The improvement of moisture adsorption capacity of the modified plant fibers was caused by the increased active adsorption sites, while the moisture diffusion resistance increased simultaneously with glycerol indicated by a declining Deff. LF-NMR relaxation spectra demonstrated the water state and distribution in the plant fibers were changed by loading glycerol. The moisture transfer mechanisms induced by glycerol were also investigated. Free water failed to materialize in the plant fibers treated with glycerol, immobile water existed preferentially during the adsorption, and bound water presented increasing after the immobile water was saturated. These findings are referenced values to improve the manufacturing processes of moisture-retaining properties of different functional plant fibers.

Graphical abstract
DDD: Distributed Dataset DNS
Authors: White-Swift Joseph , Fumagalli Andrea
Published: February 2022

The advent of inexpensive data storage has resulted in larger and larger datasets as the cost of pruning data becomes more expensive then storing it for future insights. This decreasing cost of storage has also led to the practice of storing data in multiple locations for redundancy. However, without any uniform method of determining link costs to different storage sites, a dataset is not always retrieved from the most cost effective site. Distributed dataset DNS, or DDD, solves this problem in two key ways. The first allows “local” servers to provide meaningful information to a user in order to ensure that they target the location that offers the most advantageous network connection. The second allows other trusted servers to easily gain access to this information in a distributed way. These combined approaches aim to both lower aggregate network bandwidth usage and prevent single points of failure when retrieving dataset pointers.
Blame for me and Not for Thee: Status Sensitivity and Moral Responsibility
Authors: Argetsinger Henry
Published: February 2022

In our day-to-day lives, we form responsibility judgements about one another – but we are imperfect beings, and our judgments can be mistaken. This paper suggests that we get things wrong not merely by chance, but predictably and systematically. In particular, these miscues are common when we are dealing with large gaps in social status and power. That is, when we form judgements about those who are much more or less socially powerful than ourselves, it is increasingly likely that “epistemic distorters” will reliably disrupt our reasoning. In response to this situation, I argue for the introduction of a new norm concerning blame and social status: “Powerful Restraint.” This norm suggests that the socially powerful ought to blame the socially dispossessed less frequently, and that social pressure be applied to achieve that compliance. I argue that such a norm is justified given the pernicious down-stream moral effects of the up-stream epistemic distortion I describe. I defend it against objections that it suggests a normative solution to an epistemic problem, that it is paternalistic, and that it involves a kind of disrespect to the less socially powerful.
Barriers to university–industry collaboration in an emerging market: Firm-level evidence from Turkey
Authors: Kleiner-Schaefer Timo , Schaefer Kerstin J.
Published: February 2022

University-industry collaborations (UICs) are one of the main sources of external knowledge and technologies for industrial firms, particularly in the context of emerging markets (EMs) and firm development. It is thus highly relevant to identify potential barriers internal to the firm as well as in the regional innovation system that might prevent firms from using UICs for innovation, in particular in an EM context. In order to address this issue, we conduct a firm-level study of the R&D-related segment of the manufacturing industry in Istanbul. Logistic regression analysis is used to test the effect of potential barriers on using UICs for innovative activities. With this approach, we are able to identify barriers that prevent innovation-related UICs and thus form a bottleneck to collaborations in the first place. Our findings show that lack of information about UIC opportunities as well as lack of financial support for UICs are the most relevant barriers that inhibit firms’ usage of UICs for innovation. This firm-level evidence points out the importance of university technology transfer offices in regional innovation systems and for fruitful UICs. We further find that administrative barriers have no significant effect, while barriers related to trust and skill matching with scientific partners even have a reverse effect to what we would have expected from the literature. This finding might point towards an effect of perceived versus deterring barriers that has been observed in innovation studies before and might be relevant for studying UICs as well.
Role of Platelet-activating factor and HO-1 in mediating the protective effect of rupatadine against 5-fluorouracil-induced hepatotoxicity in rats
Authors: Khalaf Hanaa Mohamed , Hafez Sara Mohamed Naguib Abdel , Abdalla Ahlam Mohamed , Welson Nermeen N. , Abdelzaher Walaa Yehia , Abdelbaky Fatma Alzhraa Fouad
Published: February 2022

5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is a widely used chemotherapeutic drug, but its hepatotoxicity challenges its clinical use. Thus, searching for a hepatoprotective agent is highly required to prevent the accompanied hepatic hazards. The current study aimed to investigate the potential benefit and mechanisms of action of rupatadine (RU), a Platelet-activating factor (PAF) antagonist, in the prevention of 5-FU-related hepatotoxicity in rats. Hepatotoxicity was developed in male albino rats by a single 5-FU (150 mg/kg) intra-peritoneal injection on the 7th day of the experiment. RU (3 mg/kg/day) was orally administrated to the rodents for 10 days. Hepatic toxicity was assessed by measuring both liver and body weights, serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase (ALT and AST), hepatic oxidative stress parameters (malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide levels (NOx), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD)), and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Inflammatory markers expressions (inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), interleukins; IL-1B, IL-6), the apoptotic marker (caspase-3), and PAF were measured in the hepatic tissue. 5-FU-induced hepatotoxicity was proved by the biochemical along with histopathological assessments. RU ameliorated 5-FU-induced liver damage as proved by the improved serum ALT, AST, and hepatic oxidative stress parameters, the attenuated expression of hepatic pro-inflammatory cytokines and PAF, and the up-regulation of HO-1. Therefore, it can be concluded that RU pretreatment exerted a hepatoprotective effect against 5-FU-induced liver damage through both its powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic effect.
International Diversification and MNE Innovativeness: A Contingency Perspective of Foreign Subsidiary Portfolio Characteristics
Authors: Mihalache Mashiho , R. Mihalache Oli , van den Ende Jan
Published: February 2022

We advance research on how international diversification affects MNEs’ innovativeness by reconciling contradictory views on the role of international diversification for innovation. We do so by developing a portfolio perspective of MNE innovation that moves beyond foreign R&D subsidiaries to consider firms’ entire international footprints and by theorizing that MNE innovativeness depends on the interplay of geographical (i.e., regional diversification and institutional distance) and organizational (i.e., asset diversification and functional mandate breadth) characteristics of the foreign subsidiary portfolio. We test our proposed relationships on a unique multi-source panel dataset of Japanese listed electronics firms (266 firms and their 4505 subsidiaries between 2007 and 2015 resulting in 1936 firm-year observations and 28,350 subsidiary-year observations). We find that the institutional distance and asset diversification of the foreign subsidiary portfolio constrain the extent to which geographical (regional) diversification can enhance MNEs innovativeness. We also find that, at high levels of geographical diversification, MNEs with low levels of institutional distance and asset diversification in the foreign subsidiary portfolio tend to achieve higher innovativeness. Lastly, we did not find empirical support for functional mandate breadth as affecting how geographical diversification influences MNE innovativeness. Overall, the study highlights that, for a nuanced understanding of MNE innovativeness, managers need an encompassing and deliberate portfolio-level strategy that explicitly considers the interrelatedness of geographical and organizational characteristics.
A natural language processing model for supporting sustainable development goals: translating semantics, visualizing nexus, and connecting stakeholders
Authors: Matsui Takanori , Suzuki Kanoko , Ando Kyota , Kitai Yuya , Haga Chihiro , Masuhara Naoki , Kawakubo Shun
Published: February 2022

Sharing successful practices with other stakeholders is important for achieving SDGs. In this study, with a deep-learning natural language processing model, bidirectional encoder representations from transformers (BERT), the authors aimed to build (1) a classifier that enables semantic mapping of practices and issues in the SDGs context, (2) a visualizing method of SDGs nexus based on co-occurrence of goals (3) a matchmaking process between local issues and initiatives that may embody solutions. A data frame was built using documents published by official organizations and multi-labels corresponding to SDGs. A pretrained Japanese BERT model was fine-tuned on a multi-label text classification task, while nested cross-validation was conducted to optimize the hyperparameters and estimate cross-validation accuracy. A system was then developed to visualize the co-occurrence of SDGs and to couple the stakeholders by evaluating embedded vectors of local challenges and solutions. The paper concludes with a discussion of four future perspectives to improve the natural language processing system. This intelligent information system is expected to help stakeholders take action to achieve the sustainable development goals.
Future steps in cardio-oncology—a national multidisciplinary survey among healthcare professionals in the Netherlands
Authors: Koop Yvonne , Teske Arco J. , Wanders Iris , Meijer Hanneke , Kaanders J. H. A. M. , Manintveld Olivier C. , Hassing H. Carlijne , Vermeulen Hester , Maas Angela H. E. M. , van Spronsen Dick-Johan , Atsma Femke , El Messaoudi Saloua
Published: February 2022

Background

The awareness of cancer therapy–related adverse cardiac effects is fueled by recent literature on cardiotoxicity incidence and detection strategies. Although this influences the sense of urgency, in current practice, cardiotoxicity monitoring and treatment is not structurally performed. With this study, we aimed to evaluate current perspectives on cardio-oncology and to assess needs, ultimately to determine an agenda for improvements in current practice.

Material and methods

A national multidisciplinary 36-question survey was conducted. The survey was developed by a multidisciplinary team, theoretically based on an implementation checklist and distributed by email, through cardiology and oncology societies as well as social media.

Results

One hundred ninety professionals completed the survey, of which 66 were cardiologists, 66 radiation oncologists, and 58 medical oncologists and hematologists. Many professionals were unaware of their specialisms’ cardio-oncology guidelines: 62.1% of cardiologists and 29.3% of the hematologists and medical oncologists respectively. Many cardiologists (N = 46; 69.7%), radiation oncologists (N = 45; 68.2%), and hematologists and medical oncologists (N = 38; 65.5%) expressed that they did not have sufficient knowledge to treat cardio-oncology patients and would either refer a patient or aspire to gain more knowledge on the topic.

Conclusion

The field of cardio-oncology is advancing rapidly, with progress in stratification and detection strategies leading to the development of new guidelines and consensus statements. However, the application of these guidelines in current practice appears to be lagging. Professionals express a need for additional training and a practical guideline including risk stratification, monitoring, and treatment strategies. Multidisciplinary discussion and consensus on cardio-oncology care is vital to improve implementation of cardio-oncology guidelines, ultimately to improve cardiac care for oncology patients.
Multimodal Mobility Assessment Predicts Fall Frequency and Severity in Cerebellar Ataxia
Authors: Schniepp Roman , Huppert Anna , Decker Julian , Schenkel Fabian , Dieterich Marianne , Brandt Thomas , Wuehr Max
Published: February 2022

This cohort study aims to evaluate the predictive validity of multimodal clinical assessment and quantitative measures of in- and off-laboratory mobility for fall-risk estimation in patients with cerebellar ataxia (CA).

Occurrence, severity, and consequences of falling were prospectively assessed for 6 months in 93 patients with hereditary (N = 36) and sporadic or secondary (N = 57) forms of CA and 63 healthy controls. Participants completed a multimodal clinical and functional fall risk assessment, in-laboratory gait examination, and a 2-week inertial sensor-based daily mobility monitoring. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the predictive capacity of all clinical and in- and off-laboratory mobility measures with respect to fall (1) status (non-faller vs. faller), (2) frequency (occasional vs. frequent falls), and (3) severity (benign vs. injurious fall) of patients.

64% of patients experienced one or recurrent falls and 65% of these severe fall-related injuries during prospective assessment. Mobility impairments in patients corresponded to a mild-to-moderate ataxic gait disorder. Patients’ fall status and frequency could be reliably predicted (78% and 81% accuracy, respectively), primarily based on their retrospective fall status. Clinical scoring of ataxic symptoms and in- and off-laboratory gait and mobility measures improved classification and provided unique information for the prediction of fall severity (84% accuracy).

These results encourage a stepwise approach for fall risk assessment in patients with CA: fall history-taking readily and reliably informs the clinician about patients’ general fall risk. Clinical scoring and instrument-based mobility measures provide further in-depth information on the risk of recurrent and injurious falling.
Towards AI application marketplaces - an interview with Dorian Selz
Authors: Alt Rainer , Zimmermann Hans-Dieter
Published: February 2022

This interview with the CEO from Squirro reports on how a search engine in the enterprise context evolves with artificial intelligence (AI) towards a  cognitive search engine and ultimately towards an electronic marketplace for information objects. Using several examples, Dorian Selz describes the opportunities of Squirro‘s low-code in creating user-specific information objects from internal and external data sources as well as in deriving probabilities and projections. This not only has the potential to improve existing business processes, but also sheds light on new predictive capabilities. The example shows potential elements of future AI marketplaces, such as models, app directories and connectors.
Predicting the difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy based on a preoperative scale
Authors: Ramírez-Giraldo Camilo , Alvarado-Valenzuela Kelly , Isaza-Restrepo Andrés , Navarro-Alean Jorge
Published: February 2022

It is important to establish the difficulty of a cholecystectomy preoperatively to improve the outcomes. There are multiple risk factors for a difficult cholecystectomy that may depend on the patient, the disease, or extrinsic factors. The aim of this study is to evaluate the predictive capacity of a difficult cholecystectomy with a preoperative scale. A diagnostic trial study was designed to evaluate the performance of a scale to predict the difficulty of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, considering as a reference standard the intraoperative findings evaluated according to an intraoperative difficulty scale. A ROC curve was performed and used to estimate predictive value of the preoperative score to predict the difficulty of a cholecystectomy preoperatively. The ROC curve shows an area of 0.88 under the curve. The calculated ideal cutoff was 8, with a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of 75.15%, 88.31%, 87.32 and 76.83%, respectively. It was demonstrated that, as the difficulty predicted by the preoperative scale increases, the rate of conversion to open procedure, the rate of subtotal cholecystectomies, the rate of complication and the rate of a critical view of safety failed increase. We suggest implementing the preoperative scale in all patients who are planning laparoscopic cholecystectomy, considering it a simple and easy tool to perform. This to inform the patient, organize the surgery schedule, select personnel, request support and have adequate pre-operative planning.

Graphical abstract