bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accuracy of Modern Clinical Risk Score Including RAS Status Changes Based on Whether Patients Received Perioperative Chemotherapy for Colorectal Liver Metastases
Authors: Takeda Yoshinori , Mise Yoshihiro , Matsumura Masaru , Hasegawa Kiyoshi , Yoshimoto Jiro , Imamura Hiroshi , Noro Takuji , Yamamoto Junji , Ishizuka Naoki , Inoue Yosuke , Ito Hiromichi , Takahashi Yu , Saiura Akio
Published: April 2021

Background

A modified Fong clinical score (m‐Fong CS) that includes the RAS mutation status has recently been proposed and offered an improved survival stratification of patients who undergo surgery and systemic chemotherapy for colorectal liver metastases (CLM). The aim of this study is to assess whether a CS that includes RAS status is influenced by whether patients receive perioperative chemotherapy.

Methods

We created a new CS using multivariate analysis of data of patients who underwent hepatectomy for CLM for the first time between 2010 and 2016 at a single hospital (n = 341, 79% received perioperative chemotherapy). The resulting CS and m‐Fong CS were then validated in the patient cohort at three other hospitals (n = 309). Furthermore, the applicability of the two CS in the total cohort (n = 650) was tested according to whether the patients received perioperative chemotherapy.

Results

The new CS comprised mutant RAS status, ≥4 CLMs, and a CA19‐9 level ≥100 U/mL (1 point per factor). Both the new CS and m‐Fong CS failed to stratify the survival of the 309 patients in the validation cohort, including those who did not receive perioperative chemotherapy (29%). Both of the CS accurately stratified the survival of patients who underwent perioperative chemotherapy but not of those who underwent surgery alone.

Conclusion

A CS that includes the RAS mutation status can stratify the survival of patients who undergo hepatectomy combined with perioperative chemotherapy, but it has limited value for patients who undergo surgery alone.
Deutscher Rheumatologiekongress virtuell – erfolgreich tagen trotz Pandemie
Authors: Richter Jutta G. , Chehab Gamal , Knitza Johannes , Krotova Anna , Schneider Matthias , Voormann Anna Julia , Schulze-Koops Hendrik , Specker Christof
Published: April 2021

Hintergrund

Die COVID-19-Pandemie führte im Jahr 2020 dazu, dass der Jahreskongress der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Rheumatologie (DGRh) als „Deutscher Rheumatologiekongress virtuell“ durchgeführt wurde.

Fragestellung

Wie wird der „Deutsche Rheumatologiekongress virtuell“ angenommen und welche Optimierungsmöglichkeiten bieten sich für die Zukunft?

Material und Methode

Die registrierten Teilnehmer wurden gebeten, an einer Online-Kongressevaluation teilzunehmen.

Ergebnisse

Von 2566 Kongressteilnehmern nahmen 721 an der Evaluation teil. Die Mehrheit (80,2 %) war mit der Veranstaltung insgesamt zufrieden oder sehr zufrieden. Das Format wurde als für den kollegialen Austausch weniger geeignet angesehen. Die verwendete Technik wurde überwiegend als leicht bedienbar und problemlos zugänglich beschrieben. Die ausgewählten Themen des Kongresses entsprachen den Erwartungen von 89 % der Teilnehmer. Die präsentierten Inhalte wurden von 85,2 % der Teilnehmer als für ihre Tätigkeit relevant eingestuft. Eine deutliche Mehrheit der Teilnehmer (85,3 %) würde es begrüßen, die Kongressinhalte dauerhaft und flexibel „on demand“ abrufen zu können.

Diskussion

Insgesamt konnte ein gut akzeptiertes Format für die Durchführung des „Deutschen Rheumatologiekongresses virtuell“ gefunden werden. Optimierungsaspekte konnten aufgezeigt werden, diese können bei der Umsetzung weiterer (digitaler) Kongresse Berücksichtigung finden. Die Ergebnisse dieser Arbeit geben Aufschluss darüber, wie die DGRh virtuelle und/oder hybride Konferenzen in der Zukunft gestalten kann, um den Interessen und Wünschen der Teilnehmer zu entsprechen.
Radial head fractures with interposed capitellar cartilage fragment–hindrance to bone healing–a case series
Authors: Harbrecht Andreas , Hackl Michael , Leschinger Tim , Wegmann Kilian , Seybold Dominik , Müller Lars P.
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Radial head fractures account for the majority of bony elbow injuries. The individual treatment options have been described in detail. In some cases, however, an unusual concomitant injury occurs, which can significantly impede primary osteosynthesis and healing. This concomitant injury can be an interposing cartilaginous capitellar fragment.

Methods

This retrospective study describes four cases of trapped cartilage fragments of the capitellum that compromised primary osteosynthesis or primary conservative healing of a radial head fracture. Radiological imaging, function and pain level are presented pre- and postoperatively (mean follow-up 9.25 months).

Results

None of the four cases showed preoperative evidence of an incarcerated cartilage fragment of the capitellum. They all showed limited elbow range of motion. CT examinations were performed in all cases. In each case, the cartilage fragment was first sighted upon surgery, subsequently removed and the fractures treated with ORIF. Mean follow-up was of 9.25 months. All fractures healed, with excellent function and low pain scores.

Conclusions

This study presents rare cases of a trapped humeral cartilage fragment in radial head fractures. Radiological imaging including CT scans cannot reliably detect this concomitant injury. Therefore, this problem becomes apparent and treatable only during surgery. A high degree of suspicion is necessary especially in patients with minimally displaced fractures associated with limited elbow motion and a gap at the fracture site as treating these injuries conservatively may lead to poor outcome.
Suitability of specific soft tissue swabs for the forensic identification of highly decomposed bodies
Authors: Helm Katharina , Matzenauer Christian , Neuhuber Franz , Monticelli Fabio , Meyer Harald , Pittner Stefan , Gotsmy Walther
Published: April 2021

When decomposition of a recovered body is fairly advanced, identification based on common morphologic features is often impossible. In these cases, short tandem repeat (STR) marker genotyping has established itself as a convenient and reliable alternative. However, at very progressed stages of decomposition, postmortem tissue putrefaction processes can decrease DNA yields considerably. Hence, not all types of tissue are equally suitable for successful STR marker-based postmortem identification.

Bone or dental material is often analysed in corpses with advanced decompositional changes. However, processing of these materials is very elaborate and time and resource consuming. We have therefore focused on the suitableness of various types of soft tissue swabs, where DNA extraction is easier and faster. By sampling 28 bodies at various stages of decomposition, we evaluated the suitability of different tissues for genotyping at varying degrees of physical decay. This was achieved by a systematic classification of the sampled bodies by morphological scoring and subsequent analysis of multiple tissue swabs of the aortic wall, urinary bladder wall, brain, liver, oral mucosa and skeletal muscle.

In summary, we found variable degrees of suitability of different types of soft tissue swabs for DNA-based identification. Swabs of the aortic wall, the urinary bladder wall and brain tissue yielded the best results — in descending order — even at advanced levels of decay.
Working from home, quality of life, and perceived productivity during the first 50-day COVID-19 mitigation measures in Austria: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Weitzer Jakob , Papantoniou Kyriaki , Seidel Stefan , Klösch Gerhard , Caniglia Guido , Laubichler Manfred , Bertau Martin , Birmann Brenda M. , Jäger Carlo C. , Zenk Lukas , Steiner Gerald , Schernhammer Eva
Published: April 2021

Objectives

To explore changes in quality of life and perceived productivity, focusing on the effects of working from home during the first COVID-19 50-day mitigation period in Austria.

Methods

We conducted an Austrian-representative online survey (N = 1010) of self-reported life- and work-related changes during the first COVID-19 50-day mitigation period (March 16 through May 1 2020) compared to the situation before. We used multinominal logistic regression models to identify correlates of improved/decreased quality of life in the entire sample, and of improved/decreased productivity in a subsample of the working population (N = 686). We also calculated age- and multivariable-adjusted ORs and 95% CIs of an improved/decreased quality of life and an improved/decreased productivity by work from home status.

Results

During the COVID-19 mitigation period, quality of life improved in 17.5%, but decreased in 20.7% of the general Austrian population; perceived productivity at work increased in 12.7%, but decreased in 30.2% of the working population. Working from home during the mitigation period was associated with an increased quality of life (vs. none, partially: OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.09–3.91; all the time: 3.69, 1.86–7.29). In contrast, perceived productivity seemed to decrease when people worked from home (vs. none, partially: 1.42, 0.86–2.35; all the time: 1.48, 0.85–2.58). Working from home and related benefits were not equally distributed among gender, age, and educational attainment.

Conclusions

A transition to more flexibility of workplace and working hours for employees could have important positive consequences for family and professional life, for stakeholders, for public health, and ultimately for the environment.
A volumetric prediction model for postoperative cyst shrinkage
Authors: Feher Balazs , Frommlet Florian , Lettner Stefan , Gruber Reinhard , Nemeth Letizia Elisabeth , Ulm Christian , Kuchler Ulrike
Published: April 2021

Objectives

With only limited information available on dimensional changes after jaw cyst surgery, postoperative cyst shrinkage remains largely unpredictable. We aimed to propose a model for volumetric shrinkage based on time elapsed since cyst surgery.

Material and methods

We used data from patients that underwent cyst enucleation or decompression between 2007 and 2017 and had at least three computed tomography (CT) scans per patient. We fitted one simple exponential decay model [V(t) = V0 · e−ɑt] and one model with a patient-specific decay rate [Vk(t) = V0 · e−βt + γkt].

Results

Based on 108 CT scans from 36 patients (median age at surgery: 45.5 years, IQR: 32.3–55.3, 44% female), our simple exponential decay model is V(t) = V0· e−0.0035t where V(t) is the residual cyst volume after time t elapsed since surgery, V0 is the initial cyst volume, and e is the base of the natural logarithm. Considering a patient-specific decay rate, the model is Vk(t) = V0· e−0.0049t + γkt where γk is normally distributed, with expectation 0 and standard deviation 0.0041.

Conclusions

Using an exponential regression model, we were able to reliably estimate volumetric shrinkage after jaw cyst surgery. The patient-specific decay rate substantially improved the fit of the model, whereas adding specific covariates as interaction effects to model the decay rate did not provide any significant improvement.

Clinical relevance

Estimating postoperative cyst shrinkage is relevant for both treatment planning of jaw cyst surgery as well as evaluating the clinical success of the surgical approach.
Cost-effectiveness of adding Sativex® spray to spasticity care in Belgium: using bootstrapping instead of Monte Carlo simulation for probabilistic sensitivity analyses
Authors: Oppe Mark , Ortín-Sulbarán Daniela , Vila Silván Carlos , Estévez-Carrillo Anabel , Ramos-Goñi Juan M.
Published: April 2021

Background

Uncertainty in model-based cost-utility analyses is commonly assessed in a probabilistic sensitivity analysis. Model parameters are implemented as distributions and values are sampled from these distributions in a Monte Carlo simulation. Bootstrapping is an alternative method that requires fewer assumptions and incorporates correlations between model parameters.

Methods

A Markov model-based cost–utility analysis comparing oromucosal spray containing delta-9-tetrahidrocannabinol + cannabidiol (Sativex®, nabiximols) plus standard care versus standard spasticity care alone in the management of multiple sclerosis spasticity was performed over a 5-year time horizon from the Belgian healthcare payer perspective. The probabilistic sensitivity analysis was implemented using a bootstrap approach to ensure that the correlations present in the source clinical trial data were incorporated in the uncertainty estimates.

Results

Adding Sativex® spray to standard care was found to dominate standard spasticity care alone, with cost savings of €6,068 and a quality-adjusted life year gain of 0.145 per patient over the 5-year analysis. The probability of dominance increased from 29% in the first year to 94% in the fifth year, with the probability of QALY gains in excess of 99% for all years considered.

Conclusions

Adding Sativex® spray to spasticity care was found to dominate standard spasticity care alone in the Belgian healthcare setting. This study showed the use of bootstrapping techniques in a Markov model probabilistic sensitivity analysis instead of Monte Carlo simulations. Bootstrapping avoided the need to make distributional assumptions and allowed the incorporation of correlating structures present in the original clinical trial data in the uncertainty assessment.
Appendectomy and women’s reproductive outcomes: a review of the literature
Authors: Merlino Lucia , Chiné Alessandra , Carletti Giulia , Del Prete Federica , Codacci Pisanelli Massimo , Titi Luca , Piccioni Maria Grazia
Published: April 2021

Background

The most frequent abdominal surgery performed for benign disease in females of fertile age is appendectomy, which remains among the most common surgeries and is a possible cause of peritoneal adhesions. The fact that appendectomy can cause adhesions may lead one to think that this may be a relevant risk factor for infertility; however, there is no universal agreement regarding the association between appendectomy and fertility. The aim of this review is to evaluate weather appendectomy may have a relevant impact on female fertility.

Methods

The search was conducted in PubMed and there was no limitation set on the date of publication. All studies regarding populations of female patients who had undergone appendectomy for inflamed appendix, perforated appendix, or negative appendix between childhood and the end of the reproductive period were included.

Results

Some authors believe that pelvic surgery can cause adhesions which can potentially lead to tubal infertility by causing tubal obstruction or by altering motility of fimbriae, tubal fluid secretion, and embryo transport. On the other hand, the most recent evidence reported that removal of the appendix seems to be associated with an increased pregnancy rate in large population studies.

Conclusion

Despite the existence of contrasting opinions concerning fertility after appendectomy, the most recent evidence suggests that appendectomy may actually lead to improved fertility and decreased time to pregnancy. Appendectomy seems to be correlated with improved fertility and higher pregnancy rates.
Chemotaxonomic profiling of fungal endophytes of Solanum mauritianum (alien weed) using gas chromatography high resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-HRTOF-MS)
Authors: Pelo Sharon Pauline , Adebo Oluwafemi Ayodeji , Green Ezekiel
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Since ancient times medicinal plants have been used as medicine in many parts of the world to promote human health and longevity. In recent years many novel secondary metabolites of plants have been isolated and reported to provide lead compounds for new drug discoveries.Solanum mauritianumScopoli is native to South America. It is reported to be used by native South Americans during famine as a vegetable and as medicine to cure various diseases. In South Africa the plant is viewed as weed and is facing eradication, however, this plant is a valuable subject for research into its potential pharmaceutical and chemical uses. This study elucidated the metabolic profile of fungal endophytes that have promising bioactive secondary metabolites against pathogenic microorganisms, including mycobacterium species.

Material and methods

Fungal endophytes from a weedSolanum mauritianumScop. were used to synthesize secondary metabolites. Gas chromatograph high-resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-HRTOF-MS) was used to analyse volatile compounds to prove that potentially fungal endophytes could be extracted from this weed. Extracts obtained with ethyl acetate were screened for phytochemicals and analyzed using a gas chromatograph high-resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry system. Principal component analysis was used to compare the gas chromatograph high-resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry data for differences/similarities in their clustering. Phytochemical screening was conducted on the crude extracts of fungal endophytes obtained from different parts ofSolanum mauritianumScopoli (leaves, ripe fruit, unripe fruit and stems).

Results

Phytochemical screening indicated the presents of alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, phenols, quinones and saponins. Quinones were not present in the crude extracts ofFusariumsp. A total of 991 compounds were observed in the fungal endophytes, andCladosporiumsp. (23.8%) had the highest number of compounds, compared toParacamarosporium leucadendri(1.7%) andTalaromycessp.(1.5%). Some volatile compounds such as eicosane, 2-pentadecanone, 2-methyloctacosane, hexacosane and tridecanoic acid methyl ester with antibacterial activity were also observed.

Conclusion

Compositional variations between the plant and fungal endophyte phytochemicals were observed. The results of this study indicate that fungal endophytes fromSolanum mauritianumScop. contain compounds that can be exploited for numerous pharmaceutical and medicinal applications.
Computer-assisted contralateral side comparison of the ankle joint using flat panel technology
Authors: Thomas Sarina , Kausch Lisa , Kunze Holger , Privalov Maxim , Klein André , Barbari Jan El , Martin Vicario Celia , Franke Jochen , Maier-Hein Klaus
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Reduction and osteosynthesis of ankle fractures is a challenging surgical procedure when it comes to the verification of the reduction result. Evaluation is conducted using intra-operative imaging of the injured ankle and depends on the expertise of the surgeon. Studies suggest that intra-individual variance of the ankle bone shape and pose is considerably lower than the inter-individual variance. It stands to reason that the information gain from the healthy contralateral side can help to improve the evaluation.

Method

In this paper, an assistance system is proposed that provides a side-to-side view of the two ankle joints for visual comparison and instant evaluation using only one 3D C-arm image. Two convolutional neural networks (CNN) are employed to extract the relevant image regions and pose information of each ankle so that they can be aligned with each other. A first U-Net uses a sliding window to predict the location of each ankle. The standard plane estimation is formulated as segmentation problem so that a second U-Net predicts the three viewing planes for alignment.

Results

Experiments were conducted to assess the accuracy of the individual steps on 218 unilateral ankle datasets as well as the overall performance on 7 bilateral ankle datasets. The experiments on unilateral ankles yield a median position-to-plane error of $$0.73\pm 1.36$$

0.73
±
1.36

mm and a median angular error between 2.98$$^\circ $$

∘

and 3.71$$^\circ $$

∘

for the plane normals.

Conclusion

Standard plane estimation via segmentation outperforms direct pose regression. Furthermore, the complete pipeline was evaluated including ankle detection and subsequent plane estimation on bilateral datasets. The proposed pipeline enables a direct contralateral side comparison without additional radiation. This has the potential to ease and improve the intra-operative evaluation for the surgeons in the future and reduce the need for revision surgery.
Cryo-balloon catheter localization in X-Ray fluoroscopy using U-net
Authors: Vernikouskaya Ina , Bertsche Dagmar , Dahme Tillman , Rasche Volker
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Automatic identification of interventional devices in X-ray (XR) fluoroscopy offers the potential of improved navigation during transcatheter endovascular procedures. This paper presents a prototype implementation of fully automatic 3D reconstruction of a cryo-balloon catheter during pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) procedures by deep learning approaches.

Methods

We employ convolutional neural networks (CNN) to automatically identify the cryo-balloon XR marker and catheter shaft in 2D fluoroscopy during PVI. Training data are generated exploiting established semiautomatic techniques, including template-matching and analytical graph building. A first network of U-net architecture uses a single grayscale XR image as input and yields the mask of the XR marker. A second network of the similar architecture is trained using the mask of the XR marker as additional input to the grayscale XR image for the segmentation of the cryo-balloon catheter shaft mask. The structures automatically identified in two 2D images with different angulations are then used to reconstruct the cryo-balloon in 3D.

Results

Automatic identification of the XR marker was successful in 78% of test cases and in 100% for the catheter shaft. Training of the model for prediction of the XR marker mask was successful with 3426 training samples. Incorporation of the XR marker mask as additional input for the model predicting the catheter shaft allowed to achieve good training result with only 805 training samples. The average prediction time per frame was 14.47 ms for the XR marker and 78.22 ms for the catheter shaft. Localization accuracy for the XR marker yielded on average 1.52 pixels or 0.56 mm.

Conclusions

In this paper, we report a novel method for automatic detection and 3D reconstruction of the cryo-balloon catheter shaft and marker from 2D fluoroscopic images. Initial evaluation yields promising results thus indicating the high potential of CNNs as alternatives to the current state-of-the-art solutions.
Risk Factors for Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes among Zhuang Ethnic Pregnant Women: A Cohort Study in Guangxi, China
Authors: Feng Bao-ying , Peng Yang , Liang Jun , Wu Li , Jiang Qun-jiao , Liu Shun , Zeng Xiao-yun , Huang Dong-ping , Qiu Xiao-qiang , Li Han
Published: April 2021

Risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes among Zhuang ethnic pregnant women are unclear. This study analyzed the incidence and risk factors related to preterm birth (PB), low birth weight (LBW) and macrosomia in Zhuang population. We conducted a prospective cohort study of 9965 Zhuang pregnancy women in Guangxi, China. Information on mothers and newborns was obtained by using questionnaires and referring to medical records. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the association between related factors and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Our results showed that the incidence of PB, LBW and macrosomia in Zhuang people was 5.55%, 5.64% and 2.19%, respectively. Maternal age ≥36 years (OR=2.22, 95% CI: 1.51–3.27) was related to a higher incidence of PB. Those with pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) <18.5 kg/m2 (OR=1.91, 95% CI: 1.45–2.51), and had a female fetus (OR=1.74, 95% CI: 1.36–2.23) were more likely to have LBW infants. Maternal age between 31 and 35 years (OR=1.76, 95% CI: 1.03–2.99) and pre-pregnancy overweight or obesity (OR=1.79, 95% CI: 1.15–2.80) were associated with a higher risk of macrosomia. The protective factors of macrosomia were maternal pre-pregnancy BMI <18.5 kg/m2 (OR=0.30, 95% CI: 0.15–0.60) and female fetus (OR=0.41, 95% CI: 0.28–0.59). Our study provided a reference for maternal and childcare administration among Zhuang population.
Ein Instrument zur strategischen Kompetenzentwicklung in mittelständischen gewerblichen Betrieben: Die Kompetenzmanagementtabelle (KMT)
Authors: Decius Julian , Schaper Niclas
Published: April 2021

Dieser Beitrag in der ZeitschriftGruppe. Interaktion. Organisation. Zeitschrift für Angewandte Organisationspsychologie (GIO)illustriert die Implementierung und Anwendung eines Tools für die strategische Kompetenzentwicklung in mittelständischen Industriebetrieben – der Kompetenzmanagementtabelle (KMT) – anhand eines betrieblichen Fallbeispiels. Der Hintergrund ist, dass auch kleinere und mittlere produzierende Unternehmen die Personalentwicklung ihrer Beschäftigten unterstützen müssen, um langfristig in einer sich wandelnden Arbeitswelt erfolgreich zu sein. Im Rahmen einer strategischen Kompetenzentwicklung sollten dabei sowohl die Unternehmensziele als auch die aktuellen und zukünftigen Tätigkeitsanforderungen sowie der Ist-Stand an vorhandenen Kompetenzen im Betrieb in den Blick genommen werden. Wegen geringer finanzieller und personeller Ressourcen in kleinen und mittleren Unternehmen ist es sinnvoll, den Personalverantwortlichen in den Betrieben mit der KMT ein Hilfsmittel zur strategischen Kompetenzentwicklung an die Hand zu geben. Der Implementierungsbedarf und mögliche Nutzungsfelder der KMT werden anhand des Anwendungsfalls eines Betriebs mit ca. 240 Beschäftigten aus der Metallbranche dargestellt. Die KMT wurde aufbauend auf einem theoretisch fundierten Konzept entwickelt und orientiert sich direkt an den praktischen Anforderungen, die mittelständische Unternehmen an Kompetenzmanagementinstrumente stellen. Berücksichtigt werden in der KMT fachliche, interpersonelle, methodische und kenntnisbezogene Kompetenzen; zudem existieren Zusatzanalysetools für sprachliche und außerberufliche Kompetenzen. Dabei erfüllt die KMT die Kriterien der einfachen Handhabbarkeit, der zielgruppenorientierten Verständlichkeit sowie der Umsetzbarkeit als datenbankgestütztes System bzw. der Anschlussfähigkeit an bestehende Systeme. Die KMT stellt damit für Personalentwicklungs- und Führungskräfte in kleinen und mittleren Unternehmen eine wesentliche Erleichterung für das strategische Kompetenzmanagement dar.
Interaction between reactive oxygen species and hormones during the breaking of embryo dormancy in Sorbus pohuashanensis by exogenous nitric oxide
Authors: Wang Hao , Tang Shuoran , Wang Jianan , Shen Hailong , Yang Ling
Published: April 2021

The breaking of dormancy mediated by reactive nitrogen species (RNS) is related to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in germinating embryos but the underlying mechanism is unclear. The objectives of this study were: (1) to explore the relationship between RNS-mediated dormancy release and ROS accumulation in germinating embryos of Sorbus pohuashanensis; and, (2) to investigate the relationships among germination time, ROS metabolism, and endogenous hormone synthesis. We studied the effects of exogenous nitric oxide (NO) donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP), the NO scavenger (4-carboxyphenyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide (PTIO), abscisic acid (ABA), the exogenous ethylene donor ethrel, and the ethylene receptor inhibitor 2,5-norbornadien (NBD) on embryo germination and seedling growth. Embryos were released from dormancy by pretreatment with NO or ethylene, which was related to increased ethylene biosynthesis and decreased ABA levels. Breaking of dormancy by SNP was related to increased levels of ethylene, hydrogen peroxide, and glutathione, increased activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, and decreased levels of ABA, superoxide anions, and malondialdehyde. These effects of nitric oxide were especially significant in seedling hypocotyls and radicles. These results demonstrate that NO can break S. pohuashanensis embryo dormancy by inducing ethylene biosynthesis, and that this signalling pathway is closely related to ROS accumulation and the antioxidant defence response.
“I Didn’t Know What They Wanted From Me”–the Perspective of Individuals with Mental Disorders on Police Interventions
Authors: Wittmann Linus , Groen Gunter , Ogorka Janusz , Jörns-Presentati Astrid
Published: April 2021

Encounters between individuals with a mental disorder and police forces can be harmful and dangerous for both parties involved. Previous research explored mostly police officers’ subjective experience of these encounters and focused on their recommendations. The present study takes the perspective of individuals with a mental disorder and investigates their subjective experience of dealing with the police. Thirteen semi-structural interviews were conducted with individuals with a history of mental health problems who have had encounters with the police and experienced contact-based anti-stigmatization interventions as consultants. Interviews revolved around the subjective experience of these police encounters. Questionnaires were used to inquire about context factors, individuals’ perceptions of police officers, and their sense of security during these encounters. Furthermore, individuals were asked to rate police officers’ ability to recognize signs and symptoms of ill mental health and give recommendations in regard to adequate communication strategies, interventions, and police training. The results indicate that encounters were experienced predominantly as positive and non-threatening. Participants emphasized the importance of communication strategies with a focus on empathy and respect. Keeping personal space and satisfying basic needs was recommended. Contact-based anti-stigmatization interventions were regarded as an effective approach to reduce stigma. Empathy and respect are perceived as key strategies for police officers when dealing with individuals with a mental disorder. To promote these strategies, trialogical anti-stigmatization interventions and crisis intervention training, including communication skills and face-to-face contact, are promising approaches.
Clinical Importance of Bone Matrix Damage Mechanisms for Fracture Prevention
Authors: Abel Richard L. , Stavri Richard , Gray Marena , Hansen Ulrich
Published: April 2021

Purpose of Review

Bone matrix exhibits great complexity in its composition, structure and mechanics. Here, we provide a review of recent research articles and appraise the evidence that bone matrix quality is clinically important and possibly targetable for fracture prevention.

Recent Findings

Deformation of mineralised collagen fibrils determines bone fracture mechanics. Slipping and separation at the mineral-fibril and fibril-fibril interfaces, respectively, are the structural mechanisms for plastic deformation and microcrack nucleation. Existing technologies for assessing bone tissue in vivo cannot measure matrix structure or fracture mechanics but have shown limited use in clinical settings for identifying fragility or following treatment outcomes based on composition.

Matrix is biomechanically and clinically important, but the knowledge has not translated into clinical practice. The structural mechanisms by which a load is transferred from mineralised collagen fibrils to the whole bone via microcracking have been proven too complex to measure in vivo. The mineral-fibril or fibril-fibril interfaces might be suitable targets for diagnosing fragility or delivering molecules that reduce fracture risk by strengthening the mineral bonds while maintaining flexibility in the fibrils.
Correction to: Influence of a Planning Intervention on Physical Activity Behavior: The Moderating Role of Intentions and Executive Functions in a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Pfeffer Ines , Strobach Tilo
Published: April 2021

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12529-021-09980-2
The Alexis® system for laparoscopic splenectomy in pediatric patients
Authors: Trovalusci Emanuele , Gasparella Marco , Pizzato Cristina , Midrio Paola
Published: April 2021

The laparoscopic splenectomy in pediatric patients is performed worldwide but often the disproportion between size of patients and size of organs requires an extra laparotomic access for spleen removal. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the Alexis®system to retrieve the spleen without additional laparotomic access. The charts of all patients who underwent splenectomy at our center during the last 5 years were retrieved. In all the cases the Alexis®system was placed in the umbilicus, thru which a 10 mm camera was inserted. Three additional 5 mm standard trocars were inserted. Seven patients, affected by spherocytosis (3), epidermoid cyst (2), idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (2) and thalassemia (1), underwent laparoscopic splenectomy at a median age of 10 years (range: 8–17). Median patients’ weight was 32.5 kg (range: 25–71) and spleen size 15 cm (11–18). In all the cases, upon removal of the camera, the retrieval bag was inserted thru the umbilicus under direct view, the spleen retrieved, morcellated, and removed. No conversion nor enlargement of one of the ports nor an extra laparotomic access were required. The patients were discharged on the fifth post-operative day and the cosmetic results were excellent. Removal of the spleen can be safely performed without any additional laparotomy thru the Alexis®system placed in the umbilicus. This system is effective also in case of major patient/organ size disproportion and the final cosmetic aspect is excellent.
Wo steht mir der Kopf? – Herausforderungen von berufsbegleitend Studierenden während der COVID-19-Pandemie
Authors: Limarutti Andrea , Flaschberger Simone Sigrid , Mir Eva
Published: April 2021

Hintergrund

Aufgrund der COVID-19-Pandemie waren Hochschulen gezwungen, schnellstmöglich auf Onlinelehre umzustellen. Berufsbegleitend Studierenden, welche etwa im Gesundheitsbereich tätig sind, muss die Vereinbarkeit von der 100 %igen Umstellung auf E‑Learning und vollen Anwesenheit in einem systemerhaltenden Beruf gelingen.

Zielsetzung

Ziel der Studie ist es, die Herausforderungen von im Gesundheitsbereich tätigen berufsbegleitend Studierenden zu explorieren, Veränderungsnotwendigkeiten aufzuzeigen und Handlungsempfehlungen für die Hochschule abzuleiten.

Methode

Mittels Onlinefragebogen und offenem Antwortformat wurden Herausforderungen, Vor- und Nachteile, welche sich durch das E‑Learning ergeben, und Verbesserungsvorschläge an der Fachhochschule Kärnten (FHK) erhoben. Die Daten wurden mittels qualitativer Inhaltsanalyse nach Mayring ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse

Die wohl größten Herausforderungen, mit denen berufsbegleitend Studierende zu kämpfen haben, sind das selbstorganisierte Lernen bzw. die (termingerechte) Bewältigung der, oft als zu umfangreich empfundenen, Arbeitsaufträge und das selbstständige Erarbeiten von Lehrinhalten. Weiters berichten die Studierenden über Schwierigkeiten in der Vereinbarkeit von E‑Learning mit Beruf und/oder Familie.

Schlussfolgerung

Die empfundenen Herausforderungen sind grundsätzlich nicht neu, aber unter COVID-19 bedeutsamer denn je, da noch zusätzliche familiäre Verpflichtungen, aber auch Unsicherheiten im Arbeitsalltag dazukommen. Gerade jetzt sollten Lernumwelten, wie sie Hochschulen berufsbegleitend Studierenden derzeit online bieten, als „caring spaces“ verstanden werden. Neben neuen didaktischen Konzepten sollte auch in die Förderung von Selbst- und Sozialkompetenzen der Studierenden investiert werden.
Temporary Urbanisms as Policy Alternatives to Enhance Health and Well-Being in the Post-Pandemic City
Authors: Andres Lauren , Bryson John R. , Moawad Paul
Published: April 2021

Purpose of Review

While there has been extensive discussion on the various forms of temporary uses in urban settings, little is known on the ways in which temporary and health urbanisms connect. Now, a turning point has been reached regarding the interactions between health and the built environment and the contributions made by urban planning and other built environment disciplines. In the context of the post-pandemic city, there is a need to develop a health-led temporary urbanism agenda than can be implemented in various settings both in the Global South and North.

Recent Findings

Health-led temporary urbanism requires a reinterrogation of current models of urban development including designing multifunctional spaces in urban environments that provide sites for temporary urbanism-related activities. A healthy city is an adaptable city and one that provides opportunities for citizen-led interventions intended to enhance well-being by blending the temporary with the permanent and the planned with the improvised.

Health-led temporary urbanism contributes to the call for more trans- and inter-disciplinary discussions allowing to more thoroughly link urban planning and development with health.
Compensating functional iron deficiency in patients with allergies with targeted micronutrition
Authors: Roth-Walter Franziska
Published: April 2021

Iron deficiency is associated with atopy. Iron deficiency during pregnancy increases the risk of atopic diseases in children, while both allergic children and adults are more likely to have iron deficiency anemia. Immunologically, iron deficiency leads to activation of antigen-presenting cells, promotion of Th2 cells and enables antibody class switch in B cells. In addition, iron deficiency primes mast cells for degranulation, while an increase in their iron content inhibits their degranulation. Many allergens, especially those with lipocalin and lipocalin-like protein structures, are able to bind iron and either deprive or supply this trace element to immune cells. Thus, a local induced iron deficiency will result in immune activation and allergic sensitization. However, lipocalin proteins such as the whey protein β‑lactoglobulin (BLG) can also transport micronutrients into the defense cells (holo-BLG: BLG with micronutrients) and hinder their activation, thereby promoting tolerance and protecting against allergy. Since 2019, several clinical trials have also been conducted in allergic subjects using holo-BLG as a supplementary balanced diet, leading to a reduction in symptom burden. Supplementation with holo-BLG specifically supplied defense cells with micronutrients such as iron and therefore represents a new dietary approach to compensate for functional iron deficiency in allergy sufferers.
Betwixt and Between: Adolescent Transitions and Social Policy Lacunae in Ethiopia
Authors: Devonald Megan , Jones Nicola , Hamory Joan , Yadete Workneh
Published: April 2021

Many adolescents in Ethiopia face difficulties in successfully transitioning to healthy adulthood. This can stem from challenges experienced by two unique phenomenon: ‘early adulthood’ where adolescents are forced into adult responsibilities too early; and ‘waithood’ where adolescents are unable to obtain the foundations they need to successfully move into adulthood. This paper uses the lens of these two opposing challenges to explore adolescents’ ability to successfully transition into adulthood and examine how far social policies support these transitions. It uses qualitative and quantitative data from the Gender and Adolescence: Global Evidence (GAGE) study on adolescents and young adults, their caregivers and key informants, from diverse rural, urban and pastoralist settings in Ethiopia. Our findings show that adolescent transitions are impacted by a range of diverse barriers with high levels of unsupported adolescents facing early adulthood or waithood. As such, we find that adolescents are being failed by social policies at each end of the spectrum. Social policies could provide a foundation to support these adolescents, yet we find that many are insufficiently age-disaggregated to take into account their diverse needs. In order to appropriately support these individuals in transitioning to healthy adulthood, social policies need to be targeted at adolescents throughout each stage of their transition. Furthermore, such comprehensive age- and gender-responsive social protection should be complemented with wider programming, such as awareness building, skills training, and adolescent-friendly health and mental health services.
Mindfulness, Compassion, and Self-Compassion as Moderator of Environmental Support on Competency in Mental Health Nursing
Authors: Rizal Fajar , Egan Helen , Mantzios Michael
Published: April 2021

This research explored the established relationship between environmental support and competency for Mental Health Nurses, intending to investigate whether the tendency to display higher levels of mindfulness, compassion, and self-compassion might buffer the effect of a poor environment on competency. One questionnaire was comprised of five pre-developed questionnaires, which included all items examining environmental support, competency, mindfulness, compassion, and self-compassion. Mental Health Nurses (n = 103) were recruited from online forums and social media group pages in the UK. The result showed environmental support related positively to competency. Furthermore, the positive relationship of competency with environmental support was moderated when controlling for compassion but did not with mindfulness and self-compassion, although subscales showed some further interactions. When poor environmental support influences the competency of mental health professionals, compassion and mindfulness-based interactions may have the potential to uphold competency.
A case study on the observability of cutting fluid flow and the associated contact mechanics in scaled rough surfaces
Authors: Müller Michael , Stahl Lukas , Arafat Robar , Madanchi Nadine , Herrmann Christoph
Published: April 2021

In grinding processes, heat is generated by the contact of the grains with the workpiece. In order to reduce damages on the workpiece and the grinding tool, cutting fluids are necessary for most grinding processes. They have the tasks of cooling and lubricating the contact zone and to remove the chips from the contact area. Different types of cutting fluids perform differently regarding these tasks, which can be investigated on a laboratory scale. However, the results of those experiments are limited to certain workpieces and processes and information about the contact mechanics are not available. The experimental investigation of contact mechanics under cutting fluid influence is hardly possible. For this reason, this paper uses a measurement strategy that uses scaled topographies and has already been successfully applied to contact mechanics problems. With such a setup, it is intended that at an early stage in the development of cutting fluids, their characteristics in terms of contact mechanics can be determined very efficiently. To demonstrate this approach, two different cutting fluids were tested with the help of the associated test rig—a water miscible emulsion and a non-water miscible grinding oil. The two fluids showed fundamentally different characteristics regarding their hydrodynamic load bearing effect, their influence on the friction behavior of the contact and their fluid flow in the gap. The properties analyzed here correspond to the practical application of cutting fluids. The results underline the potential of the presented setup for an integration into the development process of cutting fluids.
Label-Free Evaluation of Chromatin Condensation in Human Normal Morphology Sperm Using Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Jahmani M. Y. , Hammadeh M. E. , Al Smadi M. A. , Baller Marko K.
Published: April 2021

Chromatin condensation is one of the main factors essential for sperm function. Evaluation of chromatin condensation by current methods render the assessed sperm unsuitable for assisted reproduction. We examined the Raman spectra of normal morphology sperm to determine whether a non-invasive confocal Raman spectroscopy can detect spectral differences between groups having different levels of chromatin condensation. Semen samples from 85 donors who underwent ICSI were obtained. Chromomycin A3, aniline blue and acridine orange staining were performed to evaluate the protamine deficiency, histone retention and DNA fragmentation respectively. Raman spectra were obtained from 50 normal morphology sperm for each donor. Spectral analysis was performed using home written programs in LabVIEW software and samples were grouped based on chromomycin A3 staining. Raman peaks intensities at 670 cm-1, 731 cm-1, 785 cm-1, 858 cm-1, 1062 cm-1, 1098 cm-1, 1185 cm-1, 1372 cm-1, 1424 cm-1, 1450 cm-1, 1532 cm-1, 1618 cm-1 and 1673 cm-1 were significantly correlated with at least one of the sperm staining methods. The median intensity of the Raman peaks at 670 cm-1, 731 cm-1, 785 cm-1, 1062 cm-1, 1098 cm-1, 1185 cm-1, 1372 cm-1, 1424 cm-1, 1450 cm-1, 1532 cm-1, 1618 cm-1 and 1673 cm-1 show a significant difference between the CMA3≤41 and CMA3>41groups. The Raman spectroscopic measurements represent a promising diagnostic tool that has the ability to label-free detect sperm with chromatin abnormalities, such as improper chromatin condensation and DNA fragmentation to a certain degree similar to that of the existing staining techniques at the individual cell level.
Administrative level, city tier, and air quality: contextual determinants of hukou conversion for migrants in China
Authors: Wang Chenglong , Shen Jianfa , Liu Ye
Published: April 2021

Hukou reform and relevant policies are being implemented in current China, but the response of migrants to hukou conversion in destinations falls short of expectation. It is significant to understand how contextual factors in destination cities affect migrants’ willingness of hukou conversion. Considering administrative dimension, socio-economic dimension, and environmental dimension, this study focuses on migrants with settlement intention and examines the impact of administrative level, city tier, and air quality on their willingness of hukou conversion, using questionnaire data collected in 334 cities in 2017. It is found that migrants with settlement intention have a strong incentive to obtain local hukou in destination cities with high administrative levels and city tiers in the northeast, east, and middle China. This effect is increasingly significant for destinations from southwest to northeast China. While in cities with lower city tiers, migrants with settlement intention are less willing to obtain local hukou in the destination. Air quality has a limited impact on migrants’ willingness of hukou conversion. But the role of air quality varies among different regions. These findings support that both environmental protection and economic development are important to promote urbanization in China.
Consumer willingness-to-pay for restaurant surcharges to reduce carbon emissions: default and information effects
Authors: Long Dede , West Grant H. , Nayga Rodolfo M.
Published: April 2021

The agriculture and food sectors contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. About 15 percent of food-related carbon emissions are channeled through restaurants. Using a contingent valuation (CV) method with double-bounded dichotomous choice (DBDC) questions, this article investigates U.S. consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for an optional restaurant surcharge in support of carbon emission reduction programs. The mean estimated WTP for a surcharge is 6.05 percent of an average restaurant check, while the median WTP is 3.64 percent. Our results show that individuals have a higher WTP when the surcharge is automatically added to restaurant checks. We also find that an information nudge—a short climate change script—significantly increases WTP. Additionally, our results demonstrate that there is heterogeneity in treatment effects across consumers’ age, environmental awareness, and economic views. Our findings suggest that a surcharge program could transfer a meaningful amount of the agricultural carbon reduction burden to consumers that farmers currently shoulder.