bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic performance of preoperative [18F]FDG-PET/CT for lymph node staging in vulvar cancer: a large single-centre study
Authors: Rufini Vittoria , Garganese Giorgia , Ieria Francesco P. , Pasciuto Tina , Fragomeni Simona M. , Gui Benedetta , Florit Anita , Inzani Frediano , Zannoni Gian Franco , Scambia Giovanni , Giordano Alessandro , Collarino Angela
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This retrospective study aimed to assess the diagnostic performance of preoperative [18F]FDG-PET/CT in predicting the groin and pelvic lymph node (LN) status in a large single-centre series of vulvar cancer patients.

Methods

Between January 2013 and October 2018, among all consecutive women with proven vulvar cancer submitted to [18F]FDG-PET/CT, 160 patients were included. LNs were analysed by two qualitative methods assessing PET information (defined as visual assessment) and a combination of PET and low-dose CT information (defined as overall assessment), respectively, as well as semi-quantitative analysis (LN-SUVmax). Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV) in predicting the groin and pelvic LN status were calculated in the overall study population; a subset analysis of groin parameters in clinically/ultrasonography negative patients was also performed. Histopathology was the reference standard.

Results

All patients underwent vulvar and inguinofemoral LN surgery, and 35 pelvic LN surgery. Overall, 338 LN sites (296 groins and 42 pelvic sites) were histologically examined with 30.4% prevalence of metastatic groins and 28.6% for metastatic pelvic sites. In the overall study population, sensitivity (95% confidence interval, CI), specificity (95% CI), accuracy (95% CI), PPV (95% CI) and NPV (95% CI) at the groin level were 85.6% (78.3–92.8), 65.5% (59.0–72.0), 71.6% (66.5–76.8), 52.0% (44.0–60.1) and 91.2% (86.7–95.8) for visual assessment; 78.9% (70.5–87.3), 78.2% (72.5–83.8), 78.4% (73.7–83.1), 61.2% (52.3–70.1) and 89.4% (85.0–93.9) for overall assessment; and 73.3% (64.2–82.5), 85.0% (80.1–89.8), 81.4% (77.0–85.8), 68.0% (58.8–77.3) and 87.9% (83.4–92.5) for semi-quantitative analysis (SUVmax cut-off value 1.89 achieved by ROC analysis). Similar results were observed in the pelvis-based analysis.

Conclusion

In this large single-centre series of vulvar cancer patients, [18F]FDG-PET/CT showed good values of sensitivity and NPV in discriminating metastatic from non-metastatic LNs. In routine clinical practice, qualitative analysis is a reliable interpretative criterion making unnecessary commonly used semi-quantitative methods such as SUVmax.
Fast‐Track Liver Transplantation: Six‐year Prospective Cohort Study with an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Protocol
Authors: Rodríguez‐Laiz Gonzalo P. , Melgar‐Requena Paola , Alcázar‐López Cándido F. , Franco‐Campello Mariano , Villodre‐Tudela Celia , Pascual‐Bartolomé Sonia , Bellot‐García Pablo , Rodríguez‐Soler María , Miralles‐Maciá Cayetano F. , Más‐Serrano Patricio , Navarro‐Martínez José A. , Martínez‐Adsuar Francisco J. , Gómez‐Salinas Luis , Jaime‐Sánchez Francisco A. , Perdiguero‐Gil Miguel , Díaz‐Cuevas María , Palazón‐Azorín José M. , Such‐Ronda José , Lluís‐Casajuana Félix , Ramia‐Ángel José M.
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) has been shown to facilitate discharge, decrease length of stay, improve outcomes and reduce costs. We used this concept to design a comprehensive fast‐track pathway (OR‐to‐discharge) before starting our liver transplant activity and then applied this protocol prospectively to every patient undergoing liver transplantation at our institution, monitoring the results periodically. We now report our first six years results.

Patients and methods

Prospective cohort study of all the liver transplants performed at our institution for the first six years. Balanced general anesthesia, fluid restriction, thromboelastometry, inferior vena cava preservation and temporary portocaval shunt were strategies common to all cases. Standard immunosuppression administered included steroids, tacrolimus (delayed in the setting of renal impairment, with basiliximab induction added) and mycophenolate mofetil. Tacrolimus dosing was adjusted using a Bayesian estimation methodology. Oral intake and ambulation were started early.

Results

A total of 240 transplants were performed in 236 patients (191♂/45♀) over 74 months, mean age 56.3±9.6 years, raw MELD score 15.5±7.7. Predominant etiologies were alcohol (n = 136) and HCV (n = 82), with hepatocellular carcinoma present in 129 (54.7%). Nine patients received combined liver and kidney transplants. The mean operating time was 315±64 min with cold ischemia times of 279±88 min. Thirty‐one patients (13.1%) were transfused in the OR (2.4±1.2 units of PRBC). Extubation was immediate (< 30 min) in all but four patients. Median ICU length of stay was 12.7 hours, and median post‐transplant hospital stay was 4 days (2‐76) with 30 patients (13.8%) going home by day 2, 87 (39.9%) by day 3, and 133 (61%) by day 4, defining our fast‐track group. Thirty‐day‐readmission rate (34.9%) was significantly lower (28.6% vs. 44.7% p=0.015) in the fast‐track group. Patient survival was 86.8% at 1 year and 78.6% at five years.

Conclusion

Fast‐Tracking of Liver Transplant patients is feasible and can be applied as the standard of care
Understanding the variability of the rainfall dipole in West Africa using the EC-Earth last millennium simulation
Authors: Zhang Qiong , Berntell Ellen , Li Qiang , Ljungqvist Fredrik Charpentier
Published: February 2021

There is a well-known mode of rainfall variability associating opposite hydrological conditions over the Sahel region and the Gulf of Guinea, forming a dipole pattern. Previous meteorological observations show that the dipole pattern varies at interannual timescales. Using an EC-Earth climate model simulation for last millennium (850–1850 CE), we investigate the rainfall variability in West Africa over longer timescales. The 1000-year-long simulation data show that this rainfall dipole presents at decadal to multidecadal and centennial variability and long-term trend. Using the singular value decomposition (SVD) analysis, we identified that the rainfall dipole present in the first SVD mode with 60% explained variance and associated with the variabilities in tropical Atlantic sea surface temperature (SST). The second SVD mode shows a monopole rainfall variability pattern centred over the Sahel, associated with the extra-tropical Atlantic SST variability. We conclude that the rainfall dipole-like pattern is a natural variability mode originated from the local ocean–atmosphere-land coupling in the tropical Atlantic basin. The warm SST anomalies in the equatorial Atlantic Ocean favour an anomalous low pressure at the tropics. This low pressure weakens the meridional pressure gradient between the Saharan Heat Low and the tropical Atlantic. It leads to anomalous northeasterly, reduces the southwesterly moisture flux into the Sahel and confines the Gulf of Guinea's moisture convergence. The influence from extra-tropical climate variability, such as Atlantic multidecadal oscillation, tends to modify the rainfall dipole pattern to a monopole pattern from the Gulf of Guinea to Sahara through influencing the Sahara heat low. External forcing—such as orbital forcing, solar radiation, volcanic and land-use—can amplify/dampen the dipole mode through thermal forcing and atmosphere dynamical feedback.
Psychosoziale Auswirkungen der Pandemie auf Pflegekräfte und Bewohner von Pflegeheimen sowie deren Angehörige – Ein systematisches Review
Authors: Benzinger P. , Kuru S. , Keilhauer A. , Hoch J. , Prestel P. , Bauer J. M. , Wahl H. W.
Published: February 2021

Hintergrund

Die COVID-19-Pandemie stellt Bewohner von Altenpflegeeinrichtungen, deren Angehörige bzw. Besucher ebenso wie Mitarbeitende vor große Herausforderungen. Viruseindämmende Maßnahmen wirken sich stark auf das Wohlbefinden der betroffenen Personengruppen aus.

Material und Methode

Systematische Literatursuche nach Studien zu psychosozialen Folgen der Pandemie für Bewohner, deren Angehörige bzw. Besucher sowie Mitarbeitende und Zusammenführung der Ergebnisse mittels narrativer Synthese.

Ergebnisse

Es wurden 756 Studien gesichtet, davon 15 Arbeiten eingeschlossen. Die Daten wurden zwischen Februar und Juni 2020 mit Teilnehmenden aus 14 Ländern erhoben. Es wurden v. a. Einsamkeit, Trauer und Depressivität, aber auch Angst, als häufige Reaktionen der Bewohner auf die Kontakt- und Besuchsrestriktionen berichtet. Bewohner mit kognitiven Einschränkungen litten stärker unter den Auswirkungen, auch wenn es gegenteilige Hinweise gibt. Angehörige bzw. Besucher berichteten ebenfalls von einer Zunahme ihrer Einsamkeit und einer reduzierten Lebensqualität. In den Befragungen der Mitarbeitenden schildern diese Angst vor einer Infektion sowohl bei sich als auch bei den Bewohnern. Infizierte Mitarbeitende in den USA äußerten Wut darüber, nicht ausreichend geschützt worden zu sein. Darüber hinaus berichteten Mitarbeitende von einer erheblichen Mehrbelastung.

Schlussfolgerung

Infolge der Pandemie und der ergriffenen Maßnahmen wurden negative psychosozialen Folgen bei Bewohnern, deren Angehörigen bzw. Besuchern und den Mitarbeitenden berichtet. Die abzuleitenden Unterstützungsbedarfe der 3 Personengruppen sind unterschiedlich und sollten bei zukünftigen Maßnahmen hinsichtlich der Pandemie stärker mitevaluiert werden.
Pros and cons of navigated versus conventional total knee arthroplasty—a retrospective analysis of over 2400 patients
Authors: Meyer Matthias , Renkawitz Tobias , Völlner Florian , Benditz Achim , Grifka Joachim , Weber Markus
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Because of the ongoing discussion of imageless navigation in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), its advantages and disadvantages were evaluated in a large patient cohort.

Methods

This retrospective analysis included 2464 patients who had undergone TKA at a high-volume university arthroplasty center between 2012 and 2017. Navigated and conventional TKA were compared regarding postoperative mechanical axis, surgery duration, complication rates, one-year postoperative patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) (WOMAC and EQ-5D indices), and responder rates as defined by the criteria of the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology and Osteoarthritis Research Society International consensus (OMERACT-OARSI).

Results

Both navigated (1.8 ± 1.6°) and conventional TKA (2.1 ± 1.6°, p = 0.002) enabled the exact reconstruction of mechanical axis. Surgery duration was six minutes longer for navigated TKA than for conventional TKA (p < 0.001). Complication rates were low in both groups with comparable frequencies: neurological deficits (p = 0.39), joint infection (p = 0.42 and thromboembolic events (p = 0.03). Periprosthetic fractures occurred more frequently during conventional TKA (p = 0.001). One-year PROMs showed excellent improvement in both groups. The WOMAC index was statistically higher for navigated TKA than for conventional TKA (74.7 ± 19.0 vs. 71.7 ± 20.7, p = 0.014), but the increase was not clinically relevant. Both groups had a similarly high EQ-5D index (0.23 ± 0.24 vs. 0.26 ± 0.25, p = 0.11) and responder rate (86.5% [256/296] vs. 85.9% [981/1142], p = 0.92).

Conclusion

Both methods enable accurate postoperative leg alignment with low complication rates and equally successful PROMs and responder rates one year postoperatively.

Level of evidence

III. Retrospective cohort study.
Surgery to relieve nasal obstruction: outcome for 366 patients operated on by one senior surgeon
Authors: Pedersen Lars Aksel , Dölvik S. , Holmberg K. , Emanuelsson C. Ahlström , Johansson H. , Schiöler L. , Hellgren J. , Steinsvåg S.
Published: February 2021

Background

Studies of patient-rated outcome in septoplasty and turbinoplasty most frequently involve several surgeons with varying surgical skills, techniques and experience. The aim of the present study was to evaluate outcome based on one experienced surgeon.

Methods

Three hundred and sixty-six consecutive patients referred for nasal obstruction were included. All the patients were examined with nasal endoscopy before and after decongestion, they filled out a nose VAS and rated their overall general health before and three to six months after surgery. The patients underwent septoplasty, septoplasty plus turbinoplasty or turbinoplasty.

Results

The mean nose VAS for nasal obstruction (0–100) preoperatively was 64.7 for all patients. Patients undergoing septoplasty (n = 159) were younger than patients undergoing septoplasty + turbinoplasty (n = 79) or patients undergoing turbinoplasty alone (n = 128). The nose VAS for nasal obstruction improved significantly in all three groups and 25% had a normal nose VAS after surgery in the septoplasty and septoplasty + turbinoplasty groups compared to only 8% in the turbinoplasty alone group. There was no significant difference in the improvement in nasal obstruction between septoplasty and septoplasty + turbinoplasty, but the septoplasty + turbinoplasty group experienced a significantly greater improvement in general health.

Conclusions

In 366 patients operated on by one experienced surgeon, septoplasty and septoplasty + turbinoplasty were more effective at relieving nasal obstruction than turbinoplasty alone. Septoplasty + turbinoplasty resulted in a greater improvement in general health than septoplasty alone, despite the same improvement in nasal obstruction, indicating a beneficial effect of additional turbinoplasty in septoplasty.
Model order reduction for deformable porous materials in thin domains via asymptotic analysis
Authors: Armiti-Juber Alaa , Ricken Tim
Published: February 2021

We study fluid-saturated porous materials that undergo poro-elastic deformations in thin domains. The mechanics in such materials are described using a biphasic model based on the theory of porous media (TPM) and consisting of a system of differential equations for material’s displacement and fluid’s pressure. These equations are in general strongly coupled and nonlinear, such that exact solutions are hard to obtain and numerical solutions are computationally expensive. This paper reduces the complexity of the biphasic model in thin domains with a scale separation between domain’s width and length. Based on standard asymptotic analysis, we derive a reduced model that combines two sub-models. Firstly, a limit model consists of averaged equations that describe the fluid pore pressure and displacement in the longitudinal direction of the domain. Secondly, a corrector model re-captures the mechanics in the transverse direction. The validity of the reduced model is finally tested using a set of numerical examples. These demonstrate the computational efficiency of the reduced model, while maintaining reliable solutions in comparison with original biphasic TPM model in thin domain.
Determinants of growth after kidney transplantation in prepubertal children
Authors: Grohs Julia , Rebling Rainer-Maria , Froede Kerstin , Hmeidi Kristin , Pavičić Leo , Gellermann Jutta , Müller Dominik , Querfeld Uwe , Haffner Dieter , Živičnjak Miroslav
Published: February 2021

Background

Short stature is a frequent complication after pediatric kidney transplantation (KT). Whether the type of transplantation and prior treatment with recombinant human growth hormone (GH) affects post-transplant growth, is unclear.

Methods

Body height, leg length, sitting height, and sitting height index (as a measure of body proportions) were prospectively investigated in 148 prepubertal patients enrolled in the CKD Growth and Development study with a median follow-up of 5.0 years. We used linear mixed-effects models to identify predictors for body dimensions.

Results

Pre-transplant Z scores for height (− 2.18), sitting height (− 1.37), and leg length (− 2.30) were reduced, and sitting height index (1.59) was increased compared to healthy children, indicating disproportionate short stature. Catch-up growth in children aged less than 4 years was mainly due to stimulated trunk length, and in older children to improved leg length, resulting in normalization of body height and proportions before puberty in the majority of patients. Use of GH in the pre-transplant period, congenital CKD, birth parameters, parental height, time after KT, steroid exposure, and transplant function were significantly associated with growth outcome. Although, unadjusted growth data suggested superior post-transplant growth after (pre-emptive) living donor KT, this was no longer true after adjusting for the abovementioned confounders.

Conclusions

Catch-up growth after KT is mainly due to stimulated trunk growth in young children (< 4 years) and improved leg growth in older children. Beside transplant function, steroid exposure and use of GH in the pre-transplant period are the main potentially modifiable factors associated with better growth outcome.
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN): current therapies and topical treatment option with high-concentration capsaicin
Authors: Maihöfner Christian , Diel Ingo , Tesch Hans , Quandel Tamara , Baron Ralf
Published: February 2021

Cancer diagnosis and treatment are drastic events for patients and their families. Besides psychological aspects of the disease, patients are often affected by severe side effects related to the cancer itself or as a result of therapeutic interventions. Particularly, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is the most prevalent neurological complication of oral or intravenous chemotherapy. The disorder may require dose reduction of chemotherapy and is accompanied by multiple symptoms with long-term functional impairment affecting quality of life (QoL), e.g., sensory and functional deteriorations as well as severe pain. Although CIPN may reverse or improve after termination of the causative chemotherapy, approximately 30–40% of patients are faced with chronicity of the symptoms. Due to the advantages in cancer diagnosis and treatments, survival rates of cancer patients rise and CIPN may occur even more frequently in the future. In this review, we summarize current recommendations of leading national and international societies regarding prevention and treatment options in CIPN. A special focus will be placed on current evidence for topical treatment of CIPN with high-dose capsaicin. Finally, an algorithm for CIPN treatment in clinical practice is provided, including both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic modalities based on the clinical presentation.
Amantadine: reappraisal of the timeless diamond—target updates and novel therapeutic potentials
Authors: Danysz Wojciech , Dekundy Andrzej , Scheschonka Astrid , Riederer Peter
Published: February 2021

The aim of the current review was to provide a new, in-depth insight into possible pharmacological targets of amantadine to pave the way to extending its therapeutic use to further indications beyond Parkinson’s disease symptoms and viral infections. Considering amantadine’s affinities in vitro and the expected concentration at targets at therapeutic doses in humans, the following primary targets seem to be most plausible: aromatic amino acids decarboxylase, glial-cell derived neurotrophic factor, sigma-1 receptors, phosphodiesterases, and nicotinic receptors. Further three targets could play a role to a lesser extent: NMDA receptors, 5-HT3 receptors, and potassium channels. Based on published clinical studies, traumatic brain injury, fatigue [e.g., in multiple sclerosis (MS)], and chorea in Huntington’s disease should be regarded potential, encouraging indications. Preclinical investigations suggest amantadine’s therapeutic potential in several further indications such as: depression, recovery after spinal cord injury, neuroprotection in MS, and cutaneous pain. Query in the database http://www.clinicaltrials.gov reveals research interest in several further indications: cancer, autism, cocaine abuse, MS, diabetes, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, obesity, and schizophrenia.
Patient-reported outcomes and complication rates after lateral maxillary sinus floor elevation: a prospective study
Authors: Rengo Carlo , Fiorino Antonino , Cucchi Alessandro , Nappo Antonio , Randellini Emanuele , Calamai Paolo , Ferrari Marco
Published: February 2021

Objectives

Oral surgery morbidity is highly variable based on patients’ characteristics and kind of surgical intervention. However, poor data are available in the literature regarding patient outcomes after oral surgery. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate patient-reported outcome and complication rates after maxillary sinus floor elevation.

Materials and methods

Data from the records of patients undergoing maxillary sinus elevation have been collected from a private dental office. Patient-reported outcome has been assessed using a 100-mm visual analog scale to evaluate the post-operative pain (VASpain) experienced in the first week following surgery and visual rating scales to evaluate discomfort level (VRSdiscomfort: 0 to 4) and willingness to repeat the same surgical procedure (VRSwillingness: 0 to 3). Analgesics intake, swelling onset and duration, and ecchymosis have been also recorded.

Results

VASpainshowed moderate values in the first 2 days (< 50) post-surgery, with a tendency to progressively decrease over the next 2 days. Average assumption of painkillers was 3.93 ± 3.03. Discomfort level (VRSdiscomfort) after surgery was low (median: 1; IR: 1–0), while willingness to undergo the same surgical procedure was very high (77.63% of patients). Swelling and ecchymosis were experienced by 97.36% and 51.32% of patients, respectively, with a mean duration of 4.09 ± 1.43 and 2.21 ± 2.31 days, respectively. Membrane perforation occurred in 4 cases. Other post-operative complications were not observed.

Conclusions

Maxillary sinus grafting is a safe procedure, with a low complication rate and moderate morbidity that is well tolerated by patients. Particular attention is needed in case selection, surgical planning and operator expertise.

Clinical relevance

The analysis of patient-reported outcomes can be of great help in surgical planning and in providing correct and adequate treatment.
On the Resilience of Even-Mansour to Invariant Permutations
Authors: Mennink Bart , Neves Samuel
Published: February 2021

Symmetric cryptographic primitives are often exposed to invariances: deterministic relations between plaintexts and ciphertexts that propagate through the primitive. Recent invariant subspace attacks have shown that these can be a serious issue. One way to mitigate invariant subspace attacks is at the primitive level, namely by proper use of round constants (Beierle et al., CRYPTO 2017). In this work, we investigate how to thwart invariance exploitation at the mode level, namely by assuring that a mode never evaluates its underlying primitive under any invariance. We first formalize the use of invariant cryptographic permutations from a security perspective, and analyze the Even-Mansour block cipher construction. We further demonstrate how the model composes, and apply it to the keyed sponge construction. The security analyses exactly pinpoint how the presence of linear invariances affects the bounds compared with analyses in the random permutation model. As such, they give an exact indication how invariances can be exploited. From a practical side, we apply the derived security bounds to the case where the Even-Mansour construction is instantiated with the 512-bit ChaCha permutation, and derive a distinguishing attack against Even-Mansour-ChaCha in $$2^{128}$$

2
128

queries, faster than the birthday bound. Comparable results are derived for instantiation using the 200-bit Keccak permutation without round constants (attack in $$2^{50}$$

2
50

queries), the 1024-bit CubeHash permutation (attack in $$2^{256}$$

2
256

queries), and the 384-bit Gimli permutation without round constants (attack in $$2^{96}$$

2
96

queries). The attacks do not invalidate the security of the permutations themselves, but rather they demonstrate the tightness of our bounds and confirm that care should be taken when employing a cryptographic primitive that has nontrivial linear invariances.
Beyond virology: environmental constraints of the first wave of COVID-19 cases in Italy
Authors: Mulder Christian , Conti Erminia , Saccone Salvatore , Federico Concetta
Published: February 2021

Global warming and air pollution affect the transmission pathway and the survival of viruses, altering the human immune system as well. The first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically highlights the key roles of climate and air chemistry in viral epidemics. The elongated form of the Italian peninsula and the two major islands (the largest in Europe) is a perfect case study to assess some of these key roles, as the fate of the virus is mirroring the industrialization in the continental part of our country. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5), geography, and climate explain what is happening in Italy and support cleaner air actions to address efficiently other outbreaks. Besides the environmental factors, future works should also address the genetic difference among individuals to explain the spatial variability of the human response to viral infections.
Prognostic factors of post-traumatic stress disorder risk in patients with surgical treatment of hip acetabular fracture. Original study
Authors: Truszczyńska-Baszak Aleksandra , Guszkowska Monika , Dadura Emilia , Tarnowski Adam
Published: February 2021

The aim of the study was to assess the risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder in patients after hip acetabular fracture surgery. The study involved 42 patients fulfilling inclusion criteria. Physical ability levels of the patients were determined with the Harris Hip Score, and modified Merle d’Aubigné scale. High risk of post-traumatic stress disorder was assessed with the PTSD-C questionnaire. Patients had in PTSD-C questionnaire 42.86 ± 28,10 points. In Harris Hip Score 63.64 ± 16.06, in Merle scale 11.10 ± 2.82, that was poor results in both scales. Positive correlation with age reached the level of tendency (ρ = 0.294; p = 0.059). Patients at risk of PTSD were in worse functional state measured by HHS (U = 136.0; p = 0.034) and Merle scale (U = 132.0; p = 0.026) and they were older (U = 147.5; p = 0.068). The groups differed significantly in gender ratio (χ2 = 4.01; p = 0.045). Women (8/10) were more often than men (14/32) at risk of PTSD. Patients after surgical fixation of the acetabulum experience significant functional disability. Increased level of disability after fracture and surgery, older age and female sex make patients vulnerable to PTSD. It is advisable to make medical staff who treat accident victims aware towards aspects which may be related to disorders of the patients’ psychological health.
Üben!
Authors: Giese Martin , Brinkmann Malte
Published: February 2021

Der Beitrag geht von der Annahme aus, dass das Üben in der Sportpädagogik eine vergessene und verkannte Praxis ist, obwohl das Üben eine elementare Praxis der Sportpädagogik darstellt und kaum eine Unterrichtsstunde ohne Übungsphasen auszukommen vermag. Eine systematische und theoretisch elaborierte Auseinandersetzung mit dem Übungsbegriff steht in der Sportpädagogik bisher aus. Vor dem Hintergrund dieser Bestandsaufnahme verfolgt der Beitrag das Ziel, eine sportpädagogische Theorie des Übens in bildungstheoretischer Perspektive zur Diskussion zu stellen. Die bildungstheoretische Perspektive macht dabei deutlich, dass im Einüben einer Fertigkeit auch das Ausüben einer Fähigkeit stattfindet. Üben ist nicht nur etwas üben, sondern immer auchsich selbst üben. Als soziale und edukative Tätigkeit, die darauf abzielt, jemand anderen zum Üben anzuregen, betrifft die Übung das Verhältnis des Übenden zu sich, zu anderen und zur Welt, wobei es zu einer Transformation dieses Verhältnisses im Sinne einer bildenden Erfahrung kommen kann. Da sich von den Strukturen des Übens und Lernens nicht unvermittelt auf das Lehren und die Übung schließen lässt, werden aus den bildungstheoretischen Überlegungen schlussendlich auch didaktische Grundlagen der Übung im Sportunterricht abgeleitet.
A reassessment of several erstwhile methods for isolating DNA fragments from agarose gels
Authors: Gao Xia , Zhang Keyin , Lu Tianzhu , Zhao Yan , Zhou Haiyan , Yu Yanqin , Zellmer Lucas , He Yan , Huang Hai , Joshua Liao Dezhong
Published: February 2021

Molecular biology research often requires extraction of DNA fragments from agarose gels. In the past decades, there have been many methods developed for this purpose. Currently most researchers, especially novices, use commercial kits for this extraction, although these kits cost money and the procedures involved are not necessarily easier than some erstwhile methods. We herein reintroduce and reassess several simple and cost-free older methods. One method involves excising a slice of the gel containing the DNA fragment, followed by a thaw-and-freeze procedure to release the DNA from the gel slice into the gel-making buffer. The second method involves a dialysis tubing and requires electroelution of the DNA from the gel slice in the tubing. The third one is to centrifuge the gel slice to release the DNA. The fourth method requires electro-transfer of the DNA from the gel into a filter paper, while the fifth one includes either allowing the DNA in the slice to be dissolved into a buffer or dissolving the DNA-containing gel slice, followed by DNA precipitation with ethanol or isopropanol. The strengths and weaknesses of these methods are discussed to assist researchers in making their choice. We also point out that some of the end uses of the DNA fragment in the agarose gel may not actually require extraction of the DNA. For instance, a tiny DNA-containing gel block or filter paper can be directly used as the template in a nested or semi-nested polymerase chain reaction to preliminarily determine the identity of the DNA fragment.
A completely reusable aerospace system based on subsonic carrier with the return of the first stages to the starting point
Authors: Buzuluk V. I. , Mikhalyov S. M.
Published: February 2021

The concept of aerospace system based on air launch from subsonic twin-fuselage aircraft and the rocket launch into orbit is investigated. The scheme of aerospace system trajectory providing a return to the starting point both of the carrier and the first rocket stage with liquid-fuel motors is proposed. It was shown that the use of subsonic carrier as a launching platform of the rocket system increases the payload mass by 1.2% of the rocket segment MTOW as compared to autonomous ground take-off. The comparative analysis of three versions of carrier aircraft and three fuel options at the first rocket stage was carried out. Analysis showed that compared to kerosene variant the hydrogen hypersonic booster makes it possible to significantly increase the payload mass while the launching costs stay the same.
Fibonacci numbers in graphs with strong (1, 1, 2)-kernels
Authors: Bednarz Urszula , Włoch Iwona
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we study strong (1, 1, 2)-kernels in graphs which generalize classical kernels, (1, 2)-kernels and 2-dominating kernels, simultaneously. We give a complete characterization of trees with a strong (1, 1, 2)-kernel. Moreover, we present some realization theorems and show connections between the number of strong (1, 1, 2)-kernels and Fibonacci and Lucas numbers.
On a class of analytic functions related to Robertson’s formula and subordination
Authors: Lecko Adam , Murugusundaramoorthy Gangadharan , Sivasubramanian Srikandan
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we define and study a class of analytic functions in the unit disc by modification of the well-known Robertson’s analytic formula for starlike functions with respect to a boundary point combined with subordination. An integral representation and growth theorem are proved. Early coefficients and the Fekete–Szegö functional are also estimated.
Melting Cell Based Compensated Design Method for Improving Dimensional Accuracy of Additively Manufactured Thin Channels
Authors: Sun Li , Ren Xiaobo , He Jianying , Zhang Zhiliang
Published: February 2021

Powder-bed fusion additive manufacturing technology makes it possible to produce parts with complicated geometry and high accuracy. However, dimensional deviation caused by powder overmelting and dross formation is still a challenge for manufacturing thin channels. In this study, the origins of the overmelting of printed thin channels were analyzed and a concept called “melting cell” is proposed to describe and quantify the geometric error. Based on the geometrical relationship between the melting cell and target channel, a method for predicting and optimizing the final geometry of thin channels is outlined. In order to verify the method, geometries of thin horizontal circular channels in various sizes are studied as examples. The predicted results by the proposed method show a remarkable agreement with available experimental results. Moreover, a new egg-shaped compensated design, which is able to improve the dimensional accuracy of thin horizontal circular channels, is presented. The proposed method is simple yet very effective. It can be easily extended to the manufacturing of thin channels with various shapes, materials, and different powder bed fusion processes.
Stance detection using improved whale optimization algorithm
Authors: Pandey Avinash Chandra , Tikkiwal Vinay Anand
Published: February 2021

News is a medium that notifies people about the events that had happened worldwide. The menace of fake news on online platforms is on the rise which may lead to unwanted events. The majority of fake news is spread through social media platforms, since these platforms have a great reach. To identify the credibility of the news, various spam detection methods are generally used. In this work, a new stance detection method has been proposed for identifying the stance of fake news. The proposed stance detection method is based on the capabilities of an improved whale optimization algorithm and a multilayer perceptron. In the proposed model, weights and biases of the multilayer perceptron are updated using an improved whale optimization algorithm. The efficacy of the proposed optimized neural network has been tested on five benchmark stance detection datasets. The proposed model shows better results over all the considered datasets. The proposed approach has theoretical implications for further studies to examine the textual data. Besides, the proposed method also has practical implications for developing systems that can result conclusive reviews on any social problems.
Rethinking Montage: Berlin Alexanderplatz’s Paper Trails
Authors: Maskarinec Malika
Published: February 2021

This article takes up the concept of montage that has defined scholarship on Alfred Döblin’s Berlin Alexanderplatz: Die Geschichte von Franz Biberkopf (1929) since its publication. Against interpretations that understand the novel’s technique of montage as related to film and the avant-garde, I show that the novel is more strongly tied to paper objects and practices, above all the nineteenth-century serial novel and its medial environment in the newspaper. Approaching the novel from this perspective directs attention – in opposition to the scholarship that has emphasized the experience of disruption produced by montage – to the significance of the plot and its highly gendered violence.
Update Osteoporose
Authors: Stute Petra , Meier Christian
Published: February 2021

Die Osteoporose betrifft vorwiegend Frauen nach der Menopause. Sie zählt zu den sog. chronischen nichtübertragbaren Erkrankungen. Die Schweizerische Vereinigung gegen Osteoporose (SVGO) hat 2020 ihre Empfehlungen zur Prävention, Diagnostik und Therapie aktualisiert. Neu ist eine Risikostratifizierung mit entsprechenden Therapieempfehlungen. Die Aufgabe der Frauenärzte/-innen liegt v. a. im Bereich der Prävention, Risikostratifizierung und Therapie der Frauen mit niedrigem bzw. moderatem Frakturrisiko.
Biochemical transmutation in Lumbricus terrestris and phytoextraction of heavy metals from the swamp of Challawa industrial layout, Kano, Nigeria
Authors: Arise R. O. , Basiru D. I. , Olufemi O. , Adeoye R. I.
Published: February 2021

Discharge of untreated industrial effluents has been associated with soil contamination. Biochemical alterations in Lumbricus terrestris and remediation capacity of Azadirachta indica tree from industrial effluent discharge locations in Challawa (A and B) and Kura village (control location C) were assessed. Levels of nitrate, phosphate, iron, chloride, and hardness at locations A and B were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those at location C, but their sulfate concentrations were significantly (p <  0.05) weaker. pH and magnesium concentration at location A were significantly higher than those at locations B and C. Levels of Fe, Cu, Zn, Pb and Mn in soils at the discharge locations were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those of C. Azadirachta indica tree (AIT) had a translocation factor (TF) > 1 for Pb and Zn, while its biological concentration factor (BCF) was > 1 for Fe. Values of biological accumulation coefficient (BAC) for AIT and soil contamination factor (CF) were < 1 for the metals. Bioindicators of oxidative stress (MDA, GST, CAT and SOD) in earthworm supernatants from the discharge locations were significantly higher (p < 0.05) compared to that at location C, while their GSH levels were significantly (p < 0.05) lower. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in earthworm supernatants from discharge locations was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in comparison with the control. Trends in results revealed that AIT may be useful for extraction and stabilization of heavy metals in polluted soils. Also, the biochemical alterations in L. terrestris may serve as sensitive bioindicators of soil contamination.
Expanding the Coverage of Metabolic Landscape in Cultivated Rice with Integrated Computational Approaches
Authors: Li Xuetong , Zhou Hongxia , Xiao Ning , Wu Xueting , Shan Yuanhong , Chen Longxian , Wang Cuiting , Wang Zixuan , Huang Jirong , Li Aihong , Li Xuan
Published: February 2021

Genome-scale metabolomics analysis is increasingly used for pathway and function discovery in the post-genomics era. The great potential offered by developed mass spectrometry (MS)-based technologies has been hindered, since only a small portion of detected metabolites were identifiable so far. To address the critical issue of low identification coverage in metabolomics, we adopted a deep metabolomics analysis strategy by integrating advanced algorithms and expanded reference databases. The experimental reference spectra and in silico reference spectra were adopted to facilitate the structural annotation. To further characterize the structure of metabolites, two approaches were incorporated into our strategy, i.e., structural motif search combined with neutral loss scanning and metabolite association network. Untargeted metabolomics analysis was performed on 150 rice cultivars using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-Orbitrap MS. Consequently, a total of 1939 out of 4491 metabolite features in the MS/MS spectral tag (MS2T) library were annotated, representing an extension of annotation coverage by an order of magnitude in rice. The differential accumulation patterns of flavonoids between indica and japonica cultivars were revealed, especially O-sulfated flavonoids. A series of closely-related flavonolignans were characterized, adding further evidence for the crucial role of tricin-oligolignols in lignification. Our study provides an important protocol for exploring phytochemical diversity in other plant species.
Integrating Genomic and Transcriptomic Data to Reveal Genetic Mechanisms Underlying Piao Chicken Rumpless Trait
Authors: Wang Yun-Mei , Khederzadeh Saber , Li Shi-Rong , Otecko Newton Otieno , Irwin David M. , Thakur Mukesh , Ren Xiao-Die , Wang Ming-Shan , Wu Dong-Dong , Zhang Ya-Ping
Published: February 2021

Piao chicken, a rare Chinese native poultry breed, lacks primary tail structures, such as pygostyle, caudal vertebra, uropygial gland, and tail feathers. So far, the molecular mechanisms underlying tail absence in this breed remain unclear. In this study, we comprehensively employed comparative transcriptomic and genomic analyses to unravel potential genetic underpinnings of rumplessness in Piao chicken. Our results reveal many biological factors involved in tail development and several genomic regions under strong positive selection in this breed. These regions contain candidate genes associated with rumplessness, including Irx4, Il18, Hspb2, and Cryab. Retrieval of quantitative trait loci (QTL) and gene functions implies that rumplessness might be consciously or unconsciously selected along with the high-yield traits in Piao chicken. We hypothesize that strong selection pressures on regulatory elements might lead to changes in gene activity in mesenchymal stem cells of the tail bud. The ectopic activity could eventually result in tail truncation by impeding differentiation and proliferation of the stem cells. Our study provides fundamental insights into early initiation and genetic basis of the rumpless phenotype in Piao chicken.
Biogeographic and Evolutionary Patterns of Trace Element Utilization in Marine Microbial World
Authors: Xu Yinzhen , Cao Jiayu , Jiang Liang , Zhang Yan
Published: February 2021

Trace elements are required by all organisms, which are key components of many enzymes catalyzing important biological reactions. Many trace element-dependent proteins have been characterized; however, little is known about their occurrence in microbial communities in diverse environments, especially the global marine ecosystem. Moreover, the relationships between trace element utilization and different types of environmental stressors are unclear. In this study, we used metagenomic data from the Global Ocean Sampling expedition project to identify the biogeographic distribution of genes encoding trace element-dependent proteins (for copper, molybdenum, cobalt, nickel, and selenium) in a variety of marine and non-marine aquatic samples. More than 56,000 metalloprotein and selenoprotein genes corresponding to nearly 100 families were predicted, becoming the largest dataset of marine metalloprotein and selenoprotein genes reported to date. In addition, samples with enriched or depleted metalloprotein/selenoprotein genes were identified, suggesting an active or inactive usage of these micronutrients in various sites. Further analysis of interactions among the elements showed significant correlations between some of them, especially those between nickel and selenium/copper. Finally, investigation of the relationships between environmental conditions and metalloprotein/selenoprotein families revealed that many environmental factors might contribute to the evolution of different metalloprotein and/or selenoprotein genes in the marine microbial world. Our data provide new insights into the utilization and biological roles of these trace elements in extant marine microbes, and might also be helpful for the understanding of how these organisms have adapted to their local environments.
Subcutaneous immunoglobulin in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant patients
Authors: Pasic Ivan , Alanazi Wael , Dranitsaris George , Lieberman Lani , Viswabandya Auro , Kim Dennis Dong Hwan , Lipton Jeffrey H. , Michelis Fotios V.
Published: February 2021

Background:

We evaluated feasibility, safety, and total resource use of subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIG) in a pilot study of patients who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) over a 6-month period.

Methods:

A total of 20 eligible patients were treated with SCIG at 0.1 g/kg/week for up to 6 months. Patients were matched to 20 concurrent intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) controls. Clinical outcomes measured included adverse reactions, healthcare resource use, patient satisfaction, and quality of life (QOL). (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03401268).

Results:

Groups were comparable in terms of age, weight, sex, transplant indication, donor type, and conditioning intensity. All 20 IVIG patients completed 6 consecutive months of therapy compared with 13/20 (65%) SCIG patients. There were no adverse reactions in IVIG patients, compared with six (30%) SCIG patients. All adverse reactions in SCIG patients were grade I, transient, and required no medical intervention. Median overall cost per patient was lower with SCIG than with IVIG ($9,756 vs. $13,780, p = .046). Among patients who completed 6 months of SCIG, median preference and satisfaction scores were 100%. Over the 6-month period, QOL scores remained stable in SCIG patients.

Conclusions:

In a subgroup of patients, SCIG was associated with high patient satisfaction and a reduction in total healthcare costs compared with IVIG in a cohort of HCT patients.
Does Preoperative Calcium and Calcitriol Decrease Rates of Post-Thyroidectomy Hypocalcemia? A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Donahue Colleen , Pantel Haddon J. , Yarlagadda Bharat B. , Brams David
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND:

Postoperative hypocalcemia is the most common complication after thyroidectomy. Postoperative supplementation with calcium and calcitriol reduces its occurrence; however, prophylactic preoperative supplementation has not been studied systematically. The primary objective of this study was to determine whether pre- and postoperative calcium and calcitriol supplementation reduces postoperative hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy compared with postoperative supplementation alone.

STUDY DESIGN:

We conducted a single-institution prospective randomized trial enrolling 82 patients undergoing total thyroidectomy from July 2017 through May 2019. Those undergoing partial thyroidectomy or concurrent planned parathyroidectomy were excluded. The intervention group started calcitriol 0.25 μg po bid and calcium carbonate 1,500 mg po tid 5 days preoperatively and continued postoperatively. The control group started these medications postoperatively. The primary end point was clinical or biochemical hypocalcemia. Secondary outcomes were postoperative calcium levels, need for intervention, length of stay, and readmission.

RESULTS:

Thirty-eight patients were randomized to the intervention group and 44 to the control group. There were 12 episodes of hypocalcemia; 5 (13.2%) in the intervention and 7 (15.9%) in the control group (p = 0.76). No differences were found in secondary outcomes; including postoperative calcium levels at each measured time point, need for intervention (n = 10 [26.3%], n = 15 [34.1%]; p = 0.48), length of stay (mean [SD] 32.3 [15.6] hours, 30.7 [10.5] hours; p = 0.6), or readmissions (n = 0 [0.0%], n = 3 [6.8%]; p = 0.24).

CONCLUSIONS:

Starting supplementation with calcium and calcitriol preoperatively does not reduce postoperative hypocalcemia compared with postoperative supplementation alone after total thyroidectomy. These findings do not support the practice of routine calcium and calcitriol supplementation before total thyroidectomy.
Continuous Maps from Spheres Converging to Boundaries of Convex Hulls
Authors: Malkoun Joseph , Olver Peter J.
Published: February 2021

Given n distinct points

$\mathbf {x}_1, \ldots , \mathbf {x}_n$

in

$\mathbb {R}^d$

, let K denote their convex hull, which we assume to be d-dimensional, and

$B = \partial K $

its

$(d-1)$

-dimensional boundary. We construct an explicit, easily computable one-parameter family of continuous maps

$\mathbf {f}_{\varepsilon } \colon \mathbb {S}^{d-1} \to K$

which, for

$\varepsilon> 0$

, are defined on the

$(d-1)$

-dimensional sphere, and whose images

$\mathbf {f}_{\varepsilon }({\mathbb {S}^{d-1}})$

are codimension

$1$

submanifolds contained in the interior of K. Moreover, as the parameter

$\varepsilon $

goes to

$0^+$

, the images

$\mathbf {f}_{\varepsilon } ({\mathbb {S}^{d-1}})$

converge, as sets, to the boundary B of the convex hull. We prove this theorem using techniques from convex geometry of (spherical) polytopes and set-valued homology. We further establish an interesting relationship with the Gauss map of the polytope B, appropriately defined. Several computer plots illustrating these results are included.