bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hospital Frailty Risk Score predicts adverse events in revision total hip and knee arthroplasty
Authors: Meyer Matthias , Schwarz Timo , Renkawitz Tobias , Maderbacher Günther , Grifka Joachim , Weber Markus
Published: April 2021

Introduction

The Hospital Frailty Risk Score (HFRS) is a validated risk stratification model referring to the cumulative deficits model of frailty. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the HFRS as a predictor of 90-day readmission and complications after revision total hip (rTHA) and knee (rTKA) arthroplasty.

Methods

In a retrospective analysis of 565 patients who had undergone rTHA or rTKA between 2011 and 2019, the HFRS was calculated for each patient. Rates of adverse events were compared between patients with low and intermediate or high frailty risk. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship between the HFRS and post-operative adverse events.

Results

Patients with intermediate or high frailty risk showed higher rates of readmission (30days: 23.8% vs. 9.9%, p = 0.006; 90days: 26.2% vs. 13.0%, p < 0.018), surgical complications (28.6% vs. 7.8%, p < 0.001), medical complications (11.9% vs. 1.0%, p < 0.001), other complications (28.6% vs. 2.3%, p < 0.001), Clavien-Dindo grade IV complications (14.3% vs. 4.8%, p = 0.009), and transfusion (33.3% vs. 6.1%, p < 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression analyses revealed a high HFRS as independent risk factor for surgical complications (OR = 3.45, 95% CI 1.45-8.18, p = 0.005), medical complications (OR = 7.29, 95% CI 1.72-30.97, p = 0.007), and other complications (OR = 14.15, 95% CI 5.16-38.77, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The HFRS predicts adverse events after rTHA and rTKA. As it derives from routinely collected data, the HFRS could be implemented automated in hospital information systems to facilitate identification of at-risk patients.
The Bacteriology of Acute Cholecystitis: Comparison of Bile Cultures and Clinical Outcomes in Diabetic and Non‐Diabetic Patients
Authors: Kaplan Uri , Handler Chovav , Chazan Bibiana , Weiner Noam , Hatoum Ossama A. , Yanovskay Anna , Kopelman Doron
Published: April 2021

Background

Acute cholecystitis is one of the most common acute surgical diseases. Diabetic patients have been shown to have an increased risk for gallbladder disease, but the correlation between the severity of gallstone disease and diabetes is still debated. The aim of this study is to examine the possible difference in the disease process between patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and those without.

Patients and methods

A retrospective study was conducted of all patients who underwent percutaneous cholecystostomy between 2005 and 2015 at Emek Medical Center, Afula, Israel. Demographic and medical history including data on bile and blood culture results, antimicrobial susceptibility, and clinical outcomes were retrieved from patient files.

Results

The cohort included 272 patients. Mean age was 68 years old, 50.74% were male and 43.75% had diabetes mellitus. Bile cultures were obtained from 252 (92.64%) patients and were positive in 134 (53.2%) patients. In 11 patients (4%) two pathogens were isolated. Blood cultures obtained from 231 patients and were positive in 35 (15.2%). Escherichia coli was the most common isolate, and was seen in 22.3% of positive bile cultures and 40% of blood cultures. Although diabetic patients had significantly more positive bile cultures, the severity of the disease, according to the Tokyo guidelines, was not higher.

Conclusions

Acute cholecystitis was neither more severe nor had significant difference in bacteriological properties when comparing diabetic patients to non‐diabetic ones.
Microbiome–miRNA interactions in the progress from undifferentiated arthritis to rheumatoid arthritis: evidence, hypotheses, and opportunities
Authors: Lu Haifeng , Yao Yujun , Yang Jiezuan , Zhang Hua , Li Lanjuan
Published: April 2021

The human microbiome has attracted attention for its potential utility in precision medicine. Increasingly, more researchers are recognizing changes in intestinal microbiome can upset the balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory factors of host immune system, potentially contributing to arthritis immunopathogenesis. Patients who develop rheumatoid arthritis from undifferentiated arthritis can face multiple irreversible joint lesions and even deformities. Strategies for identifying undifferentiated arthritis patients who have a tendency to develop rheumatoid arthritis and interventions to prevent rheumatoid arthritis development are urgently needed. Intestinal microbiome dysbiosis and shifts in the miRNA profile affect undifferentiated arthritis progression, and may play an important role in rheumatoid arthritis pathophysiologic process via stimulating inflammatory cytokines and disturbing host and microbial metabolic functions. However, a causal relationship between microbiome–miRNA interactions and rheumatoid arthritis development from undifferentiated arthritis has not been uncovered yet. Changes in the intestinal microbiome and miRNA profiles of undifferentiated arthritis patients with different disease outcomes should be studied together to uncover the role of the intestinal microbiome in rheumatoid arthritis development and to identify potential prognostic indicators of rheumatoid arthritis in undifferentiated arthritis patients. Herein, we discuss the possibility of microbiome–miRNA interactions contributing to rheumatoid arthritis development and describe the gaps in knowledge regarding their influence on undifferentiated arthritis prognosis that should be addressed by future studies.
Pros and cons for the evidence of adaptive non-shivering thermogenesis in marsupials
Authors: Jastroch Martin , Polymeropoulos Elias T. , Gaudry Michael J.
Published: April 2021

The thermogenic mechanisms supporting endothermy are still not fully understood in all major mammalian subgroups. In placental mammals, brown adipose tissue currently represents the most accepted source of adaptive non-shivering thermogenesis. Its mitochondrial protein UCP1 (uncoupling protein 1) catalyzes heat production, but the conservation of this mechanism is unclear in non-placental mammals and lost in some placentals. Here, we review the evidence for and against adaptive non-shivering thermogenesis in marsupials, which diverged from placentals about 120–160 million years ago. We critically discuss potential mechanisms that may be involved in the heat-generating process among marsupials.
A comprehensive model of seismic velocities for the Bay of Mecklenburg (Baltic Sea) at the North German Basin margin: implications for basin development
Authors: Schnabel Michael , Noack Vera , Ahlrichs Niklas , Hübscher Christian
Published: April 2021

The geometry of sedimentary basins is normally described by the interpretation of seismic reflectors. In addition to that, rock properties of the sedimentary successions between these reflectors give further insight into the subsurface geology. Here, we present a model for the Bay of Mecklenburg, situated at the northeastern margin of the North German Basin. The model consists of eight layers; it covers seismic velocities of sediments from the Neogene down to the base of the Permian Zechstein. We use eight seismic profiles for model building and apply seismic migration velocity analysis in combination with pre-stack depth migration. The results are interval velocities down to a depth of 5000 m. A further aim of the study is to investigate the sensitivity of these indirectly deduced velocities in comparison to direct measurements within drill holes. The velocities from this study are in good agreement with earlier results from vertical seismic profiling at a nearby well. Cenozoic and Mesozoic strata within the Bay of Mecklenburg show clear depth-dependent velocity trends. A comparison of these trends with predicted compaction trends shows that burial anomalies within Lower Triassic units are significantly higher than in Upper Cretaceous units. This finding could be explained by a greater amount of erosion during Upper Jurassic/Lower Cretaceous times than during Cenozoic times. The Zechstein layer shows a decreasing interval velocity with increasing thickness. Our study demonstrates that seismic velocities deduced from surface-based measurements are of high value in areas with sparse drilling coverage.
Retrospective study of prognosis of patients with multiple colorectal carcinomas: synchronous versus metachronous makes the difference
Authors: Barz Christoph , Stöss Christian , Neumann Philipp-Alexander , Wilhelm Dirk , Janssen Klaus-Peter , Friess Helmut , Nitsche Ulrich
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Little is known about difference between synchronous colorectal cancer (SCRC) and metachronous colorectal cancer (MCRC) despite the relevance for this selected patient group. The aim of this retrospective review was to analyze patients with SCRC and MCRC.

Methods

All patients who underwent surgery for SCRC and MCRC between 1982 and 2019 were included in this retrospective analysis of our tertiary referral center. Clinical, histological, and molecular genetic characteristics were analyzed. The primary endpoint was cause-specific survival, evaluated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Secondary endpoints were recurrence-free survival and the identification of prognostic factors.

Results

Overall, 3714 patients were included in this analysis. Of those, 3506 (94.4%) had a primary unifocal colorectal cancer (PCRC), 103 (2.7%) had SCRC, and 105 (2.8%) had MCRC. SCRC occurred more frequently in elderly (p=0.009) and in male patients (p=0.027). There were no differences concerning tumor stages or grading. Patients with SCRC did not show altered recurrence or survival rates, as compared to unifocal tumors. However, MCRC had a lower rate of recurrence, compared to PCRC (24% vs. 41%,p=0.002) and a lower rate of cause-specific death (13% vs. 37%,p<0.001). Five-year cause-specific survival rates were 63±1% for PCRC, 62±6% for SCRC (p=0.588), and 88±4% for MCRC (p<0.001). Multivariable analysis revealed that MCRC were an independent favorable prognostic parameter regarding case-specific survival.

Conclusion

Patients with SCRC seem to not have a worse prognosis compared to patients with PCRC. Noteworthy, patients with MCRC showed better survival rates in this retrospective analysis.
Aquaporin 1 and 3 as local vitality markers in mechanical and thermal skin injuries
Authors: Prangenberg Julian , Doberentz E. , Witte A. -L. , Madea B.
Published: April 2021

Assessment of the vitality of an injury is one of to the main tasks in daily forensic casework. Aquaporins belong to the family of water channels. They enable the transport of water and of small molecules like glycerol through biological channels. So far, 13 classes of aquaporins are identified in vertebrates. The classical aquaporin channels 1, 2 and 4 are only permeable for water. The aquaporin channels 3, 7, 9 and 10 are also called aquaglycerolporins since they can also transport glycerol. Aquaporin 3 is expressed in epidermal keratinocytes. In the present investigation, the aquaporin 1 and 3 expression in mechanically and thermally damaged skin is investigated by immunohistochemistry. The study collective comprises 30 cases (63.3% male and 36.7% female) with an age range between 19 and 95 years (mean value 54.6 years). The skin injury comprises different kinds of blunt force, sharp force, strangulation marks, thermal injury, gunshot wounds and frost erythema. In all kinds of mechanical and trauma injury, an increased expression of aquaporin 3 in the keratinocytes of the epidermis was found. There is no correlation of the aquaporin 3 expression with age, sex, body mass index, duration of agonal period and postmortem interval. Concerning aquaporin 1, there were no differences between injured and uninjured skin. Aquaporin 3 is independently from the kind of skin injury and appears to be a valuable immunohistochemical parameter of vitality.
The known burden of Huntington disease in the North of Scotland: prevalence of manifest and identified pre-symptomatic gene expansion carriers in the molecular era
Authors: Kounidas Georgios , Cruickshank Heather , Kastora Stavroula , Sihlabela Stella , Miedzybrodzka Zosia
Published: April 2021

Background

Huntington disease prevalence was first estimated in Grampian, northern Scotland in 1984. Molecular testing has since increased ascertainment.

Objective

To estimate the prevalence of manifest Huntington disease and identified pre-symptomatic gene expansion carriers (IPGEC) in northern Scotland, and estimate the magnitude of biases in prevalence studies that rely upon routine coding in primary care records.

Methods

Cases were ascertained using North of Scotland genetic laboratory, clinic, and hospital records. Prevalence was calculated for manifest and IPGEC on 01/07/2016 and 01/01/2020 and compared with local published data.

Results

The prevalence of manifest Huntington disease in northern Scotland in 2020 was 14.6 (95% CI 14.3–15.3) per 100,000, and of IPGEC was 8.3 (95% CI 7.8–9.2) per 100,000. Whilst the population of northern Scotland decreased by 0.05% between 2016 and 2020, the number of manifest and identified pre-symptomatic gene expansion carriers increased by 7.4% and 23.3%, respectively. Manifest disease in Grampian increased by 45.9% between 1984 and 2020. More women than men had a diagnosis. General Practice coding underestimated symptomatic molecularly confirmed prevalence by 2.2 per 100,000 people.

Conclusion

Even in an area with previously high ascertainment, there has been a 45.9% increase in manifest Huntington disease over the last 30 years. Within our catchment area, prevalence varies between health board regions with similar community-based services. Such variation in prevalence could have major drug cost and service delivery implications, especially if expensive, complexly administered therapies prove successful. Health services should gather accurate population-based data on a regional basis to inform service planning.
Cerebral autoregulation assessed by near-infrared spectroscopy: validation using transcranial Doppler in patients with controlled hypertension, cognitive impairment and controls
Authors: Mol Arjen , Meskers Carel G. M. , Sanders Marit L. , Müller Martin , Maier Andrea B. , van Wezel Richard J. A. , Claassen Jurgen A. H. R. , Elting Jan Willem J.
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Cerebral autoregulation (CA) aims to attenuate the effects of blood pressure variation on cerebral blood flow. This study assessed the criterion validity of CA derived from near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) as an alternative for Transcranial Doppler (TCD).

Methods

Measurements of continuous blood pressure (BP), oxygenated hemoglobin (O2Hb) using NIRS and cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) using TCD (gold standard) were performed in 82 controls, 27 patients with hypertension and 94 cognitively impaired patients during supine rest (all individuals) and repeated sit to stand transitions (cognitively impaired patients). The BP-CBFV and BP-O2Hb transfer function phase shifts (TFφ) were computed as CA measures. Spearman correlations (ρ) and Bland Altman limits of agreement (BAloa) between NIRS- and TCD-derived CA measures were computed. BAloa separation < 50° was considered a high absolute agreement.

Results

NIRS- and TCD-derived CA estimates were significantly correlated during supine rest (ρ = 0.22–0.30, N = 111–120) and repeated sit-to-stand transitions (ρ = 0.46–0.61, N = 19–32). BAloa separation ranged between 87° and 112° (supine rest) and 65°–77° (repeated sit to stand transitions).

Conclusion

Criterion validity of NIRS-derived CA measures allows for comparison between groups but was insufficient for clinical application in individuals.
Manometric and pH-monitoring changes after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: a systematic review
Authors: Balla Andrea , Meoli Francesca , Palmieri Livia , Corallino Diletta , Sacchi Maria Carlotta , Ribichini Emanuela , Coletta Diego , Pronio Annamaria , Badiali Danilo , Paganini Alessandro M.
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Aim of this systematic review is to assess the changes in esophageal motility and acid exposure of the esophagus through esophageal manometry and 24-hours pH-monitoring before and after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG).

Methods

Articles in which all patients included underwent manometry and/or 24-hours pH-metry or both, before and after LSG, were included. The search was carried out in the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases, revealing overall 13,769 articles. Of these, 9702 were eliminated because they have been found more than once between the searches. Of the remaining 4067 articles, further 4030 were excluded after screening the title and abstract because they did not meet the inclusion criteria. Thirty-seven articles were fully analyzed, and of these, 21 further articles were excluded, finally including 16 articles.

Results

Fourteen and twelve studies reported manometric and pH-metric data from 402 and 547 patients, respectively. At manometry, a decrease of the lower esophageal sphincter resting pressure after surgery was observed in six articles. At 24-hours pH-metry, a worsening of the DeMeester score and/or of the acid exposure time was observed in nine articles and the de novo gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) rate that ranged between 17.8 and 69%. A meta-analysis was not performed due to the heterogeneity of data.

Conclusions

After LSG a worsening of GERD evaluated by instrumental exams was observed such as high prevalence of de novo GERD. However, to understand the clinical impact of LSG and the burden of GERD over time further long-term studies are necessary.
Evaluation of a laboratory-based high-throughput SARS-CoV-2 antigen assay for non-COVID-19 patient screening at hospital admission
Authors: Häuser Friederike , Sprinzl Martin F. , Dreis Kim J. , Renzaho Angelique , Youhanen Simon , Kremer Wolfgang M. , Podlech Jürgen , Galle Peter R. , Lackner Karl J. , Rossmann Heidi , Lemmermann Niels A.
Published: April 2021

Several rapid antigen tests (RATs) for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 were evaluated recently. However, reliable performance data for laboratory-based, high-throughput antigen tests are lacking. Therefore and in response to a short-term shortage of PCR reagents, we evaluated DiaSorin's LIAISON SARS-CoV-2 antigen test in comparison to RT-qPCR, and concerning the application of screening non-COVID-19 patients on hospital admission. Applying the manufacturer-recommended cut-off of 200 arbitrary units (AU/mL) the specificity of the LIAISON Test was 100%, the overall analytical sensitivity 40.2%. Lowering the cut-off to 100 AU/mL increased the sensitivity to 49.7% and decreased the specificity to 98.3%. Confining the analysis to samples with an RT-qPCR result < 25 Ct resulted in a sensitivity of 91.2%. The quality of the LIAISON test is very similar to that of good RATs described in the literature with the advantage of high throughput and the disadvantage of relatively long analysis time. It passes the WHO quality criteria for rapid antigen tests and is characterized by particularly high specificity. The LIAISON test can therefore be used for the same applications as recommended for RATs by the WHO. Due to limited sensitivity, the LIAISON test should only be used for screening, if PCR-based assays are not available.
Naturalistische Studie zur Wirksamkeit stationärer psychodynamischer Psychotherapie
Authors: Frank Joachim , Huber Dorothea
Published: April 2021

Die naturalistische Studie mit 552 Patienten erfasst die Wirksamkeit stationärer psychodynamischer Psychotherapie auf Symptombelastung, Mentalisierungsfähigkeit und strukturelle Beeinträchtigung mit dem Gesundheitsfragebogen für Patienten (deutsche Übersetzung des Patient Health Questionnaire, PHQ‑D), dem Mentalisierungsfragebogen (Mentalization Questionnaire, MZQ) sowie mit der 16-Item-Version des Inventars der Persönlichkeitsorganisation (IPO-16). Alle Fragebogen wurden von den Patienten vor und nach der Behandlung ausgefüllt. Im Ergebnis zeigten sich auf allen Skalen hochsignifikante Verbesserungen vom Beginn zum Ende der Therapie. Dabei verbesserten sich Patienten mit emotional instabiler Persönlichkeitsstörung („borderline personality disorder“, BPD) am Behandlungsende um das Doppelte, verglichen mit Patienten ohne BPD, bezüglich Mentalisierungsfähigkeit und struktureller Beeinträchtigung. Die Wirksamkeit stationärer psychodynamischer Psychotherapie auf Symptombelastung, Mentalisierungsfähigkeit und strukturelle Beeinträchtigung konnte eindrücklich gezeigt werden. Die Effektstärken liegen im Bereich ähnlicher Untersuchungen. Zwischen Beeinträchtigung der Mentalisierungsfähigkeit und struktureller Beeinträchtigung wurden starke Zusammenhänge gefunden. Ebenso hängen die Veränderungen im MZQ und IPO-16 mit den Symptomveränderungen zusammen. Die Ergebnisse dieser Studie unterstreichen die Relevanz stationärer psychodynamischer Therapie.
Space–time VMS isogeometric analysis of the Taylor–Couette flow
Authors: Aydinbakar Levent , Takizawa Kenji , Tezduyar Tayfun E. , Kuraishi Takashi
Published: April 2021

The Taylor–Couette flow is a classical fluid mechanics problem that exhibits, depending on the Reynolds number, a range of flow patterns, with the interesting ones having small-scale structures, and sometimes even wavy nature. Accurate representation of these flow patterns in computational flow analysis requires methods that can, with a reasonable computational cost, represent the circular geometry accurately and provide a high-fidelity flow solution. We use the Space–Time Variational Multiscale (ST-VMS) method with ST isogeometric discretization to address these computational challenges and to evaluate how the method and discretization perform under different scenarios of computing the Taylor–Couette flow. We conduct the computational analysis with different combinations of the Reynolds numbers based on the inner and outer cylinder rotation speeds, with different choices of the reference frame, one of which leads to rotating the mesh, with the full-domain and rotational-periodicity representations of the flow field, with both the convective and conservative forms of the ST-VMS, with both the strong and weak enforcement of the prescribed velocities on the cylinder surfaces, and with different mesh refinements. The ST framework provides higher-order accuracy in general, and the VMS feature of the ST-VMS addresses the computational challenges associated with the multiscale nature of the flow. The ST isogeometric discretization enables exact representation of the circular geometry and increased accuracy in the flow solution. In computations where the mesh is rotating, the ST/NURBS Mesh Update Method, with NURBS basis functions in time, enables exact representation of the mesh rotation, in terms of both the paths of the mesh points and the velocity of the points along their paths. In computations with rotational-periodicity representation of the flow field, the periodicity is enforced with the ST Slip Interface method. With the combinations of the Reynolds numbers used in the computations, we cover the cases leading to the Taylor vortex flow and the wavy vortex flow, where the waves are in motion. Our work shows that all these ST methods, integrated together, offer a high-fidelity computational analysis platform for the Taylor–Couette flow and for other classes of flow problems with similar features.
Attribute dependency data analysis for massive datasets by fuzzy transforms
Authors: Di Martino Ferdinando , Sessa Salvatore
Published: April 2021

We present a numerical attribute dependency method for massive datasets based on the concepts of direct and inverse fuzzy transform. In a previous work, we used these concepts for numerical attribute dependency in data analysis: Therein, the multi-dimensional inverse fuzzy transform was useful for approximating a regression function. Here we give an extension of this method in massive datasets because the previous method could not be applied due to the high memory size. Our method is proved on a large dataset formed from 402,678 census sections of the Italian regions provided by the Italian National Statistical Institute (ISTAT) in 2011. The results of comparative tests with the well-known methods of regression, called support vector regression and multilayer perceptron, show that the proposed algorithm has comparable performance with those obtained using these two methods. Moreover, the number of parameters requested in our method is minor with respect to those of the cited in the above two algorithms.
Fully neural object detection solutions for robot soccer
Authors: Szemenyei Márton , Estivill-Castro Vladimir
Published: April 2021

RoboCup is one of the major global AI events, gathering hundreds of teams from the world’s best universities to compete in various tasks ranging from soccer to home assistance and rescue. The commonality of these three seemingly dissimilar tasks is that in order to perform well, the robot needs to excel at the all major AI tasks: perception, control, navigation, strategy and planning. In this work, we focus on the first of these by presenting what is—to our knowledge—the first fully neural vision system for the Nao robot soccer. This is a challenging task, mainly due to the limited computational capabilities of the Nao robot. In this paper, we propose two novel neural network architectures for semantic segmentation and object detection that ensure low-cost inference, while improving accuracy by exploiting the properties of the environment. These models use synthetic transfer learning to be able to learn from a low number of hand-labeled images. The experiments show that our models outperform state-of-the-art methods such as Tiny YOLO at a fraction of the cost.
The Schottky–Klein prime function and counting functions for Fenchel double crosses
Authors: Pollicott M.
Published: April 2021

We relate the classical nineteenth century Schottky–Klein function in complex analysis to a counting problem for pairs of geodesics in hyperbolic geometry studied by Fenchel. We then solve the counting problem using ideas from ergodic theory and thermodynamic formalism.
Anatomical and biochemical studies of Spartium junceum infected by Xylella fastidiosa subsp. multiplex ST 87
Authors: Falsini S. , Tani C. , Sambuco G. , Papini A. , Faraoni P. , Campigli S. , Ghelardini L. , Bleve G. , Rizzo D. , Ricciolini M. , Scarpelli I. , Drosera L. , Gnerucci A. , Hand F. Peduto , Marchi G. , Schiff S.
Published: April 2021

Spartium junceum L. is a typical species of Mediterranean shrubland areas, also grown in gardens and parks as an ornamental. In recent years in Europe, S. junceum has been recurrently found to be infected by different subspecies and genotypes of the quarantine regulated bacterium Xylella fastidiosa (Xf). This work presents for the first time the anatomy of S. junceum plants that we found, by means of genetic and immunochemistry analysis, to be naturally infected by Xf subsp. multiplex ST87 (XfmST87) in Monte Argentario (Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy), a new outbreak area within the EU. Our anatomical observations showed that bacteria colonized exclusively the xylem conductive elements and moved horizontally to adjacent vessels through pits. Interestingly, a pink/violet matrix was observed with Toluidine blue staining in infected conduits indicating a high content of acidic polysaccharides. In particular, when this pink-staining matrix was observed, bacterial cells were either absent or degenerated, suggesting that the matrix was produced by the host plant as a defense response against bacterial spread. In addition, a blue-staining phenolic material was found in the vessels and, at high concentration, in the pits and inter-vessels. SEM micrographs confirmed that polysaccharide and phenolic components showed different structures, which appear to be related to two different morphologies: fibrillary and granular, respectively. Moreover, our LM observations revealed bacterial infection in xylem conductive elements of green shoots and leaves only, and not in those of other plant organs such as roots and flowers.
Infective endocarditis caused by HACEK group bacteria—a registry-based comparative study
Authors: Bläckberg Anna , Morenius Christian , Olaison Lars , Berge Andreas , Rasmussen Magnus
Published: April 2021

Infective endocarditis (IE) caused by bacteria within Haemophilus (excluding Haemophilus influenzae), Aggregatibacter, Cardiobacterium, Eikenella and Kingella (HACEK) is rare. This study aimed to describe clinical features of IE caused by HACEK genera in comparison with IE due to other pathogens. Cases of IE due to HACEK were identified through the Swedish Registry of Infective Endocarditis (SRIE). Clinical characteristics of IE cases caused by HACEK were compared with cases of IE due to other pathogens reported to the same registry. Ninety-six patients with IE caused by HACEK were identified, and this corresponds to 1.8% of all IE cases. Eighty-three cases were definite endocarditis, and the mortality rate was 2%. The median age was 63 years, which was lower compared to patients with IE caused by other pathogens (66, 70 and 73 years respectively, p ≤ 0.01). Patients with IE caused by Haemophilus were younger compared to patients with IE due to Aggregatibacter (47 vs 67 years, p ≤ 0.001). Patients with IE due to HACEK exhibited longer duration from onset of symptoms to hospitalization and had more prosthetic valve endocarditis compared to patients with IE due to Staphylococcus aureus (10 vs 2 days, p ≤ 0.001, and 35 vs 14%, p ≤ 0.001). This is, to date, the largest study on IE due to HACEK. Aggregatibacter was the most common cause of IE within the group. The condition has a subacute onset and often strikes in patients with prosthetic valves, and the mortality rate is relatively low.
Semidefinite programming hierarchies for constrained bilinear optimization
Authors: Berta Mario , Borderi Francesco , Fawzi Omar , Scholz Volkher B.
Published: April 2021

We give asymptotically converging semidefinite programming hierarchies of outer bounds on bilinear programs of the form $${\mathrm {Tr}}\big [H(D\otimes E)\big ]$$

Tr

[

H
(
D
⊗
E
)

]

, maximized with respect to semidefinite constraints on D and E. Applied to the problem of approximate error correction in quantum information theory, this gives hierarchies of efficiently computable outer bounds on the success probability of approximate quantum error correction codes in any dimension. The first level of our hierarchies corresponds to a previously studied relaxation (Leung and Matthews in IEEE Trans Inf Theory 61(8):4486, 2015) and positive partial transpose constraints can be added to give a sufficient criterion for the exact convergence at a given level of the hierarchy. To quantify the worst case convergence speed of our sum-of-squares hierarchies, we derive novel quantum de Finetti theorems that allow imposing linear constraints on the approximating state. In particular, we give finite de Finetti theorems for quantum channels, quantifying closeness to the convex hull of product channels as well as closeness to local operations and classical forward communication assisted channels. As a special case this constitutes a finite version of Fuchs-Schack-Scudo’s asymptotic de Finetti theorem for quantum channels. Finally, our proof methods answer a question of Brandão and Harrow (Proceedings of the forty-fourth annual ACM symposium on theory of computing, STOC’12, p 307, 2012) by improving the approximation factor of de Finetti theorems with no symmetry from $$O(d^{k/2})$$

O
(

d

k
/
2

)

to $${\mathrm {poly}}(d,k)$$

poly
(
d
,
k
)

, where d denotes local dimension and k the number of copies.
Management of cryptoglandular fistula-in-ano among gastrointestinal surgeons in the Netherlands
Authors: Dekker L. , Zimmerman D. D. E. , Smeenk R. M. , Schouten R. , Han-Geurts I. J. M.
Published: April 2021

Background

Management of cryptoglandular fistula-in-ano (FIA) can be challenging. Despite Dutch and international guidelines determining optimal therapy is still quite difficult. The aim of this study was to report current practices in the management of cryptoglandular FIA among gastrointestinal surgeons in the Netherlands.

Methods

Dutch surgeons and residents who are treating FIA regularly were sent a survey invitation by email. The survey was available online from September 19 to December 1 2019. The questionnaire consisted of 28 questions concerning diagnostic and surgical techniques in the treatment of intersphincteric and transsphincteric FIA.

Results

In total, 147 (43%) surgeons responded and completed the survey. Magnetic resonance imaging was the preferred diagnostic imaging modality (97%) followed by the endo-anal ultrasound (12%). In case of a high FIA, 86% used a non-cutting seton. Most respondents removed a seton between 6 weeks and 3 months (n = 84, 58%). Fistulotomy was the procedure of preference in low transsphincteric (86%) and low intersphincteric FIA (92%). Mucosal advancement flap (MAF) and ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT), with 78% and 46%, respectively, were the procedures that were applied most often in high transsphincteric FIA. In high intersphincteric FIA 67% performed a MAF and 33% a fistulotomy. Thirty-three percent of all respondents stated that they habitually closed the internal fistula opening, half of them used a Z-plasty. For debridement of the fistula tract the preferred method was curettage (78%).

Conclusions

Dutch gastrointestinal surgeons use various techniques in the management of FIA. Novel promising techniques should be investigated adequately in sufficient large trials to increase consensus. A core outcome measurement and a prospective international database would help in comparing results. Until then, treatment should be adjusted to the individual patient, governed by fistula characteristics and patient choice.
Non-invasive diagnostic PCRs for rapid detection of golden jackal, red fox, and gray wolf/domestic dog and application to validate golden jackal presence in Styria, Austria
Authors: Schenekar Tamara , Karrer Marlene , Karner Immanuel , Weiss Steven J.
Published: April 2021

Human-predator conflicts are frequently caused by livestock and/or game depredation. The golden jackal’s (Canis aureus) range expansion in Europe, as well as the recent re-expansion of several gray wolf (Canis lupus) populations, might increase risk of such conflicts. In Austria, golden jackal presence has been increasing since the 1990s including reports of wildlife and livestock kills, frequently occurring in the provinces Styria and Burgenland. We developed a rapid, two-step genetic screening protocol to (1) detect canid mtDNA from non-invasively collected samples like swabs from kills using diagnostic PCRs, and (2) assign this DNA to red fox (Vulpes vulpes), golden jackal, or gray wolf/dog. To monitor golden jackal presence in the region, a total of 167 signs of presence were collected over a period of 30 months throughout the Styrian province. Among these, 14 non-invasive genetic samples (13 swabs from kill sites and one scat) were screened with the developed protocol. Four of these samples revealed golden jackal mtDNA and six samples red fox mtDNA. The developed genetic screening protocol represents a quick and inexpensive method to assess canid presence, e.g., at kill sites, and therefore possesses high value for the conservation and wildlife management community.
Analysis of Methods for Incremental Policy Refinement by Kinesthetic Guidance
Authors: Simonič Mihael , Petrič Tadej , Ude Aleš , Nemec Bojan
Published: April 2021

Traditional robot programming is often not feasible in small-batch production, as it is time-consuming, inefficient, and expensive. To shorten the time necessary to deploy robot tasks, we need appropriate tools to enable efficient reuse of existing robot control policies. Incremental Learning from Demonstration (iLfD) and reversible Dynamic Movement Primitives (DMP) provide a framework for efficient policy demonstration and adaptation. In this paper, we extend our previously proposed framework with improvements that provide better performance and lower the algorithm’s computational burden. Further, we analyse the learning stability and evaluate the proposed framework with a comprehensive user study. The proposed methods have been evaluated on two popular collaborative robots, Franka Emika Panda and Universal Robot UR10.
Comparing metacognitive monitoring between native and non-native speaking primary school students
Authors: Buehler Florian J. , van Loon Mariëtte H. , Bayard Natalie S. , Steiner Martina , Roebers Claudia M.
Published: April 2021

Metacognitive monitoring is a significant predictor of academic achievement and is assumed to be related to language competencies. Hence, it may explain academic performance differences between native and non-native speaking students. We compared metacognitive monitoring (in terms of resolution) between native and non-native speaking fourth graders (~ 10 year olds) in two studies. In Study 1, we matched 30 native and 30 non-native speakers and assessed their monitoring in the context of a paired-associates task, including a recognition test and confidence judgements. Study 1 revealed that recognition and monitoring did not differ between native and non-native speaking children. In Study 2, we matched 36 native and 36 non-native speakers and assessed their monitoring with the same paired-associates task. Additionally, we included a text comprehension task with open-ended questions and confidence judgments. We replicated the findings of Study 1, suggesting that recognition and monitoring do not necessarily differ between native and non-native speakers. However, native speaking students answered more open-ended questions correctly than non-native speaking students did. Nevertheless, the two groups did not differ in monitoring their answers to open-ended questions. Our results indicate that native and non-native speaking children may monitor their metacognitive resolution equally, independent of task performance and characteristics. In conclusion, metacognitive monitoring deficits may not be the primary source of the academic performance differences between native and non-native speaking students.
Type 2 Diabetes with Artificial Intelligence Machine Learning: Methods and Evaluation
Authors: Ismail Leila , Materwala Huned , Tayefi Maryam , Ngo Phuong , Karduck Achim P.
Published: April 2021

Diabetes, one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide, is associated with the interaction between lifestyle, psychosocial, medical conditions, demographic, and genetic risk factors. Predicting type 2 diabetes is important for providing prognosis or diagnosis support to allied health professionals, and aiding in the development of an efficient and effective prevention plan. Several works proposed machine-learning algorithms to predict type 2 diabetes. However, each work uses different datasets and evaluation metrics for algorithms’ evaluation, making it difficult to compare among them. In this paper, we provide a taxonomy of diabetes risk factors and evaluate 35 different machine learning algorithms (with and without features selection) for diabetes type 2 prediction using a unified setup, to achieve an objective comparison. We use 3 real-life diabetes datasets and 9 feature selection algorithms for the evaluation. We compare the accuracy, F-measure, and execution time for model building and validation of the algorithms under study on diabetic and non-diabetic individuals. The performance analysis of the models is elaborated in the article.
Fibroblast Growth Factor Signalling in the Diseased Nervous System
Authors: Klimaschewski Lars , Claus Peter
Published: April 2021

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) act as key signalling molecules in brain development, maintenance, and repair. They influence the intricate relationship between myelinating cells and axons as well as the association of astrocytic and microglial processes with neuronal perikarya and synapses. Advances in molecular genetics and imaging techniques have allowed novel insights into FGF signalling in recent years. Conditional mouse mutants have revealed the functional significance of neuronal and glial FGF receptors, not only in tissue protection, axon regeneration, and glial proliferation but also in instant behavioural changes. This review provides a summary of recent findings regarding the role of FGFs and their receptors in the nervous system and in the pathogenesis of major neurological and psychiatric disorders.
Fictionalism of Anticipation
Authors: Vidunas Raimundas
Published: April 2021

A promising recent approach for understanding complex phenomena is recognition of anticipatory behavior of living organisms and social organizations. The anticipatory, predictive action permits learning, novelty seeking, rich experiential existence. I argue that the established frameworks of anticipation, adaptation or learning imply overly passive roles of anticipatory agents, and that afictionaliststandpoint reflects the core of anticipatory behavior better than representational or future references. Cognizing beings enact not just their models of the world, but own make-believeexistential agendasas well. Anticipators embody plausible scripts of living, and effectively assume neo-Kantian or pragmatist perspectives of cognition and action. It is instructive to see that anticipatory behavior is not without mundane or loathsome deficiencies. Appreciation of ferally fictionalist anticipation suggests an equivalence of semiosis and anticipation.
Thrombose und COVID-19
Authors: Tzaneva Stanislava
Published: April 2021

Die Prävalenz der venösen thromboembolischen (VTE) Ereignisse ist bei Coronavirus diesease 2019 (COVID-19) -Patienten hoch, insbesondere bei schwer Erkrankten. Patienten mit schwerer COVID-19 und VTE haben eine signifikant höhere Mortalität im Vergleich zu Patienten ohne VTE. Die Manifestation einer schweren Infektion mit Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV‑2) entspricht einem systemischen proinflammatorischen und prokoagulatorischen Phänotyp, der mit vaskulären Thrombosen nicht nur in den Venen, sondern auch in den Arterien, Kapillaren sowie mit einer Inflammation der Gefäße assoziiert ist. Ein erhöhter D‑Dimer-Spiegel kann als Indikator für VTE bei Patienten mit COVID-19 verwendet werden. Die meisten medizinischen Gesellschaften empfehlen eine VTE-Prophylaxe vorzugsweise mit niedermolekularen Heparinen (LMWH) bei allen stationären Patienten. Weitere Daten von randomisierten kontrollierten Studien (RCTs) über die optimale Antikoagulation und antithrombotische Therapie werden in der nahen Zukunft erwartet.
Rare Occurrence of Mirabilite in the Thirteenth-Century Historic Salt Mine in Bochnia (Poland): Characterisation, Preservation, and Geotourism
Authors: Puławska Aleksandra , Manecki Maciej , Flasza Michał , Waluś Edyta , Wojtowicz Karolina
Published: April 2021

The small stalactites found on the ceiling at level I near the Sutoris shaft in the thirteenth-century historic salt mine in Bochnia, Poland, are mainly composed of mirabilite (Na2SO4·10H2O) followed by blödite (Na2Mg(SO4)2·4H2O). The unique presence of these two minerals in only one location in this old underground mine is attributed to contemporary precipitation from percolating solutions. This can be caused by a combination of at least two factors: a specific and stable microclimate (characterised by a low temperature, high humidity, and relatively strong air circulation which accelerates the processes of evaporation and crystallisation) and the specific chemical composition of the leaking solution (contains a low carbonate and high sulphate content, and characterised by acidic pH (4.8) and intermediate-mineralisation (174,308 mg/L)). The microclimate specified above can be linked to the long distance from the ventilation shaft that pumps the air from the surface to the mine, while the composition of the leaking solution as well as the hydrochemical modelling results obtained with PHREEQC can be directly related to the top anhydrite layer and the overlying secondary cap consisting mainly of claystone, anhydrite, and gypsum. In this study, the challenges underlying the preservation of mirabilite in the underground environment of the salt mine are discussed, in terms of both nature and mining law. Based on the results of detailed geological, mineralogical, and chemical research, appropriate solutions that can be practically applied for the management, preservation, and protection of the mirabilite efflorescence are proposed. The presence of this intriguing mineral, with appropriate protection, can be another geological attraction for tourists visiting this thirteenth-century UNESCO-recognised salt mine.
Semantic and knowledge based support to business model evaluation to stimulate green behaviour of electric vehicles’ drivers and energy prosumers
Authors: Di Martino Beniamino , Branco Dario , Colucci Cante Luigi , Venticinque Salvatore , Scholten Reinhard , Bosma Bas
Published: April 2021

This paper proposes a semantic framework for Business Model evaluation and its application to a real case study in the context of smart energy and sustainable mobility. It presents an ontology based representation of an original business model and examples of inferential rules for knowledge extraction and automatic population of the ontology. The real case study belongs to the GreenCharge European Project, that in these last years is proposing some original business models to promote sustainable e-mobility plans. An original OWL Ontology contains all relevant Business Model concepts referring to GreenCharge’s domain, including a semantic description of TestCards, survey results and inferential rules.
Enhanced electrocaloric effect at room temperature in Mn2+ doped lead-free (BaSr)TiO3 ceramics via a direct measurement
Authors: Niu Xiang , Jian Xiaodong , Chen Xianyi , Li Haoxuan , Liang Wei , Yao Yingbang , Tao Tao , Liang Bo , Lu Sheng-Guo
Published: April 2021

(Ba1−xSrx)(MnyTi1−y)O3(BSMT) ceramics withx= 35, 40 mol% andy= 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5 mol% were prepared using a conventional solid-state reaction approach. The dielectric and ferroelectric properties were characterized using impedance analysis and polarization-electric field (P–E) hysteresis loop measurements, respectively. The adiabatic temperature drop was directly measured using a thermocouple when the applied electric field was removed. The results indicate that high permittivity and low dielectric losses were obtained by doping 0.1–0.4 mol% of manganese ions in (BaSr)TiO3(BST) specimens. A maximum electrocaloric effect (ECE) of 2.75 K in temperature change with electrocaloric strength of 0.55 K·(MV/m)−1was directly obtained at ∼21 °C and 50 kV/cm in Ba0.6Sr0.4Mn0.001Ti0.999O3sample, offering a promising ECE material for practical refrigeration devices working at room temperature.
Microstructure and mechanical properties of Zr3Al3C5-based ceramics synthesized by Al-Si melt infiltration
Authors: Fan Xiaomeng , Ma Yuzhao , Deng Yangfang , Ding Jinxue , Cheng Laifei
Published: April 2021

In this work, bulk Zr3Al3C5-based ceramics were synthesized by the infiltration of Al-Si melt into zirconium carbide (ZrC) perform. The phase composition, microstructure, and mechanical properties of as-fabricated ceramics were studied. The results demonstrate that Si is more effective to reduce the twin boundary energy of ZrC than Al, and thus promotes the decrease of formation temperature of Zr3Al3C5. With the infiltration temperatures increasing from 1200 to 1500 °C, the Zr3Al3C5 content increases from 10 to 49 vol%, which is contributed to the increase of flexural strength from 62±9 to 222±10 MPa, and fracture toughness (KIC) from 2.8±0.2 to 4.1±0.3 MPa·m1/2. The decrease of mechanical properties for the samples fabricated at 1600 °C is ascribed to the abnormal growth of Zr3Al3C5 grains.