bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PPARγ alleviates peritoneal fibrosis progression along with promoting GLUT1 expression and suppressing peritoneal mesothelial cell proliferation
Authors: Feng Junxia , Lu Meizhi , Li Wenhao , Li Jingchun , Meng Ping , Li Zukai , Gao Xuejuan , Zhang Yunfang
Published: April 2022

Objective

Peritoneal fibrosis (PF) is commonly induced by bioincompatible dialysate exposure during peritoneal dialysis, but the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. This study aimed to investigate the roles of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) in PF pathogenesis.

Methods

Rat and cellular PF models were established by high glucose dialysate and lipopolysaccharide treatments. Serum creatinine, urea nitrogen, and glucose contents were detected by ELISA. Histological evaluation was done through H&E and Masson staining. GLUT1, PPARγ, and other protein expression were measured by qRT-PCR, western blotting, and IHC. PPARγ and GLUT1 subcellular distribution were detected using confocal microscopy. Cell proliferation was assessed by MTT and Edu staining.

Results

Serum creatinine, urea nitrogen and glucose, and PPARγ and GLUT1 expression in rat PF model were reduced by PPARγ agonists Rosiglitazone or 15d-PGJ2 and elevated by antagonist GW9662. Rosiglitazone or 15d-PGJ2 repressed and GW9662 aggravated peritoneal fibrosis in rat PF model. PPARγ and GLUT1 were mainly localized in nucleus and cytosols of peritoneal mesothelial cells, respectively, which were reduced in cellular PF model, enhanced by Rosiglitazone or 15d-PGJ2, and repressed by GW9662. TGF-β and a-SMA expression was elevated in cellular PF model, which was inhibited by Rosiglitazone or 15d-PGJ2 and promoted by GW9662. PPARγ silencing reduced GLUT1, elevated a-SMA and TGF-b expression, and promoted peritoneal mesothelial cell proliferation, which were oppositely changed by PPARγ overexpression.

Conclusion

PPARγ inhibited high glucose-induced peritoneal fibrosis progression through elevating GLUT1 expression and repressing peritoneal mesothelial cell proliferation.
Comparison of several muscle modeling alternatives for computationally intensive algorithms in human motion dynamics
Authors: Lamas M. , Mouzo F. , Michaud F. , Lugris U. , Cuadrado J.
Published: April 2022

Several approaches are currently employed to address the predictive simulation of human motion, having in common their high computational demand. Muscle modeling seems to be an essential ingredient to provide human likeness to the obtained movements, at least for some activities, but it increases even more the computational load. This paper studies the efficiency and accuracy yielded by several alternatives of muscle modeling in the forward-dynamics analysis of captured motions, as a method that encompasses the computationally intensive character of predictive simulation algorithms with a known resulting motion which simplifies the comparisons. Four muscle models, the number of muscles, muscle torque generators, muscular synergies, and look-up tables for musculotendon lengths and moment arms are considered and analyzed, seeking to provide criteria on how to include the muscular component in human multibody models so that its effect on the resulting motion is captured while keeping a reasonable computational cost. Gait and vertical jump are considered as examples of slow- and fast-dynamics motions. Results suggest that: (i) the rigid-tendon model with activation dynamics offers a good balance between accuracy and efficiency, especially for short-tendon muscles; (ii) including muscles in the model leads to a decrease in efficiency which is highly dependent on the muscle model employed and the number of muscles considered; (iii) muscle torque generators keep the efficiency of skeletal models; (iv) muscular synergies offer almost no advantage for this problem; and (v) look-up tables for configuration-dependent kinematic magnitudes have a non-negligible impact on the efficiency, especially for simplified muscle models.
Deviation maximization for rank-revealing QR factorizations
Authors: Dessole Monica , Marcuzzi Fabio
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we introduce a new column selection strategy, named here “Deviation Maximization”, and apply it to compute rank-revealing QR factorizations as an alternative to the well-known block version of the QR factorization with the column pivoting method, called QP3 and currently implemented in LAPACK’s routine. We show that the resulting algorithm, named QRDM, has similar rank-revealing properties of QP3 and better execution times. We present experimental results on a wide data set of numerically singular matrices, which has become a reference in the recent literature.
Soil properties of North Iberian wet heathlands in relation to climate, management and plant community
Authors: Fagúndez Jaime , Pontevedra-Pombal Xabier
Published: April 2022

Background and aims

Heathlands are a broad vegetation type characterized by the dominance of evergreen shrub species that thrive on nutrient-poor soils, thus sensitive to small changes in soil conditions. Here we aimed to identify soil gradients related to climate, management and main species in wet heathlands.

Methods

Soil nutrient levels, organic matter and acidity were studied at two soil depths on ninety plots from 18 sites in Erica mackayana wet heaths of NW Iberian Peninsula, in relation to presence and cover of structural plant species (shrubs and graminoids) at two scales: plot and site (landscape) scale.

Results

We identified one main soil gradient explained by soil organic matter (SOM), the effective cation exchange complex (eCEC), available phosphorus (P), and Aluminium-Calcium ratio (Al:Ca). Cattle density had a positive correlation with the main gradient in the surface layer, all other climate and management factors were unrelated to soil conditions. Molinia caerulea had a positive relation with SOM, eCEC, basic cations and low Al:Ca ratio. Erica cinerea showed the opposite reaction at both scales. Ulex gallii showed a negative correlation with C:N ratio at the plot scale and deeper layer.

Conclusion

SOM accumulation, low nutrient levels and Al toxicity explain the uniqueness of E. mackayana heathland vegetation and soils. Main indicator species react to soil conditions at plot and landscape scales. Cattle density correlated positively with soil nutrient levels, but density of wild ponies is unrelated to soil conditions. Large herbivores, especially ponies, are needed for conservation management of these heathlands.
Mapping the sustainable development goals (SDGs) in science, technology and innovation: application of machine learning in SDG-oriented artefact detection
Authors: Hajikhani Arash , Suominen Arho
Published: April 2022

The sustainable development goals (SDGs) are a blueprint for achieving a better and more sustainable future for all by defining priorities and aspirations for 2030. This paper attempts to expand on the United Nations SDGs definition by leveraging the interrelationship between science and technology. We utilize SDG classification of scientific publications to compile a machine learning (ML) model to classify the SDG relevancy in patent documents, used as a proxy of technology development. The ML model was used to classify a sample of patent families registered in the European Patent Office (EPO). The analysis revealed the extent to which SDGs were addressed in patents. We also performed a case study to identify the offered extension of ML model detection regarding the SDG orientation of patents. In response to global goals and sustainable development initiatives, the findings can advance the identification challenges of science and technology artefacts. Furthermore, we offer input towards the alignment of R&D efforts and patenting strategies as well as measurement and management of their contribution to the realization of SDGs.
Mission Overview and Scientific Contributions from the Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity Rover After Eight Years of Surface Operations
Authors: Vasavada Ashwin R.
Published: April 2022

NASA’s Mars Science Laboratory mission, with its Curiosity rover, has been exploring Gale crater (5.4° S, 137.8° E) since 2012 with the goal of assessing the potential of Mars to support life. The mission has compiled compelling evidence that the crater basin accumulated sediment transported by marginal rivers into lakes that likely persisted for millions of years approximately 3.6 Ga ago in the early Hesperian. Geochemical and mineralogical assessments indicate that environmental conditions within this timeframe would have been suitable for sustaining life, if it ever were present. Fluids simultaneously circulated in the subsurface and likely existed through the dry phases of lake bed exposure and aeolian deposition, conceivably creating a continuously habitable subsurface environment that persisted to less than 3 Ga in the early Amazonian. A diversity of organic molecules has been preserved, though degraded, with evidence for more complex precursors. Solid samples show highly variable isotopic abundances of sulfur, chlorine, and carbon. In situ studies of modern wind-driven sediment transport and multiple large and active aeolian deposits have led to advances in understanding bedform development and the initiation of saltation. Investigation of the modern atmosphere and environment has improved constraints on the timing and magnitude of atmospheric loss, revealed the presence of methane and the crater’s influence on local meteorology, and provided measurements of high-energy radiation at Mars’ surface in preparation for future crewed missions. Rover systems and science instruments remain capable of addressing all key scientific objectives. Emphases on advance planning, flexibility, operations support work, and team culture have allowed the mission team to maintain a high level of productivity in spite of declining rover power and funding.
Compact high isolation UWB MIMO antennas
Authors: Ahmed Bazil Taha , Rodríguez Iván Fernández
Published: April 2022

In this work, two elements (with two versions) compat UWB MIMO antennas are designed and fabaricted. CST software is used in the simulation process. The two elements MIMO antenna have a size of 29.5 × 60 mm2. Measured S parameters show that the MIMO antennas work well from 3 GHz up to 20 GHz (representing the maximum working frequency of the measurent instrumnts). Mesurement results show that the isolation between the antenna elemnts is higher than 23 dB for the first version of the two elements UWB MIMO antenna. In addition, mesurement results show that the isolation between the antenna elemnts is higher than 30 dB for the second version of the two elements UWB MIMO antenna. Measurements show a channel capacity loss lower than 0.4 bps/Hz and a low group delay variation.
Low Complexity Single Carrier Frequency Domain Detectors for Internet of Underwater Things (IoUT)s
Authors: Aljanabi Amer , Alluhaibi Osama , Ahmed Qasim Z. , Khan Fahd A. , Waqas-Bin-Abbas  , Lazaridis Pavlos
Published: April 2022

This paper proposes low complexity detection for internet of underwater things communication. The signal is transmitted from the source to the destination using several sensors. To simplify the computational operations at the transmitter and the sensory nodes, a single carrier frequency domain equalizer is proposed and amplify-and-forward protocols are employed. Fast Fourier transform and use of cyclic prefix are also proposed to simplify these algorithms when compared to time-domain equalization. As precise channel data is difficult to capture in underwater communications, the adaptive implementation of FDE is proposed as a solution that can be employed when the channel experiences a fast doppler shift. The two adaptive detectors are based on the least mean-square and recursive least square principles. Numerical simulations show that the performance of the bit error rate performance of the proposed detectors is close to that of the ideal minimum mean square error.
Effects of artificial gap creation on the stand structure of an abandoned evergreen coppice
Authors: Yamashita Kazuhiro , Ito Satoshi , Hirata Ryoko
Published: April 2022

We examined the effects of artificial gap creation on the diversification of simplified stand structures in an abandoned coppice. A study plot was placed in a 49-year-old evergreen coppice, and two canopy gaps of ca. 100 m2 were artificially created by logging in December 1992. In 2015–2016 (22–23 years after gap creation), stand structure was resurveyed and compared between a gap-treated plot (PT) and control plot (PC). PT was separated into gap (G), gap edge (GE), and forest interior (FI) parts, and their structures were compared. G and GE, where recruitment of new stems/individuals was expected, had no increase in small stems in 2015 and 2016, showing a mono-modal height distribution pattern in PT similar to PC. Species number also showed no difference between PT and PC, demonstrating a large proportion of species common to PT and PC. No species specific to G and GE was found. In PT, resprouted stems recovered their individual heights during the study period, resulting in a re-simplified local structure and canopy closure. From these results, we concluded that artificial gap creation in the studied stand was insufficient to diversify the stand structure at a mid-term (20 years) scale, and that repeated cutting and/or control of the resprouted stem density is required for diversification of abandoned coppices.
Exploration potenzieller Barrieren für die Akzeptanz eines interdisziplinären sektorenübergreifenden Versorgungsnetzwerkes für Patient*innen mit Morbus Parkinson
Authors: Lang C. , Timpel P. , Müller G. , Knapp A. , Falkenburger B. , Wolz M. , Themann P. , Schmitt J.
Published: April 2022

Hintergrund

Mit dem ParkinsonNetzwerk Ostsachsen (PANOS) soll ein intersektorales, pfadbasiertes und plattformunterstütztes Versorgungskonzept etabliert werden, um trotz steigender Behandlungszahlen eine flächendeckende Parkinson-Versorgung mit adäquaten Therapien zu unterstützen.

Fragestellung

Welche Barrieren könnten die Akzeptanz und eine erfolgreiche Verstetigung des PANOS-Behandlungspfades gefährden?

Methode

Implementierungsbarrieren wurden über eine selektive Literaturrecherche identifiziert und in einer Onlinebefragung von 36 projektassoziierten Neurolog*innen und Hausärzt*innen priorisiert. Die Auswertung der Ergebnisse erfolgte anonymisiert und deskriptiv.

Ergebnisse

Dreizehn mögliche Implementierungsbarrieren wurden identifiziert. Es nahmen 11 Neurolog*innen und 7 Hausärzt*innen an der Onlineumfrage teil. Die befragten Neurolog*innen sahen in Doppeldokumentationen sowie in unzureichender Kommunikation und Kooperation zwischen den Leistungserbringenden die größten Hindernisse für eine Akzeptanz von PANOS. Hausärzt*innen beurteilten u. a. die restriktiven Verordnungs- und Budgetgrenzen und den möglicherweise zu hohen Zeitaufwand für Netzwerkprozesse als hinderlich.

Diskussion

Doppeldokumentationen von Patienten- und Behandlungsdaten sind zeitintensiv und fehleranfällig. Die Akzeptanz kann durch adäquate finanzielle Kompensation der Leistungserbringenden erhöht werden. Das hausärztliche Verordnungsverhalten könnte durch die Verwendung interventionsbezogener Abrechnungsziffern positiv beeinflusst werden. Die Ergebnisse zeigen u. a. einen Bedarf an integrativen technischen Systemlösungen und sektorenübergreifenden Dokumentationsstrukturen, um den Mehraufwand für Leistungserbringende zu reduzieren.

Schlussfolgerung

Eine Vorabanalyse der Einflussfaktoren von PANOS sowie die Sensibilisierung aller mitwirkenden Akteure für potenzielle Barrieren sind entscheidend für die Akzeptanz des Versorgungsnetzwerkes. Gezielte Maßnahmen zur Reduzierung und Vermeidung identifizierter Barrieren können die anwenderseitige Akzeptanz erhöhen und die Behandlungsergebnisse optimieren.
Social Identities in the Policy Process of Authoritarian Systems
Authors: Hornung Johanna , Schröder Ilana , Bandelow Nils C.
Published: April 2022

The integration of the social–psychological social identity approach to policy process research has recently generated new insights on policy-making. Empirical applications for established democracies and multilevel settings such as the European Union have identified five general types of social identities that are relevant for the preferences and behavior of policy actors and their stability and change over time. Social identities are based on joint memberships in social groups, such as organizations, demographic/biographical identities, sectors, locations, and informal opportunities for exchange (which may result in programmatic groups and identities). Some of these social groups, above all pluralistic interest associations and political parties, are directly related to the settings of embedded democracies. This article sheds light on the traveling capacity of the Social Identities in the Policy Process (SIPP) perspective by applying it to the Russian political system. An analysis of policy actors’ social identities in two federal ministries shows that in autocracies, interest intermediation, legitimacy, and influence on policy processes run through professional and informal groups when competing organizations and democratic institutions are absent. The results indicate that the SIPP perspective is adaptable to policy processes in different contexts but that the importance of identity types varies.
Welche individuellen und institutionellen Faktoren begünstigen die Kooperation von Grundschullehrkräften?
Authors: Kalinowski Eva , Jurczok Anne , Westphal Andrea , Vock Miriam
Published: April 2022

Der Kooperation von Lehrkräften wird für die Bewältigung der komplexen Anforderungen des Schulalltags großes Potenzial zugeschrieben. Dennoch ist Kooperation in vielen Lehrkräftekollegien nicht selbstverständlich. Auf Basis einer Befragung vonN = 489 Grundschullehrkräften untersucht dieser Beitrag in einem querschnittlichen Design die kollegiale Kooperation in Schulen in Deutschland. Mit einer Regression wurde unter Berücksichtigung der Mehrebenenstruktur der Daten geprüft, in welchem Ausmaß personale, kompetenzbezogene und institutionelle Merkmale die Umsetzung verschiedener Kooperationsformen wahrscheinlicher machen. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die Kooperationsform „Austausch“ in der Arbeit der Lehrkräfte ausgeprägt wahrgenommen wurde, die Kooperationsform „Kokonstruktion“ weniger. Zudem zeigen sich Gemeinsamkeiten, aber auch Unterschiede in den begünstigenden Faktoren. Während sich für beide Kooperationsformen die Wahrnehmung kollektiver Selbstwirksamkeit und das Zusammenspiel zwischen organisatorischen und räumlichen Rahmenbedingungen als prädiktiv erwiesen, spielte der Enthusiasmus lediglich für den Austausch und die Unterrichtserfahrung nur für die Kokonstruktion eine Rolle.
Civic Literacy – zur Theorie und Messbarkeit eines Kompetenzmodells für die schulische politische Bildung
Authors: Alscher Pascal , Ludewig Ulrich , McElvany Nele
Published: April 2022

Das Funktionieren einer Demokratie beruht nicht allein auf Institutionen und Gesetzen, sondern auch auf dem Engagement der Bürgerinnen und Bürger und der diesem Engagement zugrundeliegenden Civic Literacy. Die theoretische Kompetenzforschung in der schulischen politischen Bildung unterscheidet zwischen politischem Wissen sowie Handlungsdispositionen in den Bereichen Motivation, Einstellung und Volition. Das Zusammenwirken dieser Bereiche stellt eine Herausforderung für die empirische Kompetenzforschung dar. Nur durch das gemeinsame Messen und Interpretieren sowie das separate Auswerten dieser verschiedenen Bereiche wird eine differenzierte Betrachtung von Civic Literacy möglich. Vor diesem Hintergrund wird aufbauend auf Arbeiten aus der Politikdidaktik, Erziehungswissenschaft und Psychologie im folgenden Beitrag ein theoriebasiertes Kompetenzmodell, welches im Kern einen politischen Wissenstest und darüber hinaus Handlungsdispositionen in den Bereichen Motivation, Einstellung und Volition enthält, vorgestellt. Das Kompetenzmodell soll eine theoriebasierte, systematische Beforschung und Evaluierung von Civic Literacy bei Schülerinnen und Schülern für Forschung und Praxis ermöglichen.
No Weekday Effect in Bariatric Surgery—a Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Skogar Martin L. , Stenberg Erik , Sundbom Magnus
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Major abdominal surgery carried out in the later part of the week has been associated with increased complication rates. The aim of this study was to explore whether the weekday of surgery affects the 30-day complication risks after primary Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG).

Material and Methods

Prospectively collected data, extracted from the Scandinavian Obesity Surgery Registry (SOReg), of all patients who underwent primary laparoscopic RYGB or SG between 2010 and 2017 were included in this retrospective cohort study. Multivariate logistic regression adjusted for differences in case-mix and operating center by weekday of surgery.

Results

In total, 49,349 patients were included in this study. The overall 30-day complication rate was 7.2% (n = 3574), whereof 2.9% (n = 1428) had a severe complication, i.e., requiring intervention in general anesthesia or more. The 30-day mortality rate and readmission rate were 0.02% (n = 12) and 7.6% (n = 3726), respectively. The highest overall complication rate was seen in patients operated on Wednesdays and Thursdays (7.7%), while severe complications were most common on Wednesdays (3.3%). However, a large variation in severe complications was seen between centers, from 0.4 to 8.0%. After adjustment for case-mix and operating center, there was no significant increased risk of overall complications, severe complications, or readmission rates by weekday of surgery, except for a lower readmission rate in patients operated on Tuesdays.

Conclusion

The result of the present study supports the notion that bariatric surgery can be performed safely on all weekdays.

Graphical Abstract
Impact of pandemic lockdown on learning behaviour and sleep quality in German students
Authors: Staller Naomi , Kalbacher Lisa , Randler Christoph
Published: April 2022

Background

This study addresses the effects of the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) restriction measures on sleep and bedtime habits of N = 637 German university students.

Methods

The questionnaire was distributed online during two different time periods in 2020 (February 27–March 21) and in 2021 (February 27–March 27). The first data collection phase was immediately before the first strict lockdown to contain the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany, and the second data collection phase was during the second lockdown. The survey was composed of validated questionnaires and additional questions regarding the changes in sleep/bedtimes and the status of lectures during the lockdown phase.

Results

The average Pediatric Daytime Sleepiness Scale (PDSS) score in the sample decreased during the lockdown phase, corresponding to the fact that students were less burdened with daytime sleepiness. Moreover, the sample had earlier rise and earlier bedtimes on free days during the lockdown period. Furthermore, the increase in flexible learning times brought about by the pandemic negatively impacted the students’ lifestyle and increased irregularities in sleeping habits.

Conclusion

Significant changes in sleeping patterns seem to be attributable to the pandemic lockdown as found in this self-reported student survey. While daytime sleepiness decreased and earlier overall bedtimes were noted, the impact on the irregularity of sleeping and learning patterns seems to be the most notable finding, as this affects overall quality of life and learning performance. Further studies are needed to validate these findings.
Mixed Phenotype/Lineage Leukemia: Has Anything Changed for 2021 on Diagnosis, Classification, and Treatment?
Authors: Béné Marie C. , Porwit Anna
Published: April 2022

Purpose of Review

Recent advances in the small field of the rare mixed phenotype acute leukemias (MPAL) are presented focusing on a better understanding of their pathophysiology and search for better therapeutic approaches.

Recent Findings

Three aspects of respective classification, therapy, and immunophenotype of MPAL are reviewed. New proposals have been made to segregate MPAL subtypes based on their genomic landscape. In parallel, it was found that a large array of therapeutic approaches has been tested in the past few years with increasingly good results. Finally, we explored the use of unsupervised flow cytometry analysis to dissect subtle variations in markers expression to better characterize the variegating aspect of MPALs.

Genomic and immunophenotypic aspects more clearly link MPAL subtypes with bona fide acute myeloblastic of lymphoblastic leukemias. This is likely to impact therapeutic strategies, towards a better management and outcome.
A theoretical reflection on smart shape modeling
Authors: Serón Francisco J. , Zaldívar Ángel , Blesa Alfonso , Celani Gabriela , Magallón Juan
Published: April 2022

This paper presents, as far as the authors are aware, a complete and extended new taxonomy of shape specification modeling techniques and a characterization of shape design systems, all based on the relationship of users’ knowledge to the modeling system they use to generate shapes. In-depth knowledge of this relationship is not usually revealed in the regular university training courses such as bachelor’s, master’s and continuing education. For this reason, we believe that it is necessary to modify the learning process, offering a more global vision of all the currently existing techniques and extending training in those related to algorithmic modeling techniques. We consider the latter to be the most powerful current techniques for modeling complex shapes that cannot be modeled with the usual techniques known to date. Therefore, the most complete training should include everything from the usual geometry to textual programming. This would take us a step further along the way to more powerful design environments. The proposed taxonomy could serve as a guideline to help improve the learning process of students and designers in a complex environment with increasingly powerful requirements and tools. The term “smart” is widely used nowadays, e.g. smart phones, smart cars, smart homes, smart cities... and similar terms such as “smart shape modeling”. Nowadays, the term smart is applied from a marketing point of view, whenever an innovation is used to solve a complex problem. This is the case for what is currently called smart shape modeling. However, in the future; this concept should mean a much better design environment than today. The smart future requires better trained and skilled engineers, architects, designers or technical students. This means that they must be prepared to be able to contribute to the creation of new knowledge, to the use of innovations to solve complex problems of form, and to the extraction of the relevant pieces of intelligence from the growing volume of knowledge and technologies accessible today. Our taxonomy is presented from the point of view of methods that are possibly furthest away from what is considered today as “intelligent shape modeling” to the limit of what is achievable today and which the authors call “Generic Shape Algorithm”. Finally, we discuss the characteristics that a shape modeling system must have to be truly “intelligent”: it must be “proactive” in applying innovative ideas to achieve a solution to a complex problem.
Persistence and recurrence in tumor-induced osteomalacia: A systematic review of the literature and results from a national survey/case series
Authors: Cianferotti Luisella , Delli Poggi Chiara , Bertoldo Francesco , Caffarelli Carla , Crotti Chiara , Gatti Davide , Giannini Sandro , Gonnelli Stefano , Mazzantini Maurizio , Ombretta Viapiana , Sella Stefania , Setti Angela , Varenna Massimo , Zucchi Francesca , Brandi Maria Luisa
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Tumor induced osteomalacia (TIO) is a rare disease of mineral metabolism, whose clinical picture is dominated by hypophosphatemia usually due to an excess of circulating FGF23 produced by small mesenchymal tumors. Data on the real prevalence of the disease are lacking, with the knowledge of the disease mainly relying on case reports and small case series. No estimate is available on the prevalence of uncured TIO.

Methods

National multi-center, cross-sectional and retrospective study on persistent or recurrent cases of TIO followed in referral centers for bone diseases; systematic review of the published persistent and recurrent cases of TIO. Data from patients consecutively evaluated in referral Italian centers for bone diseases were collected; a PubMed search on persistent, recurrent and unoperable cases of TIO was carried out.

Results

Sixteen patients (mean age at diagnosis 52.5 ± 10.6 years) with persistent (n = 6, 37,5%), recurrent (n = 7, 43.7%) or not operable (n = 3, 18.8%) TIO were described. Delay in diagnosis (2.5 ± 1.3 years) was demonstrated. All patients experienced fragility fractures or pseudofractures and disabling bone and muscle pain. BMD was significantly reduced (mean T-score −2.7 ± 1.7 and −2.7 ± 0.9 at lumbar spine and femoral neck, respectively). Fourteen patients were maintained under therapy with phosphate salts and calcitriol, while in 2 patients therapy with burosumab, an anti-FGF23 antibody, was commenced.

Conclusion

A significant number of patients with TIO remain either undiagnosed for tumor localization or tumor recur or persist after surgery. These patients with active disease represent possible candidates for burosumab treatment.
Aspirin improves transplant-free survival after TIPS implantation in patients with refractory ascites: a retrospective multicentre cohort study
Authors: Seifert Leon Louis , Schindler Philipp , Sturm Lukas , Gu Wenyi , Seifert Quentin Edward , Weller Jan Frederic , Jansen Christian , Praktiknjo Michael , Meyer Carsten , Schoster Martin , Wilms Christian , Maschmeier Miriam , Schmidt Hartmut H. , Masthoff Max , Köhler Michael , Schultheiss Michael , Huber Jan Patrick , Bettinger Dominik , Trebicka Jonel , Wildgruber Moritz , Heinzow Hauke
Published: April 2022

Background and aims

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) implantation is an established procedure to treat portal hypertension. Impact of administration of aspirin on transplant-free survival after TIPS remains unknown.

Methods

A multicenter retrospective analysis including patients with TIPS implantation between 2011 and 2018 at three tertiary German Liver Centers was performed. N = 583 patients were included. Survival analysis was performed in a matched cohort after propensity score matching. Patients were grouped according to whether aspirin was (PSM-aspirin-cohort) or was not (PSM-no-aspirin-cohort) administered after TIPS. Primary endpoint of the study was transplant-free survival at 12 months after TIPS.

Results

Aspirin improved transplant-free survival 12 months after TIPS with 90.7% transplant-free survival compared to 80.0% (p = 0.001) after PSM. Separated by TIPS indication, aspirin did improve transplant-free survival in patients with refractory ascites significantly (89.6% vs. 70.6% transplant-free survival, p < 0.001), while no significant effect was observed in patients with refractory variceal bleeding (91.1% vs. 92.2% transplant-free survival, p = 0.797).

Conclusion

This retrospective multicenter study provides first data indicating a beneficial effect of aspirin on transplant-free survival after TIPS implantation in patients with refractory ascites.
Leisure as a Space for Inclusion and the Improvement of Life Satisfaction of Immigrants
Authors: Berasategi Sancho Naiara , Roman Etxebarrieta Gorka , Alonso Saez Israel , Idoiaga Mondragon Nahia
Published: April 2022

Immigration has increased as a transnational phenomenon in Europe in recent years. A total of 2.4 million people migrated to one of the EU-28 Member States during 2018 as discussed by Eurostat (2020). This new reality presents us with new challenges, barriers, and paradigms of intervention. In this context, leisure has become one of the most important tools for the inclusion of this population and the development and strengthening of civic values that are essential in these times of constant mobility and social and cultural hybridization as discussed by Ashcroft, Griffiths & Tiffin (2006). The aim of this study was to analyze the role of leisure in processes related to inclusion, improvement of life satisfaction, and those related to covering the needs of migrants. For this purpose, a questionnaire was used which was administered to 373 people from different countries of origin in the Basque Country (Northern Spain). The variables under study were participation in leisure activities, needs covered, life satisfaction, and perception of inclusion. The results indicate that the participation of these people in leisure activities and free time, their inclusion in the territory, and their perceived life satisfaction are all low, while their needs (physical, psychological, educational, social, relaxation, physiological, and artistic) are not satisfactorily covered. Furthermore, the extent to which their needs are covered, strength of the social network, inclusion, and life satisfaction all show a correlation with free time and engagement in leisure activities.
Social media stress and mental health: A brief report on the protective role of emotional intelligence
Authors: Sundvik Linda M. S. , Davis Sarah K.
Published: April 2022

Evidence on whether social media use is associated with poor mental health and stress remains mixed and controversial. It is suggested that this effect may vary according to individual differences. Emotional intelligence (EI) is considered a protective resource that can buffer the effects of stressors in certain contexts. We examine whether this protective effect extends to the experience of social media stress. 201 young adults (mean age 26.12; 83.6% female) completed measures of EI (trait; ability), social media stress (SMS), anxiety, depression and wellbeing. SMS related to poorer mental health (symptoms and wellbeing) whilst higher EI was linked to reduced levels of SMS and better mental health. Data show the relationship between SMS and depression is moderated by trait (not ability) EI, such that those with lower levels of trait EI, who experience high levels of SMS, report higher levels of depression symptoms compared to those with higher TEI. Implications and directions for research are explored.
The Illusion of Agency in Human–Computer Interaction
Authors: Madary Michael
Published: April 2022

This article makes the case that our digital devices create illusions of agency. There are times when users feel as if they are in control when in fact they are merely responding to stimuli on the screen in predictable ways. After the introduction, the second section of the article offers examples of illusions of agency that do not involve human–computer interaction in order to show that such illusions are possible and not terribly uncommon. The third and fourth sections of the article cover relevant work from empirical psychology, including the cues that are known to generate the sense of agency. The fifth section of the article shows that our devices are designed to deliver precisely those cues. In the sixth section, the argument is completed with evidence that users frequently use their smartphones without the sort of intentional supervision involved in genuine agency. This sixth section includes the introduction of Digital Environmental Dependency Syndrome (DEDS) as a possible way of characterizing extended use of the smartphone without genuine agency. In the final section of the article, there is a discussion of questions raised by the main claim, including suggestions for reducing occurrences of illusions of agency through software design.
Inflation in the G7 countries: persistence and structural breaks
Authors: Caporale Guglielmo Maria , Gil-Alana Luis Alberiko , Poza Carlos
Published: April 2022

This paper examines long-range dependence in the inflation rates of the G7 countries by estimating their (fractional) order of integration d over the sample period January 1973—March 2020. The results indicate that the series are very persistent, the estimated value of d being equal to or higher than 1 in all cases. Possible non-linearities in the form of Chebyshev polynomials in time are ruled out. Endogenous break tests are then carried out, and the degree of integration is estimated for each of the subsamples corresponding to the detected break dates. Significant differences are found between subsamples and countries in terms of the estimated degree of integration of the series, which is likely to be related to the reputation and credibility of the monetary authorities.
BAP1-defficient breast cancer in a patient with BAP1 cancer syndrome
Authors: Blatnik Ana , Ribnikar Domen , Šetrajčič Dragoš Vita , Novaković Srdjan , Stegel Vida , Grčar Kuzmanov Biljana , Boc Nina , Perić Barbara , Škerl Petra , Klančar Gašper , Krajc Mateja
Published: April 2022

BAP1 cancer syndrome is a rare and highly penetrant hereditary cancer predisposition. Uveal melanoma, mesothelioma, renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and cutaneous melanoma are considered BAP1 cancer syndrome core cancers, whereas association with breast cancer has previously been suggested but not confirmed so far. In view of BAP1 immunomodulatory functions, BAP1 alterations could prove useful as possible biomarkers of response to immunotherapy in patients with BAP1-associated cancers. We present a case of a patient with BAP1 cancer syndrome who developed a metastatic breast cancer with loss of BAP1 demonstrated on immunohistochemistry. She carried a germline BAP1 likely pathogenic variant (c.898_899delAG p.(Arg300Glyfs*6)). In addition, tumor tissue sequencing identified a concurrent somatic variant in BAP1 (partial deletion of exon 12) and a low tumor mutational burden. As her triple negative tumor was shown to be PD-L1 positive, the patient was treated with combination of atezolizumab and nab-paclitaxel. She had a complete and sustained response to immunotherapy even after discontinuation of nab-paclitaxel. This case strengthens the evidence for including breast cancer in the BAP1 cancer syndrome tumor spectrum with implications for future cancer prevention programs. It also indicates immune checkpoint inhibitors might prove to be an effective treatment for BAP1-deficient breast cancer.
Digitisation of metal AM for part microstructure and property control
Authors: Dogu Merve Nur , McCarthy Eanna , McCann Ronan , Mahato Vivek , Caputo Annalina , Bambach Markus , Ahad Inam Ul , Brabazon Dermot
Published: April 2022

Metal additive manufacturing, which uses a layer-by-layer approach to fabricate parts, has many potential advantages over conventional techniques, including the ability to produced complex geometries, fast new design part production, personalised production, have lower cost and produce less material waste. While these advantages make AM an attractive option for industry, determining process parameters which result in specific properties, such as the level of porosity and tensile strength, can be a long and costly endeavour. In this review, the state-of-the-art in the control of part properties in AM is examined, including the effect of microstructure on part properties. The simulation of microstructure formation via numerical simulation and machine learning is examined which can provide process quality control and has the potential to aid in rapid process optimisation via closed loop control. In-situ monitoring of the AM process, is also discussed as a route to enable first time right production in the AM process, along with the hybrid approach of AM fabrication with post-processing steps such as shock peening, heat treatment and rolling. At the end of the paper, an outlook is presented with a view towards potential avenues for further research required in the field of metal AM.
A single-centre prospective evaluation of left bundle branch area pacemaker implantation characteristics
Authors: Heckman L. I. B. , Luermans J. G. L. M. , Jastrzębski M. , Weijs B. , Van Stipdonk A. M. W. , Westra S. , den Uijl D. , Linz D. , Mafi-Rad M. , Prinzen F. W. , Vernooy K.
Published: April 2022

Background

Left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) has recently been introduced as a physiological pacing technique with synchronous left ventricular activation. It was our aim to evaluate the feasibility and learning curve of the technique, as well as the electrical characteristics of LBBAP.

Methods and results

LBBAP was attempted in 80 consecutive patients and electrocardiographic characteristics were evaluated during intrinsic rhythm, right ventricular septum pacing (RVSP) and LBBAP. Permanent lead implantation was successful in 77 of 80 patients (96%). LBBAP lead implantation time and fluoroscopy time shortened significantly from 33 ± 16 and 21 ± 13 min to 17 ± 5 and 12 ± 7 min, respectively, from the first 20 to the last 20 patients. Left bundle branch (LBB) capture was achieved in 54 of 80 patients (68%). In 36 of 45 patients (80%) with intact atrioventricular conduction and narrow QRS, an LBB potential (LBBpot) was present with an LBBpot to onset of QRS interval of 22 ± 6 ms. QRS duration increased significantly more during RVSP (141 ± 20 ms) than during LBBAP (125 ± 19 ms), compared to 130 ± 30 ms without pacing. An even clearer difference was observed for QRS area, which increased significantly more during RVSP (from 32 ± 16 µVs to 73 ± 20 µVs) than during LBBAP (41 ± 15 µVs). QRS area was significantly smaller in patients with LBB capture compared to patients without LBB capture (43 ± 18 µVs vs 54 ± 21 µVs, respectively). In patients with LBB capture (n = 54), the interval from the pacing stimulus to R‑wave peak time in lead V6 was significantly shorter than in patients without LBB capture (75 ± 14 vs 88 ± 9 ms, respectively).

Conclusion

LBBAP is a safe and feasible technique, with a clear learning curve that seems to flatten after 40–60 implantations. LBB capture is achieved in two-thirds of patients. Compared to RVSP, LBBAP largely maintains ventricular electrical synchrony at a level close to intrinsic (narrow QRS) rhythm.
Earth stewardship: Shaping a sustainable future through interacting policy and norm shifts
Authors: Chapin F. Stuart , Weber Elke U. , Bennett Elena M. , Biggs Reinette , van den Bergh Jeroen , Adger W. Neil , Crépin Anne-Sophie , Polasky Stephen , Folke Carl , Scheffer Marten , Segerson Kathleen , Anderies John M. , Barrett Scott , Cardenas Juan-Camilo , Carpenter Stephen R. , Fischer Joern , Kautsky Nils , Levin Simon A. , Shogren Jason F. , Walker Brian , Wilen James , de Zeeuw Aart
Published: April 2022

Transformation toward a sustainable future requires an earth stewardship approach to shift society from its current goal of increasing material wealth to a vision of sustaining built, natural, human, and social capital—equitably distributed across society, within and among nations. Widespread concern about earth’s current trajectory and support for actions that would foster more sustainable pathways suggests potential social tipping points in public demand for an earth stewardship vision. Here, we draw on empirical studies and theory to show that movement toward a stewardship vision can be facilitated by changes in either policy incentives or social norms. Our novel contribution is to point out that both norms and incentives must change and can do so interactively. This can be facilitated through leverage points and complementarities across policy areas, based on values, system design, and agency. Potential catalysts include novel democratic institutions and engagement of non-governmental actors, such as businesses, civic leaders, and social movements as agents for redistribution of power. Because no single intervention will transform the world, a key challenge is to align actions to be synergistic, persistent, and scalable.
Analysis of a continuously stirred two tank reactor cascade with Haldane kinetics
Authors: Stacey A. J. , Shepherd J. J.
Published: April 2022

Biological reactors are employed in industrial applications to break down organic waste. We view the cascade of two open loop continuously stirred tank reactors with Haldane growth function as chemostats with bacterial inputs. A function of some of the reactor parameters is derived, the sign of which determines the maximum number of critical points a reactor can have. This allows us to determine the parameter combinations which ensure a reactor has only a single critical point for all bacterial removal rates (dilution rate plus death rate). Where a simple condition on the above function is confirmed to hold, if the first reactor in a cascade only has a single critical point for all bacterial removal rates then, the next reactor will also only have a single critical point for all bacterial removal rates. A global stability result is also given for some of these cases. A simple proof is given for the local stability of critical points of a reactor with a general class of bacterial growth functions, bacteria and substrate input, and a death rate. For the special case where the first reactor has zero bacteria input, we compare a two reactor cascade with a single reactor under various conditions, long and short residence times, and different death rates. This follows the pattern of similar papers that considered cascades using the Monod and Contois growth functions.
Implementation of the frailty assessment to improve liver transplant outcomes
Authors: Corradi Mattia , Mazzarelli Chiara , Cesari Matteo , Viganò Raffaella , Belli Luca Saverio
Published: April 2022

The majority of patients undergoing Orthotopic Liver Transplantation (OLT) have increased in age, therefore chronological age may have become an unreliable parameter for supporting clinical decisions. The age-related deficit accumulation model measuring frailty proposed by Rockwood et al., may propose an alternative in providing an estimate of an individual’s biological age. No Frailty Index (FI) tailored specifically for OLT patients exists to date. Forty-three consecutive OLT patients with ≥ 20 years of survival with a functioning graft were included in our study. The FI was computed taking to account 39 items (FI-39), meeting the standard criteria for internal validation. Endpoints were polypharmacy, and recent Emergency Room admission. The mean age of our population was 69 (sd 9) years. The mean FI-39 was 0.23 (sd 0.1). The FI-39 was associated with polypharmacy [odds ratio (OR) 1.13; Confidence interval (95%CI) 1.03–1.24; p = 0.01], and recent Emergency Room admission [beta coefficient + 1.98; 95%CI + 0.26, + 3.70; p = 0.03], independent for age and sex. This study demonstrates that an FI can be derived from data collected during routine clinical follow-up and allows for improved differentiation related to the OLT clinical complexity in OLT patients, independent of chronological age. This may lead to the adoption of FI-39 to improve personalized OLT patient care.
Building First-Year Medical Students’ Skills in Finding, Evaluating, and Visualizing Health Information Through a “Debunking Medical Myths” Curricular Module
Authors: Akers Katherine G. , Hu Ella , Rehman Narmeen , Yun Ho Jun , Hoofman Jacob , Monconduit Rachel , Mendez Jennifer
Published: April 2022

To provide an online service learning opportunity for medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic, medical faculty and librarians developed and implemented a “Debunking Medical Myths” module in which students learned to search for emerging medical literature, evaluate evidence, and use that evidence to create an infographics debunking a COVID-19-related myth for a non-medical audience. The resultant infographics are visually appealing and designed to make complex health information easy to understand. The module was well-received by students, who demonstrated a nuanced understanding of the use of infographics to convey health information, and students’ work was evaluated highly by community members.