bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gasoline fume inhalation induces apoptosis, inflammation, and favors Th2 polarization in C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Nour‐Eldine Wared , Sayyed Katia , Harhous Zeina , Dagher‐Hamalian Carole , Mehanna Stephanie , Achkouti Donna , ElKazzaz Hanan , Khnayzer Rony S. , Kobeissy Firas , Khalil Christian , Abi‐Gerges Aniella
Published: January 2022

Gasoline exposure has been widely reported in the literature as being toxic to human health. However, the exact underlying molecular mechanisms triggered by its inhalation have not been thoroughly investigated. We herein present a model of sub‐chronic, static gasoline vapor inhalation in adult female C57BL/6 mice. Animals were exposed daily to either gasoline vapors (0.86 g/animal/90 min) or ambient air for 5 days/week over 7 consecutive weeks. At the end of the study period, toxic and molecular mechanisms underlying the inflammatory, oxidative, and apoptotic effects triggered by gasoline vapors, were examined in the lungs and liver of gasoline‐exposed (GE) mice.

Static gasoline exposure induced a significant increase (+21%) in lungs/body weight (BW) ratio in GE versus control (CON) mice along with a pulmonary inflammation attested by histological staining. The latter was consistent with increases in the transcript levels of proinflammatory cytokines [Interleukins (ILs) 4 and 6], respectively by ~ 6‐ and 4‐fold in the lungs of GE mice compared to CON. Interestingly, IL‐10 expression was also increased by ~ 10‐fold in the lungs of GE mice suggesting an attempt to counterbalance the established inflammation. Moreover, the pulmonary expression of IL‐12 and TNF‐α was downregulated by 2‐ and 4‐fold, respectively, suggesting the skewing toward Th2 phenotype. Additionally, GE mice showed a significant upregulation in Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio, caspases 3, 8, and 9 with no change in JNK expression in the lungs, suggesting the activation of both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways. Static gasoline exposure over seven consecutive weeks had a minor hepatic portal inflammation attested by H&E staining along with an increase in the hepatic expression of the mitochondrial complexes in GE mice. Therefore, tissue damage biomarkers highlight the health risks associated with vapor exposure and may present potential therapeutic targets for recovery from gasoline intoxication.
Radius, girth and minimum degree
Authors: Dvorák Vojtĕch , van Hintum Peter , Shaw Amy , Tiba Marius
Published: January 2022

The objective of the present paper is to study the maximum radius of a connected graph of order , minimum degree and girth at least . Erdős, Pach, Pollack and Tuza proved that if , that is, the graph is triangle‐free, then , and noted that up to the value of the additive constant, this upper bound is tight. In this paper we shall determine the exact maximum. For larger values of little is known. We settle the order of the maximum for and 12, and prove an upper bound for every even , which we conjecture to be tight up to a constant factor. Finally, we show that our conjecture implies the so‐called Erdős girth conjecture.
Left Ventricular Strain Measurements Derived from MR Feature Tracking: A Head‐to‐Head Comparison of a Higher Temporal Resolution Method With a Conventional Method
Authors: Yang Wenjing , Li Hongwen , He Jian , Yin Gang , An Jing , Forman Christoph , Schmidt Michaela , Zhao Shihua , Lu Minjie
Published: January 2022

Background

Magnetic resonance feature tracking (MR‐FT) is an imaging technique that quantifies both global and regional myocardial strain. Currently, conventional MR‐FT provides a superior signal and contrast‐to‐noise ratio but has a relatively low temporal resolution. A higher temporal resolution MR‐FT technique may provide improved results.

Purpose

To explore the impact of higher temporal resolution on left ventricular (LV) myocardial strain measurements using MR‐FT.

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

One hundred and fifty‐three participants including five healthy subjects and patients with various cardiac diseases referred to MR for cardiac assessment.

Field Strength

3 T, balanced steady‐state free precession sequence with and without compressed sensing (temporal resolution: 10 msec and 40 msec, respectively).

Assessment

Conventional (40 msec) and higher (10 msec) temporal resolution data were acquired in all subjects during the same scanning session. Global circumferential strain (GCS), global longitudinal strain (GLS), and global radial strain (GRS) as well as peak systolic and diastolic strain rates (SRs) were measured by MR‐FT and compared between the two temporal resolutions. We also performed subgroup analyses according to heart rates (HRs) and LV ejection fraction (LVEF).

Statistical Tests

Paired t‐test, Wilcoxon signed‐rank test, linear regression analyses, Bland–Altman plots. A P value <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

Results

GCS and GRS were significantly higher in the 10‐msec temporal resolution studies compared to the 40‐msec temporal resolution studies (GCS: −13.00 ± 6.58% vs. −12.51 ± 5.76%; GRS: 21.97 ± 14.54% vs. 20.62 ± 12.52%). In the subgroup analyses, significantly higher GLS, GCS, and GRS values were obtained in subjects with LVEF ≥50%, and significantly higher GCS and GRS values were obtained in subjects with HRs <70 bpm when assessed with the 10‐msec vs. the 40‐msec temporal resolutions. All the peak systolic and diastolic SRs were significantly higher in the higher temporal resolution acquisitions. This was also true for all subgroups.

Data Conclusions

Higher temporal resolution resulted in significantly higher cardiac strain and SR values using MR‐FT and could be beneficial, particularly in patients with LVEF ≥50% and HR <70 bpm.

Level of Evidence

1

Technical Efficacy

Stage 1
Abbreviated Gadoxetic Acid‐Enhanced MRI for the Detection of Liver Metastases in Patients With Potentially Resectable Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Yamaguchi Takeru , Sofue Keitaro , Ueshima Eisuke , Ueno Yoshiko , Tsujita Yushi , Yabe Shinji , Shirakawa Sachiyo , Toyama Hirochika , Hori Masatoshi , Fukumoto Takumi , Murakami Takamichi
Published: January 2022

Background

Gadoxetic acid‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is useful in detecting liver metastases from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, the long examination time limits its utility in the initial workup of patients with PDAC.

Purpose

To evaluate the incremental value of an abbreviated gadoxetic acid‐enhanced MRI for the detection of liver metastases in patients with PDAC.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

Patients (N = 130) with potentially resectable PDAC (women, 58 [44.6%]).

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5 T and 3 T; gradient dual‐echo T1‐weighted (in‐phase and opposed‐phase), fat‐suppressed fast spin‐echo T2‐weighted, single‐shot echo‐planar diffusion‐weighted, and three‐dimensional fat‐suppressed T1‐weighted gradient‐echo dynamic contrast‐enhanced and hepatobiliary phase sequences, as well as contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CECT).

Assessment

Three radiologists independently reviewed three different image sets to detect liver metastases: set 1, CECT alone; set 2, CECT and abbreviated MRI comprising fat‐suppressed T2‐weighted, diffusion‐weighted, and hepatobiliary phase images; and set 3, CECT and standard gadoxetic acid‐enhanced MRI.

Statistical Tests

Figure of merit (FOM) was compared using the jackknife alternative free‐response receiver operating characteristics, and other per‐lesion and per‐patient diagnostic parameters for each image set were compared using McNemar's and Fisher's test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

A total of 43 liver metastases were identified in 13 patients. Reader‐averaged FOM to detect liver metastases were significantly higher for sets 2 (0.884) and 3 (0.886) than for set 1 (0.609), while they were comparable between sets 2 and 3 (P = 0.96). The mean per‐patient sensitivities, negative predictive values, and accuracies were significantly higher for sets 2 and 3 than for set 1, while those between sets 2 and 3 were not significantly different (not applicable, P > 0.99, and P > 0.99, respectively).

Data Conclusion

Gadoxetic acid‐enhanced MRI combined with CECT had higher diagnostic performance than CECT alone for the detection of liver metastases in patients with PDAC. The incremental values were comparable for the abbreviated MRI and standard MRI.

Level of Evidence

3

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Mutual and adverse interplay of pretreatments on drying characteristics of taro slices
Authors: Aregbesola Omotayo A. , Olagunju Titilope Modupe , Akpan Godwin E.
Published: January 2022

Background

The utilization of taro has been restricted by its perishability, and drying is one of the methods commonly used in its preservation. There is however the need to understand the drying process in order to have an efficient operation. This study focused on the thin‐layer drying kinetics of taro slices to provide information toward optimization of the process. Fresh taro corms were washed, sliced, and pretreated by steam (B), dipped in sodium meta‐bisulfite solution (S), and a combination of both pretreatments (SB) while a portion was left untreated (C). Drying was done in a laboratory oven at 2 m/s air velocity and varying temperatures (50, 60, and 70°C). The drying responses were determined and subjected to both multiple and nonlinear regression analyses using standard procedures.

Results

Results showed that taro slices were dried from initial moisture content between 369 and 406 kg H20/kg d.m to final moisture content between 5.29% and 12.4% db. The drying took place predominately in the falling rate period with higher drying rates recorded for pretreated samples. The third‐order polynomial equation modeled the drying responses effectively. Based on responses such as the average, maximum, and minimum drying rates, the drying process of taro slices had its sweet point at 2.03 min, 1.61% w/w, and 59.27°C of blanching time, sulfiting concentration, and drying temperatures, respectively. Midilli and logarithmic models were the best fit for predicting the drying behavior of treated and untreated samples, respectively.

Conclusion

The study was a step in providing information for thin‐layer drying of taro, which could form a basis for the development of drying system and methods for taro and other similar produce.
Ordered‐Structure‐Induced Electrochemical Post‐Functionalization of Poly(3‐(2‐ethylhexyl)thiophene)
Authors: Kurioka Tomoyuki , Komamura Takahiro , Shida Naoki , Hayakawa Teruaki , Tomita Ikuyoshi , Inagi Shinsuke
Published: January 2022

The optoelectronic properties of π‐conjugated polymers in the film state are known to be strongly affected by their structure. Inspired by this idea, the ordered‐structure‐induced electrochemical post‐functionalization (ePF) of poly(3‐(2‐ethylhexyl)thiophene) (P3EHT) films are reported. The structure of P3EHT films can be controlled by changing the solvent used to prepare them. The use of chloroform or chlorobenzene as the solvent results in amorphous P3EHT films, whereas P3EHT films with ordered structures are prepared when tetrahydrofuran is used as the solvent. The amorphous P3EHT films are not electrochemically functionalized. By contrast, ePF of the P3EHT films with an ordered structure is successful. In situ conductance measurements reveals that the successful ePF of the P3EHT films with an ordered structure originates from their greater electrochemical conductivity compared with that of amorphous P3EHT films.
Managing the risk of COVID‐19 via vaccine passports: Modeling economic and policy implications
Authors: Goel Rajeev K. , Jones James R.
Published: January 2022

The increasing use of vaccine passports (VPs) to certify immunity from the prevailing coronavirus has created positive and negative aspects that have shaken the workings of markets. The VPs are, however, not universally used and not required by all businesses and governments at this point. Given the newness associated with VPs and the ongoing uncertainty of the pandemic, full implications of VPs have not been considered. This paper provides some formal insights into the implications of the use of VPs, borrowing from the established economic theory. Recommendations for public policy are provided.
Motor Cortical Network Excitability in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Leodori Giorgio , De Bartolo Maria Ilenia , Guerra Andrea , Fabbrini Andrea , Rocchi Lorenzo , Latorre Anna , Paparella Giulia , Belvisi Daniele , Conte Antonella , Bhatia Kailash P. , Rothwell John C. , Berardelli Alfredo
Published: January 2022

Background

Motor impairment in Parkinson's disease (PD) reflects changes in the basal ganglia‐thalamocortical circuit converging on the primary motor cortex (M1) and supplementary motor area (SMA). Previous studies assessed M1 excitability in PD using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)‐evoked electromyographic activity. TMS‐evoked electroencephalographic activity may unveil broader motor cortical network changes in PD.

Objective

The aim was to assess motor cortical network excitability in PD.

Methods

We compared TMS‐evoked cortical potentials (TEPs) from M1 and the pre‐SMA between 20 PD patients tested off and on medication and 19 healthy controls (HCs) and investigated possible correlations with bradykinesia.

Results

Off PD patients compared to HCs had smaller P30 responses from the M1s contralateral (M1+) and ipsilateral (M1–) to the most bradykinetic side and increased pre‐SMA N40. Dopaminergic therapy normalized the amplitude of M1+ and M1– P30 as well as pre‐SMA N40. We found a positive correlation between M1+ P30 amplitude and bradykinesia in off PD patients.

Conclusions

Changes in M1 P30 and pre‐SMA N40 in PD suggest that M1 excitability is reduced on both sides, whereas pre‐SMA excitability is increased. The effect of dopaminergic therapy and the clinical correlation suggest that these cortical changes may reflect abnormal basal ganglia‐thalamocortical activity. TMS electroencephalography provides novel insight into motor cortical network changes related to the pathophysiology of PD. © 2022 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Strategies for designing proteolysis targeting chimaeras (PROTACs)
Authors: He Shipeng , Dong Guoqiang , Cheng Junfei , Wu Ying , Sheng Chunquan
Published: January 2022

Proteolysis targeting chimaeras (PROTACs) is a cutting edge and rapidly growing technique for new drug discovery and development. Currently, the largest challenge in the molecular design and drug development of PROTACs is efficient identification of potent and drug‐like degraders. This review aims to comprehensively summarize and analyse state‐of‐the‐art methods and strategies in the design of PROTACs. We provide a detailed illustration of the general principles and tactics for designing potent PROTACs, highlight representative case studies, and discuss the advantages and limitations of these strategies. Particularly, structure‐based rational PROTAC design and emerging new types of PROTACs (e.g., homo‐PROTACs, multitargeting PROTACs, photo‐control PROTACs and PROTAC‐based conjugates) will be focused on.
Ferulic acid derivatives with piperazine moiety as potential antiviral agents
Authors: Yuan Ting , Wang Zhengxing , Liu Dan , Zeng Huanan , Liang Juncheng , Hu Deyu , Gan Xiuhai
Published: January 2022

Background

Plant virus diseases are difficult to control and severely threaten the productivity of crops, which leads to huge financial losses. To discover the new antiviral drugs, 34 novel ferulic acid derivatives with piperazine moiety were synthesized, and the antiviral activities were systematically screened as well.

Results

Bioassay results indicated that most of the target compounds had outstanding antiviral activities against tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) in vivo. In particular, compound E2 exhibited remarkable curative activities to TMV and CMV with EC50 values of 189.0 and 401.7 μg/mL compared to those for ningnanmycin (387.0, 519.3 μg/mL) and ribavirin (542.1, 721.5 μg/mL). And then the mechanisms of compound E2 were studied by chlorophyll content, differentially expressed proteins and genes tests.

Conclusion

The excellent antiviral activity of compound E2 was closely associated with the increase in host photosynthesis, which was confirmed by chlorophyll content, differentially expressed proteins and genes assays. Compound E2 can be considered as a lead structure for the discovery of new antiviral agents. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Carbon Dots: An Excellent Fluorescent Probe for Contaminant Sensing and Remediation
Authors: M. P. Ajith , Pardhiya Sonali , Rajamani Paulraj
Published: January 2022

Pollution‐induced degradation of the environment is a serious problem for both developing and developed countries. Existing remediation methods are restricted, necessitating the development of novel remediation technologies. Nanomaterials with unique characteristics have recently been developed for remediation. Quantum dots (QDs) are semiconductor nanoparticles (1–10 nm) with optical and electrical characteristics that differ from bigger particles owing to quantum mechanics, making them intriguing for sensing and remediation applications. Carbon dots (CDs) offer better characteristics than typical QDs, such as, CdSe QDs in terms of contaminant sensing and remediation. Non‐toxicity, chemical inertness, photo‐induced electron transfer, good biocompatibility, and adjustable photoluminescence behavior are all characteristics of CDs. CDs are frequently made from sustainable raw materials as they are cost‐effective, environmentally compactable, and excellent in reducing waste generation. The goal of this review article is to briefly describe CDs fabrication methods, to deeply investigate the criteria and properties of CDs that make them suitable for sensing and remediation of contaminants, and also to highlight recent advances in their use in sensing and remediation of contaminants.
Battery‐Driven N2 Electrolysis Enabled by High‐Entropy Catalysts: From Theoretical Prediction to Prototype Model
Authors: Sun Yuntong , Yu Lei , Xu Shuaishuai , Xie Sicong , Jiang Lili , Duan Jingjing , Zhu Junwu , Chen Sheng
Published: January 2022

A small‐scale standalone device of nitrogen (N2) splitting holds great promise for producing ammonia (NH3) in a decentralized manner as the compensation or replacement of centralized Haber–Bosch process. However, the design of such a device has been impeded by sluggish kinetics of its half reactions, i.e., cathodic N2 reduction reaction (NRR) and anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Here, it is predicted from density function theory that high‐entropy oxides (HEOs) are potential catalysts for promoting NRR and OER, and subsequently develop a facile procedure to synthesize HEOs in the morphology of sea urchin‐shaped hollow nanospheres assembled from ultrathin nanosheets. The excellent electrocatalytic activities of HEOs for both NRR (NH3 yield rate: 47.58 µg h−1 mg−1 and Faradaic efficiency (FE): 10.74%) and OER (215 mV @10 mA cm−2) are demonstrated. Consequently, a prototype device of N2 electrolysis driven by commercial batteries is constructed, which can operate smoothly and deliver remarkable NH3 yield rate (41.11 µg h−1 mg−1) and FE (14.14%). Further mechanism study has attributed the excellent catalytic performances of HEOs to their unique electronic structures originated from multi‐metal synergistic effects and entropy increase effects. The work will provide new clues for designing versatile catalysts and devices for large‐scale industrialization.
Experimental and numerical evaluation of the mechanical characteristics of semi‐rigid saddle connections
Authors: Moghaddam Hassan , Sadrara Ali
Published: January 2022

Saddle connections are semi‐rigid connections that are widely used in Iran. Many existing buildings contain this type of connection. The present study conducted full‐scale experiments and used extensive numerical modeling to study the mechanical characteristics of saddle connections. The mechanical characteristics examined were the moment‐transfer mechanism, initial stiffness, yield moment, maximum moment, and fracture rotation. The configuration and dimensions of the experimental and numerical specimens were chosen to be similar to those of saddle connections in existing buildings. A parametric study was conducted to determine the factors affecting the mechanical characteristics of these connections. It was shown that the conventional method used to design saddle connections failed to predict the correct stress distribution. Empirical formulas were provided for predicting these mechanical characteristics and it was shown that the proposed expressions could predict the pertinent parameters accurately.
Introduction
Authors: Falk Erhag Hanna , Lagerlöf Nilsson Ulrika , Rydberg Sterner Therese , Skoog Ingmar
Published: January 2022

In 2020, for the first time in history, there were more people in the world aged 60 years and over than there were children below the age of 5 years. The population aged over 65 years is projected to increase from one billion in 2019 to more than two billion in 2050, and those aged over 80 years are projected to increase from 143 to 426 million, with the largest increase occurring in the developing world (UN World Population Prospects, 2019). This demographic trend constitutes the largest global health challenge, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). The European Union has set it as one of the major challenges in Horizon 2020 and it has important societal implications (European Commission, 2020). The proportion of retired individuals will increase, leading to an increased ratio between those who have exited the workforce and those still active in the labour market. Thus, ageing represents a global societal and scientific challenge requiring integrated efforts, multidisciplinary translational research approaches and social innovations that build on ideas of potentials and capabilities, emphasising the value of old age.
Organisational Capability for Delayed Retirement
Authors: Wikström Ewa , Allard Karin , Arman Rebecka , Liff Roy , Seldén Daniel , Kadefors Roland
Published: January 2022

Throughout the industrialised world, societies are ageing. These demographic changes have created a political and societal focus on an extended working life. Unfortunately, there is a lack of systematic knowledge about how such changes can be successfully implemented within organisations. In this chapter, we discuss this lacuna and specifically focus on organisational capability. We highlight workplace conditions and practices that may inhibit or promote the retention of workers beyond the previous norm for retirement.

The novelty of an organisational capability approach is that it highlights workplace conditions that enable older people to use their abilities to perform acts of value and to achieve a better quality of life and greater participation in society. Workplace resources, capabilities and functions form a dynamic pattern. Factors that influence the work abilities of older workers are related in complex interactions and not merely in the format of simple cause and effect.

When looking at retirement from the perspective of older workers, we have focused on aspects such as the individual’s ability to control the retirement process. Central to Sen’s idea is that individuals have different conversion factors, which means that, even though two individuals may have access to the same resources, they do not necessarily have the capability to enjoy the same functions. For example, the probability that an older person will remain employed will partially depend on his or her health, human capital and type of job. But two seemingly similar individuals can nevertheless have very different chances of remaining employed because their employer has implemented very different age management policies, or simply because they have different attitudes towards older workers. Since organisational capability makes it possible to focus on the interaction between the individual’s resources and preferences and the opportunity structure existing at the workplace (meso level) and embodied in the retirement system (macro level), much of the discussion and many of the policies and practices concerning older people can be related to the concept of capabilities.
The ICECAP-O Measure
Authors: Gustafsson Susanne , Hörder Helena
Published: January 2022

This chapter presents the ICECAP-O, a measure of capability tailored for older people. It briefly presents the original version of the ICECAP-O. In addition, it describes the work that has been done concerning the translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the ICECAP-O to the Swedish context. Finally, the chapter contains arguments for the use of the Swedish version of the ICECAP-O in health and social care, and in the evaluation of interventions and longitudinal research studies where older people’s capabilities are a focus.
Good Self-Rated Health as an Indicator of Personal Capability in Old Age
Authors: Falk Erhag Hanna
Published: January 2022

Self-rated health, or self-assessed health, is based on asking individuals to evaluate their general health status on a four- or five-point scale, with response options ranging from ‘very good’ to ‘very poor’. This simple question has been one of the most frequently used health indicators for decades. In nursing research, the voices, interpretations and understanding of humans, as well as their ability to shape their experiences, are studied through the collection and analysis of primarily qualitative materials that are subjective and narrative in nature. However, knowledge about subjective experiences of health and illness, situated and filtered through the life-world of the individual, can also be sought using other approaches. The aim of this chapter is twofold. Firstly, it aims to outline perspectives on how epidemiology and population-based studies of self-rated health as an indicator of subjective experiences can generate new evidence to solve nursing problems and expand nursing knowledge. Secondly, based on the hypothesis that there is an association between good self-rated health and a person’s capability to master the gains and losses of late life, the chapter also aims to describe how personal capability can be operationalised as self-rated health, given that this seemingly simple question delegates to the individual the task of synthesising, in a single evaluation, the many dimensions that make up the complex concept of health and wellbeing in old age. Although a person’s capabilities are dependent on a large variety of factors, at the individual level, symptom experience, chronic illnesses and functional disability are paramount. Therefore, in this chapter, the focus will be on self-rated health as an indicator of personal capability in the fourth age – the period of late life characterised by illness, frailty, impairment and dependence on others. To study self-rated health during this period of life is especially interesting in that the discrepancy between subjective and objective health seems to increase with age, and older olds tend to rate their health as better than younger olds given the same level of disease and functioning.
Co-Creation Tools für die Projektdurchführung
Authors: Kurzhals Kerstin , Uude Katrin , Sormani Eva , Chak Choiwai Maggie , Banze Madleen
Published: January 2022

In der ersten Projektphase habt ihr bereits eine klare Vision für euer Projekt festgelegt und unter anderem die Rollen und Verantwortlichkeiten definiert. Nun ist es an der Zeit das Projekt durchzuführen. Euch wird schnell bewusst werden, dass Teilnehmende aus unterschiedlichen Strukturen und Institutionen im Projektverlauf auch unterschiedliche Blickwinkel auf eine Thematik haben.
Interdependence as the key for an ethical artificial autonomy
Authors: Pianca Filippo , Santucci Vieri Giuliano
Published: January 2022

Currently, the autonomy of artificial systems, robotic systems in particular, is certainly one of the most debated issues, both from the perspective of technological development and its social impact and ethical repercussions. While theoretical considerations often focus on scenarios far beyond what can be concretely hypothesized from the current state of the art, the term autonomy is still used in a vague or too general way. This reduces the possibilities of a punctual analysis of such an important issue, thus leading to often polarized positions (naive optimism or unfounded defeatism). The intent of this paper is to clarify what is meant by artificial autonomy, and what are the prerequisites that can allow the attribution of this characteristic to a robotic system. Starting from some concrete examples, we will try to indicate a way towards artificial autonomy that can hold together the advantages of developing adaptive and versatile systems with the management of the inevitable problems that this technology poses both from the viewpoint of safety and ethics. Our proposal is that a real artificial autonomy, especially if expressed in the social context, can only be achieved through interdependence with other social actors (human and otherwise), through continuous exchanges and interactions which, while allowing robots to explore the environment, guarantee the emergence of shared practices, behaviors, and ethical principles, which otherwise could not be imposed with a top-down approach, if not at the price of giving up the same artificial autonomy.
Caffeine and attentional control: improved and impaired performance in healthy older adults and Parkinson’s disease according to task demands
Authors: Sharma Kanch , Fallon Sean James , Davis Thomas , Ankrett Scott , Munro Greg , Christopher Gary , Coulthard Elizabeth
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Caffeine is frequently consumed to boost goal-directed attention. These procognitive effects may occur due to the adenosine-mediated enhancement of monoamines, such as dopamine, after caffeine administration. As such, caffeine’s beneficial effects may be altered in conditions such as Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, whether caffeine improves cognition, and at what cost, has not been experimentally established in patients with neurodegenerative disease.

Methods

Single-dose trials to probe cognitive effects of caffeine are often confounded by short-term caffeine abstinence which conflates caffeine’s effects with treatment of withdrawal. Using a placebo controlled, blinded, randomised trial design, we assessed the effect of 100 mg of caffeine across well-established tasks (Choice reaction time, Stroop Task and Rapid Serial Visual Presentation Task; RSVP) that probe different aspects of attention in PD patients (n = 24) and controls (n = 44). Critically, participants withdrew from caffeine for a week prior to testing to eliminate the possibility that withdrawal reversal explained any cognitive benefit.

Results

Caffeine administration was found to reduce the overall number of errors in patients and controls on the Stroop (p = .018, η2p = .086) and Choice reaction time (p < . 0001, η2p = .588) tasks, but there was no specific effect of caffeine on ignoring irrelevant information in the Stroop task. On the RSVP task, caffeine improved dual item accuracy (p = .037) but impaired single item accuracy (p = .044). Across all tasks, there was little evidence that caffeine has different effects in PD participants and controls.

Conclusion

When removing withdrawal effects as a factor, we demonstrate caffeine has beneficial effects on selective attention but is a double-edge sword for visual temporal attention and would need careful targeting to be clinically useful.
P‐POSSUM and the NELA Score Overpredict Mortality for Laparoscopic Emergency Bowel Surgery: An Analysis of the NELA Database
Authors: Darbyshire Alexander R. , Kostakis Ina , Pucher Philip H. , Prytherch David , Mercer Stuart J.
Published: January 2022

Background

Risk stratification has become a key part of the care processes for patients having emergency bowel surgery. This study aimed to determine if operative approach influences risk‐model performance, and risk‐adjusted mortality rates in the United Kingdom.

Methods

A prospectively planned analysis was conducted using National Emergency Laparotomy Audit (NELA) data from December 2013 to November 2018. The risk‐models investigated were P‐POSSUM and the NELA Score, with model performance assessed in terms of discrimination and calibration. Risk‐adjusted mortality was assessed using Standardised Mortality Ratios (SMR). Analysis was performed for the total cohort, and cases performed open, laparoscopically and converted to open. Sub‐analysis was performed for cases with ≤ 20% predicted mortality.

Results

Data were available for 116 396 patients with P‐POSSUM predicted mortality, and 46 935 patients with the NELA score. Both models displayed excellent discrimination with little variation between operative approaches (c‐statistic: P‐POSSUM 0.801–0.836; NELA Score 0.811–0.862). The NELA score was well calibrated across all deciles of risk, but P‐POSSUM over‐predicted risk beyond 20% mortality. Calibration plots for operative approach demonstrated that both models increasingly over‐predicted mortality for laparoscopy, relative to open and converted to open surgery. SMRs calculated using both models consistently demonstrated that risk‐adjusted mortality with laparoscopy was a third lower than open surgery.

Conclusion

Risk‐adjusted mortality for emergency bowel surgery is lower for laparoscopy than open surgery, with P‐POSSUM and NELA score both over‐predicting mortality for laparoscopy. Operative approach should be considered in the development of future risk‐models that rely on operative data.
Effects of Gastric Bypass and Sleeve Gastrectomy on Bone Mineral Density and Bone Turnover Markers: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Salman Mohamed AbdAlla , Aradaib Mohammed , Salman Ahmed , Elewa Ahmed , Tourky Mohamed , Shaaban Hossam El‐Din
Published: January 2022

Background

There is a growing interest in the post‐operative bone‐related effects of bariatric surgery. However, little is known about the comparative effects of the most commonly performed bariatric procedures, namely Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG).

Objectives

To systematically assess the differences in areal bone mineral density (aBMD) and biochemical and hormonal markers of bone metabolism among patients undergoing RYGB and SG.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of studies aBMD at different sites, as well as bone‐specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP), 25‐OH‐vitamin D, calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) after RYGB and SG.

Results

Fourteen studies were included (717 patients, 50.63% in the RYGB arm). Based on data collected at 1 year, 2 years and > 2 years, there were no significant differences in aBMD measurements at the total hip, lumbar spine, femoral neck, and the whole body with no statistical heterogeneity among different comparisons. Patients in the RYGB group showed significantly higher concentrations of BALP at 1 year (SMD = 0.52, 95%CI, 0.23–0.81, p = 0.0004) and PTH at > 2 years of follow‐up (SMD = 0.68, 95%CI, 0.31–1.05, p = 0.0003) compared to the SG group.

Conclusion

There were no significant differences in aBMD measurements at the hip, lumbar spine, femoral neck, and the total body following RYGB and SG procedures. However, BALP and PTH concentrations were significantly higher after RYGB surgeries compared to SG. Attention should be paid to patients undergoing RYGB to prevent the expected skeletal fragility over time.
Sprechen und Schweigen in der Psychotherapie
Authors: Buchholz Michael B. , Alder Marie-Luise , Dreyer Florian , Franzen Michael M.
Published: January 2022

Das Gespräch hat in jeder Psychotherapie eine zentrale Stellung. „Gesprächstherapie“ ist deshalb irreführend für eine besondere Art der Therapeutik. Im Folgenden wird von Analytiker(in) gesprochen, wenn diese Tradition gemeint ist, ansonsten von Therapeut(en) und Therapeutin. Probleme der Vertraulichkeit bei der Erforschung von Gesprächen können gut und sicher gelöst werden. Die Erforschung der therapeutischen Konversation ist weit vorangetrieben, von psychoanalytischer Seite und anderen weltweit. Da so wichtige Gesprächsmomente wie Schweigen und Erzählen vertieft verstanden werden konnten, wird ein „communicative turn“ vorgeschlagen: nicht länger eine jeweilige Psychotherapietheorie als Ausgangspunkt einer Untersuchung zu wählen, sondern das Gespräch selbst. Dazu werden Forschungsergebnisse mit Bezug zur klinischen Arbeit vorgestellt. Sie sind klinisch gehaltvoll.
Late arrhythmia recurrence after atrial fibrillation ablation: incidence, mechanisms and clinical implications
Authors: Erhard Nico , Metzner Andreas , Fink Thomas
Published: January 2022

Background and objectives

Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) has become a well-established and widely used therapy, with pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) being the key modality of ablation. However, arrhythmia recurrences after PVI are common, with a relevant number of patients undergoing repeat ablation. Arrhythmia recurrence after PVI may vary regarding time point and mode of recurrence. While early arrhythmia recurrences of AF after PVI are mostly found to be the product of electrical reconnection of the pulmonary veins, the exact mechanisms of very late arrhythmia recurrence, occurring later than 12 months after successful PVI, remain unclear. This review provides an overview on the current evidence on time point and mechanisms of arrhythmia recurrence after PVI focussing on late arrhythmia recurrence.

Recent findings

The incidence of late arrhythmia recurrence after PVI can lie at a rate of up to 30% according to long-term follow-up studies. Mechanisms of recurrence include electrical reconnection of previously isolated pulmonary veins and development of atrial fibrosis. The use of cryoballoon ablation is likely to be more effective in reducing late arrhythmia recurrences compared to radiofrequency ablation. Novel scores such as the MB-LATER score or the APPLE score may become useful tools in predicting arrhythmia recurrence after PVI.

Results and conclusion

Late arrhythmia recurrence after PVI is common and leads to a relevant impairment of long-term success. Relevant data are currently limited and exact mechanisms of arrhythmia recurrence remain unclear. Further studies are needed to elucidate pathogenetic mechanisms of late arrhythmia recurrence after PVI in order to improve treatment strategies.
Tourism demand forecasting using stacking ensemble model with adaptive fuzzy combiner
Authors: Cankurt Selcuk , Subasi Abdulhamit
Published: January 2022

Over the last decades, several soft computing techniques have been applied to tourism demand forecasting. Among these techniques, a neuro-fuzzy model of ANFIS (adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system) has started to emerge. A conventional ANFIS model cannot deal with the large dimension of a dataset, and cannot work with our dataset, which is composed of a 62 time-series, as well. This study attempts to develop an ensemble model by incorporating neural networks with ANFIS to deal with a large number of input variables for multivariate forecasting. Our proposed approach is a collaboration of two base learners, which are types of the neural network models and a meta-learner of ANFIS in the framework of the stacking ensemble. The results show that the stacking ensemble of ANFIS (meta-learner) and ANN models (base learners) outperforms its stand-alone counterparts of base learners. Numerical results indicate that the proposed ensemble model achieved a MAPE of 7.26% compared to its single-instance ANN models with MAPEs of 8.50 and 9.18%, respectively. Finally, this study which is a novel application of the ensemble systems in the context of tourism demand forecasting has shown better results compared to those of the single expert systems based on the artificial neural networks.
Copper(II) and silver(I)-1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione complexes interact with double-stranded DNA: further evidence of their apparent multi-modal activity towards Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Galdino Anna Clara Milesi , Viganor Lívia , Pereira Matheus Mendonça , Devereux Michael , McCann Malachy , Branquinha Marta Helena , Molphy Zara , O’Carroll Sinéad , Bain Conor , Menounou Georgia , Kellett Andrew , dos Santos André Luis Souza
Published: January 2022

Tackling microbial resistance requires continuous efforts for the development of new molecules with novel mechanisms of action and potent antimicrobial activity. Our group has previously identified metal-based compounds, [Ag(1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione)2]ClO4(Ag-phendione) and [Cu(1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione)3](ClO4)2.4H2O (Cu-phendione), with efficient antimicrobial action against multidrug-resistant species. Herein, we investigated the ability of Ag-phendione and Cu-phendione to bind with double-stranded DNA using a combination of in silico and in vitro approaches. Molecular docking revealed that both phendione derivatives can interact with the DNA by hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions. Cu-phendione exhibited the highest binding affinity to either major (− 7.9 kcal/mol) or minor (− 7.2 kcal/mol) DNA grooves. In vitro competitive quenching assays involving duplex DNA with Hoechst 33258 or ethidium bromide demonstrated that Ag-phendione and Cu-phendione preferentially bind DNA in the minor grooves. The competitive ethidium bromide displacement technique revealed Cu-phendione has a higher binding affinity to DNA (Kapp = 2.55 × 106 M−1) than Ag-phendione (Kapp = 2.79 × 105 M−1) and phendione (Kapp = 1.33 × 105 M−1). Cu-phendione induced topoisomerase I-mediated DNA relaxation of supercoiled plasmid DNA. Moreover, Cu-phendione was able to induce oxidative DNA injuries with the addition of free radical scavengers inhibiting DNA damage. Ag-phendione and Cu-phendione avidly displaced propidium iodide bound to DNA in permeabilizedPseudomonas aeruginosacells in a dose-dependent manner as judged by flow cytometry. The treatment ofP. aeruginosawith bactericidal concentrations of Cu-phendione (15 µM) induced DNA fragmentation as visualized by either agarose gel or TUNEL assays. Altogether, these results highlight a possible novel DNA-targeted mechanism by which phendione-containing complexes, in part, elicit toxicity toward the multidrug-resistant pathogenP. aeruginosa.

Graphical abstract
Teacher-reported emotional and behavioural problems and ethnic background associated with children’s psychosocial care use: a longitudinal population-based study
Authors: Eijgermans D. G. M. , Raat H. , Jansen P. W. , Blok E. , Hillegers M. H. J. , Jansen W.
Published: January 2022

Approximately, 15% of children in Western countries suffer from emotional and behavioural problems. However, not all children receive the psychosocial care they need, especially children with a non-Western background experience an unmet need for care. This might be because parents of non-Western children report a lower need for care than parents of Western children, unrelated to the actual need. This study examined the association between teacher-reported problems and psychosocial care use, independent of mother-reported problems. Further, the role of ethnic background in this association was investigated. The study sample of 9-year-old children was retrieved from the Generation R Study (N = 3084), a prospective, population-based cohort of children born in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Teacher- and mother-reported problems were measured via questionnaire when the children were  6/7 years old. Psychosocial care use was mother-reported at the research centre when children were 9 years old (8.1%). Hierarchical logistic regressions showed significant positive associations between teacher-reported total, externalising and internalising problems and later psychosocial care use. These associations were independent of mother-reported problems. Children with a non-Western background used less care, but ethnic background did not moderate the association between teacher-reported problems and care use. Our findings suggest that teachers might have an important role, next to parents, in the identification of problems and children’s access to care. This may be particularly important for non-Western children, as they use less psychosocial care than Western children, despite other research showing that they generally display higher levels of problems. Directions for future research and implications are discussed.
Susac Syndrome: an uncommon cause of impaired vision
Authors: Barbero Paolo , Vecchio Domizia , Virgilio Eleonora , Naldi Paola , Comi Cristoforo , Cantello Roberto
Published: January 2022

A 35-year-old Caucasian woman presented an abrupt onset of bilateral impaired vision, and arrived to our attention two weeks later. She had a previous episode of mild dizziness. She underwent a fluorescein angiography showing branch retinal artery occlusions and a brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealing several supraand infratentorial FLAIR-hyperintense white matter lesions, two with contrast enhancement. Thrombophilic, autoimmune and infective (including Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Borrelia burgdorferi, Hepatitis B Virus, Hepatitis C Virus, Herpes Simplex Virus 1-2, Varicella Zoster Virus) screening was negative. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed intrathecal IgG synthesis. We suspected a Primary Central Nervous System Vasculitis, and intravenous steroids were started. Three months later a second brain MRI showed seven new lesions without contrast enhancement, and she revealed a cognitive impairment and bilateral hearing loss. Reviewing the clinical history and MRI, she fulfilled diagnostic criteria for Susac syndrome. She had two cycles of cyclophosphamide, and recovered in 6 months and then remained stable with metotrexate.
Invasive ants reduce abundance of small rainforest skinks
Authors: Lach Lori , Case Dylan , Yeeles Peter , Hoskin Conrad J.
Published: January 2022

Invasive ants are among the world’s most damaging invasive species, often directly or indirectly affecting native fauna. Insecticidal baits are the main method for suppressing or eradicating invasive ant populations, but their use must be considered against potential for unintended effects on native organisms. The invasive yellow crazy ant (Anoplolepis gracillipes) is widespread in the tropics, particularly on islands, where they have displaced a range of invertebrates. Effects of this ant on vertebrates, and in continental ecosystems generally, are less studied. We investigated the effects of yellow crazy ants and bait application on rainforest skinks and their invertebrate prey. We compared skink and skink prey abundance across four replicated rainforest site categories: high and low yellow crazy ant sites had both been baited but differed in yellow crazy ant activity; control sites had never had yellow crazy ants or been baited; and buffer sites had never had yellow crazy ants but had been baited. We recorded significantly lower abundance of two small skink species (Lygisaurus laevis and Saproscincus tetradactylus) in high yellow crazy ant sites compared to all other site categories. The differences persisted even after baiting reduced yellow crazy ant activity by 97.8% ± 0.04% (mean ± SD). A larger rainforest skink species (Carlia rubrigularis) was not negatively affected by yellow crazy ant invasion. Skink prey abundance was significantly lower in high yellow crazy ant sites compared to control sites and low yellow crazy ant sites, but not compared to buffer sites. These differences did not persist following baiting. We found no evidence that baiting negatively affects skinks or their invertebrate prey. Our data suggest that yellow crazy ants, but not the bait used to treat them, pose a direct threat to small rainforest skinks.