bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Critical success factors for implementing blockchain‐based circular supply chain
Authors: Kayikci Yasanur , Gozacan‐Chase Nazlican , Rejeb Abderahman , Mathiyazhagan Kaliyan
Published: April 2022

The growing importance of the circular economy has emphasised optimal utilisation of resources within the constraints of economic development and protection of the environment. Digital technologies associated with Industry 4.0, such as blockchain, facilitate the implementation of circular economy principles throughout the supply chain. However, because blockchain implementation in the supply chain is still in the early stages, real‐world examples of the blockchain‐based circular supply chains (CSCs) are limited. The principal purpose of the paper is to examine the critical success factors (CSFs) for implementing blockchain‐based CSCs. Following that, 10 CSFs are identified through a short systematic literature review, and then, the integrated fuzzy cognitive mapping and fuzzy best‐worst method (FCM‐FBWM) is implemented to examine CSFs for the blockchain‐based CSC. The study's main findings demonstrate that network collaboration is the best CSF, while the shared circular economy toolbox is counted worst of all. This research enriches the literature by identifying the CSFs for implementing blockchain‐enabled CSCs to address the lack of a suitable decision‐making framework that assists managers in comprehending how blockchain technology can be adopted in the circular economy context. Implications for theory and practice are also discussed, offering new insights into the measures necessary to ensure successful blockchain implementations in CSCs.
Disproportionately high failure to rescue rates after resection for colorectal cancer in the geriatric patient population – A nationwide study
Authors: Diers Johannes , Baum Philip , Lehmann Kai , Uttinger Konstatin , Baumann Nikolas , Pietryga Sebastian , Hankir Mohammed , Matthes Niels , Lock Johann F. , Germer Christoph‐Thomas , Wiegering Armin
Published: April 2022

Background

Colorectal cancer incidence increases with patient age. The aim of this study was to assess, at the nationwide level, in‐hospital mortality, and failure to rescue in geriatric patients (≥ 80 years old) with colorectal cancer arising from postoperative complications.

Methods

All patients receiving surgery for colorectal cancer in Germany between 2012 and 2018 were identified in a nationwide database. Association between age and in‐hospital mortality following surgery and failure to rescue, defined as death after complication, were determined in univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

Three lakh twenty‐eight thousands two hundred and ninety patients with colorectal cancer were included of whom 77,287 were 80 years or older. With increasing age, a significant relative increase in right hemicolectomy was observed. In general, these patients had more comorbid conditions and higher frailty. In‐hospital mortality following colorectal cancer surgery was 4.9% but geriatric patients displayed a significantly higher postoperative in‐hospital mortality of 10.6%. The overall postoperative complication rate as well as failure to rescue increased with age. In contrast, surgical site infection (SSI) and anastomotic leakage (AL) did not increase in geriatric patients, whereas the associated mortality increased disproportionately (13.3% for SSI and 29.9% mortality for patients with AI, both p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis adjusting for confounders showed that geriatric patients had almost five‐times higher odds for death after surgery than the baseline age group below 60 (OR 4.86; 95%CI [4.45–5.53], p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Geriatric patients have higher mortality after colorectal cancer surgery. This may be partly due to higher frailty and disproportionately higher rates of failure to rescue arising from postoperative complications.
Community views on ‘Can perinatal services safely identify Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents experiencing complex trauma?’
Authors: Chamberlain Catherine , Gray Paul , Herrman Helen , Mensah Fiona , Andrews Shawana , Krakouer Jacynta , McCalman Pamela , Elliott Alison , Atkinson Judy , O'Dea Birri , Bhathal Alex , Gee Graham
Published: April 2022

Family and extended kinship systems which nurture healthy, happy children are central to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Since colonisation, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities have been impacted by intergenerational cycles of trauma, stemming from colonial violence, genocidal policies and discrimination, including the forced removal of children from their families. Becoming a parent offers a unique life‐course opportunity for trauma recovery and preventing intergenerational trauma. However, identifying or ‘recognising’ complex trauma carries significant risk of harm for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents due to reactive prenatal child protection involvement potentially compounding experiences of trauma, and limited benefits due to lack of culturally appropriate support. The Aboriginal‐led participatory Healing the Past by Nurturing the Future project aims to co‐design safe, accessible and feasible perinatal awareness, recognition, assessment and support strategies for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents experiencing complex trauma. This paper presents views of 38 workshop participants to determine prerequisites for ensuring benefits outweigh risks of assessment to safely recognise parents experiencing complex trauma, consistent with screening criteria. Six essential elements were identified from thematic analysis: high‐quality holistic care; cultural, social and emotional safety; empowerment, choice and control; flexible person‐centred approaches; trusting relationships; and sensitive, skilled communication.

Key Practitioner Messages

The impacts of colonisation and rates of Aboriginal and Torres Strait children in out‐of‐home care mean that there can be a myriad of issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents with regard to perinatal child protection involvement.

The benefits must outweigh the risks of identifying parents experiencing complex trauma.

Assessment must be offered within foundations of supportive relationships and holistic care in culturally‐safe, empowering settings, where choices are respected and skilled communication approaches are used.
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement for native and prosthetic aortic regurgitation: Two birds with one stone
Authors: Tarantini Giuseppe , Rodinò Giulio
Published: April 2022

Key Points

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has been developed and investigated for the treatment of severe aortic stenosis; data on its use for the treatment of severe aortic regurgitation (AR) is limited.

In the present study TAVR, performed in a high‐volume center in patients with pure AR secondary to bioprosthetic degeneration or native valve disease, is associated with favorable hemodynamic improvement and left ventricle remodeling

Further larger studies and RCTs are needed to assess the role of TAVR in improving outcome in AR setting
The pacemaker lead dislocation
Authors: Watanabe Tomoyuki , Iwai‐Takano Masumi
Published: April 2022

An 88‐year‐old man with history of pacemaker implantation was admitted for septic shock. His first pacemaker in the left subclavian had been removed because of generator pocket infection. On presentation, the abandoned lead was fallen out of subclavian and coiled up in the right ventricle, causing moderate tricuspid regurgitation.
A rare simultaneous occurrence of appendiceal diverticulitis and non‐perforated peptic ulcer mimicking abdominal peritonitis symptoms
Authors: Moayerifar Maziar , Torabi Hossein , Shirini Kasra , Ashoorian Yalda
Published: April 2022

Appendiceal diverticulitis is an infrequent disease that can mimic other diseases’ symptoms or cause different symptoms because of its various complications. However, one of the most frequent complications of this disease is a perforation that can lead to other serious problems such as peritonitis. This complication can threaten a patient's health condition. In this article, a male patient presented with abdominal pain and was admitted to the surgical ward with suspicion of a perforated peptic ulcer. However, more investigation showed a simultaneous occurrence of peptic ulcer and perforated appendiceal diverticulitis that cause peritonitis symptoms.
Incidental finding of a bilateral complete ossification of stylo‐hyoid chain and thyro‐hyoid ligaments
Authors: Moussaoui Eya , Kadri Sahar , Oualha Lamia , Douki Nabiha
Published: April 2022

Ossification of stylohyoid chain corresponds to the ossification of stylohyoid ligament that can vary from thin short to thick long ossification and can be associated with other calcifications. We report in this case a bilateral non painful complete ossification of the stylohyoid complex extended to the thyrohyoidien ligament.
Elective re‐intubation to treat complete left lung collapse following Tetralogy of Fallot repair in a very young child
Authors: Panthee Nirmal , Shrestha Battu Kumar , Pradhan Sidhartha , Koirala Raamesh , Pokhrel Bishow , Chaurasiya Abhishek , Paudel Amita , KC Rumi
Published: April 2022

An 18‐month‐old boy weighing 6 kilograms developed complete collapse of left lung following total correction of Tetralogy of Fallot on the next day of extubation. He received extensive chest physiotherapy, along with lung recruitment maneuver by using bubble CPAP, which failed to show any improvement in lung expansion in 2 days. He was then electively intubated on 3rd postoperative day (POD3) for the purpose of suctioning tracheobronchial secretions and maintaining positive airway pressure to open up the left lung. Good results were obtained immediately after intubation, and he was extubated 9 h later. His lung showed complete aeration afterward. He was transferred out of ICU on POD5 and discharged home on POD10.
Technology Overview of Fast Pyrolysis of Lignin: Current State and Potential for Scale‐Up
Authors: Singh‐Morgan Amrita , Puente‐Urbina Allen , van Bokhoven Jeroen A.
Published: April 2022

Lignin is an abundant natural polymer obtained from lignocellulosic biomass and rich in aromatic substructures. When efficiently depolymerized, it has great potential in the production of value‐added chemicals. Fast pyrolysis is a promising depolymerization method, but current studies focus mainly on small quantities of lignin. In this Review, to determine the potential for upscaling, systems used in the most relevant unit operations of fast pyrolysis of lignin are evaluated. Fluidized‐bed reactors have the most potential. It would be beneficial to combine them with the following: slug injectors for feeding, hot particle filters, cyclones, and fractional condensation for product separation and recovery. Moreover, upgrading lignin pyrolysis oil would allow the necessary quality parameters for particular applications to be reached.
The evolution potential of photovoltaic energy: A comparative study between Brazil and Germany
Authors: Doliveira Sergio Luis Dias , Franco Antonio Carlos , Barbosa Cleber Trindade , Franco Luciane , Kuasoski Marli , Mangoni Simone Soares
Published: April 2022

Due to the growing demand on energy consumption, policy makers were pressured to create new strategies to improve the energy distribution system. The search for sustainable practices is a global necessity and photovoltaic energy is an option in this transition. The trend is for more advanced countries, such as Germany, to inspire others that are developing. This study aimed to compare the development of photovoltaic solar energy between Brazil and Germany. For that, a literature review was carried out followed by documental research. The results demonstrate that the regulation of photovoltaic energy in Brazil is recent, presenting barriers such as the lack of financial incentives, the lack of interest from the public perhaps due to the high costs, in addition to the difficulties in its generation and distribution. However, a long‐term positive change is envisioned. In Germany, the photovoltaic system is well developed, economically viable, has strong political and public support to achieve the goal established in the search for sustainability.
Evaluation policy: An introduction
Authors: Hart Nicholas R. , Mark Melvin M.
Published: April 2022

Evaluation policy involves the dictates that guide the planning, conduct, and use of evaluation in any organization. It is – or at least should be – a central concern to those involved with evaluation. Evaluation policy shapes what evaluation practice looks like, while enabling or constraining what it can accomplish. This chapter offers a brief and selective history of evaluation policy in the United States. A description of the American Evaluation Association's activities regarding evaluation policy follows. The chapter then sets the stage for the other contributions in the current set of papers about evaluation policy.
Learning agendas: Motivation, engagement, and potential
Authors: Newcomer Kathryn , Olejniczak Karol , Hart Nicholas
Published: April 2022

In 2017, the U.S. Commission on Evidence‐Based Policymaking recommended that federal agencies produce strategic plans focused on research and evaluation, referred to as learning agendas. This requirement was later incorporated into the Foundations for Evidence‐Based Policymaking Act of 2018 (Evidence Act) for the 24 largest federal agencies. Prior to the Evidence Act, only a few federal agencies had experimented with learning agendas, a relatively new concept in the evaluation literature. Learning agendas hold potential for supporting organizational strategic planning that focuses on the generation of relevant knowledge for decision‐makers, organizational leaders, and stakeholders. An inclusively‐ and strategically‐developed learning agenda provides a list of important questions as well as plans for addressing the questions, balancing the interests, informational needs, and time horizons for different organizational decision‐makers. We draw upon the policy design and the evaluation capacity building literature, our analysis of existing learning agendas, and interviews with federal evaluation leaders who guided their development to describe how the process of developing a learning agenda can support intentional learning and impactful evaluation practice within public agencies. Our work should contribute to the development of both theory and practice regarding the implementation of the new expectation to produce learning agendas in federal agencies that contribute to the increased use of evaluation and evidence in policymaking.
A systematic review of interventions to reduce anticholinergic burden in older people with dementia in primary care
Authors: Shawaqfeh Bara'a , Hughes Carmel M. , McGuinness Bernadette , Barry Heather E.
Published: April 2022

Objective

This systematic review aimed to assess the types and effectiveness of interventions that sought to reduce anticholinergic burden (ACB) in people with dementia (PwD) in primary care.

Methods

One trial registry and eight electronic databases were systematically searched to identify eligible English language studies from inception until December 2021. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to be randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or non‐randomised studies (NRS), including controlled before‐and‐after studies and interrupted time‐series studies, of interventions to reduce ACB in PwD aged ≥65 years (either community‐dwelling or care home residents). All outcomes were to be considered. Quality was to be assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool for RCTs and ROBINS‐I tool for NRS. If data could not be pooled for meta‐analysis, a narrative synthesis was to be conducted.

Results

In total, 1880 records were found, with 1594 records remaining after removal of duplicates. Following title/abstract screening, 13 full‐text articles were assessed for eligibility. None of these studies met the inclusion criteria for this review. Reasons for exclusion were incorrect study design, ineligible study population, lack of focus on reducing ACB, and studies conducted outside the primary care setting.

Conclusions

This ‘empty’ systematic review highlights the lack of interventions to reduce ACB in PwD within primary care, despite this being highlighted as a priority area for research in recent clinical guidance. Future research should focus on development and testing of interventions to reduce ACB in this patient population through high‐quality clinical trials.
Earning Mistrust through Fake Compromises and Broken Promises
Authors: Iltis Ana S.
Published: April 2022

Recent developments in human embryo research generate warranted public mistrust in science and scientists’ willingness to honor commitments and respect limits. Patients, research participants, and society as a whole are asked to trust physicians, scientists, and biomedical institutions. Consistently honoring the laws, regulations, policies, and guidelines that govern science and health care practice is essential for earning and maintaining trust. Removing long‐held and widely adopted limits on human embryo research, especially without publicly renegotiating a limit originally adopted following significant public discussion, undermines confidence in the self‐regulation of science and the reliability of scientists’ statements.
The Bioethics of Built Space: Health Care Architecture as a Medical Intervention
Authors: Anderson Diana C. , Teti Stowe Locke , Hercules William J. , Deemer David A.
Published: April 2022

Decisions made in health care architecture have profound effects on patients, families, and staff. Drawing on research in medicine, neuroscience, and psychology, design is being used increasingly often to alter specific behaviors, mediate interpersonal interactions, and affect patient outcomes. As a result, the built environment in health care should in some instances be considered akin to a medical intervention, subject to ethical scrutiny and involving protections for those affected. Here we present two case studies. The first includes work aimed at manipulating the behavior of persons with neurocognitive impairments, often in long‐term care facilities. This is done to ensure safety and minimize conflicts with staff, but it raises questions about freedom, consent, and disclosure. The second concerns design science in service of improved outcomes, which involves research on improving patient outcomes or the performance of health care teams. There is evidence that in some ICU designs, certain rooms correlate to better outcomes, giving rise to questions about equity and fairness. In other cases, a facility’s architecture seems to be putting a finger on the scale of equipoise, raising questions about the intentionality of clinical judgment, freedom of choice, and disclosure. As a result of this innovation occurring outside the boundaries of traditional care delivery and oversight, important ethical questions emerge concerning both the individual patient and patient populations. We discuss, analyze, and make recommendations about each and suggest future directions for these and related issues.
Methodological evaluation of individual cognitive prediction based on the brain white matter structural connectome
Authors: Feng Guozheng , Wang Yiwen , Huang Weijie , Chen Haojie , Dai Zhengjia , Ma Guolin , Li Xin , Zhang Zhanjun , Shu Ni
Published: April 2022

An emerging trend is to use regression‐based machine learning approaches to predict cognitive functions at the individual level from neuroimaging data. However, individual prediction models are inherently influenced by the vast options for network construction and model selection in machine learning pipelines. In particular, the brain white matter (WM) structural connectome lacks a systematic evaluation of the effects of different options in the pipeline on predictive performance. Here, we focused on the methodological evaluation of brain structural connectome‐based predictions. For network construction, we considered two parcellation schemes for defining nodes and seven strategies for defining edges. For the regression algorithms, we used eight regression models. Four cognitive domains and brain age were targeted as predictive tasks based on two independent datasets (Beijing Aging Brain Rejuvenation Initiative [BABRI]: 633 healthy older adults; Human Connectome Projects in Aging [HCP‐A]: 560 healthy older adults). Based on the results, the WM structural connectome provided a satisfying predictive ability for individual age and cognitive functions, especially for executive function and attention. Second, different parcellation schemes induce a significant difference in predictive performance. Third, prediction results from different data sets showed that dMRI with distinct acquisition parameters may plausibly result in a preference for proper fiber reconstruction algorithms and different weighting options. Finally, deep learning and Elastic‐Net models are more accurate and robust in connectome‐based predictions. Together, significant effects of different options in WM network construction and regression algorithms on the predictive performances are identified in this study, which may provide important references and guidelines to select suitable options for future studies in this field.
Locked out of healthcare: A descriptive context of migrant health considerations in pediatrics
Authors: Jawed Aysha , Peck Christine
Published: April 2022

Over the past year, we have seen many migrant pediatric patients with significant resource limitations admitted to the Johns Hopkins Hospital. These patients are medically fragile with challenging psychosocial circumstances. They are ineligible for resources and services given their immigration status yet are in dire need of them. Our United States healthcare infrastructure is poorly designed to serve these patients. Resources are increasingly scarce, and fragmentation exists in continuity of care provided to these patients that compromises their health and safety. This global health crisis is surrounded by immense controversy especially with respect to high‐cost healthcare. Experiences from the field provide a descriptive context on the circumstances surrounding migration attributed to suboptimal access to healthcare across many developing countries. We present global health, immigration policy, and human rights implications of migration. We also propose recommendations to build a comprehensive global health network that accounts for ample disparities across healthcare systems.
Enhancing public trust in COVID‐19 vaccination during ramadan 2022: A call for action
Authors: Qasba Rakhtan , Nawaz Faisal A. , Ahmad Shoaib , Kamal Manar Ahmed , Uakkas Saad , Essar Mohammad Yasir
Published: April 2022

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar in which it is compulsory for Muslims to abstain from eating and drinking during the daytime. The COVID‐19 pandemic posed additional challenges for Muslims as the crowded religious gatherings could give a new breath to the spread of the virus. Similar measures were adopted during Ramadan in 2021. The initiation of COVID‐19 vaccination across the globe in combination with the need to maintain personal protective measures against COVID‐19, result in new needs and challenges. At this juncture, Ramadan 2022 offers a growing opportunity to unite a global voice for solidarity, equal distribution of COVID‐19 vaccines, and tackling the challenge of vaccine hesitancy.
Data‐driven and constrained optimization of semi‐local exchange and nonlocal correlation functionals for materials and surface chemistry
Authors: Trepte Kai , Voss Johannes
Published: April 2022

Reliable predictions of surface chemical reaction energetics require an accurate description of both chemisorption and physisorption. Here, we present an empirical approach to simultaneously optimize semi‐local exchange and nonlocal correlation of a density functional approximation to improve these energetics. A combination of reference data for solid bulk, surface, and gas‐phase chemistry and physical exchange‐correlation model constraints leads to the VCML‐rVV10 exchange‐correlation functional. Owing to the variety of training data, the applicability of VCML‐rVV10 extends beyond surface chemistry simulations. It provides optimized gas phase reaction energetics and an accurate description of bulk lattice constants and elastic properties.
A fourth dose of Omicron RBD vaccine enhances broad neutralization against SARS‐CoV‐2 variants including BA.1 and BA.2 in vaccinated mice
Authors: Zhou Bing , Song Shuo , Guo Huimin , Zhou Xinrong , Fan Qing , Liu Weilong , Cheng Lin , Ge Xiangyang , Ju Bin , Zhang Zheng
Published: April 2022

The SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines have been widely used to build an immunologic barrier in the population against the COVID‐19 pandemic. However, a newly emerging Omicron variant, including BA.1, BA.1.1, BA.2, and BA.3 sublineages, largely escaped the neutralization of existing neutralizing antibodies (nAbs), even those elicited by three doses of vaccines. Here, we used the Omicron BA.1 RBD as a fourth dose of vaccine to induce potent Omicron‐specific nAbs and evaluated the broadly neutralizing activities against SARS‐CoV‐2 variants. The BA.1‐based vaccine was indeed prone to induce a strain‐specific antibody response substantially cross‐reactive with BA.2 sublineage, and yet triggered broad neutralization against SARS‐CoV‐2 variants when it was used in the sequential immunization with WT and other variant vaccines. These results demonstrated that the booster of Omicron RBD vaccine could be a rational strategy to enhance the broadly nAb response.
How do external disruptions affect technological knowledge repository diversification? The role of repositories' historical and social aspiration levels and knowledge footprint
Authors: Vlas Cristina O. , Vlas Radu E. , Robinson William N. , Masoud Youstina
Published: April 2022

This study investigates how knowledge‐intensive organizations cope with the extreme uncertainty generated by external disruptions. We advance a behavioral aspirations perspective with the power to explain the antecedents and boundaries of organizational knowledge diversification. We expect that external disruptions (such as Covid‐19) led organizations not to meet their aspiration levels, and thus, we set forth to find how organizations responded to this challenge. We find that not meeting the aspiration levels, both historical (self‐imposed) and social (peer‐imposed), drives organizations to diversify their technological knowledge repositories. Further, we find that this crisis‐response behavior is mitigated by the accumulated knowledge, which we define as the knowledge footprint. The investigation of a large longitudinal dataset of U.S.‐based knowledge‐intensive organizations shows that the behavioral aspirations perspective has explanatory power. This work contributes to the advancement of diversification research during external disruptions and suggests potential solutions for knowledge organizations facing extreme uncertainty.
Tumour burden score and immune‐related hepatotoxicity in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma or liver metastases treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Di Carlo Eleonora , D'Alessio Antonio , Cammarota Antonella , Zanuso Valentina , Pressiani Tiziana , Bozzarelli Silvia , Ferrillo Giuseppe , Vatteroni Giulia , Pedicini Vittorio , Giordano Laura , Personeni Nicola , Rimassa Lorenza
Published: April 2022

Background & Aims

Treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) is associated with the development of hepatic immune‐related adverse events (HIRAEs). We aimed to evaluate the role of baseline hepatic tumour burden, measured with the tumour burden score (TBS), in the development of HIRAEs and survival.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective observational cohort study on 93 patients treated with ICIs at IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, of which 42 for advanced HCC (Cohort 1) and 51 for non‐HCC cancers with liver metastases developed prior to immunotherapy initiation (Cohort 2). We assessed the baseline tumour burden using TBS: TBS2 = (maximum tumour diameter)2 + (number of liver lesions)2.

Results

In the cohort of patients with HCC, 18 patients (42.86%) developed any grade (G) HIRAEs, of which eight (19.05%) were G ≥ 2. Patients who developed any‐grade HIRAEs had a higher median TBS compared to patients with no HIRAEs (10.95 vs 5.85; P = .11). Baseline TBS correlated with the development of any‐grade HIRAEs with marginal statistical significance (odds ratio [OR] 1.37, P = .08). Median OS was not influenced by TBS or by the development of HIRAEs.

In the cohort of non‐HCC patients, 18 patients (35.29%) developed any‐grade HIRAEs, of which three (5.88%) were G ≥ 2. Baseline TBS did not correlate with the development of any‐grade HIRAEs (OR 1.01), and median OS was not influenced by TBS or HIRAEs.

Conclusions

Despite the limited sample size and the absence of statistical significance, our study suggested a possible association between baseline TBS and the development of any‐grade HIRAEs in the HCC cohort. Future evaluation of larger cohorts is needed to corroborate these findings.
Global existence and finite time blow‐up for the heat flow of H‐system with constant mean curvature
Authors: Fang Fei , Liu Yannan
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we use the modified potential well method to study the long time behaviors of solutions to the heat flow of H‐system in a bounded smooth domain of
. Global existence and finite time blowup of solutions are proved when the initial energy is in three cases. When the initial energy is low or critical, we not only give a threshold result for the global existence and blowup of solutions but also obtain the decay rate of the
norm for global solutions. When the initial energy is high, sufficient conditions for the global existence and blowup of solutions are also provided. We extend the recent results which were.
Cortical bone maintenance and loss in Colonial Mexico City: Analysis of sex‐ and age‐related differences
Authors: Wesp Julie K. , Hernández López Paulina Elizabeth
Published: April 2022

Previous research has demonstrated significant age‐ and sex‐related differences in bone loss in European populations. This study utilizes metacarpal radiogrammetry to analyze cortical bone thickness and bone loss for a sample of indigenous individuals (n = 120) from the Hospital Real San José de los Naturales (HSJN) skeletal collection in Colonial Mexico City. The results indicate statistically significant differences between males and females in total length, total width, and cortical thickness, but no difference in the standardized cortical index measure. There are significant differences in age groups for all measures except total length and the population follows a similar pattern of decreased cortical index over the life course. When age and sex are considered together, females begin this bone loss from young to middle adulthood with continued loss in old adulthood; however, males do not see a decrease in cortical index until old adulthood. While these results are consistent with previously reported patterns of bone loss, the HSJN population has higher levels of peak cortical bone in young adulthood than any archeological European populations. We suggest that this increased peak bone mass may reflect differences in diet that include higher levels of calcium and magnesium as a result of the traditional practice of softening corn by boiling it in limewater (nixtamalization). Similarly, a small sample of African descendant individuals (n = 5) from the HSJN population was compared with the averages for indigenous individuals in the collection and indicated a variation in bone size, though predominantly higher levels of cortical index that may also suggest important population differences that should be further explored. This research provides important comparative data on bone maintenance and loss that supports previous hypotheses that a higher nutrient diet in modern populations may be the key factor in increased peak bone mass compared with archeological populations.
Greater ectopic fat deposition and liver fibroinflammation and lower skeletal muscle mass in people with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Waddell Tom , Bagur Alexandre , Cunha Diogo , Thomaides‐Brears Helena , Banerjee Rajarshi , Cuthbertson Daniel J. , Brown Emily , Cusi Kenneth , Després Jean‐Pierre , Brady Michael
Published: April 2022

Objective

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with significant end‐organ damage and ectopic fat accumulation. Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provide a rapid, noninvasive assessment of multiorgan and body composition. The primary objective of this study was to investigate differences in visceral adiposity, ectopic fat accumulation, body composition, and relevant biomarkers between people with and without T2D.

Methods

Participant demographics, routine biochemistry, and multiparametric MRI scans of the liver, pancreas, visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue, and skeletal muscle were analyzed from 266 participants (131 with T2D and 135 without T2D) who were matched for age, gender, and BMI. Wilcoxon and χ2 tests were performed to calculate differences between groups.

Results

Participants with T2D had significantly elevated liver fat (7.4% vs. 5.3%, p = 0.011) and fibroinflammation (as assessed by corrected T1 [cT1]; 730 milliseconds vs. 709 milliseconds, p = 0.019), despite there being no differences in liver biochemistry, serum aspartate aminotransferase (p = 0.35), or alanine transaminase concentration (p = 0.11). Significantly lower measures of skeletal muscle index (45.2 cm2/m2 vs. 50.6 cm2/m2, p = 0.003) and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (1.1 mmol/L vs. 1.3 mmol/L, p < 0.0001) were observed in participants with T2D.

Conclusions

Multiparametric MRI revealed significantly elevated liver fat and fibroinflammation in participants with T2D, despite normal liver biochemistry. This study corroborates findings of significantly lower measures of skeletal muscle and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol in participants with T2D versus those without T2D.
Effect of ursodeoxycholic acid on gallstone formation after bariatric surgery: An updated meta‐analysis
Authors: Ying Jingjing , Dai Senjie , Fu Rongrong , Hong Jiaze , Dai Chenglong , Jin Qiong
Published: April 2022

Objective

Bariatric surgery increases the risk of postoperative gallstone formation. Many studies have proposed ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) as a preventive agent for postoperative gallstone formation. This study aimed to investigate the effect of UDCA on gallstone formation after bariatric surgery in patients without preoperative gallstones.

Methods

PubMed, the Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and EBSCO were searched for articles assessing the effect of UDCA on gallstone formation after bariatric surgery. The outcome was the incidence of postoperative gallstones. Odds ratios were used to assess dichotomous variables, and random‐effects models were used for statistical analyses.

Results

A total of 18 studies including 4,827 participants met the inclusion criteria. The statistical results showed that the incidence of gallstones in the UDCA group was significantly lower than in the control group. Furthermore, the occurrence of symptomatic gallstones and cholecystectomy was significantly reduced.

Conclusions

In patients without preoperative gallstones, UDCA can effectively prevent the formation of gallstones after bariatric surgery. In addition, UDCA can significantly reduce the occurrence of symptomatic gallstones and the risk of postoperative cholecystectomy. Doses of 500 to 600 mg/d can be used as a measure to prevent postoperative gallstone formation.
Guidance for hypersonic re‐entry using receding horizon control with finite terminal weighting matrix
Authors: Sun Qichao , Xu Juanjuan , Zhang Huanshui
Published: April 2022

In this article, nominal‐trajectory‐based guidance approach for hypersonic reentry vehicles is considered using the Vinh's equations. The nominal trajectory is generated via pseudo‐spectral method and then tracked by receding horizon control approach. Specially, several strategies are adopted to simplify the practical application. First, we formulate the receding optimal problem discretely using the approximated discrete linear state error dynamics. Thus, the differential matrix Riccati equation is substituted by a difference matrix Riccati equation. Second, we set the terminal state weighting matrix finite which brings flexibility of adjusting the sample period and prediction horizon. Third, the time‐varying state error dynamics is approximated by time invariant system. Lastly, instead of obtaining terminal weighting matrices which satisfy a linear matrix inequality using the LMI toolbox, we set them the same constant matrix. Naturally, numerical simulation is available to verify the validity and efficiency of the proposed approach.
Manganese Copper Ferrite Thin Films for Visible–Near‐Infrared Region Photodetector Applications
Authors: Lee Yuan-Mau , Lu You-Yan , Fu Ching-Tai , Kuo Chia-Tung , Hou Lu-Cheng , Chuang Yu-Hsuan , Chung Pin-Hung , Wang Tzu-Hsuan , Liu Chao-I , Yew Tri-Rung
Published: April 2022

Herein, p+‐silicon/air‐annealed manganese copper ferrite (MCF oxide) thin film/indium tin oxide (ITO) stacking photodetectors, capable of detecting light illuminations ranging from the visible to near‐infrared region, are fabricated. The MCF oxide photodetectors composed of earth‐abundant and eco‐friendly metal oxides are fabricated by radio‐frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering. The optical and photoconductive characteristics are investigated by photoluminescence (PL) spectrum, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–vis), X‐ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Defect levels within the wide bandgap of MCF oxide semiconductor enable high sensitivity ranging from visible to near‐infrared illuminations. The device exhibits a fast photoresponse less than 10 ms, a high photosensitivity of 163, and a responsivity of 1.26 A W−1 under a bias voltage of −2 V. The device not only demonstrates peak performances under 800 nm illumination, but also exhibits considerable photosensitivity under visible light illuminations of 630, 532, and 450 nm. The noticeable performances make air‐annealed MCF oxide thin film device a viable candidate for next‐generation photodetectors.
Active Interphase Enables Stable Performance for an All‐Phosphate‐Based Composite Cathode in an All‐Solid‐State Battery
Authors: Xu Qi , Liu Zigeng , Windmüller Anna , Basak Shibabrata , Park Junbeom , Dzieciol Krzysztof , Tsai Chih‐Long , Yu Shicheng , Tempel Hermann , Kungl Hans , Eichel Rüdiger‐A.
Published: April 2022

High interfacial resistance and unstable interphase between cathode active materials (CAMs) and solid‐state electrolytes (SSEs) in the composite cathode are two of the main challenges in current all‐solid‐state batteries (ASSBs). In this work, the all‐phosphate‐based LiFePO4 (LFP) and Li1.3Al0.3Ti1.7(PO4)3 (LATP) composite cathode is obtained by a co‐firing technique. Benefiting from the densified structure and the formed redox‐active Li3–xFe2–x–yTixAly(PO4)3 (LFTAP) interphase, the mixed ion‐ and electron‐conductive LFP/LATP composite cathode facilitates the stable operation of bulk‐type ASSBs in different voltage ranges with almost no capacity degradation upon cycling. Particularly, both the LFTAP interphase and LATP electrolyte can be activated. The cell cycled between 4.1 and 2.2 V achieves a high reversible capacity of 2.8 mAh cm–2 (36 µA cm–2, 60 °C). Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the asymmetric charge/discharge behaviors of the cells are attributed to the existence of the electrochemically active LFTAP interphase, which results in more sluggish Li+ kinetics and more expansive LFTAP plateaus during discharge compared with that of charge. This work demonstrates a simple but effective strategy to stabilize the CAM/SSE interface in high mass loading ASSBs.
Theoretische Grundlagen
Authors: Logeswaran Araththy
Published: April 2022

Theoretische Vorüberlegungen dienen dazu, Probleme und Phänomene besser einordnen zu können. Insbesondere helfen Erklärungsansätze, komplexe Sachverhalte komprimiert greifbar zu machen. Hinzu kommt, dass erste Konzepte und theoretische Ansätze es ermöglichen, Lösungswege weiterzudenken.
Theorien zur Wahrnehmung und Bewältigung von Diskriminierung(serfahrung)
Authors: Logeswaran Araththy
Published: April 2022

Im Folgenden möchte ich anschließend an die im dritten Kapitel ausgeführten theoretischen Grundlagen auf einige der Theorien eingehen, die etwas zur Wahrnehmung und Bewältigung von Diskriminierung(serfahrung) beitragen. Diese Theorien sollen dazu verhelfen, das Handeln von Menschen in seiner Systematik zu erkennen und zu umschreiben. Vorher möchte ich noch darauf zu sprechen kommen, dass das menschliche Handeln grundsätzlich einer kurzen Erläuterung bedarf, wofür ich den symbolischen Interaktionismus nach Herbert Blumer (2004) für geeignet halte.
Akute Nierenschädigung und COVID-19: pulmorenaler Crosstalk unter massiver Inflammation
Authors: Mayerhöfer Timo , Perschinka Fabian , Joannidis Michael
Published: April 2022

Eine mit der Coronaviruserkrankung 2019 (COVID-19) assoziierte Nierenschädigung ist vor allem bei Intensivpatient:innen ein häufiges Phänomen. Das Virus selbst dürfte im Sinne eines direkten Befalls der Niere nur in geringem Ausmaß eine Rolle spielen, die mit einer schweren COVID-19-Erkrankungen assoziierte pathologische Entzündungsreaktion dagegen sehr wohl. Einen wesentlichen Einfluss haben die Folgen der invasiven Beatmung und das durch COVID-19 verursachte Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). Hohe Beatmungsdrücke wirken sich negativ auf die Nierenperfusion aus und können so zur Entstehung einer AKI beitragen. Die durch das ARDS verursachte Entzündungsreaktion sowie die für COVID-19 typische endotheliale Dysfunktion in Kombination mit einer Hyperkoagulabilität sind weitere Faktoren, die die Nierenfunktion negativ beeinflussen können.
First-in-human study of WT1 recombinant protein vaccination in elderly patients with AML in remission: a single-center experience
Authors: Kreutmair Stefanie , Pfeifer Dietmar , Waterhouse Miguel , Takács Ferenc , Graessel Linda , Döhner Konstanze , Duyster Justus , Illert Anna Lena , Frey Anna-Verena , Schmitt Michael , Lübbert Michael
Published: April 2022

Wilms’ tumor 1 (WT1) protein is highly immunogenic and overexpressed in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), consequently ranked as a promising target for novel immunotherapeutic strategies. Here we report our experience of a phase I/II clinical trial (NCT01051063) of a vaccination strategy based on WT1 recombinant protein (WT1-A10) together with vaccine adjuvant AS01B in five elderly AML patients (median age 69 years, range 63–75) receiving a total of 62 vaccinations (median 18, range 3–20) after standard chemotherapy. Clinical benefit was observed in three patients: one patient achieved measurable residual disease clearance during WT1 vaccination therapy, another patient maintained long-term molecular remission over 59 months after the first vaccination cycle. Interestingly, in one case, we observed a complete clonal switch at AML relapse with loss of WT1 expression, proposing suppression of the original AML clone by WT1-based vaccination therapy. Detected humoral and cellular CD4+ T cell immune responses point to efficient immune stimulation post-vaccination, complementing hints for induced conventional T cell infiltration into the bone marrow and a shift from senescent/exhausted to a more activated T cell profile. Overall, the vaccinations with WT1 recombinant protein had an acceptable safety profile and were thus well tolerated.

To conclude, our data provide evidence of potential clinical efficacy of WT1 protein-based vaccination therapy in AML patients, warranting further investigations.
Distribution of gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors in Europe: results from a retrospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Loosen Sven H. , Kostev Karel , Jann Henning , Tetzlaff Fabian , Tacke Frank , Krieg Sarah , Knoefel Wolfram T. , Fluegen Georg , Luedde Tom , Krieg Andreas , Roderburg Christoph
Published: April 2022

Background

Gastrointestinal (non-pancreatic) neuroendocrine tumors (GI-NETs) represent a rare but increasingly common tumor entity. Prognosis and biological behavior of these tumors is extremely heterogenous and largely dependent on the specific tumor site, stage and differentiation. However, systematic data on the epidemiology of GI-NET, especially in terms of geographic distributions are missing.

Methods

We used the Oncology Dynamics database (IQVIA) to identify a total of 1354 patients with GI-NET from four European countries (Germany, France, Spain, UK) and compared them with regard to major patient and tumor related characteristics including patients’ age, sex, tumor stage, tumor grading and differentiation.

Results

Out of the analyzed 1354 NET patients, 535 were found in the UK (39.5%), 289 in Germany (21.3%), 283 in Spain (20.9%) and 247 in France (18.2%). More patients were male than female (53.8% vs. 46.2%) with no significant differences between the analyzed countries. In contrast, the age distribution varied between the different countries, with the highest number of patients identified in the age groups of 61–70 years (31.0%) and 71–80 years (30.7%). The vast majority of patients showed a tumor origin in the small intestine, in German patients NET of the large intestine were slightly overrepresented and NET of the stomach underrepresented compared to all other countries. More than 80% of patients had stage IV disease at the time of diagnosis. Regarding tumor histology, most tumors showed a G2 tumor; interestingly, a G3 grading was found in 40.9% of patients in Germany (Ki-67 > 20%).

Conclusion

The distribution of important patient- and tumor-specific characteristics of neuroendocrine tumors shows regional differences in four major European countries. These data may help to better understand the specific epidemiology of GI-NET in Europe.