bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reversing tree expansion in sagebrush steppe yields population‐level benefit for imperiled grouse
Authors: Olsen Andrew C. , Severson John P. , Maestas Jeremy D. , Naugle David E. , Smith Joseph T. , Tack Jason D. , Yates Kate H. , Hagen Christian A.
Published: June 2021

Woody plant expansion into shrub and grasslands is a global and vexing ecological problem. In the Great Basin of North America, the expansion of pinyon–juniper (Pinus spp.–Juniperus spp.) woodlands is threatening the sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) biome. The Greater Sage‐grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus; sage‐grouse), a sagebrush obligate species, is widespread in the Great Basin and considered an indicator for the condition of sagebrush ecosystems. To assess the population response of sage‐grouse to landscape‐scale juniper removal, we analyzed a long‐term telemetry data set and lek counts with a Bayesian integrated population model in a before‐after‐control‐impact design. Population growth rates (λ) in a treatment area (Treatment) with juniper removal and a control area (Control) without juniper removal indicated the two areas generally experienced population increase, decrease, and stability in the same years. However, the difference in λ between study areas indicated a steady increase in the Treatment relative to the Control starting in 2013 (removals initiated in 2012), with differences of 0.13 and 0.11 in 2016 and 2017, respectively. Retrospective sensitivity analysis suggested the dynamics in λ were driven by increases in juvenile, adult, first nest, and yearling survival in the Treatment relative to the Control. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of targeted conifer removal as a management strategy for conserving sage‐grouse populations in sagebrush steppe affected by conifer expansion. Examples of positive, population‐level responses to habitat management are exceptionally rare for terrestrial vertebrates, and this study provides promising evidence of active management that can be implemented to aid recovery of an imperiled species and biome.
Hydropeaking intensity and dam proximity limit aquatic invertebrate diversity in the Colorado River Basin
Authors: Abernethy Erin F. , Muehlbauer Jeffrey D. , Kennedy Theodore A. , Tonkin Jonathan D. , Van Driesche Richard , Lytle David A.
Published: June 2021

River biodiversity is threatened globally by hydropower dams, and there is a need to understand how dam management favors certain species while filtering out others. We examined aquatic invertebrate communities within the tailwaters 0–24 km downstream of seven large hydropower dams in the Colorado River Basin of the western United States. We quantified aquatic invertebrate dominance, richness, abundance, and biomass at multiple locations within individual tailwaters and across the basin and identified biological community responses associated with dam operations and distance from dam. We found that each tailwater was dominated by 3–7 invertebrate taxa, accounting for 95% of total abundance. Half of these dominant taxa were non‐insect, non‐flying species and thus were unavailable to terrestrial consumers. Consistent with previous studies, aquatic insects and sensitive taxa were negatively associated with hydropeaking intensity (magnitude of daily flow fluctuations associated with hydropower generation), which limits the composition and potentially the quality of the invertebrate food base. While total invertebrate abundance and biomass did not change with increasing distance downstream from dams, insect and sensitive taxa richness, abundance, and biomass all increased, suggesting that impacts of hydropeaking are most acute immediately downstream of dams. Our results demonstrate that tailwaters experiencing hydropeaking support high abundances of aquatic invertebrate, but the diversity of these communities is low.
Cladodes: Chemical and structural properties, biological activity, and polyphenols profile
Authors: Perucini‐Avendaño Madeleine , Nicolás‐García Mayra , Jiménez‐Martínez Cristian , Perea‐Flores María de Jesús , Gómez‐Patiño Mayra Beatriz , Arrieta‐Báez Daniel , Dávila‐Ortiz Gloria
Published: June 2021

The nopal cactus is an essential part of the Mexican diet and culture. The per capita consumption of young cladodes averages annually to 6.4 kg across the nation. In addition to contributing to the country's food culture, the nopal is considered a food with functional characteristics since, in addition to providing fiber, an important group of polyphenolic compounds is present, which has given cladodes to be considered a healthy food, for what they have been incorporated into the diet of Mexican people and many other countries worldwide. Research suggests that polyphenols from cladodes act as antioxidants and antidiabetics. This review studies the main phenolic components in cladodes and summarizes both conventional and novel methods to identify them.
The role of basic psychological needs satisfaction in the relationship between transformational leadership and innovative work behavior
Authors: Messmann Gerhard , Evers Arnoud , Kreijns Karel
Published: June 2021

The aim of this contribution was to investigate predictors of innovative work behavior (IWB) in nonprofit organizations. For instance, in schools, innovative solutions are crucial as the quality of education and therefore the schools' competitiveness depends on their ability to keep pace with technological, economic, and societal transformations. We addressed this issue in a quantitative study with 130 teachers in Dutch secondary schools employing a time‐lag design. In accordance with self‐determination theory, we investigated the role of transformational leadership for enhancing IWB and the role of basic psychological needs satisfaction in mediating this relationship. By employing structural equation modeling, we found that transformational leadership was positively related to the satisfaction of the teachers' needs for autonomy and competence. Furthermore, the satisfaction of the need for competence positively predicted teachers' IWB. In addition, perceived competence fully mediated the relationship between transformational leadership and teachers' IWB. Accordingly, persons with leadership responsibilities should adopt a transformational leadership style and motivate their employees by providing individual attention, intellectual stimulation, and encouragement for goal striving. Specifically, leaders may provide feedback on employees' innovative ideas and their strategies for realizing innovative solutions, thus helping them to become increasingly confident about what they can achieve and improve concerning their contributions to innovation development. For human resource development (HRD) professionals, our findings imply that efforts toward leadership training and development (e.g., training, coaching, and mentoring) should incorporate knowledge and practical experiences about transformational leadership as well as its role for employees' IWB and their contributions to organizational and professional development.
Mg(OH)2 nanoparticles enhance the antibacterial activities of macrophages by activating the reactive oxygen species
Authors: Zhu Yong , Tang Yifu , Ruan Zhe , Dai Yilong , Li Zhaohui , Lin Zhangyuan , Zhao Shushan , Cheng Liang , Sun Buhua , Zeng Ming , Zhu Jianxi , Zhao Ruibo , Lu Bangbao , Long Haitao
Published: June 2021

Infection often causes disastrous consequences in all fields of clinical medicine, especially orthopedics. Hence, critical efforts are being made to engineer novel nanomaterials for the treatment of orthopedic infections due to the high biocompatibility and antibacterial properties they possess. The purpose of this study was to investigate the antibacterial effects of magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2) nanoparticles (NPs) in vitro and determine their possible mechanisms of action. In this study, Escherichia coli was selected as the pathogenic bacteria and it was found that Mg(OH)2 NPs significantly inhibited the growth of E. coli by promoting nucleic acid leakage, inhibiting protein synthesis, and suppressing the metabolic activity. The minimum inhibitory concentration for these bacteria was determined to be 4.4 μg/ml. In vitro flow cytometry and immunofluorescence tests indicated that Mg(OH)2 NPs induced the macrophages to generate reactive oxygen species to kill the bacteria. To understand the mechanisms involved in this process, western blotting was performed and it was found that Mg(OH)2 NPs activated the phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase/serine–threonine kinase (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway of macrophages to enhance their phagocytosis with no obvious cytotoxicity. Thus, Mg(OH)2 NPs are a suitable choice to develop promising agents or coating materials for the treatment of clinically widespread infections in view of their safety, biocompatibility, and powerful antibacterial properties.
Preparation of a water soluble aminated β‐1,3‐D‐glucan for gene carrier: The in vitro study of the anti‐inflammatory activity and transfection efficiency
Authors: Jin Jing Wei , Rong Min Zhi , Zhang Ming Qiu , Wong Wing‐Leung
Published: June 2021

β‐1,3‐D‐glucan has been reported to have a series of bioactivities including antitumor, antimicrobial, anti‐inflammatory and antioxidative effects; however, its insolubility in neutral aqueous solution significantly restricts the potential application in biological and medicine fields. Herein, a water‐soluble aminated β‐1,3‐D‐glucan (AG) was synthesized and the anti‐inflammatory effect, cytotoxicity and plasmid DNA (pDNA) binding capacity of AG, serum stability, the particle sizes and zeta potentials of AG/pDNA nanocomposites, and the transfection efficiency and mechanism of action were studied. AG shows no obvious cytotoxicity within the range of working concentration (1–64 μg/ml) and it exerts potent anti‐inflammatory effect independent on Dectin‐1 and TLR2. AG/pDNA nanocomposites prepared by electrostatic interaction possess an appropriate particle size ranged from 192.8 to 118.4 nm and zeta potentials ranged from 20.880 to 27.16 mV with the N/P ratios from 5 to 100. AG/pDNA nanocomposites at the N/P ratios of 10 and 20 were able to show superior transfection efficiencies in RAW 264.7 cells as a result of their suitable particle size, zeta potential, anti‐inflammatory effect, and the specific interaction with pattern recognition receptors (Dectin‐1 and TLR2). These results indicate that AG is a potential candidate for DNA delivery system due to its potent anti‐inflammatory effect and high transfection efficiency.
The challenges of pregnancy management in pyridoxine nonresponsive homocystinuria: The Irish experience
Authors: Hart Caroline , McNulty Jenny , Cotter Melanie , Al Jasmi Fatima , Crushell Ellen , Monavari Ahmad Ardeshir
Published: June 2021

Many patients with inborn errors of metabolism, due to early diagnosis and improved management, are living longer with less disease burden. Several are now having families of their own. This poses challenges both for the metabolic control of the mother and potential secondary effects on the fetus, as well as the risk of inheriting the inborn error. Classical homocystinuria (HCU, OMIM 236200) is a rare multisystem condition with intellectual, skeletal, ocular, and thromboembolic complications. Ireland has included HCU in the National Newborn Bloodspot Screening Program since 1971. The European network and registry for homocystinurias and methylation defects (E‐HOD) guidelines outline the requirements for management and monitoring of this condition and associated complications. Pregnancy alone has many potential complications. When combined with an underlying condition such as HCU, which is prothrombotic and requires a highly medicalized diet, there are significantly increased risks to both mother and baby. Colleagues previously published an Irish case of maternal HCU with successful pregnancy outcome. We add five pregnancies to two women with classical HCU to the literature. We use these to highlight the importance of careful metabolic control and managing the predictable HCU associated risks during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Our cases demonstrate the potential for healthy pregnancies in HCU and that this is best achieved with a motivated clinical team and good patient engagement. Only small numbers of pregnancies in HCU have been reported and we are still learning best practice, but proactive management is essential, as in any inborn error of metabolism.
The prevalence of burnout, depression, anxiety and stress in the Lithuanian midwifery workforce and correlation with sociodemographic factors
Authors: Vaičienė Vita , Blaževičienė Aurelija , Macijauskiene Jurate , Sidebotham Mary
Published: June 2021

Aim

To investigate the prevalence of burnout, depression, anxiety and stress of Lithuanian midwives.

Design

A descriptive, cross‐sectional survey design.

Methods

The Work Health and Emotional Wellbeing of Midwives (WHELM) survey instrument developed within the Australian maternity context was adapted and used in this research. The survey collects country‐specific demographic data and incorporates several validated measures including the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI), Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS‐21).

Results

Three hundred and thirty‐eight completed surveys were received. Results obtained using a CBI subscale showed that 84.9% experienced personal burnout, 70.1% reported work‐related burnout and 41.1% had client‐related burnout. The results indicate that the midwives reported moderate to extreme levels of depression (16.3%), anxiety (28.4%) and stress (13.9%) symptoms.
Hydrogenolysis of Furfuryl Alcohol to 1,2‐Pentanediol Over Supported Ruthenium Catalysts
Authors: Yamaguchi Aritomo , Murakami Yuka , Imura Tomohiro , Wakita Kazuaki
Published: June 2021

Hydrogenolysis of the furan rings of furfural and furfuryl alcohol, which can be obtained from biomass, has attracted attention as a method for obtaining valuable chemicals such as 1,2‐pentanediol. In this study, we examined the hydrogenolysis of furfuryl alcohol to 1,2‐pentanediol over Pd/C, Pt/C, Rh/C, and various supported Ru catalysts in several solvents. In particular, we investigated the effects of combinations of solvents and supports on the reaction outcome. Of all the tested combinations, Ru/MgO in water gave the best selectivity for 1,2‐pentanediol: with this catalyst, 42 % selectivity for 1,2‐pentanediol was achieved upon hydrogenolysis of furfuryl alcohol for 1 h at 463 K. In contrast, reaction in water in the presence of Ru/Al2O3 afforded cyclopentanone and cyclopentanol by means of hydrogenation and rearrangement reactions.
Parental limited English proficiency in pediatric stem cell transplantation: Clinical impact and health care utilization
Authors: Robles Joanna M. , Troy Jesse D. , Schroeder Kristin M. , Martin Paul L. , LeBlanc Thomas W.
Published: June 2021

Background

Limited English proficiency (LEP) is associated with adverse clinical outcomes. The clinical impact of LEP in hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) has not been studied. The objectives of this study were to compare HSCT outcomes and health care utilization of Hispanic pediatric patients with and without parental LEP.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of Hispanic/Latino pediatric patients receiving HSCT at a single institution. Families were identified as LEP or English proficient (EP) based on clinicians’ notes, social work documentation, or the signature of a Spanish interpreter on treatment consents.

Results

A total of 83 Hispanic/Latino patients were identified with 53 (65.1%) having parental LEP. More patients in the LEP group had a documented financial burden at pretransplant psychosocial evaluation (72.2% vs. 41.4%, p = .009). LEP patients were more likely to have health insurance coverage through government‐sponsored Medicaid (76.9% vs. 27.6%, p < .001). LEP patients were hospitalized on average 13 days longer than EP patients, and LEP patients were more likely to have pretransplant cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivity (67.3%) than EP patients (p = .001). Overall survival was lower in LEP than EP, but was not statistically significant (p = .193). Multivariable Cox modeling suggested a potentially higher risk of death in LEP versus EP (hazard ratio = 1.56, 95% CI: 0.38, 6.23).

Conclusions

Parental LEP in HSCT is associated with prolonged hospitalization and pretransplant CMV reactivity. These factors are associated with posttransplant complications and death. Our results suggest parental LEP is a risk factor for poor HSCT outcomes. Further study is warranted in a larger cohort.
Thermal characterization of organically modified montmorillonite and short carbon fibers reinforced glycol‐modified polyethylene terephthalate nanocomposite filaments
Authors: Mahesh Vinyas , Joseph Athul S. , Mahesh Vishwas , Harursampath Dineshkumar
Published: June 2021

The focus on the combined effects of fibers and nanoparticles in the realization of novel, high‐performance polymer composites has been increasing progressively. In addition to this, the intervention of additive manufacturing in this pursuit has further enhanced this interest among researchers to experimentally quantify the properties of these composites for various applications. Therefore, this study focuses on experimentally evaluating the thermal behavior of extruded glycol‐modified poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PETG) comonomers reinforced with short carbon fibers (SCFs) and organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT) nanoclay that are apt for 3D printing. Different weight compositions of the aforementioned materials are prepared, compounded, and extruded using a twin‐screw extruder into 16 variants of 3D printable filaments. These filaments are subjected to thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and Fourier transform‐infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy as per their respective American society for testing and materials (ASTM) standards. The results show improvements in the thermal behavior of the composites for various concentrations of OMMT and SCFs. The FTIR analyses complement the capability of OMMT particles and SCFs for microvibrational damping and infrared absorption. The study also demonstrates the influence of chemical interactions between the SCFs, OMMT, and PETG on the overall performance of the composites. It is believed that this study paves way for the induction of such composites in relevant applications including secondary aerospace structures, automobile interiors, and other engineering structural needs.
Racial and ethnic disparities in post‐traumatic stress and illness coherence in breast cancer survivors with comorbid diabetes
Authors: Mazor Melissa , Wisnivesky Juan P. , Goel Mita , Harris Yael Tobi , Lin Jenny J.
Published: June 2021

Context

Breast cancer survivors (BCS) with comorbid diabetes mellitus (DM) and of racial and ethnic minority status are at higher risk of cancer‐related post‐traumatic stress (PTS) and severe illness beliefs. These affective and cognitive outcomes influence self‐management and treatment adherence in patients with chronic conditions, yet little is known regarding the interplay of these processes in diverse BCS with comorbid DM.

Objectives

The purposes of this study were to (1) describe racial and ethnic differences in cancer‐related PTS and illness perceptions; and (2) examine the relationship between PTS and illness perceptions in BCS with comorbid DM.

Methods

Female BCS with DM completed measures of cancer related stress (Impact of Events Scale‐Revised) and cancer and DM illness perception (Illness Perception Questionnaire‐Revised). Logistic regression analyses were used to assess the association between PTS, race and illness perceptions.

Results

Of the 135 BCS with comorbid DM, the mean (standard deviation) age was 65.3 (7.1) years, 38% were Black, 31% Non‐Hispanic White (NHW), 13% Hispanic/Latina, and 18% were “other.” Minority women were more likely to report cancer‐related PTS (p < 0.01). In adjusted analyses, PTS was associated with chronicity (odds ratio [OR] = 9.79, p = 0.005), time‐cycle (OR = 6.71, p = 0.001), negative consequences (OR = 3.95, p = 0.018), and negative emotional impact (OR = 12.63, p < 0.001) of cancer.

Conclusion

Minority BCS with comorbid DM report higher rates of cancer‐related PTS and lower cancer illness coherence relative to NHW survivors. Cancer‐related PTS influences cancer and DM illness perceptions. Culturally sensitive care is needed to improve these outcomes in minority BCS.

Key Message

This article presents findings from a cross sectional cohort of an understudied population of racially and ethnically diverse BCS with comorbid diabetes. The results indicate that the occurrence of PTS is significantly higher in racial and ethnic minority women and is strongly associated with more severe illness perceptions.
Multiparty protocol that usually shuffles
Authors: Mardi Dhaneshwar , Tanwar Surbhi , Howlader Jaydeep
Published: June 2021

Multiparty computation is raising importance because its primary objective is to replace any trusted third party in the distributed computation. This work presents two multiparty shuffling protocols where each party, possesses a private input, agrees on a random permutation while keeping the permutation secret. The proposed shuffling protocols are based on permutation network, thereby data‐oblivious. The first proposal is‐permute that permutesinputs in allpossible ways.‐permute network consists oflayers, and in each layer there aregates. Our second protocol is‐permute shuffling that defines a permutation setwhere, and the resultant shuffling is a random permutation. The‐permute network contains less number of layers compare with‐permute network. Let, the‐permute network would definelayers. The proposed shuffling protocols are unconditionally secure against malicious adversary who can corrupt at mostparties. The probability that adversary can learn the outcome of‐permute is upper bound by. Whereas, the probability that adversary can learn the outcome of‐permute is upper bounded by, for some positive integer, and a recursive definition of. The protocols allow the parties to build quorums, and distribute the load among the quorums.
Intelligent Planning of Logistic Networks to Counteract Uncertainty Propagation
Authors: Ignaciuk Przemysław , Dziomdziora Adam
Published: June 2021

A major obstacle to stable and cost-efficient management of goods distribution systems is the bullwhip effect – reinforced demand uncertainty propagating among system nodes. In this work, by solving a formally established optimization problem, it is shown how one can mitigate the bullwhip effect, at the same minimizing transportation costs, in modern logistic networks with complex topologies. The flow of resources in the analyzed network is governed by the popular order-up-to inventory policy, which thrives to maintain sufficient stock at the nodes to answer a priori unknown, uncertain demand. The optimization objective is to decide how intensive a given transport channel should be used so that unnecessary goods relocation and the bullwhip effect are avoided while being able to fulfill demand requests. The computationally challenging optimization task is solved using a population-based evolutionary technique – Biogeography-Based Optimization. The results are verified in extensive simulations of a real-world transportation network.
Colored HOMFLY-PT for hybrid weaving knot $$ {\hat{\mathrm{W}}}_3 $$(m, n)
Authors: Singh Vivek Kumar , Mishra Rama , Ramadevi P.
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Weaving knots W(p, n) of type (p, n) denote an infinite family of hyperbolic knots which have not been addressed by the knot theorists as yet. Unlike the well known (p, n) torus knots, we do not have a closed-form expression for HOMFLY-PT and the colored HOMFLY-PT for W(p, n). In this paper, we confine to a hybrid generalization of W(3, n) which we denote as $$ {\hat{W}}_3 $$

W
̂

3

(m, n) and obtain closed form expression for HOMFLY-PT using the Reshitikhin and Turaev method involving $$ \mathrm{\mathcal{R}} $$
ℛ
-matrices. Further, we also compute [r]-colored HOMFLY-PT for W(3, n). Surprisingly, we observe that trace of the product of two dimensional $$ \hat{\mathrm{\mathcal{R}}} $$

ℛ
̂

-matrices can be written in terms of infinite family of Laurent polynomials $$ {\mathcal{V}}_{n,t}\left[q\right] $$

V

n
,
t

q

whose absolute coefficients has interesting relation to the Fibonacci numbers $$ {\mathrm{\mathcal{F}}}_n $$

ℱ
n

. We also computed reformulated invariants and the BPS integers in the context of topological strings. From our analysis, we propose that certain refined BPS integers for weaving knot W(3, n) can be explicitly derived from the coefficients of Chebyshev polynomials of first kind.
Global analysis of leptophilic Z′ bosons
Authors: Buras Andrzej J. , Crivellin Andreas , Kirk Fiona , Manzari Claudio Andrea , Montull Marc
Published: June 2021

Abstract

New neutral heavy gauge bosons (Z′) are predicted within many extensions of the Standard Model. While in case they couple to quarks the LHC bounds are very stringent, leptophilicZ′bosons (even with sizable couplings) can be much lighter and therefore lead to interesting quantum effects in precision observables (like (g −2)μ) and generate flavour violating decays of charged leptons. In particular,$$ \mathrm{\ell}\to \mathrm{\ell}^{\prime }v\overline{v} $$ℓ→ℓ′vv¯decays, anomalous magnetic moments of charged leptons,ℓ → ℓ′γandℓ →3ℓ′decays place stringent limits on leptophilicZ′bosons. Furthermore, in case of mixingZ′with the SMZ,Zpole observables are affected. In light of these many observables we perform a global fit to leptophilicZ′models with the main goal of finding the bounds for theZ′couplings to leptons. To this end we consider a number of scenarios for these couplings. While in generic scenarios correlations are weak, this changes once additional constraints on the couplings are imposed. In particular, if one considers anLμ− Lτsymmetry broken only by left-handed rotations, or considers the case ofτ − μcouplings only. In the latter setup, on can explain the (g −2)μanomaly and the hint for lepton flavour universality violation in$$ \tau \to \mu v\overline{v}/\tau \to ev\overline{v} $$τ→μvv¯/τ→evv¯without violating bounds from electroweak precision observables.
On the perturbative expansion at high temperature and implications for cosmological phase transitions
Authors: Gould Oliver , Tenkanen Tuomas V. I.
Published: June 2021

Abstract

We revisit the perturbative expansion at high temperature and investigate its convergence by inspecting the renormalisation scale dependence of the effective potential. Although at zero temperature the renormalisation group improved effective potential is scale independent at one-loop, we show how this breaks down at high temperature, due to the misalignment of loop and coupling expansions. Following this, we show how one can recover renormalisation scale independence at high temperature, and that it requires computations at two-loop order. We demonstrate how this resolves some of the huge theoretical uncertainties in the gravitational wave signal of first-order phase transitions, though uncertainties remain stemming from the computation of the bubble nucleation rate.
Correlation of gastrointestinal perforation location and amount of free air and ascites on CT imaging
Authors: Drakopoulos Dionysios , Arcon Jacqueline , Freitag Peter , El-Ashmawy Mostafa , Lourens Steven , Beldi Guido , Obmann Verena Carola , Ebner Lukas , Huber Adrian Thomas , Christe Andreas
Published: June 2021

Purpose

To analyze the amount of free abdominal gas and ascites on computed tomography (CT) images relative to the location of a perforation.

Methods

We retrospectively included 172 consecutive patients (93:79 = m:f) with GIT perforation, who underwent abdominal surgery (ground truth for perforation location). The volume of free air and ascites were quantified on CT images by 4 radiologists and a semiautomated software. The relation of the perforation location (upper/lower GIT) and amount of free air and ascites was analyzed by the Mann–Whitney test. Furthermore, best volume cutoff for upper and lower GIT perforation, areas under the curve (AUC), and interreader volume agreement were assessed.

Results

There was significantly more abdominal ascites with upper GIT perforation (333 ml, range 5 to 2000 ml) than with lower GIT perforation (100 ml, range 5 to 2000 ml,p = 0.022). The highest volume of free air was found with perforations of the stomach, descending colon and sigmoid colon. Significantly less free air was found with perforations of the small bowel and ascending colon compared to the aforementioned. An ascites volume > 333 ml was associated with an upper GIT perforation demonstrating an AUC of 0.63 ± 0.04.

Conclusion

Using a two-step process based on the volumes of free air and free fluid can help localizing the site of perforation to the upper, middle or lower GI tract.

Graphic abstract
Synthetic extracellular volume fraction without hematocrit sampling for hepatic applications
Authors: Mesropyan Narine , Kupczyk Patrick , Isaak Alexander , Endler Christoph , Faron Anton , Dold Leona , Sprinkart Alois M. , Pieper Claus C. , Kuetting Daniel , Attenberger Ulrike , Luetkens Julian A.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Calculation of extracellular volume fraction (ECV) currently receives increasing interest as a potential biomarker for non-invasive assessment of liver fibrosis. ECV calculation requires hematocrit (Hct) sampling, which might be difficult to obtain in a high-throughput radiology department. The aim of this study was to generate synthetic ECV for hepatic applications without the need for Hct sampling.

Methods

In this prospective study participants underwent liver MRI. T1 mapping was performed before and after contrast administration. Blood Hct was obtained prior to MRI. We hypothesized that the relationship between Hct and longitudinal relaxation rate of blood (R1 = 1/T1blood) could be calibrated and used to generate the equation for synthetic Htc and ECV calculation. Conventional and synthetic ECV were calculated. Pearson correlation, linear regression and Bland–Altman method were used for statistical analysis.

Results

180 consecutive patients were divided into derivation (n = 90) and validation (n = 90) cohorts. In the derivation cohort, native R1blood and Hct showed a linear relationship (HctMOLLI = 98.04 × (1/T1blood) − 33.17, R2 = 0.75, P < 0.001), which was used to calculate synthetic ECV in the validation and whole study cohorts. Synthetic and conventional ECV showed significant correlations in the derivation, validation and in the whole study cohorts (r = 0.99, 0.97 and 0.99, respectively, P < 0.001, respectively) with minimal bias according to the Bland–Altman analysis.

Conclusion

Synthetic ECV seems to offer an alternative method for non-invasive quantification of the hepatic ECV. It may potentially overcome an important barrier to clinical implementation of ECV and thus, enable broader use of hepatic ECV in routine clinical practice.
Does it matter for the radiologists’ performance whether they read short or long batches in organized mammographic screening?
Authors: Backmann Heinrich A. , Larsen Marthe , Danielsen Anders S. , Hofvind Solveig
Published: June 2021

Objective

To analyze the association between radiologists’ performance and image position within a batch in screen reading of mammograms in Norway.

Method

We described true and false positives and true and false negatives by groups of image positions and batch sizes for 2,937,312 screen readings performed from 2012 to 2018. Mixed-effects models were used to obtain adjusted proportions of true and false positive, true and false negative, sensitivity, and specificity for different image positions. We adjusted for time of day and weekday and included the individual variation between the radiologists as random effects. Time spent reading was included in an additional model to explore a possible mediation effect.

Result

True and false positives were negatively associated with image position within the batch, while the rates of true and false negatives were positively associated. In the adjusted analyses, the rate of true positives was 4.0 per 1000 (95% CI: 3.8–4.2) readings for image position 10 and 3.9 (95% CI: 3.7–4.1) for image position 60. The rate of true negatives was 94.4% (95% CI: 94.0–94.8) for image position 10 and 94.8% (95% CI: 94.4–95.2) for image position 60. Per 1000 readings, the rate of false negative was 0.60 (95% CI: 0.53–0.67) for image position 10 and 0.62 (95% CI: 0.55–0.69) for image position 60.

Conclusion

There was a decrease in the radiologists’ sensitivity throughout the batch, and although this effect was small, our results may be clinically relevant at a population level or when multiplying the differences with the number of screen readings for the individual radiologists.

Key Points

• True and false positive reading scores were negatively associated with image position within a batch.

• A decreasing trend of positive scores indicated a beneficial effect of a certain number of screen readings within a batch.

• False negative scores increased throughout the batch but the association was not statistically significant.
A new renaissance for creativity in technology and the arts in the context of virtual worlds
Authors: Earnshaw R. A.
Published: June 2021

Where do new ideas come from and how are they generated? Which of these ideas will be potentially useful immediately, and which will be more ‘blue sky’? For the latter, their significance may not be known for a number of years, perhaps even generations. The progress of computing and digital media is a relevant and useful case study in this respect. Which visions of the future in the early days of computing have stood the test of time, and which have vanished without trace? Can this be used as guide for current and future areas of research and development? If one Internet year is equivalent to seven calendar years, are virtual worlds being utilized as an effective accelerator for these new ideas and their implementation and evaluation? The nature of digital media and its constituent parts such as electronic devices, sensors, images, audio, games, web pages, social media, e-books, and Internet of Things, provides a diverse environment which can be viewed as a testbed for current and future ideas. Individual disciplines utilise virtual worlds in different ways. As collaboration is often involved in such research environments, does the technology make these collaborations effective? Have the limits of disciplinary approaches been reached? The importance of interdisciplinary collaborations for the future is proposed and evaluated. The current enablers for progressing interdisciplinary collaborations are presented. The possibility for a new Renaissance between technology and the arts is discussed.
A conservative treatment for chronic obstructive sialoadenitis by intraductal instillation of mucolytic, steroids and antibiotic solution
Authors: Lorusso Francesco , Immordino Angelo , Dispenza Francesco , Sireci Federico , Gallina Salvatore
Published: June 2021

Purposes

Reporting our experience in treating chronic obstructive sialadenitis with a protocol consisting of sialoendoscopy and intraductal instillation of antibiotics, steroids and n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) solution.

Methods

Prospective study of patients with chronic obstructive sialadenitis with no apparent lithiasic obstructions, with recurrent non-lithiasic sialoadenitis and patients with lithiasic sialoadenitis not solved with sialoendoscopy. In all cases, a sialoendoscopy was performed. All the patients affected by lithiasic sialoadenitis where the chronic inflammation was resolved with sialoendoscopy were excluded from the study. The mid-term follow-up was performed at 12 months via phone interview, to understand whether patients had developed any further symptoms after the treatment.

Results

This study included 26 patients. All the patient without sialolithiasis have not reported any symptoms during the follow-up period. Two of those with sialolithiasis have not shown any signs of recurrence. The remaining three patients with non-resolved sialolithiasis had a recurrence of symptoms which were treated again with 1 intraductal administration of betamethasone, gentamicine and NAC, showing immediately a regression of the symptoms.

Conclusions

Intraductal administration of gentamicin + NAC + betamethasone seemed effective for the therapy of chronic obstructive sialoadenitis. Our protocol seemed effective also in that cases where it was not possible to remove or detect endoscopically an obstruction. In all these cases we have noticed an increase in the symptom-free time even in cases where it was not possible to remove the stones.
Closing the door to false memory: the effects of levels-of-processing and stimulus type on the rejection of perceptually vs. semantically dissimilar distractors
Authors: Nieznański Marek , Obidziński Michał
Published: June 2021

False recognition memory for nonstudied items that share features with targets can be reduced by retrieval monitoring mechanisms. The recall-to-reject process, for example, involves the recollection of information about studied items that disqualifies inconsistent test probes. Monitoring for specific features during retrieval may be enhanced by an encoding orientation that is recapitulated during retrieval. In two experiments, we used concrete words or door scenes as materials and manipulated the level of processing at study and the type of distractors presented at test. We showed that for the verbal material, semantic level of processing at study results in an effective rejection of semantically inconsistent distractors. However, for the pictorial material, the perceptual level of processing leads to an effective rejection of perceptually inconsistent distractors. For targets, the effect of levels of processing was observed for words but not for pictures. The results suggest that retrieval monitoring mechanisms depend on interactions between encoding orientation, study materials, and differentiating features of distractors.
Survival predictors of 177Lu-Dotatate peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) in patients with progressive well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors (NETS)
Authors: Swiha Mina M. , Sutherland Duncan E. K. , Sistani Golmehr , Khatami Alireza , Abazid Rami M. , Mujoomdar Amol , Wiseman Daniele P. , Romsa Jonathan G. , Reid Robert H. , Laidley David T.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

177Lu-Dotatate is an emerging treatment modality for patients with unresectable or metastatic well-differentiated NETs. This study examines survival predictors in patients who received 177Lu-Dotatate.

Methods

A retrospective single-center review was conducted, examining 47 individuals with progressive well-differentiated NETs treated with 177Lu-Dotatate (four induction cycles of 5.5 GBq at 10-week intervals followed by eight maintenance cycles of 3.7 GBq at 6-month intervals).

Results

Median follow-up was 63.1 months with a median progression-free survival (PFS) of 34.1 months. However, median overall survival (OS) was not reached at the time of analysis. The presence of ≥ 5 bone metastases (hazard ratio HR 4.33; p = 0.015), non-gastroenteropancreatic (non-GEP) NETs (HR 3.22; p = 0.025) and development of interim ascites (HR 3.15; p = 0.047) independently predicted a worse OS. Patients with chromogranin A of ≥ 4 × upper limit of normal (ULN) had shorter OS (p < 0.001) and PFS (p = 0.004). Similarly, those with pre-existing ascites demonstrated a worse OS (p = 0.009) and PFS (p = 0.026). Liver metastases involving greater than 50% liver volume and the existence of unusual metastatic locations had a negative impact on OS (p = 0.033) and PFS (p = 0.026), respectively.

Conclusion

High burden of skeletal and hepatic metastases, non-GEP-NETs, chromogranin A of ≥ 4 × ULN, unusual metastatic sites, pre-existing and interim ascites are predictors of poor outcomes in patients treated with 177Lu-Dotatate. These common indicators can be used for the risk stratification and identification of patients most likely to benefit from PRRT.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02236910, Retrospectively registered on September, 2014.
3D mixed-reality visualization of medical imaging data as a supporting tool for innovative, minimally invasive surgery for gastrointestinal tumors and systemic treatment as a new path in personalized treatment of advanced cancer diseases
Authors: Wierzbicki Ryszard , Pawłowicz Maria , Job Józefa , Balawender Robert , Kostarczyk Wojciech , Stanuch Maciej , Janc Krzysztof , Skalski Andrzej
Published: June 2021

Background

The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential of a combination of 3D mixed-reality visualization of medical images using CarnaLife Holo (MedApp, Poland) system as a supporting tool for innovative, minimally invasive surgery/irreversible electroporation—IRA, Nano-Knife), microwave ablation (MWA)/for advanced gastrointestinal tumors. Eight liver and pancreatic tumor treatments were performed. In all of the patients undergoing laparoscopy or open surgery volume and margin were estimated by preoperative visualization. In all patients, neoplastic lesions were considered unresectable by standard methods.

Methods

Preoperative CT or MRI were transformed into holograms and displayed thanks to the HoloLens 2. During operation, the surgeon’s field of view was augmented with a 3D model of the patient’s relevant structures.

Results

The intraoperative hologram contributed to better presentation of tumor size and locations, more precise setting of needles used to irreversible electroporation and for determining ablation line in case of liver metastases. Surgeons could easily compare the real patient's anatomy to holographic visualization just before the operations.

Conclusions

The combination of 3D mixed-reality visualization using CarnaLife Holo with IRA, MWA and next systemic treatment (chemotherapy) might be a new way in personalized treatment of advanced cancers.
Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae) survivorship following the ingestion of bird blood infected with Haemoproteus sp. parasites
Authors: Adams Dayvion R. , Golnar Andrew J. , Hamer Sarah A. , Slotman Michel A. , Hamer Gabriel L.
Published: June 2021

Arthropod vectors are frequently exposed to a diverse assemblage of parasites, but the consequence of these infections on their biology and behavior are poorly understood. We experimentally evaluated whether the ingestion of a common protozoan parasite of avian hosts (Haemoproteusspp.; Haemosporida: Haemoproteidae) impacted the survivorship ofCulex quinquefasciatus(Say) (Diptera: Culicidae). Blood was collected from wild northern cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis) in College Station, Texas, and screened for the presence ofHaemoproteusspp. parasites using microscopic and molecular methods. Experimental groups ofCx. quinquefasciatusmosquitoes were offeredHaemoproteus-positive cardinal blood through an artificial feeding apparatus, while control groups receivedHaemoproteus-negative cardinal blood or domestic canary (Serinus canaria domestica) blood.Culex quinquefasciatusmosquitoes exposed toHaemoproteusinfected cardinal blood survived significantly fewer days than mosquitoes that ingestedHaemoproteus-negative cardinal blood. The survival of mosquitoes fed on positive cardinal blood had a median survival time of 18 days post-exposure and the survival of mosquitoes fed on negative cardinal blood exceeded 50% across the 30 day observation period. Additionally, mosquitoes that fed on canary controls survived significantly fewer days than cardinal negative controls, with canary control mosquitoes having a median survival time of 17 days. This study further supports prior observations thatHaemoproteusparasites can be pathogenic to bird-biting mosquitoes, and suggests thatHaemoproteusparasites may indirectly suppress the transmission of co-circulating vector-borne pathogens by modulating vector survivorship. Our results also suggest that even in the absence of parasite infection, bloodmeals from different bird species can influence mosquito survivorship.
Real-world safety and effectiveness of nivolumab for recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer in Japan: a post-marketing surveillance
Authors: Tahara Makoto , Kiyota Naomi , Nibu Ken-ichi , Akamatsu Ayumi , Hoshino Tomohiro , Hayashi Ryuichi
Published: June 2021

Background

On the basis of phase III CheckMate 141 results, nivolumab was approved for recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer after undergoing platinum-containing chemotherapy in Japan. This post-marketing surveillance aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of nivolumab for head and neck cancer in the real-world setting.

Methods

All patients with head and neck cancer who planned to receive nivolumab were centrally registered. This study monitored 607 patients for 6 months to assess nivolumab’s safety, especially treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) of special interest, and effectiveness.

Results

TRAEs occurred in 36.1% patients, with no new safety signals. The most common TRAEs with grade ≥ 3 were interstitial lung disease (1.2%), diarrhea (0.8%), and hepatic function abnormal (0.7%). Meanwhile, thyroid dysfunction (10.2%), hepatic dysfunction (5.3%), and interstitial lung disease (4.1%) were the most common TRAE categories of special interest. Although the median time to the onset of each TRAE category of special interest was mostly 1–2 months, most of them occurred throughout the observation period; nonetheless, the majority of patients recovered or remitted. The 6-month survival rate was 55.9%.

Conclusion

Japanese patients with head and neck cancer treated with nivolumab in the real-world setting manifested no new safety signals.

Clinical Trial Registration

clinicaltrials.jp: JapicCTI-184071.
The influence of standards and patents on long-term economic growth
Authors: Blind Knut , Ramel Florian , Rochell Charlotte
Published: June 2021

Formal standards codify knowledge. Next to patents representing the generation of innovative knowledge, standards can hence be used to proxy the diffusion of innovative knowledge in macroeconomic growth models. Previous work mainly investigates the positive impact of in particular patents, but also standards on economic growth in short term, single country studies. This study is the first to examine the long-term effects of formal standards and patents on economic growth in a panel of eleven EU-15 countries between 1981 and 2014 using panel cointegration techniques. From policy makers' perspective standardization has also gained recently an increasing attention, e.g. in the call for the development of a European standardization strategy in the update of the industrial strategy. Our results show that European and international standards foster growth for the group of countries but that national standards have ambiguous growth effects in the panel. For patents, no significant effect on growth in this group of countries is identified.