bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical manifestations, prognosis, and treat-to-target assessment of pediatric lupus nephritis
Authors: Qiu Shiyuan , Zhang Hengci , Yu Sijie , Yang Qin , Zhang Gaofu , Yang Haiping , Li Qiu , Wang Mo
Published: August 2021

Background

Pediatric lupus nephritis (pLN) is one of the most refractory secondary kidney diseases in childhood. The treat-to-target (T2T) strategy has become the standard treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study reviewed clinical features, overall remission status, and factors affecting prognosis, to guide pLN management according to T2T strategy.

Methods

This single-center retrospective study studied 220 children diagnosed with LN from January 2012 to December 2018, with > 6-month follow-up data on 173 and complete data on 137 patients. Primary outcome was treatment failure (deterioration or no response) at the latest follow-up.

Results

The most common pLN manifestation was proteinuria (81.36%). Females presented more often with rash (P<0.001) and alopecia (P=0.026) than males. Class IV LN (33.33%) was the most common grade on kidney biopsy. Median follow-up was 27.20 months (IQR, 15.78–44.45 months). One-, 3-, and 5-year cumulative overall survival rates were 93.5%, 87.8%, and 86.5%, respectively. The 5-year cumulative kidney survival rate was 97.1%. Regarding initial therapy, efficacy of corticosteroids combined with immunosuppressive agents was significantly better than corticosteroids alone (P=0.010). Factors with P<0.05 in univariate analysis, including hypoalbuminemia, higher SCr at diagnosis, lower eGFR at diagnosis, anti-dsDNA positivity, heavy proteinuria, hypertension, nervous-system involvement, treatment non-compliance, and SLEDAI-2K score, were used for logistic regression analysis. Logistic regression analysis showed hypertension (OR=0.845, P=0.011), nervous-system involvement (OR=4.240, P=0.005), treatment non-compliance (OR=6.433, P=0.001), and lower estimated glomerular filtration rate at diagnosis (OR=1.020, P=0.021) affected prognosis. At end of follow-up, 34.31% achieved varying levels of remission, and 8.76% were in low disease activity state (LDAS).

Conclusions

pLN usually presented with proteinuria, and class IV LN was the dominant pathology. Hypertension, nervous-system involvement, treatment non-compliance, and lower eGFR at diagnosis were independent risk factors for poor prognosis of kidney outcomes. Compared with renal remission rate and cumulative overall survival rate, the proportion of targets achieved was not ideal, suggesting T2T strategy should be used to guide pLN management.

Graphical abstract
Ansätze zur Beherrschung der Variabilität in Software-intensiven Cyber-Physischen Produktionssystemen
Authors: Gutierrez Antonio , Sonnleithner Lisa , Zoitl Alois , Rabiser Rick
Published: August 2021

Software-intensive Cyber-Physische Produktionssysteme (SiCPPS) sind hochkomplexe vernetzte Systeme, die autonom miteinander und mit ihrer Umgebung interagieren, um flexibel eine Vielzahl an Produkten zu produzieren. Solche Systeme haben typischerweise eine lange Lebensdauer, über die eine Vielzahl von Varianten entwickelt und gewartet werden muss. Diese Systeme bestehen aus vielen heterogenen Hard- und Softwarekomponenten, welche auf verschiedene Arten konfiguriert und kombiniert werden können. Variabilität betrifft dabei nicht nur diese Komponenten, sondern auch Entwicklungsprozesse, Anwendungsdomänen sowie Methoden und Werkzeuge. In der Industrie hängt der Umgang mit Variabilität jedoch aktuell stark von Expertenwissen als auch von selbst entwickelten Werkzeugen ab. Diese funktionieren oft nur mit ganz bestimmten Artefakten bzw. Hard- und Softwareplattformen. Existierende Forschungsansätze aus dem Gebiet der SiCPPS beschäftigen sich nicht explizit mit der Beherrschung dieser Variabilität. In diesem Beitrag definieren wir eine Forschungsagenda zur Beherrschung der Variabilität in SiCPPS. Wir konzentrieren uns dabei auf die Entwicklung von Techniken (i) zur Erhebung und Modellierung von Variabilität und (ii) zur Automatisierung sowohl der Generierung von Artefakten in SiCPPS als auch der Generierung und Wartung von Modellen auf Basis bestehender Artefakte.
Mathematical energy minimization model for joining boron nitride fullerene with several BN nanostructures
Authors: Alshammari Nawa A.
Published: August 2021

Nanoscale materials have gained considerable interest because of their special properties and wide range of applications. Many types of boron nitride at the nanoscale have been realized, including nanotubes, nanocones, fullerenes, tori, and graphene sheets. The connection of these structures at the nanoscale leads to merged structures that have enhanced features and applications. Modeling the joining between nanostructures has been adopted by different methods. Namely, carbon nanostructures have been joined by minimizing the elastic energy in symmetric configurations. In other words, the only considerable curvature in the elastic energy is the axial curvature. Accordingly, because it has nanoscale structures similar to those in carbon, BN can also be joined and connected by using this method. On the other hand, different methods have been proposed to consider the rotational curvature because it has a similar size. Based on that argument, the Willmore energy, which depends on both curvatures, has been minimized to join carbon nanostructures. This energy is used to identify the joining region, especially for a three-dimensional structure. In this paper, we expand the use of Willmore energy to cover the joining of boron nitride nanostructures. Therefore, because catenoids are absolute minimizers of this energy, pieces of catenoids can be used to connect nanostructures. In particular, we joined boron nitride fullerene to three other BN nanostructures: nanotube, fullerene, and torus. For now, there are no experimental or simulation data for comparison with the theoretical connecting structures predicted by this study, which is some justification for the suggested simple model shown in this research. Ultimately, various nanoscale BN structures might be connected by considering the same method, which may be considered in future work.
Tree-Related Microhabitats Follow Similar Patterns but are More Diverse in Primary Compared to Managed Temperate Mountain Forests
Authors: Asbeck Thomas , Kozák Daniel , Spînu Andreea P. , Mikoláš Martin , Zemlerová Veronika , Svoboda Miroslav
Published: August 2021

The impact of forest management on biodiversity is difficult to scrutinize along gradients of management. A step towards analyzing the impact of forest management on biodiversity is comparisons between managed and primary forests. The standardized typology of tree-related microhabitats (TreMs) is a multi-taxon indicator used to quantify forest biodiversity. We aim to analyze the influence of environmental factors on the occurrence of groups of TreMs by comparing primary and managed forests. We collected data for the managed forests in the Black Forest (Germany) and for the primary forests in the Western (Slovakia) and Southern Carpathians (Romania). To model the richness and the different groups of TreMs per tree, we used generalized linear mixed models with diameter at breast height (DBH), altitude, slope and aspect as predictors for European beech (Fagus sylvatica (L.)), Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.)) and silver fir (Abies alba (Mill.)) in primary and managed temperate mountain forests. We found congruent results for overall richness and the vast majority of TreM groups. Trees in primary forests hosted a greater richness of all and specific types of TreMs than individuals in managed forests. The main drivers of TreMs are DBH and altitude, while slope and aspect play a minor role. We recommend forest and nature conservation managers to focus: 1) on the conservation of remaining primary forests and 2) approaches of biodiversity-oriented forest management on the selection of high-quality habitat trees that already provide a high number of TreMs in managed forests based on the comparison with primary forests.
Bour’s theorem and helicoidal surfaces with constant mean curvature in the Bianchi–Cartan–Vranceanu spaces
Authors: Caddeo Renzo , Onnis Irene I. , Piu Paola
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we generalize a classical result of Bour concerning helicoidal surfaces in the three-dimensional Euclidean space $${\mathbb {R}}^3$$

R

3

to the case of helicoidal surfaces in the Bianchi–Cartan–Vranceanu (BCV) spaces, i.e., in the Riemannian 3-manifolds whose metrics have groups of isometries of dimension 4 or 6, except the hyperbolic one. In particular, we prove that in a BCV-space there exists a two-parameter family of helicoidal surfaces isometric to a given helicoidal surface; then, by making use of this two-parameter representation, we characterize helicoidal surfaces which have constant mean curvature, including the minimal ones.
Screening Adults for HIV Testing in the Outpatient Department: An Assessment of Tool Performance in Malawi
Authors: Moucheraud Corrina , Hoffman Risa M. , Balakasi Kelvin , Wong Vincent , Sanena Maria , Gupta Sundeep , Dovel Kathryn
Published: August 2021

Little is known about screening tools for adults in high HIV burden contexts. We use exit survey data collected at outpatient departments in Malawi (n = 1038) to estimate the sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive values of screening tools that include questions about sexual behavior and use of health services. We compare a full tool (seven relevant questions) to a reduced tool (five questions, excluding sexual behavior measures) and to standard of care (two questions, never tested for HIV or tested > 12 months ago, or seeking care for suspected STI). Suspect STI and ≥ 3 sexual partners were associated with HIV positivity, but had weak sensitivity and specificity. The full tool (using the optimal cutoff score of ≥ 3) would achieve 55.6% sensitivity and 84.9% specificity for HIV positivity; the reduced tool (optimal cutoff score ≥ 2) would achieve 59.3% sensitivity and 68.5% specificity; and standard of care 77.8% sensitivity and 47.8% specificity. Screening tools for HIV testing in outpatient departments do not offer clear advantages over standard of care.
How is Clinical Trial Reimbursement Money Spent? South African Trial Participants’ Reported Reimbursement Spending Patterns and Perceptions of Appropriate Reimbursement Amounts
Authors: Milford Cecilia , Cavanagh Tammany , Ralfe Yolandie , Maphumulo Virginia , Beksinska Mags , Smit Jennifer
Published: August 2021

Reimbursement of participants in clinical trials is extensively debated. Guidance recommends that compensation should reflect time, inconvenience and reimbursement of expenses. This study describes how participants spend their reimbursement and perceptions of appropriate reimbursement amounts. This was a sub-study of the evidence for contraceptive options and HIV outcomes (ECHO) trial. Participants were from two sites in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. A mixed methods approach was used. 500 participants completed a questionnaire, and 32 participated in one of four focus group discussions (FGD). The majority (81%) used reimbursement for transport to the research site, followed by toiletry purchases (64%). Many described how reimbursement supplemented income, used to cover basic living costs. Some used money to buy luxury items and takeaway foods. The ideal reimbursement amount per visit ranged: ZAR150-ZAR340 (US$10–24). Reimbursement spending and perceptions are in line with local guidance. Reimbursement should consider risk minimization together with ensuring informed, voluntary decision making.
Environmental agreement under the non-interference principle: the case of ASEAN agreement on transboundary haze pollution
Authors: Muhammad Fikri
Published: August 2021

It is widely understood that the environmental problem is getting borderless and challenging, requiring concerted efforts of many states and increasing the need for international agreements. However, only for the agreement to exist may not be sufficient—the agreement needs to be credible: obliging the signatories with actions associated with the goal, displaying clear and unambiguous rules, and involving third parties in the dispute settlement. Unfortunately, in the presence of the non-interference principle, the creation of a credible agreement may be implausible as, conceptually, the principle is innately antipodal to hard obligations and third-party involvement in the dispute settlement. This case study seeks to understand how the legalization of the ASEAN Agreement of Transboundary Haze Pollution conformed to the non-interference principle and influenced Indonesia, the main laggard, in dealing with the predicament accordingly. Diverging with the common understanding, the agreement seems to carry strong obligation and precision, as shown in the main agreement and its protocols. However, the apparent downside lies in the lack of delegation dimension, as the current dispute resolution is made through diplomatic efforts that led to fruitless outcomes. This study counters the simplistic view of the association between the non-interference principle and the lack of obligations. Overall, this study points out the importance of the delegation dimension in regionalization and encourages the interventionist approach concerning global environmental protection.
On Smooth Mesoscopic Linear Statistics of the Eigenvalues of Random Permutation Matrices
Authors: Bahier Valentin , Najnudel Joseph
Published: August 2021

We study the limiting behavior of smooth linear statistics of the spectrum of random permutation matrices in the mesoscopic regime, when the permutation follows one of the Ewens measures on the symmetric group. If we apply a smooth enough test function f to all the determinations of the eigenangles of the permutations, we get a convergence in distribution when the order of the permutation tends to infinity. Two distinct kinds of limit appear: if $$f(0)\ne 0$$

f
(
0
)
≠
0

, we have a central limit theorem with a logarithmic variance; and if $$f(0) = 0$$

f
(
0
)
=
0

, the convergence holds without normalization and the limit involves a scale-invariant Poisson point process.
Targeting Complement C3a Receptor to Improve Outcome After Ischemic Brain Injury
Authors: Pekna Marcela , Stokowska Anna , Pekny Milos
Published: August 2021

Ischemic stroke is a major cause of disability. No efficient therapy is currently available, except for the removal of the occluding blood clot during the first hours after symptom onset. Loss of function after stroke is due to cell death in the infarcted tissue, cell dysfunction in the peri-infarct region, as well as dysfunction and neurodegeneration in remote brain areas. Plasticity responses in spared brain regions are a major contributor to functional recovery, while secondary neurodegeneration in remote regions is associated with depression and impedes the long-term outcome after stroke. Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy due to birth asphyxia is the leading cause of neurological disability resulting from birth complications. Despite major progress in neonatal care, approximately 50% of survivors develop complications such as mental retardation, cerebral palsy or epilepsy. The C3a receptor (C3aR) is expressed by many cell types including neurons and glia. While there is a body of evidence for its deleterious effects in the acute phase after ischemic injury to the adult brain, C3aR signaling contributes to better outcome in the post-acute and chronic phase after ischemic stroke in adults and in the ischemic immature brain. Here we discuss recent insights into the novel roles of C3aR signaling in the ischemic brain with focus on the therapeutic opportunities of modulating C3aR activity to improve the outcome after ischemic stroke and birth asphyxia.
Vaccine alliance building blocks: a conjoint experiment on popular support for international COVID-19 cooperation formats
Authors: Vanhuysse Pieter , Jankowski Michael , Tepe Markus
Published: August 2021

The design principles of institutions that visibly and significantly affect citizens’ lives are likely to be politically salient. Popular support for these principles is in turn crucial for institutional viability and effectiveness. Transboundary pandemics are a case in point. Understanding citizens’ preferences regarding the design of international alliances set up to mass-produce and distribute vaccines is likely to determine citizens’ subsequent cooperation with vaccination campaigns. This study explores Germans’ preferences for international COVID-19 vaccine alliance design principles. We conducted a conjoint experiment at a recurring cognitive moment in many pandemics’ cycles, between the initial outbreak and a more devastating but still-unknown second wave, when infection rates were very low, yet no policy solutions had been developed. We analyzed preferences regarding four building blocks: (1) alliance composition (size; EU-centrism), (2) alliance distribution rules (joining cost; vaccine allocation), (3) vaccine nationalism (cost per German household; coverage in Germany) and (4) vaccine producer confidence (origin; type). Distribution rules, political ideology and personal perceptions of pandemic threat matter little. But a larger alliance size and dominant EU-country composition increase alliance support. And vaccine nationalism is key: support increases with both lower costs and larger coverage for own-nation citizens. Moreover, support goes down for Chinese and American producers and increases for Swiss and especially own-nation producers. In sum, a realist and technocratic outlook is warranted at the cognitive stage in pandemic cycles when no solutions have been found, yet the worst already seems to be over, as national self-interest reigns supreme in popular attitudes.
Blood glucose dynamics during sleep in patients with obstructive sleep apnea and normal glucose tolerance: effects of CPAP therapy
Authors: Saito Kimimasa , Okada Yosuke , Torimoto Keiichi , Takamatsu Yoko , Tanaka Yoshiya
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Glycemic variability (GV) and hypoglycemia during nighttime are presumed to be associated with fatal bradycardia. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate blood glucose dynamics during sleep in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) and normal glucose tolerance.

Methods

Patients with OSA and no diabetes who underwent type 1 overnight polysomnography from December 2018 to May 2020 participated in this study. GV was evaluated in all participants for 14 days using a flash glucose monitoring device. Correlations were examined between GV indexes and indexes related to sleep breathing disorders, the effects of treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on these GV indexes, and the characteristics of glucose dynamics in different OSA subtypes classified by sleep stage.

Results

Among 42 patients with OSA and no diabetes, the standard deviation of GV during sleep correlated significantly with sleep time spent with oxygen saturation <90% (r=0.591, p=0.008). High blood glucose index during sleep correlated significantly with stage N1% (r=0.491, p=0.032) and negatively with stage N2% (r=−0.479, p=0.038). High blood glucose index correlated significantly with sleep time spent with oxygen saturation <90% (r=0.640, p=0.003). The rapid eye movement–related OSA group had a higher incidence of hypoglycemia. One-week with CPAP treatment significantly improved GV during sleep, standard deviation of GV (from 12.1 to 9.0 mg/dL, p<0.001), and high blood glucose index (from 0.7 to 0.4, p=0.006).

Conclusions

To evaluate GV during sleep in patients with OSA may be useful for clinical risk management. CPAP treatment for 1 week may have an improving GV and high blood glucose index.

Clinical trial registration

UMIN000038489 2019/11/04, UMIN 000025433 2016/12/27
10Be and 14C data provide insight on soil mass redistribution along gentle slopes and reveal ancient human impact
Authors: Calitri Francesca , Sommer Michael , van der Meij W. Marijn , Tikhomirov Dmitry , Christl Marcus , Egli Markus
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Spatial and temporal patterns of past erosional events are a useful and needed information to explain observed soil patterns in different landscapes. Soil thickness reflects the overall expression of pedogenesis and erosion. Forested soils of Northern Germany exhibit varying soil thicknesses with thin soils on crest positions and buried soils at the footslope. The aim of this study is to reconstruct the complex soil mass redistribution and soil patterns of this forested area due to different periods of erosion and stability.

Methods

We explored the explanatory power of both 10Be (in situ and meteoric) on a hillslope and we 14C-dated buried horizons at different depths.

Results

The 10Be depth profiles did not show an exponential decrease with depth. They had a ‘bulge’ shape indicating clay translocation and interaction with oxyhydroxydes (meteoric 10Be), bioturbation and soil mass redistribution (in situ 10Be). The combined application of both 10Be and 14C dating revealed progressive and regressive phases of soil evolution. Although Melzower Forest is protected (same vegetation) since the past 250 years, both 10Be clearly indicated major soil mass redistribution along the investigated catena.

Conclusion

A strong erosion impulse must have occurred between 4.5 and 6.8 kyr BP indicating an earlier human impact on soil erosion than previously postulated (~ 3 kyr earlier). Our findings correlate in fact with the first settlements reported for this region (~ 6.8 kyr BP) and show their immediate effect on soils. The overall soil redistribution rates in this forest are surprisingly similar to those obtained from a nearby agricultural area.
Evaluation of two different 1-year training programs among prepuberal female children
Authors: Elce Ausilia , Polito Rita , Del Pizzo Alessandro , Di Rauso Graziella , Guarino Francesco , Sangiorgio Armando , Daniele Aurora , Nigro Ersilia
Published: August 2021

The aim of this study was to analyse and compare the effects of two different dance training concepts in terms of anthropometric indices and supervised motor test performance between two groups of 56 prepuberal girls. The first group, composed of 29 girls, performed a typical classical dance training program (D group), while the second one, composed of 27 girls, followed a mixed training (D&R group) workout, with classical dance exercises alternated to rhythmic gymnastics. Anthropometric and exercise performance data were collected and assessed initially (T1) and after a 1-year (T2) training program. Data collected were firstly tested for collinearity using Belsley’s test and, after their normality was tested through the Shapiro–Wilk test, analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests were performed on a subset of noncollinear variables. The two groups showed improvements in both anthropometric parameters and exercise performance; however, no differences arose between the variation of anthropometric parameters between the two groups. On the other hand, exercise performance was improved in some fields of the D&R group, particularly in exercises regarding the upper body, such as pull-ups, chin-ups and sit-ups. In conclusion, our data provide evidence that a specific training program consisting of classic dance plus rhythmic gymnastics exercises (D&R) has a greater impact compared to a program of simple classic dance, in terms of skill performance without impairment of anthropometric parameters.
Political Mediation in Nuclear Waste Management: a Foucauldian Perspective
Authors: Laes Erik , Bombaerts Gunter
Published: August 2021

This paper aims to open up high-level waste management practices to a political philosophical questioning, beyond the enclosure implied by the normative ethics approaches that prevail in the literature. Building on previous insights derived from mediation theory (in particular the work of Verbeek and Dorrestijn), Foucault and science and technology studies (in particular Jasanoff’s work on socio-technical imaginaries), mediation theory’s appropriation of Foucauldian insights is shown to be in need of modification and further extension. In particular, we modify Dorrestijn’s figure of “technical determination of power relations” to better take into account the (literal and figurative) aspects of imagination, and complement Dorrestijn’s work with the figures of techno-scientific mediation, and the inherently political figures of socio-technical and state-technical mediation, both based on Foucault’s notion of governmentality. Our analysis implies that the practical implementation of a high-level nuclear waste (HLW) management strategy will require the “stitching together” of these different mediations, which is an inherently political task.
Waterfall Algorithm as a tool of investigation the geometrical features of granular porous media
Authors: Sobieski Wojciech
Published: August 2021

The paper describes the so-called Waterfall Algorithm, which may be used to calculate a set of parameters characterising the spatial structure of granular porous media, such as shift ratio, collision density ratio, consolidation ratio, path length and minimum tortuosity. The study is performed for 1800 different two-dimensional random pore structures. In each geometry, 100 individual paths are calculated. The impact of porosity and the particle size on the above-mentioned parameters is investigated. It was stated in the paper, that the minimum tortuosity calculated by the Waterfall Algorithm cannot be used directly as a representative tortuosity of pore channels in the Kozeny or the Carman meaning. However, it may be used indirect by making the assumption that a unambiguous relationship between the representative tortuosity and the minimum tortuosity exists. It was also stated, that the new parameters defined in the present study are sensitive on the porosity and the particle size and may be therefore applied as indicators of the geometry structure of granular media. The Waterfall Algorithm is compared with other methods of determining the tortuosity: A-Star Algorithm, Path Searching Algorithm, Random Walk technique, Path Tracking Method and the methodology of calculating the hydraulic tortuosity based on the Lattice Boltzmann Method. A very short calculation time is the main advantage of the Waterfall Algorithm, what meant, that it may be applied in a very large granular porous media.
Le neoplasie associate a feocromocitoma/paraganglioma in quadri SDHx positivi o negativi: adenomi ipofisari, tumori stromali gastro-intestinali e tumori renali
Authors: Lopez Chiara , Bollati Martina , Parasiliti-Caprino Mirko , Prencipe Nunzia , Berton Alessandro Maria , Ghigo Ezio , Grottoli Silvia , Maccario Mauro
Published: August 2021

Sommario

I feocromocitomi e paragangliomi (PPGL) sono geneticamente determinati in almeno il 30% dei casi. Le mutazioni identificate più recentemente, in particolare quelle dei geni SDHx, possono favorire, seppur raramente, anche l’insorgenza di tumori stromali gastro-intestinali, carcinomi renali e adenomi ipofisari. Pertanto, in caso di diagnosi di una delle suddette neoplasie, il clinico dovrebbe valutare l’anamnesi personale e familiare alla ricerca di eventuali PPGL, così come in pazienti con PPGL associato a mutazione di SDHx, TMEM127 e MAX si dovrebbe indagare la presenza di neoplasie potenzialmente correlate.
Stromal Vascular Fraction for Osteoarthritis of the Knee Regenerative Engineering
Authors: Ude Chinedu C. , Shah Shiv , Ogueri Kenneth S. , Nair Lakshmi S. , Laurencin Cato T.
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The knee joint is prone to osteoarthritis (OA) due to its anatomical position, and several reports have implicated the imbalance between catabolic and anabolic processes within the joint as the main culprit, thus leading to investigations towards attenuation of these inflammatory signals for OA treatment. In this review, we have explored clinical evidence supporting the use of stromal vascular fraction (SVF), known for its anti-inflammatory characteristics for the treatment of OA.

Methods

Searches were made on PubMed, PMC, and Google Scholar with the keywords “adipose fraction knee regeneration, and stromal vascular fraction knee regeneration, and limiting searches within 2017–2020.

Results

Frequently found interventions include cultured adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), SVF, and the micronized/microfragmented adipose tissue-stromal vascular fraction (MAT-SVF). Clinical data reported that joints treated with SVF provided a better quality of life to patients. Currently, MAT-SVF obtained and administered at the point of care is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but more studies including manufacturing validation, safety, and proof of pharmacological activity are needed for SVF. The mechanism of action of MAT-SVF is also not fully understood. However, the current hypothesis indicates a direct adherence and integration with the degenerative host tissue, and/or trophic effects resulting from the secretome of constituent cells.

Conclusion

Our review of the literature on stromal vascular fraction and related therapy use has found evidence of efficacy in results. More research and clinical patient follow-up are needed to determine the proper place of these therapies in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee.

Lay Summary

Reports have implicated the increased inflammatory proteins within the joints as the main cause of osteoarthritis (OA). This has attracted interest towards addressing these inflammatory proteins as a way of treatment for OA. The concentrated cell-packed portion of the adipose product stromal vascular fraction (SVF) from liposuction or other methods possesses anti-inflammatory effects and has been acclaimed to heal OA. Thus, we searched for clinical evidence supporting their use, for OA treatment through examining the literature. Data from various hospitals support that joints treated with SVF provided a better quality of life to patients. Currently, there is at least one version of these products that are obtained and given back to patients during a single clinic visit, approved by the FDA.
Stellenwert der JAK-Inhibitoren („small is beautiful“)
Authors: Karonitsch Thomas
Published: August 2021

Januskinase-Inhibitoren (JAK-Inhibitoren) sind als Therapieoption bei einer Vielzahl chronisch-entzündlicher Erkrankung mittlerweile nicht mehr wegzudenken. Die Geschichte ihrer Entwicklung stellt ein wunderbares Beispiel einer erfolgreichen From-bench-to-bedside-Strategie dar. Nach Entdeckung der Bedeutung von Zytokinen und Interferone (IFN) für die Entstehung und Chronifizierung entzündlicher Erkrankungen begann die Entwicklung dieser Inhibitoren basierend auf den Erkenntnissen, wie die Signaltransduktion ebendieser Entzündungsmediatoren funktioniert. Die stetig wachsende Zahl an Indikationen von JAK-Inhibitoren unterstreicht die Bedeutung dieser Substanzklasse und zeigt, dass die Erfolgsgeschichte dieser Inhibitoren sich noch am Anfang befindet.
Conceptualising and measuring social media engagement: A systematic literature review
Authors: Trunfio Mariapina , Rossi Simona
Published: August 2021

The spread of social media platforms enhanced academic and professional debate on social media engagement that attempted to better understand its theoretical foundations and measurements. This paper aims to systematically contribute to this academic debate by analysing, discussing, and synthesising social media engagement literature in the perspective of social media metrics. Adopting a systematic literature review, the research provides an overarching picture of what has already been investigated and the existing gaps that need further research. The paper confirms the polysemic and multidimensional nature of social media engagement. It identifies the behavioural dimension as the most used proxy for users' level of engagement suggesting the COBRA model as a conceptual tool to classify and interpret the construct. Four categories of metrics emerged: quantitative metrics, normalised indexes, set of indexes, qualitative metrics. It also offers insights and guidance to practitioners on modelling and managing social media engagement.
Healthy Volunteer Studies in the Development of Anticancer Drugs with Genotoxic Findings
Authors: Omes-Smit Grace , Garsen Marjolein , Zwiers Alex
Published: August 2021

Background

Recent scientific advances in cancer research have led to the development of immunomodulatory and molecularly targeted drugs with better safety profiles than chemotherapeutics, which makes it possible to include healthy volunteers (HVs) in clinical trials. In this study, we aimed to identify the number of marketing authorization applications (MAAs) that enrolled HVs in a clinical trial and to identify the number of anticancer drugs that were given to HVs despite a positive genotoxic finding. In addition, we evaluated the dose of anticancer drugs administered to HVs and the justification for proceeding with HV studies despite a positive genotoxic finding.

Methods

Publicly available information from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) website was used for this study. Anticancer drugs were identified using the human medicines highlights published by EMA between January 2010 and December 2019. EPARs were used to collect general information of the anticancer drugs, details on genotoxicity studies, and the enrollment of HVs in clinical trials.

Results

We identified 71 MAAs for small molecule anticancer drugs with a positive or negative CHMP opinion in the EU. Forty-eight anticancer drugs were studied in HVs, of which 12 anticancer drugs were administered to HVs despite positive genotoxic findings in the standard battery. Systematic and extensive genetic toxicology screening demonstrated the absence of genotoxic risks to the cell system.

Conclusion

We showed that despite a positive genotoxic finding, comprehensive genetic toxicology testing demonstrated the absence of risks to the cell system at the human exposure dose. Therefore, these anticancer drugs posed no harm to HVs.
Incidence and factors associated with hypotension in emergency patients that underwent cesarean section with spinal anaesthesia: Prospective observational study
Authors: Chekol Wubie Birlie , Melesse Debas Yaregal , Mersha Abraham Tarekegn
Published: August 2021

ABSTRACT

Background:

Hypotension is the common incidental complication after subarachnoid block in emergency cesarean section. This study aimed to identify incidence and factors associated with hypotension in emergency cesarean section that underwent spinal anaesthesia.

Methods:

Prospective observational study was done with statistical analysis of SPSS version 20. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine whether each of independent variables was associated or not with the outcome variables. Both Crude and Adjusted Odds Ratio were calculated to show strength of association. Variables with P-value of <0.05 were considered to be statistically significant.

Results:

Incidence of hypotension in emergency cesarean section was 56.8% (95% CI; 50.2–63.4). Baseline systolic blood pressure <120 mmhg (AOR, 3.60 95% CI; 1.26–10.31), absence of spinal additives (AOR, 5.08, 95% CI; 1.78–14.48), duration of crystalloid load before 20 min (AOR, 27.9, 95% CI; 8.3–93.6) and speed of injection < 10 s (AOR, 4.47, 95% CI; 1.14–17.62) were significantly associated with hypotension.

Conclusion:

The incidence of hypotension was high. Baseline blood pressure, spinal additives, duration of crystalloid load and speed of injection were significantly associated with hypotension. So, we recommend considering spinal additives, fluid co-loading and slow injection of drugs to reduce incidence of hypotension.

Highlights
Un ancien régime typographique: Culture manuscrite, société graphique et ponctuation turque ottomane
Authors: Bouquet Olivier
Published: August 2021

Un ancien régime typographique: Culture manuscrite, société graphique et ponctuation turque ottomane

La présente étude substitue une analyse technique et graphique des opérations typographiques à l’approche politique et culturelle qui met habituellement l’accent sur les obstacles opposés à l’apparition de l’imprimerie dans l’Empire ottoman. Au-delà d’une démarche historiographique centrée sur les échecs de la modernisation culturelle, un examen combiné des caractères typographiques et des signes de ponctuation invite à proposer une histoire conjuguée de l’imprimé et du manuscrit. Celle-ci, tournée vers l’étude des vitalités textuelles, met au jour des convergences entre les productions calligraphiques, les expérimentations de la typographie et les progrès de la lithographie. Elle relie le travail du typographe aux actions de la main, les activités de l’éditeur aux productions de l’auteur, l’impression des matrices aux inscriptions de la plume. La ponctuation est un terreau d’innovation qui propose, au fil de ses modalisations, de nouvelles insertions, créations et hybridations contribuant au développement de la société graphique ottomane : les gens de l’écrit (scribes, copistes, lettrés, mais aussi éditeurs, typographes et imprimeurs) produisent des textes en fonction d’une culture manuscrite, de contraintes techniques et des caractères propres à la langue turque ottomane. Dès lors, une approche technique de l’ensemble des formes de production écrite permet d’ouvrir un nouveau chantier : celui d’une histoire croisée de la langue et des textes.
Usages de l’absent: La figure de Lapérouse et la Révolution française
Authors: Orain Arnaud , Chappey Jean-Luc , Lilti Antoine
Published: August 2021

Usages de l’absent: La figure de Lapérouse et la Révolution française

Alors que l’on est en France sans nouvelles de Monsieur de Lapérouse et de son expédition autour du monde depuis 1788 (le mystère de sa disparition ne sera connu qu’à la fin des années 1820), l’illustre navigateur devient, sous la Révolution, une figure publique instable, ouverte à toutes les appropriations et apte à de multiples usages politiques, scientifiques et philosophiques. En s’appuyant sur l’étude d’un corpus de sources manuscrites et imprimées méconnues (fictions, mémoires, décrets, journaux français et anglais, correspondances), cet article montre que cette présence/absence n’a rien d’anecdotique. La figure de Lapérouse tient noués trois héritages de l’Ancien Régime : l’idéal d’une société ordonnée autour de figures glorieuses ; le projet d’expansion impériale qui nourrit la rivalité avec l’Angleterre ; la science des Lumières et son horizon cosmopolite. Leur rencontre culmine dans le thème du héros civilisateur sous le Directoire, qui unit les mondes et élargit les sphères du savoir au service du rayonnement de la nation, forme idéalisée que prend le rêve impérial français. Cette étude fait du personnage de Lapérouse un outil heuristique pour comprendre comment ces trois héritages ont été investis, subsumés puis redéfinis par la Révolution française. Partout la figure du héros révèle la présence, si difficile à répudier, de l’Ancien Régime au cœur de la modernité politique.
Benefits of adding food education sessions to an exercise programme on cardiovascular risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Vasconcelos Carlos Eduardo Gonçalves da Costa , Cabral Maria Manuela Lobato Guimarães Ferreira , Ramos Elisabete Conceição Pereira , Mendes Romeu Duarte Carneiro
Published: August 2021

To evaluate the impact of adding food education sessions to an exercise programme on cardiovascular risk factors in middle-aged and older patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), a randomised parallel-group study was performed. Glycated haemoglobin, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, fat mass (FM) and blood pressure were assessed at baseline and after 9 months. The recruitment was made in three primary healthcare centres from Vila Real, Portugal. Thirty-three patients (65⋅4 ± 5⋅9 years old) were engaged in a 9-month community-based lifestyle intervention programme: a supervised exercise programme (EX; n = 15; combined aerobic, resistance, agility/balance and flexibility exercise; three sessions per week; 75 min per session); or the same exercise programme plus concomitant food education sessions (EXFE; n = 18; 15-min lectures and dual-task strategies during exercise (answer nutrition questions while walking); 16 weeks). Significant differences between groups were identified in the evolution of BMI (P < 0.001,

$\eta _{\rm p}^2 = 0{\cdot} 150$

) and FM (P < 0.001,

$\eta _{\rm p}^2 = 0{\cdot}130$

), with best improvements observed in the EXFE group. The addition of a simple food education dietary intervention to an exercise programme improved body weight and composition, but not glycaemic control and blood pressure in middle-aged and older patients with T2D.
The Dawes Review 9: The role of cold gas stripping on the star formation quenching of satellite galaxies
Authors: Cortese L. , Catinella B. , Smith R.
Published: August 2021

One of the key open questions in extragalactic astronomy is what stops star formation in galaxies. While it is clear that the cold gas reservoir, which fuels the formation of new stars, must be affected first, how this happens and what are the dominant physical mechanisms involved is still a matter of debate. At least for satellite galaxies, it is generally accepted that internal processes alone cannot be responsible for fully quenching their star formation, but that environment should play an important, if not dominant, role. In nearby clusters, we see examples of cold gas being removed from the star-forming discs of galaxies moving through the intracluster medium, but whether active stripping is widespread and/or necessary to halt star formation in satellites, or quenching is just a consequence of the inability of these galaxies to replenish their cold gas reservoirs, remains unclear. In this work, we review the current status of environmental studies of cold gas in star-forming satellites in the local Universe from an observational perspective, focusing on the evidence for a physical link between cold gas stripping and quenching of the star formation. We find that stripping of cold gas is ubiquitous in satellite galaxies in both group and cluster environments. While hydrodynamical mechanisms such as ram pressure are important, the emerging picture across the full range of dark matter halos and stellar masses is a complex one, where different physical mechanisms may act simultaneously and cannot always be easily separated. Most importantly, we show that stripping does not always lead to full quenching, as only a fraction of the cold gas reservoir might be affected at the first pericentre passage. We argue that this is a key point to reconcile apparent tensions between statistical and detailed analyses of satellite galaxies, as well as disagreements between various estimates of quenching timescales. We conclude by highlighting several outstanding questions where we expect to see substantial progress in the coming decades, thanks to the advent of the Square Kilometre Array and its precursors, as well as the next-generation optical and millimeter facilities.
Effects of microbial transglutaminase levels on donkey cheese production
Authors: D'Alessandro Angela Gabriella , Martemucci Giovanni , Faccia Michele
Published: August 2021

Microbial transglutaminase (MTGase) is an enzyme widely used in the dairy sector to improve the functional properties of protein-based products via the formation of a network between protein molecules. The aim of this study involving cheese from the milk of donkeys was to evaluate the effects of treatment with MTGase at the concentrations of 0 (control), 5, 8 and 10 U/g milk protein on the cheese-making process parameters, as well as the physical and chemical characteristics of the resulting cheese. MTGase influenced the time of gel formation from rennet addition (P < 0.05), with a delay at the two highest concentrations, accompanied by a lower (P < 0.01) pH of cheese and the lowest (P < 0.01) loss in cheese weight at 24 h of storage. The highest gel viscosity (P < 0.01) was observed at the highest concentration of the enzyme, reaching the value of 70 mPa⋅sec after 60 min. The chemical composition and color of the cheeses were not significantly affected by the inclusion of MTGase, regardless of the enzyme concentration. These findings may be of relevance in adapting the cheese-making process and might help in the design of new dairy products from donkey's milk.
Lower circulating neuron-specific enolase concentrations in adults and adolescents with severe mental illness
Authors: Andreou Dimitrios , Steen Nils Eiel , Jørgensen Kjetil Nordbø , Smelror Runar Elle , Wedervang-Resell Kirsten , Nerland Stener , Westlye Lars T. , Nærland Terje , Myhre Anne Margrethe , Joa Inge , Reitan Solveig Merete Klæbo , Vaaler Arne , Morken Gunnar , Bøen Erlend , Elvsåshagen Torbjørn , Boye Birgitte , Malt Ulrik Fredrik , Aukrust Pål , Skrede Silje , Kroken Rune Andreas , Johnsen Erik , Djurovic Srdjan , Andreassen Ole A. , Ueland Thor , Agartz Ingrid
Published: August 2021

Background

Both neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental abnormalities have been suggested to be part of the etiopathology of severe mental illness (SMI). Neuron-specific enolase (NSE), mainly located in the neuronal cytoplasm, may indicate the process as it is upregulated after neuronal injury while a switch from non-neuronal enolase to NSE occurs during neuronal maturation.

Methods

We included 1132 adult patients with SMI [schizophrenia (SZ) or bipolar spectrum disorders], 903 adult healthy controls (HC), 32 adolescent patients with SMI and 67 adolescent HC. Plasma NSE concentrations were measured by enzyme immunoassay. For 842 adults and 85 adolescents, we used total grey matter volume (TGMV) based on T1-weighted magnetic resonance images processed in FreeSurfer v6.0. We explored NSE case-control differences in adults and adolescents separately. To investigate whether putative case-control differences in NSE were TGMV-dependent we controlled for TGMV.

Results

We found significantly lower NSE concentrations in both adult (p < 0.001) and adolescent patients with SMI (p = 0.007) compared to HC. The results remained significant after controlling for TGMV. Among adults, both patients with SZ spectrum (p < 0.001) and bipolar spectrum disorders (p = 0.005) had lower NSE than HC. In both patient subgroups, lower NSE levels were associated with increased symptom severity. Among adults (p < 0.001) and adolescents (p = 0.040), females had lower NSE concentrations than males.

Conclusion

We found lower NSE concentrations in adult and adolescent patients with SMI compared to HC. The results suggest the lack of progressive neuronal injury, and may reflect abnormal neuronal maturation. This provides further support of a neurodevelopmental rather than a neurodegenerative mechanism in SMI.
“Patchy Patriarchy” and the Shifting Fortunes of the CCP's Promise of Gender Equality since 1921
Authors: Evans Harriet
Published: August 2021

The CCP's commitment to gender equality since 1921 has produced vast gains in employment and education for countless women while overlooking established gender hierarchies in family life. Long-term research in Beijing reveals that crossing class, sectoral and generational differences, there is an apparent paradox between women's increasing access to education and employment and their abiding attachment to ideas and practices associated with their roles as wives, mothers and daughters-in-law. A reconfigured “patchy” form of patriarchy is sustained by a dominant discourse of gender difference that naturalizes women's association with the domestic sphere. Unprecedented engagements with international feminism after 1995 introduced new approaches to gender equality. Recently, young feminists from diverse backgrounds have launched public protests targeting expectations of women in marriage and family life, marking a contestation of previous articulations of gender equality. Online platforms are flooded with exchanges about women's empowerment in a market environment that grants them considerable leverage to manage their marital and domestic relationships. The focus of this new generation of feminists on social reproduction signifies a radical departure from the classical Marxist principles underpinning earlier approaches to women's emancipation. Nevertheless, a “patchy patriarchy” continues to characterize widely held gender assumptions and expectations, spanning class and sectoral difference.