bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selective quantification of the 22-kDa isoform of human growth hormone 1 in serum and plasma by immunocapture and LC–MS/MS
Authors: Sleumer Bas , van Faassen Martijn , Vos Michel J. , Bischoff Rainer , Kema Ido P. , van de Merbel Nico C.
Published: July 2022

The human growth hormone GH1 (22 kDa) is a commonly measured biomarker for diagnosis and during treatment of growth disorders, but its quantification by ligand binding assays may be compromised by the occurrence of a number of isoforms. These can interfere in the assays and lead to differences in results between laboratories and potentially even in the treatment of patients. We present an LC–MS/MS method that is able to distinguish the major growth hormone isoform (GH1, 22 kDa) from other isoforms and quantify it without any interference across the clinically relevant concentration range of 0.5 to 50 ng/mL. Analysis involves purification of a 100-µL serum sample by immunocapture using an anti-GH-directed antibody, tryptic digestion, and LC–MS/MS quantification of an isoform-specific signature peptide for GH1 (22 kDa). A tryptic peptide occurring in all GH isoforms is monitored in the same 16-min analytical run as a read-out for total GH. Stable-isotope-labeled forms of these two peptides are included as internal standards. Full validation of the method according to recent guidelines, against a recombinant form of the analyte in rat plasma calibrators, demonstrated intra-assay and inter-assay imprecision below 6% across the calibration range for both signature peptides and recoveries between 94 and 102%. An excellent correlation was found between nominal and measured concentrations of the WHO reference standard for GH1 (22 kDa). Addition of up to 1000 ng/mL biotin or the presence of a 100-fold excess of GH binding protein did not affect the measurement. Equivalent method performance was found for analysis of GH in serum, EDTA, and heparin plasma. Analyte stability was demonstrated during all normal sample storage conditions. Comparison with the IDS-iSYS GH immunoassay showed a good correlation with the LC–MS/MS method for the isoform-specific signature peptide, but a significant positive bias was observed for the LC–MS/MS results of the peptide representing total GH. This seems to confirm the actual occurrence of other GH isoforms in serum. Finally, in serum from pregnant individuals, no quantifiable GH1 (22 kDa) was found, but relatively high concentrations of total GH.

Graphical abstract
Cropping System Diversification Influences Soil Microbial Diversity in Subtropical Dryland Farming Systems
Authors: Williams Alwyn , Birt Henry W. G. , Raghavendra Anil , Dennis Paul G.
Published: July 2022

Conventional dryland cropping systems are characterised by low crop diversity and frequent fallows. This has significant impacts on soil microbes that underpin soil function. Diversifying crop rotations can potentially counter these effects; however, limited data exists on the impacts of diversified crop rotations on soil microbes in drylands. Using phylogenetic marker gene sequencing, we characterised soil microbial diversity in conventional and diversified dryland crop rotations in subtropical Australia. This included winter and summer dominant rotations. Conventional systems were cereal-dominant with a crop-fallow rotation. Diversified systems included greater crop diversity, double crops, cover crops, and a multi-year ley pasture. In summer rotations with increased crop diversity and cover crops, bacterial and fungal richness increased, and distinct communities were formed compared to fallow land. Often, these community shifts were associated with greater soil organic carbon (SOC) and nitrogen. All winter rotations had distinct fungal communities and ley pasture resulted in greater fungal diversity compared to other rotations. No effects of the winter rotations were evident on bacterial communities. Our results show that diversification of dryland crop rotations leads to significant shifts in soil microbial communities in both winter and summer cropping systems. Both summer and winter rotations incorporating cover crops and ley pasture had greater soil respiration and nitrogen, indicating increases in soil fertility. These rotations may offer an alternative to conventional crop-fallow rotations to counter ongoing declines in soil health.
Convergence of monosynaptic inputs from neurons in the brainstem and forebrain on parabrachial neurons that project to the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus
Authors: Kirouac Gilbert J. , Li Sa , Li Shuanghong
Published: July 2022

The paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT) projects to areas of the forebrain involved in regulating behavior. Homeostatic challenges and salient cues activate the PVT and evidence shows that the PVT regulates appetitive and aversive responses. The brainstem is a source of afferents to the PVT and the present study was done to determine if the lateral parabrachial nucleus (LPB) is a relay for inputs to the PVT. Retrograde tracing experiments with cholera toxin B (CTB) demonstrate that the LPB contains more PVT projecting neurons than other regions of the brainstem including the catecholamine cell groups. The hypothesis that the LPB is a relay for signals to the PVT was assessed using an intersectional monosynaptic rabies tracing approach. Sources of inputs to LPB included the reticular formation; periaqueductal gray (PAG); nucleus cuneiformis; and superior and inferior colliculi. Distinctive clusters of input cells to LPB-PVT projecting neurons were also found in the dorsolateral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BSTDL) and the lateral central nucleus of the amygdala (CeL). Anterograde viral tracing demonstrates that LPB-PVT neurons densely innervate all regions of the PVT in addition to providing collateral innervation to the preoptic area, lateral hypothalamus, zona incerta and PAG but not the BSTDL and CeL. The paper discusses the anatomical evidence that suggests that the PVT is part of a network of interconnected neurons involved in arousal, homeostasis, and the regulation of behavioral states with forebrain regions potentially providing descending modulation or gating of signals relayed from the LPB to the PVT.
The prognostic role of the immunohistochemical expression of S100 in meningiomas
Authors: Behling Felix , Fodi Christina , Skardelly Marco , Paulsen Frank , Tabatabai Ghazaleh , Honegger Jürgen , Tatagiba Marcos , Schittenhelm Jens
Published: July 2022

Background

Despite best clinical management, meningioma patients experience tumor recurrence. Efforts have been made to improve the prognostic stratification of meningiomas. Recently, a multi-faceted molecular classification suggested that the marker S100 is associated with a favorable outcome, making a further analysis in a larger cohort interesting.

Materials and methods

The immunohistochemical staining for S100 was analyzed in 1669 paraffin-embedded meningioma samples. The distribution and association with clinical data and progression-free survival via radiographic tumor recurrence were assessed.

Results

Of 1669 cases, 218 tumors showed strong S100 expression (13.1%). A significantly higher frequency of S100 positive meningiomas was observed in meningiomas of female patients, tumors with spinal and convexity/falx location, primary tumor surgery, NF2, higher extent of resection, lower WHO CNS grade, adjuvant radiotherapy and recurrence-free tumors during follow-up. Univariate analysis revealed a favorable progression-free survival for meningiomas with S100 expression (p = 0.0059) but not in the multivariate analysis. Higher S100 frequency was independently associated with female gender (p = 0.0003), NF2 (p < 0.0001), tumor location (p < 0.0001) and lower WHO CNS grade (p = 0.0133).

Conclusions

The positive prognostic impact of S100 is mostly attributed to the confounding clinical factors gender, tumor location, NF2 status and WHO CNS grade.
Selective RET inhibitors shift the treatment pattern of RET fusion-positive NSCLC and improve survival outcomes
Authors: Lu Chang , Wei Xue-Wu , Zhang Yi-Chen , Chen Zhi-Hong , Xu Chong-Rui , Zheng Ming-Ying , Yang Jin-Ji , Zhang Xu-Chao , Zhou Qing
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Rearranged during transfection (RET) fusions are important genetic drivers in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Selective RET inhibitors are setting a new paradigm in RET-driven NSCLC. However, the real-world treatment patterns, outcomes and toxicity remain largely unknown.

Methods

Data from RET fusion-positive NSCLC patients treated in our centre were retrospectively analysed. Of them, patients diagnosed before and after August 2018 were included in analysis of treatment patterns; and patients received selective RET inhibitors were eligible for analysis of adverse events (AEs).

Results

Patients diagnosed before August 2018 (n = 30) predominantly received chemotherapy and immunotherapy (83%) as initial therapy, while patients diagnosed after August 2018 (n = 39) mainly received selective RET inhibitors (38.5% at first-line; 50.0% at second-line). In the total 69 patients, overall survival (OS) was prolonged in patients treated with selective RET inhibitors versus untreated patients (median 34.3 versus 17.5 months; p = 0.002) during a median follow-up of 28.7 months. But there was no difference between patients treated with immunotherapy versus untreated patients. In the 38 patients received selective RET inhibition, median progression-free survival (PFS) was 11.9 months. AEs ≥ grade 3 occurred in 42.1% patients and were not associated with PFS (p = 0.63) or OS (p = 0.60). Haematological toxicity ≥ grade 3 occurred in 31.6% patients and was the leading cause of drug discontinuation.

Conclusion

Selective RET inhibitors are increasingly being adopted into clinical practice and are associated with improved OS. However, treatment-related ≥ grade 3 AEs, especially haematologic AEs, occur frequently in real-world setting.
Gelingende Ethik-Lehre in der Medizin. Erkenntnisse aus der Lehrforschung
Authors: Michl Susanne , Katsarov Johannes , Eichinger Tobias
Published: July 2022

Die Frage nach den Faktoren, die eine wirksame Ethik-Lehre in der Medizin ausmachen, blieb bislang weitgehend unbeantwortet. Vor allem im deutschsprachigen Raum wird hier zu wenig Forschung betrieben. Aufgrund fehlender wissenschaftlich aussagekräftiger Evaluationsstudien lässt sich somit mitunter nur vermuten, wie wirksam bestimmte Lehrformate und -methoden in der Ethik-Lehre tatsächlich sind. Die Auswahl von Lehrformaten und -methoden, die Ethik-Dozierende für das Erreichen eines festgelegten Lernziels einsetzen, wird häufig nicht nach evidenzbasierten Kriterien, sondern auf der Grundlage von guten oder schlechten Lehrerfahrungen sowie von unmittelbarem Feedback der Studierenden getroffen. Im vorliegenden Beitrag werden nach einem kurzen Überblick über Evaluationsverfahren ethischer Kompetenzen Erkenntnisse aus ausgewählten internationalen Wirksamkeitsstudien vorgestellt und auf ihre Relevanz für den Medizinethik-Unterricht diskutiert. Wenngleich die Erkenntnisse aus diesen Evaluations- und Meta-Studien aus anderen, angrenzenden Bereichen wie der Forschungsethik und anderen Lehrkontexten kommen, so können sie doch als Diskussionsanstoß dienen und dazu beitragen, Eckpunkte für die Gestaltung wirksamer Ethik-Lehre in der Medizin im deutschsprachigen Raum zu definieren.
Tracking local and regional climate im/mobilities through a multidimensional lens
Authors: Tschakert Petra , Neef Andreas
Published: July 2022

Recent scholarship on climate mobilities and mobility justice calls for dynamic, relational, and agent-centered approaches to comprehend the complex decision-making that compels certain people to leave the places they call home, encourages or forces others to stay put, and acknowledges those who engage with mobile populations in host countries. Yet, these efforts fall short of advancing a coherent conceptual framework to make sense of the multifaceted, subjective, and affective aspects of climate-related movements and deliver more inclusive research agendas in the context of regional environmental change. This article aims to address this gap by introducing a multidimensional visual heuristic that we call the im/mobility cube. This framework makes it possible to systematically examine relational and intersectional struggles of mobility and (dis)placement, along three interconnected axes: the lived experiences of moving, remaining in place, and receiving mobile subjects upon arrival; the role of climate change as part of a complex web of drivers; and the consequences that mobility and immobility have on people’s lives, livelihoods, and well-being, from desirable benefits to intolerable losses. This heuristic foregrounds the embodied inequalities and often intimate kinopolitical struggles that im/mobile populations face, at the juncture of their aspirations and capabilities, complex subject-making processes, and ever shifting relations of power. As such, our conceptual lens sharpens the focus on the simultaneity and linkages of climate-driven im/mobility encounters within regional contexts and their diverse and courageous protagonists.
CR embeddings of CR manifolds
Authors: Cowling M. G. , Ganji M. , Ottazzi A. , Schmalz G.
Published: July 2022

We improve results of Baouendi, Rothschild and Treves and of Hill and Nacinovich by finding a much weaker sufficient condition for a CR manifold of type (n, k) to admit a local CR embedding into a CR manifold of type $$(n+\ell ,k-\ell )$$

(
n
+
ℓ
,
k
-
ℓ
)

. While their results require the existence of a finite dimensional solvable transverse Lie algebra of vector fields, we require only a finite dimensional extension.
A simple and efficient technique for suturing and knotting during endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy
Authors: Chen Rongxin , Liu Shu , Jiang Aixin , Wumaier Aizezi , Yang Yuanxia , Yu Xinyue , Meng Ziwei , Mao Yuxiang , Liang Xuanwei
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This study evaluated the long-term outcomes of endoscopic suturing and knotting-dacryocystorhinostomy (eSK-DCR) without the use of a stent or mitomycin C.

Methods

A prospective interventional case series was performed on patients with nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) who underwent eSK-DCR at Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center from October 2019 to December 2019. The surgeon sutured the lacrimal sac mucosa with the nasal mucosa by tying knots under endoscopic DCR. Subject demographics, preoperative data and postoperative data were collected, including clinical presentation, Munk score for epiphora, surgical indications, operation time, duration of knotting, number of knots, endoscopic ostium size, complications, and anatomical and functional success. Anatomic success was defined as patent ostium on lacrimal irrigation, and functional success was defined as subjective improvement in symptoms. Statistical analysis was performed by IBM SPSS software (Version 20.0; SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).

Results

A total of 60 patients (71 eyes) underwent pure eSK-DCR. Of these, 95.0% (57/60) were females. The mean age of the patients was 54.7 years. The mean surgical time was 37.60 min, and the average time for each knotting was 2.86 min. Endoscopic evidence found that all patients showed patent ostium and normal healing of the flaps after 4 weeks. The Munk scores dropped significantly at 6 months postoperatively compared to preoperative scores (P < 0.0001). Although 4 patients (7 eyes) were lost to follow-up at the end of the 2-year period, the anatomical and functional success remained stable during the 2-year follow-up period (anatomical, 100%; functional, 87.5%). No serious complications were detected during the follow-up period.

Conclusion

Pure eSK-DCR is a simple and reliable therapeutic method for the management of NLDO. The surgical outcomes were good and remained stable beyond 6 months postoperatively.
Entwicklung und Implementierung der Datenplattform GeMuKi-Assist im Rahmen des Forschungsprojekts „Gemeinsam gesund: Vorsorge plus für Mutter und Kind“
Authors: John Michael , Häusler Benny , Giertz Christian , Klose Stefan , Lück Isabel , Moreira Andrea , Kuchenbecker Judith , Lorenz Laura , Krebs Franziska , Nawabi Farah , Stock Stephanie , Bau Anne-Madeleine ,   die GeMuKi-Projektgruppe
Published: July 2022

Hintergrund

Das Forschungsprojekt „Gemeinsam gesund: Vorsorge plus für Mutter und Kind“ (GeMuKi) will die fachübergreifende Gesundheitsberatung für Schwangere und junge Eltern stärken. Für die Durchführung dieser innovativen und komplexen Intervention wurde eine eigene Datenplattform (GeMuKi-Assist) mit digitalen Anwendungen für die beteiligten Fachakteure, Teilnehmerinnen und Studienkoordinatorinnen entwickelt.

Methodik

In diesem Beitrag werden die zentralen Nutzeranforderungen an die Datenplattform GeMuKi-Assist sowie ihre Integration in den Beratungsablauf und Studienprozess beschrieben. Einleitend wird die Funktionsweise der Plattform dargestellt. Im Anschluss werden erste Erfahrungen, Herausforderungen und Erfolgsfaktoren im Umgang mit der Datenplattform während ihrer Nutzung in der GeMuKi-Studie beleuchtet. Dazu wurden Fragebogenerhebungen mit den Studienkoordinatorinnen und (Telefon‑)Interviews mit Fachakteuren und Studienteilnehmerinnen durchgeführt und ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse

Die GeMuKi-App für die Motivation der Schwangeren und jungen Mütter zur Änderung des individuellen Lebensstils wurde gut angenommen. Die Durchführung der Befragung über die App wurde von den Teilnehmerinnen positiv bewertet. Die Anforderung, das Projektteam beim Datenmanagement zu unterstützen, konnte sehr gut umgesetzt werden. Vor allem die Administrationsoberfläche für die Studienkoordinatorinnen ist als innovativ zu betrachten. Bei einigen Fachakteuren ließen sich Vorbehalte gegenüber dem Dokumentieren in zusätzlichen digitalen Datenplattformen feststellen, was mit der begrenzten zeitlichen Kapazität im Praxisalltag, mit Sicherheitsbedenken und mit einem Mangel an Erfahrung bei der Nutzung digitaler Medien zu begründen ist.

Schlussfolgerung

Durch die Implementierung und Nutzung der Datenplattform GeMuKi-Assist konnten die wesentlichen Projektanforderungen umgesetzt werden. Auf Basis der Rückmeldungen von Ärzten und medizinischen Fachakteuren wäre für zukünftige Forschungsprojekte eine tiefere Integration der Funktionen von GeMuKi-Assist in die bestehenden Praxissoftwaresysteme wünschenswert.
Music training and executive functions in adults and children: what role do hot executive functions play?
Authors: Frischen Ulrike , Schwarzer Gudrun , Degé Franziska
Published: July 2022

Executive functions (EFs) are a set of cognitive processes that enable us to control attention and regulate behaviour. Since music training involves these processes to a large extent, positive associations can be assumed. Previous research confirmed this assumption with some studies indicating even causal relationships. However, almost all the research focused on purely analytical processes, so-called cold EFs. By contrast, hot EFs involve processes influenced by emotion and motivation. Therefore, the aim of the present work is to investigate the relationship between music training and hot EFs and to compare these results with the better-studied cold EFs. We conducted two correlative studies with young adults (Study 1) and 9–12-year-old children (Study 2) and collected hot as well as cold executive functions in both age groups. Our results show no clear association between music training and hot EFs. However, we found an association between the age when participants started with music training and decision making. Regarding cold EFs our studies confirm previous research suggesting positive associations with music training. To better investigate the relationship between music training and hot EFs, further reliable and valid measures to capture hot EFs are needed.
Establishing a committee for antemortem reviews of suspect Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease cases in Ireland
Authors: Fearon Conor , Howley Rachel , Looby Seamus , Byrne Amber , Heffernan Josephine , Heeney Ciara , Beausang Alan , Cryan Jane , Farrell Michael , O’Dowd Sean , Brett Francesca
Published: July 2022

Background

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is a rapidly progressive, neurodegenerative disease. In Ireland, clinical diagnostics and laboratory testing remain the responsibility of the managing clinician and the Neuropathology Department at the Beaumont Hospital, respectively. Centralized review of individual cases is not undertaken.

Aims

To determine how diagnostic processes for CJD could be improved in Ireland and to outline the structure and referral process for a new CJD review panel at the Beaumont Hospital.

Methods

We surveyed Irish neurologists’ experiences on the management of CJD in Ireland. We measured turnaround times (TAT) for CSF samples referred for diagnostic CJD testing. Finally, we retrospectively reviewed imaging of autopsy-proven CJD cases to compare with initial reports.

Results

Ninety-three percent of neurologists supported a national central review of suspect CJD cases. A second clinical opinion was considered to be of likely benefit by 79%. Additionally, 93% reported that a centralized review of neuroradiology would be useful. All respondents felt that expediting turnaround of CSF analysis would be of benefit. The average TAT for CSF testing was 35.4 days. In retrospective review of imaging, all patients demonstrated MRI findings consistent with CJD. However, in only one of these cases were the initial pre-autopsy radiological findings reported as being consistent with CJD.

Conclusions

These findings support the need for improvements to the Irish National CJD Surveillance Unit to maximize antemortem diagnostic accuracy. On foot of this, a clinical CJD Multidisciplinary Team (CJD MDT) has been established to provide a second opinion on (i) the patient’s clinical history, (ii) neuroradiology and (iii) and neurophysiology reports (where available).
Die Anwendung landesinterner Wohnsitzauflagen für Asylberechtigte in Deutschland nach der sogenannten „Flüchtlingskrise“
Authors: Bäuerle Joscha F. , Bandau Frank
Published: July 2022

Mit der Änderung des Aufenthaltsgesetzes im Juli 2016 erhielten die Bundesländer die Möglichkeit, landesinterne Wohnsitzauflagen für Asylberechtigte zu erlassen. Der Artikel geht der Frage nach, warum ein Teil der Landesregierungen in der Folgezeit von der Möglichkeit positiver Wohnsitzauflagen Gebrauch machte, während andere Länder auf dieses Instrument verzichteten. Die auf einer Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) basierende Untersuchung zeigt, dass die parteipolitische Ausrichtung der Regierung einen wichtigen Erklärungsfaktor liefert. Linksgeführte Regierungen sind notwendig, damit Asylberechtigten eine freie Wohnsitzwahl gewährt wird. Darüber hinaus kommt es in Flächenländern mit migrationskritischer Bevölkerung unter rechtsgeführten Regierungen zur Anwendung positiver Wohnsitzauflagen, nicht aber unter linksgeführten Regierungen. In diesem Fall werden Wohnsitzauflagen nur angewendet, wenn das betroffene Bundesland eine hohe Zahl an Geflüchteten aufnehmen muss. In Verbindung mit vergleichbaren Studien verdeutlichen die Befunde, dass die Forschung zu Parteieneffekten in der Migrationspolitik von der Berücksichtigung policy-spezifischer Rahmenfaktoren profitiert.
The Dutch national paediatric heart transplantation programme: outcomes during a 23-year period
Authors: Roest Stefan , van der Meulen Marijke H. , van Osch-Gevers Lennie M. , Kraemer Ulrike S. , Constantinescu Alina A. , de Hoog Matthijs , Bogers Ad J. J. C. , Manintveld Olivier C. , van de Woestijne Pieter C. , Dalinghaus Michiel
Published: July 2022

Background

Since 1998, there has been a national programme for paediatric heart transplantations (HT) in the Netherlands. In this study, we investigated waiting list mortality, survival post-HT, the incidence of common complications, and the patients’ functional status during follow-up.

Methods

All children listed for HT from 1998 until October 2020 were included. Follow-up lasted until 1 January 2021. Data were collected from the patient charts. Survival, post-operative complications as well as the functional status (Karnofsky/Lansky scale) at the end of follow-up were measured.

Results

In total, 87 patients were listed for HT, of whom 19 (22%) died while on the waiting list. Four patients were removed from the waiting list and 64 (74%) underwent transplantation. Median recipient age at HT was 12.0 (IQR 7.2–14.4) years old; 55% were female. One-, 5‑, and 10-year survival post-HT was 97%, 95%, and 88%, respectively. Common transplant-related complications were rejections (50%), Epstein-Barr virus infections (31%), cytomegalovirus infections (25%), post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (13%), and cardiac allograft vasculopathy (13%). The median functional score (Karnofsky/Lansky scale) was 100 (IQR 90–100).

Conclusion

Children who undergo HT have an excellent survival rate up to 10 years post-HT. Even though complications post-HT are common, the functional status of most patients is excellent. Waiting list mortality is high, demonstrating that donor availability for this vulnerable patient group remains a major limitation for further improvement of outcome.
Potential of storm water storage tank outflow construction in the prevention of sewerage overload
Authors: Dąbrowski Wojciech , Nowak Michał
Published: July 2022

The impact of a storm water storage tank outflow construction on its required volume is discussed. A dimensioning of the tank by a rational method applied for small sewerage systems is presented. For large systems, subroutines should be developed to take into consideration the construction details of complex storage tanks in the software enabling real time modelling of sewerage systems. Such subroutines can be tested under simple conditions using rational methods of sewerage modelling, including the approach described in the paper. In the example discussed here for two different positions of the sewer delivering to and collecting stormwater out of the tank both the tank required volume and the outflow as a function of time visibly depended on the sewer position. This was proofed for a rectangular chamber storage tank of the same bottom surface area. However, if the bottom surface area and the storage tank height were calculated in such a way to enable the same maximum value of an outflow from the tank for two different positions of the sewer both the tank volume and the outflow as a function of time were proved to be very similar. Concluding the tank volume depends visibly on the construction of outflow, but the height of the tank can be adjusted in such a way to keep the same maximum outflow for different details of the outflow construction. After this adjustment, the volume of the tank was proved to be almost independent of the construction of outflow from the tank.
Mean nocturnal baseline impedance and endoscopic mucosal impedance measurements in patients with eosinophilic esophagitis: a new tool for follow up and management?
Authors: Ilia Sergeev , Monica Velosa , Daniel Sifrim
Published: July 2022

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is the second most common cause of chronic esophageal inflammation after GERD, with increasing incidence and prevalence across all age groups. Since current diagnosis and follow up of EoE require endoscopy with biopsies, there is an increased interest in non or less invasive tests for its diagnosis and follow up. Baseline mucosal impedance measurement allows evaluation of mucosal barrier properties and is widely accepted as an adjunct method in GERD diagnosis. As EoE is associated with increased mucosal permeability, the use of baseline impedance to evaluate mucosal integrity has been investigated in several studies. It was found that baseline mucosal impedance, measured either during 24 h reflux monitoring or during endoscopy, was significantly lower in all parts of the esophagus in EoE patients. Impedance measurement correlated with eosinophil counts on biopsies, offering a tool to monitor treatment response. Additionally, baseline impedance patterns differed between those responding to proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment and those resistant to PPI, potentially allowing to tailor future treatment to the individual patient. In summary, baseline impedance measurement offers a potential tool for diagnosis and follow up in EoE. Its exact place in EoE treatment is yet to be determined and requires further future studies.
Forty Years of Air Temperature Change over Iran Reveals Linear and Nonlinear Warming
Authors: Kazemzadeh Majid , Noori Zahra , Jamali Sadegh , Abdi Abdulhakim M.
Published: July 2022

Spatiotemporal analysis of long-term changes in air temperature is of prime importance for climate change research and the development of effective mitigation and adaptation strategies. Although there are considerable studies on air temperature change across the globe, most of them have been on linear trends and time series analysis of nonlinear trends have not received enough attention. Here, spatiotemporal patterns of monthly and annual mean (Tmean), maximum (Tmax), and minimum (Tmin) air temperature at 47 synoptic stations across climate zones in Iran for a 40-yr period (1978–2017) are analyzed. A polynomial fitting scheme (Polytrend) is used to both monthly and annual air temperature data to detect trends and classify them into linear and nonlinear (quadratic and cubic) categories. The significant (non-significant) trends in Tmean, Tmax, and Tmin across all climate zones are 41.1% (58.9%), 34.1% (65.9%), and 46% (54%), respectively. The highest magnitude of increasing trends is observed in the annual Tmin (0.47°C decade−1) and the lowest magnitude is for the annual Tmax (0.4°C decade−1). Across the country, increasing trends $$(\bar x = 37.2\% )$$
(

x
¯

=
37.2
%
)
have higher spatial coverage than the decreasing trends $$(\bar x = 3.2\% )$$
(

x
¯

=
3.2
%
)
. Warming trends in Tmean (65.3%) and Tmin (73.1%) are mainly observed in humid climate zone while warming trends in Tmax are in semi-arid (43.9%) and arid (34.1%) climates. Linear change with a positive trend is predominant in all Tmean (56.7%), Tmax (67.8%), and Tmin (71.2%) and for both monthly and annual data. Further, the linear trends have the highest warming rate in annual Tmin (0.83°C decade−1) and Tmean (0.46°C decade−1) whereas the nonlinear trends have the highest warming rate in annual Tmax (0.52°C decade−1). The linear trend type is predominant across the country especially in humid climate zones whereas the nonlinear trends (quadratic and cubic) are mainly observed in the arid climate zones. This study highlights nonlinear changes and spatiotemporal trends in air temperature in Iran and contributes to a growing body of climate change literature that is necessary for the development of effective mitigation and adaptation strategies in the Middle East.
Plateau proposal distributions for adaptive component-wise multiple-try metropolis
Authors: Lau F. Din-Houn , Krumscheid Sebastian
Published: July 2022

Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods are sampling methods that have become a commonly used tool in statistics, for example to perform Monte Carlo integration. As a consequence of the increase in computational power, many variations of MCMC methods exist for generating samples from arbitrary, possibly complex, target distributions. The performance of an MCMC method, in particular that of a Metropolis–Hastings MCMC method, is predominately governed by the choice of the so-called proposal distribution used. In this paper, we introduce a new type of proposal distribution for the use in Metropolis–Hastings MCMC methods that operates component-wise and with multiple trials per iteration. Specifically, the novel class of proposal distributions, calledPlateaudistributions, does not overlap, thus ensuring that the multiple trials are drawn from different regions of the state space. Furthermore, the Plateau proposal distributions allow for a bespoke adaptation procedure that lends itself to a Markov chain with efficient problem dependent state space exploration and favourable burn-in properties. Simulation studies show that our novel MCMC algorithm outperforms competitors when sampling from distributions with a complex shape, highly correlated components or multiple modes.
Programmplanung in der Weiterbildung unter dem Einfluss der Corona-Pandemie: Befunde einer empirischen Studie
Authors: Haberzeth Erik , Dernbach-Stolz Stefanie
Published: July 2022

In diesem Beitrag wird das programmplanerische Handeln in Einrichtungen der Weiterbildung unter dem Einfluss der Corona-Pandemie in den Blick genommen. Es wird analysiert, wie Weiterbildungsprogramme und -angebote unter den durch die Pandemie geprägten Bedingungen konzipiert werden und welche neuen Anforderungen und Aufgaben sich dabei für Programmplanende möglicherweise stellen. Fokussiert wird die pädagogische Kerntätigkeit der Bedürfnis- und Zielgruppenanalyse sowie der Angebotsentwicklung. Die empirische Basis des Beitrags bilden zehn Gruppendiskussionen mit insgesamt 46 Programmplanenden, die zwischen Juni und November 2021 geführt wurden. Die Befunde der Studie weisen darauf hin, dass sich die Anforderungen an die Programmplanung unter dem Einfluss der Pandemie weiter ausdifferenziert haben und in ihrem Anspruch gestiegen sind. Als besonders einflussreich erweist sich dabei die neue Planungskategorie der Online-Veranstaltung. Sie führt zu einem erhöhten Reflexions- und Entscheidungsbedarf in verschiedener Hinsicht sowie zu einem erhöhten Wissens- und Kompetenzanspruch an das professionelle planerische Handeln.
Preferentially oriented growth of diamond films on silicon with nickel interlayer
Authors: K.C. Anupam , Siddique Anwar , Anderson Jonathan , Saha Rony , Gautam Chhabindra , Ayala Anival , Engdahl Chris , Holtz Mark W. , Piner Edwin L.
Published: July 2022

A multistep deposition technique is developed to produce highly oriented diamond films by hot filament chemical vapor deposition (HFCVD) on Si (111) substrates. The orientation is produced by use of a thin, 5–20 nm, Ni interlayer. Annealing studies demonstrate diffusion of Ni into Si to form nickel silicides with crystal structure depending on temperature. The HFCVD diamond film with Ni interlayer results in reduced non-diamond carbon, low surface roughness, high diamond crystal quality, and increased texturing relative to growth on bare silicon wafers. X-ray diffraction results show that the diamond film grown with 10 nm Ni interlayer yielded 92.5% of the diamond grains oriented along the (110) crystal planes with ~ 2.5 µm thickness and large average grain size ~ 1.45 µm based on scanning electron microscopy. Texture is also observed to develop for ~ 300 nm thick diamond films with ~ 89.0% of the grains oriented along the (110) crystal plane direction. These results are significantly better than diamond grown on Si (111) without Ni layer with the same HFCVD conditions. The oriented growth of diamond film on Ni interlayers is explained by a proposed model wherein the nano-diamond seeds becoming oriented relative to the β1-Ni3Si that forms during the diamond nucleation period. The model also explains the silicidation and diamond growth processes.

Article Highlights

High quality diamond film with minimum surface roughness and ~93% oriented grains along (110) crystallographic direction is grown on Si substrate using a thin 5 to 20 nm nickel layer.

A detailed report on the formation of different phases of nickel silicide, its stability with different temperature, and its role for diamond film texturing at HFCVD growth condition is presented.

A diamond growth model on Si substrate with Ni interlayer to grow high quality-oriented diamond film is established.
Combined climate impacts and vulnerability index on coastal ecosystems in prediction of future scenarios: extended sustainable indicator tool for adaptive strategy
Authors: Payus C. M. , Herman F. , Sentian J.
Published: July 2022

This study presents the coastal vulnerability due to the forecasted climate change impact on the marine environment, including the sea level rise physical trait of risk impact. A combined methodology using Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs), which corresponds to the greenhouse gas emissions scenarios, is used in this research; combined with Climate Change Vulnerability Index (CCVI) to rank the relative risk for each of the marine ecosystem zones in relation to the potential hazard exacerbated by climate change and sea-level rise. This method presents vulnerability in numerical data, which cannot be calculated directly based on their physical properties. From the results, it shows that the coastal areas of the study area of Marudu Bay would experience a warmer atmosphere both under RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 with an increment of 1.0 °C and 1.7 °C; meanwhile, the climate projection for total exhibits of increase in total precipitation by 2.6 mm/day and 1.6. mm/day under RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 at the regional measure. At the same time, the projection simulates an increase of sea level by 0.21 m and 0.27 m over the northern region of Marudu Bay under RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5, respectively. In addition, 43.84 ha and 57.02 ha of land estimated would be potentially inundated by the mid-century year 2050 under RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5. By the end of the century 2100, the sea level is projected to increase locally at about 0.32 m under RCP 4.5 and 0.38 m under RCP 8.5, consequently resulting in a total of 66.84 ha and 79.78 ha of additional inundation coverage. Therefore, the result from this study can be used when making effective adaptive strategies and conservation planning despite its inherent uncertainties.
Automating the Detection of Access Control Vulnerabilities in Web Applications
Authors: Rennhard Marc , Kushnir Malte , Favre Olivier , Esposito Damiano , Zahnd Valentin
Published: July 2022

The importance of automated and reproducible security testing of web applications is growing, driven by increasing security requirements, short software development cycles, and constraints with respect to time and budget. Existing automated security testing tools are already well suited to detect some types of vulnerabilities, e.g., SQL injection or cross-site scripting vulnerabilities. However, other vulnerability types are much harder to uncover in an automated way. One important representative of this type are access control vulnerabilities, which are highly relevant in practice as they can grant unauthorized users access to security-critical data or functions in web applications. In this paper, a practical solution to automatically detect HTTP GET request-based access control vulnerabilities in web applications is presented. The solution is based on previously proposed ideas, which are extended with novel approaches to enable completely automated access control testing with minimal configuration effort, which in turn enables frequent and reproducible testing. An evaluation with seven web applications based on different technologies demonstrates the general applicability of the solution and that it can automatically uncover most access control vulnerabilities while keeping the number of false positives low.
Accessory Climbing Routes Associated With More Rescue Operations Than the Main Climbing Route: A Retrospective 12-Year Report of Yushan National Park
Authors: Kuo Chun-Yen , Ho Chun-Yi , Shih Hong-Mo , Lin Wei-Ling , Hsu Tai-Yi , Chen Wei-Kung , Chen Hang-Cheng
Published: July 2022

Introduction

This study compared the casualties and types of rescues conducted on the main climbing route (MCR) and accessory climbing routes (ACRs) in Yushan National Park (YSNP) between 2008 and 2019.

Methods

We collected the following information for all documented mountain rescue operations conducted on the MCRs and ACRs in YSNP between 2008 and 2019: accident location, casualty type, victim number, and type of rescue. The victims were categorized as to injury, illness, mortality, or no medical problem (NMP) groups according to their condition at the time of rescue.

Results

Two-hundred forty-four rescue operations involving 329 victims were conducted during the 12-y study period. Among them, 105 (32%) did not require medical treatment, 102 (31%) were injured, 82 (25%) were ill, and 40 (12%) were deceased. Of the 82 individuals with illness, 69 (84%) had acute altitude sickness. The accident and mortality rates on the ACRs were significantly higher than those on the MCR ( P<0.001; χ2). The ACR incidents involved significantly higher percentages of helicopter-based rescues and victims in the NMP group ( P<0.001).

Conclusions

Acute altitude sickness accounted for most of the rescues. ACRs had higher injury and mortality rates and required more helicopter-based rescues for patients who did not have medical problems. This study may serve as a reference to reduce casualties and overuse of helicopters by educating tourists on the appropriate use of maps and the evaluation of trails in relation to weather conditions.
Writing Tudor Exploration
Authors: Dimmock Matthew
Published: July 2022

Richard Eden's Decades has long been recognised as a landmark in the translation and circulation of information concerning the Americas in England. What is often overlooked in Eden's book is the presence of the first two Tudor voyage accounts to have been committed to print, assembled in haste and added late in the printing process. Both concern English commercial ventures to the West African coast, undertaken despite vehement Portuguese protests and in the midst of the profound alteration of the Marian succession. Both are complex, contradictory, and innovative experiments in generic form and content. This Element closely examines Eden's assembly and framing of these accounts, engaging with issues of material culture, travel writing, new knowledge, race, and the negotiation of political and religious change. In the process it repositions West Africa and Eden at the heart of a lost history of early English expansionism.
Evaluating the impact of mandatory indications on antibiotic utilization in a community hospital
Authors: Chan April J. , Nisenbaum Rosane , Downing Mark , Langford Bradley J.
Published: July 2022

Objective:

We evaluated the impact of introducing a mandatory indication field into electronic order entry for targeted antibiotics in adult inpatients.

Design:

Retrospective, before-and-after trial.

Setting:

A 400-bed community hospital.

Interventions:

All adult electronic intravenous (IV) and enteral orders for targeted antibiotics (moxifloxacin, ciprofloxacin, clindamycin, vancomycin, and metronidazole) had a mandatory indication field added. Control antibiotics (amoxicillin-clavulanate, ceftriaxone and piperacillin-tazobactam) were chosen to track shifts in antibiotic prescribing due to the introduction of mandatory indication field.

Methods:

Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the primary outcome, measured in Defined Daily Doses (DDD) per 1000 patient days (PD). Interrupted time-series (ITS) analysis was performed to compare levels and trends in antibiotic usage of targeted and control antibiotics during 24 months before and after the intervention. Additionally, a descriptive analysis of mandatory indication fields for targeted antibiotics in the postintervention period was conducted.

Results:

In total, 4,572 study antibiotic orders were evaluated after the intervention. Preset mandatory indications were selected for 30%–55% of orders. There was decreased usage of targeted antibiotics (mean, 92.02 vs 72.07 DDD/1000-PD) with increased usage of control antibiotics (mean, 102.73 vs 119.91 DDD/1000-PD). ITS analysis showed no statistically significant difference in overall antibiotic usage before and after the intervention for all targeted antibiotics.

Conclusion:

This study showed moderate use of preset mandatory indications, suggesting that the preset list of indications can be optimized. There was no impact on overall antibiotic usage with the use of mandatory indications. More prospective research is needed to study the utility of this intervention in different contexts.
Show me the data: A statewide comparative report of National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) Antimicrobial Use Option standardized antimicrobial administration ratios (SAARs)
Authors: Winders Hana R. , Antosz Kayla , Al-Hasan Majdi , Bookstaver P. Brandon , Bailey Pamela , Waites Katie , Justo Julie Ann
Published: July 2022

The Antimicrobial Stewardship Collaborative of South Carolina created quarterly Comparative SAAR Analysis Reports based on standardized antimicrobial administration ratio (SAAR) data from the NHSN Antimicrobial Use (AU) Option. These reports provide SAAR histograms and site-specific feedback to participating facilities in South Carolina. They were created to improve antimicrobial use throughout the state, especially in rural regions.
Doing Business in the Schools of the Welfare State: Competing “Entrepreneurial Selves” and the Roots of Entrepreneurship Education in 1980s Sweden
Authors: Åström Rudberg Elin
Published: July 2022

This article concerns the rise of young entrepreneurship education programs in 1980s Sweden, which entered schools surprisingly early and quickly, backed by organized Swedish business. The increased popularity of entrepreneurship education toward the end of the twentieth century in many European welfare states is usually associated with a shift toward neoliberal, market-oriented, policies. It is argued here that an important reason for young entrepreneurship’s success was its ability to connect with the Swedish tradition of cooperation and democratic decision making, in combination with values such as individualism and competition. A case in point is the surprising compatibility between progressive pedagogical ideas and “neoliberal” entrepreneurialism. The article is based on a study of Ung Företagsamhet (Young Entrepreneurship, henceforth UF), the Swedish version of the American organization Junior Achievement, and the ambition of the consumer cooperative movement’s think tank, Koopi, to offer a different kind of entrepreneurship education. In the analysis, the concept of “the entrepreneurial self” is applied to these two different programs, and the results show how they clashed, but also overlapped, in ways that help explain the success of UF. The article is a contribution to our understanding of how entrepreneurship discourse emerged and manifested itself in everyday environments in the late twentieth century, and as such also contributes to the history of Nordic neoliberalism.
Harvesting the low-hanging fruit? Comparative assessment of intravenous to oral route antimicrobial conversion policy implementation
Authors: Moehring Rebekah W. , Davis Angelina , Dodds Ashley Elizabeth , Dyer April P. , Drew Richard H. , Loknyghina Yuliya , Johnson Melissa D. , Jones Travis M. , Spires S. Shaefer , Sexton Daniel J. , Anderson Deverick J.
Published: July 2022

Policies that promote conversion of antibiotics from intravenous to oral route administration are considered “low hanging fruit” for hospital antimicrobial stewardship programs. We developed a simple metric based on digestive days of therapy divided by total days of therapy for targeted agents and a method for hospital comparisons. External comparisons may help identify opportunities for improving prospective implementation.
Family Relations in Chinese History
Authors: Zhang Cong Ellen
Published: July 2022

This special issue of the Journal of Chinese History is dedicated to the studies of family relations. This introduction gives a brief survey of recent scholarship, puts the seven articles in this issue into conversation with each other, and identifies four main themes that emerge from this collection of essays.