bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Liquid Biopsy beim Mammakarzinom
Authors: Banys-Paluchowski Maggie , Krawczyk Natalia , Fehm Tanja
Published: December 2021

In den letzten Jahren gewinnt die Liquid Biopsy, d. h. die blutbasierte Untersuchung von zirkulierenden Tumorzellen (CTCs) und Nukleinsäuren (DNA/RNA) beim Mammakarzinom zunehmend an Relevanz. Zahlreiche Studien haben bereits die hohe prognostische Bedeutung der CTC-Detektion sowohl im frühen als auch metastasierten Stadium gezeigt. Des Weiteren korrelieren die Veränderungen der CTC-Zahlen und der zirkulierenden Tumor-DNA (ctDNA) im Verlauf der Erkrankung mit dem Ansprechen auf die Therapie. Im Fokus der Forschung stehen derzeit die Liquid-Biopsy-basierten Therapieinterventionen beim metastasierten Mammakarzinom. In diesem Kontext wurde Alpelisib, ein PI3K-Inhibitor, als erste Substanz durch die FDA und die EMA zugelassen.
Hyperschallflüge
Authors: Hinkelbein Jochen
Published: December 2021

Schon jeher faszinieren den Menschen Flüge und insbesondere Flüge im Überschallbereich. Dies ist seit etwa 70 Jahren in der militärischen Fliegerei möglich. Überschallflüge sind dadurch definiert, dass sich die Fluggeschwindigkeit über der des Schalls befindet. Die Angabe der Überschallgeschwindigkeit wird mit der Machzahl (dimensionslos) angegeben. Überschallflüge finden daher mit Mach > 1 statt.
Sutura meniscal microinvasiva com agulha descartável
Authors: Stieven Filho Edmar , Nunes Carolline Popovicz , Rosa Fernando Martins , Milcent Paul André Alain , Namba Mário , Albano Mauro Batista
Published: December 2021

A primeira sutura meniscal foi realizada em 1885 e levou cerca de um século para tornar-se popular. Atualmente, os dispositivos de reparo meniscal all-inside são amplamente utilizados. Contudo, esta técnica apresenta a desvantagem de ser um método dependente de dispositivos específicos, apresentando um custo superior aos de outras técnicas. Este valor elevado limita o uso de tal técnica em muitos locais. O objetivo da presente nota técnica é descrever uma técnica de sutura meniscal microinvasiva, como uma modificação da técnica all-inside, utilizando uma agulha descartável de procedimento de 40 × 12 mm. Os autores acreditam que a modificação proposta para a técnica pode torná-la mais popular, possibilitando o uso da técnica microinvasiva em locais com recursos limitados.
A Comparison of Vaginal and Intramuscular Progesterone for the Prevention of Recurrent Preterm Birth
Authors: Frey Heather A. , Finneran Matthew M. , Hade Erinn M. , Waickman Colleen , Lynch Courtney D. , Iams Jay D. , Landon Mark B.
Published: December 2021

Objective This study aimed to examine whether vaginal progesterone is noninferior to 17-α hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17OHP-C) in the prevention of recurrent preterm birth (PTB).

Study Design This retrospective cohort study included singleton pregnancies among women with a history of spontaneous PTB who received prenatal care at a single tertiary center from 2011 to 2016. Pregnancies were excluded if progesterone was not initiated prior to 24 weeks or the fetus had a major congenital anomaly. The primary outcome was PTB <37 weeks. A priori, noninferiority was to be established if the upper bound of the adjusted two-sided 90% confidence interval (CI) for the difference in PTB fell below 9%. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was used to carefully control for confounding associated with choice of treatment and PTB. Adjusted differences in PTB proportions were estimated via IPTW regression, with standard errors adjustment for multiple pregnancies per woman. Secondary outcomes included PTB <34 and <28 weeks, spontaneous PTB, neonatal intensive care unit admission, and gestational age at delivery.

Results Among 858 pregnancies, 41% (n = 353) received vaginal progesterone and 59% (n = 505) were given 17OHP-C. Vaginal progesterone use was more common later in the study period, and among women who established prenatal care later, had prior PTBs at later gestational ages, and whose race/ethnicity was neither non-Hispanic white nor non-Hispanic Black. Vaginal progesterone did not meet noninferiority criteria compared with 17-OHPC in examining PTB <37 weeks, with an IPTW adjusted difference of 3.4% (90% CI: −3.5, 10.3). For secondary outcomes, IPTW adjusted differences between treatment groups were generally small and CIs were wide.

Conclusion We could not conclude noninferiority of vaginal progesterone to 17OHP-C; however, women and providers may be willing to accept a larger difference (>9%) when considering the cost and availability of vaginal progesterone versus 17OHP-C. A well-designed randomized trial is needed.

Key Points
Alstrom's Syndrome: An Experience of Tertiary Care Center
Authors: Gosadi Ghadah , Busehail Maryam , Rahbeeni Zuhair
Published: December 2021

Alstrom's syndrome (AS) is an autosomal recessively inherited multisystemic disorder that falls under the umbrella of ciliopathy. It is characterized by poor vision, hearing impairment, cardiomyopathy, childhood obesity, diabetes mellitus type 2, dyslipidemia, pulmonary, hepatic, and renal failure besides systemic fibrosis. Biallelic pathogenic variants in ALMS1 gene cause AS. Retrospective study (1990–2017) included 12 Saudi patients with AS based on their phenotype, biochemical markers, and genotype. The study was approved by Fisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh (RAC number 2131129) on October 2, 2012. This study showed clinical and genetic heterogeneity; six patients showed a founder mutation (IVS18–2A > T in exon 19), whereas six others showed private mutations. AS in Saudi Arabia is underdiagnosed probably because of its variable clinical manifestations. We report 12 Saudi patients with AS to enhance the awareness about this syndrome.
Hydrothermal synthesis of long-chain hydrocarbons up to C
24
with NaHCO
3
-assisted stabilizing cobalt
Authors: He Daoping , Wang Xiaoguang , Yang Yang , He Runtian , Zhong Heng , Wang Ye , Han Buxing , Jin Fangming
Published: December 2021

Significance

The mechanisms by which abiotic, long-chain hydrocarbons are produced in natural alkaline hydrothermal systems are unknown, as only short-chain hydrocarbons (<5 carbons) have been experimentally observed to date. Here, we demonstrate how the hydrothermal reduction of bicarbonate into long-chain hydrocarbons (≤24 carbons) occurs through the use of iron and cobalt metals. In contrast to the traditional Fischer–Tropsch synthesis, in which water is the driving force for catalyst deactivation, Co exhibits unique catalytic stability in hydrothermal conditions through bicarbonate-assisted CoO
x
reduction, thus promoting the carbon−carbon coupling process with the synergistic effect from the iron hydroxyl group. This finding helps to explain the abiogenic origin of petroleum, life’s emergence, and further contributes to artificial carbon dioxide utilization in the chemical industry.
Interclausal relations with Old English verbs of inaction
Authors: Ojanguren López Ana Elvira
Published: December 2021

The aim of this article is to analyse the syntactic and semantic interclausal relations that hold with Old English verbs
of inaction. These verbs are studied from the perspective of juncture-nexus relations and the semantic relations Phase, Psych-action and
Causative. The results are compared on the grounds of the Interclausal Relations Hierarchy. The comparison of semantic content and syntactic
expression evidences discrepancies between too weak juncture-nexus types, such as clausal subordination, and very close semantic relations,
like Phase. Two main conclusions are drawn. Firstly, the Interclausal Relations Hierarchy allows us to describe the variation in the
complementation of inaction verbs in Old English; and to make predictions on the diachronic axis, given that the loss of finite clause
complementation and the change to infinitival complementation presented by Present-Day English verbs of inaction are fully predicted by the
IRH. Secondly, semantic relations and nexus types remain stable throughout the change, whereas juncture levels change.
Heterosporis anguillarum
. [Descriptions of Fungi and Bacteria].
Authors: Minter D. W.
Published: December 2021

A description is provided for
Heterosporis anguillarum
, a parasite of eels. Some information on its morphology, dispersal and transmission and conservation status is given, along with details of its geographical distribution (Asia (Japan, Korea Republic and Taiwan)) and hosts (
Anguilla anguilla, A. bicolor pacifica
and
A. japonica
).
Pleistophora hippoglossoideos
. [Descriptions of Fungi and Bacteria].
Authors: Minter D. W.
Published: December 2021

A description is provided for
Pleistophora hippoglossoideos
, which infects
Hippoglossoides platessoides
, American plaice (family Pleuronectidae) and
Solea solea
, the Dover sole (family Soleidae), in the North Atlantic, Baltic Sea and Arctic Ocean. Some information on its morphology, dispersal and transmission and conservation status is given, along with details of its geographical distribution (Europe (Baltic Sea, Norway, UK) and North America (Canada, Nova Scotia)) and hosts (
Hippoglossoides platessoides, H. limandoides
and
Solea solea
).
Fomitopsis betulina
. [Descriptions of Fungi and Bacteria].
Authors: Minter D. W. , Soliman G. S.
Published: December 2021

A description is provided for
Fomitopsis betulina
. Sporophores of this fungus are found on both living and dead trees, where the fungus causes a brown-rot decay of heartwood, eventually reducing the substratum to a red-brown friable mass. Some information on its associated organisms and substrata, dispersal and transmission, habitats and conservation status is given, along with details of its geographical distribution (Asia (China (Gansu, Heilongjiang, Jilin, Nei Mongol Autonomous Region, Shaanxi, Sichuan, Xinjiang Autonomous Region, Yunnan), India (Meghalaya, Uttarakhand), Iran, Japan, Kazakhstan (Akmola, East Kazakhstan, Kostanay, North Kazakhstan), Nepal, Russia (Altai Krai, Altai Republic, Amur Oblast, Chelyabinsk Oblast, Irkutsk Oblast, Kamchatka Krai, Khabarovsk Krai, Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug, Krasnoyarsk Krai, Novosibirsk Oblast, Omsk Oblast, Primorsky Krai, Sakha Republic, Sakhalin Oblast, Sverdlovsk Oblast, Tomsk Oblast, Tyumen Oblast, Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, Zabaykalsky Krai), South Korea, Uzbekistan), Central America (Belize, Panama), Europe (Åland Islands, Andorra, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Isle of Man, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia (Bryansk Oblast, Chuvash Republic, Ivanovo Oblast, Kaliningrad Oblast, Kaluga Oblast, Kirov Oblast, Komi Republic, Kostroma Oblast, Krasnodar Krai, Kursk Oblast, Leningrad Oblast, Mari El Republic, Moscow Oblast, Murmansk Oblast, Nizhny Novgorod Oblast, Orenburg Oblast, Perm Krai, Pskov Oblast, Republic of Bashkortostan, Republic of Dagestan, Republic of Karelia, Republic of Mordovia, Republic of Tatarstan, Ryazan Oblast, Samara Oblast, Saratov Oblast, Smolensk Oblast, Tula Oblast, Tver Oblast, Udmurt Republic, Vladimir Oblast, Yaroslavl Oblast), Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, UK), North America (Canada (Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Yukon Territory), USA (Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin)), South America (Argentina, Colombia)).
Differential sampling of AC waveforms based on a programmable Josephson voltage standard using a high-precision sampler
Authors: Kim Mun-Seog , Cho Hehree , Solve Stéphane
Published: December 2021

A high-precision sampler, Fluke 8588A multimeter in the sampling mode, was utilised to perform differential sampling of AC waveforms with a programmable Josephson voltage standard. The systematic error on the differential sampling, induced by the inherent voltage-response characteristics and built-in low-pass filter of the sampler, was estimated. Experimental results and numerical simulations revealed that the sampler could be used for reliable differential sampling of AC waveforms at frequencies up to several kilohertz, with an appropriate number of the voltage steps per the waveform period, when the input bandwidth was set to 3 MHz. In addition, the sampler was compared to an integrating sampler, Keysight 3458A, now widely used for differential sampling. At 62.5 Hz, a key frequency in the future on-site key comparison of the differential sampling on AC voltage, the difference in root mean square (RMS) amplitudes obtained by the differential sampling using the two different samplers is approximately 150 nV V−1 due to the systematic error caused by the limited bandwidth of 150 kHz for the integrating sampler.
X-ray imaging of moving objects using on-chip TDI and MDX methods with single photon counting CdTe hybrid pixel detector
Authors: Zoladz M. , Grybos P. , Szczygiel R.
Published: December 2021

X-ray imaging of moving objects using line detectors remains the most popular method of object content and structure examination with a typical resolution limited to 0.4–1 mm. Higher resolutions are difficult to obtain as, for the detector in the form of a single pixel row, the narrower the detector is, the lower the image Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR). This is because, for smaller pixel sizes, fewer photons hit the pixel in each time unit for a given radiation intensity.

To overcome the trade-off between the SNR and spatial resolution, a two-dimensional sensor, namely a pixel matrix can be used. Imaging of moving objects with a pixel matrix requires time-domain integration (TDI). Straightforward TDI implementation is based on the proper accumulation of images acquired during consecutive phases of an object’s movement. Unfortunately, this method is much more demanding regarding data transfer and processing. Data from the whole pixel matrix instead of a single pixel row must be transferred out of the chip and then processed.

The alternative approach is on-chip TDI implementation. It takes advantage of photons acquired by multiple rows (a higher SNR), but generates similar data amount as a single pixel row and does not require data processing out of the chip. In this paper, on-chip TDI is described and verified by using a single photon counting two-dimensional (a matrix of 128 × 192 pixels) CdTe hybrid X-ray detector with the 100 µm × 100 µm pixel size with up to four energy thresholds per pixel. Spatial resolution verification is combined with the Material Discrimination X-ray (MDX) imaging method.
Tomotok: python package for tomography of tokamak plasma radiation
Authors: Svoboda J. , Cavalier J. , Ficker O. , Imríšek M. , Mlynář J. , Hron M.
Published: December 2021

A python package, called Tomotok, focused on performing tomographic inversion of tokamak plasma radiation is being developed at the Institute of Plasma Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences. It aims at providing multiple inversion algorithms with an user friendly interface. In order to enable and ease performing tomographic inversion on different devices worldwide, it is planned to publish this software as open source in the near future. In this contribution, the package structure allowing an easy implementation of various tokamak and diagnostic geometries is described and an overview of the package contents is given. Apart from inversion methods, overview of Tomotok auxiliary content is given. The package provides tools for creating simple synthetic diagnostic system. These can be used for testing and benchmarking the code. This includes tools for building geometry matrices that describe the view of detectors using single line of sight approximation and artificial data generators capable of creating simple or hollow Gaussian profiles. The implemented inversion methods cover the minimum Fisher regularisation, biorthogonal decomposition and linear algebraic methods. The implementation of each method is explained, example results obtained by inverting phantom models are presented and discussed. The computation speed of implemented algorithms is benchmarked and compared.
Performance study of large-area glass resistive plate chambers with different spacer configurations
Authors: Mao L. , Lagarde F. , Guo J. , Wang X. , Li J. , Shen Q. , Zhu J. , Yang H.
Published: December 2021

Optimization of spacer and gas distribution inside the glass
resistive plate chamber (RPC) is reported. Simulation studies
demonstrate improvements on the gas flow velocity homogeneity and
lower vorticity inside the gas chamber. The optimized spacer
configuration (76 spacers) decreases the number of spacers by 24%
compared to the original design (100 spacers), thus helps
significantly reduce the non-active or low-efficiency area caused by
spacers while maintaining similar deformation uniformity of the
electrodes. Large area glass RPCs with 1×1 m^2 size using
two types of spacer configurations are constructed and tested with
cosmic muons events. The muon detection efficiencies for RPCs are
greater than 95%.
Design and verification of a multi-layer single-sphere neutron spectrometer with water as the moderator
Authors: Li X. , Wang Z. , Qi P. , Chen X. , Gao T. , Zhou R. , Yang C.
Published: December 2021

Measuring the neutron energy spectrum is important in
nuclear radiation detection and protection. Common neutron
spectrometers include the Bonner sphere spectrometer (BSS),
time-of-flight neutron spectrometer, and plastic scintillation
detector. Among them, the BSS is the most widely used for its wide
measurement range and simple operation. A BSS usually occupies a
large space because it contains several independent spheres working
at the same time, leading to poor consistency. This paper proposes a
multi-layer single-sphere spectrometer using water as the
moderator. The spectrometer includes a multi-layered sphere that can
be filled with water or air and a ^3He proportional counter
placed in the center of the sphere. To verify the feasibility of
this design, we use Geant4 to calculate the moderating ability of
water and the response functions of the multi-layer single-sphere
spectrometer. Additionally, several standard neutron energy spectra
(from IAEA) are used to test the response characteristics of this
spectrometer through simulation. The simulation results prove the
feasibility of the design. This research provides a theoretical
basis for a multi-layer single-sphere neutron spectrometer with
water as the moderator.
Jacobi ﬁelds in nonholonomic mechanics
Authors: Anahory Simoes Alexandre , Marrero Juan Carlos , Martin de Diego David
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we deﬁne Jacobi ﬁelds for nonholonomic mechanics using a similar characterization than in Riemannian geometry. We give explicit conditions to ﬁnd Jacobi ﬁelds and ﬁnally we ﬁnd the nonholonomic Jacobi fields in two equivalent ways: the ﬁrst one, using an appropriate complete lift of the nonholonomic system and, in the second one, using the curvature and torsion of the associated nonholonomic connection.
Screening of predominant microorganisms occurring on the concrete structures from selected locations
Authors: Holosova M , Estokova A
Published: December 2021

The aim of the present work is to provide an overview of the predominant microorganisms that effects structures of cementitious composites, which lead to biocorrosion, subsequently to the degradation of cementitious materials. Research is done by sampling of specimens taken from selected parts of the city of Košice. The sampling was mainly focused on insulated apartment panel buildings, part of the specimens was taken from uninsulated concrete and masonry plastered surfaces. Specimens were taken with sterile lab tubes, scalpels, and swabs by using dry, semi-dry and wet methods. The specimens were preserved in the cold place until their performance for the cultivation process. For cultivation purposes were important to prepare basal media for specimens of microorganisms and proceed isolation of cultures and their cultivation on appropriate media, identification of individual cultures. Data obtained after cultivation confirmed presence of predominant fungi genus such as Aspergillus, Botrytis, Cladosporium, Eutypella, Penicillium, Rhodotorula, Mucor, which create the ground for further research focused on the durability of cement paste based on secondary raw materials and their resistance against the predominant groups of microorganisms occurring in the objective location also by using extracts of several herbals as a prevention of microbial growth.
Identity, urbanity and division of housing estates in the Czech Republic
Authors: Kuta D , Teichmann M
Published: December 2021

The housing estates were built on the basis of the urban concept as a whole. These units can be viewed with a certain development potential, which they hide in the framework of a sustainable increase in the quality of life. All housing functions, not only in the housing estate, are decisive for the development of the whole society. In the sphere of housing, a person is born, formed and developed as a social and cultural being, therefore it is necessary to deal with the issue of identity, urbanity and the division of housing estates.
Intelligent and efficient parking solutions
Authors: Miksikova S , Kuda F , Steinova I
Published: December 2021

The high demand for mobility around the world means a constant increase in road traffic and a deterioration in parking spaces. The paper focuses on the issue of automatic parking systems in the Czech Republic. It defines automatic parking, functionality and also informs about the possibility of using BIM. It describes in detail the systems located in the city of Ostrava.
The importance of innovation in terms of a sustainable entrepreneurship in environment
Authors: Štverková H , Czerná K , Pohludka M
Published: December 2021

The aim of this paper is to define the importance of innovation in terms of a sustainable entrepreneurship in environment. The framework is based on a typology of sustainable entrepreneurship, and the application of an entrepreneurial approach in meeting societal goals and changing market contexts, and is related to sustainability innovation. The framework provides guidance to managers on how to implement sustainability innovations and strive for sustainable business.
Application of a Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Principal Component Regression (PCR) Chemometric Method for the Quantification of Respirable Crystalline Silica (Quartz), Kaolinite, and Coal in Coal Mine Dusts from Australia, UK, and South Africa
Authors: Stacey Peter , Clegg Francis , Rhyder Gary , Sammon Christopher
Published: December 2021

This article describes the approach used to assess the performance of a Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and principal component regression (PCR) chemometric method when measuring respirable quartz, kaolinite, and coal in samples from a variety of mines from different countries; relative to target assigned values determined using X-ray diffraction (XRD). For comparison, FTIR results using the partial least squares regression (PLSR) method are also available. Bulk dusts from 10 Australian mines were scanned using XRD and grouped into three sets based on the levels of quartz, kaolinite, and feldspar within their crystalline mineral composition. Prediction samples were generated from 5 of these Australian mine dusts, Durrans coal dust, 2 mine dusts from the UK, and a single South African mine dust (71 samples in total) by collecting the aerosolized respirable dust onto 25-mm diameter polyvinylchloride filters using the Safety in Mines Personal Dust Sampler (SIMPEDS) operating at 2.2 l min−1. The predicted values from the FTIR chemometric methods were compared with assigned target values determined using a direct on-aerosol filter XRD analysis method described in Method for the Determination of Hazardous Substances (MDHS) 101. Limits of detection (LOD) and uncertainty values for each analyte were calculated from a linear regression between target and predicted values. The uncertainty was determined using the calibration uncertainty equation for an unweighted regression. FTIR results from PCR and PLSR are very similar. For the PCR method, the LOD for quartz, kaolinite, and coal were 5, 25, and 71 µg, respectively. For quartz, an LOD of 5 µg corresponds to an airborne quartz concentration of 10 µg m−3, assuming a 4-h sampling time and collection flow rate of 2.2 l min−1. The FTIR measurement met the expected performance criteria outlined in ISO 20581 when sampling quartz for more than 4 h using a flow rate of 2.2 l min−1 at a concentration of 0.1 mg m−3 (100 µg m−3), the current workplace exposure limit in Great Britain. This method met the same performance criteria when measuring exposures at the Australian Workplace Exposure Standard (WES) concentration of 0.05 mg m−3, although in this case a sampling period greater than 8 h was needed.
The Length of Schooling and the Timing of Family Formation
Authors: Koebe Josefine , Marcus Jan
Published: December 2021

Individuals typically traverse several life phases before forming a family. We analyze whether changing the duration of one of these phases, the education phase, affects the timing of marriage and childbearing. For this purpose, we exploit the introduction of short school years (SSYs) in Germany in 1966–1967, which compressed the education phase without affecting the curriculum. Based on difference-in-differences regressions and German Micro Census data, we find that SSY exposure affects the timing of marriage for individuals in all secondary school tracks and shifts forward the birth of the first child mainly for academic-track graduates. This highlights that education policies might not only affect family formation through human capital accumulation, but also through changing the duration of earlier life phases. This is important as not only age at marriage and first birth increases in many countries, but also the duration of the education phase. (JEL codes: I26, J12, J13, J24)
Rheumatoid arthritis with nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease: a retrospective, single-centre cohort study
Authors: Takei Hiroshi , Nishina Naoshi , Namkoong Ho , Suzuki Katsuya , Uwamino Yoshifumi , Hasegawa Naoki , Takeuchi Tsutomu
Published: December 2021

Objectives

Nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) is a rare but important comorbidity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Our objective was to investigate the association between NTM-PD and RA, especially regarding the immunosuppressive treatment of RA such as biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective, single-centre cohort study. All RA patients regularly followed up at our rheumatology division in December 2012 were included in the study, and followed for 5 years.

Results

At baseline, 26 of 1639 RA patients had NTM-PD. During the observation period, 14 were newly diagnosed with NTM-PD. For new diagnosis of NTM-PD, bDMARD use at baseline was not a significant risk factor. Among the 40 patients with NTM-PD, 16 were treated with a total of 27 bDMARDs after NTM-PD diagnosis. They did not present with a greater exacerbation of NTM-PD than those not treated with bDMARDs (25 vs. 17%, p = .52). A total of 55 patients died, but nobody died of NTM-PD. NTM-PD was not associated with worse mortality in multivariate analysis (hazard ratio, 2.0; 95% CI, 0.6–6.4; p = .26).

Conclusions

Biological DMARD was not associated with worse prognosis of NTM-PD. Careful use of bDMARDs could be tolerated in RA patients with NTM-PD.
The Kingdom of Guatemala as a Cultural Crossroads
Authors: Leavitt-Alcántara Brianna
Published: December 2021

The study of colonial Central American history, particularly its cultural history, remains in a nascent stage of development compared to that of other parts of colonial Spanish America such as Mexico and Peru. This partly reflects historical study’s “center–periphery paradigm,” which has tended to concentrate scholarly attention on powerful political and economic centers while neglecting places like Central America, deemed as peripheral. Twentieth-century civil wars and political violence impeded archival research and also directed research agendas toward modern historical topics. Over the last thirty years, a small but lively field has expanded in exciting directions including the following four: colonial religious encounters and the emergence of diverse Mayan Christianities; Afro-Central American society and culture; women, sexuality, and gender in urban society; and the images, ideas, and innovations that brought Central Americans closer together but also sparked controversies and conflicts over the long eighteenth century, here defined roughly as 1670 to 1820.
Women in Central America since Independence
Authors: Rodríguez Sáenz Eugenia
Published: December 2021

In the struggle to reduce gender inequalities, women were recognized as having rights during the liberal reform movements and achieved greater access to education in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. They then began to form their own organizations, demand voting rights, and join major social struggles. In the mid-twentieth century, women began to modernize their living conditions in the context of the Cold War, development policies, and broader access to contraceptive methods that allowed them greater control over their reproductive capacity. At the same time, they gained a greater foothold in the labor market and education, began to become professionals, and joined movements promoting the democratization of their societies, including through armed struggle. Beginning in the 1990s, pro-feminist laws and institutions were created throughout the region, against which conservative religious and neoliberal forces have pushed back. Despite important gains, the progress achieved by women has been strongly influenced by class, ethnic, generational, and geographical differences, so young, urban, White, and mixed-race women of the middle and upper classes have been able to take better advantage of the new opportunities than have their indigenous, Afro-descendant, rural, working-class, and older counterparts.
Management of Septoria Tritici Blotch Using Cultivar Mixtures
Authors: Kristoffersen Rose , Eriksen Lars Bonde , Nielsen Ghita Cordsen , Jørgensen Johannes Ravn , Jørgensen Lise Nistrup
Published: December 2021

Septoria tritici blotch (STB) is among the most devastating diseases in European wheat production. In recent years, there has been increased interest in using cultivar mixtures as part of an integrated control strategy against diseases. This study investigated different cultivar mixtures for their ability to control STB across three years and at seven trial sites in Denmark with a range of fungicide strategies, yielding a total of 194 individual cultivar mixture combinations. The mixtures were composed of two, three, or four cultivars that were either similar or contrasting in their susceptibility to STB. Across all trials, the cultivar mixtures reduced disease severity significantly, by 14% compared with the component cultivars grown in monoculture. The reductions were larger when the disease pressure was high and when the mixtures included more cultivars. Mixtures composed of four cultivars reduced disease severity significantly, by 24%. Across all trials, cultivar mixtures significantly increased yield by 2% compared with the component cultivars grown in monoculture. The yield increase was significant for plots treated with one or two fungicide applications, and cultivar mixtures increased yield significantly, by 4.4% in untreated plots. The yield increase was smaller for mixtures with a high proportion of resistant cultivars. Based on the results from this study, cultivar mixtures can contribute positively to an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy, by reducing disease severity for STB and increasing yield. The most pronounced benefits from cultivar mixtures were found in fields with moderate to low fungicide input, under conditions with high disease pressure, when combining four cultivars with varying susceptibilities.
Sorghum Sheath Blight Caused byFusariumspp. in Sinaloa, Mexico
Authors: Félix-Gastélum Rubén , Mora-Carlón Bertha A. , Leyva-Madrigal Karla Y. , Solano-Báez Alma R. , Pérez-Mora Juan L. , Guerra-Meza Omar , Mora-Romero Guadalupe A.
Published: December 2021

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) leaf sheath blight was observed for the first time in Sinaloa, Mexico in the summer of 2020. Fungal isolates were obtained from symptomatic tissue in potato dextrose agar. Fusarium spp. were associated with symptomatic plants in 10 sampling sites under field conditions. No root and stalk rot was observed during the sampling period. Analysis of fragments of the translation elongation factor alpha and RNA polymerase II second largest subunit genes indicated that all isolates belong to the Fusarium fujikuroi species complex (FFSC). Five groups were delineated from this complex: F. thapsinum, F. verticillioides, Fusarium sp. (four isolates), Fusarium sp. 4 (Fus4), and Fusarium sp. (Fus16), which is closely related to Fusarium madaense. The morphological characteristics (colony color and morphometry of conidia) of isolates with sequence similarities to those of F. thapsinum and F. verticillioides were in the expected range for these species. The morphology of isolates Fus7a, Fus7b, Fus11, and Fus17, as well as Fus4 and Fus16, were similar to those of the FFSC, specially to F. andiyazi and F. madaense. Inoculations of sorghum with representative isolates of F. thapsinum, F. verticillioides and the unidentified Fusarium species resulted in reddish brown lesions similar to those observed under field conditions; the original isolates inoculated were reisolated fulfilling the Koch’s postulates. Although leaf sheaths on sorghum plants were heavily damaged, root and stalk rot were not observed in the greenhouse inoculations or under field conditions. Future research should focus on determining the identity of the unknown Fusarium spp. to design control measures for the disease. This is the first report of Fusarium spp. causing sorghum leaf sheath blight in Mexico.
Three-dimensional gait analysis in children with recurrent idiopathic clubfoot undergoing complete tibialis anterior tendon transfer
Authors: Li Jingchun , Xun Fuxing , Li Yiqiang , Liu Yuanzhong , Xu Hongwen , Canavese Federico
Published: December 2021

This study was aimed to evaluate the kinetics and kinematics of the foot and ankle using three-dimensional gait analysis in children with recurrent clubfoot treated with tibialis anterior tendon transfer (TATT). Three-dimensional gait analysis of 17 children with dynamic supination (24 feet; 12 males; mean age: 6.34 years) was performed pre- and post-TATT. Spatial, temporal and kinematic parameters, as well as the gait deviation index (GDI), were recorded for all patients. Moreover, to evaluate the severity of dynamic supination during walking, we also measured the angle between the plane of the foot and the X-axis during the swing phase (V-angle-S). The postoperative step length (38.95 ± 8.36 cm) and stride length (76.73 ± 15.92 cm) were significantly smaller than their preoperative values (40.68 ± 9.35 cm and 80.57 ± 17.51 cm; P = 0.0316 and P = 0.0028, respectively). The postoperative peak internal ankle rotation angle in the frontal plane (20.45° ± 14.44) was significantly lower than the preoperative value (25.93° ± 9.84; P = 0.029). The postoperative peak internal foot progression angle in the transverse plane (0.96° ± 5.83) was significantly lower than the preoperative value (4.34° ± 8.88; P = 0.026). However, both the peak ankle varus moment and GDI were not significantly different between the pre- and postoperative data. Postoperative V-angle-S values (28.55° ± 7.56) were reduced compared to their preoperative values (32.52° ± 6.53; P = 0.0094). TATT to the lateral cuneiform can correct dynamic supination in patients with a recurrent clubfoot; however, it has limited or no effects on hindfoot varus deformity. Level of evidence: Level III.
Functional outcomes of a modified Duran postoperative rehabilitation protocol after primary repairs of pediatric hand flexor tendon injuries
Authors: Lin James S. , Balch Samora Julie
Published: December 2021

The objective of this study was to determine whether pediatric patients undergoing flexor tendon repair who underwent 4 weeks of immobilization followed by a modified Duran controlled passive motion rehabilitation protocol will have favorable outcomes. A study was performed at a tertiary pediatric hospital of patients <18 years who underwent primary flexor tendon repairs in zones 1–4. Outcomes were calculated by total active motion and classified by the original Strickland criteria or Buck-Gramcko criteria. Twenty-eight patients with 34 injured fingers were included. Mean age was 11.4 years (range 2.4–17.9) with 17 males (61%) and 11 females (39%). Thirty-five percent of injuries occurred in zone 1; 35% zone 2; 6% zone 3; and 24% zone 4. All underwent a modified Duran postoperative rehabilitation protocol following a period of immobilization. The majority of patients achieved favorable outcomes, with 86% of cases classified as good/excellent. Thirty (88%) cases received surgery acutely (within 3 weeks). Of these, 70% achieved excellent outcomes, 17% good, and 13% fair. Four (12%) chronic cases underwent primary repair (range 24–68 days), achieving excellent outcomes in 50%, good in 25%, and fair in 25%. Three (75%) patients with delayed primary repair exhibited stiffness, which was greater than the 17% of patients with acute repairs (P = 0.03). Approximately 1 month of immobilization followed by a modified Duran rehabilitation protocol leads to favorable outcomes in children with flexor tendon repairs. Children with delayed surgery (>3 weeks) who underwent primary repair generally still achieved good outcomes but were more likely to have stiffness. Level of evidence: III.
Racial Differences in Iliac Crest Cancellous Bone Composition
Authors: Cho Woojin , Nessim Adam , Gartenberg Ariella , Sekerak Richard , Brill Sam , Lian Jayson , Sperling Karen , Chang Dong-Gune
Published: December 2021

Study Design:

This was a retrospective cohort study.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to determine whether race, specifically American white and American black, correlates with the ratio of cancellous to total bone at the iliac crest.

Summary of Background Data:

Studies have demonstrated higher proximal femur bone density in American blacks than American whites. However, whether differences occur at the iliac crest, a common site for autologous graft material in spinal fusion surgery, is not well studied. Understanding such differences could aid orthopedic surgeon decision-making regarding graft options.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective review was performed on 133 sequential patients ages 18–75 who underwent computed tomography scan of the pelvis, at a single academic medical center from January 1, 2014, to January 1, 2016. The cohort included 46 American white (21 females, 25 males) and 87 American black participants (40 females, 37 males), an average age of 51.8 years. Groups were matched regarding age, sex, body mass index, and Charlson Comorbidity Score. Measurements of cortical and cancellous bone thickness in the right and left iliac crests were performed using bone window protocol on computed tomography scans. Statistical significance was determined using a 2-tailed t test.

Results:

The interobserver interclass correlation coefficient reliability (N=2) for measurements at the right iliac crest is 0.895 (95% confidence interval, 0.852–0.925), and the interclass correlation coefficient for the left iliac crest is 0.912 (95% confidence interval, 0.877–0.938). A statistically significant difference in the mean cancellous bone ratio was found between American black (0.667±0.065) and American white (0.750±0.051) groups (P<0.001).

Conclusions:

At the iliac crest, American black patients had a lower mean ratio of cancellous to the total bone as compared with American white patients. This population may benefit from alternative graft options. While iliac crest autograft remains the first option for fusion surgeries, alternative options should be considered to ensure that each patient receives the best-personalized care.
The Role of Family-wise Error Rate in Determining Statistical Significance
Authors: Nicholson Kristen J. , Sherman Matthew , Divi Srikanth N. , Bowles Daniel R. , Vaccaro Alex R.
Published: December 2021

The threshold for statistical significance is determined by the maximum allowable probability of Type I error (α). For studies that test multiple hypotheses or make multiple comparisons, the probability of at least 1 Type I error (family-wise error rate; FWER) increases as the number of hypotheses/comparisons increase. It is generally best practice to set the acceptable threshold for FWER to be less than or equal to α. Bonferroni correction and Tukey honestly significant difference test are 2 of the more common methods to control for FWER. When doing exploratory analysis or evaluating secondary outcomes of a study, it may not be necessary or desirable to control for FWER, which reduces the power of the study. However, deciding to control for FWER should be decided during the design of the study.
Auto-intestine transplantation for pancreatic tumors with mesenteric root involvement: a systematic review and survival-based analysis
Authors: Yadav Dipesh Kumar , Huang Xing , Zhang Qi , Zhang Gang , Bai Xueli , Liang Tingbo
Published: December 2021

To analyze a long-term survival outcome of an auto-intestine transplantation (aINTx) for the patients with locally advanced pancreatic tumor and identify the potential prognostic factors, databases were carefully searched for the studies reporting the patients with a locally advanced pancreatic tumor which typically underwent aINTx. We performed a database search using PubMed, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and MEDLINE to identify multiple case series of the patients who had pancreatic tumors with mesenteric root involvement and underwent aINTx, to evaluate the treatment outcomes, and calculated the patient survival using the Kaplan–Meier method and Cox proportional hazard regression analysis to properly identify an independent predictor of the survival. A total of 9 retrospective studies with a total of 29 patients were included in our study. The calculated 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival rates for the patients with pancreatic cancer and benign or low grade pancreatic tumors were 49.64%, 22.06%, and 0% versus 100%, 100%, and 80%, respectively. The corresponding median survival time was 13.4 months and 84 months, respectively. Moreover, when stratifying the pancreatic cancer patients undergoing aINTx on the basis of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (aINTx + neoadjuvant vs aINTx - neoadjuvant) there was a significant difference in the survival (P = .01). The 1- and 2-year survival rates were 75% and 75% versus 34.1% and 0%, respectively. Corresponding median survival times were 24 months and 10 months, respectively. Our analysis shows the long-term survival benefit with acceptable morbidity and mortality of pancreatoduodenectomy and aINTx for the pancreatic tumors with the mesenteric root involvement that are otherwise unresectable by the conventional surgical techniques. However, from an oncological point of view, a larger study with the control group is required to determine its safety compared to less aggressive surgical treatment.
Effect of adrenaline dose on neurological outcome in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: a nationwide propensity score analysis
Authors: Jaeger Deborah , Baert Valentine , Javaudin Francois , Debaty Guillaume , Duhem Helene , Koger Jonathan , Gueugniaud Pierre-Yves , Tazarourte Karim , El Khoury Carlos , Hubert Herve , Chouihed Tahar ,   on behalf of GR-RéAC
Published: December 2021

Background

Adrenaline is recommended during cardio-pulmonary resuscitation. The optimal dose remains debated, and the effect of lower than recommended dose is unknown.

Objective

To compare the outcome of patients treated with the recommended, lower or higher cumulative doses of adrenaline.

Design, settings, participants

Patients were included from the French National Cardiac Arrest Registry and were grouped based on the received dose of adrenaline: recommended, higher and lower dose.

Outcome measures and analysis

The primary endpoint was good neurologic outcome at 30 days post-OHCA, defined by a cerebral performance category (CPC) of less than 3. Secondary endpoints included return of spontaneous circulation and survival to hospital discharge. A multiple propensity score adjustment approach was performed.

Main results

27 309 patients included from July 1st 2011 to January 1st 2019 were analysed, mean age was 68 (57–78) years and 11.2% had ventricular fibrillation. 588 (2.2%) patients survived with a good CPC score. After adjustment, patients in the high dose group had a significant lower rate of good neurologic outcome (OR, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.5–0.7). There was no significant difference for the primary endpoint in the lower dose group (OR, 0.8; 95% CI, 0.7–1.1). There was a lower rate of survival to hospital discharge in the high-dose group vs. standard group (OR, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.5–0.6).

Conclusion

The use of lower doses of adrenaline was not associated with a significant difference on survival good neurologic outcomes at D30. But a higher dose of adrenaline was associated with a lower rate of survival with good neurological outcomes and poorer survival at D30.
Standardization of Care Reduces Length of Stay for Postoperative Congenital Heart Disease Patients
Authors: Cosgrove Tara C. , Carlozzi Lauren N. , Dolan Kevin F. , Gleeson Sean P. , Johnson Lanette L. , Cassidy Steven C. , Gajarski Robert J.
Published: December 2021

Introduction:

Congenital heart disease (CHD), the most common congenital malformation, often requires surgical correction. As surgical mortality rates are low, a common quality marker linked with surgical outcomes is hospital length of stay (LOS). Reduced LOS is associated with better long-term outcomes, reduced hospital-acquired complications, and improved patient-family satisfaction. This project aimed to reduce aggregate median postoperative LOS for four CHD lesions from a baseline of 6.2 days by 10%.

Methods:

This single-center study utilized the Institute for Healthcare Improvement model to achieve the project aim. A diuretic wean protocol implemented in April 2018 entailed weaning to a homegoing diuretic regimen upon transfer from the cardiac intensive care unit to the inpatient step-down unit. A discharge milestone checklist implemented in September 2018 contained milestones necessary for discharge and an anticipated date of discharge. Outcome measures included aggregate median postoperative LOS and ∆LOS. Balancing measures included cardiac intensive care unit bounce back, pleural chest tube replacement, and readmission rates.

Results:

Our baseline aggregate median postoperative LOS for the lesions studied was 6.2 days. Following diuretic protocol implementation, the aggregate median LOS decreased to 4.4 days. Baseline ∆LOS decreased from 5.5 to 0.42 days. Postoperative cost fell by an average of $11,874. Balancing measures demonstrated no unintended consequences.

Conclusions:

Implementation of a diuretic wean protocol led to sustained improvement in postoperative LOS, and ∆LOS in a subset of CHD patients with no unintended consequences supporting that standardization of postoperative care is effective for improvement efforts and can reduce overall practice variation.