bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Raucherassoziierte interstitielle Lungenerkrankungen
Authors: Röhrich Sebastian , Heidinger Benedikt H. , Prayer Florian , Kifjak Daria , Beer Lucian , Wassipaul Christian , Watzenböck Martin , Milos Ruxandra-Iulia , Prosch Helmut
Published: June 2022

Klinisches Problem

Raucherassoziierte interstitielle Lungenerkrankungen umfassen heterogene pulmonale Pathologien, deren korrekte Diagnostik prognostische und therapeutische Konsequenzen hat. In diesem Artikel werden die gängigsten raucherassoziierten interstitiellen Lungenerkrankungen beschrieben sowie eine strukturierte Herangehensweise präsentiert, welche den diagnostischen Arbeitsprozess erleichtern kann.

Empfehlungen für die Praxis

Die Computertomographie (CT) besitzt einen hohen Stellenwert in der Diagnose der raucherassoziierten interstitiellen Lungenerkrankungen und kann dazu beitragen, Lungenbiopsien zu verhindern. Um eine hohe diagnostische Genauigkeit zu erreichen, sollten standardisierte Untersuchungsprotokolle sowie eine strukturierte Herangehensweise in der Befundung zur Anwendung kommen. In den entzündlich dominierten Stadien der respiratorischen Bronchiolitis (RB), der respiratorischen Bronchiolitis mit interstitieller Lungenerkrankung (RB-ILD) sowie der desquamativen interstitiellen Pneumonie (DIP) haben die Beendigung des Rauchens sowie Steroide den größten therapeutischen Effekt. Bei fibrotischen Veränderungen (z. B. im Rahmen einer idiopathischen pulmonalen Fibrose [IPF]) können antifibrotische Therapien mit Pirfenidon und Nintedanib zum Einsatz kommen. Patienten mit dem Verdacht auf raucherassoziierte interstitielle Lungenerkrankung sollten in multidisziplinären Boards abgeklärt und behandelt werden.
A roadmap to achieve pharmacological precision medicine in diabetes
Authors: Florez Jose C. , Pearson Ewan R.
Published: June 2022

Current pharmacological treatment of diabetes is largely algorithmic. Other than for cardiovascular disease or renal disease, where sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors and/or glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists are indicated, the choice of treatment is based upon overall risks of harm or side effect and cost, and not on probable benefit. Here we argue that a more precise approach to treatment choice is necessary to maximise benefit and minimise harm from existing diabetes therapies. We propose a roadmap to achieve precision medicine as standard of care, to discuss current progress in relation to monogenic diabetes and type 2 diabetes, and to determine what additional work is required. The first step is to identify robust and reliable genetic predictors of response, recognising that genotype is static over time and provides the skeleton upon which modifiers such as clinical phenotype and metabolic biomarkers can be overlaid. The second step is to identify these metabolic biomarkers (e.g. beta cell function, insulin sensitivity, BMI, liver fat, metabolite profile), which capture the metabolic state at the point of prescribing and may have a large impact on drug response. Third, we need to show that predictions that utilise these genetic and metabolic biomarkers improve therapeutic outcomes for patients, and fourth, that this is cost-effective. Finally, these biomarkers and prediction models need to be embedded in clinical care systems to enable effective and equitable clinical implementation. Whilst this roadmap is largely complete for monogenic diabetes, we still have considerable work to do to implement this for type 2 diabetes. Increasing collaborations, including with industry, and access to clinical trial data should enable progress to implementation of precision treatment in type 2 diabetes in the near future.

Graphical abstract
Higher return to pre-injury type of sports after revision anterior ligament reconstruction with lateral extra-articular tenodesis compared to without lateral extra-articular tenodesis
Authors: Keizer Michèle N. J. , Brouwer Reinoud W. , de Graaff Feike , Hoogeslag Roy A. G.
Published: June 2022

Purpose

To evaluate the rate of return to pre-injury type of sports (RTS type) in patients after revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) with lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) compared to patients after revision ACLR without LET.

Methods

Seventy-eight patients who underwent revision ACLR with an autologous ipsilateral bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft with and without LET were included at least one year after surgery (mean follow-up: 43.9, SD: 29.2 months). All patients filled in a questionnaire about RTS type, the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), the International Knee Documentation Committee subjective form (IKDCsubjective), and the Tegner activity score.

Results

The RTS type for revision ACLR with LET was 22 of 42 (52%), whereas 11 of 36 (31%) of the patients who underwent revision ACLR without LET returned to the pre-injury type of sport (p = 0.05). No significant differences were found in KOOS subscores, IKDCsubjective, and Tegner activity scores.

Conclusion

An additional LET increases the rate of RTS type after revision ACLR.

Level of evidence

III.
Diverting stomas reduce reoperation rates for anastomotic leak but not overall reoperation rates within 30 days after anterior rectal resection: a national cohort study
Authors: Myrseth Elisabeth , Nymo Linn Såve , Gjessing Petter Fosse , Norderval Stig
Published: June 2022

Purpose

A diverting stoma is commonly formed to reduce the rate of anastomotic leak following anterior resection with anastomosis, although some studies question this strategy. The aim of this study was to assess the leak rates and overall complication burden after anterior resection with and without a diverting stoma.

Methods

A 5-year national cohort with prospectively registered data of patients who underwent elective anterior resection for rectal cancer located < 15 cm from the anal verge. Data were retrieved from the Norwegian Registry for Gastrointestinal Surgery and the Norwegian Colorectal Cancer Registry. Primary end point was relaparotomy or relaparoscopy for anastomotic leak within 30 days from index surgery. Secondary endpoints were postoperative complications including reoperation for any cause.

Results

Some 1018 patients were included of whom 567 had a diverting stoma and 451 had not. Rate of reoperation for anastomotic leak was 13 out of 567 (2.3%) for patients with diverting stoma and 35 out of 451 (7.8%) (p > 0.001) for patients without. In multivariable analyses not having a diverting stoma (aOR 3.77, c.i 1.97–7.24, p < 0.001) was associated with increased risk for anastomotic leak. However, there were no differences in overall reoperation rates following anterior resection with or without diverting stoma (9.3% vs 10.9%, p = 0.423), and overall complication rates were similar. Reoperation was associated with increased mortality irrespective of the main intraoperative finding.

Conclusion

Diverting stoma formation after anterior resection is protective against reoperation for anastomotic leak but does not affect overall rates of reoperation or complications within 30 days.
Correlation between change in central subfield thickness and change in visual acuity in macular edema due to retinal vein occlusion: post hoc analysis of COPERNICUS, GALILEO, and VIBRANT
Authors: Gu Sophie Z. , Nanegrungsunk Onnisa , Bressler Susan B. , Du Weiming , Amer Fouad , Moini Hadi , Bressler Neil M.
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Assess correlation between change in central subfield thickness (CST) and change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in eyes with macular edema due to retinal vein occlusion (RVO) that received intravitreal aflibercept injections (IAI).

Methods

Post hoc analysis of COPERNICUS and GALILEO trials for CRVO and VIBRANT trial for BRVO with relationships determined using Pearson correlation coefficient.

Results

In COPERNICUS, correlations (r) between change in CST and change in BCVA from baseline at weeks 12, 24, 52, and 100 were −0.36 (95% CI: −0.52, −0.18; P < 0.001), −0.38 (95% CI: −0.53, −0.20; P < 0.001), −0.44 (95% CI: −0.58, −0.27; P < 0.001), and −0.41 (95% CI: −0.56, −0.23; P < 0.001), respectively. CST changes accounted for only 21% of the variance in BCVA changes; every 100-µm decrease in CST was associated with a 2.1-letter increase in BCVA (P = 0.003). Similar findings were noted for GALILEO (r, −0.45 to −0.23) and VIBRANT (r, −0.36 to −0.32) trials.

Conclusion

In eyes treated with IAI for macular edema due to RVO, correlation between change in CST and change in BCVA was weak to moderate. While change in CST may be helpful in determining the need for anti-VEGF therapy, these findings do not support using changes in CST as a surrogate for changes in visual acuity outcomes.
Programmed cell death 1 pathway inhibitors improve the overall survival of small cell lung cancer patients with brain metastases
Authors: Chang JiaYu , Jing XuQuan , Hua Ying , Geng KaiXing , Li RuYue , Lu ShuangQing , Zhu Hui , Zhang Yan
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in small cell lung cancer patients with brain metastases.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the records of small cell lung cancer patients with brain metastases treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy for brain metastases with or without immune checkpoint inhibitors at our institution from January 2019 to January 2021. Patients were divided into two groups. In Group A, patients received chemotherapy and radiotherapy for brain metastases. In Group B, patients received chemotherapy, radiotherapy for brain metastases and at least four cycles of immunotherapy. Overall survival and intracranial progression-free survival were assessed using Kaplan–Meier estimates and Cox regression models.

Results

A total of 282 patients were enrolled in our study. At the end of the study (May 12, 2021), the median overall survival was 13.3 months among 218 patients in Group A and 33.4 months among 64 patients in Group B (hazards ratio [HR] 0.320, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.189–0.545, P < 0.001). Both univariate and multivariate analyses suggested that two factors were significantly correlated with overall survival: the inclusion of immunotherapy in the regimen and the presence of extracranial metastases. The median intracranial progression-free survival was 6.93 months in Group A and 10.73 months in Group B (HR = 0.540, 95% CI, 0.346–0.841, P = 0.006). The intracranial objective response rate of Group B was greater than that of Group A, but the intracranial disease control rate was similar between the groups.

Conclusion

Immunotherapy plus chemotherapy and radiotherapy for brain metastases showed promising efficacy for small cell lung cancer patients with brain metastases.
Multi-head attention-based two-stream EfficientNet for action recognition
Authors: Zhou Aihua , Ma Yujun , Ji Wanting , Zong Ming , Yang Pei , Wu Min , Liu Mingzhe
Published: June 2022

Recent years have witnessed the popularity of using two-stream convolutional neural networks for action recognition. However, existing two-stream convolutional neural network-based action recognition approaches are incapable of distinguishing some roughly similar actions in videos such as sneezing and yawning. To solve this problem, we propose a Multi-head Attention-based Two-stream EfficientNet (MAT-EffNet) for action recognition, which can take advantage of the efficient feature extraction of EfficientNet. The proposed network consists of two streams (i.e., a spatial stream and a temporal stream), which first extract the spatial and temporal features from consecutive frames by using EfficientNet. Then, a multi-head attention mechanism is utilized on the two streams to capture the key action information from the extracted features. The final prediction is obtained via a late average fusion, which averages the softmax score of spatial and temporal streams. The proposed MAT-EffNet can focus on the key action information at different frames and compute the attention multiple times, in parallel, to distinguish similar actions. We test the proposed network on the UCF101, HMDB51 and Kinetics-400 datasets. Experimental results show that the MAT-EffNet outperforms other state-of-the-art approaches for action recognition.
Die EZB-Geldpolitik in der Zwickmühle
Authors: Bernoth Kerstin , Fratzscher Marcel
Published: June 2022

It seems clear that the ECB will raise interest rates in July 2022 and end its asset purchase program. This should send a strong and important signal to markets and economic players that the ECB continues to take its mandate for price stability seriously. However, it cannot be said with absolute certainty that these monetary policy decisions herald the start of a gradual tighter stance toward monetary policy normalisation. This is because economic uncertainty is currently extremely high. The ECB therefore finds itself in a difficult dilemma: It must take decisive action against high inflation, but should retain plenty of flexibility to be able to respond to a renewed crisis.
Die EZB muss die Inflation glaubwürdiger bekämpfen
Authors: Horst Maximilian , Stempel Daniel , Neyer Ulrike
Published: June 2022

Inflation rates in the euro area have reached historic highs due in large part to high energy prices. As the euro area is a net importer of energy, one refers to this inflation as imported inflation. There is a danger that these high inflation rates will become entrenched in inflation expectations. This would not only imply that high inflation rates will persist but it could also cause a dangerous upward price spiral. Consequently, the ECB should communicate more clearly and more credibly that it will counteract this danger and act accordingly as the costs of disinflation will remain higher the longer the ECB waits to act.
Energiekrise und Lieferstopp für Gas: Auswirkungen auf die Betriebe in Deutschland
Authors: Kagerl Christian , Moritz Michael , Roth Duncan , Stegmaier Jens , Stepanok Ignat , Weber Enzo
Published: June 2022

Seit 2021 steigen die Energiepreise kräftig an. Mit Beginn des russischen Kriegs gegen die Ukraine sind sie noch einmal in die Höhe geschnellt. Neben Lieferkettenstörungen und Exportrückgängen dämpft das die wirtschaftliche Entwicklung, Konjunkturprognosen wurden deutlich nach unten revidiert. Darüber hinaus stellt ein mögliches komplettes Ausbleiben aller Lieferungen von Energieträgern aus Russland ein erhebliches Risiko dar. Über die zu erwartenden Folgen ist viel diskutiert worden. Wenn es um die Auswirkungen eines Lieferstopps von Gas geht, kommen bisherige Berechnungen auf Basis ökonomischer Modelle zu uneindeutigen Ergebnissen mit einer Spannbreite von einem verkraftbaren Schock (Bachmann et al., 2022) bis hin zu massiven und dauerhaften wirtschaftlichen Schäden (Krebs, 2022).
Innovationspolitik in der neuen Legislaturperiode: eine neue strategische Ausrichtung?
Authors: Feser Daniel
Published: June 2022

Die im Koalitionsvertrag skizzierte Innovationspolitik stellt einen Übergang zwischen traditioneller und transformativer Politik dar. Die aktuelle deutsche Innovationspolitik zeichnet sich, neben unternehmenszentrierten Maßnahmen, vor allem durch die Ausrichtung auf gesamtgesellschaftliche Ziele aus. Dies bedeutet eine graduelle Weiterentwicklung im Vergleich zur Vorgängerregierung. Im Zentrum steht die Reorganisation von Wissenstransfer für gesellschaftliche Transformationen. Auswirkungen der Innovationspolitik der Ampelkoalition ergeben sich in den Bereichen der Technologieoffenheit, der Legitimation der Politikmaßnahmen und der Partizipation bei Änderung der Zielsetzungen.
Multi-year, post-harvesting impact assessment in a neotropical secondary Atlantic Forest
Authors: Britto Pedro Caldas , Jaeger Dirk , Hoffmann Stephan , Robert Renato Cesar Gonçalves , Vibrans Alexander Christian , Fantini Alfredo Celso
Published: June 2022

Subject to overexploitation in the past centuries, the Atlantic Forest is subject to very rigorous protection rules. However, the law is a controversial issue since landowners are not compensated for the limited choice of land use possibilities. We believe that, alternatively to a general timber harvest ban, sustainable forest management of the Atlantic Forest has the potential to generate income for the landowners while sustaining important ecological functions of the forest. Such choice would require better understanding of the potential effects of timber harvesting on the forest ecosystem and on species composition and succession over time. In this context, we assessed the harvesting impact of a conventional harvesting method (CM) and compared it to an alternative harvesting method (AM) in three different stands (stands A, B and C) of a secondary forest fragment in southern Brazil. Results from three comprehensive forest inventories over a period of two years were used to assess the timber harvesting impact. Measurements of species composition (i.e., number of species, life form, ecological group), forest structure (i.e., density, basal area, DBH, volume) and saplings density formed the basis of the impact assessment. The inventories were carried out before, immediately after and two years after harvesting. Intensities of damage on remnant trees immediately after harvesting and two years after harvesting were also measured. Before harvesting, a total of 114 tree species (trees, tree fern and palm tree) belonging to 49 families were identified in the study site’s three research stands. Palm trees and secondary species, such as Euterpe edulis, represented the majority of recruited individuals (DBH ≥ 5 cm) two years after harvesting. However, new saplings (DBH ≤ 5 cm) after two years were mainly pioneer woody tree species, such as Cecropia glaziovii and Schizolobium parahyba. On average, AM reduced damage to saplings by 5%. Most of the damages caused by CM were moderate to severe, while AM caused light to moderate damages. Binary logistic regression indicated dependency of the mortality rates on the independent variables “stand, stem and leaning damages.” On the other hand, the recovery rates of damaged trees were dependent on crown, stem and leaning damages. Therefore, two years after harvesting a higher mortality rate of low-dimensional trees was observed in stands with high density of smaller trees and high density of improvement felling. Although crown damages were not related to mortality rates, high intensity of crown damages reduced recovery rates over time.
The macroeconomic effects of import tariffs in a model with multinational firms and foreign direct investment
Authors: Roeger Werner , Welfens Paul J. J.
Published: June 2022

Recent (de-)globalization tendencies and rising protectionist measures has created new interest in studying the effects of unilateral and world-wide tariffs. This paper contributes to this issue by taking into account that international transactions in goods and services increasingly take the form of foreign direct investment. We look at the effects of import tariffs in the context of a two-region DSGE model with both an exporting and an FDI sector. We find that the tariff jumping effect on FDI is largely outweighed by a cost effect if the tariff is imposed on all imports. This holds in the case of both tariffs imposed unilaterally and worldwide import tariffs. Our analysis confirms the aggregate positive welfare effects of a unilateral tariff, but also shows inefficiencies resulting from consumption and production distortions. This leads to lower GDP and real wages through the investment channel. However, governments can generate a tariff jumping effect by exempting imports of multinationals from tariffs. This reduces negative growth effects but also lowers welfare gains since there are less tariff revenues to support consumption. In the case of a world-wide tariff, exempting imports of multinationals reduces negative welfare effects.
The integrative approach to inferring homology: morphology and development combined
Authors: Nejad Kourki Arsham
Published: June 2022

Reconstructing ancestral species is a challenging endeavour: fossils are often scarce or enigmatic, and inferring ancestral characters based on novel molecular approaches (e.g. comparative genomics or developmental genetics) has long been controversial. A key philosophical challenge pertinent at present is the lack of a theoretical framework capable of evaluating inferences of homology made through integration of multiple kinds of evidence (e.g. molecular, developmental, or morphological). Here, I present just such a framework. I start with a brief history and critical assessment of attempts at inferring morphological homology through developmental genetics. I then bring attention to a recent model of homology, namely Character Identity Mechanisms (DiFrisco et al. 2020), intended partly to elucidate the relationships between morphological characters, developmental genetics, and homology. I utilise and build on this model to construct the evaluative framework mentioned above, which judges the epistemic value of evidence of each kind in each particular case based on three proposed criteria: effectiveness, admissibility, and informativity, as well as providing a generalised guideline on how it can be scientifically operationalised. I then point out the evolution of the eumetazoan body plan as a case in point where the application of this framework can yield satisfactory results, both empirically and conceptually. I will conclude with a discussion on some potential implications for more general philosophy of biology and philosophy of science, especially surrounding evidential integration, models and explanation, and reductionism.
The effect of discrete wavelengths of visible light on the developing murine embryo
Authors: Campugan Carl A. , Lim Megan , Chow Darren J. X. , Tan Tiffany C. Y. , Li Tong , Saini Avishkar A. , Orth Antony , Reineck Philipp , Schartner Erik P. , Thompson Jeremy G. , Dholakia Kishan , Dunning Kylie R.
Published: June 2022

Purpose

A current focus of the IVF field is non-invasive imaging of the embryo to quantify developmental potential. Such approaches use varying wavelengths to gain maximum biological information. The impact of irradiating the developing embryo with discrete wavelengths of light is not fully understood. Here, we assess the impact of a range of wavelengths on the developing embryo.

Methods

Murine preimplantation embryos were exposed daily to wavelengths within the blue, green, yellow, and red spectral bands and compared to an unexposed control group. Development to blastocyst, DNA damage, and cell number/allocation to blastocyst cell lineages were assessed. For the longer wavelengths (yellow and red), pregnancy/fetal outcomes and the abundance of intracellular lipid were investigated.

Results

Significantly fewer embryos developed to the blastocyst stage when exposed to the yellow wavelength. Elevated DNA damage was observed within embryos exposed to blue, green, or red wavelengths. There was no effect on blastocyst cell number/lineage allocation for all wavelengths except red, where there was a significant decrease in total cell number. Pregnancy rate was significantly reduced when embryos were irradiated with the red wavelength. Weight at weaning was significantly higher when embryos were exposed to yellow or red wavelengths. Lipid abundance was significantly elevated following exposure to the yellow wavelength.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that the impact of light is wavelength-specific, with longer wavelengths also impacting the embryo. We also show that effects are energy-dependent. This data shows that damage is multifaceted and developmental rate alone may not fully reflect the impact of light exposure.
Autonomous Robotic Sensing for Simultaneous Geometric and Volumetric Inspection of Free-Form Parts
Authors: Mineo Carmelo , Cerniglia Donatella , Poole Alastair
Published: June 2022

Robotic sensing is used in many sectors to improve the inspection of large and/or complex parts, enhancing data acquisition speed, part coverage and inspection reliability. Several automated or semi-automated solutions have been proposed to enable the automated deployment of specific types of sensors. The trajectory to be followed by a robotic manipulator is typically obtained through the offline programmed tool paths for the inspection of a part. This method is acceptable for a part with known geometry in a well-structured and controlled environment. The part undergoing assessment needs to be precisely registered with respect to the robot reference system. It implies the need for a setup preparation phase for each new part, which can be very laborious and reliant on the human experience. This work combines real-time robot control and live sensor data to confer full autonomy to robotic sensing applications. It presents a novel framework that enables fully autonomous single-pass geometric and volumetric inspection of complex parts using one single robotised sensor. A practical and robust robot control sequence allows the autonomous correction of the sensor orientation and position to maximise the sensor signal amplitude. It is accompanied by an autonomous in-process path planning method, capable of keeping the inspection resolution uniform throughout the full extension of the free-form parts. Last but not least, a by-product of the framework is the progressive construction of the digital model of the part surface throughout the inspection process. The introduced framework is scalable and applicable to widely different fields.
Personalized home-care support for the elderly: a field experience with a social robot at home
Authors: Di Napoli Claudia , Ercolano Giovanni , Rossi Silvia
Published: June 2022

Socially assistive robotics (SAR) is getting a lot of attention for its potential in assisting elderly users. However, for robotic assistive applications to be effective, they need to satisfy the particular needs of each user and be well perceived. For this purpose, a personalization based on user’s characteristics such as personality and cognitive profile, and their dynamic changes is a crucial factor. Moreover, most of the existing solutions rely on the availability of specific technological infrastructures, generally requiring high economic investment, and that cannot be easily placed in different environments. Personalization and adaptation of assistive robotics applications to different user’s characteristics and needs, and even to different technological environments, are still not fully addressed in real environments. In the present work, the results of the UPA4SAR project are presented. The project aimed at providing a social robotic system to deliver assistive tasks for home care of patients with mild cognitive impairment in a personalized and adaptive way. We introduce the general architecture of the system and the developed robotic behaviors. Personalization and dynamic adaptation of assistive tasks are realized using a service-oriented approach by taking into account both user’s characteristics and environmental dynamic conditions. Field experimentation of the project was carried out with 7 patients, using the robotic system autonomously running in their homes for a total of 118 days. Results showed a reliable functioning of the proposed robotic system, a generally positive reaction, and a good acceptability rate from patients.
The efficacy of a tart cherry drink for the treatment of patellofemoral pain in recreationally active individuals: a placebo randomized control trial
Authors: Sinclair Jonathan , Stainton Philip , Dillon Stephanie , Taylor Paul John , Richardson Cassandra , Bottoms Lindsay , Hobbs Sarah Jane , Shadwell Gareth , Liles Naomi , Allan Robert
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to explore the efficacy of U.S. Montmorency tart cherry in treating recreationally active individuals with patellofemoral pain.

Methods

Twenty-four recreationally active participants with patellofemoral pain were randomly separated into either placebo (males N = 8, females N = 4, age = 43.30 ± 7.86 yrs, mass = 72.10 ± 17.89 kg, stature = 171.16 ± 10.17, BMI = 24.31 ± 3.75 kg/m2, symptom duration = 30.18 ± 10.90) or Montmorency tart cherry (males N = 9, females N = 3, age = 41.75 ± 7.52 yrs, mass = 76.96 ± 16.64 kg, stature = 173.05 ± 7.63, BMI = 25.53 ± 4.03 kg/m2, symptom duration = 29.73 ± 11.88) groups. Both groups ingested 60 mL of either Montmorency tart cherry concentrate or taste matched placebo daily for 6 weeks. Measures of self-reported pain (KOOS-PF), psychological wellbeing (COOP WONCA), and sleep quality (PSQI) alongside blood biomarkers (C-reactive protein, uric acid, TNF alpha, creatinine, and total antioxidant capacity) and knee biomechanics were quantified at baseline and 6 weeks. Differences between groups were examined using linear mixed-effects models.

Results

There was 1 withdrawal in the cherry and 0 in the placebo group and no adverse events were noted in either condition. The placebo condition exhibited significant improvements (baseline = 67.90 ± 16.18 & 6 weeks = 78.04 ± 14.83) in KOOS-PF scores compared to the tart cherry group (baseline = 67.28 ± 12.55& 6 weeks = 67.55 ± 20.61). No other statistically significant observations were observed.

Conclusion

Tart cherry supplementation as specifically ingested in the current investigation does not appear to be effective in mediating improvements in patellofemoral pain symptoms in recreationally active individuals.
Life cycle stage practices and strategies for circular economy: assessment in construction and demolition industry of an emerging economy
Authors: Asante Richard , Faibil Daniel , Agyemang Martin , Khan Sharffudin Ahmed
Published: June 2022

The strategic implementation of circular economy (CE) practices in the construction and demolition (C&D) industry is critical for achieving environmental sustainability goals. Understanding CE practices based on reduce, reuse, recycle, recover, remanufacture, and redesign (6R) principles from the perspective of the whole life cycle can promote the implementation of CE practices in the C&D industry. However, studies that shed light on this subject especially in emerging economies are generally lacking. This study contributes to filling this gap by using a three-phase methodology consisting of a literature review and a hybrid best–worst method and grey relational analysis to give insights into practices and strategies to prioritize CE practice implementation. Specifically, the paper focuses on identifying CE practices based on 6R principles, the significance of the identified CE practices, and understanding how to prioritize the implementation of the significant CE practices. The study’s findings established that implementing CE practices based on reduce and recover principles at the design stage contributes significantly to environmental sustainability. Additionally, the study highlights the relevance of both bottom-up and top-down approaches in the implementation of CE practices.
Understanding the Intergenerational Transmission of Criminal Justice Involvement: a Multi-birth-Cohort Study in Singapore
Authors: Ting Ming Hwa , Xu Xuexin , Chu Chi Meng , Lai Pierce , Li Dongdong
Published: June 2022

This study aimed to ascertain the impact of parent’s criminal justice involvement on offspring’s contact with the criminal justice system in Singapore. It further analyzed how various aspects of parent’s criminal justice involvement influence the extent of the intergenerational transmission. Linked administrative data of five full birth cohorts (1965, 1970, 1975, 1980, 1985;N = 93,829) and their children were analyzed (Nchildren = 183,015). Restricted mean survival time (RMST) analyses were conducted, and results suggested that children whose parent had contact with the criminal justice system had fewer crime-free years compared to children whose parent did not have any criminal justice contact. In addition, the impact of paternal and maternal involvement with the criminal justice system was greater on daughters than sons; the impact of custodial sentences was greater than that of noncustodial sentences; and it was also found that a higher frequency of parent’s criminal justice involvement increased the likelihood of children’s contact with the criminal justice system. Intergenerational transmission of criminal justice involvement was observed in Singapore, and so the findings highlighted the importance of supporting families of offenders to disrupt the negative cycle of offending behavior.
Assessing Alcohol Expectations in University Students: the APNE Scale
Authors: Gomà-i-Freixanet Montserrat , Ferrero-Rincón Gabriela , Granero Roser
Published: June 2022

The increasing prevalence of alcohol consumption at early ages has led to major efforts to identify alcohol drinking habits within this highly vulnerable group, and individuals with hazardous patterns of alcohol consumption. The aim of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Alcohol Positive and Negative Expectations Scale (APNE; a new screening tool developed to identify expectations toward alcohol), and to examine the patterns of alcohol drinking in young adults. The sample included n = 1309 participants (college students) with age range 20 to 25 years. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) performed through Generalized Structural Equation Models (GSEM) verified the structure of the APNE, correlational models evaluated convergent-discriminant validity, and logistic regression assessed the discriminative ability to identify harmful drinking. The bifactor structure for the APNE was confirmed (positive and negative expectations toward alcohol drinking), with adequate goodness-of-fit (RMSEA = 0.052, CFI = 0.936, TLI = 0.914, and SRMR = 0.075). Multi-group modeling showed invariance by sex (p = .543) and age (p = .395) for the measurement coefficients. High correlations with external measures of alcohol use/abuse and discriminant capacity to identify harmful drinking were obtained. Compared to men, women reported higher mean scores in the negative expectations factor (p = .003). Polynomial linear trends showed that the likelihood of positive expectations toward alcohol decreased with age, while negative expectations increased. The APNE is a brief, reliable, valid, and accurate tool to assess positive and negative expectations toward alcohol consumption in college students. Tools like the APNE can support policymakers to make informed decisions about the implementation of prevention and treatment programs targeted at this segment of the population, the development of personalized alcohol programs, and the reappraisal of public campaigns.
Locked in and locked out: sequelae of a pandemic for distressed and vulnerable teenagers in Ireland
Authors: McLoughlin Aoibheann , Abdalla Ahad , Gonzalez Jade , Freyne Aoife , Asghar Muhammad , Ferguson Yolande
Published: June 2022

Objective

The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on teenage psychiatry referrals following crisis presentation to the adult emergency department (ED) of an Irish tertiary hospital. In doing so, this study will specifically examine the effect of COVID-19 on self-injurious behaviour, suicidality and substance use among older adolescents (age 16/17 years).

Methods

This is a retrospective descriptive analysis of acute adolescent psychiatry referrals assessed out-of-hours via the adult ED psychiatry service across three consecutive time points (during the months of March, April and May) from pre-pandemic, 2019 (T1); initial pandemic, 2020 (T2); and peak pandemic, 2021 (T3). Data were obtained via the hospital’s ED-specific electronic database, review of original assessment notes and cross-referenced by manually extracting data logged in the on-call register.

Results

Crisis psychiatry assessments of teenagers during on-call hours trebled during the period of this study (p < 0.001). Although ED/crisis referrals initially decreased overall at the start of the pandemic, the rate of teenage referrals remained constant, before increasing as restrictions tightened in lockdown. The negative impact of COVID-19 on teenagers’ ability to cope was found to be statistically significant (p = 0.001). Changes in rates of self-harming and/or suicidal behaviours were not statistically significant between 2019, 2020 and 2021 (p = 0.082). Alcohol misuse occurred in up to one-third of cases across each timeframe and remained virtually constant throughout the pandemic. Drug misuse decreased from onset of COVID-19 (p = 0.01).

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first study to specifically examine the impact of COVID-19 on suicidality, self-harming behaviours, substance misuse and on-call ED presentations of teenagers in Ireland. This study demonstrates that coronavirus-related stress is associated with negative mental health sequelae for vulnerable at-risk older adolescents, as evidenced by a rise in ED presentations and on-call referrals since the onset of the pandemic. Presentation of increased numbers of under-18’s for psychiatry assessment at the adult ED/general hospital indicates a deepening chasm between available and aspirational emergency (adolescent-specific) psychiatric care in the community. Mobilising resilience factors and maximising coping skills for at-risk youth will inform tailored intervention and support strategies along with adequate resourcing of services for vulnerable adolescents in the community.
Updates on Sexually Transmitted Urethro-cystitis
Authors: Mostafa Mostafa M. , Mahdy Ayman , Ghoniem Gamal
Published: June 2022

Purpose of Review

We performed recent literature review with the aim to address the updates in diagnosis and management of sexually transmitted urethro-cystitis.

Recent Findings

There are multiple, recently published studies that collectively lead to an organized stepwise plan for diagnosis and management of sexually transmitted urethro-cystitis.

Sexually transmitted urethro-cystitis is a common health condition that can be managed efficiently if the appropriate steps are taken in diagnosis and management.
Soluble PD-L1 in blood correlates positively with neutrophil and negatively with lymphocyte mRNA markers and implies adverse sepsis outcome
Authors: Derigs Marcus , Heers Hendrik , Lingelbach Susanne , Hofmann Rainer , Hänze Jörg
Published: June 2022

Sepsis causes a myriad of immunological reactions that result in life-threatening alterations in the human body. Immunosuppression in sepsis is partly attributed to the programmed death receptor (PD-1) and its associated ligand (PD-L1) via the regulation of lymphocytes and neutrophils. Although the soluble forms of these proteins (i.e., sPD-1 and sPD-L1, respectively) are recognized as possible sepsis biomarkers, their functional implications are yet to be elucidated. Our research assessed the correlation between sPD-1 and sPD-L1 and blood mRNA markers and sepsis outcome. Blood samples of septic patients of urogenital origin versus control patients (both groups: n = 18) were analyzed. Blood serum sPD-1 and sPD-L1 levels were determined using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The whole blood mRNA concentrations of PD-1, PD-L1, neutrophil markers (CEACAM8 and MPO), and T-lymphocyte markers (TCRβ, CD4 and CD8) were determined via reverse transcriptase quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). sPD-L1 levels were significantly increased in septic patients when compared to the controls, whereas sPD-1 levels were unaltered. Patients with high sPD-L1 levels, as dichotomized to the median, had a significantly shorter survival rate than those with low sPD-L1 levels. The sensitivity/specificity characteristics of sPD-L1 proved significant for sepsis detection. Furthermore, sPD-L1 correlated with the mRNA concentrations of PD-L1, CEACAM, and MPO, as well as major inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein and procalcitonin). However, sPD-L1 negatively correlated with TCRβ, CD4, and CD8 mRNAs. sPD-L1 was found to be significantly increased in septic patients. Notably, sPD-L1 correlated with PD-L1 mRNA and neutrophil markers and was indicative of adverse outcomes.
Cultural psychology of education: approaches and strategies
Authors: Marsico Giuseppina , Dazzani Maria Virginia Machado
Published: June 2022

Education is a human activity that is continuously developing. This is the core of the Cultural Psychology of Education framework. There are no ready-made, perpetual solutions that work everywhere and for every person. Two central themes dominate this chapter: (1) Education is cultural in nature, and (2) Educational Psychology is culturally guided. The Cultural Psychology approach to education reflects the interdisciplinary nature of Educational Psychology and informs its application in a variety of cultural contexts. Cultural Psychology of Education is international and global, promoting cultural sensitivity within the educational environment and the idea that in any society, the application of knowledge in the area of education is locally based. Nevertheless, the field strives to contribute to the discussion about education on a global scale. Cultural Psychology of Education has a necessary moral commitment to the dignity, integrity and diversity of human life. The promotion and protection of the well-being of individuals and diverse human communities is a core aspect inherent in both the theoretical applications and the professional practices.
Alarmerend beeld onder personeel ggz; uitputting, angst- en somberheidsklachten met mogelijk vertrek uit de ggz als gevolg
Authors: van den Broek Anneloes , van Dam Arno , Bongers Inge , Stikkelbroek Yvonne , Bachrach Nathan , de Vroege Lars
Published: June 2022

Samenvatting

Nu de COVID-19-pandemie steeds meer geïntegreerd raakt in het dagelijks leven en het aantal ziekenhuisopnamen afneemt, krijgen we meer zicht op de mentale gevolgen van de pandemie voor zorgprofessionals in de geestelijke gezondheidszorg (ggz). Van de ondervraagde ggz-medewerkers (N = 1.372) ervaart 50% meer stressgerelateerde klachten en vertoont 30% somberheidsklachten. Tegelijkertijd melden zich meer cliënten met klachten als direct en indirect gevolg van de COVID-19-pandemie bij de ggz. Dit zorgt voor extra werkdruk in een sector waar de wachtlijsten toch al lang waren. Om uitval en/of vertrek van zorgprofessionals uit de ggz te voorkomen is het nodig om te leren omgaan met de consequenties van de pandemie in de spreekkamer en om met preventiemaatregelen stress/burn-out te voorkomen.
Comparison between hospital- and community-acquired septic shock in children: a single-center retrospective cohort study
Authors: Su Guo-Yun , Fan Chao-Nan , Fang Bo-Liang , Xie Zheng-De , Qian Su-Yun
Published: June 2022

Background

We explored the differences in baseline characteristics, pathogens, complications, outcomes, and risk factors between children with hospital-acquired septic shock (HASS) and community-acquired septic shock (CASS) in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU).

Methods

This retrospective study enrolled children with septic shock at the PICU of Beijing Children’s Hospital from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2019. The patients were followed up until 28 days after shock or death and were divided into the HASS and CASS group. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for mortality.

Results

A total of 298 children were enrolled. Among them, 65.9% (n = 91) of HASS patients had hematologic/oncologic diseases, mainly with Gram-negative bacterial bloodstream infections (47.3%). Additionally, 67.7% (n = 207) of CASS patients had no obvious underlying disease, and most experienced Gram-positive bacterial infections (30.9%) of the respiratory or central nervous system. The 28-day mortality was 62.6% and 32.7% in the HASS and CASS groups, respectively (P < 0.001). Platelet [odds ratio (OR) = 0.996, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.992–1.000, P = 0.028], positive pathogen detection (OR = 3.557, 95% CI = 1.307–9.684, P = 0.013), and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (OR = 10.953, 95% CI = 1.974–60.775, P = 0.006) were risk factors for 28-day mortality in HASS patients. Lactate (OR = 1.104, 95% CI = 1.022–1.192, P = 0.012) and mechanical ventilation (OR = 8.114, 95% CI = 1.806–36.465, P = 0.006) were risk factors for 28-day mortality in patients with CASS.

Conclusions

The underlying diseases, pathogens, complications, prognosis, and mortality rates varied widely between the HASS and CASS groups. The predictors of 28-day mortality were different between HASS and CASS pediatric patients with septic shock.
Efficiency of ectopic thymectomy by three surgical approaches in non-thymomatous myasthenia gravis
Authors: Zhang Shuishen , Chen Zhenguang , Li Bin , Su Chunhua , Zhu Haoshuai , Zhong Beilong , Zou Jianyong
Published: June 2022

Background

To explore the efficiency of ectopic thymectomy by the three surgical approaches of trans-sternum, right unilateral thoracoscopy and thoracoscopic subxiphoid in patients with non-thymomatous myasthenia gravis.

Methods

155 consecutive non-thymomatous myasthenia gravis patients who underwent extended thymectomy by 3 approaches including trans-sternum, right unilateral thoracoscopy and thoracoscopic subxiphoid in 1st affiliated hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University from January 2017 to October 2019 were reviewed. Differences of perioperative clinical characteristics in three surgical approaches were analyzed.

Results

Time to onset of myasthenia gravis (early or late) (p = 0.018), blood loss (p < 0.001), duration of operation (p = 0.031), duration and volume of thoracic drainage (p = 0.039 andp = 0.026), length of hospitalization (p = 0.039), the efficiency of ectopic thymectomy (p = 0.037), and the detection rate of ectopic thymus in the second quadrant (p = 0.018) were different among the three surgical approaches. In univariate logistic regression analysis, higher efficiency of ectopic thymectomy were associated with transsternal (OR 2.36, 95% CI 1.32–4.22,p = 0.011) and thoracoscopic subxiphoid approaches (OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.12–3.82,p = 0.033). In the multiple logistic regression analysis, the transsternal approach (OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.10–3.71,p = 0.024) was an independent protective factor for the efficiency of ectopic thymectomy.

Conclusions

Both the right unilateral thoracoscopic and thoracoscopic subxiphoid approaches have advantages over the transsternal approach in short-term postoperative recovery. Transsternal approach is still the best choice for ectopic thymectomy while thoracoscopic subxiphoid approach show the potential as an alternative way.
Self-driving Cars and the Right to Drive
Authors: Ratoff William
Published: June 2022

Every year, 1.35 million people are killed on roads worldwide and even more people are injured. Emerging self-driving car technology promises to cut this statistic down to a fraction of the current rate. On the face of it, this consideration alone constitutes a strong reason to legally require — once self-driving car technology is widely available and affordable — that all vehicles on public roads be self-driving. Here I critically investigate the question of whether self-driving, or autonomous, vehicles should be legally mandated. I develop an argument — premised upon Mill’s Harm Principle — that any legislation mandating the use of self-driving vehicles on public roads is morally impermissible. The Harm Principle, under its most plausible interpretation, has it that the state is warranted in legislating against some activity only if that activity violates the rights of others. In brief, I argue that a human driver, who opts to drive herself on public roads rather than rely on self-driving technology, does not violate anyone’s rights when she so acts. Consequently, when granting the Harm Principle, it follows that the state is not warranted in mandating the use of self-driving vehicles on public roads. If I am correct, the proponent of a self-driving vehicle mandate must reject the Harm Principle. Given its intuitive plausibility and central place in liberal philosophical thought, this is a weighty cost.