bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Emergence of Gender-Specific Competence Patterns and Decision Making During the Course of Educational and Job Careers in Germany
Authors: Beier Loreen , Minello Alessandra , Uunk Wilfred , Pratter Magdalena , Yastrebov Gordey , Blossfeld Hans-Peter
Published: April 2023

Starting at the earliest phase in the educational career, our analyses show that there are already gender differences in mathematical competencies at early preschool age, but against the usual expectations, in favour of girls. In primary school, the early gender-specific differences are then reinforced: Boys perform better in mathematics and girls in German language. Nevertheless, these relative advantages in each domain compensate for each other, so there are no significant differences in the overall performance. Concerning the transition from secondary school to vocational training or higher education there was some evidence from the data that among graduates, young women tend to opt more often for vocational training than young men, whereas the men more often choose to study at universities for applied science than women. We did not find gender differences regarding university entry: Women do not aim lower with respect to university entry at similar grades than boys.

Finally, our results show the important role of mothers in shaping the level of education of their daughters. In summary, based on our analyses the expected cumulative differences among boys and girls and men and women over the life course appear to be in accordance with the so-called Matthew effect hypothesis: Small gender differences at preschool age are getting bigger over the school career, not so much with regard to competence trajectories but with regard to the chosen subjects in schools and fields of study at vocational training and tertiary education.
The Institutionalisation of Environmentalism in Central Asia
Authors: Costa Buranelli Filippo
Published: April 2023

In 2021, in a largely ignored yet significant step towards regional coordination and convergence, the Central Asian republics took part in the 26th Conference of the Parties in Glasgow as a single entity, speaking with one voice and advocating a joint approach to climate change. Yet, to what extent is Central Asia complying with the norms and rules of environmental governance? Are environmental protection, climate-change mitigation and the push for an energy transition merely a set of shallow practices and rhetoric to signal performative compliance, or are they based on a logic of appropriateness and embedded in a normative understanding of green politics? Drawing on recent scholarship on international society and based on the assumption that environmentalism is now an established institution of the contemporary international order, this chapter considers whether, and in what way, Central Asia has embraced the institution of environmentalism, exploring discourses and practices at the global, regional and local levels. Far from being an exercise in pure theorisation, this can help shape policy engagement from and with the region, allowing us to assess the depth of commitment of these republics and societies in fighting climate change by distinguishing challenges deriving from structural, instrumental or ideological factors.
Climate Change Science and Policy in Central Asia: Current Situation and Future Perspectives
Authors: Mirzabaev Alisher
Published: April 2023

Central Asia is already experiencing negative climate change impacts. Projections show that future climatic change will negatively affect many climate-sensitive economic activities in the region, particularly agricultural production and associated livelihoods. Mitigating and adapting to climate change in Central Asia requires a significant increase in investment in climate change research, as well as the mainstreaming of adaptation actions into public policies. This paper assesses the current state of climate change science in the region and the key trends, based on a bibliometric and content analysis review. It provides a perspective on investment priorities for climate change-related research, as well as measures that will build synergies between climate actions and other priorities for sustainable development in the region. The paper calls for an expansion in open access to data; increased investment in climate change research, especially in the social sciences; development of local climate change modelling capacities; and support for regional knowledge and scientific exchange on the topic of climate change.
A ‘Steppe’ into the Void: Central Asia in the Post-oil World
Authors: Skalamera Morena
Published: April 2023

Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are petrostates and therefore trapped by the global energy transition. This chapter delves into the nexus between the effects of the energy transition, international stability and regime stability in Central Asia’s fossil-fuel dominated economies—a nexus of increasing theoretical and policy relevance as we enter a post-oil era in world politics. The Central Asian hydrocarbon producers are torn between their own aspirations to shift to a low-carbon economy and the vested interests of their elites, which are embedded in fossil-fuel dependency. Despite making international commitments to energy transition and developing policy frameworks to expand the renewable energy sector, the Central Asian petrostates have continued using foreign policy to seek fossil fuel revenue by forging new international trade and investment relations outside of the region. The chapter particularly highlights an under-researched aspect of the global energy transition, namely the role of informal elites in influencing foreign policy strategies, and in undermining energy transitions at the local level in doing so.
Comparison of outcomes of laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy with concomitant supracervical hysterectomy or uterine preservation
Authors: Sato Hirotaka , Otsuka Shota , Abe Hirokazu , Tsukada Sachiyuki
Published: April 2023

Introduction and hypothesis

Sacrocolpopexy was traditionally performed for post-hysterectomy prolapse or during concurrent hysterectomy. Sacrocolpopexy outcome with uterine preservation is poorly investigated. This study compared outcomes of laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy with concurrent supracervical hysterectomy or uterine preservation.

Methods

This retrospective study compared data of patients with pelvic organ prolapse who underwent laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy with uterine preservation with the data of controls who underwent laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy with supracervical hysterectomy. We analyzed composite failure in uterine preservation versus concurrent supracervical hysterectomy (primary objective) and evaluated factors associated with the primary outcome of composite failure after laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy with preservation or supracervical hysterectomy (secondary objective). Composite failure was defined as subjective bulge symptoms, reoperation, or anatomical prolapse. Cox models indicated time to composite failure as an endpoint.

Results

Of 274 patients, 232 underwent laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy with supracervical hysterectomy and 42 underwent laparoscopic uterine preservation. After propensity score matching (ratio: 2, for the laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy with supracervical hysterectomy group), 56 patients (24.1%) were in the supracervical hysterectomy group and 28 (66.7%) in the uterine preservation group. All patients underwent 24 months of follow-up. The composite failure rates were 10.7% for supracervical hysterectomy and 3.6% for preservation (p=0.87). The mean estimated blood loss was 10 ml (preservation, 10.0 ml [5.0–10.0] versus supracervical hysterectomy, 10.0 ml [10.0–15.0]; p=0.007). In the Cox proportional hazards model, higher preoperative body mass index and the point Ba increased composite failure risk.

Conclusions

Although not statistically significant, composite failure in the two techniques is likely clinically meaningful.
Halomonas elongata: a microbial source of highly stable enzymes for applied biotechnology
Authors: Benítez-Mateos Ana I. , Paradisi Francesca
Published: April 2023

Extremophilic microorganisms, which are resistant to extreme levels of temperature, salinity, pH, etc., have become popular tools for biotechnological applications. Due to their availability and cost-efficacy, enzymes from extremophiles are getting the attention of researchers and industries in the field of biocatalysis to catalyze diverse chemical reactions in a selective and sustainable manner. In this mini-review, we discuss the advantages of Halomonas elongata as moderate halophilic bacteria to provide suitable enzymes for biotechnology. While enzymes from H. elongata are more resistant to the presence of salt compared to their mesophilic counterparts, they are also easier to produce in heterologous hosts compared with more extremophilic microorganisms. Herein, a set of different enzymes (hydrolases, transferases, and oxidoreductases) from H. elongata are showcased, highlighting their interesting properties as more efficient and sustainable biocatalysts. With this, we aim to improve the visibility of halotolerant enzymes and their uncommon properties to integrate biocatalysis in industrial set-ups.

Keypoints

• Production and use of halotolerant enzymes can be easier than strong halophilic ones.

• Enzymes from halotolerant organisms are robust catalysts under harsh conditions.

• Halomonas elongata has shown a broad enzyme toolbox with biotechnology applications.
Staged HIV transmission and treatment in a dynamic model with long-term partnerships
Authors: Gurski Katharine , Hoffman Kathleen
Published: April 2023

The transmission dynamics of HIV are closely tied to the duration and overlap of sexual partnerships. We develop an autonomous population model that can account for the possibilities of an infection from either a casual sexual partner or a long-term partner who was either infected at the start of the partnership or has been newly infected since the onset of the partnership. The impact of the long-term partnerships on the rate of infection is captured by calculating the expected values of the rate of infection from these extended contacts. The model includes three stages of infectiousness: acute, chronic, and virally suppressed. We calculate HIV incidence and the fraction of new infections attributed to casual contacts and long-term partnerships allowing for variability in condom usage, the effect of achieving and maintaining viral suppression, and early intervention by beginning HAART during the acute phase of infection. We present our results using data on MSM HIV transmission from the CDC in the U.S. While the acute stage is the most infectious, the majority of the new infections will be transmitted by long-term partners in the chronic stage when condom use is infrequent as is common in long-term relationships. Time series analysis of the solution, as well as parameter sensitivity analysis, are used to determine effective intervention strategies.
Bringing Antarctica to the lab: a polar desert environmental chamber to study the response of Antarctic microbial communities to climate change
Authors: Monteiro Maria R. , Marshall Alexis J. , Lee Charles K. , McDonald Ian R. , Cary S. Craig
Published: April 2023

Polar deserts contain unique and sensitive communities responsive to climate-associated habitat changes. However, unlike temperate desert ecosystems, characterizing and predicting the responses of polar ecosystems to environmental change remains a significant challenge due to logistical constraints. Here we aim to demonstrate the use of a custom-designed Polar Desert Environmental Chamber (PDEC) to perform off-continent experimental ecological research. We did so by characterizing the structure and composition of arid edaphic bacterial communities collected from the McMurdo Dry Valleys during a simulated wetting event. The results were discussed in light of previous field observations. Rapid structural and compositional changes were observed during wetting and re-drying treatments. Those were driven by changes in the relative abundance of coexisting taxa, which fluctuated asynchronously over time in response to the treatments. While selection was the main ecological factor influencing communities during dry conditions or the initial wetting, with prolonged exposure to wetness, neutral processes began to drive community assembly. Ultimately, these observations reflect different adaptative responses from microbial taxa to water stress, which can be argued as beneficial to increasing resilience in polar deserts. Our findings demonstrate that experiments conducted in PDEC provide valuable contextual data on community response to environmental change and can accelerate our ability to assess biological thresholds to change within polar desert ecosystems. We advocate that, with careful consideration of key emulated environmental attributes, laboratory-based Antarctic research can complement fieldwork to achieve a nuanced and evidence-based understanding of the ecology of Antarctica’s ice-free regions.
Low cancer yield in PI-RADS 3 upgraded to 4 by dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI: is it time to reconsider scoring categorization?
Authors: Messina Emanuele , Pecoraro Martina , Laschena Ludovica , Bicchetti Marco , Proietti Flavia , Ciardi Antonio , Leonardo Costantino , Sciarra Alessandro , Girometti Rossano , Catalano Carlo , Panebianco Valeria
Published: April 2023

Objectives

To evaluate MRI diagnostic performance in detecting clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) in peripheral-zone PI-RADS 4 lesions, comparing those with clearly restricted diffusion (DWI-score 4), and those with equivocal diffusion pattern (DWI-score 3) and positive dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI.

Methods

This observational prospective study enrolled 389 men referred to MRI and, if positive (PI-RADS 3 with PSA-density [PSAD] ≥ 0.15 ng/mL/mL, 4 and 5), to MRI-directed biopsy. Lesions with DWI-score 3 and positive DCE were classified as “PI-RADS 3up,” instead of PI-RADS 4. Univariable and multivariable analyses were implemented to determine features correlated to csPCa detection.

Results

Prevalence of csPCa was 14.5% and 53.3% in PI-RADS categories 3up and 4, respectively (p < 0.001). MRI showed a sensitivity of 100.0%, specificity 40.9%, PPV 46.5%, NPV 100.0%, and accuracy 60.9% for csPCa detection. Modifying the threshold to consider MRI positive and to indicate biopsy (same as previously described, but PI-RADS 3up only when associated with elevated PSAD), the sensitivity changed to 93.9%, specificity 57.2%, PPV 53.0%, NPV 94.8%, and accuracy 69.7%. Age (p < 0.001), PSAD (p < 0.001), positive DWI (p < 0.001), and PI-RADS score (p = 0.04) resulted in independent predictors of csPCa.

Conclusions

Most cases of PI-RADS 3up were false-positives, suggesting that upgrading peripheral lesions with DWI-score 3 to PI-RADS 4 because of positive DCE has a detrimental effect on MRI accuracy, decreasing the true prevalence of csPCa in the PI-RADS 4 category. PI-RADS 3up should not be upgraded and directed to biopsy only if associated with increased PSAD.

Key Points

• As per PI-RADS v2.1 recommendations, in case of a peripheral zone lesion with equivocal diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI score 3), but positive dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI, the overall PI-RADS score should be upgraded to 4.

• The current PI-RADS recommendation of upgrading PI-RADS 3 lesions of the peripheral zone to PI-RADS 4 because of positive DCE decreased clinically significant prostate cancer detection rate in our series.

• According to our results, the most accurate threshold for setting indication to prostate biopsy is PI-RADS 3 or PI-RADS 3 with positive DCE both associated with increased PSA density.
Physiological properties of the visual system in the Green Weaver ant, Oecophylla smaragdina
Authors: Ogawa Yuri , Jones Lochlan , Ryan Laura A. , Robson Simon K. A. , Hart Nathan S. , Narendra Ajay
Published: April 2023

The Green Weaver ants, Oecophylla smaragdina are iconic animals known for their extreme cooperative behaviour where they bridge gaps by linking to each other to build living chains. They are visually oriented animals, build chains towards closer targets, use celestial compass cues for navigation and are visual predators. Here, we describe their visual sensory capacity. The major workers of O. smaragdina have more ommatidia (804) in each eye compared to minor workers (508), but the facet diameters are comparable between both castes. We measured the impulse responses of the compound eye and found their response duration (42 ms) was similar to that seen in other slow-moving ants. We determined the flicker fusion frequency of the compound eye at the brightest light intensity to be 132 Hz, which is relatively fast for a walking insect suggesting the visual system is well suited for a diurnal lifestyle. Using pattern-electroretinography we identified the compound eye has a spatial resolving power of 0.5 cycles deg−1 and reached peak contrast sensitivity of 2.9 (35% Michelson contrast threshold) at 0.05 cycles deg−1. We discuss the relationship of spatial resolution and contrast sensitivity, with number of ommatidia and size of the lens.
The influence of age on greater sciatic notch morphology: testing the Walker method in an Australian population
Authors: DesMarais Angel , Obertova Zuzana , Franklin Daniel
Published: April 2023

Sex estimation is an integral aspect of a forensic biological profile. The pelvis, being the most dimorphic part of the skeleton, has been studied in considerable detail relative to morphological and metric variation. However, empirical data on the effect of age on pelvic morphology relative to sex-specific morphological variation is limited, especially in regard to the estimation of skeletal sex. This study assesses whether there are age-related differences in the distribution of the Walker (2005) morphological scores for the greater sciatic notch (GSN) in an Australian population. Three-dimensional volumetric reconstructions derived from multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) scans of 567 pelves of 258 females and 309 males aged 18 to 96 years were scored following Walker (2005). Differences in score distributions and means by sex and age group were tested using Pearson’s chi-squared test and ANOVA, respectively. The accuracy of sex estimates derived from logistic regression equations was explored using leave-one-out cross-validation. Significant differences were found in score distribution and means among age groups in females, but not in males. There was a tendency toward higher scores in older females. The overall sex estimation accuracy was 87.5%. When comparing age groups 18–49 and 70 + years, estimation accuracy decreased in females (99% vs. 91%), while the opposite was found for males (79% vs. 87%). These findings suggest that age affects GSN morphology. Higher mean scores in older females imply that, on average, the GSN becomes narrower with increasing age. It is thus recommended due consideration of estimated age when assessing sex based on the GSN in unidentified human remains.
Assessment of macular microvascular changes in children following treatment of anisometropic myopic amblyopia using optical coherence tomography angiography
Authors: AttaAllah Heba Radi , Abdelaziz Sahar Torky Abdelrazik , Mohamed Asmaa Anwar Mohamed , Ibrahiem Mohamed Farag Khalil
Published: April 2023

Purpose

To evaluate macular microvascular changes in the form of foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area and vessel density in the superficial, deep capillary plexuses, and choriocapillaris using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in children with anisometropic myopic amblyopia before and after treatment.

Methods

This prospective observational study included 32 patients younger than 12 years old with anisomyopic amblyopia. OCTA was done before patients’ treatment with optical correction with or without patching and was repeated after successful amblyopia treatment. Outcomes included superficial, deep, and choriocapillaris vessel density (VD) and superficial and deep FAZ areas.

Results

The study included 13 males (40.6%) and 19 females (59.4%), and the mean age was 9.52 ± 1.33 years. Fifty-three percent (53%) of patients needed only optical correction, and the remaining 47% needed additional patching therapy. After successful treatment, there was a significant improvement in amblyopic eyes in best-corrected visual acuity (p < 0.001), with higher VD values in superficial capillary plexuses (p < 0.001), deep capillary plexuses (p < 0.001), and foveal choriocapillaris (p = 0.030). In the glasses with patching subgroup, the difference between pre-treatment and post-treatment parameters revealed a significant improvement in vessel density in superficial retinal plexuses (foveal and parafoveal; p values 0.023 and < 0.001, respectively) and deep retinal plexuses (whole image, foveal, and parafoveal; p values 0.003, < 0.001, and 0.002, respectively). While amblyopic eyes treated with glasses alone had a significantly greater difference in choriocapillaris foveal VD (p value = 0.022).

Conclusion

After effective amblyopia treatment, amblyopic eyes exhibited improved best-corrected visual acuity and better macular perfusion along the superficial, deep vascular density, and choriocapillaris foveal VD.

Clinical trial registration

CinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05223153.
Comparison of specimen extraction site and another site for protective loop ileostomy in laparoscopic low anterior rectal resection: a retrospective comparative study
Authors: Liu Chao , Zhang Jizhun , Li Leping , Zhang Li , Shang Liang , Ma Yan
Published: April 2023

Background

Protective loop ileostomy is commonly performed in laparoscopic low anterior rectal resection to prevent the serious complications of anastomotic fistula. It is usually created at the right lower quadrant of the abdomen and another wound is required for stoma. The study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of ileostomy at the specimen extraction site (SES) and another site (AS) beside the auxiliary incision.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 101 eligible patients with pathologically diagnosed adenocarcinoma of the rectum from January 2020 to December 2021 in the study center. According to whether the ileostomy was at the specimen extraction site, patients were divided into SES group (40 patients) and AS group (61 patients). Clinicopathological characteristics, the intraoperative details, and postoperative outcomes of the two groups were measured.

Results

Univariate analysis showed that the operative time was significantly shorter and the blood loss was significantly less in the SES group than in the AS group during laparoscopic low anterior rectal resection, the time to first flatus was significantly shorter, and the pain was significantly less in the SES group than in the AS group during ileostomy closure. The postoperative complications were similar in both groups. Multivariable analysis showed that ileostomy at the specimen extraction site was a significant factor influencing the operative time and blood loss of rectal resection, and influencing the pain and the time to first flatus during ileostomy closure.

Conclusion

Compared to ileostomy at AS, protective loop ileostomy at SES was time-saving and less bleeding during laparoscopic low anterior rectal resection, and more quick to first flatus and less pain during stoma closure, and did not lead to more postoperative complications. The median incision of the lower abdomen and the left lower abdominal incision were both good sites for ileostomy.
A comparison of numerical approaches for statistical inference with stochastic models
Authors: Bacci Marco , Sukys Jonas , Reichert Peter , Ulzega Simone , Albert Carlo
Published: April 2023

Due to our limited knowledge about complex environmental systems, our predictions of their behavior under different scenarios or decision alternatives are subject to considerable uncertainty. As this uncertainty can often be relevant for societal decisions, the consideration, quantification and communication of it is very important. Due to internal stochasticity, often poorly known influence factors, and only partly known mechanisms, in many cases, a stochastic model is needed to get an adequate description of uncertainty. As this implies the need to infer constant parameters, as well as the time-course of stochastic model states, a very high-dimensional inference problem for model calibration has to be solved. This is very challenging from a methodological and a numerical perspective. To illustrate aspects of this problem and show options to successfully tackle it, we compare three numerical approaches: Hamiltonian Monte Carlo, Particle Markov Chain Monte Carlo, and Conditional Ornstein-Uhlenbeck Sampling. As a case study, we select the analysis of hydrological data with a stochastic hydrological model. We conclude that the performance of the investigated techniques is comparable for the analyzed system, and that also generality and practical considerations may be taken into account to guide the choice of which technique is more appropriate for a particular application.
Unmet supportive care needs among informal caregivers of patients with head and neck cancer in the first 2 years after diagnosis and treatment: a prospective cohort study
Authors: van Hof Kira S. , Hoesseini Arta , Dorr Maarten C. , Verdonck - de Leeuw Irma M. , Jansen Femke , Leemans C. Réne , Takes Robert P. , Terhaard Chris H. J. , de Jong Robert J. Baatenburg , Sewnaik Aniel , Offerman Marinella P. J.
Published: April 2023

Objective

Informal caregivers of head and neck cancer (HNC) patients have a high caregiver burden and often face complex practical caregiving tasks. This may result in unmet supportive care needs, which can impact their quality of life (QoL) and cause psychological distress. In this study, we identify caregivers’ unmet needs during long-term follow-up and identify caregivers prone to unmet supportive care needs.

Methods

Data were used from the multicenter prospective cohort study NETherlands QUality of life and Biomedical cohort studies In Cancer (NET-QUBIC). The unmet supportive care needs, psychological distress, caregiver burden, and QoL were measured for 234 informal caregivers and their related patients at baseline, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after. Mixed effect models for repeated measurements were used.

Results

At baseline, most caregivers (70.3%) reported at least one unmet supportive care need, with most of the identified needs in the “healthcare & illness” domain. During the follow-up period, caregivers’ unmet needs decreased significantly in all domains. Nevertheless, 2 years after treatment, 28.3% were still reporting at least one unmet need. Financial problems were increasingly associated with unmet needs over time. Furthermore, caring for a patient who themselves had many unmet needs, an advanced tumor stage, or severe comorbidity was associated with significantly more unmet needs in caregivers.

Conclusions

The current study shows the strong likelihood of caregivers of HNC patients facing unmet supportive care needs and the interaction between the needs of patients and caregivers. It is important to optimally support informal caregivers by involving them from the start when counseling patients, by providing them with relevant and understandable information, and by referring vulnerable caregivers for (psychosocial) support.
Late adverse events in patients with pelvic cancer after oncologic treatment—intervention and treatment effect
Authors: Iselius Sofia , Knutsen Annica , Mikiver Rasmus , Uppugunduri Srinivas
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Few studies have focused on the late adverse events after oncologic treatment in pelvic cancer patients. Here, the treatment effect/interventions were studied on late side effects as GI, sexual, and urinary symptoms in pelvic cancer patients who visited a highly specialized rehabilitation clinic in Linköping.

Methods

This retrospective longitudinal cohort study included 90 patients who had at least one visit at the rehabilitation clinic for late adverse events at Linköping University hospital between 2013 to 2019. The toxicity of the adverse events was analyzed by using the common terminology criteria for adverse events (CTCAE).

Results

By comparing the toxicity of symptoms between visits 1 and 2, we showed that the GI symptoms decreased with 36.6% (P = 0.013), the sexual symptoms with 18.3% (P < 0.0001), and urinary symptoms with 15.5% (P = 0.004). Patients who received bile salt sequestrant had a significant improvement in grade of GI symptoms as diarrhea/fecal incontinence at visit 2 compared to visit 1 where 91.3% were shown to have a treatment effect (P = 0.0034). The sexual symptoms (vaginal dryness/pain) significantly improved due to local estrogens between visits 1 and 2 where 58.1% had a reduction of symptoms (P = 0.0026).

Conclusion

The late side effects as GI, sexual, and urinary symptoms was significantly reduced between visits 1 and 2 at the specialized rehabilitation center in Linköping. Bile salt sequestrants and local estrogens are effective treatments for side effects as diarrhea and vaginal dryness/pain.
Effect of intraoperative remimazolam on postoperative sleep quality in elderly patients after total joint arthroplasty: a randomized control trial
Authors: Deng Chun-Mei , Meng Zhao-Ting , Yang Jing , Zhang Cai-Juan , Lu Min , Wang Yue-Xin , Mu Dong-Liang
Published: April 2023

Purpose

To investigate the effect of intraoperative remimazolam sedation on postoperative sleep quality in elderly patients after total joint arthroplasty.

Methods

Between May 15, 2021 and March 26, 2022, 108 elderly patients (age ≥ 65 years) who received total joint arthroplasty under neuraxial anesthesia were randomized into remimazolam group (a loading dose of 0.025–0.1 mg/kg and followed by an infusion rate of 0.1–1.0 mg/kg/h till end of surgery) or routine group (sedation was given on patient’s requirement by dexmedetomidine 0.2–0.7 μg/kg/h). Primary outcome was the subjective sleep quality at surgery night which was evaluated by Richards Campbell Sleep Questionnaire (RCSQ). Secondary outcomes included RCSQ scores at postoperative first and second nights and numeric rating scale pain intensity within first 3 days after surgery.

Results

RCSQ score at surgery night was 59 (28, 75) in remimazolam group which was comparable with 53 (28, 67) in routine group (median difference 6, 95% CI − 6 to 16, P = 0.315). After adjustment of confounders, preoperative high Pittsburg sleep quality index was associated worse RCSQ score (P = 0.032), but not remimazolam (P = 0.754). RCSQ score at postoperative first night [69 (56, 85) vs. 70 (54, 80), P = 0.472] and second night [80 (68, 87) vs. 76 (64, 84), P = 0.066] were equivalent between two groups. Safety outcomes were comparable between the two groups.

Conclusions

Intraoperative remimazolam did not significantly improve postoperative sleep quality in elderly patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty. But it is proved to be effective and safe for moderate sedation in these patients.

Clinical trial number and registry URL

ChiCTR2000041286 (www.chictr.org.cn).
Psychische Gesundheit in der Schule
Authors: Bilz Ludwig
Published: April 2023

Der psychischen Gesundheit von Kindern und Jugendlichen ist in den letzten Jahrzehnten verstärkte Aufmerksamkeit zuteil geworden. Immer deutlicher zeichnet sich ab, dass psychische Probleme im Kindes- und Jugendalter eine hohe Vorhersagekraft für psychische Erkrankungen im Erwachsenenalter haben. Gleichzeitig verfügen wir über einen immer breiter werdenden Erkenntnisstand zur Bedeutung des psychischen Wohlbefindens von Kindern und Jugendlichen für ihren schulischen Erfolg und für ihre soziale Teilhabe. Der vorliegende Beitrag nimmt die Lebenswelt Schule in das Blickfeld. Es werden Befunde zu schulbezogenen Ressourcen und Risikofaktoren für die psychische Gesundheit von Schüler*innen und zur Rolle von Lehrkräften bei der Früherkennung vorgestellt sowie Schlussfolgerungen für die Förderung der psychischen Gesundheit in der Schule gezogen.
Positionspapier zur schul- und kindergartenbasierten Ergotherapie
Authors: Ulbrich-Ford Sophie , Morgenthaler Thomas
Published: April 2023

Ziel der schul- und kindergartenbasierten Ergotherapie ist es, die Inklusion und Partizipation gemeinsam mit den Pädagog*innen direkt im Klassenzimmer im Schulsetting für Kinder zu ermöglichen. So soll ein wesentlicher Beitrag zur Umsetzung der UN-Konvention zu den Rechten von Menschen mit Behinderung geleistet werden. Ergotherapie steht Kindern und Jugendlichen, die Alltagsschwierigkeiten haben, derzeit nur außerhalb der Schule oder des Kindergartens zur Verfügung. Vereinzelt gibt es bereits Projekte innerhalb des österreichischen Bildungssettings. Ergotherapeut*innen stehen hierfür eine Vielzahl an Befundungsmöglichkeiten und Interventionen zur Verfügung. In Österreich steht eine Umsetzung aber noch vor vielen Herausforderungen aufgrund rechtlicher Strukturen und aufgrund der Finanzierung.
Perioperative morbidity and mortality in octogenarians sustaining traumatic osteoporotic type 4 and 5 thoracolumbar and lumbar fractures: a retrospective study with 3 years follow-up
Authors: Lenga Pavlina , Gülec Gelo , Kiening Karl , Unterberg Andreas W. , Ishak Basem
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to guide the more efficient management of type 4 and 5 thoracolumbar or lumbar osteoporotic fractures (OF) in patients aged 80 years and older with an acute onset of neurological decline. This aim was achieved by assessing the clinical course and morbidity and mortality rates and identifying potential risk factors for patient mortality

Methods

Electronic medical records were retrieved from a single institution pertaining to the period between September 2005 and December 2020. Data on patient demographics, neurological conditions, surgical characteristics, complications, hospital course, and 90-day mortality were also collected.

Results

Over a 16-year period, 35 patients aged ≥80 years diagnosed with thoracolumbar and lumbar OF were enrolled in the study. The mean Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) was >6, indicating a poor baseline reserve (9.4 ± 1.9), while cardiovascular diseases were the most prevalent among comorbidities. The mean surgical duration was 231.6 ± 89.3 min, with a mean blood loss of 694.4± 200.3 mL. The in-hospital was 8.6% and 90-day mortality rates at 11.4%. Two patients underwent revision surgery for deep wound infection. Intraoperative and postoperative radiography and computed tomography (CT) imaging revealed correct screw placement. Proper alignment of the thoracolumbar spine was achieved in all the patients. Unique risk factors for mortality included the presence of comorbidities and the occurrence of postoperative complications.

Conclusions

Emergent instrumentation in patients with acute onset of neurological decline and potentially unstable spines due to thoracolumbar and lumbar OF improved functional outcomes at discharge. Age should not be a determinant of whether to perform surgery.
Committing to change? A case study on volunteer engagement at a New Zealand urban farm
Authors: Kelly Daniel C.
Published: April 2023

Urban agriculture is a promising avenue for food system change; however, projects often struggle with a lack of volunteers—limiting both their immediate goals and the broader movement-building to which many alternative food initiatives (AFIs) aspire. In this paper, I adopt a case study approach focusing on Farm X, an urban farm with a strong volunteer culture located in Tāmaki-Makaurau Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city. Drawing on a significant period of researcher participation and 11 in-depth interviews with volunteers and project coordinators, I first contextualise and explore the history of Farm X, then offer themes to describe key factors which help or hinder their volunteer engagement. Engagement is helped by strong leadership, learning by doing, socialising around plants, and contributing to a movement. Conversely, engagement is hindered by time scarcity, economic hurdles, and struggles over direction. Drawing on McClintock’s (Local Environ 19(2): 147–171, 2014, 10.1080/13549839.2012.752797) insights into the hybrid and contradictory nature of urban agriculture as a tool for social change, the paper continues with a discussion of two important trade-offs involved in both farm management and the movement building promoted by Farm X: focused leadership verses volunteer agency; and asking more verses less of volunteers. Finally, I suggest several avenues that may be useful for other urban agriculture projects interested in movement building.
Effect of ultra-violet light radiation on Scenedesmus vacuolatus growth kinetics, metabolic performance, and preliminary biodegradation study
Authors: Eregie Stella B. , Sanusi Isaac A. , Kana Gueguim E. B. , Olaniran Ademola O.
Published: April 2023

This study presents the effect of ultra-violet (UV) light radiation on the process kinetics, metabolic performance, and biodegradation capability of Scenedesmus vacuolatus. The impact of the UV radiation on S. vacuolatus morphology, chlorophyll, carotenoid, carbohydrates, proteins, lipid accumulation, growth rate, substrate affinity and substrate versatility were evaluated. Thereafter, a preliminary biodegradative potential of UV-exposed S. vacuolatus on spent coolant waste (SCW) was carried out based on dehydrogenase activity (DHA) and total petroleum hydrocarbon degradation (TPH). Pronounced structural changes were observed in S. vacuolatus exposed to UV radiation for 24 h compared to the 2, 4, 6, 12 and 48 h UV exposure. Exposure of S. vacuolatus to UV radiation improved cellular chlorophyll (chla = 1.89-fold, chlb = 2.02-fold), carotenoid (1.24-fold), carbohydrates (4.62-fold), proteins (1.44-fold) and lipid accumulations (1.40-fold). In addition, the 24 h UV exposed S. vacuolatus showed a significant increase in substrate affinity (1/Ks) (0.959), specific growth rate (µ) (0.024 h−1) and biomass accumulation (0.513 g/L) by 1.50, 2 and 1.9-fold respectively. Moreover, enhanced DHA (55%) and TPH (100%) degradation efficiency were observed in UV-exposed S. vacuolatus. These findings provided major insights into the use of UV radiation to enhance S. vacuolatus biodegradative performance towards sustainable green environment negating the use of expensive chemicals and other unfriendly environmental practices.

Graphical abstract
Repurposing antidiabetic drugs for rheumatoid arthritis: results from a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Qin Chenxi , Diaz-Gallo Lina-Marcela , Tang Bowen , Wang Yunzhang , Nguyen Thuy-Dung , Harder Arvid , Lu Yi , Padyukov Leonid , Askling Johan , Hägg Sara
Published: April 2023

Despite increasing therapeutic options to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA), many patients fail to reach treatment targets. The use of antidiabetic drugs like thiazolidinediones has been associated with lower RA risk. We aimed to explore the repurposing potential of antidiabetic drugs in RA prevention by assessing associations between genetic variation in antidiabetic drug target genes and RA using Mendelian randomization (MR). A two-sample MR design was used to estimate the association between the antidiabetic drug and RA risk using summary statistics from genome-wide association studies (GWAS). We selected independent genetic variants from the gene(s) that encode the target protein(s) of the investigated antidiabetic drug as instruments. We extracted the associations of instruments with blood glucose concentration and RA from the UK Biobank and a GWAS meta-analysis of clinically diagnosed RA, respectively. The effect of genetic variation in the drug target(s) on RA risk was estimated by the Wald ratio test or inverse-variance weighted method. Insulin and its analogues, thiazolidinediones, and sulfonylureas had valid genetic instruments (n = 1, 1, and 2, respectively). Genetic variation in thiazolidinedione target (gene: PPARG) was inversely associated with RA risk (odds ratio [OR] 0.38 per 0.1mmol/L glucose lowering, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.20–0.73). Corresponding ORs (95%CIs) were 0.83 (0.44–1.55) for genetic variation in the targets of insulin and its analogues (gene: INSR), and 1.12 (0.83, 1.49) 1.25 (0.78-2.00) for genetic variation in the sulfonylurea targets (gene: ABCC8 and KCNJ11). In conclusion, genetic variation in the thiazolidinedione target is associated with a lower RA risk. The underlying mechanisms warrant further exploration.
A systematic review of almost three decades of value sensitive design (VSD): what happened to the technical investigations?
Authors: Gerdes Anne , Frandsen Tove Faber
Published: April 2023

This article presents a systematic literature review documenting how technical investigations have been adapted in value sensitive design (VSD) studies from 1996 to 2023. We present a systematic review, including theoretical and applied studies that either discuss or conduct technical investigations in VSD. This systematic review contributes to the VSD community when seeking to further refine the methodological framework for carrying out technical investigations in VSD.
Catchment land use drivers are weak predictors of lakes’ phytoplankton assemblage structure at functional group level
Authors: Selmeczy Géza B. , Tapolczai Kálmán , Padisák Judit
Published: April 2023

A number of studies evidenced the impact of human activities on aquatic environments worldwide. The availability of nutrients in lakes is strongly influenced by watershed land use patterns depending on the share of forestry, agriculture and urbanization level. Nearly all the previous studies, which examined the relationships between the phytoplankton community and the land use pattern on the watershed of lakes or reservoirs were performed on a taxonomic basis. In this study, 78 lakes were sampled to analyse how the different land use types affect their phytoplankton functional group compositions. Our results concluded that land use is a complex driver, and it cannot provide an unequivocally straightforward forecast, which could result in the selection of a specific functional group or taxa. Thus, land use alone is a weak predictor, but the shared effects may structure the phytoplankton assemblage composition.
The global ecological niche of lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus) and predicted range shifts under climate change
Authors: Rodríguez-Rey Marta , Whittaker Benjamin
Published: April 2023

Lumpfish are a commercially significant marine fish that are harvested in roe fisheries and used as cleaner fish in salmon farming, however, little is known of the environmental factors shaping the ecological niche of the species at global scale. As captive reared lumpfish are sensitive to warm water, the geographic distribution of wild populations may change as sea temperatures rise under expected climate change. After investigating the ecological niche of the lumpfish using Species Distribution Models, we found that nitrate concentration, ice cover, diffuse attenuation, and temperature predicted the probability of lumpfish occurrence. Through modelling distribution under expected climate change forecasts within a realistic scenario, we found reduced probability of lumpfish occurrence in areas which currently support roe harvest and cleaner fish industry. Future conservation of the species and fisheries management should account for changes in lumpfish distribution as the range shifts northward.
The Effects of Spiritual Wellbeing on Self-Perceived Health Changes Among Members of the Church of England During the COVID-19 Pandemic in England
Authors: Village Andrew , Francis Leslie J.
Published: April 2023

This paper tests whether changes in spiritual wellbeing were correlated with self-rated changes in mental and physical health after controlling for changes in psychological wellbeing in a sample from the Church of England taken during the third national COVID-19 lockdown in 2021. During the third lockdown in England an online survey, named Covid-19 and Church-21, was delivered through the Qualtrics XM platform from 22 January to 23 July 2021. The responses included 1878 Anglicans living in England. The change in spiritual wellbeing scale was produced using self-reported changes in the frequency of key spiritual practices (prayer and Bible reading), trust in God, the quality of spiritual life, and spiritual health. Changes in mental and physical health were assessed using single self-report items. Changes in psychological wellbeing were assessed using the Index of Balanced Affect Change (TIBACh). After controlling for changes in psychological wellbeing, better change in spiritual wellbeing was positively correlated with better change in both mental and physical health. Negative affect may have mediated the relationship between spiritual wellbeing and both mental and physical health, and positive affect may also have mediated the relationship with mental health. The results suggest changes in spiritual wellbeing, as defined within a Christian religious context, may have had positive effects in promoting better mental and physical health during a sudden crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Non-invasive Angiographic-based Fractional Flow Reserve: Technical Development, Clinical Implications, and Future Perspectives
Authors: Peper Joyce , Bots Michiel L. , Leiner Tim , Swaans Martin J.
Published: April 2023

New non- and less-invasive techniques have been developed to overcome the procedural and operator related burden of the fractional flow reserve (FFR) for the assessment of potentially significant stenosis in the coronary arteries. Virtual FFR-techniques can obviate the need for the additional flow or pressure wires as used for FFR measurements. This review provides an overview of the developments and validation of the virtual FFR-algorithms, states the challenges, discusses the upcoming clinical trials, and postulates the future role of virtual FFR in the clinical practice.
Revisiting the determination of Mount Olympus Height (Greece)
Authors: Ampatzidis Dimitrios , Moschopoulos Georgios , Mouratidis Antonios , Styllas Michael , Tsimerikas Alexandros , Deligiannis Vasileios-Klearchos , Voutsis Nikolaos , Perivolioti Triantafyllia-Maria , Vergos Georgios S. , Plachtova Alexandra
Published: April 2023

The present study deals with the determination of Mount Olympus summit (Mytikas), exploiting modern observations such as Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and existing geodetic information. The last official Olympus height determination goes back 102 years by the Swiss surveyor M. Kurz. Since then, only unofficial measurement campaigns have taken place. There is a variety of released heights, which range from 2917 to 2919 meters. In September and October of 2022, we conducted a GNSS campaign, focusing on the area of highest Olympus peaks. Employing precise GNSS measurements (accuracy of 1–3 cm), in conjunction with height information from Greece’s National Triangulation Network (5–10 cm accuracy) and an appropriate, recent geoid model (5–6 cm accuracy), we estimate through the so-called GNSS-levelling, the height of Olympus to 2917.727 m with respect to Greece’s officially accepted mean sea level and 2918.390 m with respect to the global vertical datum. Our estimation of Olympus highest peak shows remarkable consistency at the level of 12.8 cm to that of M. Kurz in 1921.
Erweiterung der viralen Vektor-Toolbox: das Potenzial von Schimpansen-CMV
Authors: Phan Quang Vinh , Bogdanow Boris , Wiebusch Lüder
Published: April 2023

Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) causes severe disease in immunocompromised individuals. CMV-based vectors are promising candidates in vaccination and immunotherapy approaches. Here, we report on our approach to make chimpanzee CMV (CCMV) available for CMV research and vector development. We cloned the CCMV genome and created a global picture of the CCMV infection program by multi-omics. Via engineering distinct regions in the viral genome, we were able to modify the host cell tropism and immune evasion properties of CCMV.