bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of malnutrition risk and acute malnutrition in pediatric population in a tertiary hospital and their burden on healthcare
Authors: Tuokkola Jetta , Heikkilä Anniina , Junttila Kristiina , Orell Helena
Published: May 2021

Background

Malnutrition is related to an increased rate of complications and prolonged hospital stays. Malnutrition risk screening is recommended for all hospital inpatients, but its applicability as part of routine care is not well known.

Methods

The prevalence of malnutrition risk, measured by the Screening Tool for Risk of Impaired Nutritional Status and Growth (STRONGkids), and acute malnutrition were studied 1 day per year in all pediatric inpatient and day wards in 2015 and 2016 and in inpatients and outpatients in 2017 at a university hospital. Nurses carried out the STRONGkids screening and measured the weight and height of each child, recording the information in the hospital database, where it was subsequently extracted along with data on the child's diagnoses, procedures, and the length and costs of hospital stay.

Results

In all, 696/1217 patients (57.2%) were screened. Of inpatients and outpatients, 37/398 (9.3%) and 3/298 (1.0%), respectively, were classified as being at high risk of malnutrition. The corresponding figures for those who were acutely malnourished were 18/260 (6.9%) and 11/264 (4.2%). High risk of malnutrition increased the costs and length of hospital stay (P < .05). Dietetic input was involved during hospital stay in 12/37 (32.4%), 32/173 (18.5%), and 13/188 (6.9%) of inpatients at high, moderate, and low risk, respectively (P < .001). Nutrition risk screening did not detect all patients classified as acutely malnourished.

Conclusion

Hospitals need to ensure proper application of nutrition screening, develop a protocol for the care of children at nutrition risk, and monitor the use of this protocol.
Clinician's Guide to Understanding Effect Size, Alpha Level, Power, and Sample Size
Authors: Peterson Sarah J. , Foley Sharon
Published: May 2021

Effect size, α level, power, and sample size are misunderstood concepts that play a major role in the design and interpretation of studies. Effect size represents the magnitude of a change in an outcome or the strength of a relationship. Often, the effect size may be more important than just relying on the α level when interpreting results from a study because it informs a researcher of the actual magnitude of the difference or relationship. Confidence intervals can also assist in making this assessment. Power represents the probability of rejecting the null hypothesis when it is false. Effect size, power, and α level are all important in the calculation of sample size needed to conduct a study. Calculating the sample size a priori and including the required number of participants is essential. Studies with small sample sizes, relative to the needed number provided from a power analysis, may lead to false negative results. Studies with grossly large sample sizes may yield statistically significant findings with small effect sizes that may not be clinically relevant. It is beneficial when all four components are clearly presented in analytic studies. Failure to include these elements may limit the ability of other researchers to replicate the study's findings and lead to difficulty when interpreting the study's results.
Nonoverlapping block smoothers for the Stokes equations
Authors: Claus Lisa , Bolten Matthias
Published: May 2021

Overlapping block smoothers efficiently damp the error contributions from highly oscillatory components within multigrid methods for the Stokes equations but they are computationally expensive. This paper is concentrated on the development and analysis of new block smoothers for the Stokes equations that are discretized on staggered grids. These smoothers are nonoverlapping and therefore desirable due to reduced computational costs. Traditional geometric multigrid methods are based on simple pointwise smoothers. However, using multigrid methods to efficiently solve more difficult problems such as the Stokes equations leads to computationally more expensive smoothers, for example, overlapping block smoothers. Nonoverlapping smoothers are less expensive, but have been considered less efficient in the literature. In this paper, we develop new nonoverlapping smoothers, the so‐called triad‐wise smoothers, and show their efficiency within multigrid methods to solve the Stokes equations. In addition, we compare overlapping and nonoverlapping smoothers by measuring their computational costs and analyzing their behavior by the use of local Fourier analysis.
Dissemination of newborn behavior observation skills after Newborn Individualized Developmental Care and Assessment Program (NIDCAP) implementation
Authors: Chandebois Laurence , Nogue Erika , Bouschbacher Catherine , Durand Sabine , Masson Florence , Mesnage Renaud , Nagot Nicolas , Cambonie Gilles
Published: May 2021

Aim

To assess nurses’ ability to observe newborn behaviour after in situ training provided by caregivers with advanced practice certification in the Newborn Individualized Developmental Care and Assessment Program (NIDCAP).

Design

Prospective observational study.

Methods

Twelve nurses viewed 20‐min films showing the behaviour of 10 premature newborns before, during and after the usual caregiving. The behaviour was rated on an observation sheet with 88 items distributed into six systems. The responses were compared to the reference ratings established by two professionals certified for this programme.

Results

Despite less accurate observations during care and for some components, the nurses generally showed a satisfactory ability to observe newborn behaviour after training by NIDCAP expert professionals. The dissemination of observation skills among caregivers may result in an improved quality of patient care and better communication among professionals in a department of neonatology.
Optimal linear‐quadratic‐Gaussian control for discrete‐time linear systems with white and time‐correlated measurement Noises
Authors: Liu Wei , Shi Peng , Xie Xiangpeng , Yue Dong , Fei Shumin
Published: May 2021

This article is concerned with the optimal linear‐quadratic‐Gaussian control problem for discrete‐time linear systems corrupted by white and time‐correlated measurement noises. First, an optimal predictor for the system under consideration is proposed. Then, an optimal controller is designed, which minimizes an expected loss by a control strategy where the control is a function of measurement sequence. The novelty of this article is that a new sequence instead of the original measurement sequence is used to obtain the optimal control scheme where the element in the new sequence is derived from measurement differencing. A verification example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the developed new design method.
Relationship between microstructure and mechanical properties of polyether block amide foams
Authors: Ernault Estève , Diani Julie , Hallais Simon , Cocquet Clio
Published: May 2021

The mechanical behaviors of five polyether block amide foams, obtained by mold‐opening foam injection process, were investigated with regard to their microstructures. The materials vary in mass ratios of hard versus soft segments, and/or in process packing time. The resulting microstructures have been characterized in terms of cavity size and shape ratios, by analyzing scanning electron microscope images after careful sample preparation. The foam mechanical responses have been characterized in compression at small and large strain. At small strain, the initial linear part of the stress–strain curve is enhanced firstly by the hard segment mass ratio and secondly by the fineness of the microstructure. Similar results have been obtained at large strain. The foam viscoelasticity at large strain has been characterized by stress relaxation and strain recovery tests, relevant for foam applications. Reduced packing time and pressure have been shown to lead to the presence of undesired large cavities. The morphological defects appear to have a negligible impact on the macroscopic mechanical behavior of the foams at infinitesimal strain, but lead to critical inconsistency at large strain. Furthermore, the mechanical behavior of the tested polyether block amide foams is controlled first by hard versus soft segments ratio, and second by the microstructure fineness.
Nivolumab exposure–response analysis for adjuvant treatment of melanoma supporting a change in posology
Authors: Sanghavi Kinjal , Vuppala Pradeep , Ivaturi Vijay , Hamuro Lora , Roy Amit , Suryawanshi Satyendra
Published: May 2021

Nivolumab monotherapy is approved as adjuvant treatment for melanoma based on results from the pivotal CheckMate 238 trial. We present a model‐based, benefit–risk assessment of nivolumab in adjuvant melanoma supporting a posology change from a weight‐based to a less frequent, flat‐dosing regimen. The exposure–response (E–R) relationship for efficacy was evaluated using recurrence‐free survival (RFS) and distant metastasis‐free survival (DMFS) end points from the CheckMate 238 trial. The E–R for safety was evaluated using data from 14 studies across a broad range of doses in several tumor types using grade 3+ adverse event (AE) and grade 2+ immune‐mediated AE (IMAE) end points. Nivolumab trough exposures were not significant predictors of RFS or DMFS. Covariates significantly associated with increased risk of disease recurrence or death were programmed death ligand 1 (PD‐L1; less than 5% cutoff), lower baseline lactate dehydrogenase, and higher age. Covariates associated with increased risk of distant metastasis or death were PD‐L1 (less than 5% cutoff) and higher age. Higher nivolumab maximum concentration after first dose (Cmax1) was significantly associated with grade 2+ IMAEs, but not grade 3+ AEs. The risk of grade 3+ AEs was significantly lower in adjuvant versus advanced melanoma. Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status higher than zero was associated with higher incidences of grade 2+ IMAEs and grade 3+ AEs. Female patients had significantly higher incidences of grade 2+ IMAEs than male patients. Nivolumab monotherapy in adjuvant melanoma demonstrated a relatively flat E–R relationship over the range of exposures produced by 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks and predicted a comparable benefit–risk profile to flat‐dosing regimens.
Numerical Modeling of Schottky Barrier Diode Characteristics
Authors: Splith Daniel , Müller Stefan , von Wenckstern Holger , Grundmann Marius
Published: May 2021

Herein, a comprehensive model is presented for the calculation of entire current–voltage (IV) characteristics of Schottky contacts (SCs). This treatment allows to analyze in detail the physical and technological origins of empirical fit parameters like the ideality factor. This model considers variations of the semiconductor net doping density in growth direction and barrier height inhomogeneities. The only input parameters required are the doping profile, the mean value, and the standard deviation of the barrier height distribution as well as material parameters. As measuring conditions like the integration time impact measured IV characteristics, similar sweep parameters as applied during a measurement are included in the model and proven to be necessary for the understanding of charging currents and the shift of the voltage for zero current. Using this model, various nonidealities reported in literature are explained. Further, the influence of differently doped interfacial layers on the characteristics is studied. Finally, the model is applied to multiple datasets of IV characteristics of SCs on different materials published in literature and from this laboratory, enabling a fundamental understanding of the origins of the nonidealities observed as well as the distinction between the contributions of different transport mechanisms to the total current.
Saturated fatty acids accelerate linear motility through mitochondrial ATP production in bull sperm
Authors: Islam Md. Mazharul , Umehara Takashi , Tsujita Natsumi , Shimada Masayuki
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The present study was undertaken to clarify whether bovine sperm could take up fatty acids (FAs) and produce ATP to maintain linear motility.

Methods

Frozen bovine semen was thawed in media containing either lipid mixture (LM) or FAs, and sperm motility was analyzed. The kinetic changes in FA levels in sperm were detected using gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry. The mitochondrial activity of sperm thawed in media containing LM or FAs was analyzed based on the fluorescence intensity of JC‐1 staining and the oxygen consumption rate. FA transporters were observed using whole‐mounted immunofluorescence.

Results

Sperm linear motility was significantly (P < .05) increased after thawing in media with LM and FA. Moreover, saturated fatty acids were predominant in sperm thawed in media with LM. Notably, our study revealed that frozen bovine sperm possessed FA transporters in the midpiece where the fluorescence signals were detected after treatment with fluorescence‐tagged FA. Treatment with FA activated electron transport in mitochondria through β‐oxidation.

Conclusions

Sperm linear motility is facilitated by FAs in the thawing media used for frozen bovine sperm. This might provide a new approach for upgrading the artificial insemination technique used in both livestock animals and human infertility care.
Natural resources abundance, economic globalization, and carbon emissions: Advancing sustainable development agenda
Authors: Xiaoman Wu , Majeed Abdul , Vasbieva Dinara G. , Yameogo Claire Emilienne Wati , Hussain Nazim
Published: May 2021

The high pace of economic growth has posed many challenges. These challenges include depletion of natural resources, globalization challenges, and environmental degradation. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) economies are rich in mineral resources. Economic globalization has put the MENA countries in the spotlight for the developed world. Despite the status of being a hotspot for mineral resource richness, there is limited research on the effect of natural resources and economic globalization on the environmental degradation of the MENA countries. This paper examines the effects of natural resource abundance and economic globalization on environmental quality by considering trade openness, urbanization, and economic growth from the year 1980 to 2018. We apply second‐generation panel cointegration techniques along with continuously updated fully modified (Cup‐FM) and continuously updated bias‐corrected (Cup‐BC) techniques. The findings show that natural resource abundance significantly improves environmental quality. Likewise, economic globalization also mitigates emissions levels in the MENA countries. In contrast, trade openness, urbanization, and economic growth significantly deteriorate environmental quality. The unidirectional link indicates natural resources and economic globalization create trade openness. The paper provides novel empirical evidence and policy recommendations for sustainable development goals.
Stress and COVID‐19 related behaviours: The mediating role of delay discounting
Authors: DeAngelis Briana N. , Ben Salah Arwa , al'Absi Mustafa
Published: May 2021

We examined stress as a predictor of behaviours related to Coronavirus Disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) through its effects on delay discounting. Adults (N = 3686) completed an online survey with a behavioural measure of delay discounting and questions regarding stress, physical distancing, and stockpiling of food and supplies. Stress was weakly, but positively, correlated with delay discounting (p < 0.01). Delay discounting was positively correlated with stockpiling (p < 0.01); and discounting was negatively correlated with physical distancing (p < 0.01). Mediation models indicated that discounting was a significant mediator of the relationship between stress and physical distancing (−0.003) and stockpiling (0.003); bootstrap 95% CIs (−0.006, −0.001) and (0.001, 0.005), respectively. After accounting for its indirect effects through discounting, stress continued to have a direct effect on these outcomes. This study indicates that delay discounting partially mediates the link between stress and behaviours related to COVID‐19. Results suggest that interventions reducing stress and/or delay discounting may be profitable for increasing infection prevention and reducing stockpiling.
A constrained minimum method for model selection
Authors: Tsao Min
Published: May 2021

We propose a constrained minimum method for converting a hypothesis test into a model selection criterion that pursues consistency and sparsity of the selected model explicitly. The method achieves consistency by letting the significance level of the test go to zero at a certain speed depending on the sample size. It maximizes the sparsity by choosing the most sparse model among models not rejected by the test. The method may be used for model selection whenever a hypothesis test on the model parameter vector is available. We illustrate this method through its application to the best subset selection of linear models. Numerical comparisons with existing methods show that it has excellent accuracy and its selected model converges to the true model faster than the model chosen by the Bayesian information criterion.
Mandibular metastasis of a prostatic carcinoma in a dog
Authors: Michalak Sarah R. , Woerde Dennis J. , Wilson Sabrina S. , Alonso Flavio H. , Hardy Brian T.
Published: May 2021

Skeletal metastasis is a common finding in dogs with prostatic carcinoma and most frequently involves the lumbar vertebrae and pelvis. In the present report, we describe the case of a prostatic carcinoma in a 6‐year‐old Labrador retriever, who developed apparent oral sensitivity and pain within a week of initial diagnosis. Computed tomography of the skull revealed a mixed osteoproductive and osteolytic mass of the condylar process of the left mandible, and cytologic evaluation of the mass was consistent with metastatic prostatic carcinoma. To our knowledge, this is the first published report of mandibular metastasis of a prostatic carcinoma in a dog.
Evaluation of dried papaya pomace meal in laying hen diets
Authors: Tamiru Bogale , Alkhtib Ashraf , Tamiru Metekia , Demeke Solomon , Burton Emily , Tolemariam Taye , Debela Lemessa , Janssens Geert P. J.
Published: May 2021

In the search for alternative feed resources for laying hens, papaya pomace is available as industrial by‐product but information on its nutritive value is lacking. Dried papaya pomace was included in a common laying hen diet at 0%, 2.5%, 5% and 7.5% to evaluate its effect on egg production performance, egg quality and general health parameters in Bovan brown layers. For every inclusion level, three cages with ten 20‐week‐old layers were used, making a total of 120 hens. The effect of dried papaya pomace inclusion on egg production, egg quality and general health parameters was evaluated. Dried papaya pomace inclusion improved egg production and laying by 6.15% and 17% respectively, while it significantly decreased feed conversion ratio by 7.5%. Eggshell weight, thickness and strength of PP5 were higher than the control by 0.3 g, 0.8 mm and 0.43 kg/cm2, respectively. There was a significant improvement in albumin weight (by 1.5 g/L), albumin height (2.1 mm), yolk weight (0.4 g/L), yolk height (0.4 mm), yolk colour (4.4 points) and Haugh unit (8 points) due to PP5 treatment. Inclusion of papaya pomace at a level of 7.5% of layers diet had negative effect on Egg production, feed conversion ratio and interior and exterior egg quality traits. Inclusion of papaya pomace affected significantly serum total cholesterol, serum triglyceride, serum low density lipoprotein, serum high density lipoprotein, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and white blood cell count. However, all blood traits of the experimental animals were within the normal ranges reported for layers. Inclusion of papaya pomace in 5% of layers commercial diets improves egg production and quality without negative impact on health while decreasing feeding cost.
Origins and Consequences of Market Citizenship
Authors: Ark-Yıldırım Ceren , Smyrl Marc
Published: May 2021

In this chapter, we establish the historical context needed to understand the place of cash transfer in contemporary market-enhancing social policy. To this end we outline the circumstances that led to the establishment of the twentieth-century regime of “industrial citizenship,” to growing criticism of it, and finally to the rise to prominence of a competing model, labeled (largely by its opponents) as “market citizenship.” We pay considerable attention at each step to the social and philosophical debates that surrounded this evolution, trying to understand not just how one citizenship regime was challenged and partially replaced by another, but why.
QGP modification to single inclusive jets in a calibrated transport model
Authors: Ke Weiyao , Wang Xin-Nian
Published: May 2021

Abstract

We study inclusive jet suppression and modifications in the quark-gluon plasma (QGP) with a transport-based model. The model includes vacuum-like parton shower evolution at high-virtuality, a linearized transport for jet-medium interactions, and a simple ansatz for the jet-induced hydrodynamic response of the medium. Model parameters are calibrated to nuclear modification factors for inclusive hadron $$ {R}_{AA}^h $$

R
AA
h

and single inclusive jets $$ {R}_{AA}^j $$

R
AA
j

with cone size R = 0.4 in 0–10% central Au-Au and Pb-Pb collisions measured at the RHIC and LHC. The calibrated model consistently describes the cone-size dependent $$ {R}_{AA}^j $$

R
AA
j

(R), modifications to inclusive jet fragmentation functions and jet shape. We discuss the origin of these modifications by analyzing the medium-induced jet energy flow in this model and elucidate the interplay of hard parton evolution and jet-induced medium response. In particular, we demonstrate that the excess of soft hadrons at pT∼ 2 GeV/c in jet fragmentation function and jet shape at large $$ r=\sqrt{\Delta {\eta}^2+\Delta {\phi}^2} $$
r
=

Δ

η
2

+
Δ

ϕ
2

are consequences of both soft medium-induced gluon radiation and jet-induced medium excitation.
Correction to: Conformal Mappings Revisited in the Octonions and Clifford Algebras of Arbitrary Dimension
Authors: Kraußhar Rolf Sören
Published: May 2021

A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10711-015-0119-z
Singularities of Solutions of Hamilton–Jacobi Equations
Authors: Cannarsa Piermarco , Cheng Wei
Published: May 2021

This is a survey paper on the quantitative analysis of the propagation of singularities for the viscosity solutions to Hamilton–Jacobi equations in the past decades. We also review further applications of the theory to various fields such as Riemannian geometry, Hamiltonian dynamical systems and partial differential equations.
The impact of loco-regional anaesthesia on postoperative opioid use in elderly hip fracture patients: an observational study
Authors: Häusler Gioia , van der Vet Puck C. R. , Beeres Frank J. P. , Kaufman Thomas , Kusen Jip Q. , Poblete Beate
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Hip fractures are a common health problem among the elderly with an increasing incidence. They are associated with high mortality and morbidity. Optimal pain management remains challenging and inadequate pain control is known for negatively affecting outcomes. Loco-regional anaesthetics (LRA) have been proven to benefit pain management and to lower the risks of opioid use and -related side effects. We aimed to evaluate the use and efficacy of different LRA in elderly hip fracture patients.

Methods

Single-center cohort study of elderly hip fracture patients, who were treated in central Switzerland. We compared patients who received LRA in the form of a femoral nerve block (FNB) or a continuous femoral nerve catheter (CFNC) with patients who did not receive LRA. Primary outcomes were pain—as measured in perioperative morphine use—hospital length of stay (HLOS), postoperative complications, postoperative falls and mortality.

Results

407 patients were included for analysis. Mean age was 85.2 (SD6.3). There was a significant difference in intraoperative morphine use between the groups (p = 0.007). Postoperative morphine use differed significantly and was lowest in patients with FNB and highest in patients without LRA (p < 0.001). The use of LRA was a significant predictor for postoperative morphine use for postoperative morphine use at the recovery room and for postoperative morphine use 48 h after surgery. No significant differences were found in postoperative complications, a significant difference was found in 1-year mortality.

Conclusions

This article shows that LRA in the form of FNB and CFNC causes a significant decrease in postoperative opioid consumption. Differences between single-shot FNB or CFNC were minimal. There were no significant differences in clinical outcomes such as HLOS, delirium, 30-day and 90-day mortality and postoperative falls. We suggest that use of LRA should be incorporated in the perioperative treatment of elderly patients with a hip fracture. For future research, we recommend evaluating the number of postoperative complications and mortality.
Genome-wide identification of loci modifying spike-branching in tetraploid wheat
Authors: Wolde Gizaw M. , Schreiber Mona , Trautewig Corinna , Himmelbach Axel , Sakuma Shun , Mascher Martin , Schnurbusch Thorsten
Published: May 2021

Key message

Genetic modification of spike architecture is essential for improving wheat yield. Newly identified loci for the ‘Miracle wheat’ phenotype on chromosomes 1AS and 2BS have significant effects on spike traits.

The wheat (Triticum ssp.) inflorescence, also known as a spike, forms an unbranched inflorescence in which the inflorescence meristem generates axillary spikelet meristems (SMs) destined to become sessile spikelets. Previously, we identified the putatively causative mutation in the branched headt (bht) gene (TtBH-A1) of tetraploid wheat (T. turgidum convar. compositum (L.f.) Filat.) responsible for the loss of SM identity, converting the non-branching spike to a branched wheat spike. In the current study, we performed whole-genome quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis using 146 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between spike-branching wheat (‘Miracle wheat’) and an elite durum wheat cultivar showing broad phenotypic variation for spike architecture. Besides the previously found gene at the bht-A1 locus on the short arm of chromosome 2A, we also mapped two new modifier QTL for spike-branching on the short arm of chromosome 1A, termed bht-A2, and 2BS. Using biparental mapping population and GWAS in 302 diverse accessions, the 2BS locus was highly associated with coding sequence variation found at the homoeo-allele of TtBH-B1 (bht-B1). Thus, RILs that combined both bht-A1 and bht-B1 alleles showed additive genetic effects leading to increased penetrance and expressivity of the supernumerary spikelet and/or mini-spike formation.
Forensische DNA-Methylierungsanalyse
Authors: Holländer Olivia , Schwender Kristina , Böhme Petra , Fleckhaus Jan , Haas Cordula , Han Yang , Heidorn Frank , Klein-Unseld Rachel , Lichtenwald Julia , Naue Jana , Neubauer Jacqueline , Poetsch Micaela , Schneider Peter M. , Wagner Wolfgang , Vennemann Marielle ,   Arbeitsgemeinschaft Molekulare Altersschätzung der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Rechtsmedizin (DGRM), Böhme Petra , Fleckhaus Jan , Haas Cordula , Han Yang , Heidorn Frank , Holländer Olivia , Klein-Unseld Rachel , Lichtenwald Julia , Naue Jana , Neubauer Jacqueline , Poetsch Micaela , Schneider Peter M. , Schwender Kristina , Vennemann Marielle , Wagner Wolfgang
Published: May 2021

Die quantitative Analyse der relativen DNA-Methylierung gilt als eine der vielversprechendsten Methoden der molekularen Altersschätzung. Viele Studien der letzten Jahre identifizierten geeignete Positionen im Genom, deren DNA-Methylierung sich altersabhängig verändert. Für den Einsatz dieser Methode in der Routine- bzw. Fallarbeit ist es von großer Bedeutung, angewandte Analysetechniken zu validieren. Als ein Teilaspekt dieser Validierung sollte die Vergleichbarkeit der Analyseergebnisse zur DNA-Methylierung mithilfe der Mini- und Pyrosequenzierung zwischen verschiedenen Laboren evaluiert werden. Die Arbeitsgruppe „Molekulare Altersschätzung“ der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Rechtsmedizin (DGRM) führte hierzu den ersten, technischen Ringversuch durch, der 4 Positionen in den Genen PDE4C, EDARADD, SST und KLF14 umfasste. Diese Marker waren in vorangegangenen Studien als altersabhängige Biomarker charakterisiert worden. Am Ringversuch nahmen 12 Labore teil, wobei jedes die Wahl zwischen der Minisequenzierung und/oder der Pyrosequenzierung für die quantitative Methylierungsanalyse hatte. Jedem teilnehmenden Labor wurden Blut- und Speichelproben von 3 Personen unterschiedlichen Alters übersandt. Die Wahl der Reagenzien für die Probenbearbeitung wurde den Teilnehmern freigestellt.

Die Ergebnisse der Minisequenzierung zeigten systematische Abweichungen zwischen den Laboren, die am ehesten auf die Verwendung unterschiedlicher Reagenzien und Analyseplattformen zurückzuführen sein können. Die Resultate der Pyrosequenzierung hingegen wiesen nicht auf systematische Abweichungen zwischen den Laboren hin, hier zeigte sich jedoch die Tendenz einer markerabhängigen Abweichung. Darüber hinaus konnten Unterschiede hinsichtlich technischer Probleme zwischen Laboren mit mehr Erfahrung in der jeweiligen Sequenzierungsmethode und Laboren mit weniger Erfahrung festgestellt werden. Sowohl die Beobachtung von systematischen als auch die von markerabhängigen Abweichungen lässt den Schluss zu, dass eine Übertragung von Analysemethoden zwischen Laboren grundsätzlich möglich ist, eine Anpassung des jeweiligen Modells zur Altersschätzung jedoch notwendig sein kann.
On the Determinant Problem for the Relativistic Boltzmann Equation
Authors: Chapman James , Jang Jin Woo , Strain Robert M.
Published: May 2021

This article considers a long-outstanding open question regarding the Jacobian determinant for the relativistic Boltzmann equation in the center-of-momentum coordinates. For the Newtonian Boltzmann equation, the center-of-momentum coordinates have played a large role in the study of the Newtonian non-cutoff Boltzmann equation, in particular we mention the widely used cancellation lemma [1]. In this article we calculate specifically the very complicated Jacobian determinant, in ten variables, for the relativistic collision map from the momentum p to the post collisional momentum $$p'$$

p
′

; specifically we calculate the determinant for $$p\mapsto u = \theta p'+\left( 1-\theta \right) p$$

p
↦
u
=
θ

p
′

+

1
-
θ

p

for $$\theta \in [0,1]$$

θ
∈
[
0
,
1
]

. Afterwards we give an upper-bound for this determinant that has no singularity in both p and q variables. Next we give an example where we prove that the Jacobian goes to zero in a specific pointwise limit. We further explain the results of our numerical study which shows that the Jacobian determinant has a very large number of distinct points at which it is machine zero. This generalizes the work of Glassey-Strauss (1991) [8] and Guo-Strain (2012) [12]. These conclusions make it difficult to envision a direct relativistic analog of the Newtonian cancellation lemma in the center-of-momentum coordinates.
Correction to: Complementary role of computed tomography texture analysis for differentiation of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma from pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors in the portal‑venous enhancement phase
Authors: Reinert Christian Philipp , Baumgartner Karolin , Hepp Tobias , Bitzer Michael , Horger Marius
Published: May 2021

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00261-021-03084-x
Correction to: Paclitaxel-Coated Balloon Angioplasty for the Treatment of Infrainguinal Arteries: 24-Month Outcomes in the Full Cohort of BIOLUX P-III Global Registry
Authors: Tepe Gunnar , Zeller Thomas , Moscovic Matej , Corpataux Jean-Marc , Christensen Johnny Kent , Keirse Koen , Nano Giovanni , Schroeder Henrik , Binkert Christoph A. , Brodmann Marianne
Published: May 2021

A correction to this paper has been published: 10.1007/s00270-021-02862-w
Patient perspectives on the British Columbia Biosimilars Initiative: a qualitative descriptive study
Authors: Chew Caitlin , Aguiar Magda , Bansback Nick , Law Michael R. , Harrison Mark
Published: May 2021

In May 2019, the Government of British Columbia (BC) announced the implementation of the Biosimilars Initiative, mandating the switch of biologic (originator) drugs to biosimilars for certain patient populations in the hopes of optimizing public resources. Through this qualitative study, we aimed to identify patients’ perspectives as they undergo this change. From October 2019 to July 2020, we conducted nine pre- and six post-switch to biosimilar interviews with BC, English speaking participants, who were 18 years or older, and were currently taking a biologic medication. Participants were interviewed pre- and post-switch to a biosimilar medication and interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim for qualitative analysis. Interviews were thematically analysed and major themes and sub-categories were elucidated. The themes derived from pre and post-switch interviews captured participants’ anticipated or experienced barriers and enablers to the policy change. In general, the fears and apprehension of participants approaching the switch, including concerns surrounding the efficacy and safety of biosimilars, were addressed by their rheumatologist and social support circles. For the most part, participants were able to successfully manage their disease regardless of their baseline concerns about efficacy and safety. Experiences of changes in health delivery models were also observed secondary to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic amongst participants. This study is the first of its kind to characterize the patient perspective regarding the BC Biosimilars Initiative. The incorporation of the patient perspective, including adequate provider-patient communication and shared decision-making can help to inform future non-medical switching policy changes.
Prospective blinded evaluation of smartphone-based ECG for differentiation of supraventricular tachycardia from inappropriate sinus tachycardia
Authors: Wegner Felix K. , Kochhäuser Simon , Frommeyer Gerrit , Lange Philipp S. , Ellermann Christian , Leitz Patrick , Müller Patrick , Köbe Julia , Eckardt Lars , Dechering Dirk G.
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Supraventricular tachycardias (SVT) are often difficult to document due to their intermittent, short-lasting nature. Smartphone-based one-lead ECG monitors (sECG) were initially developed for the diagnosis of atrial fibrillation. No data have been published regarding their potential role in differentiating inappropiate sinus tachycardia (IST) from regular SVT. If cardiologists could distinguish IST from SVT in sECG, economic health care burden might be significantly reduced.

Methods

We prospectively recruited 75 consecutive patients with known SVT undergoing an EP study. In all patients, four ECG were recorded: a sECG during SVT and during sinus tachycardia and respective 12-lead ECG. Two experienced electrophysiologists were blinded to the diagnoses and separately evaluated all ECG.

Results

Three hundred individual ECG were recorded in 75 patients (47 female, age 50 ± 18 years, BMI 26 ± 5 kg/m2, 60 AVNRT, 15 AVRT). The electrophysiologists’ blinded interpretation of sECG recordings showed a sensitivity of 89% and a specificity of 91% for the detection of SVT (interobserver agreement κ = 0.76). In high-quality sECG recordings (68%), sensitivity rose to 95% with a specificity of 92% (interobserver agreement of κ = 0.91). Specificity increased to 96% when both electrophysiologists agreed on the diagnosis. Respective 12-lead ECG had a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 98% for the detection of SVT.

Conclusion

A smartphone-based one-lead ECG monitor allows for differentiation of SVT from IST in about 90% of cases. These results should encourage cardiologists to integrate wearables into clinical practice, possibly reducing time to definitive diagnosis of an arrhythmia and unnecessary EP procedures.

Graphical abstract

A smartphone-based one lead ECG device (panel A) can be used reliably to differentiate supraventricular tachycardia (panel B) from inappropriate sinus tachycardia when compared to a simultaneously conducted gold-standard electrophysiology study (panels C, D).
Effective cleaning of endoscopic lenses to achieve visual clarity for minimally invasive abdominopelvic surgery: a systematic review
Authors: Nabeel Ahmad , Al-Sabah Salman K. , Ashrafian Hutan
Published: May 2021

Objective

To review the recently available interventions to achieve optimal visual clarity in laparoscopic abdominopelvic surgery compared to conventional cleaning alternatives.

Summary background data

Currently, there is no consensus on the most effective method for the cleaning of endoscopic lenses used in minimally invasive abdominopelvic surgery.

Methods

Literature searching for articles relevant to answering a predefined research question was performed in December 2019 and involved searching of the electronic databases of MEDLINE, the Cochrane Registry, and EMBASE. Basic search terms were derived using the PICO (population, intervention, comparator and outcomes) framework and through a scoping search of literature via MEDLINE. A manual search of Google Scholar and citation screening of eligible studies was also performed to ensure the identification and inclusion of all pertinent studies to address the research question.

Results

Among conventional and readily available methods, the most effective approaches involved heated sterile water, heating of laparoscope lenses, and surfactant solutions, including FRED and Ultra-Stop, while evaluations of all novel devices and methods were more effective than controls, which included lens wiping systems and air and carbon dioxide flow systems. While the former surgical techniques were consistently associated with superior lens cleaning ability and/or defogging capability and subsequent optical clarity of images within the surgical field, no methods conferred any meaningful effects upon other clinically important outcomes, such as operative time, costs, complication rates and length of stay, suggesting that decision making concerning the selection of lens cleaning method/device should suit the preferences of the instrument operator and/or the responsible surgeon.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that a range of endoscopic lens cleaning methods and devices can be used to achieve sufficient optical clarity of the laparoscopic surgical field through either preventing lenses from fogging and/or facilitating the inter-operative cleaning of fouled lenses. Despite the various methods evaluated in this review, there were no significant differences in complication rates between the intervention and control groups.
All-on-Chip Concurrent Measurements of the Static Magnetization and of the Electron Spin Resonance with Microcantilevers
Authors: Alfonsov A. , Büchner B. , Kataev V.
Published: May 2021

A large variety of the samples of novel magnetic materials, which are of high interest due to their exotic properties, are only available in very small sizes. In some cases, it is not possible to synthesize large single crystals; in other cases, the small size itself is the key prerequisite to manifest a specifically interesting property of the material. The smallness of a sample rises a problem of the detection of the static magnetic response and of the electron spin resonance (ESR) signal. To overcome this problem, we propose to use a cantilever-based (torque-detected) setup with the capability of a simultaneous measurement of ESR and static magnetization. This setup offers a high sensitivity and the ability to acquire along with the ESR signal the components of the magnetization tensor in a single experimental run. Here, we present the working principle of this setup, as well as the estimate of its sensitivity from the measurements on the standard Co Tutton salt sample.
Error control for statistical solutions of hyperbolic systems of conservation laws
Authors: Giesselmann Jan , Meyer Fabian , Rohde Christian
Published: May 2021

Statistical solutions have recently been introduced as an alternative solution framework for hyperbolic systems of conservation laws. In this work, we derive a novel a posteriori error estimate in the Wasserstein distance between dissipative statistical solutions and numerical approximations obtained from the Runge-Kutta Discontinuous Galerkin method in one spatial dimension, which rely on so-called regularized empirical measures. The error estimator can be split into deterministic parts which correspond to spatio-temporal approximation errors and a stochastic part which reflects the stochastic error. We provide numerical experiments which examine the scaling properties of the residuals and verify their splitting.
What is in a student-faculty relationship? A template analysis of students’ positive and negative critical incidents with faculty and staff in higher education
Authors: Snijders Ingrid , Wijnia Lisette , Dekker Hans J. J. , Rikers Remy M. J. P. , Loyens Sofie M. M.
Published: May 2021

Supportive relationships between students and their educational faculty and staff can foster positive outcomes such as students’ involvement and development. However, research investigating how students perceive the quality of their relationships with educational faculty/staff (i.e., relationship quality) so far remains scarce. This study’s aim was to gain more insight into the construct of relationship quality in higher education using a qualitative approach. Students’ descriptions of their positive (n = 294) and negative relationship experiences (n = 395) were collected using a critical incident technique (final sample N = 513 critical incidents) followed by a template analysis with a priori themes (i.e., relationship quality dimensions: trust in honesty, trust in benevolence, satisfaction, affective commitment, affective conflict). Results indicated that students most often mentioned trust in honesty and trust in benevolence. Affective conflict was not always explicitly mentioned in negative experiences, nor satisfaction in positive experiences. Descriptions of trust in benevolence (n = 355) were equally distributed over positive and negative incidents. However, trust in honesty was more often referred to in negative (n = 145) than in positive incidents (n = 51). The results indicated that students considered timely response to assignments and emails important, and teachers showing interest and attention. The study’s findings provide a new view of how students might positively and negatively perceive the quality of their relationship with educational faculty and staff. This study adds to the theoretical and practical implications of relationship quality research in higher education and how relational aspects are important for students.
Institutional quality, economic development and illegal logging: a quantitative cross-national analysis
Authors: Bösch Matthias
Published: May 2021

Illegal logging is a global concern, associated with severe negative environmental, social and economic impacts, such as deforestation, degradation of biodiversity and loss of government revenues. Despite recent international efforts to combat illegal logging activities, the problem remains widespread. While the academic literature on the subject is extensive, little systematic research has been devoted to analysing the causes of illegal logging. Here, this knowledge gap is addressed with a cross-national assessment of factors hypothesized to impact illegal logging. The logistic regression analysis conducted in this study corroborates some widely held beliefs, but also provides some new insights on the factors that are important for whether illegal logging is likely to be a problem. It is shown that, besides physical-geographic characteristics, a number of factors relating to the level and speed of a country’s economic-institutional development are associated with illegal logging. These include gross domestic product per capita, economic growth, voice and accountability, rule of law and control of corruption. The findings also have implications for existing policies to tackle illegal logging activities.
Evaluating the effect of compressing algorithms for trajectory similarity and classification problems
Authors: Makris Antonios , Silva Camila Leite da , Bogorny Vania , Alvares Luis Otavio , Macedo Jose Antonio , Tserpes Konstantinos
Published: May 2021

During the last few years the volumes of the data that synthesize trajectories have expanded to unparalleled quantities. This growth is challenging traditional trajectory analysis approaches and solutions are sought in other domains. In this work, we focus on data compression techniques with the intention to minimize the size of trajectory data, while, at the same time, minimizing the impact on the trajectory analysis methods. To this extent, we evaluate five lossy compression algorithms: Douglas-Peucker (DP), Time Ratio (TR), Speed Based (SP), Time Ratio Speed Based (TR_SP) and Speed Based Time Ratio (SP_TR). The comparison is performed using four distinct real world datasets against six different dynamically assigned thresholds. The effectiveness of the compression is evaluated using classification techniques and similarity measures. The results showed that there is a trade-off between the compression rate and the achieved quality. The is no “best algorithm” for every case and the choice of the proper compression algorithm is an application-dependent process.
Synthesis of a PVA drug delivery system for controlled release of a Tramadol–Dexketoprofen combination
Authors: Flores-Arriaga Juan Carlos , Chavarría-Bolaños Daniel , Pozos-Guillén Amaury de Jesús , Escobar-Barrios Vladimir Alonso , Cerda-Cristerna Bernardino Isaac
Published: May 2021

The local administration of analgesic combinations by means of degradable polymeric drug delivery systems is an alternative for the management of postoperative pain. We formulated a Tramadol–Dexketoprofen combination (TDC) loaded in poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) film. Films were prepared by the solvent casting method using three different molecular weights of PVA and crosslinking those films with citric acid, with the objective of controlling the drug release rate, which was evaluated by UV–vis spectrometry. Non-crosslinked PVA films were also evaluated in the experiments. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis of samples corroborated the crosslinking of PVA by the citric acid. Blank and loaded PVA films were tested in vitro for its impact on blood coagulation prothrombin time (PT) and partial thromboplastin time (PTT). The swelling capacity was also evaluated. Crosslinked PVA films of higher-molecular weight showed a prolonged release rate compared with that of the lower-molecular-weight films tested. Non-crosslinked PVA films released 11–14% of TDC. Crosslinked PVA films released 80% of the TDC loaded (p < 0.05). This suggests that crosslinking films can modify the drug release rate. The blank and loaded PVA films induced PT and PTT in the normal range. The results showed that the polymeric films evaluated here have the appropriate properties to allow films to be placed directly on surgical wounds and have the capacity for controlled drug release to promote local analgesia for the control of postoperative pain.