bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vision Zero in Germany
Authors: Hell Wolfram , Bodewig Kurt , Hammer Ute , Kellner Christian , Klinke Clemens , Mück Matthias , Schreiner Martin , Walz Felix , Zielke Guido
Published: August 2022

Vision Zero has a central role in traffic safety in Germany. Finally, it was even a relevant point in the coalition treaty from the Federal Governing Parties in the year 2018.

It is a unifying theme for safety measures taken on the federal, state, and local levels and in private, nonprofit traffic safety organizations. In later years, cooperation between these different agents has been intensified. Evaluation and measurability are essential in the German approach to Vision Zero. One example of this is the statistical work performed every year to identify “zero cities,” i.e., cities that had zero road fatalities the previous year. A yearly award puts focus on cities that have a particularly long string of zero years, in relation to their size. This is performed on an international level, and cities around the world are incentivized by these recognitions. Munich is used as an example of a city that has recently stepped up its traffic safety work. The city has adopted Vision Zero and followed up this with intensified traffic safety work, including improved data collection, the identification of accident black spots, targeted measures to improve safety in these black spots, safety audits of new infrastructure plans, etc. Before the introduction of new traffic technologies which may have an impact on safety, in-depth technology assessment has to be performed. This is illustrated by an example in which sufficient prior technology assessment did not take place, namely the introduction of e-scooters in Germany. After their introduction, they have turned out to be significantly more dangerous than bicycles, as can be seen from the statistics of fatalities and severe injuries. Proposals are made for measures are needed to reverse this trend, including obligatory use of helmets. The dialogue with neighbor states is also essential. Here the Traffic Expert Society of Medical and Technical Biomechanics, gmttb (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland= D A CH), has initiated to discuss and bundle basic principles of the Vision Zero in three neighbor countries. To promote Vision Zero, gmttb also organizes interdisciplinary yearly conferences with experts from Austria (Vision Zero is a state philosophy) and Switzerland (here named Via Sicura) to bundle strength and adopt ideas together with Swedish and multinational experts. As well as a yearly gmttb Vision Zero Safety Award is granted to motivate people, organizations, and manufacturers to promote good ideas for better traffic safety.
Generating non-topological solitons via thermal corrections: Higgs balls
Authors: Pearce Lauren , White Graham , Kusenko Alexander
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Scalar fields which carry charge can generally form non-topological solitons (Q-balls), if the energy in the extended configuration is less than the energy of an equivalent number of free quanta. For global Q-balls, such solitons exist whenever the potential grows slower than quadratically. We show that even in the absence of attractive interactions, finite temperature corrections can generate Q-ball solutions, as the coefficient of cubic corrections is generally negative. As an illustration of this, we consider the possibility of constructing Q-balls using the Higgs field. We first show that the finite temperature corrections would enable the existence of Higgs balls if the Standard Model symmetry was ungauged. We then consider gauged Q-balls, following [1], and demonstrate that Higgs self-interactions mediated by the Standard Model gauge bosons are sufficient to prevent the existence of these states in the actual Standard Model. However, these states can exist in a variety of extensions, as we show explicitly through an example.
Association between hypotension and myocardial injury in patients with severe trauma
Authors: Stroda Alexandra , Thelen Simon , M’Pembele René , Khademlou Nick , Jaekel Carina , Schiffner Erik , Bieler Dan , Bernhard Michael , Huhn Ragnar , Lurati Buse Giovanna , Roth Sebastian
Published: August 2022

Purpose

During resuscitation of patients with severe trauma, guidelines recommend permissive hypotension prior to surgical bleeding control. However, hypotension may be associated with reduced organ perfusion and multiple organ dysfunction, e.g. myocardial injury. The association between hypotension and myocardial injury in trauma patients is underexplored. We hypothesized that hypotension is associated with myocardial injury in this population.

Materials and methods

This retrospective study included patients ≥ 18 years suffering from severe trauma [defined as Injury Severity Score (ISS) ≥ 16] that were treated in the emergency department resuscitation room between 2016 and 2019. Primary endpoint was the incidence of myocardial injury defined as high-sensitive troponin T > 14 ng/l. Main exposure was the duration of arterial hypotension during resuscitation period defined as mean arterial pressure < 65 mmHg.

Results

Out of 368 patients screened, 343 were analyzed (73% male, age: 55 ± 21, ISS: 28 ± 12). Myocardial injury was detected in 143 (42%) patients. Overall in-hospital mortality was 26%. Multivariate binary logistic regression with forced entry of nine predefined covariables revealed an odds ratio of 1.29 [95% confidence interval 1.16–1.44]; p = 0.012) for the association between the duration of hypotension and myocardial injury.

Conclusion

The duration of hypotension during resuscitation period is independently associated with the incidence of myocardial injury in patients with severe trauma.
Plasma prostasin: a novel risk marker for incidence of diabetes and cancer mortality
Authors: Bao Xue , Xu Biao , Muhammad Iram Faqir , Nilsson Peter M. , Nilsson Jan , Engström Gunnar
Published: August 2022

Aims/hypothesis

Diabetes is associated with an increased risk of cancer. Prostasin is an epithelial sodium channel stimulator that has been associated with suppression of tumours, glucose metabolism and hyperglycaemia-associated tumour pathology. However, the association between prostasin, diabetes and cancer mortality has not been well investigated in humans. We aim to investigate the associations between plasma prostasin and diabetes, and to explore whether prostasin has an effect on cancer mortality risk in individuals with hyperglycaemia.

Methods

Plasma prostasin was measured using samples from the Malmö Diet and Cancer Study Cardiovascular Cohort, and statistical analysis was performed from both sex-specific quartiles and per 1 SD. The cross-sectional association between plasma prostasin and diabetes was first studied in 4658 participants (age 57.5 ± 5.9 years, 39.9% men). After excluding 361 with prevalent diabetes, the associations of prostasin with incident diabetes and cancer mortality risk were assessed using Cox regression analysis. The interactions between prostasin and blood glucose levels as well as other covariates were tested.

Results

The adjusted OR for prevalent diabetes in the 4th vs 1st quartile of prostasin concentrations was 1.95 (95% CI 1.39, 2.76) (p for trend <0.0001). During mean follow-up periods of 21.9 ± 7.0 and 23.5 ± 6.1 years, respectively, 702 participants developed diabetes and 651 died from cancer. Prostasin was significantly associated with the incidence of diabetes. The adjusted HR for diabetes in the 4th vs 1st quartile of prostasin concentrations was 1.76 (95% CI 1.41, 2.19) (p for trend <0.0001). Prostasin was also associated with cancer mortality There was a significant interaction between prostasin and fasting blood glucose for cancer mortality risk (p for interaction =0.022), with a stronger association observed in individuals with impaired fasting blood glucose levels at baseline (HR per 1 SD change 1.52; 95% CI 1.07, 2.16; p=0.019).

Conclusions/interpretation

Plasma prostasin levels are positively associated with diabetes risk and with cancer mortality risk, especially in individuals with high blood glucose levels, which may shed new light on the relationship between diabetes and cancer.

Graphical abstract
Swedish Normative Scores for the BREAST-Q Reduction/Mastopexy Module
Authors: Tunå Butt Salma , Widmark-Jensen Emmelie , Meyer Susanne , Hansson Emma
Published: August 2022

Background

Norm values for patient reported outcomes, that is knowledge about how the general population of women rate their breast-related satisfaction and quality of life, are necessary to interpret the meaning of scores. The aims of this study were to create Swedish normative values for the BREAST-Q reduction/mastopexy module and to describe what healthy women are most satisfied/dissatisfied with regarding their breasts.

Methods

A random sample of 400 women aged 18-80, currently living in Region Västra Götaland, were sent BREAST-Q reduction/mastopexy. Descriptive data are presented.

Results

One hundred and forty-six women answered the questionnaire (36.5%). Mean total scores ranged from 48 to 78. No clear changes in scores could be seen with age and women with a high BMI seem to be less satisfied with their breasts. The participants were most satisfied with the appearance of the breasts when dressed, the appearance in the mirror dressed, the shape of the breasts with bra, and symmetry of size and most dissatisfied with appearance in the mirror naked and the shape of the breasts without a bra. Thirty to forty-five per cent of healthy women never or almost never feel sexually attractive. Among physical symptoms often described in breast hypertrophy, the most common among healthy women were lack of energy, pain in the neck, arms and shoulders, headache and difficulty performing intense physical activity.

Conclusion

The norms for BREAST-Q reduction/mastopexy add another piece to the puzzle to what constitutes normal breast satisfaction and how surgical outcomes can be evaluated.

Level of Evidence IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors  www.springer.com/00266.
Predictive Parameters in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Hepatic Perfusion with Melphalan for Unresectable Liver Metastases from Uveal Melanoma: A Retrospective Pooled Analysis
Authors: Tong T. M. L. , Samim M. , Kapiteijn E. , Meijer T. S. , Speetjens F. M. , Brüning R. , Schroeder T. H. , El-Sanosy S. , Maschke H. , Wacker F. K. , Vogel A. , Dewald C. L. A. , Goeman J. J. , Burgmans M. C.
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study was to identify positive predictors for survival in uveal melanoma (UM) patients treated with percutaneous hepatic perfusion with melphalan (M-PHP), by retrospectively pooling data from three centers.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective analysis including patients ($$\ge$$
≥
18 years) treated with M-PHP between February 2014 and December 2019 for unresectable liver-dominant or liver-only metastases from UM. Predictors for OS were assessed using uni- and multivariate analyses. Other study outcome measures were response rate, progression-free survival (PFS), liver progression-free survival (LPFS), overall survival (OS) and complications according to CTCAEv5.0.

Results

In total, 101 patients (47.5% males; median age 59.0 years) completed a minimum of one M-PHP. At a median follow-up time of 15.0 months, complete response (CR), partial response (PR), stable disease (SD) and progressive disease were seen in five (5.0%), 55 (54.5%), 30 (29.7%) and 11 (10.9%) patients, respectively, leading to a 89.1% disease control rate. Median PFS, LPFS and OS were 9.0, 11.0 and 20.0 months, respectively. Survival analyses stratified for radiological response demonstrated significant improved survival in patients with CR or PR and SD category. Treatment of the primary tumor with radiotherapy, ≥ 2 M-PHP and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) < 248 U/L were correlated with improved OS. Thirty-day mortality was 1.1% (n = 2). Most common complication was hematological toxicity (self-limiting in most cases).

Conclusion

M-PHP is safe and effective in patients with UM liver metastases. Achieving CR, PR or SD is associated with improved survival. Primary tumor treatment with radiotherapy, normal baseline LDH and > 1 M-PHP cycles are associated with improved OS.
Efficacy and safety of a colostrum- and Aloe vera-based oral care protocol to prevent and treat severe oral mucositis in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a single-arm phase II study
Authors: Guberti Monica , Botti Stefano , Caffarri Cristiana , Cavuto Silvio , Savoldi Luisa , Fusco Andrea , Merli Francesco , Piredda Michela , De Marinis Maria Grazia
Published: August 2022

Oral mucositis is one of the worst effects of the conditioning regimens given to patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. It is characterized by dry mouth, erythema, mucosal soreness, ulcers, and pain, and it may impact patient outcomes. Bovine colostrum and Aloe vera contain a wide variety of biologically active compounds that promote mucosal healing. A non-randomized phase II study was designed to assess the safety and efficacy of a combined bovine colostrum and Aloe vera oral care protocol to prevent and to treat severe oral mucositis in transplant patients. Two commercially available products were given to patients in addition to the standard protocol: Remargin Colostrum OS® mouthwash and Remargin Colostrum Gastro-Gel® taken orally. Forty-six (78.0%) patients experienced oral mucositis, 40 (67.8%) developed mild–moderate forms, and 6 (10.2%) severe ones. Comparing the study group’s outcomes with those of a homogeneous historical control group, severe oral mucositis decreased significantly (10.2% vs. 28.4%; P < 0.01), as did its duration (0.5 ± 1.9 vs. 1.5 ± 3.0 days; P < 0.01). Febrile neutropenia episodes (69.5% vs. 95.1%; P < 0.01) and duration (4.0 ± 4.7 vs. 6.2 ± 4.5 days; P < 0.01) also decreased. These findings show that the experimental protocol seems effective in preventing severe forms of oral mucositis. However, a randomized controlled trial is necessary to confirm this.
Injection moulding of micropillar arrays: a comparison of poly(methyl methacrylate) and cyclic olefin copolymer
Authors: Guan Bin , Pai Jing-Hong , Cherrill Mark , Michalatos Billy , Priest Craig
Published: August 2022

Injection moulding of micropillar arrays offers a fast and inexpensive method for manufacturing sensors, optics, lab-on-a-chip devices, and medical devices. Material choice is important for both the function of the device and manufacturing optimisation. Here, a comparative study of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) injection moulding of micropillar arrays is presented. These two polymers are chosen for their convenient physical, chemical, and optical properties, which are favoured for microfluidic devices. COC is shown to replicate the mould’s nano/microstructures more precisely than PMMA. COC successfully forms a micropillar array (250 mm diameter; 496 mm high) and closely replicates surfaces with nano-scale roughness (30–120 nm). In the same moulds, PMMA forms lens arrays (not true pillars) and smoother surfaces due to the incomplete filling for all parameters studied. Thus, COC offers finer structural detail for devices that require micro and nano-structured features, and may be more suited to injection moulding microfluidic devices.
Challenges for health systems seeking to embrace virtual health care for population health
Authors: Kanavos Panos , Vogelsang Michelle , Haig Madeleine , Kolovou Vasiliki
Published: August 2022

A gradual move to proactive illness prevention requires a strategic shift towards population health management by health care systems. Such a shift becomes necessary to improve outcomes, reduce inequalities and manage costs better, as life expectancy increases and chronic illness becomes more prevalent. Health system digitisation and greater focus on virtual health care (VHC) can contribute to active population health management. For that to happen, health systems need to address and overcome several challenges currently preventing the rapid introduction and scale up of VHC for population health; these include implementing changes in care models and focus on digitally enabled population health approaches; addressing culture and mindset barriers; resolving regulatory bottlenecks; overcoming technical limitations, inter-operability and data security issues; and, finally, aligning stakeholder incentives and expectations.
Analysis of uveal melanomas and paired constitutional DNA for exclusion of a BAP1-tumor predisposition syndrome
Authors: Abbassi Yasaman Arjmand , Le Guin Claudia , Bornfeld Norbert , Bechrakis Nikolaos E. , Zeschnigk Michael , Lohmann Dietmar R.
Published: August 2022

Uveal melanoma (UM) is a rare tumor originating from melanocytic cells in the eye. Familial aggregation of UM is rare and can occur as part of the tumor predisposition syndrome BAP1-TPDS. However, family history alone will only identify a subset of patients with BAP1-TPDS. In the present study, we used sequential testing of tumor and blood DNA from UM patients for differential diagnosis of BAP1-TPDS. The study group was an unselected prospective cohort of patients from whom UM tissue was available. First, chromosome 3 status in tumor DNA was determined in all 140 patients who consented to participate. As tumors with disomy 3 rarely show BAP1 alterations, sequence analysis of this gene was performed in the 72 tumors with monosomy 3 (M3) or partial M3 only. We identified oncogenic BAP1 alterations in 52 of these tumors (72%). Targeted sequencing of DNA from matched peripheral blood showed pathogenic variants in two patients (3.8%) thus proving BAP1-TPDS. Only one of these two patients also had a medical history suggestive of this syndrome. Conversely, in three patients known to have had additional tumors before diagnosis of UM, constitutional heterozygosity for a BAP1 mutation was excluded. Altogether, in 50 patients we could exclude BAP1-TPDS with high diagnostic certainty. The results of our study support that genetic testing for BAP1-TPDS should be offered to all patients with UM. Moreover, as genetic information from the tumor can help exclude heritable risk, the strategy for analysis should include efforts to obtain tumor samples for testing.
Predicting negative Effects of Climate Change on Taiwan’s endemic Bumblebee Bombus formosellus
Authors: Lu Ming-Lun , Huang Jing-Yi
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Climate change is threatening biodiversity hotspots. Notably, alpine bumblebees, which are mostly associated with a cold ecological niche, face a higher risk of extinction. Bombus formosellus is one of the alpine bumblebees endemic to Taiwan.

Aims/Methods: In this study, we use ensemble ecological niche modeling for the first time to predict spatial and temporal dynamics for habitats suitable to B. formosellus under current and future climate scenarios (representative concentration pathway, RCP 2.6, 4.5, and 8.5 in the 2070s).

Results: This model identified that the cool temperature with low variation, a specific range of precipitation and presence of coniferous forest and grasslands were the key factors affecting the distribution of B. formosellus. Using modeling to predict suitable habitats under various scenarios, we discovered that, compared with the current climatic conditions, the predicted suitable habitat area in the future decreased regardless of which climate change scenario was applied. In particular, RCP 8.5 appeared to be the most significant, with an area loss of nearly 87%, and fragmentation of the landscape with poor connection.

Discussion: In summary, our analyses indicate that cool environments are suitable for B. formosellus. However, Taiwan’s warming is more significant in the high mountains than in the plains. The climate change trajectory may become increasingly unfavorable to B. formosellus. Consequently, this species may face the risk of extinction in the future.

Implications for insect conservation: We predict that many suitable habitats of B. formosellus will disappear or become fragmented in the future. Therefore, the remaining patches have become important refuges, and protection measures in these areas should be strengthened.
Ischemic Tolerance Induced by Glial Cells
Authors: Koizumi Schuichi , Hirayama Yuri
Published: August 2022

Ischemic tolerance is a phenomenon in which resistance to subsequent invasive ischemia is acquired by a preceding noninvasive ischemic application, and is observed in many organs, including the brain, the organ most vulnerable to ischemic insult. To date, much research has been conducted on cerebral ischemic tolerance as a cell-autonomous action of neurons. In this article, we review the essential roles of microglia and astrocytes in the acquisition of ischemic tolerance through neuron-non-autonomous mechanisms, where the two types of glial cells function in a concerted manner to induce ischemic tolerance.
Policy feedback and institutional context in energy transitions
Authors: Lockwood Matthew
Published: August 2022

Interest in policy feedback processes in energy transitions has grown rapidly in recent years. However, while it has provided interesting accounts of the mechanisms of stability or change, the policy feedback framework begs the question of why policy feedback dynamics vary so widely across cases. Existing accounts have tended to focus on the influence of ideas on policy design and on the role of interest groups. By contrast, the role of background institutional context in shaping policy feedback processes has been understudied. In this article, I develop a framework for identifying relevant types of institution that potentially shape policy feedback across different analytical stages of the feedback cycle. This approach is illustrated through the example of support policies for solar PV, where it is argued that a relatively small set of political, political economy and social institutions are likely to be important. The argument is then applied through a comparison of the evolution of solar PV policy in the UK and Germany, and the role of institutional context in explaining divergent policy pathways.
Are the folk utilitarian about animals?
Authors: Kahane Guy , Caviola Lucius
Published: August 2022

Robert Nozick famously raised the possibility that there is a sense in which both deontology and utilitarianism are true: deontology applies to humans while utilitarianism applies to animals. In recent years, there has been increasing interest in such a hybrid views of ethics. Discussions of this Nozickian Hybrid View, and similar approaches to animal ethics, often assume that such an approach reflects the commonsense view, and best captures common moral intuitions. However, recent psychological work challenges this empirical assumption. We review evidence suggesting that the folk is deontological all the way down—it is just that the moral side constraints that protect animals from harm are much weaker than those that protect humans. In fact, it appears that people even attribute some deontological protections, albeit extremely weak ones, to inanimate objects. We call this view Multi-level Weighted Deontology. While such empirical findings cannot show that the Nozickian Hybrid View is false, or that it is unjustified, they do remove its core intuitive support. That support belongs to Multi-level Weighted Deontology, a view that is also in line with the view that Nozick himself seemed to favour. To complicate things, however, we also review evidence that our intuitions about the moral status of humans are, at least in significant part, shaped by factors relating to mere species membership that seem morally irrelevant. We end by considering the potential debunking upshot of such findings about the sources of common moral intuitions about the moral status of animals.
Effect of resistance training on bioelectrical phase angle in older adults: a systematic review with Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Campa Francesco , Colognesi Lucas Antonio , Moro Tatiana , Paoli Antonio , Casolo Andrea , Santos Leandro , Correia Rafael Ribeiro , Lemes Ítalo Ribeiro , Milanez Vinícius Flávio , Christofaro Diego Destro , Cyrino Edilson Serpeloni , Gobbo Luís Alberto
Published: August 2022

Resistance training has been proposed as a valid practice to counteract the aging effect on body mass and its components, which can be easily evaluated though the bioelectrical impedance analysis. This study aimed to achieve a systematic review with meta-analysis on the impact of resistance training on bioelectrical proprieties in older adults.

A literature review was done in four electronic databases up to 1 January 2022. The inclusion criteria were: (i) participants aged ≥ 60 years; (ii) resistance training lasted ≥ 8 weeks; (iii) measurement of raw bioelectrical parameters in randomized controlled study designs.

The outcomes of the trial had to be bioelectrical phase angle (PhA), resistance (R), and reactance (Xc). The methodological quality was assessed using the Rosendal scale.

Overall, seven studies with a total of 344 participants were eligible for the analysis. The quality assessment yielded a score of 71.3%. Bioelectrical PhA (0.52 degree [95%CI 0.32, 0.71], p < 0.001) and Xc (3.58 ohms [95%CI 1.97, 5.19], p < 0.001) increased, whereas R decreased (-28.50 ohms [95%CI -41.39, -15.60], p < 0.001) after the resistance training programs.

In this meta-analysis, resistance training promoted increases of PhA, which result from an increase in Xc concomitant with a reduction in R. According to the bioimpedance vector analysis, resistance-trained people experienced a beneficial leftward vector displacement, whilst inactivity induced a rightward vector displacement within the R-Xc graph. In future, more sophisticated and rigorous studies that address specific criteria, methods and targeted designs are required to identify which equipment and protocols allow for an optimization of the resistance training effects.

Registration code in PROSPERO: CRD42020168057.
Power and entrepreneurship
Authors: Audretsch David B. , Fiedler Antje
Published: August 2022

Entrepreneurship research has benefited from embracing three economic sociology lenses—networks, cognition, and institutions—but has treated power mainly implicitly. This paper pioneers how the concept of power can advance research into entrepreneurship. We illustrate how state actors, legacy firms, and entrepreneurs variously exert coercive, persuasive, and authoritative forms of power over entrepreneurial opportunities or exercise power to pursue them as free actors. We explicitly link context and opportunity-development processes through a power lens and show how power’s interaction-focused and episodic nature that can transcend geographical and institutional boundaries might enrich entrepreneurship research.
The Response of Gas Hydrates to Tectonic Uplift
Authors: Oluwunmi Paul , Pecher Ingo , Archer Rosalind , Reagan Matthew , Moridis George
Published: August 2022

Pressure reduction following uplift may lead to dissociation of gas hydrates. The dynamics of hydrate dissociation in such settings, however, are poorly understood. We used TOUGH+HYDRATE to investigate the response of gas hydrates to an uplift of 0.009 myr$$^{-1}$$

-
1

over the last 8 kyrs, the approximate end of the postglacial sea-level rise. Geological parameters for the simulations are based on hydrate deposits from the Nankai Trough subduction zone. Our results suggest stabilisation from endothermic cooling, elevated pore pressure, and pore water freshening significantly slows hydrate dissociation such that the hydrate remains in place at its pre-uplift level. A shallower hydrate layer forms from upward-migrating gas when assuming moderate to high permeability (10$$^{-15}$$

-
15

and 10$$^{-13}$$

-
13

m$$^{2}$$

2

), while gas remains trapped for low permeability (10$$^{-17}$$

-
17

m$$^{2}$$

2

). In the latter case, we predict elevated pore pressure with potential implications for seafloor stability. Our findings suggest that following uplift, hydrates may exist outside the predicted regional gas hydrate stability field for thousands of years.
Pre-symptomatic radiological changes in frontotemporal dementia: propagation characteristics, predictive value and implications for clinical trials
Authors: McKenna Mary Clare , Lope Jasmin , Tan Ee Ling , Bede Peter
Published: August 2022

Computational imaging and quantitative biomarkers offer invaluable insights in the pre-symptomatic phase of neurodegenerative conditions several years before clinical manifestation. In recent years, there has been a focused effort to characterize pre-symptomatic cerebral changes in familial frontotemporal dementias using computational imaging. Accordingly, a systematic literature review was conducted of original articles investigating pre-symptomatic imaging changes in frontotemporal dementia focusing on study design, imaging modalities, data interpretation, control cohorts and key findings. The review is limited to the most common genotypes: chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9orf72), progranulin (GRN), or microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT) genotypes. Sixty-eight studies were identified with a median sample size of 15 (3–141) per genotype. Only a minority of studies were longitudinal (28%; 19/68) with a median follow-up of 2 (1–8) years. MRI (97%; 66/68) was the most common imaging modality, and primarily grey matter analyses were conducted (75%; 19/68). Some studies used multimodal analyses 44% (30/68). Genotype-associated imaging signatures are presented, innovative study designs are highlighted, common methodological shortcomings are discussed and lessons for future studies are outlined. Emerging academic observations have potential clinical implications for expediting the diagnosis, tracking disease progression and optimising the timing of pharmaceutical trials.
Regional variation in the GDP per capita of colonial Indonesia, 1870–1930
Authors: Bosma Ulbe , van Leeuwen Bas
Published: August 2022

Since colonial times, substantial regional income disparities have been reported for Indonesia. However, in spite of a wide variety of available data and indicators, so far published data on Indonesian per capita GDP in colonial times are limited to macro-estimates for the entire archipelago or are confined either to Java or to the Outer Islands. In this paper we provide a first attempt to arrive at estimates of diverging income and living standards at a regional level. We implement the Geary and Stark method on a large body of data collected by the colonial government, to estimate GDP for ten macro-regions and five benchmark years between 1870 and 1930. Our findings, corrected for prices, confirm the image arising from the existing literature of major divergences within the Indonesian archipelago in general, and of a higher per capita GDP in most of the Outer Islands (all islands of the Indonesian archipelago except for Java and Madura) compared with Java in particular. This was definitely the case in 1870 and still the case in 1920, but the picture is less clear for 1930, which was the final year before Indonesia’s commodity exports started to collapse.
Value of Proline, Glutamic Acid, and Leucine-Rich Protein 1 and GATA Binding Protein 3 Expression in Breast Cancer: An Immunohistochemical study
Authors: Moustafa Manar , Ismael Magdy , Mohamed Salah , Hafez Abeer M.
Published: August 2022

GATA binding protein 3 was more sensitive than traditional markers such as gross cystic disease fluid protein 15 and mammaglobin for identifying primary and metastatic breast carcinomas, but its significance decreased in triple-negative breast cancer. Recent studies showed a high expression rate of proline glutamic acid and leucine-rich protein in breast cancer and their superiority over GATA3 in triple-negative breast cancer. Our study provided new insights into the diagnostic and prognostic roles of PELP1 and GATA3 in primary and metastatic breast cancer. An immunohistochemical assay was carried out using PELP1 and GATA3 in 60 cases of primary breast cancer and 15 metastatic. Invasive carcinoma of no special type was the predominant type (80%). The majority of cases were grade 3 (68.3%). GATA3 expression was 83.3% positive in primary breast carcinomas and 73.5% positive in metastatic breast carcinomas. In comparison, PELP1 had a 96.7% positive expression rate in primary breast carcinomas and an 86.7% positive expression rate in metastasis. There was a statistically significant agreement between GATA3 and PELP1 in the diagnosis of the cases. PELP1 is a significantly higher proportion of both primary and metastatic breast carcinomas than GATA3. In breast cancer, there was a strong association between favorable prognostic factors and GATA3 expression, with evidence of an inverse association with Ki-67 overexpression.
Die mikrochirurgische Defektversorgung der Nase
Authors: Steiner C. , Bottini G. B. , Neubert M. , Nogami S. , Wittig J. , Brandtner C. , Gaggl A.
Published: August 2022

Teil- oder Totalverluste der Nase führen zu ästhetischer Entstellung und zu hohem psychischen Leidensdruck sowie zu funktionellen Problemen im Bereich von Atmung und Geruchssinn. Aus rekonstruktiv-chirurgischer Sicht kann die Nase in drei Anteile geteilt werden: Innenauskleidung, Stützgerüst, Haut-Weichteil-Bedeckung. Im Rahmen der Rekonstruktion nasaler Defekte müssen alle drei Anteile bestmöglich wiederhergestellt werden. Je größer die Defekte sind, desto eher muss auf mikrovaskuläre Transplantate zurückgegriffen werden. Chondrokutane Transplantate von der Ohrhelix, gestielt an A. und V. temporalis superficialis, eignen sich sehr gut zur Rekonstruktion von Teildefekten der Nase. Osteoperiostale Transplantate vom medialen Femurkondylus, gestielt an A. descendens genus und Begleitvenen, eignen sich sehr gut zur Rekonstruktion des Nasenseptums oder des Nasenskeletts im Rahmen der Wiederherstellung großer Defekte. Der paramediane Stirnlappen stellt den Goldstandard zur Rekonstruktion großer Defekte der Haut-Weichteil-Bedeckung dar.
Antioxidant activity of edible sprouts and phytosterol contents by HPLC/UV analysis
Authors: Kim Juree , Kim Ji Hyun , Bang Se In , Shin Hanna , Cho Eun Ju , Lee Sanghyun
Published: August 2022

This study evaluated the in vitro radical scavenging activities of edible tree sprouts, particularly those of the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH), hydroxyl radical, and singlet oxide radical, to assess their antioxidant activities. Additionally, stigmasterol (ST) and β-sitosterol (BS) were analyzed using HPLC/UV. The edible sprouts ofEleutherococcus senticosus(ESC) andMorus alba(MAB) exhibited the highest DPPH scavenging activity among other edible sprouts. A reverse-phase column was used in an isocratic elution system, after which UV detection was performed at 210 nm. ST and BS analyses indicated that ESC sprouts contained the highest amounts of ST (9.99 mg·g− 1extract), whereas MAB sprouts contained the highest concentrations of BS (14.69 mg·g− 1extract). In conclusion, the highest antioxidant activity was observed in the edible sprouts with the highest phytosterol content. Therefore, our findings provide a theoretical basis for the development of plant-based functional foods or supplements with antioxidant properties.
Revision des Lerntypenmythos durch Konzeptwechselpodcasts im Lehramtsstudium
Authors: Götzfried Julia , Nemeth Lea , Bleck Victoria , Lipowsky Frank
Published: August 2022

Der Lerntypenmythos hat eine hohe Prävalenz unter (angehenden) Lehrkräften. Forschungsergebnisse zeigen, dass solche Mythen mit Konzeptwechseltexten entkräftet werden können. In Konzeptwechseltexten werden Fehl- und Fachkonzept vergleichend gegenübergestellt, wodurch kognitive Konflikte entstehen können, die wiederum zur kritischen Reflexion des eigenen Fehlkonzepts anregen können. Ob und unter welchen Voraussetzungen diese Erkenntnisse auf das Medium Podcast übertragbar sind, ist bisher unerforscht. In diesem Beitrag wird daher der Frage nachgegangen, ob Podcasts einen Konzeptwechsel zum Thema Lerntypen bewirken können. Zum einen wird angenommen, dass Konzeptwechselpodcasts im Vergleich zu Sachpodcasts eher zur Revision des Lerntypenmythos beitragen. Zum anderen wird erwartet, dass eine alltagssprachliche gegenüber einer fachsprachlichen Gestaltung der Podcasts zu einem stärkeren Rückgang der Überzeugung zum Lerntypenmythos führt, da Befunde aus der Wissenschaftskommunikation auf die Relevanz einer adressatengerechten Sprache für die Überzeugungskraft von Argumenten hinweisen. Zur Überprüfung der Hypothesen wurde eine experimentelle Studie mit 181 Lehramtsstudierenden mit einem 2 × 2-Design (Art der Informationspräsentation: Konzeptwechsel- vs. Sachpodcast; sprachliche Gestaltung: Alltags- vs. Fachsprache) durchgeführt. Die Überzeugung der Lehramtsstudierenden wurde unmittelbar vor und nach der Intervention sowie vier Wochen später erhoben. Wie angenommen nimmt die Zustimmung zum Lerntypenmythos bei Studierenden nach dem Hören der Konzeptwechselpodcasts stärker ab als bei Studierenden mit Sachpodcasts (p < 0,001, ηp2 = 0,07). Hypothesenkonform zeigt sich außerdem, dass eine alltagssprachliche Gestaltung der Podcasts zu einer geringeren Zustimmung zum Lerntypenmythos führt als eine fachsprachliche Gestaltung (p < 0,01, ηp2 = 0,04). Folglich scheinen insbesondere Konzeptwechselpodcasts in Alltagssprache dazu geeignet zu sein, Fehlkonzepte unter Lehramtsstudierenden zu revidieren.
Automation in ART: Paving the Way for the Future of Infertility Treatment
Authors: Abdullah Kadrina Abdul Latif , Atazhanova Tomiris , Chavez-Badiola Alejandro , Shivhare Sourima Biswas
Published: August 2022

In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is estimated to account for the birth of more than nine million babies worldwide, perhaps making it one of the most intriguing as well as commoditised and industrialised modern medical interventions. Nevertheless, most IVF procedures are currently limited by accessibility, affordability and most importantly multistep, labour-intensive, technically challenging processes undertaken by skilled professionals. Therefore, in order to sustain the exponential demand for IVF on one hand, and streamline existing processes on the other, innovation is essential. This may not only effectively manage clinical time but also reduce cost, thereby increasing accessibility, affordability and efficiency. Recent years have seen a diverse range of technologies, some integrated with artificial intelligence, throughout the IVF pathway, which promise personalisation and, at least, partial automation in the not-so-distant future. This review aims to summarise the rapidly evolving state of these innovations in automation, with or without the integration of artificial intelligence, encompassing the patient treatment pathway, gamete/embryo selection, endometrial evaluation and cryopreservation of gametes/embryos. Additionally, it shall highlight the resulting prospective change in the role of IVF professionals and challenges of implementation of some of these technologies, thereby aiming to motivate continued research in this field.

Graphical abstract
Epidemiological Comparison of Four COVID-19 Waves in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, March 2020–January 2022
Authors: Otshudiema John Otokoye , Folefack Gervais Léon T. , Nsio Justus M. , Mbala-Kingebeni Placide , Kakema Cathy H. , Kosianza Joel B. , Mfumu Antoine K. , Saidi Guy N. , Kabongo Patrice M. , Okum Raphael , Tshimbombu Tshibambe N. , Ahuka-Mundeke Steve , Karamagi Humphrey Cyprian , Muyembe Jean-Jacques T. , Djiguimde Amédée Prosper
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Nationwide analyses are required to optimise and tailor activities to control future COVID-19 waves of resurgence continent-wide. We compared epidemiological and clinical outcomes of the four COVID-19 waves in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Methods

This retrospective descriptive epidemiological analysis included data from the national line list of confirmed COVID-19 cases in all provinces for all waves between 9 March 2020 and 2 January 2022. Descriptive statistical measures (frequencies, percentages, case fatality rates [CFR], test positivity rates [TPR], and characteristics) were compared using chi-squared or the Fisher–Irwin test.

Results

During the study period, 72,108/445,084 (16.2%) tests were positive, with 9,641/56,637 (17.0%), 16,643/66,560 (25.0%), 24,172/157,945 (15.3%), and 21,652/163,942 (13.2%) cases during the first, second, third, and fourth waves, respectively. TPR significantly decreased from 17.0% in the first wave to 13.2% in the fourth wave as did infection of frontline health workers (5.2% vs. 0.9%). CFR decreased from 5.1 to 0.9% from the first to fourth wave. No sex- or age-related differences in distributions across different waves were observed. The majority of cases were asymptomatic in the first (73.1%) and second (86.6%) waves, in contrast to that in the third (11.1%) and fourth (31.3%) waves.

Conclusion

Despite fewer reported cases, the primary waves (first and second) of the COVID-19 pandemic in the DRC were more severe than the third and fourth waves, with each wave being associated with a new SARS-CoV-2 variant. Tailored public health and social measures, and resurgence monitoring are needed to control future waves of COVID-19.
A review of advanced architectural glazing technologies for solar energy conversion and intelligent daylighting control
Authors: Liu Xiao , Wu Yupeng
Published: August 2022

Efficient management of solar radiation through architectural glazing is a key strategy for achieving a comfortable indoor environment with minimum energy consumption. Conventional glazing consisting of a single or multiple glass pane(s) exhibits high visible light transmittance and solar heat gain coefficient, which can be a double-edged sword, i.e., it allows sufficient sunlight to enter the building interior space for passive heating and lighting; on the other hand, it can cause glare discomfort and large cooling energy consumption. Among the various advanced glazing technologies being developed, Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) glazing has a prominent position due to its ability to reduce cooling load and visual discomfort while simultaneously generating electricity from sunlight. Recent years have witnessed remarkable advances in low-concentration optics such as Dielectric based Compound Parabolic Concentrators (DiCPCs), with a growing interest in the development of Building Integrated Concentrating Photovoltaic (BICPV) glazing to improve light harvesting and electric power output. One of the challenges faced by traditional BIPV glazing systems is the lack of dynamic control over daylight and solar heat transmission to cope with variations in weather conditions and seasonal heating/cooling demands of buildings. A promising solution is to integrate an optically switchable smart material into a BIPV glazing system, which enables dynamic daylighting control in addition to solar power conversion. Thermotropic (TT) hydrogel materials such as poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm) and Hydroxypropyl Cellulose (HPC) are potential candidates for hybrid BIPV smart glazing applications, due to their unique features such as high visible transparency (in the clear state), strong light-scattering capability (in the translucent state) and large solar energy modulation. This paper reviews various types of electricity-generating glazing technologies including BIPV glazing and BICPV glazing, as well as smart glazing technologies with a particular focus on TT hydrogel integrated glazing. The characteristics, benefits and limitations of hybrid BIPV smart glazing are also evaluated. Finally, the challenges and research opportunities in this emerging field are discussed.
Assessment and Optimization of Explainable Machine Learning Models Applied to Transcriptomic Data
Authors: Zhao Yongbing , Shao Jinfeng , Asmann Yan W.
Published: August 2022

Explainable artificial intelligence aims to interpret how machine learning models make decisions, and many model explainers have been developed in the computer vision field. However, understanding of the applicability of these model explainers to biological data is still lacking. In this study, we comprehensively evaluated multiple explainers by interpreting pre-trained models for predicting tissue types from transcriptomic data and by identifying the top contributing genes from each sample with the greatest impacts on model prediction. To improve the reproducibility and interpretability of results generated by model explainers, we proposed a series of optimization strategies for each explainer on two different model architectures of multilayer perceptron (MLP) and convolutional neural network (CNN). We observed three groups of explainer and model architecture combinations with high reproducibility. Group II, which contains three model explainers on aggregated MLP models, identified top contributing genes in different tissues that exhibited tissue-specific manifestation and were potential cancer biomarkers. In summary, our work provides novel insights and guidance for exploring biological mechanisms using explainable machine learning models.
Predictive Factors for the Risk of Sexual Dysfunction in Climacteric Women: Population-based Study
Authors: Romano Marquez Reis Sandra Cristina , Martins Pinto Juliana , Aparecida Porcatti de Walsh Isabel , Sulyvan de Castro Shamyr , Cristina Cortez Carneiro Meirelles Maria , Santos Pereira-Baldon Vanessa
Published: August 2022

Background

It is known that sexual problems increase with age but little is known about the predictors of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in Brazilian climacteric women.

Aim

To identify predictive factors for FSD in climacteric women.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional population-based study carried out through a household survey.

Outcomes

The measures investigated were sociodemographic characteristics, depressive symptoms, level of physical activity, presence of FSD, self-rated health and sleep satisfaction.

Result

A total of 381 climacteric, sexually active women were included, with a mean age of 55.04 (±7.21) years. The prevalence of FSD was 38.3%. All variables investigated were associated with FSD (P < .05). In the final model, the predictors for FSD were low satisfaction with sleep (OR 4.20; 95% CI 2.32–7.62), advanced age (OR 1.04; 95% CI 1.00–1.08), low education level (OR 0.90; 95% CI 0.85–0.97) and having a partner (OR 0.35; 95% CI 0.16–0.76).

Clinical implication

These aspects deserve attention from the health team to prevent and identify FSD early in life in climacteric women.

Strengths & limitations

This study support existing data about risk factors for FSD in climacteric women. However, it is not possible to attribute causality to any of the correlates identified, which is a limitation of cross-sectional studies.

Conclusion

Dissatisfaction with sleep, senility, insufficient income, low education, not having a partner, complaints of depression, and the worse perception of global health are predictive factors for FSD in climacteric women.
Why America Loses Wars
Authors: Stoker Donald
Published: August 2022

How can you achieve victory in war if you don't have a clear idea of your political aims and a vision of what victory means? In this provocative challenge to US political aims and strategy, Donald Stoker argues that America endures endless wars because its leaders no longer know how to think about war, particularly wars fought for limited aims, taking the nation to war without understanding what they want or valuing victory and thus the ending of the war. He reveals how flawed ideas on so-called 'limited war' and war in general evolved against the backdrop of American conflicts in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. These ideas, he shows, undermined America's ability to understand, wage, and win its wars, and to secure peace. Now fully updated to incorporate the American withdrawal from Afghanistan, Why America Loses Wars dismantles seventy years of misguided thinking and lays the foundations for a new approach to the wars of tomorrow.