bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation Between Postoperative Morphologic Changes of Ankle Mortise and Ankle Joint Function After Pilon Fracture
Authors: Liu Yubo , Wang Chaoliang , Zheng Lihong , Zhang Huizeng , Zhang Tongrun
Published: August 2020

Objectives:

We aimed to explore the correlation between the postoperative morphologic changes of ankle mortise and ankle joint function after Ruedi-Allgower type III pilon fracture.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis was performed for 60 patients with Ruedi-Allgower type III pilon fractures receiving surgical treatment. The height, width, depth, coronal angle, and sagittal angle of ankle mortise were measured based on X-ray films during the last follow-up. The ankle joint function on the injured side was scored according to the Mazur ankle grading scale, and the patients were divided into an excellent group (n = 41), a good group (n = 12), and a mediocre + poor group (n = 7).

Results:

The correlation between the morphologic changes of ankle mortise and function was analyzed by comparing the five indices of ankle mortise on injured and healthy sides. The injured and healthy sides had significantly different widths, depths, and coronal and sagittal angles of ankle mortise. The differences between the indices of ankle mortise on injured and healthy sides, except for that between heights, were negatively correlated with scores. The differences increased with decreasing score. Effective treatment of the width and depth, together with coronal and sagittal angles of ankle mortise, was significantly correlated with postoperative ankle joint function.

Conclusions:

Anatomical reduction for the width, depth, and coronal and sagittal angles of ankle mortise of patients with Ruedi-Allgower type III pilon fractures exerts significant positive effects on ankle joint function. Thus, the anatomical form of ankle mortise should be restored as much as possible during surgery.
Hysteretic Ion Migration and Remanent Field in Metal Halide Perovskites
Authors: Liu Yongtao , Borodinov Nikolay , Lorenz Matthias , Ahmadi Mahshid , Kalinin Sergei V. , Ievlev Anton V. , Ovchinnikova Olga S.
Published: August 2020

The gap in understanding how underlying chemical dynamics impact the functionality of metal halide perovskites (MHPs) leads to the controversy about the origin of many phenomena associated with ion migration in MHPs. In particular, the debate regarding the impact of ion migration on current–voltage (I–V) hysteresis of MHPs devices has lasted for many years, where the difficulty lies in directly uncovering the chemical dynamics, as well as identifying and separating the impact of specific ions. In this work, using a newly developed time‐resolved time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry CH3NH3+ and I− migrations in CH3NH3PbI3 are directly observed, revealing hysteretic CH3NH3+ and I− migrations. Additionally, hysteretic CH3NH3+ migration is illumination‐dependent. Correlating these results with the I–V characterization, this work uncovers that CH3NH3+ redistribution can induce a remanent field leading to a spontaneous current in the device. It unveils that the CH3NH3+ migration is responsible for the illumination‐associated I–V hysteresis in MHPs. Hysteretic ion migration has not been uncovered and the contribution of any ions (e.g., CH3NH3+) has not been specified before. Such insightful and detailed information has up to now been missing, which is critical to improving MHPs photovoltaic performance and developing MHPs‐based memristors and synaptic devices.
Intraoperative ketamine for reduction in postpartum depressive symptoms after cesarean delivery: A double‐blind, randomized clinical trial
Authors: Yao Jiaxin , Song Tingting , Zhang Yue , Guo Nan , Zhao Ping
Published: August 2020

Background

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common mental disease happens in perinatal period. Ketamine as an anesthesia and analgesia drug has been used for a long time. In recent years, ketamine is proved to have an antidepression effect with a single administration. We hypothesized that intraoperative ketamine can reduce postpartum depressive symptoms after cesarean delivery.

Methods

In a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study trail, healthy women scheduled for cesarean delivery were randomly assigned to receive intravenous ketamine (0.25 mg/kg diluted to 5 ml with 0.9% saline) or placebo (5 ml of 0.9% saline) within 5 min following clamping of the neonatal umbilical cord. The primary outcome was the degree of postpartum depressive symptoms, which was evaluated by Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS, a threshold of 9/10 was used) at 1 week, 2 weeks, and 1 month after delivery. The secondary outcome was the numerical rating scale (NRS) score of pain at 2 days postpartum. This trail is registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, number ChiCTR1900022464.

Results

Between 26 January 2019 and 15 July 2019, 502 subjects were screened and 330 were randomly allocated: 165 (50%) to the ketamine group and 165 (50%) to the placebo group. There were significant differences in the degree of postpartum depressive symptoms between subjects in the ketamine group and the placebo group at 1 week postpartum (13.1% vs. 22.6%, respectively; p = .029). However, no difference was found between subjects in the two groups at 2 weeks (11.8% vs. 16.8%, respectively; p = .209) and 1 month postpartum (10.5% vs. 14.2%, respectively; p = .319). The NRS score of wound pain (3.0 ± 0.9 vs. 4.0 ± 1.0, respectively; p < .001) and uterine contraction pain (3.0 ± 0.9 vs. 4.1 ± 0.9, respectively; p < .001) was lower in the ketamine group at 2 days postpartum compared with placebo group. The prevalence of headache, hallucination, and dizziness was higher in the ketamine group than the placebo group during the operation.

Conclusions

Operative intravenous ketamine (0.25 mg/kg) can reduce the postpartum depressive symptoms for 1 week. The long‐time effect is remained to be seen.
Machine learning is a valid method for predicting prehospital delay after acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Yang Li , Liu Qinqin , Zhao Qiuli , Zhu Xuemei , Wang Ling
Published: August 2020

Objectives

This study aimed to identify the influencing factors associated with long onset‐to‐door time and establish predictive models that could help to assess the probability of prehospital delay in populations with a high risk for stroke.

Materials and Methods

Patients who were diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and hospitalized between 1 November 2018 and 31 July 2019 were interviewed, and their medical records were extracted for data analysis. Two machine learning algorithms (support vector machine and Bayesian network) were applied in this study, and their predictive performance was compared with that of the classical logistic regression models after using several variable selection methods. Timely admission (onset‐to‐door time < 3 hr) and prehospital delay (onset‐to‐door time ≥ 3 hr) were the outcome variables. We computed the area under curve (AUC) and the difference in the mean AUC values between the models.

Results

A total of 450 patients with AIS were enrolled; 57 (12.7%) with timely admission and 393 (87.3%) patients with prehospital delay. All models, both those constructed by logistic regression and those by machine learning, performed well in predicting prehospital delay (range mean AUC: 0.800–0.846). The difference in the mean AUC values between the best performing machine learning model and the best performing logistic regression model was negligible (0.014; 95% CI: 0.013–0.015).

Conclusions

Machine learning algorithms were not inferior to logistic regression models for prediction of prehospital delay after stroke. All models provided good discrimination, thereby creating valuable diagnostic programs for prehospital delay prediction.
Musculoskeletal stiffness is common in healthy adults and increases with age
Authors: Watson Hugh , Lynggård Hansen Amalie , Calusi Giulia , Bartels Lars Erik
Published: August 2020

Introduction/Objective

Musculoskeletal stiffness is a common feature in rheumatologic inflammatory diseases but little is known about background joint stiffness in the healthy population. The aim of this survey was to determine the variation in musculoskeletal stiffness with age in a cohort of healthy adults using a patient reported outcome instrument designed to assess stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis.

Methods

Healthy subjects ≥18 years old were enrolled at two sites. Those with a diagnosis of rheumatological disease were excluded. Each subject completed a 21‐item questionnaire designed to evaluate the severity of musculoskeletal stiffness, its physical impact and psychosocial impact, and to provide an overall stiffness score, expressed as a percentage. Scores were analyzed by age group.

Results

Two hundred eighty‐two subjects were included with a mean age of 42 years (±17, range 18–85). More than 50% of subjects reported stiffness in each age group but with a low median overall stiffness score of 5.4% (IQR 0, 12.6). Scores were markedly higher in those aged ≥60 years, median 10.0% (IQR 2.6, 21.9), and only in this age group did the majority of subjects report a physical or psychosocial impact of stiffness. Scores in males and females were similar.

Conclusion

The prevalence of musculoskeletal stiffness in healthy subjects of all ages is not negligible, and the high frequency of stiffness and greater severity in the upper age cohort suggest that the background joint stiffness amongst older subjects should be considered when interpreting stiffness in rheumatologic patients.
Absence of methamphetamine‐induced conditioned place preference in weaver mutant mice
Authors: Ikekubo Yuiko , Ide Soichiro , Hagino Yoko , Ikeda Kazutaka
Published: August 2020

Aims

G protein‐activated inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK) channels are related to rewarding effects of addictive drugs. The GIRK2 subunit is thought to play key roles in the reward system. Weaver mutant mice exhibit abnormal GIRK2 function and different behaviors that are caused by several addictive substances compared with wild‐type mice. However, mechanisms of reward‐related alterations in weaver mutant mice remain unclear. The present study investigated changes in the rewarding effects of methamphetamine (METH) in weaver mutant mice.

Methods

The rewarding effects of METH (4.0 mg/kg) were investigated using the conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm. Extracellular dopamine level in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) was measured by in vivo microdialysis. To identify brain regions that were associated with these changes in rewarding effects, METH‐induced alterations of Fos expression were investigated by immunohistochemical analysis.

Results

Weaver mutant mice exhibited a significant decrease in METH‐induced CPP and dopamine release in the NAc. Methamphetamine significantly increased Fos expression in the posterior NAc (pNAc) shell in wild‐type but not in weaver mutant mice.

Conclusions

Methamphetamine did not induce rewarding effects in weaver mutant mice. The pNAc shell exhibited a significant difference in neuronal activity between wild‐type and weaver mutant mice. The present results suggest that the absence of METH‐induced CPP in weaver mutant mice is probably related to an innate reduction of dopamine and decreased neural activity in the pNAc shell that is partially attributable to the change of GIRK channel function. GIRK channels, especially those containing the GIRK2 subunit, appear to be involved in METH dependence.
Structural and Electrochemical Characterization of Radio Frequency Magnetron‐Sputtered LiCoO2 Thin Films
Authors: Michel Fabian , Couturier Marcel , Becker Martin , Polity Angelika
Published: August 2020

LiCoO2 thin films are grown by radio frequency magnetron sputter‐deposition on platinum‐coated Al2O3 (c‐sapphire) substrates. Deposition parameters such as substrate temperature and the partial pressure ratio between O2 and Ar are varied to find suitable parameters for a cathode offering reversible intercalation and deintercalation of lithium ions. Structural characterization is carried out using X‐ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy, revealing that the orientation as well as the crystallinity of the deposited LiCoO2 films can be influenced by varying the O2/Ar ratio and simultaneously applying a sufficient substrate temperature during deposition. Furthermore, both the atomic composition and the atomic distribution are determined using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and secondary ion mass spectrometry. Results show that the films posses surface contaminations of Li and oxygen‐rich compounds but have a homogeneous atomic distribution throughout the depth profile. For electrochemical characterization, LiCoO2 thin films where charged and discharged against lithium metal while using a liquid electrolyte consisting of LiPF6 dissolved in a mixture of ethylen carbonate/dimethyl carbonate with a molar fraction of 1:1. Reversible discharge capacities in the order of up to 70 mAh g−1 or 32.40 μAh cm−2 μm−1 can be achieved for optimized LiCoO2 thin films.
Penetrating pulmonary injury caused by a steel rod
Authors: Amore Dario , Muto Emanuele , Casazza Dino , Cicalese Marcellino , Rispoli Marco , Curcio Carlo
Published: August 2020

Key message

In stable patients with penetrating thoracic trauma, a careful radiological assessment should be taken into account for a correct surgical management.
Counterterms, Kounterterms, and the variational problem in AdS gravity
Authors: Anastasiou Giorgos , Miskovic Olivera , Olea Rodrigo , Papadimitriou Ioannis
Published: August 2020

Abstract

We show that the Kounterterms for pure AdS gravity in arbitrary even dimensions coincide with the boundary counterterms obtained through holographic renormalization if and only if the boundary Weyl tensor vanishes. In particular, the Kounterterms lead to a well posed variational problem for generic asymptotically locally AdS manifolds only in four dimensions. We determine the exact form of the counterterms for conformally flat boundaries and demonstrate that, in even dimensions, the Kounterterms take exactly the same form. This agreement can be understood as a consequence of Anderson’s theorem for the renormalized volume of conformally compact Einstein 4-manifolds and its higher dimensional generalizations by Albin and Chang, Qing and Yang. For odd dimensional asymptotically locally AdS manifolds with a conformally flat boundary, the Kounterterms coincide with the boundary counterterms except for the logarithmic divergence associated with the holographic conformal anomaly, and finite local terms.
Recursion and worldsheet formulae for 6d superamplitudes
Authors: Albonico Giulia , Geyer Yvonne , Mason Lionel
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Recently two of the authors presented a spinorial extension of the scattering equations, the polarized scattering equations that incorporates spinor polarization data. These led to new worldsheet amplitude formulae for a variety of gauge, gravity and brane theories in six dimensions that naturally incorporate fermions and directly extend to maximal supersymmetry. This paper provides a number of improvements to the original formulae, together with extended details of the construction, examples and full proofs of some of the formulae by BCFW recursion and factorization. We show how our formulae reduce to corresponding formulae for maximally supersymmetric gauge, gravity and brane theories in five and four dimensions. In four dimensions our framework naturally gives the twistorial version of the 4d ambitwistor string, giving new insights into the nature of the refined and polarized scattering equations they give rise to, and on the relations between its measure and the CHY measure. Our formulae exhibit a natural double-copy structure being built from ‘half-integrands’. We give further discussion of the matrix of theories and formulae to which our half-integrands give rise, including controversial formulae for amplitudes involving Gerbes.
New locally (super)conformal gauge models in Bach-flat backgrounds
Authors: Kuzenko Sergei M. , Ponds Michael , Raptakis Emmanouil S. N.
Published: August 2020

Abstract

For every conformal gauge field $$ {h}_{\alpha (n)\overset{\cdot }{\alpha }(m)} $$

h

α

n

α
⋅

m

in four dimensions, with n ≥ m > 0, a gauge-invariant action is known to exist in arbitrary conformally flat backgrounds. If the Weyl tensor is non-vanishing, however, gauge invariance holds for a pure conformal field in the following cases: (i) n = m = 1 (Maxwell’s field) on arbitrary gravitational backgrounds; and (ii) n = m + 1 = 2 (conformal gravitino) and n = m = 2 (conformal graviton) on Bach-flat backgrounds. It is believed that in other cases certain lower-spin fields must be introduced to ensure gauge invariance in Bach-flat backgrounds, although no closed-form model has yet been constructed (except for conformal maximal depth fields with spin s = 5/2 and s = 3). In this paper we derive such a gauge-invariant model describing the dynamics of a conformal gauge field $$ {h}_{\alpha (3)\overset{\cdot }{\alpha }} $$

h

α

3

α
⋅

coupled to a self-dual two-form. Similar to other conformal higher-spin theories, it can be embedded in an off-shell superconformal gauge-invariant action. To this end, we introduce a new family of $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 superconformal gauge multiplets described by unconstrained prepotentials ϒα(n), with n > 0, and propose the corresponding gauge-invariant actions on conformally-flat backgrounds. We demonstrate that the n = 2 model, which contains $$ {h}_{\alpha (3)\overset{\cdot }{\alpha }} $$

h

α

3

α
⋅

at the component level, can be lifted to a Bach-flat background provided ϒα(2) is coupled to a chiral spinor Ωα. We also propose families of (super)conformal higher-derivative non-gauge actions and new superconformal operators in any curved space. Finally, through considerations based on supersymmetry, we argue that the conformal spin-3 field should always be accompanied by a conformal spin-2 field in order to ensure gauge invariance in a Bach-flat background.
Higgs inflation, vacuum stability, and leptogenesis
Authors: Barrie Neil D. , Sugamoto Akio , Takeuchi Tatsu , Yamashita Kimiko
Published: August 2020

Abstract

We consider the introduction of a complex scalar field carrying a global lepton number charge to the Standard Model and the Higgs inflation framework. The conditions are investigated under which this model can simultaneously ensure Higgs vacuum stability up to the Planck scale, successful inflation, non-thermal Leptogenesis via the pendulum mechanism, and light neutrino masses. These can be simultaneously achieved when the scalar lepton is minimally coupled to gravity, that is, when standard Higgs inflation and reheating proceed without the interference of the additional scalar degrees of freedom. If the scalar lepton also has a non-minimal coupling to gravity, a multi-field inflation scenario is induced, with interesting interplay between the successful inflation constraints and those from vacuum stability and Leptogenesis. The parameter region that can simultaneously achieve the above goals is explored.
Influence of slope of grain on the mechanical properties of tropical hardwoods and the consequences for grading
Authors: Ravenshorst Geert , Gard Wolfgang , van de Kuilen Jan Willem
Published: August 2020

The main parameter that influences the bending strength of timber from tropical hardwood is the slope of grain. Although, in the grading rules, a specific threshold value is given, in these hardwoods, the global slope of grain is very difficult to quantify by visual assessment. The slope of grain measured after testing gives a better indication, but still it can only poorly describe the Hankinson relations. By rewriting the Hankinson relations, the slope of grain can be determined from the bending strength test values and from the MOE test value, both in combination with the density values and constants derived by non-linear regression analysis. These two values correlate very well, and the average value is designated as the theoretical slope of grain. With the theoretical slope of grain, five test samples of the tropical wood species okan were evaluated, and slope of grain values of 0.3 were observed, where 0.1 is the limit value. Because all pieces passed the visual grading method as applied in practice, slope of grain values should be incorporated in the strength class assignment test program, when these qualities cannot be ruled out for coming on the market. The (dynamic) modulus of elasticity can be used to evaluate the occurrence of the desired range of slope of grain values in the test samples.
Monitoring of DDT in Agricultural Soils under Organic Farming in Poland and the Risk of Crop Contamination
Authors: Malusá Eligio , Tartanus Małgorzata , Danelski Witold , Miszczak Artur , Szustakowska Ewelina , Kicińska Joanna , Furmanczyk Ewa M.
Published: August 2020

The analysis of 142 agricultural soil samples collected in organic farms across Poland with the intent to evaluate the level of DDT contamination resulted in more than 80% of the soils containing DDT. The ΣDDT (sum of all metabolites and isomers) concentration ranged between 0.005 and 0.383 mg/kg ΣDDT, with an average value of 0.064 mg/kg ΣDDT. However, the majority of plant samples collected from the crops growing on the sampled soils did not contain detectable DDT residues. The high DDT pollution levels detected in samples from four voivodeships (regions) among those monitored have been hypothesised to be linked to horticultural productions occurring to the sampled fields and typical of those regions, particularly in big-sized farms, during the period of DDT application, as well as the number of pesticides landfills present in these voivodeships. The elaboration of the o,p′-DDT/p,p′-DDT and DDT/(DDE + DDD) ratios to appraise the source or the period of contamination suggested that the contamination originated from past use of DDT rather than from impurities of more recent applications of other formulated substances. Such outcome thus suggests that the risk of contamination of organic products is likely derived from general environmental pollution levels rather than from the use of unauthorised substances in organic farming productions. Data from a trial with artificial contamination of soils indicated that using the DDT/(DDE + DDD) ratio in the presence of a low level of contamination could be less reliable than in highly contaminated soils.
Selbstberichtete anorektische Essstörungssymptomatik und psychische Struktur
Authors: Obbarius Alexander , Sarrar Lea
Published: August 2020

Hintergrund

Bei verschiedenen psychischen Störungsbildern, wie beispielsweise Essstörungen, zeigen sich Einschränkungen in der psychischen Struktur, die sowohl bei Erwachsenen als auch Adoleszenten beschrieben wurden. Bisher liegen jedoch keine empirischen Untersuchungen zur psychischen Struktur bei Adoleszenten bzw. jungen Erwachsenen mit typischen oder subklinischen Formen von Essstörungen vor.

Ziele der Arbeit

Die vorliegende Studie zielt auf die Untersuchung und den Vergleich verschiedener Strukturdimensionen gemäß Operationalisierter Psychodynamischer Diagnostik bei weiblichen Adoleszenten und jungen Erwachsenen mit unterschiedlicher Ausprägung selbstberichteter anorektischer Essstörungssymptomatik ab.

Material und Methoden

Es gingen Daten von 141 weiblichen Adoleszenten und jungen Erwachsenen mit keiner, gering oder ausgeprägter selbstberichteter anorektischer Essstörungssymptomatik ein. Die Probandinnen wurden über die sozialen Netzwerke Facebook und Instagram rekrutiert und mithilfe einer Onlineerhebung befragt. Zum Einsatz kamen der Fragebogen zur Strukturachse der Operationalisierten Psychodynamischen Diagnostik (OPD-SF) sowie das Eating Disorder Inventory‑2 (EDI-2).

Ergebnisse

Adoleszente und junge Erwachsene mit ausgeprägter selbstberichteter anorektischer Essstörungssymptomatik zeigen auf fast allen Skalen des OPD-SF sowie auf sämtlichen Skalen des EDI‑2 signifikant höhere Werte als Adoleszente und junge Erwachsene ohne bzw. mit geringer Symptomatik. Diese Unterschiede bleiben auch nach Kontrolle für das Alter sowie Vorliegen von Vordiagnosen und psychotherapeutischen (Vor)Behandlungen bestehen. Es zeigen sich deutliche Zusammenhänge zwischen den Skalen des OPD-SF und denen des EDI‑2.

Schlussfolgerung

Einschränkungen in der psychischen Struktur scheinen sich bereits bei subklinischen Formen gestörten Essverhaltens zu zeigen, zumindest, wenn diese selbstberichtet ist. Die Ergebnisse unterstützen die Notwendigkeit der frühzeitigen Erkennung von Problemen mit dem Essverhalten und des Einbezugs struktureller Aspekte in die psychotherapeutische Behandlung.
Favorable therapeutic response after anti-Mesothelin antibody–drug conjugate treatment requires high expression of Mesothelin in tumor cells
Authors: Lazzerini Lea , Jöhrens Korinna , Sehouli Jalid , Cichon Günter
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The cell surface glycoprotein Mesothelin is overexpressed in ovarian, fallopian tube, endometrial, cervical and primary peritoneal cancer and, therefore, might become a particular interesting tumor target in gynecologic oncology. However, even in malignant tumors of the same entity the level of Mesothelin expression varies between individuals, hence it can be expected that the response to Mesothelin-targeting therapies will be variable as well. In this study we explored the therapeutic potency of a novel anti-Mesothelin antibody–drug conjugate (Anetumab ravtansine) as a function of Mesothelin expression in the targeted tumor cells.

Methods

Anti-tumor activity studies were performed in human uterine xenograft tumor models that express Mesothelin at high, moderate or low levels. The antibody–drug conjugate (ADC) was applied in varying doses ranging from 2 to 15 mg/kg at variable intervals in tumor bearing SCID/beige mice and the impact on tumor growth was monitored.

Results

The therapeutic response to the anti-Mesothelin ADC correlated closely with the level of Mesothelin expression in tumor cells. Within the applied dose levels complete tumor regression was achieved only in tumors which expressed Mesothelin at particularly high levels (Hela cell tumors). The application of high anti-Mesothelin ADC doses less frequently was more efficious than giving lower doses at a higher frequency.

Conclusion

The studies confirm the great therapeutic potential of Anetumab ravtansine. However, a favorable treatment outcome requires strong Mesothelin expression in tumor cells. Future clinical trials may benefit from a more rigorous selection of appropriate patients based on the level of Mesothelin expression in their tumor tissue. If, in addition, it is possible to better control side effects by introducing protective measures and by doing so to increase the maximum tolerated dose, Anetumab ravtansine has the potency to become a valuable therapeutic tool, especially in the field of gynecological oncology.
Laparoscopic complete mesocolic excision with true central vascular ligation for right-sided colon cancer
Authors: Enomoto Masanobu , Katsumata Kenji , Kasahara Kenta , Tago Tomoya , Okazaki Naoto , Wada Takahiro , Kuwabara Hiroshi , Mazaki Junichi , Ishizaki Tetsuo , Nagakawa Yuichi , Tsuchida Akihiko
Published: August 2020

Background

Complete mesocolic excision (CME) is known to be effective for colon cancer. However, in right-sided colon cancer, central vascular ligation (CVL) is not easy to perform. In particular, in patients in whom the superior mesenteric vein (SMV) runs on the ventral side of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) (Type V/A), laparoscopic ligation of the artery at its root is extremely difficult compared with this procedure in patients in whom the SMA runs on the ventral side of the SMV (Type A/V).

Methods

We started performing laparoscopic CME with true CVL for right-sided colon cancer using the SMA as a landmark in 2015, and by 2019, we had completed it for 60 patients. To start, the mesocolon is opened well to the caudal side of the ileocolic vessels. The mesentery is then fully detached from the retroperitoneal tissue, after which the ileocolic vessels are ligated at their roots. D3 lymph node dissection of the lymph nodes around the SMA and SMV on the resection side is also performed using the SMA as a landmark, and depending on the location of the tumor, the roots of the right and middle colic vessels are ligated and divided. This study was conducted with the approval of the Tokyo Medical University Ethics Committee. All patients provided informed consent.

Results

The tumor was located in the cecum in 21 cases, the ascending colon in 33, and the transverse colon in 6. The mean operating time was 229 min and the mean volume of hemorrhage was 67 ml. There was one Clavien-Dindo Grade 3 or worse postoperative complication (ileus). There were no surgery-related or in-hospital deaths.

Conclusion

This procedure can be performed comparatively safely. However, since it requires some skill, we consider that it should only be performed in suitable cases by teams with sufficient experience.
Reliability, validity and responsiveness of the Dutch version of the AOSpine PROST (Patient Reported Outcome Spine Trauma)
Authors: Sadiqi Said , Post Marcel W. , Hosman Allard J. , Dvorak Marcel F. , Chapman Jens R. , Benneker Lorin M. , Kandziora Frank , Rajasekaran S. , Schnake Klaus J. , Vaccaro Alexander R. , Oner F. Cumhur
Published: August 2020

Purpose

To validate the Dutch version of AOSpine PROST (Patient Reported Outcome Spine Trauma).

Methods

Patients were recruited from two level-1 trauma centers from the Netherlands. Next to the AOSpine PROST, patients also filled out SF-36 for concurrent validity. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the characteristics. Content validity was assessed by evaluating the number of inapplicable or missing questions. Also floor and ceiling effects were analyzed. Internal consistency was assessed by calculating Cronbach’s α and item-total correlation coefficients (itcc). Spearman correlation tests were performed within AOSpine PROST items and in correlation with SF-36. Test–retest reliability was analyzed using Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC). Responsiveness was assessed by calculating effect sizes (ES) and standardized response mean (SRM). Factor analysis was performed to explore any dimensions within AOSpine PROST.

Results

Out of 179 enrolled patients, 163 (91.1%) were included. Good results were obtained for content validity. No floor or ceiling effects were seen. Internal consistency was excellent (Cronbach’s α = 0.96, itcc 0.50–0.86), with also good Spearman correlations (0.25–0.79). Compared to SF-36, the strongest correlation was seen for physical functioning (0.79; p < .001). Also test–retest reliability was excellent (ICC = 0.92). Concerning responsiveness analysis, very good results were seen with ES = 1.81 and SRM = 2.03 (p < 0.001). Factor analysis revealed two possible dimensions (Eigenvalues > 1), explaining 65.4% of variance.

Conclusions

Very satisfactory results were obtained for reliability, validity and responsiveness of the Dutch version of AOSpine PROST. Treating surgeons are encouraged to use this novel and validated tool in clinical setting and research to contribute to evidence-based and patient-centered care.
Levodopa improves handwriting and instrumental tasks in previously treated patients with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Müller Thomas , Harati Ali
Published: August 2020

Motor symptoms in patients with Parkinson’s disease may be determined with instrumental tests and rating procedures. Their outcomes reflect the functioning and the impairment of the individual patient when patients are tested off and on dopamine substituting drugs. Objectives were to investigate whether the execution speed of a handwriting task, instrumentally assessed fine motor behavior, and rating scores improve after soluble levodopa application. 38 right-handed patients were taken off their regular drug therapy for at least 12 h before scoring, handwriting, and performance of instrumental devices before and 1 h after 100 mg levodopa intake. The outcomes of all performed procedures improved. The easy-to-perform handwriting task and the instrumental tests demand for fast and precise execution of movement sequences with considerable cognitive load in the domains' attention and concentration. These investigations may serve as additional tools for the testing of the dopaminergic response.
“We Ought to Eat in Order to Work, Not Vice Versa”: MacIntyre, Practices, and the Best Work for Humankind
Authors: Sinnicks Matthew
Published: August 2020

This paper draws a distinction between ‘right MacIntyreans’ who are relatively optimistic that MacIntyre’s vision of ethics can be realised in capitalist society, and ‘left MacIntyreans’ who are sceptical about this possibility, and aims to show that the ‘left MacIntyrean’ position is a promising perspective available to business ethicists. It does so by arguing for a distinction between ‘community-focused’ practices and ‘excellence-focused’ practices. The latter concept fulfils the promise of practices to provide us with an understanding of the best work for humankind and highlights the affinities between MacIntyre’s concept of a practice and Marx’s conception of good work as free, creative activity. The paper concludes with a suggestion that we reflect on the best forms of work so that we can strive to ensure the very best activities, those most consonant with our flourishing, one day become available to all.
Fiscal devaluation and relative prices: evidence from the Euro area
Authors: Arachi Giampaolo , Assisi Debora
Published: August 2020

The theoretical literature has long recognized that a fiscal devaluation, brought about by a budget-neutral shift from social security contributions towards value added tax (V-FD), could improve price competitiveness and help restore trade imbalances, especially for countries that cannot devaluate their currency. This paper provides evidence on the effects of a fiscal devaluation on the real effective exchange rate, the terms of trade and net exports. We focus on countries that joined the Euro Area in 1999 for which fiscal devaluation is a salient issue. We find that the responses are highly heterogeneous across countries and, on average, the estimates provide only a weak support to the theoretical predictions that a fiscal devaluation could affect the real effective exchange rate and the terms of trade. Consistently, we also find negligible results on the trade balance. We conclude that the potential of a V-FD should not be overemphasized, since its effects are rather limited on both relative prices and quantities.
Technical considerations when using the EEG export of the SEDLine Root device
Authors: von Dincklage Falk , Jurth Carlo , Schneider Gerhard , S García Paul , Kreuzer Matthias
Published: August 2020

Electroencephalographic (EEG) patient monitoring during general anesthesia can help to assess the real-time neurophysiology of unconscious states. Some monitoring systems like the SEDLine Root allow export of the EEG to be used for retrospective analysis. We show that changes made to the SEDLine display during recording affected the recorded EEG. These changes can strongly impact retrospective analysis of EEG signals. Real-time changes of the feed speed in the SEDLine Root device display modifies the sampling rate of the exported EEG. We used a patient as well as a simulated EEG recording to highlight the effects of the display settings on the extracted EEG. Therefore, we changed EEG feed and amplitude resolution on the display in a systematic manner. To visualize the effects of these changes, we present raw EEG segments and the density spectral array of the recording. Changing the display’s amplitude resolution affects the amplitudes. If the amplitude resolution is too fine, the exported EEG contains clipped amplitudes. If the resolution is too coarse, the EEG resolution becomes too low leading to a low-quality signal making frequency analysis impossible. The proportion of clipped or zero-line data caused by the amplitude setting was > 60% in our sedated patient. Changing the display settings results in undocumented changes in EEG amplitude, sampling rate, and signal quality. The occult nature of these changes could make the analysis of data sets difficult if not invalid. We strongly suggest researchers adequately define and keep the EEG display settings to export good quality EEG and to ensure comparability among patients.
Comparison of common perioperative blood loss estimation techniques: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Gerdessen Lara , Meybohm Patrick , Choorapoikayil Suma , Herrmann Eva , Taeuber Isabel , Neef Vanessa , Raimann Florian J. , Zacharowski Kai , Piekarski Florian
Published: August 2020

Estimating intraoperative blood loss is one of the daily challenges for clinicians. Despite the knowledge of the inaccuracy of visual estimation by anaesthetists and surgeons, this is still the mainstay to estimate surgical blood loss. This review aims at highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of currently used measurement methods. A systematic review of studies on estimation of blood loss was carried out. Studies were included investigating the accuracy of techniques for quantifying blood loss in vivo and in vitro. We excluded nonhuman trials and studies using only monitoring parameters to estimate blood loss. A meta-analysis was performed to evaluate systematic measurement errors of the different methods. Only studies that were compared with a validated reference e.g. Haemoglobin extraction assay were included. 90 studies met the inclusion criteria for systematic review and were analyzed. Six studies were included in the meta-analysis, as only these were conducted with a validated reference. The mixed effect meta-analysis showed the highest correlation to the reference for colorimetric methods (0.93 95% CI 0.91–0.96), followed by gravimetric (0.77 95% CI 0.61–0.93) and finally visual methods (0.61 95% CI 0.40–0.82). The bias for estimated blood loss (ml) was lowest for colorimetric methods (57.59 95% CI 23.88–91.3) compared to the reference, followed by gravimetric (326.36 95% CI 201.65–450.86) and visual methods (456.51 95% CI 395.19–517.83). Of the many studies included, only a few were compared with a validated reference. The majority of the studies chose known imprecise procedures as the method of comparison. Colorimetric methods offer the highest degree of accuracy in blood loss estimation. Systems that use colorimetric techniques have a significant advantage in the real-time assessment of blood loss.
Evaluation of crustal inhomogeneity parameters in the southern Longmenshan fault zone and adjacent regions
Authors: Fan Xiao-Ping , He Yi-Cheng , Yang Cong-Jie , Wang Jun-Fei
Published: August 2020

Broadband teleseismic waveform data from 13 earthquakes recorded by 70 digital seismic stations were selected to evaluate the inhomogeneity parameters of the crustal medium in the southern Longmenshan fault zone and its adjacent regions using the teleseismic fluctuation wavefield method. Results show that a strong inhomogeneity exists beneath the study region, which can be divided into three blocks according to its structure and tectonic deformation features. These are known as the Sichuan-Qinghai Block, the Sichuan-Yunnan Block, and the Mid-Sichuan Block. The velocity fluctuation ratios of the three blocks are approximately 5.1%, 3.6%, and 5.1% in the upper crust and 5.1%, 3.8%, and 4.9% in the lower crust. The inhomogeneity correlation lengths of the three blocks are about 10.1 km, 14.0 km, and 10.7 km in the upper crust and 11.8 km, 17.0 km, and 11.8 km in the lower crust. The differences in the crustal medium inhomogeneity beneath the Sichuan-Yunnan Block, the Sichuan-Qinghai Block, and the Mid-Sichuan Block may be related to intensive tectonic movement and material flow in the crust and upper mantle.
Goth Music and Depressive Symptoms among Adolescents: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: ter Bogt Tom , Hale William W. , Canale Natale , Pastore Massimiliano , Vieno Alessio
Published: August 2020

Identification with Goth youth culture has been related to elevated levels of depression, self-harm and suicide ideation. However, this identification may be difficult to assess as Goth is stigmatized and adolescents may hesitate to self-identify. Conversely, adolescents readily respond to questions on their music preferences. This study addresses the potential link between liking Goth music and depressive symptoms in a four-year study among 10 to 15-year-olds (N = 940, M age = 12.4 at T1, 49% female). In this study, it was found that Goth music is only liked by a small minority of adolescents (4 to 11%). Both girls and boys who liked Goth music reported increased levels of depressive symptoms as they grew older. The findings of this study suggest that a preference for Goth music emerges as an early, sensitive marker of dormant or developing depressive symptoms in adolescents. The mechanisms through which music preferences can translate into or sustain depressive symptoms are discussed.
Structural insights into Arabidopsis ethylene response factor 96 with an extended N-terminal binding to GCC box
Authors: Chen Chun-Yen , Lin Pei-Hsuan , Chen Kun-Hung , Cheng Yi-Sheng
Published: August 2020

The phytohormone ethylene is widely involved in many developmental processes and is a crucial regulator of defense responses against biotic and abiotic stresses in plants. Ethylene-responsive element binding protein, a member of the APETALA2/ethylene response factor (AP2/ERF) superfamily, is a transcription factor that regulates stress-responsive genes by recognizing a specific cis-acting element of target DNA. A previous study showed only the NMR structure of the AP2/ERF domain of AtERF100 in complex with a GCC box DNA motif. In this report, we determined the crystal structure of AtERF96 in complex with a GCC box at atomic resolution. We analyzed the binding residues of the conserved AP2/ERF domain in the DNA recognition sequence. In addition to the AP2/ERF domain, an N-terminal α-helix of AtERF96 participates in DNA interaction in the flanking region. We also demonstrated the structure of AtERF96 EDLL motif, a unique conserved motif in the group IX of AP2/ERF family, might involve in the transactivation of defense-related genes. Our study establishes the structural basis of the AtERF96 transcription factor in complex with the GCC box, as well as the DNA binding mechanisms of the N-terminal α-helix and AP2/ERF domain.
Determinants of adoption and adoption intensity of precision agriculture technologies: evidence from South Dakota
Authors: Kolady Deepthi E. , Van der Sluis Evert , Uddin Md Mahi , Deutz Allen P.
Published: August 2020

Precision agriculture technologies (PATs) are promoted as part of both economically efficient and environmentally sustainable agriculture practices. Available PATs are generally classified into two groups; namely, embodied-knowledge and information-intensive PATs. Adoption levels of embodied-knowledge PATs are high relative to information-intensive PATs. Previous studies on the adoption of PATs do not differentiate between embodied-knowledge and information-intensive PATs. Additionally, most studies focus on the adoption of one or two of the available PATs rather than on adoption intensity—defined as the total number of individual PATs adopted. This study fills this gap in the literature by focusing on PAT adoption in general, and adoption intensity of embodied-knowledge and information-intensive PATs in particular. The study uses data from 198 farm-operator respondents in eastern South Dakota from a 2017 survey and employs descriptive statistics and probit and Poisson regression models for the analyses. As per the study, GPS guidance, yield monitor, and automatic section control systems are the most popular PATs, each with adoption rates of over 50%. Overall, findings from the study show that the effect of cropland size, producers’ perceptions of profitability, and operator off-farm income are similar for both adoption and adoption intensity of embodied-knowledge and information-intensive PATs. However, there are differences in the effect of land productivity and familiarity with computer use between adoption and adoption intensity and between embodied-knowledge and information-intensive PATs. The effect of producers’ perception of the environmental benefits of PATs is inconclusive and needs to be investigated in future research. The results indicate that analyzing PATs as a group of technologies masks differences in determinants between embodied-knowledge and information-intensive PATs. The study provides insights for developing programs, policies, and outreach efforts that encourage the adoption and adoption intensity of both embodied-knowledge and information-intensive PATs. Findings from the study will also be of interest to precision agriculture researchers, extension personnel, agribusinesses, and policymakers who may consider PATs as tools for improving agricultural sustainability and food security.
Socio-Economic Modernization and the “Crisis of Trust” in China: A Multi-level Analysis of General and Particular Trust
Authors: Steinhardt H. Christoph , Delhey Jan
Published: August 2020

Theorists have long disagreed about the impact of socio-economic modernization on social trust. The pessimistic school asserts that modernization undermines the structural conditions for high levels of trust. The optimistic account argues that it delivers economic security and human empowerment and thereby enhances trust. Adapting these contrasting theories to the specific case of China, this article puts them to the test with survey data from the World Values Survey. Exploiting the condition of highly uneven levels of regional development, combined with common political institutions and a shared cultural heritage, the study conducts a multi-level analysis of survey data from over 1900 individuals and a wide range of regional statistics from 61 county-level units. While trust in family members and particular trust beyond the family are unaffected by levels of regional modernization, we find robust evidence to suggest that regional modernization is associated with substantially higher levels of general trust. The results further suggests that higher general trust in more developed regions does not lead to an enhanced conversion of particular into general trust. This indicates that general trust is nurtured through the contextual effect of residing in more modern social environments. Overall, these findings provide substantial support for modernization optimists and lend themselves to a reinterpretation of a widely discussed “trust crisis” in China, which to date is often interpreted according to the pessimistic view of modernization.
Seasonal dynamics of shoot biomass of dominant clonal herb species in an oak–hornbeam forest herb layer
Authors: Rawlik Mateusz , Jagodziński Andrzej M.
Published: August 2020

Seasonal fluctuations of light availability, nutrient concentrations, and moisture affect plant population traits like density, standing biomass, and flowering. We analyzed seasonal changes of density and shoot biomass of the four most frequent herb species growing in an oak–hornbeam forest community, i.e., Anemone nemorosa, Ficaria verna, Galeobdolon luteum, and Galium odoratum. In 2010 and 2011 plant biomass was harvested from 7 to 10 randomly situated square sample plots (0.36 m2) in the homogenous oak–hornbeam forest community every week in the spring and every two weeks in the summer and autumn. The highest abundance of Anemone nemorosa reached over 1000 shoots per m2, of Ficaria verna 459.5 shoots per m2, of Galium odoratum 83.6 shoots per m2, and of Galeobdolon luteum 98.4 shoots per m2 (means for 2010 and 2011, based on all sample plots). We did not observe negative correlation between density and shoot biomass. Growth rates of vegetative shoot biomass amounted to 0.857 mg day−1 for Anemone nemorosa, 0.467 mg day−1 for Ficaria verna, 0.722 mg day−1 for Galium odoratum, and 0.448 mg day−1 for Galeobdolon luteum (means for 2010 and 2011). Spring ephemerals had much higher densities of shoots than summer-greens. Summer-greens reached higher biomass of individual shoots than spring ephemerals. Flowering shoots constituted only 4, 2, and 11% of all shoots for A. nemorosa, F. verna, and G. odoratum, respectively. More resource availability resulting in high shoot biomass did not translate to higher share of flowering shoots.