bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LGL leukemia patients exhibit substantial protective humoral responses following SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination
Authors: Cheon Heejin , Elghawy Omar , Shemo Bryna C. , Feith David J. , Loughran Thomas P.
Published: May 2022

Large granular lymphocyte leukemia is a rare chronic lymphoproliferative disorder of cytotoxic cells. Other hematological malignancies such as CLL and multiple myeloma have been associated with poor vaccination response and markedly increased severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) mortality rates, specifically in patients who have undergone immunosuppressive therapy. Given the immunosuppressive therapies often used to treat the disease, large granular lymphocytic (LGL) patients may be especially vulnerable to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. A questionnaire was sent to all patients in the LGL Leukemia Registry at the University of Virginia (UVA) to obtain information on vaccination status, type of vaccine received, side effects of vaccination, patient treatment status before, during, and after vaccination, antibody testing, history of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) infection, and presence or absence of booster vaccination. Antibody testing of 27 patients who had quantitative SARS‐CoV‐2 Spike Protein IgG levels determined by University of Virginia medical laboratories via the Abbott Architect SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG II assay were collected. The assay was scored as reactive at a threshold of ≥50.0 AU/mL or nonreactive with a threshold of <50.0 AU/mL. LGL patients without treatment as well as patients who held treatment prior to their vaccination have a robust humoral response to SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines. Patients who did not hold their immunosuppressive treatments have signifigantly diminished vaccine response compared to those who held their immunosuppressive treatment. Our findings support a dual strategy of pausing immunotherapy during the vaccination window and administration of the SARS‐CoV‐2 booster to all LGL leukemia patients to maximize protective antibodies.
Interest of the preventive and curative use of defibrotide on the occurrence and severity of sinusoidal obstruction syndrome after hematopoietic stem cell transplant in children
Authors: Rudebeck Carl J. , Renard Cécile , Halfon‐Domenech Carine , Ouachée‐Chardin Marie , Philippe Michael , Valla Frederic V. , Bertrand Yves , Penel‐Page Mathilde
Published: May 2022

Defibrotide (DF) is indicated for the treatment of severe sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS) following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), but its prophylactic use against SOS is not recommended yet. This study describes the impact of the preventive and curative use of DF on reducing the incidence and severity of SOS in children. Patients aged 0–19 years, who received allogenic HSCT after myeloablative conditioning regimen with busulfan or total body irradiation in our comprehensive cancer center, between 2013 and 2017, were included. The Baltimore or modified Seattle criteria were used for SOS diagnosis. SOS was graded using the 2017 European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation classification defining severity criteria of SOS in children. SOS occurrence tended to decrease with prophylactic DF, but no significant difference was observed in terms of severity. When not treated with preventive DF, 50% (19/38) of the patients with SOS were graded severe to very severe, but only 37% (7/19) had organ dysfunction. Curative DF was administered at a median of 2 days post‐HSCT, for a median of 6.5 days. The absence of fatal SOS supports the use of early curative DF with acceptable toxicities and questions the optimal duration of DF treatment.
Long‐Term Outcomes in Head and Neck Paragangliomas Managed with Intensity‐Modulated Radiotherapy
Authors: Rougier Guillaume , Rochand Adrien , Bourdais Rémi , Meillan Nicolas , Tankere Frédéric , Herman Philippe , Riet François , Mazeron Jean‐Jacques , Burnichon Nelly , Lussey‐Lepoutre Charlotte , Jacob Julian , Simon Jean‐Marc , Maingon Philippe , Feuvret Loïc
Published: May 2022

Objectives

Head & Neck Paragangliomas have been historically relying on surgery mostly, with worsened quality of life and major sequelae. Conventional external radiation therapy seems to offer an equivalent control rate with a low toxicity profile. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficiency of intensity‐modulated radiation therapy in Head & Neck paragangliomas.

Methods

This is a retrospective monocentric study conducted in a referral center, including all patients treated with IMRT, whether as an exclusive or post‐operative treatment for a tympanic and jugular, carotid, or vagal paraganglioma. Data collection was performed through the manuscript and computerized medical files, including consultation, operative, imaging, pathological analyses, delineation, and treatment planning reports. Success was defined as the complete or partial regression or stabilization without progression, or relapse in accordance with the RECIST criteria. Acute toxicities and long‐term sequelae were assessed.

Results

Our cohort included 39 patients included between 2011 and 2021: 18 patients treated for a TJ PG (45.9%), 11 patients for a carotid PG (28.4%), and 9 for a vagal PG (23.1%). Twenty‐nine patients had IMRT as an exclusive treatment (74.4%), whereas 10 patients had a post‐operative complementary treatment (25.6%). Median follow‐up in our cohort was 2318 days (average = 2200 days, 237–5690, sd = 1281.9). Among 39 patients, 37 were successfully controlled with IMRT (94.8%), and the toxicity profile was low without any major toxicity.

Conclusion

IMRT seems an ideal treatment, whether exclusive or post‐operative for Head & Neck paragangliomas.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 133:607–614, 2023
Nozzle‐Pressurized Gyration: A Novel Fiber Manufacturing Process
Authors: Dai Yanqi , Ahmed Jubair , Delbusso Angelo , Edirisinghe Mohan
Published: May 2022

An innovative development of pressurized gyration is presented, incorporating a directional nozzle system. Thus, nozzle‐pressurized gyration is used to prepare polymeric fibers. In this work, three different polymeric fibers (polycaprolactone, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and polyethylene oxide) manufactured by the original pressurized gyration and nozzle‐pressurized gyration are compared. Under the same processing parameters (working pressure, rotational speed, and collection distance), nozzle‐pressurized gyration is proved to be a highly efficient spinning technology for uniform and uniaxially oriented fiber products. The effects of the spinning vessel geometry on the morphology and alignment of gyrospun fibers are elucidated. This work also reveals the relationship between fiber morphology and collection distance in nozzle‐pressurized gyration. Varying the collection distance provides a useful approach to the synthesis of uniform fibers with anisotropic arrangement.
Digital technologies and privacy: State of the art and research directions
Authors: Scarpi Daniele , Pizzi Gabriele , Matta Shashi
Published: May 2022

Digital technologies have transformed every aspect of marketing and have brought consumer privacy front and center of research and discourse over the last two decades. Whereas companies and consumers have arguably benefited through the availability and use of data made possible by digitalization, consumer privacy‐related concerns raise compelling questions that researchers, companies, and policymakers are addressing. In this review paper, we review privacy related to digital technologies in marketing, highlighting the constantly evolving nature of the field. We provide an overview of the rich contributions made by the articles in the special issue on digital technologies and privacy, and the original insights they provide for researchers and practitioners in four domains—communication, retailing, pricing, and product personalization. We identify and outline future research directions in each of these four domains to expand our understanding of privacy at the intersection of psychology and marketing by motivating new scholarly research and providing actionable insights to managers and policymakers.
Grüne Chemie: Mit Gamma‐Valerolacton lösen
Authors: Kerkel Florian , Kunz Werner , Kanzler Walter
Published: May 2022

Für die chemische Industrie hat der European Green Deal sinnvolle und gleichzeitig anspruchsvolle Ziele formuliert. Unternehmen gewinnen organische Lösungsmittel nach wie vor zum Großteil aus fossilen Ressourcen, weshalb es dringend nachhaltiger Alternativen bedarf.
Grüner Wasserstoff direkt aus Sonnenlicht
Authors: Schneidewind Jacob
Published: May 2022

Gibt es Wege, Wasser mit Licht zu spalten, die nicht die natürliche Photosynthese zum Vorbild haben? Jacob Schneidewind ist ihnen auf der Spur: Er entwickelt Photokatalysatoren dafür.
Management of potato cyst nematodes with special focus on biological control and trap cropping strategies
Authors: Mhatre Priyank Hanuman , Divya K.L. , Venkatasalam E.P. , Watpade Santosh , Bairwa Aarti , Patil Jagadeesh
Published: May 2022

Potato cyst nematodes (PCNs; Globodera spp.) are one of the most difficult pests of potato to manage worldwide. Indiscriminate use of pesticides and their hazardous effects discourage the use of many chemicals for the management of PCNs. As a result, biological control agents and trap crops have received more attention from growers as safer ways to manage PCNs. The biological control agents such as Pochonia chlamydosporia, Purpureocillium lilacinum, Trichoderma spp., Pseudomonas fluorescens, Bacillus spp., Pasteuria spp., and others are recognized as potential candidates for the management of PCNs. Moreover recently, the use of trap crop Solanum sisymbriifolium also showed promise by drastically reducing soil populations of PCNs. Integration of these management strategies along with other practices including identification, conservation, and multiplication of native antagonists, will facilitate efficient management of the PCNs in potato cropping system. Some of the promising research approaches that are being used against PCNs are addressed in this review. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
The area under the effect curve as an efficacy determinant for anti‐infectives
Authors: Chen Chao , Lavezzi Silvia Maria , Iavarone Laura
Published: May 2022

Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) indices making use of area under the curve, maximum concentration, and the duration that in vivo drug concentration is maintained above a critical level are commonly applied to clinical dose prediction from animal efficacy experiments in the infectious disease arena. These indices make suboptimal use of the nonclinical data, and the prediction depends on the shape of the PK profiles in the animals, determined by the species‐specific absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination properties, and the dosing regimen used in the efficacy experiments. Motivated by the principle that efficacy is driven by pharmacology, we conducted simulations using a generalized pathogen dynamic model, to assess the properties of an alternative efficacy predictor: the area under the effect curve (AUEC), computed using in vitro PD and in vivo PK. Across a wide range of hypothetical scenarios, the AUEC consistently showed regimen‐independent strong correlation (R2 0.76–0.98) with in vivo efficacy, superior to all other indices. These findings serve as proof of concept that AUEC should be considered in practice as a translation tool for cross‐species dose prediction. Using AUEC for clinical dose prediction could also potentially cut down animal use by reducing or avoiding dose fractionation experiments.
Interaction mechanics model for screw‐drive wheel of granary robot traveling on the loose grain terrain
Authors: Jin Hangjia , Lin Jizhao , Wu Wenfu , Lu Yanhui , Han Feng , Shi Xinjian
Published: May 2022

The screw drive mechanism has excellent driving performance on soft terrain and it is a good application for granary robot traveling on the loose grain surface. The investigation on screw drive wheel‐terrain contact mechanics is necessary to predict the traveling performance of the novel Screw‐Drive Granary Robot. Because the motion of grain particles is extremely complex beneath the wheel in the space, shearing displacement is decomposed into the longitudinal and tangential shearing displacement in this paper, and the corresponding shearing stress is calculated separately. Then the screw‐drive wheel‐terrain contact mechanics theory based on terramechanics is established by integrating the normal stress and shearing stress. Through driving experiments on corn‐terrain, the slip sinkage is determined and the sinkage modeling is modified simultaneously considering both vertical load and slip to improve the accuracy of prediction. And the calculated total resistance and the bulldozing resistance show that there is a linear proportional coefficient between them and slope of the line is 2.74 in this case. Finally, the improved mathematical model for screw‐drive wheel is proposed, the average error of predicted resistive torque is 15.72% and the mean error of drawbar pull is 16.2%.
Simple Ball‐Milled Molybdenum Sulfide Nanosheets for Effective Interface Passivation with Self‐Repairing Function to Attain High‐Performance Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Xiao Lan , Wang Ziyi , Shi Chang , Yu Xueli , Ma Liang , Li Haixia , Fang Guojia , Qin Pingli
Published: May 2022

Interface defects can generate serious nonradiative recombination in perovskite solar cells (PSCs) and need to be restrained for further optimization of device performance. Herein, common and easily available 2D MoS2 nanosheets prepared by a ball‐milled method are demonstrated. The obtained MoS2 has bigger specific surface area and narrower pore distribution, inducing more water to be trapped on the surface or in pores of MoS2. With annealing, the locally absorbed water can be desorbed, and much more Mo atoms at the outermost surface layers could bond with oxygen to repair the uncoordinated Mo at edge sites for more ordered Mo—S—Mo bonds, which can weaken the catalytic activity of MoS2 to stabilize the heterojunction interface of hole transport layer (HTL)/perovskite. When it is used as the passivation layer between HTL and perovskite, the Mo2+–Mo4+ ion pair can promote electron transfer from Pb° to I°, suppressing the deep defects at this interface near the perovskite side. Meanwhile, MoS2 can passivate the surface (or grain boundaries) defects through the bond of Mo—I or Pb—O. The resultant PSCs give a champion efficiency of 22.39% with MoS2 treatment, thus enabling the decorated devices with excellent long‐term stability.
Model‐Chain Validation for Estimating the Energy Yield of Bifacial Perovskite/Silicon Tandem Solar Cells
Authors: Tillmann Peter , Jäger Klaus , Karsenti Asher , Kreinin Lev , Becker Christiane
Published: May 2022

The power conversion efficiency of conventional silicon solar cells approaches its theoretical limit. Bifacial operation and the perovskite/silicon tandem device architecture are promising approaches for increasing the energy yield of photovoltaic modules. Here, an energy yield calculation tool for (bifacial) perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells is presented. It uses a chain of models for irradiance, optical absorption, and temperature‐dependent electrical performance. Each step is validated with irradiance and performance data from a rooftop installation with mono‐ and bifacial silicon solar cells in Jerusalem, Israel. Selecting the data for two days (one in summer, one in winter) and considering the high‐reflective ground of this particular installation (albedo 60%) a 20% increased energy yield for a bifacial module with respect to a monofacial module is modeled. This result matches well with experimental data. When “upgrading” the silicon solar cell to a perovskite/silicon tandem solar cell, the case study predicts up to 40% additional energy yield. Combining the concepts of bifacial solar operation and perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells results in up to 60% increased energy with a high albedo ground, and is therefore a promising approach to further decrease the levelized cost of electricity for photovoltaic electricity generation.
Downconversion Materials for Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Datt Ram , Bishnoi Swati , Hughes Declan , Mahajan Prerna , Singh Anoop , Gupta Ramashanker , Arya Sandeep , Gupta Vinay , Tsoi Wing Chung
Published: May 2022

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have made game‐changing progress in the last decade and reached a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of up to 25%. Furthermore, the development of material chemistry, structure design, active layer composition, process engineering, etc. has contributed to improving PSCs’ stability. The significant PCE losses experienced by PSCs are related to spectral mismatch between the incident solar spectra and absorption range of the active layer, which thereby limits the PCE. Besides PSCs’ performance, the photoinduced degradation is also a major concern. Recently, lanthanide (rare‐earth) and nonlanthanide‐based downconversion (DC) materials have been introduced to resolve these spectral mismatch losses as well as reduce the photoinduced degradation. The DC materials improve the photovoltaic performance by converting ultraviolet (UV) light to visible, also providing UV shielding, and thus contribute to increasing the efficiency as well as stability of PSCs. Moreover, the Shockley–Queisser efficiency limit of the solar cell can be crossed with the help of DC materials. In this review, the importance, processing, and the reported DC materials for PSCs are thoroughly discussed. Furthermore, the development of DC materials and their impact on PSCs’ performance and stability, along with their future perspectives, are focused.
CT anatomy of the head in the Ile de France sheep
Authors: Masoudifard Majid , Zehtabvar Omid , Modarres Seyyed Hossein , Pariz Fateme , Tohidifar Mohsen
Published: May 2022

Background

CT scan images provide accurate anatomical data from different areas of the body that can be used to diagnose diseases.

Objectives

The present work aimed to describe the normal anatomical structures of the Ile de France sheep head and its morphometric and volumetric properties using computed tomography (CT) and stereological methods.

Methods

Five adult Ile de France sheep heads, which were of mature age (above 10 months), were included in this study. The different cavities of the head, including the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, oral cavity, orbital cavity and vestibulocochlear system, were evaluated using CT scans, cross, sagittal and coronal sections.

Results

The mean length, height and width of the skull were 25.3 ± 1.02, 9.8 ± 0.93 and 12.3 ± 0.91 cm, respectively. The results showed that the nasal cavity is divided into three regions. Vestibular, respiratory and olfactory regions. The paranasal sinuses are composed of maxillary, frontal, palatine, sphenoid, lacrimal and ethmoidal that were identified and named in the CT scan images and their corresponding anatomical cross‐sections. The total volume of the head, nasal cavity and oral cavity was estimated to be 2998 ± 202.00, 303 ± 31.33 and 229.3 ± 10.61 cm3, respectively.

Conclusions

The frontal sinus in the Ile de France sheep was limited to the frontal bone without extending into the parietal, temporal, or occipital bones, similar to Saanen goat. This study provided a comprehensive atlas of Ile de France sheep anatomy to internal medicine veterinarians and surgeons.
Results after skin traction for femur shaft fractures in children below the age of four years
Authors: Dietzel Markus , Schöneberg Leon Ole , Schunn Matthias , Scherer Simon , Esser Michael , Kirschner Hans Joachim , Fuchs Jörg , Lieber Justus
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Nonsurgical management has been identified as the treatment of choice for femoral shaft fractures in children below four years of age. For various reasons, the surgical approach has become increasingly popular in recent years. The aim of this study is to report results after vertical skin traction and analyze the benefits of this technique as well as to point out advantages compared with surgery in this age group.

Methods

The authors performed a retrospective data analysis, including all patients with femoral shaft fractures below the age of four who were treated with vertical skin traction at our institution between January 2006 and December 2016.

Results

Skin traction for a femoral shaft fracture was performed for 36 patients (mean age 1.6 years; 1 day–3.5 years). The mean duration of traction was 18.5 days (14–30). Complications included soft tissue affections (n = 5), which all healed spontaneously. Consolidation was observed in all fractures. Initial axial deviations and shortening did not change during traction until consolidation (p > 0.05), and no relevant torsion deformity occurred (p = 0.01). Patients gained full weight-bearing within 12.3 days (7–40) following end of traction. At the final follow-up, after a mean of 29.3 months (12–192), leg-length discrepancy (mean 7.1 mm; 5–20) was found on radiograms in nine cases, and axial deviations (mean 7.7°; 5–25) were documented in seven cases. None of the patients had limitations in daily activities or sports.

Conclusion

Skin traction is a technically easy, safe, and non-invasive treatment modality for femoral shaft fractures in children below the age of four years. Strong results are obtained benefited from a high potential of growth-related correction, and in principle no anesthesia is needed. A prolonged hospitalization and socio-economic factors maintain the ongoing debate in comparison with the surgical approach.

Level of evidence

Level III, retrospective.
Clinical applicability of quantitative atrophy measures on MRI in patients suspected of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Ingala Silvia , van Maurik Ingrid S. , Altomare Daniele , Wurm Raphael , Dicks Ellen , van Schijndel Ronald A. , Zwan Marissa , Bouwman Femke , Schoonenboom Niki , Boelaarts Leo , Roks Gerwin , van Marum Rob , van Harten Barbera , van Uden Inge , Claus Jules , Wottschel Viktor , Vrenken Hugo , Wattjes Mike P. , van der Flier Wiesje M. , Barkhof Frederik
Published: May 2022

Objectives

Neurodegeneration in suspected Alzheimer’s disease can be determined using visual rating or quantitative volumetric assessments. We examined the feasibility of volumetric measurements of gray matter (GMV) and hippocampal volume (HCV) and compared their diagnostic performance with visual rating scales in academic and non-academic memory clinics.

Materials and methods

We included 231 patients attending local memory clinics (LMC) in the Netherlands and 501 of the academic Amsterdam Dementia Cohort (ADC). MRI scans were acquired using local protocols, including a T1-weighted sequence. Quantification of GMV and HCV was performed using FSL and FreeSurfer. Medial temporal atrophy and global atrophy were assessed with visual rating scales. ROC curves were derived to determine which measure discriminated best between cognitively normal (CN), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and Alzheimer’s dementia (AD).

Results

Patients attending LMC (age 70.9 ± 8.9 years; 47% females; 19% CN; 34% MCI; 47% AD) were older, had more cerebrovascular pathology, and had lower GMV and HCV compared to those of the ADC (age 64.9 ± 8.2 years; 42% females; 35% CN, 43% MCI, 22% AD). While visual ratings were feasible in > 95% of scans in both cohorts, quantification was achieved in 94–98% of ADC, but only 68–85% of LMC scans, depending on the software. Visual ratings and volumetric outcomes performed similarly in discriminating CN vs AD in both cohorts.

Conclusion

In clinical settings, quantification of GM and hippocampal atrophy currently fails in up to one-third of scans, probably due to lack of standardized acquisition protocols. Diagnostic accuracy is similar for volumetric measures and visual rating scales, making the latter suited for clinical practice.

Summary statement

In a real-life clinical setting, volumetric assessment of MRI scans in dementia patients may require acquisition protocol optimization and does not outperform visual rating scales.

Key Points

• In a real-life clinical setting, the diagnostic performance of visual rating scales is similar to that of automatic volumetric quantification and may be sufficient to distinguish Alzheimer’s disease groups.

• Volumetric assessment of gray matter and hippocampal volumes from MRI scans of patients attending non-academic memory clinics fails in up to 32% of cases.

• Clinical MR acquisition protocols should be optimized to improve the output of quantitative software for segmentation of Alzheimer’s disease–specific outcomes.
Value of skull base invasion subclassification in nasopharyngeal carcinoma: implication for prognostic stratification and use of induction chemotherapy
Authors: Li Shuqi , Luo Chao , Huang Wenjie , Zhu Siyu , Ruan Guangying , Liu Lizhi , Li Haojiang
Published: May 2022

Objectives

Prognoses for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) between categories T2 and T3 in the Eighth American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system were overlapped. We explored the value of skull base invasion (SBI) subclassification in prognostic stratification and use of induction chemotherapy (IC) to optimize T2/T3 categorization for NPC patients.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 1752 NPC patients from two hospitals. Eight skull base bone structures were evaluated. Survival differences were compared between slight SBI (T3 patients with pterygoid process and/or base of the sphenoid bone invasion only) and severe SBI (T3 patients with other SBIs) with or without IC using random matched-pair analysis. We calculated the prognosis and Harrel concordance index (C-index) for the revised T category and compared IC outcomes for the revised tumor stages.

Results

Compared to severe SBI, slight SBI showed better 5-year overall survival (OS) (81.5% vs. 92.3%, p = 0.001) and progression-free survival (PFS) (71.5% vs. 83.0%, p = 0.002). Additional IC therapy did not significantly improve OS and PFS in slight SBI. The proposed T category separated OS, PFS, and locoregional recurrence-free survival in T2 and T3 categories with statistical significance. An improved C-index for OS prediction was observed in the proposed T category with combined confounding factors, compared to the AJCC T staging system (0.725 vs. 0.713, p = 0.046). The survival benefits of IC were more obvious in the advanced stage.

Conclusions

NPC patients with slight SBI were recommended to downstage to T2 category. The adjustment for T category enabled better prognostic stratification and guidance for IC use.

Key Points

• For nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients in T3 category, slight skull base invasion was a significant positive predictor for OS and PFS.

• NPC patients with slight SBI might not gain significant survival benefits from induction chemotherapy.

• Downstaging slight SBI NPC patients to T2 category would make a more accurate risk stratification, improve the predicting performance in OS, and have a better guidance in the use of IC for patients in advanced stage.
Systematic review and meta-analysis: association between obesity/overweight and surgical complications in IBD
Authors: Jiang Ke , Chen Bangsheng , Lou Dandi , Zhang Mengting , Shi Yetan , Dai Wei , Shen Jingyi , Zhou Bin , Hu Jinxing
Published: May 2022

Purpose

While the prevalence of obesity in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients is rapidly increasing, it is unclear whether obesity affects surgical outcomes in this population. This meta-analysis aims to assess the impact of obesity/overweight on patients undergoing surgery for IBD.

Methods

Databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Springer) were searched through September 2021. The meta-analysis included patients with surgically treated IBD to investigate the impact of obesity/overweight on this population. Primary outcomes included overall complications, infectious complications, noninfectious complications, and conversion to laparotomy.

Results

Fifteen studies totaling 12,622 IBD patients were enrolled. Compared with nonobese (including overweight) patients, obese IBD patients have increased the risk in terms of overall complications (OR = 1.45, p < 0.001), infectious complications (OR = 1.48, p = 0.003) (especially wound complications), as well as conversion to laparotomy (OR = 1.90, p < 0.001). Among the noninfectious complications, only the incidence of visceral injury (OR = 2.36, p = 0.05) had significantly increased. Compared with non-overweight patients, the risk of developing wound complications (OR = 1.65, p = 0.01) and sepsis (OR = 1.73, p = 0.007) were increased in overweight patients, but the rates of overall complications (OR = 1.04, p = 0.81), infectious complications (OR = 1.31, p = 0.07), and conversion to laparotomy (OR = 1.33, p = 0.08) associated with body mass index (BMI) were not significantly different.

Conclusion

Obesity is a risk factor for surgical complications in IBD patients, mainly reflected in infectious complications. Moreover, obese patients seem to have a more common chance of developing surgical complications than overweight patients.
The influence of different hinge position on PTS during HTO: comparison between open-wedge and closed-wedge HTO
Authors: Moon Dong-Kyu , Seo Min-Seok , Kim Chang-Won , Cho Seong-Hee , Nam Dae-Cheol , Byun June-Ho , Hwang Sun-Chul
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine the significance of hinge position through comparison between open-wedge and closed-wedge high tibial osteotomy (HTO) and to determine the ideal hinge position to minimize the effect of HTO on the posterior tibial slope (PTS) and medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA).

Methods

Procedures were performed on 32 cadaveric knees using open-wedge HTO with the standard hinge position or a low hinge position or closed-wedge HTO with the standard hinge position or a low hinge position. To define the standard hinge position in open wedge HTO, we drew a line 3-cm inferior to the medial tibial plateau toward the fibular head and located the intersection of this line with a longitudinal line 1-cm medial to fibular shaft. The low hinge position was then defined as the point 1-cm inferior to the standard position. For the standard hinge position for closed-wedge HTO, we drew a line parallel with joint line from 2-cm inferior to the lateral tibial plateau. The low hinge position was then defined as the point 1-cm inferior to the standard position.

Results

For the open-wedge procedure, osteotomy through the low hinge position resulted in a significantly greater PTS compared to osteotomy through the standard hinge position. MPTA was also significantly greater for the low hinge position compared to standard hinge position. In the closed-wedge HTO, neither the PTS nor MPTA was significantly different for the low and standard hinge positions.

Conclusions

Hinge position significantly affects changes in the PTS and MPTA following open-wedge but not closed-wedge HTO. Understanding how to hinge position affects the PTS and MPTA is critical for surgeons performing open-wedge HTO procedures. Adopting an accurate hinge position is crucial for preventing complications, especially in open-wedge osteotomy, due to postoperative changes in the PTS and MPTA.
Prioritization of invasive alien species with the potential to threaten agriculture and biodiversity in Kenya through horizon scanning
Authors: Mulema Joseph , Day Roger , Nunda Winnie , Akutse Komivi Senyo , Bruce Anani Y. , Gachamba Sospeter , Haukeland Solveig , Kahuthia-Gathu Ruth , Kibet Staline , Koech Asenath , Kosiom Thomas , Miano Douglas Watuku , Momanyi George , Murungi Lucy Kananu , Muthomi James Wanjohi , Mwangi Julianna , Mwangi Maina , Mwendo Nicholas , Nderitu John Huria , Nyasani Johnson , Otipa Miriam , Wambugu Sarah , Were Eric , Makale Fernadis , Doughty Laura , Edgington Steve , Rwomushana Ivan , Kenis Marc
Published: May 2022

Invasive alien species (IAS) rank among the most significant drivers of species extinction and ecosystem degradation resulting in significant impacts on socio-economic development. The recent exponential spread of IAS in most of Africa is attributed to poor border biosecurity due to porous borders that have failed to prevent initial introductions. In addition, countries lack adequate information about potential invasions and have limited capacity to reduce the risk of invasions. Horizon scanning is an approach that prioritises the risks of potential IAS through rapid assessments. A group of 28 subject matter experts used an adapted methodology to assess 1700 potential IAS on a 5-point scale for the likelihood of entry and establishment, potential socio-economic impact, and impact on biodiversity. The individual scores were combined to rank the species according to their overall potential risk for the country. Confidence in individual and overall scores was recorded on a 3-point scale. This resulted in a priority list of 120 potential IAS (70 arthropods, 9 nematodes, 15 bacteria, 19 fungi/chromist, 1 viroid, and 6 viruses). Options for risk mitigation such as full pest risk analysis and detection surveys were suggested for prioritised species while species for which no immediate action was suggested, were added to the plant health risk register and a recommendation was made to regularly monitor the change in risk. By prioritising risks, horizon scanning guides resource allocation to interventions that are most likely to reduce risk and is very useful to National Plant Protection Organisations and other relevant stakeholders.
Epistemic Injustice in Incident Investigations: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Kok Josje , de Kam David , Leistikow Ian , Grit Kor , Bal Roland
Published: May 2022

Serious incident investigations—often conducted by means of Root Cause Analysis methodologies—are increasingly seen as platforms to learn from multiple perspectives and experiences: professionals, patients and their families alike. Underlying this principle of inclusiveness is the idea that healthcare staff and service users hold unique and valuable knowledge that can inform learning, as well as the notion that learning is a social process that involves people actively reflecting on shared knowledge. Despite initiatives to facilitate inclusiveness, research shows that embracing and learning from diverse perspectives is difficult. Using the concept of ‘epistemic injustice’, pointing at practices of someone’s knowledge being unjustly disqualified or devalued, we analyze the way incident investigations are organized and executed with the aim to understand why it is difficult to embrace and learn from the multiple perspectives voiced in incident investigations. We draw from 73 semi-structured interviews with healthcare leaders, managers, healthcare professionals, incident investigators and inspectors, document analyses and ethnographic observations. Our analysis identified several structures in the incident investigation process, that can promote or hinder an actor’s epistemic contribution in the process of incident investigations. Rather than repeat calls to ‘involve more’ and ‘listen better’, we encourage policy makers to be mindful of and address the structures that can cause epistemic injustice. This can improve the outcome of incident investigations and can help to do justice to the lived experiences of the involved actors in the aftermath of a serious incident.
Disengaging the COVID-19 Clutch as a Discerning Eye Over the Inflammatory Circuit During SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Anwar Mohammed Moustapha , Sah Ranjit , Shrestha Sunil , Ozaki Akihiko , Roy Namrata , Fathah Zareena , Rodriguez-Morales Alfonso J.
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes the cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and leads to multiorgan dysfunction. Mitochondrial dynamics are fundamental to protect against environmental insults, but they are highly susceptible to viral infections. Defective mitochondria are potential sources of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Infection with SARS-CoV-2 damages mitochondria, alters autophagy, reduces nitric oxide (NO), and increases both nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidases (NOX) and ROS. Patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) exhibited activated toll-like receptors (TLRs) and the Nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain (NOD-), leucine-rich repeat (LRR-), pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. The activation of TLRs and NLRP3 by SARS‐CoV‐2 induces interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-1β, IL-18, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Herein, we outline the inflammatory circuit of COVID-19 and what occurs behind the scene, the interplay of NOX/ROS and their role in hypoxia and thrombosis, and the important role of ROS scavengers to reduce COVID-19-related inflammation.
Diapocynin neuroprotective effects in 3-nitropropionic acid Huntington’s disease model in rats: emphasis on Sirt1/Nrf2 signaling pathway
Authors: Ibrahim Weam W. , Abdel Rasheed Nora O.
Published: May 2022

Background and Aim

Huntington's disease (HD) is a rare inherited disease portrayed with marked cognitive and motor decline owing to extensive neurodegeneration. NADPH oxidase is considered as an important contributor to the oxidative injury in several neurodegenerative disorders including HD. Thus, the present study explored the possible neuroprotective effects of diapocynin, a specific NADPH oxidase inhibitor, against 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP) model of HD in rats.

Methods

Animals received diapocynin (10 mg/kg/day, p.o), 30 min before 3-NP (10 mg/kg/day, i.p) over a period of 14 days.

Results

Diapocynin administration attenuated 3-NP-induced oxidative stress with significant increase in reduced glutathione, glutathione-S-transferase, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor striatal contents contrary to NADPH oxidase (NOX2; gp91phox subunit) diminished expression. Moreover, diapocynin mitigated 3-NP-associated neuroinflammation and glial activation with prominent downregulation of nuclear factor-Кβ p65 and marked decrement of inducible nitric oxide synthase content in addition to decreased immunoreactivity of ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 and glial fibrillary acidic protein; markers of microglial and astroglial activation, respectively. Treatment with diapocynin hindered 3-NP-induced apoptosis with prominent decrease in tumor suppressor protein and Bcl-2-associated X protein contents whereas the anti-apoptotic marker; B-cell lymphoma-2 content was noticeably increased. Diapocynin neuroprotective effects could be attributed to silent information regulator 1 upregulation which curbed 3-NP-associated hazards resulting in improved motor functions witnessed during open field, rotarod, and grip strength tests as well as attenuated 3-NP-associated histopathological derangements.

Conclusion

The present findings indicated that diapocynin could serve as an auspicious nominee for HD management.

Graphical abstract
Process optimization via confidence region: a case study from micro-injection molding
Authors: Trotta Gianluca , Cacace Stefania , Semeraro Quirico
Published: May 2022

In industrial research, experiments are designed to determine the optimal factor levels of the process parameters. Typically, experimental data are used to fit empirical models (for example, regression models) to derive one set of optimal conditions that maximize (or minimize) the response. Unfortunately, the optimization rarely provides a Confidence Interval for the location of the optimal solution, even though the optimal solution itself is subjected to variability. From a practitioner's point of view, identifying a region of possible optimal values provides high operational flexibility to adjust process parameters online during production. This paper provides a procedure for computing a confidence region for the optimal point based on experimental data, bootstrapping, and data depth. The procedure is validated using a case study from micro-injection molding, where the part weight is maximized under a constraint of the probability of flash formation. The proposed method considers that the objective function (part weight) and the constraint (probability of flash formation) are estimated from experimental data and subjected to sampling variability.
Autopolymerizing acrylic repair resin containing low concentration of dimethylaminohexadecyl methacrylate to combat saliva-derived bacteria
Authors: Zhou Wen , Zhao Hongyan , Li Zhen , Huang Xiaojing
Published: May 2022

Biofilm accumulation on the polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) restorations negatively affect the prognosis of the provisional restorations or the following treatment. This study developed a novel antibacterial PMMA resin containing low concentration of dimethylaminohexadecyl methacrylate (DMAHDM). Four resins were tested: (1) PMMA resin (Control), (2) 1.25% DMAHDM, (3) 2.5% DMAHDM, (4) 5% DMAHDM. Adding 1.25% DMAHDM into the PMMA resin did not influence the mechanical properties, degree of conversion, monomer releasing, and color stability of the specimens (p > 0.05). The incorporation of DMAHDM into PMMA resin could greatly prevent saliva-derived biofilms adhesion compared with the control group (p < 0.05). The metabolism level of saliva-derived biofilms on the 1.25%, 2.5%, and 5% DMAHDM resins were reduced by 20%, 54%, and 62%, respectively. And the mechanism of DMAHDM disturbing the integrity of bacterial cell walls was confirmed by flow cytometric analysis. Adding 1.25% and 2.5% DMAHDM did not compromise cytocompatibility of the modified resin (p > 0.05). Therefore, novel PMMA resin containing low concentration DMAHDM is promising as a future antimicrobial provisional restoration material for preventing microbial-induced complications in clinical settings.
The Relationship Between Basic Needs Satisfaction, Self-determined Motivation, and Burnout in Korean Esports Players
Authors: Hong Hee Jung , Wilkinson Guy , Rocha Claudio M.
Published: May 2022

This article aims to understand the relationship between basic needs satisfaction, self-determined motivation, and burnout in esports players. To achieve this, we investigate three research hypotheses: (1) The three dimensions of basic needs satisfaction have a positive effect on the self-determined motivation of esports players, (2) The self-determined motivation of esports players has a negative effect on their burnout, and (3) All three dimensions of basic needs satisfaction affect esports player’s burnout, indirectly via self-determined motivation. Data were collected through an online questionnaire (n = 608) administered to Korean esports players who play online games as a leisure activity. Results indicate that player competence has a negative relationship with self-determined motivation, suggesting that Korean players do not associate increased levels of competence with their intrinsic motivation. The results show that intrinsic motivation is negatively associated with burnout, particularly exhaustion and reduced sense of accomplishment. It should be noted that Korean players’ high level of competence can result in reduced levels of self-determined motivation, which can lead them to burnout. This should be addressed by the industry, practitioners, and researchers considering the cultural context and the relationship between the factors, which will contribute to the sustainable growth and prosperity of the esports.
Itô-Wentzell-Lions Formula for Measure Dependent Random Fields under Full and Conditional Measure Flows
Authors: dos Reis Gonçalo , Platonov Vadim
Published: May 2022

We present several Itô-Wentzell formulae on Wiener spaces for real-valued functional random field of Itô type that depend on measure flows. We distinguish the full- and the marginal-measure flow cases in the spirit of mean-field games. Derivatives with respect to the measure components are understood in the sense of Lions.
Observations of the Outer Heliosphere, Heliosheath, and Interstellar Medium
Authors: Richardson J. D. , Burlaga L. F. , Elliott H. , Kurth W. S. , Liu Y. D. , von Steiger R.
Published: May 2022

The Voyager spacecraft have left the heliosphere and entered the interstellar medium, making the first observations of the termination shock, heliosheath, and heliopause. New Horizons is observing the solar wind in the outer heliosphere and making the first direct observations of solar wind pickup ions. This paper reviews the observations of the solar wind plasma and magnetic fields throughout the heliosphere and in the interstellar medium.
Lipid metabolism is dysregulated in a mouse model of diabetes
Authors: Furse Samuel
Published: May 2022

Much evidence for diabetes mellitus being associated with dysregulated lipid metabolism has been accrued from studies using blood plasma. However, the systemic dysregulation these results point to is not understood. This study used Lipid Traffic Analysis on data from a mouse model of diabetes to test the hypothesis that the systemic control of lipid metabolism differed in a model of diabetes. This provided eidence for changes in the systemic control of both triglyceride and phospholipid metabolism that were not attributable to dietary intake. This supports the conclusion that diabetes is a systemic condition associated with dysregulated lipid metabolism through several pathways.
Conservative treatment of fractures involving the coronoid process
Authors: Lanzerath Fabian , Hackl Michael , Wegmann Kilian , Müller Lars Peter , Leschinger Tim
Published: May 2022

Background

Fractures of the coronoid process require adequate treatment, as otherwise they often lead to chronic instability and the development of rapidly progressive cubital osteoarthritis. Commonly, such patients are treated surgically; however, a defined fraction of patients might benefit from conservative treatment.

Methods

We systematically reviewed the available literature searching Medline using the PubMed interface. The primary objective was to determine indications, treatment protocols, and associated functional outcomes and complications of entirely conservatively treated fractures of the coronoid. The PRISMA guidelines were applied.

Results

We included five studies, all retrospective in design, with a total of 62 patients. For the indication of conservative treatment, joint congruency on imaging was a prerequisite in all studies. This was supplemented on most occasions by dynamic clinical examinations, with a focus on pain, range of motion, and adequate joint stability. Treatment protocols included close-meshed imaging, early functional mobilization, and some form of resting immobilization. Treatment success, defined as excellent or good results according to the Mayo Elbow Performance Score, was 95.1% at an average follow-up of 36 months. Six patients (9.7%) underwent surgical treatment during follow-up; 19 patients (30.6%) suffered complications that did not result in surgery.

Conclusion

The data of this work indicate that most patients achieve satisfactory results following conservative treatment of coronoid fractures caused by rotational moments. Concentric reduction of the joint, clinical exclusion of even mild subluxations, systematic early functional aftercare, and close radiographic monitoring appear to be mandatory requirements. The evidence remains scarce, and conclusions drawn from this review should be viewed with caution, as prospective randomized controlled trials are not available to date.

Level of evidence

IV, therapeutic