bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Additional fundophrenicopexia, after Nissen fundoplication, reduces postoperative dysphagia and re-operation rate in the long-term follow up
Authors: Nikolic Milena , Matic Aleksa , Kristo Ivan , Paireder Matthias , Asari Reza , Osmokrovic Bogdan , Semmler Georg , Schoppmann Sebastian F.
Published: June 2021

Background

Various technical modifications of Nissen fundoplication (NF) that aim to improve patients’ outcomes have been discussed. This study aims to evaluate the effect of division of the short gastric vessels (SGV) and the addition of a standardized fundophrenicopexia on the postoperative outcome after NF.

Methods

283 consecutive patients with GERD treated with NF were divided into four groups following consecutive time periods: with division of the SGV and without fundophrenicopexia (group A), with division of the SGV and with fundophrenicopexia (group B), without division of the SGV and with fundophrenicopexia (group C) and without division of the SGV and without fundophrenicopexia (group D). Postoperative contrast swallow, dysphagia scoring, GEDR-HRQL and proton pump inhibitor intake were evaluated. A comparative analysis of patients with division of the SGV and those without (161 A + B vs. 122 C + D), and patients with fundophrenicopexia and those without (78 A vs. 83 B and 49 C vs. 73 D) was performed.

Results

Fundophrenicopexia reduced postoperative dysphagia rates (0 group C vs. 5 group D,p = 0.021) in patients where the SGV were preserved and reoperation rates (1 group B vs. 7 group A,p = 0.017) in patients where the SGV were divided. There was no significant difference in the postoperative rates of heartburn relief, dysphagia, gas bloating syndrome, interventions, re-fundoplication and the GERD-HRQL score between groups A + B and C + D, respectively.

Conclusion

Standardized additional fundophrenicopexia in patients undergoing Nissen fundoplication significantly reduces postoperative dysphagia in patients without division of the SGV and reoperation rates in patients with division of the SGV. Division of the SGV has no influence on the postoperative outcome of NF.
Yoga therapy to reduce fatigue in cancer: effects of reminder e-mails and long-term efficacy
Authors: Zetzl Teresa , Pittig Andre , Renner Agnes , van Oorschot Birgitt , Jentschke Elisabeth
Published: June 2021

Objective

To examine the efficacy of reminder e-mails to continue yoga therapy on practice frequency and fatigue in cancer patients and long-term effects of yoga on fatigue, depression, and quality of life.

Methodology

One hundred two cancer patients who completed an 8-week yoga therapy were randomly allocated to two groups: reminder (N = 51) vs. no-reminder group (N = 51). After completing yoga therapy, the reminder group received weekly e-mails for 24 weeks, which reminded them of practicing yoga, whereas the no-reminder group did not. Primary outcomes were fatigue and practice frequency, and long-term outcomes were fatigue, depression, and quality of life. Data were assessed using questionnaires after yoga therapy (T1) and 6 months after completing yoga therapy (T2).

Result

A significantly stronger reduction of general (p = 0.038, d = 0.42) and emotional fatigue (p = 0.004, d = 0.59) and a higher increase of practice frequency (p = 0.015, d = 0.52) between T1 and T2 were found for the reminder group compared to the no-reminder group. In the mediation model, practice frequency as a mediator partially explained the changes in emotional fatigue (indirect effect B =  − 0.10). Long-term effects of yoga therapy regarding fatigue, depression, and quality of life were found (F > 7.46, p < 0.001, d > 0.54).

Conclusion

Weekly reminder e-mails after yoga therapy can positively affect general and emotional fatigue and help cancer patients with fatigue establish a regular yoga practice at home. However, higher practice frequency did not lead to higher physical or cognitive fatigue improvement, suggesting other factors that mediate efficacy on physical or cognitive fatigue, such as mindfulness or side effects of therapy.
Zugang zu urbanen Grünflächen im Kontext von Hitzeereignissen am Beispiel von Jena
Authors: Zorn Anika , Schäfer Susann , Kurmutz Uwe , Köhler Sophie
Published: June 2021

Der Klimawandel und die bauliche Beschaffenheit von Städten führen zu zunehmenden Hitzeereignissen in Städten, die Auswirkungen auf Gesundheit und Wohlbefinden der Bewohner*innen haben können. Urbane Grünflächen werden als stadtplanerische Möglichkeit betrachtet, das Mikroklima innerhalb der Stadt zu beeinflussen und das Wohlbefinden der Bewohner*innen zu erhöhen. Bisherige Studien zeigen jedoch, dass diese Form der stadtplanerischen Klimaanpassung Fragen der sozialen Gerechtigkeit aufwirft: Nicht alle Bewohner*innen der Städte haben gleichen Zugang zu kühlenden Grünflächen. Ausgehend von der Frage, welche räumlichen Strategien vulnerable Gruppen bei Hitzeereignissen verfolgen, wird in diesem Beitrag analysiert, inwiefern es soziale oder räumliche Unterschiede im Zugang zu urbanen Grünflächen gibt. Als Fallbeispiel dient hier die Stadt Jena (Thüringen). Datengrundlage stellt eine systematische, teilstandardisierte Befragung der Bewohner*innen der besonders hitzebelasteten Stadtteile aus dem Jahr 2018 dar. In dieser Studie wird dezidiert die Perspektive, das Verhalten und die Bedarfe der Stadtbewohner*innen erhoben. Die Ergebnisse legen nahe, dass ältere Personen an heißen Tagen eher in ihrer Wohnung bzw. ihrem Haus bleiben und öffentliche Räume meiden. Dieser Rückzug kann zum sozialen Ausschluss dieser Bevölkerungsgruppe führen, wenn nicht stadtplanerisch reagiert wird. Kühlende Grünflächen sind zwar in Jena prinzipiell zahlreich vorhanden – allerdings ungleich verteilt, was sich am Nutzungsverhalten der Befragten widerspiegelt. Der von vulnerablen sozialen Gruppen bewohnte Norden der Stadt ist weitgehend abgeschottet von Grünflächen, die den Bedarfen der Befragten entsprechen. Der Beitrag spricht Handlungsempfehlungen für die Stadtentwicklung aus und beleuchtet, wie die Stadt Jena auf die Studie reagiert hat.
On methods and tools for rigorous system design
Authors: Bliudze Simon , Katsaros Panagiotis , Bensalem Saddek , Wirsing Martin
Published: June 2021

Full a posteriori verification of the correctness of modern software systems is practically infeasible due to the sheer complexity resulting from their intrinsic concurrent nature. An alternative approach consists of ensuring correctness by construction. We discuss the Rigorous System Design (RSD) approach, which relies on a sequence of semantics-preserving transformations to obtain an implementation of the system from a high-level model while preserving all the properties established along the way. In particular, we highlight some of the key requirements for the feasibility of such an approach, namely availability of (1) methods and tools for the design of correct-by-construction high-level models and (2) definition and proof of the validity of suitable domain-specific abstractions. We summarise the results of the extended versions of seven papers selected among those presented at the $$1\mathrm {st}$$

1
st

and the $$2\mathrm {nd}$$

2
nd

 International Workshops on Methods and Tools for Rigorous System Design (MeTRiD 2018–2019), indicating how they contribute to the advancement of the RSD approach.
Finanzpolitische Leitlinien: zwischen Bidenomics und Schuldenbremse
Authors:   ZG Überblick
Published: June 2021

Mit der bevorstehenden Bundestagswahl öffnet sich ein neues Möglichkeitsfenster für die Finanzpolitik in Deutschland. Vertreter:innen unterschiedlicher Parteien machen sich dafür stark, die Finanzpolitik neu auszurichten. Mit US-Präsident Biden ist es in den USA bereits zu neuen Weichenstellungen beispielsweise auf den Gebieten Klimapolitik und Steuerwettbewerb gekommen. Diese dürften direkte Auswirkungen auf die Politik in Europa haben. Dabei stellt sich die spannende Frage, welche Lehren aus der wirtschafts- und finanzpolitischen Neuausrichtung in den USA für die deutsche Wirtschaftspolitik gezogen werden können.
Ein innovativer Regulierungsansatz zur Belebung des Wettbewerbs im Schienenpersonenfernverkehr
Authors: Eisenkopf Alexander , Knorr Andreas
Published: June 2021

Im Schienenpersonenfernverkehr bestehen trotz Bahnstrukturreform weiterhin hohe Markteintrittsbarrieren. Der Wettbewerb im Nah- und Schienengüterverkehr ist im Vergleich dazu bereits besser in Gang gekommen. Die Autoren schlagen einen innovativen Regulierungsansatz vor, um den intramodalen Wettbewerb im Schienenpersonenfernverkehr zu beleben. Mitbewerbern der Deutschen Bahn soll nicht nur der offene Zugang zu Gleisen, sondern auch zu Zügen und Wagen — also Sitzplatzkontingenten — ermöglicht werden.
Digitale Integration — Chancen für kleine und mittelständische Unternehmen in Deutschland
Authors: Mesloh Melanie
Published: June 2021

Die Nutzung digitaler Technologien zur Entwicklung innovativer Geschäftsmodelle und interner Prozesse bietet kleinen und mittelständischen Unternehmen die Möglichkeit, auf externe Veränderungen agil zu reagieren. Jedoch zeigt ein internationaler Vergleich der digitalen Wettbewerbsfähigkeit der EU28, dass Deutschland in diesem Bereich Nachholbedarfe hat. Um sich zukünftig im internationalen digitalen Wettbewerb positiv zu positionieren, bedarf es einer gestärkten digitalen Integration der kleinen und mittelständischen Unternehmen, die das Rückgrat der deutschen Wirtschaft bilden. Die bisherige digitale Integration wird untersucht, und die Vorteile und Barrieren der digitalen Integration werden hervorgehoben.
Surviving but not thriving: Comparing primary, vocational and higher education teachers’ experiences during the COVID-19 lockdown
Authors: Kovacs Helena , Pulfrey Caroline , Monnier Emilie-Charlotte
Published: June 2021

In this paper we examine the impacts of the global pandemic in 2020 on different levels of education system, particularly looking at the changes in teaching practice. The health emergency caused closure of schools, and online distance education became a temporary solution, creating discomfort for many teachers for whom this was the first time engaged with online education. In our research we investigated two important dimensions, namely, how technology was used and what the newfound distance meant in terms of the teacher-student relationship. The article offers insights into experiences of teaching from lockdown reported by 41 teachers at primary, vocational and higher education level in the region of Vaud, Switzerland. This comparative qualitative research has provided an opportunity for an in-depth analysis of the main similarities and differences at three distinctly different educational levels and a possibility to learn more about common coping practices in teaching. The study gives a contribution to a lack of comparative studies of teacher experiences at different educational levels. Results show two dimensions in handling the lockdown crisis: mastering the digital tools and the importance of student–teacher interaction. Whilst the interviewed teachers largely overcame the challenges of mastering digital tools, optimizing the quality interaction and ensuring the transactional presence online remained a problem. This indicates the importance of the social aspect in education at all levels, and implies that teacher support needs to expand beyond technical pedagogical knowledge of online distance education.
Academic engagement with industry: the role of research quality and experience
Authors: Scandura Alessandra , Iammarino Simona
Published: June 2021

This work explores the role of university department characteristics in academic engagement with industry. In particular, we investigate the role played by research quality and previous experience in academic engagement across different scientific disciplines. We test our hypotheses on a dataset of public sponsored university-industry partnerships in the United Kingdom, combined with data from the UK Research Assessment Exercises 2001 and 2008. Our analysis reveals a negative link between academic quality and the level of engagement with industry for departments in the basic sciences and a positive relationship for departments in the applied sciences. Our results further show that the role of research quality for academic engagement strictly depends on the level of the department’s previous experience in university-industry partnerships, notably in the basic sciences, where experience acts as a moderating factor. The findings of this work are highly relevant for policy makers and university managers and contribute to the innovation literature focused on the investigation of the determinants of valuable knowledge transfer practices in academia.
Disentangling nematode and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal community effect on the growth of range-expanding Centaurea stoebe in original and new range soil
Authors: Koorem Kadri , Wilschut Rutger A. , Weser Carolin , van der Putten Wim H.
Published: June 2021

Aims

Numerous organisms show range expansions in response to current climate change. Differences in expansion rates, such as between plants and soil biota, may lead to altered interactions in the new compared to the original range. While plant-soil interactions influence plant performance and stress tolerance, the roles of specific soil organisms driving these responses remain unknown.

Methods

We manipulated the abundances of nematodes and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), collected from original and new range soils, and examined their effects on the biomass of range-expanding Centaurea stoebe and native Centaurea jacea. In the first approach, nematode and AMF communities were extracted from field soils, and inoculated to sterilized soil. In the second approach, the abundance of soil organisms in soil inocula was reduced by wet sieving; at first, plants were grown to condition the soil, and then plant-soil feedback was determined under ambient and drought conditions.

Results

The origin of soil communities did not influence the biomass production of range-expanding or native plant species, neither by addition nor by (partial) removal. However, after conditioning and under drought, range expanding C. stoebe produced more biomass with soil communities from the original range while C. jacea, native to both ranges, produced more biomass with new range soil communities.

Conclusions

We show that nematode and AMF communities from original and new range have similar effect on the growth of range expanding C. stoebe. Our results highlight that the effect of soil communities on plant growth increases after soil conditioning and under drought stress.
The indicator of a happy, long and sustainable life
Authors: Gaucher Renaud , Dialga Issaka , Vennin Coralie
Published: June 2021

Many indicators are used to measure the quality of life of people and, consequently, these can be used to inform us about the quality of public policies. We propose to clarify this situation by asking one simple question: What is really important for us as an individual? This question can be asked to anyone and we could build a main indicator for public policies using this question and the responses of people. Our personal response is the following: What is really important for us as an individual is to live a happy and long life, and a life that does not prevent following generations from having lives as happy and long as ours, that is a sustainable life. We have built an indicator that fits this purpose. As we are negative utilitarianists and we consider that reducing premature deaths is more important than lengthening the duration of life, the indicator follows these two approaches. We give the cross-sectional results of the indicator of a happy, long and sustainable life, and we discuss the advantages and shortcomings of the indicator and avenues for future research.
Austrian economics without extreme apriorism: A critical reply
Authors: Lipski Jonas
Published: June 2021

In this paper I will analyze and criticize Linsbichler’s recent proposition to interpret the fundamental axiom of Praxeology as analytic. I will first describe Linsbichler’s problem situation. I will then describe and criticize Linsbichler’s proposed solution to his problem; namely his interpretation of the fundamental axiom as analytic. I will argue that this idea does not fully utilize critical potentials that are available to improve the fundamental axiom. I will propose an alternative interpretation which I call the ‘critical interpretation’ that conserves the progressive aspects of Linsbichler’s proposal while eliminating undesirable ones.
Small group forecasting using proportional-prize contests
Authors: Peeters Ronald , Rao Fan , Wolk Leonard
Published: June 2021

We consider a proportional-prize contest to forecast future events, and show that, in equilibrium, this mechanism possesses perfect forecasting ability for any group size when the contestants share common knowledge about the probabilities by which future events realize. Data gathered in a laboratory experiment confirm the performance invariance to group size. By contrast, when realization probabilities are not common knowledge, there are some differences across group sizes. The mechanism operates marginally better with three or four compared to two players. However, this effect is mainly driven by players’ behavior rather than by differences in the beliefs they form about the realization probabilities.
Effect of exergaming on wellbeing of residents in a nursing home: a single blinded intervention study
Authors: Gunst Marlies , De Meyere Isabelle , Willems Hannah , Schoenmakers Birgitte
Published: June 2021

Introduction

To improve the quality of life in nursing homes, meaningful activities and social contact are indispensable. Exergames can play a role addressing these needs.

Methods

In a randomized single blinded controlled intervention study, we investigated the effect of playing exergames on general wellbeing, fun and on social interaction.

Results

Thirty-five residents participated: 18 residents took part in the intervention group and 17 in the control group. The median mental wellbeing score of the intervention group increased from 42/50 to 45. The median sleep score of the intervention increased from 23/30 to 28. The median pain score of the intervention group improved from 18/20 to 20. The median score on subjective cognition increased from 24/30 to 26 while the mean scores on the objective assessment decreased from 1.8/2 to 1.7. Coaches gave an average fun score of 8.9/10 and an average intensity of exercise score of 11.6/20. Residents and coaches appreciated the social contact. Coaches reported a high feasibility (average of 4.1/5) but a low accessibility and a high intensity of supervision.

Conclusions

Exergaming is a feasible and pleasant complement to the usual activities with a positive impact on wellbeing, sleep, pain, and perceived cognition. Future research should focus on vulnerable groups and aim to develop a study in an implementation design.
Der Effekt von mobilen Luftfiltersystemen auf die Aerosolbelastung in Großraumszenarien vor dem Hintergrund des Infektionsrisikos der COVID-19-Erkrankung. Kann die Präsenzlehre wieder aufgenommen werden?
Authors: Oberst M. , Klar T. , Heinrich A.
Published: June 2021

Hintergrund

Vor dem Hintergrund der Corona-Pandemie wurde mit Beginn des Sommersemesters 2020 bundesweit die studentische Präsenzlehre praktisch eingestellt. Ebenso wurden im Rahmen des zweiten Lockdowns in vielen Bundesländern Schulen und Kindertagesstätten geschlossen bzw. auf ein Minimum heruntergefahren. In diesem Zusammenhang wurde bereits mehrfach der Effekt von Raumluftfiltern diskutiert, nach Ansicht des Umweltbundesamtes ist der Einsatz von mobilen Luftreinigern derzeit allerdings nicht empfohlen. Die vorliegende Untersuchung zeigt die konkreten Auswirkungen von mobilen Raumluftfiltern auf die Aerosolbelastung in einem Hörsaal, einer Kantine und einem schulischen Lernzentrum auf.

Methoden

In 3 Großräumen (studentischer Hörsaal, Betriebskantine, Lernzentrum eines Gymnasiums) wurde der Effekt von mobilen Raumluftfiltern (Fa. DEMA-airtech, Stuttgart) gemessen. Die Messungen der Aerosolkonzentrationen bzw. der CO2-Werte erfolgte mit Geräten der Firma Palas, Karlsruhe.

Ergebnisse

In allen 3 Szenarien zeigte sich übereinstimmend, dass die Aerosolkonzentration durch die Filter relevant und dauerhaft reduziert werden konnten. Der Effekt erschien teilweise sogar nachhaltiger und effektiver als beim normalen Stoßlüften.

Schlussfolgerung

Die Verwendung von Raumluftfiltern als ergänzende Maßnahme zum Abstandhalten und dem Tragen einer effektiven Mund-Nase-Bedeckung ist eine empfehlenswerte Maßnahme, die die Wiederaufnahme der Präsenzlehre ermöglichen könnte.
Time-periodic measures, random periodic orbits, and the linear response for dissipative non-autonomous stochastic differential equations
Authors: Branicki Michał , Uda Kenneth
Published: June 2021

We consider a class of dissipative stochastic differential equations (SDE’s) with time-periodic coefficients in finite dimension, and the response of time-asymptotic probability measures induced by such SDE’s to sufficiently regular, small perturbations of the underlying dynamics. Understanding such a response provides a systematic way to study changes of statistical observables in response to perturbations, and it is often very useful for sensitivity analysis, uncertainty quantification, and improving probabilistic predictions of nonlinear dynamical systems, especially in high dimensions. Here, we are concerned with the linear response to small perturbations in the case when the time-asymptotic probability measures are time-periodic. First, we establish sufficient conditions for the existence of stable random time-periodic orbits generated by the underlying SDE. Ergodicity of time-periodic probability measures supported on these random periodic orbits is subsequently discussed. Then, we derive the so-called fluctuation–dissipation relations which allow to describe the linear response of statistical observables to small perturbations away from the time-periodic ergodic regime in a manner which only exploits the unperturbed dynamics. The results are formulated in an abstract setting, but they apply to problems ranging from aspects of climate modelling, to molecular dynamics, to the study of approximation capacity of neural networks and robustness of their estimates.
Open-source Tools in R for Landscape Ecology
Authors: Hesselbarth Maximillian H.K. , Nowosad Jakub , Signer Johannes , Graham Laura J.
Published: June 2021

Purpose of Review

Landscape ecology, the study of the complex interactions between landscapes and ecological processes, has hugely benefited from the increase in widely available open-source software in recent years. In particular, theRprogramming language provides a wealth of community developed tools for landscape ecology.

Recent Findings

In this paper, we examine existing packages for downloading, processing and visualisation of spatial data, as well as those specifically developed for spatial ecological analysis. Additionally, we outline the results of a survey ofRusers within the landscape ecology community.

We found that landscape ecologists are generally satisfied with the functionality available withinR, and that as a community they are continually further developing the functionality available. Suggested future developments include improvement of computation performance; additional methods for landscape characterisation such as surface metrics; and advanced, accessible visualisation tools.
Identifying complications and failure modes of innovative growing rod configurations using the (hybrid) magnetically controlled growing rod (MCGR) and the spring distraction system (SDS)
Authors: Lemans Justin V. C. , Tabeling Casper S. , Castelein René M. , Kruyt Moyo C.
Published: June 2021

Background

Magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGRs) offer non-invasive distractions in Early-Onset Scoliosis (EOS). However, implant-related complications are common, reducing its cost-effectiveness. To improve MCGRs functionality and cost-effectiveness, we often combine a single MCGR with a contralateral sliding rod (hybrid MCGR). Recently, we developed the spring distraction system (SDS) as an alternative, which provides continuous distraction forces through a helical spring. This study aims to identify complication rates and failure modes of EOS patients treated with either of these innovative systems.

Methods

This single-centre retrospective study included EOS patients treated with a (hybrid) MCGR or SDS between 2013 and 2018. Baseline demographics, and data regarding complications and implant growth were measured. Complication rate, complication profile, complication-free survival and implant growth were compared between groups.

Results

Eleven hybrid- and three bilateral MCGR patients (4.1-year follow-up) and one unilateral, eleven hybrid and six bilateral SDS patients (3.0-year follow-up) were included. Groups had similar age, sex, aetiology distribution, and pre-operative Cobb angle. Complication rate was 0.35 complications/patient/year for MCGR patients and 0.33 complications/patient/year for SDS patients. The most common complications were failure to distract (MCGR-group; 8/20 complications) and implant prominence (SDS-group; 5/18 complications). Median complication-free survival was 2.6 years, with no differences between groups (p = 0.673). Implant growth was significantly higher in the SDS-group (10.1 mm/year), compared to the MCGR-group (6.3 mm/year).

Conclusion

(Hybrid) MCGR and SDS patients have similar complication rates and complication-free survival. Complication profile differs between the groups, with frequent failure to distract leading to significantly reduced implant growth in (hybrid) MCGR patients, whereas SDS patients frequently exhibit implant prominence and implant kyphosis.

Level of evidence

III.
Spline functions for Arabic morphological disambiguation
Authors: Boudchiche Mohamed , Mazroui Azzeddine
Published: June 2021

We have developed in this paper a morphological disambiguation hybrid system for the Arabic language that identifies the stem, lemma and root of a given sentence words. Following an out-of-context analysis performed by the morphological analyser Alkhalil Morpho Sys, the system first identifies all the potential tags of each word of the sentence. Then, a disambiguation phase is carried out to choose for each word the right solution among those obtained during the first phase. This problem has been solved by equating the disambiguation issue with a surface optimization problem of spline functions. Tests have shown the interest of this approach and the superiority of its performances compared to those of the state of the art.
Liver disease in cystic fibrosis patients in a tertiary care center in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Banjar Hanaa , AbdulAziz Najlaa , Khader Jumana , Ghomraoui Firas , Alansari AbdulAziz , Al-Hoshan Abdulaziz , AlKaf Sara , Aldakheel Wajeeh
Published: June 2021

Background:

Internationally, Cystic fibrosis-associated liver disease (CFLD) is considered the third leading cause of death, following lung disease and transplantation complications.

Aims:

To identify the prevalence of CFLD in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients.

Methodology:

A retrospective chart review for all patients with CF liver disease from a tertiary care center.

Result:

A total of 341 CF patients were included. The mean age at the diagnosis of liver disease is 13.5 (7.6) years. The first elevated ALT was reported in 190/341 patients (56%), elevated AST in 124 patients (36%), elevated alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in 166 patients (49.1%), elevated GGT in 57 patients (23%), and elevated bilirubin in 24 patients (7%). There was an improvement of the liver enzyme values during the follow-up period, P-value = (<0.05). Ultrasound liver assessments were performed in 258/341 patients (75.7%). One hundred and twelve patients (43%) had abnormal findings. In 14 patients (5.4%), assessment exhibited advanced liver disease (liver cirrhosis and periportal fibrosis). Out of 190 patients, who were given ursodeoxycholic acid for elevated liver enzymes, 180 (94.7%) exhibited improvement. One patient underwent liver transplant at the age of 12. Four patients were submitted for liver biopsy; periportal fibrosis was observed in 4 patients (1.6%), and liver cirrhosis by ultrasound (US) in 10 patients (4%).

Conclusion:

Patients with CF should be screened early for liver enzymes, and should undergo the US study to detect liver disease at early stages and to prevent its progression.
Waldef
Authors: Djordjević Ivana , Clifton Nicole , Weiss Judith
Published: June 2021

The fast-moving romance plot of this early thirteenth-century tale recounts the ancestry and exploits of Waldef and his two sons, set against a history of pre-Conquest England. The narrative shares themes and incident types with other important insular romances, including the Lai of Haveloc, Boeve de Haumtone, and Gui de Warewic. Waldef’s scope, interest in battle, and political stratagems bear reading alongside medieval chronicles, while secret love affairs connect it with other romance literature of the period, and adventures across a wide area of the known world provide affinities with medieval travel narrative.
The Impact of the UN Guiding Principles on Business Attitudes to Observing Human Rights
Authors: MUCHLINSKI Peter
Published: June 2021

This contribution discusses business attitudes to human rights obligations and how the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) have affected them. These are best understood historically through a number of periods. The first, between the mid-1970s and the end of the 1980s, coincides with intergovernmental organization-based codifications relevant to corporate social responsibility. Business representatives were highly defensive towards extensive international legal obligations not only in relation to human rights but to corporate social responsibility (CSR) more generally. This was followed by a period of ‘voluntarism’. By the 1990s, businesses had accepted that there could be a link between their operations and human rights violations but continued to reject binding legal duties. Instead, businesses opted for voluntary codes of conduct based on individual corporate, or sectoral, initiatives. It was out of this period that the UN Global Compact emerged. ‘Voluntarism’ continues into the third period, the era of the UNGPs. The UNGPs can be characterized by ‘institutionalized voluntarism’ achieved through the framework for business and human rights represented by the UNGPs. Each period will be examined followed by a concluding section that considers business attitudes to an emerging fourth period that introduces legal obligations through mandatory due diligence laws.
Advancing interprofessional education in communication
Authors: Buller Haley , Ferrell Betty R. , Paice Judith A. , Glajchen Myra , Haythorn Trace
Published: June 2021

Objective

The objective of this training project is to develop and host Interprofessional Communication courses to improve interdisciplinary communication in oncology care. The initial national course was held in a virtual format and included pre- and post-course participant data. The curriculum was developed with support from the National Cancer Institute.

Methods

A virtual two-day course was held to equip nurses, social workers, and chaplains with vital communication skills in oncology practice, so that they could return to their home institutions and teach communication skills to other healthcare professionals, with the intention of making improved communication a quality improvement goal. Fifty-two participants were selected through an application process to attend the virtual course in two-person interprofessional teams (e.g., nurse and chaplain, or social worker and nurse). The Interprofessional Communication Curriculum was based on the National Consensus Project for Quality Palliative Care's eight domains of quality palliative care. The six online modules developed by the investigators were presented in lectures, supplemented by discussion groups, role plays, and other methods of experiential learning.

Results

Pre- and post-course results identified areas of communication, which are a priority for improvement by oncology clinicians. Participant goals identified specific strategies to be implemented by participants in their settings.

Significance of results

The need for communication training was clearly demonstrated across professions in this national training course. Participants were able to apply course content to their goals for quality improvement in cancer settings.
Marked Seasonal Changes in the Microbial Production, Community Composition, and Biogeochemistry of Glacial Snowpack Ecosystems in the Maritime Antarctic
Authors: Hodson A. J. , Sabacka M. , Dayal A. , Edwards A. , Cook J. , Convey P. , Redeker K. , Pearce D. A.
Published: June 2021

We describe seasonal changes in the biogeochemistry, microbial community and ecosystem production of two glacial snowpacks in the maritime Antarctic during a cold summer. Frequent snowfall and low, intermittent melt on the glaciers suppressed surface photosynthesis and promoted net heterotrophy. Concentrations of autotrophic cells (algae and cyanobacteria) were therefore low (average: 150–500 cells mL−1), and short‐term estimates of primary production were almost negligible in early summer (<0.1 μg C L−1 d−1). However, order of magnitude increases in Chlorophyllaconcentrations occurred later, especially within the mid‐snowpack and ice layers below. Short‐term primary production increased to ca. 1 μg C L−1 d−1in mid‐summer, and reached 53.1 μg C L−1 d−1in a mid‐snow layer close to an active penguin colony. However, there were significantly more bacteria than autotrophs in the snow (typically 103cells mL−1, but >104cells mL−1in basal ice near the penguin colony). The ratio of bacteria to autotrophs also increased throughout the summer, and short‐term bacterial production rates (0.2–2000 μg C L−1 d−1) usually exceeded primary production, especially in basal ice (10–1400 μg C L−1 d−1). The basal ice represented the least diverse but most productive habitat, and a striking feature was its low pH (down to 3.3). Furthermore, all of the overlying snow cover became increasingly acidic as the summer season progressed, which is attributed to enhanced emissions from wet guano in the penguin colony. The study demonstrates that active microbial communities can be expected, even when snowmelt is intermittent in the Antarctic summer.
Heterogeneous Changes to Wetlands in the Canadian Prairies Under Future Climate
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Bortolotti Lauren E. , Li Zhenhua , Armstrong Llwellyn M. , Bell Tom W. , Li Yanping
Published: June 2021

Numerous wetlands in the prairies of Canada provide important ecosystem services, yet are threatened by climate and land‐use changes. Understanding the impacts of climate change on prairie wetlands is critical to effective conservation planning. In this study, we construct a wetland model with surface water balance and ecoregions to project future distribution of wetlands. The climatic conditions downscaled from the Weather Research and Forecasting model were used to drive the Noah‐MP land surface model to obtain surface water balance. The climate change perturbation is derived from an ensemble of general circulation models using the pseudo global warming method, under the RCP8.5 emission scenario by the end of 21st century. The results show that climate change impacts on wetland extent are spatiotemporally heterogenous. Future wetter climate in the western Prairies will favor increased wetland abundance in both spring and summer. In the eastern Prairies, particularly in the mixed grassland and mid‐boreal upland, wetland areas will increase in spring but experience enhanced declines in summer due to strong evapotranspiration. When these effects of climate change are considered in light of historical drainage, they suggest a need for diverse conservation and restoration strategies. For the mixed grassland in the western Canadian Prairies, wetland restoration will be favorable, while the highly drained eastern Prairies will be challenged by the intensified hydrological cycle. The outcomes of this study will be useful to conservation agencies to ensure that current investments will continue to provide good conservation returns in the future.
Bayesian Detection of Streamflow Response to Earthquakes
Authors: Korup Oliver , Mohr Christian H. , Manga Michael M.
Published: June 2021

Detecting whether and how river discharge responds to strong earthquake shaking can be time‐consuming and prone to operator bias when checking hydrographs from hundreds of gauging stations. We use Bayesian piecewise regression models to show that up to a fifth of all gauging stations across Chile had their largest change in daily streamflow trend on the day of the Mw 8.8 Maule earthquake in 2010. These stations cluster distinctly in the near field though the number of detected streamflow changes varies with model complexity and length of time window considered. Credible seismic streamflow changes at several stations were the highest detectable in eight months, with an increased variance of discharge surpassing the variance of discharge following rainstorms. We conclude that Bayesian piecewise regression sheds new and unbiased insights on the duration, trend, and variance of streamflow response to strong earthquakes, and on how this response compares to that following rainstorms.
BACE1 controls synaptic function through modulating release of synaptic vesicles
Authors: Das Brati , Singh Neeraj , Yao Annie Y. , Zhou John , He Wanxia , Hu Xiangyou , Yan Riqiang
Published: June 2021

BACE1 initiates production of β-amyloid peptides (Aβ), which is associated with cognitive dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) due to abnormal oligomerization and aggregation. While BACE1 inhibitors show strong reduction in Aβ deposition, they fail to improve cognitive function in patients, largely due to its role in synaptic function. We show that BACE1 is required for optimal release of synaptic vesicles. BACE1 deficiency or inhibition decreases synaptic vesicle docking in the synaptic active zones. Consistently, BACE1-null mice or mice treated with clinically tested BACE1 inhibitors Verubecestat and Lanabecestat exhibit severe reduction in hippocampal LTP and learning behaviors. To counterbalance this synaptic deficit, we discovered that BACE1-null mice treated with positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 (mGluR1), whose levels were reduced in BACE1-null mice and significantly improved long-term potentiation and cognitive behaviors. Similarly, mice treated with mGluR1 PAM showed significantly mitigated synaptic deficits caused by BACE1 inhibitors. Together, our data suggest that a therapy combining BACE1 inhibitors for reducing amyloid deposition and an mGluR1 PAM for counteracting BACE1-mediated synaptic deficits appears to be an effective approach for treating AD patients.
Site selective C–H functionalization of Mitragyna alkaloids reveals a molecular switch for tuning opioid receptor signaling efficacy
Authors: Bhowmik Srijita , Galeta Juraj , Havel Václav , Nelson Melissa , Faouzi Abdelfattah , Bechand Benjamin , Ansonoff Mike , Fiala Tomas , Hunkele Amanda , Kruegel Andrew C. , Pintar John. E. , Majumdar Susruta , Javitch Jonathan A. , Sames Dalibor
Published: June 2021

Mitragynine (MG) is the most abundant alkaloid component of the psychoactive plant material “kratom”, which according to numerous anecdotal reports shows efficacy in self-medication for pain syndromes, depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. We have developed a synthetic method for selective functionalization of the unexplored C11 position of the MG scaffold (C6 position in indole numbering) via the use of an indole-ethylene glycol adduct and subsequent iridium-catalyzed borylation. Through this work we discover that C11 represents a key locant for fine-tuning opioid receptor signaling efficacy. 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7OH), the parent compound with low efficacy on par with buprenorphine, is transformed to an even lower efficacy agonist by introducing a fluorine substituent in this position (11-F-7OH), as demonstrated in vitro at both mouse and human mu opioid receptors (mMOR/hMOR) and in vivo in mouse analgesia tests. Low efficacy opioid agonists are of high interest as candidates for generating safer opioid medications with mitigated adverse effects.
An actionable anti-racism plan for geoscience organizations
Authors: Ali Hendratta N. , Sheffield Sarah L. , Bauer Jennifer E. , Caballero-Gill Rocío P. , Gasparini Nicole M. , Libarkin Julie , Gonzales Kalynda K. , Willenbring Jane , Amir-Lin Erika , Cisneros Julia , Desai Dipa , Erwin Maitri , Gallant Elisabeth , Gomez Kiara Jeannelle , Keisling Benjamin A. , Mahon Robert , Marín-Spiotta Erika , Welcome Leiaka , Schneider Blair
Published: June 2021

Geoscience organizations shape the discipline. They influence attitudes and expectations, set standards, and provide benefits to their members. Today, racism and discrimination limit the participation of, and promote hostility towards, members of minoritized groups within these critical geoscience spaces. This is particularly harmful for Black, Indigenous, and other people of color in geoscience and is further exacerbated along other axes of marginalization, including disability status and gender identity. Here we present a twenty-point anti-racism plan that organizations can implement to build an inclusive, equitable and accessible geoscience community. Enacting it will combat racism, discrimination, and the harassment of all members.
Oncolytic H-1 parvovirus binds to sialic acid on laminins for cell attachment and entry
Authors: Kulkarni Amit , Ferreira Tiago , Bretscher Clemens , Grewenig Annabel , El-Andaloussi Nazim , Bonifati Serena , Marttila Tiina , Palissot Valérie , Hossain Jubayer A. , Azuaje Francisco , Miletic Hrvoje , Ystaas Lars A. R. , Golebiewska Anna , Niclou Simone P. , Roeth Ralf , Niesler Beate , Weiss Amélie , Brino Laurent , Marchini Antonio
Published: June 2021

H-1 parvovirus (H-1PV) is a promising anticancer therapy. However, in-depth understanding of its life cycle, including the host cell factors needed for infectivity and oncolysis, is lacking. This understanding may guide the rational design of combination strategies, aid development of more effective viruses, and help identify biomarkers of susceptibility to H-1PV treatment. To identify the host cell factors involved, we carry out siRNA library screening using a druggable genome library. We identify one crucial modulator of H-1PV infection: laminin γ1 (LAMC1). Using loss- and gain-of-function studies, competition experiments, and ELISA, we validate LAMC1 and laminin family members as being essential to H-1PV cell attachment and entry. H-1PV binding to laminins is dependent on their sialic acid moieties and is inhibited by heparin. We show that laminins are differentially expressed in various tumour entities, including glioblastoma. We confirm the expression pattern of laminin γ1 in glioblastoma biopsies by immunohistochemistry. We also provide evidence of a direct correlation between LAMC1 expression levels and H-1PV oncolytic activity in 59 cancer cell lines and in 3D organotypic spheroid cultures with different sensitivities to H-1PV infection. These results support the idea that tumours with elevated levels of γ1 containing laminins are more susceptible to H-1PV-based therapies.
Physical constraints and functional plasticity of cellulases
Authors: Kari Jeppe , Molina Gustavo A. , Schaller Kay S. , Schiano-di-Cola Corinna , Christensen Stefan J. , Badino Silke F. , Sørensen Trine H. , Røjel Nanna S. , Keller Malene B. , Sørensen Nanna Rolsted , Kolaczkowski Bartlomiej , Olsen Johan P. , Krogh Kristian B. R. M. , Jensen Kenneth , Cavaleiro Ana M. , Peters Günther H. J. , Spodsberg Nikolaj , Borch Kim , Westh Peter
Published: June 2021

Enzyme reactions, both in Nature and technical applications, commonly occur at the interface of immiscible phases. Nevertheless, stringent descriptions of interfacial enzyme catalysis remain sparse, and this is partly due to a shortage of coherent experimental data to guide and assess such work. In this work, we produced and kinetically characterized 83 cellulases, which revealed a conspicuous linear free energy relationship (LFER) between the substrate binding strength and the activation barrier. The scaling occurred despite the investigated enzymes being structurally and mechanistically diverse. We suggest that the scaling reflects basic physical restrictions of the hydrolytic process and that evolutionary selection has condensed cellulase phenotypes near the line. One consequence of the LFER is that the activity of a cellulase can be estimated from its substrate binding strength, irrespectively of structural and mechanistic details, and this appears promising for in silico selection and design within this industrially important group of enzymes.
Decoupling between calorimetric and dynamical glass transitions in high-entropy metallic glasses
Authors: Jiang Jing , Lu Zhen , Shen Jie , Wada Takeshi , Kato Hidemi , Chen Mingwei
Published: June 2021

Glass transition is one of the unresolved critical issues in solid-state physics and materials science, during which a viscous liquid is frozen into a solid or structurally arrested state. On account of the uniform arrested mechanism, the calorimetric glass transition temperature (Tg) always follows the same trend as the dynamical glass transition (or α-relaxation) temperature (Tα) determined by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). Here, we explored the correlations between the calorimetric and dynamical glass transitions of three prototypical high-entropy metallic glasses (HEMGs) systems. We found that the HEMGs present a depressed dynamical glass transition phenomenon, i.e., HEMGs with moderate calorimetric Tg represent the highest Tα and the maximum activation energy of α-relaxation. These decoupled glass transitions from thermal and mechanical measurements reveal the effect of high configurational entropy on the structure and dynamics of supercooled liquids and metallic glasses, which are associated with sluggish diffusion and decreased dynamic and spatial heterogeneities from high mixing entropy. The results have important implications in understanding the entropy effect on the structure and properties of metallic glasses for designing new materials with plenteous physical and mechanical performances.
Leveraging bipolar effect to enhance transverse thermoelectricity in semimetal Mg2Pb for cryogenic heat pumping
Authors: Chen Zhiwei , Zhang Xinyue , Ren Jie , Zeng Zezhu , Chen Yue , He Jian , Chen Lidong , Pei Yanzhong
Published: June 2021

Toward high-performance thermoelectric energy conversion, the electrons and holes must work jointly like two wheels of a cart: if not longitudinally, then transversely. The bipolar effect — the main performance restriction in the traditional longitudinal thermoelectricity, can be manipulated to be a performance enhancer in the transverse thermoelectricity. Here, we demonstrate this idea in semimetal Mg2Pb. At 30 K, a giant transverse thermoelectric power factor as high as 400 μWcm−1K−2 is achieved, a 3 orders-of-magnitude enhancement than the longitudinal configuration. The resultant specific heat pumping power is ~ 1 Wg−1, higher than those of existing techniques at 10~100 K. A large number of semimetals and narrow-gap semiconductors making poor longitudinal thermoelectrics due to severe bipolar effect are thus revived to fill the conspicuous gap of thermoelectric materials for solid-state applications.