bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive analysis of regulation of DNA methyltransferase isoforms in human breast tumors
Authors: Hegde Mangala , Joshi Manjunath B.
Published: February 2021

Significant reprogramming of epigenome is widely described during pathogenesis of breast cancer. Transformation of normal cell to hyperplastic cell and to neoplastic phenotype is associated with aberrant DNA (de)methylation, which, through promoter and enhancer methylation changes, activates oncogenes and silence tumor suppressor genes in variety of tumors including breast. DNA methylation, one of the major epigenetic mechanisms is catalyzed by evolutionarily conserved isoforms namely, DNMT1, DNMT3A and DNMT3B in humans. Over the years, studies have demonstrated intricate and complex regulation of DNMT isoforms at transcriptional, translational and post-translational levels. The recent findings of allosteric regulation of DNMT isoforms and regulation by other interacting chromatin modifying proteins emphasizes functional integrity and their contribution for the development of breast cancer and progression. DNMT isoforms are regulated by several intrinsic and extrinsic parameters. In the present review, we have extensively performed bioinformatics analysis of expression of DNMT isoforms along with their transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulators such as transcription factors, interacting proteins, hormones, cytokines and dietary elements along with their significance during pathogenesis of breast tumors. Our review manuscript provides a comprehensive understanding of key factors regulating DNMT isoforms in breast tumor pathology and documents unsolved issues.
Locally-synchronous, iterative solver for Fourier-based homogenization
Authors: Glüge R. , Altenbach H. , Eisenträger S.
Published: February 2021

We use the algebraic orthogonality of rotation-free and divergence-free fields in the Fourier space to derive the solution of a class of linear homogenization problems as the solution of a large linear system. The effective constitutive tensor constitutes only a small part of the solution vector. Therefore, we propose to use a synchronous and local iterative method that is capable to efficiently compute only a single component of the solution vector. If the convergence of the iterative solver is ensured, i.e., the system matrix is positive definite and diagonally dominant, it outperforms standard direct and iterative solvers that compute the complete solution. It has been found that for larger phase contrasts in the homogenization problem, the convergence is lost, and one needs to resort to other linear system solvers. Therefore, we discuss the linear system’s properties and the advantages as well as drawbacks of the presented homogenization approach.
HLA-DQ and HLA-DRB1 alleles associated with Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis in Finnish pediatric population: a genome-wide association study
Authors: Koskela Mikael , Nihtilä Julia , Ylinen Elisa , Kolho Kaija-Leena , Nuutinen Matti , Ritari Jarmo , Jahnukainen Timo
Published: February 2021

Background

The pathophysiology of Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is still unclear, but several findings suggest that genetic factors may influence disease susceptibility. We aimed to perform a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in pediatric HSP patients with an emphasis on severe HSP nephritis.

Methods

The study included 46 HSP patients, 42 of whom had undergone kidney biopsy. Forty-nine pediatric patients with an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) served as an autoimmune disease control group while Finnish bone marrow and blood donors represented the general reference population (n = 18,757). GWAS was performed for HSP and IBD samples in a case-control manner against the reference population. The analysis also included imputation of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles.

Results

GWAS analysis in HSP revealed several polymorphisms from the HLA region that surpassed the genome-wide significance level. Three HLA class II alleles were also significantly more frequent in HSP than in the reference population: DQA1*01:01, DQB1*05:01, and DRB1*01:01. Haplotype DQA1*01:01/DQB1*05:01/DRB1*01:01 occurred in 43.5% of HSP patients, whereas its frequency was 8.2% in IBD patients and 15.0% in the reference population. HSP patients with this haplotype showed similar baseline clinical findings and outcome as HSP patients negative for the haplotype. In IBD patients, no polymorphism or HLA allele appeared significant at the genome-wide level.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that haplotype DQA1*01:01/DQB1*05:01/DRB1*01:01 is associated with susceptibility to HSP, but not with the severity of the kidney involvement. These HLA associations did not occur in IBD patients, suggesting that they are specific to HSP and not related to susceptibility to autoimmune diseases in general.

Graphical abstract
Circulating calcification inhibitors are associated with arterial damage in pediatric patients with primary hypertension
Authors: Skrzypczyk Piotr , Stelmaszczyk-Emmel Anna , Szyszka Michał , Ofiara Anna , Pańczyk-Tomaszewska Małgorzata
Published: February 2021

Background

Circulating calcification inhibitors: fetuin A (FA) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) together with soluble ligand of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B (sRANKL) have been linked to vascular calcifications and arterial damage. This study aimed to evaluate relationships between FA, OPG, sRANKL, and arterial damage in children with primary hypertension (PH).

Methods

In this cross-sectional single-center study, calcification inhibitors (FA, OPG, sRANKL) levels were measured in blood samples of 60 children with PH (median age 15.8, IQR: [14.5–16.8] years) and 20 age-matched healthy volunteers. In each participant, peripheral and central blood pressure evaluation (BP) and ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) were performed. Arterial damage was measured using common carotid artery intima media thickness (cIMT), pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation index (AIx75HR), and local arterial stiffness (ECHO-tracking—ET) analysis.

Results

Children with PH had significantly higher peripheral and central BP, BP in ABPM, thicker cIMT, higher PWV, and AIx75HR. FA was significantly lower in patients with PH compared to healthy peers without differences in OPG, sRANKL, and OPG/sRANKL and OPG/FA ratios. In children with PH, FA level correlated negatively with cIMT Z-score and ET AIx; sRANKL level correlated negatively with ABPM systolic blood pressure (SBP), SBP load, diastolic BP load, and AIx75HR; OPG/sRANKL ratio correlated positively with SBP load, while OPG/FA ratio correlated positively with ET AIx. In multivariate analysis, FA was a significant determinant of cIMT (mm) and cIMT Z-score.

Conclusions

This study reveals that in children with primary hypertension, arterial damage is related to lower fetuin A concentrations.

Graphical abstract
Fragility curves for non-engineered masonry buildings in developing countries derived from real data based on structural surveys and laboratory tests
Authors: Novelli Viviana Iris , De Risi Raffaele , Ngoma Ignasio , Kafodya Innocent , Kloukinas Panos , Macdonald John , Goda Katsuichiro
Published: February 2021

Malawi is located within the southern branch of the active East African Rift System, where earthquakes of moment magnitude (Mw) 7.0 or greater can occur along major faults. The majority of dwellings in the country are non-engineered unreinforced masonry constructions, built by local artisans with little input from engineers. These constructions are highly vulnerable to seismic events due to poor-quality materials and lack of construction detailing. This study presents a new methodology to assess the seismic fragility curves of typical dwellings located in the Central and Southern Malawi. On-site inspections of buildings are carried out to assess geometrical and structural features of 646 façades, and an experimental campaign is performed to characterise the mechanical properties of local construction materials. The collected data allow the identification of different building typologies in terms of quality of materials and construction techniques. The critical failure modes for each of the inspected façade at their ultimate limit state are evaluated analytically. Damage limit states are defined and adopted to derive simplified Static Push-Over (SPO) curves, transformed into incremental dynamic analysis (IDA) curves by using SPO2IDA. The IDA curves are then used to obtain fragility curves for the specific damage limit states. The fragility curves presented herein are the first to be calculated for these building typologies, based on local data, and unfortunately, they show that buildings in Malawi are far more vulnerable to earthquakes than estimated from previously available international reference data. The fragility curves developed in this study may prove useful for assessing the seismic risk of these building typologies in Malawi and other East African countries.
Inflation expectations quantification with fuzzy control system
Authors: Rutkowska Aleksandra , Szyszko Magdalena
Published: February 2021

The inflation expectations of economic agents are one of the most important variables for central banks and monetary policy conduct, but such expectations are not directly observable. Consumers’ expectations are examined in qualitative surveys. The key task is to transform consumers’ survey responses into quantitative proxies of expectations. In this examination, we investigate an alternative method to quantify consumers’ inflation expectations using fuzzy rule-based systems. In order to generate rules in the learning phase, we compare two methods: the Wang-Mendel method based on space partition and the subtractive clustering method. The learning data are information about past inflation and consumers’ opinions as expressed in surveys. The system is built and tested on data from January 2002 to June 2019 for non-euro member states of the EU. The fuzzy rules-based system returns results that outperform a benchmark—the standard quantification procedure—in terms of correlation with a raw approximation of consumer expectations, which is survey balance statistics. The results are robust regarding the benchmark choice. We find the method more promising for economies with lower stability, as it gives more room for the training phase of the algorithm application.
Paleostress reconstruction of faults recorded in the Niedźwiedzia Cave (Sudetes): insights into Alpine intraplate tectonic of NE Bohemian Massif
Authors: Sobczyk Artur , Szczygieł Jacek
Published: February 2021

Brittle structures identified within the largest karstic cave of the Sudetes (the Niedźwiedzia Cave) were studied to reconstruct the paleostress driving post-Variscan tectonic activity in the NE Bohemian Massif. Individual fault population datasets, including local strike and dip of fault planes, striations, and Riedel shear, enabled us to discuss the orientation of the principal stresses tensor. The (meso) fault-slip data analysis performed both with Dihedra and an inverse method revealed two possible main opposing compressional regimes: (1) NE–SW compression with the formation of strike-slip (transpressional) faults and (2) WNW–ESE horizontal compression related to fault-block tectonics. The (older) NE-SW compression was most probably associated with the Late Cretaceous–Paleogene pan-regional basin inversion throughout Central Europe, as a reaction to ongoing African-Iberian-European convergence. Second WNW–ESE compression was active as of the Middle Miocene, at the latest, and might represent the Neogene–Quaternary tectonic regime of the NE Bohemian Massif. Exposed fault plane surfaces in a dissolution-collapse marble cave system provided insights into the Meso-Cenozoic tectonic history of the Earth’s uppermost crust in Central Europe, and were also identified as important guiding structures controlling the origin of the Niedźwiedzia Cave and the evolution of subsequent karstic conduits during the Late Cenozoic.
Postural ergonomics and work-related musculoskeletal disorders in neurosurgery: lessons from an international survey
Authors: Mavrovounis Georgios , Meling Torstein R. , Lafuente Jesus , Fountas Konstantinos N. , Demetriades Andreas K.
Published: February 2021

Background

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) affect a significant percentage of the neurosurgical workforce. The aim of the current questionnaire-based study was to examine the prevalence of WMSDs amongst neurosurgeons, identify risk factors, and study the views of neurosurgeons regarding ergonomics.

Methods

From June to August 2020, members of the “European Association of Neurosurgical Societies,” the “Neurosurgery Research Listserv,” and the “Latin American Federation of Neurosurgical Societies” were asked to complete an electronic questionnaire on the topics of WMSDs and ergonomics.

Results

A total of 409 neurosurgeons responded to the survey, with a 4.7 male to female ratio. Most of the surgeons worked in Europe (76.9%) in academic public hospitals. The vast majority of the participants (87.9%) had experienced WMSDs, mainly affecting the shoulder, neck, and back muscles. The most common operations performed by the participants were “Craniotomy for convexity/intrinsic tumors” (24.1%) and “Open lumbar basic spine” (24.1%). Neurosurgeons agreed that ergonomics is an underexposed area in the neurosurgical field (84.8%) and that more resources should be spend (87.3%) and training curricula changes should be made (78.3%) in order to alleviate the burden of WMSDs on neurosurgeons. Univariate analysis did not reveal any associations between the development of WMSDs and age, gender, tenure, average duration of operation, operating time per week, type of operation, and surgical approach.

Conclusions

The problem of WMSDs ought to be more closely addressed and managed by the neurosurgical community. More studies ought to be designed to investigate specific ergonomic parameters in order to formulate practice recommendations.
Room temperature stable multitalent: highly reactive and versatile copper guanidine complexes in oxygenation reactions
Authors: Paul Melanie , Hoffmann Alexander , Herres-Pawlis Sonja
Published: February 2021

Inspired by the efficiency of natural enzymes in organic transformation reactions, the development of synthetic catalysts for oxygenation and oxidation reactions under mild conditions still remains challenging. Tyrosinases serve as archetype when it comes to hydroxylation reactions involving molecular oxygen. We herein present new copper(I) guanidine halide complexes, capable of the activation of molecular oxygen at room temperature. The formation of the reactive bis(µ-oxido) dicopper(III) species and the influence of the anion are investigated by UV/Vis spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and density functional theory. We highlight the catalytic hydroxylation activity towards diverse polycyclic aromatic alcohols under mild reaction conditions. The selective formation of reactive quinones provides a promising tool to design phenazine derivatives for medical applications.

Graphic abstract
The state of agricultural landscapes in the Mediterranean: smallholder agriculture and land abandonment in terraced landscapes of the Ricote Valley, southeast Spain
Authors: Heider Katharina , Rodriguez Lopez Juan Miguel , Balbo Andrea L. , Scheffran Jürgen
Published: February 2021

The fast and broad adoption of mechanization and chemical inputs in Mediterranean terraced agriculture, combined with warming climate trends, has led to the progressive degradation of environmental and social conditions. These factors have concurred with the increasing abandonment of smallholder agriculture. We aimed to detect and quantify the progression of cultivated and abandoned terraced fields in the Ricote Valley between 2016 and 2019 while also exploring reasons for land abandonment over the past decades. To quantify cultivated and abandoned agricultural terraces, we conducted (1) a terrace detection based on Lidar and cadaster data, (2) a land use classification based on Sentinel imagery, and (3) an investigation of the reasons for land abandonment based on participant observation and an expert survey. Our results show high rates of abandonment compared to the total available agricultural terraced area in the Ricote Valley. In 2016, 56% of the detected terraced area was classified as not cultivated. In 2019, the percentage decreased to 40%. Small parcels are cultivated to a higher percentage than large or medium-sized parcels. We identified five main reasons underlying land abandonment: (1) low income of farmers; (2) land fragmentation resulting in higher transaction costs; (3) lack of interest in agricultural activities among young generations; (4) lack of modernization; and (5) emotional bonds preventing the sale of abandoned parcels. We stressed the importance of a place-based mixed method approach to gain a comprehensive understanding of the specificities of a given research area.
The triple rule out CT in acute chest pain: a challenge for emergency radiologists?
Authors: Russo Vincenzo , Sportoletti Camilla , Scalas Giulia , Attinà Domenico , Buia Francesco , Niro Fabio , Modolon Cecilia , De Luca Carlo , Monteduro Francesco , Lovato Luigi
Published: February 2021

Purpose

To evaluate the feasibility of triple rule out computed tomography (TRO-CT) in an emergency radiology workflow by comparing the diagnostic performance of cardiovascular and general radiologists in the interpretation of emergency TRO-CT studies in patients with acute and atypical chest pain.

Methods

Between July 2017 and December 2019, 350 adult patients underwent TRO-CT studies for the assessment of atypical chest pain. Three radiologists with different fields and years of expertise (a cardioradiologist—CR, an emergency senior radiologist—SER, and an emergency junior radiologist—JER) retrospectively and independently reviewed all TRO-CT studies, by trans-axial and multiplanar reconstruction only. Concordance rates were then calculated using as reference blinded results from a different senior cardioradiologist, who previously evaluated studies using all available analysis software.

Results

Concordance rate was 100% for acute aortic syndrome (AAS) and pulmonary embolism (PE). About coronary stenosis (CS) for non-obstructive (<50%), CS concordance rates were 97.98%, 90.91%, and 97.18%, respectively, for CR, SER, and JER; for obstructive CS (>50%), concordance rates were respectively 88%, 85.7%, and 71.43%. Moreover, it was globally observed a better performance in the evaluation of last half of examinations compared with the first one.

Conclusions

Our study confirm the feasibility of the TRO-CT even in an Emergency Radiology department that cannot rely on a 24/7 availability of a dedicated skilled cardiovascular radiologist. The “undedicated” radiologists could exclude with good diagnostic accuracy the presence of obstructive stenosis, those with a clinical impact on patient management, without needing time-consuming software and/or reconstructions.
Deletion of Alox15 improves kidney dysfunction and inhibits fibrosis by increased PGD2 in the kidney
Authors: Takahashi Naohiro , Kikuchi Hiroaki , Usui Ayaka , Furusho Taisuke , Fujimaru Takuya , Fujiki Tamami , Yanagi Tomoki , Matsuura Yoshiaki , Asano Kenichi , Yamamoto Kouhei , Ando Fumiaki , Susa Koichiro , Mandai Shintaro , Mori Takayasu , Rai Tatemitsu , Uchida Shinichi , Arita Makoto , Sohara Eisei
Published: February 2021

Background

Lipid-metabolizing enzymes and their metabolites affect inflammation and fibrosis, but their roles in chronic kidney disease (CKD) have not been completely understood.

Methods

To clarify their role in CKD, we measured the mRNA levels of major lipid-metabolizing enzymes in 5/6 nephrectomized (Nx) kidneys of C57BL/6 J mice. Mediator lipidomics was performed to reveal lipid profiles of CKD kidneys.

Results

In 5/6 Nx kidneys, both mRNA and protein levels of Alox15 were higher when compared with those in sham kidneys. With respect to in situ hybridization, the mRNA level of Alox15 was higher in renal tubules of 5/6 Nx kidneys. To examine the role of Alox15 in CKD pathogenesis, we performed 5/6 Nx on Alox15−/− mice. Alox15−/− CKD mice exhibited better renal functions than wild-type mice. Interstitial fibrosis was also inhibited in Alox15−/− CKD mice. Mediator lipidomics revealed that Alox15−/− CKD mouse kidneys had significantly higher levels of PGD2 than the control. To investigate the effects of PGD2 on renal fibrosis, we administered PGD2 to TGF-β1-stimulated NRK-52E cells and HK-2 cells, which lead to a dose-dependent suppression of type I collagen and αSMA in both cell lines.

Conclusion

Increased PGD2 in Alox15−/− CKD mouse kidneys could inhibit fibrosis, thereby resulting in CKD improvement. Thus, Alox15 inhibition and PGD2 administration may be novel therapeutic targets for CKD.
How to Prevent Flow Failures in Tailings Dams
Authors: Rodríguez Roberto , Muñoz-Moreno Alejandro , Vanessa Caparrós Ana , García-García Cristóbal , Brime-Barrios Ángel , César Arranz-González Julio , Rodríguez-Gómez Virginia , Javier Fernández-Naranjo Francisco , Alcolea Alberto
Published: February 2021

Based on research carried out at 67 tailings dams in Spain: (1) tailings dams contain alternating sedimentary layers with contractive and dilative geomechanical behaviours; (2) tailings saturate quickly but drain more than 10 times slower due to the high-suction capacity of the porous sediments (2–300 MPa); and (3) over the long-term, a stationary flow regime is attained within a tailings basin. Four temporal and spatial conditions must all be present for a tailing dams flow failure to occur: (1) the tailings must experience contractive behaviour; (2) the tailings must be fully saturated; (3) the effective stress due to static or dynamic load must approach zero; and (4) the shear stress must exceed the tailings residual shear stress. Our results also indicate that the degree of saturation (Sr) is the most influential factor controlling dam stability. The pore-pressure coefficient controls geotechnical stability: when it exceeds 0.5 (Sr = 0.7), the safety factor decreases dramatically. Therefore, controlling the degree of tailings saturation is instrumental to preventing dam failures, and can be achieved using a double drainage system, one for the unconsolidated foundation materials and another for the overlying tailings.
Das Maßnahmengesetzvorbereitungsgesetz vom 22. März 2020 – Fundament legislativer Bauwerke
ohne Rechtsschutz?
Authors: Brigola Alexander , Heß Franziska
Published: February 2021

Mit Datum vom 1.4.2020 trat das Gesetz zur Vorbereitung der Schaffung von Baurecht durch Maßnahmengesetz
im Verkehrsbereich in Kraft (Maßnahmengesetzvorbereitungsgesetz, “MgvG”). Es soll die
Basis schaffen, einen Katalog von Verkehrsinfrastrukturprojekten auf der Schiene und zu Wasser durch Legislativ-
statt durch Verwaltungsakt zulassen zu können. Das selbst gesteckte Ziel des Bundestages ist die Steigerung
der Akzeptanz in der Bevölkerung sowie die beschleunigte Realisierung der gelisteten Vorhaben. Der
vorliegende Beitrag nähert sich dem legislativen Fundament mit skurrilem Namen in vier Schritten: Zunächst
wird, erstens, das MgvG im Überblick in seinen beiden Ebenen vorgestellt, die das vorgeschaltete behördliche
Verfahren und den Legislativakt beinhalten. Sodann wird, zweitens, der verfassungsrechtliche Leading Case
hinsichtlich der Zulassung von Verkehrsinfrastrukturprojekten durch Maßnahmengesetz analysiert, der
Beschluss des BVerfG zur Südumfahrung Stendal aus dem Juli 1996. In einem dritten Schritt wird der
Scheinwerfer auf das Völker- und Unionsrecht gerichtet: Die Crossrail-Entscheidung des Aarhus Convention
Compliance Committee aus dem Jahr 2011 sowie das Urteil des EuGH im Fall Inter-Environment Wallonie aus
dem Jahr 2019 werden vorgestellt. Am Ende wird, viertens, ein Fazit stehen, das die ambitionierte Mission
des Bundestages auf den Boden der rechtsstaatlichen Tatsachen zurückholt und den gebotenen fachgerichtlichen
Rechtsschutz einfordert.
Adjoint-based exact Hessian computation
Authors: Ito Shin-ichi , Matsuda Takeru , Miyatake Yuto
Published: February 2021

We consider a scalar function depending on a numerical solution of an initial value problem, and its second-derivative (Hessian) matrix for the initial value. The need to extract the information of the Hessian or to solve a linear system having the Hessian as a coefficient matrix arises in many research fields such as optimization, Bayesian estimation, and uncertainty quantification. From the perspective of memory efficiency, these tasks often employ a Krylov subspace method that does not need to hold the Hessian matrix explicitly and only requires computing the multiplication of the Hessian and a given vector. One of the ways to obtain an approximation of such Hessian-vector multiplication is to integrate the so-called second-order adjoint system numerically. However, the error in the approximation could be significant even if the numerical integration to the second-order adjoint system is sufficiently accurate. This paper presents a novel algorithm that computes the intended Hessian-vector multiplication exactly and efficiently. For this aim, we give a new concise derivation of the second-order adjoint system and show that the intended multiplication can be computed exactly by applying a particular numerical method to the second-order adjoint system. In the discussion, symplectic partitioned Runge–Kutta methods play an essential role.
Prediction of leaf Bloch disease risk in Norwegian spring wheat based on weather factors and host phenology
Authors: Hjelkrem Anne-Grete Roer , Ficke Andrea , Abrahamsen Unni , Hofgaard Ingerd Skow , Brodal Guro
Published: February 2021

Leaf blotch diseases (LBD), such as Septoria nodorum bloch (Parastagnospora nodorum), Septoria tritici blotch (Zymoseptoria tritici) and Tan spot (Pyrenophora tritici-repentis) can cause severe yield losses (up to 50%) in Norwegian spring wheat (Triticum aestivum) and are mainly controlled by fungicide applications. A forecasting model to predict disease risk can be an important tool to optimize disease control. The association between specific weather variables and the development of LBD differs between wheat growth stages. In this study, a mathematical model to estimate phenological development of spring wheat was derived based on sowing date, air temperature and photoperiod. Weather factors associated with LBD severity were then identified for selected phenological growth stages by a correlation study of LBD severity data (17 years). Although information regarding host resistance and previous crop were added to the identified weather factors, two purely weather-based risk prediction models (CART, classification and regression tree algorithm) and one black box model (KNN, based on K nearest neighbor algorithm) were most accurate to predict moderate to high LBD severity (>5% infection). The predictive accuracy of these models (76–83%) was compared to that of two existing models used in Norway and Denmark (60 and 61% accuracy, respectively). The newly developed models performed better than the existing models, but still had the tendency to overestimate disease risk. Specificity of the new models varied between 49 and 74% compared to 40 and 37% for the existing models. These new models are promising decision tools to improve integrated LBD management of spring wheat in Norway.
Carbon-ion radiotherapy for octogenarians with locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer
Authors: Hayashi Kazuhiko , Yamamoto Naoyoshi , Nakajima Mio , Nomoto Akihiro , Ishikawa Hitoshi , Ogawa Kazuhiko , Tsuji Hiroshi
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The clinical significance of carbon-ion radiotherapy (CIRT) for octogenarians with locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (LA-NSCLC) remains unclear. We aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of CIRT alone for octogenarians with LA-NSCLC.

Materials and methods

We evaluated 32 patients who underwent CIRT alone between 1997 and 2015. The median age was 82.0 years (range, 80–88 years). In terms of clinical stage (UICC 7th edition), 7 (21.9%), 10 (31.3%), 11 (34.4%), and 4 (12.5%) patients had stage IIA, IIB, IIIA, and ΙΙΙB disease, respectively. The median CIRT dose was 72.0 Gy (relative biological effectiveness), and the median follow-up period was 33.1 months.

Results

All patients successfully completed CIRT. Regarding grade ≥ 2 toxicities, 1 (3.1%), 3 (9.4%), and 4 (0.7%) patients developed grade 3 radiation pneumonitis, grade 2 radiation pneumonitis, and grade 2 dermatitis, respectively. No grade ≥ 4 toxicities were observed. The 2 year LC, PFS, and OS rates were 83.5%, 46.7%, and 68.0%, respectively.

Conclusion

CIRT alone is safe and effective for octogenarians with LA-NSCLC.
Das therapeutische Sandspiel als Psychodrama im Sand
Authors: Franke Silvia
Published: February 2021

Dieser Artikel der „Zeitschrift für Psychodrama und Soziometrie“ beleuchtet das therapeutische Sandspiel aus psychodramatischer Sicht und anhand einer Fallbeschreibung. Es kann positive Spielerinnerungen aktivieren, Kontrolle, Selbstwirksamkeit und gelingende Begegnung ermöglichen und eignet sich aufgrund seiner Ressourcenorientierung speziell für früh traumatisierte KlientInnen, die ihr Innenleben nur schwer verbalisieren können. Aufgrund vieler Parallelen zum Psychodrama kann es als Vorstufe für ein psychodramatisches Rollenspiel dienen.
Indication and technique for arthroscopic stabilization of anterior shoulder instability with multidirectional laxity
Authors: Rupp Marco-Christopher , Siebenlist Sebastian , Scheiderer Bastian , Imhoff Andreas B. , Pogorzelski Jonas
Published: February 2021

As concomitant hyperlaxity has been identified as an independent risk factor for failure following anterior shoulder stabilization, the treatment of this special pathology remains challenging. There is a broad consensus that a clear differentiation to multidirectional instability and isolated anteroinferior instability should be ensured to avoid unsatisfactory outcomes. Typical features of this patient collective include positive clinical tests for anteroinferior instability and multidirectional shoulder hyperlaxity, findings of an anterior labral lesion and general capsular redundancy in the radiologic assessment, while tests for posterior instability are negative. Surgical treatment should consist of an anteroinferior capsulolabroplasty with concomitant posteroinferior plication to reduce pathological capsular volume. Although there is a lack of clinical evidence, biomechanical investigations suggest that a four-anchor construct with three anterior anchors and one posteroinferior anchor may be sufficient to restore glenohumeral stability. This surgical approach is presented and discussed in the current article.
Supraspinatus tear—a mechanical outlet impingement lesion?
Authors: Engelke J. , Loew M. , Sulzer S. , Lichtenberg S. , Schnetzke M.
Published: February 2021

Background

The etiology of degenerative supraspinatus tendon (SSP) tear is still subject to discussion.

Objectives

Our objective was to correlate clinical, radiological, and intraoperative signs of mechanical outlet impingement in patients with degenerative SSP tears.

Materials and methods

This prospective study included 100 patients with degenerative SSP tears that required surgery. Preoperatively, clinical impingement signs and radiological parameters (critical shoulder angle [CSA], acromion type according to Bigliani, acromion index [AI]) were recorded. Intraoperatively, the extent of the rupture and grinding marks on the bottom of the acromion were assessed.

Results

Of the 100 patients, 59 had clinical impingement signs preoperatively; 90 patients had at least one positive radiological sign (CSA > 35°, AI > 0.67, acromion type II or III). In 23 patients a partial tear, in 55 patients a full thickness tear, and in 22 patients an additional infraspinatus tendon tear were found. In 10 cases no grinding marks at the bottom of the acromion during arthroscopy were found. In 75 cases moderate grinding marks and in 15 cases severe marks with bare bone at the bottom of the acromion were found. There was no statistically significant correlation between preoperative impingement signs and arthroscopic grinding marks (p = 0.83) or between clinical signs and radiological parameters (p = 0.44). There was no significant correlation between extent of the rupture, extent of grinding marks or radiological impingement parameters (p = 0.16; p = 0.26).

Conclusion

We could not verify a correlation between clinical and radiological impingement sign and arthroscopic impingement parameters. Based on our study, degenerative SSP tear cannot be characterized as the result of a mechanical outlet impingement.
Role of confirmed and potential predictors of an unfavorable outcome in heart failure in everyday clinical practice
Authors: Chuda Anna , Banach Maciej , Maciejewski Marek , Bielecka-Dabrowa Agata
Published: February 2021

Heart failure (HF) is the only cardiovascular disease with an ever increasing incidence. HF, through reduced functional capacity, frequent exacerbations of disease, and repeated hospitalizations, results in poorer quality of life, decreased work productivity, and significantly increased costs of the public health system. The main challenge in the treatment of HF is the availability of reliable prognostic models that would allow patients and doctors to develop realistic expectations about the prognosis and to choose the appropriate therapy and monitoring method. At this moment, there is a lack of universal parameters or scales on the basis of which we could easily capture the moment of deterioration of HF patients’ condition. Hence, it is crucial to identify such factors which at the same time will be widely available, cheap, and easy to use. We can find many studies showing different predictors of unfavorable outcome in HF patients: thorough assessment with echocardiography imaging, exercise testing (e.g., 6-min walk test, cardiopulmonary exercise testing), and biomarkers (e.g., N-terminal pro-brain type natriuretic peptide, high-sensitivity troponin T, galectin-3, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein). Some of them are very promising, but more research is needed to create a specific panel on the basis of which we will be able to assess HF patients. At this moment despite identification of many markers of adverse outcomes, clinical decision-making in HF is still predominantly based on a few basic parameters, such as the presence of HF symptoms (NYHA class), left ventricular ejection fraction, and QRS complex duration and morphology.
Risky Play and Children’s Well-Being, Involvement and Physical Activity
Authors: Sando Ole Johan , Kleppe Rasmus , Sandseter Ellen Beate Hansen
Published: February 2021

Children's activities and experiences in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) institutions are essential for children's present and future lives. Playing is a vital activity in childhood, and playing is found to be positively related to a variety of outcomes among children. In this study, we investigated how risky play – a fundamentally voluntary form of play – related to children's well-being, involvement and physical activity. Results from structured video observations (N = 928) during periods of free play in eight Norwegian ECEC institutions indicated that engagement in risky play was positively associated with children's well-being, involvement and physical activity. The findings in this study suggest that one way to support children's everyday experiences and positive outcomes for children in ECEC is to provide children with opportunities for risky play. Restrictions on children's play behaviours following safety concerns must be balanced against the joy and possible future benefits of thrilling play experiences for children.
Somalia am Scheideweg
Authors: Brosius René
Published: February 2021

Die vorliegende Arbeit stellt ein Zwischenergebnis eines Forschungsprojektes zur Frage der Übertragbarkeit deutscher Staatsstrukturprinzipien auf clan-basierte Gesellschaften am Beispiel Somalias dar. Ziel der Forschungsnotiz ist es, anlässlich des Endes der turnusmäßigen Amtszeit des aktuellen Präsidenten im Februar 2021 zu erörtern, wie die Übertragung der Strukturprinzipien bislang vorangeschritten ist und wie die Ergebnisse zu bewerten sind. Diese Einschätzung der aktuellen Lage in Somalia erfolgt unter Einbezug historischer und gesellschaftlicher Hintergründe und Entwicklungen.
Impact of minerals policy on sustainable development of mining sector – a comparative assessment of selected EU countries
Authors: Janikowska Olga , Kulczycka Joanna
Published: February 2021

Sustainable access to raw materials has been growing concern for the EU policy from 2008. Germany, Finland, United Kingdom, Portugal and Greece were the first European countries to introduce and develop own minerals policy (2010–2012). Each of Member State prioritized own targets, but sustainability, waste management and climate were also underlined. In 2015 the 17 Sustainable Development Goals were established and adopted in the EU policy framework to monitor and measure the social, economic and environmental aspects. Next Paris Agreement targets and climate neutral has been introduced. They have significant impact also on mining industry. Therefore the purpose of this paper is to discuss the relationship between mineral policy in chosen countries and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and EU climate policy target. Due to limited data for mining sector the impact of mineral policy on sustainable mineral supply and CO2 emissions have been analyzed to identify the specific challenges, trends and successful factors of transition. It was shown that well developed mineral policy - in case of Finland - allow increase over 20% of production with over 20% decrease of CO2 emission. Moreover productivity in the sector in almost all analyzed country has been increased, what can show some correlation between mineral policy and SDG 12. However more detailed indicators for monitoring and assess the mineral policy on EU level and in individual country is needed, especially in contest of impact on sustainable development. It can help to provide acceptance of local society for new investment. It is a long term process which required not only significant financial capital, new technological solutions, but also trust and transparency in monitoring in implementing environmental and social aspects.
Formal Framework for Checking Compliance of Data-Driven Case Management
Authors: Haarmann Stephan , Holfter Adrian , Pufahl Luise , Weske Mathias
Published: February 2021

Business processes are often specified in descriptive or normative models. Both types of models should adhere to internal and external regulations, such as company guidelines or laws. Employing compliance checking techniques, it is possible to verify process models against rules. While traditionally compliance checking focuses on well-structured processes, we address case management scenarios. In case management, knowledge workers drive multi-variant and adaptive processes. Our contribution is based on the fragment-based case management approach, which splits a process into a set of fragments. The fragments are synchronized through shared data but can, otherwise, be dynamically instantiated and executed. We formalize case models using Petri nets. We demonstrate the formalization for design-time and run-time compliance checking and present a proof-of-concept implementation. The application of the implemented compliance checking approach to a use case exemplifies its effectiveness while designing a case model. The empirical evaluation on a set of case models for measuring the performance of the approach shows that rules can often be checked in less than a second.
Delirium in your house: a survey during General Practitioner-programmed home visits
Authors: Tremolizzo Lucio , Bargossi Lorena , Storti Benedetta , Ferrarese Carlo , Bellelli Giuseppe , Appollonio Ildebrando
Published: February 2021

Objectives

To assess the prevalence of delirium (DEL) among older patients living at home and periodically visited by their General Practitioners (GPs).

Design

Observational study.

Setting

In Italy, programmed home visits by the GPs are regularly scheduled for their vulnerable and frail patients who are often on poly-drug regimens and suffering from dementia.

Participants

N = 102 patients among those receiving programmed home visits by n = 6 GP based in the Brianza area (Lombardy).

Measurements

Patients were screened for delirium with the Italian version of the 4AT, with a score ≥ 4 considered as a positive indicator for DEL. The Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), the presence of dementia, and benzodiazepine (BZD) use were recorded.

Results

DEL+ was detected in almost half of the recruited sample (44.1%), and it was clearly associated with increased comorbidity and decreased motor abilities. Pre-existing dementia was documented in most of DEL+ patients (71.1%), while this was the case for only a minority of DEL- (5.2%, p < 0.00001). Analogously, BZD use was over-represented in the DEL+ group with respect to the DEL− one (73.3% vs. 22.8%, p < 0.00001).

Conclusions

DEL prevalence as detected by GP during programmed home visits is surprisingly high, and related to motor impairment, comorbidities (among which dementia), and BZD use. DEL prompt recognition should be one of the goals of GP-programmed home visits, since this treatable and preventable condition is associated to an elevated burden of frailty and risk of death.
Hexagonal fuzzy approximation of fuzzy numbers and its applications in MCDM
Authors: Nayagam V. Lakshmana Gomathi , Murugan Jagadeeswari
Published: February 2021

Numerous research papers and several engineering applications have proved that the fuzzy set theory is an intelligent effective tool to represent complex uncertain information. In fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making (fuzzy MCDM) methods, intelligent information system and fuzzy control-theoretic models, complex qualitative information are extracted from expert’s knowledge as linguistic variables and are modeled by linear/non-linear fuzzy numbers. In numerical computations and experiments, the information/data are fitted by nonlinear functions for better accuracy which may be little hard for further processing to apply in real-life problems. Hence, the study of non-linear fuzzy numbers through triangular and trapezoidal fuzzy numbers is very natural and various researchers have attempted to transform non-linear fuzzy numbers into piecewise linear functions of interval/triangular/trapezoidal in nature by different methods in the past years. But it is noted that the triangular/trapezoidal approximation of nonlinear fuzzy numbers has more loss of information. Therefore, there is a natural need for a better piecewise linear approximation of a given nonlinear fuzzy number without losing much information for better intelligent information modeling. On coincidence, a new notion of Generalized Hexagonal Fuzzy Number has been introduced and its applications on Multi-Criteria Decision-Making problem (MCDM) and Generalized Hexagonal Fully Fuzzy Linear System (GHXFFLS) of equations have been studied by Lakshmana et al. in 2020. Therefore, in this paper, approximation of nonlinear fuzzy numbers into the hexagonal fuzzy numbers which includes trapezoidal, triangular and interval fuzzy numbers as special cases of Hexagonal fuzzy numbers with less loss/gain of information than other existing methods is attempted. Since any fuzzy information is satisfied fully by its modal value/core of that concept, any approximation of that concept is expected to be preserved with same modal value/core. Therefore, in this paper, a stepwise procedure for approximating a non-linear fuzzy number into a new Hexagonal Fuzzy Number that preserves the core of the given fuzzy number is proposed using constrained nonlinear programming model and is illustrated numerically by considering a parabolic fuzzy number. Furthermore, the proposed method is compared for its efficiency on accuracy in terms of loss of information. Finally, some properties of the new hexagonal fuzzy approximation are studied and the applicability of the proposed method is illustrated through the Group MCDM problem using an index matrix (IM).
Drivers of green bond issuance and new evidence on the “greenium”
Authors: Löffler Kristin Ulrike , Petreski Aleksandar , Stephan Andreas
Published: February 2021

This paper examines whether a premium for green bonds, called “greenium”, found in previous studies, exists in primary and secondary bond markets. Using a universe of about 2000 green and 180,000 non-green bonds from 650 international issuers, we apply both propensity score matching and coarsened exact matching to determine a sample of conventional bonds that is most similar to the sample of green bonds. We find that green bonds have larger issue sizes and lower rated issuers, on average, compared to conventional bonds. The estimates show that the yield for green bonds is, on average, 15–20 basis points lower than that of conventional bonds, both on primary and secondary markets, thus a “greenium” exists.
On the least common multiple of random q-integers
Authors: Sanna Carlo
Published: February 2021

For every positive integer n and for every $$\alpha \in [0, 1]$$

α
∈
[
0
,
1
]

, let $${\mathcal {B}}(n, \alpha )$$

B
(
n
,
α
)

denote the probabilistic model in which a random set $${\mathcal {A}} \subseteq \{1, \ldots , n\}$$

A
⊆
{
1
,
…
,
n
}

is constructed by picking independently each element of $$\{1, \ldots , n\}$$

{
1
,
…
,
n
}

with probability $$\alpha $$
α
. Cilleruelo, Rué, Šarka, and Zumalacárregui proved an almost sure asymptotic formula for the logarithm of the least common multiple of the elements of $${\mathcal {A}}$$
A
.Let q be an indeterminate and let $$[k]_q := 1 + q + q^2 + \cdots + q^{k-1} \in {\mathbb {Z}}[q]$$

[
k
]

q

:
=
1
+
q
+

q
2

+
⋯
+

q

k
-
1

∈
Z

[
q
]

be the q-analog of the positive integer k. We determine the expected value and the variance of $$X := \deg {\text {lcm}}\!\big ([{\mathcal {A}}]_q\big )$$

X
:
=
deg
lcm

(

[
A
]

q

)

, where $$[{\mathcal {A}}]_q := \big \{[k]_q : k \in {\mathcal {A}}\big \}$$

[
A
]

q

:
=

{

[
k
]

q

:
k
∈
A

}

. Then we prove an almost sure asymptotic formula for X, which is a q-analog of the result of Cilleruelo et al.
Gerechtigkeit für Odoardo Galotti
Authors: Steiner Uwe C.
Published: February 2021

Der tragische Schluss der Emilia Galotti hat von Anfang an gespaltene Reaktionen hervorgerufen. Noch heute sind zahlreiche Missverständnisse im Umlauf. Stimmen, die seine fragwürdige Konstruktion bemängelten, verklangen bald. Stattdessen wurde nach Verantwortlichen für die Katastrophe gefahndet. Dass schon bald der Vater, Odoardo Galotti, in Haftung genommen wurde, liegt, so die These, nicht zuletzt an einer Umwidmung oder Neukonzeption des tragischen Opfers. Es wird mit zentralen Versatzstücken der zeitgenössischen Geschlechtersemantik aufgeladen und einer metadramaturgischen Reflexion unterzogen. Emilias Selbstopfer ist ein Opfer im Wortsinn, es stattet die victima mit allen Attributen des sacrificiums aus. Und es ist ein Opfer, das maßgeblich von der Figur selbst in die Wege geleitet und vollzogen wird. Ein Großteil der nachfolgenden Dramatik arbeitet sich unter Übernahme der geschlechteranthropologischen Prämissen an diesem fulminanten Ende ab. Die Unterminierung einer bürgerlichen Würdekultur durch eine bald sich etablierende Kultur des Opfers setzte schon damals ein. Tatsächlich dokumentiert das Stück eine Krise der Tragödie. Wenn schon das Opfer selbst eine Darstellungsfunktion besitzt, dann steht bis heute zur Debatte, welche Funktion die Darstellung des Opfers besitzt.