bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strengthening impacts of spring sea surface temperature in the north tropical Atlantic on Indian Ocean dipole after the mid-1980s
Authors: Zhang Guangli , Wang Xin , Xie Qiang , Chen Jiepeng , Chen Sheng
Published: January 2022

It is well known that the Indian Ocean dipole (IOD) is closely related to El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). In this study, it is found that spring–summer north tropical Atlantic (NTA) sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies can contribute to the development of the IOD since the mid-1980s as well as ENSO. After the mid-1980s, an anticyclonic circulation over the subtropical northeastern Pacific could be excited by cool NTA SST anomalies in spring and summer due to a Gill-type Rossby-wave response. A low-level cyclonic circulation appears in the west Pacific in turn. The anomalous lower-level southwesterlies on the southeastern flank of the cyclonic circulation reduce the climatological wind speed, and thus, warm SST anomalies appear and extend to the central tropical Pacific via the wind-evaporation-SST (WES) feedback. As a result, Walker circulation over the Indo-Pacific region is changed, with anomalous descending in the eastern tropical Indian Ocean and ascending in the central tropical Pacific. The descending branch of anomalous Walker circulation generates surface southeasterly wind anomalies along the coast off Sumatra and lifts the thermocline in the eastern tropical Indian Ocean, which produces a positive IOD event in autumn. Such a cross-basin mechanism is supported by a coupled model experiment with warm SST perturbations over the NTA. In contrast, although cold NTA SST anomalies can induce warm SST anomalies in the eastern equatorial Pacific through interhemispheric meridional circulation before the mid-1980s, the responses in the tropical Indian Ocean are rather weak. In addition, the enhancement in the NTA-IOD relationship after the mid-1980s is suggested to result from the changes in the SST mean state under the context of global warming, which is confirmed by two coupled model experiments with different mean SST backgrounds.
Physically inactive adults are the main users of sports dietary supplements in the capital of Brazil
Authors: Borges Lara Pereira Saraiva Leão , Sousa Alessandra Gaspar , da Costa Teresa Helena Macedo
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This cross-sectional study aimed to provide estimates of dietary supplements (DS) use and to examine the relationship between sports dietary supplements (SDS) use and sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristic, body mass index and total daily physical activity (PA) in the adult population of Brasília, Brazil.

Methods

DS use was collected from 506 adults via a Food Frequency Questionnaire. DS were divided into multivitamin-minerals, electrolyte drinks, energy, protein, partial meal replacements, creatine, caffeine, and others. Electrolyte drinks, energy, and protein supplements were considered as SDS. PA was estimated from a 24-h PA recall, and total MET (metabolic equivalents)/day and MET-h/day were calculated. Participants were categorized as physically inactive or active according to MET-h/day.

Results

DS were used by 68% of adults; multivitamin-minerals (38%) and protein supplements (29%) were the most commonly used products. SDS use was associated with the highest socioeconomic level, younger age, and male gender, but not with PA. Also, most SDS users were physically inactive.

Conclusion

These findings indicate that SDS may be used unnecessarily by adults in Brasília. Specific recommendations and control procedures for the use of SDS are warranted.
Effects of butyrate− on ruminal Ca2+ transport: evidence for the involvement of apically expressed TRPV3 and TRPV4 channels
Authors: Liebe Franziska , Liebe Hendrik , Sponder Gerhard , Mergler Stefan , Stumpff Friederike
Published: January 2022

The ruminal epithelium absorbs large quantities of NH4+ and Ca2+. A role for TRPV3 has emerged, but data on TRPV4 are lacking. Furthermore, short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) stimulate ruminal Ca2+ and NH4+ uptake in vivo and in vitro, but the pathway is unclear. Sequencing of the bovine homologue (bTRPV4) revealed 96.79% homology to human TRPV4. Two commercial antibodies were tested using HEK-293 cells overexpressing bTRPV4, which in ruminal protein detected a weak band at the expected ~ 100 kDa and several bands ≤ 60 kDa. Immunofluorescence imaging revealed staining of the apical membrane of the stratum granulosum for bTRPV3 and bTRPV4, with cytosolic staining in other layers of the ruminal epithelium. A similar expression pattern was observed in a multilayered ruminal cell culture which developed resistances of > 700 Ω · cm2 with expression of zonula occludens-1 and claudin-4. In Ussing chambers, 2-APB and the TRPV4 agonist GSK1016790A stimulated the short-circuit current across native bovine ruminal epithelia. In whole-cell patch-clamp recordings on HEK-293 cells, bTRPV4 was shown to be permeable to NH4+, K+, and Na+ and highly sensitive to GSK1016790A, while effects of butyrate− were insignificant. Conversely, bTRPV3 was strongly stimulated by 2-APB and by butyrate− (pH 6.4 > pH 7.4), but not by GSK1016790A. Fluorescence calcium imaging experiments suggest that butyrate− stimulates both bTRPV3 and bTRPV4. While expression of bTRPV4 appears to be weaker, both channels are candidates for the ruminal transport of NH4+ and Ca2+. Stimulation by SCFA may involve cytosolic acidification (bTRPV3) and cell swelling (bTRPV4).
Urinary tract infections decreased in Finnish children during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Kuitunen Ilari , Artama Miia , Haapanen Marjut , Renko Marjo
Published: January 2022

Social restrictions reduced the rates of respiratory infections in 2020, but studies on the rates of urinary tract infections (UTIs) during lockdown have had conflicting results. This study aimed to report UTI incidence during the first and second waves of COVID-19 pandemic in Finland. We conducted a retrospective register-based cohort study. The whole Finnish pediatric population (children under the age of 15 years, N = 860,000) was included. The yearly and monthly incidences of UTIs per 100,000 children in 2020 were compared to that of three previous years (2017–2019) by incidence rate ratios (IRRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A total of 10,757 cystitis and 4873 pyelonephritis cases were included. The yearly incidence of cystitis was 12% lower (IRR 0.88, CI 0.83–0.94) among children aged 1–6 in 2020 and 11% (IRR 0.89, CI 0.83–0.95) lower among children aged 7–14 in 2020 compared with previous years. The yearly incidence of pyelonephritis was 16% lower (IRR 0.84, CI 0.76–0.94) among children aged 1–6. No significant decrease were observed among children aged < 1 and 7–14.

Conclusion: The incidence of cystitis and pyelonephritis during a period of social restrictions was lower than during 2017–2019, especially in children aged 1–6 years. These results raise the possibility of reducing the occurrence of urinary tract infections in children by improving hygiene measures.

What is known:• Social restrictions have reduced the rate of common respiratory infections globally.• Previous studies have presented a decreased or unchanged incidence of urinary tract infections during the COVID-19 pandemic.

What is new:• During the pandemic, there was a decrease in the incidence of urinary tract infections in Finnish children and the most prominent decrease was in daycare-aged children.• Improved hygiene measures and social restrictions may have influenced the transmission of uropathogens.
Pan-immune-inflammation value independently predicts disease recurrence in patients with Merkel cell carcinoma
Authors: Gambichler T. , Said S. , Abu Rached N. , Scheel C. H. , Susok L. , Stranzenbach R. , Becker J. C.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

We aimed to determine whether the pan-immune-inflammation value (PIV) of patients with Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) at primary diagnosis differs from controls and whether it is associated with disease stage and outcome.

Methods

In this retrospective study, we recruited MCC patients with stage I–III. PIV was calculated from absolute complete blood cell counts obtained within one week at MCC diagnosis as follows: [neutrophils (103/mm3) × platelets (103/mm3) × monocytes (103/mm3)]/lymphocytes (103/mm3). As controls, we studied age–gender-matched cutaneous melanoma (CM, stage I–III) patients and healthy controls (HC). Univariate and multivariate statistics were used.

Results

The median PIV in MCC patients was significantly increased compared to both CM patients as well as healthy controls. PIV of MCC patients in stage II and III was significantly higher compared to stage I patients. ROC analysis revealed that MCC recurrence was significantly associated with a PIV greater than 372 [p < 0.0001, Youden index 0.58; hazard ratio: 4 (95% confidence interval: 1.7 to 9.2)]. In multivariate analysis, only a PIV greater than 372 and higher MCC stage were determined as independent predictors for disease recurrence.

Conclusion

We determined, for the first time, the prognostic ability of the promising blood-based biomarker PIV in MCC patients and observed that PIV is increased in MCC patients in dependence on disease stage and independently predicts MCC recurrence.
Clinical experience with venetoclax in patients with newly diagnosed, relapsed, or refractory acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Fleischmann Maximilian , Scholl Sebastian , Frietsch Jochen J. , Hilgendorf Inken , Schrenk Karin , Hammersen Jakob , Prims Florian , Thiede Christian , Hochhaus Andreas , Schnetzke Ulf
Published: January 2022

Background

Diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is associated with poor outcome in elderly and unfit patients. Recently, approval of the BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax (VEN) in combination with hypo-methylating agents (HMA) led to a significant improvement of response rates and survival. Further, application in the relapsed or refractory (r/r) AML setting or in context of allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT) seems feasible.

Methods and patients

Fifty-six consecutive adult AML patients on VEN from January 2019 to June 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. Patients received VEN either as first-line treatment, as subsequent therapy (r/r AML excluding prior alloHSCT), or at relapse after alloHSCT. VEN was administered orally in 28-day cycles either combined with HMA or low-dose cytarabine (LDAC).

Results

After a median follow-up of 11.5 (range 6.1–22.3) months, median overall survival (OS) from start of VEN treatment was 13.3 (2.2–20.5) months, 5.0 (0.8–24.3) months and 4.0 (1.5–22.1) months for first-line, subsequent line treatment and at relapse post-alloHSCT, respectively. Median OS was 11.5 (10–22.3) months from start of VEN when subsequent alloHSCT was carried out. Relapse-free survival (RFS) for the total cohort was 10.2 (2.2 – 24.3) months. Overall response rate (composite complete remission + partial remission) was 51.8% for the total cohort (61.1% for VEN first-line treatment, 52.2% for subsequent line and 42.8% at relapse post-alloHSCT). Subgroup analysis revealed a significantly reduced median OS in FLT3-ITD mutated AML with 3.4 (1.9–4.9) months versus 10.4 (0.8–24.3) months for non-mutated cases, (HR 4.45, 95% CI 0.89–22.13, p = 0.0002). Patients harboring NPM1 or IDH1/2 mutations lacking co-occurrence of FLT3-ITD showed a survival advantage over patients without those mutations (11.2 (5–24.3) months versus 5.0 (0.8–22.1) months, respectively, (HR 0.53, 95% CI 0.23 – 1.21, p = 0.131). Multivariate analysis revealed mutated NPM1 as a significant prognostic variable for achieving complete remission (CR) (HR 19.14, 95% CI 2.30 – 436.2, p < 0.05). The most common adverse events were hematological, with grade 3 and 4 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia reported in 44.6% and 14.5% of patients, respectively.

Conclusion

Detailed analyses on efficacy for common clinical scenarios, such as first-line treatment, subsequent therapy (r/r AML), and application prior to and post-alloHSCT, are presented. The findings suggest VEN treatment combinations efficacious not only in first-line setting but also in r/r AML. Furthermore, VEN might play a role in a subgroup of patients with failure to conventional chemotherapy as a salvage regimen aiming for potential curative alloHSCT.
401 consecutive minimally invasive distal pancreatectomies: lessons learned from 20 years of experience
Authors: Esposito Alessandro , Ramera Marco , Casetti Luca , De Pastena Matteo , Fontana Martina , Frigerio Isabella , Giardino Alessandro , Girelli Roberto , Landoni Luca , Malleo Giuseppe , Marchegiani Giovanni , Paiella Salvatore , Pea Antonio , Regi Paolo , Scopelliti Filippo , Tuveri Massimiliano , Bassi Claudio , Salvia Roberto , Butturini Giovanni
Published: January 2022

Background

This study aimed to discuss and report the trend, outcomes, and learning curve effect after minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy (MIDP) at two high-volume centres.

Methods

Patients undergoing MIDP between January 1999 and December 2018 were retrospectively identified from prospectively maintained electronic databases. The entire cohort was divided into two groups constituting the “early” and “recent” phases. The learning curve effect was analyzed for laparoscopic (LDP) and robotic distal pancreatectomy (RDP). The follow-up was at least 2 years.

Results

The study population included 401 consecutive patients (LDP n = 300, RDP n = 101). Twelve surgeons performed MIDP during the study period. Although patients were more carefully selected in the early phase, in terms of median age (49 vs. 55 years, p = 0.026), ASA class higher than 2 (3% vs. 9%, p = 0.018), previous abdominal surgery (10% vs. 34%, p < 0.001), and pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) (7% vs. 15%, p = 0.017), the recent phase had similar perioperative outcomes. The increase of experience in LDP was inversely associated with the operative time (240 vs 210 min, p < 0.001), morbidity rate (56.5% vs. 40.1%, p = 0.005), intra-abdominal collection (28.3% vs. 17.3%, p = 0.023), and length of stay (8 vs. 7 days, p = 0.009). Median survival in the PDAC subgroup was 53 months.

Conclusion

In the setting of high-volume centres, the surgical training of MIDP is associated with acceptable rates of morbidity. The learning curve can be largely achieved by several team members, improving outcomes over time. Whenever possible resection of PDAC guarantees adequate oncological results and survival.
Die subjektive Verarbeitung chronischer Symptome und Schmerz bei Menschen mit Multipler Sklerose: Visualisierung und Externalisierung als Ausdruck der Lebensqualität
Authors: Graf Barbara , Altmann Patrick , Löffler-Stastka Henriette
Published: January 2022

Somatosensible Symptome und Schmerz zählen zu jenen Beschwerden chronischer Erkrankungen, die sich – aus ärztlicher Sicht – oft einer objektivierbaren Beurteilung entziehen. Persönlichen Externalisierungsprozessen kann hierbei eine besondere Bedeutung zukommen.
Soil–water interaction affecting a deep-seated landslide: From field monitoring to experimental analysis
Authors: Kang Xuan , Wang Shun , Wu Wei , Xu Guangli , Zhao Jinqian , Liu Fusheng
Published: January 2022

Most deep-seated landslides are characterized by large volumes with deep shear surfaces. They are sensitive to hydrological forcing, especially in climate change scenarios. This paper studies the role of soil–water interaction in affecting the motion of a deep-seated landslide near the southeast coast of China, where seasonal rainfall combined with annual typhoons caused the instability of a previous stable slope. A comprehensive investigation consisting of field monitoring and experiments of soil–water interaction is carried out. The monitoring data show that the landslide exhibits alternate dormant and active stages, corresponding to rainy and dry seasons, respectively. The enduring precipitations predominate the landslide motion, while intensive rainfall brought by typhoon events leads to transient deformation. In addition, wet treatment of intact and reconstituted soils is adopted to mimic the interaction between rainwater and landslide material. The results obtained from in-situ and laboratory direct shear tests indicate that the soil–water interaction is time-dependent. The long-term interaction gives rise to significant strength reduction of soils, thereby regulating the movement of the landslide.
Validation of the PAM-13 instrument in the Hungarian general population 40 years old and above
Authors: Zrubka Zsombor , Vékás Péter , Németh Péter , Dobos Ágota , Hajdu Ottó , Kovács Levente , Gulácsi László , Hibbard Judith , Péntek Márta
Published: January 2022

Background

Patient activation comprises the skills, knowledge and motivation necessary for patients’ effective contribution to their care. We adapted and validated the 13-item Patient Activation Measure (PAM-13) in the ≥ 40 years old Hungarian general population.

Methods

A cross-sectional web survey was conducted among 900 respondents selected from an online panel via quota sampling. After 10 days, the survey was repeated on 100 respondents. The distribution, internal consistency, test–retest reliability, factor structure, convergent, discriminant and known-groups validity of PAM-13 were assessed according to the COSMIN guidelines.

Results

The sample comprised 779 respondents. Mean (± SD) age was 60.4 ± 10.6 years, 54% were female and 67% had chronic illness. Mean (± SD) PAM-13 score was 60.6 ± 10.0. We found good internal consistency (Cronbach alpha: 0.77), moderate test–retest reliability (ICC: 0.62;n = 75), a single-factor structure and good content validity: PAM-13 showed moderate correlation with the eHealth Literacy Scale (r = 0.40), and no correlation with age (r = 0.02), education (r = 0.04) or income (ρ = 0.04). Higher PAM-13 scores were associated with fewer lifestyle risks (p < 0.001), more frequent health information seeking (p < 0.001), participation in patient education (p = 0.018) and various online health-related behaviours. When controlling for health literacy, sociodemographic factors and health status, the association of higher PAM-13 scores with overall fewer lifestyle risks, normal body mass index, physical activity and adequate diet remained significant. Similar properties were observed in the subgroup of participants with chronic morbidity, but not in the age group 65+.

Conclusion

PAM-13 demonstrated good validity in the general population. Its properties in clinical populations and the elderly as well as responsiveness to interventions warrant further research.
The practice of speleology: What is its relationship with spatial abilities?
Authors: Muffato Veronica , Zavagnin Michela , Meneghetti Chiara
Published: January 2022

Given the evidence of motor and exploring activities being related to spatial abilities on different scales, the present study considers the case of speleology, a peculiar underground exploratory activity. The relation of this practice with spatial abilities was examined. The study compares a group of expert speleologists (18), a group with a reduced amount of experience in speleology (19 novice speleologists), and a group with a similar amount of practice but in the outdoors (19 experts mountaineers). Group differences will be investigated in terms of (i) small-scale spatial task performance (rotation-based and spatial working memory); (ii) large-scale environment learning (reproduced using verbal descriptions) asking participants to learn a path through a cave or up a mountain (in a counterbalanced order) and then to test their recall with true/false spatial questions and graphical representation tasks; and (iii) self-reports of wayfinding attitudes. The results of linear models showed that, after controlling for age, gender, years of education, and vocabulary scores, expert speleologists had greater mental rotation and perspective-taking abilities and less spatial anxiety than expert mountaineers, and the former performed the true/false questions better than the latter. It should be noted that participants who reported having guiding/path-finding experiences had greater accuracy in graphical representation performance and higher scores in attitude towards orientation. Overall, expertise in speleology is related to spatial abilities on different scales and might have a distinctive role in comparison with other motor practices, pointing to the potential value of examining speleology in the spatial cognition framework.
Biomechanical Markers of Forward Hop-Landing After ACL-Reconstruction: A Pattern Recognition Approach
Authors: Sritharan Prasanna , Muñoz Mario A. , Pivonka Peter , Bryant Adam L. , Mokhtarzadeh Hossein , Perraton Luke G.
Published: January 2022

Biomechanical changes after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) may be detrimental to long-term knee-joint health. We used pattern recognition to characterise biomechanical differences during the landing phase of a single-leg forward hop after ACLR. Experimental data from 66 individuals 12-24 months post-ACLR (28.2 ± 6.3 years) and 32 controls (25.2 ± 4.8 years old) were input into a musculoskeletal modelling pipeline to calculate joint angles, joint moments and muscle forces. These waveforms were transformed into principal components (features), and input into a pattern recognition pipeline, which found 10 main distinguishing features (and 8 associated features) between ACLR and control landing biomechanics at significance $$\alpha =0.05$$

α
=
0.05

. Our process identified known biomechanical characteristics post-ACLR: smaller knee flexion angle; less knee extensor moment; lower vasti, rectus femoris and hamstrings forces. Importantly, we found more novel and less well-understood adaptations: smaller ankle plantar flexor moment; lower soleus forces; and altered patterns of knee rotation angle, hip rotator moment and knee abduction moment. Crucially, we identified, with high certainty, subtle aberrations indicating landing instability in the ACLR group for: knee flexion and internal rotation angles and moments; hip rotation angles and moments; and lumbar rotator and bending moments. Our findings may benefit rehabilitation and assessment for return-to-sport 12–24 months post-ACLR.
Reeder’s Conjecture for Even Orthogonal Lie Algebras
Authors: Di Trani Sabino
Published: January 2022

In the paper we complete a case by case proof of Reeder’s Conjecture started in our previous work, proving the conjecture for simple Lie algebras of type D and for the exceptional cases.
Efficacy and safety of tacrolimus versus corticosteroid as initial monotherapy in adult-onset minimal change disease: a meta-analysis
Authors: Lu Jingkui , Xu Zhongxiu , Xu Wei , Gong Lifeng , Xu Min , Tang Weigang , Jiang Wei , Xie Fengyan , Ding Liping , Qian Xiaoli
Published: January 2022

Objective

The objective of this meta-analysis was to compare the efficacy and safety of tacrolimus (TAC) monotherapy versus corticosteroid as initial monotherapy in adult-onset minimal change disease (MCD) patients.

Methods

Databases including PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang database were searched from the inception to March 20, 2021. Eligible studies comparing TAC monotherapy and corticosteroid as initial monotherapy for adult-onset MCD patients were included. Data were analyzed using Review Manager Version 5.3.

Results

Four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 196 patients were included in the meta-analysis. For initial monotherapy for adult-onset MCD, TAC and corticosteroid had similar complete remission (OR 1.06, 95% CI 0.47–2.41, P = 0.89), total remission (OR 1.30, 95% CI 0.39–4.35, P = 0.67), relapse rate (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.28–1.42, P = 0.26). Main drug-related adverse effects of two therapeutic regimens had no difference concerning infection (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.23–1.27, P = 0.15), glucose intolerance (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.16–1.84, P = 0.33) and acute renal failure (OR 1.37, 95% CI 0.36–7.31, P = 0.71).

Conclusion

TAC monotherapy is comparable with corticosteroid monotherapy in initial therapy of MCD. To further confirm the conclusion, more large multicenter RCTs are necessary.
Influence of Surface Tension and Evaporation on Melt Dynamics of Aluminum Alloys for Laser Powder Bed Fusion
Authors: Bärtl Marko , Xiao Xiao , Brillo Jürgen , Palm Frank
Published: January 2022

One of the most important factors during Laser Powder Bed Fusion is a robust and stable process to generate reproducibly dense and crack-free components with the same homogenous and fine-grained microstructure. Among other factors, surface tension influences the robustness of this process. Three aluminum alloys were investigated by means of 3D laser printing with respect to their ability to form lightweight and high-performance structures. The alloys include two Al-Cr based alloys (Zicromal®: Al-Cr-Zr-Mn, Scancromal®: Al-Cr-Sc-Zr) and an Al-Mg based alloy (Scalmalloy®: Al-Mg-Sc-Mn-Zr). The surface tensions of their liquid melts were measured by means of the oscillating droplet method in electromagnetic levitation. Scalmalloy® exhibited a surface tension that was by 3-8% smaller than the other two alloys, over a temperature range of 500 K above their liquidus temperature; the evaporation analysis showed that Scancromal® exhibits significantly less evaporation compared to the other two alloys by an order of magnitude. During the Laser Powder Bed Fusion process, Scalmalloy® presented the most unstable melt dynamics, and Scancromal® appeared to be more robust and stable with less weld spatters and negligible dust deposition, as evidence from the high-speed video observations. The results support the idea that surface tension and evaporation are potentially crucial factors influencing the melt dynamics and also demonstrate the capability of additive manufacturing that produces customized aluminum alloys for aerospace applications.
Laryngopharyngeal reflux induced sleep-related laryngospasm
Authors: O’Shea Ross , Gaffney Máire , Kaare Majura , Fenton John Eugene
Published: January 2022

Background

Sleep-related laryngospasm (SRL) has been defined as the sustained closure of the vocal cords during sleep. Studies have suggested that it is a rare manifestation of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). Difficulties in diagnosing SRL and LPR have led to the condition being under-recognised in the clinical setting.

Aims

The aim of this study was to determine if LPR was the cause of the SRL symptoms seen in our patients.

Methods

A retrospective chart assessment of patients with SRL. Patients with risk factors for LPR were identified. These included smoking status, alcohol intake, a history of dyspepsia or history of gastroesophageal reflux disease, a history of late-night eating and a history of eating spicy or fatty foods before bed. A clinical diagnosis based on the history and response to management was made for the diagnosis of LPR. All were advised to refrain from late meals and those with signs of nasopharyngitis were commenced on proton pump inhibitor therapy.

Results

Nineteen patients (mean age ± SD: 57.21 ± 15.18) were included in the study. All had at least one risk factor for LPR. Ten (52.6%) had signs of nasopharyngitis on nasendoscopy. Following treatment, 17 (89.5%) reported no further SRL symptoms at 1-year follow-up.

Conclusion

SRL is a largely unknown and under-diagnosed condition. We believe this study provides supportive evidence for the causal relationship between LPR and SRL.
Polyclonal emergence of MDR Enterobacter cloacae complex isolates producing multiple extended spectrum beta-lactamases at Maputo Central Hospital, Mozambique
Authors: Sumbana José , Santona Antonella , Fiamma Maura , Taviani Elisa , Deligios Massimo , Chongo Ventura , Sacarlal Jahit , Rubino Salvatore , Paglietti Bianca
Published: January 2022

Enterobacter spp. are important nosocomial pathogens responsible of a wide variety of infections, mainly due to Extended Spectrum β-Lactamase (ESBL) producing isolates, constituting a global public health issue in terms of clinical treatment and infection control, especially in low-income countries, where last-line treatment is often unavailable and there is weak nosocomial surveillance. In this study, we conducted a phenotypic and molecular characterization of 8 clinical Enterobacter spp. strains, isolated from patient’s blood in three hospitals in Mozambique. Isolates were identified by MALDI-TOF and antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing was performed by VITEK 2 system. Half of isolates were analyzed by PCR for β-lactamases genes, other isolates by Whole Genome Sequencing. We identified all isolates as Enterobacter cloacae complex (ECC), those from Maputo Central Hospital were polyclonal, multidrug resistant (5/8), and ESBL producers (50%), carrying blaCTX-M-15 and different assortment of blaSHV-12, blaTEM-1B and blaOXA-1, and AmpCs blaCMH-3, blaACT-7 and blaACT-9 genes. Resistance determinants linked to fluoroquinolone (aac(6')Ib-cr and qnrB1) and others antimicrobials were also found. Notably, one isolate showed phenotypically resistance to colistin, while another colistin susceptible isolate carried a silent mcr-9 gene. ECC nosocomial surveillance is urgently needed to contain and prevent the dissemination of ESBLs producing clones, and mcr-9 spread to other Enterobacteriaceae.
Joint analysis as an important tool for an optimizing block extraction of natural stones
Authors: Schneider-Löbens Christiane , Siegesmund Siegfried , Stein Karl-Jochen , Löbens Stefan
Published: January 2022

The steadily increasing demand on the natural stone market is accompanied by a predominantly poor economic balance in the extraction of the raw material "ornamental stone". Thus, the net production of raw blocks is far too low in relation to the resulting overburden, which is often the result of insufficient geoscientific input and evaluation of the deposit itself and the deposit-controlling factors. Under these conditions, the investigation pursued the goal of capturing an essential part of the geological conditions with the analytical observation of the fractures systems, in order to contribute to an optimized stone extraction. Only by critically derived constraints on the quarrying process based on the geological situation can the economic viability of natural stone deposits be maintained or increased in the long term, and this from an environmentally friendly point of view. Profitable dimensional stone production mainly depends on the number of extracted blocks. Compared to statistical approaches, the application of the 3D-BlockExpert computer code is based on modelling the block sizes on the discontinuity system such as fracture spacing and fracture orientation. The assessment of all joint and fracture systems provides a forward-looking approach for sustainable quarry management. It is essential to make the best possible use of high-quality material and to minimize the impact quarrying activities has on the natural landscape. Investigations were carried out in quarry areas with different lithologies in Germany and Spain, like sandstones, limestones, slate and granites. The block sizes, the irregularity of acute-angled blocks and the waste to block ratio controls the economic success by avoiding time- and cost-consuming procedures based on geoscientific considerations.
A review on application of ultrasound and ultrasound assisted technology for seed oil extraction
Authors: Thilakarathna R. C. N. , Siow Lee Fong , Tang Teck-Kim , Lee Yee Ying
Published: January 2022

Oil has extensively been extracted from oil-bearing crops and traded globally as a major food commodity. There is always a huge demand from the fats and oils industries to increase oil yield because of profitability benefits. If extraction is conducted under mild operating conditions to preserve and improve the oil quality, then it would be an added value. Ultrasound that works on the cavitational action helps to fulfil the gap. Ultrasound is gaining tremendous interest as an alternative to replace the current conventional extractions approach because of its multiple benefits. Cavitation generated by ultrasound eases the release of oil from cell matrices, thereby allowing the extraction to be carried out under mild processing conditions. The effect enhances the oil yield whilst preserving the quality of the oil. In ultrasound, green solvents can be used to replace toxic organic solvents. Recent up-to-date approaches utilised a combination of ultrasound with enzyme, microwave and supercritical technology to further enhance the oil extraction. This review highlights a comprehensive work of the impact of ultrasound and ultrasound in combination with other technologies on oil extraction, which emphasises the extraction yield and physicochemical properties of the oil, such as fatty acid composition, oxidative stability with the retention of the lipophilic phytochemicals and iodine, saponification values and colour parameters. Understanding of ultrasonication techniques for oil extraction served to be essential and useful information for the fats and oils scientists from academia and industries to explore the possibility of employing a sustainable and mild approaches for extracting oil from various crops.
Disrupting networks of hate: characterising hateful networks and removing critical nodes
Authors: Alorainy Wafa , Burnap Pete , Liu Han , Williams Matthew , Giommoni Luca
Published: January 2022

Hateful individuals and groups have increasingly been using the Internet to express their ideas, spread their beliefs and recruit new members. Understanding the network characteristics of these hateful groups could help understand individuals’ exposure to hate and derive intervention strategies to mitigate the dangers of such networks by disrupting communications. This article analyses two hateful followers’ networks and three hateful retweet networks of Twitter users who post content subsequently classified by human annotators as containing hateful content. Our analysis shows similar connectivity characteristics between the hateful followers networks and likewise between the hateful retweet networks. The study shows that the hateful networks exhibit higher connectivity characteristics when compared to other “risky” networks, which can be seen as a risk in terms of the likelihood of exposure to, and propagation of, online hate. Three network performance metrics are used to quantify the hateful content exposure and contagion: giant component (GC) size, density and average shortest path. In order to efficiently identify nodes whose removal reduced the flow of hate in a network, we propose a range of structured node-removal strategies and test their effectiveness. Results show that removing users with a high degree is most effective in reducing the hateful followers network connectivity (GC, size and density), and therefore reducing the risk of exposure to cyberhate and stemming its propagation.
A sharp Bernstein–type inequality and application to the Carleson embedding theorem with matrix weights
Authors: Kraus Daniela , Moucha Annika , Roth Oliver
Published: January 2022

We prove a sharp Bernstein-type inequality for complex polynomials which are positive and satisfy a polynomial growth condition on the positive real axis. This leads to an improved upper estimate in the recent work of Culiuc and Treil (Int. Math. Res. Not. 2019: 3301–3312, 2019) on the weighted martingale Carleson embedding theorem with matrix weights. In the scalar case this new upper bound is optimal.
On approximation of functions by rational functions in weighted generalized grand Smirnov classes
Authors: Jafarov Sadulla Z.
Published: January 2022

LetGbe a doubly connected domain in the complex plane$$\mathbb {C}$$C, bounded by Ahlfors 1-regular curves. In this study the approximation of the functions by Faber–Laurent rational functions in the$$\omega $$ω-weighted generalized grand Smirnov classes$$\mathcal {E}^{p),\theta }(G,\omega )$$Ep),θ(G,ω)in the term of therth$$,~r=1,2\ldots ,$$,r=1,2…,mean modulus of smoothness are investigated.
Psychological Interventions Prior to Cancer Surgery: a Review of Reviews
Authors: Grimmett Chloe , Heneka Nicole , Chambers Suzanne
Published: January 2022

Purpose of Review

Patients with cancer who have high levels of psychological distress have poor treatment compliance and worse outcomes. This “review of reviews” provides a narrative synthesis of the impact of psychological prehabilitation interventions on individuals awaiting cancer surgery.

Recent Findings

Twenty reviews of prehabilitation with psychological interventions were identified. There is a trend towards improved psychological outcomes following intervention, particularly when psychologist-led. However, there was considerable heterogeneity within interventions, outcome measures, and timing of assessment precluding numeric synthesis. Methodological limitations including non-blinding, absence of stratification, and underpowered studies were also pervasive.

Providing psychological support early in the cancer pathway and prior to surgery has the potential to improve psychological health and outcomes. The application of existing knowledge in psycho-oncology, including distress screening, is needed in the prehabilitation setting. Consistent outcome assessments, accurate reporting of intervention components and delivery methods, and a consideration of effective systems and economical implementation strategies would facilitate advancements in this field.
Equilibrium stressability of multidimensional frameworks
Authors: Karpenkov Oleg , Müller Christian , Panina Gaiane , Servatius Brigitte , Servatius Herman , Siersma Dirk
Published: January 2022

We prove an equilibrium stressability criterion for trivalent multidimensional frameworks. The criterion appears in different languages: (1) in terms of stress monodromies, (2) in terms of surgeries, (3) in terms of exact discrete 1-forms, and (4) in Cayley algebra terms.
Die Medienberichterstattung zur Vermögens- und Erbschaftsbesteuerung in Deutschland: eine korpuslinguistische Analyse
Authors: Theine Hendrik , Grisold Andrea
Published: January 2022

Dieser Beitrag untersucht die Berichterstattung zur Vermögens- und Erbschaftsbesteuerung im frühen 21. Jahrhundert (2000 bis 2018) in sieben deutschen Tages- und Wochenzeitungen (Welt am Sonntag, Die Zeit, Der Spiegel, Die Welt, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Süddeutsche Zeitungundtaz).

Der Artikel ist in der Tradition der Politischen Ökonomie der Medien verortet, die die mediale Verbreitung von Diskursen über gesellschaftliche Prozesse als konstitutiv auch für Präferenzen zu wirtschaftspolitischen Fragen ansieht. Medien geben nicht nur Informationen weiter, sondern tragen zur Konstruktion der sozialen Realität bei, indem die Diskurse in die Bevölkerung diffundieren. Internationale empirische Forschungen zur Medienberichterstattung über ökonomische Ungleichheit und die diesbezüglichen Umverteilungsmaßnahmen bilden die Grundlage der hier vorgestellten Studie.

Die Analyse stützt sich auf Methoden der Korpuslinguistik und kommt zu vier zentralen Ergebnissen: erstens zeigt sich im Zeitverlauf, dass die Intensität der Berichterstattung von starken zeitlichen Schwankungen gekennzeichnet ist. Eine systematische Zunahme der Berichterstattung ist dabei aber nicht festzustellen, obwohl die Thematik im Kontext der stark ausgeprägten Vermögensungleichheit steht, deren verstärkte Debatte besteht. Der inhaltliche Fokus liegt zweitens auf der (partei)politischen Ebene, hat eine eindeutig monetäre Dimension, und lässt einen Zusammenhang mit gesellschaftspolitischen und wirtschaftlichen Diskursen, die im Kontext der Vermögens- und Erbschaftsbesteuerung stehen (z. B. ökonomische Ungleichheit, Umverteilungswirkungen usw.), auffällig wenig erkennen. Die Analyse einzelner, ausgewählter Zeiträume verstärkt drittens den Befund, dass die (partei)politische Ebene dabei im Vordergrund steht, da Kontroversen im politischen Raum und Reformdebatten die dominanten Anlässe der Berichterstattung darstellen. Viertens ergibt die Analyse der einzelnen Zeitungen, dass die Ausrichtung der Berichterstattung in allen Zeitungen durchaus ähnlich ausgerichtet ist; einige Differenzen ergeben sich hinsichtlich unternehmensbezogener Aspekte (Die Welt, Welt am SonntagundFAZ), Details zur Ausgestaltung der Steuern (Süddeutsche Zeitung) sowie dem Zusammenhang zwischen Erbschafts- und Vermögenssteuern mit Krisenentwicklungen und dem Klimawandel (taz).
Tetramethylpyrazine Retards the Progression and Fibrogenesis of Endometriosis
Authors: Huang Shenghui , Xiao Fengyi , Guo Sun-Wei , Zhang Tingting
Published: January 2022

The development of more efficacious, non-hormonal therapeutics for endometriosis is still an unmet medical need begging to be fulfilled. Growing evidence indicates that endometriotic lesions are wounds undergoing repeated tissue injury and repair, and, as such, platelets play an important role in lesional progression. Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP), a compound derived from a herb that has been used for thousands of years to combat “blood stasis” in traditional Chinese medicine, is a prescription drug in China for the treatment of cerebrovascular disorders. We tested the hypothesis that TMP can decelerate lesional progression through arresting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transdifferentiation (FMT), and fibrogenesis. We found in our in vitro experiments that TMP treatment suppresses platelet-induced EMT, FMT, cellular contractility, and collagen production in a concentration-dependent manner. We also showed that in a mouse model of endometriosis, treatment with TMP significantly reduced lesion weight and the extent of lesional fibrosis and improved hyperalgesia, mostly likely through the reduction of lesional aggregation of platelets and the lesional expression of markers of EMT, FMT, and fibrogenesis. In light of our results and in view of its excellent safety profiles, TMP appears to be a promising drug candidate for treating endometriosis.
Elastic stiffness estimation of aggregate–ITZ system of concrete through matrix porosity and volumetric considerations: explanation and exemplification
Authors: Revilla-Cuesta Víctor , Skaf Marta , Santamaría Amaia , Romera Jesús M. , Ortega-López Vanesa
Published: January 2022

The modulus of elasticity of a concrete depends on the elastic stiffness of both the cementitious matrix and the aggregate–ITZ system, which includes any slippage mechanisms under loading between the aggregate and the cementitious matrix within the interfacial transition zone (ITZ). A procedure is presented in this paper to estimate the elastic stiffness of an aggregate–ITZ system within a cementitious matrix, by considering the relative volumes and the porosities of the concrete components. The method was validated by determining the elastic stiffness of both the limestone–ITZ and the electric arc furnace slag (EAFS)–ITZ systems when embedded in a slag-based cementitious matrix. The greater stiffness of the EAFS–ITZ system in comparison with the natural aggregate system explained the higher strength and modulus of elasticity of the concrete following additions of EAFS. Moreover, having determined those parameters, the elastic moduli of concretes with a similar cementitious matrix could then be accurately estimated.
An Unusual Attack by a Blue Bull Resulting in Penetrating Horn Injuries
Authors: Gorchiya Asharam , Jadav Devendra , Singh Shekhawat Raghvendra
Published: January 2022

Owing to multiple factors, human-wildlife interactions are increasing, and conflict can result in fatal injuries. A 21-y-old man was brought to the emergency department in critical condition with 2 puncture wounds over the thoracoabdominal region after a nilgai, or blue bull ( Boselaphus tragocamelus), had gored him. The patient sustained double gastric perforation, which was managed laparoscopically and complicated by an abscess formation in the lesser sac 1 wk later, which required further surgical exploration. The operative culture showed growth of Klebsiella pneumoniae. Intravenous antibiotics were given as per the culture sensitivity report, and the patient improved. Many horn injuries are described as puncture lacerated wounds owing to the rugged nature of animal horns. However, in this case, the margins of the wound were regular and incision-like owing to the smooth and straight structure of blue bull horns. Early surgical exploration and monitoring of treatment progress are crucial in reducing morbidity in penetrating horn injuries.
Overview and risk factors for postcraniotomy surgical site infection: A four-year experience
Authors: Corsini Campioli Cristina , Challener Douglas , Comba Isin Y. , Shah Aditya , Wilson Walter R. , Sohail M. Rizwan , Van Gompel Jamie J. , O’Horo John C.
Published: January 2022

Objective:

Despite evidence favoring perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis (ABP) use in patients undergoing craniotomy to reduce rates of surgical site infections (SSIs), standardized protocols are lacking. We describe demographic characteristics, risk factors, and ABP choice in patients with craniotomy complicated with SSI.

Design:

Retrospective case series from January 1, 2017, through December 31, 2020.

Setting:

Tertiary-care referral center.

Patients:

Adults who underwent craniotomy and were diagnosed with an SSI.

Methods:

Logistic regression to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals to identify factors associated with SSIs.

Results:

In total, 5,328 patients undergoing craniotomy were identified during the study period; 59 (1.1%) suffered an SSI. Compared with non-SSI cases, patients with SSI had a significantly higher frequency of emergency procedures: 13.5% versus 5.8% (P = .02; odds ratio [OR], 2.52; 95% confidene interval [CI], 1.10–5.06; P = .031). Patients with SSI had a higher rate of a dirty (5.1% vs 0.9%) and lower rate of clean-contaminated (3.3% vs 14.5%) wound class than those without infection (P = .002). Nearly all patients received ABP before craniotomy (98.3% in the SSI group vs 99.6% in the non-SSI group; P = .10). Combination of vancomycin and cefazolin as dual therapy was more prevalent in the group of patients without infection (n = 1,761, 34.1%) than those with SSI (n = 4, 6.8%) (P < .001), associated with decreased odds for SSI (OR, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.005–0.42; P ≤ .001).

Conclusions:

SSI are frequently seen after an emergent neurosurgical procedure and a dirty wound classification. Combination of prophylactic cefazolin and vancomycin is associated with decreased risk for SSI.
Taking the New Year's Resolution Test seriously: eliciting individuals’ judgements about self-control and spontaneity
Authors: Grubiak Kevin P. , Isoni Andrea , Sugden Robert , Wang Mengjie , Zheng Jiwei
Published: January 2022

Self-control failure occurs when an individual experiences a conflict between immediate desires and longer-term goals, recognises psychological forces that hinder goal-directed action, tries to resist them but fails in the attempt. Behavioural economists often invoke assumptions about self-control failure to justify proposals for policy interventions. These arguments require workable methods for eliciting individuals’ goals and for verifying occurrences of self-control failure, but developing such methods confronts two problems. First, it is not clear that individuals’ goals are context-independent. Second, facing an actual conflict between a desire and a self-acknowledged goal, a person may consciously choose not to resist the desire, thinking that spontaneity is more important than self-control. We address these issues through an online survey that elicited individuals’ self-reported judgements about the relative importance of self-control and spontaneity in conflicts between enjoyment and health-related goals. To test for context-sensitivity, the judgement-elicitation questions were preceded by a memory recall task which directed participants’ attention either to the enjoyment of acting on desires or to the satisfaction of achieving goals. We found little evidence of context-sensitivity. In both treatments, however, judgements that favoured spontaneity were expressed with roughly the same frequency and strength as judgments that favoured self-control.