bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in the global impact of COVID-19 on nuclear medicine departments during 2020: an international follow-up survey
Authors: Giammarile Francesco , Delgado Bolton Roberto C. , El-Haj Noura , Freudenberg Lutz S. , Herrmann Ken , Mikhail Miriam , Morozova Olga , Orellana Pilar , Pellet Olivier , Estrada L. Enrique , Vinjamuri Sobhan , Gnanasegaran Gopinath , Pynda Yaroslav , Navarro-Marulanda Maria C. , Choudhury Partha S. , Paez Diana
Published: June 2021

Aim

As a follow-up to the international survey conducted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in April 2020, this survey aims to provide a situational snapshot of the COVID-19 impact on nuclear medicine services worldwide, 1 year later. The survey was designed to determine the impact of the pandemic at two specific time points: June and October 2020, and compare them to the previously collected data.

Materials and methods

A web-based questionnaire, in the same format as the April 2020 survey was disseminated to nuclear medicine facilities worldwide. Survey data was collected using a secure software platform hosted by the IAEA; it was made available for 6 weeks, from November 23 to December 31, 2020.

Results

From 505 replies received from 96 countries, data was extracted from 355 questionnaires (of which 338 were fully completed). The responses came from centres across varying regions of the world and with heterogeneous income distributions. Regional differences and challenges across the world were identified and analysed. Globally, the volume of nuclear medicine procedures decreased by 73.3% in June 2020 and 56.9% in October 2020. Among the nuclear medicine procedures, oncological PET studies showed less of a decline in utilization compared to conventional nuclear medicine, particularly nuclear cardiology. The negative impact was also significantly less pronounced in high-income countries. A trend towards a gradual return to the pre-COVID-19 situation of the supply chains of radioisotopes, generators, and other essential materials was evident.

Conclusion

The year 2020 has a significant decrease in nuclear medicine diagnostic and therapeutic procedures as a result of the pandemic-related challenges. In June, the global decline recorded in the survey was greater than in October when the situation began to show improvement. However, the total number of procedures remained below those recorded in April 2020 and fell to less than half of the volumes normally carried out pre-pandemic.
Evaluation of a surgical treatment algorithm for neglected clubfoot in low-resource settings
Authors: Pigeolet Manon , Imam Saiful , Ninulescu Gheorghe Cristian , Kabir Shafiul , Smeesters Pierre R. , Mahmud Hasib
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Idiopathic clubfoot affects approximately 1/1000 alive-born infants, of whom 80–91% are born in low- or middle-income countries (LMICs). This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the morphological, functional, and social outcomes in patients with neglected clubfoot in rural Bangladesh, after receiving surgical treatment.

Methods

Patients received a posteromedial release (PMR) with or without an additional soft tissue intervention (group 1), a PMR with an additional bony intervention (group 2), or a triple arthrodesis (group 3) according to our surgical algorithm. Patients were followed until two year post-intervention. Evaluation was done using a modified International Clubfoot Study Group Outcome evaluation score and the Laaveg-Ponseti score.

Results

Twenty-two patients with 32 neglected clubfeet (ages 2–24 years) received surgical treatment. Nineteen patients with 29 clubfeet attended follow-up. At two year follow-up an excellent, good, or fair Laaveg-Ponseti score was obtained in 81% (group 1), 80% (group 2), and 0% (group 3) of the patients (p value 0.0038). Age at intervention is inversely correlated with the Laaveg-Ponseti score at two year follow-up (p < 0.0001). All patients attended school or work and were able to wear normal shoes.

Conclusion

Our treatment algorithm is in line with other surgical algorithms used in LMICs. Our data reconfirms that excellent results can be obtained with a PMR regardless of age. Our algorithm follows a pragmatic approach that takes into account the reality on the ground in many LMICs. Good functional outcomes can be achieved with PMR for neglected clubfoot. Further research is needed to investigate the possible role of triple arthrodesis.
UCP-2 inhibitor enhanced the efficacy of trastuzumab against HER2 positive breast cancer cells
Authors: Hua Jun , Zhang Zhe , Zhang Lili , Sun Yan , Yuan Yuan
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the possibility of UCP-2 inhibitor in reducing acquired resistance of trastuzumab to improve the outcome of patients receiving trastuzumab therapy by exploring the relationship between UCP-2 expression and HER2 signaling pathway and examining whether UCP-2 expression was modulated by trastuzumab treatment.

Methods

32 women diagnosed with primary HER2-positive breast cancer were recruited in this study. Needle biopsy was obtained from patients before they received at least four cycles neoadjuvant therapy containing trastuzumab in combination with chemotherapy. Surgical tumor biopsy was obtained during surgical procedure after the neoadjuvant therapy. Levels of HER2 phosphorylation and UCP-2 expression were detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and compared between tumor needle biopsy tissue and surgical tumor samples of these patients, as well as in BT474 breast cancer cells before and after trastuzumab treatment. HER2-selective phosphorylation/kinase activity inhibitor ONT-380 was used to identify the correlation between HER2 phosphorylation level and UCP-2 expression. UCP-2 inhibitor Genipin was then used to evaluate the apoptosis index in BT474 cells treated with trastuzumab.

Results

UCP-2 expression was significantly elevated in surgical tumor samples from breast cancer patients receiving trastuzumab in a neoadjuvant setting. We further confirmed our findings in HER2-positive BT474 cell line and found that trastuzumab treatment induced phosphorylation of HER2 and the overexpression of UCP-2, and the latter can be reversed by HER2 selective kinase inhibitor ONT-380. Moreover, UCP-2 inhibitor Genipin significantly enhanced the proliferation suppression effects of trastuzumab and markedly promoted apoptosis.

Conclusion

Taken together, our study identified UCP-2 as a novel therapeutic target for HER2 positive breast cancer and UCP-2 inhibitor may have great potential to enhance the response rate and efficacy of trastuzumab therapy.
RNAi-mediated gene knockdown of progesterone 5β-reductases in Digitalis lanata reduces 5β-cardenolide content
Authors: Klein Jan , Horn Elisa , Ernst Mona , Leykauf Tim , Leupold Tamara , Dorfner Maja , Wolf Laura , Ignatova Anastasiia , Kreis Wolfgang , Munkert Jennifer
Published: June 2021

Key message

Studying RNAi-mediatedDlP5βR1andDlP5βR2knockdown shoot culture lines ofDigitalis lanata,we here provide direct evidence for the participation of PRISEs (progesterone 5β-reductase/iridoid synthase-like enzymes) in 5β-cardenolide formation.

Progesterone 5β-reductases (P5βR) are assumed to catalyze the reduction of progesterone to 5β-pregnane-3,20-dione, which is a crucial step in the biosynthesis of the 5β-cardenolides. P5βRs are encoded byVEP1-like genes occurring ubiquitously in embryophytes. P5βRs are substrate-promiscuous enone-1,4-reductases recently termed PRISEs (progesterone 5β-reductase/iridoid synthase-like enzymes). Two PRISE genes, termedDlP5βR1(AY585867.1) andDlP5βR2(HM210089.1) were isolated fromDigitalis lanata. To give experimental evidence for the participation of PRISEs in 5β-cardenolide formation, we here established several RNAi-mediatedDlP5βR1andDlP5βR2knockdown shoot culture lines ofD. lanata. Cardenolide contents were lower inD. lanata P5βR-RNAilines than in wild-type shoots. We considered that the gene knockdowns may have had pleiotropic effects such as an increase in glutathione (GSH) which is known to inhibit cardenolide formation. GSH levels and expression of glutathione reductase (GR) were measured. Both were higher in theDl P5βR-RNAilines than in the wild-type shoots. Cardenolide biosynthesis was restored by buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) treatment inDl P5βR2-RNAilines but not inDl P5βR1-RNAilines. Since progesterone is a precursor of cardenolides but can also act as a reactive electrophile species (RES), we here discriminated between these by comparing the effects of progesterone and methyl vinyl ketone, a small RES but not a precursor of cardenolides. To the best of our knowledge, we here demonstrated for the first time thatP5βR1is involved in cardenolide formation. We also provide further evidence that PRISEs are also important for plants dealing with stress by detoxifying reactive electrophile species (RES).
Clinical indications for image-guided interventional procedures in the musculoskeletal system: a Delphi-based consensus paper from the European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology (ESSR)—part IV, hip
Authors: Sconfienza Luca Maria , Adriaensen Miraude , Alcala-Galiano Andrea , Allen Georgina , Aparisi Gómez Maria Pilar , Aringhieri Giacomo , Bazzocchi Alberto , Beggs Ian , Chianca Vito , Corazza Angelo , Dalili Danoob , De Dea Miriam , del Cura Jose Luis , Di Pietto Francesco , Drakonaki Elena , de Castro Fernando Facal , Filippiadis Dimitrios , Gitto Salvatore , Grainger Andrew J , Greenwood Simon , Gupta Harun , Isaac Amanda , Ivanoski Slavcho , Khanna Monica , Klauser Andrea , Mansour Ramy , Martin Silvia , Mascarenhas Vasco , Mauri Giovanni , McCarthy Catherine , McKean David , McNally Eugene , Melaki Kalliopi , Messina Carmelo , Mombiela Rebeca Mirón , Moutinho Ricardo , Obradov Marina , Olchowy Cyprian , Orlandi Davide , González Raquel Prada , Prakash Mahesh , Posadzy Magdalena , Rutkauskas Saulius , Snoj Žiga , Tagliafico Alberto Stefano , Talaska Alexander , Tomas Xavier , Vasilevska Nikodinovska Violeta , Vucetic Jelena , Wilson David , Zaottini Federico , Zappia Marcello , Albano Domenico
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Image-guided musculoskeletal interventional procedures around the hip are widely used in daily clinical practice. The need for clarity concerning the actual added value of imaging guidance and types of medications to be offered led the Ultrasound and the Interventional Subcommittees of the European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology (ESSR) to promote, with the support of its Research Committee, a collaborative project to review the published literature on image-guided musculoskeletal interventional procedures in the lower limb in order to derive a list of clinical indications.

Methods

In this article, we report the results of a Delphi-based consensus of 53 experts who reviewed the published literature for evidence on image-guided interventional procedures offered in the joint and soft tissues around the hip in order of their clinical indications.

Results

Ten statements concerning image-guided treatment procedures around the hip have been collected by the panel of ESSR experts.

Conclusions

This work highlighted that there is still low evidence in the existing literature on some of these interventional procedures. Further large prospective randomized trials are essential to better confirm the benefits and objectively clarify the role of imaging to guide musculoskeletal interventional procedures around the hip.

Key Points

• Expert consensus produced a list of 10 evidence-based statements on clinical indications of image-guided interventional procedures around the hip.

• The highest level of evidence was only reached for one statement.

• Strong consensus was obtained for all statements.
Physiological and ecological consequences of the water optical properties degradation on reef corals
Authors: López-Londoño Tomás , Galindo-Martínez Claudia T. , Gómez-Campo Kelly , González-Guerrero Luis A. , Roitman Sofia , Pollock F. Joseph , Pizarro Valeria , López-Victoria Mateo , Medina Mónica , Iglesias-Prieto Roberto
Published: June 2021

Degradation of water optical properties due to anthropogenic disturbances is a common phenomenon in coastal waters globally. Although this condition is associated with multiple drivers that affect corals health in multiple ways, its effect on light availability and photosynthetic energy acquisition has been largely neglected. Here, we describe how declining the water optical quality in a coastal reef exposed to a turbid plume of water originating from a man-made channel compromises the functionality of the keystone coral species Orbicella faveolata. We found highly variable water optical conditions with significant effects on the light quantity and quality available for corals. Low-light phenotypes close to theoretical limits of photoacclimation were found at shallow depths as a result of reduced light penetration. The estimated photosynthetically fixed energy depletion with increasing depth was associated with patterns of colony mortality and vertical habitat compression. A numerical model illustrates the potential effect of the progressive water quality degradation on coral mortality and population decline along the depth gradient. Collectively, our findings suggest that preserving the water properties seeking to maximize light penetration through the water column is essential for maintaining the coral reef structure and associated ecosystem services.
Never too late? Quadruplets at the age of 65 years
Authors: Hinkson Larry , Dame Christof , Braun Thorsten , Nachtigall Irit , Henrich Wolfgang
Published: June 2021

Background

We discuss the challenges of multiple pregnancy at very advanced reproductive age.

Case presentation

We present the case of a quadruplet pregnancy at the maternal age of 65 following in-vitro fertilization (IVF) with donor eggs and sperm, involving cross-border reproductive care. All children born were at 25 weeks’ gestation and survived; however, poor neurodevelopmental outcome remains a major concern in one child.

Conclusions

The use of reproductive technology to achieve a multiple pregnancy at such an advanced post-menopausal age generated a debate on ethical, psychosocial and medical questions. We share this debate and highlight the need to reconsider international guidelines for women of advanced reproductive age.
External auditory exostoses in wind-dependent water sports participants: German wind- and kitesurfers
Authors: Wegener Florian , Wegner Manfred , Weiss Nora M.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Cold water and wind are known to cause exostoses of the external auditory canal. Different prevalences in different sports have been described in the literature. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of external auditory exostosis (EAE) and EAE severity in coastal German wind- and kitesurfers who are exposed to cold water and strong winds. Furthermore, influencing factors such as the total exposure time and frequency of activity as well as the correlations between symptoms and the severity of EAE were investigated.

Methods

In this retrospective cross-sectional study, German non-professional wind- and kitesurfers along the North and Baltic Sea coasts were recruited between September 2020 and November 2020. Each participant was interviewed about exposure time and otological symptoms and underwent bilateral video otoscopic examination to determine EAE severity.

Results

A total of 241 ears from 130 subjects were analysed. The prevalence of EAE was 75.1%. In 19.9% of the participants, severe EAE was found. Exposure time and the frequency of activity had significant effects on the severity of EAE. Compared to surfers, EAE growth seems to progress faster in wind- and kitesurfers. The number of symptoms requiring medical treatment increased when two-thirds of the external auditory canal was obstructed.

Conclusion

The prevalence of EAE in wind- and kitesurfers is high. Total exposure time and the frequency of activity influence EAE growth. EAE growth occurs faster in wind- and kitesurfers than in surfers. The additional influence of wind and the evaporative cooling of the EAC are thought to be responsible. The results of this study should increase awareness of the dynamics of EAE among ENT specialists and improve patient counselling.
Treatment of major depressive disorder with bilateral theta burst stimulation: study protocol for a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter trial (TBS-D)
Authors: Plewnia Christian , Brendel Bettina , Schwippel Tobias , Nieratschker Vanessa , Ethofer Thomas , Kammer Thomas , Padberg Frank , Martus Peter , Fallgatter Andreas J.
Published: June 2021

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) is currently evolving as an effective and safe therapeutic tool in the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). However, already established rTMS treatment paradigms are rather time-consuming. With theta burst stimulation (TBS), a patterned form of rTMS, treatment time can be substantially reduced. Pilot studies and a randomized controlled trial (RCT) demonstrate non-inferiority of TBS to 10 Hz rTMS and support a wider use in MDD. Still, data from placebo-controlled multicenter RCTs are lacking. In this placebo-controlled multicenter study, 236 patients with MDD will be randomized to either intermittent TBS (iTBS) to the left and continuous TBS (cTBS) to the right dlPFC or bilateral sham stimulation (1:1 ratio). The treatment will be performed with 80% resting motor threshold intensity over six consecutive weeks (30 sessions). The primary outcome is the treatment response rate (Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale reduction ≥ 50%). The aim of the study is to confirm the superiority of active bilateral TBS compared to placebo treatment. In two satellite studies, we intend to identify possible MRI-based and (epi-)genetic predictors of responsiveness to TBS therapy. Positive results will support the clinical use of bilateral TBS as an advantageous, efficient, and well-tolerated treatment and pave the way for further individualization of MDD therapy.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04392947).
Short-term heat acclimation preserves knee extensor torque but does not improve 20 km self-paced cycling performance in the heat
Authors: Osborne John O. , Stewart Ian B. , Borg David N. , Beagley Kenneth W. , Buhmann Robert L. , Minett Geoffrey M.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study investigated the effect of 5 days of heat acclimation training on neuromuscular function, intestinal damage, and 20 km cycling (20TT) performance in the heat.

Methods

Eight recreationally trained males completed two 5-day training blocks (cycling 60 min day−1 at 50% peak power output) in a counter-balanced, cross-over design, with a 20TT completed before and after each block. Training was conducted in hot (HA: 34.9 ± 0.7 °C, 53 ± 4% relative humidity) or temperate (CON: 22.2 ± 2.6 °C, 65 ± 8% relative humidity) environment. All 20TTs were completed in the heat (35.1 ± 0.5 °C, 51 ± 4% relative humidity). Neuromuscular assessment of knee extensors (5 × 5 s maximum voluntary contraction; MVC) was completed before and after each 20TT and on the first and last days of each training block.

Results

MVC torque was statistically higher after 5 days of HA training compared to CON (mean difference = 14 N m [95% confidence interval; 6, 23]; p < 0.001; d = 0.77). However, 20TT performance after 5 days of HA training was not statistically different to CON, with a between-conditions mean difference in the completion time of 68 s [95% confidence interval; − 9, 145] (p = 0.076; d = 0.35).

Conclusion

Short-term heat acclimation training may increase knee extensor strength without changes in central fatigue or intestinal damage. Nevertheless, it is insufficient to improve 20 km self-paced cycling performance in the heat compared to workload-matched training in a temperate environment. These data suggest that recreationally trained athletes gain no worthwhile performance advantage from short-term heat-training before competing in the heat.
A validated quantification of triclosan in toothpaste using high-performance thin-layer chromatography and a 48-bit flatbed scanner
Authors: Anders Barbara , Doll Sabrina , Spangenberg Bernd
Published: June 2021

We present a densitometric quantification method for triclosan in toothpaste, separated by high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) and using a 48-bit flatbed scanner as the detection system. The sample was band-wise applied to HPTLC plates (10 × 20 cm), with fluorescent dye, Merck, Germany (1.05554). The plates were developed in a vertical developing chamber with 20 min of chamber saturation over 70 mm, using n-heptane–methyl tert-butyl ether–acetic acid (92:8:0.1, V/V) as solvent. The RF value of triclosan is hRF = 22.4, and quantification is based on direct measurements using an inexpensive 48-bit flatbed scanner for color measurements (in red, green, and blue) after plate staining with 2,6-dichloroquinone-4-chloroimide (Gibbs' reagent). Evaluation of the red channel makes the measurements of triclosan very specific. For linearization, an extended Kubelka–Munk expression was used for data transformation. The range of linearity covers more than two orders of magnitude and is between 91 and 1000 ng. The separation method is inexpensive, fast and reliable.
Parental post-traumatic stress and psychiatric care utilisation among refugee adolescents
Authors: Berg Lisa , de Montgomery Edith , Brendler-Lindquist Monica , Mittendorfer-Rutz Ellenor , Hjern Anders
Published: June 2021

Parental psychiatric morbidity related to experiences of war and trauma has been associated with adverse psychological outcomes for children. The aim of this study was to investigate parental post-traumatic stress in relation to psychiatric care utilization among children of refugees with particular attention on the child’s own refugee status, sex of both child and parents, and specific psychiatric diagnoses. This was a register study in a population of 16 143 adolescents from refugee families in Stockholm County born 1995–2000 and followed between 2011 and 2017 (11–18 years old). Parental post-traumatic stress, identified in three levels of care, was analysed in relation to child and adolescent psychiatric care use. Cox regression analysis was used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), adjusted for duration of residence and demographic and socioeconomic variables. Having a mother with post-traumatic stress was associated with higher psychiatric care utilization, with adjusted HR 2.44 (95% CI 1.90–3.14) among foreign-born refugee children and HR 1.77 (1.33–2.36) among Swedish-born children with refugee parents, with particularly high risks for children with less than five years of residence (HR 4.03; 2.29–7.10) and for diagnoses of anxiety and depression (HR 2.71; 2.11–3.48). Having a father with post-traumatic stress was not associated with increased HRs of psychiatric care utilization. Similar results were seen for boys and girls. Treatment for post-traumatic stress should be made available in refugee reception programmes. These programmes should use a family approach that targets both parents and children.
Second-line treatments for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Bayesian Network Meta-analysis
Authors: Solimando Antonio Giovanni , Susca Nicola , Argentiero Antonella , Brunetti Oronzo , Leone Patrizia , De Re Valli , Fasano Rossella , Krebs Markus , Petracci Elisabetta , Azzali Irene , Nanni Oriana , Silvestris Nicola , Vacca Angelo , Racanelli Vito
Published: June 2021

Background & Aims

A plethora of second-line therapies have been recently introduced for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment with promising results. A meta-analysis of second-line treatments for HCC has been performed to better tailor their use based on improved patient stratification and to identify the best available option.

Methods

Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched for randomized controlled trials evaluating second-line treatment for advanced HCC in patients already treated with sorafenib. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS). Secondary outcomes were progression-free survival (PFS) and drug withdrawal due to adverse events. Network meta-analyses were performed considering placebo as the basis for comparison in efficacy and safety analyses. Subgroup stratification considered gender, age, sorafenib-responsiveness and drug tolerability, viral infection, macrovascular invasion, HCC extrahepatic spread, performance status, and alpha-fetoprotein levels.

Results

Fourteen phase II or III randomized controlled trials, involving 5,488 patients and 12 regimens, were included in the analysis. Regorafenib (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.63, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.50–0.79), cabozantinib (HR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.63–0.92), and ramucirumab (HR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.70–0.76) significantly prolonged OS compared with placebo. Cabozantinib (HR = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.36–0.52), regorafenib (HR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.37–0.56), ramucirumab (HR = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.43–0.68), brivanib (HR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.42–0.76), S-1 (HR = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.46–0.77), axitinib (HR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.44–0.87), and pembrolizumab (HR = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.57–0.90) significantly improved PFS compared with placebo. None of the compared drugs deemed undoubtedly superior after having performed a patients’ stratification.

Conclusions

The results of this network meta-analysis suggest the use of regorafenib and cabozantinib as second-line treatments in HCC.
Can global rainfall estimates (satellite and reanalysis) aid landslide hindcasting?
Authors: Ozturk U. , Saito H. , Matsushi Y. , Crisologo I. , Schwanghart W.
Published: June 2021

Predicting rainfall-induced landslides hinges on the quality of the rainfall product. Satellite rainfall estimates or rainfall reanalyses aid in studying landslide occurrences especially in ungauged areas, or in the absence of ground-based rainfall radars. Quality of these rainfall estimates is critical; hence, they are commonly crosschecked with their ground-based counterparts. Beyond their temporal precision compared to ground-based observations, we investigate whether these rainfall estimates are adequate for hindcasting landslides, which particularly requires accurate representation of spatial variability of rainfall. We developed a logistic regression model to hindcast rainfall-induced landslides in two sites in Japan. The model contains only a few topographic and geologic predictors to leave room for different rainfall products to improve the model as additional predictors. By changing the input rainfall product, we compared GPM IMERG and ERA5 rainfall estimates with ground radar–based rainfall data. Our findings emphasize that there is a lot of room for improvement of spatiotemporal prediction of landslides, as shown by a strong performance increase of the models with the benchmark radar data attaining 95% diagnostic performance accuracy. Yet, this improvement is not met by global rainfall products which still face challenges in reliably capturing spatiotemporal patterns of precipitation events.
Using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry to identify ticks collected on domestic and wild animals from the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Ngoy Steve , Diarra Adama Zan , Laudisoit Anne , Gembu Guy-Crispin , Verheyen Erik , Mubenga Onésime , Mbalitini Sylvestre Gambalemoke , Baelo Pascal , Laroche Maureen , Parola Philippe
Published: June 2021

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has recently emerged as an alternative to morphological and molecular tools to identify tick species. In this study, we set out to evaluate and confirm the ability of MALDI-TOF MS to identify different species of ticks collected in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and preserved in 70% ethanol. A total of 575 ticks, of which 530 were collected from domestic pigs and 45 from wild animals, were subjected to MALDI-TOF MS analysis to evaluate the intraspecies reproducibility and interspecies specificity of MS profiles obtained from the different species. Morphologically, the ticks belonged to seven different species, namelyRhipicephalus complanatus,Rhipicephalus congolensis,Haemaphysalis muhsamae,Ixodes cumulatimpunctatus,Amblyomma exornatum,Amblyomma compressumand an unidentifiedRhipicephalussp. A total of 535/575 (93%) of the spectra obtained were of good enough quality to be used for our analyses. Our home-made MALDI-TOF MS arthropod database was upgraded with spectra obtained from between one and five randomly selected specimens per species. For these reference specimens, molecular identification of the ticks was also made using 16S, 12S rDNA genes and the Cox1 mtDNA gene sequencing. The remaining good quality spectra were then queried against the upgraded MALDI-TOF MS database, showing that 100% were in agreement with the morphological identification, with logarithmic score values (LSVs) between 1.813 and 2.51. The consistency between our morphological, molecular and MALDI-TOF MS identification confirms the capability and precision of MALDI-TOF MS for tick identification.
Toward a comparative anthropology of activism: activist identity formations in Germany and Uganda
Authors: Podgornik-Jakil Žiga , Bens Jonas
Published: June 2021

There is an ongoing debate in anthropology on the kinds of subject positions activists ascribe to the marginalized actors they encounter and the political consequences this brings about. Drawing from ethnographic research on refugee activism in Germany and transitional justice activism in Uganda, we revisit the respective debates on humanitarian activism, human rights activism, and political activism and argue to reframe the analysis. Instead of looking for the “right” subject position activists should ascribe to the people they engage with, the anthropology of activism should embrace a research approach that looks at the material conditions, in which activists and their subjects find themselves in and the kind of agency they are able to develop within these conditions.
Promoting Active Citizenship in Mathematics and Science Teaching
Authors: Maass Katja , Sorge Stefan , Romero-Ariza Marta , Hesse Alice , Straser Oliver
Published: June 2021

The world is facing severe global challenges such as climate change, food security, rising migration, social justice, or the current corona crisis. In these times, citizenship education seems more important than ever. How can this citizenship education relate to mathematics and science learning? The research project MaSDiV (Supporting mathematics and science teachers in addressing diversity and promoting fundamental values) connected mathematics and science with citizenship education by modeling real-life problems relevant to society. In this paper, we present the foundational design features of the PD course as well the results from the accompanying evaluation of this PD course, which was implemented by partners in six countries to support teachers in connecting mathematics and science education with citizenship education. More specifically, we investigate how participating teachers experienced the PD program; how their self-efficacy beliefs, learning-related beliefs, as well as teaching practices change; and which factors contributed to that change. In order to investigate the outcome of the PD program, we surveyed N = 311 mathematics and science teachers’ pre- and post-participation of the PD in six different European countries. Among others, our results show that in general, most participating teachers reported a high overall satisfaction with the course across all six participating countries. They also indicate that teachers’ self-efficacy beliefs about using relevant contexts, their learning-related beliefs about the benefits of using contexts, as well as their own teaching practice changed significantly after participating in the MaSDiV PD course.
Associations between Adolescents’ Social Leisure Activities and the Onset of Mental Disorders in Young Adulthood
Authors: Timonen Johanna , Niemelä Mika , Hakko Helinä , Alakokkare Anni , Räsänen Sami
Published: June 2021

The association of leisure time activities with specific mental disorders has mainly remained unclear because of lack of such research. This study analyzed the association of different levels of social leisure time activity during adolescence (ages 15–16 years) with the incidence of mental disorders during adolescence and young adulthood between the ages of 16–33 years. The study population consisted of 6838 (females 51.5%) participants from the longitudinal follow-up study, the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986, covering 72% of the total 1986 birth cohort. Psychiatric morbidity of the participants was followed through nationwide health registers until the end of the year 2018 when the participants were 33 years old. High social leisure time activity in adolescence associated with lower incidence of psychiatric disorders in general, and specifically, with affective, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Low social leisure time activity was related to increased incidence of any psychiatric disorder in general, and particularly to anxiety and behavioral disorders. In terms of prevention of mental disorders, these study findings encourage families, schools and other communities to continue to enhance and develop community-based social leisure time activities for children and adolescents.
Causal Sufficiency and Actual Causation
Authors: Beckers Sander
Published: June 2021

Pearl opened the door to formally definingactual causationusing causal models. His approach rests on two strategies: first, capturing the widespread intuition thatX=xcausesY=yiffX=xis aNecessary Element of a Sufficient SetforY=y, and second, showing that his definition gives intuitive answers on a wide set of problem cases. This inspired dozens of variations of his definition of actual causation, the most prominent of which are due to Halpern & Pearl. Yet all of them ignore Pearl’s first strategy, and the second strategy taken by itself is unable to deliver a consensus. This paper offers a way out by going back to the first strategy: it offers six formal definitions ofcausal sufficiencyand two interpretations of necessity. Combining the two gives twelve new definitions of actual causation. Several interesting results about these definitions and their relation to the various Halpern & Pearl definitions are presented. Afterwards the second strategy is evaluated as well. In order to maximize neutrality, the paper relies mostly on the examples and intuitions of Halpern & Pearl. One definition comes out as being superior to all others, and is therefore suggested as a new definition of actual causation.
Correction to: Laterality and sex differences in the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in developing rat hippocampus
Authors: Sardar Reza , Zandieh Zahra , Namjoo Zeinab , Soleimani Mansoureh , Shirazi Reza , Hami Javad
Published: June 2021

A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11011-021-00779-4
Ethical issues in biomedical research using electronic health records: a systematic review
Authors: Piasecki Jan , Walkiewicz-Żarek Ewa , Figas-Skrzypulec Justyna , Kordecka Anna , Dranseika Vilius
Published: June 2021

Digitization of a health record changes its accessibility. An electronic health record (EHR) can be accessed by multiple authorized users. Health information from EHRs contributes to learning healthcare systems’ development. The objective of this systematic review is to answer a question: What are ethical issues concerning research using EHRs in the literature? We searched Medline Ovid, Embase and Scopus for publications concerning ethical issues of research use of EHRs. We employed the constant comparative method to retrieve common ethical themes. We descriptively summarized empirical studies. The study reveals the breadth, depth, and complexity of ethical problems associated with research use of EHRs. The central ethical question that emerges from the review is how to manage access to EHRs. Managing accessibility consists of interconnected and overlapping issues: streamlining research access to EHRs, minimizing risk, engaging and educating patients, as well as ensuring trustworthy governance of EHR data. Most of the ethical problems concerning EHR-based research arise from rapid cultural change. The framing of concepts of privacy, as well as individual and public dimensions of beneficence, are changing. We are currently living in the middle of this transition period. Human emotions and mental habits, as well as laws, are lagging behind technological developments. In the medical tradition, individual patient’s health has always been in the center. Transformation of healthcare care, its digitalization, seems to have some impacts on our perspective of health care ethics, research ethics and public health ethics.
The case for biotechnological exceptionalism
Authors: Heinrichs Jan-Hendrik
Published: June 2021

Dobiomedicalinterventions raise special moral concerns? A rising number of prominent authors claim that at least in the case of biomedical enhancement they do not. Treating biomedical enhancements different from non-biomedical ones, they claim, amounts to unjustified biomedical exceptionalism. This article vindicates the familiar thesis that biomedical enhancement raises specific concerns. Taking a close look at the argumentative strategy against biomedical exceptionalism and provides counterexamples showing that the biomedical mode of interventions raises concerns not relevant otherwise. In particular, biomedical interventions throughout raise concerns of informed consent, which only rarely turn up in comparable non-biomedical interventions.
Detection and localization of partial audio matches in various application scenarios
Authors: Maksimović Milica , Aichroth Patrick , Cuccovillo Luca
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we describe various application scenarios for archive management, broadcast/stream analysis, media search and media forensics which require the detection and accurate localization of unknown partial audio matches within items and datasets. We explain why they cannot be addressed with state-of-the-art matching approaches based on fingerprinting, and propose a new partial matching algorithm which can satisfy the relevant requirements. We propose two distinct requirement sets and hence two variants / settings for our proposed approach: One focusing on lower time granularity and hence lower computational complexity, to be able to deal with large datasets, and one focusing on fine-grain analysis for small datasets and individual items. Both variants are tested using distinct evaluation sets and methodologies and compared with a popular audio matching algorithm, thereby demonstrating that the proposed algorithm achieves convincing performance for the relevant application scenarios beyond the current state-of-the-art.
Exploring patients’ pharmacy stories: an analysis of online feedback
Authors: Loo Jared , Greaves Georgina , Lewis Penny J.
Published: June 2021

BackgroundStudies have demonstrated the potential for patient feedback to inform quality care as well as a direct relationship between patient experience and clinical outcomes. Over recent years, there has been increasing use of online patient feedback platforms, however, there has been little study of the content of patient feedback relating to pharmacy and pharmacy services.ObjectiveThis study explores the content of online feedback provided by patients from across the UK in relation to their experiences of their interaction with pharmacy staff and pharmacy services.Main outcome measureContent of online patient feedback relating to pharmacy.MethodPatient stories published on Care Opinion, a national online patient feedback platform, for a one-year period were searched for all content relating to patients’ pharmacy experiences. A thematic and sentiment analysis was conducted on 237 patient stories.ResultsPatient stories related to supply, staff attitudes, services, accessibility, systems, and errors. Patient sentiment depended on pharmacy setting, but staff attitudes, services, and accessibility were generally positive across all settings. Waiting time was the most common complaint in both hospital and community pharmacies with stories relaying experiences of slow discharge, stock shortages and poor communication and collaboration between pharmacies and GP surgeries.ConclusionsOnline patient feedback highlighted factors important to patients when interacting with pharmacies and their staff. Medication supply was the primary topic of patient stories with waiting times and stock shortages being clear areas for improvement; however, accessibility, pharmacy services and advice were key strengths of the profession. Further research is needed to understand how online patient feedback can be used effectively to inform improvements in pharmacy services.
Health-related quality of life issues, including symptoms, in patients with active COVID-19 or post COVID-19; a systematic literature review
Authors: Amdal Cecilie Delphin , Pe Madeline , Falk Ragnhild Sørum , Piccinin Claire , Bottomley Andrew , Arraras Juan Ignacio , Darlington Anne Sophie , Hofsø Kristin , Holzner Bernard , Jørgensen Nina Marie Høyning , Kulis Dagmara , Rimehaug Stein Arne , Singer Susanne , Taylor Katherine , Wheelwright Sally , Bjordal Kristin
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This systematic review was performed to identify all relevant health-related quality of life (HRQoL) issues associated with COVID-19.

Methods

A systematic literature search was undertaken in April 2020. In four teams of three reviewers each, all abstracts were independently reviewed for inclusion by two reviewers. Using a pre-defined checklist of 93 criteria for each publication, data extraction was performed independently by two reviewers and subsequently compared and discussed. If necessary, a third reviewer resolved any discrepancies. The search was updated in February 2021 to retrieve new publications on HRQoL issues including issues related to the long-term consequences of COVID-19.

Results

The search in April 2020 identified 3342 potentially relevant publications, and 339 publications were selected for full-text review and data extraction. We identified 75 distinct symptoms and other HRQoL issues categorized into 12 thematic areas; from general symptoms such as fever, myalgia, and fatigue, to neurological and psychological issues. The updated search revealed three extra issues experienced during active disease and long-term problems with fatigue, psychological issues and impaired cognitive function.

Conclusion

This first comprehensive systematic review provides a detailed overview of the wide range of HRQoL issues experienced by patients with COVID-19 throughout the course of the disease. It demonstrates the devastating impact of the disease and provides critically important information for clinicians, to enable them to better recognize the disease and to provide knowledge important for treatment and follow-up. The results provided the foundation for the international development of a COVID-19 specific patient-reported HRQoL questionnaire.
Many candidates for a single chair: a critical review of the genetic determinant of flat fruit shape trait in peach (Prunus persica L. Batsch)
Authors: Cirilli Marco , Rossini Laura
Published: June 2021

Known since ancient times, flat-shaped peach (Prunus persica L. Batsch) fruits have aroused considerable research interest. Breeding activities for this trait have expanded since the 1980s of the last century in several countries, in parallel with research into its genetic basis. Following the need for molecular markers to assist selection, linkage mapping studies have positioned the flat shape S locus at the end of chromosome 6. Recently, a series of independent studies focused on detailed characterization of the genomic region harbouring the S locus and different hypotheses about the candidate gene or variant were proposed: from a constitutively activated cell death 1 protein (PpCAD1) to a Brassinosteroid insensitive 1-associated receptor kinase 1 group (PpLRR-RLK) until the discovery of large structural variant (a chromosomal inversion of about 1.7 Mb) putatively affecting an OVATE Family Protein (PpOFP1) and a homolog of sucrose non-fermenting 1-related kinase (PpSNF4), respectively, located at the proximal and distal breakpoints. This short review revises historical studies and recent literature, integrating reanalysis of available genetic and genomic data, to provide a critical overview of the topic and highlight avenues for further research.
A Review of Elinor Mason’s Ways to be Blameworthy
Authors: Carlsson Andreas Brekke
Published: June 2021

In this review, I summarize Elinor Mason’s Ways to be Blameworthy and raise some worries concerning three aspects of her book: her account of the knowledge condition on moral responsibility, her notion of blame and its justification as well as Mason’s conception of extended blameworthiness.
On refinement strategies for solving $${\textsc {MINLP}\mathrm{s}}$$ by piecewise linear relaxations: a generalized red refinement
Authors: Burlacu Robert
Published: June 2021

We investigate the generalized red refinement for n-dimensional simplices that dates back to Freudenthal (Ann Math 43(3):580–582, 1942) in a mixed-integer nonlinear program ($${\textsc {MINLP}}$$
MINLP
) context. We show that the red refinement meets sufficient convergence conditions for a known $${\textsc {MINLP}}$$
MINLP
 solution framework that is essentially based on solving piecewise linear relaxations. In addition, we prove that applying this refinement procedure results in piecewise linear relaxations that can be modeled by the well-known incremental method established by Markowitz and Manne (Econometrica 25(1):84–110, 1957). Finally, numerical results from the field of alternating current optimal power flow demonstrate the applicability of the red refinement in such $${\textsc {MIP}}$$
MIP
-based $${\textsc {MINLP}}$$
MINLP
 solution frameworks.
Designing real-world laboratories for sustainable urban transformation: addressing ambiguous roles and expectations in transdisciplinary teams
Authors: Huning Sandra , Räuchle C. , Fuchs M.
Published: June 2021

This paper reflects upon the potential of real-world laboratories (RWLs) to promote sustainable urban development. RWLs strive for knowledge production through collective action in experimental settings. Their implementation in urban studies faces two major challenges: (1) the ambiguity of roles university researchers need to fill, and (2) the variety of expectations among team members from different institutional backgrounds. Based on research in one trans-European and three German RWLs, we propose a stronger focus on team development to help researchers in RWLs address these challenges more systematically. In particular, this means support in terms of resources and infrastructure (time, space, and training). We argue that the improvement of RWL team performance has great impact on the potentials of RWLs in transformative urban studies. Thus, the article contributes to the ongoing debate on the city as a laboratory and site of experimentation in times of multiple crises.