bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Apophatic Inquiry: Living the Questions Themselves
Authors: Visse Merel , Hansen Finn Thorbjørn , Leget Carlo J. W.
Published: November 2020

In qualitative research, the importance of knowledge production is illustrated by the confidence in logos, that still flags. Although there is significant attention for approaches that are inclusive to the body, affect and non-rational dimensions, these approaches still aim to generate understandings by the appropriation of knowledge. This paper critiques that view and proposes another view of inquiry that centers the praxis of living the questions instead. Here, research is seen as a gradual unfolding of a process. The quest that belongs with this view of research is concerned with how to make space for life phenomena to emerge. We frame this as apophatic inquiry, a non-methodology, as it is not a matter of applying activities in a set of steps. For apophatic inquiry, a process of unknowing and wonder is imperative. The paper discusses how to foster a triadic inter-beingness in a research praxis that fosters the calling forth of and reflection on phenomena. For that, the researcher nurtures awareness and reflection on a triadic sphere of three closely connected spaces: the Inner Space, the Aesthetic Space, and the Wondrous Space. By being receptive to the impressions that unfold within and between these spaces, the research becomes part of a process of living a question in real-time. Thus, living and life itself become the heart of the research.
The role of the International Institute of Teachers College in the founding history of American comparative education
Authors: Bu Liping
Published: November 2020

Comparative and international education intersects with international relations, international development and modernization, and domestic political, cultural, and economic concerns. Therefore, the history of comparative and international education must be understood in a larger historical context. This article engages the current debate on the founding history of American comparative and international education. It addresses specifically the role of the International Institute of Teachers College, Columbia University in the formation of comparative education as a formal academic field in America. Of particular importance is the investigation of the immediate social and cultural concerns in post-World War I America that informed the motivation and purposes of expanding international education and comparative studies of different nations’ educational ideas, practices, conditions, and systems. A closer look at the founding leaders’ views on the relations of different cultures in terms of social progress further sheds light on how education was perceived as a tool for social change and the extension of American values across the globe.
Prediction of blast loading in an internal environment using artificial neural networks
Authors: Dennis Adam A , Pannell Jordan J , Smyl Danny J , Rigby Samuel E
Published: November 2020

Explosive loading in a confined internal environment is highly complex and is driven by nonlinear physical processes associated with reflection and coalescence of multiple shock fronts. Prediction of this loading is not currently feasible using simple tools, and instead specialist computational software or practical testing is required, which are impractical for situations with a wide range of input variables. There is a need to develop a tool which balances the accuracy of experiments or physics-based numerical schemes with the simplicity and low computational cost of an engineering-level predictive approach. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) are formed of a collection of neurons that process information via a series of connections. When fully trained, ANNs are capable of replicating and generalising multi-parameter, high-complexity problems and are able to generate new predictions for unseen problems (within the bounds of the training variables). This article presents the development and rigorous testing of an ANN to predict blast loading in a confined internal environment. The ANN was trained using validated numerical modelling data, and key parameters relating to formulation of the training data and network structure were critically analysed in order to maximise the predictive capability of the network. The developed network was generally able to predict specific impulses to within 10% of the numerical data: 90% of specific impulses in the unseen testing data, and between 81% and 87% of specific impulses for data from four additional unseen test models, were predicted to this accuracy. The network was highly capable of generalising in areas adjacent to reflecting surfaces and as those close to ambient outflow boundaries. It is shown that ANNs are highly suited to modelling blast loading in a confined internal environment, with significant improvements in accuracy achievable if a robust, well distributed training dataset is used with a network structure that is tailored to the problem being solved.
High Throughput Analysis of Tandem Mass Spectrometry Data for Peptides
Authors: Yates John R. , Carmack Edwin , Hays Lara , Eng Jimmy
Published: November 2020

In recent years tandem mass spectrometry has made a substantial impact on the sequence analysis of peptides ( 1 ). In this process peptide ions are dissociated in a collision cell to produce a collection of fragment ions. The m/z values of the fragment ions are determined in the second mass analyzer. Fortuitously, peptide ions fragment primarily around the amide linkages or peptide bonds in a manner that produces a ladder of sequence ions. This method of analysis for peptides has several advantages; high throughput and sensitivity, the ability to analyze peptides contained in mixtures, and lastly the ability to observe covalent modifications to the structure.
A Novel Technique of Arthroscopic Ankle Lateral Ligament Repair Using a Knotless Suture Anchor
Authors: Kanzaki Noriyuki , Chinzei Nobuaki , Yamashita Takahiro , Kumai Tsukasa , Kuroda Ryosuke
Published: November 2020

Background:

Although arthroscopic lateral ligament repair (ALLR) with suture anchors for chronic lateral ankle instability has become widely accepted, some complications have been reported as well. Establishment of a new technique is essential for better clinical outcomes after ALLR.

Purpose

To report a novel technique and good clinical results of ALLR using a knotless suture anchor.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

We examined 30 patients (16 men and 14 women) who underwent ALLR. The mean age of the patients was 30.0 years, and the average period of postoperative monitoring was 21 months. The Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot (JSSF) ankle-hindfoot scale was used for clinical evaluation postoperatively, and the Self-Administered Foot Evaluation Questionnaire (SAFE-Q) for patient-reported results. Surgical complications were also examined.

Results:

The JSSF ankle-hindfoot scale showed a significant improvement from preoperatively to follow-up (from 72.1 to 96.1; P < 0.001), and the SAFE-Q was significantly improved in all subscales (pain and pain-related, physical function and daily living, social function, shoe-related, and general health and well-being; P < 0.004 for all). Complications included residual joint pain due to remaining osteophytes in 1 case, scar pain of the accessory anterolateral portal in 2 cases, and positive Tinel sign indicative of superficial peroneal nerve irritation at the anterolateral portal in 1 case.

Conclusion:

The clinical results of the novel ALLR technique were overall satisfactory. Knot-related complications, one of the main reasons for postoperative complications, were reduced by using a knotless suture anchor.
Outcomes of Arthroscopic Surgical Treatment of Osteochondral Lesions of the Elbow in Pediatric and Adolescent Athletes
Authors: Allahabadi Sachin , Bryant Jessica K. , Mittal Ashish , Pandya Nirav K.
Published: November 2020

Background:

Osteochondral injuries of the elbow are limiting and affect the ability of pediatric and adolescent athletes to participate in sports.

Purpose:

To report short- and midterm outcomes on athletes undergoing microfracture or fragment fixation of osteochondral elbow lesions and evaluate the effects thereof on sporting activity.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

This was a retrospective study analyzing patients who underwent surgical treatment via microfracture or fragment fixation for osteochondral elbow lesions. Patients were treated at a single institution by a single surgeon between 2012 and 2019. Diagnosis was confirmed with magnetic resonance imaging, and patients were indicated for surgery after having persistent symptoms despite trialing rest, immobilization, and/or activity restriction for at least 3 months. Demographic data including sports of choice were collected preoperatively. Imaging and intraoperative findings were documented, and any complications were noted. Range of motion (ROM) was compared pre- to postoperatively. Return-to-sport evaluation included the ability to play the preoperative sport of choice.

Results:

In total, 23 patients (25 elbows) were included with a mean follow-up of 23.5 months (range, 6-60.3 months) and a mean age of 13.8 years. Of 25 lesions, 20 (80%) were on the athlete’s dominant side. There was significant improvement from pre- to postoperative ROM, including extension (mean ± SD, 6.4° ± 5.3° to 0.04° ± 0.2°; P < .00001), flexion (129.2° ± 10.6° to 138.6° ± 4.4°; P = .00013), and arc of ROM (122.6° ± 13.2° to 138.6° ± 4.4°; P < .00001). Mean lesion size was 81.9 ± 59.3 mm2 (range, 15-225 mm2). All elbows demonstrated radiographic healing postoperatively. Mean time to release to sport was 4.48 ± 1.38 months (range, 2.5-8 months). Six (26.1%) patients changed or stopped their preoperative sporting activity, including 2 of 4 gymnasts and 4 of 11 baseball players.

Conclusion:

Arthroscopic technique with lesion debridement and microfracture or fixation appears safe and results in radiographic healing; however, with these techniques, there remains a high rate of inability to return to sport in patients involved in higher-demand upper extremity activity, such as baseball and gymnastics. Further treatment strategies, including cartilage restoration procedures, may be warranted in this population.
Transaktionskosten und Personalwirtschaft. Ein Beitrag zur Verringerung der Ökonomiearmut in der Personalwirtschaftslehre
Authors: Eigler Joachim
Published: November 2020

Den Anlaß für diese Arbeit liefern die wiederholt erhobenen Klagen, die Personalwirtschaftslehre weise zu wenig ökonomische Elemente auf. Daher wird versucht, die Transaktionskostentheorie auf die Personalwirtschaft zu übertragen, um instrumenteile Gestaltungsempfehlungen zu gewinnen. Die Transaktionskostentheorie wird herangezogen, weil sie unter den ökonomischen Ansätzen der Neoinstitutionellen Mikroökonomie die größte Erklärungskraft verspricht. Zunächst wird gezeigt, inwieweit diese Theorie konzeptionellfür eine Analyse von Beschäftigungsverhältnissen fruchtbar gemacht werden kann. Im Ergebnis stellt sich heraus, daß personalwirtschaftliche Funktionen Reparaturfunktionen für unvollständige Rahmenarbeitsverträge wahrnehmen. Aus methodischer Sicht werden darauf aufbauend Kategorien personalwirtschaftlicher Transaktionskosten aufpersonalwirtschaftlichen Feldern voneinander abgegrenzt. Anhand personalwirtschaftlicher Transaktionskosten können dann alternative personalwirtschaftliche Maßnahmen und Funktionen beurteilt werden. Für die Funktionsfelder der Personalentwicklung und Mitarbeiterführung wird gezeigt, welchen Erkenntnisgewinn die Transaktionskostentheorie für die Personalwirtschaftslehre liefert. Abschließend werden die Leistungsfähigkeit und die Grenzen des Übertragungsversuches beurteilt.
Tarifvertragliche Entgeltstrukturen im Vergleich. Eine Analyse der Entgeltnormen in Tarifverträgen der deutschen, italienischen und österreichischen Industrie
Authors: Auer Manfred , Baumgartner Gunda , Salzgeber Stefan
Published: November 2020

Kollektivverträge schaffen wichtige Rahmenbedingungen für die Wettbewerbsfähigkeit von Industriebetrieben, wobei die Entgeltpolitik - neben der Arbeitszeitgestaltung - besonders zu beachten ist. Die personalwirtschaftliche Analyse der kollektivvertraglichen Entgeltstrukturen in Deutschland, Italien und Osterreich zeigt, daß die österreichische Industrie vor allem hinsichtlich der Dynamik der Entgeltkosten, der flexiblen betrieblichen Gestaltung der Lohnpolitik und dem Setzen von entgeltbezogenen Leistungsanreizen gegenüber der deutschen und italienischen Industrie im Nachteil liegt. Die absolute Tarifgebundenheit von Betrieben und Beschäftigten, die starke Ausprägung des Senioritätsprinzip im Bereich der Industrieangestellten und die Vereinbarung von Ist-Entgelterhöhungen als österreichisches Spezifikum sind die wesentlichsten Ursachen dafür. Aus personalwirtschaftlicher Perspektive ist deshalb sowohl eine Veränderung der Lebenseinkommenskurve von Angestellten als auch eine teilweise „Verbetrieblichung” und Individualisierung der Entgeltpolitik anzustreben.
Die Herausforderung der Mitbestimmung durch neue Führungskonzepte
Authors: Wächter Hartmut
Published: November 2020

Neue Managementkonzepte stellen für die etablierten Beteiligungsstrukturen der deutschen Mitbestimmung eine Herausforderung dar. Die Arbeitnehmervertreter müssen offen für die neuen arbeitsplatznahen Beteiligungskonzepte sein; gleichzeitig müssen sie ihre strategische Kompetenz erweitern. Die daraus entstehenden Probleme werden anhand der Einführung von TQM in der Stahlindustrie – und damit der Montan-Mitbestimmung – beschrieben und analysiert.
Subsidiäre Betriebs- und Tarifverfassung: Einbruch von alten oder Aufbruch zu neuen Ufern? Ein Essay
Authors: Drumm Hans Jürgen
Published: November 2020

Die geltenden Rechtsgrundlagen für Betriebs- und Tarifverfassung sind in einem wirtschaftlichen Szenario der 50er Jahre entstanden, das nicht mehr existiert. Als Folge gehen die Verfassungsadressaten mit dem Ziel der Flexibilitätssteigerung am geltenden Recht vorbei oder interpretieren es anders. Eine angemessene Reaktion auf diesen Zustand wäre der Umbau der Betriebs- und Tarifverfassung nach dem Subsidiaritätsprinzip. Bei dessen Anwendung müßten Formen und Inhalte der Mitbestimmung in der Unternehmung ausgehandelt werden. Alle Probleme der Mitbestimmung einschließlich der Vergütung wären auf der Unternehmungsebene zu lösen und nur bei Scheitern der Lösung auf die Tarifebene zu heben. Die Grundzüge dieses Konzepts, seine offenen Probleme und Angebote zu deren Lösung werden in diesem Beitrag vorgestellt.
A fixed-duration, measurable residual disease–guided approach in CLL: follow-up data from the phase 2 ICLL-07 FILO trial
Authors: Michallet Anne-Sophie , Letestu Rémi , Le Garff-Tavernier Magali , Aanei Carmen , Ticchioni Michel , Dilhuydy Marie-Sarah , Subtil Fabien , Rouille Valerie , Mahe Beatrice , Laribi Kamel , Villemagne Bruno , Salles Gilles , Tournilhac Olivier , Delmer Alain , Portois Christelle , Pegourie Brigitte , Leblond Veronique , Tomowiak Cecile , De Guibert Sophie , Orsini Piocelle Frederique , Banos Anne , Carassou Philippe , Cartron Guillaume , Fornecker Luc-Matthieu , Ysebaert Loic , Dartigeas Caroline , Truchan-Graczyk Malgorzata , Vilque Jean-Pierre , Aurran Thérèse , Cymbalista Florence , Lepretre Stéphane , Levy Vincent , Nguyen-Khac Florence , Feugier Pierre
Published: November 2020

Trials assessing first-line, fixed-duration approaches in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) are yielding promising activity, but few long-term data are available. We report follow-up data from a phase 2 trial (ICLL07 FILO) in previously untreated, medically fit patients (N = 135). Patients underwent obinutuzumab-ibrutinib induction for 9 months; then, following evaluation (N = 130 evaluable), those in complete remission and with bone marrow measurable residual disease (BM MRD) <0.01% (n = 10) received ibrutinib for 6 additional months; those in partial remission and/or with BM MRD ≥0.01%, the majority (n = 120), also received 4 cycles of immunochemotherapy (fludarabine/cyclophosphamide-obinutuzumab). Beyond end of treatment, responses were assessed every 3 month and peripheral blood MRD every 6 months. At median follow-up 36.7 months from treatment start, progression-free and overall survival rates (95% confidence interval) at 3 years were 95.7% (92.0% to 99.5%) and 98% (95.1% to 100%), respectively. Peripheral blood MRD <0.01% rates were 97%, 96%, 90%, 84%, and 89% at months 16, 22, 28, 34, and 40, respectively. No new treatment-related or serious adverse event occurred beyond end of treatment. Thus, in previously untreated, medically fit patients with CLL, a fixed-duration (15 months), MRD-guided approach achieved high survival rates, a persistent MRD benefit beyond the end of treatment, and low long-term toxicity. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT02666898.
Optimizing genomic reference populations to improve crossbred performance
Authors: Wientjes Yvonne C. J. , Bijma Piter , Calus Mario P. L.
Published: November 2020

Background

In pig and poultry breeding, the objective is to improve the performance of crossbred production animals, while selection takes place in the purebred parent lines. One way to achieve this is to use genomic prediction with a crossbred reference population. A crossbred reference population benefits from expressing the breeding goal trait but suffers from a lower genetic relatedness with the purebred selection candidates than a purebred reference population. Our aim was to investigate the benefit of using a crossbred reference population for genomic prediction of crossbred performance for: (1) different levels of relatedness between the crossbred reference population and purebred selection candidates, (2) different levels of the purebred-crossbred correlation, and (3) different reference population sizes. We simulated a crossbred breeding program with 0, 1 or 2 multiplication steps to generate the crossbreds, and compared the accuracy of genomic prediction of crossbred performance in one generation using either a purebred or a crossbred reference population. For each scenario, we investigated the empirical accuracy based on simulation and the predicted accuracy based on the estimated effective number of independent chromosome segments between the reference animals and selection candidates.

Results

When the purebred-crossbred correlation was 0.75, the accuracy was highest for a two-way crossbred reference population but similar for purebred and four-way crossbred reference populations, for all reference population sizes. When the purebred-crossbred correlation was 0.5, a purebred reference population always resulted in the lowest accuracy. Among the different crossbred reference populations, the accuracy was slightly lower when more multiplication steps were used to create the crossbreds. In general, the benefit of crossbred reference populations increased when the size of the reference population increased. All predicted accuracies overestimated their corresponding empirical accuracies, but the different scenarios were ranked accurately when the reference population was large.

Conclusions

The benefit of a crossbred reference population becomes larger when the crossbred population is more related to the purebred selection candidates, when the purebred-crossbred correlation is lower, and when the reference population is larger. The purebred-crossbred correlation and reference population size interact with each other with respect to their impact on the accuracy of genomic estimated breeding values.
Genetic diversity and population structure of the endangered species Paeonia decomposita endemic to China and implications for its conservation
Authors: Wang Shi-Quan
Published: November 2020

Background

Paeonia decomposita, endemic to China, has important ornamental, medicinal, and economic value and is regarded as an endangered plant. The genetic diversity and population structure have seldom been described. A conservation management plan is not currently available.

Results

In the present study, 16 pairs of simple sequence repeat (SSR) primers were used to evaluate the genetic diversity and population structure. A total of 122 alleles were obtained with a mean of 7.625 alleles per locus. The expected heterozygosity (He) varied from 0.043 to 0.901 (mean 0.492) in 16 primers. Moderate genetic diversity (He = 0.405) among populations was revealed, with Danba identified as the center of genetic diversity. Mantel tests revealed a positive correlation between geographic and genetic distance among populations (r = 0.592,P = 0.0001), demonstrating consistency with the isolation by distance model. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicated that the principal molecular variance existed within populations (73.48%) rather than among populations (26.52%). Bayesian structure analysis and principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) supported the classification of the populations into three clusters.

Conclusions

This is the first study of the genetic diversity and population structure ofP. decompositausing SSR. Three management units were proposed as conservation measures. The results will be beneficial for the conservation and exploitation of the species, providing a theoretical basis for further research of its evolution and phylogeography.
Fine mapping of the QTL cqSPDA2 for chlorophyll content in Brassica napus L.
Authors: Ye Jingxiu , Liu Haidong , Zhao Zhi , Xu Liang , Li Kaixiang , Du Dezhi
Published: November 2020

Background

Chlorophyll is the most important factor enabling plants to absorb, transfer and transform light energy and plays an important role in yield formation. Brassica napus is one of the most important oil crops. Breeding Brassica napus for high light efficiency by improving photosynthetic efficiency has considerable social and economic value. In Brassica napus, there have been studies of the initial location of chlorophyll in seed embryos and pericarps, but there are few reports on the fine mapping of chlorophyll QTLs. We constructed near-isogenic lines (NIL), fine-mapped a chlorophyll locus, and evaluated the effect of this dominant locus on agronomic traits.

Results

The cqSPDA2 locus was mapped to an interval of 21.87–22.91 Mb on the chromosome A02 of Brassica napus using doubled haploid (DH) lines. To fine-map cqSPDA2, we built NIL and designed Indel primers covering the mapping interval. The 469 individuals in the BC3F2 population were analyzed using these indel primers. Among these indel primers, 15 could narrow the mapping interval to 188 kb between Indel3 and Indel15. Next, 16 indel primers and 19 SSR primers were designed within the new narrower mapping interval, and 5 of the primer-amplified fragments were found to be polymorphic and tightly linked to the cqSPDA2 locus in the BC4F2 population. The mapping interval was narrowed to 152 kb on A02 between SSR2 and Indel15. By gene expression analysis, we found three annotated genes in the mapping interval, including BnaA02g30260D, BnaA02g30290D and BnaA02g30310D, which may be responsible for chlorophyll synthesis.

Conclusions

The locus cqSPDA2, a dominant QTL for chlorophyll content in Brassica napus, was fine-mapped to a 21.89–22.04 Mb interval on A02. Three annotated genes (BnaA02g30260D, BnaA02g30290D and BnaA02g30310D) that may be responsible for chlorophyll synthesis were found.
Postoperative analgesic efficacy of ear acupuncture in patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomy: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hendawy Hamdy A. , Abuelnaga Mohamed E.
Published: November 2020

Background

Numerous studies have revealed that acupuncture can increase the somatic pain threshold. Electro-acupuncture (EA) can help pain-relieving with minimal physiologic disturbance. Various painful disorders, as well as pain following various surgeries, like cesarean section, gastrostomy, and enterectomy were managed properly with acupuncture. Therefore we studied the postoperative analgesic effect of EA in patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomy.

Methods

A randomized, prospective clinical trial study was carried out on 56 women undergoing hysterectomy under spinal anesthesia. Patients were allocated randomly to receive either spinal anesthesia and electric ear acupuncture (EEA group) or spinal anesthesia alone (control group). EEA was done by fine needles to anatomically defined 4 points of the ear: Shen Men Point, thalamus Point 26, Analgesia Point 3, and Uterus Point 58, and connected to EA therapeutic apparatus. After finishing surgery, the fine needles were substituted by permanent press needles to be removed after 24 hours. The primary outcome was the postoperative 24 h morphine consumption by patient-controlled analgesia, while secondary outcomes included Post-operative pain scores and postoperative 1st request of analgesia.

Results

Total morphine consumption in the first 24 postoperative hours was obviously reduced in the EEA group versus the control group (mean ± SD:6.214± 2.1319 mg vs 15.714 ± 3.3428 mg, d = − 3.3886, 95% Confidence interval = − 4.2061,-2.5712, p-value =0.000). The postoperative pain scores were significantly reduced in the EEA group in comparison to the control group, with delayed 1st request of postoperative analgesia.

Conclusions

Electric ear acupuncture provides postoperative analgesia, reducing morphine requirement and consequently its side effects.

Trial registration

The trial was registered before enrolment of the first patient at the Pan African Clinical Trial Registry (www.pactr.org) database (PACTR201903770607799, Date of registration: 5th March 2019).
Effects of thiamine on vasopressor requirements in patients with septic shock: a prospective randomized controlled trial
Authors: Petsakul Suttasinee , Morakul Sunthiti , Tangsujaritvijit Viratch , Kunawut Parinya , Singhatas Pongsasit , Sanguanwit Pitsucha
Published: November 2020

Background

Thiamine, an essential vitamin for aerobic metabolism and glutathione cycling, may decrease the effects of critical illnesses. The objective of this study was to determine whether intravenous thiamine administration can reduce vasopressor requirements in patients with septic shock.

Methods

This study was a prospective randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. We included adult patients with septic shock who required a vasopressor within 1–24 h after admission between March 2018 and January 2019 at a tertiary hospital in Thailand. Patients were divided into two groups: those who received 200 mg thiamine or those receiving a placebo every 12 h for 7 days or until hospital discharge. The primary outcome was the number of vasopressor-free days over 7 days. The pre-defined sample size was 31 patients per group, and the study was terminated early due to difficult recruitment.

Results

Sixty-two patients were screened and 50 patients were finally enrolled in the study, 25 in each group. There was no difference in the primary outcome of vasopressor-free days within the 7-day period between the thiamine and placebo groups (mean: 4.9 days (1.9) vs. 4.0 days (2.7), p = 0.197, mean difference − 0.9, 95% CI (− 2.9 to 0.5)). However, the reductions in lactate (p = 0.024) and in the vasopressor dependency index (p = 0.02) at 24 h were greater among subjects who received thiamine repletion vs. the placebo. No statistically significant difference was observed in SOFA scores within 7 days, vasopressor dependency index within 4 days and 7 days, or 28-day mortality.

Conclusions

Thiamine was not associated to a significant reduction in vasopressor-free days over 7-days in comparison to placebo in patients with septic shock. Administration of thiamine could be associated with a reduction in vasopressor dependency index and lactate level within 24 h. The study is limited by early stopping and low sample size.

Trial registration

TCTR, TCTR20180310001. Registered 8 March 2018, http://www.clinicaltrials.in.th/index.php?tp=regtrials&menu=trialsearch&smenu=fulltext&task=search&task2=view1&id=3330.
Effectiveness of clinical breast examination as a ‘stand-alone’ screening modality: an overview of systematic reviews
Authors: Ngan Tran Thu , Nguyen Nga T. Q. , Van Minh Hoang , Donnelly Michael , O’Neill Ciaran
Published: November 2020

Background

There is uncertainty about the effectiveness of clinical breast examination (CBE) and conflicting recommendations regarding its usefulness as a screening tool for breast cancer. This paper provides an overview of systematic reviews that assessed the effectiveness of CBE as a ‘stand-alone’ screening modality for breast cancer compared to no screening and focused on its value in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews for systematic reviews reporting the effectiveness of CBE published prior to October 29, 2019. The main outcomes assessed were mortality and down staging. The AMSTAR 2 checklist was used to assess the methodological quality of the reviews including risk of bias.

Results

Eleven systematic reviews published between 1993 and 2019 were identified. There was no direct evidence that CBE reduced breast cancer mortality. Indirect evidence suggested that a well-performed CBE achieved the same effect as mammography regarding mortality despite its apparently lower sensitivity (40–69% for CBE vs 77–95% for mammography). Greater sensitivity was recorded among younger and Asian women. Moreover, CBE contributed between 17 and 47% of the shift from advanced to early stage cancer.

Conclusions

CBE merits attention from health system and service planners in LMICs where a national screening programme based on mammography would be prohibitively expensive. In particular, it is likely that considerable value would be gained from conducting implementation scientific research in countries with large numbers of Asian women and/or where younger women are at higher risk.

Registration

PROSPERO, registration numberCRD42019126798.
Exposure to family violence from childhood to adulthood
Authors: Shields Margot , Tonmyr Lil , Hovdestad Wendy E. , Gonzalez Andrea , MacMillan Harriet
Published: November 2020

Background

Both childhood maltreatment (CM) and intimate partner violence (IPV) are public health problems that have been related to a wide range of adverse health consequences. However, studies examining associations between specific types of CM and experiencing IPV in adulthood have yielded conflicting results.

Methods

Using data from 10,608 men and 11,458 women aged 18 or older from Canada’s 2014 General Social Survey, we examined associations between three types of CM—childhood physical abuse (CPA), childhood sexual abuse (CSA), and childhood exposure to IPV —and subsequent intimate partner violence (IPV) in adulthood (physical, sexual or emotional).

Results

When potential confounders were controlled, CPA, CSA and childhood exposure to IPV were associated with IPV in adulthood for both sexes (odds ratios, 1.7, 1.8 and 2.0 for men, and 2.2, 2.0 and 2.1 for women). When severity and frequency of CM were examined, a dose-response relationship between all three types of CM and IPV in adulthood was observed among women (meaning that as the severity/frequency of CM increased, the likelihood of reporting IPV also increased); among men, a dose-response relationship was observed only for CPA.

Conclusions

The association between CM and IPV in adulthood is particularly concerning because experiencing multiple forms of trauma has cumulative effects. Lifespan studies have shown that individuals who experience multiple incidents of abuse exhibit the highest levels of impairment. This underscores the importance of programs to eradicate both CM and IPV. This underscores the importance of programs to eradicate both CM and IPV. Future research should focus on assessing interventions designed to promote healthy relationships and the provision of emotional support and coping mechanisms to children and families in abusive situations.
The incidence, risk factors and prognosis of acute kidney injury in severe and critically ill patients with COVID-19 in mainland China: a retrospective study
Authors: Sang Ling , Chen Sibei , Zheng Xia , Guan Weijie , Zhang Zhihui , Liang Wenhua , Zhong Ming , Jiang Li , Pan Chun , Zhang Wei , Xia Jiaan , Chen Nanshan , Wu Wenjuan , Wu Hongkai , Xu Yonghao , Liu Xuesong , Liu Xiaoqing , He Jianxing , Li Shiyue , Zhang Dingyu , Zhong Nanshan , Li Yimin
Published: November 2020

Background

The clinical correlates, prognosis and determinants of acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) remain largely unclear.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed medical records of all adult patients with laboratory-confirmed Covid-19 who were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) between January 23rd 2020 and April 6th 2020 at Wuhan JinYinTan Hospital and The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University.

Results

Among 210 patients, 131 were males (62.4%). The median Age was 64 years (IQR: 56–71). Of 92 (43.8%) patients who developed AKI during hospitalization, 13 (14.1%), 15 (16.3%) and 64 (69.6%) were classified as being at stage 1, 2 and 3, respectively. 54 patients (58.7%) received continuous renal replacement therapy. Age, sepsis, nephrotoxic drug, invasive mechanical ventilation and elevated baseline serum creatinine levels were associated with the occurrence of AKI. Renal recovery during hospitalization was identified among 16 patients with AKI (17.4%), who had a significantly shorter time from admission to AKI diagnosis, lower incidence of right heart failure and higher ratio of partial pressure of oxygen to the fraction of inspired oxygen. Of 210 patients, 93 deceased within 28 days of ICU admission. AKI stage 3, critical disease, greater Age and the lowest ratio of partial pressure of oxygen to the fraction of inspired oxygen being < 150 mmHg were independently associated with death.

Conclusions

Among patients with Covid-19, the incidence of AKI was high. Our findings of the risk factors of the development of AKI and factors associated with renal function recovery may inform clinical management of patients with critical illness of Covid-19.
Overview and factors associated with pregnancies and abortions occurring in sex workers in Benin
Authors: Perrault Sullivan Gentiane , Guédou Fernand Aimé , Batona Georges , Kintin Frédéric , Béhanzin Luc , Avery Lisa , Bédard Emmanuelle , Gagnon Marie-Pierre , Zannou Djimon Marcel , Kpatchavi Adolphe , Alary Michel
Published: November 2020

Background

Behavioural and structural factors related to sex work, place female sex workers (FSWs) at high risk of maternal mortality and morbidity (MMM), with a large portion due to unintended pregnancies and abortions. In the African context where MMM is the highest in the world, understanding the frequency and determinants of pregnancy and abortion among FSWs is important in order to meet their sexual and reproductive health needs.

Methods

Data from two Beninese cross-sectional surveys among FSWs aged 18+ (2013,N = 450; 2016,N = 504) were merged. We first performed exploratory univariate analyses to identify factors associated with pregnancy and abortion (p < 0.20) using Generalized Estimating Equations with Poisson regression and robust variance. Multivariate analyses first included all variables identified in the univariate models and backward selection (p ≤ 0.05) was used to generate the final models.

Results

Median age was 39 years (N = 866). The proportion of FSWs reporting at least one pregnancy during sex work practice was 16.4%, of whom 42.3% had more than one. Most pregnancies ended with an abortion (67.6%). In multivariate analyses, younger age, longer duration in sex work, previous HIV testing, having a boyfriend and not using condoms with him were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with more pregnancies.

Conclusion

One FSW out of five had at least one pregnancy during her sex work practice. Most of those pregnancies, regardless of their origin, ended with an abortion. Improving access to various forms of contraception and safe abortion is the key to reducing unintended pregnancies and consequently, MMM among FSWs in Benin.
Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of a new type of recombinant insulin Lisargine injection
Authors: Lu Jiangjie , Zeng Yong , Yi Xiulin , Zhang Hongmei , Zhu Lin , Jiang Lixin , Li Jing , Zhou Wei , Zhu Hong , Xiong Aijun
Published: November 2020

Background

Recombinant insulin Lisargine is a new type of insulin. In this study, we aimed to compare its pharmacodynamic (PD) and pharmacokinetic (PK) with Lantus.

Methods

The PD test was performed by exploring the effect of single administration on blood glucose of normal rats and STZ-induced diabetic rats, and the effect of multiple administrations on blood glucose of STZ-induced diabetic rats. Further PD tests include receptor affinity test, receptor autophosphorylation test and adipocyte glucose uptake test. Four IU and 8 IU per dog Lisargine was used for PK test, insulin was measured and area under curve (AUC) was calculated.

Results

With single injection, Lisargine 1.5 IU/kg had significant hypoglycemic effects at 1 and 2 h, similar to that of Lantus. Lisargine 5 IU/kg and 10 IU/kg lowered the blood glucose of STZ-induced diabetic rats at 1, 2, 4 & 6 h significantly. With multiple injections, Lantus lowered blood glucose at 2, 4 & 6 h, Lisargine 2.5 IU/kg, 5 IU/kg, and 10 IU/kg lowered blood glucose at 2 & 4 h significantly, compared with vehicle. There was no difference for receptor affinity test, receptor autophosphorylation test and adipocyte glucose uptake test between Lisargine and Lantus. The PK of Lisargine and Lantus of healthy Beagle dogs was very similar.

Conclusions

This animal study demonstrated that PK and PD of Lisargine and Lantus were similar, suggesting the bioequivalence of these products.
The risk of new-onset atrial fibrillation in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus treated with sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors versus dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors
Authors: Ling Ann Wan-Chin , Chan Cze-Ci , Chen Shao-Wei , Kao Yi-Wei , Huang Chien-Ying , Chan Yi-Hsin , Chu Pao-Hsien
Published: November 2020

Background

Sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) reduces the risk of hard cardiovascular endpoints in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with/without established cardiovascular diseases. Whether SGLT2i is associated with a lower risk of new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) in T2DM patients is unclear. We aimed to evaluate the risk of new-onset AF associated with the use of SGLT2i compared to dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor (DPP4i) among a longitudinal cohort of diabetic patients.

Methods

We used medical data from a multi-center healthcare provider in Taiwan, which included a total of 15,606 and 12,383 patients treated with SGLT2i and DPP4i, respectively, from June 1, 2016 to December 31, 2018. We used propensity-score weighting to balance covariates across study groups. Patients were followed up from the drug index date until the occurrence of new-onset AF, discontinuation of the index drug, or the end of the study period, whichever occurred first.

Results

Overall, 55%, 45%, and 0% of the patients were treated with empagliflozin, dapagliflozin, and canagliflozin, respectively. Most patients in the DPP4i group were prescribed with linagliptin (51%), followed by sitagliptin (24%), saxagliptin (13%), vildagliptin (8%) and alogliptin (5%). The use of SGLT2i was associated with a lower risk of new-onset AF compared with DPP4i after propensity-score weighting [hazard ratio: 0.61; 95% confidential interval: 0.50–0.73;P < 0.001]. Subgroup analysis revealed that the use of SGLT2i was associated with a lower risk of new-onset AF compared with DPP4i across several subgroups including old age, female in gender, the presence of cardiovascular disease, hemoglobin A1c$$\ge$$≥8%, and chronic kidney disease. The advantage of SGLT2i over DPP4i persisted with different SGLT2i (dapagliflozin or empagliflozin) and either low- or standard-dose SGLT2i.

Conclusions

SGLT2i was associated with a lower risk of new-onset AF compared with DPP4i among T2DM patients in real-world practice.
[68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 PET before and after initial long-term androgen deprivation in patients with newly diagnosed prostate cancer: a retrospective single-center study
Authors: Hoberück Sebastian , Löck Steffen , Winzer Robert , Zöphel Klaus , Froehner Michael , Fedders Dieter , Kotzerke Jörg , Hölscher Tobias
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) on PSMA imaging and its correlation to the PSA concentration by comparing qualitative and quantitative parameters: SUVmax, SUVmean, PSMA-derived tumor volume (PSMA-TV), total lesion PSMA (TL-PSMA) and molecular imaging (mi)PSMA score.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of 21 therapy-naïve patients with oligometastatic prostate cancer (median age 70 years) who underwent either [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11-PET/CT or -PET/MRI before initiation of (T1) as well as during ADT (T2). The median duration of ADT was 155 days (range 61–289 days). All lesions were analyzed using several qualitative and quantitative PET parameters.

Results

A total of 109 PSMA-positive lesions (24 intraprostatic, 56 lymphonodal and 29 osseous) were visually detected at any of the examinations, while at T2, two new bone lesions were detected in one patient. During ADT, all patients experienced a decrease in their PSA level (median: 29.1 before vs. 0.71 after; p < 0.001). During long-term ADT, a relevant decrease in lesion count occurred, especially in patients with a T2 PSA value < 1 ng/ml (median: 4 vs. 0.9; p = 0.007) and PSMA expression, which resulted in miN- and/or miM-downstaging in 11 patients (52.7%).

All analyzed PET parameters correlated strongly with each other. The PSA level at T2 correlated modestly with the decrease in PSMA expression and its derived volumes.

Conclusion

Post-ADT scans detected, especially in patients with a residual PSA < 1 ng/ml, fewer PSMA-positive lesions with overall lower PSMA expression, regardless of primary tumor site or metastatic sites. None of the PET parameters has proven to be superior, as they all correlated modestly with the PSA value at T2. Thus, the simply acquirable miPSMA score seems to be the most suitable for evaluating the effect of ADT on PSMA expression.
On $$\psi _{{\mathcal{H}}}( . )$$-operator in weak structure spaces with hereditary classes
Authors: Abu-Donia H. M. , Hosny Rodyna A.
Published: November 2020

Weak structure space (briefly, wss) has master looks, when the whole space is not open, and these classes of subsets are not closed under arbitrary unions and finite intersections, which classify it from typical topology. Our main target of this article is to introduce $$\psi _{{\mathcal {H}}}(.)$$

ψ
H

(
.
)

-operator in hereditary class weak structure space (briefly, $${\mathcal {H}}wss$$

H
w
s
s

) $$(X, w, {\mathcal {H}})$$

(
X
,
w
,
H
)

and examine a number of its characteristics. Additionally, we clarify some relations that are credible in topological spaces but cannot be realized in generalized ones. As a generalization of w-open sets and w-semiopen sets, certain new kind of sets in a weak structure space via $$\psi _{{\mathcal {H}}}(.)$$

ψ
H

(
.
)

-operator called $$\psi _{{\mathcal {H}}}$$

ψ
H

-semiopen sets are introduced. We prove that the family of $$\psi _{{\mathcal {H}}}$$

ψ
H

-semiopen sets composes a supra-topology on X. In view of hereditary class $${\mathcal {H}}_{0}$$

H
0

, $$w T_{1}$$

w

T
1

-axiom is formulated and also some of their features are investigated.
Life cycle assessment and leather production
Authors: Navarro Diego , Wu Jianhui , Lin Wei , Fullana-i-Palmer Pere , Puig Rita
Published: November 2020

Leather industry is facing new trends on production and consumption patterns due to society concerns. Circular economy is proposing a transition from the current economic model to a more sustainable one, in which waste is designed out and resources will be reused and recycled as long as possible. In this transition, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is an important tool to help decision-making. In the present review, 39 English-written peer-reviewed papers related to LCA and leather have been found, 30 of which were published in the last 6 years, meaning LCA is nowadays an important subject. Papers are presented within 4 types, focused on: 1) the whole leather production process, 2) a single step in the production process (e.g, new technologies for unhairing), 3) waste treatment and recycling, and 4) life cycle thinking with ideas on long-term strategies for leather industries. As discussed in the literature review, leather industry has important challenges to address: increasing sustainability and transparency on the supply chain, and strengthening the beauty of leather. Taking up these challenges from a life cycle perspective will help leather industry flourish in the coming future.

Graphical abstract
A practical method utilizing multi-spectral LiDAR to aid points cloud matching in SLAM
Authors: Jiang Changhui , Chen Yuwei , Tian Wenxin , Feng Ziyi , Li Wei , Zhou Chunchen , Shao Hui , Puttonen Eetu , Hyyppä Juha
Published: November 2020

Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) sensors are popular in Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) owing to their capability of obtaining ranging information actively. Researchers have attempted to use the intensity information that accompanies each range measurement to enhance LiDAR SLAM positioning accuracy. However, before employing LiDAR intensities in SLAM, a calibration operation is usually carried out so that the intensity is independent of the incident angle and range. The range is determined from the laser beam transmitting time. Therefore, the key to using LiDAR intensities in SLAM is to obtain the incident angle between the laser beam and target surface. In a complex environment, it is difficult to obtain the incident angle robustly. This procedure also complicates the data processing in SLAM and as a result, further application of the LiDAR intensity in SLAM is hampered. Motivated by this problem, in the present study, we propose a Hyperspectral LiDAR (HSL)-based-intensity calibration-free method to aid point cloud matching in SLAM. HSL employed in this study can obtain an eight-channel range accompanied by corresponding intensity measurements. Owing to the design of the laser, the eight-channel range and intensity were collected with the same incident angle and range. According to the laser beam radiation model, the ratio values between two randomly selected channels’ intensities at an identical target are independent of the range information and incident angle. To test the proposed method, the HSL was employed to scan a wall with different coloured papers pasted on it (white, red, yellow, pink, and green) at four distinct positions along a corridor (with an interval of 60 cm in between two consecutive positions). Then, a ratio value vector was constructed for each scan. The ratio value vectors between consecutive laser scans were employed to match the point cloud. A classic Iterative Closest Point (ICP) algorithm was employed to estimate the HSL motion using the range information from the matched point clouds. According to the test results, we found that pink and green papers were distinctive at 650, 690, and 720 nm. A ratio value vector was constructed using 650-nm spectral information against the reference channel. Furthermore, compared with the classic ICP using range information only, the proposed method that matched ratio value vectors presented an improved performance in heading angle estimation. For the best case in the field test, the proposed method enhanced the heading angle estimation by 72%, and showed an average 25.5% improvement in a featureless spatial testing environment. The results of the primary test indicated that the proposed method has the potential to aid point cloud matching in typical SLAM of real scenarios.