bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Do Men Talk about Taking Parental Leave? Evidence from South Korea, Spain, and the U.S.
Authors: Bueno Xiana , Oh Eunsil
Published: September 2021

This study explores how men in South Korea, Spain, and the U.S. use parental leave and shows how distinct labor-market structures, divisions of unpaid and paid labor, and parental leave policies shape individuals’ intentions and decisions to utilize leave policies. Using in-depth interviews of 80 men, we show two important findings: One, in Spain and the U. S., the systematized monetary support strongly encourages fathers to use parental leave whereas in South Korea, a generous policy becomes of little use because work culture heavily discourages men from taking leave. Two, gender norms shape the desirability of using parental leave regardless of the availability of the policy. An emerging group of men in Spain and the U.S. actively reconstruct what an engaged father should do whereas Korean men took it for granted that fathers should not take leave, instead should work even harder to be a responsible father. In the end, this study shows how the monetary structure and schema of what an engaged father should do shape how men approach and use parental leave in three different contexts.
The Soil Habitat and Considerations for Synthetic Biology
Authors: Barbato Robyn A.
Published: September 2021

Microorganisms serve as agents for synthetic biology. It certain instances, the technology is reliant on survival of the genetically-altered microorganism in the natural environment. This chapter offers insight into the soil system to improve the performance of genetically-altered microorganisms in the natural environment. This chapter covers the soil system, the fitness of genetically altered organisms, and considerations for their survival and proliferation in nature. This chapter does not discuss the ecological consequences of survival in the natural environment or the regulatory considerations to distribute a genetically-altered organism in the environment. In addition to regulatory approval, both considerations should be critically reviewed before a genetically-altered organism is distributed in the environment.
Emerging Biotechnology and Information Hazards
Authors: Nieuwenweg Anna Cornelia , Trump Benjamin D. , Klasa Katarzyna , Bleijs Diederik A. , Oye Kenneth A.
Published: September 2021

Biotechnology innovation has never been more accessible to individuals, companies, and (research)organizations. Advances in genetic engineering, declining costs, and improved education have improved access to biotechnologies. Such openness has provided many benefits as biotechnology has been used to address some of the world’s most intractable problems However, increased access to biotechnology tools and knowledge may also pose risks to humans, animals, and the environment (Meyer 2013; Kera 2014; Li et al. 2017; Oye 2012).
Lie Derivatives of the Shape Operator of a Real Hypersurface in a Complex Projective Space
Authors: Pérez Juan de Dios , Pérez-López David
Published: September 2021

We consider real hypersurfacesMin complex projective space equipped with both the Levi-Civita and generalized Tanaka–Webster connections. Associated with the generalized Tanaka–Webster connection we can define a differential operator of first order. For any nonnull real numberkand any symmetric tensor field of type (1,1)BonM, we can define a tensor field of type (1,2) onM,$$B^{(k)}_T$$BT(k), related to Lie derivative and such a differential operator. We study symmetry and skew symmetry of the tensor$$A^{(k)}_T$$AT(k)associated with the shape operatorAofM.
Topological Properties of the Immediate Basins of Attraction for the Secant Method
Authors: Gardini Laura , Garijo Antonio , Jarque Xavier
Published: September 2021

We study the discrete dynamical system defined on a subset of $$R^2$$

R
2

given by the iterates of the secant method applied to a real polynomial p. Each simple real root $$\alpha $$
α
of p has associated its basin of attraction $${\mathcal {A}}(\alpha )$$

A
(
α
)

formed by the set of points converging towards the fixed point $$(\alpha ,\alpha )$$

(
α
,
α
)

of S. We denote by $${\mathcal {A}}^*(\alpha )$$

A

∗

(
α
)

its immediate basin of attraction, that is, the connected component of $${\mathcal {A}}(\alpha )$$

A
(
α
)

which contains $$(\alpha ,\alpha )$$

(
α
,
α
)

. We focus on some topological properties of $${\mathcal {A}}^*(\alpha )$$

A

∗

(
α
)

, when $$\alpha $$
α
is an internal real root of p. More precisely, we show the existence of a 4-cycle in $$\partial {\mathcal {A}}^*(\alpha )$$

∂

A

∗

(
α
)

and we give conditions on p to guarantee the simple connectivity of $${\mathcal {A}}^*(\alpha )$$

A

∗

(
α
)

.
Dynamics of Weighted Composition Operators on Spaces of Entire Functions of Exponential and Infraexponential Type
Authors: Beltrán-Meneu María J. , Jordá Enrique
Published: September 2021

Given an affine symbol$$\varphi $$φand a multiplierw,  we focus on the weighted composition operator$$C_{w, \varphi }$$Cw,φacting on the spacesExpand$$Exp^0$$Exp0of entire functions of exponential and of infraexponential type, respectively. We characterize the continuity of the operator and, forwthe product of a polynomial by an exponential function, we completely characterize power boundedness and (uniform) mean ergodicity. In the case of multiples of composition operators, we also obtain the spectrum and characterize hypercyclicity.
Periodic Solutions of Second-Order Differential Equations in Hilbert Spaces
Authors: Fonda Alessandro , Klun Giuliano , Sfecci Andrea
Published: September 2021

We prove the existence of periodic solutions of some infinite-dimensional systems by the use of the lower/upper solutions method. Both the well-ordered and non-well-ordered cases are treated, thus generalizing to systems some well-established results for scalar equations.
Identifying critical transitions in seasonal shifts of zooplankton composition in a confined coastal salt marsh
Authors: Quintana Xavier D. , Antón-Pardo Maria , Bas-Silvestre Maria , Boix Dani , Casamitjana Xavier , Compte Jordi , Cunilllera-Montcusí David , Gascón Stéphanie , Menció Anna , Obrador Biel , Tornero Irene , Sala Jordi
Published: September 2021

Zooplankton assemblages in the confined coastal lagoons of La Pletera salt marshes (Baix Ter wetlands, Girona, Spain) are dominated by two species: one calanoid copepod (Eurytemora velox) and the other rotifer (Brachionusgr.plicatilis). They alternate as the dominant species (more than 80% of total zooplankton biomass), with the former being dominant in winter and the latter in summer. Shifts between these taxa are sudden, and intermediate situations usually do not last more than 1 month. Although seasonal shifts between zooplankton dominant species appear to be related with temperature, other factors such as trophic state or oxygen concentration may also play an important role. Shifts between species dominances may be driven by thresholds in these environmental variables. However, according to the alternative stable states theory, under conditions of stable dominance a certain resistance to change may exist, causing that gradual changes might have little effect until a tipping point is reached, at which the reverse change becomes much more difficult. We investigated which are the possible factors causing seasonal zooplankton shifts. We used high-frequency temperature and oxygen data provided by sensors installed in situ to analyse if shifts in zooplankton composition are determined by a threshold in these variables or, on the other hand, some gradual change between stable states occur. Moreover, following the postulates of the alternative stable states theory, we looked at possible hysteresis to analyse if these seasonal zooplankton shifts behave as critical transitions between two different equilibriums. We also examined if top-down or bottom-up trophic interactions affect these zooplankton shifts. Our results show that shifts between dominant zooplankton species in La Pletera salt marshes are asymmetric. The shift to aEurytemorasituation is mainly driven by a decrease in temperature, with a threshold close to 19 °C of daily average temperature, while the shift toBrachionusdoes not. Usually, the decrease in water temperature is accompanied by a decrease in oxygen oscillation with values always close to 100% oxygen saturation. Moreover, oxygen and temperature values before the shift to calanoids are different from those before the reverse shift toBrachionus, suggesting hysteresis and some resistance to change when a critical transition is approaching. Top-down and bottom-up forces appear to have no significant effect on shifts, since zooplankton biomass was not negatively correlated with fish biomass and was not positively related with chlorophyll, in overall data or within shifts.
COMBINATORICS OF CANONICAL BASES REVISITED: STRING DATA IN TYPE A
Authors: GENZ V. , KOSHEVOY G. , SCHUMANN B.
Published: September 2021

We give a formula for the crystal structure on the integer points of the string polytopes and the *-crystal structure on the integer points of the string cones of type A for arbitrary reduced words. As a byproduct, we obtain defining inequalities for Nakashima–Zelevinsky string polytopes. Furthermore, we give an explicit description of the Kashiwara *-involution on string data for a special choice of reduced word.
Reduced ectoparasite load, body mass and blood haemolysis in Eurasian kestrels (Falco tinnunculus) along an urban–rural gradient
Authors: Wemer Laura , Hegemann Arne , Isaksson Caroline , Nebel Carina , Kleindorfer Sonia , Gamauf Anita , Adrion Marius , Sumasgutner Petra
Published: September 2021

Urbanisation is proceeding at an alarming rate which forces wildlife to either retreat from urban areas or cope with novel stressors linked to human presence and activities. For example, urban stressors like anthropogenic noise, artificial light at night and chemical pollution can have severe impacts on the physiology of wildlife (and humans), in particular the immune system and antioxidant defences. These physiological systems are important to combat and reduce the severity of parasitic infections, which are common among wild animals. One question that then arises is whether urban-dwelling animals, whose immune and antioxidant system are already challenged by the urban stressors, are more susceptible to parasitic infections. To assess this, we studied nestlings of Eurasian kestrels (Falco tinnunculus) in Vienna, Austria, during 2015 and 2017. We measured biomarkers of innate immune function, oxidative stress and body mass index and ectoparasite infection intensity in 143 nestlings (from 56 nests) along an urban gradient. Nestlings in more urbanised areas had overall fewer ectoparasites, lower haemolysis (complement activity) and lower body mass index compared to nestlings in less urbanised areas. None of the other immune or oxidative stress markers were associated with the urban gradient. Despite some non-significant results, our data still suggest that kestrel nestlings experience some level of reduced physiological health, perhaps as a consequence of exposure to more urban stressors or altered prey availability in inner-city districts even though they had an overall lower ectoparasite burden in these heavily urbanised areas.
AI under great uncertainty: implications and decision strategies for public policy
Authors: Nordström Maria
Published: September 2021

Decisions where there is not enough information for a well-informed decision due to unidentified consequences, options, or undetermined demarcation of the decision problem are called decisions under great uncertainty. This paper argues that public policy decisions on how and if to implement decision-making processes based on machine learning and AI for public use are such decisions. Decisions on public policy on AI are uncertain due to three features specific to the current landscape of AI, namely (i) the vagueness of the definition of AI, (ii) uncertain outcomes of AI implementations and (iii) pacing problems. Given that many potential applications of AI in the public sector concern functions central to the public sphere, decisions on the implementation of such applications are particularly sensitive. Therefore, it is suggested that public policy-makers and decision-makers in the public sector can adopt strategies from the argumentative approach in decision theory to mitigate the established great uncertainty. In particular, the notions of framing and temporal strategies are considered.
Severe bicompartmental bone bruise is associated with rotatory instability in anterior cruciate ligament injury
Authors: Agostinone Piero , Di Paolo Stefano , Lucidi Gian Andrea , Dal Fabbro Giacomo , Grassi Alberto , Zaffagnini Stefano
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The presence and severity of bone bruise is more and more investigated in the non-contact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury context. Recent studies have advocated a correlation between bone bruise and preoperative knee laxity. The aim of the present study was to investigate the correlation between bone bruise and preoperative rotatory knee laxity.

Methods

Twenty-nine patients (29.1 ± 9.8 years) with MRI images at a maximum of 3 months after ACL injury (1.6 ± 0.8 months) were included. The bone bruise severity was evaluated according to the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) scale for lateral femoral condyle, lateral tibial plateau, medial femoral condyle, and medial tibial plateau. The intraoperative rotational knee laxity was evaluated through a surgical navigation system in terms of internal–external rotation at 30° and 90° of knee flexion (IE30, IE90) and internal–external rotation and acceleration during pivot-shift test (PS IE, PS ACC). The KOOS score was also collected. The association between ICRS grade of bone bruise and rotational laxity or KOOS was investigated.

Results

Significant correlation (p < 0.05) was found between the bone bruise severity on the medial tibial plateau and rotational laxity (IE90, PS IE, and PS ACC) and between the severity of bone bruise on femoral lateral condyle and KOOS-Symptoms sub-score. The presence of bone bruise on the medial tibial plateau was significantly associated with a lateral femoral notch sign > 2 mm (very strong odds ratio). No kinematical differences were found between none-to-deep and extensive-generalized lateral bone bruise, while higher IE30 and IE90 were found in extensive-generalized bicompartmental bone bruise than isolated extensive-generalized lateral bone bruise.

Conclusion

A severe bicompartmental bone bruise was related to higher rotatory instability in the intraoperative evaluation of ACL deficient knees. The severity of edema on the medial tibial plateau was directly correlated with higher intraoperative pivot shift, and the size of edema on the lateral femoral condyle was associated with lower preoperative clinical scores.

Level of evidence

Level II.
Modeling ocean-induced rapid Earth rotation variations: an update
Authors: Harker Alexander A. , Schindelegger Michael , Ponte Rui M. , Salstein David A.
Published: September 2021

We revisit the problem of modeling the ocean’s contribution to rapid, non-tidal Earth rotation variations at periods of 2–120 days. Estimates of oceanic angular momentum (OAM, 2007–2011) are drawn from a suite of established circulation models and new numerical simulations, whose finest configuration is on a "Image missing"$$^\circ $$

∘

grid. We show that the OAM product by the Earth System Modeling Group at GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam has spurious short period variance in its equatorial motion terms, rendering the series a poor choice for describing oceanic signals in polar motion on time scales of less than $$\sim $$
∼
2 weeks. Accounting for OAM in rotation budgets from other models typically reduces the variance of atmosphere-corrected geodetic excitation by $$\sim $$
∼
54% for deconvolved polar motion and by $$\sim $$
∼
60% for length-of-day. Use of OAM from the "Image missing"$$^\circ $$

∘

model does provide for an additional reduction in residual variance such that the combined oceanic–atmospheric effect explains as much as 84% of the polar motion excitation at periods < 120 days. Employing statistical analysis and bottom pressure changes from daily Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment solutions, we highlight the tendency of ocean models run at a 1$$^\circ $$

∘

grid spacing to misrepresent topographically constrained dynamics in some deep basins of the Southern Ocean, which has adverse effects on OAM estimates taken along the 90$$^\circ $$

∘

meridian. Higher model resolution thus emerges as a sensible target for improving the oceanic component in broader efforts of Earth system modeling for geodetic purposes.
The effect of potent CYP2D6 inhibition on the pharmacokinetics and safety of deutetrabenazine in healthy volunteers
Authors: Schneider F. , Stamler D. , Bradbury M. J. , Loupe P. S. , Gordon M. F. , Rabinovich-Guilatt L.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Deutetrabenazine is a deuterated form of tetrabenazine with a confirmed lower rate of CYP2D6 metabolism of the active metabolites, α- and β-HTBZ. In this study, we assessed the effect of paroxetine, a potent CYP2D6 inhibitor, on the pharmacokinetics and safety of deutetrabenazine and its metabolites.

Methods

In this open-label sequential drug-drug-interaction study, 24 healthy adults who were CYP2D6 extensive or intermediate metabolizers received a single deutetrabenazine 22.5-mg oral dose on days 1 and 11 and a single paroxetine 20-mg oral daily dose on days 4–12. Pharmacokinetics of deutetrabenazine and its metabolites were assessed on days 1–4 and 11–14. Paroxetine trough concentrations were obtained pre-dose on days 9–13. Safety examinations occurred throughout the study.

Results

Paroxetine administered under steady-state conditions, increased exposure of the deuterated active metabolites, α-HTBZ (1.2-fold Cmax and 1.8-fold AUC0–∞) and β-HTBZ (2.1-fold Cmax and 5.6-fold AUC0–∞), and correspondingly, 1.6-fold Cmax and threefold AUC0–∞ for total (α + β)-HTBZ. Sixteen subjects reported 45 adverse events and most were mild. Headache was the most common AE reported 8 times by 7 subjects (5 following paroxetine alone; 2 following deutetrabenazine + paroxetine).

Conclusions

Paroxetine-induced increases in exposure to the active deutetrabenazine metabolites were less than those previously reported for tetrabenazine, a finding expected to reduce the burden of drug interaction. In addition, single doses of 22.5 mg deutetrabenazine, when given alone or in the presence of steady-state paroxetine (20 mg daily), were safe.
Increased biosynthesis of acetyl-CoA in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae by overexpression of a deregulated pantothenate kinase gene and engineering of the coenzyme A biosynthetic pathway
Authors: Olzhausen Judith , Grigat Mathias , Seifert Larissa , Ulbricht Tom , Schüller Hans-Joachim
Published: September 2021

Coenzyme A (CoA) and its derivatives such as acetyl-CoA are essential metabolites for several biosynthetic reactions. In the yeast S. cerevisiae, five enzymes (encoded by essential genes CAB1-CAB5; coenzyme A biosynthesis) are required to perform CoA biosynthesis from pantothenate, cysteine, and ATP. Similar to enzymes from other eukaryotes, yeast pantothenate kinase (PanK, encoded by CAB1) turned out to be inhibited by acetyl-CoA. By genetic selection of intragenic suppressors of a temperature-sensitive cab1 mutant combined with rationale mutagenesis of the presumed acetyl-CoA binding site within PanK, we were able to identify the variant CAB1 W331R, encoding a hyperactive PanK completely insensitive to inhibition by acetyl-CoA. Using a versatile gene integration cassette containing the TPI1 promoter, we constructed strains overexpressing CAB1 W331R in combination with additional genes of CoA biosynthesis (CAB2, CAB3, HAL3, CAB4, and CAB5). In these strains, the level of CoA nucleotides was 15-fold increased, compared to a reference strain without additional CAB genes. Overexpression of wild-type CAB1 instead of CAB1 W331R turned out as substantially less effective (fourfold increase of CoA nucleotides). Supplementation of overproducing strains with additional pantothenate could further elevate the level of CoA (2.3-fold). Minor increases were observed after overexpression of FEN2 (encoding a pantothenate permease) and deletion of PCD1 (CoA-specific phosphatase). We conclude that the strategy described in this work may improve the efficiency of biotechnological applications depending on acetyl-CoA.

Key points

• A gene encoding a hyperactive yeast pantothenate kinase (PanK) was constructed.

• Overexpression of CoA biosynthetic genes elevated CoA nucleotides 15-fold.

• Supplementation with pantothenate further increased the level of CoA nucleotides.
Prediction of TERTp-mutation status in IDH-wildtype high-grade gliomas using pre-treatment dynamic [18F]FET PET radiomics
Authors: Li Zhicong , Kaiser Lena , Holzgreve Adrien , Ruf Viktoria C. , Suchorska Bogdana , Wenter Vera , Quach Stefanie , Herms Jochen , Bartenstein Peter , Tonn Jörg-Christian , Unterrainer Marcus , Albert Nathalie L.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

To evaluate radiomic features extracted from standard static images (20–40 min p.i.), early summation images (5–15 min p.i.), and dynamic [18F]FET PET images for the prediction of TERTp-mutation status in patients with IDH-wildtype high-grade glioma.

Methods

A total of 159 patients (median age 60.2 years, range 19–82 years) with newly diagnosed IDH-wildtype diffuse astrocytic glioma (WHO grade III or IV) and dynamic [18F]FET PET prior to surgical intervention were enrolled and divided into a training (n = 112) and a testing cohort (n = 47) randomly. First-order, shape, and texture radiomic features were extracted from standard static (20–40 min summation images; TBR20–40), early static (5–15 min summation images; TBR5–15), and dynamic (time-to-peak; TTP) images, respectively. Recursive feature elimination was used for feature selection by 10-fold cross-validation in the training cohort after normalization, and logistic regression models were generated using the radiomic features extracted from each image to differentiate TERTp-mutation status. The areas under the ROC curve (AUC), accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive value were calculated to illustrate diagnostic power in both the training and testing cohort.

Results

The TTP model comprised nine selected features and achieved highest predictability of TERTp-mutation with an AUC of 0.82 (95% confidence interval 0.71–0.92) and sensitivity of 92.1% in the independent testing cohort. Weak predictive capability was obtained in the TBR5–15 model, with an AUC of 0.61 (95% CI 0.42–0.80) in the testing cohort, while no predictive power was observed in the TBR20–40 model.

Conclusions

Radiomics based on TTP images extracted from dynamic [18F]FET PET can predict the TERTp-mutation status of IDH-wildtype diffuse astrocytic high-grade gliomas with high accuracy preoperatively.
Benchmarking prediction skill in binary El Niño forecasts
Authors: Hu Xinjia , Eichner Jan , Faust Eberhard , Kantz Holger
Published: September 2021

Reliable El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) prediction at seasonal-to-interannual lead times would be critical for different stakeholders to conduct suitable management. In recent years, new methods combining climate network analysis with El Niño prediction claim that they can predict El Niño up to 1 year in advance by overcoming the spring barrier problem (SPB). Usually this kind of method develops an index representing the relationship between different nodes in El Niño related basins, and the index crossing a certain threshold is taken as the warning of an El Niño event in the next few months. How well the prediction performs should be measured in order to estimate any improvements. However, the amount of El Niño recordings in the available data is limited, therefore it is difficult to validate whether these methods are truly predictive or their success is merely a result of chance. We propose a benchmarking method by surrogate data for a quantitative forecast validation for small data sets. We apply this method to a naïve prediction of El Niño events based on the Oscillation Niño Index (ONI) time series, where we build a data-based prediction scheme using the index series itself as input. In order to assess the network-based El Niño prediction method, we reproduce two different climate network-based forecasts and apply our method to compare the prediction skill of all these. Our benchmark shows that using the ONI itself as input to the forecast does not work for moderate lead times, while at least one of the two climate network-based methods has predictive skill well above chance at lead times of about one year.
Magnesium intake and vascular structure and function: the Hoorn Study
Authors: Vermeulen Emma A. , de Jong Hanne B. T. , Blomjous Alexander G. A. , Eelderink Coby , Hoekstra Tiny , Elders Petra J. M. , de Borst Martin H. , Vervloet Marc G. , van Ballegooijen Adriana J. , Beulens Joline W.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Circulating and dietary magnesium have been shown to be inversely associated with the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality in both high and low-risk populations. We aimed to examine the association between dietary magnesium intake and several measures of vascular structure and function in a prospective cohort.

Methods

We included 789 participants who participated in the vascular screening sub-cohort of the Hoorn Study, a population-based, prospective cohort study. Baseline dietary magnesium intake was estimated with a validated food frequency questionnaire and categorised in energy-adjusted magnesium intake tertiles. Several measurements of vascular structure and function were performed at baseline and most measurements were repeated after 8 years of follow-up (n = 432). Multivariable linear and logistic regression was performed to study the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of magnesium intake and intima-media thickness (IMT), augmentation index (Aix), pulse wave velocity (PWV), flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), and peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

Results

Mean absolute magnesium intake was 328 ± 83 mg/day and prior CVD and DM2 was present in 55 and 41% of the participants, respectively. Multivariable regression analyses did not demonstrate associations between magnesium intake and any of the vascular outcomes. Participants in the highest compared to the lowest magnesium intake tertile demonstrated in fully adjusted cross-sectional analyses a PWV of −0.21 m/s (95% confidence interval −1.95, 1.52), a FMD of −0.03% (−0.89, 0.83) and in longitudinal analyses an IMT of 0.01 mm (−0.03, 0.06), an Aix of 0.70% (−1.69, 3.07) and an odds ratio of 0.84 (0.23, 3.11) for PAD

Conclusion

We did not find associations between dietary magnesium intake and multiple markers of vascular structure and function, in either cross-sectional or longitudinal analyses.
Introducing a novel model for simulating large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ) using 3D printing technique
Authors: Kiesel Matthias , Beyers Inga , Kalisz Adam , Wöckel Achim , Herbert Saskia-Laureen , Curtaz Carolin , Diessner Joachim , Joukhadar Ralf , Wulff Christine
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Electrosurgery is the gold-standard procedure for the treatment of cervical dysplasia. The quality of the outcome depends on the accuracy of performance, which underlines the role of adequate training of surgeons, especially, as this procedure is often performed by novice surgeons. According to our knowledge, medical simulation has up until now lacked a model, which focuses on realistically simulating the treatment of cervical dysplasia with the concerning anatomy.

Methods and result

In our work, we present a model created using 3D printing for holistically simulating diagnostic, as well as surgical interventions of the cervix, as realistically as possible.

Conclusion

This novel simulator is compared to an existing model and both are evaluated. By doing so, we aim to provide novice gynecologists with standardized and high-quality simulation models for practicing to improve their proficiency.
Changes in gynecologic and breast cancer diagnoses during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic: analysis from a tertiary academic gyneco-oncological center in Germany
Authors: Kaltofen Till , Hagemann Friederike , Harbeck Nadia , Wuerstlein Rachel , Kost Bernd Peter , Burges Alexander , Mahner Sven , Trillsch Fabian
Published: September 2021

Purpose

With the beginning of 2021, the world has been suffering from the COVID-19 pandemic for more than 1 year. More and more, we are able to evaluate side effects of the pandemic in the healthcare sector. A negative impact on cancer diagnoses is one of them. Careful observation of trends in an academic gyneco-oncological context appears important to identify potential negative developments.

Methods

We analyzed the case number of gynecologic and breast cancer diagnoses in the period from January to June 2020 compared to 2019 and during the period of the first general German lockdown (March 22nd until May 5th 2020). Patients were characterized by age, tumor type, FIGO or TNM stage and presence of symptoms at initial hospital presentation.

Results

The frequency of newly diagnosed gynecologic and breast cancer cases from beginning of January until end of June changed by − 10% and by − 12% during the lockdown in 2020 compared to 2019. In both periods, reduction of breast cancer cases was relatively larger than decrease of gynecologic cancers. Moreover, median patient age decreased. For the first half of 2020, we found a shift towards higher tumor stages (N+/M1 or FIGO III–IV). During the lockdown period, the appearance of tumor-associated symptoms at diagnosis increased by about 12%.

Conclusion

This analysis illustrates the anticipated general decrease in diagnoses of primary cancers during the lockdown periods in 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic for gynecologic and breast cancer cases.
Internal validation and improvement of mitochondrial genome sequencing using the Precision ID mtDNA Whole Genome Panel
Authors: Faccinetto Christian , Sabbatini Daniele , Serventi Patrizia , Rigato Martina , Salvoro Cecilia , Casamassima Gianluca , Margiotta Gianluca , De Fanti Sara , Sarno Stefania , Staiti Nicola , Luiselli Donata , Marino Alberto , Vazza Giovanni
Published: September 2021

With the recent advances in next-generation sequencing (NGS), mitochondrial whole-genome sequencing has begun to be applied to the field of the forensic biology as an alternative to the traditional Sanger-type sequencing (STS). However, experimental workflows, commercial solutions, and output data analysis must be strictly validated before being implemented into the forensic laboratory. In this study, we performed an internal validation for an NGS-based typing of the entire mitochondrial genome using the Precision ID mtDNA Whole Genome Panel (Thermo Fisher Scientific) on the Ion S5 sequencer (Thermo Fisher Scientific). Concordance, repeatability, reproducibility, sensitivity, and heteroplasmy detection analyses were assessed using the 2800 M and 9947A standard control DNA as well as typical casework specimens, and results were compared with conventional Sanger sequencing and another NGS sequencer in a different laboratory. We discuss the strengths and limitations of this approach, highlighting some issues regarding noise thresholds and heteroplasmy detection, and suggesting solutions to mitigate these effects and improve overall data interpretation. Results confirmed that the Precision ID Whole mtDNA Genome Panel is highly reproducible and sensitive, yielding useful full mitochondrial DNA sequences also from challenging DNA specimens, thus providing further support for its use in forensic practice.
Racial and ethnic disparities in genetic testing for hearing loss: a systematic review and synthesis
Authors: Rouse Stephanie L. , Florentine Michelle M. , Taketa Emily , Chan Dylan K.
Published: September 2021

Racial/ethnic disparities in the diagnostic efficacy of genetic testing for hearing loss have been described. These disparities may relate to differences in variant classification between different racial/ethnic groups, which may, in turn, derive from disparate representation of these groups in the published literature. We sought to quantify racial/ethnic disparities in the published literature on the human genetics of hearing loss. We conducted a search of PubMed for articles describing single-gene, multiple-gene, or whole-exome sequencing for individuals with sensorineural hearing loss. Data on the included subjects, including race/ethnicity and/or region of origin, a number of subjects tested, and method of testing, were extracted. 1355 populations representing 311,092 subjects from 1165 studies were included. Overall, subjects of European and Asian ancestry were equivalently represented, but those of Latino American, African, and indigenous North American ancestry were significantly underrepresented; over 96% of all subjects in the published literature were European or Asian. Within populations, the majority of subjects derived from a small subset of countries. The observed disparity was greater for multiple-gene and whole-exome sequencing than for single-gene sequencing. These findings illustrate the large disparity in the published literature on the genetics of hearing loss, and demonstrate the need for increased representation of Latino American, African, and indigenous North American populations.
About the Solution of the Numerical Instability for Topological Solitons with Long Range Interaction
Authors: Anmasser Fabian , Theuerkauf Dominik , Faber Manfried
Published: September 2021

The computations of solutions of the field equations in the Model of Topological Particles, formulated with a scalar SU(2)-field, have shown instabilities leading to discrepancies between the numerical and analytical solutions. We identify the origin of these deviations in misalignments of the rotational axes corresponding to the SU(2) elements. The system of a single soliton we use as an example to show that a constraint suppressing the wave-like disturbances is able to lead to excellent agreement between the result of the numerical minimisation procedure and the analytical solution.
Longstanding overt ventriculomegaly in adults (LOVA) with patent aqueduct: surgical outcome and etiopathogenesis of a possibly distinct form of chronic hydrocephalus
Authors: Palandri Giorgio , Carretta Alessandro , La Corte Emanuele , Mazzatenta Diego , Conti Alfredo
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Longstanding overt ventriculomegaly in adults (LOVA) represents a form of chronic adulthood hydrocephalus with symptomatic manifestation in late adulthood. Based on the patency of the aqueduct, two different subcohorts of LOVA can be distinguished. Surgical treatments of this condition are also debated. Therefore, we analyzed preoperative characteristics and clinical outcome after different surgical treatments in a subgroup of LOVA patients with a patent aqueduct.

Methods

Eighteen LOVA patients with a patent aqueduct consecutively treated at our institution between July 2013 and December 2019 were analyzed for this study. Median age was 70 years. Preoperative radiological and clinical features, surgical procedures (ventriculo-peritoneal shunt or endoscopic third ventriculostomy), and outcomes were collected. Successful outcome was qualitatively defined as an improvement or a halt of progression of the presenting symptoms at follow-up, and quantitatively by changes in mRS and iNPHGS scales.

Results

Twelve patients underwent an ETV as a primary treatment, while 6 underwent VPS. A total of 22.2% of them were lost to follow-up. Median follow-up time was 38 months. Six patients (66.7%) in the ETV cohort achieved a successful outcome after treatment, with a complication rate of 11.1%. Two patients underwent rescue VPS after ETV failure with a good outcome. Four patients (100%) underwent primary VPS and achieved a satisfactory outcome after treatment, with a reported complications rate of 25%.

Conclusion

LOVA with patent aqueduct represents, in our opinion, a distinct clinical form of chronic hydrocephalus. For this subgroup, as well as for other forms of LOVA, ETV remains an acceptable first-line treatment option considering the good results, and the low complication rate, obtained in those patients and the hypothesis that hydrocephalus is due to an “intracisternal” obstruction.
Transversus abdominis release (TAR) for ventral hernia repair: open or robotic? Short-term outcomes from a systematic review with meta-analysis
Authors: Bracale U. , Corcione F. , Neola D. , Castiglioni S. , Cavallaro G. , Stabilini C. , Botteri E. , Sodo M. , Imperatore N. , Peltrini R.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

To compare early postoperative outcomes after transversus abdominis release (TAR) for ventral hernia repair with open (oTAR) and robotic (rTAR) approach.

Methods

A systematic search of PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS and Web of Science databases was conducted to identify comparative studies until October 2020. A meta-analysis of postoperative short-term outcomes was performed including complications rate, operative time, length of stay, surgical site infection (SSI), surgical site occurrence (SSO), SSO requiring intervention (SSOPI), systemic complications, readmission, and reoperation rates as measure outcomes.

Results

Six retrospective studies were included in the analysis with a total of 831 patients who underwent rTAR (n = 237) and oTAR (n = 594). Robotic TAR was associated with lower risk of complications rate (9.3 vs 20.7%, OR 0.358, 95% CI 0.218–0.589, p < 0.001), lower risk of developing SSO (5.3 vs 11.5%, OR 0.669, 95% CI 0.307–1.458, p = 0.02), lower risk of developing systemic complications (6.3 vs 26.5%, OR 0.208, 95% CI 0.100–0.433, p < 0.001), shorter hospital stay (SMD − 4.409, 95% CI − 6.000 to − 2.818, p < 0.001) but longer operative time (SMD 53.115, 95% CI 30.236–75.993, p < 0.01) compared with oTAR. There was no statistically significant difference in terms of SSI, SSOPI, readmission, and reoperation rates.

Conclusion

Robotic TAR improves recovery by adding the benefits of minimally invasive procedures when compared to open surgery. Although postoperative complications appear to decrease with a robotic approach, further studies are needed to support the real long-term and cost-effective advantages.
Tropical Bisectors and Voronoi Diagrams
Authors: Criado Francisco , Joswig Michael , Santos Francisco
Published: September 2021

In this paper we initiate the study of tropical Voronoi diagrams. We start out with investigating bisectors of finitely many points with respect to arbitrary polyhedral norms. For this more general scenario we show that bisectors of three points are homeomorphic to a non-empty open subset of Euclidean space, provided that certain degenerate cases are excluded. Specializing our results to tropical bisectors then yields structural results and algorithms for tropical Voronoi diagrams.
Fast myocardial T1ρ mapping in mice using k-space weighted image contrast and a Bloch simulation-optimized radial sampling pattern
Authors: Gram Maximilian , Gensler Daniel , Winter Patrick , Seethaler Michael , Arias-Loza Paula Anahi , Oberberger Johannes , Jakob Peter Michael , Nordbeck Peter
Published: September 2021

Purpose

T1ρ dispersion quantification can potentially be used as a cardiac magnetic resonance index for sensitive detection of myocardial fibrosis without the need of contrast agents. However, dispersion quantification is still a major challenge, because T1ρ mapping for different spin lock amplitudes is a very time consuming process. This study aims to develop a fast and accurate T1ρ mapping sequence, which paves the way to cardiac T1ρ dispersion quantification within the limited measurement time of an in vivo study in small animals.

Methods

A radial spin lock sequence was developed using a Bloch simulation-optimized sampling pattern and a view-sharing method for image reconstruction. For validation, phantom measurements with a conventional sampling pattern and a gold standard sequence were compared to examine T1ρ quantification accuracy. The in vivo validation of T1ρ mapping was performed in N = 10 mice and in a reproduction study in a single animal, in which ten maps were acquired in direct succession. Finally, the feasibility of myocardial dispersion quantification was tested in one animal.

Results

The Bloch simulation-based sampling shows considerably higher image quality as well as improved T1ρ quantification accuracy (+ 56%) and precision (+ 49%) compared to conventional sampling. Compared to the gold standard sequence, a mean deviation of − 0.46 ± 1.84% was observed. The in vivo measurements proved high reproducibility of myocardial T1ρ mapping. The mean T1ρ in the left ventricle was 39.5 ± 1.2 ms for different animals and the maximum deviation was 2.1% in the successive measurements. The myocardial T1ρ dispersion slope, which was measured for the first time in one animal, could be determined to be 4.76 ± 0.23 ms/kHz.

Conclusion

This new and fast T1ρ quantification technique enables high-resolution myocardial T1ρ mapping and even dispersion quantification within the limited time of an in vivo study and could, therefore, be a reliable tool for improved tissue characterization.
Becoming Large, Becoming Infinite: The Anatomy of Thermal Physics and Phase Transitions in Finite Systems
Authors: Lavis David A. , Kühn Reimer , Frigg Roman
Published: September 2021

This paper presents an in-depth analysis of the anatomy of both thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, together with the relationships between their constituent parts. Based on this analysis, using the renormalization group and finite-size scaling, we give a definition of a large but finite system and argue that phase transitions are represented correctly, as incipient singularities in such systems. We describe the role of the thermodynamic limit. And we explore the implications of this picture of critical phenomena for the questions of reduction and emergence.
Is the brain an organ for free energy minimisation?
Authors: Williams Daniel
Published: September 2021

Two striking claims are advanced on behalf of the free energy principle (FEP) in cognitive science and philosophy: (i) that it identifies a condition of the possibility of existence for self-organising systems; and (ii) that it has important implications for our understanding of how the brain works, defining a set of process theories—roughly, theories of the structure and functions of neural mechanisms—consistent with the free energy minimising imperative that it derives as a necessary feature of all self-organising systems. I argue that the conjunction of claims (i) and (ii) rests on a fallacy of equivocation. The FEP can be interpreted in two ways: as a claim about how it is possible to redescribe the existence of self-organising systems (the Descriptive FEP), and as a claim about how such systems maintain their existence (the Explanatory FEP). Although the Descriptive FEP plausibly does identify a condition of the possibility of existence for self-organising systems, it has no important implications for our understanding of how the brain works. Although the Explanatory FEP would have such implications if it were true, it does not identify a condition of the possibility of existence for self-organising systems. I consider various ways of responding to this conclusion, and I explore its implications for the role and importance of the FEP in cognitive science and philosophy.
Life cycle assessment and circularity indicators
Authors: Rigamonti Lucia , Mancini Eliana
Published: September 2021

Purpose

In a context where the transition to a circular economy is increasingly required, it is necessary to clarify the relationship between sustainability and circularity. In this commentary we summarise what are circularity indicators and what is LCA (Life Cycle Assessment), and we discuss their potential role in improving circular decision making.

Methods

Based on literature, a focus on how circularity indicators and LCA could be used in circular decision making is presented. Moreover, an analysis of recent studies has been carried out to identify the relationship between LCA and circularity indicators.

Results and discussion

We can state that no authors have concluded that circularity indicators can be used alone to choose the best option in circular economy projects. This is because the circularity indicators only provide a partial view on the environmental performance of a system. At the same time, it appears that the circularity indicators are easier to communicate, and a high degree of circularity could help to build good relationships with customers and increase reputation among stakeholders, as well as to have an easier access to funding.

Conclusions and recommendations

At the end, we propose a procedure to include both the LCA and the circularity measurement in the assessment of circular economy strategies. While still at an early stage of conceptualisation, it gives an idea on how to integrate environmental sustainability aspects into circular economy initiatives.
Autoimmune Hepatitis: Serum Autoantibodies in Clinical Practice
Authors: Terziroli Beretta-Piccoli Benedetta , Mieli-Vergani Giorgina , Vergani Diego
Published: September 2021

Circulating autoantibodies are a key diagnostic tool in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), being positive in 95% of the cases if tested according to dedicated guidelines issued by the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group. They also allow the distinction between type 1 AIH, characterized by positive anti-nuclear and/or anti-smooth muscle antibody, and type 2 AIH, characterized by positive anti-liver kidney microsomal type 1 and/or anti-liver cytosol type 1 antibody. Anti-soluble liver antigen is the only AIH-specific autoantibody, and is found in 20–30% of both type 1 and type 2 AIH. Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody is frequently positive in type 1 AIH, being associated also with inflammatory bowel disease and with primary/autoimmune sclerosing cholangitis. The reference method for autoantibody testing remains indirect immunofluorescence on triple tissue (rodent liver, kidney and stomach), allowing both the detection of the majority of liver-relevant reactivities, including those autoantibodies whose molecular target antigens are unknown. Of note, the current knowledge of the clinical significance of autoantibodies relies on studies based on this technique. However, immunofluorescence requires trained laboratory personnel, is observer-dependent, and lacks standardization, leading to ongoing attempts at replacing this method with automated assays, the sensitivity, and specificity of which, however, require further studies before they can be used as a reliable alternative to immunofluorescence; currently, they may be used as complementary to immunofluorescence.
The 23rd April ’21 Snow Avalanche, Girthi Ganga post the 7th February ’21 Rishi Ganga Flash Flood: Are these Events Linked to Climate Warming in the Western Himalaya?
Authors: Sharma Shubhra , Sati Sarswati Prakash , Sundriyal Y. P. , Dobhal Harsh
Published: September 2021

The upper catchment of Dhauli Ganga valley (Chamoli district) in Uttarakhand Himalaya recently witnessed a large snow avalanche on the night of 23rd April 2021 along the Indo-Tibet border. This event followed the 7th February 2021 Rishi Ganga (debris flow induced) flash flood within less than three months. This note analyses the plausible causes of the avalanche using pre-disaster field survey data, supported by the limited geological and remote sensing based geomorphological investigations as the site could not be investigated due to remoteness of the location and travel restrictions due to COVID pandemic. The present observations suggest that active and relict cirques to the north of the South Tibetan Detachment System (STDS) are the sites for potential snow and debris avalanches under the projected warming trends in the western Himalaya. Particularly, the study calls for climate change adaptation measures in the climate sensitive Trans Himalayan region and optimize anthropogenic activities in order to safeguard the lives and vital infrastructure.