bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vitamin D supplementation and exercise for improving physical function, body composition and metabolic health in overweight or obese older adults with vitamin D deficiency: a pilot randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Mesinovic Jakub , Rodriguez Alexander J. , Cervo Mavil May , Gandham Anoohya , Xu Cecilia L.H. , Glavas Costas , de Courten Barbora , Zengin Ayse , Ebeling Peter R. , Scott David
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Vitamin D supplementation may have non-skeletal health benefits and enhance exercise responsiveness, particularly in those with low vitamin D levels. We determined whether, compared with placebo, vitamin D supplementation taken prior to and during a 12-week exercise program improves physical function, body composition or metabolic health, in overweight and obese older adults with vitamin D deficiency.

Methods

Fifty overweight or obese older adults (mean ± SD age: 60 ± 6 years; BMI 30.6 ± 5.7 kg/m2) with vitamin D deficiency (25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] < 50 nmol/L) were recruited. Participants were randomly allocated to receive either vitamin D3(4000 IU/day) or matching placebo for 24 weeks. Between weeks 12 and 24, all participants completed multi-modal exercise three days per week while continuing with vitamin D/placebo. Mean changes in physical function (primary outcome: gait speed), body composition and biochemical parameters at weeks 12 and 24 were compared between groups.

Results

Vitamin D supplementation, with or without exercise, had no effect on gait speed. From baseline to week 12, vitamin D supplementation increased serum 25(OH)D levels (placebo: 2.5 ± 14.7 nmol/L; treatment: 43.4 ± 18.4 nmol/L;P < 0.001) and reduced stair climb times (placebo: 0.3 ± 1.0 s; treatment: − 0.2 ± 1.0 s;P = 0.046). From 12 to 24 weeks, vitamin D supplementation combined with exercise decreased waist circumference (placebo: 1.3 ± 7.3 cm; treatment: − 3.0 ± 6.1 cm;P = 0.02) and waist-to-hip ratio (placebo: 0.01 ± 0.05; treatment: − 0.03 ± 0.05;P = 0.01) relative to placebo. Vitamin D supplementation, with or without exercise, had no effect on other physical function, body composition or metabolic health outcomes.

Conclusion

Vitamin D supplementation had no effect on most physical function, body composition or metabolic health parameters when taken alone, or during exercise, in overweight or obese older adults with vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D-related improvements in stair climb times and waist circumference suggest that future trials should explore the effects of vitamin D on muscle power, and its effects on body composition when combined with exercise, in populations with moderate or severe vitamin D deficiency.
Delay of total joint replacement is associated with a higher 90-day revision rate and increased postoperative complications
Authors: Holzapfel Dominik Emanuel , Meyer Matthias , Thieme Max , Pagano Stefano , von Kunow Frederik , Weber Markus
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Delay of elective surgeries, such as total joint replacement (TJR), is a common procedure in the current pandemic. In trauma surgery, postponement is associated with increased complication rates. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of postponement on surgical revision rates and postoperative complications after elective TJR.

Methods

In a retrospective analysis of 10,140 consecutive patients undergoing primary total hip replacement (THR) or total knee replacement (TKR) between 2011 and 2020, the effect of surgical delay on 90-day surgical revision rate, as well as internal and surgical complication rates, was investigated in a university high-volume arthroplasty center using the institute’s joint registry and data of the hospital administration. Moreover, multivariate logistic regression models were used to adjust for confounding variables.

Results

Two thousand four hundred and eighty TJRs patients were identified with a mean delay of 13.5 ± 29.6 days. Postponed TJR revealed a higher 90-day revision rate (7.1–4.5%, p < 0.001), surgical complications (3.2–1.9%, p < 0.001), internal complications (1.8–1.2% p < 0.041) and transfusion rate (2.6–1.8%, p < 0.023) than on-time TJR. Logistic regression analysis confirmed delay of TJRs as independent risk factor for 90-day revision rate [OR 1.42; 95% CI (1.18–1.72); p < 0.001] and surgical complication rates [OR 1.51; 95% CI (1.14–2.00); p = 0.04].

Conclusion

Alike trauma surgery, delay in elective primary TJR correlates with higher revision and complication rates. Therefore, scheduling should be performed under consideration of the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Level of evidence

Level III—retrospective cohort study.
Deep long period seismicity preceding and during the 2021 Fagradalsfjall eruption, Iceland
Authors: Greenfield Tim , Winder Tom , Rawlinson Nicholas , Maclennan John , White Robert S. , Ágústsdóttir Thorbjörg , Bacon Conor A. , Brandsdóttir Bryndís , Eibl Eva P. S. , Glastonbury-Southern Esme , Gudnason Egill Árni , Hersir Gylfi Páll , Horálek Josef
Published: November 2022

We use a dense seismic network on the Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland, to image a group of earthquakes at 10–12 km depth, 2 km north-east of 2021 Fagradalsfjall eruption site. These deep earthquakes have a lower frequency content compared to earthquakes located in the upper, brittle crust and are similar to deep long period (DLP) seismicity observed at other volcanoes in Iceland and around the world. We observed several swarms of DLP earthquakes between the start of the study period (June 2020) and the initiation of the 3-week-long dyke intrusion that preceded the eruption in March 2021. During the eruption, DLP earthquake swarms returned 1 km SW of their original location during periods when the discharge rate or fountaining style of the eruption changed. The DLP seismicity is therefore likely to be linked to the magma plumbing system beneath Fagradalsfjall. However, the DLP seismicity occurred ~ 5 km shallower than where petrological modelling places the near-Moho magma storage region in which the Fagradalsfjall lava was stored. We suggest that the DLP seismicity was triggered by the exsolution of CO2-rich fluids or the movement of magma at a barrier to the transport of melt in the lower crust. Increased flux through the magma plumbing system during the eruption likely adds to the complexity of the melt migration process, thus causing further DLP seismicity, despite a contemporaneous magma channel to the surface.
Sustainable production of biofuels from the algae-derived biomass
Authors: Mahmood Tehreem , Hussain Nazim , Shahbaz Areej , Mulla Sikandar I. , Iqbal Hafiz M.N. , Bilal Muhammad
Published: November 2022

The worldwide fossil fuel reserves are rapidly and continually being depleted as a result of the rapid increase in global population and rising energy sector needs. Fossil fuels should not be used carelessly since they produce greenhouse gases, air pollution, and global warming, which leads to ecological imbalance and health risks. The study aims to discuss the alternative renewable energy source that is necessary to meet the needs of the global energy industry in the future. Both microalgae and macroalgae have great potential for several industrial applications. Algae-based biofuels can surmount the inadequacies presented by conventional fuels, thereby reducing the ‘food versus fuel’ debate. Cultivation of algae can be performed in all three systems; closed, open, and hybrid frameworks from which algal biomass is harvested, treated and converted into the desired biofuels. Among these, closed photobioreactors are considered the most efficient system for the cultivation of algae. Different types of closed systems can be employed for the cultivation of algae such as stirred tank photobioreactor, flat panel photobioreactor, vertical column photobioreactor, bubble column photobioreactor, and horizontal tubular photobioreactor. The type of cultivation system along with various factors, such as light, temperature, nutrients, carbon dioxide, and pH affect the yield of algal biomass and hence the biofuel production. Algae-based biofuels present numerous benefits in terms of economic growth. Developing a biofuel industry based on algal cultivation can provide us with a lot of socio-economic advantages contributing to a publicly maintainable result. This article outlines the third-generation biofuels, how they are cultivated in different systems, different influencing factors, and the technologies for the conversion of biomass. The benefits provided by these new generation biofuels are also discussed. The development of algae-based biofuel would not only change environmental pollution control but also benefit producers' economic and social advancement.

Graphical abstract
Is sex a predictor for delayed cerebral ischaemia (DCI) and hydrocephalus after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH)? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Rehman Sabah , Phan Hoang T. , Chandra Ronil V. , Gall Seana
Published: November 2022

Objectives

DCI and hydrocephalus are the most common complications that predict poor outcomes after aSAH. The relationship between sex, DCI and hydrocephalus are not well established; thus, we aimed to examine sex differences in DCI and hydrocephalus following aSAH in a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted using the PubMed, Scopus and Medline databases from inception to August 2022 to identify cohort, case control, case series and clinical studies reporting sex and DCI, acute and chronic shunt-dependent hydrocephalus (SDHC). Random-effects meta-analysis was used to pool estimates for available studies.

Results

There were 56 studies with crude estimates for DCI and meta-analysis showed that women had a greater risk for DCI than men (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.11–1.39). The meta-analysis for adjusted estimates for 9 studies also showed an association between sex and DCI (OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.27–2.05). For acute hydrocephalus, only 9 studies were included, and meta-analysis of unadjusted estimates showed no association with sex (OR 0.95, 95%CI 0.78–1.16). For SDHC, a meta-analysis of crude estimates from 53 studies showed that women had a somewhat greater risk of developing chronic hydrocephalus compared to men (OR 1.14, 95% CI 0.99–1.31). In meta-analysis for adjusted estimates from 5 studies, no association of sex with SDHC was observed (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.57–1.33).

Conclusions

Female sex is associated with the development of DCI; however, an association between sex and hydrocephalus was not detected. Strategies to target females to reduce the development of DCI may decrease overall morbidity and mortality after aSAH.
Therapeutically induced EEG burst-suppression pattern to treat refractory status epilepticus—what is the evidence?
Authors: Fisch Urs , Jünger Anja L. , Hert Lisa , Rüegg Stephan , Sutter Raoul
Published: November 2022

Current guidelines advocate to treat refractory status epilepticus (RSE) with continuously administered anesthetics to induce an artificial coma if first- and second-line antiseizure drugs have failed to stop seizure activity. A common surrogate for monitoring the depth of the artificial coma is the appearance of a burst-suppression pattern (BS) in the EEG. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the origin and neurophysiology of the BS phenomenon as well as the evidence from the literature for the presumed benefit of BS as therapy in adult patients with RSE.
A novel physics-informed framework for reconstruction of structural defects
Authors: Li Qi , Liu Fushun , Wang Bin , Liu D. Z. , Qian Zhenghua
Published: November 2022

The ultrasonic guided wave technology plays a significant role in the field of non-destructive testing as it employs acoustic waves with the advantages of high propagation efficiency and low energy consumption during the inspect process. However, the theoretical solutions to guided wave scattering problems with assumptions such as the Born approximation have led to the poor quality of the reconstructed results. Besides, the scattering signals collected from industry sectors are often noised and nonstationary. To address these issues, a novel physics-informed framework (PIF) for the quantitative reconstruction of defects by means of the integration of the data-driven method with the guided wave scattering analysis is proposed in this paper. Based on the geometrical information of defects and initial results obtained by the PIF-based analysis of defect reconstructions, a deep-learning neural network model is built to reveal the physical relationship between the defects and the noisy detection signals. This learning model is then adopted to assess and characterize the defect profiles in structures, improve the accuracy of the analytical model, and eliminate the impact of the noise pollution in the process of inspection. To demonstrate the advantages of the developed PIF for the complex defect reconstructions with the capability of denoising, several numerical examples are carried out. The results show that the PIF has greater accuracy for the reconstruction of defects in the structures than the analytical method, and provides a valuable insight into the development of artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted inspection systems with high accuracy and efficiency in the fields of structural integrity and condition monitoring.
Investigation on two-phase flow-induced vibrations of a piping structure with an elbow
Authors: Su Heng , Qu Yegao , Wang Guoxu , Peng Zhike
Published: November 2022

The dynamic behaviors of a horizontal piping structure with an elbow due to the two-phase flow excitation are experimentally investigated. The effects of flow patterns and superficial velocities on the pressure pulsations and vibration responses are evaluated in detail. A strong partition coupling algorithm is used to calculate the flow-induced vibration (FIV) responses of the pipe, and the theoretical values agree well with the experimental results. It is found that the lateral and axial vibration responses of the bend pipe are related to the momentum flux of the two-phase flow, and the vibration amplitudes of the pipe increase with an increase in the liquid mass flux. The vertical vibration responses are strongly affected by the flow pattern, and the maximum response occurs in the transition region from the slug flow to the bubbly flow. Moreover, the standard deviation (STD) amplitudes of the pipe vibration in three directions increase with an increase in the gas flux for both the slug and bubbly flows. The blockage of liquid slugs at the elbow section is found to strengthen the vibration amplitude of the bend pipe, and the water-blocking phenomenon disappears as the superficial gas velocity increases.
Serious games for health promotion in adolescents – a systematic scoping review
Authors: Andrew Lesley , Barwood Donna , Boston Julie , Masek Martin , Bloomfield Lauren , Devine Amanda
Published: November 2022

Digital gaming has broad appeal globally, with a reported 2.7 billion gamers worldwide. There is significant interest in using games to enhance learning, with ‘serious games’ being included in classrooms to engage adolescents’ learning across a range of domains. A systematic scoping review of serious games used for health promotion with adolescents was conducted to identify serious games, review the methods used to evaluate these games, and outline evidence available to support the efficacy of these games in improving knowledge, beliefs/attitudes and behaviours in the target groups. Player engagement/enjoyment was reported if assessed. A total of 21 studies were found to have met the inclusion criteria domains: ‘healthy lifestyle’ ‘sexual health’ and ‘substance use’. A heterogenous approach across studies to game design and development, duration of game play, use of a control group and measurement of outcome(s) was observed. Game efficacy was difficult to assess due to broad generalisations and lack of consistent evaluation methods. Several studies demonstrate serious games can be engaging and pedagogically effective as a learning device and behaviour-change agent. Several studies, however, had less rigorous evaluation and lacked longer-term follow up. The ability for developers to demonstrate positive short- and long-term impacts of serious games with high-quality evidence is essential to the ongoing acceptance and use of these serious games as part of the school curriculum.
Using ontogenetic resistance of grapevine for fungicide reduction strategies
Authors: Bleyer Karl , Bleyer Gottfried , Schumacher Stefan
Published: November 2022

Resistance of grapevine against powdery mildew (Erysiphe necator) and downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola) increases during ontogenetic development of leaves and berries. The aim of this study was to determine whether the use of fungicides against both pathogens could be reduced during the last treatment before harvest (LTBH) by treating only the susceptible leaves of the vines in the upper half of the canopy. For this purpose, field trials were carried out under experimental or practical conditions in vineyards in southern Germany in eight different years. All plants were sprayed after a standard regimen until LTBH, performed at BBCH 77–79. LTBH was either performed on the whole canopy or limited to the upper half of the canopy excluding the fruit zone. For both pathogens, no differences were observed between the two treatments with regard to the disease severity on the grape clusters. Only in one out of eight years, an increased fruit disease incidence could be observed. As far as the disease severity of leaves is concerned, no differences were observed for downy mildew, and in the case of powdery mildew, significantly higher infestation was observed only in two out of eight years. Furthermore, the efficacy of different fungicides for LTBH was investigated in a 3-year experiment. Sole use of a copper fungicide for LTBH had no disadvantages against E. necator, compared to a treatment with synthetic fungicides. Taken together, LTBH at BBCH 77–79 can be limited to the upper canopy without risk to the health of the fruit.
Near-surface Site Characterization Based on Joint Iterative Analysis of First-arrival and Surface-wave Data
Authors: Wang Zhinong , Sun Chengyu , Wu Dunshi
Published: November 2022

Near-surface site characterization is of great significance in the fields of geotechnical engineering and resource exploration. In this paper, we propose a near-surface site characterization method based on the joint iterative analysis of first-arrival and surface-wave data (JIAFS). The proposed method combines the advantages of first-arrival traveltime tomography (FATT) and multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW). First, the 1D S-wave velocity ($$v_{{\text{S}}}$$vS) models obtained by MASW are interpolated to construct the pseudo-2D$$v_{{\text{S}}}$$vSmodel. According to the available geological survey information and borehole data, the initial Poisson’s ratio ($$\sigma$$σ) model is estimated. Based on the estimated$$\sigma$$σmodel, the pseudo-2D$$v_{{\text{S}}}$$vSmodel is converted to a referenced P-wave velocity ($$v_{{\text{P}}}$$vP) model which is utilized to constrain the progress of FATT. This helps FATT overcome the inherent defect that it cannot effectively identify velocity-inversion interfaces and low-velocity zones. On the other hand, the$$v_{{\text{P}}}$$vPmodel obtained by FATT can provide a favorable priori information to improve the reliability of the results of MASW. Then, the$$v_{{\text{P}}}$$vPand$$v_{{\text{S}}}$$vSmodels obtained by constrained FATT and MASW are used to update the$$\sigma$$σmodel. In addition, the$$v_{{\text{P}}}$$vPand$$v_{{\text{S}}}$$vSmodels are also used as initial models in the next iterative analysis. Finally, through the iteration of this process, the two inversion methods can make use of their own advantages to improve each other, so we can establish accurate near-surface$$v_{{\text{P}}}$$vP,$$v_{{\text{S}}}$$vSand$$\sigma$$σmodels under complex geological conditions. A velocity model including low-velocity zone is established for synthetic model test to analyze and verify the advantage of JIAFS. The$$v_{{\text{P}}}$$vP,$$v_{{\text{S}}}$$vSand$$\sigma$$σmodels obtained by JIAFS can accurately identify the low-velocity zone and match the true models well. In addition, the proposed method is applied to the field seismic data acquired for oil and gas exploration in Northwest China. Compared with the results of individual inversions and borehole data, JIAFS can establish more reliable 3D$$v_{{\text{P}}}$$vP,$$v_{{\text{S}}}$$vSand$$\sigma$$σmodels by interpolating the 2D inversion results, which reveals further details and enhances the geological interpretation significantly.
Everyday Conflict in Families at Risk for Violence Exposure: Examining Unique, Bidirectional Associations with Children’s Anxious- and Withdrawn-Depressed Symptoms
Authors: Morelli Nicholas M. , Hong Kajung , Garcia Jackelyne , Elzie Xavier , Alvarez Andrew , Villodas Miguel T.
Published: November 2022

Exposure to family conflict during childhood increases risk for the development of anxiety and mood problems, though the potential for bidirectionality in this association remains unknown. It is also unclear whether nonviolent family conflict is related to children’s anxious- and withdrawn-depressive symptoms within high-risk family contexts, independent of more severe events such as children’s exposure to violent victimization. Participants included 1,281 children and their caregivers identified as being at high risk for family violence, interviewed prospectively at ages 6, 8, and 10 about family conflict, children’s anxious- and withdrawn-depressive behaviors, and children’s victimization experiences. After controlling for cumulative victimization prior to and between each time point, significant cross-lagged, bidirectional associations were identified between family conflict and children’s anxious- and withdrawn-depressive symptoms across ages 6 and 8, but not across ages 8 and 10. Invariance testing revealed no differences in model fit between boys and girls and minimal differences depending on whether families were reported for maltreatment prior to recruitment. Findings are partially supportive of a conceptualization of the family-child relationship that is reciprocal, while highlighting the role of daily negative familial interactions, over and above experiences of victimization, in predicting anxious- and withdrawn-depressed symptoms in early and middle childhood.
Experimental investigation and numerical modeling of oxidative pyrolysis mechanism of mining PVC cable sheath
Authors: Zhao Jinlong , Ma Hanchao , Huang Hong , Zhang Jianping , Chen Youliang
Published: November 2022

Cables modified with flame retardants are widely used in the coal mining process to enhance their fire safety performance. This paper investigates experimentally and numerically the thermo-oxidative degradation process of PVC-based mining cable sheath, which consists of PVC resin and plasticizers (Phthalate esters), fillers (Calcium carbonate), and flame retardant (Antimony trioxide) as additives. Thermogravimetry coupled with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (TG-FTIR) experiments were performed at different heating rates in an air atmosphere. TG results showed that the decomposition processes of mining PVC cable sheath are more complicated than those of pure PVC with additional degradation steps, which was further confirmed by FTIR gas analysis. A deconvolution method was used to distinguish the independent reactions from the overlapped derivative thermogravimetric (DTG) peaks. It was found that the whole degradation process can be divided into seven steps, based on which an oxidative pyrolysis model was developed: pyrolysis of plasticizers (steps 1 and 2), dehydrogenation (step 3), emission and combustion of volatile fraction (step 4), carbon combustion (step 5), oxidative pyrolysis of complicated additives (step 6), and decomposition of residues (step 7). The kinetic triplets (activation energy, pre-exponential factor, and reaction model function) for each reaction were firstly calculated using three commonly used model-free methods and then further optimized using the genetic algorithm (GA). Based on the optimized parameters, the reaction mechanisms and their associated kinetic parameters were determined. The findings of this study are important in understanding the oxidative pyrolysis process of PVC cable sheath, and the obtained kinetic parameters can also be used for its pyrolysis and fire modeling, waste recycling, and risk assessment.
On the $$L^1$$ and pointwise divergence of continuous functions
Authors: Gryszka Karol , Pasteczka Paweł
Published: November 2022

For a sequence of continuous functions $$f_1,f_2,\ldots :I \rightarrow \mathbb {R}$$

f
1

,

f
2

,
…
:
I
→
R

(I is a fixed closed interval) with $$f_1\le f_2 \le \cdots $$

f
1

≤

f
2

≤
⋯

define a set $$\begin{aligned} I_f:=\big \{x \in I : \lim _{n \rightarrow \infty } f_n(x)=+\infty \big \}. \end{aligned}$$

I
f

:
=

{

x
∈
I
:

lim

n
→
∞

f
n

(
x
)

=
+
∞

}

.

We study the properties of the family of all admissible $$I_f$$

I
f

-s and the family of all admissible $$I_f$$

I
f

-s under the additional assumption $$\begin{aligned} \lim _{n \rightarrow \infty } \int _x^y f_n(t)\,dt=+\infty \quad \text { for all }x,y \in I\text { with }x<y. \end{aligned}$$

lim

n
→
∞

∫
x
y

f
n

(
t
)

d
t
=
+
∞

for all

x
,
y
∈
I

with

x
<
y
.

The origin of this problem is the limit behaviour of quasiarithmetic means.
Landscape -scale predictors of persistence of an urban stock dove Columba oenas population
Authors: Richardson James , Lees Alexander C. , Marsden Stuart
Published: November 2022

While a few species may thrive in urban areas, urban expansion is a major driver of biodiversity loss. Columbids such as feral Rock Doves (Columba livia domestica) and Common Woodpigeon (Columba palumbus) have adapted extremely well to the urban environment in Europe and beyond, but the Stock Dove (Columba oenas), a bird of farmland and woodland edge in the UK and of national conservation concern, is encountered infrequently in urban areas. Here we explore the multi-scale landscape associations of the little-studied Stock Dove within the urban matrix of Greater Manchester, UK, in order to identify its habitat requirements. We built a pilot model from historical citizen science records to identify potentially occupied sites within the city, and then surveyed these sites for Stock Dove during Spring 2019. We combined the survey results with citizen science records from the same period and described the habitat and landscape characteristics of sites occupied by Stock Dove using four variables at different scales plus twelve unscaled variables. We used a three-stage random forest approach to identify a subset of these variables for interpretation and a subset for prediction for the presence of Stock Dove within these sites. Key variables for predicting Stock Dove presence were their relative abundance in the landscape immediately beyond the core urban area, the greenness (NDVI) of the environment around sites, and the canopy cover of individual trees over 20 m high within sites. Stock Doves tended to be associated with habitats with more surface water during the non-breeding season than the breeding season. Our results highlight the importance of large trees within urban greenspace for this cavity-nesting species, softer boundaries around urban sites for Stock Doves and stock dove presence in nearby areas. While Stock Dove share many traits with species that are successful in the urban environment, they remain relatively poor urban adapters.
Prognostic value of serum levels of multiple adhesion factors in patients with sepsis-induced acute kidney injury
Authors: Li Yan , Huang Qingsheng , Fang Mingxing , Liu Mengyao , Guo Jianying , Wang Zhiyong
Published: November 2022

Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common in patients with sepsis and septic shock. Urine output and serum creatinine (SCr) levels are the criteria for diagnosing AKI. However, the application of these levels in the diagnosis of AKI has limitations.

Objective

To detect the expression of various adhesion factors in different stages of AKI as defined by Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) and to analyse their relationship with the prognosis of patients with sepsis-induced AKI (S-AKI).

Methods

Adult patients with sepsis who were admitted to the hospital between June 2019 and May 2020 were included. Of 90 adult patients with sepsis, 58 had S-AKI. Sixty-seven subjects without sepsis were used as controls. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits were used to measure E-selectin (CD62E), L-selectin (CD62L), P-selectin, intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), and their relationship with the prognosis of patients with S-AKI patients was analysed. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to analyse the predictive value of different adhesion factors on renal resistance index and renal function recovery. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with renal recovery.

Results

The expression of CD62L was significantly higher in S-AKI patients than in non-AKI patients with sepsis. Compared with the non-AKI group, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores were significantly higher in the AKI group than in the non-AKI group (P < 0.05). Mean blood pressure, SCr levels and procalcitonin levels were higher in the AKI group than in the non-AKI group (P < 0.05 for all). The CD62L levels decreased with increasing S-AKI stage. The CD62E levels were highest in S-AKI stage 2, and the VCAM-1 levels were highest in S-AKI stage 3. All patients with S-AKI were followed up with for 28 days. The results found that VCAM-1 was the best predictor of renal recovery in patients with S-AKI.

Conclusion

CD62L is an indicator of S-AKI stage1, and CD62E is an indicator of S-AKI stage 2. In addition, VCAM-I demonstrated satisfactory performance in predicting early recovery of renal function in patients with S-AKI.
Video Polyp Segmentation: A Deep Learning Perspective
Authors: Ji Ge-Peng , Xiao Guobao , Chou Yu-Cheng , Fan Deng-Ping , Zhao Kai , Chen Geng , Van Gool Luc
Published: November 2022

We present the first comprehensive video polyp segmentation (VPS) study in the deep learning era. Over the years, developments in VPS are not moving forward with ease due to the lack of a large-scale dataset with fine-grained segmentation annotations. To address this issue, we first introduce a high-quality frame-by-frame annotated VPS dataset, named SUN-SEG, which contains 158 690 colonoscopy video frames from the well-known SUN-database. We provide additional annotation covering diverse types, i.e., attribute, object mask, boundary, scribble, and polygon. Second, we design a simple but efficient baseline, named PNS+, which consists of a global encoder, a local encoder, and normalized self-attention (NS) blocks. The global and local encoders receive an anchor frame and multiple successive frames to extract long-term and short-term spatial-temporal representations, which are then progressively refined by two NS blocks. Extensive experiments show that PNS+ achieves the best performance and real-time inference speed (170 fps), making it a promising solution for the VPS task. Third, we extensively evaluate 13 representative polyp/object segmentation models on our SUN-SEG dataset and provide attribute-based comparisons. Finally, we discuss several open issues and suggest possible research directions for the VPS community. Our project and dataset are publicly available at https://github.com/GewelsJI/VPS.
Randomized controlled trials of acupuncture for the treatment of essential hypertension: a meta-analysis
Authors: Lu Yuqing , Li Lingjie , Wang Zhaoqin , Huang Yan , Zhong Rui , Xu Jing , Liu Huirong , Wu Huangan , Cheng Ling , Wu Luyi
Published: November 2022

Objective

To systematically assess the efficacy and safety of acupuncture therapy for essential hypertension.

Methods

A computerized literature search of the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chongqing VIP Database (CQVIP), Wanfang Academic Journal Full-text Database (Wanfang), China Biology Medicine Disc (CBM), PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library was conducted to retrieve randomized controlled clinical trials on acupuncture as the main intervention for the treatment of essential hypertension published from the inception of the database to 30 January 2021. The risk-of-bias assessment was carried out for each included study according to the Cochrane Handbook. Data analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4.1 and Stata 15.0.

Results

After the screening, 46 randomized controlled trials involving a total of 3 859 subjects were included. Primary outcomes included changes in the diastolic blood pressure after intervention [eight studies showed that the acupuncture plus antihypertensive drug group was better than the antihypertensive drug monotherapy group [mean difference (MD)=1.45, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.48, 2.43), P=0.004, fixed effects model; I2=39%] and changes in the systolic blood pressure after intervention {11 studies showed that the acupuncture plus antihypertensive drug group was better than the antihypertensive drug monotherapy group [MD=8.60, 95%CI (7.12, 10.07), P<0.00001, fixed effects model; I2=26%]}. The secondary outcome was antihypertensive efficacy, 12 studies of acupuncture monotherapy group [risk ratio (RR)=1.20, 95%CI (1.12, 1.28), P<0.00001, fixed effects model; I2=36%] and 15 studies of acupuncture combined with antihypertensive drug group [RR=1.27, 95%CI (1.20, 1.34), P<0.00001, fixed effects model; I2=6%] showed better results than the antihypertensive drug monotherapy group in antihypertensive efficacy. In terms of the adverse events, four studies showed that the acupuncture monotherapy group had fewer adverse events than the antihypertensive drug monotherapy group [RR=0.10, 95%CI (0.04, 0.25), P<0.00001, fixed effects model; I2=0%].

Conclusion

Acupuncture combined with antihypertensive drugs is superior to antihypertensive drugs alone in reducing blood pressure, and acupuncture therapy is effective and safe for the treatment of essential hypertension with fewer side effects. However, there is still a lack of high-quality multicenter randomized double-blinded controlled trials in this field. Rigorous large-sample clinical trials are needed to validate these findings.
Childhood lymphoma treatment impacts educational outcomes: a registry study from Sweden
Authors: Lönnerblad Malin , Suominen Reina , Harila-Saari Arja
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to explore educational outcomes in individuals diagnosed with lymphoma in childhood concerning school grade year 9 and attendance in high school and post-compulsory education. Whether sex or age at diagnosis affected the assessed variables was also explored.

Methods

Data from 174 children born 1988–1996 and diagnosed with lymphoma before age 15 were matched with approximately five controls per patient. The mean time since diagnosis to receiving school year 9 grades was 4.88 years for Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) cases (mean age at diagnosis 10.62, 11.76, and 10.05 years for all, girls, and boys, respectively) and 7.79 years for non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) cases (mean age at diagnosis 7.85, 7.87, and 7.84 years for all, girls, and boys, respectively).

Results

We observed statistically significant differences between cases and controls in physical education, both for failing (p = 0.041) and the highest grade (p = 0.015). Compared with controls, HL cases were three times more likely to fail mathematics, and significantly fewer individuals in the whole lymphoma (p = 0.011) and NHL (p = 0.035) groups attended the third year of high school.

Conclusions

Educational outcomes are impacted for children treated for lymphoma, especially in physical education. Since patients with HL are treated without central nervous system-directed therapy, other factors, such as absence from school, may affect school results. Physical late complications in lymphoma survivors warrant special attention.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

The problems childhood lymphoma survivors face should be known by schools and parents, to enable their management. Children treated for lymphoma should be closely monitored and included in follow-up programs when needed, for example, to support physical activity.
Inappropriate proton pump inhibitor lansoprazole prescription in older adults hospitalized in long-term care unit
Authors: Ladjouzi Nadia , Romdhani Ahmed , Zouloumis Georges , Schlatter Joël
Published: November 2022

Purpose

We evaluated the use of the PPI treatment by physicians in older adults hospitalized in a long-term care unit.

Methods

We included 40 patients aged 65 years or older with a lansoprazole prescription hospitalized in long-term care unit from January 2018 to January 2022. Patient characteristics, gastroduodenal history, dose of lansoprazole, indication, days of prescription, and number of medications were collected from electronic patient records.

Results

The mean age of patients was 84.2 ± 9.3. Patients were taking between 5 and 24 (mean = 12.7, SD = 4.4) medications overall with 15 patients taking low dose of aspirin (75 mg daily) and 8 patients taking an antiplatelet. Most patients (82.5%) received once-daily lansoprazole treatment, 55% of whom took a dose of 15 mg. Five patients were treated with the maximum dose of lansoprazole 30 mg twice daily. Only seven patients had an appropriate indication. The minimum of treatment time was 3 days and the maximum was 1198 days; moreover, 24 patients (60%) were still in treatment.

Conclusion

Few PPI prescriptions had an indication in the patient’s electronic record. Prescriptions were ongoing with no date of discontinuation or re-evaluation.
Adolescent psychological well-being during the COVID-19 lockdown: the role of leisure activities and online peer communication
Authors: Norcia Anna Di , Mascaro Chiara , Bianchi Dora , Szpunar Giordana , Cannoni Eleonora
Published: November 2022

The present study investigated the effects of leisure activities and online peer relationships on the development of psychological difficulties in adolescents during the COVID-19 lockdown in Italy. Data were collected in April and May 2020. The parents of 1,020 Italian adolescents aged 14–18 (51.9% girls) completed questionnaires about the experiences and behaviors of their children before and during the lockdown. A moderation regression analysis was applied to test the research hypotheses. The findings indicated that adolescents who were more active in sports and social activities prior to the COVID-19 pandemic showed greater psychological distress during the lockdown. Moreover, increased reading, game playing, and exercise during the lockdown effectively compensated for the interruption of pre-pandemic sports and social activities, and represented a protective factor for adolescents’ mental health. Finally, increased online contact with peers during the lockdown protected against the development of psychological difficulties, regardless of adolescents’ engagement in sports and social activities prior to the pandemic. The findings provide new and useful information about the role of leisure activities and online contact with peers in protecting against psychological difficulties in adolescents, especially during situations of isolation and social distancing, as in the COVID-19 national lockdown.
The chronology of collective cheating: a qualitative study of collective dishonesty in academic contexts
Authors: Zanetti Cinzia , Butera Fabrizio
Published: November 2022

Collective cheating can have serious consequences in professional and educational settings. Existing data show that collective cheating is common and that individuals cheat more when they are in groups, highlighting the existence of some collective organisation in the endeavour. However, little is known about the emergence of this behaviour and the group processing involved. Drawing on qualitative data from 20 semi-structured interviews and a thematic analysis, the present study explored collective cheating in academic contexts. Seven themes emerged that retrace the chronology of collective cheating from its beginning to its impact on the group: reasons, birth and organisation of collective cheating, risk management, concealment strategies, justifications and social impact. Participants emphasised the extrinsic benefits, the interdependence of members and the importance of existing social norms, as well as the positive valence of this kind of dishonesty. In participants' recalls, cheating together means cooperating, showing solidarity, helping and supporting each other.
Face masks drive increased rational decision-making
Authors: Fatfouta Ramzi , Oganian Yulia
Published: November 2022

Face masks play a pivotal role in the control of respiratory diseases, such as the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Despite their widespread use, little is known about how face masks affect human social interaction. Using unique experimental data collected early on in the pandemic, we investigate how facial occlusion by face masks alters socio-economic exchange. In a behavioral economics study (N = 481), individuals accepted more monetary offers and lower offer amounts when interacting with a masked versus unmasked opponent. Importantly, this effect was mainly driven by faces covered with surgical masks relative to bandana-type masks. In the first weeks of mask use during the COVID-19 pandemic, motive attributions further moderated this effect: Participants who believed that mask wearers were seeking to protect others showed the highest acceptance rates. Overall, we describe a new phenomenon, the face-mask effect on socio-economic exchange, and show that it is modulated by contextual factors.
Seasonal variability of hydrography off the east coast of Qatar, central Arabian Gulf
Authors: Al-Ansari Ebrahim M. A. S. , Husrevoglu Y. Sinan , Yigiterhan Oguz , Youssef Nabiha , Al-Maslamani Ibrahim A. , Abdel-Moati Mohamed A. , Al-Mohamedi Ahmad J. , Aboobacker Valliyil Mohammed , Vethamony Ponnumony
Published: November 2022

Seasonal variability of hydrography along a nearshore-offshore transect in the eastern part of the EEZ of Qatar has been analyzed using in situ measurements carried out during 5 different months. The study reveals distinct features in temperature, salinity, density, dissolved oxygen (DO), and chlorophyll fluorescence. The sea surface temperature (SST) varies from nearshore to offshore with a positive gradient during January, June, and August, of the order of 1.0–2.0 °C, and with a negative gradient during October and April, of the order of 1.0 °C. Thermal stratification began in June, reached a well-defined thermocline with a vertical difference in temperature of about 10 °C during August, and started to de-stratify during October. The low salinity and low-density inflow of IOSW is evident in the surface layer of the middle of the transect during August, which has enriched the DO in the surface layer up to 20 m depth, while hypoxia prevailed below 50 m depth. The lowest chlorophyll fluorescence was measured in April 2013 (~ 1.0 μg l−1), moderate in June 2013 (~ 1.5 μg l−1), and relatively high in August 2013 (~ 6.0 μg l−1).
Flexibility within Quina lithic production systems and tool-use in Northern Italy: implications on Neanderthal behavior and ecology during early MIS 4
Authors: Delpiano Davide , Zupancich Andrea , Bertola Stefano , Martellotta Eva Francesca , Livraghi Alessandra , Cristiani Emanuela , Peresani Marco
Published: November 2022

The Quina Mousterian is one of the well-defined Middle Paleolithic techno-complexes. Despite the pivotal research carried out in south-western France, the presence of this techno-complex across the rest of Europe is still poorly documented. Here we apply a techno-functional approach, combining technological and use-wear analyses, for reconstructing lithic core-reduction, tool-reduction, and tool use at De Nadale Cave, a single-layered Mousterian site with Quina features located in northern Italy and dated to the early MIS 4. Our results indicate that the flexible core reduction strategies identified at De Nadale show some similarities with the Quina knapping method, in addition to the adoption of centripetal methods on single surfaces. Variations of this scheme identified at De Nadale are the exploitation of lateral and narrow fronts which are aimed to the production of elongated, small blanks. A parallel, ramified reduction is applied to limace cores and Quina or demi-Quina scrapers having diversified purpose (mixed matrix). These blanks are exploited as tools and cores-on-flakes from which thinner, usable flakes or bladelets are detached. The use-wear identified on both scrapers and reaffutage flakes further confirm this behavior, demonstrating the use of both tools, albeit for different tasks (i.e., scraping and cutting). We discuss the ecological implications of this behavior within the Quina Mousterian. The high frequency of retouched tools and Quina or demi-Quina scrapers seems to accompany the highly mobile human groups associated with this techno complex and their seasonally organized subsistence strategies. Finally, by combining available multidisciplinary data on paleoenvironment, subsistence, and chronology, we were able to embed the neanderthal settlement of De Nadale in a regional and Western European frame, underlining the importance of the Quina Mousterian in Western Eurasia between MIS 4 and early MIS 3.
Perspektiven von Schüler*innen auf Differenzkategorien im Sportunterricht
Authors: Bartsch Fabienne , Wagner Ingo , Rulofs Bettina
Published: November 2022

Der Beitrag setzt sich mit der grundlegenden Frage auseinander, welche Differenzkategorien für die Teilhabe am Sportunterricht aus Schüler*innen-Perspektive besonders relevant sind. Dazu werden der Forschungsstand zu Inklusion und Heterogenität im Schulfach Sport beleuchtet, aus der Literatur Differenzkategorien deduziert und darauf aufbauend empirische Befunde aus einer Fragebogenerhebung mitN = 2546 Schüler*innen der Klassen sieben bis neun dargestellt. Im Fokus stehen dabei 23 aus der Literatur generierte Items, die sich auf Differenzkategorien beziehen und die von den Schüler*innen mittels einer fünfstufigen Skala hinsichtlich ihrer Bedeutung für den Sportunterricht bewertet wurden. Aus den mittels Clusteranalyse und Chi2-Tests ausgewerteten Daten lassen sich drei Schüler*innen-Cluster ermitteln, die sich in ihrer Wahrnehmung und Relevanzsetzung von Differenzkategorien im Sportunterricht unterscheiden. Zudem werden Unterschiede in der Clusterzusammensetzung erkennbar, die mit verschiedenen sozialstrukturellen Merkmalen der Schüler*innen (Alter/Klassenstufe, Geschlecht, Förderbedarf), den schulischen Rahmenbedingungen (Schulform, Schulklasse, Beschulungsform, Schulprogramm) und den Erfahrungen der Sportlehrkräfte (Teilnahme an Weiterbildungen) in Zusammenhang stehen. Die Befunde liefern Ansatzpunkte für die konkrete Umsetzung von Inklusion in der schulischen und sportunterrichtlichen Praxis (z. B. hinsichtlich der Ausrichtung des Schulprogramms, Teilnahme an Weiterbildungen) und für die weitere Forschung (z. B. hinsichtlich Schüler*innen mit Förderbedarf).