bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
At the origins of Pompeii: the plant landscape of the Sarno River floodplain from the first millennium bc to the ad 79 eruption
Authors: Vignola Cristiano , Bonetto Jacopo , Furlan Guido , Mazza Michele , Nicosia Cristiano , Russo Ermolli Elda , Sadori Laura
Published: June 2021

The ad 79 eruption of the Vesuvius severely affected the floodplain surrounding the ancient city of Pompeii, i.e. the Sarno River floodplain. The landscape was covered with volcaniclastic materials that destroyed the ecosystem but, at the same time, preserved the traces of former environmental conditions. This study provides—for the first time—a pollen sequence reconstructing the environmental evolution and the plant landscape of the Sarno floodplain between 900 and 750 cal bc and ad 79, i.e. before and during the foundation of the city, and during its life phases. Previous geomorphological studies revealed that the portion of the Sarno floodplain under the “Pompeii hill” was a freshwater backswamp with patchy inundated and dry areas. Palynology depicts a thin forest cover since the Early Iron Age, suggesting an open environment with a mosaic of vegetation types. The local presence of Mediterranean coastal shrubland, hygrophilous riverine forest and mesophilous plain forest is combined with the regional contribution of mountain vegetation through the sequence. Oscillations between inundated and wet ground characterized the studied area until the ad 79 eruption. Such a natural environment shows anthropogenic traits since pre-Roman times: pasturelands, cultivated fields and olive groves, which probably occupied drier soils. The most important change in the land use system was the introduction of cabbage cultivation in the fourth century bc and its intensification from the second century bc, when Roman influence grew. The presence of tree crops and of ornamental trees reveals the opulence of the Imperial age until the catastrophic eruption.
Development of a nomogram predicting the probability of stone free rate in patients with ureteral stones eligible for semi-rigid primary laser uretero-litothripsy
Authors: De Nunzio Cosimo , Ghahhari Jamil , Lombardo Riccardo , Russo Giorgio Ivan , Albano Ana , Franco Antonio , Baldassarri Valeria , Nacchia Antonio , Lopez Juan , Luque Pilar , Ribal Maria Jose , Alcaraz Antonio , Tubaro Andrea
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Few tools are available to predict uretero-lithotripsy outcomes in patients with ureteral stones. Aim of our study was to develop a nomogram predicting the probability of stone free rate in patients undergoing semi-rigid uretero-lithotripsy (ULT) for ureteral stones.

Methods

From January 2014 onwards, patients undergoing semi-rigid Ho: YAG laser uretero-lithotripsy for ureteral stones were prospectively enrolled in two centers. Patients were preoperatively evaluated with accurate clinical history, urinalysis and renal function. Non-contrast CT was used to define number, location and length of the stones and eventually the presence of hydronephrosis. A nomogram was generated based on the logistic regression model used to predict ULT success.

Results

Overall, 356 patients with mean age of 54 years (IQR 44/65) were enrolled. 285/356 (80%) patients were stone free at 1 month. On multivariate analysis single stone (OR 1.93, 95% CI 1.05–3.53, p = 0.034), stone size (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.87–0.97, p = 0.005), distal position (OR 2.12, 95% CI 1.29–3.48, p = 0.003) and the absence of hydronephrosis (OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.08–3.78, p = 0.029) were predictors of success and these were used to develop a nomogram. The nomogram based on the model presented good discrimination (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.75), good calibration (Hosmer–Lemeshow test, p > 0.5) and a net benefit in the range of probabilities between 15 and 65%. Internal validation resulted in an AUC of 0.74.

Conclusions

The implementation of our nomogram could better council patients before treatment and could be used to identify patients at risk of failure. External validation is warranted before its clinical implementation.
Audiological results and subjective benefit of an active transcutaneous bone-conduction device in patients with congenital aural atresia
Authors: Volgger Veronika , Schießler Inge Teresa , Müller Joachim , Schrötzlmair Florian , Pollotzek Marlene , Hempel John Martin
Published: June 2021

Purpose

To review functional and subjective benefit after implantation of an active transcutaneous bone conduction device (BCD) in patients with congenital microtia with atresia or stenosis of the external auditory canal.

Methods

Retrospective chart analysis and questionnaire on the subjective impression of hearing ( Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ-B) of patients treated between 2012 and 2015.

ResultsResults

18 patients (24 ears) with conductive or mixed hearing loss in unilateral (n = 10) or bilateral (n = 8) atresia were implanted with a BCD. No major complications occurred after implantation. Preoperative unaided air conduction pure tone average at 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 kHz (PTA 4 ) was 69.2 ± 11.7 dB, while postoperative aided PTA 4 was 33.4 ± 6.3 dB, resulting in a mean functional hearing gain of 35.9 +/- 15.6 dB. Preoperatively, the mean monosyllabic word recognition score was 22.9 % ± 22.3 %, which increased to 87.1 % +/- 15.1 % in the aided condition. The Oldenburger Sentence Test at S0N0 revealed a decrease in signal-to-noise-ratio from − 0.58 ± 4.40 dB in the unaided to − 5.67 ± 3.21 dB in the postoperative aided condition for all patients investigated. 15 of 18 patients had a subjective benefit showing a positive SSQ-B score (mean 1.7).

Conclusion

The implantation of an active bone conduction device brings along subjective and functional benefit for patients with conductive or combined hearing loss.
Long-term improvement of quality of life in patients with breast cancer: supporting patient-physician communication by an electronic tool for inpatient and outpatient care
Authors: Lindberg-Scharf Patricia , Steinger Brunhilde , Koller Michael , Hofstädter Andrea , Ortmann Olaf , Kurz Jan , Sasse Jonathan , Klinkhammer-Schalke Monika
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The effectiveness of a pathway with quality of life (QoL) diagnosis and therapy has been already demonstrated in an earlier randomized trial (RCT) in patients with breast cancer. We refined the pathway by developing and evaluating an electronic tool for QoL assessment in routine inpatient and outpatient care.

Methods

In a single-arm study, patients with breast cancer with surgical treatment in two German hospitals were enrolled. QoL (EORTC QLQ-C30, QLQ-BR23) was measured with an electronic tool after surgery and during aftercare in outpatient medical practices (3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months) so that results (QoL-profile) were available immediately. Feedback by patients and physicians was analyzed to evaluate feasibility and impact on patient-physician communication.

Results

Between May 2016 and July 2018, 56 patients were enrolled. Physicians evaluated the QoL pathway as feasible. Patients whose physician regularly discussed QoL-profiles with them reported significantly more often that their specific needs were cared for (p < .001) and that their physician had found the right treatment strategy for these needs (p < .001) compared with patients whose doctor never/rarely discussed QoL-profiles. The latter significantly more often had no benefit from QoL assessments (p < .001).

Conclusion

The QoL pathway with electronic QoL assessments is feasible for inpatient and outpatient care. QoL results should be discussed directly with the patient.

Clinical trial information

NCT04334096, date of registration 06.04.2020
Evasion guidance for air-breathing hypersonic vehicles against unknown pursuer dynamics
Authors: Yan Tian , Cai Yuanli , Xu Bin
Published: June 2021

The rapid development of hypersonic vehicles has motivated the related research dramatically while the evasion of the hypersonic vehicles becomes one of the challenging issues. Different from the work based on the premise that the pursuers’ information is fully known, in this paper the evasion guidance for air-breathing hypersonic vehicles (AHVs) against unknown pursuer dynamics is studied. The gradient descent is employed for parameter estimation of the unknown dynamics of the pursuer. The energy-optimized evasion guidance algorithm is further developed by taking the acceleration constraint and energy optimization into consideration. Under the proposed algorithm, the system can deal with the unknown pursuer dynamics effectively and provide more practical guidance for the evasion process. The simulation results show that the proposed method can enable the AHV to achieve successful evasion.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the dental-maxillofacial emergency service of a German university hospital in the year 2020
Authors: Thiem D. G. E. , Polsak M. , Römer P. , Gielisch M. , Blatt S. , Al-Nawas B. , Kämmerer P. W.
Published: June 2021

Objectives

COVID-19 is considered one of the most serious pandemic in history and has posed major challenges to the world’s health care. Dentistry and oral and maxillofacial surgery (CMFS) are particularly affected due to direct exposure to the respiratory tract, as the reservoir of SARS-CoV-2. In this study, the impact of the COVID-19-pandemic on a dental and CMFS emergency services in Germany in 2020 was first time investigated and correlated with governmental restriction measures in public life.

Materials and methods

Epidemiological data of a German University Hospital were analysed from a total of 8386 patients in 2019 and 2020. Parameters included information on demographics, time, weekday and reason for presentation, as well as diagnosis and therapy performed. Data from 2020 were compared with those from 2019, taking into account the nationwide periods of public life restrictions.

Results

In 2020, 22% fewer patients presented via dental and CMFS emergency service. In a monthly comparison, there were negative peaks of up to − 41% in November, but also a plus of 26% in July. The largest decreases were recorded during the lockdown periods in spring (− 33%) and winter (− 39%). Further, a threefold increase in actual emergencies and inpatient admissions revealed during these time periods (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the dental and CMFS emergency service in 2020 resulting in more severe cases.

Clinical relevance

This study underlines the importance of maintaining an emergency service system and basic outpatient care in these specialities, which requires uniform recommendations from the medical-dental societies and politics.
Tracing the acid-base catalytic properties of MON2O mixed oxides (M = Be, Mg, Ca; N = Li, Na, K) by theoretical calculations
Authors: Faron Dawid , Skurski Piotr , Anusiewicz Iwona
Published: June 2021

The stability and acid-base properties of MON2O mixed oxides (where M = Be, Mg, Ca; N = Li, Na, K) are studied by using ab initio methods. It is demonstrated that (i) the basicity of such designed systems evaluated by estimation of electronic proton affinity and gas-phase basicity (defined as the electronic and Gibbs free energies of deprotonation processes for [MON2O]H+) were found significant (in the ranges of 272–333 and 260–322 kcal/mol, respectively); (ii) in each series of MOLi2O/MONa2O/MOK2O, the basicity increases with an increase of the atomic number of alkali metal involved; (ii) the Lewis acidity of the corresponding [MON2O]H+ determined with respect to hydride anion (assessed as the electronic and Gibbs free energies of H− detachment processes for [MON2O]H2) decreases as the basicity of the corresponding oxide increases. The thermodynamic stability of all [MON2O]H2 systems is confirmed by estimating the Gibbs free energies for the fragmentation processes yielding either H2 or H2O.
The impact of varicella vaccination on paediatric herpes zoster epidemiology: a Canadian population-based retrospective cohort study
Authors: Rafferty Ellen , Reifferscheid Laura , Russell Margaret L. , Booth Stephanie , Svenson Lawrence W. , MacDonald Shannon E.
Published: June 2021

The impact of universal varicella vaccination on herpes zoster (HZ) risk in unvaccinated and vaccinated children, and its long-term influence on HZ epidemiology, remains unknown. We conducted a retrospective cohort study using population-based administrative health data for children born between 1993 and 2018 (n = 924,124). We calculated age-specific cumulative HZ incidence rates by vaccination status for cohorts born before (1993–1999) and after (2000–2018) programme implementation; results were used to calculate relative risk of HZ by age group, vaccination status and vaccine availability period. Annual HZ incidence rates were calculated for 1993–2018. HZ risk was higher among unvaccinated children compared to vaccinated children across age groups; 64% higher before universal vaccination (RR: 0.36, 95% CI: 0.33, 0.39), and 32% higher after universal vaccination (RR: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.64, 0.73). Among unvaccinated children, HZ risk was 60% lower after vaccine programme implementation (RR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.38, 0.43). Two-dose receipt corresponded with a 41% lower risk of HZ compared to one-dose receipt (RR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.53, 0.65). Crude annual HZ incidence rates declined 64% after programme implementation, with decreases observed across age groups. Universal varicella vaccination programme implementation corresponds to decreased paediatric HZ incidence across age groups, in both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. Results from this study can be used to help inform varicella vaccination programme decision-making in other countries.
Genetic differentiation of indigenous (Quercus robur L.) and late flushing oak stands (Q. robur L. subsp. slavonica (Gáyer) Mátyás) in western Germany (North Rhine-Westphalia)
Authors: Burger Katrin , Müller Markus , Rogge Martin , Gailing Oliver
Published: June 2021

Slavonian oaks (Quercus robur subsp. slavonica (Gáyer) Mátyás) originating from Croatia have been cultivated in Germany mainly in the Münsterland region of North Rhine-Westphalia since the second half of the nineteenth century. Compared to indigenous pedunculate oak stands in Germany, they are characterised by their late bud burst, but also by their excellent bole shape and faster height growth. Previously, Slavonian pedunculate oaks (= late flushing oaks) were mainly studied at chloroplast (cp) DNA markers in order to determine their geographical origin. The origin of the material is probably the Sava lowland between Zagreb and Belgrade. In the present study, the aim was to genetically differentiate between indigenous Quercus robur and Slavonian oak stands using nuclear DNA markers. For this purpose, we used 20 nuclear Simple Sequence Repeats (nSSRs). A total of 37 pedunculate oak stands (mean: 18.6 samples per population with an age of 95 to 210 years) were examined, of which 21 were characterized as Slavonian late flushing oaks and three stands for which the Slavonian origin was not clear. Maternally inherited chloroplast markers were analysed earlier in all 37 stands to validate their geographic origin. We found that the stands of native pedunculate oaks and Slavonian pedunculate oaks are represented by two genetic clusters which are weakly differentiated. Slavonian oaks (Na = 9.85, Ar = 8.689, Ho = 0.490, He = 0.540) showed similar levels of genetic variation as native oak stands (Na = 7.850, Ar = 7.846, Ho = 0.484, He = 0.526). Differences in growth and phenology and low but consistent genetic differentiation between groups suggest that both taxa represent different ecotypes with specific local adaptations, which are perhaps separated by less overlapping flowering phenologies. The nuclear microsatellite markers in combination with the cpDNA markers are suitable to differentiate between Slavonian and local oak stands.
Heavy metal and metalloid accumulation in wild brown trout (Salmo trutta L., 1758 complex, Osteichthyes: Salmonidae) from a mountain stream in Sardinia by ICP-OES
Authors: Alberto Angioni , Francesco Corrias , Atzei Alessandro , Andrea Sabatini , Francesco Palmas , Carla Lai , Mariateresa Russo
Published: June 2021

This paper reports heavy metal and metalloid accumulation in wild brown trout (Salmo trutta L., 1758 complex) raised in freshwater and uncontaminated Sardinia system (Italy). Metals are widespread pollutants of aquatic systems, and their contamination can originate from anthropogenic activities such as industrial waste, agricultural and domestic environments, and geochemical release. Fish has a relevant position within the human diet; moreover, fishes can accumulate metals, making them a valuable tool as biomarkers for risk assessment studies. The concentration of 22 metals and metalloids after chemical digestion was assessed by inductively coupled plasma-optic emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) in both the guts and the edible part (EP, muscle + skin) of brown trout. The results, expressed as μg g−1, showed different levels of accumulation in the EP and guts, following the series Cu > Zn > Ba > Al > Sr > Fe > Pb and Fe > Al > Hg > As > Mn > Cu > Ba > B > Zn > Pb, respectively. PCA analysis showed a fairly good correlation between the total lipid and SAFA content and Cd, Hg, and Pb accumulation in the gut. Non-carcinogenic risk assessment, expressed as THQ (target hazard quotient), showed values far below 1 for all metals in muscles, while high As and Hg contamination of the gut draws attention to possible health risks which should be discarded from the fish before consumption. TR (target cancer risk) values showed alarmingly high values for As and Cd when the fish were consumed entirely (gut + EP), while Pb levels were far below the safety levels.
Assessing the impact of mechanism of green public consumption policy on environmental equity: evidence from China
Authors: Li Chunmei , Chandio Abbas Ali , Farooq Usman , Sahito Jam Ghulam Murtaza , He Ge
Published: June 2021

This study investigates the impact of the mechanism of green public consumption policy on environmental equity and provides a feasible reference for the rational formulation of corresponding policies for China. Establish a mediation effect model using the stepwise regression and bootstrap analysis method, this study explores the direct and indirect effects of fiscal expenditure intensity on environmental equity. The results revealed that increasing fiscal expenditure on energy conservation and environmental protection cannot directly and significantly affect environmental equity, but it has a significant indirect positive impact on environmental equality through fiscal decentralization. It is also found that the impact of green public consumption policy on environmental equity varies in the eastern, central and western parts of China. Our findings indicated that the expenditure of energy conservation and environmental protection indirectly affects environmental equity through fiscal decentralization. The willingness of the government to protect the environment regulates the impact of green public consumption policies on environmental equity. The phenomenon of feeding the east from the west of resources and environment is obvious. According to the characteristics of regional development, we should formulate energy conservation and environmental protection policies and adjust the direction of policies to promote regional environmental equity.
Embryo selection with artificial intelligence: how to evaluate and compare methods?
Authors: Kragh Mikkel Fly , Karstoft Henrik
Published: June 2021

Embryo selection within in vitro fertilization (IVF) is the process of evaluating qualities of fertilized oocytes (embryos) and selecting the best embryo(s) available within a patient cohort for subsequent transfer or cryopreservation. In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has been used extensively to improve and automate the embryo ranking and selection procedure by extracting relevant information from embryo microscopy images. The AI models are evaluated based on their ability to identify the embryo(s) with the highest chance(s) of achieving a successful pregnancy. Whether such evaluations should be based on ranking performance or pregnancy prediction, however, seems to divide studies. As such, a variety of performance metrics are reported, and comparisons between studies are often made on different outcomes and data foundations. Moreover, superiority of AI methods over manual human evaluation is often claimed based on retrospective data, without any mentions of potential bias. In this paper, we provide a technical view on some of the major topics that divide how current AI models are trained, evaluated and compared. We explain and discuss the most common evaluation metrics and relate them to the two separate evaluation objectives, ranking and prediction. We also discuss when and how to compare AI models across studies and explain in detail how a selection bias is inevitable when comparing AI models against current embryo selection practice in retrospective cohort studies.
A control architecture for continuous production processes based on industry 4.0: water supply systems application
Authors: Chacón Edgar , Cruz Salazar Luis Alberto , Cardillo Juan , Paredes Astudillo Yenny Alexandra
Published: June 2021

Industry 4.0 (I4.0) brings together new disruptive technologies, increasing future factories’ productivity. Indeed, the control of production processes is fast becoming a key driver for manufacturing operations. Manufacturing control systems have recently been developed for distributed or semi-heterarchical architectures, e.g., holonic systems improving global efficiency and manufacturing operations’ reactiveness. So far, previous studies and applications have not dealt with continuous production processes, such as applications for Water Supply System (WSS), oil refining, or electric power plants. The complexity of continuous production is that a single fault can degrade extensively and even cause service disruption. Therefore, this paper proposes the Holonic Production Unit (HPU) architecture as a solution to control continuous production processes. An HPU is created as a holon unit depicting resources in a continuous process. This unit can detect events within the environment, evaluate several courses of action, and change the parameters aligned to a mission. The proposed approach was tested using a simulated model of WSS. The experiments described in this paper were conducted using a traditional WSS, where the communication and decision-making features allow the application of HPU. The results suggest that constructing a holarchy with different holons can fulfill I4.0 requirements for continuous production processes.
Viscoplastic flow of functional cellular materials with use of peridynamics
Authors: Postek Eligiusz , Nowak Zdzisław , Pęcherski Ryszard B.
Published: June 2021

The subject of the study is the deformation of the oxygen-free high conductivity copper. The copper sample is given in the form of a foam. The sample undergoes an impact into an elastic wall. The strain rate hardening effect is investigated. The numerical model of the open-cell foam skeleton is prepared in the framework of the peridynamics method. The dynamic process of compression with different impact velocities is simulated. It has been found that the strain rate hardening effect is essential for the load-carrying capacity of the material under study. Taylor impact test of solid cylinder analysis precedes the analysis of the metallic foam.
Recent advances in the structural diversity of reaction centers
Authors: Gisriel Christopher J. , Azai Chihiro , Cardona Tanai
Published: June 2021

Photosynthetic reaction centers (RC) catalyze the conversion of light to chemical energy that supports life on Earth, but they exhibit substantial diversity among different phyla. This is exemplified in a recent structure of the RC from an anoxygenic green sulfur bacterium (GsbRC) which has characteristics that may challenge the canonical view of RC classification. The GsbRC structure is analyzed and compared with other RCs, and the observations reveal important but unstudied research directions that are vital for disentangling RC evolution and diversity. Namely, (1) common themes of electron donation implicate a Ca2+ site whose role is unknown; (2) a previously unidentified lipid molecule with unclear functional significance is involved in the axial ligation of a cofactor in the electron transfer chain; (3) the GsbRC features surprising structural similarities with the distantly-related photosystem II; and (4) a structural basis for energy quenching in the GsbRC can be gleaned that exemplifies the importance of how exposure to oxygen has shaped the evolution of RCs. The analysis highlights these novel avenues of research that are critical for revealing evolutionary relationships that underpin the great diversity observed in extant RCs.
A worked example of Braun and Clarke’s approach to reflexive thematic analysis
Authors: Byrne David
Published: June 2021

Since the publication of their inaugural paper on the topic in 2006, Braun and Clarke’s approach has arguably become one of the most thoroughly delineated methods of conducting thematic analysis (TA). However, confusion persists as to how to implement this specific approach to TA appropriately. The authors themselves have identified that many researchers who purport to adhere to this approach—and who reference their work as such—fail to adhere fully to the principles of ‘reflexive thematic analysis’ (RTA). Over the course of numerous publications, Braun and Clarke have elaborated significantly upon the constitution of RTA and attempted to clarify numerous misconceptions that they have found in the literature. This paper will offer a worked example of Braun and Clarke’s contemporary approach to reflexive thematic analysis with the aim of helping to dispel some of the confusion regarding the position of RTA among the numerous existing typologies of TA. While the data used in the worked example has been garnered from health and wellbeing education research and was examined to ascertain educators’ attitudes regarding such, the example offered of how to implement the RTA would be easily transferable to many other contexts and research topics.
Understanding potential implications for non-trophic parasite transmission based on vertebrate behavior at mesocarnivore carcass sites
Authors: Gonzálvez Moisés , Martínez-Carrasco Carlos , Moleón Marcos
Published: June 2021

High infection risk is often associated with aggregations of animals around attractive resources. Here, we explore the behavior of potential hosts of non-trophically transmitted parasites at mesocarnivore carcass sites. We used videos recorded by camera traps at 56 red fox (Vulpes vulpes) carcasses and 10 carcasses of other wild carnivore species in three areas of southeastern Spain. Scavenging species, especially wild canids, mustelids and viverrids, showed more frequent rubbing behavior at carcass sites than non-scavenging and domestic species, suggesting that they could be exposed to a higher potential infection risk. The red fox was the species that most frequently contacted carcasses and marked and rubbed carcass sites. Foxes contacted heterospecific carcasses more frequently and earlier than conspecific ones and, when close contact occurred, it was more likely to be observed at heterospecific carcasses. This suggests that foxes avoid contact with the type of carcass and time period that have the greatest risk as a source of parasites. Overall, non-trophic behaviors of higher infection risk were mainly associated with visitor-carcass contact and visitor contact with feces and urine, rather than direct contact between visitors. Moreover, contact events between scavengers and carnivore carcasses were far more frequent than consumption events, which suggests that scavenger behavior is more constrained by the risk of acquiring meat-borne parasites than non-trophically transmitted parasites. This study contributes to filling key gaps in understanding the role of carrion in the landscape of disgust, which may be especially relevant in the current global context of emerging and re-emerging pathogens.

Graphical abstract
Leaf recognition using BP-RBF hybrid neural network
Authors: Yang Xin , Ni Haiming , Li Jingkui , Lv Jialuo , Mu Hongbo , Qi Dawei
Published: June 2021

Plant recognition has great potential in forestry research and management. A new method combined back propagation neural network and radial basis function neural network to identify tree species using a few features and samples. The process was carried out in three steps: image pretreatment, feature extraction, and leaf recognition. In the image pretreatment processing, an image segmentation method based on hue, saturation and value color space and connected component labeling was presented, which can obtain the complete leaf image without veins and background. The BP-RBF hybrid neural network was used to test the influence of shape and texture on species recognition. The recognition accuracy of different classifiers was used to compare classification performance. The accuracy of the BP-RBF hybrid neural network using nine dimensional features was 96.2%, highest among all the classifiers.
Comprehensive study on the antioxidant capacity and phenolic profiles of black seed and other spices and herbs: effect of solvent and time of extraction
Authors: Muzolf-Panek Małgorzata , Stuper-Szablewska Kinga
Published: June 2021

The effects of solvent and time of extraction on the antioxidant properties and phenolic profiles of 13 herbs and spices used for food seasoning and preservation were investigated. The profiles of phenolics in plant material were analysed by UPLC, and the chemometric approach was used for the deeper evaluation of relationships between phenolic compounds and the antioxidant properties of the samples. The best extraction conditions enabling to obtain the highest total phenolics and the antioxidant activity were: long time extraction (24 h) with 50% aqueous ethanol. The most potent antioxidant was clove with the ABTS—2495.85 µmol/g, DPPH—1443.35 µmol/g and FRAP—1310.91 µmol/g, which resulted from the high total phenolic content (TPC—167.22 mg GAE/g) and total flavonoid content (TFC—26.22 mg QE/g). Wide variations in the antioxidant activity (ABTS: 7.31—2495.85 µmol/g) and TPC (0.87–167.22 mg GAE/g) were observed with black seed extract showing one of the lowest values of the parameters studied. High linear correlation (above 0.95) calculated for the parameters showed significant contribution of phenolics to the antioxidant activity of spices. UPLC analysis together with PCA (principal component analysis) confirmed this relation and ABTS, FRAP, DPPH, TFC, TPC, total phenolic acids, protocatechuic acid,t-cinnamic acid,p-hydroxybenzoic acid determined sample distribution along PC1 (principal component 1), whereas total flavonoids determined by UPLC, kaempferol, catechin and luteolin along PC2. All samples were discriminated with 100% classification’s propriety according to GDA (general discrimination analysis) which proved huge diversity among phenolic profiles and the antioxidant properties of tested samples.
Is One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass with a Biliopancreatic Limb of 150 cm Effective in the Treatment of People with Severe Obesity with BMI > 50?
Authors: Liagre Arnaud , Martini Francesco , Kassir Radwan , Juglard Gildas , Hamid Celine , Boudrie Hubert , Van Haverbeke Olivier , Antolino Laura , Debs Tarek , Petrucciani Niccolo
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The treatment of people with severe obesity and BMI > 50 kg/m2 is challenging. The present study aims to evaluate the short and mid-term outcomes of one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) with a biliopancreatic limb of 150 cm as a primary bariatric procedure to treat those people in a referral center for bariatric surgery.

Material and Methods

Data of patients who underwent OAGB for severe obesity with BMI > 50 kg/m2 between 2010 and 2017 were collected prospectively and analyzed retrospectively. Follow-up comprised clinical and biochemical assessment at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months postoperatively, and once a year thereafter.

Results

Overall, 245 patients underwent OAGB. Postoperative mortality was null, and early morbidity was observed in 14 (5.7%) patients. At 24 months, the percentage total weight loss (%TWL) was 43.2 ± 9, and percentage excess weight loss (%EWL) was 80 ± 15.7 (184 patients). At 60 months, %TWL was 41.9 ± 10.2, and %EWL was 78.1 ± 18.3 (79 patients). Conversion to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass was needed in three (1.2%) patients for reflux resistant to medical treatment. Six patients (2.4%) had reoperation for an internal hernia during follow-up. Anastomotic ulcers occurred in three (1.2%) patients. Only two patients (0.8%) underwent a second bariatric surgery for insufficient weight loss.

Conclusion

OAGB with a biliopancreatic limb of 150 cm is feasible and associated with sustained weight loss in the treatment of severe obesity with BMI > 50 kg/m2. Further randomized studies are needed to compare OAGB with other bariatric procedures in this setting.

Graphical abstract
Association of cognitive impairment and breast cancer survivorship on quality of life in younger breast cancer survivors
Authors: Von Ah Diane , Crouch Adele D. , Monahan Patrick O. , Stump Timothy E. , Unverzagt Frederick W. , Storey Susan , Cohee Andrea A. , Cella David , Champion Victoria L.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Younger breast cancer survivors (BCS) often report cognitive impairment and poor quality of life (QoL), which could be interrelated. The purpose of this study was to examine the association of cognitive impairment and breast cancer status (BCS versus healthy control (HC)), with QoL, which included psychological (depressive symptoms, well-being, perceived stress, and personal growth) and physical well-being (physical functioning and fatigue).

Methods

Four hundred ninety-eight BCS (≤45 years at diagnosis) who were 3 to 8 years post-chemotherapy treatment and 394 HC completed subjective questionnaires and a one-time neuropsychological assessment, including tests of attention, memory, processing speed, and verbal fluency. For each test, cognitive impairment was defined as scoring 1.5 and 2.0 standard deviations below the mean of the HC group. Separate linear regression models for each outcome were ran controlling for known covariates.

Results

BCS reported significantly more memory problems than HC (p < 0.0001), with up to 23% having significant impairment. Cognitive performance did not differ significantly between BCS and HCs. BCS vs. HCs had greater depression and fatigue, yet more personal growth. Objective and subjective cognitive impairment were significantly related to greater depressive symptoms and perceived stress and lower well-being and physical functioning; whereas, objective impairment was related to less personal growth and subjective impairment was related to greater fatigue.

Conclusions

Younger BCS report significant cognitive impairment years after treatment which may relate to greater decrements in QoL.

Implications to Cancer Survivors

Assessment and interventions to address cognitive concerns may also influence QoL outcomes in younger BCS.
Ossifying Fibroma of Non-odontogenic Origin: A Fibro-osseous Lesion in the Craniofacial Skeleton to be (Re-)considered
Authors: Baumhoer Daniel , Haefliger Simon , Ameline Baptiste , Hartmann Wolfgang , Amary Fernanda , Cleven Arjen , Klein Michael J. , Thompson Lester D. R. , Harder Dorothee , O’Donnell Paul
Published: June 2021

In the cranio-facial skeleton, a heterogeneous group of well characterized fibro-osseous lesions can be distinguished. Whereas fibrous dysplasia can affect any skeletal bone, ossifying fibroma and cemento-osseous dysplasia exclusively develop in the cranio-facial region, with most subtypes restricted to the tooth bearing areas of the jaws. Herein we present a series of 20 fibro-osseous lesions that developed mostly in the frontal bone and in the mandible, presenting as expansile intramedullary tumors with a unique histologic appearance and an indolent clinical course. We provide evidence that these tumors are distinct from the categories included in the WHO classification and are therefore currently unclassifiable. The definition of cemento-ossifying fibroma as an odontogenic neoplasm developing only in close proximity to teeth should be re-considered and incorporate also extragnathic lesions as shown here.
Atlas der SARS-CoV-2-RNA-Protein-Interaktionen in infizierten Zellen
Authors: Schmidt Nora , Munschauer Mathias
Published: June 2021

Using RNA antisense purification and mass spectrometry, we identified more than 100 human proteins that directly and specifically bind SARS-CoV-2 RNA in infected cells. To gain insights into the functions of selected RNA interactors, we applied genetic perturbation and pharmacological inhibition experiments, and mapped the contact sites on the viral RNA. This led to the identification of host dependency factors and defense strategies, which can guide the design of novel therapeutics against SARS-CoV-2.
Superaufgelöste Mikroskopie: Pilze unter Beobachtung
Authors: Sputh Sebastian , Panzer Sabine , Stigloher Christian , Terpitz Ulrich
Published: June 2021

The diffraction limit of light confines fluorescence imaging of subcellular structures in fungi. Different super-resolution methods are available for the analysis of fungi that we briefly discuss. We exploit the filamentous fungus Fusarium fujikuroi expressing a YFP-labeled membrane protein showing the benefit of correlative light- and electron microscopy (CLEM), that combines structured illumination microscopy (SIM) and scanning election microscopy (SEM).
Safety first: das Ubiquitin-Proteasom-System (UPS) und die Photosynthese
Authors: Grimmer Julia , Baginsky Sacha
Published: June 2021

The proteasome is essential for the control of protein turnover in the nucleus and the cytosol of eukaryotic cells. Chloroplasts and mitochondria import thousands of nuclear-encoded proteins as precursor proteins from the cytosol. We show that mild genetic proteasome impairment interferes with a cytosolic equilibrium between precursor protein import and degradation resulting in elevated precursor protein abundance in the cytosol and improved photosynthetic performance.
Gestörter Kerntransport und Phasentrennung von RNA-Bindeproteinen
Authors: Hutten Saskia , Dormann Dorothee
Published: June 2021

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are fatal neurodegenerative disordes, whose underlying molecular mechanisms are only beginning to emerge. A common molecular hallmark of both diseases is the relocalization of nuclear RNA-binding proteins (RBP) into cytoplasmic aggregates. Defects in nuclear import and aberrant phase separation appear to underlie RBP mislocalization and aggregation and could potentially be targeted in future therapies.
iPS-abgeleitete Kardiomyozyten als therapeutische Hoffnungsträger
Authors: Grill Nina , Fellner Lisa , Tisch Marcel , Edenhofer Frank
Published: June 2021

After ischemic injury in adolescence, the human heart has only limited capacity to regenerate. The loss of cardiomyocytes is typically replaced by fibrotic scar tissue. The resulting scars reduce myocardial contractility and function. To date, the gold standard for end-stage heart disease remains a heart transplant, which is not a realistic option due to donor heart shortage. The regenerative potential of reprogrammed stem cells has the potential for a long-expected breakthrough in development of efficient therapeutic interventions.
Assessing hydrocarbon prospects in Abu Madi formation using well logging data in El-Qara field, Nile Delta Basin, Egypt
Authors: Sarhan Mohammad Abdelfattah
Published: June 2021

In this work, the petrophysical properties of Abu Madi reservoir in El-Qara Field at northern Nile Delta Basin (NDB) were evaluated depending on well logging data of two wells: El-Qara-2 and El-Qara-3. This evaluation revealed that in El-Qara-2 well, the promising gas zone is detected between depths of 3315 and 3358 m, while in El-Qara-3 well, the best gas interval is detected between depths of 3358 and 3371 m. In addition to the production test parameters (gas rate, condensate rate, gas gravity, condensate gravity, gas-to-oil ratio, flowing tubing head pressure, flowing bottom hole pressure, and static bottom hole pressure), the calculated petrophysical parameters (shale volume, total porosity, effective porosity, and water saturation) for both intervals were relatively similar. This confirms that the investigated wells were drilled at the same reservoir interval within Abu Madi Fm. The depth variation in the examined zones was attributed to the presence of buried normal faults between El-Qara-2 and El-Qara-3 wells. This observation may be supported from the tectonic influence during the deposition of Abu Madi Fm. as a portion of the Messinian syn-rift megasequence beneath the NDB.
Ultrasound Imaging of the Spine for Central Neuraxial Blockade: a Technical Description and Evidence Update
Authors: Kalagara Hari , Nair Harsha , Kolli Sree , Thota Gopal , Uppal Vishal
Published: June 2021

Purpose of Review

This article describes the anatomy of the spine, relevant ultrasonographic views, and the techniques used to perform the neuraxial blocks using ultrasound imaging. Finally, we review the available evidence for the use of ultrasound imaging to perform neuraxial blocks.

Recent Findings

Central neuraxial blockade using traditional landmark palpation is a reliable technique to provide surgical anesthesia and postoperative analgesia. However, factors like obesity, spinal deformity, and previous spine surgery can make the procedure challenging. The use of ultrasound imaging has been shown to assist in these scenarios.

Preprocedural imaging minimizes the technical difficulty of spinal and epidural placement with fewer needle passes and skin punctures. It helps to accurately identify the midline, vertebral level, interlaminar space, and can predict the depth to the epidural and intrathecal spaces. By providing information about the best angle and direction of approach, in addition to the depth, ultrasound imaging allows planning an ideal trajectory for a successful block. These benefits are most noticeable when expert operators carry out the ultrasound examination and for patients with predicted difficult spinal anatomy. Recent evidence suggests that pre-procedural neuraxial ultrasound imaging may reduce complications such as vascular puncture, headache, and backache. Neuraxial ultrasound imaging should be in the skill set of every anesthesiologist who routinely performs lumbar or thoracic neuraxial blockade. We recommend using preprocedural neuraxial imaging routinely to acquire and maintain the imaging skills to enable success for challenging neuraxial procedures.
Fishing against the odds: fishers’ motivations to carry on fishing in the wake of the hindering EU Common Fishery Policy—a case study in North Shields, UK
Authors: Christy Des , de Jong Edwin B. P. , Knippenberg Luuk
Published: June 2021

The UK’s fishing industry has contracted considerably since 1972 due to overfishing, increased fuel prices, and implementation of the European Union (EU) Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). Despite this decline affecting the industry at large and the incomes of fishers, some fishers have carried on, or even freshly started or returned to the business. Why have these fishers done so despite the challenges they encounter in the fishing industry? In this article, we investigate why some fishers still choose to fish in the wake of all the EU regulations designed to control overfishing by reducing the size of the industry and discouraging entry by taking measures that affect revenues. Our data are collected through ethnographic research involving participant observation and interviews with fishers in North Shields, England. Based on our findings, we argue that the decision to carry on fishing, or even to return, is predominantly based on so-called intrinsic motivations, rather than on cost-benefit calculations, and stems from three interlinked basic human emotional needs which fishing seems to fulfil: the need to connect (sometimes also defined as the need to relate or belong); the desire for autonomy; and the desire to show competence (and have that competence recognized by relevant others). As such, the findings offer a fresh way to explain fishers’ decisions, based on a deliberated choice, to remain or leave the sector, and to understand and interrogate the challenges confronting present-day fishing both on a local level in the UK and also for Europe at large.
Simulation of flow past a sphere on a rough bed using smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH)
Authors: Bartzke Gerhard , Fourtakas Georgios , Canelas Ricardo , Rogers Benedict D. , Huhn Katrin
Published: June 2021

This paper presents an investigation of flow past a sphere on a rough surface by means of simulation using the meshless numerical method, smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) in the presence of a free surface. A representative of natural and engineered objects is spherical wall-mounted bodies. These are ideal to study the flow conditions around hydraulic structures, boulders, fish habitat structures or even architectural structures. The aim is to understand their effect on the hydrodynamics around the larger object sphere resting on them and their interaction. The Lagrangian particle-based scheme SPH using the open-source code DualSPHysics is validated against datasets from a laboratory-based flume experiment. The validation case was selected from the family of the flow past a sphere test cases since it reproduces the flow features in a simplified manner that can be observed in the vicinity of natural sediment grains or larger bodies. The validation results include flow velocity profiles in the vicinity of the large sphere and comparison with experiment data. The results stand in overall agreement with the experimental velocity and force measurements that demonstrates the applicability of SPH in aquatic environments. An SPH investigation on a rough bed in combination with objects/body near the bed in the presence of a free-surface flow has not been shown before in the literature. This is a novel application with insight into the fluid mechanics made possible by using DualSPHysics solver.
The XGTDL family of survival distributions
Authors: MacKenzie Gilbert , Blagojevic-Bucknall Miliça , Al-tawarah Yasin , Peng Defen
Published: June 2021

Non-PH parametric survival modelling is developed within the framework of the multiple logistic function. The family considered comprises three basic models: (a) a PH model, (b) an accelerated life model and (c) a model which is non-proportional hazards and non-accelerated life. The last model, the generalised time-dependent logistic model was described first by the author in 1996 and this model gives its name to the entire family. The family is generalised by means of a Gamma frailty extension which is shown to accommodate crossing hazards data. A further generalisation is the inclusion of a dispersion model. These extensions lead naturally to the concept of a multi-parameter regression model described by Burke and MacKenzie in which the scale and shape parameters are modelled simultaneously as functions of covariates. Where possible, we include the MPR extension in the XGTDL family. Following a simulation study, the new models are used to analyse two sets survival data and the methods are discussed.