bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shedding and extensive and prolonged environmental contamination of goat farms of Q fever patients by Coxiella burnetii
Authors: Byeon Hyeon Seop , Nattan Stalin , Kim Jun Hyoung , Han Seong Tae , Chae Mun Hui , Han Mi Na , Ahn Byeongwoo , Kim Yong‐Dae , Kim Hee‐Sung , Jeong Hye Won
Published: March 2022

Background

A majority (>70%) of Q fever patients in South Korea do not have a history of animal contact. Therefore, unconscious environmental exposure is suspected. The aim of this study was to investigate exposure of Q fever patients to environmental contamination and animal shedding.

Methods

Two goat farmers were enrolled. One was diagnosed with Q fever 3 years ago (Farm 1). Among 20 goats on Farm 1, five were tested randomly and found to be Q fever PCR‐positive. Three of the five were Q fever ELISA‐positive. Two of five environmental samples taken in 2015 were PCR‐positive. In 2018, 17 of 18 environmental samples were PCR‐positive. On Farm 2, 54 of the 77 goats were PCR‐positive, and 63 were ELISA‐positive. Twelve of 14 environmental samples were PCR‐positive. Repeat administration of oxytetracycline to goats led to a gradual reduction in PCR‐positive tests over a 5‐month period. However, PCR‐positivity of the farm environment persisted for 5 months.

Conclusion

The environment on farms owned by Q fever patients was contaminated extensively and persistently, even after antibiotic treatment of goats and environmental decontamination. Undetected environmental contamination can be a major source of sporadic Q fever infection in South Korea.
Non‐invasive physical plasma (NIPP) treatment of a hedgehog with head injury: A novel therapy in veterinary medicine
Authors: Nitsch Andreas , Napiletzki Katja , Stope Matthias B.
Published: March 2022

Non‐invasive physical plasma, known to have antimicrobial, immunostimulatory and epithelialising effects, has been successfully applied in this case to improve wound healing of an injured hedgehog. A European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) with a head wound of approximately 1 cm2 was treated with non‐invasive physical plasma in addition to standard wound therapy. Non‐invasive physical plasma treatment of the wound in addition to the usual wound care resulted in wound closure after 11 days. Compared to previously treated hedgehogs with similar injury patterns but without non‐invasive physical plasma application, the application of non‐invasive physical plasma appears to accelerate wound healing. The application of non‐invasive physical plasma to treat wounds of hedgehogs offers accelerated wound healing compared to conventional wound care. This novel therapeutic option may be transferable to wound care in veterinary medicine in general.
The birth of cardiac disease: Mechanisms linking gestational diabetes mellitus and early onset of cardiovascular disease in offspring
Authors: Tocantins Carolina , Diniz Mariana S. , Grilo Luís F. , Pereira Susana P.
Published: March 2022

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the biggest killer worldwide, composing a major economic burden for health care systems. Obesity and diabetes are dual epidemics on the rise and major risk factors predisposing for CVD. Increased obesity‐ and diabetes‐related incidence is now observed among children, adolescents, and young adults. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the most common metabolic pregnancy disorder, and its prevalence is rapidly increasing. During pregnancies complicated by GDM, the offspring are exposed to a compromised intrauterine environment characterized by hyperglycemic periods. Unfavorable in utero conditions at critical periods of fetal cardiac development can produce developmental adaptations that remodel the cardiovascular system in a way that can contribute to adult‐onset of heart disease due to the programming during fetal life. Epidemiological studies have reported increased cardiovascular complications among GDM‐descendants, highlighting the urgent need to investigate and understand the mechanisms modulated during fetal development of in utero GDM‐exposed offspring that predispose an individual to increased CVD during life. In this manuscript, we overview previous studies in this area and gather evidence linking GDM and CVD development in the offspring, providing new insights on novel mechanisms contributing to offspring CVD programming by GDM, from the role of maternal–fetal interactions to their impact on fetal cardiovascular development, how the perpetuation of cardiac programming is maintained in postnatal life, and advance the intergenerational implications contributing to increased CVD premature origin. Understanding the perpetuation of CVD can be the first step to manage and reverse this leading cause of morbidity and mortality.

This article is categorized under:

Reproductive System Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology

Cardiovascular Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology

Metabolic Diseases > Genetics/Genomics/Epigenetics
Extreme Citizen Science Contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals: Challenges and Opportunities for a Human-Centred Design Approach
Authors: Skarlatidou Artemis , Fraisl Dilek , Wu Yaqian , See Linda , Haklay Muki
Published: March 2022

Citizen science has been recognized for its potential to contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals in multiple ways (e.g., for defining and monitoring indicators, data production, etc.). In this paper, we focus on Extreme Citizen Science, which includes a set of situated, bottom-up practices, used for environmental monitoring purposes and for recording local indigenous knowledge, mainly in the Global South. Here we present and discuss the human-centered approach that the implementation of extreme citizen science requires, and we identify and discuss the challenges that we face as well as the opportunities that extreme citizen science initiatives can create for contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals.
Affine Yangian of $$ \mathfrak{gl} $$(2) and integrable structures of superconformal field theory
Authors: Chistyakova Elizaveta , Litvinov Alexey , Orlov Pavel
Published: March 2022

Abstract

This paper is devoted to study of integrable structures in superconformal field theory and more general coset CFT’s related to the affine Yangian Y($$ \hat{\mathfrak{gl}} $$

gl
̂

(2)). We derive the relation between the RLL and current realizations and prove Bethe anzatz equations for the spectrum of Integrals of Motion.
Gravitational waves from global cosmic strings and cosmic archaeology
Authors: Chang Chia-Feng , Cui Yanou
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Global cosmic strings are predicted in many motivated extensions to the Standard Model of particle physics, with close connections to axion dark matter physics. Recent studies suggest that, although subdominant relative to Goldstone emission, gravitational wave (GW) signals from global strings can be detectable with current and planned GW detectors such as LIGO, LISA, DECIGO/BBO, ET/CE and AEDGE/AION, as well as pulsar timing arrays such as PPTA, NANOGrav and SKA. This work is an extensive, updated study on GWs from a global cosmic string network, taking into account of the most recent developments related to the subject. The main analysis is based on the analytical Velocity-dependent One-Scale (VOS) model calibrated with recent simulation results, which provides a generic protocol for such calculations with details given. We also demonstrate how the GW signal can be influenced with variations to the baseline model: this includes considering the uncertainties of model parameters and the potential deviation from the conventional VOS model prediction (i.e. the scaling behavior) as suggested by some of the recent simulation results. Furthermore, we investigated in detail the effect of a non-standard cosmology (e.g. early matter domination or kination) or new particle species on the GW signals from global strings. We demonstrate that the frequency spectrum of GW background from global cosmic strings can be used to probe the cosmic history prior to the Big Bang nucleosynthesis (BBN) (i.e. the primordial dark age) up to a temperature of T ∼ 108 GeV.
Controlling absence seizures from the cerebellar nuclei via activation of the Gq signaling pathway
Authors: Schwitalla Jan Claudius , Pakusch Johanna , Mücher Brix , Brückner Alexander , Depke Dominic Alexej , Fenzl Thomas , De Zeeuw Chris I. , Kros Lieke , Hoebeek Freek E. , Mark Melanie D.
Published: March 2022

Absence seizures (ASs) are characterized by pathological electrographic oscillations in the cerebral cortex and thalamus, which are called spike-and-wave discharges (SWDs). Subcortical structures, such as the cerebellum, may well contribute to the emergence of ASs, but the cellular and molecular underpinnings remain poorly understood. Here we show that the genetic ablation of P/Q-type calcium channels in cerebellar granule cells (quirky) or Purkinje cells (purky) leads to recurrent SWDs with the purky model showing the more severe phenotype. The quirky mouse model showed irregular action potential firing of their cerebellar nuclei (CN) neurons as well as rhythmic firing during the wave of their SWDs. The purky model also showed irregular CN firing, in addition to a reduced firing rate and rhythmicity during the spike of the SWDs. In both models, the incidence of SWDs could be decreased by increasing CN activity via activation of the Gq-coupled designer receptor exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) or via that of the Gq-coupled metabotropic glutamate receptor 1. In contrast, the incidence of SWDs was increased by decreasing CN activity via activation of the inhibitory Gi/o-coupled DREADD. Finally, disrupting CN rhythmic firing with a closed-loop channelrhodopsin-2 stimulation protocol confirmed that ongoing SWDs can be ceased by activating CN neurons. Together, our data highlight that P/Q-type calcium channels in cerebellar granule cells and Purkinje cells can be relevant for epileptogenesis, that Gq-coupled activation of CN neurons can exert anti-epileptic effects and that precisely timed activation of the CN can be used to stop ongoing SWDs.
Global Wellposedness of the Primitive Equations with Nonlinear Equation of State in Critical Spaces
Authors: Binz Tim , Hieber Matthias
Published: March 2022

This article investigates the primitive equations with nonlinear equations of state. A global, strong well-posedness result for this set of equations is established for initial data lying in critical spaces provided that the density, depending on temperature, salinity and pressure, satisfies certain regularity assumptions. These assumptions are in particular satisfied for the TEOS-80 formulation of the equation of state.
Biomechanical analysis of fixation methods in acetabular fractures: a systematic review of test setups
Authors: Hinz Nico , Dehoust Julius , Münch Matthias , Seide Klaus , Barth Tobias , Schulz Arndt-Peter , Frosch Karl-Heinz , Hartel Maximilian J.
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Optimal anatomical reduction and stable fixation of acetabular fractures are important in avoiding secondary dislocation and osteoarthritis. Biomechanical studies of treatment options of acetabular fractures aim to evaluate the biomechanical properties of different fixation methods. As the setup of the biomechanical test can influence the experimental results, this review aimed to analyze the characteristics, comparability and clinical implications of studies on biomechanical test setups and finite element analyses in the fixation of acetabular fractures.

Methods

A systematic literature research was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines, using the PubMed/MEDLINE and Web of Science databases. 44 studies conducting biomechanical analyses of fixation of acetabular fractures were identified, which met the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria and which were published in English between 2000 and April 16, 2021. The studies were analyzed with respect to distinct parameters, including fracture type, material of pelvis model, investigated fixation construct, loading direction, loading protocol, maximum loading force, outcome parameter and measurement method.

Results

In summary, there was no standardized test setup within the studies on fixation constructs for acetabular fractures. It is therefore difficult to compare the studies directly, as they employ a variety of different test parameters. Furthermore, the clinical implications of the biomechanical studies should be scrutinized, since several test parameters were not based on observations of the human physiology.

Conclusion

The limited comparability and restricted clinical implications should be kept in mind when interpreting the results of biomechanical studies and when designing test setups to evaluate fixation methods for acetabular fractures.
Understanding hip pathology in ballet dancers
Authors: Singh Yash , Pettit Matthew , El-Hakeem Osama , Elwood Rachel , Norrish Alan , Audenaert Emmanuel , Khanduja Vikas
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The literature on hip injuries in ballet dancers was systematically evaluated to answer (1) whether the prevalence of morphological abnormalities and pathology of hip injuries in dancers differs from the general population (2) if there are any specific risk factors which contribute to a higher rate of hip injury and (3) what are the outcomes of primary and secondary intervention strategies.

Methods

A systematic literature search of Medline, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library was undertaken for all literature relating to hip injuries in ballet dancers using the PRISMA guidelines. Reference lists were also searched for relevant literature. Clinical outcome studies, prospective/retrospective case series published between 1989 and October 2021 were included. Review articles (non-original data), case reports, studies on animals as well as book chapters were excluded.

Results

The search yielded 445 studies, of which 35 were included for final analyses after screening. This included 1655 participants, of which 1131 were females. The analyses revealed that damage at the chondrolabral junction and degenerative disease of the hip may develop at a higher rate in ballet dancers than in the general population (odds ratio > 1 in 15/18 cohorts). The intra-articular lesions were more frequently found in postero-superior region of the hip suggesting an alternative impingement mechanism. Furthermore, numerous risk factors specific for hip injury in ballet were highlighted amidst a wide body of literature which consistently reports risk factors for a more generic ‘dancer vulnerability’.

Conclusion

Ballet dancers may suffer from both higher rates of chondrolabral damage and degenerative disease in their hips. In contrast to other sports, the intra-articular lesions are more frequently found in postero-superior region of the hip. Future research clarifying the prevalence of osseous abnormalities and prevention strategies in dancers may be pivotal in delaying the development of hip disease in this cohort.

Level of evidence

Level IV.
An approach for mixture testing and prioritization based on common kinetic groups
Authors: Braeuning Albert , Bloch Denise , Karaca Mawien , Kneuer Carsten , Rotter Stefanie , Tralau Tewes , Marx-Stoelting Philip
Published: March 2022

In light of an ever-increasing exposure to chemicals, the topic of potential mixture toxicity has gained increased attention, particularly as the toxicological toolbox to address such questions has vastly improved. Routinely toxicological risk assessments will rely on the analysis of individual compounds with mixture effects being considered only in those specific cases where co-exposure is foreseeable, for example for pesticides or food contact materials. In the field of pesticides, active substances are summarized in so-called cumulative assessment groups (CAG) which are primarily based on their toxicodynamic properties, that is, respective target organs and mode of action (MoA). In this context, compounds causing toxicity by a similar MoA are assumed to follow a model of dose/concentration addition (DACA). However, the respective approach inherently falls short of addressing cases where there are dissimilar or independent MoAs resulting in wider toxicokinetic effects. Yet, the latter are often the underlying cause when effects deviate from the DACA model. In the present manuscript, we therefore suggest additionally to consider toxicokinetic effects (especially related to xenobiotic metabolism and transporter interaction) for the grouping of substances to predict mixture toxicity. In line with the concept of MoA-based CAGs, we propose common kinetics groups (CKGs) as an additional tool for grouping of chemicals and mixture prioritization. Fundamentals of the CKG concept are discussed, along with challenges for its implementation, and methodological approaches and examples are explored.
Topological Noetherianity of polynomial functors II: base rings with Noetherian spectrum
Authors: Bik Arthur , Danelon Alessandro , Draisma Jan
Published: March 2022

In a previous paper, the third author proved that finite-degree polynomial functors over infinite fields are topologically Noetherian. In this paper, we prove that the same holds for polynomial functors from free R-modules to finitely generated R-modules, for any commutative ring R whose spectrum is Noetherian. As Erman–Sam–Snowden pointed out, when applying this with $$R={{\,\mathrm{{\mathbb Z}}\,}}$$

R
=

Z

to direct sums of symmetric powers, one of their proofs of a conjecture by Stillman becomes characteristic-independent. Our paper advertises and further develops the beautiful but not so well-known machinery of polynomial laws. In particular, to any finitely generated R-module M we associate a topological space, which we show is Noetherian when $${{\,\mathrm{Spec}\,}}(R)$$

Spec

(
R
)

is; this is the degree-zero case of our result on polynomial functors.
Texture profile analysis and sensory evaluation of commercially available gluten-free bread samples
Authors: Tóth Marcell , Kaszab Tímea , Meretei Anikó
Published: March 2022

The need for better quality gluten-free (GF) bread is constantly growing. This can be ascribed to the rising incidence of celiac disease or other gluten-associated allergies and the widespread incorrect public belief, that GF diet is healthier. Although there is a remarkable scientific interest shown to this topic, among the numerous studies only a few deals with commercially available products. The gap between research and commercial reality is already identified and communicated from a nutritional point of view, but up to date texture studies of commercial GF breads are underrepresented. In this study, 9 commercially available GF bread were compared to their wheat-based counterparts from texture and sensory viewpoints. Results showed that among GF loaves products, some performed significantly better at hardness and springiness attributes during the 4-day-long storage test compared to the wheat-based products. Two of GF cob breads performed significantly better or on the same level as the wheat-based cob regarding to hardness and cohesiveness during 3 days. Among sensorial properties mouth-feel, softness and smell were evaluated as significantly better or similarly for some GF versus wheat-based products. Two GF bread had more salty taste which reduced the flavor experience. Both the texture and sensory data of the storage test indicate that the quality of some GF bread products has significantly improved in the recent years; they stayed comparable with their wheat-based counterparts even for a 4-day-long storage period.
Relative Cauchy Evolution for Linear Homotopy AQFTs
Authors: Bruinsma Simen , Fewster Christopher J. , Schenkel Alexander
Published: March 2022

This paper develops a concept of relative Cauchy evolution for the class of homotopy algebraic quantum field theories (AQFTs) that are obtained by canonical commutation relation quantization of Poisson chain complexes. The key element of the construction is a rectification theorem proving that the homotopy time-slice axiom, which is a higher categorical relaxation of the time-slice axiom of AQFT, can be strictified for theories in this class. The general concept is illustrated through a detailed study of the relative Cauchy evolution for the homotopy AQFT associated with linear Yang-Mills theory, for which the usual stress-energy tensor is recovered.
A Randomized Pilot Trial Assessing the Role of Human Fibrinogen Concentrate in Decreasing Cryoprecipitate Use and Blood Loss in Infants Undergoing Cardiopulmonary Bypass
Authors: Tirotta Christopher F. , Lagueruela Richard G. , Gupta Apeksha , Salyakina Daria , Aguero David , Ojito Jorge , Kubes Kathleen , Hannan Robert , Burke Redmond P.
Published: March 2022

The objective of this study was to determine whether treatment with human fibrinogen concentrate decreases the need for component blood therapy and blood loss in neonate and infant patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass. Pediatric patients (N = 30) undergoing elective cardiac surgery were randomized to receive human fibrinogen concentrate or placebo following cardiopulmonary bypass termination. The primary endpoint was the amount of cryoprecipitate administered. Secondary endpoints included estimated blood loss during the 24 h post-surgery; perioperative blood product transfusion; effects of fibrinogen infusion on global hemostasis, measured by laboratory testing and rotational thromboelastometry; and adverse events. No clinically significant differences were identified in baseline characteristics between groups. A significantly lower volume of cryoprecipitate was administered to the treatment group during the perioperative period [median (interquartile range) 0.0 (0.0–0.0) cc/kg vs 12.0 (8.2–14.3) cc/kg; P < 0.0001] versus placebo. No difference was observed between treatment groups in blood loss, laboratory coagulation tests, use of other blood components, or incidence of adverse events. FIBTEM amplitude of maximum clot firmness values was significantly higher among patients treated with human fibrinogen concentrate versus placebo (P ≤ 0.0001). No significant differences were observed in post-drug HEPTEM, INTEM, and EXTEM results. Human fibrinogen concentrate (70 mg/kg) administered after the termination of cardiopulmonary bypass reduced the need for transfusion with cryoprecipitate in a neonate and infant patient population.

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02822599.
School-age structural and functional MRI and lung function in children following lung resection for congenital lung malformation in infancy
Authors: Willers Corin , Maager Lukas , Bauman Grzegorz , Cholewa Dietmar , Stranzinger Enno , Raio Luigi , Casaulta Carmen , Latzin Philipp
Published: March 2022

Background

The management of asymptomatic congenital lung malformations is debated. Particularly, there is a lack of information regarding long-term growth and development of the remaining lung in children following lung resection for congenital lung malformations. In addition to conventional pulmonary function tests, we used novel functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods to measure perfusion and ventilation.

Objective

To assess functionality of the remaining lung expanded into the thoracic cavity after resection of congenital lung malformations.

Materials and methods

A prospective, cross-sectional pilot study in five children who had surgery for congenital lung malformations during infancy. Participants had structural and functional MRI as well as spirometry, body plethysmography and multiple breath washout at school age.

Results

Structural MRI showed an expansion of the remaining lung in all cases. Fractional ventilation and relative perfusion of the expanded lung were locally decreased in functional MRI. In all other parts of the lungs, fractional ventilation and relative perfusion were normal in all children. There was an association between overall impairment of perfusion and elevated lung clearance index. The results of spirometry and body plethysmography varied between patients, including normal lung function, restriction and obstruction.

Conclusion

Fractional ventilation and relative perfusion maps from functional MRI specifically locate impairment of the remaining lung after lung resection. These changes are not captured by conventional measures such as structural MRI and standard pulmonary function tests. Therefore, following lung resection for congenital lung malformation, children should be investigated more systematically with functional lung MRI.
Detection of fatty liver using virtual non-contrast dual-energy CT
Authors: Zhang Pengcheng Peter , Choi Hailey H. , Ohliger Michael A.
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Determine whether liver attenuation measured on dual-energy CT (DECT) virtual non-contrast examinations predicts the presence of fatty liver.

Methods

Single-institution retrospective review from 2016 to 2020 found patients with DECT and proton density fat fraction MRI (MRI PDFF) within 30 days. MRI PDFF was the reference standard for determining hepatic steatosis. Attenuation measurements from VNC and mixed 120 kVp-like images were compared to MRI PDFF in the right and left lobes. Performance of VNC was compared to measurement of the liver-spleen attenuation difference (LSAD).

Results

128 patients were included (69 men, 59 women) with mean age 51.6 years (range 14–98 years). > 90% of patients received CT and MRI in the emergency department or as inpatients. Median interval between DECT and MRI PDFF was 2 days (range 0–28 days). Prevalence of fatty liver using the reference standard (MRI PDFF > 6%) was 24%. Pearson correlation coefficient between VNC and MRI- DFF was -0.64 (right) and -0.68 (left, both p < 0.0001). For LSAD, correlation was − 0.43 in both lobes (p < 0.0001). Considering MRI PDFF > 6% as diagnostic of steatosis, area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.834 and 0.872 in the right and left hepatic lobes, with an optimal threshold of 54.8 HU (right) and 52.5 HU (left), yielding sensitivity/specificity of 57%/93.9% (right) and 67.9%/90% (left). For LSAD, AUC was 0.808 (right) and 0.767 (left) with optimal sensitivity/specificity of 93.3%/57.1% (right) and 78.6%/68% (left).

Conclusion

Attenuation measured at VNC CT was moderately correlated with liver fat content and had > 90% specificity for diagnosis of fatty liver.

Graphical abstract
Clinically Relevant Late‐Onset Biliary Complications After Pancreatoduodenectomy
Authors: Nagai Minako , Nakagawa Kenji , Nishiwada Satoshi , Terai Taichi , Hokuto Daisuke , Yasuda Satoshi , Matsuo Yasuko , Doi Shunsuke , Akahori Takahiro , Sho Masayuki
Published: March 2022

Background

Late‐onset biliary complications (LBC) after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) can be serious. This study aimed to clarify the frequency and risk factors of severe LBC after PD.

Methods

We defined LBC as biliary complications occurring 3 months after PD and severe LBC as cases that required intensive care. A total of 318 patients who underwent PD between 2010 and 2018 with at least 1 year of postoperative follow‐up were evaluated.

Results

Hospitalization for severe LBC was required in 59 patients (19%), of whom 20 had liver abscesses (6.3%); 18, acute cholangitis (5.7%); 12, biliary stones (3.8%); and 21, biliary strictures (6.6%). Interventional radiological or endoscopic treatment was required in 32 patients (10%), of whom 9 had a benign primary disease with biliary stones and/or strictures. Thirteen of the remaining 23 patients with a malignant primary disease had liver abscesses and cholangitis. Significant independent risk factors for severe LBC in patients with malignant primary disease were recurrence around the hepaticojejunostomy (odds ratio 6.5, P = 0.013) and chemotherapy (odds ratio 13.5, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Severe LBC after PD may occur regardless of whether the primary disease is benign or malignant. The course of severe LBC differs according to the primary disease, and therefore, appropriate follow‐up and optimal treatment should be recommended according to the condition of the patient and the disease state.
Suture or Mesh Repair of the Smallest Umbilical Hernias: A Nationwide Database Study
Authors: Henriksen Nadia A. , Jensen Kristian Kiim , Bisgaard Thue , Helgstrand Frederik ,   the Danish Hernia Database
Published: March 2022

Background

Mesh is recommended for umbilical hernias with defects > 1 cm to reduce recurrence. For umbilical hernias with defect width ≤ 1 cm, the literature is sparse. The aim of this nationwide cohort study was to assess outcomes after suture and mesh repair of umbilical hernias with defect width ≤ 1 cm and to evaluate outcomes after onlay mesh repair specifically.

Methods

By merging data from the Danish Hernia Database and the National Patients Registry from 2007 to 2018, patients undergoing elective open repair of an umbilical hernia with defect width ≤ 1 cm were identified. Available data included details about comorbidity, surgical technique, 90‐day readmission, 90‐day reoperation and operation for recurrence.

Results

A total of 7849 patients were included, of whom 25.7% (2013/7849) underwent mesh repair. Reoperation for recurrence was significantly decreased after mesh repair 3.1% (95% C.I. 2.1–4.1) compared with suture repair 6.7% (95% C.I. 6.0–7.4), P < 0.001. Readmission and reoperation rates were significantly higher for mesh repair 7.9% (159/2013) and 2.6% (52/2013) than for suture repair 6.5% (381/5836) and 1.5% (89/5836), P = 0.036 and P = 0.002, respectively. Onlay mesh repairs had the lowest risk of recurrence 2.0% (95% C.I. 0.6–3.5), and readmission [7.9% (65/826)] and reoperation [3.9% (32/826)] rates within 90 days were comparable to suture repairs [6.5% (381/5836)] and [3.3% (192/5836)], P = 0.149 and P = 0.382, respectively.

Conclusions

Even for the smallest umbilical hernias, mesh repair significantly decreased the recurrence rate. Onlay mesh repair was associated with lowest risk of recurrence without increasing early complications.
On the Motion of Gravity–Capillary Waves with Odd Viscosity
Authors: Granero-Belinchón Rafael , Ortega Alejandro
Published: March 2022

We develop three asymptotic models of surface waves in a non-Newtonian fluid with odd viscosity. This viscosity is also known as Hall viscosity and appears in a number of applications such as quantum Hall fluids or chiral active fluids. Besides the odd viscosity effects, these models capture both gravity and capillary forces up to quadratic interactions and take the form of nonlinear and nonlocal wave equations. Two of these models describe bidirectional waves, while the third PDE studies the case of unidirectional propagation. We also prove the well-posedness of these asymptotic models in spaces of analytic functions and in Sobolev spaces. Finally, we present a number of numerical simulations for the unidirectional model.
Sparse Approximation of Triangular Transports, Part I: The Finite-Dimensional Case
Authors: Zech Jakob , Marzouk Youssef
Published: March 2022

For two probability measures$${\rho }$$ρand$${\pi }$$πwith analytic densities on thed-dimensional cube$$[-1,1]^d$$[-1,1]d, we investigate the approximation of the unique triangular monotone Knothe–Rosenblatt transport$$T:[-1,1]^d\rightarrow [-1,1]^d$$T:[-1,1]d→[-1,1]d, such that the pushforward$$T_\sharp {\rho }$$T♯ρequals$${\pi }$$π. It is shown that for$$d\in {{\mathbb {N}}}$$d∈Nthere exist approximations$${\tilde{T}}$$T~ofT, based on either sparse polynomial expansions or deep ReLU neural networks, such that the distance between$${\tilde{T}}_\sharp {\rho }$$T~♯ρand$${\pi }$$πdecreases exponentially. More precisely, we prove error bounds of the type$$\exp (-\beta N^{1/d})$$exp(-βN1/d)(or$$\exp (-\beta N^{1/(d+1)})$$exp(-βN1/(d+1))for neural networks), whereNrefers to the dimension of the ansatz space (or the size of the network) containing$${\tilde{T}}$$T~; the notion of distance comprises the Hellinger distance, the total variation distance, the Wasserstein distance and the Kullback–Leibler divergence. Our construction guarantees$${\tilde{T}}$$T~to be a monotone triangular bijective transport on the hypercube$$[-1,1]^d$$[-1,1]d. Analogous results hold for the inverse transport$$S=T^{-1}$$S=T-1. The proofs are constructive, and we give an explicita prioridescription of the ansatz space, which can be used for numerical implementations.
Sudden cardiac death while waiting: do we need the wearable cardioverter-defibrillator?
Authors: Israel Carsten , Staudacher Ingo , Leclercq Christophe , Botto Giovanni Luca , Scherr Daniel , Fach Andreas , Duru Firat , Zylla Maura M. , Katus Hugo A. , Thomas Dierk
Published: March 2022

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is the most frequent cause of cardiovascular death in industrialized nations. Patients with cardiomyopathy are at increased risk for SCD and may benefit from an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). The risk of SCD is highest in the first months after myocardial infarction or first diagnosis of severe non-ischemic cardiomyopathy. On the other hand, left ventricular function may improve in a subset of patients to such an extent that an ICD might no longer be needed. To offer protection from a transient risk of SCD, the wearable cardioverter-defibrillator (WCD) is available. Results of the first randomized clinical trial investigating the role of the WCD after myocardial infarction were recently published. This review is intended to provide insight into data from the VEST trial, and to put these into perspective with studies and clinical experience. As a non-invasive, temporary therapy, the WCD may offer advantages over early ICD implantation. However, recent data demonstrate that patient compliance and education play a crucial role in this new concept of preventing SCD.
Analysis of microvascular and neurodegenerative complications of mild COVID-19
Authors: Kolkedi Zsofia , Csutak Adrienne , Szalai Eszter
Published: March 2022

Purpose

To examine retinal and corneal neurodegenerative and retinal microvascular changes in patients after mild or asymptomatic COVID-19 disease compared to age-matched controls.

Methods

Thirty-five (35) patients after PCR-proven SARS-CoV-2 infection and 28 age-matched controls were enrolled. Swept-source optical coherence tomography (OCT), OCT angiography, and in vivo corneal confocal microscopy were performed in both groups. Corneal subbasal nerve plexus was quantified. Vessel density for superficial (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP) and structural OCT parameters were recorded.

Results

Significantly lower nerve branch density (P = 0.0004), nerve fiber area (P = 0.0001), nerve fiber density (P = 0.0009), nerve fiber length (P < 0.0001), and total nerve branch density (P = 0.002) values were observed in patients after COVID-19 compared to healthy controls. VD of the temporal SCP was significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.019). No other SCP and DCP vessel density parameter differed significantly between the two groups.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that peripheral neurodegenerative changes may occur even after mild or asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. No relevant microvascular changes were seen with OCT angiography and structural OCT parameters did not show any signs of optic neuropathy in post-COVID patients. In vivo confocal microscopy seems to be an important tool in monitoring peripheral neuropathy in patients after COVID-19.
The impact of different forms of exercise on endothelial progenitor cells in healthy populations
Authors: Ferentinos Panagiotis , Tsakirides Costas , Swainson Michelle , Davison Adam , Martyn-St James Marrissa , Ispoglou Theocharis
Published: March 2022

Circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) contribute to vascular healing and neovascularisation, while exercise is an effective means to mobilise EPCs into the circulation. Objectives: to systematically examine the acute and chronic effects of different forms of exercise on circulating EPCs in healthy populations. Methods: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines were followed. Results: thirty-one articles met the inclusion criteria including 747 participants aged 19 to 76 years. All included trials used flow cytometry for identification of circulating EPCs. Eight and five different EPC phenotypes were identified in the acute and chronic trials, respectively. In the acute trials, moderate intensity continuous (MICON), maximal, prolonged endurance, resistance and high intensity interval training (HIIT) exercise protocols were utilised. Prolonged endurance and resistance exercise had the most profound effect on circulating EPCs followed by maximal exercise. In the chronic trials, MICON exercise, HIIT, HIIT compared to MICON and MICON compared to exergame (exercise modality based on an interactive video game) were identified. MICON exercise had a positive effect on circulating EPCs in older sedentary individuals which was accompanied by improvements in endothelial function and arterial stiffness. Long-stage HIIT (4 min bouts) appears to be an effective means and superior than MICON exercise in mobilising circulating EPCs. In conclusion, both in acute and chronic trials the degree of exercise-induced EPC mobilisation depends upon the exercise regime applied. In future, more research is warranted to examine the dose–response relationship of different exercise forms on circulating EPCs using standardised methodology and EPC phenotype.

Graphical abstract
Comparison of three obturator nerve block techniques for injectate spread into the obturator canal: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Uchino Tetsuya , Miura Masahiro , Matsumoto Shigekiyo , Shingu Chihiro , Shin Toshitaka , Tomonari Kenichiro , Kitano Takaaki
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The obturator nerve branches into the obturator canal; therefore, local anesthetic spread into the obturator canal predicts the success of the obturator nerve block (ONB). We compared three ONB techniques for the spread of local anesthetic mixed with contrast medium into the obturator canal.

Methods

We performed the ONB using the classical pubic approach (PA), inguinal approach (IA), or ultrasound-guided methodologic approach (UMA) in 143 patients undergoing transurethral resection of bladder tumors. The obturator nerve course and branching patterns of the UMA group were examined using ultrasound imaging. After injecting a local anesthetic mixed with a contrast medium, we evaluated its spread into the obturator canal using fluoroscopic imaging. P < 0.05 indicated statistical significance.

Results

Success rate of obturator canal enhancement was the greatest in the UMA group (84%; P < 0.001); the PA (42.6%; 20/47 patients) and IA (47.8%; 22/46 patients) groups did not differ significantly (P = 1.000). Both branches of the obturator nerve passed above the superior margin of the external obturator muscle (EOM), and the obturator canal was enhanced in 13 of 50 (26%) patients in the UMA group. The posterior branch of the obturator nerve passed between the superior and main fasciculi of the EOM in 37 of 50 patients (74%) in the UMA group; the obturator canal was enhanced in 29 of these 37 patients (78%).

Conclusion

Local anesthetic spread into the obturator canal using the UMA was superior to that using the PA and IA. Both branches of the obturator nerve could be blocked using the UMA.
Heterotopic ossification in primary total hip arthroplasty: risk factor analysis
Authors: Aprato Alessandro , Cambursano Simone , Artiaco Stefano , Bevilacqua Stefano , Catalani Paolo , Massè Alessandro
Published: March 2022

Background

Aim is to identify if age, sex, type of posterolateral approach (mini vs standard), surgical time and time from surgery to drainage removal were independent risk factors for heterotopic ossifications after total hip arthroplasty.

Materials and methods

Patients who underwent a THA with posterolateral approach during a 15 years period were included. The exclusion criteria were absence of X-rays follow-up or HO prophylaxis protocol adoption. The following data were collected: age, sex, type of approach (classical/minimal-invasive), surgical time, time from surgery to drainage removal. Two orthopedic surgeons independently reviewed the 2 years follow-up X-rays and classified the HO according to Brooker classification. Severe HO was defined if HO were classified as major than grade 2. Correlation between severe HO and risk factor has been tested with multivariable analysis.

Results

About 1225 patients were included: mean age of 63.8 years, 504 were men. HO were found in 67.6%. Men showed higher severe HO rate than woman (44.1% vs 29.1%, p = 0.001). Patients older than 65 years showed higher severe HO rate (30.3% vs 39.9%, p = 0.002). Standard posterolateral approach was performed in 75.4% and severe HO rate was 32.8% versus 27.1% in those treated with the minimally invasive approach (p = 0.067).

In 75.6% of cases surgery lasted less than 90 min and this group showed a severe HO rate in 29.1%, while patient with longer surgical time showed a rate of 35.7% (p = 0.033). In 47.4% of patients, the drainage was removed in the first post-operative day, in this group severe HO rate was significantly lower than the others: 24.8 versus 36.2% (p = 0.001).

Discussion

Male sex, age older than 65 years, surgical time longer than 90 min and delayed drainage removal are risk factors for severe HO. Patients with one or more of those risk factors should be identified as good candidates for HO prophylaxis.
Characterization of Joint Roughness Heterogeneity and Its Application in Representative Sample Investigations
Authors: Du Shi-Gui , Lin Hang , Yong Rui , Liu Guang-Jian
Published: March 2022

Rock joint surface roughness is usually characterized by heterogeneity, but the determination of a required number of samples for achieving a reasonable heterogeneity assessment remains a challenge. In this paper, a novel method, the global search method, was proposed to investigate the heterogeneity of rock joint roughness. In this method, the roughness heterogeneity was characterized based on a statistical analysis of the roughness of all samples extracted from different locations of a given rock joint. Analyses of the effective sample number were conducted, which showed that sampling bias was caused by an inadequate number of samples. To overcome this drawback, a large natural slate joint sample (1000 mm × 1000 mm in size) was digitized in a laboratory using a high-accuracy laser scanner. The roughness heterogeneities of both two-dimensional (2D) profiles and three-dimensional (3D) surface topographies were systematically investigated. The results show that the expected value obtained from conventional methods failed to accurately represent the overall roughness. The relative errors between the population parameter and the expected value varied not only from sample to sample but also with the scale. The roughness heterogeneity characteristics of joint samples of various sizes can be obtained using the global search method. This new method could facilitate the determination of the most representative samples and their positions.
On the density of sumsets
Authors: Leonetti Paolo , Tringali Salvatore
Published: March 2022

Recently introduced by the authors in [Proc. Edinb. Math. Soc. 60 (2020), 139–167], quasi-densities form a large family of real-valued functions partially defined on the power set of the integers that serve as a unifying framework for the study of many known densities (including the asymptotic density, the Banach density, the logarithmic density, the analytic density, and the Pólya density). We further contribute to this line of research by proving that (1) for each $$n \in \mathbf{N}^+$$

n
∈

N

+

and $$\alpha \in [0,1]$$

α
∈
[
0
,
1
]

, there is $$A \subseteq {\mathbf {N}}$$

A
⊆
N

with $$kA \in \text {dom}(\mu )$$

k
A
∈
dom
(
μ
)

and $$\mu (kA) = \alpha k/n$$

μ
(
k
A
)
=
α
k
/
n

for every quasi-density $$\mu $$
μ
and every $$k=1,\ldots , n$$

k
=
1
,
…
,
n

, where $$kA:=A+\cdots +A$$

k
A
:
=
A
+
⋯
+
A

is the k-fold sumset of A and $$\text {dom}(\mu )$$

dom
(
μ
)

denotes the domain of definition of $$\mu $$
μ
; (2) for each $$\alpha \in [0,1]$$

α
∈
[
0
,
1
]

and every non-empty finite $$B\subseteq \mathbf {N}$$

B
⊆
N

, there is $$A \subseteq \mathbf {N}$$

A
⊆
N

with $$A+B \in \mathrm {dom}(\mu )$$

A
+
B
∈
dom
(
μ
)

and $$\mu (A+B)=\alpha $$

μ
(
A
+
B
)
=
α

for every quasi-density $$\mu $$
μ
; (3) for each $$\alpha \in [0,1]$$

α
∈
[
0
,
1
]

, there exists $$A\subseteq \mathbf {N}$$

A
⊆
N

with $$2A = {\mathbf {N}}$$

2
A
=
N

such that $$A \in \text {dom}(\mu )$$

A
∈
dom
(
μ
)

and $$\mu (A) = \alpha $$

μ
(
A
)
=
α

for every quasi-density $$\mu $$
μ
. Proofs rely on the properties of a little known density first considered by R. C. Buck and the “structure” of the set of all quasi-densities; in particular, they are rather different than previously known proofs of special cases of the same results.
Brauer character degrees and Sylow normalizers
Authors: Bonazzi Lorenzo , Navarro Gabriel , Rizo Noelia , Sanus Lucía
Published: March 2022

Ifpandqare primes, andGis ap-solvable finite group, it is possible to detect that aq-Sylow normalizer is contained in ap-Sylow normalizer using the character table ofG. This is characterized in terms of the degrees ofp-Brauer characters. Some consequences, which include yet another generalization of the Itô–Michler theorem, are also obtained.
Verschuldung von Verbraucher:innen in Deutschland: Stand und Entwicklung
Authors: Peters Sally
Published: March 2022

This article looks at over-indebtedness in Germany and its current status and trends. COVID-19 created increased attention on private debt and over-indebtedness. Various studies within the last two years show the severe financial impact of the pandemic; the situation has only eased in phases, but remains critical overall. A fundamental undersupply of efficient and effective debt counselling has become apparent. Current developments (especially with regard to energy prices) have increased the need for debt counselling.
Armut in Deutschland — Einfluss der Coronapandemie noch nicht ablesbar
Authors: Niehues Judith
Published: March 2022

While the risk of poverty increased quite markedly around the turn of the millennium, a further but flatter increase can be subsequently observed. The development was also accompanied by a stronger increase in the at-risk-of-poverty threshold, particularly in the wake of the positive income trend in the years prior to the coronavirus pandemic. The extent to which the corona pandemic influenced poverty cannot yet be assessed, as the results published so far are not comparable with previous years due to a break in the available time series. However, first indications of simulation studies suggest that the relative risk of poverty and the distribution of disposable income may have changed only slightly.
Zur Stärkung der Sozialen Schuldnerberatung ist sofortiges und entschlossenes Handeln der Politik gefragt
Authors: Moers Ines
Published: March 2022

Zusammenfassung und Ausblick

Eine Stärkung der Sozialen Schuldnerberatung in Deutschland ist sozial und ökonomisch sinnvoll. Mit vier Ansatzpunkten könnte diese Stärkung bewirkt werden. Ob und, wenn ja, welche dieser Ansatzpunkte in den nächsten Jahren realisiert werden können, hängt allerdings wesentlich vom politischen Willen der handelnden Akteur:innen ab. Ermutigend ist, dass dieser Wille im Koalitionsvertrag bereits explizit zum Ausdruck gebracht wurde. Es ist nun an der Politik, diesen Willen in die Tat umzusetzen.
Verbraucherkredit als Daseinsvorsorge?
Authors: Domurath Irina
Published: March 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown once again that it is often the poor who suffer from economic downturn in times of crisis. As was the case in the financial crisis of 2008, we now have an opportunity to rethink the role of consumer credit in society and design and create a legal framework that adequately reflects that role. The following thought experiment hopes to give impetus to legal reforms.