bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feasibility of continuous epidural analgesia in patients with failed back surgery syndrome and spinal stenosis
Authors: Heck Vincent J. , Himpe Bastian , Kessler Paul , Almajali Asem , Prasse Tobias , Schmidt Sven , Rauschmann Michael
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to outline the feasibility of continuous epidural analgesia in the treatment of failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) or spinal stenosis.

Methods

We queried our prospective collected institutional database to include all consecutive patients, who underwent continuous epidural analgesia with accompanying intensive physiotherapeutic exercise within a timeframe of 4 years. Patients suffered from FBSS or spinal stenosis; protocolled continuous epidural analgesia was planned for 4 days within the framework of an inpatient multimodal pain therapy concept. The instillation technique of the epidural catheter, the capability to attend in accompanying physiotherapy, and the peri-interventional complications were evaluated.

Results

153 patients with an average age of 57.4 years (± 11.9) were enrolled in this study. 105 patients suffered from FBSS and 48 patients had spinal stenosis. Overall, 148 patients (96.7%) reported the pain reduction and were able to perform daily intensified physiotherapeutic exercise. There were no serious adverse events, neither infection nor bleeding, no cardiopulmonary complication or permanent neurological deficits. The most common side effect was neurological impairment, such as numbness, dysesthesia, or weakness of the lower limbs with complete regression after flow rate adjustment. Patients with FBSS were more likely to develop dysesthesia (p = 0.007).

Conclusions

Continuous epidural analgesia is feasible in patients with FBSS or spinal stenosis. This treatment enables extensive physiotherapeutic treatment even in patients with severe pain conditions and can be considered as an alternative to epidural injections. An increased complication rate in comparison to short-term perioperative or perinatal application was not observed.
What can we learn from long-term studies on chronic low back pain? A scoping review
Authors: Dutmer Alisa L. , Soer Remko , Wolff André P. , Reneman Michiel F. , Coppes Maarten H. , Schiphorst Preuper Henrica R.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

A scoping review was conducted with the objective to identify and map the available evidence from long-term studies on chronic non-specific low back pain (LBP), to examine how these studies are conducted, and to address potential knowledge gaps.

Method

We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE up to march 2021, not restricted by date or language. Experimental and observational study types were included. Inclusion criteria were: participants between 18 and 65 years old with non-specific sub-acute or chronic LBP, minimum average follow-up of > 2 years, and studies had to report at least one of the following outcome measures: disability, quality of life, work participation, or health care utilization. Methodological quality was assessed using the Effective Public Health Practice Project quality assessment. Data were extracted, tabulated, and reported thematically.

Results

Ninety studies met the inclusion criteria. Studies examined invasive treatments (72%), conservative (21%), or a comparison of both (7%). No natural cohorts were included. Methodological quality was weak (16% of studies), moderate (63%), or strong (21%) and generally improved after 2010. Disability (92%) and pain (86%) outcomes were most commonly reported, followed by work (25%), quality of life (15%), and health care utilization (4%). Most studies reported significant improvement at long-term follow-up (median 51 months, range 26 months–18 years). Only 10 (11%) studies took more than one measurement > 2 year after baseline.

Conclusion

Patients with persistent non-specific LBP seem to experience improvement in pain, disability and quality of life years after seeking treatment. However, it remains unclear what factors might have influenced these improvements, and whether they are treatment-related. Studies varied greatly in design, patient population, and methods of data collection. There is still little insight into the long-term natural course of LBP. Additionally, few studies perform repeated measurements during long-term follow-up or report on patient-centered outcomes other than pain or disability.
A novel in vitro periodontal pocket model to evaluate the effect of root surface instrumentation on biofilm-epithelial cell interactions
Authors: Lang Kiri N. , Sculean Anton , Eick Sigrun , Stähli Alexandra
Published: January 2022

Objective

To develop a novel in vitro periodontal pocket model for evaluating the effect of two different root surface instrumentation modalities on biofilm-epithelial cell interactions.

Materials and methods

An artificial periodontal pocket model was created using an impression material. Dentin discs were prepared and incubated for 3.5 days with a biofilm consisting of 12 bacterial strains. Then, the discs were inserted into the pocket model and instrumented for 10 s or 10 strokes either with ultrasonics (US) or hand instruments (HI). Subsequently, a glass slide coated with epithelial cells was placed in close vicinity to the discs. After incubation of the pocket model in a 5% CO2 atmosphere for 6 h, residual bacteria of the biofilm as well as bacteria adhering to or invaded into epithelial cells were determined using colony-forming unit (cfu) counts and real-time PCR. Further, as a parameter of the pro-inflammatory cell response, interleukin (IL)-8 expression was determined by ELISA.

Results

Compared to untreated control, HI reduced the cfu counts by 0.63 log10 (not significant) and US by 1.78 log10 (p = 0.005) with a significant difference between the treatment modalities favoring US (p = 0.048). By trend, lower detection levels of Tannerella forsythia were detected in the US group compared to HI. Concerning the interaction with epithelial cells, half of the control and the HI samples showed epithelial cells with attaching or invading bacteria, while US displayed bacteria only in two out of eight samples. In addition, US resulted in significantly lower IL-8 secretion by epithelial cells compared to the untreated control. Between HI and controls, no statistically significant difference in IL-8 secretion was found.

Conclusion

This newly developed in vitro model revealed in terms of biofilm-epithelial cell interaction after root surface instrumentation that compared to hand curettes, ultrasonic instrumentation appeared to be more effective in removing bacterial biofilm and in decreasing the inflammatory response of epithelium to biofilm.

Clinical relevance

Ultrasonic instrumentation might be more advantageous to reduce cellular inflammatory response than hand instruments.
An intentional cohesion call in male chimpanzees of Budongo Forest
Authors: Bouchard Alice , Zuberbühler Klaus
Published: January 2022

Many social animals travel in cohesive groups but some species, including chimpanzees, form flexible fission–fusion systems where individuals have some control over group cohesion and proximity to others. Here, we explored how male chimpanzees of the Sonso community of Budongo Forest, Uganda, use communication signals during resting, a context where the likelihood of group fission is high due to forthcoming travel. We focused on a context-specific vocalisation, the ‘rest hoo’, to investigate its function and determine whether it is produced intentionally. We found that this call was typically given towards the end of typical silent resting bouts, i.e., the period when individuals need to decide whether to continue travelling after a brief stop-over or to start a prolonged resting bout. Subjects rested longer after producing ‘rest hoos’ and their resting time increased with the number of calls produced. They also rested longer if their calls were answered. Furthermore, focal subjects’ resting time was prolonged after hearing others’ ‘rest hoos’. Subjects called more when with top proximity partners and in small parties and rested longer if a top proximity partner called. We also found an interaction effect between rank and grooming activity, with high-ranking males with a high grooming index calling less frequently than other males, suggesting that vocal communication may serve as a cohesion strategy alternative to tactile-based bonding. We discuss these different patterns and conclude that chimpanzee ‘rest hoos’ meet key criteria for intentional signalling. We suggest that ‘rest hoos’ are produced to prolong resting bouts with desired partners, which may function to increase social cohesion.
Modelling in low-code development: a multi-vocal systematic review
Authors: Bucaioni Alessio , Cicchetti Antonio , Ciccozzi Federico
Published: January 2022

In 2014, a new software development approach started to get a foothold: low-code development. Already from its early days, practitioners in software engineering have been showing a rapidly growing interest in low-code development. In 2021 only, the revenue of low-code development technologies reached 13.8 billion USD. Moreover, the business success of low-code development has been sided by a growing interest from the software engineering research community. The model-driven engineering community has shown a particular interest in low-code development due to certain similarities between the two. In this article, we report on the planning, execution, and results of a multi-vocal systematic review on low-code development, with special focus to its relation to model-driven engineering. The review is intended to provide a structured and comprehensive snapshot of low-code development in itspeak of inflated expectationstechnology adoption phase. From an initial set of potentially relevant 720 peer-reviewed publications and 199 grey literature sources, we selected 58 primary studies, which we analysed according to a meticulous data extraction, analysis, and synthesis process. Based on our results, we tend to frame low-code development as a set of methods and/or tools in the context of a broader methodology, often being identified as model-driven engineering.
Confirmation of avian trichomonosis among wild birds in Ireland
Authors: Doyle Susan , Reilly Margaret , De Waal Theo , McMahon Barry J.
Published: January 2022

Trichomonas gallinae is the causative protozoan parasite of avian trichomonosis, an infectious disease of wild bird species. Since an outbreak in the UK in 2005, avian trichomonosis has resulted in mass mortality events in greenfinch (Chloris chloris) and chaffinch (Fringillia coelebs) populations. Given its proximity to the UK, it is important to monitor the emergence of T. gallinae in Ireland. This study proposed to sample greenfinch, goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis) and feral pigeon (Columba livia domestica) in Ireland with the aim of culturing and isolating T. gallinae. The oral cavity of birds was sampled with an oropharyngeal swab, which was then inoculated into Biomed InPouch™ TF test kits. T. gallinae infection was diagnosed in 9 of 60 sampled birds (6 greenfinch and 3 feral pigeon), giving a total infection prevalence rate of 15% and providing evidence that avian trichomonosis is present among, but may not be limited to, greenfinch and feral pigeon populations in Ireland. It is also the first laboratory-based diagnosis of T. gallinae from live, free-living birds in Ireland to our knowledge. It is possible that avian trichomonosis is contributing to the recent decline in greenfinch populations in Ireland. Additionally, the presence of yeast cells in some positive samples did not appear to impede trichomonad growth, which may suggest a potential symbiotic relationship between T. gallinae and yeast species.
Flurbereinigung: Privatnützigkeit und Ökosystemleistungen
Authors: Möckel Stefan , Wolf André
Published: January 2022

Flurbereinigung diente lange Zeit der Umgestaltung des ländlichen Raums hin zu intensiv genutzten
Agrar- und Forstlandschaften. Sie ist aufgrund der rechtlichen Festsetzungsmöglichkeiten aber auch
hervorragend geeignet, diese Landschaften nunmehr an den Klimawandel und die sonstigen ökologischen
Nachhaltigkeitserfordernisse anzupassen, da sie u.a. die Wiederherstellung von Landschaftselementen und
Habitaten für wildlebende Arten, die Schaffung guter Zustände bei Oberflächengewässern
und Grundwasserständen sowie die eigentumsrechtliche Arrondierung von Schutzgebieten ermöglicht.
Rechtlich müssen Flurbereinigungsverfahren allerdings vorrangig den Interessen der beteiligten Grundstückseigentümer
dienen (Privatnützigkeit), sofern nicht die Voraussetzungen für eine enteignende Unternehmensflurbereinigung
vorliegen. Maßnahmen des Umwelt- und Naturschutzes wurden bisher meist nicht als privatnützig
angesehen, was den Anwendungsbereich des Instruments einschränkte. Mit der Anerkennung und Identifizierung
von Ökosystemleistungen könnte sich jedoch der Anwendungsbereich deutlich erweitern, da viele
dieser Leistungen auch oder sogar in erster Linie den Grundstückseigentümern zugutekommen. Der
Aufsatz zeigt, in welchem Umfang die verschiedenen Verfahren des Flurbereinigungsrechts die Belange des
Umwelt- und Naturschutzes mit aufgreifen und inwieweit Maßnahmen zur Wiederherstellung von Ökosystemen
und ihrer Leistungen privatnützige, gemeinschaftliche Anlagen darstellen.
Debunking health myths on the internet: the persuasive effect of (visual) online communication
Authors: Kessler Sabrina Heike , Bachmann Eva
Published: January 2022

Aim

Developing evidence-based recommendations on how to debunk health-related misinformation and more specific health myths in (online) communication is important for individual health and the society. The present study investigated the effects of debunking/correction texts created according to the latest research findings with regard to four different health myths on recipients’ belief, behaviour and feelings regarding the myths. Further, the study investigated the effects of different visualisations (machine-technical created image, diagram, image of an expert, message without an image) in the debunking texts.

Subject and methods

A representative sample of German Internet users (N = 700) participated in an anonymous online survey experiment with a 4 (myths) × 4 (picture) mixed study design.

Results

The results show that receiving an online news article that refutes a widespread health myth with or without the use of an image can significantly change the attitudes of the recipients toward this myth. The most influential variable was the attributed credibility: the more credible a debunking text is for a recipient, the more corrective effectiveness it has. However, the corrective messages did not differ in their persuasive effects depending on the image types used.

Conclusion

The results offer an optimistic outlook on the correction of health-related misinformation and especially health myths and insight into why and how people change their beliefs (or not) and how beliefs in health myths can be reduced. The findings can be used by journalists, scientists, doctors and many other actors for efficient (online) communication.
Improving the Hip Fracture Risk Prediction with a Statistical Shape-and-Intensity Model of the Proximal Femur
Authors: Aldieri Alessandra , Bhattacharya Pinaki , Paggiosi Margaret , Eastell Richard , Audenino Alberto Luigi , Bignardi Cristina , Morbiducci Umberto , Terzini Mara
Published: January 2022

Severe predictions have been made regarding osteoporotic fracture incidence for the next years, with major economic and social impacts in a worldwide greying society. However, the performance of the currently adopted gold standard for fracture risk prediction, the areal Bone Mineral Density (aBMD), remains moderate. To overcome current limitations, the construction of statistical models of the proximal femur, based on three-dimensional shape and intensity (a hallmark of bone density), is here proposed for predicting hip fracture in a Caucasian postmenopausal cohort. Partial Least Square (PLS)-based statistical models of the shape, intensity and their combination were developed, and the corresponding modes and components were identified. Logistic regression models using the first two shape, intensity and shape-intensity PLS components were implemented and tested within a 10-fold cross-validation procedure as predictors of hip fracture. It emerged that (1) intensity components were superior to shape components in stratifying patients according to their fracture status, and that (2) a combination of intensity and shape improved patients risk stratification. The area under the ROC curve was 0.64, 0.85 and 0.92 for the models based on shape, intensity and shape-intensity combination respectively, against a 0.72 value for the aBMD standard approach. Based on these findings, the presented methodology turns out to be promising in tackling the need for an enhanced fracture risk assessment.
Conservation by trans-border cooperation: population genetic structure and diversity of geoffroy’s bat (Myotis emarginatus) at its north-western european range edge
Authors: Frantz Alain C. , Viglino Andrea , Wilwert Elodie , Cruz Ana-Paula , Wittische Julian , Weigand Alexander M. , Buijk Jacky , Nyssen Pierrette , Dekeukeleire Daan , Dekker Jasja J.A. , Horsburgh Gavin J. , Schneider Simone , Lang Mara , Caniglia Romolo , Galaverni Marco , Schleimer Anna , Bücs Szilárd-Lehel , Pir Jacques B.
Published: January 2022

In the European Union, all bat species are strictly protected and member states must ensure their conservation. However, if populations are genetically structured, conservation units that correspond to whole countries may be too large, putting small populations with specific conservation requirements at risk. Geoffroy’s bat (Myotis emarginatus) has undergone well-documented declines at its north-western European range edge between the 1960 and 1990s and is considered to be negatively affected by habitat fragmentation. Here we analysed the species’ genetic population structure and diversity to identify subpopulations with reduced genetic diversity and to scientifically inform conservation management. We generated 811 microsatellite-based genetic profiles obtained from 42 European nursery colonies and analysed a total of 932 sequences of the hypervariable region II of the mitochondrial control region sampled from across Europe. While two geographically widespread genetic populations were inferred to be present in north-western Europe, both nuclear and mitochondrial genetic diversity were lowest in the areas that had experienced a decline during the last century. A microsatellite-based analysis of demographic history did not permit, however, to unequivocally link that reduced genetic diversity to the population contraction event. Given the large geographic extent of the genetic populations, preserving the connectivity of mating sites requires concerted conservation efforts across multiple political jurisdictions. Genetic monitoring ought to be done on a regular basis to ensure that large-scale connectivity is maintained and further loss of genetic diversity is prevented.
Fake news on Social Media: the Impact on Society
Authors: Olan Femi , Jayawickrama Uchitha , Arakpogun Emmanuel Ogiemwonyi , Suklan Jana , Liu Shaofeng
Published: January 2022

Fake news (FN) on social media (SM) rose to prominence in 2016 during the United States of America presidential election, leading people to question science, true news (TN), and societal norms. FN is increasingly affecting societal values, changing opinions on critical issues and topics as well as redefining facts, truths, and beliefs. To understand the degree to which FN has changed society and the meaning of FN, this study proposes a novel conceptual framework derived from the literature on FN, SM, and societal acceptance theory. The conceptual framework is developed into a meta-framework that analyzes survey data from 356 respondents. This study explored fuzzy set-theoretic comparative analysis; the outcomes of this research suggest that societies are split on differentiating TN from FN. The results also show splits in societal values. Overall, this study provides a new perspective on how FN on SM is disintegrating societies and replacing TN with FN.
Experimental evaluation and uncertainty quantification for a fractional viscoelastic model of salt concrete
Authors: Hinze Matthias , Xiao Sinan , Schmidt André , Nowak Wolfgang
Published: January 2022

This study evaluates and analyzes creep testing results on salt concrete of type M2. The concrete is a candidate material for long-lasting structures for sealing underground radioactive waste repository sites. Predicting operational lifetime and security aspects for these structures requires specific constitutive equations to describe the material behavior. Thus, we analyze whether a fractional viscoelastic constitutive law is capable of representing the long-term creep and relaxation processes for M2 concrete. We conduct a creep test to identify the parameters of the fractional model. Moreover, we use the Bayesian inversion method to evaluate the identifiability of the model parameters and the suitability of the experimental setup to yield a reliable prediction of the concrete behavior. Particularly, this Bayesian analysis allows to incorporate expert knowledge as prior information, to account for limited experimental precision and finally to rigorously quantify the post-calibration uncertainty.
Thickness control of the silica shell: a way to tune the plasmonic properties of isolated and assembled gold nanorods
Authors: Candreva Angela , Lewandowski Wiktor , La Deda Massimo
Published: January 2022

By combining photophysical measurements with transmission electron microscopy, we proved that the thickness of the silica shell around gold nanorods determines the position of the longitudinal plasmonic band when they are isolated in solution or assembled in solid. The silica thickness has been tuned by modulating the reaction time and the ratio between CTAB-coated gold nanorods and TEOS concentration, obtaining gold nanorods covered by a silica shell with a thickness varying from 3.5 to 24 nm. Considering this shell as a spacer between the gold cores, it is possible to modulate the coupling of the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of neighboring nanorods. Moreover, the comparison between the extinction spectra in solution and in solid, recorded from nanorods covered by silica shell with different thickness, can be used to estimate the inter-nanoparticles distance required for plasmon interaction. We found that LSPR coupling is effective when the distance between the gold cores is no more than 10 nm. When the distance is greater, the nanorods do not interact with each other.
Development of a dedicated 3D printed myocardial perfusion phantom: proof-of-concept in dynamic SPECT
Authors: Kamphuis Marije E. , de Vries Gijs J. , Kuipers Henny , Saaltink Marloes , Verschoor Jacqueline , Greuter Marcel J. W. , Slart Riemer H. J. A. , Slump Cornelis H.
Published: January 2022

We aim to facilitate phantom-based (ground truth) evaluation of dynamic, quantitative myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) applications. Current MPI phantoms are static representations or lack clinical hard- and software evaluation capabilities. This proof-of-concept study demonstrates the design, realisation and testing of a dedicated cardiac flow phantom. The 3D printed phantom mimics flow through a left ventricular cavity (LVC) and three myocardial segments. In the accompanying fluid circuit, tap water is pumped through the LVC and thereafter partially directed to the segments using adjustable resistances. Regulation hereof mimics perfusion deficit, whereby flow sensors serve as reference standard. Seven phantom measurements were performed while varying injected activity of 99mTc-tetrofosmin (330–550 MBq), cardiac output (1.5–3.0 L/min) and myocardial segmental flows (50–150 mL/min). Image data from dynamic single photon emission computed tomography was analysed with clinical software. Derived time activity curves were reproducible, showing logical trends regarding selected input variables. A promising correlation was found between software computed myocardial flows and its reference ($$\rho$$
ρ
= − 0.98; p = 0.003). This proof-of-concept paper demonstrates we have successfully measured first-pass LV flow and myocardial perfusion in SPECT-MPI using a novel, dedicated, myocardial perfusion phantom.

Graphical abstract

This proof-of-concept study focuses on the development of a novel, dedicated myocardial perfusion phantom, ultimately aiming to contribute to the evaluation of quantitative myocardial perfusion imaging applications.
Alles beim Alten? Bildungserträge höherer beruflicher und akademischer Abschlüsse vor und nach Bologna
Authors: Hall Anja
Published: January 2022

Mit Einführung der kürzeren Bachelorabschlüsse im Zuge des Bologna-Prozesses ist eine neue Konkurrenzsituation zwischen der höheren Berufsbildung und der akademischen Bildung entstanden. Ob sich die Erträge einer beruflichen Höherqualifizierung seit Bologna verändert haben, wird im Beitrag aus einer beruflichen Perspektive heraus untersucht, und zwar (1) im Vergleich zu dual Ausgebildeten ohne berufliche Höherqualifizierung und (2) gegenüber akademischen Abschlüssen (Diplom-FH-Abschlüsse oder Bachelor). Der „Bologna-Effekt“ wird auf Basis der Erwerbstätigenbefragungen (ETB) des Bundesinstituts für Berufsbildung (BIBB) und der Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin (BAuA) 2006 und 2018 und eines Difference-in-Difference-Ansatzes modelliert. Dabei werden die Abschlusskohorten 2006–2017 (ETB 2018) und 1994–2005 (ETB 2006) jeweils (maximal) 12 Jahre nach Abschluss verglichen. Die Analysen zeigen unterschiedliche Entwicklungen in den untersuchten Berufsfeldern. Während für die Gesamtgruppe der beruflich Höherqualifizierten und für die Subgruppe der technischen Fortbildungen keine Veränderungen über die Kohorten festzustellen sind, erzielen beruflich Höherqualifizierte in kaufmännisch-wirtschaftswissenschaftlichen Fortbildungsberufen nach Bologna eine geringere Lohnprämie im Vergleich zu dual Ausgebildeten als vor Bologna. Die Wahrscheinlichkeit, eine hochqualifizierte Tätigkeit auszuüben, ist jedoch für beide Berufsfelder unverändert hoch. Die Analysen liefern damit insgesamt keine Belege für eine Verdrängung oder Entwertung höherer Berufsbildungsabschlüsse. Im Gegenteil, der Abstand zu formal gleichwertigen akademischen Abschlüssen ist heute geringer als vor der Bologna-Reform.
Structural Plasticity of Dopaminergic Neurons Requires the Activation of the D3R-nAChR Heteromer and the PI3K-ERK1/2/Akt-Induced Expression of c-Fos and p70S6K Signaling Pathway
Authors: Mutti Veronica , Bono Federica , Tomasoni Zaira , Bontempi Leonardo , Guglielmi Adele , Bolognin Silvia , Schwamborn Jens C. , Missale Cristina , Fiorentini Chiara
Published: January 2022

We have previously shown that the heteromer composed by the dopamine D3 receptor (D3R) and the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) (D3R-nAChR heteromer) is expressed in dopaminergic neurons, activated by nicotine and represents the molecular unit that, in these neurons, contributes to the modulation of critical events such as structural plasticity and neuroprotection. We now extended this study by investigating the D3R-nAChR heteromer properties using various cell models such as transfected HEK293 cells, primary cultures of mouse dopaminergic neurons and human dopaminergic neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells.

We found that the D3R-nAChR heteromer is the molecular effector that transduces the remodeling properties not only associated with nicotine but also with D3R agonist stimulation: neither nAChR nor D3R, in fact, when express as monomers, are able to elicit these effects. Moreover, strong and sustained activation of the PI3K-ERK1/2/Akt pathways is coupled with D3R-nAChR heteromer stimulation, leading to the expression of the immediate-early gene c-Fos and to sustained phosphorylation of cytosolic p70 ribosomal S6 kinase (p70S6K), critical for dendritic remodeling. By contrast, while D3R stimulation results in rapid and transient activation of both Erk1/2 and Akt, that is PI3K-dependent, stimulation of nAChR is associated with persistent activation of Erk1/2 and Akt, in a PI3K-independent way. Thus, the D3R-nAChR heteromer and its ability to trigger the PI3K-ERK1/2/Akt signaling pathways may represent a novel target for preserving dopaminergic neurons healthy and for conferring neuronal protection against injuries.
Opportunistic skeletal muscle metrics as prognostic tools in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer patients candidates to receive Radium-223
Authors: Bauckneht Matteo , Lai Rita , D’Amico Francesca , Miceli Alberto , Donegani Maria Isabella , Campi Cristina , Schenone Daniela , Raffa Stefano , Chiola Silvia , Lanfranchi Francesco , Rebuzzi Sara Elena , Zanardi Elisa , Cremante Malvina , Marini Cecilia , Fornarini Giuseppe , Morbelli Silvia , Piana Michele , Sambuceti Gianmario
Published: January 2022

Objective

Androgen deprivation therapy alters body composition promoting a significant loss in skeletal muscle (SM) mass through inflammation and oxidative damage. We verified whether SM anthropometric composition and metabolism are associated with unfavourable overall survival (OS) in a retrospective cohort of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients submitted to 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (FDG PET/CT) imaging before receiving Radium-223.

Patients and methods

Low-dose CT were opportunistically analysed using a cross-sectional approach to calculate SM and adipose tissue areas at the third lumbar vertebra level. Moreover, a 3D computational method was used to extract psoas muscles to evaluate their volume, Hounsfield Units (HU) and FDG retention estimated by the standardized uptake value (SUV). Baseline established clinical, lab and imaging prognosticators were also recorded.

Results

SM area predicted OS at univariate analysis. However, this capability was not additive to the power of mean HU and maximum SUV of psoas muscles volume. These factors were thus combined in the Attenuation Metabolic Index (AMI) whose power was tested in a novel uni- and multivariable model. While Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Lactate Dehydrogenase and Hemoglobin, Metabolic Tumor Volume, Total Lesion Glycolysis and AMI were associated with long-term OS at the univariate analyses, only PSA, ALP and AMI resulted in independent prognosticator at the multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

The present data suggest that assessing individual 'patients' SM metrics through an opportunistic operator-independent computational analysis of FDG PET/CT imaging provides prognostic insights in mCRPC patients candidates to receive Radium-223.

Graphical abstract
Ramisyllis kingghidorahi n. sp., a new branching annelid from Japan
Authors: Aguado M. Teresa , Ponz-Segrelles Guillermo , Glasby Christopher J. , Ribeiro Rannyele P. , Nakamura Mayuko , Oguchi Kohei , Omori Akihito , Kohtsuka Hisanori , Fischer Christian , Ise Yuji , Jimi Naoto , Miura Toru
Published: January 2022

Among over 20,000 species of Annelida, only two branching species with a highly modified body-pattern are known until now: the Syllidae Syllis ramosa McIntosh, 1879, and Ramisyllis multicaudata Glasby et al. (Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 164, 481–497, 2012). Both have unusual ramified bodies with one head and multiple branches and live inside the canals of host sponges. Using an integrative approach (combining morphology, internal anatomy, ecology, phylogeny, genetic divergence, and the complete mitochondrial genome), we describe a new branching species from Japan, Ramisyllis kingghidorahi n. sp., inhabiting an undescribed species of Petrosia (Porifera: Demospongiae) from shallow waters. We compare the new species with its closest relative, R. multicaudata; emend the diagnosis of Ramisyllis; and discuss previous reports of S. ramosa. This study suggests a much higher diversity of branching syllids than currently known. Finally, we discuss possible explanations for the feeding behaviour in the new species in relation to its highly ciliated wall of the digestive tubes (especially at the distal branches and anus), and provide a hypothesis for the evolution of branching body patterns as the result of an adaptation to the host sponge labyrinthic canal system.
Hematinic and Iron Optimization in Peri-operative Anemia and Iron Deficiency
Authors: Miles Lachlan F. , Richards Toby
Published: January 2022

Purpose of Review

Preoperative anemia is independently associated with worse postoperative outcomes following cardiac and noncardiac surgery. This article explores the current understanding of perioperative anemia and iron deficiency with reference to definition, diagnosis, and treatment.

Recent Findings

Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia. It can arise from reduced iron intake, poor absorption, or excess iron loss. Inflammation throughout the preoperative period can drive iron sequestration, leading to a functional deficiency of iron and the development of what was referred to until recently as the “anemia of chronic disease.” Current best practice guidance supports the routine administration of preoperative intravenous iron to treat anemia despite limited evidence. This “one size fits all” approach has been called into question following results from a recent large, randomized trial (the PREVENTT trial) that assessed the use of a single dose of intravenous iron compared to placebo 10–42 days before major abdominal surgery. Although there were no improvements in patient-centered outcomes apparent during the initial hospital stay, secondary endpoints of this trial suggested there may be some late benefit after discharge from the hospital (8 weeks postoperatively). This trial raises questions on (1) the mechanisms of iron deficiency in the perioperative patient; (2) the need to reassess our opinions on generic anemia management; and (3) the need to address patient outcomes after discharge from hospital.

Despite the known associations between preoperative anemia (particularly iron deficiency anemia) and poor postoperative outcome, recent evidence suggests that administering intravenous iron relatively close to surgery does not yield a tangible short-term benefit. This is made more complex by the interplay between iron and innate immunity. Iron deficiency irrespective of hemoglobin concentration may also impact postoperative outcomes. Therefore, further research into associations between iron deficiency and postoperative outcomes, and between postoperative anemia, delayed outcomes (hospital readmission), and the efficacy of postoperative intravenous iron is required.
The Impact of the Presence of Intellectual Disabilities on Sensory Processing and Behavioral Outcomes Among Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders: a Systematic Review
Authors: Werkman M. F. , Landsman J. A. , Fokkens A. S. , Dijkxhoorn Y. M. , van Berckelaer-Onnes I. A. , Begeer S. , Reijneveld S. A.
Published: January 2022

Background

Autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability (ID) are linked to atypical sensory processing, but consensus lacks on the impact of their co-occurrence. We studied the impact of the presence of ID in autistic individuals on (1) sensory processing and (2) the relation between sensory processing and behavioral outcomes.

Methods

A systematic review was performed on English-language peer-reviewed studies.

Results

Eleven papers were included. Papers based on overall and sensory subscales reported no impact of the presence of ID. Papers based on subtypes reported hyporesponsiveness and sensory seeking related to the presence of ID; hyporesponsiveness showed the poorest behavioral outcomes.

Conclusions

Findings regarding the impact of the presence of ID are contradictory. More research regarding sensory subtypes is needed to investigate the needs of autistic individuals with ID.
High RF power tests of the first 1.3 GHz fundamental power coupler prototypes for the SHINE project
Authors: Ma Zhen-Yu , Zhao Shen-Jie , Liu Xu-Ming , Yu Yue-Chao , Jiang Hong-Ru , Zheng Xiang , Chang Qiang , Zhang Zi-Gang , Xu Kai , Wang Yan , Zhao Yu-Bin , Hou Hong-Tao
Published: January 2022

The Shanghai High Repetition Rate XFEL and Extreme Light Facility (SHINE) project will use 600 1.3 GHz fundamental power couplers, which are modified based on TTF-III power couplers, for continuous-wave operation with input power up to approximately 7 kW. The first batch of 20 sets of 1.3 GHz coupler prototypes was fabricated from three domestic manufacturers for the SHINE project. To better characterize the radio frequency conditioning phenomena for validating the performance of power couplers, a room temperature test stand was designed, constructed, and commissioned for the SHINE 1.3 GHz power couplers. In addition, a horizontal test cryostat was built to test the 1.3 GHz superconducting cavities, fundamental power couplers, tuners, and other components as a set. The results of these tests indicate that the 1.3 GHz couplers are capable of handling up to 14 kW continuous waves. Herein, the main aspects of the radio frequency design and construction of the test stand, along with the test results of the high-power conditioning of the 1.3 GHz couplers, are described.
Seven years of biochar amendment has a negligible effect on soil available P and a progressive effect on organic C in paddy soils
Authors: Yuan Jiahui , Wang Yu , Zhao Xu , Chen Hao , Chen Guanglei , Wang Shenqiang
Published: January 2022

Little attention has been paid to how long-term application of crop straw and its biochar affects soil phosphorus (P) transformation and carbon (C) fractions. We conducted a 7-year field experiment including control treatment (chemical fertilizer only, CK), straw return (2.25 t ha−1), and different amounts of biochar addition (11.25 t ha−1 (0.5%BC) and 22.5 t ha−1 (1.0%BC), to investigate influence of these amendments on soil C structure, P fractions, and their interaction with microorganisms. The 13C nuclear magnetic resonance and soil P sequence fractionation were applied to capture changes of soil C compositions and P pool. Compared to CK, straw and biochar amendments decreased alkyl C/O-alkyl C, which is conducive to increased soil organic C. The 0.5%BC and 1.0%BC treatments enhanced recalcitrant aromatic C by 69.0% and 131%, respectively. Compared to CK (101.2 ± 33.32 mg kg−1), the 0.5%BC and 1.0%BC treatments had a negligible effect on soil available P, while negative effects were observed in straw treatment (59.79 ± 9.023 mg kg−1). Straw and biochar amendments increased primary P and occluded P, whereas had negligible effect on organic P. Redundancy analysis and correlation analysis indicated that C compositions and P pool correlated to microbial community composition and enzyme activities, and aromatic C was the most related factor. Moreover, structural equation modeling indicated available P was most related to phosphatase activity and C composition. Our findings reveal the changes of soil P and C response under long-term crop straw and its biochar amendment, and can contribute toward improving understanding of the effect of biochar and straw return in future agriculture management.
Online customer engagement: a practical exploration of antecedents and metrics for new content marketers
Authors: Wiggins Cynthia D.
Published: January 2022

The ability of new content marketing companies and marketing practitioners to engage customers online depends on their understanding of the impact of antecedents on critical online customer engagement metrics. However, there has been little scholarly research exploring online customer engagement in the context of complex, real-world environments that could guide the strategies of new brands and start-up companies seeking to establish an online presence. This paper identifies the antecedents and metrics required for identifying an appropriate online customer engagement (OCE) strategy in the context of a start-up content marketing company called ABC Investments (a pseudonym) and of more established social media platforms, such as Facebook and Instagram. Eleven OCE antecedents and six metrics were originally proposed but on completion of the research, twelve antecedents- including one new one (human face)- were determined to have impacted OCE metrics. Finally, this paper shows how antecedent and metric research can be used to develop OCE strategies.
Whistleblowing policies and corporate values: a review of Australia’s largest corporations
Authors: Bramstedt Katrina A.
Published: January 2022

Values are the precursors of ethical behaviour. In this research study, Australia’s largest securities exchange-listed companies were explored for alignment of their corporate values as published on their public website to their whistleblower policies (WBP). The Corporations Act 2001 requires organisations’ WBPs to be externally available to facilitate reporting by former employees and others, yet five organisations (10.2%) had not posted their WBP on their corporate website. Most (n = 44, 89.8%) of Australia’s 49 largest companies profess corporate values on their public website, but only one also fully replicated their corporate values in their WBP. Two organisations made no mention of their corporate values in either location. Of the 44 organisations which posted their WBP on their corporate website, 29.6% (n = 13) make no mention of their corporate values in their WBP (either specifically or generically as “values”). Most organisations (70.5%; n = 31) evidenced weak or no alignment of values across their website and WBP. Notably, 22.7% (n = 10) have a partial listing of their values in their WBP, rather than the full set, and 11.4% (n = 5) have a different/unmatched set of values as compared to those listed on their website. Corporate values such as trust, integrity, safety, respect, and accountability are the ethical buttress of a whistleblowing management system, and when WBPs explicitly express corporate values as fundamental to purposing the policy, this potentially creates a shared values alliance between employees and the organisation voicing support for prosocial behaviours (including whistleblowing).
Hermite–Hadamard Type Inequalities for Interval-Valued Preinvex Functions via Fractional Integral Operators
Authors: Srivastava Hari Mohan , Sahoo Soubhagya Kumar , Mohammed Pshtiwan Othman , Baleanu Dumitru , Kodamasingh Bibhakar
Published: January 2022

In this article, the notion of interval-valued preinvex functions involving the Riemann–Liouville fractional integral is described.
By applying this, some new refinements of the Hermite–Hadamard inequality for the fractional integral operator are presented. Some novel special cases of the presented results are discussed as well. Also, some examples are presented to validate our results. The established outcomes of our article may open another direction for different types of integral inequalities for fractional interval-valued functions, fuzzy interval-valued functions, and their associated optimization problems.
Words on Fire
Authors: Goodman Rob
Published: January 2022

Why is political rhetoric broken – and how can it be fixed? Words on Fire returns to the origins of rhetoric to recover the central place of eloquence in political thought. Eloquence, for the orators of classical antiquity, emerged from rhetorical relationships that exposed both speaker and audience to risk. Through close readings of Cicero – and his predecessors, rivals, and successors – political theorist and former speechwriter Rob Goodman tracks the development of this ideal, in which speech is both spontaneous and stylized, and in which the pursuit of eloquence mitigates political inequalities. He goes on to trace the fierce disputes over Ciceronian speech in the modern world through the work of such figures as Burke, Macaulay, Tocqueville, and Schmitt, explaining how rhetorical risk-sharing has broken down. Words on Fire offers a powerful critique of today's political language – and shows how the struggle over the meaning of eloquence has shaped our world.
The Other Divide
Authors: Krupnikov Yanna , Ryan John Barry
Published: January 2022

There is little doubt that increasing polarization over the last decade has transformed the American political landscape. In The Other Divide, Yanna Krupnikov and John Barry Ryan challenge the nature and extent of that polarization. They find that more than party, Americans are divided by involvement in politics. On one side is a group of Americans who are deeply involved in politics and very expressive about their political views; on the other side is a group much less involved in day-to-day political outcomes. While scholars and journalists have assumed that those who are most vocal about their political views are representative of America at large, they are in fact a relatively small group whose voices are amplified by the media. By considering the political differences between the deeply involved and the rest of the American public, Krupnikov and Ryan present a broader picture of the American electorate than the one that often appears in the news.
Dynamics, Prospects, and Trends in Climate Change Litigation Making Climate Change Emergency a Priority in France
Authors: Torre-Schaub Marta
Published: January 2022

This study examines how the climate litigation approach builds pathways to face climate emergency. In light of recent jurisdictional developments, this article underlines the links between legislation, litigation, and public policies to trace ways, progress and obstacles to face it. Those emergent dynamics contribute to build a lasting and sustainable climate change legal regime. Intertwining the different climate disputes in the world and the progress made through the elaboration of different climate laws allow to have a panoramic visibility on this new mode of climate governance which appears in filigree today all over the world and especially in France.
Application of physics-constrained data-driven reduced-order models to shape optimization
Authors: Karbasian Hamid R. , Vermeire Brian C.
Published: January 2022

This study proposes a novel approach for building surrogate models, in the form of reduced-order models(ROMs), for partial differential equation constrained optimization. A physics-constrained data-driven framework is developed to transform large-scale nonlinear optimization problems into ROM-constrained optimization problems. Unlike conventional methods, which suffer from instability of the forward sensitivity function, the proposed approach maps optimization problems to system dynamics optimization problems in Hilbert space to improve stability, reduce memory requirements, and lower computational cost. The utility of this approach is demonstrated for aerodynamic optimization of an NACA 0012 airfoil at

$Re = 1000$

. A drag reduction of 9.35 % is obtained at an effective angle of attack of eight degrees, with negligible impact on lift. Similarly, a drag reduction of 20 % is obtained for fully separated flow at an angle of attack of

$25^{\circ }$

. Results from these two optimization problems also reveal relationships between optimization in physical space and optimization of dynamical behaviours in Hilbert space.