bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brainstem atrophy is linked to extrapyramidal symptoms in frontotemporal dementia
Authors: Heikkinen Sami , Cajanus Antti , Katisko Kasper , Hartikainen Päivi , Vanninen Ritva , Haapasalo Annakaisa , Krüger Johanna , Remes Anne M. , Solje Eino
Published: April 2022

Extrapyramidal (EP) symptoms are a known feature in a subpopulation of patients with behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD). Concomitant EP symptoms with FTD-like neuropsychiatric symptoms are also core features in progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and corticobasal degeneration (CBD). This complicates the early diagnosis of these disorders. Our retrospective register study aimed to discover imaging (MRI and FDG-PET) biomarkers to differentiate PSP, CBD, and bvFTD patients with extrapyramidal symptoms (EP +) from bvFTD patients without EP symptoms (EP-). The records of 2751 patients were screened for the diagnoses and presence of EP symptoms. A total of 222 patients were submitted to imaging analysis and applicable imaging data were recovered from 139 patients. Neuroimaging data were analyzed using Freesurfer software. In the whole cohort, EP + patients showed lower volumes of gray matter compared to EP- patients in the putamen (p = 0.002), bilateral globus pallidum (p = 0.002, p = 0.042), ventral diencephalon (p = 0.002) and brain stem (p < 0.001). In the bvFTD subgroup, there was volumetric difference between EP + and EP− patients in the brain stem. FDG-PET scans in the bvFTD patient subgroup showed that EP + patients had comparative hypometabolism of the superior cerebellar peduncle (SCP) and the frontal lobes. We discovered that EP symptoms are linked to brainstem atrophy in bvFTD patients and the whole cohort. Also, evident hypometabolism in the SCP of bvFTD EP + patients was detected as compared to bvFTD EP− patients. This could indicate that the EP symptoms in these diseases have a more caudal origin in the brainstem than in Parkinson’s disease.
Anti-angiogenic therapy for advanced primary pulmonary lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma: a retrospective multicenter study
Authors: Bao Hejing , Ma Ling Zhen , Zhao Chengzhu , Yu Mengge , Zhang Baishen , Zhang Juan , Peng Guibao , Lin Xiaotong , Fang Yinhua , Bao Hehong , Ma Shudong
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Primary pulmonary lympho-epithelioma-like carcinoma (PPLELC) is a rare subtype of primary non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Currently, there is still lack of research data on anti-angiogenic therapy of advanced PPLELC. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of anti-angiogenic therapy combined with chemotherapy compared with traditional chemotherapy for these patients.

Methods

Advanced PPLELC patients admitted to six grade A hospitals from January 2013 to January 2021 were selected. The patients received anti-angiogenic therapy combined with chemotherapy (AT group) or chemotherapy (CT group) alone.

Results

A total of 65 patients were included in this study, including 31 patients in the AT group treated with anti-angiogenic therapy combined with chemotherapy and 34 patients in the CT group treated with chemotherapy alone. As of October 1, 2021, the median progression-free survival (PFS) in the AT group was 11.2 months [95% confidence interval (CI), 5.9–16.5]. The median PFS in the CT group was 7.0 months [95%CI, 5.1–8.9] [Hazard Ratio (HR), 0.49; 95%CI, 0.29–0.83; P = 0.008]. The 1-year PFS rates were 41.9% and 17.6%, respectively. The overall response rates (ORR) of two groups were 45.2% (95% CI, 0.27–0.64), 38.2% (95% CI, 0.21–0.56), (P = 0.571). The disease control rates (DCR) of two groups were 93.5% (95% CI, 0.84–1.03), 88.2% (95% CI, 0.77–1.00), (P = 0.756).

Conclusion

Among patients with advanced PPLELC, the PFS of patients with anti-angiogenic therapy combined with chemotherapy is better than that of patients with chemotherapy alone. Anti-angiogenic therapy combined with chemotherapy is an optional treatment scheme.
A Polynomial Kernel for Funnel Arc Deletion Set
Authors: Garlet Milani Marcelo
Published: April 2022

In Directed Feedback Arc Set (DFAS) we search for a set of at most k arcs which intersect every cycle in the input digraph. It is a well-known open problem in parameterized complexity to decide if DFAS admits a kernel of polynomial size. We consider $$\mathcal {C}$$
C
-Arc Deletion Set ($$\mathcal {C}$$
C
-ADS), a variant of DFAS where we want to remove at most k arcs from the input digraph in order to turn it into a digraph of a class $$\mathcal {C}$$
C
. In this work, we choose $$\mathcal {C}$$
C
to be the class of funnels. Funnel-ADS is NP-hard even if the input is a DAG, but is fixed-parameter tractable with respect to k. So far no polynomial kernels for this problem were known. Our main result is a kernel for Funnel-ADS with $$\mathcal {O}(k^6)$$

O
(

k
6

)

many vertices and $$\mathcal {O}(k^7)$$

O
(

k
7

)

many arcs, computable in $$\mathcal {O}(nm)$$

O
(
n
m
)

time, where n is the number of vertices and m the number of arcs in the input digraph.
Predicting final results of brace treatment of adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis: first out-of-brace radiograph is better than in-brace radiograph—SOSORT 2020 award winner
Authors: Negrini Stefano , Di Felice Francesca , Negrini Francesco , Rebagliati Giulia , Zaina Fabio , Donzelli Sabrina
Published: April 2022

Purpose

In-brace radiograph of adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) has been shown to reflect brace efficacy and the possibility of achieving curve correction. Conversely, the first out-of-brace radiograph could demonstrate the patient’s ability to maintain the correction. We aimed to determine which of the two radiographs is the best predictor of the Cobb angle at the end of treatment (final radiograph).

Design

Retrospective cohort study of a prospective dataset.

Methods

The population was selected based on the following inclusion criteria: AIS, age 10–18 years; Risser score 0–2; Cobb angle 25–40°; brace treatment; availability of all radiographs. Statistics: Pearson correlations provide a first exploration of data. The
univariate and multivariate logistic regression model tested the predictors. Finally ROC curve provided a check of model accuracy.

Results

A total of 131 patients were included (mean age 13.0 ± 1.3, Cobb angle 33.2 ± 5.5°; 78% females). At the end of treatment, 56% had stabilised, 9% had progressed, and 44% had improved. The difference between the in-brace and final radiographs was 8.0 ± 6.0°, while the difference between the first out-of-brace and final radiographs was 1.8 ± 5.2°. The best predictor of final outcome was the first out-of-brace radiograph (0.80), compared to in-brace (0.68) and baseline (0.59) radiographs. The best cut-offs to predict avoidance of progression were 30% and 10% of the correction rates for the in-brace and first out-of-brace radiographs, respectively.

Conclusion

The first out-of-brace radiograph predicts end results better than the in-brace radiograph. It offers an excellent clinical reference for clinicians and patients. The first out-of-brace radiograph should be considered an essential element of future predictive models.

Level of Evidence 1

Diagnostic: individual cross-sectional studies with consistently applied reference standard and blinding.
Dutch-Flemish translation and cross-cultural adaption of the Spinal Cord Injury-Quality of Life (SCI-QOL) short forms
Authors: Brouwers E. M. J. R. , Terwee C. B. , Roorda L. D. , Hosman A. F. , van de Meent H. , Bartels R. H. M. A.
Published: April 2022

Purpose

A spinal cord injury (SCI) has a large impact on a person’s physical, psychological, and social health. Previous studies focused on physical recovery in patients with SCI and assessed their health-related quality of life (HRQOL) with general questionnaires, which often contain irrelevant questions. The SCI-QOL questionnaire was developed to specifically assess the HRQOL of the SCI population. A comprehensive translation and cross-cultural adaptation are required to use this questionnaire in the Netherlands and Flanders, Belgium.

Methods

All 23 short forms of the SCI-QOL for adults were translated from English into Dutch-Flemish using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy translation methodology, with a cognitive debriefing being performed with 10 patients with SCI and 10 persons from the general population.

Results

The Dutch-Flemish PROMIS group previously translated 46 of the 207 items in the 23 short forms. Here, we achieved an acceptable translation of the other 161 items. A single Dutch-Flemish translation was obtained for 20 short forms, while separate Dutch and Flemish translations were necessary for the short forms Ambulation, Manual Wheelchair, and Stigma.

Conclusion

The Dutch-Flemish translation of the SCI-QOL is now available for clinical and research purposes. Future studies should focus on the psychometric properties of this cross-culturally adapted version.
Screening of commonly prescribed drugs for effects on the CAT1-mediated transport of l-arginine and arginine derivatives
Authors: Banjarnahor Sofna , König Jörg , Maas Renke
Published: April 2022

The cationic amino acid transporter 1 (CAT1/SLC7A1) plays a key role in the cellular uptake or export of l-arginine and some of its derivatives. This study investigated the effect of 113 chemically diverse and commonly used drugs (at 20 and 200 µM) on the CAT1-mediated cellular uptake of l-arginine, l-homoarginine, and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA). Twenty-three (20%) of the tested substances showed weak inhibitory or stimulatory effects, but only verapamil showed consistent inhibitory effects on CAT1-mediated transport of all tested substrates.
Equilibrium design in an n-player quadratic game
Authors: Dokka Trivikram , Moulin Hervé , Ray Indrajit , SenGupta Sonali
Published: April 2022

As in public good provisions, in a public bad situation such as abatement, the non-cooperative interplay of the participants typically results in low levels of quantities (provision or abatement). In a simple class of n-person quadratic games, we show how Coarse correlated equilibria, using simple mediation devices, can significantly outperform Nash equilibrium outcomes in terms of a stated policy objective.
Effects of augmented reality application integration with computational thinking in geometry topics
Authors: Abdul Hanid Mohd Fadzil , Mohamad Said Mohd Nihra Haruzuan , Yahaya Noraffandy , Abdullah Zaleha
Published: April 2022

In this article, researchers conducted a study that integrates Augmented Reality application with Computational Thinking into Geometry Topics. Three variables were measured, Computational Thinking, Visualisation Skills and Geometry Topic achievement. The study was implemented with 124 students in two different schools using quasi-experimental study design. The t-test analysis was performed to see the differences before and after the intervention between the control and treatment groups. Next, a MANCOVA was conducted to see the effectiveness of the intervention in more depth on Computational Thinking, Visualisation Skills and Geometry Topic achievement after controlling for existing knowledge factors. The results show that there is a positive effect of teaching methods using Augmented Reality applications with Computational Thinking for students in the improvement of Computational Thinking, Visualisation Skills and Geometry Topic achievement. Moreover, the results of the MANCOVA show that overall, teaching methods using Augmented Reality applications with Computational Thinking are factors in the improvement of Computational Thinking scores, Visualisation Skills and Geometry Topic achievement, which means the students’ existing knowledge did not affect the results of the three dependent variables. In conclusion, this study proposed that the Computational Thinking approach with Augmented Reality application can improve Computational Thinking, Visualisation Skills and Geometry Topic achievement among students.
The short-term effects of wearing swimming goggles on corneal biomechanics
Authors: Jiménez Raimundo , Molina Rubén , Vera Jesús , Redondo Beatriz
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to assess the impact of wearing swimming goggles (SG) on corneal biomechanics.

Methods

Corneal deformation response, central corneal thickness (CCT), intraocular pressure (IOP) and biomechanically corrected intraocular pressure (bIOP) were measured with the Corvis system (Oculus Optikgeräte GmbH, Wetzlar, Germany) in thirty-one healthy young adults while wearing a drilled SG. All measurements were obtained before, at 30 s, 2 min, 3.5 min and 5 min of wearing SG, just after SG removal and after 2 min of SG removal.

Results

The corneal biomechanics is sensitive to SG wear, observing lower corneal deformability during SG use. Specifically, wearing SG caused an increase in the time and length of the first applanation and radius curvature at the highest concavity, as well as a decrease and in the velocity of the first applanation and time and deformation amplitude of the second applanation (p < 0.001 in all cases). After SG removal, corneal biomechanical parameters showed a rebound-effect, obtaining a higher corneal deformability in comparison with baseline reading (p-corrected < 0.05 in all cases). Additionally, IOP and bIOP significantly increased while wearing SG (p < 0.001 in both cases), whereas CCT remained stable (p = 0.850).

Conclusions

Wearing SG modifies the biomechanical properties of the cornea, with reduced corneal deformability during SG wear. The outcomes of this study should be taken into consideration when making clinical decisions in subjects at high risk of developing corneal ectasias or glaucoma, as well as in the post-surgical management of these ocular conditions.
Beliefs about marijuana use during pregnancy and breastfeeding held by residents of a Latino-majority, rural region of California
Authors: Cameron Linda D. , Fleszar-Pavlović Sara E. , Yepez Marisela , Manzo Rosa D. , Brown Paul M.
Published: April 2022

Marijuana use among pregnant and breastfeeding women is on the rise and carries risks for infant health and well-being. Decisions to use marijuana while pregnant and breastfeeding are motivated by beliefs that use poses minimal risk to infants and offers benefits to maternal users. Misperceptions and usage trend higher among disadvantaged populations. This study surveyed 401 community residents on beliefs about risks and benefits of marijuana use by pregnant and breastfeeding women. The study utilized techniques to enhance recruitment of Latino and disadvantaged residents of rural communities in California, a state where recreational marijuana use is legal. Analyses revealed substantial endorsement of beliefs about benefits and low risks of marijuana use while pregnant and breastfeeding, many of which run counter to current evidence. Misperceptions were particularly prevalent for cannabis users and male respondents. Trends in valid beliefs, while modest, were higher for Latinos and parents.
Stability of heterogeneous beams with three supports through Green functions
Authors: Kiss L. P. , Szeidl G. , Messaoudi A.
Published: April 2022

The present paper is devoted to the issue how the critical load of some heterogeneous beams with three supports can be determined by using Green functions. The stability problems of these beams are equivalent to three-point boundary value problems, paired with homogeneous boundary conditions. If the Green functions of these boundary value problems are known, the eigenvalue problems that provide the critical load can be transformed into eigenvalue problems governed by homogeneous Fredholm integral equations. The later eigenvalue problems can be reduced to algebraic eigenvalue problems which then can be solved numerically with effective algorithms.
Kv1.5 channel mediates monosodium urate-induced activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in macrophages and arrhythmogenic effects of urate on cardiomyocytes
Authors: Li Peili , Kurata Yasutaka , Taufiq Fikri , Kuwabara Masanari , Ninomiya Haruaki , Higaki Katsumi , Tsuneto Motokazu , Shirayoshi Yasuaki , Lanaspa Miguel A. , Hisatome Ichiro
Published: April 2022

Background

Gout is usually found in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). K+ efflux is a common trigger of NLRP3 inflammasome activation which is involved in the pathogenesis of AF. We investigated the role of the K+ channel Kv1.5 in monosodium urate crystal (MSU)-induced activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and electrical remodeling in mouse and human macrophages J774.1 and THP-1, and mouse atrial myocytes HL-1.

Methods and Results

Macrophages, primed with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), were stimulated by MSU. HL-1 cells were incubated with the conditioned medium (CM) from MSU-stimulated macrophages. Western blot, ELISA and patch clamp were used. MSU induced caspase-1 expression in LPS-primed J774.1 cells and IL-1β secretion, suggesting NLRP3 inflammasome activation. A selective Kv1.5 inhibitor, diphenyl phosphine oxide-1 (DPO-1), and siRNAs against Kv1.5 suppressed the levels of caspase-1 and IL-1β. MSU reduced intracellular K+ concentration which was prevented by DPO-1 and siRNAs against Kv1.5. MSU increased expression of Hsp70, and Kv1.5 on the plasma membrane. siRNAs against Hsp70 were suppressed but heat shock increased the expression of Hsp70, caspase-1, IL-1β, and Kv1.5 in MSU-stimulated J774.1 cells. The CM from MSU-stimulated macrophages enhanced the expression of caspase-1, IL-1β and Kv1.5 with increased Kv1.5-mediated currents that shortened action potential duration in HL-1 cells. These responses were abolished by DPO-1 and a siRNA against Kv1.5.

Conclusions

Kv1.5 regulates MSU-induced activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in macrophages. MSUrelated activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and electrical remodeling in HL-1 cells are via macrophages. Kv1.5 may have therapeutic value for diseases related to gout-induced activation of the NLRP3 inflammsome, including AF.
Phosphorus and potassium nutrition of a tropical waterlily (Nymphaea) used for commercial flower production
Authors: Staines Martin vH , Sassoon Kathy L. , Lambers Hans
Published: April 2022

Background and aims

Waterlilies (Nymphaea spp) are ancient iconic plants. Scientific knowledge of their nutrient requirements is scarce. We investigated plant responses to phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) nutrition in a cultivar of tropical waterlilies used for commercial flower production.

Methods

Two studies with waterlilies were conducted simultaneously over 24 weeks. In Experiment 1, three amounts of fertiliser differing in P content were supplied either four, six or 12 times. Experiment 2 was similar, but fertiliser varied in K content. Flower production was recorded every two weeks, detailed plant measurements were made every six weeks and leaves were collected for nutrient analyses at week 20. At week 24, shoot biomass was harvested and weighed.

Results

Total flower production increased with increasing P supply but decreased with increasing K supply. With increasing P supply, leaf P concentration increased from 1.3 to 2.0 mg g−1 dry weight. Increasing the K supply decreased leaf P concentration but had no effect on K concentration. In the P experiment, leaf calcium and magnesium concentrations were generally low as was the leaf zinc concentration. Final plant size increased with increasing P supply but declined with increasing K supply.

Conclusion

Waterlily growth and flowering declined with increasing K supply and increased with increasing P supply. Fertiliser-P requirement was very high, and it is possible that plants would have responded to greater amounts of P than we used. This was partly due to the very high P-sorbing capacity of the soil we used. Inefficient nutrient uptake owing to the low capacity for P acquisition of waterlily roots at the near-neutral pH of flooded soil was also a likely factor.
Impact of Bariatric Surgery on Unplanned Hospital Admissions for Infection
Authors: Cundy Tim , Gamble Greg D. , Yi Elaine , Evennett Nicholas , Beban Grant
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Both obesity and type 2 diabetes are associated with an increased risk of skin and soft tissue (SSTI), urinary tract, and lower respiratory tract infections but it is not clear whether the incidence of such infections is reduced after bariatric surgery.

Materials and Methods

In people accepted onto our publicly funded bariatric program, we recorded unplanned admissions to public hospitals over a median follow-up of 4.5 years in those successfully undergoing surgery and in those who withdrew from the program. Rates of admission for the composite outcome (SSTI, urinary tract, or lower respiratory infection) were compared.

Results

Of 774 people accepted onto the program, 49% underwent surgery. Infections accounted for 27% of unplanned admissions in those not completing surgery and 13% of those who underwent surgery (p < 0.001). The rate of admission was 60% lower in people who underwent surgery than those who did not: 4.3 vs 12.2 per 100 patient-years (P < 0.002), a difference maintained across 8 years’ follow-up. The impact of surgery was independent of enrolment age, BMI, or diabetes and smoking status. Of the three types of infection in the composite outcome, SSTI were the most prevalent and showed the greatest reduction (p < 0.0001). The median day stay for infection was 0.5 day less in those who underwent surgery (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Hospitalization for these three infectious diseases in people undergoing bariatric surgery was lower than that in people enrolled in the bariatric program but not completing surgery. The effect was greatest for SSTI, and sustained to at least 8 years.

Graphical abstract
Therapeutic effectiveness of tuberculous aneurysm and risk factors for mortality: a systematic review
Authors: Yi Shengwu , Sheng Lingjie , Li Wei
Published: April 2022

Objective

This study aimed to determine the therapeutic effectiveness of tuberculous aortic aneurysms (TBAAs) and the risk factors for mortality.

Methods

We reviewed all case reports of TBAAs treated with open surgery or endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) from online database in 1996–2021. Only thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysms were included.

Results

Eighty cases of open surgery and 42 cases of EVAR were included. The 2-year mortality and perioperative mortality rates of open surgery were 11.3% and 10.0%, respectively. Emergent open surgery had a significantly higher mortality (25.0%) than non-emergent open surgery (6.7%). In the EVAR group, 2-year mortality, perioperative mortality, and TBAA-related mortality were 16.7%, 4.8%, and 10.0%, respectively. Patients with typical tuberculosis (TB) symptoms before EVAR had a significantly higher TBAA-related mortality (35.0%) than patients with no typical TB symptoms before EVAR (0%). In the open surgery group, the rate of TB recurrence (2.7% vs 2.4%) and aneurysm recurrence (8.1% vs 7.3%) were quite close between preoperative anti-TB-treated and postoperative anti-TB-treated cases. However, in the EVAR group, TB recurrence (8.7% vs 0%) and aneurysm recurrence (12.5% vs 6.25%) were more common in postoperative anti-TB-treated cases.

Conclusion

Open surgery was accompanied by higher perioperative mortality, whereas EVAR was followed with higher TBAA-related mortality. Emergent surgical choices of open surgery may be associated with high perioperative mortality. Typical TB symptoms before EVAR are a significant risk factor for mortality after EVAR. Early anti-TB treatment should be administered if EVAR is the surgical option.
Tracheal reconstruction: mini-review and anatomical study on the use of antero lateral thigh fascial flap for heterotopical transplantation
Authors: Sgarzani Rossella , Meccariello Giuseppe , Iannella Giannicola , Stella Franco , Negosanti Luca
Published: April 2022

Background

The reconstructive tracheal options for extensive lesions still remain limited and although a valid substitute is required unfortunately, the biomechanical tracheal characteristics do not allow an easy replacement. In this study we reviewed the described options and investigated, in human cadaver model, whether thigh fascia can be used, as an alternative to forearm fascia, as recipient site for trachea graft heterotopical allotransplantation.

Anatomical study

In three fresh cadavers, 3 tracheal graft, 6 radial forearm (RF) fascial flaps and 6 antero-lateral thigh (ALT) fascial flaps were harvested. For each flap we simulated the heteretopical transplantation of the trachea in each fascial flap, and the harvesting of the composite graft as a free flap. The composite graft was finally decomposed at bench and the pedicle was injected to confirm fascial vascularization. The main measured outcomes were: flap fascia vascularization after pedicle injection, average time of flap harvesting, number of perforators included in ALT fascial flap and diameter of the vessels for anastomosis. Difficulties were noted, in order to compare RF flap and ALT flap.

Results

Fascia vascularization was confirmed in all cases by pedicle injection. The main difficulty with radial flap was to harvest the fascial layer due to its thinness and its strong adherence to palmaris longus tendon, while the main difficulty with ALT flap was to prevent any traction on the perforators. The average time of flap harvesting and graft inset (by a junior plastic surgeon) was 1 h and 30 min for radial forearm flap and 2 h and 10 min for ALT flap.

Conclusion

Despite many different techniques proposed in the literature, tracheal heterotopical allotransplantation still seemed the most promising, and ALT flap promised be a feasible alternative for heterotopical transplantation of trachea.
Assessment of the Real-Time PCR Method Claiming to be Specific for Detection and Quantification of the First Commercialised Genome-Edited Plant
Authors: Weidner Christopher , Edelmann Sophia , Moor Dominik , Lieske Kathrin , Savini Christian , Jacchia Sara , Sacco Maria Grazia , Mazzara Marco , Lämke Jörn , Eckermann Kolja Neil , Emons Hendrik , Mankertz Joachim , Grohmann Lutz
Published: April 2022

A real-time PCR method was recently published with a claim to be specific for the detection and identification of some genome-edited oilseed rape (OSR) lines commercialised in North America. The method was designed to detect a single base mutation in the AHAS1C gene, which confers herbicide tolerance. The authors claim that the method is event-specific for the genome-edited OSR line 5715 and fulfils all requirements for GMO analytical methods according to EU regulations. We have thoroughly assessed the method in relation to the minimum performance requirements (MPR) established by the European Network of GMO Laboratories (ENGL). The method was found to be sufficiently sensitive and robust when tested with pure genomic DNA of the OSR line 40 K. However, our results show that the method is not event-specific and detects also OSR lines carrying the same point mutation caused by somaclonal variation. Moreover, impaired robustness was observed using non-modified genomic DNA at the amount specified in the original protocol. Significant non-specific PCR amplifications with PCR products as non-target template DNA and with genomic DNA from numerous OSR varieties as well as from wild radish were found by three ISO/IEC 17025 accredited reference laboratories in tests using different master mixes and PCR cycler models. The assessment shows that the method does not meet the MPR for qualitative PCR methods and therefore is not fit-for-purpose for official controls of genetically modified products in the EU. Suggestions are provided for conditions under which analytical methods for genome-edited organisms should be validated.
Esophageal Strictures due to Mediastinal Metastases from Breast Cancer
Authors: Balázs Ákos , Vass Tamás , Baranyai Zsolt
Published: April 2022

Mediastinal metastases represent an infrequent recurrence of breast carcinoma. Esophageal involvement by metastatic tissue is extremely rare. The situation means an unusual diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Dignity of esophageal stricture is difficult to ascertain; endoscopy and picture giving methods might be conflicting. This study aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics and the therapeutic possibilities of the condition. A retrospective analysis of malignant esophageal stricture cases was performed from a prospectively collected database between 1984 and 2020. Out of 3996 cases with esophageal malignancy, 17 esophageal strictures were confirmed to be related to breast cancer metastasis. Surgical resection was feasible in 3 cases; endoprosthesis insertion was performed for palliation in 7 cases, and in 7 cases, only supportive care was available. Our incidence rate was 0.43%. Dysphagia indicating an affected esophagus presented on average 10.5 years after the primary tumor surgery. Mean duration between onset of symptoms achieving appropriate diagnosis was 6.4 months. Dignity of the malignancy was confirmed only retrospectively in one case. Morphologic findings showed an external esophageal compression in 52.9%, while in 35.3%, a destructive tumor growth affecting the mucosal layer could be found. Overall, survival was 7.6 months referring to 15 cases. The possible occurrence of mediastinal metastases involving the esophagus should be seriously considered in patients with previous breast cancer history. Biopsies obtained from the intact mucosal surface of the stenotic esophagus are often inefficient and misleading; therefore, repeated biopsies are necessary. Options for radical surgery are highly limited.
Effective elements of a combined lifestyle intervention for people with low socioeconomic status. A concept mapping case study
Authors: Mulderij Lisanne S. , Verkooijen Kirsten T. , Koelen Maria A. , Wagemakers Annemarie
Published: April 2022

Health inequalities still exist between people with a low socioeconomic status (SES) and people with a high SES. Combined lifestyle interventions (CLIs) could benefit the health of people with a low SES. However, it is unclear which CLI elements are effective for this group. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effective elements X‑Fittt 2.0, a CLI for people with a low SES. Nine professionals and one participant of X‑Fittt 2.0 participated in a concept mapping (CM) process to develop an overview of the effective elements of X‑Fittt 2.0. CM consists of six steps: preparing, brainstorming, clustering, scoring, analysing, and discussing and interpreting. This process resulted in 72 effective elements, grouped in nine clusters, focused on monitoring (12), internal (7) and external (4) collaborations, structure and guidance (10), agreements with participants (5), sports options in the first 12 weeks (10), the sports environment (10), recruitment strategies (5) and the preconditions for X‑Fittt 2.0 (9). These results provide a valuable first overview of effective elements of CLIs for people with a low SES.
Removal of of toxic metal ions (Ni2+ and Cd2+) from wastewater by using TOPO decorated iron oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Sosun  , Ali Attarad , Mannan Abdul , Ali Shah Usman , Zia Muhammad
Published: April 2022

In real engineering applications, nanoparticles can face hurdles of complex behavior of pollutants, for which electrostatic forces and background electrolyte can prove to be one of the robust mechanisms to remove pollutants from wastewater. In the present work, magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles (NPs) and trioctyl phosphine oxide (TOPO) coated Fe3O4 NPs were synthesized and characterized for removing divalent Ni2+ and Cd2+ ions. Morphological and chemical analysis of both NPs was performed, and batch adsorption experiments were performed to study the influence of different pH ranges, concentrations of adsorbents and different contact timings. TOPO functionalized magnetite nanoparticles were found to have better adsorption capacities as compared to Fe3O4 at higher pH values. Isotherm models were run to identify the adsorption process. Langmuir isotherm model data fitted best for both metal ions adsorption, while Freundlich data suited best only for Ni2+ ions. The regression values for kinetic models confirmed that pseudo-second-order fitted best to the adsorption of both Ni2+ and Cd2+. Higher adsorption values were noticed for Ni2+ at higher dosages of both bare and TOPO-coated iron oxide NPs. Cadmium was found to have no influence of adsorbent dosage. Contact time was found to impact sorption values, i.e., adsorption was greater initially and then decreased with the passage of time. The study concludes that TOPO decorated Fe3O4 NPs can be more efficiently used for wastewater treatment. Furthermore, the presence of alkyl chains in TOPO can be immobilized at surface of metals to undergo adsorption more efficiently.
Linear and nonlinear kinetics analysis and adsorption characteristics of packed bed column for phenol removal using rice husk-activated carbon
Authors: Nwabanne Joseph Tagbo , Iheanacho Ositadinma Chamberlain , Obi Christopher Chiedozie , Onu Chijioke Elijah
Published: April 2022

The linear and nonlinear kinetics analysis and adsorption characteristics of phenol adsorption onto activated carbon synthesized from rice husk biomass were investigated in a packed bed column. Several analyses such as physical properties, BET surface area, pore size distribution, FTIR, and SEM were used to investigate the adsorption properties of the rice husk-activated carbon (RHAC). The column adsorption studies indicated that the adsorption of phenol onto RHAC is favored by an increase in bed height and a decrease in solution flow rate, influent phenol concentration, and particle size. Various dynamic adsorption parameters depicting the adsorption characteristics of phenol onto RHAC were estimated from the breakthrough analysis of the experimental data. The fitting of the experimental data to the Thomas, Adams–Bohart, Yoon–Nelson, and Wolborska models using linear and nonlinear regression techniques showed that the four models gave good fits to the experimental data. The R2 values for the regressed lines ranged from 0.6827 to 0.9918, and 0.9958 to 1.0000 for the linear and nonlinear regression techniques, respectively. Experimentally, a maximum adsorption capacity value of 14.57 mg/g was obtained; at the same experimental conditions, 14.88 mg/g was predicted by the nonlinear regression, while 9.78 mg/g was predicted by the linear regression of the Thomas model. The results affirmed the potency of RHAC for the treatment of phenol-contaminated wastewater. It provided comprehensive data needed for the design of phenol adsorption columns using RHAC. It equally revealed that a better model analysis would be achieved with the application of nonlinear regression.
The use of a regression model in the variability analysis of the leachate quality from heaps of the production of the building materials
Authors: Szymański Kazimierz , Walendzik Bartosz , Janowska Beata , Sidełko Robert
Published: April 2022

An attempt to evaluate potential hazard for quality of manufactured construction elements and concrete in case of use of leachate as technological water was made in this paper. This may lead to negative impact on strength parameters of the product made in the analysed company. Raw industrial leachate must not be discharged into sewerage system due to increased concentrations of some mineral components; it must be initially purified. Selected elements of multiple regression module and principal components analysis were used to describe the above phenomena. The model we have developed uses selected significant parameters of pollutants contained in leachate from a process industrial waste heap. The model takes into account leachate conductivity and sulphate ions, in which increased lead compounds concentration was determined. The model was verified during its use. The variables used in the model explain the significant percentage of variability noted for the dependent variable.
The German Act on Autonomous Driving: Why Ethics Still Matters
Authors: Kriebitz Alexander , Max Raphael , Lütge Christoph
Published: April 2022

The German Act on Autonomous Driving constitutes the first national framework on level four autonomous vehicles and has received attention from policy makers, AI ethics scholars and legal experts in autonomous driving. Owing to Germany’s role as a global hub for car manufacturing, the following paper sheds light on the act’s position within the ethical discourse and how it reconfigures the balance between legislation and ethical frameworks. Specifically, in this paper, we highlight areas that need to be more worked out in the future either through ethical conventions, corporate measures or legal measures and examine how the law can be incorporated into the existing discourse on the regulation of technologies. Based on this examination, we derive implications for future discourse and elaborate on companies’ responsibilities in developing autonomous driving technologies in an ethical sense.
„The elephant in the room“ – Großbritanniens wechselvolles Verhältnis zum Euro
Authors: Sturm Roland
Published: April 2022

Die Euro-Einführung wurde von Großbritannien immer abgelehnt. Das Land sah im Maastrichter Vertrag von 1993 einen weiteren Schritt zur Vertiefung der europäischen Integration, die im föderalen Superstaat enden werde. Premierminister Tony Blair setzte sich in seiner Amtszeit für ein Referendum zur Einführung des Euro ein, das aber am Widerstand seines Schatzkanzlers Gordon Brown scheiterte. Auch die schottischen Unabhängigkeitsbemühungen thematisier(t)en den Euro als schottische Landeswährung. Im Brexit-Wahlkampf spielten die Zugeständnisse, die Premierminister David Cameron für Nicht-Euro-Länder herausgehandelt hatte, keine große Rolle mehr. Der Brexit erledigte das Thema „Euro“ als britische Währung erst einmal.
Droplet-based bioprinting enables the fabrication of cell–hydrogel–microfibre composite tissue precursors
Authors: Kotlarz Marcin , Ferreira Ana M. , Gentile Piergiorgio , Russell Stephen J. , Dalgarno Kenneth
Published: April 2022

Composites offer the option of coupling the individual benefits of their constituents to achieve unique material properties, which can be of extra value in many tissue engineering applications. Strategies combining hydrogels with fibre-based scaffolds can create tissue constructs with enhanced biological and structural functionality. However, developing efficient and scalable approaches to manufacture such composites is challenging. Here, we use a droplet-based bioprinting system called reactive jet impingement (ReJI) to integrate a cell-laden hydrogel with a microfibrous mesh. This system uses microvalves connected to different bioink reservoirs and directed to continuously jet bioink droplets at one another in mid-air, where the droplets react and form a hydrogel that lands on a microfibrous mesh. Cell–hydrogel–fibre composites are produced by embedding human dermal fibroblasts at two different concentrations (5 × 106 and 30 × 106 cells/mL) in a collagen–alginate–fibrin hydrogel matrix and bioprinted onto a fibre-based substrate. Our results show that both types of cell–hydrogel–microfibre composite maintain high cell viability and promote cell–cell and cell–biomaterial interactions. The lower fibroblast density triggers cell proliferation, whereas the higher fibroblast density facilitates faster cellular organisation and infiltration into the microfibres. Additionally, the fibrous component of the composite is characterised by high swelling properties and the quick release of calcium ions. The data indicate that the created composite constructs offer an efficient way to create highly functional tissue precursors for laminar tissue engineering, particularly for wound healing and skin tissue engineering applications.

Graphic abstract
Finite-Element Simulation of a Resonant Frequency-Tunable Vibration Isolator Based on Shape Memory Alloy Wire
Authors: Li Jiefeng , Nie Xutao , Zhang Wei , Ma Yueyin
Published: April 2022

Background

The resonant-frequency-tunable vibration isolator based on Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) combines the priority of passive and active vibration isolators, expands its engineering application, and improves the efficiency of vibration isolation. However, the special characteristics of SMAs and the complexity of the resonant-frequency-tunable vibration isolator result in the difficulty in finite-element analysis.

Methods

This article employs the ABAQUS subroutine and presents the finite-element analysis for this resonant-frequency-tunable vibration isolator, which simulates the thermomechanical responses of SMA wires and the mechanical behaviors of the vibration isolator.

Results

The pseudoelasticity characteristics of SMA wires were simulated and validated. The mechanical characteristics of the vibration isolator, such as the temperatures, martensitic volume fractions, displacements, and equivalent stresses, were obtained and verified.

Conclusions

The results show that the finite-element analysis method presented is appropriate for simulating mechanical behaviors of the resonant-frequency-tunable vibration isolator. The analysis results reveal in detail the mechanical characteristics of the vibration isolator.
Daugavet property in projective symmetric tensor products of Banach spaces
Authors: Martín Miguel , Rueda Zoca Abraham
Published: April 2022

We show that all the symmetric projective tensor products of a Banach space X have the Daugavet property provided X has the Daugavet property and either X is an $$L_1$$

L
1

-predual (i.e., $$X^{*}$$

X

∗

is isometric to an $$L_1$$

L
1

-space) or X is a vector-valued $$L_1$$

L
1

-space. In the process of proving it, we get a number of results of independent interest. For instance, we characterise “localised” versions of the Daugavet property [i.e., Daugavet points and $$\Delta$$
Δ
-points introduced in Abrahamsen et al. (Proc Edinb Math Soc 63:475–496 2020)] for $$L_1$$

L
1

-preduals in terms of the extreme points of the topological dual, a result which allows to characterise a polyhedrality property of real $$L_1$$

L
1

-preduals in terms of the absence of $$\Delta$$
Δ
-points and also to provide new examples of $$L_1$$

L
1

-preduals having the convex diametral local diameter two property. These results are also applied to nicely embedded Banach spaces [in the sense of Werner (J Funct Anal 143:117–128, 1997)] so, in particular, to function algebras. Next, we show that the Daugavet property and the polynomial Daugavet property are equivalent for $$L_1$$

L
1

-preduals and for spaces of Lipschitz functions. Finally, an improvement of recent results in Rueda Zoca (J Inst Math Jussieu 20(4):1409–1428, 2021) about the Daugavet property for projective tensor products is also obtained.
Prismatic Blade Production at the Sinclair Site, Tennessee: Implications for Understanding Clovis Technological Organization
Authors: Tune Jesse W. , Jennings Thomas A. , Deter-Wolf Aaron
Published: April 2022

The Tennessee Division of Archaeology documented an extensive Paleoindian lithic quarry and workshop at the Sinclair site in Tennessee in 2008. We present the first detailed description of the lithic assemblage here, which focuses on aspects of its prismatic blade technology. Quantitative and qualitative attributes of 117 blades are assessed to characterize the assemblage and investigate human behaviors related to its formation. We then compare the blades from Sinclair to other blade assemblages. Blades at Clovis workshop sites are large and generally unstandardized. Mobile Clovis bands selected long, highly standardized blades from workshop sites, cached them as resource insurance, and crafted and used them as tools at campsites. The prismatic blade assemblage at Sinclair and other sites throughout the Midsouth suggests that this region played an important role in the development of prismatic blade technology at the end of the Pleistocene.
Virtual engagement of under-resourced communities: Lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic for creating crisis-resistant research infrastructure
Authors: Plunk Andrew D. , Carver Alexandra , Minggia Charles , Prasanna Kassandra , Sheehan Brynn E. , Herman Matthew , Burwell Cynthia B. , Moeller F. Gerard , Krist Alex H. , McQueen-Gibson Ethlyn
Published: April 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic led to an increased need to conduct research and community engagement using digital methods. Unfortunately, the shift away from in-person research activities can make it difficult to engage and recruit participants from under-resourced communities that lack adequate digital infrastructure. At the beginning of the pandemic, our team recognized that imminent lockdowns would significantly disrupt ongoing engagement with low-income housing resident community partners and that we would ultimately bear responsibility if that occurred. This manuscript outlines the development of methods designed to create capacity for virtual engagement with a community advisory board that were subsequently applied to a longitudinal mixed-methods study. We describe how our experience engaging low-income housing residents during the height of the pandemic influenced the approach and offer guidelines useful for engaging under-resourced communities regardless of setting. Of these, a strong commitment to providing technology, unlimited data connectivity, and basic digital literacy training/technical support is most important. While each of these is essential and failure in any one area will reduce overall effectiveness of the effort, providing adequate technical support while maintaining ongoing relationships with community members is the most important and resource-intensive.
A route to enhanced performance for the petawatt beamlines of the Orion laser facility
Authors: Harvey E. J.
Published: April 2022

The Orion laser facility at AWE provides multiple beams to target delivering synchronized pulses at both nanosecond and sub-picosecond duration. In the latter, the peak power approaches the petawatt level. This paper presents a conceptual design for potential development of these beamlines. This would deliver a significant enhancement of performance at the fundamental level. In addition, a new approach is described for the management of frequency conversion at high intensity, which may allow significantly enhanced performance at the second harmonic also.
Conjunto especializado para la producción de instrumentos de obsidiana y el aprovechamiento de recursos lacustres dentro de un contexto isleño en el occidente mesoamericano
Authors: Blanco Morales Ericka S. , Pérez Martínez Patricia
Published: April 2022

En la subcuenca de Magdalena en el estado de Jalisco, los pueblos asentados en las inmediaciones del lago aprovecharon los recursos disponibles para la producción artesanal de bienes útiles y suntuarios. La presencia del Volcán de Tequila, el Lago de Magdalena y el sistema Lerma-Chapala-Santiago, facilitaron el acceso a recursos y la movilidad de productos para su distribución. En el centro del cuerpo acuífero fósil se eleva Atitlán, isla que resguarda evidencia de actividades de producción que se relacionaron con el aprovechamiento de recursos minerales y acuáticos por lo menos a partir del año 450 dC y hasta el 1500 dC. Dentro de las evidencias estudiadas sistemáticamente a nivel de superficie, es de nuestro interés una acumulación de objetos de obsidiana que se extiende en un área de 56.400 m2. El análisis espacial de distribución, junto con los de morfología, desgaste y microscopía aplicada a la identificación de huellas de uso, nos permiten explicar que se trató de un espacio de producción especializado de instrumentos de obsidiana mediante la técnica de talla, los cuales fueron empleados para el aprovechamiento de recursos perecederos.