bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phytase expressed from Saccharomyces pombe ameliorates footpad lesions in cage‐reared broiler chicks
Authors: Dang De Xin , Chun Seong Guk , Kim In Ho
Published: February 2022

Background/aim

The condition of footpad is an important aspect of poultry welfare. This is a problem that plagues the poultry industry because it occurs whether birds are reared in the cage or on the floor. It is reported that feeding phytase to floor‐reared broiler chicks could ameliorate footpad lesions, which is related to the reduction of litter moisture. However, some studies reported that phytase supplementation could ameliorate footpad lesions, but did not affect litter quality. Therefore, phytase supplementation may have other potential mechanisms to improve the footpad lesions. Cage‐reared broiler chicks were used in this study because they had no access to litter.

Material and methods

A total of 234 1‐day‐old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to three groups based on the initial body weight (42.22 ± 0.18 g) with six replicate cages and 13 birds (mixed sex) per cage. The experimental period was 45 days. Dietary treatments were based on a corn–soybean meal‐basal diet and supplemented with 500 and 750 FTU/kg Saccharomyces pombe expressed phytase. The unit of phytase (FTU) was defined as the amount of enzyme that catalyzes the release of one micromole phosphate from phytate per minute at 37°C and pH 5.5.

Result and conclusion

We found that dietary supplementation of S. pombe expressed phytase could improve calcium and phosphorus digestibility and subsequent improvement in toe ash, thus ameliorating footpad lesions in broiler chicks with no access to litter.
Epidemiology and molecular detection ofAnaplasmaspp. in goats from Chattogram district, Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Mizanur , Faruque Md. Rayhan , Rahman Md. Mizanur , Chowdhury Mohammed Yousuf Elahi
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Anaplasmosis is an economically important disease affecting cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat etc. The study was conducted to determine the prevalence, potential risk factors and molecular identification of circulatingAnaplasmaspp. in goats in Chattogram district, Bangladesh.

Material and methods

Four hundred blood samples were collected from goats of different ages, breeds, sex, coat color and body condition. These goats were selected based on some inclusion criteria through the period of July 2017 to June 2018. Samples were examined microscopically (Giemsa staining method) followed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing to identify ofAnaplasmaspp.

Results

The overall prevalences were estimated 5.75% (23/400) and 15.75% (63/400) by microscopy and PCR, respectively.Anaplasma ovis (A. ovis) andAnaplasma marginale(A. marginale) were identified with the prevalence of 14.75% (59/400) and 1.0% (4/400), respectively through PCR. Among different risk factors, jamnapari breed (p= 0.027), no use of acaricide (p= 0.025) and presence of tick (p< 0.01) were found to be significantly associated with anaplasmosis. Sequence analysis of msp4 gene revealed that,Anaplasmaspp. detected in the present study were highly similar with those of China, Venezuela, Mongolia, Spain, Tunisia, Cyprus, Italy, Brazil, Argentina, Australia, Japan and Columbia.

Conclusions

In conclusion, strategic use of acaricide can control tick that ultimately will control the anaplasmosis in goats. Besides, rearing local goats in compare to cross and exotic breed are also recommended for the farmer to prevent the disease.
Tree level integrability in 2d quantum field theories and affine Toda models
Authors: Dorey Patrick , Polvara Davide
Published: February 2022

Abstract

We investigate the perturbative integrability of massive (1+1)-dimensional bosonic quantum field theories, focusing on the conditions for them to have a purely elastic S-matrix, with no particle production and diagonal scattering, at tree level. For theories satisfying what we call ‘simply-laced scattering conditions’, by which we mean that poles in inelastic 2 to 2 processes cancel in pairs, and poles in allowed processes are only due to one on-shell propagating particle at a time, the requirement that all inelastic amplitudes must vanish is shown to imply the so-called area rule, connecting the 3-point couplings $$ {C}_{abc}^{(3)} $$

C
abc

3

to the masses ma, mb, mc of the coupled particles in a universal way. We prove that the constraints we find are universally satisfied by all affine Toda theories, connecting pole cancellations in amplitudes to properties of the underlying root systems, and develop a number of tools that we expect will be relevant for the study of loop amplitudes.
Subleading Weingartens
Authors: Stanford Douglas , Yang Zhenbin , Yao Shunyu
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Haar integrals over the unitary group contain subleading terms that are needed for unitarity. We study analogous effects in the time evolution operators of JT gravity and Brownian SYK. In JT gravity with bulk matter we find an explanation for the first sub-leading terms, and in Brownian SYK we find configurations that can explain the full series. An important role is played by slightly off-shell modes that are exponentially amplified by chaos.
ROS-induced PADI2 downregulation accelerates cellular senescence via the stimulation of SASP production and NFκB activation
Authors: Kim Hyun-Jung , Kim Woo-Jin , Shin Hye-Rim , Yoon Hee-In , Moon Jae-I , Lee Eunji , Lim Jin-Muk , Cho Young-Dan , Lee Mi-Hye , Kim Hong-Gee , Ryoo Hyun-Mo
Published: February 2022

Cellular senescence is closely related to tissue aging including bone. Bone homeostasis is maintained by the tight balance between bone-forming osteoblasts and bone-resorbing osteoclasts, but it undergoes deregulation with age, causing age-associated osteoporosis, a main cause of which is osteoblast dysfunction. Oxidative stress caused by the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in bone tissues with aging can accelerate osteoblast senescence and dysfunction. However, the regulatory mechanism that controls the ROS-induced senescence of osteoblasts is poorly understood. Here, we identified Peptidyl arginine deiminase 2 (PADI2), a post-translational modifying enzyme, as a regulator of ROS-accelerated senescence of osteoblasts via RNA-sequencing and further functional validations. PADI2 downregulation by treatment with H2O2 or its siRNA promoted cellular senescence and suppressed osteoblast differentiation. CCL2, 5, and 7 known as the elements of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) which is a secretome including proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines emitted by senescent cells and a representative feature of senescence, were upregulated by H2O2 treatment or Padi2 knockdown. Furthermore, blocking these SASP factors with neutralizing antibodies or siRNAs alleviated the senescence and dysfunction of osteoblasts induced by H2O2 treatment or Padi2 knockdown. The elevated production of these SASP factors was mediated by the activation of NFκB signaling pathway. The inhibition of NFκB using the pharmacological inhibitor or siRNA effectively relieved H2O2 treatment- or Padi2 knockdown-induced senescence and osteoblast dysfunction. Together, our study for the first time uncover the role of PADI2 in ROS-accelerated cellular senescence of osteoblasts and provide new mechanistic and therapeutic insights into excessive ROS-promoted cellular senescence and aging-related bone diseases.
On the second-order regularity of solutions to the parabolic p-Laplace equation
Authors: Feng Yawen , Parviainen Mikko , Sarsa Saara
Published: February 2022

In this paper, we study the second-order Sobolev regularity of solutions to the parabolic p-Laplace equation. For any p-parabolic function u, we show that $$D(\left| Du\right| ^{\frac{p-2+s}{2}}Du)$$

D
(

D
u

p
-
2
+
s

2

D
u
)

exists as a function and belongs to $$L^{2}_{\text {loc}}$$

L
loc
2

with $$s>-1$$

s
>
-
1

and $$1<p<\infty $$

1
<
p
<
∞

. The range of s is sharp.
Physiology dictated treatment after severe trauma: timing is everything
Authors: van Wessem Karlijn J. P. , Leenen Luke P. H. , Hietbrink Falco
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Damage control strategies in resuscitation and (fracture) surgery have become standard of care in the treatment of severely injured patients. It is suggested that damage control improves survival and decreases the incidence of organ failure. However, these strategies can possibly increase the risk of complications such as infections. Indication for damage control procedures is guided by physiological parameters, type of injury, and the surgeon’s experience. We analyzed outcomes of severely injured patients who underwent emergency surgery.

Methods

Severely injured patients, admitted to a level-1 trauma center ICU from 2016 to 2020 who were in need of ventilator support and required immediate surgical intervention ( ≤24 h) were included. Demographics, treatment, and outcome parameters were analyzed.

Results

Hundred ninety-five patients were identified with a median ISS of 33 (IQR 25–38). Ninety-seven patients underwent immediate definitive surgery (ETC group), while 98 patients were first treated according to damage control principles with abbreviated surgery (DCS group). Although ISS was similar in both groups, DCS patients were younger, suffered from more severe truncal injuries, were more frequently in shock with more severe acidosis and coagulopathy, and received more blood products. ETC patients with traumatic brain injury needed more often a craniotomy. Seventy-four percent of DCS patients received definitive surgery in the second surgical procedure. There was no difference in mortality, nor any other outcome including organ failure and infections.

Conclusions

When in severely injured patients treatment is dictated by physiology into either early definitive surgery or damage control with multiple shorter procedures stretched over several days combined with aggressive resuscitation with blood products, outcome is comparable in terms of complications.
Event-free survival after 68 Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT in recurrent hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (HSPC) patients eligible for salvage therapy
Authors: Ceci Francesco , Rovera Guido , Iorio Giuseppe Carlo , Guarneri Alessia , Chiofalo Valeria , Passera Roberto , Oderda Marco , Dall’Armellina Sara , Liberini Virginia , Grimaldi Serena , Bellò Marilena , Gontero Paolo , Ricardi Umberto , Deandreis Désirée
Published: February 2022

Background/aim

Prostate-specific-membrane-antigen/positron emission tomography (PSMA-PET) detects with high accuracy disease-recurrence, leading to changes in the management of biochemically-recurrent (BCR) prostate cancer (PCa). However, data regarding the oncological outcomes of patients who performed PSMA-PET are needed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of clinically relevant events during follow-up in patients who performed PSMA-PET for BCR after radical treatment.

Materials and methods

This analysis included consecutive, hormone-sensitive, hormone-free, recurrent PCa patients (HSPC) enrolled through a prospective study. All patients were eligible for salvage therapy, having at least 24 months of follow-up after PSMA-PET. The primary endpoint was the Event-Free Survival (EFS), defined as the time between the PSMA-PET and the date of event/last follow-up. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to estimate the EFS curves. EFS was also investigated by Cox proportional hazards regression. Events were defined as death, radiological progression, or PSA recurrence after therapy.

Results

One-hundred and seventy-six (n = 176) patients were analyzed (median PSA 0.62 [IQR: 0.43–1.00] ng/mL; median follow-up of 35.4 [IQR: 26.5–40.3] months). The EFS was 78.8% at 1 year, 65.2% (2 years), and 52.2% (3 years). Patients experiencing events during study follow-up had a significantly higher median PSA (0.81 [IQR: 0.53–1.28] vs 0.51 [IQR: 0.36–0.80] ng/mL) and a lower PSA doubling time (PSAdt) (5.4 [IQR: 3.7–11.6] vs 12.7 [IQR: 6.6–24.3] months) (p < 0.001) compared to event-free patients. The Kaplan–Meier curves showed that PSA > 0.5 ng/mL, PSAdt ≤ 6 months, and a positive PSMA-PET result were associated with a higher event rate (p < 0.01). No significant differences of event rates were observed in patients who received changes in therapy management after PSMA-PET vs. patients who did not receive therapy changes. Finally, PSA > 0.5 ng/mL and PSAdt ≤ 6 months were statistically significant event-predictors in multivariate model (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Low PSA and long PSAdt were significant predictors of longer EFS. A lower incidence of events was observed in patients having negative PSMA-PET, since longer EFS was significantly more probable in case of a negative scan.
Use of mathematical modelling to assess respiratory syncytial virus epidemiology and interventions: a literature review
Authors: Lang John C.
Published: February 2022

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of acute lower respiratory tract infection worldwide, resulting in approximately sixty thousand annual hospitalizations of< 5-year-olds in the United States alone and three million annual hospitalizations globally. The development of over 40 vaccines and immunoprophylactic interventions targeting RSV has the potential to significantly reduce the disease burden from RSV infection in the near future. In the context of RSV, a highly contagious pathogen, dynamic transmission models (DTMs) are valuable tools in the evaluation and comparison of the effectiveness of different interventions. This review, the first of its kind for RSV DTMs, provides a valuable foundation for future modelling efforts and highlights important gaps in our understanding of RSV epidemics. Specifically, we have searched the literature using Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and PubMed to identify all published manuscripts reporting the development of DTMs focused on the population transmission of RSV. We reviewed the resulting studies and summarized the structure, parameterization, and results of the models developed therein. We anticipate that future RSV DTMs, combined with cost-effectiveness evaluations, will play a significant role in shaping decision making in the development and implementation of intervention programs.
Prognostic impact of complete metastasectomy in metastatic renal cell carcinoma in the era of immuno-oncology-based combination therapies
Authors: Stühler Viktoria , Herrmann Lisa , Maas Moritz , Walz Simon , Rausch Steffen , Stenzl Arnulf , Bedke Jens
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Complete metastasectomy of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is receding into the past due to the progress of immuno-oncology-based combinations (IO) in systemic therapy. The prognostic impact of curative intended complete metastasectomy vs. immediate IO-based therapy or tyrosine kinase inhibition (TKI) on progression-free survival (PFS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) was investigated in the first-line setting.

Methods

205 patients with synchronous or metachronous metastasis received complete metastasectomy (n = 80) or systemic therapy (n = 125, TKI: 87, TKI–IO: 13, IO–IO: 25) as first-line therapy. The prognostic impact of these therapies was assessed using Cox regression and Kaplan–Meier analyses.

Results

First-line complete metastasectomy significantly improved CSS compared to both TKI monotherapy (6.1 vs. 2.6 years, HR 0.45, p < 0.001) and IO-based combination therapy (IO–IO/TKI–IO, 6.1 vs. 3.5 years, HR 0.28, p = 0.007). Repetitive complete metastasectomy without ever receiving systemic therapy vs. systemic therapy in first-line significantly prolonged CSS (11.3 vs. 3.1 years, HR 0.34, p = 0.002). First-line complete metastasectomy and subsequent systemic therapy at tumor progression was associated with a significant CSS benefit vs. systemic therapy (5.8 vs. 3.1 years, HR 0.53, p = 0.003), also compared to IO-based combinations (5.8 vs. 3.5 years, HR 0.30, p = 0.017). Median PFS was improved by IO-based therapy compared to TKI monotherapy in the first-line setting (HR 0.61, p = 0.05), with maximal benefit of the TKI–IO combination vs. TKI monotherapy (HR 0.27, p = 0.01), as well as compared to PFS of complete metastasectomy (HR 0.34, p = 0.035).

Conclusion

Despite the progress of IO-based combination therapies in first line, complete metastasectomy remains an integral part of the multimodality treatment of metastatic RCC.
Real-world anticoagulatory treatment after percutaneous mitral valve repair using MitraClip: a retrospective, observational study on 1300 patients
Authors: Hohmann Christopher , Ludwig Marion , Walker Jochen , Iliadis Christos , Schipper Jan-Hendrik , Baldus Stephan , Pfister Roman
Published: February 2022

Aims

This study sought to investigate current anticoagulatory treatment patterns and clinical outcome in patients undergoing transcatheter mitral valve repair (MitraClip).

Methods and results

In a retrospective study of a German claims database (InGef research database), anticoagulatory treatment regimens were assessed using any drug prescription post discharge within the first 90 days after MitraClip procedure. Clinical events between 30 days and 6 months were examined by treatment regime. The study population comprised 1342 patients undergoing MitraClip procedure between 2014 and 2018. 22.4% received antiplatelet monotherapy, 20.8% oral anticoagulation (OAC) plus antiplatelet therapy, 19.4% OAC monotherapy, 11.7% dual antiplatelet therapy, 2.8% triple therapy and 21.0% did not receive any anticoagulatory drugs. 63% of patients with OAC received non-vitamin-K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOAC). A total of 168 patients were newly prescribed OAC after MitraClip, of whom 12 patients (7.1%) had no diagnosis of atrial fibrillation or venous thromboembolism. 40% of patients with OAC prior to MitraClip did not have any OAC after MitraClip. The adjusted risk of all-cause mortality was significantly increased in patients with no anticoagulatory treatment (HR 3.84, 95% CI 2.33–6.33, p < 0.0001) when compared to antiplatelet monotherapy whereas the other regimes were not significantly different.

Conclusions

This large real-world data analysis demonstrates a heterogeneous spectrum of prescriptions for anticoagulant therapies after MitraClip. Considering relevant differences in clinical outcome across treatment groups, major effort is warranted for controlled trials in order to establish evidence-based recommendations on anticoagulatory treatment after percutaneous mitral valve repair.

Graphical abstract
Gut microbiota-dependent metabolite trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) and cardiovascular risk in patients with suspected functionally relevant coronary artery disease (fCAD)
Authors: Amrein Melissa , Li Xinmin S. , Walter Joan , Wang Zeneng , Zimmermann Tobias , Strebel Ivo , Honegger Ursina , Leu Kathrin , Schäfer Ibrahim , Twerenbold Raphael , Puelacher Christian , Glarner Noemi , Nestelberger Thomas , Koechlin Luca , Ceresa Benjamin , Haaf Philip , Bakula Adam , Zellweger Michael , Hazen Stanley L. , Mueller Christian
Published: February 2022

Background

Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) has been associated with cardiovascular outcomes. However, the diagnostic value of TMAO and its precursors have not been assessed for functionally relevant coronary artery disease (fCAD) and its prognostic potential in this setting needs to be evaluated.

Methods

Among 1726 patients with suspected fCAD serum TMAO, and its precursors betaine, choline and carnitine, were quantified using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Diagnosis of fCAD was performed by myocardial perfusion single photon emission tomography (MPI-SPECT) and coronary angiography blinded to marker concentrations. Incident all-cause death, cardiovascular death (CVD) and myocardial infarction (MI) were assessed during 5-years follow-up.

Results

Concentrations of TMAO, betaine, choline and carnitine were significantly higher in patients with fCAD versus those without (TMAO 5.33 μM vs 4.66 μM, p < 0.001); however, diagnostic accuracy was low (TMAO area under the receiver operating curve [AUC]: 0.56, 95% CI [0.53–0.59], p < 0.001). In prognostic analyses, TMAO, choline and carnitine above the median were associated with significantly (p < 0.001 for all) higher cumulative events for death and CVD during 5-years follow-up. TMAO remained a significant predictor for death and CVD even in full models adjusted for renal function (HR = 1.58 (1.16, 2.14), p = 0.003; HR = 1.66 [1.07, 2.59], p = 0.025). Prognostic discriminative accuracy for TMAO was good and robust for death and CVD (2-years AUC for CVD 0.73, 95% CI [0.65–0.80]).

Conclusion

TMAO and its precursors, betaine, choline and carnitine were significantly associated with fCAD, but with limited diagnostic value. TMAO was a strong predictor for incident death and CVD in patients with suspected fCAD.

Clinical trial registration

NCT01838148.

Graphical abstract
Associations of dairy, meat, and fish intakes with risk of incident dementia and with cognitive performance: the Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study (KIHD)
Authors: Ylilauri Maija P. T. , Hantunen Sari , Lönnroos Eija , Salonen Jukka T. , Tuomainen Tomi-Pekka , Virtanen Jyrki K.
Published: February 2022

Purpose

To investigate if dairy, meat, and fish intakes associate with dementia and cognitive performance.

Methods

We included 2497 dementia-free men from Eastern Finland, aged 42–60 years in 1984–1989 at the baseline examinations. Data on cognitive tests [Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE), trail making test (TMT), verbal fluency test (VFL), selective reminding test (SRT), and Russell’s adaptation of the visual reproduction test (VRT)] at the 4-year re-examinations were available for 482 men and on the ApoE phenotype for 1259 men. Data on dementia events were obtained by linkage to national health registers. Diet was assessed with baseline 4-day food records. Cox regression and analysis of covariance were used for analyses.

Results

During a mean 22-year follow-up, 337 men had a dementia diagnosis. Among the foods, only cheese intake associated with dementia risk (hazard ratio in the highest vs. the lowest quartile = 0.72, 95% confidence interval = 0.52–0.99, P-trend = 0.05). In the cognitive tests, higher non-fermented dairy and milk intakes associated with worse verbal fluency (VFT). Higher processed red meat intake associated with worse verbal (SRT) and visual memory (VRT), whereas higher unprocessed red meat intake associated with better general cognitive functioning (MMSE) and processing speed and executive functioning (TMT). Higher fish intake associated with better verbal memory (SRT). Among APOE-ε4 carriers, especially non-fermented dairy intake associated with higher risk of dementia outcomes, and higher fish intake indicated better cognitive performance.

Conclusion

Although higher intake of some food groups associated with cognitive performance, we found little evidence for associations with dementia risk.
Occupational exposure to physicians working with a Zero-Gravity™ protection system in haemodynamic and electrophysiology labs and the assessment of its performance against a standard ceiling suspended shield
Authors: Domienik-Andrzejewska Joanna , Mirowski Mateusz , Jastrzębski Marek , Górnik Tomasz , Masiarek Konrad , Warchoł Izabela , Grabowicz Włodzimierz
Published: February 2022

A two centre clinical study was performed to analyse exposure levels of cardiac physicians performing electrophysiology and haemodynamic procedures with the use of state of the art Zero-Gravity™ radiation protective system (ZG). The effectiveness of ZG was compared against the commonly used ceiling suspended lead shield (CSS) in a haemodynamic lab. The operator’s exposure was assessed using thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) during both ablation (radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and cryoablation (CRYA)) and angiography and angioplasty procedures (CA/PCI). The dosimeters were placed in multiple body regions: near the left eye, on the left side of the neck, waist and chest, on both hands and ankles during each measurement performed with the use of ZG. In total 29 measurements were performed during 105 procedures. To compare the effectiveness of ZG against CSS an extra 80 measurements were performed with the standard lead apron, thyroid collar and ceiling suspended lead shield during CA/PCI procedures. For ZG, the upper values for the average eye lens and whole body doses per procedure were 4 µSv and 16 µSv for the left eye lens in electrophysiology lab (with additionally used CSS) and haemodynamic lab (without CSS), respectively, and about 10 µSv for the remaining body parts (neck, chest and waist) in both labs. The skin doses to hands and ankles non-protected by the ZG were 5 µSv for the most exposed left finger and left ankle in electrophysiology lab, while in haemodynamic lab 150 µSv and 17 µSv, respectively. The ZG performance was 3 times (p < 0.05) and at least 15 times (p < 0.05) higher for the eye lenses and thoracic region, respectively, compared to CSS (with dosimeters on the apron/collar). However, when only ZG was used slightly higher normalised doses were observed for the left finger compared to CSS (5.88e − 2 Sv/Gym2 vs. 4.31 e − 2 Sv/Gym2, p = 0.016). The study results indicate that ZG performance is superior to CSS. It can be simultaneously used with the ceiling suspended lead shield to ensure the protection to the hands as long as this is not obstructive for the work.
Cuticular hydrocarbons for the identification and geographic assignment of empty puparia of forensically important flies
Authors: Moore Hannah , Lutz Lena , Bernhardt Victoria , Drijfhout Falko P. , Cody Robert B. , Amendt Jens
Published: February 2022

Research in social insects has shown that hydrocarbons on their cuticle are species-specific. This has also been proven for Diptera and is a promising tool for identifying important fly taxa in Forensic Entomology. Sometimes the empty puparia, in which the metamorphosis to the adult fly has taken place, can be the most useful entomological evidence at the crime scene. However, so far, they are used with little profit in criminal investigations due to the difficulties of reliably discriminate among different species. We analysed the CHC chemical profiles of empty puparia from seven forensically important blow flies Calliphora vicina, Chrysomya albiceps, Lucilia caesar, Lucilia sericata, Lucilia silvarum, Protophormia terraenovae, Phormia regina and the flesh fly Sarcophaga caerulescens. The aim was to use their profiles for identification but also investigate geographical differences by comparing profiles of the same species (here: C. vicina and L. sericata) from different regions. The cuticular hydrocarbons were extracted with hexane and analysed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Our results reveal distinguishing differences within the cuticular hydrocarbon profiles allowing for identification of all analysed species. There were also differences shown in the profiles of C. vicina from Germany, Spain, Norway and England, indicating that geographical locations can be determined from this chemical analysis. Differences in L. sericata, sampled from England and two locations in Germany, were less pronounced, but there was even some indication that it may be possible to distinguish populations within Germany that are about 70 km apart from one another.
E-scooter driving under the acute influence of alcohol—a real-driving fitness study
Authors: Zube Katharina , Daldrup Thomas , Lau Michael , Maatz Rüdiger , Tank Anne , Steiner Irina , Schwender Holger , Hartung Benno
Published: February 2022

Purpose

To assess the effects of alcohol on the ability to drive an e-scooter, driving tests reflecting real-life situations accompanied by medical examinations focusing on balance were conducted at different blood alcohol concentrations (BACs).

Methods

Fifty-seven subjects who consumed alcohol (28 female, 29 male) and 6 consistently sober subjects (3 female, 3 male) participated in the study. Alcohol was administered on a fixed schedule, and the individual drinking quantity was individually calculated in advance using the Widmark formula. Repeated runs through a fixed course were performed. Following each ride, a blood sample was taken for BAC determination, and medical tests were performed.

Results

Even at low BACs (0.21–0.60 g/kg), subjects showed a significant decrease in driving performance, to approximately 60% of the initial level. Differences in driving performance at different BAC ranges were observed for different obstacles, especially for the narrowing track, gate passage, slalom, and driving in circles obstacles. Furthermore, worse Romberg and Unterberger test results were correlated with worse driving performance. It cannot be assumed that learning effects during the study had a relevant effect, as shown in the comparison of the driving performance of the alcohol-consuming group with that of the control group. Sex-specific differences were not found.

Discussion

Significant deteriorations in driving performance at BACs below 1.10 g/kg confirmed alcohol-related risk potential when using e-scooters. At this time, these findings may lead to the assumption of “relative driving impairment” in Germany. The Romberg and Unterberger tests could be considered a complementary investigation method for the assessment of e-scooter driving impairment.

Conclusion

Even at rather low BACs between 0.21 and 0.40 g/kg, there was a significant deterioration in driving performance under the influence of alcohol compared to sober, which highlights the negative effects of alcohol on e-scooter driving.
Automated Rock Quality Designation Using Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Alzubaidi Fatimah , Mostaghimi Peyman , Si Guangyao , Swietojanski Pawel , Armstrong Ryan T.
Published: February 2022

Mineral and hydrocarbon exploration relies heavily on geological and geotechnical information extracted from drill cores. Traditional drill-core characterization is based purely on the subjective expertise of a geologist. New technologies can provide automatic mineral analysis and high-resolution drill core images in a non-destructive manner. However, automated rock mass characterization presents a significant challenge due to its lack of generalization and robustness. To date, the automated estimation of rock quality designation (RQD), a key parameter for rock mass classification, is based mostly on digital image processing techniques with significant user biases. Alternatively, we propose using computer vision and machine learning-based algorithms for drill core characterization using drill core images to determine the RQD. A convolutional neural network (CNN) is used to detect and classify intact and non-intact cores, and to filter out empty tray areas and non-rock objects present in the core trays. The model calculates the length of the detected intact cores and estimates the RQD. We train the CNN model with thousands of sandstone core images from different drill holes in South Australia. The proposed method is tested on 540 sandstone core rows and 90 limestone core rows (~ 1 m each), which produces average error rates of 2.58% and 3.17%, respectively.
Frequency dependency of therapeutic efficacy in dorsal root ganglion stimulation for neuropathic pain
Authors: Piedade G. S. , Gillner S. , McPhillips P. S. , Vesper J. , Slotty P. J.
Published: February 2022

Background

The influence of the stimulation frequency on the outcomes of dorsal root ganglion stimulation (DRG-S) to treat pain is not well understood. It is assumed that specific neural components dedicated to different tasks in the DRG can be preferably influenced at specific frequencies. The identification of frequencies designed for the type of pain and the ratio of neuropathic versus nociceptive pain might improve overall pain control and open new indications in DRG-S.

Method

We report on a randomized double-blind clinical trial with a crossover design. Patients with a permanent DRG-S system underwent phases of stimulation with 20 Hz, 40 Hz, 60 Hz, 80 Hz, and sham in a randomized order. Each phase lasted for 4 days and was followed by a 2-day washout period. Pain intensity and quality of life were assessed with visual analog scale (VAS), McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ), EQ-5D, and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Analgesics intake was assessed.

Results

Overall 19 patients were included in the study. CRPS was the most frequent pain etiology (7). Five patients had a PainDetect score of 12 or lower at baseline. The mean VAS before the system was implanted was 8.6 and 3.9 at the baseline. Pain intensity was reduced to 3.7 by the stimulation with 20 Hz but increased with higher frequencies reaching 5.8 at 80 Hz. A significant difference among the groups was shown over all variables examined (VAS, MPQ, EQ-5D, BDI). The best results were seen at 20 Hz for all variables, including the smallest increase in pain medication consumption.

Conclusions

The choice of the stimulation frequency shows a clear influence on pain reduction and quality of life. Lower stimulation frequencies seem to be most effective in neuropathic pain. Further studies are required to determine whether specific frequencies should be preferred based on the condition treated.
Comparison of Machine Learning Methods Using Spectralis OCT for Diagnosis and Disability Progression Prognosis in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Montolío Alberto , Cegoñino José , Garcia-Martin Elena , Pérez del Palomar Amaya
Published: February 2022

Machine learning approaches in diagnosis and prognosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) were analysed using retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT). A cross-sectional study (72 MS patients and 30 healthy controls) was used for diagnosis. These 72 MS patients were involved in a 10-year longitudinal follow-up study for prognostic purposes. Structural measurements of RNFL thickness were performed using different Spectralis OCT protocols: fast macular thickness protocol to measure macular RNFL, and fast RNFL thickness protocol and fast RNFL-N thickness protocol to measure peripapillary RNFL. Binary classifiers such as multiple linear regression (MLR), support vector machines (SVM), decision tree (DT), k-nearest neighbours (k-NN), Naïve Bayes (NB), ensemble classifier (EC) and long short-term memory (LSTM) recurrent neural network were tested. For MS diagnosis, the best acquisition protocol was fast macular thickness protocol using k-NN (accuracy: 95.8%; sensitivity: 94.4%; specificity: 97.2%; precision: 97.1%; AUC: 0.958). For MS prognosis, our model with a 3-year follow up to predict disability progression 8 years later was the best predictive model. DT performed best for fast macular thickness protocol (accuracy: 91.3%; sensitivity: 90.0%; specificity: 92.5%; precision: 92.3%; AUC: 0.913) and SVM for fast RNFL-N thickness protocol (accuracy: 91.3%; sensitivity: 87.5%; specificity: 95.0%; precision: 94.6%; AUC: 0.913). This work concludes that measurements of RNFL thickness obtained with Spectralis OCT have a good ability to diagnose MS and to predict disability progression in MS patients. This machine learning approach would help clinicians to have valuable information.
Twitter-aided decision making: a review of recent developments
Authors: Zhang Yihong , Shirakawa Masumi , Wang Yuanyuan , Li Zhi , Hara Takahiro
Published: February 2022

Twitter is one of the largest online platforms where people exchange information. In the first few years since its emergence, researchers have been exploring ways to use Twitter data in various decision making scenarios, and have shown promising results. In this review, we examine 28 newer papers published in last five years (since 2016) that continued to advance Twitter-aided decision making. The application scenarios we cover include product sales prediction, stock selection, crime prevention, epidemic tracking, and traffic monitoring. We first discuss the findings presented in these papers, that is how much decision making performance has been improved with the help of Twitter data. Then we offer a methodological analysis that considers four aspects of methods used in these papers, including problem formulation, solution, Twitter feature, and information transformation. This methodological analysis aims to enable researchers and decision makers to see the applicability of Twitter-aided methods in different application domains or platforms.
Shifts in microbial stoichiometry upon nutrient addition do not capture growth-limiting nutrients for soil microorganisms in two subtropical soils
Authors: Rosinger Christoph , Keiblinger Katharina M. , Rousk Johannes , Sandén Hans
Published: February 2022

Microbial stoichiometry has become a key aspect in ecological research as shifts in microbial C:N, C:P and N:P ratios upon nutrient addition are presumed to give insight into relative nutrient limitations for soil microorganisms–with far-reaching implications for biogeochemical processes. However, this expectation has never been tested against direct methods of microbial growth responses to nutrient addition. We therefore manipulated a subtropical grassland and forest soil with multifactorial C-, N- and P-additions during 30 days to induce changes in limiting resources and evaluated the resulting soil microbial growth rates, microbial biomass stoichiometry, potential enzyme activities and microbial community composition. Our results show that microbial stoichiometric shifts upon nutrient addition ambiguously predict growth-limiting nutrients for soil microbes. For example, P- and NP-addition to the grassland soil significantly shifted the microbial N:P ratio, which suggests increased N- relative to P-limitation. Microbial growth responses however indicated that soil microbes remained C limited. The same applies for the forest soil, where P-, CN-, NP- and CNP-additions shifted the microbial N:P ratio, yet microbial growth remained C limited. This indicates that microorganisms can immobilize N and P for storage when C is the main limiting nutrient, and that intracellular storage of N and P is responsible for the observed shifts in microbial stoichiometry. Moreover, our data imply that shifts in microbial C:N ratios do not necessarily indicate shifts in microbial community composition and suggest that soil microorganisms–when subject to resource pulses–are stoichiometrically quite plastic.
Quantification of periaortic adipose tissue in contrast-enhanced CT angiography: technical feasibility and methodological considerations
Authors: Mamopoulos Apostolos T. , Freyhardt Patrick , Touloumtzidis Aristotelis , Zapenko Alexander , Katoh Marcus , Gäbel Gabor
Published: February 2022

To examine the feasibility of the quantification of abdominal periaortic fat tissue (PaFT) (tissue within − 45 to − 195 HU) in enhanced CT-angiographies compared to unenhanced CT-scans and identify methodological issues affecting its clinical implementation. Using OsirixMD, PaFT volume and mean HU value were retrospectively measured within a 5 mm periaortic ring in paired unenhanced and enhanced abdominal aortic CT-scans. The correlation between PaFT values was examined in a derivation cohort (n = 101) and linear regression analysis produced correction factors to convert values from enhanced into values from unenhanced CTs. The conversion factors were then applied to enhanced CTs in a different validation cohort (n = 47) and agreement of corrected enhanced values with values from unenhanced scans was evaluated. Correlation between PaFT Volume und Mean HU from enhanced and unenhanced scans was very high (r > 0.99 and r = 0.95, respectively, p < 0.0001 for both). The correction factors for PaFT Volume and Mean HU were 1.1057 and 1.0011. Potential confounding factors (CT-kilovoltage, slice thickness, mean intraluminal contrast density, aortic wall calcification, longitudinal variation of intraluminal contrast density, aortic diameter) showed no significant effect in a multivariate regression analysis (p > 0.05). Bland-Altman analysis of corrected enhanced and unenhanced values showed excellent agreement and Passing–Bablok regression confirmed minimal/no residual bias. PaFT can be quantified in enhanced CT-angiographies very reliably. PaFT Volume scores are very consistently slightly underestimated in enhanced scans by about 10%, while the PaFT Mean HU value remains practically constant and offers distinct methodological advantages. However, a number of methodological issues remain to be addressed.
Nest-site selection influences offspring sex ratio in green turtles, a species with temperature-dependent sex determination
Authors: Heredero Saura L. , Jáñez-Escalada L. , López Navas J. , Cordero K. , Santidrián Tomillo P.
Published: February 2022

Climate change threatens species with temperature-dependent sex determination as further warming could result in extremely biased sex ratios or offspring of only one sex. Among the possible adaptations of sea turtles to climate change, are behavioral responses toward nesting in cooler areas. We analyzed nesting patterns of East Pacific green turtles (Chelonia mydas) in Costa Rica to determine the occurrence of nest-site selection and how this could influence primary sex ratios (PSR). Green turtles exhibited nest-site repeatability. Nests placed by the same individual were generally closer (mean distance: 237.4 m) than other nests on the beach (mean distance: 411.0 m) and this repeatability was maintained in different nesting seasons. Additionally, turtles tended to place late nests closer to each other than their early nests, suggesting an adjusting nesting behavior throughout the nesting season. A great majority of nests were placed in the vegetation (80.9%) and within this zone, turtles preferred nesting under trees (78%) than in grass areas (28%), where temperatures were cooler and PSR were less female biased. Mean nest temperature (°C) during the thermosensitive period and mean PSR were 30.7 ± 1.2 °C and 79 ± 4%, respectively. Most years were female-biased or extremely female-biased but there was approximately one male-biased year in the decade. Although many nests produced 100% females, some male hatchlings were produced every year, even during the extreme 2015–2016 El Niño event. The preference of green turtles for nesting in shaded areas could help to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change unless temperatures in shaded areas rose above the male producing temperatures.
Electrophysiological evaluation and 18-month follow-up of two regimens with aflibercept for neovascular age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Schroeder Marion , Kjellström Ulrika , Lövestam-Adrian Monica
Published: February 2022

Purpose

To compare two aflibercept treatment regimens and the electrophysiological outcome concerning cone and rod function in age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) over 18 months.

Methods

41 patients with treatment-naïve nAMD were randomized 1:1 to either arm 1 or 2. Arm 1 received three consecutive monthly aflibercept injections, followed by bimonthly treatment until week 52. Thereafter, a treat-and-extend (TAE) regimen was applied. Arm 2 was treated according to a TAE protocol throughout the 18-month follow-up. We assessed visual acuity (VA), central retinal thickness (CRT), injection rate and interval, and evaluated cone and rod function with full-field and multifocal electroretinography (ffERG, mERG).

Results

There were no statistically significant differences in mean baseline VA, lesion type, age, gender, or symptom duration between the two arms. During the 18-month follow-up, mean VA improved in arm 1 (n = 19) from 63.5 ± 10.5 to 69.1 ± 9.2 letters;p = 0.098; and in arm 2 (n = 20) from 66.8 ± 13.6 to 73.9 ± 9.0 letters;p = .002. In both arms, mean CRT was significantly reduced;p < 0.000. At month 18, we found no significant difference in the number of injections or injection intervals between groups. Arm 1 had received 11.3 ± 1.7 injections vs. 10.9 ± 2.0 in arm 2. The mean injection interval was 9.2 ± 3.4 weeks vs. 9.5 ± 3.1, with 52% (n = 10) on the maximum 12-week interval in arm 1, and 50% (n = 10) in arm 2. The combined rod-cone a-wave amplitude significantly decreased over time;p = 0.043. The isolated rod b-wave amplitude showed a statistically significant decline;p = 0.026. The overall mERG amplitude and implicit time remained unchanged over time;p = 0.878 vs.p = 0.922. The central ring 1 mERG amplitude improved;p = 0.041, with an unaffected implicit time.

Conclusions

After 18 months, both treatments arms have received a similar number of injections at comparable intervals. Electrophysiological evaluation shows no signs of toxicity concerning cone function. But ffERGs for the combined and isolated rod response have declined, possibly reflecting either toxic effects of the drug to rods or the natural course of the disease itself.
Perception of online feedback and its impact on cognitive and emotional engagement with feedback
Authors: Mayordomo Rosa M. , Espasa Anna , Guasch Teresa , Martínez-Melo Montserrat
Published: February 2022

Online feedback plays a key role in learning, but this requires that students engage with feedback. Some authors identify students’ perception of feedback as relevant to understanding engagement. To measure the effect that perceived feedback (specifically its valence) has upon engagement with feedback, a quasi-experimental study has been carried out between two groups of master’s students (191 students, 91.6% women, with a mean age of 30.6 years): a group in which students had the possibility to resubmit an assignment after feedback and another group in which students only received feedback at the end of the assignment. Results show there are no significant differences between both groups regarding the perception of the feedback. However, the results point to the importance of feedback valence perception in resubmission situation. In this situation, a significant relationship between emotional engagement and cognitive engagement with feedback was identified depending on how the feedback was perceived. The main conclusions are the need of incorporating opportunities for resubmission to promote engagement with feedback, the relevance of the perception of feedback, and the role of emotional engagement plays in relation to cognitive engagement with feedback.
Social learning as an underlying mechanism for sustainability in neglected communities: The Brazilian case of the Bucket Revolution project
Authors: Bonatti Michelle , Erismann Carla , Askhabalieva Ayna , Borba Juliano , Pope Kamila , Reynaldo Renata , Eufemia Luca , Turetta Ana Paula , Sieber Stefan
Published: February 2022

In neglected communities, waste and organic residues are not only a vector of several problems, like diseases and water pollution, but also a contributor to increasing forms of vulnerability and marginalization. At the same time, these communities also have presented innovative local initiatives and transformative learning about natural resources management that can be a vehicle for achieving more sustainable food systems. In the south of Brazil, community-based organic residue management has shown an extraordinary potential to improve food security and livelihoods for (≈1600) community members of a vulnerable urban territory. In this context, the overall objective of this article is (a) To better understand what Social Learning (SL) processes related to successful organic residues management in neglected communities exist and (b) To identify what knowledge systems are created in one empirical case. The study case is based on a communitarian waste management project, the Bucket Revolution Project (BRP). The analytical framework builds upon social learning theory and its triple-loop process focusing on four specific phenomena. The applied mixed-methods approach was made in four steps: 1. a focus group to investigate collective community issues; 2. semi-structured interviews to investigate specific and individual issues in the context of the BRP; 3. social media analysis to better understand the BRP narratives; and finally 4. participant observation in community and institutional meetings. Mainly using MaxQda software and coding indicators of SL, the data show that “Diversity of knowledge integration” is the most identified SL indicator in the interviews (52%). For BRP, identity development, community conditions improvement, and environment understanding are three key components of the knowledge system enhanced through an underlying process of social learning. Furthermore, the study also shows that there are endogenous and exogenous social learning processes at work.