bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trendbericht Physikalische Chemie 2022: Reaktionsdynamik lichtgetriebener Reaktionen
Authors: Pannwitz Andrea
Published: April 2022

Die Aufklärung von Reaktionsmechanismen ist in der Katalyse wichtig, um die geschwindigkeitsbegrenzende Schritte zu verstehen und zu beschleunigen. Mit maschinellem Lernen lassen dann sich auf Basis der Mechanismen neue Katalysatoren entwickeln. Photochemische Umsetzungen in weichen Membranen folgen einer anderen Kinetik als Reaktionen in Lösung. Mikroschwimmer, Mikromotoren oder Phototaxis zählen zu aktiver Materie. Sie wandeln kontinuierlich Energie aus ihrer Umgebung um und bewegen sich autonom.
Glasanalytik: Das Bunte durchblicken
Authors: Diederich Dirk , Drexler Hubert
Published: April 2022

An blauen und braunen Gläsern lässt sich zeigen, wie eine Software Spektren berechnen kann. Die Ergebnisse sind fast so genau wie nasschemische Analysen.
Boehringer Ingelheim: Für Mensch unf Tier
Authors: Bulmahn Maren
Published: April 2022

Der Pharmakonzern Boehringer Ingelheim investierte im Jahr 2021 soviel in Forschung und Entwicklung wie noch nie. Die Ausgaben machten 20 Prozent des Umsatzes aus.
Lanxess: Mehr Aromen und Biozide
Authors: Bulmahn Maren
Published: April 2022

Das Spezialchemieunternehmen Lanxess hat im Jahr 2021 mehr umgesetzt als im Vorjahr. Vier Akquisitionen erweitern das Segment Consumer Protection.
Freudenberg: Dichtungen, Filter und Mikrofasern
Authors: Bulmahn Maren
Published: April 2022

Der Weinheimer Konzern Freudenberg setzte im Jahr 2021 erstmals mehr als 10 Mio. Euro um. Er will seinen Energiebedarf vollständig etwa mit Strom aus Wind‐, Sonnen‐ und Wasserkraft decken.
Green Chemistry for a Sustainable Europe
Authors: Gärtner Peter
Published: April 2022

Einladung zu den 19. Chemietagen der GÖCH an der TU Wien
Understanding sexual health concerns in women after traumatic pelvic fracture
Authors: Gambrah Helen A. , Hagedorn Judith C. , Dmochowski Roger R. , Johnsen Niels V.
Published: April 2022

Introduction

While there is a well‐known association between pelvic fracture and sexual dysfunction, few studies discuss the treatment patterns and utilization of healthcare services following injury. Those that do exist pertain to men. How women experience sexual dysfunction after traumatic injury and how they navigate the healthcare system is currently not well documented in the literature. This study aims to understand the prevalence and spectrum of sexual health issues in women after pelvic fracture, and to highlight barriers associated with accessing care for these concerns.

Materials and Methods

Women admitted and treated for traumatic pelvic fractures at a single Level 1 trauma center over a 6‐year period were invited to participate in an electronic cross‐sectional survey. Sexual health issues and care‐seeking behaviors around sexual health were assessed. Inverse probability weighting based on available common data points in the registry was utilized to adjust for nonresponse bias. All data presented are of weighted data unless otherwise specified.

Results

Of the 780 potential subjects, 98 women responded to the survey (12.6% crude response rate). With weighting, 71% of responders were white and 42% had private insurance, with a mean age at the time of injury of 42.2 years (SD 22.4) and median time since the injury of 45 months (interquartile range: 30.0, 57.4). 49.5% stated that sexual function was important to very important to their quality of life, with an additional 25.3% reporting it was moderately important. Of responders, 59.0% (95% confidence interval: 47.1%–71.0%) reported de novo postinjury sexual dysfunction. Specific complaints included dyspareunia (37.1%), difficulty with sexual satisfaction (34.4%), difficulty with sexual desire (31.3%), difficulty with orgasm (26.0%), and genital pain (17.8%). Of those with postinjury sexual dysfunction, 30.4% of women reported spontaneous resolution without treatment. An additional 15.4% indicated that they have continued concerns and desire treatment. Only 11.6% of women stated they had received treatment, all patients with access to insurance. Of those with postinjury sexual dysfunction, 60.8% had sexual health discussions with providers, 83.3% of which were patient‐initiated. Common reasons why patients with sexual dysfunction did not raise the topic of sexual health with providers included embarrassment/fear (23.6%), assuming the issue would resolve with time (23.5%), sexual health not being a health priority (22.4%), and lack of information about the condition or available treatments (19.9%).

Conclusion

Sexual dysfunction is common in women after traumatic pelvic fracture, with patients experiencing dysfunction in multiple domains. Concerns are inadequately addressed in the healthcare setting due to several modifiable barriers at both the patient and provider levels. Standardization in the postinjury recovery period is needed to better address patients' sexual health concerns.
Synthesis and Gas Adsorption Properties of γ ‐Fe2O3 Nanoparticles for Mass‐Type Sensing Application
Authors: Vinh Nguyen Thanh , Van Dang Tran , Hang Bui Thi , Loan To Thanh , Le Anh‐Tuan , Van Quy Nguyen
Published: April 2022

In this study, Fe3O4 nanoparticles are prepared by the co‐precipitation method. γ‐Fe2O3 and α‐Fe2O3 nanoparticles are obtained by calcining Fe3O4 nanoparticles for 6 h at 200 and 600 °C. The physicochemical properties of the prepared nanoparticles are investigated by field‐emission scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, and Barrett–Joyner–Halenda methods. The gas sensors based on a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) coated with Fe3O4, γ‐Fe2O3, and α‐Fe2O3 nanoparticles are fabricated and analyzed. The as‐fabricated QCM sensors displayed a high capability for detecting SO2 at room temperature. Among the sensors, the γ‐Fe2O3 nanoparticles coated QCM sensor exhibited the best response. Moreover, the sensor shows good repeatability and long‐term stability. The correlation between the phase composition of the iron oxide nanoparticles and SO2 sensing performance is also discussed in detail.
CRISPR/Cas9 mediates efficient site‐specific mutagenesis of the odorant receptor co‐receptor (Orco) in the malaria vector Anopheles sinensis
Authors: Wang You , He Xingfei , Qiao Liang , Yu Zhengrong , Chen Bin , He Zhengbo
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND

Anopheles sinensis is the most widely distributed mosquito species and is the main transmitter of Plasmodium vivax malaria in China. Most previous research has focused on the mechanistic understanding of biological processes in An. sinensis and novel ways of interrupting malaria transmission. However, the development of functional genomics and genetics‐based vector control strategies against An. sinensis remain limited because of insufficient site‐specific genome editing tools.

RESULTS

We report the first successful application of the CRISPR/Cas9 mediated knock‐in for highly efficient, site‐specific mutagenesis in An. sinensis. The EGFP marker gene driven by the 3 × P3 promoter was precisely integrated into the odorant receptor co‐receptor (Orco) by direct injections of Cas9 protein, double‐stranded DNA donor, and Orco‐gRNA. We achieved a mutation rate of 3.77%, similar to rates in other mosquito species. Precise knock‐in at the intended locus was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and sequencing. The Orco mutation severely impaired mosquito sensitivity to some odors and their ability to locate and discriminate a human host.

CONCLUSION

Orco was confirmed as a key mediator of multiple olfactory‐driven behaviors in the An. sinensis life cycle, highlighting the importance of Orco as a key molecular target for malaria control. The results also demonstrated that CRISPR/Cas9 was a simple and highly efficient genome editing technique for An. sinensis and could be used to develop genetic control tools for this vector. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Comparison of water consumption for the conversion of croplands to orchards in dryland ecosystems
Authors: Zhang Rui , Ma Jinghan , Seki Katsutoshi , Wang Di , Wang Li
Published: April 2022

Evapotranspiration (ET) is the main ecological and soil water consumption process in terrestrial ecosystems. Previous studies have investigated ET partitioning across sites and plants; however, direct comparisons of water consumption before and after the transition from one crop to another are scarce. The variation in and proportion of ET and its subcomponents as well as the change in soil water storage (SWS) were compared in maize (Zea mays L.) croplands and apple (Malus domestica auct. non Borkh. cv. Fuji) orchards in four active (approximately May to September) and three inactive growth periods on the southern Loess Plateau, China. Soil water evaporation (Es) accounted for 36.3 and 37.7% of the total ET for cropland and orchard, respectively, in the active growth period. The canopy interception (Ic) significantly differed between cropland and orchard. The mean Ic/ET for cropland and orchard was 23.1 and 22.7%, respectively, in the active growth period, showing that the effects of Ic on ET partitioning should not be ignored. The mean ratio of transpiration (T) to ET for cropland was 2.8% less than that for orchard during the active growth period. The T/ET of cropland peaked twice in each active growth period. Precipitation (P) met the water consumption requirements of crop growth in the active growth period. The ET of cropland and orchard in the inactive growth period accounted for 29.4 and 31.8% of the ET for the hydrological year, respectively. These results help assess water consumption and soil sustainability under changes in crops in dryland agricultural ecosystems.
Covalent organic framework containing dual redox centers as an efficient anode in Li‐ion batteries
Authors: Tong Yifan , Sun Zhaopeng , Wang Jiawen , Huang Weiwei , Zhang Qichun
Published: April 2022

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) with periodic channels and tunable chemical structures have been widely considered as promising electrode materials in rechargeable batteries. However, the design and construction of high‐performance COFs‐based electrodes still face some challenges in the introduction of multiple efficient redox centers as well as the reduction of dead mass. To address these issues, a unique COF containing double active centers (C═N and N═N) is developed as an anode in rechargeable lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). The as‐prepared COF displays excellent electrochemical performance due to its remarkable structural stability and the existence of many active groups. Meanwhile, its electrochemical performance is significantly better than that of the small molecule compound or the linear polymer with the same construction units. Even at a high current density of 5 A/g, the LIBs with COF electrodes remain at a high discharge capacity of 227 mAh/g after 2000 cycles. Moreover, the distinction in electrochemical performances of these three materials is further revealed by calculation. This study illustrates the importance of molecular structure design for improving the performance of organic electrodes.
The long‐term impact of loneliness and social isolation on depression and anxiety in memory clinic attendees and their care partners: A longitudinal actor–partner interdependence model
Authors: Maharani Asri , Zaidi Syeda Nosheen Zehra , Jury Francine , Vatter Sabina , Hill Derek , Leroi Iracema
Published: April 2022

Introduction

This study examined the long‐term influence of loneliness and social isolation on mental health outcomes in memory assessment service (MAS) attendees and their care partners, with a focus on interdependence and bidirectionality.

Methods

Longitudinal data from 95 clinic attendees with cognitive impairment, and their care partners (dyads), from four MAS in the North of England were analyzed. We applied the actor–partner interdependence model, seeking associations within the dyad. At baseline and 12‐month follow‐up, clinic attendees and care partners completed measures of loneliness and social isolation, depression, and anxiety.

Results

Social isolation at baseline was more prevalent in care partners compared to MAS attendees. Social isolation in MAS attendees was associated with higher anxiety symptoms (β = 0.28, 95% confidence intervals [CIs] = 0.11 to 0.45) in themselves at 12 months. We found significant positive actor and partner effects of loneliness on depression (actor effect: β = 0.36, 95% CIs = 0.19 to 0.53; partner effect: β = 0.23, 95% CIs = 0.06 to 0.40) and anxiety (actor effect: β = 0.39, 95% CIs = 0.23 to 0.55; partner effect: β = 0.22, 95% CIs = 0.05 to 0.39) among MAS attendees 1 year later. Loneliness scores of the care partners have a significant and positive association with depressive (β = 0.36, 95% CIs = 0.19 to 0.53) and anxiety symptoms (β = 0.32, 95% CIs = 0.22 to 0.55) in themselves at 12 months.

Discussion

Loneliness and social isolation in MAS clinic attendees had a downstream effect on their own and their care partners’ mental health. This highlights the importance of including care partners in assessments of mental health and social connectedness and expanding the remit of social prescribing in the MAS context.
Usage-Based Automotive Insurance
Authors: Elicegui Ignacio , Carrasco Juan , Escribano Carmen Perea , Gato Jose , Becerra Andrea , Politis Andreas
Published: April 2022

Nowadays, pricing strategies for insured clients are supported on general statistics and driver personnel conditions (historic driver activity, age, gender, and address). Cutting-edge technologies such as IoT, AI, and big data have converted current vehicles on a plethora of available real-world and real-time data, leading to novel alternatives of car insurance policies and services such as personalized enhanced products based on their driving profile and evolved services related to the insured context, driver profile, environment, etc. like fraud detection and accident resolution.
Addressing Risk Assessments in Real-Time for Forex Trading
Authors: Fatouros Georgios , Makridis Georgios , Soldatos John , Ristau Petra , Monferrino Vittorio
Published: April 2022

Risk assessment is of high importance when it comes to trading, investments, and other financial activities, as poor risk monitoring could lead to inefficient investments, loss of capital, and penalties by regulatory authorities. Thus, robust risk models, capable of yielding real-time results, are valuable assets for investment banking. This chapter introduces a financial tool that can provide risk assessment on Forex portfolios in (near) real-time and pre-trade analysis at rest. Financial risk is measured in terms of both Value at Risk and the Expected Shortfall, with the respective models utilizing not only statistical but also deep learning techniques that achieve accurate results. Moreover, the proposed application, based on state-of-the-art data management technologies, provides real-time risk assessments, utilizing the latest market data. These features along with the provided pre-trade analysis make this solution a valuable tool for practitioners in high frequency trading (HFT) and investment banking in general.
Probing Higgs portals with matrix-element based kinematic discriminants in ZZ → 4ℓ production
Authors: Haisch Ulrich , Koole Gabriël
Published: April 2022

Abstract

A Higgs portal in the form of the operator |H|2 provides a minimal and theoretically motivated link between the Standard Model (SM) and new physics. While Higgs portals can be constrained well by exotic Higgs decays if the beyond-the-SM states are light, testing scenarios where these particles are kinematically inaccessible is known to be challenging. We explore the sensitivity of future hadron collider measurements of ZZ → 4ℓ production in constraining Higgs portal interactions. It is shown that by using a matrix-element based kinematic discriminant the reach of the high-luminosity option of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) can be significantly enhanced compared to studies that are based on measurements of the four-lepton invariant mass spectrum alone. We also analyse the potential of the high-energy upgrade of the LHC and a Future Circular Collider in constraining new physics that couples to |H|2. The obtained constraints are compared to the limits one expects to find from other single-Higgs probes. In addition, we provide an independent analysis of the relevant Higgs portal effects in double-Higgs production. We find that the constraints obtained from our ZZ → 4ℓ analysis turn out to be both competitive with and complementary to the projected limits obtained using other search techniques.
Digital transfer in radiation oncology education for medical students—single-center data and systemic review of the literature
Authors: Oertel Michael , Pepper Niklas Benedikt , Schmitz Martina , Becker Jan Carl , Eich Hans Theodor
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Modern medical education demands innovative, competence-orientated concepts. The forced digital transfer of teaching due to the coronavirus pandemic also affected radiation oncology (RO). The following analysis investigates whether the attractivity of RO teaching at our faculty could be maintained during the pandemic and which possibilities exist to involve students (in active learning). The latter aspect is further elaborated on a broader scale by a systemic review of the literature on competence-orientated digital education.

Methods

Evaluation results and participation rates of clinical lectures in radiation oncology (RO) were analyzed between the winter semester 2018/2019 and the summer semester 2021. A systemic review of the literature on digital education in RO for medical students was conducted.

Results

Concerning evaluation results, a significant improvement for the 7th and 9th semesters was observed in comparison between the pre-pandemic and pandemic semesters (p = 0.046 and p = 0.05, respectively). Overall participation rates did not differ. However, the number of students attending > 75% of classes in the respective semester increased significantly between the pre-pandemic and pandemic period (median values: 38 vs. 79%, p = 0.046; 44 vs. 73%, p = 0.05; 45 vs. 64%, p = 0.05; 41 vs. 77%, p = 0.05; 41 vs. 71%, p = 0.05, for the 6th to 10th semester, respectively).

Conclusion

The analysis demonstrates the possibility of efficient digital transfer of a core curriculum in RO to the digital era, with a more continuous participation of students. This transfer may enable amelioration of teaching quality and the introduction of innovative and interactive concepts in accordance with the literature.
Adaptive smoothing spline estimator for the function-on-function linear regression model
Authors: Centofanti Fabio , Lepore Antonio , Menafoglio Alessandra , Palumbo Biagio , Vantini Simone
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we propose an adaptive smoothing spline (AdaSS) estimator for the function-on-function linear regression model where each value of the response, at any domain point, depends on the full trajectory of the predictor. The AdaSS estimator is obtained by the optimization of an objective function with two spatially adaptive penalties, based on initial estimates of the partial derivatives of the regression coefficient function. This allows the proposed estimator to adapt more easily to the true coefficient function over regions of large curvature and not to be undersmoothed over the remaining part of the domain. A novel evolutionary algorithm is developed ad hoc to obtain the optimization tuning parameters. Extensive Monte Carlo simulations have been carried out to compare the AdaSS estimator with competitors that have already appeared in the literature before. The results show that our proposal mostly outperforms the competitor in terms of estimation and prediction accuracy. Lastly, those advantages are illustrated also in two real-data benchmark examples. The AdaSS estimator is implemented in the package , openly available online on CRAN.
Alzheimer resemblance atrophy index, BrainAGE, and normal pressure hydrocephalus score in the prediction of subtle cognitive decline: added value compared to existing MR imaging markers
Authors: Giannakopoulos Panteleimon , Montandon Marie-Louise , Herrmann François R. , Hedderich Dennis , Gaser Christian , Kellner Elias , Rodriguez Cristelle , Haller Sven
Published: April 2022

Objectives

Established visual brain MRI markers for dementia include hippocampal atrophy (mesio-temporal atrophy MTA), white matter lesions (Fazekas score), and number of cerebral microbleeds (CMBs). We assessed whether novel quantitative, artificial intelligence (AI)–based volumetric scores provide additional value in predicting subsequent cognitive decline in elderly controls.

Methods

A prospective study including 80 individuals (46 females, mean age 73.4 ± 3.5 years). 3T MR imaging was performed at baseline. Extensive neuropsychological assessment was performed at baseline and at 4.5-year follow-up. AI-based volumetric scores were derived from 3DT1: Alzheimer Disease Resemblance Atrophy Index (AD-RAI), Brain Age Gap Estimate (BrainAGE), and normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) index. Analyses included regression models between cognitive scores and imaging markers.

Results

AD-RAI score at baseline was associated with Corsi (visuospatial memory) decline (10.6% of cognitive variability in multiple regression models). After inclusion of MTA, CMB, and Fazekas scores simultaneously, the AD-RAI score remained as the sole valid predictor of the cognitive outcome explaining 16.7% of its variability. Its percentage reached 21.4% when amyloid positivity was considered an additional explanatory factor. BrainAGE score was associated with Trail Making B (executive functions) decrease (8.5% of cognitive variability). Among the conventional MRI markers, only the Fazekas score at baseline was positively related to the cognitive outcome (8.7% of cognitive variability). The addition of the BrainAGE score as an independent variable significantly increased the percentage of cognitive variability explained by the regression model (from 8.7 to 14%). The addition of amyloid positivity led to a further increase in this percentage reaching 21.8%.

Conclusions

The AI-based AD-RAI index and BrainAGE scores have limited but significant added value in predicting the subsequent cognitive decline in elderly controls when compared to the established visual MRI markers of brain aging, notably MTA, Fazekas score, and number of CMBs.

Key Points

• AD-RAI score at baseline was associated with Corsi score (visuospatial memory) decline.

• BrainAGE score was associated with Trail Making B (executive functions) decrease.

• AD-RAI index and BrainAGE scores have limited but significant added value in predicting the subsequent cognitive decline in elderly controls when compared to the established visual MRI markers of brain aging, notably MTA, Fazekas score, and number of CMBs.
Review: Assessment of the aquifers in South Sudan with a focus on Lakes State
Authors: Goes B. J. M.
Published: May 2022

The current state of knowledge on groundwater in South Sudan (a data-scarce country) is presented, based on extensive field surveys in Lakes State in the central part of the country, limited published literature, and unpublished consultancy reports. The Basement Complex and the unconsolidated sediments of the Umm Ruwaba Formation are the most extensive geological formations and are the most exploited for groundwater. The water-resource potential properties of the main Umm Ruwaba aquifer (the ‘second’ aquifer, mostly confined) in Lakes State are generally fair to good, with a shallow piezometric surface (<25 m deep), favourable transmissivity (median 8.4, mean 21.5 m2/day), and low salinity and nitrate content. However, some areas have poor groundwater potential due to deep piezometric levels (up to 80 m deep), low transmissivity (mean <5 m2/day) and/or brackish salinity. The estimated recharge is modest (1–8 mm/year) due to predominantly confined aquifer conditions. Aquifer recharge mainly occurs along the geological boundary with the Basement Complex and from the Bahr el Jebel River. Published literature shows saline groundwater and a groundwater trough in northeast South Sudan that was interpreted as being related to a buried saline lake. Additional data on groundwater levels indicate that the extent of the trough may be less than originally sketched. In the Basement Complex, the groundwater potential varies over short distances and depends on the thickness and sand content of the weathered top layer and/or the presence of fractures; the transmissivity is generally low (median for Lakes State is 4.2 m2/day).
Use of MRP8/14 in clinical practice as a predictor of outcome after methotrexate withdrawal in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Sumner Emma J. , Almeida Beverley , Palman Jason , Bale Peter , Heard Clare , Holzinger Dirk , Roth Johannes , Foell Dirk , Robinson Emily , Ursu Simona , Wallace Chris , Gilmour Kimberly , Wedderburn Lucy R. , Ralph Elizabeth
Published: April 2022

The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of MRP8/14 as a predictor of disease flare in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) following the withdrawal of methotrexate (MTX) in a routine clinical setting. All MRP8/14 tests performed at a single centre in a 27-month period were considered for analysis. Patients were assessed against criteria for inactive disease and subsequent disease flare. Decisions on whether or not to stop treatment were recorded. MRP8/14 results were assessed in conjunction with clinical information. Clinicians were also surveyed to investigate if MRP8/14 influenced their decision to discontinue MTX where this was available at that time point. One hundred four cases met the inclusion criteria during the study period. Although there was no significant difference in flares between patients with an elevated or low MRP8/14 value, in those who stopped MTX (n = 22), no patients with a low MRP8/14 (≤ 4000 ng/ml) result flared (follow-up time 12 months). Clinicians reported that for patients with clinically inactive disease and an elevated MRP8/14 result (> 4000 ng/ml), none would advise withdrawal of MTX. Low MRP8/14 was interpreted favourably when considering stopping MTX treatment in patients with JIA. Implementation of MRP8/14 testing has changed clinical practice at this centre. However, the observation that some patients in our cohort who had an elevated MRP8/14 value did not flare after stopping MTX for non-disease-related reasons highlights the need for further biomarkers to predict the risk of flare off medication in JIA and aid clinicians in treatment decisions.

Key Points• First study of serum MRP8/14 measurement in clinical practice to inform treatment decisions in patients with JIA.• No patients with a low MRP8/14 test result went on to suffer a disease flare in 12 months of follow follow-up.• Further biomarkers are needed to predict the risk of flare off medication in JIA and treatment decisions.
Ventriculostomy-related intracranial hemorrhage following surgical and endovascular treatment of ruptured aneurysms
Authors: Lenschow Moritz , von Spreckelsen Niklas , Telentschak Sergej , Kabbasch Christoph , Goldbrunner Roland , Grau Stefan
Published: April 2022

Endovascular therapy of ruptured aneurysms is regularly accompanied by periprocedural heparinization and requires the use of periprocedural antiplatelets in more complex cases. This raises concerns regarding increased bleeding risks in the case of frequently required ventriculostomy. The aim of this study was to analyze risk factors for ventriculostomy-related intracranial hemorrhages (VS-ICH) in endovascular or surgical treatment of ruptured aneurysms with a focus on antithrombotic therapy. In this retrospective analysis, we included patients admitted to our institution over a 12-year period who had received at least one ventriculostomy due to subarachnoid hemorrhage-related hydrocephalus. Patients were dichotomized into an endovascular and surgical group and rates of VS-ICH were compared. Risk factors for VS-ICH were assessed in uni- and multivariate analyses. A total of 606 ventriculostomies were performed in 328 patients. Within the endovascular group, antiplatelet therapy was used in 44.8% of cases. The overall rate of ventriculostomy-related intracranial hemorrhage was 13.1%. Endovascular treatment was associated with a higher rate of VS-ICH compared to surgical treatment (p = 0.011), but not in cases without antiplatelet therapy (p = 0.166). Application of any antiplatelet therapy (odds ratio, 2.647 [95% confidence interval, 1.141–6.143]) and number of ventriculostomies (odds ratio, 2.513 [95% confidence interval, 1.859–3.395]) were independent predictors of ventriculostomy-related hemorrhages. Our findings indicate an increased risk of VS-ICH in the endovascular group if administration of antiplatelets was required. While this aspect has to be included into treatment decision-making, it must be weighed against the benefits of endovascular techniques.
Ontological congruence, discipline and academic identity in university schools of nursing
Authors: Barrow Mark
Published: April 2022

Nursing is an old vocation but is relatively new to the academy, with schools of nursing being established in Western universities in the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries. Their establishment was presaged by earlier moves of the preparation of pre-registration nurses from apprenticeships served in hospitals to tertiary education institutions (mainly community colleges and polytechnics) during the last quarter of the twentieth century. Preparation for a life in the professions has been a feature of universities since their inception. Nevertheless, changing a university’s offerings is contested, and new disciplines and the new academics within them often struggle to establish their legitimacy within the academy. This paper challenges contemporary accounts of nursing as a discipline the weak disciplinary boundaries of which undermine its place in the academy and hamper nurse academics’ development of an academic identity. Drawing on data from interviews with nursing academics, the paper discusses the ways in which the participants are, by their own actions, devising, amending and reinforcing the structures, code, rules and conceptual frameworks of the Nursing discipline. It also considers how, as they do so, these academics achieve a level of ontological congruence that is only possible as their internal biography, the nature of their day-to-day work and the expectations of their employer are able to ‘rub along’ together without creating the conditions for (self) destructive resistance or the exercise of coercive institutional power.
Copy Number Analysis in a Large Cohort Suggestive of Inborn Errors of Immunity Indicates a Wide Spectrum of Relevant Chromosomal Losses and Gains
Authors: Wan Rensheng , Schieck Maximilian , Caballero-Oteyza Andrés , Hofmann Winfried , Cochino Alexis Virgil , Shcherbina Anna , Sherkat Roya , Wache-Mainier Clarisse , Fernandez Anita , Sultan Marc , Illig Thomas , Grimbacher Bodo , Proietti Michele , Steinemann Doris
Published: April 2022

Inborn errors of immunity (IEI) are genetically driven disorders. With the advancement of sequencing technologies, a rapidly increasing number of gene defects has been identified, thereby mirroring the high heterogeneity in immunological and clinical presentations observed in patients. However, for a large majority of patients, no causative single nucleotide variant (SNV) or small indel can be identified using next-generation sequencing. First studies have shown that also copy number variants (CNVs) can cause IEI. Unfortunately, CNVs are not well examined in many routine diagnostic settings and the aim of this study was to assess the number of clinically relevant chromosomal losses and gains in a large cohort. We identified a total of 20 CNVs using whole exome sequencing data of a cohort of 191 patients with a suspected IEI. A definite molecular diagnosis could be made in five patients (2.6%), including pathogenic deletions affecting ICOS, TNFAIP3, and 22q11.2. CNVs of uncertain significance were observed in fifteen patients (7.9%), including deletions of 11q22.1q22.3 and 16p11.2 but also duplications affecting entire or parts of genes previously associated with IEI. Importantly, five patients carrying a CNV of uncertain significance also carried pathogenic or likely pathogenic SNVs (PIK3R1, NFKB1, NLRC4, DOCK2), or SNVs of unknown significance (NFKB2). This cooccurrence of SNVs and CNVs suggests modifying effects in some patients, and functional follow-up is warranted now in order to better understand phenotypic heterogeneity. In summary, the diagnostic yield of IEI can be increased substantially by evaluating CNVs, which allows an improved therapeutic management in those patients.
Intravenous Immunoglobulins Promote an Expansion of Monocytic Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells (MDSC) in CVID Patients
Authors: Simón-Fuentes Miriam , Sánchez-Ramón Silvia , Fernández-Paredes Lidia , Alonso Bárbara , Guevara-Hoyer Kissy , Vega Miguel A. , Corbí Angel L. , Domínguez-Soto Ángeles
Published: April 2022

Common variable immunodeficiency disorders (CVID), the most common primary immune deficiency, includes heterogeneous syndromes characterized by hypogammaglobulinemia and impaired antibody responses. CVID patients frequently suffer from recurrent infections and inflammatory conditions. Currently, immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IgRT) is the first-line treatment to prevent infections and aminorate immune alterations in CVID patients. Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIg), a preparation of highly purified poly-specific IgG, is used for treatment of immunodeficiencies as well as for autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, as IVIg exerts immunoregulatory and anti-inflammatory actions on innate and adaptive immune cells. To determine the mechanism of action of IVIg in CVID in vivo, we determined the effect of IVIg infusion on the transcriptome of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from CVID patients, and found that peripheral blood monocytes are primary targets of IVIg in vivo, and that IVIg triggers the acquisition of an anti-inflammatory gene profile in human monocytes. Moreover, IVIg altered the relative proportions of peripheral blood monocyte subsets and enhanced the proportion of CD14+ cells with a transcriptional, phenotypic, and functional profile that resembles that of monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC). Therefore, our results indicate that CD14 + MDSC-like cells might contribute to the immunoregulatory effects of IVIg in CVID and other inflammatory disorders.
Selectivity analysis of 99Tc determination by LSC in the field of nuclear decommissioning
Authors: Rozas Saroa , López Julen , Idoeta Raquel , Herranz Margarita
Published: April 2022

In this work, two Tc radiochemical isolation methods—a conventional method by Triskem TEVA® resin and a rapid method by Empore™ Tc Rad Disk—are compared in the field of nuclear decommissioning and 99Tc assessment. The conventional method results more selective than the rapid one, being able to remove almost 100% of the main radiological interferers with the exception of the 90Y; however, the rapid method obtains higher chemical yields (97% vs. 80%) and slightly lower detection limits (0.025 Bq vs. 0.030 Bq) than the conventional. Both methods are similar with regards to equipment and reagent costs.
The evolutionary argument against naturalism: a Wittgensteinian response
Authors: DeVito Michael , McNabb Tyler
Published: April 2022

In this essay, we put forth a novel solution to Plantinga’s Evolutionary Argument Against Naturalism, utilizing recent work done by Duncan Pritchard on radical skepticism. Key to the success of Plantinga’s argument is the doubting of the reliability of one’s cognitive faculties. We argue (viz. Pritchard and Wittgenstein) that the reliability of one’s cognitive faculties constitutes a hinge commitment, thus is exempt from rational evaluation. In turn, the naturalist who endorses hinge epistemology can deny the key premise in Plantinga’s argument and avoid the dilemma posed on belief in the conjunction of naturalism and evolution.
Participatory Action Research, Social Networks, and Gender Influence Soil Fertility Management in Tanzania
Authors: Mponela Powell , Manda Julius , Kinyua Michael , Kihara Job
Published: April 2022

Transformation of knowledge systems and fostering learning among smallholder farmers such as through participatory action research (PAR) is key to agricultural growth in rural sub-Saharan Africa. We investigate how PAR influences uptake/use of integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) while accounting for gendered, bonding and bridging social capital. Stratified by engagement in a mother-baby PAR and by resource endowments, 607 smallholder farmers were sampled from northern Tanzania. Binary logistic and multinomial logit models revealed that full engagement in PAR was associated with early adoption of inorganic fertilizers, either as a dichotomous decision or an ISFM bundle with improved varieties, organic matter inputs and soil and water conservation. Bonding social capital through cooperatives, farmer groups, and farmer-farmer local networks supports soil and water conservation, especially among resource-poor farmers. Among the high-resource farmers, increased women’s bargaining power in farm input purchases supports fertilizer and manure use while increased bargaining power in livestock tending supports crop residue incorporation. ISFM usage is constrained by age of decision-makers and a higher number of dependents per worker while education level and farm sizes increase its likelihood. In the resource-constrained, with low extension and technical support, and men-dominated patrilineal farming systems of Africa, the study places PAR, social networks, and gender inclusivity as key approaches for improving smallholder’ ISFM.
Situated self-awareness in expert performance: a situated normativity account of riken no ken
Authors: Miyahara Katsunori , Segundo-Ortin Miguel
Published: April 2022

We explore the nature of expert minds in skilled performance by examining classic Japanese dramatist Zeami’s account of skilled expertise in Noh drama. Zeami characterizes expert minds by the co-existence ofmushinandriken no ken.Mushin(“no-mind”) is an empty state of mind devoid of mental contents.Riken no ken(“seeing with a separate seeing”) is a distinctive form of self-awareness, where the actor embodies a common perspective with the audience upon one’s own performance. Conventional accounts ofriken no kenpresent it as a form of imagination: expert actors deliver their performance by imagining what it looks like from an external point of view. These imagination-based accounts, however, do not square well with the claim thatriken no kenco-exists withmushin. We propose an alternative perception-based account that better accounts for this co-existence, drawing on the concept of “situated normativity” from embodied-ecological theories of cognition. The situated normativity account characterizesriken no kenas a form of “direct affective perception” in which actors are aware of their performance’s quality of attunement with the performative situation. Expert Noh actors realise a common perspective with the audience not by imagining an external point of view, but by perceiving the situation that encompasses their own performance from an aesthetic perspective cultivated and shared within the Noh community.
Innovative Risk Assessment Framework for Hydraulic Control of Irrigation Reservoirs´ Breaching
Authors: Espejo Fernando , Molina José-Luis , Zazo Santiago , Muñoz-Sánchez Rubén
Published: April 2022

This research introduces an innovative framework aimed at developing a risk assessment to analyse the breaching hydraulic control of non-impounding reservoirs for irrigation purposes, called irrigation reservoirs (IRs). This approach comprises an analytical method based on several empirical formulas where the one that best fits the different geometric characteristics of IR water systems is chosen. Furthermore, a stochastic framework allows for the incorporation of the occurrence probability as a tool to characterize the risk analysis of IRs. This occurrence probability has two components: probability based on the bottom elevation of a final breach and probability based on the failure mode (piping in this case). In risk assessment terms, the ultimate product comprises the maximum hazard probability maps that allow a significant improvement in the representation of the artificial flooding effect. This research was successfully applied in two dimensions, synthetically and realistically, in the Las Porteras and Macías Picavea IR water systems (Spain). This approach may improve the management of this type of hydraulic infrastructure and its surrounding area by reducing the risk of experiencing negative consequences derived from uncontrolled hydraulic breaching.
Behavior and interactions of the plant growth-promoting bacteria Azospirillum oryzae NBT506 and Bacillus velezensis UTB96 in a co-culture system
Authors: Bagheri Negar , Ahmadzadeh Masoud , Mariotte Pierre , Jouzani Gholamreza Salehi
Published: April 2022

The objective of the present study was to evaluate possible interactions between two potential plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB): Azospirillum oryzae strain NBT506 and Bacillus velezensis strain UTB96. To do this, the growth kinetic, biofilm formation, motility, surfactin production, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production, phosphate solubilization and enzyme activities of the strains were measured in monoculture and co-culture. The maximum biomass production for the strains in monoculture and co-culture was about 1011 CFU/ml, confirming that these two strains have the potential to grow in co-culture without reduction of biomass efficiency. The co-culture system showed more stable biofilm formation until the end of day 3. Azospirillum showed the maximum IAA production (41.5 mg/l) in a monoculture compared to other treatments. Surfactin promoted both swimming and swarming motility in all treatments. The Bacillus strain in the monoculture and co-culture showed high phosphate solubilizing capability, which increased continuously in the co-culture system after 6 days. The strains showed protease, amylase and cellulase activities in both monoculture and co-culture forms. Chitinase and lipase activities were observed in both the monoculture of the Bacillus strain and the co-culture. Overall, our findings highlight the promotion of biological and beneficial effects of these bacteria when growing together in co-culture.
Synergistic activity and molecular modelling of fosfomycin combinations with some antibiotics against multidrug resistant Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Abouwarda Ahmed Megahed , Ismail Tarek Abdelmonem , Abu El-Wafa Wael Mohamed , Faraag Ahmed Hassan Ibrahim
Published: April 2022

Antibiotic resistance represents the main challenge of Helicobacter pylori infection worldwide. This study investigates the potential bactericidal effects of fosfomycin combinations with clarithromycin, metronidazole, ciprofloxacin, amoxicillin, rifampicin, and doxycycline against thirty-six H. pylori strains using the checkerboard and time-kill assay methods. The results showed that ≥ 50% of the strains were resistant to the six antibiotics. Remarkably, only six strains exerted resistance to these antibiotics, with the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranges of (3.2–12.8 mg/l), (32–256 mg/l), (3.2–51.2 mg/l), (3.2–25.6 mg/l), (1.6–3.2 mg/l), and (25.6 > 51.2 mg/l), respectively. The seven antibiotics were evaluated through in silico studies for their permeability and ability to bind UDP-N-acetylglucosamine1-carboxyvinyltransferase (MurA) of H. pylori. The results indicated that fosfomycin exhibited the highest predicted membrane permeability (membrane ∆G insert = − 37.54 kcal/mol) and binding affinity (docking score = − 5.310 kcal/mol) for H. pylori MurA, compared to other tested antibiotics. The combinations of fosfomycin with these antibiotics exerted synergistic interactions (Fractional inhibitory concentration, FIC index < 1) against the six strains. Importantly, the combinations of fosfomycin with clarithromycin, doxycycline and rifampicin achieved bactericidal effects (reduction ≥ 3.0 Log10 cfu/ml) against the most resistant H. pylori strain. Notably, these effects increased with presence of metronidazole, which enhanced the activity of the fosfomycin combination with amoxicillin from a weak inhibition to bactericidal effect. This study provides evidence that the combination of fosfomycin with either clarithromycin, amoxicillin, doxycycline, or rifampicin (especially with the presence of metronidazole) could be a promising option for treating MDR H. pylori infection.
Role of inflammatory markers in the diagnosis of vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Custodero Carlo , Ciavarella Alessandro , Panza Francesco , Gnocchi Davide , Lenato Gennaro M. , Lee Juhan , Mazzocca Antonio , Sabbà Carlo , Solfrizzi Vincenzo
Published: April 2022

Vascular contribution to cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID) is a clinical label encompassing a wide range of cognitive disorders progressing from mild to major vascular cognitive impairment (VCI), which is also defined as vascular dementia (VaD). VaD diagnosis is mainly based on clinical and imaging findings. Earlier biomarkers are needed to identify subjects at risk to develop mild VCI and VaD. In the present meta-analysis, we comprehensively evaluated the role of inflammatory biomarkers in differential diagnosis between VaD and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and assessed their prognostic value on predicting VaD incidence. We collected literature until January 31, 2021, assessing three inflammatory markers [interleukin(IL)-6, C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α] from blood or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples. Thirteen cross-sectional and seven prospective studies were included. Blood IL-6 levels were cross-sectionally significantly higher in people with VaD compared to AD patients (SMD: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.18 to 0.62) with low heterogeneity (I2: 41%, p = 0.13). Higher IL-6 levels were also associated to higher risk of incident VaD (relative risk: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.03 to 1.59, I2: 0%). IL-6 in CSF was significantly higher in people with VaD compared to healthy subjects (SMD: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.17 to 1.37, I2: 70%), and not compared to AD patients, but due to limited evidence and high inconsistency across studies, we could not draw definite conclusion. Higher blood IL-6 levels might represent a useful biomarker able to differentiate people with VaD from those with AD and might be correlated with higher risk of future VaD.