bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drivers of sustainable new technology diffusion in national markets: The case of electric vehicles
Authors: Jaiswal Mayank , Zane Lee J.
Published: October 2021

This study investigates the factors that impact the diffusion of sustainable new technologies (SNTs) in nations. The article focuses on four country‐level variables—development status, focus on sustainability, innovation focus, and type of government—and their relationship with SNT diffusion. In addition to using regression to assess the independent variables' sufficiency, necessary condition analysis is used to analyze the necessity of the variables for SNT diffusion. Data consisted of a 10‐year panel data set containing sales of electric vehicles from 2008 to 2017 across 89 countries. Results suggest a significant correlation between the development status of a country and diffusion levels of SNT. Similar results were found for focus on sustainability and innovation focus variables. Finally, relatively established SNT diffusion is affected by government type. Development status, focus on sustainability, and innovation focus were necessary for the diffusion of SNT in a country. In contrast, the absence of dictatorial regimes was also found to be necessary.
Gas diffusivity‐based characterization of aggregated soils linking to methane migration in shallow subsurface
Authors: Shanujah M. , Deepagoda Chamindu , Smits Kathleen M. , Shreedharan V. , Paramrswaran T. G. , Babu G. L. S.
Published: October 2021

Methane transport in soil is primarily affected by soil physical conditions such as soil texture and soil structure, soil moisture, soil‐gas diffusivity, permeability, and soil temperature. Aggregated soils have distinct soil structure with two pore regions characteristics (i.e., interaggregate and intraaggregate regions) and therefore show bimodal behavior with respect to soil physical properties controlling gas migration. This study characterized an aggregated soil retrieved near a natural gas (NG) extraction site at Denver–Julesburg (D‐J) basin in northeast Colorado (USA) with respect to soil‐water characteristic (SWC), pore‐size distribution, gas diffusivity and thermal conductivity. The investigated soil exhibited distinctive two‐region characteristics, which were adequately parameterized with extended, existing, and newly developed bimodal functions. We carried out an analysis with integrated model parameters to obtain a graphical insight on the correlation of properties. In addition, CH4 concentration profiles originated from a point source representing a buried pipeline leakage at three different flow rates (6, 12, and 24 L min–1) were simulated with a numerical tool that can simulate the multiphase flow of gas mixture under dry and different saturation conditions of the soil. Simulated results highlighted pronounced effects of soil moisture and, to a lesser degree, of gas leakage rate on subsurface CH4 concentrations profiles, suggesting diffusion‐dominated movement of CH4 in subsurface.
Surface modification of nano‐drug delivery systems for enhancing antibiotic delivery and activity
Authors: Osman Nawras , Devnarain Nikita , Omolo Calvin A. , Fasiku Victoria , Jaglal Yajna , Govender Thirumala
Published: October 2021

Rampant antimicrobial resistance calls for innovative strategies to effectively control bacterial infections, enhance antibacterial efficacy, minimize side effects, and protect existing antibiotics in the market. Therefore, to enhance the delivery of antibiotics and increase their bioavailability and accumulation at the site of infection, the surfaces of nano‐drug delivery systems have been diversely modified. This strategy applies various covalent and non‐covalent techniques to introduce specific coating materials that have been found to be effective against various sensitive and resistant microorganisms. In this review, we discuss the techniques of surface modification of nanocarriers loaded with antibacterial agents. Furthermore, saccharides, polymers, peptides, antibiotics, enzymes and cell membranes coatings that have been used for surface functionalization of nano‐drug delivery systems are described, emphasizing current approaches for enhancing delivery, bioavailability, and efficacy of surface‐modified antibacterial nanocarriers at infection sites. This article offers a critical overview of the potential of surface‐modified antibacterial nanocarriers to overcome the limitations of conventional antibiotics in the treatment of bacterial infections.

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Infectious Disease

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology
Vector-like quarks decaying into singly and doubly charged bosons at LHC
Authors: Corcella Gennaro , Costantini Antonio , Ghezzi Margherita , Panizzi Luca , Pruna Giovanni Marco , Šalko Jakub
Published: October 2021

Abstract

We investigate the production of vector-like quarks with charge 5/3 at the LHC and their subsequent decays into new singly or doubly charged bosons plus a heavy quark (top or bottom). In particular, we explore final states with same-sign di-leptons (electron or muon pairs), with the leptons coming from the decay of the new bosons and, in the case of production of singly charged bosons, from top quarks as well. These processes are predicted by classes of models based on extensions of the gauge group of the Standard Model, such as the 331 Model, where the electroweak symmetry is described by SU(3)L × U(1)X, X being a new abelian charge. For this purpose, a CMS search for vector-like partners with charge 5/3 decaying into Wt is recast to obtain model-independent bounds and projected reaches at future luminosity stages of the LHC. The results are then interpreted as mass bounds for the new particles predicted in the 331 Model and as a constraint on the scale of its spontaneous symmetry breaking. The complete set of model-independent results are provided as recast efficiencies, to allow for reinterpretation in different scenarios.
MHV gluon scattering amplitudes from celestial current algebras
Authors: Banerjee Shamik , Ghosh Sudip
Published: October 2021

Abstract

We show that the Mellin transform of an n-point tree level MHV gluon scattering amplitude, also known as the celestial amplitude in pure Yang-Mills theory, satisfies a system of (n−2) linear first order partial differential equations corresponding to (n−2) positive helicity gluons. Although these equations closely resemble Knizhnik-Zamoldochikov equations for SU(N) current algebra there is also an additional “correction” term coming from the subleading soft gluon current algebra. These equations can be used to compute the leading term in the gluon-gluon OPE on the celestial sphere. Similar equations can also be written down for the momentum space tree level MHV scattering amplitudes. We also propose a way to deal with the non closure of subleading current algebra generators under commutation. This is then used to compute some subleading terms in the mixed helicity gluon OPE.
Maruyoshi-Song flows and defect groups of $$ {\mathrm{D}}_{\mathrm{p}}^{\mathrm{b}} $$(G) theories
Authors: Hosseini Saghar S. , Moscrop Robert
Published: October 2021

Abstract

We study the defect groups of$$ {D}_p^b $$Dpb(G) theories using geometric engineering and BPS quivers. In the simple case whenb=h∨(G), we use the BPS quivers of the theory to see that the defect group is compatible with a known Maruyoshi-Song flow. To extend to the case whereb≠h∨(G), we use a similar Maruyoshi-Song flow to conjecture that the defect groups of$$ {D}_p^b $$Dpb(G) theories are given by those ofG(b)[k] theories. In the cases ofG=An,E6,E8we cross check our result by calculating the BPS quivers of theG(b)[k] theories and looking at the cokernel of their intersection matrix.
Probing anomalous γγγZ couplings through γZ production in γγ collisions at the CLIC
Authors: İnan S. C. , Kisselev A. V.
Published: October 2021

Abstract

We have estimated the sensitivity to the anomalous couplings of the γγγZ vertex in the γγ → γZ scattering of the Compton backscattered photons at the CLIC. Both polarized and unpolarized collisions at the e+e− energies 1500 GeV and 3000 GeV are addressed, and anomalous contributions to helicity amplitudes are derived. The differential and total cross sections are calculated. We have obtained 95% C.L. exclusion limits on the anomalous quartic gauge couplings (QGCs). They are compared with corresponding bounds derived for the γγγZ couplings via γZ production at the LHC. The constraints on the anomalous QGCs are one to two orders of magnitude more stringent that at the HL-LHC. The partial-wave unitarity constraints on the anomalous couplings are examined. It is shown that the unitarity is not violated in the region of the anomalous QGCs studied in the paper.
A new perspective on the electroweak phase transition in the Standard Model Effective Field Theory
Authors: Camargo-Molina José Eliel , Enberg Rikard , Löfgren Johan
Published: October 2021

Abstract

A first-order Electroweak Phase Transition (EWPT) could explain the observed baryon-antibaryon asymmetry and its dynamics could yield a detectable gravitational wave signature, while the underlying physics would be within the reach of colliders. The Standard Model, however, predicts a crossover transition. We therefore study the EWPT in the Standard Model Effective Field Theory (SMEFT) including dimension-six operators. A first-order EWPT has previously been shown to be possible in the SMEFT. Phenomenology studies have focused on scenarios with a tree-level barrier between minima, which requires a negative Higgs quartic coupling and a new physics scale low enough to raise questions about the validity of the EFT approach. In this work we stress that a first-order EWPT is also possible when the barrier between minima is generated radiatively, the quartic coupling is positive, the scale of new physics is higher, and there is good agreement with experimental bounds. Our calculation is done in a consistent, gauge-invariant way, and we carefully analyze the scaling of parameters necessary to generate a barrier in the potential. We perform a global fit in the relevant parameter space and explicitly find the points with a first-order transition that agree with experimental data. We also briefly discuss the prospects for probing the allowed parameter space using di-Higgs production in colliders.
Phenomenology of a fake Inert Doublet Model
Authors: Anselmi Damiano , Kannike Kristjan , Marzo Carlo , Marzola Luca , Melis Aurora , Müürsepp Kristjan , Piva Marco , Raidal Martti
Published: October 2021

Abstract

We introduce a new way of modeling the physics beyond the Standard Model by considering fake, strictly off-shell degrees of freedom: the fakeons. To demonstrate the approach and exemplify its reach, we re-analyze the phenomenology of the Inert Doublet Model under the assumption that the second doublet is a fakeon. Remarkably, the fake doublet avoids the most stringent Z-pole constraints regardless of the chosen mass scale, thereby allowing for the presence of new effects well below the electroweak scale. Furthermore, the absence of on-shell propagation prevents fakeons from inducing missing energy signatures in collider experiments. The distinguishing features of the model appear at the loop level, where fakeons modify the Higgs boson h → γγ decay width and the Higgs trilinear coupling. The running of Standard Model parameters proceeds as in the usual Inert Doublet Model case. Therefore, the fake doublet can also ensure the stability of the Standard Model vacuum. Our work shows that fakeons are a valid alternative to the usual tools of particle physics model building, with the potential to shape a new paradigm, where the significance of the existing experimental constraints towards new physics must necessarily be reconsidered.
Abelian sections of the symmetric groups with respect to their index
Authors: Sabatini Luca
Published: October 2021

We show the existence of an absolute constant $$\alpha >0$$

α
>
0

such that, for every $$k \ge 3$$

k
≥
3

, $$G:= \mathop {\mathrm {Sym}}(k)$$

G
:
=
Sym
(
k
)

, and for every $$H \leqslant G$$

H
⩽
G

of index at least 3, one has $$|H/H'| \le |G:H|^{\alpha / \log \log |G:H|}$$

|
H
/

H
′

|
≤
|
G
:
H
|

α
/
log
log
|
G
:
H
|

. This inequality is the best possible for the symmetric groups, and we conjecture that it is the best possible for every family of arbitrarily large finite groups.
Type 2 diabetes burden among migrants in Europe: unravelling the causal pathways
Authors: Agyemang Charles , van der Linden Eva L. , Bennet Louise
Published: October 2021

European populations are ethnically and culturally diverse due to international migration. Evidence indicates large ethnic inequalities in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes. This review discusses the burden of type 2 diabetes and its related complications, and the potential explanatory mechanisms among migrants in Europe. The current available data suggest that the rate of type 2 diabetes is higher in all migrant groups and that they develop this disease at an earlier age than the host European populations. The level of diabetes awareness among migrant populations is high, but glycaemic control remains suboptimal compared with Europeans. The culturally adapted lifestyle modification intervention trials to prevent type 2 diabetes mainly focus on South Asian adults in Europe. Diabetes-related microvascular and macrovascular complications remain a major burden among migrant populations in Europe. Earlier studies found higher mortality rates among migrants, but recent studies seem to suggest a shifting trend in favour of first-generation migrants. However, the extent of the burden of type 2 diabetes varies across migrant groups and European countries. Despite the higher burden of type 2 diabetes among migrants, the key underlying factors are not well understood mainly due to limited investment in basic science research and development of prospective cohort studies. We hypothesise that the underlying risk factors for the high burden of type 2 diabetes and its related complications in migrants are multifaceted and include pre-migration factors, post-migration factors and genetic predispositions. Given the multi-ethnic nature of the current European population, there is a clear need for investment in research among migrant populations to gain insight into factors driving the high burden of type 2 diabetes and related complications to facilitate prevention and treatment efforts in Europe.

Graphical abstract
An inverse problem on determining second order symmetric tensor for perturbed biharmonic operator
Authors: Bhattacharyya Sombuddha , Ghosh Tuhin
Published: October 2021

This article offers a study of the Calderón type inverse problem of determining up to second order coefficients of higher order elliptic operators. Here we show that it is possible to determine an anisotropic second order perturbation given by a symmetric matrix, along with a first order perturbation given by a vector field and a zero-th order potential function inside a bounded domain, by measuring the Dirichlet to Neumann map of the perturbed biharmonic operator on the boundary of that domain.
On the signature of biquotients
Authors: Goertsches Oliver , Schmitt Maximilian
Published: October 2021

We generalize Hirzebruch–Slodowy’s computation of the signature of equal rank homogeneous spaces to a large class of biquotients.
Microalgal biomass as renewable biofiller in natural rubber compounds
Authors: Bellinetto Emanuela , Ciapponi Riccardo , Contino Marco , Marano Claudia , Turri Stefano
Published: October 2021

Microalgal biomasses, consisting of micronized Spirulina Platensis and its low protein fraction, were investigated in this work as possible renewable biofillers in natural rubber compounds, with the aim of replacing the commonly used carbon black. Natural rubber, in some cases blended with 10% of epoxidized natural rubber to improve the matrix-filler affinity, was compounded with 25, 35, 50 and 75 phr of each biomass. Compounds with 25, 35 and 50 phr of carbon black N990 were also prepared as benchmarks. After compounding, vulcanization times were determined by dynamic mechanical analysis. Rubbers were vulcanized by compression moulding and characterized by means of morphological analysis (scanning electron microscopy), thermal analysis (thermogravimetric analysis, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis) and mechanical tests (tensile tests, strain induced crystallization detection by X-ray diffraction, pure shear fracture tests). Microalgal biomass turned out to be homogeneously dispersed in natural rubber matrix and the materials obtained required lower curing times compared to carbon black compounds. It was found that, up to 50 phr, Spirulina has the ability to increase rubber tensile strength and modulus, acting similarly to N990, while decreasing rubber thermal stability and fracture toughness.
Could Norwegian fjords serve as an analogue for the future of the Svalbard fjords? State and fate of high latitude fjords in the face of progressive “atlantification”
Authors: Kujawa Agnieszka , Łącka Magdalena , Szymańska Natalia , Pawłowska Joanna , Telesiński Maciej M. , Zajączkowski Marek
Published: October 2021

Benthic foraminifera are one of the most widely and abundantly distributed organisms in the fjords of Svalbard and Norway. Due to their short life span and quick reactivity to environmental changes they can be used as indicators of the “atlantification” process. Here, we compare the benthic foraminifera assemblages along the latitudinal gradient, from the fjords of northern Svalbard to southern Norway to assess whether the “atlantification” process may homogenise the foraminiferal assemblages in terms of their abundance and species composition. Furthermore, the previously published data on benthic foraminiferal faunas was updated to identify changes in distribution that have occurred over the last few decades. For this purpose, fjord mouths in western and northern Svalbard (Isfjorden, Wijdefjorden and Rijpfjorden) and northern and southern Norway (Balsfjorden, Raunefjorden and Hjeltefjorden) were resampled. The analysis revealed similarities between the Svalbard and Norwegian foraminiferal assemblages of up to 30%; however, there were essential differences in terms of abundance and biodiversity. These results suggest that Svalbard fjords will remain distinct in the future, even under conditions of further warming or “atlantification”. Svalbard fjords may be dominated by Atlantic Water- preferring species, whereas, in Norwegian fjords, pressure from human activity will probably be the main driver of environmental changes, leading to changes in the foraminiferal assemblages with the increasing dominance of opportunistic, hypoxia-tolerant species.
Sources of variation in multicenter rectal MRI data and their effect on radiomics feature reproducibility
Authors: Schurink Niels W. , van Kranen Simon R. , Roberti Sander , van Griethuysen Joost J. M. , Bogveradze Nino , Castagnoli Francesca , el Khababi Najim , Bakers Frans C. H. , de Bie Shira H. , Bosma Gerlof P. T. , Cappendijk Vincent C. , Geenen Remy W. F. , Neijenhuis Peter A. , Peterson Gerald M. , Veeken Cornelis J. , Vliegen Roy F. A. , Beets-Tan Regina G. H. , Lambregts Doenja M. J.
Published: October 2021

Objectives

To investigate sources of variation in a multicenter rectal cancer MRI dataset focusing on hardware and image acquisition, segmentation methodology, and radiomics feature extraction software.

Methods

T2W and DWI/ADC MRIs from 649 rectal cancer patients were retrospectively acquired in 9 centers. Fifty-two imaging features (14 first-order/6 shape/32 higher-order) were extracted from each scan using whole-volume (expert/non-expert) and single-slice segmentations using two different software packages (PyRadiomics/CapTk). Influence of hardware, acquisition, and patient-intrinsic factors (age/gender/cTN-stage) on ADC was assessed using linear regression. Feature reproducibility was assessed between segmentation methods and software packages using the intraclass correlation coefficient.

Results

Image features differed significantly (p < 0.001) between centers with more substantial variations in ADC compared to T2W-MRI. In total, 64.3% of the variation in mean ADC was explained by differences in hardware and acquisition, compared to 0.4% by patient-intrinsic factors. Feature reproducibility between expert and non-expert segmentations was good to excellent (median ICC 0.89–0.90). Reproducibility for single-slice versus whole-volume segmentations was substantially poorer (median ICC 0.40–0.58). Between software packages, reproducibility was good to excellent (median ICC 0.99) for most features (first-order/shape/GLCM/GLRLM) but poor for higher-order (GLSZM/NGTDM) features (median ICC 0.00–0.41).

Conclusions

Significant variations are present in multicenter MRI data, particularly related to differences in hardware and acquisition, which will likely negatively influence subsequent analysis if not corrected for. Segmentation variations had a minor impact when using whole volume segmentations. Between software packages, higher-order features were less reproducible and caution is warranted when implementing these in prediction models.

Key Points

• Features derived from T2W-MRI and in particular ADC differ significantly between centers when performing multicenter data analysis.

• Variations in ADC are mainly (> 60%) caused by hardware and image acquisition differences and less so (< 1%) by patient- or tumor-intrinsic variations.

• Features derived using different image segmentations (expert/non-expert) were reproducible, provided that whole-volume segmentations were used. When using different feature extraction software packages with similar settings, higher-order features were less reproducible.
Differences in clinical presentation and management between pre- and postsurgical diagnoses of urinary bladder paraganglioma: is there clinical relevance? A systematic review
Authors: Li Minghao , Xu Xiaowen , Bechmann Nicole , Pamporaki Christina , Jiang Jingjing , Propping Stefan , Liu Longfei , Langenhuijsen Johan F. , Pacak Karel , Eisenhofer Graeme , Lenders Jacques W. M.
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Paraganglioma of the urinary bladder (UBPGL) is a rare neuroendocrine tumor diagnosed in many patients only after surgery. We, therefore, assessed clinical clues relevant to presurgical diagnosis and clinical consequences in patients with a missed presurgical diagnosis of UBPGL.

Materials and methods

Case reports describing a UBPGL (published from 1–1–2001 and 31–12–2020) were identified in Pubmed. Two authors independently performed data extraction and assessed data quality according to the PRISMA guideline. Patients were divided into two groups: UBPGL diagnosis before and after surgery.

Results

We included 177 articles reporting 194 cases. In 90 (46.4%) patients, the UBPGL was diagnosed before and in 104 (53.6%) after surgery. In presurgically diagnosed UBPGL, hypertension and catecholamine-associated symptoms were 2- to 3-fold (p < 0.001) more frequent than in postsurgically diagnosed patients whereas hematuria was twofold (p = 0.003) more prevalent in those with postsurgical diagnosis. Hypertension was an independent factor for presurgical biochemical testing (OR 4.45, 95% CI 1.66–11.94) while hematuria (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.09–0.60) was an independent factor for not performing presurgical biochemical testing. Most patients diagnosed after surgery were not pretreated with alpha-adrenoceptor blockade (95.2%), underwent more frequently transurethral resection instead of cystectomy (70.2% vs. 23.1%) and had more frequent peroperative complications and residual tumor mass.

Conclusions

In nearly half of all patients with a UBPGL, the diagnosis was not established before surgery. Hypertension and hematuria contributed independently to a presurgical diagnosis. Postsurgical diagnosis, which was associated with suboptimal presurgical and surgical management, resulted in more peroperative complications and incomplete tumor resections.
Two-year results after combined phacoemulsification and iris-fixated phakic intraocular lens removal
Authors: Gaurisankar Zoraida Solaiga , van Rijn Gwyneth A. , Cheng Yanny Y. Y. , Luyten Gregorius P. M. , Beenakker Jan-Willem M.
Published: October 2021

Purpose

To describe and present results after a technique for cataract surgery combined with explantation of an iris-fixated phakic intraocular lens (IF-pIOL).

Methods

The medical records of all patients, who had undergone cataract surgery combined with IF-pIOL explantation and subsequent implantation of a posterior chamber IOL by the Single Incision Technique (SIT), were reviewed. Data collection included preoperative and postoperative corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), manifest refraction, and endothelial cell density (ECD) up to a follow-up time of 24 months.

Results

Fifty myopic eyes (34 patients) and 9 hyperopic eyes (6 patients) had undergone a SIT procedure mainly because of cataract (67%). Postoperative CDVA improved in both the myopic eyes to 0.16 ± 0.37 logMAR, as in the hyperopic eyes to − 0.10 ± 0.55 logMAR with no eyes having loss of Snellen lines. Mean postoperative spherical equivalent was − 0.34 ± 0.72 D and − 0.10 ± 0.55 D, respectively. ECD loss 6 months after surgery was 5% and remained stable thereafter.

Conclusion

SIT for combined phacoemulsification and IF-pIOL removal yields good visual and refractive results and is a safe procedure in regard to ECD loss. The technique has advantages over the conventional procedure and is easy to perform.
Drought at a coastal wetland affects refuelling and migration strategies of shorebirds
Authors: Anderson Alexandra M. , Friis Christian , Gratto-Trevor Cheri L. , Harris Christopher M. , Love Oliver P. , Morrison R. I. Guy , Prosser Sean W. J. , Nol Erica , Smith Paul A.
Published: October 2021

Droughts can affect invertebrate communities in wetlands, which can have bottom-up effects on the condition and survival of top predators. Shorebirds, key predators at coastal wetlands, have experienced widespread population declines and could be negatively affected by droughts. We explored, in detail, the effects of drought on multiple aspects of shorebird stopover and migration ecology by contrasting a year with average wet/dry conditions (2016) with a year with moderate drought (2017) at a major subarctic stopover site on southbound migration. We also examined the effects of drought on shorebird body mass during stopover across 14 years (historical: 1974–1982 and present-day: 2014–2018). For the detailed comparison of two years, in the year with moderate drought we documented lower invertebrate abundance at some sites, higher prey family richness in shorebird faecal samples, lower shorebird refuelling rates, shorter stopover durations for juveniles, and, for most species, a higher probability of making a subsequent stopover in North America after departing the subarctic, compared to the year with average wet/dry conditions. In the 14-year dataset, shorebird body mass tended to be lower in drier years. We show that even short-term, moderate drought conditions can negatively affect shorebird refuelling performance at coastal wetlands, which may carry-over to affect subsequent stopover decisions. Given shorebird population declines and predicted changes in the severity and duration of droughts with climate change, researchers should prioritize a better understanding of how droughts affect shorebird refuelling performance and survival.
Wahrnehmungen zum Umgang mit Opioiden bei COVID-19
Authors: Peuckmann-Post Vera , Scherg Alexandra , Krumm Norbert , Hagedorn Carolin , Radbruch Lukas , Keszei Andras , Rolke Roman , Elsner Frank
Published: October 2021

Hintergrund

Obwohl Opioide wirksam Schmerzen und Dyspnoe lindern, findet dies in Leitlinien zur Symptomkontrolle unterschiedliche Gewichtung. Dies kann zu Unsicherheiten bezüglich Indikationen und ethischer Implikationen im Umgang mit Opioiden auch bei COVID-19 führen.

Ziel der Arbeit

Wir untersuchten bei Mitgliedern der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Palliativmedizin (DGP) die persönliche Wahrnehmung des Umgangs mit Morphin/Opioiden (M/O) zur Symptomkontrolle innerhalb und außerhalb der Palliativmedizin (PM), auch bei der Betreuung COVID-19-Erkrankter.

Material und Methoden

Mittels Survey Monkey® wurden DGP-Mitglieder anonymisiert nach ihrer eigenen Wahrnehmung des Umgangs mit M/O zur Symptomkontrolle befragt.

Ergebnisse und Diskussion

Von den 6192 DGP-Mitgliedern nahmen N = 506 teil. Den Umgang mit M/O innerhalb der PM beschrieben 98 % der befragten Ärzt:innen und Pflegekräfte als „sicher und vertraut“ bzw. 95 % als „klar geregelt“, während dies für die Bereiche außerhalb der PM von weniger als der Hälfte angegeben wurde (48 %/38 %). Bei der Betreuung COVID-19-Erkrankter wurde der Umgang mit M/O außerhalb der PM noch seltener als „sicher und vertraut“ (26 %) oder „klar geregelt“ (23 %) wahrgenommen. Dyspnoe (99 %/52 %), Erleichterung des Sterbeprozesses (62 %/37 %), Unruhe (30 %/15 %) und Angst/Panik (27 %/13 %) wurden häufiger innerhalb als außerhalb der PM als allgemeine Indikationen genannt. 89 % der Befragten wünschten sich die Einbindung eines PM-Konsilteams.

Schlussfolgerung

Mitglieder der DGP nahmen deutliche Unsicherheiten im Umgang mit M/O außerhalb der PM wahr. Einheitliche interdisziplinäre Leitlinien zur Symptomkontrolle etwa bei Dyspnoe, mehr Lehre und die Einbindung eines PM-Konsilteams sollten zukünftig mehr bedacht werden.
Unexpected ring-opening of 2,3-dihydropyridines
Authors: Hoffelner Michael-Hannes , Seebacher Werner , Kaiser Marcel , Mäser Pascal , Pferschy-Wenzig Eva-Maria , Saf Robert , Belaj Ferdinand , Kretschmer Nadine , Alajlani Muaaz , Brantner Adelheid , Bauer Rudolf , Weis Robert
Published: October 2021

The reaction of 2,3-dihydropyridines with sulfonyl halides surprisingly yielded open chain dienes with sulfonylimine structure. The products were specific out of several possible isomers and, therefore, a separation of isomers was not necessary. All new compounds were characterized using FT-IR spectroscopy, HRMS, and NMR spectroscopy. A bicyclic by-product from the reaction of a 2,3-dihydropyridine with mesyl chloride was isolated and its structure elucidated using a single X-ray crystal analysis. Some biological activities, like antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties were investigated.

Graphic abstract
Development and evaluation of a numerical simulation approach to predict metal artifacts from passive implants in MRI
Authors: Spronk Tobias , Kraff Oliver , Kreutner Jakob , Schaefers Gregor , Quick Harald H.
Published: October 2021

Objective

This study presents the development and evaluation of a numerical approach to simulate artifacts of metallic implants in an MR environment that can be applied to improve the testing procedure for MR image artifacts in medical implants according to ASTM F2119.

Methods

The numerical approach is validated by comparing simulations and measurements of two metallic test objects made of titanium and stainless steel at three different field strengths (1.5T, 3T and 7T). The difference in artifact size and shape between the simulated and measured artifacts were evaluated. A trend analysis of the artifact sizes in relation to the field strength was performed.

Results

The numerical simulation approach shows high similarity (between 75% and 84%) of simulated and measured artifact sizes of metallic implants. Simulated and measured artifact sizes in relation to the field strength resulted in a calculation guideline to determine and predict the artifact size at one field strength (e.g., 3T or 7T) based on a measurement that was obtained at another field strength only (e.g. 1.5T).

Conclusion

This work presents a novel tool to improve the MR image artifact testing procedure of passive medical implants. With the help of this tool detailed artifact investigations can be performed, which would otherwise only be possible with substantial measurement effort on different MRI systems and field strengths.
Dynamic flow and shear stress as key parameters for intestinal cells morphology and polarization in an organ-on-a-chip model
Authors: Fois Chiara A. M. , Schindeler Aaron , Valtchev Peter , Dehghani Fariba
Published: October 2021

Gut-on-a-chip microfluidic devices have emerged as versatile and practical systems for modeling the human intestinein vitro. Cells cultured under microfluidic conditions experience the effect of shear stress, used as a biomechanical cue to promote a faster cell polarization in Caco-2 cells when compared with static culture conditions. However, published systems to date have utilized a constant flow rate that fails to account for changes in cell shear stress ($${\tau }_{c}$$τc) resulting from changes in cell elongation that occur with differentiation. In this study, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations predict that cells with villi-like morphology experience a$${\tau }_{c}$$τchigher than bulge-like cells at the initial growth stages. Therefore, we investigated the use of a dynamic flow rate to maintain a constant$${\tau }_{c}$$τcacross the experiment. Microscopic assessment of cell morphology and dome formation confirmed the initiation of Caco-2 polarization within three days. Next, adopting our dynamic approach, we evaluated whether the following decreased flow could still contribute to complete cell differentiation if compared with the standard constant flow methodology. Caco-2 cells polarized under both conditions, secreted mucin-2 and villin and formed tight junctions and crypt-villi structures. Gene expression was not impacted using the dynamic flow rate. In conclusion, our dynamic flow approach still facilitates cell differentiation while enabling a reduced consumption of reagents.
Systemic chemotherapy of pediatric recurrent ependymomas: results from the German HIT-REZ studies
Authors: Adolph Jonas E. , Fleischhack Gudrun , Gaab Christine , Mikasch Ruth , Mynarek Martin , Rutkowski Stefan , Schüller Ulrich , Pfister Stefan M. , Pajtler Kristian W. , Milde Till , Witt Olaf , Bison Brigitte , Warmuth-Metz Monika , Kortmann Rolf-Dieter , Dietzsch Stefan , Pietsch Torsten , Timmermann Beate , Tippelt Stephan ,   for the German GPOH HIT-Network
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Survival in recurrent ependymoma (EPN) depends mainly on the extent of resection achieved. When complete resection is not feasible, chemotherapy is often used to extend progression-free and overall survival. However, no consistent effect of chemotherapy on survival has been found in patients with recurrent EPN.

Methods

Systemic chemotherapeutic treatment of 138 patients enrolled in the German HIT-REZ-studies was analyzed. Survival depending on the use of chemotherapy, disease-stabilization rates (RR), duration of response (DOR) and time to progression (TTP) were estimated.

Results

Median age at first recurrence was 7.6 years (IQR: 4.0–13.6). At first recurrence, median PFS and OS were 15.3 (CI 13.3–20.0) and 36.9 months (CI 29.7–53.4), respectively. The Hazard Ratio for the use of chemotherapy in local recurrences in a time-dependent Cox-regression analysis was 0.99 (CI 0.74–1.33). Evaluable responses for 140 applied chemotherapies were analyzed, of which sirolimus showed the best RR (50%) and longest median TTP [11.51 (CI 3.98; 14.0) months] in nine patients, with the strongest impact found when sirolimus was used as a monotherapy. Seven patients with progression-free survival > 12 months after subtotal/no-resection facilitated by chemotherapy were found. No definitive survival advantage for any drug in a specific molecularly defined EPN type was found.

Conclusion

No survival advantage for the general use of chemotherapy in recurrent EPN was found. In cases with incomplete resection, chemotherapy was able to extend survival in individual cases. Sirolimus showed the best RR, DOR and TTP out of all drugs analyzed and may warrant further investigation.
Athlete, coach and practitioner knowledge and perceptions of post-exercise cold-water immersion for recovery: a qualitative and quantitative exploration
Authors: Allan Robert , Akin Benjamin , Sinclair Jonathan , Hurst Howard , Alexander Jill , Malone James J. , Naylor Adam , Mawhinney Chris , Gregson Warren , Ihsan Mohammed
Published: October 2021

This survey sought to establish current use, knowledge and perceptions of cold-water immersion (CWI) when used for recovery. 111 athletes, coaches and support practitioners completed the anonymous online survey, answering questions about their current CWI protocols, perceptions of benefits associated with CWI and knowledge of controlling mechanisms. Respondents were largely involved in elite sport at international, national and club level, with many having used CWI previously (86%) and finding its use beneficial for recovery (78%). Protocols differed, with the duration of immersion one aspect that failed to align with recommendations in the scientific literature. Whilst many respondents were aware of benefits associated with CWI, there remains some confusion. There also seems to be a gap in mechanistic knowledge, where respondents are aware of benefits associated with CWI, but failed to identify the underlying mechanisms. This identifies the need for an improved method of knowledge transfer between scientific and applied practice communities. Moreover, data herein emphasises the important role of the ‘support practitioner’ as respondents in this role tended to favour CWI protocols more aligned to recommendations within the literature. With a significant number of respondents claiming they were made aware of CWI for recovery through a colleague (43%), the importance of knowledge transfer and context being appropriately applied to data is as important as ever. With the firm belief that CWI is useful for recovery in sport, the focus should now be on investigating the psychophysiological interaction and correct use of this methodology.
Empirical analysis of the illiquidity premia of German real estate securities
Authors: Paul Thomas , Walther Thomas , Küster-Simic André
Published: October 2021

In this study, we analyze illiquidity premia and their effect on the expected returns of German real estate securities. To this end, we use a unique data set that includes real estate stocks, real estate investment trusts (REITs), and open- and closed-end real estate funds for 2003–2017. We follow Amihud’s (JFM 5:31–56, 2002) structural approach; specifically, we estimate Amihud’s illiquidity factors, investigate the relationships between expected returns and illiquidity, and analyze the effects of expected and unexpected market illiquidity on future returns. We show that illiquidity plays an important role in expected returns for real estate stocks and investment trusts (REITs); however, it has less clear effects on open- and closed-end funds. We find that the adjusted ILLIQ includes appropriate correction factors for securities with low trading activity and is a useful improvement. We also find evidence of structural breaks in the relationship between returns and illiquidity.
Thermal convection for a Darcy-Brinkman rotating anisotropic porous layer in local thermal non-equilibrium
Authors: Capone Florinda , Gianfrani Jacopo A.
Published: October 2021

The onset of natural convection in a fluid-saturated anisotropic porous layer, which rotates about the vertical axis, under the hypothesis of local thermal non-equilibrium, is analysed. Since the porosity of the medium is assumed to be high, the more suitable Darcy-Brinkman model is adopted. Linear instability analysis of the conduction solution is carried out. Nonlinear stability with respect to $$L^2$$

L
2

-norm is performed in order to prove the coincidence between the linear instability and the global nonlinear stability thresholds. The effect of both rotation and thermal and mechanical anisotropies on the critical Rayleigh number for the onset of instability is discussed.
Virtual fracture clinic reduces patient X-ray volume for common wrist and ankle fractures
Authors: O’Driscoll Conor S. , Hughes Andrew J. , McCabe Fergus J. , Hughes Elaine , Quinlan John F. , O’Daly Brendan J.
Published: October 2021

Background

Virtual fracture clinics (VFC) have been widely adopted worldwide as part of the changes in healthcare delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic. They have been shown to be a safe and effective method of delivering trauma care for injuries which do not require immediate intervention or specialist management, whilst maintaining high levels of patient satisfaction.

Aims

Our aim was to evaluate whether VFCs reduce the volume of X-rays performed for common fractures of the wrist and ankle.

Methods

A retrospective cohort review was performed. The pre-VFC group consisted of 168 wrist and 108 ankle referrals from March to September 2019. The VFC group included 75 wrist and 68 ankle referrals, during the period March to September 2020. The total number of X-ray images, carried out within a 3-month period for each fracture was summated, with statistical analysis performed following fracture pattern classification.

Findings

A statistically significant decrease in mean X-rays was observed for isolated stable fracture patterns, such as non-displaced distal radius, − 0.976 (p = 0.00025), and Weber A ankle fractures, − 0.907 (p = 0.000013). A reduction was also observed for more complex fracture patterns such as dorsally displaced distal radius, − 0.701 (p = 0.129) and Weber B ankle fractures, − 0.786 (p = 0.235), though not achieving statistical significance.

Conclusions

Virtual fracture clinics can reduce X-ray frequency for common stable wrist and ankle fractures, with resultant benefits for both patients and healthcare systems. These benefits may be sustained in patient care beyond the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Athletes and Hypertension
Authors: Schweiger Victor , Niederseer David , Schmied Christian , Attenhofer-Jost Christine , Caselli Stefano
Published: October 2021

Purpose of Review

We reviewed most current medical literature in order to describe the epidemiology, clinical manifestation, outcome, and management of hypertension in athletes.

Recent Findings

An estimated quarter of the world’s population is suffering from hypertension and this prevalence is also reflected in athletes and in individuals involved in leisure time sport activities. Several studies found an inverse relationship between physical activity and blood pressure. Therefore, physical exercise is recommended to prevent, manage, and treat hypertension. On the other hand, the prevalence of hypertension may vary by sport and in some cases may even be higher in athletes competing in certain disciplines than in the general population. Hypertension is the most common medical condition in athletes and may raise concerns about its management and the individual’s eligibility for competitive sports. A thorough clinical evaluation should be performed to correctly diagnose or rule out hypertension in athletes, describe the individual’s risk profile, rule out secondary causes, and detect possible hypertension-mediated organ damage caused by hypertension at an early stage. Based on most recent clinical research and international consensus documents, we propose a diagnostic algorithm as well the non-pharmacological and pharmacological management of hypertension in athletes.

Although elevated blood pressure levels are less common in the active population, athletes are not protected from hypertension. A thorough diagnostic approach may help to identify individual at risk for adverse cardiovascular events and to address the optimal treatment as well as sport recommendations.
Multiple pathways towards achieving a living income for different types of smallholder tree-crop commodity farmers
Authors: Waarts Y. R. , Janssen V. , Aryeetey R. , Onduru D. , Heriyanto D. , Aprillya S. Tin , N’Guessan A. , Courbois L. , Bakker D. , Ingram V. J.
Published: October 2021

Many sources indicate that smallholder tree-crop commodity farmers are poor, but there is a paucity of data on how many of them are poor and the depth of poverty. The living income concept establishes the net annual income required for a household in a place to afford a decent standard of living. Based on datasets on smallholder cocoa and tea farmers in Ghana, Ivory Coast and Kenya and literature, we conclude that a large proportion of such farmers do not have the potential to earn a living income based on their current situation. Because these farmers typically cultivate small farm sizes and have low capacity to invest and to diversify, there are no silver bullets to move them out of poverty. We present an assessment approach that results in insights into which interventions can be effective in improving the livelihoods of different types of farmers. While it is morally imperative that all households living in poverty are supported to earn a living income, the assessment approach and literature indicate that focussing on short- to medium-term interventions for households with a low likelihood of generating a living income could be: improving food security and health, finding off-farm and alternative employment, and social assistance programmes. In the long term, land governance policies could address land fragmentation and secure rights. Achieving living incomes based on smallholder commodity production requires more discussion and engagement with farmers and their household members and within their communities, coordination between all involved stakeholders, sharing lessons learnt and data.
Harm Reduction and Decriminalization of Sex Work: Introduction to the Special Section
Authors: Brooks-Gordon Belinda , Morris Max , Sanders Teela
Published: October 2021

Introduction:

This special section ofSexuality Research and Social Policy, edited by Belinda Brooks-Gordon, Max Morris and Teela Sanders, has its origins in a colloquium sponsored by the University of Cambridge Socio-Legal Group in 2020. The goal was to promote the exchange of ideas between a variety of disciplinary research fields and applied perspectives on harm reduction and the decriminalization of sex work. The colloquium took place during the emergence of the coronavirus pandemic in February 2020.

Methods:

We explore the impact of Covid-19 on understandings of sex work, outline the basic underpinning legal philosophical question, explore the intersectional politics of decriminalization, summarize contemporary international health and human rights campaigns, explore contemporary public opinion trends on the issue, and illustrate the universal principles. Finally, we summarize the special section papers (N=12).

Results:

The Covid pandemic provided a lens through which to analyse the changes that have occurred in sex work and sex work research in the past decade and it also exacerbated intersecting inequalities, accelerated many social shifts already in motion whilst changing the course of others. In combination the papers in this special issue examine sex work policy and research across 12 countries in four continents to provide and important space for international and cross-cultural comparison.

Conclusions:

We present the timely contributions of diverse authors and comment on the significance of their research projects which support a decriminalization policy agenda for the benefit of academics, policymakers and practitioners to improve public health strategies and international responses.

Policy Implications:

The research here amplifies the focus on harm reduction and strengthens the case for public policy that decriminalizes commercial sex between consenting adults as the best strategy to reduce harm.