bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Personal View on Two Decades of Recent IAU History
Authors: Egron-Polak Eva
Published: September 2021

It is customary to share the successes and joys with those who are celebrating an anniversary. Looking back at my own relatively long history with the IAU, I am tempted to do the same. Yet, there were both highs and lows during these nearly two decades, and a sense of satisfaction with achievements was often coupled with frustration as well. Despite these sentiments, I, and nearly all the leaders of the IAU, continue to share an unwavering belief that if the association did not exist, it would be invented. This is so, not only because there is a real need for such an organization, but also because of what IAU has contributed to the world of higher education over the seven decades it has existed. My brief note will highlight some of these sources of satisfaction and share the obstacles and difficulties encountered along the way as well.
The Role of Digital Technologies in the New Present and Future of Higher Education
Authors: Sigalés Carles
Published: September 2021

Over the last two decades, digitization has transformed the world as we know it. It has changed our economies, industries, leisure, social practices, job markets, politics, and—of course—how we learn. Access to information has continuously been getting faster and more universal.
The Abel map for surface singularities III: Elliptic germs
Authors: Nagy János , Némethi András
Published: September 2021

The present note is part of a series of articles targeting the theory of Abel maps associated with complex normal surface singularities with rational homology sphere links (Nagy and Némethi in Math Annal 375(3):1427–1487, 2019; Nagy and Némethi in Adv Math 371:20, 2020; Nagy and Némethi in Pure Appl Math Q 16(4):1123–1146, 2020). Besides the general theory, by the study of specific families we wish to show the power of this new method. Indeed, using the general theory of Abel maps applied for elliptic singularities in this note we are able to prove several key properties for elliptic singularities (e.g. the statements of the next paragraph), which by ‘old’ techniques were not reachable. If $$({\widetilde{X}},E)\rightarrow (X,o)$$

(

X
~

,
E
)

→

(
X
,
o
)

is the resolution of a complex normal surface singularity and $$c_1:{\mathrm{Pic}}({\widetilde{X}})\rightarrow H^2({\widetilde{X}},{\mathbb {Z}})$$

c
1

:
Pic

(

X
~

)

→

H
2

(

X
~

,
Z
)

is the Chern class map, then $${\mathrm{Pic}}^{l'}({\widetilde{X}}):= c_1^{-1}(l')$$

Pic

l
′

(

X
~

)

:
=

c
1

-
1

(

l
′

)

has a (Brill–Noether type) stratification $$W_{l', k}:= \{{\mathcal {L}}\in {\mathrm{Pic}}^{l'}({\widetilde{X}})\,:\, h^1({\mathcal {L}})=k\}$$

W

l
′

,
k

:
=

{
L
∈

Pic

l
′

(

X
~

)

:

h
1

(
L
)

=
k
}

. In this note we determine it for elliptic singularities together with the stratification according to the cycle of fixed components. E.g., we show that the closure of any $$W(l',k)$$

W
(

l
′

,
k
)

is an affine subspace. For elliptic singularities we also characterize the End Curve Condition and Weak End Curve Condition in terms of the Abel map, we provide several characterization of them, and finally we show that they are equivalent.
Current and emerging artificial intelligence applications in chest imaging: a pediatric perspective
Authors: Schalekamp Steven , Klein Willemijn M. , van Leeuwen Kicky G.
Published: September 2021

Artificial intelligence (AI) applications for chest radiography and chest CT are among the most developed applications in radiology. More than 40 certified AI products are available for chest radiography or chest CT. These AI products cover a wide range of abnormalities, including pneumonia, pneumothorax and lung cancer. Most applications are aimed at detecting disease, complemented by products that characterize or quantify tissue. At present, none of the thoracic AI products is specifically designed for the pediatric population. However, some products developed to detect tuberculosis in adults are also applicable to children. Software is under development to detect early changes of cystic fibrosis on chest CT, which could be an interesting application for pediatric radiology. In this review, we give an overview of current AI products in thoracic radiology and cover recent literature about AI in chest radiography, with a focus on pediatric radiology. We also discuss possible pediatric applications.
Artificial intelligence for MRI diagnosis of joints: a scoping review of the current state-of-the-art of deep learning-based approaches
Authors: Fritz Benjamin , Fritz Jan
Published: September 2021

Deep learning-based MRI diagnosis of internal joint derangement is an emerging field of artificial intelligence, which offers many exciting possibilities for musculoskeletal radiology. A variety of investigational deep learning algorithms have been developed to detect anterior cruciate ligament tears, meniscus tears, and rotator cuff disorders. Additional deep learning-based MRI algorithms have been investigated to detect Achilles tendon tears, recurrence prediction of musculoskeletal neoplasms, and complex segmentation of nerves, bones, and muscles. Proof-of-concept studies suggest that deep learning algorithms may achieve similar diagnostic performances when compared to human readers in meta-analyses; however, musculoskeletal radiologists outperformed most deep learning algorithms in studies including a direct comparison. Earlier investigations and developments of deep learning algorithms focused on the binary classification of the presence or absence of an abnormality, whereas more advanced deep learning algorithms start to include features for characterization and severity grading. While many studies have focused on comparing deep learning algorithms against human readers, there is a paucity of data on the performance differences of radiologists interpreting musculoskeletal MRI studies without and with artificial intelligence support. Similarly, studies demonstrating the generalizability and clinical applicability of deep learning algorithms using realistic clinical settings with workflow-integrated deep learning algorithms are sparse. Contingent upon future studies showing the clinical utility of deep learning algorithms, artificial intelligence may eventually translate into clinical practice to assist detection and characterization of various conditions on musculoskeletal MRI exams.
Thyroid dysfunction in cerebral venous thrombosis: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Fandler-Höfler Simon , Pilz Stefan , Ertler Marion , Haidegger Melanie , Kneihsl Markus , Wünsch Gerit , Gary Thomas , Enzinger Christian , Gattringer Thomas
Published: September 2021

Background

Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is a multifactorial disease with a variety of related conditions and risk factors. Thyroid dysfunction—especially hyperthyroidism—has been linked to CVT, but this is mainly based on case reports ranging back to 1913, while systematic investigations addressing this issue are lacking. Therefore, we investigated the frequency and clinical characteristics of thyroid dysfunction in a large single-center cohort of CVT patients.

Methods

We retrospectively identified all consecutive patients with aseptic CVT treated at our center between 2006 and 2020. Clinical information was extracted from our electronic medical documentation system. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) had been routinely measured at admission, free thyroid hormones and thyroid autoantibodies were analyzed whenever available.

Results

Of 120 patients with imaging-confirmed CVT, our main analysis included 107 patients (mean age 42 ± 16 years, 74% female) in whom TSH measurements were available. Nineteen patients (17.8%, 95% confidence interval 10–25%) had thyroid dysfunction. Two had newly diagnosed hyperthyroidism (1.9%, 95% confidence interval 0–4%) caused by Graves’ disease, but without typical symptoms for this condition. Seventeen patients (15.9%, 95% confidence interval 9–23%) had hypothyroidism (12 previously diagnosed with ongoing thyroid hormone replacement therapy; 5 with newly diagnosed subclinical hypothyroidism). Clinical CVT characteristics were similar comparing patients with versus without thyroid dysfunction.

Conclusion

We observed a remarkably high prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in CVT patients. Whether this finding reflects a causal relationship warrants further studies. Despite that, the frequent coexistence of both diseases argues for TSH screening in CVT patients.
High rate of clinically unrecognized SARS-CoV-2 infections in pediatric palliative care patients
Authors: Bötticher Benedikt , Dinkelbach Lars , Hillebrecht Martina , Adams Ortwin , Dechert Oliver , Trocan Laura , Neubert Jennifer , Borkhardt Arndt , Janßen Gisela
Published: September 2021

Little is known about the frequency and clinical course of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections in pediatric patients with severe comorbidities. In this prospective cross-sectional trial, the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2-IgG in patients with life-limiting conditions being treated by a large specialized pediatric palliative home-care team was determined. In order to gain insight into the infection chain, close contacts of seropositive patients were also included in the study. We analyzed the sera of 39 patients and found a 25.6% seroprevalence for SARS-CoV-2. No SARS-CoV-2 infections were known prior to the study. No significant difference was found in the symptom load between seropositive and seronegative patients during the risk period for SARS-CoV-2 infections. Of the 20 close contacts tested, only one was seropositive for SARS-CoV-2.

Conclusions: Our results indicate a substantially high prevalence of silent SARS-CoV-2 infections in pediatric palliative care patients. Surprisingly, no severe outcomes were seen in this fragile patient collective with severe comorbidities. The chain of infection and thus the reason for the high frequency of SARS-CoV-2 infections in pediatric palliative care patients remain unclear.

What is Known:•Even though severe disease courses of COVID-19 have been reported in children, there are yet no established risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 in pediatric patients.

What is New:•In this cross-sectional seroprevalence study of palliative pediatric patients with severe life-limiting conditions, a high rate of seropositive patients (25.6%) was found.•Surprisingly, all seropositive patients were previously unrecognized, despite the severe comorbidities of our collective.
Flowering and quality of seeds and pollen in endangered populations of Betula humilis
Authors: Bona Agnieszka , Kłosowski Stanisław , Jadwiszczak Katarzyna A. , Petrova Galya
Published: September 2021

Key message

Lowered pollen and seed quality ofB. humiliscompared to its widespread tree relatives may threaten its populations at the southwestern edge of the species range.

Inability to produce vital propagules is the main threat to the persistence of rare plants at the edges of species distribution. In the present investigation, factors responsible for the low germinability of shrub birch (Betula humilis) seeds in the peripheral populations were analysed. As shrub birch populations are found in phosphorus (P)-limited peatlands with high groundwater levels, the impact of groundwater PO43−ion contents and groundwater table forB. humilisflowering was also studied. Qualities of theB. humilisseeds and pollen were compared to those of tree congeners silver birch (B. pendula) and downy birch (B. pubescens), which usually represent a high reproductive performance. We revealed that the poor germination ability ofB. humilisseeds was caused by the high proportions of empty seeds (44.8%) and seeds with partially developed embryos (47.3%). The insufficient numbers of viable seeds may be a consequence of low-quality shrub birch pollen, as only 1.6% of pollen grains sprouted. The germinability of shrub birch pollen was significantly lower than that ofBetulatree pollen; thus, there is a risk of pollination ofB. humilisfemale flowers by pollen grains of tree birches. Positive relationships between the P concentrations in seeds and seed germinability were revealed in tree birches, but not inB. humilis.The availability of PO43−ions in the groundwater did not affectB. humilisflowering, but male inflorescences were more numerous in stands with higher groundwater levels. Consequently, the maintenance of peatlands is crucial for the efficient sexual reproduction of shrub birches.
Perioperative use of intra-articular steroids during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Jou Eric , Zhou Andrew Kailin , Ho Jamie Sin Ying , Thahir Azeem
Published: September 2021

Purpose

There are growing concerns with the widely used glucocorticoids during the Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic due to the associated immunosuppressive effects, which may increase the risk of COVID-19 infection and worsen COVID-19 patient outcome. Heavily affecting orthopaedics, the pandemic led to delay and cancellation of almost all surgical cases, and procedures including perioperative intra-articular corticosteroid injections (ICIs) saw similar decreases. However, the benefits of ICI treatments during the pandemic may outweigh these potential risks, and their continued use may be warranted.

Methods

A literature search was conducted, and all relevant articles including original articles and reviews were identified and considered in full for inclusion, and analysed with expert opinion. Epidemiological statistics and medical guidelines were consulted from relevant authorities.

Results

ICIs allow a targeted approach on the affected joint and are effective in reducing pain while improving functional outcome and patient quality-of-life. ICIs delay the requirement for surgery, accommodating for the increased healthcare burden during the pandemic, while reducing postoperative hospital stay, bringing significant financial benefits. However, ICIs can exert systemic effects and suppress the immune system. ICIs may increase the risk of COVID-19 infection and reduce the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccinations, leading to important public health implications.

Conclusion

Perioperative ICI treatments may bring significant, multifaceted benefits during the pandemic. However, ICIs increase the risk of infection, and perioperative COVID-19 is associated with mortality. The use of ICIs during the COVID-19 pandemic should therefore be considered carefully on an individual patient basis, weighing the associated risks and benefits.
Brain infarctions after glioma surgery: prevalence, radiological characteristics and risk factors
Authors: Strand Per S. , Berntsen Erik M. , Fyllingen Even H. , Sagberg Lisa M. , Reinertsen Ingerid , Gulati Sasha , Bouget David , Solheim Ole
Published: September 2021

Background

Prevalence, radiological characteristics, and risk factors for peritumoral infarctions after glioma surgery are not much studied. In this study, we assessed shape, volume, and prevalence of peritumoral infarctions and investigated possible associated factors.

Methods

In a prospective single-center cohort study, we included all adult patients operated for diffuse gliomas from January 2007 to December 2018. Postoperative infarctions were segmented using early postoperative MRI images, and volume, shape, and location of postoperative infarctions were assessed. Heatmaps of the distribution of tumors and infarctions were created.

Results

MRIs from 238 (44%) of 539 operations showed restricted diffusion in relation to the operation cavity, interpreted as postoperative infarctions. Of these, 86 (36%) were rim-shaped, 103 (43%) were sector-shaped, 40 (17%) were a combination of rim- and sector-shaped, and six (3%) were remote infarctions. Median infarction volume was 1.7 cm3 (IQR 0.7–4.3, range 0.1–67.1). Infarctions were more common if the tumor was in the temporal lobe, and the map shows more infarctions in the periventricular watershed areas. Sector-shaped infarctions were more often seen in patients with known cerebrovascular disease (47.6% vs. 25.5%, p = 0.024). There was a positive correlation between infarction volume and tumor volume (r = 0.267, p < 0.001) and infarction volume and perioperative bleeding (r = 0.176, p = 0.014). Moreover, there was a significant positive association between age and larger infarction volumes (r = 0.193, p = 0.003). Infarction rates and infarction volumes varied across individual surgeons, p = 0.037 (range 32–72%) and p = 0.026.

Conclusions

In the present study, peritumoral infarctions occurred in 44% after diffuse glioma operations. Infarctions were more common in patients operated for tumors in the temporal lobe but were not more common following recurrent surgeries. Sector-shaped infarctions were more common in patients with known cerebrovascular disease. Increasing age, larger tumors, and more perioperative bleeding were factors associated with infarction volumes. The risk of infarctions and infarction volumes may also be surgeon-dependent.
Between-sex variability of resting state functional brain networks in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
Authors: Trojsi Francesca , Di Nardo Federica , Caiazzo Giuseppina , Siciliano Mattia , D’Alvano Giulia , Passaniti Carla , Russo Antonio , Bonavita Simona , Cirillo Mario , Esposito Fabrizio , Tedeschi Gioacchino
Published: September 2021

The organization of brain functional connectivity (FC) has been shown to differ between sexes. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by sexual dimorphism, showing sex-specific trends in site of onset, phenotypes, and prognosis. Here, we explored resting state (RS) FC differences within major large-scale functional networks between women and men in a sample of ALS patients, in comparison to healthy controls (HCs). A group-level independent component analysis (ICA) was performed on RS-fMRI time-series enabling spatial and spectral analyses of large-scale RS FC networks in 45 patients with ALS (20 F; 25 M) and 31 HCs (15 F; 16 M) with a focus on sex-related differences. A whole-brain voxel-based morphometry (VBM) was also performed to highlight atrophy differences. Between-sex comparisons showed: decreased FC in the right middle frontal gyrus and in the precuneus within the default mode network (DMN), in affected men compared to affected women; decreased FC in the right post-central gyrus (sensorimotor network), in the right inferior parietal gyrus (right fronto-parietal network) and increased FC in the anterior cingulate cortex and right insula (salience network), in both affected and non-affected men compared to women. When comparing affected men to affected women, VBM analysis revealed atrophy in men in the right lateral occipital cortex. Our results suggest that in ALS sex-related trends of brain functional and structural changes are more heavily represented in DMN and in the occipital cortex, suggesting that sex is an additional dimension of functional and structural heterogeneity in ALS.
Levetiracetam, lamotrigine and carbamazepine: which monotherapy during pregnancy?
Authors: Mari Luisa , Placidi Fabio , Romigi Andrea , Tombini Mario , Del Bianco Chiara , Ulivi Martina , Liguori Claudio , Manfredi Natalia , Castelli Alessandro , Mercuri Nicola Biagio , Izzi Francesca
Published: September 2021

Objective

Epilepsy treatment during pregnancy is still challenging. The study is aimed at comparing the efficacy and safety of carbamazepine (CBZ), lamotrigine (LTG) and levetiracetam (LEV) monotherapies during pregnancy in women with focal (FE) or generalized (GE) epilepsy.

Methods

A multicentre retrospective study was conducted to evaluate seizures frequency and seizure freedom (SF) rate during 3 months before pregnancy, each trimester of gestation and post-partum period in women on monotherapy with CBZ, LTG and LEV.

Results

Fifty-seven pregnancies (45 FE, 12 GE) on monotherapy (29 CBZ, 11 LTG, 17 LEV) were included. A significant reduction of seizure frequency was found in the first trimester of pregnancy as compared with that one before pregnancy (p = 0.004), more evident in GE (p = 0.003) and in LEV group (p = 0.004). The SF rate significantly increased in the first trimester in comparison to that one before pregnancy and persisted in the post-partum period in the whole sample (p < 0.001) and in women on LEV (p = 0.004). Besides, 88.57% of SF women before pregnancy remained unchanged during gestation and the post-partum period. One major heart malformation in CBZ and no major malformations in LTG and LEV groups were found.

Conclusions

A better clinical outcome during pregnancy emerged since the first trimester in comparison to the before-pregnancy period, mostly evident in women with GE and LEV therapy, reinforcing the hypothesis of a protective role of pregnancy versus seizures. SF before pregnancy represents a significant predictive factor of good clinical outcome during gestation and the post-partum period. Compared to CBZ, LTG and LEV showed a better safety profile.
Single source unsplittable flows with arc-wise lower and upper bounds
Authors: Morell Sarah , Skutella Martin
Published: September 2021

In a digraph with a source and several destination nodes with associated demands, an unsplittable flow routes each demand along a single path from the common source to its destination. Given some flow x that is not necessarily unsplittable but satisfies all demands, it is a natural question to ask for an unsplittable flow y that does not deviate from x by too much, i.e., $$y_a\approx x_a$$

y
a

≈

x
a

for all arcs a. Twenty years ago, in a landmark paper, Dinitz et al. (Combinatorica 19:17–41, 1999) proved that there exists an unsplittable flow y such that $$y_a\le x_a+d_{\max }$$

y
a

≤

x
a

+

d
max

for all arcs a, where $$d_{\max }$$

d
max

denotes the maximum demand value. Our first contribution is a considerably simpler one-page proof for this classical result, based upon an entirely new approach. Secondly, using a subtle variant of this approach, we obtain a new result: There is an unsplittable flow y such that $$y_a\ge x_a-d_{\max }$$

y
a

≥

x
a

-

d
max

for all arcs a. Finally, building upon an iterative rounding technique previously introduced by Kolliopoulos and Stein (SIAM J Comput 31:919–946, 2002) and Skutella (Math Program 91:493–514, 2002), we prove existence of an unsplittable flow that simultaneously satisfies the upper and lower bounds for the special case when demands are integer multiples of each other. For arbitrary demand values, we prove the weaker simultaneous bounds $$x_a/2-d_{\max }\le y_a\le 2x_a+d_{\max }$$

x
a

/
2
-

d
max

≤

y
a

≤
2

x
a

+

d
max

for all arcs a.
Land in Central America will become less suitable for coffee cultivation under climate change
Authors: Lara-Estrada Leonel , Rasche Livia , Schneider Uwe A.
Published: September 2021

Coffee cultivation in Central America provides goods and services at local, national, and international levels. Climate change is likely to affect the magnitude and continuity of these benefits by reducing the land suitability for coffee cultivation. To quantify the impacts of climate change on land suitability, we use the Bayesian network model Agroecological Land Evaluation for Coffea arabica L. (ALECA) and estimate the land suitability for coffee production in 2000, 2050, and 2080 under three climate change scenarios based on relative concentration pathways (RCPs) 2.6, 4.5, and 8.5. Results indicate that even under the less severe climate scenarios, over half of the current coffee area in Central America will experience a decline in its land suitability for coffee production, from excellent or good to moderate and marginal, and that the change will not happen in the more distant future of 2080, but by 2050. Under RCP 8.5, most coffee areas become of marginal and moderate suitability. The findings show that the continuity of coffee cultivation in a large portion of coffee areas in Central America is under threat and that farmers and policy-makers should develop adaptation portfolios for their farms and regions in a timely manner.
Pembrolizumab versus paclitaxel for previously treated PD-L1-positive advanced gastric or gastroesophageal junction cancer: 2-year update of the randomized phase 3 KEYNOTE-061 trial
Authors: Fuchs Charles S. , Özgüroğlu Mustafa , Bang Yung-Jue , Di Bartolomeo Maria , Mandala Mario , Ryu Min-Hee , Fornaro Lorenzo , Olesinski Tomasz , Caglevic Christian , Chung Hyun C. , Muro Kei , Van Cutsem Eric , Elme Anneli , Thuss-Patience Peter , Chau Ian , Ohtsu Atsushi , Bhagia Pooja , Wang Anran , Shih Chie-Schin , Shitara Kohei
Published: September 2021

Background

In the phase 3 KEYNOTE-061 study (cutoff: 10/26/2017), pembrolizumab did not significantly prolong OS vs paclitaxel as second-line (2L) therapy in PD-L1 combined positive score (CPS) ≥ 1 gastric/GEJ cancer. We present results in CPS ≥ 1, ≥ 5, and ≥ 10 populations after two additional years of follow-up (cutoff: 10/07/2019).

Methods

Patients were randomly allocated 1:1 to pembrolizumab 200 mg Q3W for ≤ 35 cycles or standard-dose paclitaxel. Primary endpoints: OS and PFS (CPS ≥ 1 population). HRs were calculated using stratified Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

366/395 patients (92.7%) with CPS ≥ 1 died. Pembrolizumab demonstrated a trend toward improved OS vs paclitaxel in the CPS ≥ 1 population (HR, 0.81); 24-month OS rates: 19.9% vs 8.5%. Pembrolizumab incrementally increased the OS benefit with PD-L1 enrichment (CPS ≥ 5: HR, 0.72, 24-month rate, 24.2% vs 8.8%; CPS ≥ 10: 0.69, 24-month rate, 32.1% vs 10.9%). There was no difference in median PFS among treatment groups (CPS ≥ 1: HR, 1.25; CPS ≥ 5: 0.98; CPS ≥ 10: 0.79). ORR (pembrolizumab vs paclitaxel) was 16.3% vs 13.6% (CPS ≥ 1), 20.0% vs 14.3% (CPS ≥ 5), and 24.5% vs 9.1% (CPS ≥ 10); median DOR was 19.1 months vs 5.2, 32.7 vs 4.8, and NR vs 6.9, respectively. Fewer treatment-related AEs (TRAEs) occurred with pembrolizumab than paclitaxel (53% vs 84%).

Conclusion

In this long-term analysis, 2L pembrolizumab did not significantly improve OS but was associated with higher 24-month OS rates than paclitaxel. Pembrolizumab also increased OS benefit with PD-L1 enrichment among patients with PD-L1-positive gastric/GEJ cancer and led to fewer TRAEs than paclitaxel.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02370498
Valuing informal carers’ quality of life using best-worst scaling—Finnish preference weights for the Adult ﻿Social Care Outcomes Toolkit for carers (ASCOT-Carer)
Authors: Nguyen Lien , Jokimäki Hanna , Linnosmaa Ismo , Saloniki Eirini-Christina , Batchelder Laurie , Malley Juliette , Lu Hui , Burge Peter , Trukeschitz Birgit , Forder Julien
Published: September 2021

This study developed Finnish preference weights for the seven-attribute Adult Social Care Outcomes Toolkit for carers (ASCOT-Carer) and investigated survey fatigue and learning in best-worst scaling (BWS) experiments. An online survey that included a BWS experiment using the ASCOT-Carer was completed by a sample from the general population in Finland. A block of eight BWS profiles describing different states from the ASCOT-Carer were randomly assigned to each respondent, who consecutively made four choices (best, worst, second best and second worst) per profile. The analysis panel data had 32,160 choices made by 1005 respondents. A scale multinomial logit (S-MNL) model was used to estimate preference weights for 28 ASCOT-Carer attribute levels. Fatigue and learning effects were examined as scale heterogeneity. Several specifications of the generalised MNL model were employed to ensure the stability of the preference estimates. The most and least-valued states were the top and bottom levels of the control over daily life attribute. The preference weights were not on a cardinal scale. We observed the position effect of the attributes on preferences associated with the best or second-best choices. A learning effect was found. The established preference weights can be used in evaluations of the effects of long-term care services and interventions on the quality of life of service users and caregivers. The learning effect implies a need to develop study designs that ensure equal consideration to all profiles (choice tasks) in a sequential choice experiment.
Which factors influence the density of birch (Betula pendula Roth) seeds in soil seed banks in temperate woodlands?
Authors: Tiebel Katharina
Published: September 2021

The natural regeneration of disturbed forest sites is becoming increasingly important due to climate change. Following disturbance events affecting large areas seed trees are often absent from the site, and regeneration solely by means of seed rain may not be successful. In these situations, soil seed banks are an important driver of the regeneration and reforestation of forest sites. The aim of the study was to determine the birch seed density in the soil of birch stands, spruce–birch stands and spruce stands dependent upon the number of seed trees (stands) and upon varying degrees of ground cover using the ‘seedling emergence method.’ The study revealed a significant link between the quantity of germinated birch seedlings in soil samples and the presence of seed sources. Seedling densities of birch in the different stand categories reached 2644–6414 seedlings per m2 [n m−2] in birch stands, 392–759 n m−2in spruce–birch stands and 25–122 n m−2in pure spruce stands. The density of germinated birch seedlings was also negatively affected by the soil layer. In all stand types, the factors humus thickness, litter cover, moss cover and herb cover had no significant influence on the amount of birch seedlings. Successful rapid regeneration of disturbed sites by means of the birch soil seed bank is guaranteed in cases where birch stands, or at least birch seed trees, were present before the event. The influence of ground cover on the regeneration potential of birch from the soil is negligible.
Anti-inflammatory activity of palmitoylethanolamide ameliorates osteoarthritis induced by monosodium iodoacetate in Sprague–Dawley rats
Authors: Jung Jae In , Lee Hyun Sook , Jeon Young Eun , Kim So Mi , Hong Su Hee , Moon Joo Myung , Lim Cho Young , Kim Yoon Hee , Kim Eun Ji
Published: September 2021

Novel treatment strategies are urgently required for osteoarthritis (OA). Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is a naturally occurring fatty acid amide with analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. We aimed to examine its effect on OA and elucidate the molecular mechanism of actions in monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced OA Sprague–Dawley rats. The experimental animals were divided into normal control group (injected with saline + treated with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), NOR), control group (injected with MIA + treated with PBS, CON), 50 or 100 mg/kg body weight (BW)/day PEA-treated group (injected with MIA + treated with 50 or 100 mg of PEA/kg BW/day, PEA50 or PEA100), and positive control group (injected with MIA + treated with 6 mg of diclofenac/kg BW/day, DiC). The changes in blood parameters, body parameters, gene expression of inflammatory mediators and cytokines, knee thickness, and joint tissue were observed. Oral administration of PEA had no adverse effects on the BW, liver, or kidneys. PEA reduced knee joint swelling and cartilage degradation in MIA-induced OA rats. The serum levels of leukotriene B4, nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and prostaglandin E2 considerably reduced in the PEA100 group compared with those in the CON group. In the synovia of knee joints, the mRNA expression of iNOS, 5-Lox, Cox-2, Il-1β, Tnf-α, and Mmp-2, -3, -9, and -13 apparently increased with MIA administration. Meanwhile, Timp-1 mRNA expression apparently decreased in the CON group but increased to the normal level with PEA treatment. Thus, PEA can be an effective therapeutic agent for OA.
Erziehung zur Moralität in einer komplexen Welt
Authors: Rucker Thomas
Published: September 2021

In diesem Beitrag wird das Problem behandelt, wie eine Erziehung zur Moralität in einer komplexen Welt sinnvoll konzipiert werden kann. Um eine Antwort auf diese Frage zu finden, wird zunächst ein von Michael Hand entwickelter Lösungsvorschlag für die Problemstellung rekonstruiert. Daraufhin wird der Vorschlag auf den Prüfstand gestellt und gezeigt, dass dieser ein in der Pädagogik bereits erreichtes Problemniveau in spezifischer Hinsicht unterschreitet. Im Mittelpunkt stehen zwei Einwände, die als das Kombinationsdefizit erzieherischer Grundformen und als der Vorwurf aus der Imperfektheit der Ethik bezeichnet werden. Schließlich wird argumentiert, dass die Theorie nichtaffirmativer Moralerziehung die Möglichkeit eröffnet, die Problemkonstellation zu umgehen, in die Hands Theorieentwurf hineinführt. Umgekehrt wird die Position vertreten, dass dieser Entwurf Anlass dazu gibt, die Theorie nichtaffirmativer Moralerziehung selbst nicht unbefragt zu affirmieren, sondern an deren Weiterentwicklung zu arbeiten, um moralische Erziehung in einer komplexen Welt zukünftig differenzierter zu konzipieren.
The N-Formyl Peptide Receptor 2 (FPR2) Agonist MR-39 Improves Ex Vivo and In Vivo Amyloid Beta (1–42)-Induced Neuroinflammation in Mouse Models of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Trojan Ewa , Tylek Kinga , Schröder Nicole , Kahl Iris , Brandenburg Lars-Ove , Mastromarino Margherita , Leopoldo Marcello , Basta-Kaim Agnieszka , Lacivita Enza
Published: September 2021

The major histopathological hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) include β-amyloid (Aβ) plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, and neuronal loss. Aβ 1–42 (Aβ1-42) has been shown to induce neurotoxicity and secretion of proinflammatory mediators that potentiate neurotoxicity. Proinflammatory and neurotoxic activities of Aβ1-42 were shown to be mediated by interactions with several cell surface receptors, including the chemotactic G protein-coupled N-formyl peptide receptor 2 (FPR2). The present study investigated the impact of a new FPR2 agonist, MR-39, on the neuroinflammatory response in ex vivo and in vivo models of AD. To address this question, organotypic hippocampal cultures from wild-type (WT) and FPR2-deficient mice (knockout, KO, FPR2−/−) were treated with fibrillary Aβ1-42, and the effect of the new FPR2 agonist MR-39 on the release of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines was assessed. Similarly, APP/PS1 double-transgenic AD mice were treated for 20 weeks with MR-39, and immunohistological staining was performed to assess neuronal loss, gliosis, and Aβ load in the hippocampus and cortex. The data indicated that MR-39 was able to reduce the Aβ1-42-induced release of proinflammatory cytokines and to improve the release of anti-inflammatory cytokines in mouse hippocampal organotypic cultures. The observed effect was apparently related to the inhibition of the MyD88/TRAF6/NFкB signaling pathway and a decrease in NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Administration of MR-39 to APP/PS1 mice improved neuronal survival and decreased microglial cell density and plaque load.

These results suggest that FPR2 may be a promising target for alleviating the inflammatory process associated with AD and that MR-39 may be a useful therapeutic agent for AD.
Role of ultrasound in the diagnosis of cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis in children
Authors: Yu Tian-Zhuo , Zhang Ying , Zhang Wen-Zhi , Yang Gao‑Yi
Published: September 2021

Background

To describe sonographic characteristics of cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis (CTBL) in children, clinical information, and sonograms of 348 lymph nodes (LNs) from 57 children with CTBL were retrospectively analyzed in this study.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data and sonograms of 348 LNs from 31 boys and 26 girls with CTBL, who were confirmed by pathology or laboratory examination, at the Hangzhou Red Cross Hospital between June 2014 and December 2020. The age of the children ranged from 1 to 14 years (average 7.1 ± 2.9 years).

Results

Night sweats, fatigue and loss of appetite were the most common clinical symptoms observed in children with CTBL. Unilateral LN involvements were common. Occasionally, CTBL was found in healthy children with no symptoms. On sonography, the hilus was absent or unclear in all LNs. The short-to-long axis (S/L) ratio was ≥ 0.5, and the edges were unclear in most LNs. Other accompanying findings included necrosis (47.4%), an echogenic thin layer (36.8%), surrounding soft-tissue edema (38.5%), multiple intra-nodal strong echo (28.2%), sinus (22.7%) and abscess formation (6.9%). The Doppler ultrasound showed that the majority of vascularity patterns of CTBL were capsular or peripheral (33.3%).

Conclusions

Ultrasound is a recommended examination method for children from different age groups with cervical lymphadenitis. The ultrasonic signs of hilus absence, S/L ratio ≥ 0.5, unclear edge, necrosis, echogenic thin layer, strong echoes and capsular or peripheral vascularity may aid in the diagnosis of cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis.
Visualizing dynamic data with heat triangles
Authors: Hu Ya Ting , Burch Michael , Wetering Huub van de
Published: September 2021

In this paper, an overview-based interactive visualization for temporally long dynamic data sequences is described. To reach this goal, each data object at a certain time point can be mapped to a number value based on a given property. Among others, a property is application-dependent and can be number of vertices, number of edges, average degree, density, number of self-loops, degree (maximum and total), or edge weight (minimum, maximum, and total) for dynamic graph data, but it can as well be the number of ball contacts in a football match, or the time-dependent visual attention paid to a stimulus in an eye tracking study. To achieve an overview over time, an aggregation strategy based on either the mean, minimum, or maximum of two values is applied. This temporal value aggregation generates a triangular shape with an overview of the entire data sequence as the peak. The color coding can be adjusted, forming visual patterns that can be rapidly explored for certain data features over time, supporting comparison tasks between the properties. The usefulness of the approach is illustrated by means of applying it to dynamic graphs generated from US domestic flight data as well as to dynamic Covid-19 infections on country levels.

Graphic abstract
Gray matter heterotopia: clinical and neuroimaging report on 22 children
Authors: Di Nora A. , Costanza G. , Pizzo F. , Oliva C. F. , Di Mari A. , Greco F. , Pavone P.
Published: September 2021

Objective

To investigate the clinical characteristics and neuroimaging features of childhood presenting with gray matter heterotopia observed in a single tertiary Pediatric Department in Catania and compare the data with those reported in the literature.

Methods

A retrospectively review of the history, clinical findings, electrophysiological features and magnetic resonance images of 22 children presenting with gray matter heterotopia observed from January 2010 to January 2020.

Results

Among the 22 children included in the study, 17 presented with periventricular heterotopia (PVNH), two with Subcortical Band Heterotopia (SBH), and three with other subcortical heterotopia (SUBH). In the affected children, the ages at first diagnosis ranged from 3 months to 16 years with a mean age of 8.2 years (± 5.4); twelve (54.5%) suffered by developmental delay and intellectual deficit; eleven children (50%) complained of epileptic seizures, mostly focal to bilateral tonic–clonic seizure. In addition, in the periventricular heterotopia group (PVNH), cerebral and systemic malformations were reported in twelve (70%) and in ten (58%) children, respectively, out of seventeen. In the SBH plus SUBH group, epileptic seizures were recorded in 3 (60%) out of 5 children, cerebral malformations in one child and systemic malformations in two children.

Conclusions

Heterotopic gray matter malformations include a group of disorders that manifest with a variety of neurological implications, such as cognitive impairment and epilepsy, and often related with epilepsy, other cerebral malformations and systemic anomalies.
Geostationary Orbit Transfer with Lunar Gravity Assist from Non-equatorial Launch Site
Authors: Choi Su-Jin , Carrico John , Loucks Mike , Lee Hoonhee , Kwon Sejin
Published: September 2021

We show that it is possible to launch a satellite to Geostationary Equatorial orbit (GEO) from the non-equatorial launch site (Naro Space Center in South Korea) even though that is located in the mid-latitudes of the northern hemisphere. When launched from this site, the equatorial inclination after separation will be 80°. We use a lunar gravity assist (LGA) transfer to avoid the excessive ∆V costs of plane change maneuvers. There are eight possible paths for the LGA; there are four paths consisting of Earth departures and free-return types, and there are two nodes of the Moon’s orbit (ascending and descending). We analyze trajectories over five launch periods for each path using a high-fidelity orbit propagation model. We show that the LGA changes the orbital energy of the “cislunar” free-returns more than for the “circumlunar” free-returns, resulting in less geostationary insertion ∆V for the cislunar free-returns. We also show that the geometrical ∆V variation over the different paths is greater than the seasonal ∆V variation. Our results indicate that an ascending departure and cislunar free-return at the descending node have lower ∆V requirements than the other paths, and lower than described in several previous studies.
A Computational Dual-Process Model of Fixation-Duration Control in Natural Scene Viewing
Authors: Walshe R. Calen , Nuthmann Antje
Published: September 2021

Research on eye-movement control during natural scene viewing has investigated the degree to which the duration of individual fixations can be immediately adjusted to ongoing visual-cognitive processing demands. Results from several studies using the fixation-contingent scene quality paradigm suggest that the timing of fixations adapts to stimulus changes that occur on a fixation-to-fixation basis. Analysis of fixation-duration distributions has revealed that saccade-contingent degradations and enhancements of the scene stimulus have two qualitatively distinct types of influence. The surprise effect begins early in a fixation and is tied to surprising visual events such as unexpected stimulus changes. The encoding effect is tied to difficulties in visual-cognitive processing and occurs relatively late within a fixation. Here, we formalize an existing descriptive account of these two effects (referred to as the dual-process account) by using stochastic simulations. In the computational model, surprise and encoding related influences are implemented as time-dependent changes in the rate at which saccade timing and programming are completed during critical fixations. The model was tested on data from two experiments in which the luminance of the scene image was either decreased or increased during selected critical fixations (Walshe & Nuthmann, Vision Research, 100, 38–46, 2014). A counterfactual method was used to remove model components and to identify their specific influence on the fixation-duration distributions. The results suggest that the computational dual-process model provides a good account for the data from the luminance-change studies. We describe how the simulations can be generalized to explain a diverse set of experimental results.
(In)capacité au travail?
Authors: Czedik Stephanie , Pfahl Lisa , Traue Boris
Published: September 2021

L’article élabore l’émergence d’une nouvelle catégorie sociale que nous appelons le “travailleur incapable de travailler,” qui n’a pas encore été reconnu dans la littérature scientifique. En Allemagne, les personnes exclues du marché du travail ordinaire sont de plus en plus souvent employées comme travailleur “en réadaptation” dans des ateliers pour personnes en situation de handicap en raison d’une incapacité totale de travail. Outre l’objectif de maintenir la participation à la vie professionnelle des personnes en situation de handicap, ces ateliers assument le but de (ré)établir leur performance et de suivre leur réintégration dans le marché du travail ordinaire. L’évolution des profils des personnes travaillant dans ces ateliers et leur expansion sont décrits, ainsi que le développement des processus et conditions de travail, en particulier le recours aux technologies numériques dans le travail. Les conséquences de ces transformations sont étudiées au prisme des politiques “activantes.”
Pregnancy outcomes after fertility preservation in women with endometrial carcinoma and atypical endometrial hyperplasia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Xiao Zerui , Song Ziyi , Wang Jianliu , Liu Huixin , Lu Qun
Published: September 2021

Objective

The objective of the study was to compare the effects of assisted reproductive technology (ART) and spontaneous pregnancy on pregnancy outcomes in women with endometrial carcinoma (EC) and atypical endometrial hyperplasia (AEH) following fertility-sparing treatments.

Methods

Relevant studies published through July 2020 were identified from PubMed and Web of Science literature searches. The pregnancy outcomes of ART and spontaneous pregnancy were summarized and compared for women with complete remission of EC/AEH after fertility-sparing treatments. A subgroup analysis was performed based on whether patients had receivedin vitrofertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) treatment. The complete remission and recurrence rates of EC/AEH following fertility-sparing treatments were estimated. The effect of pregnancy on recurrence rates of EC/AEH was also calculated.

Results

Sixteen observational studies reporting pregnancy outcomes or recurrence with ART or spontaneous pregnancy for women with EC/AEH after fertility-sparing treatments were included. The complete remission rate of EC/AEH was 81.5% (95%CI, 78%–85%). Compared with spontaneous pregnancy, the pregnancy rate of ART was significantly higher (66.8% vs. 43.7%, OR ​= ​2.64, 95%CI 1.71–4.05,P<0.00001,I2 ​= ​14%). Subgroup analysis showed that the pregnancy rate of IVF-ET was significantly higher than that of spontaneous pregnancy (62.7% vs. 35.1%, OR ​= ​2.85, 95%CI 1.44-5.63,P ​= ​0.003,I2 ​= ​29%). The live birth rate of ART was significantly higher than that of spontaneous pregnancy (75.3% vs. 47.8%, OR ​= ​3.96, 95%CI1.76-8.77,P ​= ​0.0009,I2 ​= ​45%). The recurrence rate of EC/AEH was 31% (95%CI 24%–39%). Clinical pregnancy could reduce the recurrence rate of EC/AEH, but there was no significant evidence of an association.

Conclusions

ART, especially IVF-ET, could significantly improve pregnancy outcomes in women with EC/AEH receiving fertility-sparing treatments. Following complete remission, ART treatment might be a better option for women with EC/AEH than spontaneous pregnancy.
Women feel more attractive before ovulation: evidence from a large-scale online diary study
Authors: Schleifenbaum Lara , Driebe Julie C. , Gerlach Tanja M. , Penke Lars , Arslan Ruben C.
Published: September 2021

How attractive we find ourselves decides who we target as potential partners and influences our reproductive fitness. Self-perceptions on women's fertile days could be particularly important. However, results on how self-perceived attractiveness changes across women's ovulatory cycles are inconsistent and research has seldomly assessed multiple attractiveness-related constructs simultaneously. Here, we give an overview of ovulatory cycle shifts in self-perceived attractiveness, sexual desirability, grooming, self-esteem and positive mood. We addressed previous methodological shortcomings by conducting a large, preregistered online diary study of 872 women (580 naturally cycling) across 70 consecutive days, applying several robustness analyses and comparing naturally cycling women with women using hormonal contraceptives. As expected, we found robust evidence for ovulatory increases in self-perceived attractiveness and sexual desirability in naturally cycling women. Unexpectedly, we found moderately robust evidence for smaller ovulatory increases in self-esteem and positive mood. Although grooming showed an ovulatory increase descriptively, the effect was small, failed to reach our strict significance level of .01 and was not robust to model variations. We discuss how these results could follow an ovulatory increase in sexual motivation while calling for more theoretical and causally informative research to uncover the nature of ovulatory cycle shifts in the future.