bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laparoscopic gastrectomy for stage II and III advanced gastric cancer: long‑term follow‑up data from a Western multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Bracale Umberto , Merola Giovanni , Pignata Giusto , Andreuccetti Jacopo , Dolce Pasquale , Boni Luigi , Cassinotti Elisa , Olmi Stefano , Uccelli Matteo , Gualtierotti Monica , Ferrari Giovanni , De Martini Paolo , Bjelović Miloš , Gunjić Dragan , Silvestri Vania , Pontecorvi Emanuele , Peltrini Roberto , Pirozzi Felice , Cuccurullo Diego , Sciuto Antonio , Corcione Francesco
Published: April 2021

Introduction

There has been an increasing interest for the laparoscopic treatment of early gastric cancer, especially among Eastern surgeons. However, the oncological effectiveness of Laparoscopic Gastrectomy (LG) for Advanced Gastric Cancer (AGC) remains a subject of debate, especially in Western countries where limited reports have been published. The aim of this paper is to retrospectively analyze short- and long-term results of LG for AGC in a real-life Western practice.

Materials and methods

All consecutive cases of LG with D2 lymphadenectomy for AGC performed from January 2005 to December 2019 at seven different surgical departments were analyzed retrospectively. The primary outcome was diseases-free survival (DFS). Secondary outcomes were overall survival (OS), number of retrieved lymph nodes, postoperative morbidity and conversion rate.

Results

A total of 366 patients with stage II and III AGC underwent either total or subtotal LG. The mean number of harvested lymph nodes was 25 ± 14. The mean hospital stay was 13 ± 10 days and overall postoperative morbidity rate 27.32%, with severe complications (grade ≥ III) accounting for 9.29%. The median follow-up was 36 ± 16 months during which 90 deaths occurred, all due to disease progression. The DFS and OS probability was equal to 0.85 (95% CI 0.81–0.89) and 0.94 (95% CI 0.92–0.97) at 1 year, 0.62 (95% CI 0.55–0.69) and 0.63 (95% CI 0.56–0.71) at 5 years, respectively.

Conclusion

Our study has led us to conclude that LG for AGC is feasible and safe in the general practice of Western institutions when performed by trained surgeons.
Schmerzmanagement in der Inneren Medizin
Authors: Emons M. I. , Scheeper-von der Born T. H. , Petzke F. , Ellenrieder V. , Reinhardt L. , Meißner W. , Erlenwein J.
Published: April 2021

Hintergrund und Ziel der Arbeit

Seit Jahren werden Defizite der Qualität der Schmerztherapie im Krankenhaus beschrieben. Ziel der vorliegenden Untersuchung war es, Strukturen und Prozesse des Schmerzmanagements in internistischen Abteilungen darzustellen.

Material und Methoden

Die Datenerfassung erfolgte mittels eines standardisierten Telefoninterviews (nichtuniversitäre Abteilungen); bei universitären Abteilungen separat mittels eines Onlinefragebogens (SurveyMonkey®).

Ergebnisse

Daten von 139 nichtuniversitären Abteilungen (Rücklauf: 21 %) und 33 universitären Abteilungen (davon 21 vollständig beantwortete Fragebögen, Rücklauf 17 % bzw. 11 %) wurden erhoben. 441 von 619 kontaktierten nichtuniversitären Abteilungen lehnten die Teilnahme ausdrücklich ab, am häufigsten mit der Begründung, es bestünde kein Interesse am Thema Schmerzmanagement. In den 172 teilnehmenden Einrichtungen wurde Schmerz als eigenständiger Parameter in 89 % der nichtuniversitären Abteilungen (96 % universitär) regelmäßig während der Visite erfasst; schriftliche Behandlungsstandards zur Schmerztherapie lagen in 57 % der nichtuniversitären Abteilungen vor (54 % universitär). In 76 % der nichtuniversitären Krankenhäuser (100 % universitär) stand auch für die internistischen Patienten ein Akutschmerzdienst zur Mitbehandlung zur Verfügung, schriftliche Vereinbarungen zur Zusammenarbeit lagen bei 35 % vor (18 % universitär).

Diskussion

Die berichtete Umsetzung des Schmerzmanagements war in den teilnehmenden Abteilungen gut. Gleichwohl sind die Ergebnisse bei niedriger Teilnahme und häufiger Ablehnung mit der Begründung einer fehlenden Relevanz nur eingeschränkt aussagekräftig. Die erfassten Daten reflektieren daher vermutlich eine erhebliche positive Selektion und sind nicht als repräsentativ für das Schmerzmanagement in der inneren Medizin zu werten.
Changes in oral health-related quality of life after treatment of hypersensitive molar incisor hypomineralization–affected molars with a sealing
Authors: Bekes Katrin , Amend Stefanie , Priller Julia , Zamek Claudia , Stamm Tanja , Krämer Norbert
Published: April 2021

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) before and after treatment of hypersensitive molars affected by molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) with a sealing.

Methods

Thirty-eight children with two MIH-affected molars showing hypersensitivity and non-occlusal breakdowns were included. Hypersensitivity was assessed with an evaporative (air) stimulus. Two affected teeth were sealed by two calibrated operators using a split-mouth design: Clinpro Sealant in combination with Scotchbond Universal, and Ketac Universal (3M), respectively. OHRQoL was measured using the German version of the CPQ8–10 (CPQ-G8–10) at baseline, and after 1, 4, 8, and 12 weeks, respectively.

Results

The CPQ total score decreased significantly from a mean of 14.7 (±5.9) to 6.4 (±4.7) (p< 0.001) 1 week after treatment revealing improved OHRQoL. After 12 weeks, OHRQoL improved again proven by a decreased mean score of 2.7 (±3.2).

Conclusions

Sealing of hypersensitive MIH-affected molars revealed a significant improvement of OHRQoL immediately and throughout the 12-week follow-up.

Clinical relevance

Hypersensitivity can be a major complaint in patients with MIH. This is the first study evaluating the effect of sealing on OHRQoL in affected patients.
Neuroimmune system-mediated renal protection mechanisms
Authors: Inoue Tsuyoshi
Published: April 2021

The autonomic nervous system plays an important role in maintaining homeostasis in organisms. Recent studies have shown that it also controls inflammation by directly altering the function of the immune system. The cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP) is one of the neural circuits operating through the vagus nerve. Acetylcholine released from the terminal of the vagus nerve, which is a parasympathetic nerve, acts on the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor of macrophages and reduces inflammation in the body. Previous animal studies demonstrated that vagus nerve stimulation reduced renal ischemia–reperfusion injury. Furthermore, restraint stress and pulsed ultrasound had similar protective effects against kidney injury, which were mainly thought to be mediated by the CAP. Using optogenetics, which can stimulate specific nerves, it was also revealed that activation of the CAP by restraint stress was mediated by C1 neurons in the medulla oblongata. Nevertheless, there still remain many unclear points regarding the role of the nervous and immune systems in controlling renal diseases, and further research is needed.
The Role of Macrophytes in Constructed Surface-flow Wetlands for Mine Water Treatment: A Review
Authors: Opitz Joscha , Alte Matthias , Bauer Martin , Peiffer Stefan
Published: April 2021

Constructed wetlands are a standard sustainable technology in waste and mine water treatment. Whereas macrophytes actively contribute to decomposition and/or removal of wastewater’s organic pollutants, removal of hydrolysable metals from mine water is not attributable to direct metabolic, but rather various indirect macrophyte-related mechanisms. These mechanisms result in higher treatment efficiency of (vegetated) wetlands relative to (unvegetated) settling ponds. Contribution of macrophytes to treatment predominantly includes: enhanced biogeochemical oxidation and precipitation of hydrolysable metals due to catalytic reactions and bacterial activity, particularly on immersed macrophyte surfaces; physical filtration of suspended hydrous ferric oxides by dense wetland vegetation down to colloids that are unlikely to gravitationally settle efficiently; scavenging and heteroaggregation of dissolved and colloidal iron, respectively, by plant-derived natural organic matter; and improved hydrodynamics and hydraulic efficiency, considerably augmenting retention and exposure time. The review shows that constructed surface-flow wetlands have considerable advantages that are often underestimated. In addition to treatment enhancement, there are socio-environmental benefits such as aesthetic appearance, biotope/habitat value, and landscape diversity that need to be considered. However, there is currently no quantitative, transferrable approach to adequately describe the effect and magnitude of macrophyte-related benefits on mine water amelioration, let alone clearly assign optimal operational deployment of either settling ponds or wetlands. A better (quantitative) understanding of underlying processes and kinetics is needed to optimise assembly and sizing of settling ponds and wetlands in composite passive mine water treatment systems.
Can discourse processing performance serve as an early marker of Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment? A systematic review of text comprehension
Authors: Kokje Eesha , Celik Simge , Wahl Hans-Werner , von Stutterheim Christiane
Published: April 2021

A number of linguistic and cognitive deficits have been reported during the course of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and its preceding stage of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), with some deficits appearing years before onset of clinical symptoms. It continues to be a critical task to identify tools that may serve as an early marker of pathology that are also reliably able to distinguish AD from normal ageing. Given the limited success of classic psychometric cognitive testing, a novel approach in assessment is warranted. A potentially sensitive assessment paradigm is discourse processing. The aim of this review was to synthesize original research studies investigating comprehension of discourse in AD and MCI, and to evaluate the potential of this paradigm as a promising avenue for further research. A literature search targeting studies with AD or MCI groups over 60 years of age was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and PsycINFO databases. Eight articles with good quality were included in the review. Six measures of discourse comprehension—naming latency, summary, lesson, main idea, proportion of inferential clauses, true/false questions—were identified. All eight studies reported significant deficits in discourse comprehension in AD and MCI groups on five of the six measures, when compared to cognitively healthy older adults. Mixed results were observed for associations with commonly used cognitive measures. Given the consistent findings for discourse comprehension measures across all studies, we strongly recommend further research on its early predictive potential, and discuss different avenues for research.
Correction to: Cubic bent functions outside the completed Maiorana-McFarland class
Authors: Polujan Alexandr A. , Pott Alexander
Published: April 2021

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10623-019-00712-y
Modelling of fibre dispersion and its effects on cardiac mechanics from diastole to systole
Authors: Guan Debao , Zhuan Xin , Holmes William , Luo Xiaoyu , Gao Hao
Published: April 2021

Detailed fibre architecture plays a crucial role in myocardial mechanics both passively and actively. Strong interest has been attracted over decades in mathematical modelling of fibrous tissue (arterial wall, myocardium, etc.) by taking into account realistic fibre structures, i.e. from perfectly aligned one family of fibres, to two families of fibres, and to dispersed fibres described by probability distribution functions. It is widely accepted that the fibres, i.e. collage, cannot bear the load when compressed, thus it is necessary to exclude compressed fibres when computing the stress in fibrous tissue. In this study, we have focused on mathematical modelling of fibre dispersion in myocardial mechanics, and studied how different fibre dispersions affect cardiac pump function. The fibre dispersion in myocardium is characterized by a non-rotationally symmetric distribution using a $$\pi $$
π
-periodic Von Mises distribution based on recent experimental studies. In order to exclude compressed fibres for passive response, we adopted the discrete fibre dispersion model for approximating a continuous fibre distribution with finite fibre bundles, and then the general structural tensor was employed for describing dispersed active tension. We first studied the numerical accuracy of the integration of fibre contributions using the discrete fibre dispersion approach, then compared different mechanical responses in a uniaxially stretched myocardial sample with varied fibre dispersions. We finally studied the cardiac pump functions from diastole to systole in two heart models, a rabbit bi-ventricle model and a human left ventricle model. Our results show that the discrete fibre model is preferred for excluding compressed fibres because of its high computational efficiency. Both the diastolic filling and the systolic contraction will be affected by dispersed fibres depending on the in-plane and out-of-plane dispersion degrees, especially in systolic contraction. The in-plane dispersion seems affecting myocardial mechanics more than the out-of-plane dispersion. Despite different effects in the rabbit and human models caused by the fibre dispersion, large differences in pump function exist when fibres are highly dispersed at in-plane and out-of-plane. Our results highlight the necessity of using dispersed fibre models when modelling myocardial mechanics, especially when fibres are largely dispersed under pathological conditions, such as fibrosis.
Unveiling the faint ultraviolet Universe
Authors: Zanella A. , Zanoni C. , Arrigoni-Battaia F. , Rubin A. , Pala A. F. , Peroux C. , Augustin R. , Circosta C. , Emsellem E. , George E. , Milaković D. , van der Burg R. , Kupfer T.
Published: April 2021

With this paper we participate to the call for ideas issued by the European Space Agency to define the Science Program and plan for space missions from 2035 to 2050. In particular we present five science cases where major advancements can be achieved thanks to space-based spectroscopic observations at ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths. We discuss the possibility to (1) unveil the large-scale structures and cosmic web in emission at redshift $\lesssim 1.7$
≲
1.7
; (2) study the exchange of baryons between galaxies and their surroundings to understand the contribution of the circumgalactic gas to the evolution and angular-momentum build-up of galaxies; (3) constrain the efficiency of ram-pressure stripping in removing gas from galaxies and its role in quenching star formation; (4) characterize the progenitor population of core-collapse supernovae to reveal the explosion mechanisms of stars; (5) target accreting white dwarfs in globular clusters to determine their evolution and fate. These science themes can be addressed thanks to UV (wavelength range $\lambda \sim 90 - 350$
λ
∼
90
−
350
nm) observations carried out with a panoramic integral field spectrograph (field of view $\sim \!1 \times 1$
∼

1
×
1
arcmin2), and medium spectral (R = 4000) and spatial ($\sim \!1^{\prime \prime } - 3^{\prime \prime }$
∼

1

′
′

−

3

′
′

) resolution. Such a UV-optimized instrument will be unique in the coming years, when most of the new large facilities such as the Extremely Large Telescope and the James Webb Space Telescope are optimized for infrared wavelengths.
A Scoping Review of Communicating Neuropsychological Test Results to Patients and Family Members
Authors: Gruters Angélique AA , Ramakers Inez HGB , Verhey Frans RJ , Kessels Roy PC , de Vugt Marjolein E
Published: April 2021

Feedback of neuropsychological test results to patients and family members include psychoeducation and implications for daily life. This scoping review aimed to provide an overview of the literature on neuropsychological feedback and to offer clinical recommendations. In accordance with formal scoping review methodology, PubMed, PsycInfo, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Embase databases were searched. Studies were included if they reported on neuropsychological feedback, if full papers were available, and if they included human participants. All languages were included, and no limit was placed on the year of publication. Of the 2,173 records screened, 34 publications met the inclusion criteria. Five additional publications were included after cross-referencing. An update of the search led to the inclusion of two additional papers. Of these 41 publications, 26 were research papers. Neuropsychological feedback is provided for a wide spectrum of diagnoses and usually given in-person and has been related to optimal a positive effect on patient outcomes (e.g. increase the quality of life). Most papers reported on satisfaction and found that satisfaction with an NPA increased when useful feedback was provided. However, information retention was found to be low, but communication aids, such as written information, were found to be helpful in improving retention. The current review demonstrated the benefits of neuropsychological feedback and that this should be part of standard clinical procedures when conducting a neuropsychological assessment. Further research on the benefits of neuropsychological feedback and how to improve information provision would enrich the neuropsychological literature.
Effects of a Whole-School Health Intervention on Clustered Adolescent Health Risks: Latent Transition Analysis of Data from the INCLUSIVE Trial
Authors: Melendez-Torres G. J. , Allen Elizabeth , Viner Russell , Bonell Chris
Published: April 2021

Whole-school interventions are a promising approach to preventing bullying and aggression while promoting broader health. The main analyses from a trial of the INCLUSIVE whole-school intervention reported reductions in bullying victimisation but not aggression and improved mental well-being. Latent transition analysis can examine how interventions ‘move’ people between classes defined by multiple outcomes over time. We examined at baseline what classes best defined individuals’ bullying, aggression and mental well-being and what effects did the intervention have on movement between classes over time? INCLUSIVE was a two-arm cluster-randomised trial with 20 high schools per arm, with 24-month and 36-month follow-ups. We estimated sequential latent class solutions on baseline data. We then estimated a latent transition model including baseline, 24-month and 36-month follow-up measurements. Our sample comprised 8179 students (4082 control, 4097 intervention arms). At baseline, classes were (1) bullying victims, (2) aggression perpetrators, (3) extreme perpetrators and (4) neither victims nor perpetrators. Control students who were extreme perpetrators were equally likely to stay in this class (27.0% probability) or move to aggression perpetrators (25.0% probability) at 24 months. In the intervention group, fewer extreme perpetrators students remained (5.4%), with more moving to aggression perpetrators (65.1%). More control than intervention extreme perpetrators moved to neither victims nor perpetrators (35.2% vs 17.8%). Between 24 and 36 months, more intervention students moved from aggression perpetrators to neither victims nor perpetrators than controls (30.1% vs 22.3%). Our findings suggest that the intervention had important effects in transitioning students to lower-risk classes.
Proofs of some partition identities conjectured by Kanade and Russell
Authors: Rosengren Hjalmar
Published: April 2021

Kanade and Russell conjectured several Rogers–Ramanujan-type partition identities, some of which are related to level 2 characters of the affine Lie algebra $$A_9^{(2)}$$

A
9

(
2
)

. Many of these conjectures have been proved by Bringmann, Jennings-Shaffer and Mahlburg. We give new proofs of five conjectures first proved by those authors, as well as four others that have been open until now. Our proofs for the new cases use quadratic transformations for Askey–Wilson and Rogers polynomials. We also obtain some related results, including a partition identity conjectured by Capparelli and first proved by Andrews.
Disambiguation of author entities in ADS using supervised learning and graph theory methods
Authors: Mihaljević Helena , Santamaría Lucía
Published: April 2021

Disambiguation of authors in digital libraries is essential for many tasks, including efficient bibliographical searches and scientometric analyses to the level of individuals. The question of how to link documents written by the same person has been given much attention by academic publishers and information retrieval researchers alike. Usual approaches rely on publications’ metadata such as affiliations, email addresses, co-authors, or scholarly topics. Lack of homogeneity in the structure of bibliographic collections and discipline-specific dissimilarities between them make the creation of general-purpose disambiguators arduous. We present an algorithm to disambiguate authorships in the Astrophysics Data System (ADS) following an established semi-supervised approach of training a classifier on authorship pairs and clustering the resulting graphs. Due to the lack of high-signal features such as email addresses and citations, we engineer additional content- and location-based features via text embeddings and named-entity recognition. We train various nonlinear tree-based classifiers and detect communities from the resulting weighted graphs through label propagation, a fast yet efficient algorithm that requires no tuning. The resulting procedure reaches reasonable complexity and offers possibilities for interpretation. We apply our method to the creation of author entities in a recent ADS snapshot. The algorithm is evaluated on 39 manually-labeled author blocks comprising 9545 authorships from 562 author profiles. Our best approach utilizes the Random Forest classifier and yields a micro- and macro-averaged BCubed$$\mathrm {F}_1$$F1score of 0.95 and 0.87, respectively. We release our code and labeled data publicly to foster the development of further disambiguation procedures for ADS.
Effects of two different management systems on hormonal, behavioral, and semen quality in male dromedary camels
Authors: Fatnassi Meriem , Padalino Barbara , Monaco Davide , Khorchani Touhami , Lacalandra Giovanni Michele , Hammadi Mohamed
Published: April 2021

Effects of two different management systems on male dromedary camel hormones, behaviors, and semen parameters were documented. Camels (n=6) were tested under two management systems: (i) housed in single boxes with 1-h freedom (H23); (ii) exposed to females for 17 h (from 3.30 p.m. to 8.30 a.m.) and then housed (ConExF). Blood was collected every morning; camel behavior was recorded twice a day: (i) from 7:00 to 8:00 a.m. to determine the short effects; (ii) from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. to determine the long effects. Each camel underwent a female parade and semen collection thrice a week; sexual behavior, libido, and semen parameters were assessed. Testosterone and cortisol concentrations were higher in ConExF than H23. Compared to the H23 group, ConExF group spent more time walking, standing tripods, and looking outside their pen/box but they spent less time eating, ruminating, resting, standing, and showing stereotypical behaviors. In the morning, ConExF group spent more time walking, ruminating, and showing typical sexual behaviors compared to themselves during afternoon time and the H23 group. However, in the afternoon time, ConExF camels put more time their heads outside the box through the window and showed higher frequencies of stereotypies, probably due to a higher level of frustration. While the sexual behavioral score was higher and ejaculates showed a higher fraction of milky white and white-colored semen in ConExF than H23 group, their libido was similar. Overall, 17 h of exposure led to an increase in testosterone and cortisol levels, enhancing sexual behavior and semen color, but leading to frustration.
Evaluation des webbasierten Trainings „OHA – Online Hass Abbauen“ – Teilmodul Straftaten und Gewalt
Authors: Lautenbacher Johannes , Jahnke Sara , Speer Daniel , Beelmann Andreas
Published: April 2021

Der Jenaer Bildungs- und Jugendhilfeträger Drudel 11 e. V. konzipiert und erprobt seit 2015 das computerbasierte Training „OHA – Online Hass Abbauen“. In der vorliegenden Arbeit wurde die Wirksamkeit des Teilmoduls „Straftaten und Gewalt“ im Rahmen eines kontrollierten Prä-post-Designs evaluiert. Die Interventionsgruppe nahm an einem einwöchigen digitalen Training teil, das auf die Erhöhung von Aggressionsschwellen durch die Stärkung von Empathie und die Bearbeitung von kognitiven Neutralisierungs- bzw. Rechtfertigungsstrategien zur Legitimation aggressiven Verhaltens abzielte. Insgesamt wurden Daten von 76 männlichen Jugendlichen aus 2 Jugendarrestanstalten in 2 Bundesländern erhoben. Alle Teilnehmenden bearbeiteten innerhalb einer Woche 2 Parallelformen der Empathieskala und der Aggressionslegitimationsskala des FEPAA (Fragebogen zur Erfassung von Empathie, Prosozialität, Aggressionsbereitschaft und aggressivem Verhalten), wobei das Training in der Interventionsgruppe zwischen beiden Zeitpunkten stattfand. In der varianzanalytischen Auswertung der Testergebnisse konnten signifikante Verbesserungen beider Zielkriterien in der Interventionsgruppe berechnet werden. Es wurden ähnlich hohe Effekte erzielt, wie in vergleichbaren kognitiv-behavioralen Maßnahmen mit „Face-to-face“-Ansatz (d ≈ 0,65). Besonders hohe Effekte wurden in beiden Maßen für Jugendliche mit vorhandenen einschlägigen Gewaltdelikten erzielt. Die Ergebnisse sprechen zumindest für eine unmittelbare Wirksamkeit des Trainings auf dispositionaler Ebene. Da der Zusammenhang der erhobenen Dispositionen mit aggressivem Verhalten empirisch fundiert ist, scheint ein positiver Einfluss auf aggressives und gewalttätiges Verhalten demnach plausibel. Das Training kann aufgrund der Ergebnisse sowie der einfachen und flexiblen Handhabung mit standardisierter Implementationsqualität und des Potenzials, hohe Motivation und Selbstwirksamkeitserwartungen der Teilnehmenden zu erzeugen, als vielversprechend bewertet werden.
The Antiedematous Effect of Exogenous Lactate Therapy in Traumatic Brain Injury: A Physiological and Mechanistic Approach
Authors: Duhaut David Emmanuel , Heurteaux Catherine , Gandin Carine , Ichai Carole , Quintard Hervé
Published: April 2021

Background

Sodium lactate (SL) has been described as an efficient therapy in treating raised intracranial pressure (ICP). However, the precise mechanism by which SL reduces intracranial hypertension is not well defined. An antiedematous effect has been proposed but never demonstrated. In this context, the involvement of chloride channels, aquaporins, or K–Cl cotransporters has also been suggested, but these mechanisms have never been assessed when using SL.

Methods

In a rat model of traumatic brain injury (TBI), we compared the effect of SL versus mannitol 20% on ICP, cerebral tissue oxygen pressure, and brain water content. We attempted to clarify the involvement of chloride channels in the antiedematous effects associated with lactate therapy in TBI.

Results

An equimolar single bolus of SL and mannitol significantly reduced brain water content and ICP and improved cerebral tissue oxygen pressure 4 h after severe TBI. The effect of SL on brain water content was much longer than that of mannitol and persisted at 24 h post TBI. Western blot and immunofluorescence staining analyses performed 24 h after TBI revealed that SL infusion is associated with an upregulation of aquaporin 4 and K–Cl cotransporter 2.

Conclusions

SL is an effective therapy for treating brain edema after TBI. This study suggests, for the first time, the potential role of chloride channels in the antiedematous effect induced by exogenous SL.
Wohnungleichheit in Deutschland
Authors: Butterwegge Christoph
Published: April 2021

Seit den 1980er-Jahren hat die staatliche Wohnungs‑, Wohnungsbau- und Stadtentwicklungspolitik privaten Investoren das Feld überlassen. Anschließend haben sich die Bedingungen für Mieter_innen zunehmend verschlechtert, auch weil Kapital nach der Finanzkrise bevorzugt in „Betongold“ investiert wurde. Die prekären Zustände auf dem Wohnungsmarkt für Mieter_innen sollten Anlass sein, über eine grundlegende Wende in der Wohnungspolitik nachzudenken, etwa auch in Form eines „Grundrechts auf Wohnraum“.
Geophagic clay around Uteh-Uzalla near Benin: mineral and trace elements compositions and possible health implications
Authors: Asowata Iyobosa Timothy
Published: April 2021

Geophagic clay consumption, which is an age-long cultural practice by humans and animals in many parts of the world, and particularly in Nigeria, may have long time health effects on the consumers. This is particularly so because of the relatively high concentration of harmful minerals and toxic elements. This study sought to determine the mineralogical and trace element compositions of geophagic clay in Uteh-Uzalla area, which is underlain by the Benin Formation of Oligocene to Miocene age, in order to evaluate the potential health risk associated with the consumption of the clay. Sixteen clay samples were collected from mine face profiles of an open pit, analysed for mineral and trace element compositions, using x-ray diffraction technique and ultra-trace inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) methods, respectively. The mean mineral concentration in % includes kaolinite, quartz and smectite (64.88, 19.98, and 9.54), respectively, among other minerals. And the mean concentrations in mg/kg for Cu (15.0), Pb (14.4), Zn (30.9), Co (8.9), Mn (39.4) and Th (10.5) among other elements were found in the clay. From the trace elements results when compared with health risk indices by Agency for Toxic Substances and Diseases Registry (ATSDR): Minimum Risk Level, recommended daily intake and estimated daily intake, it was found that the elements are far above the daily oral intake requirement. Also, considering the relatively low pH (acidic) values that were exhibited by the clays, harmful minerals and elements contained in the clay may be bioavailable in the internal system among those who are frequently involved in the consumption of the clay.
QCD equations of state and speed of sound in neutron stars
Authors: Kojo Toru
Published: April 2021

Neutron stars are cosmic laboratories to study dense matter in quantum chromodynamics (QCD). The observable mass-radius relations of neutron stars are determined by QCD equations of state and can reflect the properties of QCD phase transitions. In the last decade, there have been historical discoveries in neutron stars; the discoveries of two-solar mass neutron stars and neutron star merger events, which have imposed tight constraints on equations of state. While a number of equations of state are constructed to satisfy these constraints, a theoretical challenge is how to reconcile those constructions with the microphysics expected from the hadron physics and in-medium calculations. In this short article, we briefly go over recent observations and discuss their implications for dense QCD matter, referring to QCD constraints in the low- and high-density limits, QCD-like theories, and lattice QCD results for baryon-baryon interactions.
Perioperative Outcomes for Centers Routinely Admitting Postoperative Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair to the ICU
Authors: Cheng Thomas W. , Farber Alik , Levin Scott R. , Malas Mahmoud B. , Garg Karan , Patel Virendra I. , Kayssi Ahmed , Rybin Denis , Hasley Rebecca B. , Siracuse Jeffrey J.
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND:

Intensive care unit (ICU) admission after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) varies across medical centers. We evaluated the association of postoperative ICU use with perioperative and long-term outcomes after EVAR.

STUDY DESIGN:

The Vascular Quality Initiative (2003–2019) was queried for index elective EVARs. Included centers were categorized by percentage of patients with EVARs postoperatively admitted to the ICU; routine ICU (rICU) centers as ≥80% ICU admissions and nonroutine ICU (nrICU) centers as ≤20% ICU admissions. Patients admitted preoperatively or with same day discharge were excluded. Perioperative outcomes and survival were compared between rICU and nrICU centers.

RESULTS:

Of 45,310 EVARs in the database, 35,617 were performed at rICU or nrICU centers – 5,443 (15.3%) at 71 rICU centers and 30,174 (84.7%) at 200 nrICU centers. Overall, mean age was 73.4 years and 81.6% were male. Postoperative myocardial infarction, pulmonary complications, stroke, leg ischemia, and in-hospital mortality were similar between rICU and nrICU centers (all p > 0.05). Postoperative length of stay (LOS) was prolonged at rICU centers (mean) (2.2 ± 3.6 vs 2 ± 4.2 days, p < 0.001). One-year survival was similar between rICU and nrICU centers, respectively, (94.9% vs 95.4%, p = 0.085). When compared with nrICU centers, rICU centers had similar 1-year mortality risk (hazard ratio [HR] 1.15, 95% CI 0.99–1.34, p = 0.076), but were associated with longer postoperative LOS (means ratio 1.1, 95% CI 1.08–1.13, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS:

Routine ICU use after EVAR was associated with prolonged postoperative LOS, without improved perioperative/long-term morbidity or mortality. Updated care pathways to include postoperative admission to lower acuity care units may reduce costs without compromising care.
Women as Authors of Randomized Controlled Trials of Minimally Invasive Surgery: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 3 Decades of Trials
Authors: Sayyid Rashid K. , Lokeshwar Soum D. , Luckenbaugh Amy N. , Hall Mary E. , Jones Caitlin E. , Magee Diana E. , Hird Amanda E. , Terris Martha K. , Klaassen Zachary , Wallis Christopher JD.
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND:

Female authorship opportunities have lagged behind those of their male counterparts, with gender disparities most prominent in surgical specialties. Our objective was to determine trends of female first, last, and first or last authorships across time and surgical specialties and whether female first or last authorship was associated with journal impact factor.

STUDY DESIGN:

A systematic review of EMBASE (OvidSP), MEDLINE (OvidSP), and Cochrane (Wiley) databases from inception to December 22, 2017 was performed to identify all randomized controlled trials evaluating minimally invasive surgery vs classical surgical techniques. The primary end point was female first, last, and first or last authorship, with gender determined via an online search strategy and verified via Genderize.io. Secondary end point was journal impact factor, recorded from Clarivate Analytics InCites.

RESULTS:

There were 9,321 articles identified and 489 met our inclusion/exclusion criteria. Sixty-eight (13.9%) first and 60 (12.3%) last female authors were identified. A positive linear trend for female first (R
2 = 0.35, Cochran-Armitage test for trend, p < 0.001), last (R
2 = 0.30, p < 0.001), and first or last authorships (R
2 = 0.40, p < 0.001) over time was identified. This trend was observed across surgical specialties except for orthopaedics. The highest calculated percentages of female first, last, and first or last authorships by the year 2017 were seen in obstetrics and gynecology (33.8%, 32.0%, and 43.8%, respectively), all significantly lower than the corresponding percentage of the female obstetrics and gynecology workforce in 2017 (57.0%). Neither female first nor last authorship positions were associated with journal impact factor.

CONCLUSIONS:

A significant increase in female first and last authorship in randomized controlled trials of minimally invasive surgical techniques in the last 3 decades has been observed, but continued efforts to bridge this gender gap are sorely needed.
A Leg to Stand on: Trauma Center Designation and Association with Rate of Limb Salvage in Patients Suffering Severe Lower Extremity Injury
Authors: Bunn Corinne , Kulshrestha Sujay , Di Chiaro Bianca , Maduekwe Uma , Abdelsattar Zaid M. , Baker Marshall S. , Luchette Fred A. , Agnew Sonya
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND:

Mangled extremities are one of the most difficult injuries for trauma surgeons to manage. We compare limb salvage rates for a limb-threatening lower extremity injuries managed at Level I vs Level II trauma centers (TCs).

STUDY DESIGN:

We identified all adult patients with a limb-threatening injury who underwent primary amputation or limb salvage (LS) using the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Trauma Quality Improvement Program database at ACS Level I vs II TCs between 2007 and 2017. A limb-threatening injury was defined as an open tibial fracture with concurrent arterial injury (Gustilo type IIIc). Multivariable analysis and propensity score matching were performed to minimize confounding by indication.

RESULTS:

There were 712 records for analysis; 391 (54.9%) LS performed and 321 (45.1%) underwent amputation. The rate of LS was statistically higher among patients treated at Level I TCs vs those treated at Level II TCs (47.4% vs 34.8%; p = 0.01). Patients with penetrating injuries (13% vs 9.5%; p = 0.046) and tibial/peroneal artery injury (72.9% vs 50.4%; p < 0.001), as opposed to popliteal artery injury (30.8% vs 58.8%; p < 0.001), were more likely to have LS. The risk-adjusted odds of LS was 3.13 times higher at Level I TCs vs Level II TCs (95% CI, 1.59 to 6.34; p = 0.001). Limb salvage rates were significantly higher at Level I TCs compared with Level II TCs (53.0% vs 34.8%; p = 0.004), even after propensity matching.

CONCLUSIONS:

In patients with a mangled extremity, limb salvage rates are 50% higher at Level I TCs compared with Level II TCs, independent of case mix and injury severity.
Une profession en crise ou en transition? Enquête auprès des notaires de l’Outaouais
Authors: Paquin Julie , Ferrand Manon
Published: April 2021

The notarial profession in Québec is currently facing several challenges, including that of the financial situation of many of its members. A study conducted among notaries in the Outaouais region reveals that although, in general, notaries recognize that there is a price war happening, they do not necessarily agree on its causes, their capacity to address it, or the most effective ways to do so. While the traditional image of the notary as a professional and public official remains prominent, it now competes with another, more entrepreneurial view of the notary as a service provider in a competitive market. This implies that the notarial profession is currently going through a transition period that could involve a shift towards new business models.
Impact of the Healing in Harmony program on women's mental health in a rural area in South Kivu province, Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Cikuru Justin , Bitenga Ali , Balegamire Juvenal Bazilashe Mukungu , Salama Prince Mujumbe , Hood Michelle M. , Mukherjee Bhramar , Mukwege Alain , Harlow Sioban D.
Published: April 2021

Background

To assess whether Healing in Harmony (HiH), a form of music therapy, improved women's mental health following conflict-related trauma and sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Methods

This study used a step-wedged design and included 167 women, who completed up to two pre-tests, a post-test, and up to two follow-up interviews at 3 and 6 months after completing the program. The Hopkins Symptoms Checklist was used to measure anxiety and depression. The Harvard Trauma Questionnaire was used to measure post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Generalized estimating equations with unstructured covariance were used to estimate mean change in mental health scores and relative risks (RRs) for screening positive.

Results

Prior to starting the HiH program, 73.9, 84.2, and 68.5% screened positive with median scores being 2.20, 2.70, and 2.06 for depression, anxiety, and PTSD, respectively. The RR for screening positive declined significantly (RR = 0.49 for depression, 0.61 for anxiety, and 0.54 for PTSD) and mean scores declined significantly by −0.54, −0.67, and −0.53 points, respectively, from the pre- to the post-test, declines that were sustained at the 3-month and 6-month follow-up interviews.

Conclusion

The HiH program was associated with significant improvement in women's mental health that was sustained up to 6 months post completion of the program despite instability in the region and evidence of continued experience of conflict-related trauma during the study. These data support the value of providing psychological care in the context of ongoing humanitarian crises.
Surrounded and threatened: how neighborhood composition reduces ethnic voting through intimidation
Authors: Enamorado Ted , Kosterina Svetlana
Published: April 2021

Ethnic voting is an important phenomenon in the political lives of numerous countries. In the present paper, we propose a theory explaining why ethnic voting is more prevalent in certain localities than in others and provide evidence for it. We argue that local ethnic geography affects ethnic voting by making voters of ethnicity that finds itself in the minority fear intimidation by their ethnic majority neighbors. We provide empirical evidence for our claim using the data from round 4 of the Afrobarometer survey in Ghana to measure the voters’ beliefs that they are likely to face intimidation during electoral campaigns. Using geocoded data from rounds three and four of the Afrobarometer, as well as data from the Ghana Demographic and Health Survey, we find no evidence for local public goods provision as an alternative mechanism.
Turnout and Amendment Four: Mobilizing Eligible Voters Close to Formerly Incarcerated Floridians
Authors: MORRIS KEVIN
Published: April 2021

Recent scholarship shows that eligible voters in neighborhoods home to many arrested and incarcerated individuals vote at lower rates than those in less-affected neighborhoods. Little work, however, has investigated how this turnout gap might be counteracted. This paper uses Amendment Four, a 2018 Florida ballot initiative that promised to re-enfranchise most individuals whose voting rights had been revoked due to a felony conviction to investigate whether this turnout disparity can be narrowed by a ballot initiative of particular significance to communities most affected by incarceration. Using prison release records, I identify the neighborhoods and households where formerly incarcerated individuals live and assess the voting history of their neighbors and housemates. I find no evidence that Amendment Four increased these voters’ turnout in 2018 relative to other voters. While ending felony disenfranchisement is necessary, closing the turnout gap resulting from histories of policing and incarceration will require greater investment and engagement.
Yield and water productivity response of quinoa to various deficit irrigation regimes applied with surface and subsurface drip systems
Authors: Bozkurt Çolak Y. , Yazar A. , Alghory A. , Tekin S.
Published: April 2021

This study evaluated the yield and water productiivty response of quinoa to regulated deficit irrigation (RDI), partial root-zone drying (PRD) and conventional deficit irrigation (DI) and full irrigation (FI) using surface (SD) and subsurface drip (SSD) systems in 2016 and 2017 in the eastern Mediterranean region of Turkey. The treatments consisted of RDI, PRD50, DI50, DI75 and FI. A rainfed treatment (RF) was also included in the study. The experimental design was split plots with four replications. DI75 and DI50 received 75 and 50% of FI, respectively. PRD50 received 50% of FI, but from alternative laterals. RDI received 50% of FI during vegetative stage until flowering, and then received 100% of water requirement. The results showed that quinoa under SD used slightly more water than SSD due to reduced surface evaporation. RDI resulted in water saving of 23 and 21% for SD and SSD, respectively, compared to FI; and RDI produced statistically similar grain yields to FI. DI75 treatment resulted in water savings of 16% for both drip methods in the first year and 10 and 25% for SD and SSD systems, respectively, in the second year. PRD50 produced greater yield than DI50 eventhough they received the same amount of irrigation water. RF and PRD50 treatments resulted in significantly greater water productivity (WP) values than other treatments. There was no significant difference between SD and SSD regarding the grain and dry matter yields and WP values. Thus, RDI and DI75 appear to be good alternatives to FI for sustainable quinoa production in the Mediterranean region.
Interaction between nitrogen fertilizer and biochar fertilization on crop yield and soil chemical quality in a temperate region
Authors: Wei Wenliang , Liu Shutang , Cui Dejie , Ding Xiaodong
Published: April 2021

The North China Plain suffers excessive application of nitrogen (N) and soil degradation. Recently, biochar has been promoted as an agricultural soil amendment to ameliorate soil quality, increase crop yield and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. However, most proofs on the positive effects of biochar addition have been based on small plots or short-term field studies located in tropical or subtropical regions with defective soils. A long-term field experiment was designed with five N levels and two biochar rates to observe the changes in crop (winter wheat and summer maize) growth and soil chemical quality. Notably, crop yield was strongly dependent upon N application, with both wheat and maize yields increasing with N application. Biochar addition increased crop yield but not significantly, although the increase in grain yield was 0.96 t/ha in a rotation. Correlation analysis revealed that the optimal root-layer soil mineral N (Nmin) for crop production was around N120, especially with biochar addition. The effect of fertilization on soil chemical quality was mainly reflected in the increase in soil organic carbon (SOC), and the highest value was obtained at N60 whether or not biochar was applied. Overall, biochar addition did not appear to promote wheat and maize growth or increase the yield on calcareous alluvial soils in temperate regions, but significantly enhanced SOC content, especially at N60, which may play an important role in sustainable agricultural production.
Apprehending novel biodiversity redux – thirteen new genera and three new families of Zealandian Bryozoa, with the first living species of the Eocene‒Miocene genusVincularia(Vinculariidae)
Authors: Gordon Dennis P.
Published: April 2021

Thirteen new genera and three new families of cheilostome Bryozoa are described from the New Zealand biogeographic region, centred on Zealandia, between 26.42° (northern Norfolk Ridge) and 54.02°S latitude (south-east Campbell Plateau) from coastal waters to bathyal depths (46‒1676 m). The new genera, comprising 15 new and one previously described Zealandian species, are:Elementella(Elementellidae n. fam.),Niwapora,Quasicallopora, Quitocallopora,Judyella(Calloporidae),Ellisantropora(Antroporidae),Rhizellisina(Ellisinidae),Radixenia(Calloporoidea incertae sedis),Granomurus(Granomuridae n. fam.),Carolanna(Bugulidae),Borioplebs(Borioplebidae n. fam.),Seabournea(Cribrilinidae) andWaeschenbachia(Romancheinidae). A new Recent species of the otherwise Eocene‒Miocene genusVinculariais also described from deep water on the Three Kings Ridge. Two new combinations are created –Judyella precocialis(Gordon, 1984) andEllisantropora aggregata(Gordon, 1984).Ellisantropora tilbrookisp. nov. is also introduced for a species from Torres Strait. Four of the deep-sea genera (three from one station on the northern Norfolk Ridge, one from a station on the Three Kings Ridge) have species with plesiomorphies or distinctive skeletal characters that suggest they are relict. Almost half of the new species form spot-like colonies on hard substrata.