bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TGFβ1 and POSTN as biomarkers of postinfectious bronchiolitis obliterans and asthma in children
Authors: Kang Mi‐Jin , Ahn Hee‐Sung , Lee So‐Yeon , Yeom Jeonghun , Kim Kyunggon , Hong Soo‐Jong
Published: September 2022

Rationale

Asthma and postinfectious bronchiolitis obliterans (PIBO) are common chronic lung diseases in company with wheezing in children. However, it is not clear what is common and unique mechanisms between the two diseases. Thus, we used proteomic analysis to compare differences in biomarkers between children with asthma and PIBO.

Methods

Overall, 30 healthy children without respiratory underlying diseases, 18 children with asthma and 15 with PIBO were included for this study. Sequential window acquisition of all theoretical mass spectra (SWATH)‐mass spectrometry (MS) was used to measure proteins in plasma samples. To identify specific pathways of each groups, we used the ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) software.

Results

We identified and quantified 354 proteins across all 63 samples in the SWATH‐MS analysis. Forty eight proteins were significantly different among 3 groups. The upstream analysis of IPA suggested that inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B kinase subunit beta (IKBKB) was the upstream inhibitor of 4 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in asthma, while the upstream activator in PIBO subjects. Among 4 DEPs, TGF‐β1 in PIBO and periostin in asthma were negatively correlated with forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), FEV1/forced vital capacity, maximal med‐expiratory flow, and PC20, respectively.

Conclusion

These findings demonstrate that transforming growth factor β1 and periostin were unique biomarkers of PIBO and asthma in children, respectively. The mechanism regulated by IKBKB may be therapeutically relevant for PIBO and asthma.
Delta variant effect on the clinical course of adolescent COVID‐19 patients
Authors: Çağlar Hanife Tuğçe , Pekcan Sevgi , Yılmaz Aslı İmran , Ünal Gökçen , Metin Akcan Özge , Ünsaçar Mahmut Z. , Özdemir Mehmet , Akın Fatih
Published: September 2022

Objective

The clinical course of new COVID‐19 variants in adolescents is still unknown. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical characteristics of COVID‐19 in adolescents and compare the differences between the original version and the delta variant.

Materials and Methods

The medical records of patients aged 10−18 years treated for COVID‐19 between April 1, 2020 and March 31, 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into four groups (asymptomatic, mild, moderate, and severe) for COVID‐19 severity and into two groups according to the diagnosis date (first−second year). The primary endpoint of the study was hospital admission.

Results

The mean age of patients was 171.81 ± 29.5 months, and most of them were males (n: 435, 53.3%). While the patient number was 296 (43.52%) in the first year of pandemic, it raised to 520 (54.11%) in the second year (p < 0.01). The severity of COVID‐19 was mild in 667 (81.7%) patients. In the comparison of patients according to the diagnosis date (first−second years); the parameters of anosmia, ageusia, weakness, muscle pain, vomiting, hospital admission, and length of stay in hospital were statistically different (p < 0.05). In the comparison of hospitalized patients between years, the necessity of oxygen support (p < 0.001), endotracheal intubation rates (p < 0.05), length of stay in the hospital (p < 0.001), and the severity of COVID‐19 (p < 0.05) was significantly higher in the second year.

Conclusion

The clinical course for adolescents diagnosed with COVID‐19 has linearly changed with the delta variant. Our results confirmed that the delta variant is more transmissible, requires more oxygen support, increases endotracheal intubation, and prolongs the length of stay in the hospital.
Chronic tracheostomy care of ventilator‐dependent and ‐independent children: Clinical practice patterns of pediatric respirologists in a publicly funded (Canadian) healthcare system
Authors: St‐Laurent Aaron , Zielinski David , Qazi Adam , AlAwadi Aceel , Almajed Athari , Adamko Darryl J. , Alabdoulsalam Tareq , Chiang Jackie , Derynck Michael , Gerdung Chris , Kam Karen , Katz Sherri L. , MacLusky Ian , Mehta Kevan , Mateos Dimas , Nguyen The Thanh D. , Praud Jean‐Paul , Proulx Frederic , Seear Michael , Smith Mary Jane , Wensley David , Amin Reshma
Published: September 2022

Objectives

To describe the current clinical practice patterns of Canadian pediatric respirologists at pediatric tertiary care institutions regarding chronic tracheostomy tube care and management of home invasive ventilation.

Methods

A pediatric respirologist/pediatrician with expertise in tracheostomy tube care and home ventilation was identified at each Canadian pediatric tertiary care center to complete a 59‐item survey of multiple choice and short answer questions. Domains assessed included tracheostomy tube care, caregiver competency and home monitoring, speaking valves, medical management of tracheostomy complications, decannulation, and long‐term follow‐up.

Results

The response rate was 100% (17/17) with all Canadian tertiary care pediatric centers represented and heterogeneity of practice was observed in all domains assessed. For example, though most centers employ Bivona™ (17/17) and Shiley™ (15/17) tracheostomy tubes, variability was observed around tube change, re‐use, and cleaning practices. Most centers require two trained caregivers (14/17) and recommend 24/7 eyes on care and oxygen saturation monitoring. Discharge with an emergency tracheostomy kit was universal (17/17). Considerable heterogeneity was observed in the timing and use of speaking valves and speech‐language assessment. Inhaled anti‐pseudomonal antibiotics are employed by most centers (16/17) though the indication, agent, and protocol varied by center. Though decannulation practices varied considerably, the requirement of upper airway patency was universally required to proceed with decannulation (17/17) independent of ongoing ventilatory support requirements.

Conclusion

Considerable variability in pediatric tracheostomy tube care practice exists across Canada. These results will serve as a starting point to standardize and evaluate tracheostomy tube care nationally.
Development of mortality prediction models for infants with isolated, left‐sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia before and after birth
Authors: Yoneda Kota , Amari Shoichiro , Mikami Masashi , Uchida Keiichi , Yokoi Akiko , Okawada Manabu , Furukawa Taizo , Toyoshima Katsuaki , Inamura Noboru , Okazaki Tadaharu , Yamoto Masaya , Masumoto Kouji , Terui Keita , Okuyama Hiroomi , Hayakawa Masahiro , Taguchi Tomoaki , Usui Noriaki , Isayama Tetsuya
Published: September 2022

Background

Mortality prediction of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is essential for developing treatment strategies, including fetal therapy. Several researchers have reported prognostic factors for this rare but life‐threatening condition; however, the optimal combination of prognostic factors remains to be elucidated.

Objectives

This study aimed to develop the most discriminative prenatal and postnatal models to predict the mortality of infants with an isolated left‐sided CDH.

Methods

This multi‐institutional retrospective cohort study included infants with CDH born at 15 tertiary hospitals of the Japanese CDH Study Group between 2011 and 2016. We developed multivariable logistic models with every possible combination of predictors and identified models with the highest cross‐validated area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for prenatal and postnatal predictions.

Results

Among 302 eligible infants, 44 died before discharge. The prenatal mortality prediction model was based on the observed/expected lung area to head circumference ratio (O/E LHR), liver herniation, and stomach herniation (AUC, 0.830). The postnatal mortality prediction model was based on O/E LHR, liver herniation, and the lowest oxygenation index (AUC, 0.944).

Conclusion

Our models can facilitate the prenatal and postnatal mortality prediction of infants with isolated left‐sided CDH.
Metformin use and mortality in Asian, diabetic patients with prostate cancer on androgen deprivation therapy: A population‐based study
Authors: Lee Yan Hiu Athena , Hui Jeremy Man Ho , Chan Jeffrey Shi Kai , Liu Kang , Dee Edward C. , Ng Kenrick , Tang Pias , Tse Gary , Ng Chi Fai
Published: September 2022

Background

This study aims to examine the associations between metformin use concurrent with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and mortality risks in Asian, diabetic patients with prostate cancer (PCa).

Methods

This study identified diabetic adults with PCa receiving any ADT attending public hospitals in Hong Kong between December 1999 and March 2021 retrospectively, with follow‐up until September 2021. Patients with <6 months of medical castration without subsequent bilateral orchidectomy, <6 months of concurrent metformin use and ADT, or missing baseline HbA1c were excluded. Metformin users had ≥180 days of concurrent metformin use and ADT, while non‐users had no concurrent metformin use and ADT or never used metformin. The primary outcome was PCa‐related mortality. The secondary outcome was all‐cause mortality. The study used inverse probability treatment weighting to balance covariates.

Results

The analyzed cohort consisted of 1971 patients (1284 metformin users and 687 non‐users; mean age 76.2 ± 7.8 years). Over a mean follow‐up of 4.1 ± 3.2 years, metformin users had significantly lower risks of PCa‐related mortality (weighted hazard ratio [wHR]: 0.49 [95% confidence interval, CI:  0.39–0.61], p < 0.001) and all‐cause mortality (wHR 0.53 [0.46–0.61], p < 0.001), independent of diabetic control or status of chronic kidney disease. Such effects appeared stronger in patients with less advanced PCa, which is reflected by the absence of androgen receptor antagonist or chemotherapy use (p value for interaction: 0.017 for PCa‐related mortality; 0.048 for all‐cause mortality).

Conclusions

Metformin use concurrent with ADT was associated with lower risks of mortality in Asian, diabetic patients with PCa.
Safely omitting bone isotope scans in a cohort of grade group 2 prostate cancer
Authors: Mustaffa Ali , Emara Shady
Published: September 2022

Objective

A retrospective review conducted in our urology unit to assess the efficiency for requesting bone scans for newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients, aiming to minimize radiation exposure and avoiding unnecessary investigations as cost effective measure.

Methods

A retrospective observational study included 360 patients with newly diagnosed prostate cancer within urology department at Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Trust from April 2016 to March 2018. Parameters observed were: the prostatic specific antigen (PSA) on diagnosis, Gleason score, staging magnetic resonance imaging, and bone scans. We analyzed the possible correlation of the Gleason score and PSA to determine the risk of bony metastasis. Regarding PSA: Patients were categorized as with PSA <15, PSA ≥15. Regarding Gleason score: Patients were categorized as patients with grade group 1 or 2 and patients with grade group 3 and above. Data recorded was then analyzed using χ2 analysis to determine if results were deemed significant or not.

Results

A total of 360 patients: 91 patients (25%) had positive bony metastasis. While 269 patients (75%) had a clear bone scan. Among patients with grade group 3 or above or having PSA ≥15, 90 patients out of 324 patients had bony metastasis (38%). Among patients with grade group 1 or 2 and PSA <15, only 1 patient out of 36 had bony metastasis (2.7%). Negative predictive value of grade group 1 or 2 and PSA <15 for bony metastasis was 97.22%.

Conclusion

Using a cutoff level of PSA <15 in grade group 1 and 2 seems to be a safe and efficient tool to exclude newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients from having an isotope bone scan for staging purpose.
Long‐term outcomes of radical prostatectomy versus low‐dose‐rate brachytherapy in patients with intermediate‐risk prostate cancer: Propensity score matched comparison
Authors: Urabe Fumihiko , Miki Kenta , Kimura Takahiro , Sasaki Hiroshi , Tashiro Kojiro , Iwatani Kosuke , Matsukawa Akihiro , Aikawa Koichi , Tsusumi Yuki , Morikawa Midoriko , Minato Kyosuke , Sato Shun , Takahashi Hiroyuki , Aoki Manabu , Egawa Shin
Published: September 2022

Purpose

To compare long‐term outcomes of radical prostatectomy (RP) and low‐dose‐rate brachytherapy (LDR‐BT) using propensity score‐matched analysis in patients with clinically localized, intermediate‐risk prostate cancer (PCa).

Methods

Between October 2003 and March 2014, our institution treated 1241 patients with intermediate‐risk PCa (RP: n = 531; LDR‐BT: n = 710). Biochemical recurrence (BCR) was defined as prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) levels of 0.2 ng/ml or greater for RP, and as PSA nadir plus 2 ng/ml or higher (Phoenix definition) for LDR‐BT. We calculated propensity scores by multivariate logistic regression based on covariates that included age, pretreatment PSA, biopsy Gleason grade, the percentage of positive biopsy cores (PPBC), and clinical T stage.

Results

Median follow‐up was 108 months for RP and 99 months for LDR‐BT. After propensity score adjustment, a total of 642 (321 each) patients remained for further analysis. Kaplan–Meier curves showed no statistically significant difference in overall survival (OS) (p = 0.99). LDR‐BT was associated with improved BCR‐free survival and salvage therapy‐free survival  compared to RP (p < 0.001), and RP was associated with improved metastasis‐free survival (MFS, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

BCR cannot be a surrogate for survival comparison, primarily due to differences between treatment modalities in how this term was defined post‐therapy. Long‐term follow‐up showed that RP was associated with lower MFS in intermediate‐risk PCa. However, this has not yet translated into superior OS.
Yeast mediates the interspecific interaction between introduced Bactrocera dorsalis and indigenous Bactrocera minax
Authors: Ren Xue‐Ming , Yang Yi‐Shi , Guo Ru‐Xin , Wang Hao‐Ran , Qi Xue‐Wei , Cao Shuai , Lai Yan‐Nan , Zhang Gui‐Jian , Niu Changying
Published: September 2022

Background

Host plant–microbe associations mediate interspecific interactions amongst herbivorous insects. However, this theory has rarely been ecologically verified in tephritid fruit flies. Research on this subject can not only help predict tephritid species invasion and occurrence patterns, but also develop potential novel lures for the control of the tephritid fruit fly pests. Recently, we observed mixed infestation of Bactrocera minax and Bactrocera dorsalis larvae in citrus orchards, which prompted us to explore the underlying mechanism.

Results

Following oviposition by B. minax, the yeast Pichia kluyveri translocated to and proliferated inside the citrus fruit. The level of d‐limonene released from citrus fruits containing P. kluyveri was 27 times higher than that released from healthy fruits. Mature B. dorsalis females were attracted to d‐limonene and oviposited into fruits previously infested by B. minax. Furthermore, the interspecific interaction between B. dorsalis and B. minax within the same fruit significantly decreased the number of surviving larvae and pupal weight in B. dorsalis, but its effect on B. minax was weaker.

Conclusion

In the studied interspecific interaction, B. minax occupies the dominant position, implying ecological significance for this species in terms of consolidating its own niche and inhibiting the invasion of exotic species. To our best knowledge, this is the first report from both ecological and physiological perspectives on a symbiotic yeast mediating the interaction between B. minax and B. dorsalis through altering fruit volatiles. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Inhibition profile of trifludimoxazin towards PPO2 target site mutations
Authors: Porri Aimone , Betz Michael , Seebruck Kathryn , Knapp Michael , Johnen Philipp , Witschel Matthias , Aponte Raphael , Liebl Rex , Tranel Patrick J. , Lerchl Jens
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND

Target site resistance to herbicides that inhibit protoporphyrinogen IX oxidase (PPO; EC 1.3.3.4) has been described mainly in broadleaf weeds based on mutations in the gene designated protoporphyrinogen oxidase 2 (PPO2) and in one monocot weed species in protoporphyrinogen oxidase 1 (PPO1). To control PPO target site resistant weeds in future it is important to design new PPO‐inhibiting herbicides that can control problematic weeds expressing mutant PPO enzymes. In this study, we assessed the efficacy of a new triazinone‐type inhibitor, trifludimoxazin, to inhibit PPO2 enzymes carrying target site mutations in comparison with three widely used PPO‐inhibiting herbicides.

RESULTS

Mutated Amaranthus spp. PPO2 enzymes were expressed in Escherichia coli, purified and measured biochemically for activity and inhibition kinetics, and used for complementation experiments in an E. coli hemG mutant that lacks the corresponding microbial PPO gene function. In addition, we used ectopic expression in Arabidopsis and structural PPO protein modeling to support the enzyme inhibition study. The generated data strongly suggest that trifludimoxazin is a strong inhibitor both at the enzyme level and in transgenics Arabidopsis ectopically expressing PPO2 target site mutations.

CONCLUSION

Trifludimoxazin is a potent PPO‐inhibiting herbicide that inhibits various PPO2 enzymes carrying target site mutations and could be used as a chemical‐based control strategy to mitigate the widespread occurrence of PPO target site resistance as well as weeds that have evolved resistance to other herbicide mode of actions. © 2022 BASF SE and The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Mechanism for high “potential skill” of Indian summer monsoon rainfall prediction up to two years in advance
Authors: Sharma Devabrat , Das Santu , Saha Subodh K. , Goswami B. N.
Published: September 2022

Skillful prediction of the Indian summer monsoon rainfall (ISMR) at leads of 12–24 months are valuable for farmers and policymakers for water resource management and food security planning. While the ISMR is known to be highly predictable at short leads, estimates of long‐lead “potential skill” is lacking. Here, a new predictor discovery method taking into account simultaneous contributions from all potential drivers unravels a predictor based on the depth of the 20° isotherm (D20) to be best suited for estimating the “potential skill” significantly better than a sea surface temperature (SST)‐based predictor. We find high “potential skills” at 18–24‐months leads instead of at short leads, with the highest skill for 18‐months‐lead forecasts (r = 0.87). Investigation of the intriguing finding reveals that the initial errors for ISMR prediction as well as their growth are controlled by a global manifestation of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) oscillator. Phase‐locking of initial errors of D20 and their growth rates with the annual cycle ascertain that forecast errors are minimum and “potential skill” is maximum at leads of 18–24 months. While non‐linearity of small‐scale D20 anomalies may make realization of the potential predictability challenging, with improvements of coupled models and use of deep‐learning artificial‐intelligence techniques, our findings provide optimism for skillful long‐lead forecasts of ISMR in coming years.
Development of an index based on fish, macroinvertebrates, phytoplankton, and physicochemical properties to assess urban aquatic ecosystems in Jinan, China
Authors: Liu Linfei , Xu Zongxue , Yin Xuwang , Li Fulin , Wang Mi
Published: September 2022

Because of the rapid growth in urbanization over recent decades, urban aquatic ecosystems have been subjected to unprecedented threats and challenges. In this study, we visited 48 sites, of which 14 were reservoir sites, in water bodies in Jinan, China, on six occasions in May, August, and October of 2014 and 2015. We sampled fish, macroinvertebrates, and phytoplankton assemblages and physicochemical factors at each site. We used the richness and diversity of fish, macroinvertebrates, and phytoplankton to evaluate the condition of the aquatic ecosystems of the river sites. We also evaluated the water quality of the reservoir sites using the physicochemical factors of the State Environmental Protection Administration of China. We classified the results into five levels—excellent, good, moderate, poor, and bad—with the comprehensive evaluation index (CEI). More than 40% of the sampling sites were in either poor or bad condition. Nearly half of the excellent or good sites were in the south of Jinan. The CEI was significantly different between the reference and impaired sites; it was significantly and positively correlated with the qualitative habitat evaluation index and was significantly and negatively correlated with conductivity, total alkalinity, and ammonia nitrogen.
High‐Efficiency Semi‐Transparent Organic Solar Cells Using Pentacyclic Aromatic Lactam‐Containing Terpolymer Strategy for Eco‐Friendly Greenhouse Application
Authors: Luo Yixuan , Wang Xunchang , Zhang Manxue , Sun Xiaokang , Saparbaev Aziz , Lei Shiyun , Zhang Jiayi , Xiao Biao , Yang Chunming , Liu Zhitian , Yang Renqiang
Published: September 2022

Semitransparent organic solar cells (ST‐OSCs) offer unique features such as spectral tunability and see‐through function, giving them great potential in photovoltaic (PV) agriculture. However, the combination of sufficient average visible transmittance (AVT) and high power conversion efficiency (PCE) with eco‐friendly device fabrication has always been a key issue. Herein, a simple but effective strategy by incorporating pentacyclic aromatic lactam acceptor unit (TPTI) in copolymer donors for toluene processed high‐efficiency ST‐OSCs is performed. The comparisons between D18‐ and DEH‐X‐based ST‐OSCs demonstrate the effect of TPTI inserting on the polymer main skeleton can not only lower the energy level, improve the processability in nonhalogen solvent, tune the ideal morphology for efficient charge dissociation, but also control a photon transport window suitable for plant absorption. Therefore, the resulting OSCs processed with toluene exhibit a PCE of 14.6% with an AVT of 22%, which represents one of the highest values for ST‐OSCs made from nonhalogenated solvents. What's more, it is found that plant growth under ST‐OSCs filtered light is comparable with that under natural light. Herein, a guide for developing high‐performance ST‐OSCs is provided and the prospect of ST‐OSCs for green manufacturing PV greenhouse application is demonstrated.
Critical systems practice 3: Intervene—Flexibly executing a multimethodological intervention
Authors: Jackson Michael C.
Published: September 2022

This is the third of a series of papers on the stages of critical systems practice. Critical systems practice is a multimethodology that seeks to employ the ideas of critical systems thinking to intervene in and improve complex real‐world problem situations. It has four stages—Explore (the problem situation), Produce (an intervention strategy), Intervene (flexibly) and Check (on progress)—called to mind as EPIC. The aim is to set out where thinking has reached on the best way to carry out each of these stages and to invite comment on what more needs doing. This paper discusses the third stage, Intervene. It is concerned with executing a flexible multimethodological intervention in accordance with the agreement reached by decision makers, and other stakeholders, at the end of the previous stage. The theoretical and practical problems associated with multimethodological interventions are discussed, and solutions and ways forward are suggested based on the philosophy of pragmatism.
(Thio)urea Containing Chiral Ammonium Salt Catalysts
Authors: Waser Mario , Winter Michael , Mairhofer Christopher
Published: September 2022

(Thio)‐urea‐containing bifunctional quaternary ammonium salts emerged as powerful non‐covalently interacting organocatalysts over the course of the last decade. The most commonly employed catalysts in this field are either based on Cinchona alkaloids, α‐amino acids, or trans‐cyclohexane‐1,2‐diamine. Our group has been heavily engaged in the design and use of such catalysts, i. e. trans‐cyclohexane‐1,2‐diamine‐based ones for around 10 years now, and it is therefore the intention of this short personal account to provide an overview of the, at least in our opinion, most significant and pioneering achievements in this field by looking on catalyst design and asymmetric method development, with a special focus on our own contributions.
Large-Scale Dimensional Metrology for Geodesy—First Results from the European GeoMetre Project
Authors: Pollinger Florian , Courde Clément , Eschelbach Cornelia , García-Asenjo Luis , Guillory Joffray , Hedekvist Per Olof , Kallio Ulla , Klügel Thomas , Neyezhmakov Pavel , Pesce Damien , Pisani Marco , Seppä Jeremias , Underwood Robin , Wezka Kinga , Wiśniewski Mariusz
Published: September 2022

In a joint effort, experts from measurement science and space-geodesy develop instrumentation and methods to further strengthen traceability to the SI definition of the metre for geodetic reference frames (GRF). GRFs are based on space-geodetic observations. Local-tie surveys at co-location sites play an important role for their computation. Novel tools are hence developed for reference point monitoring, but also for local tie vector determination and ground truth provision. This contribution reports on the instrumental approaches and achievements after 24 months project duration and discusses the remaining work in the project.
Speed and Technology: Different Modus of Operandi
Authors: Belin Matts-Åke , Vadeby Anna
Published: September 2022

Within Vision Zero as a strategy, it is imbedded the fact that injuries occur when the mechanical energy reaches individuals at rates that entail forces in excess of their thresholds for injury. Therefore, according to Vision Zero, there are three main strategies to eliminate fatalities and severe injuries due to road crashes: protect people from exposure of harmful energy, reduce the risk of events with harmful energy, and protect people from harmful energy in the event of a collision. Controlling speed is therefore of the task of utmost importance in a strategy such as Vision Zero.

A traffic enforcement camera, or “speed camera,” system has the possibility to control speed in a road system, and it has the possibility to affect its road users both at a macro and a micro perspective. In a micro perspective, it primarily concerns how effective the cameras are locally at the road sections where the enforcement is focused on, while at a macro perspective it is more focused on how the camera enforcement system and strategies, possibly together with the overall enforcement strategy, affects attitudes and norms related to driving with excessive speed. Experience worldwide has proven the effectiveness of automated speed cameras in reducing speed and, in turn, crashes and injuries.

In this chapter, firstly the rationale behind speed limits, speed management, and speed compliance strategies will be explored and analyzed, in particular from a Vision Zero perspective. Secondly, various different approaches to speed camera systems in Europe, in Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, and France, will be analyzed and further explored. Finally, based on similarities and differences in approaches in these countries, in the last section some aspects concerning the setting of speed limits, speed management strategies that underpin the choice of camera technology, and modus of operandi, safety effects of and attitudes toward cameras, will be explored and discussed.
Formal and Disruptive Co-production of the Climate Emergency Response: The Case of Barcelona
Authors: Satorras Mar
Published: September 2022

The climate emergency momentum has transformed urban climate politics and activism. Among the demands reinvigorated by climate movements, the need for more democratic climate governance has introduced new ways of reengaging citizens in the design and implementation of urban climate action. This chapter focuses on the co-production processes that emerged around climate emergency declarations in cities by analysing the case study of Barcelona (Spain). Using previous literature emphasising the need to politicise new forms of engagement, I identify two distinctive forms of co-producing the climate emergency response. On the one hand, the institutional co-production of the Climate Emergency Declaration by which the City Council created a board and invited stakeholders to participate in the definition. and prioritisation of actions. On the other hand, the struggle of new climate movements to speed up and contest the contents and procedures defining both the Climate Emergency Board and the resultant declaration configured a form of co-production as resistance. The chapter ends up by discussing the transformative potential and the implications for urban resilience derived from the coexistence of formal and disruptive forms of co-producing the responses to the climate emergency.
Times Are Changing and so Is Safety
Authors: Bieder Corinne , Villena-López Jesús
Published: September 2022

Reflecting about the challenges ahead and the evolution of safety raises a multitude of questions about the future but also about safety. This introductory chapter first nuances the notion of safety as if it were a homogeneous whole. It starts with an overview of the macro-safety model that underpins safety in high-risk industries, or more precisely, of the way industries are expected by society, and thus regulators, to ensure the safety of their operations. Following this safety “as demonstrated” view, it zooms in closer to the field and underlines some discrepancies between this “control” perspective and the actual practices contributing to the safety of high-risk industries, including non-proceduralised ones. It then explores some of the major evolution trends for 2040 and the uncertainties attached to them and reflects upon their possible effects on safety models in the future. With this global picture in mind illustrating the complexity of the topic addressed by the book, the last section provides an overview of the content of the book and its various constitutive chapters.
Standardization and Risk Regulation for High-Hazard Industries
Authors: Baram Michael , Bieder Corinne
Published: September 2022

Hazardous industrial activities have historically been regulated from a safety and/or risk management viewpoint based on regulations enacted by governmental authorities. This chapter describes and explains the decline in the role played by governmental actors in the process of safety regulation and the rise of private standards development organizations. Such an evolution raises a wide range of concerns regarding the incentives to enhance safety, the interests that are protected by standards endorsed by regulators, and at a societal level, the drift away from democratic governance of high-hazard activities.
Adaptive Imagination at Work in Health Care
Authors: Shorrock Steven
Published: September 2022

This chapter starts with the premise that the future of work is unpredictable. This has been illustrated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and further profound changes in contexts of work will bring significant and volatile changes to future work, as well as health, safety, security, and productivity. Micronarrative testimony from healthcare practitioners whose work has been affected dramatically by the emergence of the pandemic is used in this chapter to derive learning from experience of this major change. The narratives concern the nature of responding to a rapidly changing world, work-as-imagined and work-as-done, human-centred design and systems thinking and practice, and leadership and social capital. Seven learning points were drawn from clinicians’ reflections that may be more widely relevant to the future of work.
Careers Surpassing a Half-Century: A Look at Japan and France
Authors: Tose Akira , Tazi Dounia
Published: September 2022

In Japan, population ageing is leading the government to raise the retirement age to beyond 70, and even to 75 by 2040. This policy of maintaining older workers in employment is compelling companies to provide job opportunities to people with up to 50 years of work experience. This has consequences on the updating of skills—particularly, those related to new technologies, on employee engagement and motivation, on the management of age-related constraints in workstation ergonomics and work organisation, and it could pose a serious threat to safety. This chapter aims to describe the situation in Japan and the possible solutions put forward to overcome challenges. It then invites reflection on the management of longer careers in France and in Europe, where population projections also point to an increasingly aged population by 2040.
Introduction
Authors: Giannakos Michail
Published: September 2022

As interdisciplinary research fields, child-computer interaction (CCI) and learning technologies have the advantage of enhancing their methods by borrowing from related fields. They represent a research stream that began by applying theories, methods, and tools from a variety of fields, such as the learning sciences, human-computer interaction, design, and the social sciences. Experiments and appropriate experimental methods have been employed extensively over many years to build scientific knowledge and to understand how to design technology to support human needs (e.g., learning, socializing, and wellbeing). This chapter discusses how experiments and experimental studies can be employed in the context of research on learning technology and/or CCI.
Educational Data, Learning Analytics and Dashboards
Authors: Giannakos Michail
Published: September 2022

When learners interact with technologies and the learning context, a large amount of data is created. The collection, analysis, and utilization of those educational data has provided opportunities for learning technology (and CCI) research. In this chapter, we will discuss how learning systems produce and utilize educational data. In particular, we will discuss contemporary developments in the fields of learning analytics, educational data mining, and learner modelling; and how those advancements have impacted the design and functionalities of learning technologies.
Common Criteria, Pitfalls, and Practices in CCI and Learning Technology Research
Authors: Giannakos Michail
Published: September 2022

Thus far, the book provides materials to carry out the whole process of observation, rationalization, and validation, as well as the necessary supporting processes (e.g., artifact design, data analysis, and reporting). At the end of the process, everything is documented in a comprehensive report or a paper, and the respective prototypes, datasets, and practical information are kept on file. An important question, however, remains: In the context of CCI and learning technology research, what are the main reasons for reviewers rejecting a paper or asking for revisions? Considerable effort goes into preparing a paper contribution for a respectable venue (journal or a conference). Researchers do not want to see their effort go to waste, especially if it involves a potentially valuable contribution that could bring credit to authors and fresh insights to readers. Drawing on our own experience and on various guides on how to review papers in CCI, learning technology, and neighboring fields, in this chapter we provide a list of criteria and pitfalls that are common to CCI and learning technology venues.
Finding k-Secluded Trees Faster
Authors: Donkers Huib , Jansen Bart M. P. , de Kroon Jari J. H.
Published: September 2022

We revisit the k-Secluded Tree problem. Given a vertex-weighted undirected graph G, its objective is to find a maximum-weight induced subtree T whose open neighborhood has size at most k. We present a fixed-parameter tractable algorithm that solves the problem in time $$2^{\mathcal {O} (k \log k)}\cdot n^{\mathcal {O} (1)}$$, improving on a double-exponential running time from earlier work by Golovach, Heggernes, Lima, and Montealegre. Starting from a single vertex, our algorithm grows a k-secluded tree by branching on vertices in the open neighborhood of the current tree T. To bound the branching depth, we prove a structural result that can be used to identify a vertex that belongs to the neighborhood of any k-secluded supertree $$T' \supseteq T$$ once the open neighborhood of T becomes sufficiently large. We extend the algorithm to enumerate compact descriptions of all maximum-weight k-secluded trees, which allows us to count the number of such trees containing a specified vertex in the same running time.
Empirische Untersuchung
Authors: Lohmann Marco-Thejesh
Published: September 2022

In diesem Kapitel werden das Vorgehen bei der durchgeführten Untersuchung beschrieben sowie die Analyseergebnisse vorgestellt. Der Fokus der Untersuchung richtet sich auf die im Theoriekapitel (Kapitel 5) formulierten sozialen Tatbedingungen, also darauf, welche Einflüsse anderer Personen ausschlaggebend dafür sind, dass radikalisierte Personen Gewalttaten in Westeuropa begehen. Die konkrete Fragestellung der Studie ist, ob diese Einflussfaktoren bei konkreten islamistischen Gewalttaten tatsächlich die theoretisch angenommenen Wirkungen entfalten oder nicht. Untersuchungsgegenstand sind realisierte bzw. versuchte islamistische Gewaltstraftaten, die zwischen 2000 und 2013 in Westeuropa begangen wurden (insgesamt 121 Fälle mit 655 Tätern). Um der o.g. Fragestellung nachzugehen, wurden zuerst Informationen zu den Tatbedingungen der verschiedenen islamistischen Gewalttaten anhand von frei zugänglichen Quellen gesammelt. Dieses Datenmaterial wurde anschließend mit Hilfe der Qualitativen Inhaltsanalyse analysiert. Die Ergebnisse der Analyse werden sowohl getrennt für jeden einzelnen Fall als auch in einer Gesamtschau präsentiert und im Anschluss diskutiert sowie in den aktuellen Forschungsstand eingeordnet.
Growth hormone/IGF-I-dependent signaling restores decreased expression of the myokine SPARC in aged skeletal muscle
Authors: Mathes Sebastian , Fahrner Alexandra , Luca Edlira , Krützfeldt Jan
Published: September 2022

Skeletal muscle exerts many beneficial effects on the human body including the contraction-dependent secretion of peptides termed myokines. We have recently connected the myokine secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) to the formation of intramuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) in skeletal muscle from aged mice and humans. Here, we searched for inducers of SPARC in order to uncover novel treatment approaches for IMAT. Endurance exercise in mice as well as forskolin treatment in vitro only modestly activated SPARC levels. However, through pharmacological treatments in vitro, we identified IGF-I as a potent inducer of SPARC expression in muscle cells, likely through a direct activation of its promoter via phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphospate 3-kinase (PI3K)-dependent signaling. We employed two different mouse models of growth hormone (GH)/IGF-I deficiency to solidify our understanding of the relationship between IGF-I and SPARC in vivo. GH administration robustly increased intramuscular SPARC levels (3.5-fold) in GH releasing hormone receptor-deficient mice and restored low intramuscular SPARC expression in skeletal muscle from aged mice. Intramuscular glycerol injections induced higher levels of adipocyte markers (adiponectin, perilipin) in aged compared to young mice, which was not prevented by GH treatment. Our study provides a roadmap for the study of myokine regulation during aging and demonstrates that the GH/IGF-I axis is critical for SPARC expression in skeletal muscle. Although GH treatment did not prevent IMAT formation in the glycerol model, targeting SPARC by exercise or by activation of IGF-I signaling might offer a novel therapeutic strategy against IMAT formation during aging.

Key messages

IGF-I regulates the myokine SPARC in muscle cells directly at the promoter level.

GH/IGF-I is able to restore the decreased SPARC levels in aged skeletal muscle.

The glycerol model induces higher adipocyte markers in aged compared to young muscle.

GH treatment does not prevent IMAT formation in the glycerol model.
Students’ guide to documentation in clinical trials
Authors: Heck Johannes , Rath Ann-Kathrin , Wons Katrin , Schumacher Carsten , Kutschenko Anna , Noltemeyer Nina , Ulaganathan Sarana , Voßiek Luca J. , Hijma Hemme , van Smeden Jeroen , Schröder Christoph , Stichtenoth Dirk O. , Wedemeyer Heiner , Schindler Christoph , Bosch Jacobus J.
Published: September 2022

Purpose

In the wake of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, support in clinical trials by students of human medicine and related disciplines has become of even greater importance than in pre-pandemic times. Documentation in clinical trials adheres to the principles of Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and healthcare professionals involved in the conduct of clinical trials—including students—are obliged to perform documentation in accordance with GCP principles. Unprecedented challenges have arisen with regard to the appropriate training of students as training courses in presence had largely to be suspended due to social-distancing regulations during the heyday of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, novel training formats and self-study training materials for students working in clinical trials are urgently warranted.

Methods

To overcome this shortcoming and to define a common quality standard, an interdisciplinary, multiprofessional (physicians, study nurses, medical students), and binational (Germany, The Netherlands) expert panel convened and devised the Students’ guide to documentation in clinical trials.

Results

Following a brief description of the different roles in clinical trials (e.g., sponsor, (principal) investigator, monitor) and an introduction into the principles of GCP, the documentation of adverse events, concomitant medication, medical history, and quality control are comprehensively discussed. The Guide concludes with a trilingual medical dictionary (English, German, Dutch) and with recommendations of pertinent literature for further reading.

Conclusion

Serving both as textbook for self-training and as (quick-) reference work for the daily routine, the Guide has specifically been designed to complement, but not to replace practical training courses for students. While primarily addressed at students of human medicine and related disciplines, the Guide can also be of high relevance and utility to other healthcare professionals involved in the conduct of clinical trials.
A Matter of Metals: Copper but Not Cadmium Affects the Microbial Alpha-Diversity of Soils and Sediments — a Meta-analysis
Authors: Signorini Marco , Midolo Gabriele , Cesco Stefano , Mimmo Tanja , Borruso Luigimaria
Published: September 2022

Heavy metal (HM) accumulation in soil affects plants and soil fauna, yet the effect on microbial alpha-diversity remains unclear, mainly due to the absence of dedicated research synthesis (e.g. meta-analysis). Here, we report the first meta-analysis of the response of soil microbial alpha-diversity to the experimental addition of cadmium (Cd) and copper (Cu). We considered studies conducted between 2013 and 2022 using DNA metabarcoding of bacterial and fungal communities to overcome limitations of other cultivation- and electrophoresis-based techniques. Fungi were discarded due to the limited study number (i.e. 6 studies). Bacterial studies resulted in 66 independent experiments reported in 32 primary papers from four continents. We found a negative dose-dependent response for Cu but not for Cd for bacterial alpha-diversity in the environments, only for Cu additions exceeding 29.6 mg kg−1 (first loss of − 0.06% at 30 mg kg−1). The maximal loss of bacterial alpha-diversity registered was 13.89% at 3837 mg kg−1. Our results first highlight that bacterial communities behave differently to soil pollution depending on the metal. Secondly, our study suggests that even extreme doses of Cu do not cause a dramatic loss in alpha-diversity, highlighting how the behaviour of bacterial communities diverges from soil macro-organisms.

Graphical abstract
Clinical value of contralateral breast cancers detected by pre-operative MRI in patients diagnosed with DCIS: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Keymeulen Kristien B. I. M. , Geurts Sandra M. E. , Kooreman Loes F. S. , Duijm Lucien E. M. , Engelen Sanne , Vanwetswinkel Sigrid , Luiten Ernest , Siesling Sabine , Voogd Adri C. , Tjan-Heijnen Vivianne C. G.
Published: September 2022

Objectives

For patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), data about the impact of breast MRI at primary diagnosis on the incidence and characteristics of contralateral breast cancers are scarce.

Methods

We selected all 8486 women diagnosed with primary DCIS in the Netherlands in 2011–2015 from the Netherlands Cancer Registry. The synchronous and metachronous detection of contralateral DCIS (cDCIS) and contralateral invasive breast cancer (cIBC) was assessed for patients who received an MRI upon diagnosis (MRI group) and for an age-matched control group without MRI.

Results

Nineteen percent of patients received an MRI, of which 0.8% was diagnosed with synchronous cDCIS and 1.3% with synchronous cIBC not found by mammography. The 5-year cumulative incidence of synchronous plus metachronous cDCIS was higher for the MRI versus age-matched control group (2.0% versus 0.9%, p = 0.02) and similar for cIBC (3.5% versus 2.3%, p = 0.17). The increased incidence of cDCIS was observed in patients aged < 50 years (sHR = 4.22, 95% CI: 1.19–14.99), but not in patients aged 50–74 years (sHR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.41–1.93).

Conclusions

MRI at primary DCIS diagnosis detected additional synchronous cDCIS and cIBC, and was associated with a higher rate of metachronous cDCIS without decreasing the rate of metachronous cIBC. This finding was most evident in younger patients.

Key Points

• Magnetic resonance imaging at primary diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in situ detected an additional synchronous breast lesion in 2.1% of patients.

• In patients aged younger than 50 years, the use of pre-operative MRI was associated with a fourfold increase in the incidence of a second contralateral DCIS without decreasing the incidence of metachronous invasive breast cancers up to 5 years after diagnosis.

• In patients aged over 50 years, the use of pre-operative MRI did not result in a difference in the incidence of a second contralateral DCIS or metachronous invasive breast cancer.
Characteristics of the Turkana low-level jet stream and the associated rainfall in CMIP6 models
Authors: Oscar Lino , Nzau Mutemi J. , Ellen Dyer , Franklin Opijah , Rachel James , Richard Washington , Tom Webb
Published: September 2022

The Turkana low-level jet stream (TJ) is important to climatic conditions over northern Kenya and East Africa. The representation of the TJ in climate models varies due to the TJ interaction with Turkana channel that is influenced by model resolution and influences the model representation of the regional climate. This study compares features of the TJ in CMIP6 AMIP model simulations with ERA5. Models reveal climatological wind speeds that match those of the reanalysis from the ERA5 at the jet entrance (13 m/s) but lower magnitudes of wind speed and vertical shears compared to ERA5 within the Turkana channel. The models with slowest wind speeds, have a flattened Turkana channel and fail to exhibit the terrain constriction at 37° E which otherwise aids in accelerating winds to form a jet core. Furthermore, they fail to represent the narrowing of the channel as in ERA5, thereby forming blocking walls in the channel, forcing vertical ascent and mixing, and weakening shear. This boosting of ascent motion promotes rainfall formation and enhances wet anomalies at the exit of the TJ when the jet stream is weaker. By applying a new narrowing index, we demonstrate the need to improve topography details in the CMIP6 models, particularly those with resolution coarser than 1.5°, in order to properly simulate the TJ and the observed rainfall over the northwestern areas of eastern Africa.