bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systematic heat transfer measurements in highly viscous binary fluids
Authors: Fleer Ann-Christin , Richter Markus , Span Roland
Published: June 2021

Investigations of flow boiling in highly viscous fluids show that heat transfer mechanisms in such fluids are different from those in fluids of low viscosity like refrigerants or water. To gain a better understanding, a modified standard apparatus was developed; it was specifically designed for fluids of high viscosity up to 1000 Pa∙s and enables heat transfer measurements with a single horizontal test tube over a wide range of heat fluxes. Here, we present measurements of the heat transfer coefficient at pool boiling conditions in highly viscous binary mixtures of three different polydimethylsiloxanes (PDMS) and n-pentane, which is the volatile component in the mixture. Systematic measurements were carried out to investigate pool boiling in mixtures with a focus on the temperature, the viscosity of the non-volatile component and the fraction of the volatile component on the heat transfer coefficient. Furthermore, copper test tubes with polished and sanded surfaces were used to evaluate the influence of the surface structure on the heat transfer coefficient. The results show that viscosity and composition of the mixture have the strongest effect on the heat transfer coefficient in highly viscous mixtures, whereby the viscosity of the mixture depends on the base viscosity of the used PDMS, on the concentration of n-pentane in the mixture, and on the temperature. For nucleate boiling, the influence of the surface structure of the test tube is less pronounced than observed in boiling experiments with pure fluids of low viscosity, but the relative enhancement of the heat transfer coefficient is still significant. In particular for mixtures with high concentrations of the volatile component and at high pool temperature, heat transfer coefficients increase with heat flux until they reach a maximum. At further increased heat fluxes the heat transfer coefficients decrease again. Observed temperature differences between heating surface and pool are much larger than for boiling fluids with low viscosity. Temperature differences up to 137 K (for a mixture containing 5% n-pentane by mass at a heat flux of 13.6 kW/m2) were measured.
Current treatment and outcomes of pediatric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST): a systematic review of published studies
Authors: Raitio Arimatias , Salim Adeline , Mullassery Dhanya , Losty Paul D.
Published: June 2021

Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is a rare cancer of mesenchymal origin mostly seen in adult and elderly populations. Therefore, the prognostic and therapeutic features of pediatric GIST are not clearly defined. Clinical knowledge has been largely extrapolated from case series and adult studies. In this systematic review, we aimed to analyze the health outcome metrics of pediatric GIST. Medline and Embase databases were searched using relevant key terms. The original search retrieved 1,892 titles; 27 studies with 184 patients (68% female) were included for final review. The primary tumors were located in the stomach (165/184, 90%), small bowel (12/184, 7%), and elsewhere (7/184, 4%). Individual patient data were available in 125 cases with a median follow-up of 6.7 years. All patients underwent surgical resection, which varied from wide local excision to total gastrectomy. There were 12 deaths (10%), 65 (52%) patients were alive with no evidence of disease, and 31 cases (25%) were alive with disease. Tumor size > 5 cm, high mitotic index, and spindle morphology were predictive of mortality. Pediatric GIST has a more favorable prognosis and different characteristics versus adult tumors. There is a crucial need for international consensus and specific pediatric guidelines for the treatment of this rare tumor.
PARP inhibition in UV-associated angiosarcoma preclinical models
Authors: Weidema Marije E. , Desar Ingrid M. E. , Hillebrandt-Roeffen Melissa H. S. , van Erp Anke E. M. , Masuzawa Mikio ,   PALGA-group, Meyer J. W. R. , Hogenes M. C. H. , Flucke Uta E. , van der Graaf Winette T. A. , Versleijen-Jonkers Yvonne M. H.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Angiosarcoma (AS) is a rare vasoformative sarcoma, with poor overall survival and a high need for novel treatment options. Clinically, AS consists of different subtypes, including AS related to previous UV exposure (UV AS) which could indicate susceptibility to DNA damage repair inhibition. We, therefore, investigated the presence of biomarkers PARP1 (poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase-1) and Schlafen-11 (SLFN11) in UV AS. Based on experiences in other sarcomas, we examined (combination) treatment of PARP inhibitor (PARPi) olaparib and temozolomide (TMZ) in UV AS cell lines.

Methods

Previously collected UV AS (n = 47) and non-UV AS (n = 96) patient samples and two UV AS cell lines (MO-LAS and AS-M) were immunohistochemically assessed for PARP1 and SLFN11 expression. Both cell lines were treated with single agents PARPi olaparib and TMZ, and the combination treatment. Next, cell viability and treatment synergy were analyzed. In addition, effects on apoptosis and DNA damage were examined.

Results

In 46/47 UV AS samples (98%), PARP1 expression was present. SLFN11 was expressed in 80% (37/46) of cases. Olaparib and TMZ combination treatment was synergistic in both cell lines, with significantly increased apoptosis compared to single agent treatment. Furthermore, a significant increase in DNA damage marker γH2AX was present in both cell lines after combination therapy.

Conclusion

We showed combination treatment of olaparib with TMZ was synergistic in UV AS cell lines. Expression of PARP1 and SLFN11 was present in the majority of UV AS tumor samples. Together, these results suggest combination treatment of olaparib and TMZ is a potential novel AS subtype-specific treatment option for UV AS patients.
Potential survival benefits of open over laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer patients beyond three years after surgery: result from multicenter in-depth analysis based on propensity matching
Authors: Huang Ze-Ning , Ma YuBin , Chen Qi-Yue , Zheng Chao-Hui , Li Ping , Xie Jian-Wei , Wang Jia-Bin , Lin Jian-Xian , Lu Jun , Cao Long-Long , Lin Mi , Tu Ru-Hong , Lin Ju-Li , Zheng Hua-Long , Huang Chang-Ming
Published: June 2021

Background

The oncologic efficacy of laparoscopic versus open surgery for advanced distal gastric cancer (ADGC) beyond 3 years after surgery remain obscure.

Methods

A total of 1256 patients with ADGC at two teaching institutions in China from April 2007 to December 2014 were enrolled. The general data of the two groups were identified to enable rigorous estimation of propensity scores. Restricted mean survival time (RMST) and Landmark analysis was used to compare survival.

Results

After matching 461 patients each in the open distal gastrectomy (ODG) and laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (LDG) groups, they were included into analysis. The 3- and 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival were comparable in two groups. RMST-stratified analysis showed that the 3-year RMST of ODG group was similar to that of LDG group in patients with cT4a (− 1.38 years, p = 0.163) or with cT4a and tumor size > 5 cm, whereas the 5-year RMST had significant differences between groups in cT4a patients(− 8.36 years, P = 0.005) or cT4a and tumor size > 5 cm patients(4.67 years, P = 0.042). In patients with cT4a and tumors > 5 cm, the number of peritoneal recurrences was significantly fewer in the ODG group than in the LDG group (4 vs. 17, P = 0.033), and the peritoneal recurrence time and multiple-site recurrence time were both later in the ODG group.

Conclusion

By reducing recurrence, ODG achieves a better survival for GC patients with serous infiltration and tumors larger than 5 cm beyond 3 years after surgery. The present findings can serve as a reference for surgical options and the setting of follow-up time point for clinical studies.
Molecular targets for antifungals in amino acid and protein biosynthetic pathways
Authors: Kuplińska Aleksandra , Rząd Kamila
Published: June 2021

Fungi cause death of over 1.5 million people every year, while cutaneous mycoses are among the most common infections in the world. Mycoses vary greatly in severity, there are long-term skin (ringworm), nail or hair infections (tinea capitis), recurrent like vaginal candidiasis or severe, life-threatening systemic, multiorgan infections. In the last few years, increasing importance is attached to the health and economic problems caused by fungal pathogens. There is a growing need for improvement of the availability of antifungal drugs, decreasing their prices and reducing side effects. Searching for novel approaches in this respect, amino acid and protein biosynthesis pathways appear to be competitive. The route that leads from amino acid biosynthesis to protein folding and its activation is rich in enzymes that are descriptive of fungi. Blocking the action of those enzymes often leads to avirulence or growth inhibition. In this review, we want to trace the principal processes of fungi vitality. We present the data of genes encoding enzymes involved in amino acid and protein biosynthesis, potential molecular targets in antifungal chemotherapy, and describe the impact of inhibitors on fungal organisms.
Performance of a SARS CoV-2 antibody ELISA based on simultaneous measurement of antibodies against the viral nucleoprotein and receptor-binding domain
Authors: Reiners Nina , Schnurra Carolin , Trawinski Henning , Kannenberg Judith , Hermsdorf Thomas , Aebischer Andrea , Schöneberg Torsten , Reiche Sven , Jassoy Christian
Published: June 2021

SARS CoV-2 antibody assays measure antibodies against the viral nucleoprotein (NP) or spike protein. The study examined if testing of antibodies against both antigens increases the diagnostic sensitivity. Sera (N=98) from infected individuals were tested with ELISAs based on the NP, receptor-binding domain (RBD), or both proteins. The AUROCs were 0.958 (NP), 0.991 (RBD), and 0.992 (NP/RBD). The RBD- and NP/RBD-based ELISAs showed better performance than the NP-based assay. Simultaneous testing for antibodies against NP and RBD increased the number of true and false positives. If maximum diagnostic sensitivity is required, the NP/RBD-based ELISA is preferable. Otherwise, the RBD-based ELISA is sufficient.
Fat-enlarged axillary lymph nodes are associated with node-positive breast cancer in obese patients
Authors: diFlorio-Alexander Roberta M. , Song Qingyuan , Dwan Dennis , Austin-Strohbehn Judith A. , Muller Kristen E. , Kinlaw William B. , MacKenzie Todd A. , Karagas Margaret R. , Hassanpour Saeed
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Obesity associated fat infiltration of organ systems is accompanied by organ dysfunction and poor cancer outcomes. Obese women demonstrate variable degrees of fat infiltration of axillary lymph nodes (LNs), and they are at increased risk for node-positive breast cancer. However, the relationship between enlarged axillary nodes and axillary metastases has not been investigated. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the association between axillary metastases and fat-enlarged axillary nodes visualized on mammograms and breast MRI in obese women with a diagnosis of invasive breast cancer.

Methods

This retrospective case–control study included 431 patients with histologically confirmed invasive breast cancer. The primary analysis of this study included 306 patients with pre-treatment and pre-operative breast MRI and body mass index (BMI) > 30 (201 node-positive cases and 105 randomly selected node-negative controls) diagnosed with invasive breast cancer between April 1, 2011, and March 1, 2020. The largest visible LN was measured in the axilla contralateral to the known breast cancer on breast MRI. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess the association between node-positive status and LN size adjusting for age, BMI, tumor size, tumor grade, tumor subtype, and lymphovascular invasion.

Results

A strong likelihood of node-positive breast cancer was observed among obese women with fat-expanded lymph nodes (adjusted OR for the 4th vs. 1st quartile for contralateral LN size on MRI: 9.70; 95% CI 4.26, 23.50; p < 0.001). The receiver operating characteristic curve for size of fat-enlarged nodes in the contralateral axilla identified on breast MRI had an area under the curve of 0.72 for predicting axillary metastasis, and this increased to 0.77 when combined with patient and tumor characteristics.

Conclusion

Fat expansion of axillary lymph nodes was associated with a high likelihood of axillary metastases in obese women with invasive breast cancer independent of BMI and tumor characteristics.
On the Optimal Adhesion Control of a Vortex Climbing Robot
Authors: Papadimitriou Andreas , Andrikopoulos George , Nikolakopoulos George
Published: June 2021

This article tackles the challenge of negative pressure adhesion control of a Vortex Robotic (VR) platform, which utilizes a modified Electric Ducted Fan (EDF)-based design for successfully adhering to surfaces of variable curvature. The resulting Vortex Actuation (VA) system is estimated through a switching Autoregressive-Moving-Average with eXternal input (ARMAX) identification, for accurately capturing the throttle to adhesion force relationship throughout its operating range. For safe attachment of the robot on a surface, the critical adhesion is modeled based on the geometrical properties of the robotic platform for providing the required reference forces. Within this work, an explicit controller via the use of a Constraint Finite Time Optimal Control (CFTOC) approach is designed in an offline manner, which results in a lookup table realization that ensures overall system stability in all state transitions. In an effort to further improve the tracking response for arbitrary setup orientations, the adhesion control scheme is extended through a switching EMPC framework. The resulting frameworks are tested through both dynamic simulation and experimental sequences involving: a) adhesion control on a rotating test curved surface and, b) adhesion and locomotion sequences on a water pipe.
The value of domiciliary medication reviews: a thematic analysis of patient views
Authors: McCormick Patricia , Coleman Bridget , Bates Ian
Published: June 2021

Background Medication reviews are recognised as essential to tackling problematic polypharmacy. Domiciliary medication reviews (DMRs) have become more prevalent in recent years. They are proclaimed as being patient-centric but published literature mainly focuses on clinical outcomes. However, it is not known where the value of DMRs lies for patients who participate in them. Objective To determine the value of domiciliary medication reviews to service users. Setting Interviews took place with recipients of domiciliary medication reviews residing in the London boroughs of Islington and Haringey. Method Semi-structured interviews analysed using thematic analysis. Main outcome measure Themes and sub-themes identified from interview transcripts. Results Five themes were identified: advantages over traditional settings, attributes of the professional, adherence, levels of engagement and knowledge. Conclusion For many patients, the domiciliary setting is preferred to traditional healthcare settings. Patients appreciated the time spent with them during a DMR and felt listened to. Informal carers felt reassured that the individual medication needs of their relative had been reviewed by an expert.
What is public health? public goods, publicized goods, and the conversion problem
Authors: Anomaly Jonathan
Published: June 2021

Public health programs began as an attempt to fight infectious diseases that are difficult to address without collective action. But the concept and practice of public health has ballooned to encompass an expanding list of controversial public policy goals ranging from reducing obesity to raising self-esteem. As the list of controversial goals expands, support for “public health” measures contracts. I’ll briefly defend the view that we should define public health as the provision of health-related public goods. I’ll then show that being a health-related public good is not a sufficient condition for counting as a public health goal, since virtually any private good can be converted into a public good by government fiat. This is the conversion problem, which challenges the way we ordinarily think about public goods and public health.
The patient-side surgeon plays a key role in facilitating robot-assisted intracorporeal ileal conduit urinary diversion in men
Authors: Sasaki Yutaro , Takahashi Masayuki , Fukuta Kyotaro , Shiozaki Keito , Daizumoto Kei , Ozaki Keisuke , Ueno Yoshiteru , Tsuda Megumi , Kusuhara Yoshito , Fukawa Tomoya , Yamamoto Yasuyo , Yamaguchi Kunihisa , Izaki Hirofumi , Kanda Kazuya , Kanayama Hiroomi
Published: June 2021

The influence of the console surgeon on the feasibility and outcome of various robot-assisted surgeries has been evaluated. These variables may be partially affected by the skills of the patient-side surgeon (PSS), but this has not been evaluated using objective data. This study aimed to describe the surgical techniques of the PSS in robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) and intracorporeal ileal conduit (ICIC) urinary diversion and objectively examine the changes in surgical outcomes with increasing PSS experience. During a 3-year period, 28 men underwent RARC and ICIC urinary diversion. Clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes were compared between patients who underwent surgery early (first half group) or late in the study period (second half group). The pre-docking incision enabled easy specimen removal. The glove port technique widened the working space of the PSS. The stay suture allowed the PSS to control the distal portion of the conduit, facilitating the passage of the ureteral stents. During stoma creation, pneumoperitoneum pressure was lost by opening the abdominal cavity. To overcome this problem, the robotic arm was used to lift the abdominal wall to maintain the surgical field and facilitate the PSS procedure. Compared with the first half group, the second half group had significantly shorter times for urinary diversion (202 min vs 148 min, p < 0.001), ileal isolation and anastomosis (73 min vs 45 min, p < 0.001), and stenting (23.0 min vs 6.5 min, p < 0.001). As the experience of the PSS increased, the time of the PSS procedures decreased.
“Quiet is the New Loud”: The Biosociology Debate’s Absent Voices
Authors: Ariansen Anja Maria Steinsland
Published: June 2021

In 2000, a controversial article about hormones and gender roles was published to stimulate debate about whether and how biological knowledge should be integrated in sociological research. Two decades later, this so-called biosociology debate is more relevant than ever, as biological knowledge has become widespread across societies and scientific disciplines. Hence, we as sociologists are regularly confronted with biological explanations that challenge our own explanations. Whether this happens in the scientific arena, the classroom, media, or even at social events, these situations often force us, individually, to take a stance on whether to meet such explanations with dialogue or opposition. One could therefore expect that sociologists have an interest in discussing these issues with their peers, but their lack of participation in the biosociology debate suggests otherwise. This paper explores possible reasons for this absence and how sociologists’ views on biosociology are influenced by key agents – sociological associations and journals. Smith’s “A Sacred project of American Sociology”, and Scott’s “A Sociology of Nothing” served as theoretical tools in the paper. A qualitative content analysis of presidential addresses of four sociological associations was conducted. The analyses suggest that sociologist avoid biosociology for widely different reasons, including fear that biosociology legitimizes oppression. This avoidance is probably reinforced by the leftish politization of the sociological discipline and the rightish politization of society. Overcoming obstacles to engagement in biosociology is required to safeguard the scientific integrity of sociology and enable sociologists to provide relevant contributions to research on the Covid-19 pandemic and climate change.
3D Clinorotation Affects Drug Sensitivity of Human Ovarian Cancer Cells
Authors: Przystupski Dawid , Górska Agata , Szewczyk Anna , Drąg-Zalesińska Małgorzata , Kulbacka Julita
Published: June 2021

Numerous studies have reported that gravity alteration displays a remarkable influence on the biological processes of cancer cells. Therefore, gravity-related experiments have become a promising method of improving knowledge in the field of cancer biology and may be useful to detect remarkable implications for future cancer treatment. Taking this concept further, we used a 3D clinostat (3D-C; 10 rpm of changing direction) to analyse the effect of short-term exposure to simulated microgravity (sμg) on cisplatin sensitivity of drug resistant human ovarian cancer cells SKOV-3. This allowed us to investigate whether altered gravity affects drug susceptibility of cancer cells. Our studies revealed that sμg exposure affects SKOV-3 cells morphology and drug efficiency. We observed the altered cell shape, the presence of membrane blebbing and lamellipodia as well as the lack of filopodia when the cells had been cultured on 3D-C for 2 h. Cytotoxicity, cell death and cell cycle assays showed an increased percentage of apoptotic cells and G0/G1 cell cycle arrest after exposure on the 3D-C with cisplatin in comparison to the static control, non clinorotated cells. Cell proliferation and migration were altered after the exposure to sμg as well. Our studies suggest that the altered gravity conditions affected cellular mechanisms involved in cisplatin resistance, resulting in higher sensitivity of cancer cells to the chemotherapeutic. The investigation and clarification of these results may be a crucial step toward improving our understanding of the relationship between cellular resistance to chemotherapy and the response to altered gravitational conditions.
Development of a Rapid Risk and Impact Assessment Tool to Enhance Response to Environmental Emergencies in the Early Stages of a Disaster: A Tool Developed by the European Multiple Environmental Threats Emergency NETwork (EMETNET) Project
Authors: Goode Emma-Jane , Thomas Eirian , Landeg Owen , Duarte-Davidson Raquel , Hall Lisbeth , Roelofs Jolanda , Schulpen Sjors , De Bruin Arnout , Wigenstam Elisabeth , Liljedahl Birgitta , Waleij Annica , Simonsson Louise , Göransson Nyberg Ann
Published: June 2021

Every year, numerous environmental disasters and emergencies occur across the globe with far-reaching impacts on human health and the environment. The ability to rapidly assess an environmental emergency to mitigate potential risks and impacts is paramount. However, collating the necessary evidence in the early stages of an emergency to conduct a robust risk assessment is a major challenge. This article presents a methodology developed to help assess the risks and impacts during the early stages of such incidents, primarily to support the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism but also the wider global community in the response to environmental emergencies. An online rapid risk and impact assessment tool has also been developed to promote enhanced collaboration between experts who are working remotely, considering the impact of a disaster on the environment and public health in the short, medium, and long terms. The methodology developed can support the appropriate selection of experts and assets to be deployed to affected regions to ensure that potential public health and environmental risks and impacts are mitigated whenever possible. This methodology will aid defensible decision making, communication, planning, and risk management, and presents a harmonized understanding of the associated impacts of an environmental emergency.
Disseminated and Relapsing Cryptococcosis: What We Still Have to Learn—a Case Series and Review of Literature
Authors: Botta Annarita , Piccica Matteo , Lagi Filippo , Borchi Beatrice , Zammarchi Lorenzo , Sterrantino Gaetana , Bartoloni Alessandro
Published: June 2021

Two cases of disseminated cryptococcosis are described. The first was an HIV-infected patient where cryptococcosis was diagnosed as “unmasking immune reconstitution syndrome”; the second was an immunosuppressed patient with multiple myeloma. In both cases, a definitive healing could not be reached despite long therapeutic approaches. This review summarizes both the most recent and relevant studies about disseminated and refractory form of cryptococcal infections and identifies research gaps. Given the limited data, we draw some conclusions with respect to management from literature: not clear and accepted indication are available regarding disseminated cryptococcosis, no specific schemes were identified, and the duration of therapy is usually decided case by case and supported only by case reports. In this perspective, usually standard therapeutic schemes and duration of induction depend on multiple factors (e.g., neurologic deficit, non-HIV/non transplant status, CSF culture positivity at 2 weeks, etc.). We found that there are no empiric and literature data that support a role of cryptococcal serum antigen (CRAG) in guiding the antifungal therapy; with the data collected, we think that although is possible, it is very rare to find disseminated cryptococcosis with negative CRAG. We looked also for the more important risk factor of recurrence. Some possible causes explored are risk of azole resistant strains, pre-existent conditions of patients that play a permissive role and the common situation where flucytosine is unavailable that led to suboptimal induction phase of therapy. Herein, we discuss disseminated cryptococcosis with a particular attention to antifungal therapy, role of cryptococcal antigen, and risk factors for recurrence of disease.
The Utilization and Impact of Aromatase Inhibitor Therapy in Men With Elevated Estradiol Levels on Testosterone Therapy
Authors: Punjani Nahid , Bernie Helen , Salter Carolyn , Flores Jose , Benfante Nicole , Mulhall John P.
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Testosterone therapy (TTH) for testosterone deficiency (TD) may lead to elevated estradiol (E2) levels requiring management to avoid unnecessary adverse effects.

Aim

To examine the impact of aromatase inhibitors, specifically anastrozole (AZ), in men with elevated E2 on TTH.

Methods

All patients on TTH at a high volume sexual medicine practice between 2005 and 2019 were reviewed. Men with E2 levels >60 pg/mL regardless of symptoms or 40–60 pg/mL with subjective symptoms were started on AZ 0.5 mg 3x/week. Routine hormone profile and symptom assessment were completed to ensure symptom resolution, reduction of E2 levels and maintenance of testosterone levels. Multivariable logistic regression was completed to determine predictors of men more likely to respond to therapy.

Main Outcome Measure

Demographic and hormonal profiles of men on AZ and predictors of response to therapy.

Results

1708 men with TD were placed on TTH. Of these, 51 (3%) were treated with AZ (AZ+). After exclusions, 44 (2.6%) had elevated estradiol levels >60 pg/mL or >40 pg/mL with symptoms. Demographics were similar between groups. TTH distribution between groups was different with greater rates of topical TTH in the AZ- groups (AZ+:34.1% vs AZ-:53.5%) and greater rates of intramuscular TTH in the AZ+ group (AZ+:38.6% vs AZ-:18.5%) (P = .017 overall). Of the 44 men treated with AZ, 68.0% had pre-AZ E2 levels ≥60 pg/mL and 32.0% had levels between 40 and 60 pg/mL. Median pre-AZ E2 levels were 65 (interquartile range [IQR], 55–94) pg/mL in comparison to 22 (IQR 15–38) pg/mL post-AZ E2 levels (P < .001). Total testosterone levels were similar before and after AZ use (616 (IQR 548–846) ng/dL and 596 (IQR 419–798) ng/dL, respectively, P = .926). No statistically significant predictive factors of E2 reduction using AZ were found.

Conclusion

While no statistically significant predictors for E2 recovery in men on AZ were found, AZ remains a reasonable option for E2 reduction in men with elevated levels on TTH.

Punjani N, Bernie H, Salter C, et al. The Utilization and Impact of Aromatase Inhibitor Therapy in Men With Elevated Estradiol Levels on Testosterone Therapy. Sex Med 2021;9:100378.
Nobel Life
Authors: Sandrone Stefano
Published: June 2021

Few people have changed the world like the Nobel Prize winners. Their breakthrough discoveries have revolutionised medicine, chemistry, physics and economics. Nobel Life consists of original interviews with twenty-four Nobel Prize winners. Each of them has a unique story to tell. They recall their eureka moments and the challenges they overcame along the way, give advice to inspire future generations and discuss what remains to be discovered. Engaging and thought-provoking, Nobel Life provides an insight into life behind the Nobel Prize winners. A call from Stockholm turned a group of twenty-four academics into Nobel Prize winners. This is their call to the next generations worldwide.
A History of Silences
Authors: Vincent Alexandre
Published: June 2021

This paper, grounded in a critical reading of Alain Corbin’s recent History of Silence, proposes a twofold development. The first part is methodological, arguing for the necessity of studying the acoustic phenomena of the past in a way that is distinct from emotion and does not focus solely on conveying experience. The historiography of the notion of “soundscapes,” invented by musicologist Raymond Murray Schafer, is used to assess the contribution of “sound studies,” “sensory history,” and the anthropology of the senses. The heuristic capacities of this notion are emphasized, as is the need to locate it within a coherent topographical and chronological framework. The second section of the article develops a case study based on these methodological prescriptions, focusing on silence in the religious rites of ancient Rome. The acoustic frame of ritual perfection, silentium was also a category of Roman religious law and very far from the quest for interiority and spiritual life that Corbin considers a natural part of silence. An analysis of the nature and function of silence in two different rites, taking the auspices and sacrifice, confirms the need for a thorough and contextualized historical approach to acoustic phenomena: behind a unified terminology lie two radically different acoustic realities.
Salvation in Perspective: A New Interpretation of Piero Della Francesca’s Flagellation of Christ
Authors: Mercier Franck
Published: June 2021

An absolute masterpiece of linear perspective as well as a true icon of the Renaissance, Piero della Francesca’s Flagellation of Christ (conserved at the Galleria Nazionale delle Marche in Urbino) is one of the greatest enigmas of the Italian Quattrocento. Uncertainty surrounds not only the date and the original intended location of the painting, but also the subject matter itself. Despite long-running disputes about the overall significance of the picture, and in particular about the identification of the three figures in the right foreground, the Flagellation remains an unsolved puzzle. Continuing in a rich and varied hermeneutic tradition, this article proposes a new interpretation of this famous painting, diverging both from a political reading (based on the supposed links with the Byzantine Empire) and from the other traditional solution which argues for the ordinary nature of Piero’s iconography. The analysis of the geometrical pictorial space and its potential theological significance leads to a reconsideration of the painting as a visual meditation on temporality inspired by Saint Augustine, as well as a singular spiritual exercise.
Sonority projection effect in French: A signal detection theory approach
Authors: Basirat Anahita , Patin Cédric , Jozefowiez Jérémie
Published: June 2021

Focusing on the Sonority Sequencing Principle (SSP), we investigated the extent to which adult native speakers of French are sensitive to sonority-related constraints compared to lexical attestedness. In a non-word acceptability task, participants were asked to rate the acceptability of three types of non-words using a 6-point scale: non-words with attested sonority rising onset, non-words with unattested sonority rising onset, and non-words with unattested sonority falling onset. Data analysis was done using the signal detection theory approach to measure sensitivity of participants to lexical attestedness and to phonological well-formedness (i.e., respecting or violating the SSP). The results showed that speakers distinguished well-formed and ill-formed forms even when lexical attestedness was controlled for. This is consistent with previous findings on sonority projection effects. Participants were more sensitive to lexical attestedness than phonological well-formedness. Future research using computational models should investigate mechanisms that could account for these findings, namely whether a similar result would be obtained without including any assumption about the SSP in these models.
Review of allergic reactions from use of chlorhexidine on medical products in clinical settings over 40 years: Risks and mitigations
Authors: Gerges Bahgat Z. , Rosenblatt Joel , Truong Y-Lan , Reitzel Ruth A. , Raad Isaam
Published: June 2021

Chlorhexidine is an antimicrobial agent widely used for infection prevention in medical settings. Nevertheless, allergic reactions ranging from mild to severe have been reported following its use. In this review, we analyzed all case reports published between the introduction of chlorhexidine and the end of 2019 for allergic responses associated with the use of medical devices and or other medical products containing chlorhexidine (CHX) to ascertain the prevalence of severe CHX allergic reactions and what practices might best mitigate those risks.

In total, 77 publications containing 124 reported cases of allergic reactions were grouped into 3 product categories, catheters, semisolids, and fluid products. The country, type of reaction, route of sensitization, allergy confirmation, and intervention or mitigation was extracted for each case. Overall, 30 cases were associated with catheters, 46 cases were associated with semisolid products, and 48 cases were associated with the use of other medical products. Severe cases were managed with intravenous fluids, steroids, and epinephrine (adrenaline). None of the reported cases were fatal. The allergy risks can be mitigated by better warning and training clinicians and by recording and screening patient histories for CHX presensitization from prior exposure. For patients undergoing pre-use blood tests, IgE antibody screens can also be performed. Finally, as a precaution in the event a rare severe allergic reaction occurs, procedure carts and rooms can be prestocked with injectable epinephrine and other rapidly acting anti-inflammatory medications.
Economic burden of surgical management of surgical site infections following hip and knee replacements in Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Authors: Mponponsuo Kwadwo , Leal Jenine , Puloski Shannon , Chew Derek , Chavda Swati , Au Flora , Rennert-May Elissa
Published: June 2021

Objective:

To evaluate the cost of 1-stage and 2-stage revisions, debridement, antibiotic and implant retention (DAIR) and DAIR with liner exchange for complex surgical site infections (SSIs) following hip and knee replacements.

Design:

Retrospective population-based economic analysis of patients undergoing intervention for SSIs between April 1, 2012 and March 31, 2019.

Setting:

The study was conducted in the Calgary zone of Alberta Health Services (AHS) in Canada.

Participants:

Individuals >18 years with complex SSI following hip or knee replacement.

Methods:

Patients with complex SSIs were identified using the AHS infection prevention and control database. A combination of microcosting and gross costing methods were used to estimate 12- and 24-month costs following the initial hospital admission for arthroplasty. Subgroup, inverse Gaussian and γ regression analyses were used to evaluate the impact of age and comorbidities on cost.

Results:

In total, 142 patients with complex SSIs were identified, with a mean age of 66.8 years. Total direct medical costs in United States dollars of 2-stage revisions were ($100,992 (95% CI, 34,587–167,396) at 12 months. The 1-stage revision ($41,176; 95% CI, 23,361–58,991), DAIR with liner exchange ($41,267; 95% CI, 29,923–52,612) and DAIR ($46,605; 95% CI, 15,277–76,844) were associated with fewer costs at 12 months. Age >65 years and chronic complications of diabetes and hypertension were associated with increased costs in subgroup and regression analysis.

Conclusions:

Medical costs are highest at 12 months and for 2-stage revisions in hip and knee complex SSI cases. Further work should explore surgical outcomes correlated with costs to enhance patient care.
The Double Tradition in Luke (Q) 3–7 as a Macro-Chiasm and its Significance for the Synoptic Problem
Authors: Andrejevs Olegs
Published: June 2021

The level of scepticism met by the concept of macro-chiasm in ancient literature is noticeably lower today than two decades ago, with sizable agreement coalescing around certain examples. One such example is found in the synoptic double-tradition material as it is preserved in Luke's Gospel, which provides the methodological foundation for the reconstruction of the hypothetical synoptic source document Q. This article explores the study of the macro-chiasm identified in Luke (Q) 3.7–7.35 and its implications for the synoptic problem. It also addresses the methodological considerations advanced by S. E. Porter and J. T. Reed in their NTS article two decades ago, meeting a certain stipulation placed by them upon subsequent scholarship.
Should market harms be an exception to the Harm Principle?
Authors: Endörfer Richard
Published: June 2021

Many proponents of the Harm Principle seem to implicitly assume that the principle is compatible with permitting the free exchange of goods and services, even if such exchanges generate so-called market harms. I argue that, as a result, proponents of the Harm Principle face a dilemma: either the Harm Principle’s domain cannot include a large number of non-market harm cases or market harms must be treated on par with non-market harms. I then go on to discuss three alternative arguments defending the status of market harms as exceptions to the Harm Principle and discuss why these arguments also fail.
Risk factors for antibiotic resistance development in healthcare settings in China: a systematic review
Authors: Chen Qi , Li Duguang , Beiersmann Claudia , Neuhann Florian , Moazen Babak , Lu Guangyu , Müller Olaf
Published: June 2021

Antibiotic resistance (ABR) threatens the effectiveness of infectious disease treatments and contributes to increasing global morbidity and mortality. In this study, we systematically reviewed the identified risk factors for ABR among people in the healthcare system of mainland China. Five databases were systematically searched to identify relevant articles published in either English and Chinese between 1 January 2003 and 30 June 2019. A total of 176 facility-based references were reviewed for this study, ranging across 31 provinces in mainland China and reporting information from over 50 000 patients. Four major ABR risk factor domains were identified: (1) sociodemographic factors (includes migrant status, low income and urban residence), (2) patient clinical information (includes disease status and certain laboratory results), (3) admission to healthcare settings (includes length of hospitalisation and performance of invasive procedures) and (4) drug exposure (includes current or prior antibiotic therapy). ABR constitutes an ongoing major public health challenge in China. The healthcare sector-associated risk factors was the most important aspect identified in this review and need to be addressed. Primary health care system and ABR surveillance networks need to be further strengthened to prevent and control the communicable diseases, over-prescription and overuse of antibiotics.
CERAMIC SEQUENCE, CHRONOLOGY, AND CULTURAL DYNAMICS OF THE UCAREO-ZINAPÉCUARO, MICHOACÁN OBSIDIAN SOURCE AREA
Authors: Healan Dan M. , Hernández Christine
Published: June 2021

This article presents the ceramic sequence and chronology resulting from a multi-year program of survey, excavation, and analysis of pre-Hispanic settlement and exploitation within the Zinapécuaro-Ucareo (“U-Z”), Michoacan obsidian source area. Pottery analysis and classification aided by seriation analysis identified nine ceramic complexes and seven ceramic phases and sub-phases that both expand and refine the ceramic sequence previously established for the region by Gorenstein's (1985) investigations at nearby Acámbaro, Guanajuato. Initially established by ceramic cross-dating, the U-Z ceramic chronology has been largely confirmed by 30 radiocarbon dates and spans over 2,000 years of pre-Hispanic settlement, which included at least two notable episodes of trait-unit and site-unit intrusion from the eastern El Bajío and central Mexico. One of these episodes involved the appearance of two enclaves settled by individuals from the Acambay valley c. 90 km to the East, most likely from the site of Huamango, which our data indicate would have been occupied during the Middle Postclassic period.
Cardiovascular causes of tracheobronchial compression: a decade experience in a Paediatric Congenital Heart Centre
Authors: Yubbu Putri , Abdul Latiff Haifa , Musa Husna , Devaraj Navin Kumar , Mohd Razif Nurul Adha , Sivalingam Sivakumar , Samion Hasri
Published: June 2021

Background:

Vascular compression of the airway often complicates CHD management. This study evaluated the use of CT in determining cardiovascular causes, clinical manifestations, and outcome of tracheobronchial compression among children with CHD.

Methods:

A retrospective review of clinical records of all patients with CT scan evidence of tracheobronchial compression from January 2007 to December 2017 at National Heart Institute. Cardiovascular causes of tracheobronchial compression were divided into three groups; group I: vascular ring/pulmonary artery sling, II: abnormally enlarged or malposition cardiovascular structure due to CHD, III: post-CHD surgery.

Results:

Vascular tracheobronchial compression was found in 81 out of 810 (10%) patients who underwent CT scan. Group I lesions were the leading causes of vascular tracheobronchial compression (55.5%), followed by group II (34.6%) and group III (9.9%). The median age of diagnosis in groups I, II, and III were 16.8 months, 3 months, and 15.6 months, respectively. Half of group I patients are manifested with stridor and one-third with recurrent chest infections. Persistent respiratory symptoms, lung atelectasis, or prolonged respiratory support requirement were clues in groups II and III. Higher morbidity and mortality in younger infants with severe obstructive airway symptoms, associated airway abnormalities, and underlying complex cyanotic CHD.

Conclusions:

Vascular ring/pulmonary artery sling and abnormally enlarged or malposition cardiovascular structure were the leading causes of cardiovascular airway compression. A high index of suspicion is needed for early detection due to its non-specific presentation. The outcome often depends on the severity of airway obstruction and complexity of cardiac lesions.
A compassionate imagery intervention for patients with persecutory delusions
Authors: Forkert Ava , Brown Poppy , Freeman Daniel , Waite Felicity
Published: June 2021

Background:

Negative beliefs about the self, including low self-compassion, have been identified as a putative causal factor in the occurrence of paranoia. Therefore, improving self-compassion may be one route to reduce paranoia.

Aims:

To assess the feasibility, acceptability, and potential clinical effects of a brief compassionate imagery intervention for patients with persecutory delusions.

Method:

Twelve patients with persecutory delusions received an individual four-session compassionate imagery intervention. Assessments of self-concept and paranoia were completed before treatment, immediately after treatment, and at 1-month follow-up. A qualitative study exploring participants’ experiences of the treatment was also completed.

Results:

Twelve out of 14 eligible patients referred to the study agreed to take part. All participants completed all therapy sessions and assessments. Post-treatment, there were improvements in self-compassion (change score –0.64, 95% CI –1.04, –0.24, d = –1.78), negative beliefs about the self (change score 2.42, 95% CI –0.37, 5.20, d = 0.51), and paranoia (change score 10.08, 95% CI 3.47, 16.69, d = 0.61). There were no serious adverse events. Three themes emerged from the qualitative analysis: ‘effortful learning’, ‘seeing change’ and ‘taking it forward’. Participants described a process of active and effortful engagement in therapy which was rewarded with positive changes, including feeling calmer, gaining clarity, and developing acceptance.

Conclusion:

This uncontrolled feasibility study indicates that a brief compassionate imagery intervention for patients with persecutory delusions is feasible, acceptable, and may lead to clinical benefits.
Lost in Translation? Class Cleavage Roots and Left Electoral Mobilization in Western Europe
Authors: Emanuele Vincenzo
Published: June 2021

I investigate whether the strength of the class cleavage in Western Europe still “translates” into the electoral mobilization of the left. This research question is addressed through comparative longitudinal analysis in nineteen Western European countries after World War II. In particular, the impact of class cleavage is investigated by disentangling its socio-structural (working-class features) and organizational (corporate and partisan) components, thus accounting for its multidimensional nature. Data show that both components have a significant impact in Western Europe after 1945. However, while the socio-structural element is still nowadays a substantial predictor of left electoral mobilization, the impact of the organizational element has decreased over time and has become irrelevant in the last twenty-five years. Therefore, the class cleavage is not entirely lost in translation, but left electoral mobilization is no longer dependent upon the organizational features of trade unions and political parties that originally emerged to represent working-class interests.
Freundschaften, Symmetrien und Markierungen von Differenz
Authors: Simon Stephanie , Lochner Barbara , Thole Werner
Published: June 2021

Zusammenfassung. Der folgende Beitrag nimmt ausgehend von einem Forschungsvorhaben, welches Kinder als ‚Stakeholder‘ in Kindertageseinrichtungen adressiert, in den Blick, wie Kinder im Kontext institutioneller Arrangements Peer- und Freundschaftsbeziehungen zum Thema machen. Es zeigt sich, dass die Formen der Thematisierung von verbindlichen „Wir“-Erzählungen bis zu komplexen, asymmetrischen Beziehungserfahrungen reichen.