bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of ovarian cancer (± neo-adjuvant chemotherapy effects) via ATR-FTIR spectroscopy: comparative analysis of blood and urine biofluids in a large patient cohort
Authors: Giamougiannis Panagiotis , Morais Camilo L. M. , Rodriguez Brice , Wood Nicholas J. , Martin-Hirsch Pierre L. , Martin Francis L.
Published: July 2021

Ovarian cancer remains the most lethal gynaecological malignancy, as its timely detection at early stages remains elusive. Attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy of biofluids has been previously applied in pilot studies for ovarian cancer diagnosis, with promising results. Herein, these initial findings were further investigated by application of ATR-FTIR spectroscopy in a large patient cohort. Spectra were obtained by measurements of blood plasma and serum, as well as urine, from 116 patients with ovarian cancer and 307 patients with benign gynaecological conditions. A preliminary chemometric analysis revealed significant spectral differences in ovarian cancer patients without previous chemotherapy (n = 71) and those who had received neo-adjuvant chemotherapy—NACT (n = 45), so these groups were compared separately with benign controls. Classification algorithms with blind predictive model validation demonstrated that serum was the best biofluid, achieving 76% sensitivity and 98% specificity for ovarian cancer detection, whereas urine exhibited poor performance. A drop in sensitivities for the NACT ovarian cancer group in plasma and serum indicates the potential of ATR-FTIR spectroscopy to identify chemotherapy-related spectral changes. Comparisons of regression coefficient plots for identification of biomarkers suggest that glycoproteins (such as CA125) are the main classifiers for ovarian cancer detection and responsible for smaller differences in spectra between NACT patients and benign controls. This study confirms the capacity of biofluids’ ATR-FTIR spectroscopy (mainly blood serum) to diagnose ovarian cancer with high accuracy and demonstrates its potential in monitoring response to chemotherapy, which is reported for the first time.

Graphical abstract
Morphological features of the chiasma tendinum and its relation with surface landmarks and pulleys: a cadaveric study
Authors: Dinç Uğur , Şengezer Ecem , Beger Orhan , Yılmaz Merve Şehide , Kurtoğlu Olgunus Zeliha
Published: July 2021

Aim

Chiasma tendinum (Camper’s chiasm) is of great importance in the delicate movements and stability of the fingers and takes place poorly in the literature. This study aims to reveal the morphometric details of the chiasma tendinum in relation with pulleys and other relevant structures.

Materials and methods

Palm and 2nd to 5th fingers of 10 (6 male, 4 female) formalin fixed cadavers were used bilaterally. After determining the superficial reference points on the fingers, the skin and the tendon sheath were incised, and then measurements of chiasma tendinum and related tendons were performed. The measurements were analyzed with respect to fingers, genders, and sides. Finally, the types of chiasma tendinum were identified and then grouped as symmetrical, asymmetrical, and pseudo chiasm.

Results

Pulley and chiasma tendinum positions were correlated with finger length (p < 0.01). Pulley lengths were significantly less in females. Asymmetrical chiasma tendinum types were found in 45% of the fingers. In most comparisons, values for fifth finger were significantly different than that of other fingers and chiasma tendinum types differed according to fingers and gender. The case of no fiber exchange was observed only in the 5th finger in 15%.

Conclusion

Findings related to the prediction of location of the pulleys and chiasma tendinum according to the superficial signs, awareness of cases where one of the two arms of the flexor digitorum superficialis is extremely thin and no fiber exchanges that may be risk factors for spontaneous tendon rupture may help provide more accurate approaches in relevant clinical applications.
Results from a pilot study on the oral microbiome in children and adolescents with chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis
Authors: Zeus Mona , Janssen Stefan , Laws Hans-Jürgen , Fischer Ute , Borkhardt Arndt , Oommen Prasad Thomas
Published: July 2021

Objective

To analyze the composition of the oral microbiome in children and adolescents with chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis (CNO) with respect to age distribution, gender differences, effects of medication, disease activity and the influence of body site.

Methods

The oral microbiome of 20 patients (12 male and 8 female; median age 10.3 years) and 36 controls were examined. Two different sites of the oral cavity were swabbed at two time points. Current medication and disease activity were evaluated and registered at these time points. Samples were subjected to amplicon sequencing of the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene and Qiime2 was used to calculate alpha and beta diversity for multiple alternative metrics.

Results

On the basis of relative abundances of 975 different suboperational taxonomic units in high throughput next generation sequencing, a significant shift in the composition of the oral microbiome (p < 0.02) was observed among patients being treated with different medications. There was a significant difference in bacterial communities between the group aged 3–8 years old and the group aged 9–14 years old. Significant differences were also seen in bacterial colonization on different sites in the oral cavity, but not with respect to gender or disease activity.

Conclusion

We present first data of a pilot study of the oral microbiome in children and adolescents with CNO, a rare autoinflammatory bone disease. Differences of the oral microbiome of diseased children to normal adult controls revealed a possible role of the oral microbiome as modulatory target or biomarker in CNO.
Management and outcome of vagus nerve stimulator implantation: experience of an otolaryngeal/neuropediatric cooperation
Authors: Grasl S. , Janik S. , Dressler A. , Diehm R. , Gröppel G. , Eichinger K. , Grasl M. C. , Gstoettner W. , Feucht M. , Vyskocil E. , Baumgartner W. D.
Published: July 2021

Objective

Vagus nerve stimulator (VNS) implantation is an established therapy for pharmacoresistant epilepsy that is not amenable to curative epilepsy surgery. Historically, VNS implantation has been performed by neurosurgeons, but otolaryngologist involvement is increasingly common. In this retrospective study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of VNS implantation in children and adolescents from the otolaryngologists’ perspective.

Methods

This study included children and adolescents who had undergone VNS implantation at the study center between 2014 and 2018. Patient files were analyzed with regards to the durations of device implantation and hospitalization, postoperative complications, and clinical outcome, including seizure frequency, clinical global impression of improvement (CGI-I) score, and quality of life (QoL).

Results

A total of 73 children underwent VNS surgery. The median age at implantation was 9.3 ± 4.6 years, and median epilepsy duration before VNS surgery was 6 ± 4 years. Lennox–Gastaut syndrome was the most common syndrome diagnosis (62.3%), and structural abnormalities (49.3%) the most frequent etiology. Operation times ranged from 30 to 200 min, and median postoperative hospitalization length was 2 ± 0.9 days. No complications occurred, except for four revisions and two explantations due to local infections (2.7%). Among our patients, 76.7% were responders (≥ 50% reduction in seizure frequency), 72.1% showed improved CGI-I scores, and 18.6–60.5% exhibited considerable improvements in the QoL categories energy, emotional health, and cognitive functions.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that VNS implantation is a highly effective and safe treatment option for children and adolescents with AED-refractory epilepsies who are not candidates for curative epilepsy surgery.
Morphological characterization using scanning electron microscopy of fly artifacts deposited by Calliphora vomitoria (Diptera: Calliphoridae) on household materials
Authors: Pelletti Guido , Martini Desiree , Ingrà Laura , Mazzotti Maria Carla , Giorgetti Arianna , Falconi Mirella , Fais Paolo
Published: July 2021

Insects found at a crime scene can produce traces referred to as fly artifacts (FA) due to their movement over the corpse and the manner in which they feed upon it. These can be detrimental for carrying out criminal investigations. Confusing a FA with a genuine bloodspot can lead to misinterpretations, also taking into consideration that FA may contain a human DNA profile. The aim of the present study was to employ scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for the analysis of FA produced by Calliphora vomitoria on hard surfaces and fabrics that are commonly present at crime scenes. FA and control bloodstains were produced under experimental conditions on metal, glass, plaster, cotton, and polyester. After macroscopic analysis, FA were examined at standard low (20–40 ×), medium low (300–600 ×), and high ultrastructural (1200 ×) magnification through a SEM Stereoscan 360, Leica, Cambridge. SEM analysis enabled the identification of distinctive features of FA on hard surfaces, namely, amorphous crystals, micro-crystals with a morphology similar to those of uric or micro-crystals with a comparable morphology to cholesterol, absent in controls. Moreover, red blood cells (RBC) were absent in FA but were always present in controls. On cotton, for both FA and controls, the drop was almost completely absorbed and thus indistinguishable from the underlying fabric texture. On polyester, FA showed amorphous/crystal-like deposits and no RBC, as observed on hard surfaces, except for those showing a completely flat surface. SEM analysis appeared to be suitable for differential diagnosis between FA and genuine bloodstains on hard surfaces, although the results may be inconclusive on tested fabrics.
Cav1.4 dysfunction and congenital stationary night blindness type 2
Authors: Koschak Alexandra , Fernandez-Quintero Monica L. , Heigl Thomas , Ruzza Marco , Seitter Hartwig , Zanetti Lucia
Published: July 2021

Cav1.4 L-type Ca2+ channels are predominantly expressed in retinal neurons, particularly at the photoreceptor terminals where they mediate sustained Ca2+ entry needed for continuous neurotransmitter release at their ribbon synapses. Cav1.4 channel gating properties are controlled by accessory subunits, associated regulatory proteins, and also alternative splicing. In humans, mutations in the CACNA1F gene encoding for Cav1.4 channels are associated with X-linked retinal disorders such as congenital stationary night blindness type 2. Mutations in the Cav1.4 protein result in a spectrum of altered functional channel activity. Several mouse models broadened our understanding of the role of Cav1.4 channels not only as Ca2+ source at retinal synapses but also as synaptic organizers. In this review, we highlight different structural and functional phenotypes of Cav1.4 mutations that might also occur in patients with congenital stationary night blindness type 2. A further important yet mostly neglected aspect that we discuss is the influence of alternative splicing on channel dysfunction. We conclude that currently available functional phenotyping strategies should be refined and summarize potential specific therapeutic options for patients carrying Cav1.4 mutations. Importantly, the development of new therapeutic approaches will permit a deeper understanding of not only the disease pathophysiology but also the physiological function of Cav1.4 channels in the retina.
Evaluation of stability and inactivation methods of SARS-CoV-2 in context of laboratory settings
Authors: Widera Marek , Westhaus Sandra , Rabenau Holger F. , Hoehl Sebastian , Bojkova Denisa , Cinatl Jindrich , Ciesek Sandra
Published: July 2021

The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is the causative agent of the acute respiratory disease COVID-19, which has become a global concern due to its rapid spread. Laboratory work with SARS-CoV-2 in a laboratory setting was rated to biosafety level 3 (BSL-3) biocontainment level. However, certain research applications in particular in molecular biology require incomplete denaturation of the proteins, which might cause safety issues handling contaminated samples. In this study, we evaluated lysis buffers that are commonly used in molecular biological laboratories for their ability to inactivate SARS-CoV-2. In addition, viral stability in cell culture media at 4 °C and on display glass and plastic surfaces used in laboratory environment was analyzed. Furthermore, we evaluated chemical and non-chemical inactivation methods including heat inactivation, UV-C light, addition of ethanol, acetone-methanol, and PFA, which might be used as a subsequent inactivation step in the case of insufficient inactivation. We infected susceptible Caco-2 and Vero cells with pre-treated SARS-CoV-2 and determined the tissue culture infection dose 50 (TCID50) using crystal violet staining and microscopy. In addition, lysates of infected cells and virus containing supernatant were subjected to RT-qPCR analysis. We have found that guanidine thiocyanate and most of the tested detergent containing lysis buffers were effective in inactivation of SARS-CoV-2, however, the M-PER lysis buffer containing a proprietary detergent failed to inactivate the virus. In conclusion, careful evaluation of the used inactivation methods is required especially for non-denaturing buffers. Additional inactivation steps might be necessary before removal of lysed viral samples from BSL-3.
Contemporaneous opening of the Alpine Tethys in the Eastern and Western Alps: constraints from a Late Jurassic gabbro intrusion age in the Glockner Nappe, Tauern Window, Austria
Authors: Gleißner Philipp , Franz Gerhard , Frei Dirk
Published: July 2021

Metabasic rocks of the ophiolitic sequences of the Glockner Nappe and Eclogite Zone in the south-central Tauern Window, Austria, reveal important insights into rifting and spreading of the Alpine Tethys. U–Pb dating of magmatic zircons yields a concordant 157 ± 2 Ma crystallization age for the precursor of a coarse-grained metagabbro from the Glockner Nappe. The Late Jurassic intrusion age is coeval with mafic plutonic activity in the Western and Central Alps. Although Penninic ophiolitic sequences in tectonic windows of the Eastern Alps are usually disrupted, an ocean–continent transition setting can be reconstructed for the Glockner Nappe, similar to many ophiolites in the Liguria–Piemont domain in the Western and Central Alps. Together, these observations strongly suggest a formation in the Liguria–Piemont branch of the Alpine Tethys and are inconsistent with a formation in the Valais domain. This finding has important implications for paleogeographic reconstructions of the Penninic realm in the Eastern Alps. Whereas the Glockner Nappe metagabbro and metabasalts clearly reveal their depleted mantle origin, the metabasic rocks of the Eclogite Zone record a more complex formation history involving depleted mantle melting and crustal assimilation in a continental margin setting.
The Picard–Mann iteration with s-convexity in the generation of Mandelbrot and Julia sets
Authors: Shahid Abdul Aziz , Nazeer Waqas , Gdawiec Krzysztof
Published: July 2021

In recent years, researchers have studied the use of different iteration processes from fixed point theory in the generation of complex fractals. For instance, the Mann, Ishikawa, Noor, Jungck–Mann and Jungck–Ishikawa iterations have been used. In this paper, we study the use of the Picard–Mann iteration with s-convexity in the generation of Mandelbrot and Julia sets. We prove the escape criterion for the $$(k+1)$$

(
k
+
1
)

st degree complex polynomial. Moreover, we present some graphical and numerical examples regarding Mandelbrot and Julia sets generated using the proposed iteration.
Fair colorful k-center clustering
Authors: Jia Xinrui , Sheth Kshiteej , Svensson Ola
Published: July 2021

An instance of colorfulk-center consists of points in a metric space that are colored red or blue, along with an integer k and a coverage requirement for each color. The goal is to find the smallest radius $$\rho $$
ρ
such that there exist balls of radius $$\rho $$
ρ
around k of the points that meet the coverage requirements. The motivation behind this problem is twofold. First, from fairness considerations: each color/group should receive a similar service guarantee, and second, from the algorithmic challenges it poses: this problem combines the difficulties of clustering along with the subset-sum problem. In particular, we show that this combination results in strong integrality gap lower bounds for several natural linear programming relaxations. Our main result is an efficient approximation algorithm that overcomes these difficulties to achieve an approximation guarantee of 3, nearly matching the tight approximation guarantee of 2 for the classical k-center problem which this problem generalizes. algorithms either opened more than k centers or only worked in the special case when the input points are in the plane.
An exploratory analysis of the competing effects of alcohol use and advanced hepatic fibrosis on serum HDL
Authors: Vannier Augustin G. L. , PeBenito Amanda , Fomin Vladislav , Chung Raymond T. , Schaefer Esperance , Goodman Russell P. , Luther Jay
Published: July 2021

While alcohol use has been shown to increase serum HDL, advanced liver disease associates with decreased serum HDL. The combined influence of alcohol consumption and liver fibrosis is poorly defined. In this study, we sought to investigate the competing effects of alcohol use and hepatic fibrosis on serum HDL and to determine if the presence of advanced hepatic fibrosis ablates the reported effect of alcohol consumption on serum HDL. We performed a cross-sectional, exploratory analysis examining the interaction between alcohol use and advanced hepatic fibrosis on serum HDL levels in 10,528 patients from the Partners Biobank. Hepatic fibrosis was assessed using the FIB-4 index. We excluded patients with baseline characteristics that affect serum HDL, independent of alcohol use or the presence or advanced hepatic fibrosis. We observed an incremental correlation between increasing HDL levels and amount of alcohol consumed (P < 0.0001), plateauing in those individuals who drink 1–2 drinks per day, Contrastingly, we found a negative association between the presence of advanced hepatic fibrosis and lower HDL levels, independent of alcohol use (beta coefficient: -0.011075, SEM0.003091,Pvalue: 0.0001). Finally, when comparing subjects with advanced hepatic fibrosis who do not use alcohol to those who do, we observed that alcohol use is associated with increased HDL levels (54.58 mg/dL vs 67.26 mg/dL,p = 0.0009). This HDL-elevating effect of alcohol was more pronounced than that seen in patients without evidence of advanced hepatic fibrosis (60.88 mg/dL vs 67.93 mg/dL,p < 0.0001). Our data suggest that the presence of advanced hepatic fibrosis does not blunt the HDL-elevating effect of alcohol use.
Do conditional cash transfers increase schooling among adolescents?
Authors: Draeger Eric
Published: July 2021

In several Latin American countries, conditional cash transfer programmes are a proven means of alleviating poverty in the short term and promoting education of children from disadvantaged families in the longer run. While the effectiveness of the Brazilian Bolsa Família for children’s education outcomes up to 15 years of age has been widely documented, its contribution to the promotion of students of secondary school age has not been fully explored in light of the programme’s expansion to 16-17 years olds in 2008. In this paper, I draw on Brazilian National Household Sample Survey data and use a difference-in-differences approach already applied in research in the context of Bolsa Família extension. Whereas these data were previously examined to detect intent-to-treat (ITT) effects due to insufficient information on treatment status, in this study I rely on a classifier method to additionally estimate average treatment effects on the treated who belong to families supposedly receiving Bolsa Família cash transfers. The results suggest that school attendance rates for 16-year-olds are particularly increased in the Brazilian Northeast, although the estimates are not significant when further time periods are taken into account. As comparably poor but non-recipient households have larger and consistently significant gains of school attendance, the effect on adolescent’s education directly caused by the expansion of Bolsa Família remains ambiguous and thus cast doubt on the specific parallel trend assumption. In addition, no long-run ITT effects of the programme’s expansion on school participation among 16 year old teenagers are found.
Effects of seismic input, fine crust and existing structure on liquefaction from centrifuge model tests
Authors: Fioravante V. , Giretti D. , Airoldi S. , Moglie J.
Published: July 2021

The results of dynamic centrifuge tests carried out to study the effects of seismic input, fine crust and existing structure on liquefaction triggering and manifestations are presented. The basic concept of the experimentation was to analyse the seismic behaviour of level ground, saturated, 14 m deep sandy deposits, homogeneous or stratified, subjected to increasing seismic excitations up to liquefaction, with or without a one degree of freedom structure on shallow foundations. The study was performed in the framework of the European project Horizon2020 “LIQUEFACT”.
Rational Krylov methods for fractional diffusion problems on graphs
Authors: Benzi Michele , Simunec Igor
Published: July 2021

In this paper we propose a method to compute the solution to the fractional diffusion equation on directed networks, which can be expressed in terms of the graph Laplacian L as a product $$f(L^T) \varvec{b}$$

f
(

L
T

)

b

, where f is a non-analytic function involving fractional powers and $$\varvec{b}$$

b

is a given vector. The graph Laplacian is a singular matrix, causing Krylov methods for $$f(L^T) \varvec{b}$$

f
(

L
T

)

b

to converge more slowly. In order to overcome this difficulty and achieve faster convergence, we use rational Krylov methods applied to a desingularized version of the graph Laplacian, obtained with either a rank-one shift or a projection on a subspace.
Ultimate precision of direct tomography of wave functions
Authors: Nguyen Xuan-Hoai Thi , Choi Mahn-Soo
Published: July 2021

In contrast to the standard quantum state tomography, the direct tomography seeks a direct access to the complex values of the wave function at particular positions. Originally put forward as a special case of weak measurement, it has been extended to arbitrary measurement setup. We generalize the idea of “quantum metrology,” where a real-valued phase is estimated, to the estimation of complex-valued phase. We show that it enables to identify the optimal measurements and investigate the fundamental precision limit of the direct tomography. We propose a few experimentally feasible examples of direct tomography schemes and, based on the complex phase estimation formalism, demonstrate that direct tomography can reach the Heisenberg limit.
Gesundheitskompetenz im Zeitalter der Digitalisierung
Authors: Schaeffer Doris , Gille Svea
Published: July 2021

Hintergrund

Mit der digitalen Transformation und dem Zuwachs an digitalen Gesundheitsinformationen steigen auch die Möglichkeiten der Gesundheitsförderung und Prävention. Gleichzeitig erhöhen sich auch die Anforderungen an den Umgang mit Gesundheitsinformationen und damit an die (digitale) Gesundheitskompetenz. Vorliegende Studien zeigen jedoch, dass ein Großteil der Bevölkerung in Deutschland nicht über ausreichende Gesundheitskompetenz verfügt und hier großer politischer Handlungsbedarf besteht.

Ziel und Fragestellung

Der Beitrag geht der Frage nach, inwieweit es gelungen ist, Gesundheitskompetenz in Deutschland als Thema und als potenzielles neues Politikfeld zu etablieren.

Material und Methoden

In Anlehnung an die Diskussion zur Ausreifung von Politikfeldern werden in dem Beitrag fünf Kriterien ((1.) Problemwahrnehmung und Agenda Setting, (2.) Konsens über Definition und Ziele, (3.) empirische Belege, (4.) Wille zum Handeln und Veränderungsbereitschaft, (5.) Ressourcenausstattung) betrachtet, anhand derer der Reifegrad von Gesundheitskompetenz als neues Politikfeld einzuschätzen versucht wird.

Ergebnisse

Insgesamt zeigt sich, dass Gesundheitskompetenz in Deutschland eine rasante Themenkarriere durchlaufen hat und ein gesellschaftlich und politisch zunehmend relevantes Thema darstellt. Auch bei der Etablierung und Reifung als Politikfeld erfolgten in den letzten Jahren wichtige, auch international beachtete Schritte. Dabei wurde der Digitalisierung und der Verknüpfung beider bislang getrennt geführten Diskussionen und Entwicklungen jedoch zu wenig Beachtung geschenkt. Auch bis zur nachhaltigen Verankerung als Politikfeld sind noch etliche Herausforderungen zu bewältigen.

Schlussfolgerung

Die Bedeutung von Gesundheitskompetenz ist im digitalen Zeitalter größer denn je. Die Bewältigung dieser Herausforderungen stellt daher eine zukünftig wichtige Aufgabe dar.
Derivation of effective models from heterogenous Cosserat media via periodic unfolding
Authors: Nika Grigor
Published: July 2021

We derive two different effective models from a heterogeneous Cosserat continuum taking into account the Cosserat intrinsic length of the constituents. We pass to the limit using homogenization via periodic unfolding and in doing so we provide rigorous proof to the results introduced by Forest, Pradel, and Sab (Int. J. Solids Struct. 38 (26-27): 4585-4608 ’01). Depending on how different characteristic lengths of the domain scale with respect to the Cosserat intrinsic length, we obtain either an effective classical Cauchy continuum or an effective Cosserat continuum. Moreover, we provide some corrector type results for each case.
The Nasal Microbiome in ANCA-Associated Vasculitis: Picking the Nose for Clues on Disease Pathogenesis
Authors: Dekkema G. J. , Rutgers A. , Sanders J. S. , Stegeman C. A. , Heeringa P.
Published: July 2021

Purpose of Review

The onset and progression of small vessel vasculitis associated with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies has been linked to microbial infections. Here, we provide a brief overview of the association of nasal colonization ofStaphylococcus aureuswith ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) and discuss several recent studies mapping the nasal microbiome in AAV patients in particular.

Recent Findings

Nasal microbiome studies revealed dysbiosis as a common trait in active AAV which tends to normalize upon immunosuppressive treatment and quiescent disease. However, due to differences in study design, patient selection, and methodology, the reported microbiome profiles differ considerably precluding conclusions on causal relationships.

The microbiome is an emerging area of research in AAV warranting further investigation. Ideally, such studies should be combined with mechanistic studies to unravel key elements related to host-microbe interactions and their relevance for AAV pathogenesis.
Bone Health in Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies: Diagnosis and Management
Authors: Vincze Anett , Gaál János , Griger Zoltán
Published: July 2021

Purpose of Review

This article provides an update on the most recent advances in epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnostic procedures, and therapeutic approaches for myositis-associated bone diseases, such as osteoporosis and bone fractures.

Recent Findings

In the recent years, several studies showed that osteoporosis and consequent fractures are a common and frequently underestimated complication in patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM). In younger patients, asymptomatic fractures might present in the early phase of the disease which could increase the risk of development of further fractures. High-risk patients could be selected with early application of combined diagnostic procedures, such as fracture risk scores with steroid dose adjustments and imaging.

Recent advances might help clinicians from different fields of medicine in the early recognition and management of myositis-associated osteoporosis, which will potentially improve the quality of life of patients with IIM.
Explosion-related deaths: An overview on forensic evaluation and implications
Authors: Galante Nicola , Franceschetti Lorenzo , Del Sordo Sara , Casali Michelangelo Bruno , Genovese Umberto
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Explosion-related deaths are uncommon events which require expertise and confidence so that an appropriate death investigation can be performed. The present study aims to provide a detailed forensic analysis of the issues and implications arising in the event of an explosion.

Methods

A retrospective review of casualty data was conducted on electronic literature databases. Cases concerning deadly explosions registered at the Milan Institute of Legal Medicine were examined and analyzed altogether.

Results

Explosions may involve closed or open systems. A security assessment of the site is always necessary. Alterations of the site due to rescue procedures can occur; thus, on-site forensic investigation should be adapted to the environment. Then, a study protocol based on autopsy procedures is presented. Application of the postmortem radiology enforces forensic procedures both for the analysis of blast injuries and skeleton fractures, and for identification purposes. Blast injuries typically cause lacerations of the lungs, intestine and major vessels; moreover, hyoid fractures can be documented. Histopathology may help to define blast injuries effectively. Forensic chemistry, toxicology and ballistics provide useful investigative evidence as well as anthropology and genetics. Different forensic topics regarding explosions are discussed through five possible scenarios that forensic pathologists may come across. Scenarios include self-inflicted explosion deaths, domestic explosions, work-related explosions, terrorist events, and explosions caused by accidents involving heavy vehicles.

Conclusion

The scenarios presented offer a useful instrument to avoid misinterpretations and evaluation errors. Procedural notes and technical aspects are provided to the readers, with an insight on collaboration with other forensic experts.
Urinary Concentrations of Metals and Metalloids in Malaysian Adults
Authors: Anual Zurahanim Fasha , Mohammad Sham Noraishah , Ambak Rashidah , Othman Fatimah , Shaharudin Rafiza
Published: July 2021

Exposure to environmental pollutants in humans can be conducted through direct measurement of biological media such as blood, urine or hair. Assessment studies of metals and metalloids in Malaysia is very scarce although cross-sectional nationwide human biomonitoring surveys have been established by the USA, Canada, Germany, Spain, France, and Korea. This study aims to assess urinary metal levels namely cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and arsenic (As) among Malaysian adults. This was a cross-sectional study involving 1440 adults between the age of 18 and 88 years old. After excluding those with 24 h urine samples of less than 500 ml, urine creatinine levels < 0.3 or > 3.0 g/L and those who refuse to participate in the study, a total of 817 respondents were included for analysis. A questionnaire with socio-demographic information such as age, gender, occupation, ethnic, academic qualification and medical history was administered to the respondents. Twenty-four-hour urine samples were collected in a container before being transported at 4 °C to the laboratory. Samples were then aliquoted into 15 ml tubes and kept at − 80 °C until further analysis. Urine was diluted ten-fold with ultrapure water, filtered and analysed for metals and metalloids using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). The geometric mean of urinary As, Ni, Cd and Pb concentrations among adults in Malaysia was 48.21, 4.37, 0.32, and 0.80 µg/L, respectively. Males showed significantly higher urinary metal concentrations compared to females for As, Cd and Pb except for Ni. Those who resided in rural areas exhibited significantly higher As, Cd and Pb urinary concentrations than those who resided in urban areas. As there are no nationwide data on urinary metals, findings from this study could be used to identify high exposure groups, thus enabling policy makers to improve public health strategically.
Monitoring Impact of Salt-Marsh Vegetation Characteristics on Sedimentation: an Outlook for Nature-Based Flood Protection
Authors: Baaij B. Martina , Kooijman Jeroen , Limpens Juul , Marijnissen Richard J. C. , van Loon-Steensma Jantsje M.
Published: July 2021

Salt marshes can protect coastlines against flooding by attenuating wave energy and enhancing shoreline stabilization. However, salt-marsh functioning is threatened by human influences and sea level rise. Although it is known that protection services are mediated by vegetation, little is known about the role of vegetation structure in salt-marsh accretion. We investigated the role of vegetation presence, vegetation type and structural vegetation characteristics in sedimentation and sediment grain size. We established 56 plots on a salt marsh on the Dutch Wadden island of Texel. Plots were divided over four vegetation types contrasting in vegetation structure and varied in elevation and distance to creeks. Vegetation presence was controlled by clipping in subplots. Within each plot, we measured seven vegetation characteristics, sedimentation and the sediment grain size distribution. Furthermore, we explored the effect of the natural variation in vegetation structure on wave attenuation with a simple model approach. For this, we developed vegetation scenarios based on the field measurements of stem height, diameter and density. We found that vegetation presence increased sedimentation on average by 42%. Sedimentation was highest inSalicorniavegetation and increased with stem height and branching level. Grain size also seemed to increase with branching level. Modelled wave attenuation was 7.5 times higher with natural vegetation compared to topography only, was strongest forSpartinavegetation and most sensitive to the natural variance in stem density. Our results can be used to improve predictions of salt-marsh accretion and the implementation of salt marshes in nature-based flood defences.
Fitness costs for fig wasps that fail to pollinate their host Ficus perforata
Authors: Jandér K. C.
Published: July 2021

Mutualisms are of fundamental ecological importance, but risk breaking down if one partner stops paying the costs yet still takes the benefits of the interaction. To prevent such cheating, many mutualisms have mechanisms that lower the fitness of uncooperative symbionts, often termed host sanctions. In mutualisms where the interacting partners are species-specific, we would expect to see coevolution of the levels of host sanctions and partner cooperation across species-pairs. In the mutualism between fig trees and their species-specific pollinating fig wasps, host sanctions vary greatly in strength, and wasp cooperation levels vary accordingly. Here I show experimentally that in PanamanianFicus perforata(section Urostigma, Americana) there are fitness costs for wasps that do not pollinate. These fitness costs are caused by a combination of abortions of unpollinated figs and reduced proportion of wasp larvae that successfully develop to adults.The relative fitness of wasps that do not pollinate compared to wasps that pollinate is 0.59, leading to the intermediate sanction strength 0.41. Next, by screening pollinators ofF. perforataI found that 1.9% of wasp individuals in natural populations failed to carry pollen. Across five actively pollinated Neotropical fig species and their pollinators, fig species with stronger host sanctions had fewer uncooperative wasps, as would be expected if sanctions promote cooperation.
Emerging roles of spliceosome in cancer and immunity
Authors: Yang Hui , Beutler Bruce , Zhang Duanwu
Published: July 2021

Precursor messenger RNA (pre-mRNA) splicing is catalyzed by an intricate ribonucleoprotein complex called the spliceosome. Although the spliceosome is considered to be general cell “housekeeping” machinery, mutations in core components of the spliceosome frequently correlate with cell- or tissue-specific phenotypes and diseases. In this review, we expound the links between spliceosome mutations, aberrant splicing, and human cancers. Remarkably, spliceosome-targeted therapies (STTs) have become efficient anti-cancer strategies for cancer patients with splicing defects. We also highlight the links between spliceosome and immune signaling. Recent studies have shown that some spliceosome gene mutations can result in immune dysregulation and notable phenotypes due to mis-splicing of immune-related genes. Furthermore, several core spliceosome components harbor splicing-independent immune functions within the cell, expanding the functional repertoire of these diverse proteins.
Development and Validation of a Simple Bioaerosol Collection Filter System Using a Conventional Vacuum Cleaner for Sampling
Authors: Unterwurzacher Verena , Bruck Stephan , Biedermann Max , Pogner Clara , Konlechner Anja , Tondl Gregor , Berger Harald , Pfeifer Christoph , Strauss Joseph , Gorfer Markus , Strauss-Goller Sabine
Published: July 2021

Although numerous bioaerosol samplers for counting and identifying airborne microorganisms are available, the considerably high purchase and maintenance costs for the sampler often prevent broad monitoring campaigns for occupational or environmental surveillance of bioaerosols. We present here a newly developed simple adapter and filter system (TOP filter system) designed to collect bioaerosol particles from a defined air volume using conventional vacuum cleaners as air pumps. We characterized the physical properties of the system using air flow measurements and validated the biological performance. The culture-based detection capacities for airborne fungal species were compared to a standard impaction sampler (MAS-100 NT) under controlled conditions in a bioaerosol chamber (using Trichoderma spores as the test organism) as well as in the field. In the chamber, an overall equivalent detection capacity between all tested filters was recorded, although a significant underrepresentation of the TOP filter system for Trichoderma spores were seen in comparison to the MAS-100 NT. In a comparative field study (n = 345), the system showed similar biological sampling efficiencies compared to the MAS-100 NT impactor, only the diversity of identified fungal communities was slightly lower on the filters. Thus, the system is suitable for large-scale environmental sampling operations where many samples have to be taken in parallel at a given time at distant locations. This system would allow endeavors such as antibiotics resistance monitoring or hygiene surveys in agricultural or occupational settings.
Bedeutung der wahrgenommenen Motivierungsqualität für intrinsische Motivation und Selbstkonzept von Grundschulkindern
Authors: Lepper Chantal , Stang Justine , McElvany Nele
Published: July 2021

Ein qualitätsvoller Unterricht ist von zentraler Bedeutung sowohl für leistungsbezogene als auch für motivationale Lernergebnisse von Schülerinnen und Schülern. Die Motivierungsqualität des Unterrichts als eine bedeutsame Facette der Basisdimension konstruktive Unterstützung wurde bisher eher selten untersucht. Um die Bedeutung der wahrgenommenen Motivierungsqualität für motivationale Merkmale von Grundschulkindern zu erforschen, wurde basierend auf Angaben von Viertklässlerinnen und -klässlern (N = 187) analysiert, inwiefern die Motivierungsqualität des Mathematikunterrichts neben der Mathematiknote prädiktiv für die intrinsische Motivation und das Fähigkeitsselbstkonzept der Lernenden ist. Auch wurde geprüft, ob dem Kompetenzerleben der Lernenden eine vermittelnde Funktion zukommt. Die Ergebnisse zeigten, dass die wahrgenommene Motivierungsqualität neben der Mathematiknote ein bedeutsamer Prädiktor für beide motivationalen Merkmale war. Während das Kompetenzerleben die Zusammenhänge zwischen der Motivierungsqualität bzw. der Mathematiknote und dem Fähigkeitsselbstkonzept bedeutsam vermittelte, wurden die Zusammenhänge für die intrinsische Motivation der Schülerinnen und Schüler wiederum nicht mediiert. Resümierend werden die Befunde hinsichtlich möglicher Implikationen für zukünftige Forschung und Praxis diskutiert.
GNSS Double Differences Used as Beacon Landing System for Aircraft Instrument Approach
Authors: Dautermann Thomas , Korn Bernd , Flaig Karin , de Haag Maarten Uijt
Published: July 2021

When using GNSS navigation for final approach guidance of aircraft to a landing site, the only systems currently available are differential GNSS with additional integrity data called augmentation systems. These work well when the landing site is fixed in space and well surveyed. In all other cases, augmentation systems are difficult to use. Here, we propose relative navigation based on GNSS double difference measurement to accomplish the same task, but also onto moving landing platforms or at unsurveyed locations. We call this the Beacon Landing System. Furthermore, we show long term measurement data confirming the sub-meter accuracy and results from flight tests. During the flight test we successfully used the relative navigation for aircraft guidance.
Characterization of dopamine D2 receptor coupling to G proteins in postmortem brain of subjects with schizophrenia
Authors: Egusquiza Iker , Munarriz-Cuezva Eva , Segarra Rafael , González-Maeso Javier , Callado Luis F. , Meana J. Javier , Diez-Alarcia Rebeca
Published: July 2021

Background

Alterations of dopamine D1 (D1R) and D2 receptor (D2R) are proposed in schizophrenia but brain neuroimaging and postmortem studies have shown controversial results in relation to D1R and D2R density. Besides, scarce information on the functionality of brain D1R and D2R is available. The present study characterized G-protein activation by D1R and D2R agonists in postmortem human brain. Furthermore, D2R functional status was compared between schizophrenia and control subjects.

Methods

G-protein receptor coupling was assessed in control caudate nucleus and frontal cortex by [35S]GTPγS-binding stimulation induced by increasing concentrations (10–10–10–3 M) of dopamine, and the selective dopaminergic agonists SKF38393 (D1R) and NPA (D2R). Concentration–response curves to NPA stimulation of [35S]GTPγS binding were analyzed in antipsychotic-free (n = 10) and antipsychotic-treated (n = 7) schizophrenia subjects and matched controls (n = 17).

Results

In caudate, [35S]GTPγS-binding responses to agonists were compatible with the existence of functional D2R. In contrast, stimulations in cortex showed responses that did not correspond to D1R or D2R. [35S]GTPγS-binding activation by NPA in caudate displayed biphasic curves with similar profile in schizophrenia (EC50H = 7.94 nM; EC50L = 7.08 μM) and control (EC50H = 7.24 nM; EC50L = 15.14 μM) subjects. The presence or absence of antipsychotic medication did not influence the pharmacological parameters.

Conclusions

Feasibility of functional evaluation of dopamine receptors in postmortem human brain by conventional [35S]GTPγS-binding assays appears to be restricted to signalling through inhibitory Gi/o proteins. These findings provide functional information about brain D2R status in subjects with schizophrenia and do not support the existence of D2R supersensitive in this mental disorder.
Structural diversity of organic contaminants in sewage sludge: a comparison of sewage fingerprints from Germany and China
Authors: Wluka Ann-Kathrin , Huang Yuehua , Coenen Laura , Dsikowitzky Larissa , Schwarzbauer Jan
Published: July 2021

Sewage sludge is formed during wastewater treatment and in recent years, the amount of sewage sludge increased rapidly all over the world. This sewage sludge is attractive for usage in agriculture as an inexpensive nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer. However, there is only very limited knowledge about the spectrum of organic pollutants that might occur in sewage sludge and is probably posing a threat to the environment. We therefore conducted GC–MS based non-target screening analyses in order to identify a wide spectrum of organic contaminants in sludge samples from several wastewater treatment plants and to figure out corresponding finger-prints of pollution. The plants are located in Germany and China and have various capacities ranging from 35,000 to 1.1 million population equivalents. The special focus was to reveal information on the structural variety of individual organic compounds in sludge samples from the two countries. Several emerging pollutants including some fragrances, pharmaceutical educts, vitaminoids, technical additives were identified accompanied by compounds of biogenic origin. Some of these compounds have rarely been reported as constituents of sewage sludge to date and, consequently, are relevant candidates for more specific assessments including the ecotoxicological long-term effects. Based on the results of this study, it seems mandatory to establish non-target screening analyses on a regularly base as a tool for a comprehensive identification of the variety of anthropogenic organic constituents. Following, such contaminant spectrum can act as basis for further environmental risk assessments as well as to provide individual fingerprints for evaluation of impacts on ecosystems.
Editorial
Authors: Barrett Steve
Published: July 2021

Denmark is well established as a global leader in wind energy, in particular the resilient technologies required for offshore wind farms. In this issue we report on three Danish projects that combine wind energy with green hydrogen and fuel cell applications.
Electrolysers for producing net-zero heat
Authors: Newborough Marcus , Cooley Graham
Published: July 2021

In addition to fuel cell applications, water electrolysis affords several opportunities for producing high-grade heat by utilising electrolytic hydrogen and oxygen in combustion applications. This can reduce or eliminate the atmospheric emissions associated with the combustion of conventional fuels. Importantly, net-zero heat can be produced if the electrolyser is powered by renewable electricity, whereby the output gases may be termed green hydrogen and green oxygen. This paper provides an overview of prospective applications for electrolysers in the heat sector by considering three general implementation pathways based on how the electrolytic oxygen is used.
Running from Bondage
Authors: Cook Bell Karen
Published: July 2021

Running from Bondage tells the compelling stories of enslaved women, who comprised one-third of all runaways, and the ways in which they fled or attempted to flee bondage during and after the Revolutionary War. Karen Cook Bell's enlightening and original contribution to the study of slave resistance in eighteenth-century America explores the individual and collective lives of these women and girls of diverse circumstances, while also providing details about what led them to escape. She demonstrates that there were in fact two wars being waged during the Revolutionary Era: a political revolution for independence from Great Britain and a social revolution for emancipation and equality in which Black women played an active role. Running from Bondage broadens and complicates how we study and teach this momentous event, one that emphasizes the chances taken by these 'Black founding mothers' and the important contributions they made to the cause of liberty.