bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of Transnasal Endoscopic Fine‐Needle Aspiration Biopsy in Diagnosing Submucosal Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Tang Qing‐Nan , Tang Lin‐Quan , Liu Li‐Ting , Wen Dong‐Xiang , Lu Zi‐Jian , Ou Guo‐Ping , Yan Jin‐Jie , Yang Jin‐Hao , Li Ji‐Bin , Wen Yue‐Feng , Guo Shan‐Shan , Liu Sai‐Lan , Xie Hao‐Jun , Sun Xue‐Song , Li Xiao‐Yun , Chen Qiu‐Yan , Mai Hai‐Qiang
Published: February 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

The routine practices of examining submucosal lesions are not suitable for deep lesions. Therefore, we evaluated the efficacy of non‐real‐time image‐guided transnasal endoscopic fine‐needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) in diagnosing nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) with submucosal lesions.

Study Design

The effectiveness evaluation of diagnostic methods.

Methods

Fifty suspected NPC patients who failed in conventional biopsies were enrolled in this study. The efficacy, maneuverability, and safety of FNAB in diagnosing these intractable cases were evaluated.

Results

The definitive diagnostic results of these 50 patients were NPC (34/50, 68.0%), nasopharyngeal necrosis (1/50, 2.0%), nasopharyngeal mucositis (12/50, 24.0%), and other cancers (3/50, 6.0%), respectively. The results of the diagnostic efficacy of FNAB were sensitivity, 89.2%; specificity, 100.0%; positive predictive value, 100.0%; negative predictive value, 76.5%; and accuracy, 92.0%, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curves was 0.946 (95% confidence interval = 0.884–1.00, P < .001). No severe complications occurred after FNAB.

Conclusions

FNAB can improve the diagnostic efficiency of NPC occurring in the submucosal space. It can be an additional option for routine nasopharyngeal biopsy and is worthy of clinical application.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:1798–1804, 2021
Biomaterial Properties Modulating Bone Regeneration
Authors: Zhu Yi , Goh Cynthia , Shrestha Annie
Published: February 2021

Biomaterial scaffolds have been gaining momentum in the past several decades for their potential applications in the area of tissue engineering. They function as three‐dimensional porous constructs to temporarily support the attachment of cells, subsequently influencing cell behaviors such as proliferation and differentiation to repair or regenerate defective tissues. In addition, scaffolds can also serve as delivery vehicles to achieve sustained release of encapsulated growth factors or therapeutic agents to further modulate the regeneration process. Given the limitations of current bone grafts used clinically in bone repair, alternatives such as biomaterial scaffolds have emerged as potential bone graft substitutes. This review summarizes how physicochemical properties of biomaterial scaffolds can influence cell behavior and its downstream effect, particularly in its application to bone regeneration.
Mannosylated Cationic Copolymers for Gene Delivery to Macrophages
Authors: Lopukhov Anton V. , Yang Zigang , Haney Matthew J. , Bronich Tatiana K. , Sokolsky‐Papkov Marina , Batrakova Elena V. , Klyachko Natalia L. , Kabanov Alexander V.
Published: February 2021

Macrophages are desirable targets for gene therapy of cancer and other diseases. Cationic diblock copolymers of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and poly‐L‐lysine (PLL) or poly{N‐[N‐(2‐aminoethyl)‐2‐aminoethyl]aspartamide} (pAsp(DET)) are synthesized and used to form polyplexes with a plasmid DNA (pDNA) that are decorated with mannose moieties, serving as the targeting ligands for the C type lectin receptors displayed at the surface of macrophages. The PEG‐b‐PLL copolymers are known for its cytotoxicity, so PEG‐b‐PLL‐based polyplexes are cross‐linked using reducible reagent dithiobis(succinimidyl propionate) (DSP). The cross‐linked polyplexes display low toxicity to both mouse embryonic fibroblasts NIH/3T3 cell line and mouse bone marrow‐derived macrophages (BMMΦ). In macrophages mannose‐decorated polyplexes demonstrate an ≈8 times higher transfection efficiency. The cross‐linking of the polyplexes decrease the toxicity, but the transfection enhancement is moderate. The PEG‐b‐pAsp(DET) copolymers display low toxicity with respect to the IC‐21 murine macrophage cell line and are used for the production of non‐cross‐linked pDNA‐contained polyplexes. The obtained mannose modified polyplexes exhibit ca. 500‐times greater transfection activity in IC‐21 macrophages compared to the mannose‐free polyplexes. This result greatly exceeds the targeting gene transfer effects previously described using mannose receptor targeted non‐viral gene delivery systems. These results suggest that Man‐PEG‐b‐pAsp(DET)/pDNA polyplex is a potential vector for immune cells‐based gene therapy.
Driving with Tic Disorders: An International Survey of Lived Experiences
Authors: Fernández de la Cruz Lorena , Ringberg Helene , Anderson Seonaid , Stern Jeremy S. , Mataix‐Cols David
Published: February 2021

Background

Little is known about the lived experiences of individuals with tic disorders when driving vehicles or trying to obtain a driving license.

Objective

To survey the driving‐related experiences of adults with tic disorders.

Methods

A global survey was disseminated via social media, international patient organizations, and experts between April 27, 2020 and July 20, 2020.

Results

Participants were 228 adult individuals self‐reporting a confirmed diagnosis of Tourette syndrome or chronic tic disorder. Of these, 183 (87.7%) had a driver's license. A minority (9%) reported that they had found it hard to pass the driving test. Tics only interfered with driving “a bit” (58.5%) or “not at all” (33%). A majority of participants reported being able to suppress their tics (39.5%) or that their tics are unchanged (28.5%) while driving. Nearly half of the participants (46.5%) had been involved in accidents, but only a negligible percentage (3.2%) considered that these were linked to the tics. Participants without a driver's license (n = 28, 12.3%) reported significantly more severe tics, compared to those with a license. The majority of these (60.7%) identified their tics as the main reason for not having a license and 64.3% said that they would like to receive support to obtain one.

Conclusions

The majority of surveyed participants with chronic tic disorders reported minimal difficulties with driving. However, a non‐negligible minority of more severe cases struggle with driving or refrain from driving altogether and would benefit from additional support. The results have implications for clinicians and vehicle licensing agencies.
A Novel SNCA A30G Mutation Causes Familial Parkinsonʼs Disease
Authors: Liu Hui , Koros Christos , Strohäker Timo , Schulte Claudia , Bozi Maria , Varvaresos Stefanos , Ibáñez de Opakua Alain , Simitsi Athina Maria , Bougea Anastasia , Voumvourakis Konstantinos , Maniati Matina , Papageorgiou Sokratis G. , Hauser Ann‐Kathrin , Becker Stefan , Zweckstetter Markus , Stefanis Leonidas , Gasser Thomas
Published: February 2021

Background

The SNCA gene encoding α‐synuclein (αSyn) is the first gene identified to cause autosomal‐dominant Parkinsonʼs disease (PD).

Objective

We report the identification of a novel heterozygous A30G mutation of the SNCA gene in familial PD and describe clinical features of affected patients, genetic findings, and functional consequences.

Methods

Whole exome sequencing was performed in the discovery family proband. Restriction digestion with Bbvl was used to screen SNCA A30G in two validation cohorts. The Greek cohort included 177 familial PD probands, 109 sporadic PD cases, and 377 neurologically healthy controls. The German cohort included 136 familial PD probands, 380 sporadic PD cases, and 116 neurologically healthy controls. We also conducted haplotype analysis using 13 common single nucleotide variants around A30G to determine the possibility of a founder effect for A30G. We then used biophysical methods to characterize A30G αSyn.

Results

We identified a novel SNCA A30G (GRCh37, Chr4:90756730, c.89 C>G) mutation that co‐segregated with the disease in five affected individuals of three Greek families and was absent from controls. A founder effect was strongly suggested by haplotype analysis. The A30G mutation had a local effect on the intrinsically disordered structure of αSyn, slightly perturbed membrane binding, and promoted fibril formation.

Conclusion

Based on the identification of A30G co‐segregating with the disease in three families, the absence of the mutation in controls and population databases, and the observed functional effects, we propose SNCA A30G as a novel causative mutation for familial PD. © 2021 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Numerical computation of fractional partial differential equations with variable coefficients utilizing the modified fractional Legendre wavelets and error analysis
Authors: Xie Jiaquan
Published: February 2021

This paper presents a numerical scheme to address a type of fractional spatial–temporal telegraph equations with variable coefficients by applying the modified fractional Legendre wavelets. Compared with other common Legendre wavelets method, a new fractional Legendre wavelet is constructed. The modified fractional Legendre wavelet has two parameters of t and α, and each variable is expressed as tα. The differential operational matrices of modified fractional Legendre wavelets are established by building the relations between the modified Legendre wavelets and modified polynomials functions. The original differential system is transferred into a linear algebraic system of equations by introducing the modified Legendre wavelet vectors and their fractional differential operational matrices. The obtained system can be easily solved by any mathematical technique and tool. The error analysis theorem of the system is detailed investigated by introducing the variables x and t and the parameters α and β. Several numerical experiments, combined with their error analysis, are provided to authenticate that the proposed method is practicable and efficient.
Evaluating a Permeable-Style Fish Barrier to Prevent the Upstream Recolonization of Nonnative Trout during an Eradication Project
Authors: Thompson Paul D. , McKell Matthew D.
Published: February 2021

In the western United States, the introduction of nonnative Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis has had deleterious effects on native Cutthroat Trout Oncorhynchus clarkii subspecies, and often their populations must be controlled or removed if Cutthroat Trout are to persist. Man-made fish migration barriers are integral components of stream restoration projects, and typical designs are intended to be permanent and to funnel water over a drop and onto a splash pad. The water elevation drop and the splash pad, which prevents a jumping pool, are mechanisms intended to prevent fish from navigating upstream past the structure. In this study, we installed a temporary, permeable-style barrier that was designed to have water flow onto and through a horizontal, expanded steel panel. When fish attempted to move upstream, they would follow the water flow and end up underneath the barrier, with no opportunity to move further. The permeable barrier proved effective in preventing the upstream movement of Brook Trout, and additional advantages to this barrier style included straightforward permitting, low cost, ease of installation, and quick removal. The main disadvantage was the periodic cleaning (average of 7 trips/year) that was required to maintain its intended function. The permeable barrier separated stream reaches for 5 years, allowing biologists to (1) eradicate Brook Trout upstream through multiple-pass backpack electrofishing while preserving native Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout O. clarkii bouvieri and (2) apply a successful piscicide treatment below the barrier.
Ethical Aspects of Artificially Administered Nutrition and Hydration: An ASPEN Position Paper
Authors: Schwartz Denise Baird , Barrocas Albert , Annetta Maria Giuseppina , Stratton Kathleen , McGinnis Carol , Hardy Gil , Wong Theodoric , Arenas Diego , Turon‐Findley Mary Pat , Kliger Rubén Gustavo , Corkins Kelly Green , Mirtallo Jay , Amagai Teruyoshi , Guenter Peggi ,   ASPEN International Clinical Ethics Position Paper Update Workgroup
Published: February 2021

The American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) Position Paper focus is on applying the 4 ethical principles for clinician's decision‐making in the use of artificially administered nutrition and hydration (AANH) for adult and pediatric patients. These basic principles are (1) autonomy, respect the patient's healthcare preferences; (2) beneficence, provide healthcare in the best interest of the patient; (3) nonmaleficence, do no harm; and (4) justice, provide all individuals a fair and appropriate distribution of healthcare resources. Preventing and resolving ethical dilemmas is addressed, with an emphasis on a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach. Optimizing early communication and promoting advance care planning, involving completion of an advance directive, including designation of a surrogate decision‐maker, are encouraged. Clinicians achieve respect for autonomy when they incorporate the patient, family, community, country, geographical, and presumed cultural values and religious belief considerations into ethical decision‐making for adults and children with a shared decision‐making process. These discussions should be guided by the 4 ethical principles. Hospital committees and teams, limited‐time trials, clinician obligation with conflicts, and forgoing of AANH are addressed. Specific patient conditions are addressed because of the concern for potential ethical issues: coma, decreased consciousness, and dementia; advanced dementia; cancer; eating disorders; and end‐stage disease/terminal illness. Incorporated in the Position Paper are ethical decisions during a pandemic and a legal summary involving ethical issues. International authors presented the similarities and differences within their own country or region and compared them with the US perspective.
Factors affecting preregistered nurses' willingness to serve in geriatric long‐term care
Authors: Hsieh Pei‐Lun , Chen Ching‐Min , Chen Hsiao‐Mei , Yang Fu‐Chi
Published: February 2021

Aim

Rapidly ageing population leads to increased demands for long‐term care. Taiwan's preparation for its ageing population focuses on engaging healthcare professionals. This study explored pre‐registered nurses’ current knowledge, experience in geriatric long‐term care (GLTC) and willingness to serve in GLTC.

Design

A cross‐sectional survey design and a self‐developed structured questionnaire were used.

Methods

A probability proportionate to size sampling strategy was used to collect data from students in junior college and bachelor of nursing science programmes in Taiwan in 2017. Multiple regression was adopted to predict significant factors that influence nursing students’ willingness to serve in GLTC.

Results

The willingness to serve in GLTC was positively correlated with their experience of living with older adults, practicum experience, taking GLTC‐related courses and interest in GLTC. Willingness to serve older/disabled patients can be enhanced through school courses and practicum experiences, indicating the importance of GLTC‐related courses in the training of the professional nursing workforce.
Effects of age and sex on eye movement characteristics
Authors: Takahashi Junichi , Miura Kenichiro , Morita Kentaro , Fujimoto Michiko , Miyata Seiko , Okazaki Kosuke , Matsumoto Junya , Hasegawa Naomi , Hirano Yoji , Yamamori Hidenaga , Yasuda Yuka , Makinodan Manabu , Kasai Kiyoto , Ozaki Norio , Onitsuka Toshiaki , Hashimoto Ryota
Published: February 2021

Abnormal eye movements are often associated with psychiatric disorders. Eye movements are sensorimotor functions of the brain, and aging and sex would affect their characteristics. A precise understanding of normal eye movements is required to distinguish disease‐related abnormalities from natural differences associated with aging or sex. To date, there is no multicohort study examining age‐related dependency and sex effects of eye movements in healthy, normal individuals using large samples to ensure the robustness and reproducibility of the results. In this study, we aimed to provide findings showing the impact of age and sex on eye movement measures. The present study used eye movement measures of more than seven hundred healthy individuals from three large independent cohorts. We herein evaluated eye movement measures quantified by using a set of standard eye movement tests that have been utilized for the examination of patients with schizophrenia. We assessed the statistical significance of the effects of age and sex and its reproducibility across cohorts. We found that 4‐18 out of 35 eye movement measures were significantly correlated with age, depending on the cohort, and that 10 of those, which are related to the fixation and motor control of smooth pursuit and saccades, showed high reproducibility. On the other hand, the effects of sex, if any, were less reproducible. The present results suggest that we should take age into account when we evaluate abnormalities in eye movements.
An investigation of the elastic properties of viscoelastic clusters of particles: A comparison between two methods
Authors: Kolomiets Alexander , Jirout Tomas
Published: February 2021

Most industrial process lines involve mixing complex dispersions, which can include non‐Newtonian liquids and viscoelastic particles. Knowledge of the parameters of these components may provide a key for understanding how dispersions are formed and how equipment should be designed. One parameter is the shear modulus, which describes the ability of particles to resist mechanical stresses. This parameter may play the main role in the mixing process, when a dispersion is formed by the mechanical influence of a rotor (slice or shear in a rotor‐stator mixer). In this work, two methods were chosen for measuring the shear modulus: the evaluation method, based on the Warner‐Bratzler cut test, and the oscillatory method. Both methods were used for measuring viscoelastic clusters of particles, and the results were adjusted for the purposes of the comparison. The comparison shows that the shear modulus values obtained from Warner‐Bratzler are higher than the values obtained from the oscillatory test for the same conditions. This difference can be explained by differences in the mechanical processes during the experiments.
Synthesis of TKX‐50 via 2‐Methoxyisopropyl‐Protected Diazidoglyoxime as an Insensitive Intermediate
Authors: Ha Heun‐Jong , Kim Bora , Kwon Kuktae , Kim Seung Hee , Cho Chang‐Woo
Published: February 2021

A safe synthesis of dihydroxylammonium 5,5′‐bistetrazole‐1,1′‐diolate (TKX‐50) has been achieved by using 2‐methoxyisopropyl‐protected diazidoglyoxime (MIP‐DAzG) as an insensitive intermediate. The MIP group acted as a protecting group, which was quantitatively introduced into dichloroglyoxime without the need for any additives, and effectively removed during the course of the cyclization reaction used to construct the 5,5′‐bistetrazole‐1,1′‐diol moiety under acidic conditions. Notably, the sensitivity results obtained for MIP‐DAzG were significantly lower than those of the DAzG intermediate used in the previously reported synthesis of TKX‐50. Furthermore, the sensitivity studies on MIP‐DAzG indicated that the sensitivity of protected DAzG was affected by the steric hindrance around the hydroxyl group in DAzG caused by the protecting group.
Investigating the nexus between energy, economic growth, and environmental quality: A road map for the sustainable development
Authors: Khan Syed Abdul Rehman , Godil Danish Iqbal , Quddoos Muhammad Umer , Yu Zhang , Akhtar Muhammad Hanif , Liang Zijing
Published: February 2021

This endeavor explores the nexus between health expenditure, consumption of renewable energy, economic growth, and the quality of the environment in 10 central European nations from 2005 to 2018 utilizing the techniques of fully generalized least square (FGLS) and generalized method of moments (GMM) estimation. The outcomes reveal the significant association between health, economic, and environmental factors with green energy utilization. The utilization of fossil fuels negatively influences the quality of the environment and boosts the risk of several diseases associated with the undernourishment and respiratory system and thus increases the death ratio. Furthermore, the utilization of operations based on renewable energy usage exerts a substantial favorable influence upon residents of Central European (CE) nations and thus helps decrease health and pollution‐related expenses. So, there needs to be a collaboration among all the stakeholders so that green growth in the service and industrial sectors can be achieved.
Topological Assembly of a Deployable Hoberman Flight Ring from DNA
Authors: Li Ruixin , Chen Haorong , Choi Jong Hyun
Published: February 2021

Deployable geometries are finite auxetic structures that preserve their overall shapes during expansion and contraction. The topological behaviors emerge from intricately arranged elements and their connections. Despite the considerable utility of such configurations in nature and in engineering, deployable nanostructures have never been demonstrated. Here a deployable flight ring, a simplified planar structure of Hoberman sphere is shown, using DNA origami. The DNA flight ring consists of topologically assembled six triangles in two layers that can slide against each other, thereby switching between two distinct (open and closed) states. The origami topology is a trefoil knot, and its auxetic reconfiguration results in negative Poisson's ratios. This work shows the feasibility of deployable nanostructures, providing a versatile platform for topological studies and opening new opportunities for bioengineering.
Comparison of Four Hard Structures Including Otoliths for Estimating Age in Blue Suckers
Authors: Radford Dakota S. , Lackmann Alec R. , Moody‐Carpenter Cassi J. , Colombo Robert E.
Published: February 2021

The Blue Sucker Cycleptus elongatus is an imperiled North American catostomid in need of management and protection. No hard structures are validated for aging this species, but past studies focused on somatic structures such as fin rays and scales. Calculated parameters (mortality, recruitment, growth) that inform management decisions are directly influenced by the accuracy and precision of the hard structure used to estimate age. We identify the most precise and credible structure with which to age Blue Suckers while also completing the first in‐depth investigation of their otoliths. We collected Blue Suckers (n = 168) from the lower Wabash River and compared ages estimated from scales, opercles, pectoral fin rays, and lapillus otoliths but were unsuccessful in estimating ages from cleithra. We identified structure bias between all structures and found scales (n = 67; maximum = 11 years, mean = 8.2 years) and opercles (n = 65; maximum = 15 years, mean = 8.3 years) to be substantially less precise than pectoral fin rays and lapillus otoliths. We found that otoliths (n = 128; maximum = 42 years, mean = 13.5 years) were more precise than fin rays (n = 167; maximum = 20 years, mean = 9.6 years) and yielded a much higher range of ages. We could not identify any range of ages or total lengths in which (nonlethal) fin ray age could be accurately corrected to (lethal) otolith age. Thin‐sectioned otoliths are the gold standard for aging most fishes, including numerous age‐validated catostomids, and the credibility of Blue Sucker otolith age estimates was additionally supported by a strong correlation between whole lapillus mass and estimated age (R2 = 0.89). Overall, evidence indicates that Blue Sucker lapillus otoliths yield more precise and credible age estimates than other hard structures.
Applications of Fusarium solani YMM20 in bioremediation of heavy metals via enhancing extracellular green synthesis of nanoparticles
Authors: Mohammed Youssef M. M. , Khedr Yasser I.
Published: February 2021

A novel technique for removing metals from water, by converting them into nanoparticles using the culture filtrate of Fusarium solani YMM20, followed by their removal by centrifugation was developed in this study. It is a promising, simple, and eco‐friendly process for the bioremediation of wastewater. This method is built on the reduction of metal ions by cell‐free fungal filtrate protein(s). The chitosan and chitosan nanoparticles were used as adsorbents for the removal of Cu2+, Pb2+, Co2+, Cd2+, Ni2+, and Fe2+, separately. In addition, fungal filtrate and chitosan nanoparticles loaded with fungal filtrate were used for the biosynthesis of metal nanoparticles of Cu2+, Pb2+, Co2+, Cd2+, Ni2+, and Fe2+, separately for their removal. The fungal filtrate approach has the highest metal removal (%) for most metals. Among the six metal ions, the fungal filtrate, chitosan nanoparticles loaded with fungal filtrate, chitosan, and chitosan nanoparticles showed the highest removal (%) for Pb2+ and the lowest removal (%) for Co2+. Techniques such as transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and Zeta potential measurements were used to characterize the obtained nanoparticles. The average size of the spherical nanoparticles observed by transmission electron microscopy was from 18.938 ± 2.269 nm to 60.175 ± 4.973 nm.
Wilson loops in circular quiver SCFTs at strong coupling
Authors: Ouyang Hao
Published: February 2021

Abstract

We study circular BPS Wilson loops in the $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 superconformal n-node quiver theories at large N and strong ’t Hooft coupling by using localization. We compute the expectation values of Wilson loops in the limit when the ’t Hooft couplings are hierarchically different and when they are nearly equal. Based on these results, we make a conjecture for arbitrary strong couplings.
Amplitudes in fishnet theories in diverse dimensions and box ladder diagrams
Authors: Bork L. V. , Iakhibbaev R. M. , Muzhichkov N. B. , Sozinov E. S.
Published: February 2021

Abstract

We investigate properties of four-point colour ordered scattering amplitudes in D = 6 fishnet CFT. We show that these amplitudes are related via a very simple relation to their D = 4 counterparts previously considered in the literature. Exploiting this relation, we obtain a closed expression for these amplitudes and investigate its behaviour at weak and strong coupling. As a by product of this investigation, we also obtain a generating function for on-shell D = 6 Box ladder diagrams with l rungs.
A new approach with new solutions to the Matkowski and Wesołowski problem
Authors: Morawiec Janusz , Zürcher Thomas
Published: February 2021

Based on a result of de Rham, we give a family of functions solving the Matkowski and Wesołowski problem. This family consists of Hölder continuous functions, and it coincides with the whole family of solutions to the Matkowski and Wesołowski problem found earlier by a different method. Moreover, applying some results due to Hata and Yamaguti and due to Berg and Krüppel, we prove that there are functions solving the Matkowski and Wesołowski problem that are not Hölder continuous.
Matrix models for $$\varvec{\varepsilon }$$-free independence
Authors: Charlesworth Ian , Collins Benoît
Published: February 2021

We investigate tensor products of random matrices, and show that independence of entries leads asymptotically to$$\varepsilon $$ε-free independence, a mixture of classical and free independence studied by Młotkowski and by Speicher and Wysoczański. The particular$$\varepsilon $$εarising is prescribed by the tensor product structure chosen, and conversely, we show that with suitable choices an arbitrary$$\varepsilon $$εmay be realized in this way. As a result, we obtain a new proof that$$\mathcal {R}^\omega $$Rω-embeddability is preserved under graph products of von Neumann algebras, along with an explicit recipe for constructing matrix models.
(Non-)Distributivity of the product for $$\sigma $$-algebras with respect to the intersection
Authors: Steinicke Alexander
Published: February 2021

We study the validity of the distributivity equation $$\begin{aligned} ({\mathcal {A}}\otimes {\mathcal {F}})\cap ({\mathcal {A}}\otimes {\mathcal {G}}) ={\mathcal {A}}\otimes \left( {\mathcal {F}}\cap {\mathcal {G}}\right) , \end{aligned}$$

(
A
⊗
F
)

∩

(
A
⊗
G
)

=
A
⊗

F
∩
G

,

where $${\mathcal {A}}$$
A
is a $$\sigma $$
σ
-algebra on a set X, and $${\mathcal {F}}, {\mathcal {G}}$$

F
,
G

are $$\sigma $$
σ
-algebras on a set U. We present a counterexample for the general case and in the case of countably generated subspaces of analytic measurable spaces, we give an equivalent condition in terms of the $$\sigma $$
σ
-algebras’ atoms. Using this, we give a sufficient condition under which distributivity holds.
Aktuelle Möglichkeiten und Herausforderungen bei der Diagnostik des laryngopharyngealen Refluxes
Authors: Runggaldier D. , Hente J. , Brockmann-Bauser M. , Pohl D. , Bohlender J. E.
Published: February 2021

Der laryngopharyngeale Reflux (LPR) ist definiert als ein Zurückfließen von gastralem bzw. gastroduodenalem Sekret in den Larynx- bzw. Pharynxbereich und ist durch ein sehr breites Spektrum an teils unspezifischen Symptomen wie beispielsweise chronischem Husten, zervikalem Globusgefühl oder Hypersekretion von Mukus im Larynx und Pharynx charakterisiert. Aufgrund des Fehlens eines Goldstandards und der heterogenen Studienlage gestaltet sich die Diagnosestellung des LPR jedoch weiterhin schwierig und wird in absehbarer Zeit weiterhin kontrovers diskutiert werden. Insgesamt kann man jedoch davon ausgehen, dass bei suggestiver Anamnese mit erhöhten Scores im Reflux Symptom Index (RSI), entsprechenden endoskopischen Befunden mit pathologischem Reflux Finding Score (RFS) und auffälliger ösophagealer oder oropharyngealer 24-h-pH-Metrie ohne Hinweise auf eine andere Grunderkrankung die Diagnose eines LRP wahrscheinlich ist. In der vorliegenden Übersichtsarbeit sollen die genannten Methoden ebenso wie neuere Werkzeuge bei der Diagnose des LPR kritisch diskutiert werden.
Subakutes Nierenversagen bei einer 40-jährigen nordafrikanischen Patientin
Authors: Chahoud-Schriefer T. , Wiech T. , Schäfer G. , Harendza S.
Published: February 2021

Eine 40-jährige Patientin aus Eritrea stellte sich zur Abklärung einer unklaren progredienten Niereninsuffizienz vor. Die konservative Diagnostik war nicht wegweisend. Die Nierenbiopsie zeigte eine interstitielle Nephritis, deren Genese sich aufgrund einer leeren Medikamentenanamnese nicht zuordnen ließ. Im Rahmen der Abklärung ergab sich ein Rezidiv der bereits 2015 therapierten Urogenitaltuberkulose. Bei Vorliegen einer interstitiellen Nephritis sollte neben einer Medikamentenanamnese auch an eine Genese im Rahmen von systemischen Infektionen oder Systemerkrankungen gedacht werden.
Comorbid physical illnesses in adult outpatients with psychotic disorders: risk factors, psychological functioning, and quality of life outcomes
Authors: Teh Wen Lin , Cetty Laxman , Jeyagurunathan Anitha , Devi Fiona , Roystonn Kumarasan , Tang Charmaine , Verma Swapna , Subramaniam Mythily
Published: February 2021

Purpose

In contrast to global research, where physical comorbidity in psychotic disorders is established, only a few studies have been conducted in Southeast Asia. With a concerning trend of chronic physical illnesses emerging in adults below the age of 65, an investigation into comorbid chronic physical illnesses in adults diagnosed with psychotic disorders is necessary. This study aims to explore the risk factors, psychological functioning, and quality of life outcomes associated with comorbidity in adults below the age of 65, diagnosed with psychotic disorders, in a multi-ethnic non-Western setting.

Methods

Electronic medical records of 364 patients with psychotic disorders who had provided written consent to participate were screened for co-occurring physical conditions. The majority of participants were female (53.7%), Chinese (69%), single (74.5%), and had tertiary and above education (43%). They were approximately 35 years old on average and the mean age of onset for psychosis was 26.7 years old.

Results

Comorbid physical illnesses were present in approximately a third of adults with psychotic disorders (28%). They typically reported cardiovascular-related diseases, respiratory, and skin conditions. Comorbidity was significantly related to lower physical quality of life. As compared to other types of psychotic disorders, schizophrenia was significantly related to a greater frequency of comorbid physical conditions. Multinomial regression analyses revealed that age, age of onset, Malay and Indian ethnicities were significant factors.

Conclusion

Physical comorbidity in adults below the age of 65 is common, signifying an emerging need to place greater attention into the screening and emphasis on the physical care needs of this age group. Finally, more research is needed to understand the impact of common co-occurring acute and chronic cardiovascular, skin, and respiratory diseases locally.
A comparison of optimization solvers for log binomial regression including conic programming
Authors: Schwendinger Florian , Grün Bettina , Hornik Kurt
Published: February 2021

Relative risks are estimated to assess associations and effects due to their ease of interpretability, e.g., in epidemiological studies. Fitting log-binomial regression models allows to use the estimated regression coefficients to directly infer the relative risks. The estimation of these models, however, is complicated because of the constraints which have to be imposed on the parameter space. In this paper we systematically compare different optimization algorithms to obtain the maximum likelihood estimates for the regression coefficients in log-binomial regression. We first establish under which conditions the maximum likelihood estimates are guaranteed to be finite and unique, which allows to identify and exclude problematic cases. In simulation studies using artificial data we compare the performance of different optimizers including solvers based on the augmented Lagrangian method, interior-point methods including a conic optimizer, majorize-minimize algorithms, iteratively reweighted least squares and expectation-maximization algorithm variants. We demonstrate that conic optimizers emerge as the preferred choice due to their reliability, lack of requirement to tune hyperparameters and speed.
Integrity investigation of global ionospheric TEC maps for high-precision positioning
Authors: Zhao Jiaojiao , Hernández-Pajares Manuel , Li Zishen , Wang Ningbo , Yuan Hong
Published: February 2021

Aside from the ionospheric total electron content (TEC) information, root-mean-square (RMS) maps are also provided as the standard deviations of the corresponding TEC errors in global ionospheric maps (GIMs). As the RMS maps are commonly used as the accuracy indicator of GIMs to optimize the stochastic model of precise point positioning algorithms, it is of crucial importance to investigate the reliability of RMS maps involved in GIMs of different Ionospheric Associated Analysis Centers (IAACs) of the International GNSS Service (IGS), i.e., the integrity of GIMs. We indirectly analyzed the reliability of RMS maps by comparing the actual error of the differential STEC (dSTEC) with the RMS of the dSTEC derived from the RMS maps. With this method, the integrity of seven rapid IGS GIMs (UQRG, CORG, JPRG, WHRG, EHRG, EMRG, and IGRG) and six final GIMs (UPCG, CODG, JPLG, WHUG, ESAG and IGSG) was examined under the maximum and minimum solar activity conditions as well as the geomagnetic storm period. The results reveal that the reliability of the RMS maps is significantly different for the GIMs from different IAACs. Among these GIMs, the values in the RMS maps of UQRG are large, which can be used as ionospheric protection level, while the RMS values in EHRG and ESAG are significantly lower than the realistic RMS. The rapid and final GIMs from CODE, JPL and WHU provide quite reasonable RMS maps. The bounding performance of RMS maps can be influenced by the location of the stations, while the influence of solar activity and the geomagnetic storm is not obvious.
Forensisch-medizinische Untersuchungen von Tatverdächtigen. Eine Analyse von 270 Gutachten aus den Jahren 2006 bis 2018
Authors: Zack F. , Bernhardt S. , Arnold C. , Büttner A.
Published: February 2021

Hintergrund

Zu den Aufgaben in der rechtsmedizinischen Praxis gehören zunehmend forensisch-medizinische Untersuchungen von Lebenden. Im Gegensatz zu Studien über Gewaltopfer findet sich in der Fachliteratur allerdings ein erhebliches Defizit an Ergebnissen über systematische rechtsmedizinische Untersuchungen von Tatverdächtigen.

Fragestellung

Welche relevanten Daten können aus einer retrospektiven Analyse von forensisch-medizinischen Untersuchungen von Tatverdächtigen erhoben und welche Rückschlüsse für die rechtsmedizinische Praxis gezogen werden?

Material und Methode

Es wurden insgesamt 270 Gutachten nach forensisch-medizinischen Untersuchungen von Tatverdächtigen aus dem Einzugsgebiet des Instituts für Rechtsmedizin der Universitätsmedizin Rostock der Jahre 2006 bis 2018 nach vorab definierten Kriterien ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse

Die vorgeworfenen Straftaten waren am häufigsten Körperverletzungen (n = 88 = 30,7 %), gefolgt von vorsätzlichen Tötungen (n = 63 = 22,0 %) und Sexualdelikten (n = 49 = 17,1 %). Von den begutachteten Personen waren 236 (87,4 %) männlich und 34 (12,6 %) weiblich. Die Mehrzahl der Tatverdächtigen (n = 175 = 65,5 %) war in einem Lebensalter von 18 bis 40 Jahren.

Im Hinblick auf die Aussage der rechtsmedizinischen Ergebnisse in Bezug auf den vorgeworfenen Straftatbestand wurden 126 (46,7 %) Gutachten als für den Tatverdächtigen belastend, 13 (4,8 %) als entlastend und 131 (48,5 %) als frei von Be- oder Entlastungsaussagen eingestuft.

Zu den 270 Gutachten über Tatverdächtige gab es 209 (77,4 %) korrespondierende Opferuntersuchungen. Von diesem Teilkollektiv mit Täter-Opfer-Begutachtungen wurden in 193 Fällen (92,3 %) Tatverdächtige und Opfer von demselben Gutachter untersucht.

Schlussfolgerungen

Für die Rekonstruktion eines Tatgeschehens sind rechtsmedizinische Untersuchungen des Opfers und des Tatverdächtigen wertvoller als die nicht selten beobachtete Untersuchung der geschädigten Person allein. Befunde mit belastenden Tendenzen für den Tatverdächtigen werden häufiger festgestellt als solche, die zu einer Entlastung des Beschuldigten führen. Da es in der Fachliteratur im Vergleich zu den Opfern von Gewalttaten ein Defizit an Ergebnissen über systematische forensisch-medizinische Untersuchungen von Tatverdächtigen gibt, sollten weitere Studien folgen.
Degradation of the low-calorie sugar substitute 5-ketofructose by different bacteria
Authors: Schiessl Jacqueline , Kosciow Konrad , Garschagen Laura S. , Hoffmann Juliane J. , Heymuth Julia , Franke Thomas , Deppenmeier Uwe
Published: February 2021

There is an increasing public awareness about the danger of dietary sugars with respect to their caloric contribution to the diet and the rise of overweight throughout the world. Therefore, low-calorie sugar substitutes are of high interest to replace sugar in foods and beverages. A promising alternative to natural sugars and artificial sweeteners is the fructose derivative 5-keto-D-fructose (5-KF), which is produced by several Gluconobacter species. A prerequisite before 5-KF can be used as a sweetener is to test whether the compound is degradable by microorganisms and whether it is metabolized by the human microbiota. We identified different environmental bacteria (Tatumella morbirosei, Gluconobacter japonicus LMG 26773, Gluconobacter japonicus LMG 1281, and Clostridium pasteurianum) that were able to grow with 5-KF as a substrate. Furthermore, Gluconobacter oxydans 621H could use 5-KF as a carbon and energy source in the stationary growth phase. The enzymes involved in the utilization of 5-KF were heterologously overproduced in Escherichia coli, purified and characterized. The enzymes were referred to as 5-KF reductases and belong to three unrelated enzymatic classes with highly different amino acid sequences, activities, and structural properties. Furthermore, we could show that 15 members of the most common and abundant intestinal bacteria cannot degrade 5-KF, indicating that this sugar derivative is not a suitable growth substrate for prokaryotes in the human intestine.

Key points

• Some environmental bacteria are able to use 5-KF as an energy and carbon source.

• Four 5-KF reductases were identified, belonging to three different protein families.

• Many gut bacteria cannot degrade 5-KF.
Estimation of the feeding record of pregnant Antarctic minke whales (Balaenoptera bonaerensis) using carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analysis of baleen plates
Authors: Uchida Mayuka , Suzuki Ippei , Ito Keizo , Ishizuka Mayumi , Ikenaka Yoshinori , Nakayama Shouta M. M. , Tamura Tsutomu , Konishi Kenji , Bando Takeharu , Mitani Yoko
Published: February 2021

Antarctic minke whales (Balaenoptera bonaerensis) are migratory capital breeders that experience intensive summer feeding on Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) in the Southern Ocean and winter breeding at lower latitudes, but their prey outside of the Antarctic is unknown. Stable isotope analyses were conducted on δ13C and δ15N from the baleen plates of ten pregnant Antarctic minke whales to understand the growth rate of the baleen plate and their diet in lower latitudes. Two to three oscillations along the length of the edge of the baleen plate were observed in δ15N, and the annual growth rate was estimated to be 75.2 ± 20.4 mm, with a small amplitude (0.97 ± 0.21 ‰). Bayesian stable isotope mixing models were used to understand the dominant prey that contributed to the isotopic component of the baleen plate using Antarctic krill from the stomach contents and reported values of Antarctic coastal krill (Euphausia crystallorophias), Antarctic silver fish (Pleuragramma antarcticum), Australian krill spp., and Australian pelagic fish spp.. The models showed that the diet composition of the most recent three records from the base of the baleen plates (model 1) and the highest δ15N values in each baleen plate (model 2) were predominantly Antarctic krill, with a contribution rate of approximately 80%. The rates were approximately 10% for Antarctic coastal krill and less than 2.0% for the two Australian prey groups in both models. These results suggest that pregnant Antarctic minke whales did not feed on enough prey outside of the Antarctic to change the stable isotope values in their baleen plates.
Correlation between peri-operative complication in middle ear cholesteatoma surgery using STAMCO, ChOLE, and SAMEO-ATO classifications
Authors: Cacco Tommaso , Africano Stefano , Gaglio Gilda , Carmisciano Luca , Piccirillo Enrico , Castello Eolo , Peretti Giorgio
Published: February 2021

Purpose

To compare the relationship between the variable “complication” and the other variables of middle ear cholesteatoma classifications (STAMCO, ChOLE, and SAMEO-ATO).

Methods

Retrospective study of 110 patients that underwent 132 middle ear surgeries between the 1 January 2012 and the 31 December 2019 for chronic otitis with cholesteatoma classified according to STAMCO, ChOLE, and SAMEO-ATO classifications in a tertiary health care centre.

Results

Older age, male gender, STAMCO-T, and SAMEO-ATO [O1, T, O2, (s -)] and mastoid involvement (STAMCO-M and ChOLE-Ch) were associated with an increased risk of complication report.

Conclusions

In our series, statistical analysis pointed out a relationship between surgical complications and age, gender, site, mastoidectomy type, and ossicular chain status at surgery. The choice of variables to be recorded for cholesteatoma staging should be carefully balanced, considering that “complication” variable could be a repetitive item.
Using a cochlear implant processor as contralateral routing of signals device in unilateral cochlear implant recipients
Authors: Gawliczek Tom , Guignard Jérémie , Schmid Christoph , Wimmer Wilhelm , Caversaccio Marco , Kompis Martin , Weder Stefan
Published: February 2021

Purpose

In unilateral cochlear implant (CI) recipients, a contralateral routing of signals (CROS) device enables to receive auditory information from the unaided side. This study investigates the feasibility as well as subjective and objective benefits of using a CI processor as a CROS device in unilateral CI recipients.

Methods

This is a single-center, prospective cohort study. First, we tested the directionality of the CROS processor in an acoustic chamber. Second, we examined the difference of speech perception in quiet and in noise in ten unilateral CI recipients with and without the CROS processor. Third, subjective ratings with the CROS processor were evaluated according to the Client Oriented Scale of Improvement Questionnaire.

Results

There was a time delay between the two devices of 3 ms. Connection of the CROS processor led to a summation effect of 3 dB as well as a more constant amplification along all azimuths. Speech perception in quiet showed an increased word recognition score at 50 dB (mean improvement 7%). In noise, the head shadow effect could be mitigated with significant gain in speech perception (mean improvement 8.4 dB). This advantage was reversed in unfavorable listening situations, where the CROS device considerably amplified the noise (mean:  – 4.8 dB). Subjectively, patients who did not normally wear a hearing aid on the non-CI side were satisfied with the CROS device.

Conclusions

The connection and synchronization of a CI processor as a CROS device is technically feasible and the signal processing strategies of the device can be exploited. In contra-laterally unaided patients, a subjective benefit can be achieved when wearing the CROS processor.
The influence of training status on right ventricular morphology and segmental strain in elite pre-adolescent soccer players
Authors: Unnithan Viswanath B. , Beaumont Alexander , Rowland Thomas W. , Sculthorpe Nicholas , George Keith , Lord Rachel , Oxborough David
Published: February 2021

Cardiac modifications to training are a product of the genetic pre-disposition for adaptation and the repetitive haemodynamic loads that are placed on the myocardium. Elite pre-adolescent athletes are exposed to high-intensity training at a young age with little understanding of the physiological and clinical consequences. It is unclear how right ventricular (RV) structure and function may respond to this type of stimulus. The aim of this study was to compare RV structure and strain across the cardiac cycle and within individual segments in elite soccer players (SP) and controls (CON). Methods: Twenty-two highly trained, male pre-adolescent SP and 22 age-and sex-matched recreationally active individuals CON were investigated using 2D echocardiography, including myocardial speckle tracking to assess basal, mid-wall, apical and global longitudinal strain and strain rate during systole (SRS) and diastole (SRE and SRA). Results: greater RV cavity size was identified in the SP compared to CON (RVD1 SP: 32.3 ± 3.1 vs. CON: 29.6 ± 2.8 (mm/m2)0.5; p = 0.005). No inter-group differences were noted for peak global RV strain (SP: − 28.6 ± 4.9 vs CON: − 30.3 ± 4.0%, p = 0.11). Lower mid-wall strain was demonstrated in the SP compared to CON (SP: − 27.9 ± 5.8 vs. CON: − 32.2 ± 4.4%, p = 0.007). Conclusion: Soccer training has the potential to increase RV size in pre-adolescent players. The unique segmental analyses used in this study have identified inter-group differences that were masked by global strain evaluations. The clinical and physiological implications of these findings warrant further investigation.