bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and chemotherapy response score as prognostic markers in ovarian cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Liontos M. , Andrikopoulou A. , Koutsoukos K. , Markellos C. , Skafida E. , Fiste O. , Kaparelou M. , Thomakos N. , Haidopoulos D. , Rodolakis A. , Dimopoulos M. A. , Zagouri F.
Published: November 2021

Background

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) followed by interval debulking surgery (IDS) is the recommended approach in patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). However, most patients eventually relapse despite the initial high response rate to chemotherapy. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio is a well-known biomarker that reflects severe inflammation, critical illness, and mortality in various diseases. Chemotherapy response score (CRS) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) have been identified as potential biomarkers of platinum resistance and disease prognosis. We retrospectively evaluated 132 patients with stage IIIc or IV ovarian/fallopian tube/primary peritoneal cancer who had received NACT followed by IDS from 01/01/2003 to 31/12/2018. CRS was assessed on omental specimens collected from IDS according to ICCR guidelines.

Results

Median age was 64.57 years (SD: 9.72; range 39.2–87.1). Most ovarian tumors were serous epithelial (90.9%; 120/132). An elevated NLR (defined as > 3) was observed in 72% (95/132) of patients in contrast with 28% (37/132) of patients characterized by low NLR status. Median PFS (mPFS) and median overall survival (mOS) were 13.05 months (95% CI: 11.42–14.67)) and 34.69 months (95% CI: 23.26–46.12) respectively. In univariate analysis, CRS3 score was significantly associated with prolonged mPFS (CRS1/2: 12.79 months vs CRS3: 17.7 months; P = 0.008). CRS score was not associated with mOS (P = 0.876). High NLR was not significantly associated with mPFS (P = 0.128), however it was significantly associated with poor mOS (P = 0.012). In multivariate analysis, only performance of surgery maintained its statistical significance with both PFS (P = 0.001) and OS (P = 0.008).

Conclusion

NLR could serve as a useful predictor of OS but not PFS in ovarian cancer patients receiving NACT. In accordance with our previous study, CRS score at omentum was found to be associated with PFS but not OS in ovarian cancer patients treated with NACT and IDS.
Side differences of upper quarter Y balance test performance in sub-elite young male and female handball players with different ages
Authors: Bauer Julian , Panzer Stefan , Muehlbauer Thomas
Published: November 2021

Background

Handball is characterised by repetitive passing and shooting actions mainly performed with the throwing arm. This can lead to side differences (inter-limb asymmetry) in upper quarter mobility/stability between the throwing and non-throwing arm, which could even increase with advancing age (i.e., playing experience). However, side differences in upper quarter mobility/stability is associated with an increased musculoskeletal injury risk. Therefore, we assessed side differences in upper quarter mobility/stability in young handball players at different ages using a cross-sectional study design.

Methods

Upper Quarter Y Balance test performance of the throwing and non-throwing arm was assessed in 190 sub-elite young female and male handball players (13–18 years). Per arm, relative maximal reach distances (% arm length) for all three directions (i.e., medial, inferolateral, superolateral) and the composite score (CS) were calculated and used for an age × side analysis of variance. Additionally, partial eta-squared (ηp2) was calculated as an effect size measure.

Results

Irrespective of measure, statistically significant main effects of age (except for the composite score) and side but no statistically significant age × side interaction effects were detected. Further, limb asymmetry in the inferolateral reach direction was above the injury-related cut-off value (i.e., ≥ 7.75% arm length) in 13- and 14-year-olds but not in the older players.

Conclusion

The detection of limb asymmetry above the proposed injury-related cut-off value in younger players (13- and 14-year-olds) but not in older players (15- to 18-year-olds) may be indicative for an increased injury risk for the younger age group. Thus, prevention programs should be implemented in the handball training routine, especially for the younger ones.
Single-cell analysis defines the lineage plasticity of stem cells in cervix epithelium
Authors: Zhao Zixian , Wang Yujia , Wu Yingchuan , Li Dandan , Zhang Ting , Ma Yu , Teng Xiaoming , Zuo Wei
Published: November 2021

Information about the dynamic change and post-injury regeneration of cervical epithelium is relatively rare, even though it is tightly related to gynecologic malignancy. Here, using a feeder cell-based culturing system, we stably cloned mouse and human P63 and KRT5 expressing cells from the adult cervix as putative cervical stem/progenitor cells (CVSCs). When subjected to differentiation, the cultured cells gave rise to mature cervical epithelium by differentiating into squamous or glandular cells. The ability of endogenous mouse CVSCs to reconstitute cervical epithelium after injury was also evident from the genetic lineage tracing experiments. Single-cell transcriptomic analysis further classified the CVSCs into three subtypes and delineated their bi-lineage differentiation roadmap by pseudo-time analysis. We also tracked the real-time differentiation routes of two representing single CVSC lines in vitro and found that they recapitulated the predicted roadmap in pseudo-time analysis. Signaling pathways including Wnt, TGF-beta, Notch and EGFR were found to regulate the cervical epithelial hierarchy and implicated the different roles of distinct types of cells in tissue homeostasis and tumorigenesis. Collectively, the above data provide a cloning system to achieve stable in vitro culture of a bi-lineage stem/progenitor cell population in the cervix, which has profound implications for our understanding of the cervix stem/progenitor cell function in homeostasis, regeneration, and disease and could be helpful for developing stem cell-based therapies in future.
Precancerous cervical lesion in Ethiopia: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kasa Ayele Semachew , Dagget Tadesse , Beyene Yeshiwork , Dessie Getnet , Endalamaw Aklilu , Workineh Yinager , Ayalew Emiru , Zeleke Balew , Kerie Sitotaw , Mulat Getasew , Animaw Worku
Published: November 2021

Background

Though cervical cancer is largely preventable, it is still the second most common female cancer globally and the leading cause of cancer deaths among females in African. Though many efforts have been done to study the burden of the disease in Ethiopia, primary studies examining the prevalence of precancerous cervical lesions are fragmented. Hence, this systematic review and meta-analysis is aimed at estimating the pooled prevalence of precancerous cervical lesion and its trends in Ethiopia.

Methods

This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted using the following electronic databases. PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS, Science Direct, Google Scholar, African Index Medicus (AIM), African Journals Online databases, and Addis Ababa and Bahir Dar Universities research repositories were searched following the Preferred Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) Guideline. STATA 15 statistical software was used to analyze the data. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) quality appraisal tool for meta-analysis. Heterogeneity between studies was assessed using the Cochrane Q test and I2 test statistics based on the random effects model. A random effects model was computed to estimate the pooled prevalence of precancerous cervical lesion in Ethiopia. Finally, the trend of precancerous cervical lesion in the country was presented.

Result

Seventeen studies with a total of 26,112 participants were included in the analysis. The pooled prevalence of precancerous cervical lesion was 15.16 (95% CI 10.16–19.70). The subgroup analysis by region showed the highest prevalence of precancerous cervical lesion at the Southern Nations and Nationalities Peoples Region (19.65%; 95% CI 15.51–23.80). The trend of precancerous cervical lesion prevalence showed an increased pattern over time.

Conclusion

Approximately one among six of the study participants had precancerous cervical lesion. The trend also showed that there is still an increasing precancerous cervical lesion in Ethiopia. Best practices in achieving high vaccination coverage shall be informed by practices in other successful countries.
Management strategies for patients with subclinical hypothyroidism: a protocol for an umbrella review
Authors: Bauer Brenda S. , Azcoaga-Lorenzo Amaya , Agrawal Utkarsh , McCowan Colin
Published: November 2021

Background

Subclinical hypothyroidism is a thyroid disorder diagnosed from the laboratory blood test results of otherwise asymptomatic patients. It has been associated with poor cardiovascular outcomes, mortality and progression to overt thyroid hormone deficiency. Current guidelines on the management of subclinical hypothyroidism differ because of conflicting evidence on long-term treatment benefits. Even though there are several existing systematic reviews on its clinical outcomes, no definitive conclusion has been reached yet. As such, a new synthesis could help provide more insight and consensus on this topic. To this purpose, this umbrella review will evaluate and synthesise current evidence on the long-term clinical outcomes of the different management strategies for subclinical hypothyroidism.

Methods

This is a protocol for an umbrella review on the management strategies for subclinical hypothyroidism. We will conduct literature searches in multiple electronic databases (from inception onwards), namely MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, JBI Evidence Synthesis, Epistemonikos database, PDQ Evidence and the PROSPERO register. There will be no restriction on the date or language of publication. Additional material will be identified through grey literature searches and citation chaining. Review inclusion criteria will be patients with subclinical hypothyroidism, receiving treatment or monitoring, no restrictions on the comparators used and with cardiovascular events, frailty fractures, quality of life and all-cause mortality as primary outcomes of interest. Two reviewers will independently screen all citations, full-text articles and abstract data on a pre-piloted form in duplicate. Methodological quality (or bias) of included studies will be appraised using AMSTAR-2. Any conflicts that arise will be resolved through discussion or involving a third reviewer. A narrative synthesis will be provided with information presented in the main text and tables to summarise and explain the characteristics and findings of the included reviews. Even so, it is not expected that a meta-analysis will be performed due to review variability. Study limitations and methodological quality assessments will also be reported to provide context for the overall summary of evidence.

Discussion

This review will provide a comprehensive summary of the effects of the pharmacological and non-pharmacological management of subclinical hypothyroidism on specific long-term clinical outcomes. It is anticipated that the findings of this umbrella review will aid in the development of consensus-based clinical recommendations for subclinical hypothyroidism, as well as highlight areas for future research. Review findings will be disseminated primarily through peer-reviewed publications.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42021235172
Compact operators on sequence spaces associated with the Copson matrix of order α
Authors: Mursaleen M. , Edely Osama H. H.
Published: October 2021

In this work, we study characterizations of some matrix classes $(\mathcal{C}^{(\alpha )}(\ell ^{p}),\ell ^{\infty })$
(

C

(
α
)

(

ℓ
p

)
,

ℓ
∞

)
, $(\mathcal{C}^{(\alpha )}(\ell ^{p}),c)$
(

C

(
α
)

(

ℓ
p

)
,
c
)
, and $(\mathcal{C}^{(\alpha )}(\ell ^{p}),c^{0})$
(

C

(
α
)

(

ℓ
p

)
,

c
0

)
, where $\mathcal{C}^{(\alpha )}(\ell ^{p})$

C

(
α
)

(

ℓ
p

)
is the domain of Copson matrix of order α in the space $\ell ^{p}$

ℓ
p

 ($0< p<1$
0
<
p
<
1
). Further, we apply the Hausdorff measures of noncompactness to characterize compact operators associated with these matrices.
An improved fast iterative shrinkage thresholding algorithm with an error for image deblurring problem
Authors: Tianchai Pattanapong
Published: November 2021

In this paper, we introduce a new iterative forward-backward splitting method with an error for solving the variational inclusion problem of the sum of two monotone operators in real Hilbert spaces. We suggest and analyze this method under some mild appropriate conditions imposed on the parameters such that another strong convergence theorem for these problem is obtained. We also apply our main result to improve the fast iterative shrinkage thresholding algorithm (IFISTA) with an error for solving the image deblurring problem. Finally, we provide numerical experiments to illustrate the convergence behavior and show the effectiveness of the sequence constructed by the inertial technique to the fast processing with high performance and the fast convergence with good performance of IFISTA.
The virtual COVID-19 classroom: surveying outcomes, individual differences, and technology use in college students
Authors: Sage Kara , Jackson Sophia , Fox Emily , Mauer Larissa
Published: November 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic caused many colleges to quickly shift to virtual learning, leading students to rely on technology to complete coursework while also experiencing new situations and stressors. The present study explored students’ technology use in their online course in conjunction with several student outcomes and individual difference measures. Ninety-six undergraduate students were surveyed about devices used and their perceptions of those devices. In addition, the survey measured students’ engagement, motivation, procrastination, perceived stress, and self-efficacy. It also asked students to report their current grade as well as how satisfied and isolated they felt in their course. Relationships emerged in predictable ways between course outcomes and individual difference measures. And though laptops were most used for coursework, more smartphone use related to lower feelings of isolation. Lower feelings of isolation then related to higher grades and less stress. Regression analyses confirmed that smartphone use explained unique variance in feelings of isolation, and further revealed that perceived stress consistently predicted all outcomes. From these results and complementary qualitative survey data, it seems that both laptops and smartphones hold importance for academics in the current context. Educators should further explore the role of device in students’ experience as well as consider this information when designing online courses.
Consumption of Milk and alternatives decreased among Canadians from 2004 to 2015: evidence from the Canadian community health surveys
Authors: Vatanparast Hassan , Islam Naorin , Shafiee Mojtaba
Published: November 2021

Background

Milk and milk products make important contributions to the diet of Canadians. The aim of this study was to examine trends in Milk & Alternatives consumption among Canadians (≥2 years) from 2004 to 2015.

Methods

We used nutrition data from 2 nationally representative cross-sectional surveys conducted in 2004 and 2015 [Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) 2004 Cycle 2.2 and CCHS-Nutrition 2015] to compare Milk & Alternatives consumption between 2004 and 2015. Data from 24-h dietary recalls were collected using the Automated Multiple-Pass Method (AMPM).

Result

From 2004 to 2015, the proportion of Canadians consuming Milk & Alternatives food group significantly decreased from 89.5 to 87.7% and the number of servings consumed per day dropped from 1.9 to 1.7. Despite their low energy contribution (12.3% of energy), Milk & Alternatives contributed 45.8% of calcium, 39.9% of vitamin D, and 36.0% of vitamin B12 to the diet of the Canadian population in 2015. Milk & Alternatives were among the top sources of vitamin A, phosphorus and riboflavin. Milk & Alternatives food group was a major contributor to saturated fat intake in both 2004 (31.2%) and 2015 (28.6%). In 2015, dietary intakes of calcium and vitamin D among Milk & Alternatives consumers were 137.8, and 59.4% higher, respectively, than those of non-consumers.

Conclusion

Daily intake of Milk & Alternatives has decreased in the Canadian population over time, which may adversely affect the nutritional profile of the diet.
A case of uterine inclusion cysts in a sow
Authors: Ruiz-Riera Elisa , Nofrarias Miquel , Martí-Garcia Bernat , Domingo Mariano , Segalés Joaquim , Vidal Enric
Published: November 2021

Background

Serosal inclusion cysts are thin walled-structures located on the peritoneal surface of the uterus, frequently observed as multiple cystic structures in aggregates or grape-like clusters containing a clear, non-viscous fluid. In human and veterinary medicine, they are thought to be developed under hormonal effects, or after manipulation or inflammation of the reproductive tract. However, they have not yet been described in swine.

Case presentation

A uterus of a 3-year-old crossbreed sow was condemned at slaughter due to the presence of multiples cystic cavities attached to the serosal surface. Microscopically, multiple cystic dilations emerging from the serosa were lined by a simple and flattened epithelium (cytokeratine positive and vimentin negative on immunohistochemistry) supported by a subepithelial layer of collagen. Grossly and histologically, they were diagnosed as serosal inclusion cysts.

Conclusion

To the authors’ knowledge, this report represents the first description of serosal inclusion cysts in sows. These lesions should be taken into consideration within the differential diagnostic list of cystic peritoneal lesions such as cystic neoplasms, congenital cysts, and parasitic diseases.
Serial urinary neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin in pediatric diabetic ketoacidosis with acute kidney injury
Authors: Williams Vijai , Jayashree Muralidharan , Nallasamy Karthi , Dayal Devi , Rawat Amit , Attri Savita Verma
Published: November 2021

Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI) due to Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) is rather common. Novel biomarkers to diagnose AKI are being increasingly used in different settings. The use of urinary Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin (uNGAL) in predicting persistent AKI in pediatric DKA cases is still not thoroughly investigated.

Methods

This was a secondary analysis of Saline versus Plasma-Lyte in Ketoacidosis (SPinK) trial data; 66 children (> 1 month-12 years) with DKA, defined by the International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD), were analyzed. Children with cerebral edema, chronic kidney disease and those who received pre-referral fluids and/or insulin were excluded. uNGAL and urine NGAL-creatinine ratio (uNCR) at 0 and 24 h were measured in all. Persistent AKI was defined as a composite outcome of continuance of AKI defined by the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) stage 2 or 3 beyond 48 h from AKI onset, progression of AKI from either KDIGO stage 0 or 1 to a worse stage, need of renal replacement therapy or death.

Main outcomes

Thirty-five (53%) children had AKI at admission; 32 (91.4%) resolved within 48 h. uNGAL was significantly higher in the AKI group at admission [79.8 ± 27.2 vs 54.6 ± 22.0, p = 0.0002] and at 24 h [61.4 ± 28.3 vs 20.2 ± 14.5, p = 0.0003]. Similar trend was observed with uNCR at admission [6.7 ± 3.7 vs 4.1 ± 2.6, p = 0.002] and at 24 h [6.3 ± 2.5 vs 1.2 ± 1.0, p = 0.01]. Furthermore, uNGAL at admission showed a moderate positive linear correlation with serum creatinine. Additionally, elevated uNGAL at 0 and 24 h correlated with corresponding KDIGO stages. Admission uNGAL >88 ng/ml and uNCR of >11.3 ng/mg had a sensitivity of 66% and 67%, specificity of 76% and 95%, and Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.78 and 0.89 respectively for predicting persistent AKI at 48 h.

Conclusions

Majority of AKI resolved with fluid therapy. While uNGAL and uNCR both correlated with serum creatinine and AKI stages, serial uNCR was a better predictor of persistent AKI than uNGAL alone. However, feasibility of routine uNGAL measurement to predict persistent AKI in DKA needs further elucidation.

Trial registration

This was a secondary analysis of the data of SPinK trial [CTRI/2018/05/014042 (ctri.nic.in)].
Conspecific neighbors and kinship influence egg cannibalism in the green lacewing, Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens)
Authors: Sohail Mubasshir , Soomro Qadeer Ahmed , Asif Muhammad Usman , Rauf Imran , Muhammad Raza
Published: November 2021

Background

Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) is an illustrious predator that performs cannibalism upon facing small and defenseless conspecifics. Eating preference of C. carnea larvae was investigated between conspecific and host (Sitotroga cerealella) eggs. Early instars of C. carnea express significant preference toward conspecific eggs over host eggs. Experiments were carried out to examine the role of conspecific neighbors in execution of cannibalistic decision. These cannibalistic behaviors of larvae were also investigated through locomotion bioassays using the video tracking software ANY-maze®.

Results

Larvae commit low egg cannibalism when alone but express higher cannibalism in the presence of conspecific larvae in the neighborhood. The role of relatedness in egg cannibalism was investigated when larvae were offered a choice between conspecific eggs from related and unrelated parents. Larvae did a discrimination between eggs of their own parents and those of other parents.

Conclusion

Behavioral bioassays showed attraction toward conspecific eggs and the eggs of unrelated parents. This study emphasizes the significance of informational and descriptive cues that modulate the cannibalistic expression in C. carnea.
Updates in biomaterials of bearing surfaces in total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Khalifa Ahmed A. , Bakr Hatem M.
Published: November 2021

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is one of the most successful surgical procedures. It entails replacement of the damaged or diseased joint surface with artificial materials. Various materials had been developed and used to achieve optimal outcomes, including longer survivorship and minimal complications. The primary materials used in the manufacture of THA implants are polymers, metal alloys, and ceramics. The failures of THA mainly result from aseptic loosening due to the production of wear particles and the development of periprosthetic joint injection. A lot of advancement and introduction of new biomaterials in THA implants’ armamentarium are designed to avoid the common failure mechanisms and improve the longevity of the implants. In this review, we discussed various aspects of commonly used biomaterials in THA implants, to provide some updated information.
An empirical analysis of African trade blocs effects on the global economy: new evidence from the gravity model
Authors: Olayungbo David Oluseun , Iqbal Badar Alam
Published: November 2021

This study employs the gravity model to estimate the extent of the contribution of six African trade blocs to the global economy using the gravity model spanning from 1980 to 2018. The gravity equation that models the export contributions of the six selected African RECs to the global export is estimated. The estimated gravity model reveals that the long run estimations show that the coefficient estimate for SACU and ECCAS are insignificant in the long run while SACU, EAC and ECCAS as RECs, have insignificant contribution to export in the short run. Our findings, after establishing cointegration, on the other hand show that COMESA has the highest contribution to the global exports, followed by EAC, ECOWAS and SADC with ECCAS and SACU the lowest contributors. The highest contribution of COMESA followed by EAC may be due to the growing economy of member countries like Kenya and Rwanda, while that of COMESA and SADC may be as a result of the large economy of Nigeria and South Africa respectively. This study concludes that African countries are emerging with great export potentials, therefore, governments and private sectors should create the necessary incentives and export policies for the realization of these potentials to maximise the global value chain.
NPAs and profitability in Indian banks: an empirical analysis
Authors: Das Santosh Kumar , Uppal Khushboo
Published: November 2021

As financial intermediaries, the commercial banks to a large extent depend on the performance of their lending as a critical source of earning. Due to increasing loan failures, the share of non-performing advances has increased substantially in recent years, thereby adversely impacting their profitability. The paper has examined the NPAs and profitability relationship by estimating the determinants of profitability of 39 public sector and private banks for the time period from 2005 to 2019. Using a set of bank specific and macroeconomic predictors of profitability, we found that NPA has negative impact on the rate of profit of the Indian banks. The study suggests that the banks must reduce their NPAs and operating cost to improve their profitability.
The role of financial behaviour, financial literacy, and financial stress in explaining the financial well-being of B40 group in Malaysia
Authors: Rahman Mahfuzur , Isa Che Ruhana , Masud Muhammad Mehedi , Sarker Moniruzzaman , Chowdhury Nazreen T.
Published: November 2021

Understanding the financial well-being of lower-income group is a critical concern of any government as this group struggles most to meet up with their necessities. Despite the significance, little is known about financial well-being of low-income group. This study attempts to investigate the relationship between financial literacy, financial behaviour, financial stress, and financial well-being of B40 group in Malaysia. A total of 412 usable responses was derived from a survey in Klang Valley and analysed the data following partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) techniques. The results demonstrate that financial behaviour is the key antecedent followed by financial stress and financial literacy in predicting financial well-being. Hence, balancing between income and expenditure, managing financial stress, and increasing financial literacy would be necessary to assure financial well-being of lower-income group people. Governmental and institutional interventions are essential to equip the low-income group people with employment opportunities and financial knowledge to manage their basic living standards.
Is gold a safe haven for the dynamic risk of foreign exchange?
Authors: Wang Kuan-Min , Thi Thanh-Binh Nguyen , Lee Yuan-Ming
Published: November 2021

This paper uses the panel data of 15 countries from 2009 to 2020 to construct the time-varying parameter panel vector error correction model for testing the hypothesis of dynamic hedging characteristics of gold on exchange rate. As the existing literature has never considered that the foreign exchange risk hedged by gold is dynamic, this study can fill the research gap in this area. The empirical results show that: First, gold can partly hedge against the depreciation of the currency in the long run; second, gold is unable to hedge against the risk of the exchange rate when considering dynamic hedging effects in the short run; third, when facing unexpected shocks, the impulse response shows that the gold returns have reversible reactions compared to exchange rate fluctuations; therefore, gold can regard as a safe haven for foreign exchange markets; Finally, the government, as well as investors should always be concerned about these dynamic risks and formulate effective hedging strategies to control the currency uncertainty.
Workshop Review: Joint DGG-SEG Scientific Drilling Workshop a success
Authors: Dugan Brandon , Krastel Sebastian , Whitesell Laurie , Böttner Christoph , Harms Ulrich , Elger Judith , Crutchley Gareth
Published: November 2021

SEG and the German Geophysical Society (DGG) held their first joint workshop in early March at DGG's 2021 Annual Meeting. The workshop was part of a new cooperative aim between DGG and SEG to promote engagement between the societies, to foster growth in geophysics, and to expand the community of scientists and engineers tackling important geophysical problems. The 2021 workshop theme, “Scientific Drilling,” was chosen because scientific drilling provides access to rocks and fluids in the subsurface that are essential for ground truthing interpretations from geophysical data and geologic interpretation, for providing samples and in-situ data for detailed characterization, and for providing inputs to models. Consequently, the workshop aimed to attract interest across many subfields of geophysics.
Glucosamine Supplementation Improves Physical Performance in Trained Mice
Authors: DE LA ROSA ADRIAN , OLASO-GONZALEZ GLORIA , GARCIA-DOMINGUEZ ESTHER , MASTALOUDIS ANGELA , HESTER SHELLY N. , WOOD STEVEN M. , GOMEZ-CABRERA MARI CARMEN , VIÑA JOSE
Published: October 2021

Introduction

d-Glucosamine (GlcN) is one of the most widely consumed dietary supplements and complementary medicines in the world and has been traditionally used to attenuate osteoarthritis in humans. GlcN extends life span in different animal models. In humans, its supplementation has been strongly associated with decreased total mortality and improved vascular endothelial function. GlcN acts as a suppressor of inflammation, and by inhibiting glycolysis, it can activate the metabolism of stored fat and mitochondrial respiration.

Methods

The conventional human GlcN dose is 1500 mg·d−1, but extensive evidence indicates that much higher doses are well tolerated. GlcN is one of the supplements that has experienced a greater use in the last years in elite athletes mainly because of its potential chondroprotective effects that may promote cartilage health. However, the possibility of it being an ergogenic aid has not been explored. We aimed to study the potential beneficial effects of GlcN on mitochondrial content, physical performance, and oxidative stress in mice that were aerobically trained and supplemented with three different doses of glucosamine (250, 500, and 1000 mg·kg−1) for 6 wk. We measured exercise performance (grip strength, motor coordination, and running capacity) before and after the training period. Proteins involved in mitochondrial biogenesis (AMPK, PGC-1, NRF-1, SIRT-1, cytochrome c, citrate synthase), markers of oxidative stress (GSSG/GSH) or damage (malondialdehyde, carbonylated proteins), antioxidant enzymes (NRF-2, SOD1, SOD2, catalase, and PRDX6), and MAPKs (p38 and ERK1/2 were also determined in skeletal muscle.

Results and Conclusions

Our results show that GlcN supplementation in aerobically trained mice, at doses equivalent to those conventionally used in humans, increases the protein levels of mitochondrial biogenesis markers, improves motor coordination, and may have a synergistic effect with exercise training on running distance.
Iodine doping of a photocuring, one-component embedding medium for µCT and histology
Authors: Schneider Gerlind , Voigt Sibylle , Alde Alexander , Berg Albrecht , Linde Dirk , Otto Katja , Enkelmann Astrid , Schnabelrauch Matthias
Published: October 2021

Objective:

Evaluation of μCT scans of bone implant complexes often shows a specific problem: if an implant material has a very similar radiopacity as the embedding medium (e.g. methacrylate resin), the implant is not visible in the μCT image. Segmentation is not possible, and especially osseointegration as one of the most important parameter for biocompatibility is not evaluable.

Methods:

To ensure μCT visualisation and contrast enhancement of the evaluated materials, the embedding medium Technovit® VLC7200 was doped with an iodine monomer for higher radiopacity in different concentrations and tested regarding to handling, polymerisation, and histological preparation, and visualisation in µCT. Six different µCT devices were used and compared with regard to scan conditions, contrast, artefacts, image noise, and spatial resolution for the evaluation of the bone-implant blocks.

Results:

Visualisation and evaluation of all target structures showed very good results in all μCT scans as well as in histology and histological staining, without negative effects caused by iodine doping. Subsequent evaluation of explants of in vivo experiments without losing important information was possible with iodine doped embedding medium.

Conclusion:

Visualisation of implants with a similar radiopacity as the embedding medium could be considerably improved. µCT scan settings should be selected with the highest possible resolution, and different implant materials should be scanned individually for optimal segmentation. µCT devices with higher resolutions should be preferred.

Advances in knowledge:

Iodine doped embedding medium is a useful option to increase radiopacity for better visualisation and evaluation of special target structures in µCT.
Γραμματισμός στην ξένη γλώσσα μέσω της αξιοποίησης των εικαστικών τεχνών
Authors: Εμμανουηλίδου Μαρία
Published: November 2021

Ο στόχος του Ενιαίου Προγράμματος Σπουδών Ξένων Γλωσσών (ΕΠΣ-ΞΓ) είναι να συνδράμει στο έργο των εκπαιδευτικών Αγγλικής γλώσσας μέσω σύγχρονων και καινοτόμων προσεγγίσεων, οι οποίες στηρίζονται στην εφαρμογή του νέου προγράμματος σπουδών. Ωστόσο, το γεγονός πως στις τάξεις Δʹ, Εʹ και Στʹ του δημοτικού σχολείου ακόμα χρησιμοποιούνται τα διδακτικά εγχειρίδια τα οποία συγγράφηκαν το 2009, ουσιαστικά αντικρούεται με τα φιλόδοξα σχέδια για αναβάθμιση του μαθήματος της Αγγλικής γλώσσας στην Πρωτοβάθμια Εκπαίδευση. Η παρούσα έρευνα αντιτάσσεται στην παραδοσιακή, βιβλιοκεντρική διδασκαλία της Αγγλικής γλώσσας, καταθέτοντας ένα αναδιαρθρωμένο αναλυτικό πρόγραμμα (syllabus) για τη Στʹ δημοτικού, το οποίο στηρίζεται στην αξιοποίηση αυθεντικών οπτικών/πολυτροπικών και πολυμεσικών κειμένων για τη διδασκαλία της Αγγλικής γλώσσας, όπως βίντεο, έργα τέχνης και εικονοβιβλία. Στην έρευνα συμμετείχαν είκοσι δύο μαθητές/ήτριες (δεκατέσσερα αγόρια και οκτώ κορίτσια) περίπου δώδεκα ετών, οι οποίοι/ες κατά το σχολικό έτος 2014-2015 φοιτούσαν στη Στ′ τάξη δωδεκαθέσιου Δημοτικού Σχολείου στη δυτική Θεσσαλονίκη. Η τάξη χαρακτηρίζεται ως πολυγλωσσική και πολυπολιτισμική, καθώς τρεις εκ των μαθητών ήταν δίγλωσσοι, τρεις ήταν πολύγλωσσοι και τρεις από τις μαθήτριες ήταν δίγλωσσες, στο σύνολο των είκοσι δύο παιδιών. Ένας εκ των μαθητών ήταν Ρομά και ουσιαστικά αποτέλεσε τον βασικό άξονα για τη δόμηση της διδακτικής παρέμβασης, δεδομένου πως στην τάξη εμφανίστηκαν έντονα περιστατικά σχολικού εκφοβισμού και περιθωριοποίησης. Για την υλοποίηση της έρευνας αξιοποιήθηκε η έρευνα δράσης με στόχο τον μετασχηματισμό της αρνητικής στάσης των μαθητών/τριών απέναντι στον Ρομά συμμαθητή τους. Ο σχεδιασμός της έρευνας περιλαμβάνει τρεις φάσεις: α) την πιλοτική έρευνα, β) τη διδακτική παρέμβαση, η διάρθρωση της οποίας οργανώθηκε γύρω από τέσσερις θεματικές ενότητες, και γ) την αξιολόγηση της έρευνας μέσω των τελικών ερωτηματολογίων των μαθητών/τριών και των συνεντεύξεών τους. Τα αποτελέσματα της έρευνας χαρακτηρίζονται θετικά, δεδομένου πως ως έναν βαθμό επετεύχθη η αλλαγή στάσης απέναντι στον Ρομά συμμαθητή τους. Παράλληλα, φάνηκε η βελτίωση των μαθητών/τριών στη γλώσσα στόχο, τα Αγγλικά, τόσο μέσω των τελικών συνεντεύξεων όσο και μέσω των παραγόμενων πολυτροπικών κειμένων τους, στα οποία αναδεικνύεται η αξιοποίηση της μεταγλώσσας του οπτικού σχεδιασμού για την αναπαράσταση κοινωνικών και πολιτισμικών φαινομένων, τα οποία ταλανίζουν την κοινωνία και διαιωνίζουν ανισότητες.
Time in the late bronze age aegean
Authors: Καραγιάννη Αγγελική
Published: November 2021

Στη διδακτορική μου εργασία εξέτασα ζητήματα χρόνου και χρονικότητας στις κοινωνίες της Κνωσού και της Πύλου κατά την Ύστερη Εποχή του Χαλκού (π. 1400-1200 π.Χ.), συνδυάζοντας αρχαιολογικές (αρχιτεκτονική, εικονογραφία) και γραπτές μαρτυρίες (αρχεία της Γραμμικής γραφής Β). Στόχος της διατριβής μου ήταν αφενός να εντάξω τις έννοιες του ‘χρόνου’ και της ‘χρονικότητας’ ως αναλυτικές κατηγορίες στην θεωρία και μεθοδολογία της Αιγαιακής προϊστορίας και αφετέρου να εξετάσω συγκεκριμένες περιπτώσεις σχετιζόμενες με αντιλήψεις για το χρόνο, μορφές χρονικότητας και χρονικές διαιρέσεις σε αναφορά με το ανάκτορο της Κνωσού στην Κρήτη και το ανάκτορο της Πύλου στην Πελοπόννησο. Συνδυάζοντας, λοιπόν, νεωτερικά θεωρητικά και μεθοδολογικά πλαίσια εργασίας και βασιζόμενη σε σύγχρονες μεταξύ τους αρχαιολογικές και γραπτές μαρτυρίες πρότεινα μια ανασκευή των ετήσιων και εποχιακών κύκλων της Κνωσιακής διοίκησης αναφορικά με την οργάνωση και διαχείριση των εριουργών κοπαδιών, την υφαντική βιοτεχνική παραγωγή και την διαχείριση του εργατικού δυναμικού που απασχολούνταν στην ανακτορική διοικητική οργάνωση και οικονομική-βιοτεχνική παραγωγή. Παράλληλα, εξέτασα πώς αντιλήψεις χρονικότητας (ως οι διαστάσεις του ‘παρελθόντος’, ‘παρόντος’ και ‘μέλλοντος’) συνδυάζονταν με άλλες κοινωνικές αντιλήψεις και πρακτικές της εποχής, όπως πολιτική και θρησκευτική εξουσία, ιδεολογία, πολιτική και κοινωνική ταυτότητα, εξυπηρετώντας και αναπαράγοντας το ιεραρχικό πολιτικό-ιδεολογικό σύστημα των ανακτορικών κοινωνιών της Κνωσού και της Πύλου κατά την εξεταζόμενη περίοδο της αιγαιακής προϊστορίας.
The Salem simulator version 2.0: a tool for predicting the productivity of pure and mixed forest stands and simulating management operations
Authors: Aussenac Raphaël , Pérot Thomas , Fortin Mathieu , de Coligny Francois , Monnet Jean-Matthieu , Vallet Patrick
Published: November 2021

A growing body of research suggests mixed-species stands are generally more productive than pure stands as well as less sensitive to disturbances. However, these effects of mixture depend on species assemblages and environmental conditions. Here, we present the Salem simulator, a tool that can help forest managers assess the potential benefit of shifting from pure to mixed stands from a productivity perspective. Salem predicts the dynamics of pure and mixed even-aged stands and makes it possible to simulate management operations. Its purpose is to be a decision support tool for forest managers and stakeholders as well as for policy makers. It is also designed to conduct virtual experiments and help answer research questions.

In Salem, we parameterised the growth in pure stand of 12 common tree species of Europe and we assessed the effect of mixture on species growth for 24 species pairs (made up of the 12 species mentioned above). Thus, Salem makes it possible to compare the productivity of 36 different pure and mixed stands depending on environmental conditions and user-defined management strategies. Salem is essentially based on the analysis of National Forest Inventory data. A major outcome of this analysis is that we found species mixture most often increases species growth, in particular at the poorest sites. Independently from the simulator, foresters and researchers can also consider using the species-specific models that constitute Salem: the growth models including or excluding mixture effect, the bark models, the diameter distribution models, the circumference-height relationship models, as well as the volume equations for the 12 parameterised species. Salem runs on Windows, Linux, or Mac. Its user-friendly graphical user interface makes it easy to use for non-modellers. Finally, it is distributed under a LGPL license and is therefore free and open source.
Digital twins for managing railway maintenance and resilience
Authors: Kaewunruen Sakdirat , Sresakoolchai Jessada , Lin Yi-hsuan
Published: November 2021

Background: To improve railway construction and maintenance, a novel digital twin that helps stakeholders visualize, share data, and monitor the progress and the condition during services is required. Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a digitalization tool, which adopts an interoperable concept that benefits the whole life-cycle assessment (LCA) of the project. BIM’s applications create higher performance on cost efficiency and optimal time schedule, helping to reduce any unexpected consumption and waste over the life cycle of the infrastructure.

Methods: The digital twin will be developed using BIM embedded by the lifecycle analysis method. A case study based on Taipei Metro (TM) has been conducted to enhance the performance in operation and maintenance. Life cycles of TM will be assessed and complied with ISO14064. Operation and maintenance activities will be determined from official records provided by TM. Material flows, stocks, and potential risks in the LCA are analyzed using BIM quantification embedded by risk data layer obtained from TM. Greenhouse emission, cost consumption and expenditure will be considered for integration into the BIM.

Results: BIM demonstrated strong potential to enable a digital twin for managing railway maintenance and resilience. Based on the case study, a key challenge for BIM in Taiwan is the lack of insights, essential data, and construction standards, and thus the practical adoption of BIM for railway maintenance and resilience management is still in the design phase.

Conclusions: This study exhibits a practical paradigm of the digital twin for railway maintenance and resilience improvement. It will assist all stakeholders to engage in the design, construction, and maintenance enhancing the reduction in life cycle cost, energy consumption and carbon footprint. New insight based on the Taipei Mass Rapid Transit system is highly valuable for railway industry globally by increasing the lifecycle sustainability and improving resilience of railway systems.
Anti-symmetric Compton scattering in LiNiPO4: Towards a direct probe of the magneto-electric multipole moment
Authors: Bhowal Sayantika , O'Neill Daniel , Fechner Michael , Spaldin Nicola A. , Staub Urs , Duffy Jon , Collins Stephen P.
Published: November 2021

Background: Magnetoelectric multipoles, which break both space-inversion and time-reversal symmetries, play an important role in the magnetoelectric response of a material. Motivated by uncovering the underlying fundamental physics of the magnetoelectric multipoles and the possible technological applications of magnetoelectric materials, understanding as well as detecting such magnetoelectric multipoles has become an active area of research in condensed matter physics. Here we employ the well-established Compton scattering effect as a possible probe for the magnetoelectric toroidal moments in LiNiPO4.

Methods: We employ combined theoretical and experimental techniques to compute as well as detect the antisymmetric Compton profile in LiNiPO4. For the theoretical investigation we use density functional theory to compute the anti-symmetric part of the Compton profile for the magnetic and structural ground state of LiNiPO4. For the experimental verification, we measure the Compton signals for a single magnetoelectric domain sample of LiNiPO4, and then again for the same sample with its magnetoelectric domain reversed. We then take the difference between these two measured signals to extract the antisymmetric Compton profile in LiNiPO4.

Results: Our theoretical calculations indicate an antisymmetric Compton profile in the direction of the ty toroidal moment in momentum space, with the computed antisymmetric profile around four orders of magnitude smaller than the total profile. The difference signal that we measure is consistent with the computed profile, but of the same order of magnitude as the statistical errors and systematic uncertainties of the experiment.

Conclusions: While the weak difference signal in the measurements prevents an unambiguous determination of the antisymmetric Compton profile in LiNiPO4, our results motivate  further theoretical work to understand the factors that influence the size of the antisymmetric Compton profile, and to identify materials exhibiting larger effects.
Detecting Bots and Assessing Their Impact in Social Networks
Authors: des Mesnards Nicolas Guenon , Hunter David Scott , el Hjouji Zakaria , Zaman Tauhid
Published: November 2021

Bots Impact Opinions in Social Networks: Let’s Measure How Much

There is a serious threat posed by bots that try to manipulate opinions in social networks. In “Assessing the Impact of Bots on Social Networks,” Nicolas Guenon des Mesnards, David Scott Hunter, Zakaria el Hjouiji, and Tauhid Zaman present a new set of operational capabilities to detect these bots and measure their impact. They developed an algorithm based on the Ising model from statistical physics to find coordinating gangs of bots in social networks. They then created an algorithm based on opinion dynamics models to quantify the impact that bots have on opinions in a social network. They applied their algorithms to a variety of real social network data sets. They found that, for topics such as Brexit, the bots had little impact, whereas for topics such as the U.S. presidential debate and the Gilets Jaunes protests in France, the bots had a significant impact.
Maxillofacial Female Surgeons: Perspectives and Obstacles
Authors: Elsayed Shadia Abd-Elhameed
Published: November 2021

There are many challenges and many barriers to the maxillofacial profession for female surgeons, particularly the beginners of their career. The reported analysis data revealed that this is not concentrated in developing countries, but it is unexpectedly found in many developed and high-income countries. The continued progress of women in academic surgery depends on addressing such issues and trying to solve these challenging problems.
Determination of Acrylamide Contents in Grilled Meat and Fish Foods through Gas Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) in Bangladesh
Authors: Hasan G. M. M. Anwarul , Satter Mohammed A. , Morshed Mahbubul , Das Anuj Kumer
Published: November 2021

Grilled foods are important source of acrylamide which has neurotoxic, genotoxic and carcinogenic properties. In the present study, 105 grilled meat and fish foods were analyzed through Gas Chromatography Tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) to detect acrylamide concentrations in Bangladesh. The average acrylamide contents in grilled chicken, tandoori chicken, chicken tikka kabab, chicken fry, beef kabab, beef grill, grilled fish were 80.27µg/Kg, 99.34µg/Kg, 83.13 µg/Kg, 73.98 µg/Kg, 68.19 µg/Kg, 81.52 µg/Kg and 48.39 µg/Kg respectively. The differences in the acrylamide contents in the products of same category were because of differences in thermal treatments during the preparation. In comparison with other studies, the results suggested that, consumption of those foods is safe for the consumers. This study will focus light on the fate of acrylamide during food processing and provide valuable information to access potential health risks through consumption of those foods.