bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Crisis Characteristics and Media Coverage on the Public’s Attitude Toward Tourism Organization Expressed on Sina Weibo
Authors: Su Lijuan , Stepchenkova Svetlana
Published: January 2021

Tourism and hospitality crises that are extensively discussed online are damaging to organizational image and reputation; therefore, choosing effective response strategies is of paramount importance for service providers. The online discussions data from six hospitality and tourism related crises were used to test which crisis and media coverage characteristics significantly affected the public’s emotional and behavioral reactions to crises. With reference to the attribution theory and the situational crisis communication theory, this study identified the potentially influential crisis characteristics, hypothesized their relationship with variables describing consumer reactions to crises, and then tested those relationships in a series of ANOVA and hierarchical regression analyses. Results indicated that the locus of control, crisis stability, attribution of organizational responsibility, and organizational response strategy affected the public’s cognitive and emotional responses to crises most strongly. The attractiveness and goodwill of media sources also had an effect, as well as the quality and fairness of messages. This study makes a methodological contribution to tourism research by training machine-learning classifiers prior to conducting hypothesis testing. Identifying the most influential factors affecting the public’s response to crises can serve as guidelines for tourism and hospitality organizations in monitoring the spread of online crisis discussions and developing the most appropriate response in order to minimize consumers’ negative emotions that affect online and off-line behavior toward the organization and its brand.
HOTFRED: A Flexible Hotel Fake Review Detection System
Authors: Möhring Michael , Keller Barbara , Schmidt Rainer , Gutmann Matthias , Dacko Scott
Published: January 2021

The importance to cope with online fake reviews in Tourism becomes more and more evident. In the hotel sector hoteliers as well as guests often struggle with the challenges to separate true and fake reviews from each other. Therefore, our research introduces HOTFRED - a flexible hotel fake review detection system - as part of an on-going research project. By combining different analytical approaches, the HOTFRED system indicates via an aggregated probability whether a review is true or fake. As the evaluation of the prototypical implementation showed, this approach can support to detect fake reviews. Many different stakeholders in the Tourism sector can profit from this automatic tool. Thus, hoteliers can take measures to safe their reputation, guests can benefit in their decision-making process and research might use the tool as an initial starting point for future research in the area of fake information.
Meme Tourism: A Conceptual Framework
Authors: Yhee Yerin , Goo Jahyun , Koo Chulmo
Published: January 2021

With advances in technology affordances, contents generated by individual tourists in the tourism context has become an influential source of tourism information besides contents channeled by traditional mass media such as newspapers and broadcasts. Specifically, Meme Tourism (i.e., meme phenomenon in tourism) becomes one of the biggest trends in imitating and transforming/evolving tourism contents online, which is a byproduct of participatory culture that use text and visual images as means of user-generated communications in online communities through the exchange, distribution, and transactions. Understanding the emerging phenomena of meme in tourism would provide insights on tourists’ desires and behaviors in modern traveling. This study conceptualizes three major perspectives in tourism; 1) media-induced tourism, 2) user-generated content, and 3) social media activities, reflecting meme phenomena in tourism. Given the foundation provided, this study calls for a new stream of study in tourism that examines desire, motivation, and behavior of tourists in technology-enabled modern travel culture.
Next-POI Recommendations Matching User’s Visit Behaviour
Authors: Massimo David , Ricci Francesco
Published: January 2021

We consider the urban tourism scenario, which is characterized by limited availability of information about individuals’ past behaviour. Our system goal is to identify relevant next Points of Interest (POIs) recommendations. We propose a technique that addresses the domain requirements by using clusters of users’ visits trajectories that show similar visit behaviour. Previous analysis clustered visit trajectories by aggregating trajectories that contain similar POIs. We compare our approach with a next-item recommendation state-of-the-art Neighbour-based model. The results show that customizing recommendations for clusters of users’ with similar behaviour yields superior performance on different quality dimensions of the recommendation.
Discovering Cultural Differences Through Information Flow of National DMOs Websites
Authors: Park Hyejin , Stepchenkova Svetlana
Published: January 2021

The purpose of the study is to investigate whether cultural differences are reflected in how destinations present themselves online by performing hyperlink network analysis of their official DMOs websites. The study examines whether variance in online presentation can be explained using well established theories on culture. To this end, hyperlink data were collected from three official tourism websites: Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) of South Korea, Brand USA of United States, and German National Tourist Board (GNTB) of Germany. The results show that the three hyperlink networks exhibit differences in size and structural properties. The information network of KTO tends to reflect collectivism, while those of Brand USA and GNTB reflect individualism. Blockmodeling analysis provides the grounds for further statistical approach.
A Conceptual Framework of Destination Sustainability in Sharing Economy
Authors: Zhang Huiying , Leung Xi Yu , Bai Billy
Published: January 2021

The introduction of the sharing economy has revolutionized resident-tourist relationships and provides further implications of destination sustainability. Built on several well-established theories, this conceptual study intends to develop a new and holistic framework to examine destination sustainability, focusing on the change of resident-tourist relationships. The framework is first guided by the stakeholder theory to identify the four key stakeholders in the new sharing economy context: residents, tourists, governments, and the sharing economy platform. With the collaboration theory and resource theory as a foundation, the framework then describes each stakeholder’s specific needs and resources. The service-dominant logic further supports service exchanges and value co-creation among stakeholders. The framework then adopts the capital theory approach to conceptualize destination sustainability in terms of human, social, natural and manufactured capital. Finally, three propositions are developed to justify the new peer-to-peer collaboration paradigm that leads to destination sustainability. The proposed framework is aligned with the six-pillar transformation in e-Tourism research and serves as an intelligent solution to destination sustainable development in the sharing economy context.
The Sustainability of Using Domestic Tourism as a Post-COVID-19 Recovery Strategy in a Distressed Destination
Authors: Woyo Erisher
Published: January 2021

Tourism is a critical contributor to the gross domestic product, especially among developing countries like Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe is a tourist destination that relies more on international travellers, a market which has been affected by the novel coronavirus. The purpose of this study is to establish the perceptions of domestic travellers and tourism managers on the sustainability of using domestic tourism as strategic responses to the impacts of the coronavirus. This study employs a qualitative methodology to examine the perceptions of the demand and supply side regarding the recovery options for Zimbabwean tourism post-pandemic. Online interviews with demand and supply participants were conducted. Data were analysed using thematic analysis, and the results were discussed. Results show that domestic tourism as a recovery option is unstainable due to the challenges that Zimbabwe is facing, beyond the coronavirus.
Destination Management in Times of Crisis - Potentials of Open Innovation Approach in the Context of COVID-19?
Authors: Pillmayer Markus , Scherle Nicolai , Volchek Katerina
Published: January 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has led the tourist industry to a standstill. It also creates the potential to change both the global tourism industry and the context in which innovation management takes place in the medium to long term. The web-based open innovation approach provides one of the possibilities to uncover technical opportunities in the context of rapidly changing environment. This article takes a qualitative approach to explore the benefits of open innovation approach for destination management organizations (DMOs). The analysis of 15 semi-structured interviews reveals nine specific benefits that arise from the three types of open innovation. The findings deepen an understanding of the potential that the open innovation approach offers for DMOs. The study further creates a background to collaborative tourist recovery COVID-19 pandemic through smart destination ecosystems.
How COVID-19 Impacts Chinese Travelers’ Mobility Decision-Making Processes: A Bayesian Network Model
Authors: Wang Junyi , Zhai Xueting , Luo Qiuju
Published: January 2021

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has a multi-faceted impact on the mobility of travelers. Current research has not yet explained the internal mechanisms of travelers’ mobility changes during the pandemic. The Bayesian network is considered to be an effective method to describe the causality between the factors and output of a system. Thus, this paper established a Bayesian network model to analyze the impact of COVID-19 on Chinese travelers’ mobility decision–making processes. The model for the traveler mobility decision-making process is built on both a qualitative and quantitative analysis of travelers’ self-narration articles. Results show that official information, traffic information, family structure, and social interaction networks are the key factors affecting Chinese travelers’ mobility.
Technostress Among Hotel Employees - a Longitudinal Study of Social Media as Digital Service Encounters
Authors: Högberg Karin
Published: January 2021

The increasing implementation of digital technologies in organizations such as social media platforms is fundamentally transforming the nature of services encounters [1, 2], not least in the hospitality industry. This causes new ways of working for hotel employees, causing disruption in service routines and work tasks. There are few qualitative studies that are focusing on the hospitality industry and technostress. The present study focus on technostress among employees in an international hotel chain. Data have been collected in eight European countries over a period of seven years. The Person-Technology fit model is used in order to identify and analyze stressors and strains deriving from social media use. The results indicate that techno stressors such as work overload, work-life conflict, and changing algorithms creates negative stressors. The study makes a theoretical contribution to technostress research in the Information Systems research as well as the hospitality research field by uncovering negative stressors and strains created over time.
Innovation Platform for Catalyzing Access to Seed of Improved Legume Varieties to Smallholder Farmers
Authors: Akpo Essegbemon , Ojiewo Chris O. , Kapran Issoufou , Omoigui Lucky O. , Diama Agathe , Varshney Rajeev K.
Published: January 2021

Innovation platform resolves systemic problems and unlock opportunities for farmers and other stakeholders along commodity value chains. It brokers change in a wide variety of areas involving technological barriers for increased on-farm genetic gains, financial services and privileges for smooth running of seed business and other farming activities, social change and gender equality in society, new commodity market opportunities, increased interactions between stakeholders, e-services for increased crop productivity and production, sustainability of seed production and delivery systems through a variety of stakeholders for various seed classes.
An Analysis of Groundnut Innovation Platform Achievements in Brokering Improved Varieties to Communities in TL III Project in Burkina Faso
Authors: Miningou Amos , Traoré Appolinaire S. , Akpo Essegbemon , Kapran Issoufou , Zagré Bertin M. , Diasso Gabriel A. , Kienthéga Yamba , Zoungrana Apolinaire
Published: January 2021

Access to seeds of improved groundnut varieties is the most critical problem of farmers in Burkina Faso. Firstly, majority do not know the existence of improved varieties and secondly the price is not affordable to them. Based on the above, the INERA groundnut breeders’ team established four innovation platforms on groundnut in the Region of Centre-East, Region of Centre-North, Region of Centre-West and Region de la Boucle of Mouhoun. Through these platforms, Quality Declared Seeds (QDS) were produced for the first time in Burkina Faso in 2016 with support from the Tropical Legumes phase III (TL III) project. Since then, QDS and certified seeds are produced and sold to the local communities at affordable small packs in order to make improved seeds accessible to the poor farmers. So far about 10,000 persons have been reached with small packs. Farmers, agricultural extension and NGO staff have been trained in groundnut seed production, demonstrations, field days and Farmer Participatory Variety Selection (FPVS) to promote the improved varieties and the best agronomic practices. Farmers’ yields increased from 500–700 kg/ha to 1200–1500 kg/ha increasing women and youth incomes from 200 USD to 800 USD/year only for those who grow groundnut during the rainy season. Those who grow during rainy and off-seasons their incomes can reach 1200–1500 USD. Links with financial institutions have facilitated access to credit for these farmers. In the future, the Platform sustainability will be assured through members’ annual financial contributions and strong production contracts among traders, processors and farmers.
Enhancing Chickpea Production and Productivity Through Stakeholders’ Innovation Platform Approach in Ethiopia
Authors: Chichaybelu Mekasha , Girma Nigusie , Fikre Asnake , Gemechu Bekele , Mekuriaw Tiruaynet , Geleta Tesfaye , Chiche Wubishet , Rubyogo Jean-Claude , Akpo Essegbemon , Ojiewo Chris O.
Published: January 2021

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is the third important food legume both in area and production after common beans and faba beans in Ethiopia. However, the productivity of the crop was very low compared to the potential as a result of non-use of improved varieties and technologies generated by the research system. To enhance the use of the improved and associated research technologies a National Chickpea Stakeholders Innovation Platform was established in 2013 with the objective of bringing together various stakeholders acting on the value chain in order to identify major challenges and find solutions that would be implemented through synergetic efforts. The platform identified seed shortage as a major bottleneck in the sector. This issue has been addressed through establishing farmers’ seed producer associations with the help of R&D partners and currently they are the major suppliers nationwide. Side by side, the platform strengthened the extension effort and triggered dissemination of improved technologies to a large number of farmers. As a result, productivity of the crop by model farmers increased by fourfold and the national productivity has been doubled to 2 ton ha−1 in the last decade. The platform also worked on improving access to market and recently chickpea joined the Ethiopian Commodity Exchange market. Cognizant of the huge development potential of the crop, the platform is striving to further strengthen the intervention and reap opportunities.
Science and Technology Commitment to the Implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030
Authors: Murray Virginia
Published: January 2021

The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 was adopted by United Nations (UN) member states on 18 March 2015, at the World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction held in Japan. The Sendai Framework went on to be endorsed by the UN General Assembly in June 2015. The Sendai Framework is wide in scope. This paper uses many resources of already published material to enable the reader to access a more complete summary of the science and technology commitment to the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030. In this paper on the role of science and technology engagement to provide evidence to inform policy and practice where possible, the author considered it important to emphasis the partnerships and learning she has been a part of and all significant statements that  are included in this  paper are in italicized quotes. The author is grateful for the many opportunities to engage at many levels with colleagues who also contributed so much to these opportunities for joint working and shared learning.
An alternative method for extracting the von Neumann entropy from Rényi entropies
Authors: D’Hoker Eric , Dong Xi , Wu Chih-Hung
Published: January 2021

Abstract

An alternative method is presented for extracting the von Neumann entropy − Tr(ρ ln ρ) from Tr(ρn) for integer n in a quantum system with density matrix ρ. Instead of relying on direct analytic continuation in n, the method uses a generating function − Tr{ρ ln[(1 − zρ)/(1 − z)]} of an auxiliary complex variable z. The generating function has a Taylor series that is absolutely convergent within |z| < 1, and may be analytically continued in z to z = −∞ where it gives the von Neumann entropy. As an example, we use the method to calculate analytically the CFT entanglement entropy of two intervals in the small cross ratio limit, reproducing a result that Calabrese et al. obtained by direct analytic continuation in n. Further examples are provided by numerical calculations of the entanglement entropy of two intervals for general cross ratios, and of one interval at finite temperature and finite interval length.
Cerebrospinal fluid outflow: a review of the historical and contemporary evidence for arachnoid villi, perineural routes, and dural lymphatics
Authors: Proulx Steven T.
Published: January 2021

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is produced by the choroid plexuses within the ventricles of the brain and circulates through the subarachnoid space of the skull and spinal column to provide buoyancy to and maintain fluid homeostasis of the brain and spinal cord. The question of how CSF drains from the subarachnoid space has long puzzled scientists and clinicians. For many decades, it was believed that arachnoid villi or granulations, outcroppings of arachnoid tissue that project into the dural venous sinuses, served as the major outflow route. However, this concept has been increasingly challenged in recent years, as physiological and imaging evidence from several species has accumulated showing that tracers injected into the CSF can instead be found within lymphatic vessels draining from the cranium and spine. With the recent high-profile rediscovery of meningeal lymphatic vessels located in the dura mater, another debate has emerged regarding the exact anatomical pathway(s) for CSF to reach the lymphatic system, with one side favoring direct efflux to the dural lymphatic vessels within the skull and spinal column and another side advocating for pathways along exiting cranial and spinal nerves. In this review, a summary of the historical and contemporary evidence for the different outflow pathways will be presented, allowing the reader to gain further perspective on the recent advances in the field. An improved understanding of this fundamental physiological process may lead to novel therapeutic approaches for a wide range of neurological conditions, including hydrocephalus, neurodegeneration and multiple sclerosis.
Der Ärztliche Leiter Führungsgruppe Katastrophenschutz als zentrale Entscheidungsinstanz bei der Steuerung regionaler Krankenhauskapazitäten in der Pandemie
Authors: Dittmar Michael S. , Altmeppen Jürgen , Bigalke Marc U. , Niedermirtl Florian , Zimmermann Markus
Published: January 2021

Hintergrund und Zielsetzung

Von März bis Juni 2020 hatte Bayern die erste Welle der SARS-CoV-2-Pandemie zu bewältigen.

Material und Methoden

Es werden Erfahrungen mit der Steuerung der stationären Behandlungskapazitäten für COVID-19-Patienten durch die Ärztlichen Leiter der Führungsgruppen Katastrophenschutz (ÄL-FüGK) und den Ärztlichen Bezirksbeauftragten Rettungsdienst (ÄBRD) in der Oberpfalz im Kontext des Notfallplan Corona-Pandemie der bayerischen Staatsregierung dargestellt.

Ergebnisse

Durch Einstellen des Routineprogramms und Aufbau zusätzlicher Beatmungsbetten wurden Intensivkapazitäten geschaffen, welche insbesondere im Rettungsdienstbereich (RDB) Nordoberpfalz kurzfristig annähernd ausgelastet waren. Bei sich abzeichnendem Verlegungsbedarf von Intensivpatienten wählten die ÄL-FüGK bzw. der ÄBRD Zielkliniken im Sinne von Verlegungskorridoren aus. Dies erfolgte in drei eskalierenden Stufen: auf lokaler Ebene (RDB), auf regionaler Ebene (Regierungsbezirk) und auf überregionaler Ebene (zwischen Regierungsbezirken). Als Datengrundlage wurde u. a. die tägliche Bettenmeldung der Kliniken herangezogen. Normalstationskapazitäten waren stets frei, sodass Hilfskrankenhäuser nicht in Betrieb genommen werden mussten. Zum Schutz von Pflegeeinrichtungen verhängte die Staatsregierung einen Aufnahmestopp. Während des Abebbens der ersten Welle konnte die Routineversorgung schrittweise wieder aufgenommen werden.

Diskussion

Die Steuerung der Patientenströme lehnte sich weitgehend an die Abläufe des Normalbetriebs an, was Abläufe verschlankte und Handlungsfähigkeit sicherstellte. Vereinzelt wurden Schnittstellenprobleme zu anderen Regierungsbezirken beobachtet, welche andere Managementgrundsätze verfolgten. Der Aufnahmestopp für Pflegeeinrichtungen und widerstreitende finanzielle Interessen der Klinikbetreiber stellten die ÄL-FüGK vor Herausforderungen.
Effects of the granite-forming minerals on the surface roughness in the milling processes
Authors: Cserta Eszter , Gyurika István Gábor
Published: January 2021

Milling of granite surface is getting increasingly important in the industry. A major problem is that the effect of granite minerals on surface roughness is currently unknown. The research in this article aims to examine these effects. During the experiment, six surfaces with different cutting speeds were examined on the surface of three different granite samples. The color of the various minerals was determined by light microscopy, and a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffractometer (XRD) were used to analyze the composition of the samples, and a confocal microscope was used to measure the surface roughness of each mineral. From the results of the investigations, we deduced different correlations between the minerals forming granite and the surface roughness. Area-based surface roughness was used in this study because it results more accurate data. From the results, we conclude that the roughness of different surface-forming minerals varies greatly. This causes a high average surface roughness value.
Purinergic smooth muscle contractions in the human prostate: estimation of relevance and characterization of different agonists
Authors: Spek Annabel , Li Bingsheng , Rutz Beata , Ciotkowska Anna , Huang Ru , Liu Yuhan , Wang Ruixiao , Strittmatter Frank , Waidelich Raphaela , Stief Christian G. , Hennenberg Martin
Published: January 2021

Non-adrenergic prostate smooth muscle contractions may account for the limited effectiveness of α1-adrenoceptor antagonists, which are the first-line option for medical treatment of voiding symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia. In non-human prostates, purinergic agonists induce contractions reaching similar magnitudes as α1-adrenergic contractions. However, evidence for the human prostate is highly limited, and pointed to much weaker purinergic contractions. Here, we examined contractions of different purinergic agonists in human prostate tissues. Tissues were obtained from radical prostatectomy. Contractions were studied in an organ bath, and expression of purinergic receptors was studied by RT-PCR. Electric field stimulation (EFS)–induced contractions amounted to 104% of KCl-induced contractions (95% CI: 84–124%). From all tested agonists, only ATP induced concentration-dependent contractions, reaching an average maximum of 18% (12–24%) of KCl. Maximum tensions following application of other agonists averaged to 7.1% of KCl for α,β-methylene-ATP (1.8–12.4%), 3.9% for β,γ-methylene-ATP (2.0–5.4%), 3.1% for 2-methylthio-ATP (− 0.1–6.3%), and 5.1% for ATPγS (1.0–9.2%). Responses were not affected by the P2X antagonist NF023 or the P2Y antagonist PPADS. mRNA expression of P2X1-4 correlated with expression of a marker for catecholaminergic nerves, although neither ATP, NF023, nor PPADS changed EFS-induced contractions. Correlation between expression of receptors and the smooth muscle marker calponin was not observed. Our findings point to a low relevance of purinergic contractions in the human prostate, compared to other contractile stimuli in the human prostate and compared to purinergic contractions in non-human prostates. Purinergic contractions in the human prostate are not sensitive to NF023 or PPADS.
Does co-presence affect the way we perceive and respond to emotional interactions?
Authors: Bachmann Julia , Zabicki Adam , Gradl Stefan , Kurz Johannes , Munzert Jörn , Troje Nikolaus F. , Krueger Britta
Published: January 2021

This study compared how two virtual display conditions of human body expressions influenced explicit and implicit dimensions of emotion perception and response behavior in women and men. Two avatars displayed emotional interactions (angry, sad, affectionate, happy) in a “pictorial” condition depicting the emotional interactive partners on a screen within a virtual environment and a “visual” condition allowing participants to share space with the avatars, thereby enhancing co-presence and agency. Subsequently to stimulus presentation, explicit valence perception and response tendency (i.e. the explicit tendency to avoid or approach the situation) were assessed on rating scales. Implicit responses, i.e. postural and autonomic responses towards the observed interactions were measured by means of postural displacement and changes in skin conductance. Results showed that self-reported presence differed between pictorial and visual conditions, however, it was not correlated with skin conductance responses. Valence perception was only marginally influenced by the virtual condition and not at all by explicit response behavior. There were gender-mediated effects on postural response tendencies as well as gender differences in explicit response behavior but not in valence perception. Exploratory analyses revealed a link between valence perception and preferred behavioral response in women but not in men. We conclude that the display condition seems to influence automatic motivational tendencies but not higher level cognitive evaluations. Moreover, intragroup differences in explicit and implicit response behavior highlight the importance of individual factors beyond gender.
Short stem total hip arthroplasty with the direct anterior approach demonstrates suboptimal fixation
Authors: Garavaglia Guido , Gonzalez Amanda , Barea Christophe , Peter Robin , Hoffmeyer Pierre , Lübbeke Anne , Hannouche Didier
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Short stems use has increased substantially despite variable results reported in the literature. The purpose of this study was to report the rate of complications using a short stem implanted through the direct anterior approach (DAA), and to evaluate mid-term clinical and radiological results focusing on femoral stem fixation.

Methods

Between April 2009 and November 2014, 698 elective total hip arthroplasties (THAs) were performed using a fully hydroxyapatite-coated short stem (AMIStem-H®). The mean age was 65.7 years (SD 12.6). Patients were invited for clinical and radiological evaluation, and to complete patient-reported outcomes questionnaires at two and five years after surgery. The mean follow-up was 6.2 years (range 2–9.73 years).

Results

During the study period, 59 (8.5%) patients died and 24 (3.4%) were lost to follow-up. There were six (0.9%) dislocations and 12 (1.7%) fractures, seven occurred intra-operatively. Twenty-nine (4.2%) THAs required revision surgery. Eleven THAs were revised for aseptic loosening of the stem at a mean 4.9 years (1.2–7.3 years). Five years after surgery, radiographs of 324 THAs (324/425 eligible = 76.2%) were available. Stem subsidence ≥ 2 mm was present in 42 cases (12.9%), proximal radiolucencies in 101 hips (31.5%), cortical thickening in 52 (16.0%), and a pedestal in 219 (67.6%). An Engh score between − 10 and 0 was associated with lower HHS pain subscore (p = 0.005), a higher risk of stem revision for aseptic loosening (18.8% vs. 2.7%; p = 0.008), and was more frequent in younger patients with ASA score 1.

Conclusion

Patients presenting radiological alterations at five years had an increased risk of revision for aseptic stem loosening and also inferior clinical results. Our study warrants further continued scrutiny of mid- and long-term survivorship of the AMIStem-H®, with radiological results at five years indicating suboptimal fixation of the stem in younger and active patients.
Potential shifts in climate zones under a future global warming scenario using soil moisture classification
Authors: Li Mingxing , Wu Peili , Sexton David M. H. , Ma Zhuguo
Published: January 2021

Climate zones fundamentally shape the patterns of the terrestrial environment and human habitation. How global warming alters their current distribution is an important question that has yet to be properly addressed. Using root-layer soil moisture as an indicator, this study investigates potential future changes in climate zones with the perturbed parameter ensemble of climate projections by the HadGEM3-GC3.05 model under the CMIP5 RCP8.5 scenario. The total area of global drylands (including arid, semiarid, and subhumid zones) can potentially expand by 10.5% (ensemble range is 0.6–19.0%) relative to the historical period of 1976–2005 by the end of the 21st century. This global rate of dryland expansion is smaller than the estimate using the ratio between annual precipitation total and potential evapotranspiration (19.2%, with an ensemble range of 6.7–33.1%). However, regional expansion rates over the mid-high latitudes can be much greater using soil moisture than using atmospheric indicators alone. This result is mainly because of frozen soil thawing and accelerated evapotranspiration with Arctic greening and polar warming, which can be detected in soil moisture but not from atmosphere-only indices. The areal expansion consists of 7.7% (–8.3 to 23.6%) semiarid zone growth and 9.5% (3.1–20.0%) subhumid growth at the expense of the 2.3% (–10.4 to 7.4%) and 12.6% (–29.5 to 2.0%) contraction of arid and humid zones. Climate risks appear in the peripheries of subtype zones across drylands. Potential alteration of the traditional humid zone, such as those in the mid-high latitudes and the Amazon region, highlights the accompanying vulnerability for local ecosystems.
The mechanistic link between selective vulnerability of the locus coeruleus and neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Matchett Billie J. , Grinberg Lea T. , Theofilas Panos , Murray Melissa E.
Published: January 2021

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is neuropathologically characterized by the intracellular accumulation of hyperphosphorylated tau and the extracellular deposition of amyloid-β plaques, which affect certain brain regions in a progressive manner. The locus coeruleus (LC), a small nucleus in the pons of the brainstem, is widely recognized as one of the earliest sites of neurofibrillary tangle formation in AD. Patients with AD exhibit significant neuronal loss in the LC, resulting in a marked reduction of its size and function. The LC, which vastly innervates several regions of the brain, is the primary source of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine (NE) in the central nervous system. Considering that NE is a major modulator of behavior, contributing to neuroprotection and suppression of neuroinflammation, degeneration of the LC in AD and the ultimate dysregulation of the LC–NE system has detrimental effects in the brain. In this review, we detail the neuroanatomy and function of the LC, its essential role in neuroprotection, and how this is dysregulated in AD. We discuss AD-related neuropathologic changes in the LC and mechanisms by which LC neurons are selectively vulnerable to insult. Further, we elucidate the neurotoxic effects of LC de-innervation both locally and at projection sites, and how this augments disease pathology, progression and severity. We summarize how preservation of the LC–NE system could be used in the treatment of AD and other neurodegenerative diseases affected by LC degeneration.
Results after spica cast immobilization following hip reconstruction in 95 cases: is there a need for alternative techniques?
Authors: Pisecky L. , Großbötzl G. , Gahleitner M. , Haas C. , Gotterbarm T. , Klotz M. C.
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), neurogenic dysplasia of the hip (NDH), and Perthes disease often require surgical treatment. Spica casting is a common postoperative immobilization.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the complications related to the immobilization.

Materials and methods

In a retrospective analysis, we included 83 patients (95 hips), who underwent hip reconstructive surgery between 2008 and 2018. We had 43 female and 40 male patients. Age reached from 3 months to 19 years. All patients were treated with a spica cast postoperatively for a 6-week protocol. Complications were analyzed using the full medical documentation and classified according to Clavien–Dindo.

Results

We had complications in 23 patients (27.7%). We counted superficial skin lesions in seven, deep skin lesions in three, spasticity of adductors in three, subluxation in two, infection of the plate in one, fracture of the plate in one, compliance problem in one, dislocations of the cast in two, reluxation in one, delayed bone healing in one and spasticity of knee flexors in one case. According to the classification of Clavien–Dindo, we were able to count ten type I, four type II, nine type III, zero type IV and zero type V adverse events.

Conclusion

The usage of a spica cast after hip reconstructive surgery is still the most popular way of aftertreatment. It has a low complication rate, which may be lowered by well-applied casts and foam padding. Known complications such as spasticity in patients with cerebral palsy, skin lesions, and pressure sores should be observed and avoided. Shorter protocols for immobilization with the usage of foam padding and foam splints lead to less complications.

Clinical relevance

Evidence level level IV, case series
Distinctive pattern of left–right asymmetry of ovarian benign teratomas in Chinese population: a 12-year-long cross-sectional study
Authors: He Xiaoqing , Zhao Xiaoya , Wang Xiaofeng , Liang Guiling , Qi Hang , Zhu Chenfeng , Huang Zhen , Zhang Jian
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Given the lack of research on the left–right asymmetry of ovarian teratoma among Chinese patients, this study aimed to determine the lateral distribution and related clinical characteristics of Chinese ovarian teratoma patients treated at a single center.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study of surgical patients pathologically diagnosed with ovarian teratomas in the gynecology inpatient department of the International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital in Shanghai between July 2006 and July 2018.

Results

Of the 4417 patients with ovarian teratoma, 3835 were finally analyzed. There were 2030 (53.24%) cases of right-sided benign ovarian teratoma versus 1783 (46.76%) cases of left-sided benign teratoma (P < 0.001). The recurrence rate of benign ovarian teratoma was 4.2%; recurrence occurred more often on the left side (left vs. right = 55 vs. 45%, P = 0.033). Compared with the right-sided ovarian teratoma patients, left-sided ones had significantly high recurrence risk (OR 1.430; 95% CI 1.03–1.99). The rate of ovarian torsion in patients with ovarian mature cystic teratomas (MCTs) during intrauterine pregnancy was 3.17 versus 1.72% in non-pregnant MCT patients (P = 0.049). For those MCT patients with intrauterine pregnancy, ovarian torsion occurs more often on the right side (left vs. right = 16.67 vs. 83.33%, P = 0.028).

Conclusion

This study confirms a distinctive right-side dominance of benign ovarian teratomas. Compared with the right side, recurrent ovarian teratomas occur more often on the left side, requiring close follow-up. Intrauterine pregnancy may increase the risk of ovarian torsion, particularly on the right side, in MCT patients.
Double reinsertion including Whitnall’s ligament in aponeurotic ptosis surgery
Authors: Pfeiffer Nuria , Pfeiffer Markus , Sainz Alberto Reche , Fernandez Nicolas Toledano
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The results of a technique with a double reinsertion of the aponeurosis to the tarsus and aponeurosis to Whitnall’s ligament (ATW) were compared with a simple reinsertion of the aponeurosis to the tarsus (AT) in acquired aponeurotic palpebral ptosis surgery.

Methods

Analytical, observational, retrospective, cohort study. Seven hundred and twenty-two consecutive cases with acquired aponeurotic palpebral ptosis have been treated surgically between 2000 and 2012 and have been followed up for 5 years. The cases were divided into two cohorts according to the applied surgical technique (AT vs ATW).

Results

The mean postoperative MRD after 1 month in cohort AT was 1 mm lower than in ATW (3 ± 0.9 mm vs 4 ± 1 mm). The mean MRD in the long-term follow-up (5 years) was 1 mm lower in cohort AT than in ATW (2.9 ± 1.5 mm vs 3.9 ± 0.9 mm). The rate of long-term recurrence (5 years) was 15% higher in A-T than in A-T-W (20% vs 5%). 70.5% of the eyes studied intra-surgically presented gaps between the Whitnall ligament and the aponeurosis, an anatomical area that we describe as the upper transition zone (UTZ). In an independent analysis, only those patients with open UTZ were evaluated and it was observed that those operated with A-T-W presented elevations greater than 1 mm compared to those operated with the AT technique (4 ± 0.9 mm A-T-W vs 2.8 ± 1 mm A-T) and a much lower recurrence rate (5.4% A-T vs 38.09% A-T-W).

Conclusions

In our study, the A-T-W technique achieved better results in terms of palpebral elevation and fewer recurrences compared to the A-T technique in all cases studied with aponeurotic ptosis. However, it particularly demonstrates its superiority in patients with large gaps in the UTZ.
Elastic spherical inhomogeneity in an infinite elastic solid: an exact analysis by an engineering treatment of the problem based on the corresponding cavity solution
Authors: Amstutz Hans , Vormwald Michael
Published: January 2021

In the present work, solutions are recapitulated according to the theory of elasticity for the deformations of an adhesive spherical inhomogeneity in an infinite matrix under remote uniform axial and axial-symmetrical radial tension. Stress fields in the inhomogeneity and at the interface in the matrix are provided, too. It is shown that the sphere is deformed to a spheroid under any of the loading cases considered. Due to the axial-symmetric setup of the problem, the deformation is fully described by the two displacement values at line segments on the principal axes of the spheroid. The displacements depend on the applied remote load and on two traction fields at the inhomogeneity-matrix interface. For any combination of inhomogeneity and matrix stiffness, the condition of compatibility of deformations yields a system of two linear equations with the two magnitudes of the tractions as unknowns. Thus, the problem is reduced to a formulation for solving a twofold statically indetermined structure. The system is solved and the exact solution of the general spherical inhomogeneity problem with differing stiffness in terms of Young’s moduli and Poisson’s ratios of inclusion and matrix is presented.
Time-series analysis of heart rate and blood pressure in response to changes in work rate before and after 60 days of 6° head down tilt bed rest
Authors: Koschate Jessica , Thieschäfer L. , Drescher U. , Zieschang T. , Hoffmann U.
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Cardiovascular regulation during exercise, described using time series analysis, is expected to be attenuated after bed rest (BR) and this effect will be dampened by a reactive jumps countermeasure.

Methods

Twenty subjects (29 ± 6 years, 23.6 ± 1.7 kg m−2) were tested on a cycle ergometer 9 days (BDC-9) before the beginning of BR as well as 2 (R + 2) and 13 days (R + 13) after the end of BR, applying moderate pseudo-random binary (PRBS) work rate changes. Heart rate (HR) and mean arterial blood pressure (mBP) were measured beat-to-beat and interpolated to 1 s intervals. HR and mBP were cross-correlated [CCF(HR-mBP)] during the PRBS. Eleven subjects participated in a reactive jump countermeasure (JUMP) during the BR period, the other part of the group served as control group (CTRL).

Results

In the CTRL group, significantly lower CCF(HR-mBP) values during BDC-9 were observed compared to R + 2 during the lags 20–25 s and significantly higher values during the lags − 39 s to − 35 s. In the JUMP group, significantly lower CCFs were only observed at R + 2 compared with BDC-9 during the lags 23 s and 24 s, whereas the CCFs for BDC-9 were significantly higher at several lags compared with R + 13.

Conclusion

Attenuations in the regulation of the cardiovascular system during cycling exercise after BR were found in the CTRL group of the RSL study. Cardiovascular regulation in the JUMP group was improved compared to values before the beginning of BR, suggesting the effectiveness of the reactive jumps countermeasure to mitigate the deleterious effects of prolonged BR.
Salient brain entities labelled in P2rx7-EGFP reporter mouse embryos include the septum, roof plate glial specializations and circumventricular ependymal organs
Authors: Ortega Felipe , Gomez-Villafuertes Rosa , Benito-León María , Martínez de la Torre Margaret , Olivos-Oré Luis A. , Arribas-Blazquez Marina , Gomez-Gaviro María Victoria , Azcorra Arturo , Desco Manuel , Artalejo Antonio R. , Puelles Luis , Miras-Portugal María Teresa
Published: January 2021

The purinergic system is one of the oldest cell-to-cell communication mechanisms and exhibits relevant functions in the regulation of the central nervous system (CNS) development. Amongst the components of the purinergic system, the ionotropic P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) stands out as a potential regulator of brain pathology and physiology. Thus, P2X7R is known to regulate crucial aspects of neuronal cell biology, including axonal elongation, path-finding, synapse formation and neuroprotection. Moreover, P2X7R modulates neuroinflammation and is posed as a therapeutic target in inflammatory, oncogenic and degenerative disorders. However, the lack of reliable technical and pharmacological approaches to detect this receptor represents a major hurdle in its study. Here, we took advantage of theP2rx7-EGFP reporter mouse, which expresses enhanced green fluorescence protein (EGFP) immediately downstream of theP2rx7proximal promoter, to conduct a detailed study of its distribution. We performed a comprehensive analysis of the pattern of P2X7R expression in the brain of E18.5 mouse embryos revealing interesting areas within the CNS. Particularly, strong labelling was found in the septum, as well as along the entire neural roof plate zone of the brain, except chorioidal roof areas, but including specialized circumventricular roof formations, such as the subfornical and subcommissural organs (SFO; SCO). Moreover, our results reveal what seems a novel circumventricular organ, named by us postarcuate organ (PArcO). Furthermore, this study sheds light on the ongoing debate regarding the specific presence of P2X7R in neurons and may be of interest for the elucidation of additional roles of P2X7R in the idiosyncratic histologic development of the CNS and related systemic functions.
Hepatocellular carcinoma development in diabetic patients: a nationwide survey in Japan
Authors:   for the LUCID study investigators, Tateishi Ryosuke , Matsumura Takeshi , Okanoue Takeshi , Shima Toshihide , Uchino Koji , Fujiwara Naoto , Senokuchi Takafumi , Kon Kazuyoshi , Sasako Takayoshi , Taniai Makiko , Kawaguchi Takumi , Inoue Hiroshi , Watada Hirotaka , Kubota Naoto , Shimano Hitoshi , Kaneko Shuichi , Hashimoto Etsuko , Watanabe Sumio , Shiota Goshi , Ueki Kohjiro , Kashiwabara Kosuke , Matsuyama Yutaka , Tanaka Hideo , Kasuga Masato , Araki Eiichi , Koike Kazuhiko
Published: January 2021

Background

Although type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a known risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development, the annual incidence in diabetes patients is far below the threshold of efficient surveillance. This study aimed to elucidate the risk factors for HCC in diabetic patients and to determine the best criteria to identify surveillance candidates.

Methods

The study included 239 patients with T2DM who were diagnosed with non-viral HCC between 2010 and 2015, with ≥ 5 years of follow-up at diabetes clinics of 81 teaching hospitals in Japan before HCC diagnosis, and 3277 non-HCC T2DM patients from a prospective cohort study, as controls. Clinical data at the time of and 5 years before HCC diagnosis were collected.

Results

The mean patient age at HCC diagnosis was approximately 73 years, and 80% of the patients were male. The proportion of patients with insulin use increased, whereas the body mass index (BMI), proportion of patients with fatty liver, fasting glucose levels, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels decreased significantly in 5 years. In the cohort study, 18 patients developed HCC during the mean follow-up period of 4.7 years with an annual incidence of 0.11%. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that the FIB-4 index was an outstanding predictor of HCC development along with male sex, presence of hypertension, lower HbA1c and albumin levels, and higher BMI and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase levels. Receiver-operating characteristic analyses showed that a FIB-4 cut-off value of 3.61 could help identify high-risk patients, with a corresponding annual HCC incidence rate of 1.1%.

Conclusion

A simple calculation of the FIB-4 index in diabetes clinics can be the first step toward surveillance of HCC with a non-viral etiology.