bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dropped‐head syndrome in a dog secondary to myopathy of the cervical extensor muscles
Authors: Grapes Nicholas , Llabres‐Diaz Francisco , Quesada Vicent Nuria , De Stefani Alberta , De Decker Steven
Published: June 2023

A 4‐year‐old, male, entire Newfoundland was presented for investigation of an acute onset cervical ventroflexion and pyrexia, 4 days following a hip replacement surgery. Neurological examination confirmed prominent cervical ventroflexion characterised by an inability to raise the head, without evidence of cervical hyperaesthesia or associated neurological deficits. Magnetic resonance imaging identified focal, bilaterally symmetrical changes to the semispinalis cervicis musculature, responsible for elevation of the head. The presentation and diagnostic imaging findings appeared analogous to dropped‐head syndrome in humans. Toxoplasma IgG antibodies were found to be mildly elevated, and therefore treatment with clindamycin was initiated. The dog responded well to treatment and was reported to be clinically normal 2 months thereafter.
Intrinsic incremental evolution of hypoelastic discrete mechanical systems
Authors: Lerbet Jean , Challamel Noël , Nicot Francois , Darve Félix
Published: June 2023

This paper provides an explicit geometric and coordinate‐free formulation of incremental discrete mechanics in the framework of potentially non integrable hypoelasticity. First, the general framework is developed in order to tackle hypoelasticity as an Ehresmann connection on the cotangent bundle . Two types of incremental evolutions may be distinguished, the weak or integrable incremental evolutions and the strong or non integrable incremental evolutions, according to the nature of the hypoelastic constitutive law. The geometric structure of the double tangent bundle is fully used in order to get the geometric counterpart κ of the so‐called tangent stiffness matrix. Subject to specific conditions in , the incremental evolution is then a well‐founded question. An hypoelastic four‐grains granular system illustrates in detail these general results.
Pancreatic β-cell heterogeneity in adult human islets and stem cell-derived islets
Authors: Aldous Noura , Moin Abu Saleh Md , Abdelalim Essam M.
Published: June 2023

Recent studies reported that pancreatic β-cells are heterogeneous in terms of their transcriptional profiles and their abilities for insulin secretion. Sub-populations of pancreatic β-cells have been identified based on the functionality and expression of specific surface markers. Under diabetes condition, β-cell identity is altered leading to different β-cell sub-populations. Furthermore, cell–cell contact between β-cells and other endocrine cells within the islet play an important role in regulating insulin secretion. This highlights the significance of generating a cell product derived from stem cells containing β-cells along with other major islet cells for treating patients with diabetes, instead of transplanting a purified population of β-cells. Another key question is how close in terms of heterogeneity are the islet cells derived from stem cells? In this review, we summarize the heterogeneity in islet cells of the adult pancreas and those generated from stem cells. In addition, we highlight the significance of this heterogeneity in health and disease conditions and how this can be used to design a stem cell-derived product for diabetes cell therapy.
The Douglas formula in $$L^p$$
Authors: Bogdan Krzysztof , Fafuła Damian , Rutkowski Artur
Published: June 2023

We prove a Douglas-type identity in $$L^p$$

L
p

for $$1<p<\infty $$

1
<
p
<
∞

.
Plain X-ray is insufficient for correct diagnosis of tibial shaft spiral fractures: a prospective trial
Authors: Lisitano Leonard , Röttinger Timon , Wiedl Andreas , Rau Kim , Helling Sönke , Cifuentes Jairo , Jehs Bertram , Härting Mark , Feitelson Laura-Marie , Gleich Johannes , Kiesl Sophia , Pfeufer Daniel , Neuerburg Carl , Mayr Edgar , Förch Stefan
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Tibial shaft spiral fractures and fractures of the distal third of the tibia (AO:42A/B/C and 43A) frequently occur with non-displaced posterior malleolus fractures (PM). This study investigated the hypothesis that plain X-ray is not sufficient for a reliable diagnosis of associated non-displaced PM fractures in tibial shaft spiral fractures.

Methods

50 X-rays showing 42A/B/C and 43A fractures were evaluated by two groups of physicians, each group was comprised of a resident and a fellowship-trained traumatologist or radiologist. Each group was tasked to make a diagnosis and/or suggest if further imaging was needed. One group was primed with the incidence of PM fractures and asked to explicitly assess the PM.

Results

Overall, 9.13/25 (SD ± 5.77) PM fractures were diagnosed on X-ray. If the posterior malleolus fracture was named or a CT was requested, the fracture was considered “detected”. With this in mind, 14.8 ± 5.95 posterior malleolus fractures were detected.

Significantly more fractures were diagnosed/detected (14 vs. 4.25/25; p < 0.001/14.8 vs. 10.5/25; p < 0.001) in the group with awareness. However, there were significantly more false positives in the awareness group (2.5 vs. 0.5; p = 0.024). Senior physicians recognized slightly more fractures than residents (residents: 13.0 ± 7.79; senior physicians: 16.5 ± 3.70; p = 0.040). No significant differences were demonstrated between radiologists and trauma surgeons.

The inner-rater reliability was high with 91.2% agreement. Inter-rater reliability showed fair agreement (Fleiss-Kappa 0.274, p < 0.001) across all examiners and moderate agreement (Fleiss-Kappa 0.561, p < 0.001) in group 2.

Conclusion

Only 17% of PM fractures were identified on plain X-ray and awareness of PM only improved diagnosis by 39%. While experiencing improved accuracy, CT imaging should be included in a comprehensive examination of tibial shaft spiral fractures.

Level of evidence

II. Diagnostic prospective cohort study.

Trail registration number

DRKS00030075.
Emergency thoracotomies in traumatic cardiac arrests following blunt trauma – experiences from a German level I trauma center
Authors: Niemann Marcel , Graef Frank , Hahn Fabienne , Schilling Elisa Celine , Maleitzke Tazio , Tsitsilonis Serafeim , Stöckle Ulrich , Märdian Sven
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Resuscitative thoracotomies (RT) are the last resort to reduce mortality in patients suffering severe trauma. In recent years, indications for RT have been extended from penetrating to blunt trauma. However, discussions on efficacy are still ongoing, as data on this rarely performed procedure are often scarce. Therefore, this study analyzed RT approaches, intraoperative findings, and clinical outcome measures following RT in patients with cardiac arrest following blunt trauma.

Methods

All patients admitted to our level I trauma center's emergency room (ER) who underwent RT between 2010 and 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Retrospective chart reviews were performed for clinical data, laboratory values, injuries observed during RT, and surgical procedures. Additionally, autopsy protocols were assessed to describe injury patterns accurately.

Results

Fifteen patients were included in this study with a median ISS of 57 (IQR 41–75). The 24-h survival rate was 20%, and the total survival rate was 7%. Three approaches were used to expose the thorax: Anterolateral thoracotomy, clamshell thoracotomy, and sternotomy. A wide variety of injuries were detected, which required complex surgical interventions. These included aortic cross-clamping, myocardial suture repairs, and pulmonary lobe resections.

Conclusion

Blunt trauma often results in severe injuries in various body regions. Therefore, potential injuries and corresponding surgical interventions must be known when performing RT. However, the chances of survival following RT in traumatic cardiac arrest cases following blunt trauma are small.
The maxillary canal of the titanosuchid Jonkeria (Synapsida, Dinocephalia)
Authors: Benoit Julien , Norton Luke A. , Jirah Sifelani
Published: June 2023

The maxillary canal of the titanosuchid dinocephalian Jonkeria is described based on digitised serial sections. We highlight that its morphology is more like that of the tapinocephalid Moschognathus than that of Anteosaurus. This is unexpected given the similarities between the dentition of Jonkeria and Anteosaurus (i.e., presence of a canine) and the fact that the branching pattern of the maxillary canal in synapsids usually co-varies with dentition. Hypotheses to account for similarities between Jonkeria and Moschognathus (common ancestry, function in social signalling or underwater sensing) are discussed. It is likely that the maxillary canal carries a strong phylogenetic signal, here supporting the clade Tapinocephalia.
Moral disagreement and artificial intelligence
Authors: Robinson Pamela
Published: June 2023

Artificially intelligent systems will be used to make increasingly important decisions about us. Many of these decisions will have to be made without universal agreement about the relevant moral facts. For other kinds of disagreement, it is at least usually obvious what kind of solution is called for. What makes moral disagreement especially challenging is that there are three different ways of handling it. Moral solutions apply a moral theory or related principles and largely ignore the details of the disagreement. Compromise solutions apply a method of finding a compromise and taking information about the disagreement as input. Epistemic solutions apply an evidential rule that treats the details of the disagreement as evidence of moral truth. Proposals for all three kinds of solutions can be found in the AI ethics and value alignment literature, but little has been said to justify choosing one over the other. I argue that the choice is best framed in terms of moral risk.
Robotic‐assisted mechanically aligned total knee arthroplasty does not lead to better clinical and radiological outcomes when compared to conventional TKA: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Bensa Alessandro , Sangiorgio Alessandro , Deabate Luca , Illuminati Andrea , Pompa Benedetta , Filardo Giuseppe
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Robotic‐assisted total knee arthroplasty (R‐TKA) has emerged as an alternative to improve the results of the conventional manual TKA (C‐TKA). The aim of this study was to analyse the high‐level studies comparing R‐TKA and C‐TKA in terms of clinical outcomes, radiological results, perioperative parameters, and complications.

Methods

The literature search was conducted on three databases (PubMed, Cochrane, and Web of Science) on 1 February 2023 according to the guidelines for Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis (PRISMA). Inclusion criteria were: randomized controlled trials (RCTs), written in English language, published in the last 15 years, focusing on the comparison of C‐TKA and R‐TKA results. The quality of each article was assessed using the Cochrane risk‐of‐bias tool for randomized trials version 2 (RoB 2). The statistical analysis was carried out using random effects (DerSimonian & Laird) for weighted mean difference (MD) of the continuous variables and Peto method for odds ratios of the dichotomous variables.

Results

Among the 2905 articles retrieved, 14 RCTs on 12 series of patients treated with mechanically aligned implants were included. A total of 2255 patients (25.1% males and 74.9% females; mean age 62.9 ± 3.0; mean BMI 28.1 ± 1.3) were analysed. The results of this systematic review and meta‐analysis showed that R‐TKA did not provide overall superior results compared to C‐TKA in mechanically aligned implants in terms of clinical and radiological outcomes. R‐TKA showed longer operative time (MD = 15.3 min, p = 0.004) and similar complication rates compared to C‐TKA. A statistically significant difference in favour of R‐TKA was found in the posterior‐stabilized subgroup in terms of radiological outcomes (hip–knee–ankle angle MD = 1.7, p < 0.001) compared to C‐TKA, although without resulting in appreciable difference of clinical outcomes.

Conclusion

R‐TKA did not provide overall superior results compared to C‐TKA in terms of clinical and radiological outcomes, showing longer operative time and similar complication rates.

Level of evidence

Level I.
Influence of post-processing milling conditions on the machinability and residual stresses evolution of LPBF 18Ni300 maraging steel
Authors: Duro Miguel , Silva Tiago , Marques Maria José , Batista António , Rosa Pedro , de Jesus Abílio
Published: June 2023

Metal additive manufacturing (MAM) currently allows the production of mechanical components with technical specifications suitable for structural applications with a high level of complexity. Despite the most recent technological developments, additively manufactured parts may still lack the geometrical and dimensional accuracy as well as surface integrity required for precision mechanical assemblies and system reliability. These requirements often lead to post-processing operations through precision machining technologies. The present work focuses on the machinability study of 18Ni300 maraging steel obtained by laser powder bed fusion and its comparison with the conventional counterpart. Milling tests were carried out covering a wide range of cutting parameters, aiming at understanding their influence and comparing the obtained results in terms of cutting force, specific cutting pressure, roughness and chip morphology. In depth residual stresses have been measured for different operational and metallurgical conditions and their comparison was performed. A more significant effect of the feed parameter on the analysed data is noticed, particularly regarding the affected layer depth of the residual stresses due to cutting. Moreover, the higher mechanical strength of the additively manufactured alloy does not translate into an equivalent increase in the required average specific cutting pressure.
Housing demand shocks and households’ balance sheets
Authors: Anderes Marc
Published: June 2023

We examine the dynamic effects of housing demand shocks on a large set of macroeconomic series and detailed household balance sheet components for different wealth groups. The results show that a positive housing demand shock translates into a large boom in economic activity and reveal notable heterogeneity among wealth groups. While households of all wealth groups make heavy use of home equity-based borrowing, we find a larger consumer spending sensitivity for poorer households. A historical decomposition suggests that housing demand shocks have largely contributed to the pronounced drop in poorer households’ consumption during and after the Great Recession.
Seasonality and Strain Specificity Drive Rapid Co-evolution in an Ostreococcus-Virus System from the Western Baltic Sea
Authors: Listmann Luisa , Peters Carina , Rahlff Janina , Esser Sarah P. , Schaum C-Elisa
Published: June 2023

Marine viruses are a major driver of phytoplankton mortality and thereby influence biogeochemical cycling of carbon and other nutrients. Phytoplankton-targeting viruses are important components of ecosystem dynamics, but broad-scale experimental investigations of host-virus interactions remain scarce. Here, we investigated in detail a picophytoplankton (size 1 µm) host’s responses to infections by species-specific viruses from distinct geographical regions and different sampling seasons. Specifically, we used Ostreococcus tauri and O. mediterraneus and their viruses (size ca. 100 nm). Ostreococcus sp. is globally distributed and, like other picoplankton species, play an important role in coastal ecosystems at certain times of the year. Further, Ostreococcus sp. is a model organism, and the Ostreococcus-virus system is well-known in marine biology. However, only few studies have researched its evolutionary biology and the implications thereof for ecosystem dynamics. The Ostreococcus strains used here stem from different regions of the Southwestern Baltic Sea that vary in salinity and temperature and were obtained during several cruises spanning different sampling seasons. Using an experimental cross-infection set-up, we explicitly confirm species and strain specificity in Ostreococcus sp. from the Baltic Sea. Moreover, we found that the timing of virus-host co-existence was a driver of infection patterns as well. In combination, these findings prove that host-virus co-evolution can be rapid in natural systems.
Stress shielding effect after total hip arthroplasty varies between combinations of stem design and stiffness—a comparing biomechanical finite element analysis
Authors: Burchard Rene , Graw Jan A. , Soost Christian , Schmitt Jan
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) has become a highly frequent orthopaedic procedure. Multiple approaches have been made to design the femoral component for THA with a mechanical behaviour as close as possible to a natural femur. The aim of this study was to compare different combinations of design and biomechanical properties of THA prostheses and their impact on stress shielding of the periprosthetic bone.

Methods

Virtual implantation of different stem designs (straight standard stem, straight short stem, anatomical short stem) by finite element analysis based on in vivo data from computer tomography was performed. For each stem, three grades of stiffness were generated, followed by a strain analysis.

Results

Reduction of stem stiffness led to less stress shielding. Implantation of an anatomical short-stem prosthesis with low stiffness provided the most physiological strain-loading effect (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

A combination of a short and an anatomically designed stem with a low stiffness might provide a more physiological strain transfer during THA. Biomechanical properties of the femoral component for THA should be considered as a multifactorial function of dimensions, design, and stiffness.
Rafting behaviour of albatrosses and petrels at South Georgia
Authors: Kowalska O’Neil Eleanor W. M. , Frankish Caitlin K. , Phillips Richard A.
Published: June 2023

Seabirds often spend time on the water in the vicinity of their breeding colonies at the start or end of foraging trips, which may be for bathing, social interaction, information transfer, or to reduce predation risk for small petrels that prefer to return to land in darkness. Although such behaviour (hereafter rafting) is common, there are few data on variation in its incidence or timing across species, or analyses of relationships with intrinsic or extrinsic factors such as breeding stage (reflecting central-place foraging constraints) or weather. Here, we use GPS and immersion data collected over multiple years at Bird Island, South Georgia, to investigate rafting behaviour of four albatross and one burrow-nesting petrel species. Nearly all tracked birds (89%) landed within 10 km of the colony at the start of foraging trips for ~ 30 min, whereas only 17% did so at the end, suggesting they likely use rafting mainly for plumage maintenance after extended breeding shifts on land. Rafting duration, distance and bearing from the colony varied markedly according to species, wind speeds and period of the day (daylight vs. darkness), which may reflect differences in foraging direction, time constraints, degree of plumage soiling, diel activity patterns, or the requirement for high wind speeds for efficient flight. Given that all the study populations are decreasing, and most individuals make extensive use of nearshore waters during the breeding season, effective marine spatial planning is required that eliminates or mitigates human risks around their colonies.
CFD-FEA based model to predict leak-points in a 90-degree pipe elbow
Authors: Abuhatira Ahmed A. , Salim Salim M. , Vorstius Jan B.
Published: June 2023

The aim of this paper is to numerically investigate Vibration-Based Leak Detection (VBLD) method in pipeline systems based on Fluid–Structure Interaction (FSI) analysis to predict leakages. In previous investigations, laboratory tests were widely used to study the VBLD technique in small-diameter water loop system pipes. The current project uses Ansys Workbench to extend these findings by integrating Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) with Finite Element Analysis (FEA). The study outlines a numerical method for VBLD to identify leakages in a 90-degree pipe elbow by predicting variations in vibration signals, with applications in the oil and gas industry. Firstly, changes in fluid behaviour (centrifugal force, pressure drop, secondary flow, and frictional force) experienced in the internal pipe wall resulting from a probable leakage (modelled as an additional outlet) are determined using CFD. Subsequently, the CFD results are coupled with FEA to model structural responses of the pipe walls subjected to different forces. This in turn allows the variations in vibration signals to be measured. The numerical approach presented in this paper based on FSI and incorporating the VBLD method provides a practical and convenient early detection tool that can complement physical vibration monitoring equipment in the field.
Long-term, single-center study comparing open and laparoscopic procedures for congenital midureteral obstruction in children
Authors: Zhou Guanglun , Jiang Man , Yin Jianchun , Liu Xiaodong , Sun Junjie , Li Shoulin
Published: June 2023

Purpose

To compare the safety and outcomes of open and laparoscopic procedures in the management of congenital midureteral obstruction in children (CMO).

Methods

Between February 2008 and February 2022, a total of 18 patients underwent open ureteroureterostomy (OU group), and 26 underwent laparoscopic ureteroureterostomy (LU group). The operative time, postoperative hospital stay, hospital costs, postoperative complications, and success rates of the two groups were compared.

Results

The median age of the patients was 59 months, with 29 patients presenting with asymptomatic hydronephrosis, 12 with intermittent abdominal pain, and 3 with flank mass. The median follow-up time was 42 months, and all patients were successfully treated surgically. The operative time and postoperative hospital stay in the LU group were shorter than those in the OU group (106.3 ± 21.4 vs. 85.8 ± 16.5 min, 11.6 ± 1.9 vs. 8.3 ± 1.7 days, respectively; p < 0.05). The OU group had two postoperative complications, both of which were classified as Clavien–Dindo grade II based on the Clavien–Dindo classification. One case of postoperative complication occurred in the LU group, which was classified as Clavien–Dindo Grade II. There was no significant statistical difference in complications between the two groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Our data showed that laparoscopic ureteroureterostomy is a safe and effective treatment for congenital midureteral obstruction in children, and provides several advantages, including fewer postoperative complications, shorter postoperative hospital stay, and a shorter operative time. Laparoscopic procedures should be the first choice for treating children with congenital midureteral obstructions.
Treatment of borderline hip dysplasia with triple pelvic osteotomy: preoperative values of acetabular index and lateral center edge angle can indicate overcorrection
Authors: Dornacher Daniel , Lutz Bernd , Fuchs Michael , Zippelius Timo , Reichel Heiko
Published: June 2023

Introduction

After pelvic osteotomy for the treatment of symptomatic hip dysplasia, the longevity of the hip joint can be compromised by acetabular overcorrection. This iatrogenic pincer-type deformity is considered to be one of the major risk factors for persistent pain and progressing osteoarthritis. There is evidence that acetabula in the borderline range, defined by a lateral center edge angle (LCEA) between 18° and 25°, are more delicate to be orientated physiologically. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of acetabular orientation by triple pelvic osteotomy (TPO), established by Tönnis and Kalchschmidt, especially with respect to acetabular overcorrection.

Materials and methods

A retrospective examination on 368 consecutive hips treated with TPOs was conducted. On the preoperative pelvic radiograph and the radiographic control 5 days after surgery, LCEA, acetabular index (AI), and anterior (AWI) and posterior wall index (PWI) were measured. According to the above-mentioned definition, the hips were divided into a borderline (n = 196) and a dysplastic (n = 172) group. Acetabular overcorrection was defined as when LCEA exceeded 35°, AI was below 0° and AWI exceeded 0.60, postoperatively. The postoperative occurrence of a relevant femoroacetabular impingement was correlated to these thresholds. Statistics comprised a priori power analysis, correlation analyses and receiver operating characteristics (ROC).

Results

In the borderline group, in 64 hips (32.7%), LCEA and AI indicated lateral overcorrection. In the dysplastic group, in 14 hips (8.1%), solely AI indicated overcorrection. In none of the hips, relevant anterior overcorrection was detected since AWI never exceeded 0.60. Chi-square test demonstrated a significant correlation between the occurrence of a postoperative femoroacetabular impingement and LCEA exceeding 35°, as well as AI below 0° (p < 0.001, resp.). Bravais–Pearson’s analysis showed a significant correlation between the pre- and postoperative values of all parameters in the borderline and the dysplasia group (p < 0.001). Thus, ROC analysis could be performed and provided preoperative cutoff values for LCEA (23°) and AI (12.5°), hinting at postoperative overcorrection.

Conclusion

The comparison of radiographic parameters after TPO showed a considerably greater percentage of laterally overcorrected acetabula in the borderline hips than in the dysplastic hips. According to the wall indices, anterior overcorrection was not observed. ROC analysis anticipated unfavorable lateral overcorrection when preoperative LCEA was above 23° and AI below 12.5°. These findings should sensitize the surgeon to the delicate acetabular correction in borderline dysplastic hips.
Effect of temporary freezing on postmortem protein degradation patterns
Authors: Geissenberger Janine , Pittner S. , Ehrenfellner B. , Jakob L. , Stoiber W. , Monticelli F. C. , Steinbacher P.
Published: June 2023

Background

A precise determination of time since death plays a major role in forensic routine. Currently available techniques for estimating the postmortem interval (PMI) are restricted to specific time periods or cannot be applied for individual case-specific reasons. During recent years, it has been repeatedly demonstrated that Western blot analysis of postmortem muscle protein degradation can substantially contribute to overcome these limitations in cases with different background. Enabling to delimit time points at which certain marker proteins undergo distinct degradation events, the method has become a reasonable new tool for PMI delimitation under various forensic scenarios. However, additional research is yet required to improve our understanding of protein decomposition and how it is affected by intrinsic and extrinsic factors.

Since there are temperature limits for proteolysis, and investigators are confronted with frozen corpses, investigation of the effects of freezing and thawing on postmortem protein decomposition in the muscle tissue is an important objective to firmly establish the new method. It is also important because freezing is often the only practical means to intermittently preserve tissue samples from both true cases and animal model research.

Methods

Sets of dismembered pig hind limbs, either freshly detached non-frozen, or thawed after 4 months of freeze-storage (n = 6 each), were left to decompose under controlled conditions at 30 °C for 7 days and 10 days, respectively. Samples of the M. biceps femoris were regularly collected at predefined time points. All samples were processed via SDS-PAGE and Western blotting to identify the degradation patterns of previously characterized muscle proteins.

Results

Western blots show that the proteins degrade predictably over time in precise patterns that are largely unaffected by the freeze-and-thaw process. Investigated proteins showed complete degradation of the native protein band, partly giving rise to degradation products present in distinct time phases of the decomposition process.

Conclusion

This study provides substantial new information from a porcine model to assess the degree of bias that freezing and thawing induces on postmortem degradation of skeletal muscle proteins. Results support that a freeze–thaw cycle with prolonged storage in frozen state has no significant impact on the decomposition behavior. This will help to equip the protein degradation–based method for PMI determination with a robust applicability in the normal forensic setting.
Demonstrating the empirical effect of population specificity of anthropological standards in a contemporary Australian population
Authors: Swift Lauren , Obertova Zuzana , Franklin Daniel
Published: June 2023

The ability to differentiate individuals based on their biological sex is essential for the creation of an accurate anthropological assessment; it is therefore crucial that the standards that facilitate this are likewise accurate. Given the relative paucity of population-specific anthropological standards formulated specifically for application in the contemporary Australian population, forensic anthropological assessments have historically relied on the application of established methods developed using population geographically and/or temporally disparate. The aim of the present paper is, therefore, to assess the accuracy and reliability of established cranial sex estimation methods, developed from geographically distinct populations, as applied to the contemporary Australian population. Comparison between the original stated accuracy and sex bias values (where applicable) and those achieved after application to the Australian population provides insight into the importance of having anthropological standards optimised for application in specific jurisdictions. The sample analysed comprised computed tomographic (CT) cranial scans of 771 (385 female and 386 male) individuals collected from five Australian states/territories. Cranial CT scans were visualised as three-dimensional volume-rendered reconstructions using OsiriX®. On each cranium, 76 cranial landmarks were acquired, and 36 linear inter-landmark measurements were calculated using MorphDB. A total of 35 predictive models taken from Giles and Elliot (1963), Iscan et al. (1995), Ogawa et al. (2013), Steyn and İşcan (1998) and Kranioti et al. (2008) were tested. Application to the Australian population resulted in an average decrease in accuracy of 21.2%, with an associated sex bias range between − 64.0 and 99.7% (average sex bias value of 29.6%), relative to the original studies. The present investigation has highlighted the inherent inaccuracies of applying models derived from geographically and/or temporally disparate populations. It is, therefore, imperative that statistical models developed from a population consistent with the decedent be used for the estimation of sex in forensic casework.
A longitudinal study on the effect of extreme temperature on non-accidental deaths in Hulunbuir City based on DLNM model
Authors: Gao Sheng , Yang Tian , Zhang Xiuhong , Li Guofeng , Qin Yuhan , Zhang Xiangnan , Li Jing , Yang Shengmei , Yin Minghui , Zhao Jufang , Wei Nana , Zhao Jing , li Li , Li Huan , Yue Xuanzhi , Zhang Wenyu , Jia Xinrui , Fan Yaochun , Liu Hongli
Published: June 2023

Objective

To explore the frequency and effect of extreme temperature on the non-accidental death rate in Hulunbuir, a Chinese ice city.

Methods

From 2014 to 2018, mortality data of residents residing in Hulunbuir City were collected. The lag and cumulative effects of extreme temperature conditions on non-accidental death and respiratory and circulatory diseases were analyzed by distributed lag non-linear models (DLNM).

Results

The risk of death was the highest during high-temperature conditions, the RR value was 1.111 (95% CI 1.031 ~ 1.198). The effect was severe and acute. The risk of death during extreme low-temperature conditions peaked on the fifth day, (RR 1.057; 95% CI 1.012 ~ 1.112), then decreased and was maintained for 12 days. The cumulative RR value was 1.289 (95% CI 1.045 ~ 1.589). Heat significantly influenced the incidence of non-accidental death in both men (RR 1.187; 95% CI 1.059–1.331) and women (RR 1.252; 95% CI 1.085–1.445).

Conclusions

Regardless of the temperature effect, the risk of death in the elderly group (≥ 65 years) was significantly higher than that of the young group (0–64 years). High-temperature and low-temperature conditions can contribute to the increased number of deaths in Hulunbei. While high-temperature has an acute effect, low-temperature has a lagging effect. Elderly and women, as well as people with circulatory diseases, are more sensitive to extreme temperatures.
Does working in an extremely cold environment affects lung function?: 10 years follow-up
Authors: Velasco Garrido Marcial , Rentel Nadine , Herold Robert , Harth Volker , Preisser Alexandra M.
Published: June 2023

Objective

The aim of this study is to investigate whether there is an association between brief but repeated exposures to extremely cold temperatures over many years and pulmonary function.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of the data collected over 10 years in the context of the extended medical examinations of storeworkers exposed to extremely cold temperatures. We considered forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), Tiffeneau-Pinelli index (FEV1/FVC), CO diffusion capacity (DL,CO) and Krogh-factor (CO diffusion capacity relative to recorded alveolar volume, DL,CO/VA) reported as %-predicted. We analysed trends in outcome parameters with linear mixed models.

Results

46 male workers participated in at least two extended medical examinations between 2007 and 2017. Overall 398 measure points were available. All lung function parameters had values above the lower limit of normality at the first examination. In the multivariate model including smoking status and monthly intensity of cold exposure (≤ 16 h/month vs. > 16 h/month) FEV1%-predicted and FVC %-predicted had a statistically significant positive slope (FEV1, 0.32% 95% CI 0.16% to 0.49% p < 0.001; FVC 0.43% 95% CI 0.28% to 0.57% p < 0.001). The other lung function parameters (FEV1/FVC %-predicted, DL,CO %-predicted, DL,CO/VA %-predicted) showed no statistically significant change over time.

Conclusions

Long term intermittent occupational exposure to extreme cold temperatures (-55 °C) does not appear to cause irreversible deleterious changes in lung function in healthy workers, thus the development of obstructive or restrictive lung diseases is not expected.
Abstract concepts and simulated competition
Authors: Nico Daniele , M. Borghi Anna , Tummolini Luca , Daprati Elena
Published: June 2023

To better understand the social determinants of conceptual knowledge we devised a task in which participants were asked to judge the match between a definition (expressed in abstract or concrete terms) and a target-word (also either abstract or concrete). The task was presented in the form of a competition that could/could not include an opponent, and in which different percentages of response rounds were assigned to the participant at the experimenter’s discretion. Thus, depending on the condition, participants were either exposed to a competitive context mimicking a privileged/unprivileged interaction with the experimenter or to a socially neutral setting. Results showed that manipulation of the social context selectively affected judgments on abstract stimuli: responses were significantly slower whenever a definition and/or a target word were presented in abstract form and when participants were in the favorable condition of responding in most of the trials. Moreover, only when processing abstract material, responses were slower when an opponent was expected to be present. Data are discussed in the frame of the different cognitive engagements involved when treating abstract and concrete concepts as well as in relation to the possible motivational factors prompted by the experimental set-up. The role of social context as a crucial element for abstract knowledge processing is also considered.
Cause of death and the autopsy rate in an elderly population
Authors: Latten Bartholomeus G. H. , Kubat Bela , van den Brandt Piet A. , zur Hausen Axel , Schouten Leo J.
Published: June 2023

Autopsy
rates are declining, while major discrepancies between autopsies and clinical diagnoses remain. Still, little is known about the impact of suspected underlying diseases, for example, a diagnosis of cancer, on the autopsy rate. The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between the clinical cause of death, a history of cancer, and the medical autopsy rate using data from the Netherlands Cohort Study on Diet and Cancer (NLCS), a large prospective cohort study with a long follow-up. The NLCS is a prospective study initiated in 1986 and includes 120,852 persons (58,279 males and 62,573 females), 55–69 years of age at the time of enrollment. The NLCS was linked with the Dutch Nationwide Pathology Databank (PALGA), the Dutch Population Register (GBA), the Netherlands Cancer Registry, and the causes of death registry (Statistics Netherlands). If applicable, the 95% confidence intervals were calculated. During the follow-up of the NLCS, 59,760 deaths were recorded by linkage with the GBA from 1991 until 2009. Of these, a medical autopsy was performed on 3736 deceased according to linkage with PALGA, resulting in an overall autopsy rate of 6.3%. Major variations in the autopsy rate were observed according to the cause of death. The autopsy rate increased according to the number of contributing causes of death. Lastly, a diagnosis of cancer affected the autopsy rate. The clinical cause of death and a history of cancer both influenced the medical autopsy rate in a large national cohort. The insight this study provides may help clinicians and pathologists counteracting the further downfall of the medical autopsy.
Wie resilient sind unsere Flüsse? – Grundlagen für die Erstellung eines Feststoffmanagementkonzepts am Beispiel der Gail
Authors: Schwarz Sabrina , Rindler Rolf , Poglitsch Hannes , Gmeiner Philipp , Habersack Helmut
Published: June 2023

Durch Eingriffe in Flussläufe für die Schifffahrt, Schutzfunktionen, menschliche Lebensräume oder durch das Abschmelzen der Gletscher verändert sich zwingend auch der Feststoffhaushalt, wodurch es Flüssen nicht mehr möglich ist, diesen ohne langfristige negative Auswirkungen selbst steuern zu können. Dadurch folgen Sohlhöhenänderungen, die sich in Eintiefungen oder Anlandungen widerspiegeln, die wiederum die Funktion des Flusses als Verkehrswasserstraße, die Hochwasser-Schutzfunktion und die geschaffenen Lebensräume gefährden. Oftmals wird versucht diesen Auswirkungen mit punktuellen Maßnahmen entgegenzusteuern, die dann meistens nur eine kurzfristige positive Wirkung zeigen. Um ein langfristiges, selbststeuerndes und dadurch dynamisches Flusssystem schaffen zu können, welches auch im Einklang mit den genannten Funktionen eines Flusses steht, sind resiliente Flüsse erstrebenswert. Ein resilienter Fluss befindet sich in einem dynamischen Gleichgewicht von Sedimentüberschüssen und -defiziten. Dafür sollen Feststoffmanagementkonzepte entwickelt werden. Ein funktionierendes Managementkonzept setzt ein umfassendes Verständnis über die Feststofftransportprozesse sowie den Sedimenteintrag und -austrag in einem Flusssystem voraus. Diese Prozesse können durch die Erstellung einer Feststoffbilanz ermittelt werden. Feststoffbilanzen wurden bereits weltweit an Flüssen durchgeführt, wie zum Beispiel am Rhein und der Isar in Deutschland, am Muga in Spanien, an der Rhone in Frankreich oder auch am Yellow River in China. Feststoffbilanzen können in unterschiedlichen zeitlichen und räumlichen Dimensionen erstellt werden. In diesem Artikel wird ein Fallbeispiel über die Grundlagen für die Erstellung eines Feststoffmanagementkonzepts der Gail in Kärnten dargestellt. Als Datengrundlage werden dafür Korngrößenanalysen, Sohlhöhen- und Kubaturanalysen und Analysen über die Geschiebetransportprozesse durchgeführt und damit eine Geschiebebilanz erstellt. Diese wird bereits durchgeführten Maßnahmen und Analysen gegenübergestellt, wodurch feststoffbezogene Abschnitte definiert werden, die die Grundlage für ein aktives und langfristiges Feststoffmanagement darstellen. Maßnahmen für einen resilienten Fluss sind Sedimentpufferzonen, die Remobilisierung von Sedimenten, angepasste Gerinnebreiten, eine angepasste Linienführung sowie ein kontinuierliches und langfristiges Feststoffmonitoring.
Lessons learned? Increasing injury severity of electric-scooter accidents over a period of one year: a monocentric follow-up study at a level 1 trauma center
Authors: Leyendecker Jannik , Hackl Michael , Leschinger Tim , Bredow Jan , Krane Felix , Eysel Peer , Müller Lars P. , Harbrecht Andreas
Published: June 2023

Purpose

After major COVID-19 lockdown measures were suspended in 2021, E-scooter mobility regrew rapidly. In the meantime, multiple studies were published on the potential risks for e-scooter drivers and the necessity for wearing protective equipment. But did the drivers learn their lessons?

Methods

We observed data of E-scooter-related accidents admitted to the emergency department of a level 1 German trauma center in the year 2021 and compared the data with our previous report (July 2019-July 2020).

Results

N = 97 E-scooter-related accidents were included, marking a 50% increase when compared to the previous observation. Most patients were young adults (28.18 ± 1.13 years) with a notable shift towards a male population (25 vs. 63, p = 0.007). While the injury pattern remained unchanged, injury severity, reflected by a significant increase in shock room treatments (p = 0.005), hospital admissions (p = 0.45), and ICU admissions (p = 0.028), increased. Lastly, we report a higher injury severity of patients driving under the influence of alcohol, expressed by significant differences in hospital admissions, shock room treatments, ICU admissions, intracerebral bleeding (p < 0.0001), and injuries requiring surgery (p = 0.0017).

Conclusion

The increase in injury severity and especially the substantial number of accidents due to driving under the influence of alcohol, are alarming for both trauma- and neurosurgeons. As the controversy surrounding the general use of E-scooters will continue, we urge representatives to intensify their efforts regarding prevention campaigns focusing on the potential dangers of E-scooters, especially when driving under the influence of alcohol.
Determining primary stability for adhesively stabilized dental implants
Authors: Andersen Ole Zoffmann , Bellón Benjamin , Lamkaouchi Maryam , Brunelli Marzia , Wei Qiuju , Procter Philip , Pippenger Benjamin E.
Published: June 2023

Objectives

To examine factors influencing the primary stability of dental implants when stabilized in over-sized osteotomies using a calcium phosphate-based adhesive cement was the objective.

Methods

Using implant removal torque measurements as a surrogate for primary stability, we examined the influence of implant design features (diameter, surface area, and thread design), along with cement gap size and curing time, on the resulting primary implant stability.

Results

Removal torque values scaled with implant surface area and increasing implant diameters. Cement gap size did not alter the median removal torque values; however, larger gaps were associated with an increased spread of the measured values. Among the removal torque values measured, all were found to be above 32 Ncm which is an insertion torque threshold value commonly recommended for immediate loading protocols.

Conclusion

The adhesive cement show potential for offering primary implant stability for different dental implant designs. In this study, the primary parameters influencing the measured removal torque values were the implant surface area and diameter. As the liquid cement prevents the use of insertion torque, considering the relationship between insertion and removal torque, removal torque can be considered a reliable surrogate for primary implant stability for bench and pre-clinical settings.

Clinical relevance

At present, the primary stability of dental implants is linked to the quality of the host bone, the drill protocol, and the specific implant design. The adhesive cement might find applications in future clinical settings for enhancing primary stability of implants under circumstances where this cannot be achieved conventionally.
Calculating of square-wave voltammograms—a practical on-line simulation platform
Authors: Gulaboski Rubin , Mirceski Valentin
Published: June 2023

Square-wave voltammetry (SWV) is a widely used technique for getting insight into mechanistic and kinetic aspects of various electrochemical reactions. To date, this pulse-voltammetric technique has been utilized in numerous electrochemical studies and it remains one of the most sophisticated electrochemical methods available. As a result of its higher sensitivity and its potential to provide insights similar to cyclic voltammetry for electrode mechanisms characterization, the SWV is increasingly being included in undergraduate electrochemistry laboratory curriculums. The features of experimental SW voltammograms are affected by various factors, such as kinetics of charge transfer, diffusion, adsorption phenomena, and chemical reactions coupled to electron transfer step. To understand some of the physical and chemical phenomena hidden in a single experimental SW voltammogram, it is inevitable to get a help of computer simulations. The purpose of this article is to offer a basic introduction to SWV written in a simple language, intended to engage students and familiarize them with the fundamentals of this technique. The ultimate objective is to provide the aspiring young electrochemists with a simulation procedure using the MATHCAD software, which can be employed to compute SW voltammograms following a rather easy simulation approach. A detailed tutorial on simulating SW voltammograms with MATHCAD software is presented. The simple tutorial offers a step-by-step breakdown of the simulation process of a square-wave voltammogram. Additionally, a MATHCAD ready-to-use file for simulation of a common electrode mechanism is provided. The current work aims to assist undergraduate students in learning about electrochemical simulations that serve as a corner stone to more advanced studies in SWV.
Concert experiences in virtual reality environments
Authors: Onderdijk Kelsey E. , Bouckaert Lies , Van Dyck Edith , Maes Pieter-Jan
Published: June 2023

Spurred by recent advances in digital technologies, virtual concerts have become established modes for event attendance and represent a rapidly growing segment of the music industry. Yet, up to now, general experience of virtual concert attendees remains largely underexplored. Here, we focus on a subcategory in this domain: music concerts in virtual reality (VR). Our approach is situated within the theoretical framework of embodied music cognition and entailed investigation through a survey study. Responses of seventy-four VR concert attendees were collected, consisting of demographics, motivations, experiences, and future perspectives. In contrast to previous research, which generally identified social connectedness as a main motivator for concert attendance, our sample regarded it as one of the least important incentives. On the other hand, in line with previous studies, ‘seeing specific artists perform’ and ‘uniqueness of the experience’, were pivotal. The latter was mostly fueled by the possibility to experience/interact with visuals and environments considered as unconceivable in the real world. Furthermore, 70% of our sample regarded VR concerts as ‘the future of the music industry’, mainly relating to the accessibility of such events. Positive evaluations of VR concert experiences, as well as future perspectives regarding the medium, were significantly influenced by the level of experienced immersivity. To our knowledge, this is the first study to provide such an account.