bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of bacterial pathogens using home oropharyngeal swab collection in children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Lenhart‐Pendergrass Patricia M. , Anthony Meg , Sariyska Sabina , Andrews Ashley , Scavezze Heather , Towler Elinor , Martiniano Stacey L. , Hoppe Jordana E. , Zemanick Edith T.
Published: April 2021

Background

Collection of respiratory cultures for airway microbiology surveillance is an essential component of routine clinical care in cystic fibrosis (CF). The COVID‐19 global pandemic has necessitated increased use of telehealth, but one limitation of telehealth is the inability to collect respiratory specimens. We initiated a protocol for at‐home collection of oropharyngeal (OP) swabs from children with CF.

Methods

Home respiratory specimen collection was offered during telehealth encounters. Home OP swab kits were sent to participating families via mail with instructions for collection and return. Specimens were returned by overnight shipping or dropped off at a hospital lab for processing and culture. We evaluated demographic data and compared culture results from the home‐collected specimen to the most recent specimen collected in clinic. We also tracked the frequency of newly identified Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Results

Home OP swab kits were sent to families of 33 children with CF (range 1.5–19 years). OP swab kits were successfully returned from 19 children (range 1.5–19 years). One or more CF pathogens grew from 79% of the specimens. For four individuals, the home collected specimen demonstrated the new growth of P. aeruginosa.

Conclusions

Home collection of OP swabs for bacterial culture is feasible in children with CF across a range of ages. Most home‐collected specimens demonstrated growth of one or more CF pathogens and results were similar to recent in‐clinic specimens, suggesting acceptable sample collection technique. Anti‐pseudomonal therapy was initiated for four children based on the growth of P. aeruginosa from the home respiratory specimen.
Is viral coinfection a risk factor for severe lower respiratory tract infection? A retrospective observational study
Authors: Eşki Aykut , Öztürk Gökçen Kartal , Çiçek Candan , Gülen Figen , Demir Esen
Published: April 2021

Objective

To determine whether viral coinfection is a risk for severe lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI).

Working Hypothesis

Children with viral coinfection had a higher risk for admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) than those with a single virus infection.

Study Design

Retrospective, observational study for 10 years.

Patient‐Subject Selection

Children between 1 and 60 months of age hospitalized with LRTI.
Breech progression angle: new feasible and reliable transperineal ultrasound parameter for assessment of fetal breech descent in birth canal
Authors: Youssef A. , Brunelli E. , Fiorentini M. , Lenzi J. , Pilu G. , El‐Balat A.
Published: April 2021

Objective

To assess the feasibility and reliability of transperineal ultrasound in the assessment of fetal breech descent in the birth canal, by measuring the breech progression angle (BPA).

Methods

Women with a singleton pregnancy with the fetus in breech presentation between 34 and 41 weeks' gestation were recruited. Transperineal ultrasound images were acquired in the midsagittal view for each woman, twice by one operator and once by another. Each operator measured the BPA after anonymization of the transperineal ultrasound images. BPA was defined as the angle between a line running along the long axis of the pubic symphysis and another line extending from the most inferior portion of the pubic symphysis tangentially to the lowest recognizable fetal part in the maternal pelvis. Each operator was blinded to all other measurements performed for each woman. Intra‐ and interobserver reproducibility of BPA measurement was evaluated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). To investigate the presence of any bias, intra‐ and interobserver agreement was also analyzed using Bland–Altman analysis. Student's t‐test and Levene's W0 test were used to investigate whether a number of different clinical factors had an effect on systematic differences and homogeneity, respectively, between BPA measurements.

Results

Overall, 44 women were included in the analysis. BPA was measured successfully by both operators on all images. Both intra‐ and interobserver agreement analyses showed excellent reproducibility in BPA measurement, with ICCs of 0.88 (95% CI, 0.80–0.93) and 0.83 (95% CI, 0.71–0.90), respectively. The mean difference between measurements was 0.4° (95% CI, −1.4 to 2.2°) for intraobserver repeatability and −0.4° (95% CI, −2.6 to 1.8°) for interobserver repeatability. The upper limits of agreement were 12.0° (95% CI, 8.9–15.1°) and 13.6° (95% CI, 9.9–17.3°) for intra‐ and interobserver repeatability, respectively. The lower limits of agreement were −11.2° (95% CI, −14.3 to −8.1°) and −14.4° (95% CI, −18.2 to −10.7°) for intra‐ and interobserver repeatability, respectively. No systematic difference between BPA measurements was found on either intra‐ or interobserver agreement analysis. None of the clinical factors examined (maternal body mass index, maternal age, gestational age at the ultrasound scan and parity) showed a statistically significant effect on intra‐ or interobserver reliability.

Conclusions

BPA represents a new feasible and highly reproducible measurement for the evaluation of fetal breech descent in the birth canal. Future studies assessing its usefulness in the prediction of successful external cephalic version and breech vaginal delivery are needed. © 2021 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Embracing nanomaterials' interactions with the innate immune system
Authors: Teunissen Abraham J. P. , Burnett Marianne E. , Prévot Geoffrey , Klein Emma D. , Bivona Daniel , Mulder Willem J. M.
Published: April 2021

Immunotherapy has firmly established itself as a compelling avenue for treating disease. Although many clinically approved immunotherapeutics engage the adaptive immune system, therapeutically targeting the innate immune system remains much less explored. Nanomedicine offers a compelling opportunity for innate immune system engagement, as many nanomaterials inherently interact with myeloid cells (e.g., monocytes, macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells) or can be functionalized to target their cell‐surface receptors. Here, we provide a perspective on exploiting nanomaterials for innate immune system regulation. We focus on specific nanomaterial design parameters, including size, form, rigidity, charge, and surface decoration. Furthermore, we examine the potential of high‐throughput screening and machine learning, while also providing recommendations for advancing the field.

This article is categorized under:

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology

Diagnostic Tools > In Vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease
Search for new light vector boson using J/Ψ at BESIII and Belle II
Authors: Ban Kayoung , Jho Yongsoo , Kwon Youngjoon , Park Seong Chan , Park Seokhee , Tseng Po-Yan
Published: April 2021

Abstract

We investigate various search strategies for light vector boson X in $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
(10) MeV mass range using J/Ψ associated channels at BESIII and Belle II: (i) J/Ψ → ηcX with 1010J/Ψs at BESIII, (ii) J/Ψ(ηc + X) + $$ \mathrm{\ell}\overline{\mathrm{\ell}} $$
ℓ

ℓ
¯

production at Belle II, and (iii) J/Ψ + X with the displaced vertex in X → e+e− decay are analyzed and the future sensitivities at Belle II with 50 ab−1 luminosity are comprehensively studied. By requiring the displaced vertex to be within the beam pipe, the third method results in nearly background-free analysis, and the vector boson-electron coupling and the vector boson mass can be probed in the unprecedented range, 10−4 ≤ |εe| ≤ 10−3 and 9 MeV ≤ mX ≤ 100MeV with 50 ab−1 at Belle II. This covers the favored signal region of 8Be* anomaly recently reported by Atomki experiment with mX ≃ 17 MeV.
Null infinity as an open Hamiltonian system
Authors: Wieland Wolfgang
Published: April 2021

Abstract

When a system emits gravitational radiation, the Bondi mass decreases. If the Bondi energy is Hamiltonian, it can thus only be a time-dependent Hamiltonian. In this paper, we show that the Bondi energy can be understood as a time-dependent Hamiltonian on the covariant phase space. Our derivation starts from the Hamiltonian formulation in domains with boundaries that are null. We introduce the most general boundary conditions on a generic such null boundary, and compute quasi-local charges for boosts, energy and angular momentum. Initially, these domains are at finite distance, such that there is a natural IR regulator. To remove the IR regulator, we introduce a double null foliation together with an adapted Newman-Penrose null tetrad. Both null directions are surface orthogonal. We study the falloff conditions for such specific null foliations and take the limit to null infinity. At null infinity, we recover the Bondi mass and the usual covariant phase space for the two radiative modes at the full non-perturbative level. Apart from technical results, the framework gives two important physical insights. First of all, it explains the physical significance of the corner term that is added in the Wald-Zoupas framework to render the quasi-conserved charges integrable. The term to be added is simply the derivative of the Hamiltonian with respect to the background fields that drive the time-dependence of the Hamiltonian. Secondly, we propose a new interpretation of the Bondi mass as the thermodynamical free energy of gravitational edge modes at future null infinity. The Bondi mass law is then simply the statement that the free energy always decreases on its way towards thermal equilibrium.
Gravitational waves from a holographic phase transition
Authors: Ares Fëanor Reuben , Hindmarsh Mark , Hoyos Carlos , Jokela Niko
Published: April 2021

We investigate first order phase transitions in a holographic setting of five-dimensional Einstein gravity coupled to a scalar field, constructing phase diagrams of the dual field theory at finite temperature. We scan over the two-dimensional parameter space of a simple bottom-up model and map out important quantities for the phase transition: the region where first order phase transitions take place; the latent heat, the transition strength parameter α, and the stiffness. We find that α is generically in the range 0.1 to 0.3, and is strongly correlated with the stiffness (the square of the sound speed in a barotropic fluid). Using the LISA Cosmology Working Group gravitational wave power spectrum model corrected for kinetic energy suppression at large α and non-conformal stiffness, we outline the observational prospects at the future space-based detectors LISA and TianQin. A TeV-scale hidden sector with a phase transition described by the model could be observable at both detectors.
Soliton, breather and shockwave solutions of the Heisenberg and the $$ T\overline{T} $$ deformations of scalar field theories in 1+1 dimensions
Authors: Nastase Horatiu , Sonnenschein Jacob
Published: April 2021

Abstract

In this note we study soliton, breather and shockwave solutions in certain two dimensional field theories. These include: (i) Heisenberg’s model suggested originally to describe the scattering of high energy nucleons (ii) $$ T\overline{T} $$
T

T
¯

deformations of certain canonical scalar field theories with a potential. We find explicit soliton solutions of these models with sine-Gordon and Higgs-type potentials. We prove that the $$ T\overline{T} $$
T

T
¯

deformation of a theory of a given potential does not correct the mass of the soliton of the undeformed one. We further conjecture the form of breather solutions of these models. We show that certain $$ T\overline{T} $$
T

T
¯

deformed actions admit shockwave solutions that generalize those of Heisenberg’s Lagrangian.
Cytokine signaling convergence regulates the microglial state transition in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Lau Shun-Fat , Fu Amy K. Y. , Ip Nancy Y.
Published: April 2021

Genetic analyses have revealed the pivotal contribution of microglial dysfunctions to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Along AD progression, the accumulation of danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) including beta-amyloid and hyperphosphorylated tau continuously stimulates microglia, which results in their chronic activation. Chronically activated microglia secrete excessive pro-inflammatory cytokines, which further regulate microglial responses towards DAMPs. This has spurred longstanding interest in targeting cytokine-induced microglial responses for AD therapeutic development. However, the cytokine-induced microglial state transition is not comprehensively understood. Cytokines are assumed to induce microglial state transition from a resting state to an activated state. However, recent evidence indicate that this microglial state transition involves multiple sequential functional states. Moreover, the mechanisms by which different functional states within the cytokine-induced microglial state transition regulate AD pathology remain unclear. In this review, we summarize how different cytokine signaling pathways, including those of IL-33 (interleukin-33), NLRP3 inflammasome–IL-1β, IL-10, and IL-12/IL-23, regulate microglial functions in AD. Furthermore, we discuss how the modulation of these cytokine signaling pathways can result in beneficial outcomes in AD. Finally, we describe a stepwise functional state transition of microglia induced by cytokine signaling that can provide insights into the molecular basis of the beneficial effects of cytokine modulation in AD and potentially aid therapeutic development.
Do pentaploid hybrids mediate gene flow between tetraploid Senecio disjunctus and hexaploid S. carniolicus s. str. (S. carniolicus aggregate, Asteraceae)?
Authors: Peskoller Andrea , Silbernagl Lisa , Hülber Karl , Sonnleitner Michaela , Schönswetter Peter
Published: April 2021

Polyploids with odd-ploidy levels may play an important evolutionary role as they enable backcrosses with their parental cytotypes. We chose the ploidy-variable Senecio carniolicus species group to address the overarching question if pentaploid individuals, which occur at high frequencies in immediate contact zones of parental tetraploids and hexaploids, mediate effective interploidy gene flow. We employed a set of approaches including relative genome size (RGS) determination and viability tests of pollen, RGS of the embryo, viability tests and germination experiments of seeds, and RGS and survival experiments of seedlings to tackle the following specific questions. Is pollen of pentaploid individuals viable suggesting regular meiosis in spite of the odd-ploidy level? Are the five sets of chromosomes split into 2.5 compliments, or rather into two and three compliments? Do crossings between pentaploid individuals produce viable seeds and seedlings, suggesting that pentaploids are an independent evolutionary unit? We found that pollen stainability is not strongly reduced in pentaploids and that the five chromosome complements are most often split into 2.5 complements. Seeds originating from homoploid crossings of pentaploids show a very low viability whereas backcrosses with tetraploids or hexaploids were more successful. No significant difference in seedling survival was observed among the different crossings but seedlings emerging from 5x5x crosses were significantly smaller than both, seedlings from backcrosses and from homoploid parental crosses. Altogether, our results indicate that pentaploids may play an important evolutionary role as mediators of gene flow but that they rather do not form an independent evolutionary unit.
Mitigating the stress response to improve outcomes for older patients undergoing emergency surgery with the addition of beta-adrenergic blockade
Authors: Mohseni Shahin , Joseph Bellal , Peden Carol Jane
Published: April 2021

As population age, healthcare systems and providers are likely to experience a substantial increase in the proportion of elderly patients requiring emergency surgery. Emergency surgery, compared with planned surgery, is strongly associated with increased risks of adverse postoperative outcomes due to the short time available for diagnosis, optimization, and intervention in patients presenting with physiological derangement. These patient populations, who are often frail and burdened with a variety of co-morbidities, have lower reserves to deal with the stress of the acute condition and the required emergency surgical intervention. In this review article, we discuss topical areas where mitigation of the physiological stress posed by the acute condition and asociated surgical intervention may be feasible. We consider the impact of the adrenergic response and use of beta blockers for these high-risk patients and discuss common risk factors such as frailty and delirium. A proactive multidisciplinary approach to peri-operative care aimed at mitigation of the stress response and proactive management of common conditions in the older emergency surgical patient could yield more favorable outcomes.
Industry electricity price and output elasticities for high-income and middle-income countries
Authors: Liddle Brantley , Hasanov Fakhri
Published: April 2021

Energy planning and climate policy require understanding long-run energy demand patterns. Electricity demand further is important because energy services derived from electricity typically do not have substitution possibilities from other fuels. By employing dynamic panel models, we estimate the long-run price and output elasticities of aggregate industrial electricity demand for high-income (mostly OECD) and middle-income (mostly non-OECD) countries. The unbalanced data span 1978–2016 and include 35 high-income countries and 30 middle-income countries. Our dynamic panel estimates address nonstationarity, heterogeneity, and cross-sectional dependence. We believe these are the first such panel estimates for middle-income/non-OECD countries and among the few such estimates for high-income/OECD countries to appear in the literature. The output elasticity for high-income countries typically was significantly below unity, around 0.5, and the price elasticity was around − 0.25 (and was statistically significant). For middle-income countries, the output elasticity was greater than unity and was likely significantly larger than the output elasticity for high-income countries, whereas the price elasticity was small and insignificant for middle-income countries.
The effect of pessary treatment on puborectalis muscle function
Authors: Manzini Claudia , van den Noort Frieda , Grob Anique T. M. , Withagen Mariëlla I. J. , van der Vaart Carl H.
Published: April 2021

Introduction and hypothesis

The objective was to assess if puborectalis muscle (PRM) function changes in women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) undergoing pessary treatment.

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study of women with symptomatic POP choosing pessary treatment. An interview, clinical examination and 3D/4D transperineal ultrasound were performed at baseline and at 3-month follow-up. POP was assessed using the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification system (POPQ). Parameters compared between baseline and follow-up were: hiatal area at rest (HArest), maximal contraction (HActx), and maximal Valsalva maneuver (HAVal), displacement in contraction (DISPL-ctx, i.e., relative difference between HArest and HActx), and displacement in Valsalva (DISPL-Val, i.e., relative difference between and HAVal and HArest). Parameters were compared in women with and those without complete avulsion.

Results

A total of 162 women were assessed and 34 were included. Mean age was 64 years (SD 11.4), and mean BMI 24 kg/m2 (SD 3.1). Thirty-one women had a cystocele, 8 a uterine prolapse, and 12 had a posterior compartment prolapse. Twenty-one women (61.8%) had a POP stage II, and 13 (38.2%) a POP stage III. Ring pessaries were most frequently used (97%). In the entire group a statistically significant increase in DISPL-ctx was observed (mean difference 2.1%, p = 0.017). In the no avulsion group HArest and DISPL-ctx increased significantly (mean difference 4.1%, p = 0.016 and 2.7%, p = 0.016 respectively) and the increase in DISPL-ctx was higher than in the avulsion group (mean difference 2.7% vs 0.2%, p = 0.056).

Conclusion

Our results show that PRM function changes in women with POP undergoing pessary treatment and suggest that such change occurs mainly in the absence of complete avulsion.
SARS-CoV-2-assoziierte Todesfälle von erwachsenen Personen bis 50 Jahre
Authors: Lohner L. , Fröb D. , Edler C. , Schröder A. S. , Dietz E. , Ondruschka B.
Published: April 2021

Einleitung

In der internationalen Literatur finden sich mehrere Auswertungen zu SARS-CoV-2-assoziierten Todesfällen bei Personen in hohem Lebensalter. Ziel dieser Arbeit war die Evaluation SARS-CoV-2-assoziierter Todesfälle von Personen jüngeren oder mittleren Lebensalters (bis 50 Jahre) im Institut für Rechtsmedizin in Hamburg mit Darstellung der Häufigkeit, der Komorbiditäten und der Krankheitsverläufe.

Material und Methoden

Durch das Institut für Rechtsmedizin in Hamburg wurden im Jahr 2020 insgesamt 735 SARS-CoV-2-assoziierte Fälle von Verstorbenen mit Hamburger Meldeadresse anhand verschiedener Untersuchungsmethoden evaluiert. Die Auswahl und Durchführung der jeweiligen Untersuchungsmethoden erfolgten je nach Zustimmung durch die nächsten Angehörigen. Darüber hinaus wurden weitere Sektionen von Verstorbenen mit externer Meldeadresse und positivem SARS-CoV-2-Nachweis durchgeführt.

Ergebnisse und Schlussfolgerungen

Neun der 735 Verstorbenen mit Hamburger Meldeadresse und 3 der untersuchten Todesfälle mit externer Meldeadresse (n = 12; 7 Männer und 5 Frauen) waren ≤50 Jahre alt, mit einem Altersdurchschnitt von 39,8 Jahren. Im Wesentlichen bestanden kardiovaskuläre, neurologische und maligne Erkrankungen sowie eine Adipositas. Bei 2 Todesfällen wurde SARS-CoV‑2 erstmalig postmortal nachgewiesen; bei diesen beiden fand sich eine virusunabhängige Todesursache. Sieben der Personen verstarben an einer COVID-19-Pneumonie, 3 Personen an den Folgen der notwendigen intensivmedizinischen Behandlung.

Mehrere Studien konnten insbesondere bei jüngeren Patienten einen Zusammenhang zwischen Übergewichtigkeit und schweren SARS-CoV-2-bedingten Krankheitsverläufen zeigen, was sich auch im hiesigen rechtsmedizinischen Untersuchungskollektiv bestätigte.
In vitro interactions of Alternaria mycotoxins, an emerging class of food contaminants, with the gut microbiota: a bidirectional relationship
Authors: Crudo Francesco , Aichinger Georg , Mihajlovic Jovana , Varga Elisabeth , Dellafiora Luca , Warth Benedikt , Dall’Asta Chiara , Berry David , Marko Doris
Published: April 2021

The human gut microbiota plays an important role in the maintenance of human health. Factors able to modify its composition might predispose the host to the development of pathologies. Among the various xenobiotics introduced through the diet, Alternaria mycotoxins are speculated to represent a threat for human health. However, limited data are currently available about the bidirectional relation between gut microbiota and Alternaria mycotoxins. In the present work, we investigated the in vitro effects of different concentrations of a complex extract of Alternaria mycotoxins (CE; containing eleven mycotoxins; e.g. 0.153 µM alternariol and 2.3 µM altersetin, at the maximum CE concentration tested) on human gut bacterial strains, as well as the ability of the latter to metabolize or adsorb these compounds. Results from the minimum inhibitory concentration assay showed the scarce ability of CE to inhibit the growth of the tested strains. However, the growth kinetics of most of the strains were negatively affected by exposure to the various CE concentrations, mainly at the highest dose (50 µg/mL). The CE was also found to antagonize the formation of biofilms, already at concentrations of 0.5 µg/mL. LC–MS/MS data analysis of the mycotoxin concentrations found in bacterial pellets and supernatants after 24 h incubation showed the ability of bacterial strains to adsorb some Alternaria mycotoxins, especially the key toxins alternariol, alternariol monomethyl ether, and altersetin. The tendency of these mycotoxins to accumulate within bacterial pellets, especially in those of Gram-negative strains, was found to be directly related to their lipophilicity.
Primary prophylaxis of bacterial infections and Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in patients with hematologic malignancies and solid tumors: 2020 updated guidelines of the Infectious Diseases Working Party of the German Society of Hematology and Medical Oncology (AGIHO/DGHO)
Authors: Classen Annika Y. , Henze Larissa , von Lilienfeld-Toal Marie , Maschmeyer Georg , Sandherr Michael , Graeff Luisa Durán , Alakel Nael , Christopeit Maximilian , Krause Stefan W. , Mayer Karin , Neumann Silke , Cornely Oliver A. , Penack Olaf , Weißinger Florian , Wolf Hans-Heinrich , Vehreschild Jörg Janne
Published: April 2021

Hematologic and oncologic patients with chemo- or immunotherapy-related immunosuppression are at substantial risk for bacterial infections and Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PcP). As bacterial resistances are increasing worldwide and new research reshapes our understanding of the interactions between the human host and bacterial commensals, administration of antibacterial prophylaxis has become a matter of discussion. This guideline constitutes an update of the 2013 published guideline of the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) of the German Society for Hematology and Medical Oncology (DGHO). It gives an overview about current strategies for antibacterial prophylaxis in cancer patients while taking into account the impact of antibacterial prophylaxis on the human microbiome and resistance development. Current literature published from January 2012 to August 2020 was searched and evidence-based recommendations were developed by an expert panel. All recommendations were discussed and approved in a consensus conference of the AGIHO prior to publication. As a result, we present a comprehensive update and extension of our guideline for antibacterial and PcP prophylaxis in cancer patients.
The good and the bad about separation anxiety: roles of IL-22 and IL-22BP in liver pathologies
Authors: Lücke Jöran , Sabihi Morsal , Zhang Tao , Bauditz Lennart Fynn , Shiri Ahmad Mustafa , Giannou Anastasios D. , Huber Samuel
Published: April 2021

The human liver fulfills several vital tasks daily and possesses an impressive ability to self-regenerate. However, the capacity of this self-healing process can be exhausted by a variety of different liver diseases, such as alcoholic liver damage, viral hepatitis, or hepatocellular carcinoma. Over time, all these diseases generally lead to progressive liver failure that can become fatal if left untreated. Thus, a great effort has been directed towards the development of innovative therapies. The most recently discovered therapies often involve modifying the patient’s immune system to enhance a beneficial immune response. Current data suggest that, among others, the cytokine IL-22 might be a promising therapeutical candidate. IL-22 and its endogenous antagonist, IL-22BP, have been under thorough scientific investigation for nearly 20 years. While IL-22 is mainly produced by TH22 cells, ILC3s, NKT cells, or γδ T cells, sources of IL-22BP include dendritic cells, eosinophils, and CD4+ cells. In many settings, IL-22 was shown to promote regenerative potential and, thus, could protect tissues from pathogens and damage. However, the effects of IL-22 during carcinogenesis are more ambiguous and depend on the tumor entity and microenvironment. In line with its capabilities of neutralizing IL-22 in vivo, IL-22BP possesses often, but not always, an inverse expression pattern compared to its ligand. In this comprehensive review, we will summarize past and current findings regarding the roles of IL-22 and IL-22BP in liver diseases with a particular focus on the leading causes of advanced liver failure, namely, liver infections, liver damage, and liver malignancies.
Correction to: Solution procedures for block selection and sequencing in flat-bedded potash underground mines
Authors: Seifi Cinna , Schulze Marco , Zimmermann Jürgen
Published: April 2021

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00291-021-00629-w
Factors of sexual quality of life in gynaecological cancers: a systematic literature review
Authors: Roussin Melanie , Lowe John , Hamilton Anita , Martin Lisa
Published: April 2021

Background

The impact of cancer diagnosis and treatment on sexual quality of life (SQoL) is a well-established survivorship issue for gynaecological cancer survivors (GCS), yet little is known on how to intervene.

Purpose

The aim of this systematic review was to identify the factors explaining the variability in SQoL for GCS.

Methods

We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework and the software Covidence. Electronic databases Scopus, Web of Science, PUBMED and CINAHL were searched for original research on GCS published between 2002 and 2018. We performed a two-stage screening process against selection criteria and quality assessment of individual studies. The Salutogenic Theory and the PRECEDE–PROCEED model were used as theoretical frameworks to identify and categorise factors.

Results

The initial search yielded 3,505 articles resulting in a total of 46 studies used to examine the association between factors of SQoL and gynaecological cancers. Our findings suggested that SQoL varies across subgroups based on age, menopausal status, relationship status, and treatment modality. Protective factors included clinicians’ knowledge and confidence, preventive medical approach, risk and needs assessment, patient–clinician communication, relationship quality, psychosocial support, symptom management, accessibility of psychosexual care, and self-efficacy in the rediscovery of sexuality.

Conclusion

Despite the high incidence and long-term impact of sexual health issues on quality of life, supportive care needs are not being met. A better understanding of the evidence base around the factors of SQoL can help health professionals take steps to protect and improve SQoL in GCS.
Postmortem coronary artery calcium score in cases of myocardial infarction
Authors: Michaud Katarzyna , Magnin Virginie , Faouzi Mohamed , Fracasso Tony , Aguiar Diego , Dedouit Fabrice , Grabherr Silke
Published: April 2021

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) related to atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (ACAD) resulting in myocardial infarction is the most prevalent cause of death in western countries. In clinical practice, coronary artery calcium score (CACS) is considered an independent predictor of coronary events, closely related to atherosclerotic burden and is quantified radiologically by the Agatston score being calculated through computed tomography. Postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) allows the visualization and quantification of coronary calcifications before the autopsy. However, it was reported that some patients who died from severe ACAD had a zero CACS in PMCT. In this study, a retrospective evaluation of CACS in adult’s myocardial infarction cases related to ACAD, with available CACS and histological slides of coronary arteries, was performed in order to gain a deeper understanding of coronary calcifications and their role in myocardial infarction cases. The CACS was calculated by using the software Smartscore 4.0 after the radiological examination on a 64-row CT unit using a specific cardiac protocol. Thirty-six cases were identified out of 582 autopsies, recorded during a 2-year study period (29 men, 7 women; age 56.3 ± 11.7). CACS was 0–10 in 5 cases (5 men, 44.8 ± 13.7), 11–100 in 8 cases (6 men, 2 women, 53.1 ± 7.7), 101–400 in 13 cases (11 men, 2 women, 57.4 ± 9.6), and > 400 in 10 cases (9 men, 1 woman, 63.1 ± 11.9). Coronary thrombosis was found in 28 cases, histologically identified as plaque erosions in 6 cases and as plaque ruptures in 22 cases. Statistical analyses showed that CACS increases significantly with age (p-value < 0.05) and does not show significant correlation with gender, body weight, body mass index, and heart weight. CACS was significantly higher in plaque ruptures than in plaque erosions (p-value < 0.01). Zero or low CACS on unenhanced PMCT cannot exclude the presence of myocardial infarction related to ACAD. This paradoxical discrepancy between imaging and autopsy findings can be explained considering the histological aspect of fatal coronary plaques.
Frailty as a predictive factor for survival after liver transplantation, especially for patients with MELD≤15—a prospective study
Authors: Klein Christian G. , Malamutmann Eugen , Latuske Jenny , Tagay Sefik , Dörri Nora , Teufel Martin , Paul Andreas , Oezcelik Arzu
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Frailty has been discussed as a predictor of morbidity and mortality for liver cirrhosis. The aim of our study is to evaluate the role of frailty in liver transplantation, particularly for patients with MELD scores<15.

Methods

All patients listed for liver transplantation between September 2015 and November 2018 were prospectively included in the study. Frailty was assessed by Fried’s frailty classification. Pre-, intra-, and postoperative data were prospectively recorded. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed. The ethical approval of the institutional board review was obtained for the study.

Results

There were 114 patients included in the study, and their median MELD score was 16. Of these, 86 patients were defined as frail (75.4%). A total of 62 patients (54.4%) underwent liver transplantation, 11 (17.7%) died postoperatively, and 24 patients (21.0%) died while on the waitlist. All postoperative mortality cases were frail, and only 3 patients (12.5%) were non-frail in the waitlist mortality group. There were 14 patients who had MELD scores of<15 (58.3%). The overall survival of non-frail patients was significantly better than that of frail patients. The multivariate regression analyses identified frailty criteria, including unintended weight loss and low hand grip strength, and platelet count and being married or living in a solid partnership were prognostic factors for survival in all patients.

Conclusion

The addition of frailty assessment can be beneficial for predicting mortality after liver transplantation, especially in patients with low MELD score. Frail patients on the waitlist have significant risk for mortality even with low MELD score.
Anwendung von Rahmen-Multiplikatoren für die Extraktion von Kurvenquietschen von Zugsaufnahmen
Authors: Balazs Peter , Kasess Christian , Kreuzer Wolfgang , Maly Thomas , Průša Zdeněk , Jaillet Florent
Published: April 2021

Für viele Anwendungen in der Akustik ist es notwendig, Signale und Funktionen mithilfe von zeitvarianten Filtern zu bearbeiten, z. B. um Komponenten aus einem Signal zu entfernen, deren Frequenzverlauf sich über die Zeit ändert. Es wird eine Methode vorgestellt, die auf einer Darstellung des Signals durch Rahmen (engl. Frames) basiert, und mit deren Hilfe Filter auf der Zeit-Frequenz-Ebene definiert werden können. Nach einer kurzen Beschreibung des theoretischen Hintergrunds von Rahmen wird ihre Anwendung anhand eines Beispiels aus der Lärmforschung erläutert. Mithilfe einer einfachen grafischen Oberfläche wird aus einer Aufnahme einer Kurvenfahrt eines Zugs eine durch den Dopplereffekt zeitvariante Komponente (Kurvenquietschen) herausgeschnitten und in ein zweites Signal eingefügt. Auf diese Art und Weise lassen sich kontrollierte Signale generieren, die dann zur Lärmbewertung eingesetzt werden können.
On two conjectures of Gross for large vanishing orders
Authors: Hofer Martin , Kleine Sören
Published: April 2021

We prove the Gross order of vanishing conjecture in special cases where the vanishing order of the character in question can be arbitrarily large. In almost all previously known cases the vanishing order is zero or one. One major ingredient of our proofs is the equivalence of this conjecture to the Gross–Kuz’min conjecture. We present here a direct proof of this equivalence, using only the known validity of the Iwasawa Main Conjecture over totally real fields.
Total extraperitoneal (TEP) versus laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) hernioplasty: systematic review and trial sequential analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Aiolfi Alberto , Cavalli Marta , Del Ferraro Simona , Manfredini Livia , Lombardo Francesca , Bonitta Gianluca , Bruni Piero Giovanni , Panizzo Valerio , Campanelli Giampiero , Bona Davide
Published: April 2021

Purpose

To examine the updated evidence on safety, effectiveness, and outcomes of the totally extraperitoneal (TEP) versus the laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) repair and to explore the timely tendency variations favoring one treatment over another.

Methods

Systematic review and trial sequential analysis (TSA) of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov were consulted. Risk Ratio (RR), weighted mean difference (WMD), and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used as pooled effect size measures.

Results

Fifteen RCTs were included (1359 patients). Of these, 702 (51.6%) underwent TAPP and 657 (48.4%) TEP repair. The age of the patients ranged from 18 to 92 years and 87.9% were males. The estimated pooled RR for hernia recurrence (RR = 0.83; 95% CI 0.35–1.96) and chronic pain (RR = 1.51; 95% CI 0.54–4.22) were similar for TEP vs. TAPP. The TSA shows a cumulative z-curve without crossing the monitoring boundaries line (Z = 1.96), thus supporting true negative results while the information size was calculated as adequate for both outcomes. No significant differences were found in term of early postoperative pain, operative time, wound-related complications, hospital length of stay, return to work/daily activities, and costs.

Conclusions

TEP and TAPP repair seems comparable in terms of postoperative hernia recurrence and chronic pain. The cumulative evidence and information size are sufficient to provide a conclusive evidence on recurrence and chronic pain. Similar trials or meta-analyses seem unlikely to show diverse results and should be discouraged.
Repeat stereotactic radiosurgery for progressive vestibular schwannomas after previous radiosurgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Balossier Anne , Régis Jean , Reyns Nicolas , Roche Pierre-Hugues , Daniel Roy Thomas , George Mercy , Faouzi Mohamed , Levivier Marc , Tuleasca Constantin
Published: April 2021

Vestibular schwannomas (VS) are slow-growing intracranial extraaxial benign tumors, developing from the vestibular part of the eight cranial nerves. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has now a long-term scientific track record as first intention treatment for small- to medium-sized VS. Though its success rate is very high, SRS for VS might fail to control tumor growth in some cases. However, the literature on repeat SRS after previously failed SRS remains scarce and reported in a low number of series with a limited number of cases. Here, we aimed at performing a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature on repeat SRS for VS. Using PRISMA guidelines, we reviewed manuscripts published between January 1990 and October 2020 and referenced in PubMed. Tumor control and cranial nerve outcomes were evaluated with separate meta-analyses. Eight studies comprising 194 patients were included. The overall rate of patients treated in repeat SRS series as per overall series with first SRS was 2.2% (range 1.2–3.2%, p < 0.001). The mean time between first and second SRS was 50.7 months (median 51, range 44–64). The median marginal dose prescribed at first SRS was 12 Gy (range 8–24) and at second SRS was 12 Gy (range 9.8–19). After repeat SRS, tumor stability was reported in 61/194 patients, i.e., a rate of 29.6% (range 20.2–39%, I2 = 49.1%, p < 0.001). Tumor decrease was reported in 83/194 patients, i.e., a rate of 54.4% (range 33.7–75.1%, I2 = 89.1%, p < 0.001). Tumor progression was reported in 50/188 patients, i.e., a rate of 16.1% (range 2.5–29.7%, I2 = 87.1%, p = 0.02), rarely managed surgically. New trigeminal numbness was reported in 27/170 patients, i.e., a rate of 9.9% (range 1.4–18.3%, p < 0.02). New facial nerve palsy of worsened of previous was reported in 8/183 patients, i.e., a rate of 4.3% (range 1.4–7.2%, p = 0.004). Hearing loss was reported in 12/22 patients, i.e., a rate of 54.3% (range 24.8–83.8%, I2 = 70.7%, p < 0.001). Repeat SRS after previously failed SRS for VS is associated with high tumor control rates. Cranial nerve outcomes remain favorable, particularly for facial nerve. The rate of hearing loss appears similar to the one related to first SRS.
Litter decomposition of six tree species on indigenous agroforestry farms in south-eastern Ethiopia in relation to litterfall carbon inputs and modelled soil respiration
Authors: Negash Mesele , Starr Mike
Published: April 2021

The indigenous agroforestry systems practised by smallholders in south-eastern Ethiopia have high biodiversity and productivity. However, little is known about their carbon (C) inputs and outputs. We carried out a 1-year litterbag study to determine leaf litter decompositionkconstants for six woody species common to these agroforestry systems. Thekvalues were then used to calculate the decomposition C losses from measured litterfall C fluxes and the results compared to modelled soil respiration (Rs) C losses. Litterbag weight loss at the end of the year was 100% or nearly so,kvalues 2.582–6.108 (yr−1) and half-life 41–112 days.kvalues were significantly (p = 0.023) correlated with litter N contents, nearly so with C/N ratios (p = 0.053), but not with other nutrients (Ca, Mg and K), and negatively correlated with temperature (p = 0.080). Using species, farm elevation, temperature and litter quality as predictors, partial least squares regression explained 48% of the variation ink. Depending on species, estimated decomposition C losses from litterfall were 18 to 58% lower than annual litterfall C inputs. Using a heterotrophic respiration (Rh) toRsratio of 0.5, modelledRhC losses were 89 to 238% of litterfall decomposition C losses estimated usingkvalues. However, using anRh/Rsratio of 0.27, which is appropriate for tropical humid forests,RhC losses were 11 to 138% of estimated litterfall decomposition C losses. Our decomposition and soil respiration estimates indicate that litterfall is sufficient to maintain soil organic C contents and thereby the soil fertility of these unique agroforestry systems.
A phenomenological study of new doctors’ transition to practice, utilising participant-voiced poetry
Authors: Brown Megan E. L. , Proudfoot Amy , Mayat Nabilah Y. , Finn Gabrielle M.
Published: April 2021

Transition to practice can be a turbulent time for new doctors. It has been proposed transition is experienced non-linearly in physical, psychological, cultural and social domains. What is less well known, however, is whether transition within these domains can contribute to the experience of moral injury in new doctors. Further, the lived experience of doctors as they transition to practice is underexplored. Given this, we asked; how do newly qualified doctors experience transition from medical school to practice? One-to-one phenomenological interviews with 7 recently qualified UK doctors were undertaken. Findings were analysed using Ajjawi and Higgs’ framework of hermeneutic analysis. Following identification of secondary concepts, participant-voiced research poems were crafted by the research team, re-displaying participant words chronologically to convey meaning and deepen analysis. 4 themes were identified: (1) The nature of transition to practice; (2) The influence of community; (3) The influence of personal beliefs and values; and (4) The impact of unrealistic undergraduate experience. Transition to practice was viewed mostly negatively, with interpersonal support difficult to access given the 4-month nature of rotations. Participants describe relying on strong personal beliefs and values, often rooted in an ‘ethic of caring’ to cope. Yet, in the fraught landscape of the NHS, an ethic of caring can also prove troublesome and predispose to moral injury as trainees work within a fragmented system misaligned with personal values. The disjointed nature of postgraduate training requires review, with focus on individual resilience redirected to tackle systemic health-service issues.
Growth of wood-inhabiting yeasts of the Faroe Islands in the presence of spent sulphite liquor
Authors: Rönnander Jonas , Wright Sandra Ann Ingela
Published: April 2021

In the microbial community of decaying wood, yeasts are important for the recycling of nutrients. Nevertheless, information on their biodiversity in this niche in the Northern hemisphere is limited. Wood-colonising yeasts encounter identical and similar growth-inhibitory compounds as those in spent sulphite liquor (SSL), an energy-rich, acid hydrolysate and waste product from the paper industry, which may render them well-suited for cultivation in SSL. In the present study, yeasts were isolated from decaying wood on the Faroe Islands and identified based on sequence homology of the ITS and D1/D2 regions. Among the yeasts isolated, Candida argentea, Cystofilobasidium infirmominiatum, Naganishia albidosimilis, Naganishia onofrii, Holtermanniella takashimae and Goffeauzyma gastrica were new to decaying wood in cold and temperate climates. C. argentea and Rhodotorula are rarely-isolated species, with no previous documentation from cold and maritime climates. The isolates were further tested for growth in a medium with increasing concentrations of softwood SSL. Most grew in the presence of 10% SSL. Isolates of Debaryomyces sp., C. argentea and Rhodotorula sp. were the most tolerant. Representatives of Debaryomyces and Rhodotorula have previously been found in decaying wood. In contrast, the least tolerant isolates belonged to species that are rarely reported from decaying wood. The relative importance of individual inhibitors to yeast growth is discussed. To our knowledge, none of the present yeast species have previously been cultivated in SSL medium. Decaying wood can be a useful future source of yeasts for valorisation of various hydrolysates to industrial chemicals and biofuels.