bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Renal Implications of Left Renal Vein Ligation for Portal Flow Augmentation in Liver Transplantation
Authors: Shankar Sadhana , Rammohan Ashwin , Balasubramanian Balaji , Palaniappan Kumar , Rajalingam Rajesh , Rela Mohamed
Published: April 2021

Background

Spontaneous lienorenal shunts (SLS) siphon blood away from the portal circulation and may compromise portal inflow in liver transplantation (LT). Performing a left renal vein ligation (LRVL) is a relatively easy and efficacious method of overcoming this portal ‘steal’. However, given the delicate state of renal function in these patients, its short and long term effects remain undefined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of LRVL in augmenting portal flow and safety with regards to renal function.

Methods

A prospectively collected database of 1638 consecutive LT recipients between January 2010 and August 2020 was reviewed. Twenty‐eight patients who underwent LRVL were identified. There were six paediatric recipients, who were analysed separately. Data with regards to imaging, renal function, intraoperative portal hemodynamics, and renal morbidity were analysed.

Results

Of the 22 adults, 21 underwent live donor LT. 22.5% had a pre‐transplant history of acute kidney injury (AKI). Pre‐operative CT demonstrated portal vein thrombosis and SLS in 63.6% and 92.9% of patients respectively. LRVL resulted in a significant augmentation of portal hemodynamics in both the adult and paediatric recipients. Postoperatively, 14.3% and 35.7% of patients developed chylous drain output and AKI respectively. Of 13 patients who underwent CT at various timeframes, 5 patients had a partial re‐canalisation of LRV at 6 months.

Conclusion

From renal and portal standpoints, LRVL is a safe and effective technique of augmenting portal inflow. Further large‐scale multicentre studies and consensus will help define an objective algorithmic approach to LT recipients with SLS.
Clinical Implications of Combined Lymphocyte and Neutrophil Count in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer After Preoperative Chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Yoon Sunseok , Oh Yoon , Oh Seung Yeop
Published: April 2021

Background

There are controversies about the ability of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio to predict the recurrence and survival in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiation. The objective of this study is to investigate the prognostic potential of combined lymphocyte count (LC) and neutrophil count (NC) in LARC patients treated with chemoradiotherapy (CRT) followed by curative surgery.

Methods

Patients with LARC who underwent surgical resection between January 2010 and December 2017 were reviewed retrospectively. We divided the patients into three groups: high LC and low NC, low LC and high NC, and the remaining patients. The cut‐off values of LC and NC were determined by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and log‐rank test statistics. We compared the disease‐free survival (DFS) rate between the groups.

Results

A total of 176 consecutive patients were included in this study. The 5 year DFS rate was significantly different among the three groups in pathologic node (pN)+ patients (73.2% vs. 61.9% vs. 14.2%; P = 0.025). Cox multivariate analysis for pN+ patients demonstrated that combination of low LC and high NC (hazard ratio, 3.630; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.306–10.093; P = 0.013) was significantly correlated with decreased DFS.

Conclusions

This study showed that the combination of LC and NC is a powerful predictive factor for disease recurrence in pN+ LARC patients who underwent CRT.
Correction to: Thanks to our reviewers
Authors: Tropea Cameron
Published: April 2021

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00348-021-03200-z
Occupational cold exposure is associated with increased reporting of airway symptoms
Authors: Stjernbrandt Albin , Stenfors Nikolai , Liljelind Ingrid
Published: April 2021

Objective

To determine if exposure to cold environments, during work or leisure time, was associated with increased reporting of airway symptoms in the general population of northern Sweden.

Methods

Through a population-based postal survey responded to by 12627 subjects, ages 18–70, living in northern Sweden, the occurrence of airway symptoms was investigated. Cold exposure during work or leisure time was self-reported on numerical rating scales. Binary logistic regression was used to determine the statistical association between cold exposure and airway symptoms.

Results

For currently working subjects (N = 8740), reporting any occupational cold exposure was associated to wheeze (OR 1.3; 95% CI 1.1–1.4); chronic cough (OR 1.2; 95% CI 1.1–1.4); and productive cough (OR 1.3; 95% CI 1.1–1.4), after adjusting for gender, age, body mass index, daily smoking, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Leisure-time cold exposure was not significantly associated to reporting airway symptoms.

Conclusions

Occupational cold exposure was an independent predictor of airway symptoms in northern Sweden. Therefore, a structured risk assessment regarding cold exposure could be considered for inclusion in the Swedish workplace legislation.
Anti-carcinogenic effects of exercise-conditioned human serum: evidence, relevance and opportunities
Authors: Metcalfe Richard S. , Kemp Rachael , Heffernan Shane M. , Churm Rachel , Chen Yung-Chih , Ruffino José S. , Conway Gillian E. , Tornillo Giusy , Orange Samuel T.
Published: April 2021

Regular physical activity reduces the risk of several site-specific cancers in humans and suppresses tumour growth in animal models. The mechanisms through which exercise reduces tumour growth remain incompletely understood, but an intriguing and accumulating body of evidence suggests that the incubation of cancer cells with post-exercise serum can have powerful effects on key hallmarks of cancer cell behaviour in vitro. This suggests that exercise can impact tumour biology through direct changes in circulating proteins, RNA molecules and metabolites. Here, we provide a comprehensive narrative overview of what is known about the effects of exercise-conditioned sera on in vitro cancer cell behaviour. In doing so, we consider the key limitations of the current body of literature, both from the perspective of exercise physiology and cancer biology, and we discuss the potential in vivo physiological relevance of these findings. We propose key opportunities for future research in an area that has the potential to identify key anti-oncogenic protein targets and optimise physical activity recommendations for cancer prevention, treatment and survivorship.
From scenario-based seismic hazard to scenario-based landslide hazard: fast-forwarding to the future via statistical simulations
Authors: Lombardo Luigi , Tanyas Hakan
Published: April 2021

Ground motion scenarios exists for most of the seismically active areas around the globe. They essentially correspond to shaking level maps at given earthquake return times which are used as reference for the likely areas under threat from future ground displacements. Being landslides in seismically actively regions closely controlled by the ground motion, one would expect that landslide susceptibility maps should change as the ground motion patterns change in space and time. However, so far, statistically-based landslide susceptibility assessments have primarily been used as time-invariant.In other words, the vast majority of the statistical models does not include the temporal effect of the main trigger in future landslide scenarios. In this work, we present an approach aimed at filling this gap, bridging current practices in the seismological community to those in the geomorphological and statistical ones. More specifically, we select an earthquake-induced landslide inventory corresponding to the 1994 Northridge earthquake and build a Bayesian Generalized Additive Model of the binomial family, featuring common morphometric and thematic covariates as well as the Peak Ground Acceleration generated by the Northridge earthquake. Once each model component has been estimated, we have run 1000 simulations for each of the 217 possible ground motion scenarios for the study area. From each batch of 1000 simulations, we have estimated the mean and 95% Credible Interval to represent the mean susceptibility pattern under a specific earthquake scenario, together with its uncertainty level. Because each earthquake scenario has a specific return time, our simulations allow to incorporate the temporal dimension into any susceptibility model, therefore driving the results toward the definition of landslide hazard. Ultimately, we also share our results in vector format – a .mif file that can be easily converted into a common shapefile –. There, we report the mean (and uncertainty) susceptibility of each 1000 simulation batch for each of the 217 scenarios.
Noncoercive quasilinear elliptic operators with singular lower order terms
Authors: Farroni Fernando , Greco Luigi , Moscariello Gioconda , Zecca Gabriella
Published: April 2021

We consider a family of quasilinear second order elliptic differential operators which are not coercive and are defined by functions in Marcinkiewicz spaces. We prove the existence of a solution to the corresponding Dirichlet problem. The associated obstacle problem is also solved. Finally, we show higher integrability of a solution to the Dirichlet problem when the datum is more regular.
Correction to: Graft choice for isolated MPFL reconstruction: gracilis versus semitendinosus
Authors: Migliorini Filippo , Trivellas Andromahi , Driessen Arne , Quack Valentin , Tingart Markus , Eschweiler Jörg
Published: April 2021

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-021-02958-6
Navigating from live to virtual social interactions: looking at but not manipulating smartphones provokes a spontaneous mimicry response in the observers
Authors: Maglieri Veronica , Riccobono Marco Germain , Giunchi Dimitri , Palagi Elisabetta
Published: April 2021

By gathering data on people during their ordinary daily activities, we tested if looking at, but not manipulating, smartphones led to a mimicry response in the observer. Manipulating and looking at the device (experimental condition), more than its mere manipulation (control condition), was critical to elicit a mimicry response in the observer. Sex, age and relationship quality between the experimenter and the observer had no effect on the smartphone mimicry response that tended to decrease during social meals. Due to the role of food as a tool in increasing social affiliation, it is possible that during communal eating, people engage in other forms of mimicry involving facial expressions and postures rather than the use of objects. Understanding the ethological mechanisms of the use of smartphones at everyday-social scale could unveil the processes at the basis of the widespread/increasing use of these devices at a large scale.
On backward uniqueness for parabolic equations when Osgood continuity of the coefficients fails at one point
Authors: Del Santo Daniele , Prizzi Martino
Published: April 2021

We prove the uniqueness for backward parabolic equations whose coefficients are Osgood continuous in time for $$t>0$$

t
>
0

but not at $$t=0$$

t
=
0

.
Meta-analysis of the benefit of hypomethylating agents before allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Liu Liu , Jia Menglu , Sun Ling , Tian Wenliang , Tang Ping , Jiang Zhongxing
Published: April 2021

Hypomethylating agents (HMAs) are effective therapies in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), but allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is the only way to cure MDS. According to the current literature, it is difficult to confirm whether HMAs bridging therapy is beneficial for MDS patients receiving allo-HSCT. Therefore, we tried to evaluate the effect of HMAs on long-term survival of the MDS patients. Databases, including PubMed, Embase Ovid, and the Cochrane Library, were searched for studies published up to January 10, 2021. Patients who accepted HMAs bridging to allo-HSCT were defined as experimental group, while patients who received the best supportive care (BSC) before allo-HSCT were control group. Overall survival (OS) was the primary end point. Seven studies were included in the final analysis. The final results showed no OS differences between patients accepted HMAs before allo-HSCT and those received BSC (HR = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.64–1.15, p = 0.32), indicating that MDS patients' long-term survival did not benefit from HMAs bridging therapy before allo-HSCT. This conclusion needs to be further verified by a large number of prospective randomized controlled trials, which have guiding significance for the treatment of MDS patients.
Green Port Development — Welche Rolle kommt Häfen bei der Erreichung der Klimaziele zu?
Authors: Nitt-Drießelmann Dörte , Wedemeier Jan
Published: April 2021

Ein Großteil des europäischen Warentransports erfolgt mit dem Schiff. Häfen, die die Infrastruktur für maritime Aktivitäten bereitstellen, sind wichtige Akteure im maritimen Sektor und von hoher Bedeutung für die europäische Wirtschaft. Um internationale Klimaabkommen erfüllen zu können, müssen Hafenanlagen künftig nachhaltiger und emissionsärmer betrieben werden, damit an den jeweiligen Standorten die lokalen CO2-Fußabdrücke reduziert werden können.
Keynes‘ Überlegungen zu unternehmerischem Handeln unter Unsicherheit
Authors: Hecker Christian
Published: April 2021

Aus Sicht von Keynes hängt das Erfolgspotenzial der Marktwirtschaft nicht nur von der staatlichen Wirtschaftspolitik ab, sondern ebenso vom Wirken vorausschauender Unternehmer:innen. Diese sollen sich seiner Meinung nach dadurch auszeichnen, dass sie trotz allgegenwärtiger Unsicherheit langfristige Erwartungen bilden und auf eigene Verantwortung danach handeln. Dadurch tragen sie maßgeblich zu wirtschaftlicher Stabilität, Humankapitalbildung und technischem Fortschritt bei. Aus heutiger Sicht zeigt sich die Bedeutung des Unternehmertums vor allem im Hinblick auf die Entwicklung nachhaltiger Geschäftsmodelle, während die Orientierung an kapitalmarktbasierten Benchmarks zu gravierenden Fehlsteuerungen führen kann.
Frauen in Führungspositionen: Chancen und Risiken durch die COVID-19-Pandemie
Authors: Gulden Vivien-Sophie , Thomsen Stephan L.
Published: April 2021

Die geringe Repräsentation von Frauen in Führungspositionen hat die EU-Kommission dazu veranlasst, Maßnahmen und Ziele für eine gleichberechtigte Führungsverantwortung zu definieren. Zeitgleich haben die Corona-Maßnahmen zu tiefgreifenden Veränderungen der Arbeitsorganisation geführt. Neben einem Überblick zur Situation von Frauen in Führungspositionen wird ein Augenmerk auf die Wirkungen der Corona-Maßnahmen gelegt, um Chancen und Risiken zu identifizieren. Diese Maßnahmen können durch Verhaltensänderungen mit sowohl positiven als auch negativen Effekten verbunden sein. Langfristig dürften Frauen von den veränderten Bedingungen jedoch profitieren.
Chinas Greater Bay Area
Authors: Kuhn Britta
Published: April 2021

Die Volksrepublik China will wichtige Städte ihrer südöstlichen Küstenprovinz Guangdong eng mit Hongkong und Macao verbinden. Geplant ist ein integrierter Wirtschaftsraum, der bis spätestens 2035 eine globale Führungsrolle einnehmen soll. Die Grundidee ist nicht neu, nimmt aber zunehmend Gestalt an. Es gibt allerdings auch große Hindernisse.
Body mass index and bullying victimization as antecedents for depressive symptoms in a Swedish youth cohort
Authors: Kanders Sofia H. , Nilsson Kent W. , Åslund Cecilia
Published: April 2021

Aim

The bidirectional association between obesity and depression seen in adults is not clearly established in adolescents. The aim of this study was to investigate the longitudinal association between body mass index (BMI), depressive symptoms and interactions between bullying victimization and BMI, taking gender differences into account.

Subjects and methods

In a Swedish county, self-reported bullying victimization, BMI and depressive symptoms from 1729 adolescents ($$ \overline{y} $$

y
¯

= 14.4, 56% females) were collected in 2012 (wave 1), in 2015 (wave 2) ($$ \overline{y}=17.3 $$

y
¯

=
17.3
) and in 2018 (wave 3) ($$ \overline{y} $$

y
¯

= 19.9). Longitudinal associations were assessed using binary logistic regression models controlling for confounding factors. Interaction effects between BMI and victimization on depressive symptoms were also assessed.

Results

Wave 1 obese males had approximately six times increased odds ratio compared to normal weight, for wave 2 depressive symptoms. W1 overweight was associated with an odds ratio of 1.5 in all participants for wave 3 depressive symptoms. Victimization was consistently associated with higher odds ratio for future depressive symptoms. We found interaction effects between bullying victimization and BMI for future depressive symptoms with different patterns depending on sex.

Conclusion

Given the present findings, bullying needs to be prevented, and, if it occurs, it needs to be stopped at an early stage to prevent future depressive symptoms.
The incidence of pneumonia in the paediatric population in Poland in light of the maps of health needs
Authors: Lange Joanna , Kozielski Jerzy , Bartolik Kinga , Kabicz Paweł , Targowski Tomasz
Published: April 2021

In Poland, no statistical data are available concerning the analysis of the incidence of pneumonia in inpatient children. The requirement for these data results mainly from the need to prepare systemic and economic solutions.

Aim

This study aimed to use reported data for evaluating pneumonia incidence rates among hospitalised children and other parameters in various age groups.

Subject and methods

A detailed analysis was performed as part of the Operational Programme Knowledge Education Development co-financed by the European Social Fund. Services reported to the National Health Fund in 2014 were considered, including pneumonia incidence among hospitalised children and mortality in specific age groups.

Results

In 2014, a total of 68,543 children were hospitalised for pneumonia (68% of all hospitalisations for acute respiratory diseases). Within each of the analysed age groups, boys were hospitalised more frequently. Irrespective of the place of residence, infants were most commonly hospitalised. It was observed that there was a significant difference between the incidence rate of pneumonia among hospitalised children in all analysed groups depending on the province. The average length of stay was 7.29 days, with infants requiring the longest stays (7.96 days), and 1.8% of children were rehospitalised within 30 days due to recurrence of pneumonia. The most commonly coded pathogens responsible for pneumonia included Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Chlamydia spp. A total of 19 inpatient hospital deaths in the course of pneumonia were reported.

Conclusions

Based on our findings, it is warranted to utilize epidemiological knowledge for the planning of an appropriate level of service commissioned both in outpatient and inpatient facilities as well as for the estimation of institutional and staff needs necessary to secure these services.
Fiber Orientation Mechanism of Continuous Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastics Hybrid Parts Joined with Metallic Pins
Authors: Popp Julian , Kleffel Tobias , Römisch David , Papke Thomas , Merklein Marion , Drummer Dietmar
Published: April 2021

Continuous Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastic (CFRT) hybrid parts offer interesting possibilities for lightweight application, which can exceed the capabilities of mono material metal or CFRT parts. In this case, the joining technology oftentimes is the limiting factor. This study investigates a joining operation with metal pin structures which are additively manufactured via powder bed fusion featuring different diameters and tip geometries, which are inserted into the locally infrared heated CFRT part. The resulting fiber rearrangement is assessed using transmitted light microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy as well as micro-computer-tomography. It could be shown that for all assessed pin variants a similar distinct fiber displacement can be seen and that the pin diameter has a significant effect on the resulting fiber orientation with smaller pin diameters being advantageous because of gentle fiber displacement and reduced undulation. The tip geometry has only minor effect on the fiber orientation. Especially in the X/Y plane no systematic influence of the tip geometry on the fiber displacement could be observed. Based on the gained insights a three-stage model of the fiber orientation processes is proposed.
Toxic metal phytoextraction potential and health-risk parameters of some cultivated plants when grown in metal-contaminated river sediment of Danube, near an industrial town
Authors: Kovács-Bokor Éva , Domokos Endre , Biró Borbála
Published: April 2021

Toxic metal phytoextraction potential of some higher plants, the white mustard (Sinapis alba L.), perennial rye grass (Lolium perenne L.) and also two cultivated plants, as green pea (Pisum sativum L. var. Rajnai törpe), radish (Raphanus sativus L. var. Szentesi óriás vaj), was studied in a field experiment, along the river Danube in close vicinity of an industrial town, Dunaújváros, Hungary. Soil/sediment and the various plant organs (leaves, stems and roots) were assessed for the contamination with some potentially toxic elements (PTE), such as the cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn). It was found that Cd and Ni concentration was below, while the Cu and Zn elements were above the Hungarian permissible limits in each of the studied soil/sediment samples. Bioconcentration factor (BAF) was less than 1 in the shoot biomass of test plant samples and followed the order of Cu > Zn > Cd and Ni. Phytoremediation potential of selected test plants was found to be rather limited. The translocation factor (TF) was more than 1 for Cu and Zn elements, at each test plants. Cadmium was translocated into the leaves in case of the radish, only. Considering of the potential human daily intake of metals (DIM), it was less than 1 both for the adults and for the children. Health risk index (HRI) values of children, however, were higher than 1 for the Cd in case of radish, and for Zn and Cu in case of the pea. Results suggest that consumption of these plants grown in gardens of contaminated sediments can result in some risks for citizens in the industrial town of Dunaújváros. Further studies are required to identify appropriate plants with greater toxic metal phytoextraction potential.
Combating Academic Corruption and Enhancing Academic Integrity through International Accreditation Standards: The Model of Qatar University
Authors: Mattar Mohamed Y.
Published: April 2021

Academic institutions aim at achieving the highest standards of education and learning. Consequently, they prohibit academic corruption such as cheating or plagiarism. This article examines how international accreditation and quality assurance standards embody academic integrity as a main factor in deciding whether an academic institution should be accredited, and what ranking should an academic institution acquire in a competitive contest for educational excellence. Academic integrity is broadly defined to include, in addition to cheating and plagiarism, compliance with standards of human rights, labor rights, corporate social responsibility, ant-corruption measures, environmental protection, social media usage, protection of underage students, anti-radicalization and extremism, avoidance of conflict of interest, faculty professionalism, students codes of conduct and human experimentation. Academic institutions should adopt policies that are designed to address these diverse standards and accommodate diversity and enhance access to education for all without discrimination. Academic institutions should also strictly require the highest standards in teaching and research. This article will discuss the different policies, laws, rules and regulations adopted by Qatar University as a model for incorporating academic integrity, which may be of interest to the international higher education community. This article will ask two main questions; are accrediting institutions asking the right questions to find out whether an academic institution strictly adheres to a policy of academic integrity, and whether policies adopted by academic institutions, Qatar University as a model, are adequate to address various violations of academic integrity.
Partially distributed outer approximation
Authors: Murray Alexander , Faulwasser Timm , Hagenmeyer Veit , Villanueva Mario E. , Houska Boris
Published: April 2021

This paper presents a novel partially distributed outer approximation algorithm, named PaDOA, for solving a class of structured mixed integer convex programming problems to global optimality. The proposed scheme uses an iterative outer approximation method for coupled mixed integer optimization problems with separable convex objective functions, affine coupling constraints, and compact domain. PaDOA proceeds by alternating between solving large-scale structured mixed-integer linear programming problems and partially decoupled mixed-integer nonlinear programming subproblems that comprise much fewer integer variables. We establish conditions under which PaDOA converges to global minimizers after a finite number of iterations and verify these properties with an application to thermostatically controlled loads and to mixed-integer regression.
Developmental Interplay between Ethnic, National, and Personal Identity in Immigrant Adolescents
Authors: Mastrotheodoros Stefanos , Kornienko Olga , Umaña-Taylor Adriana , Motti-Stefanidi Frosso
Published: April 2021

Developing a personal identity is a core developmental task for all adolescents. Immigrant adolescents need to integrate the meaning that their belonging to their ethnic group and the receiving nation has for them into their personal identity. The purpose of this study was to examine the longitudinal interplay between personal, ethnic, and national identities of a middle school sample of immigrant youth (N = 765,Mage = 12.7 years,SD = 0.6 at T1; 46% girls) enroled in Greek schools. Data were collected in three waves with repeated measures. To test the link between these identities, two trivariate Cross-Lagged Panel Models were ran, one examining identity exploration and the other examining identity commitment. The results revealed robust within time positive links between ethnic, national and personal identities for both exploration and commitment at all three time-points. There was some evidence that ethnic and national identities were negatively linked longitudinally, and limited support for longitudinal associations between these domains and personal identity. Follow-up analyses suggest that these processes may be specific to second generation youth and that findings may differ by ethnic background. Finally, the findings that emerged are discussed with attention to the socio-political climate in the receiving nation.
The prospect of synthesis of PES/PEG blend membranes using blend NMP/DMF for CO2/N2 separation
Authors: Juber Fadel Abdul Hadi , Jawad Zeinab Abbas , Chin Bridgid Lai Fui , Yeap Swee Pin , Chew Thiam Leng
Published: April 2021

Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions have been the root cause for anthropogenic climate change. Decarbonisation strategies, particularly carbon capture and storage (CCS) are crucial for mitigating the risk of global warming. Among all current CO2 separation technologies, membrane separation has the biggest potential for CCS as it is inexpensive, highly efficient, and simple to operate. Polymeric membranes are the preferred choice for the gas separation industry due to simpler methods of fabrication and lower costs compared to inorganic or mixed matrix membranes (MMMs). However, plasticisation and upper-bound trade-off between selectivity and permeability has limited the gas separation performance of polymeric membranes. Recently, researchers have found that the blending of glassy and rubbery polymers can effectively minimise trade-off between selectivity and permeability. Glassy poly(ethersulfone) (PES) and rubbery poly(ethylene) glycol (PEG) are polymers that are known to have a high affinity towards CO2. In this paper, PEG and PES are reviewed as potential polymer blend that can yield a final membrane with high CO2 permeance and CO2/nitrogen (N2) selectivity. Gas separation properties can be enhanced by using different solvents in the phase-inversion process. N-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone (NMP) and Dimethylformamide (DMF) are common industrial solvents used for membrane fabrication. Both NMP and DMF are reviewed as prospective solvent blend that can improve the morphology and separation properties of PES/PEG blend membranes due to their effects on the membrane structure which increases permeation as well as selectivity. Thus, a PES/PEG blend polymeric membrane fabricated using NMP and DMF solvents is believed to be a major prospect for CO2/N2 gas separation.
Taking Watsuji online: betweenness and expression in online spaces
Authors: Osler Lucy , Krueger Joel
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we introduce the Japanese philosopher Tetsurō Watsuji’s phenomenology of aidagara (“betweenness”) and use his analysis in the contemporary context of online space. We argue that Watsuji develops a prescient analysis anticipating modern technologically-mediated forms of expression and engagement. More precisely, we show that instead of adopting a traditional phenomenological focus on face-to-face interaction, Watsuji argues that communication technologies—which now include Internet-enabled technologies and spaces—are expressive vehicles enabling new forms of emotional expression, shared experiences, and modes of betweenness that would be otherwise inaccessible. Using Watsuji’s phenomenological analysis, we argue that the Internet is not simply a sophisticated form of communication technology that expresses our subjective spatiality (although it is), but that it actually gives rise to new forms of subjective spatiality itself. We conclude with an exploration of how certain aspects of our online interconnections are hidden from lay users in ways that have significant political and ethical implications.
Flavonoids of the Caryophyllaceae
Authors: Jakimiuk Katarzyna , Wink Michael , Tomczyk Michał
Published: April 2021

The plant family Caryophyllaceae, commonly known as the pink family, is divided into 3 subfamilies and contains over 80 genera with more than 2600 species that are widely distributed in temperate climate zones. Plants belonging to this family produce a variety of secondary metabolites important in an ecological context; however, some of these metabolites also show health-promoting activities. The most important classes of phytochemicals include saponins, phytoecdysteroids, other sterols, flavonoids, lignans, other polyphenols, essential oils, andN-containing compounds such as vitamins, alkaloids or cyclopeptides. Flavonoids are polyphenolic compounds that remain one of the most extensively studied constituents of the Caryophyllaceae family. Numerous structurally diverse aglycones, including flavones, flavonols, flavonones (dihydroflavones), flavonols, isoflavones, and theirO- orC-glycosides, exhibit multiple interesting biological and pharmacological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-oedemic, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory effects. Thus, this review analysed the flavonoid composition of 26 different genera and more than 120 species of Caryophyllaceae for the first time.
Correction to: The dissemination of relevant information on wildlife utilization and its connection with the illegal trade in wildlife
Authors: Song Zhifan , Wang Qiang , Miao Zhen , Zhang Wei , Zhou Xuehong
Published: April 2021

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11676-021-01306-y.
SMARCA4-deficient thoracic sarcoma revealed by metastasis to the small intestine: a diagnostic dilemma
Authors: Khanchel Fatma , Hedhili Raweh , Zenaidi Hakim , Helal Imen , Yahmadi Abdelwahed , Ben Néji Hend , Ksontini Feryel , Ben Brahim Ehsen , Jouini Raja , Chadli Aschraf
Published: April 2021

SMARCA4-deficient thoracic sarcoma (SMARCA4-DTS) is a recently identified aggressive subtype of sarcoma. We present the case of a 44-year-old man who underwent a surgery for a perforated small intestine. Compued tomography scan revealed a tissular mediastino–pulmonary mass.

Histopathological examination of the intestinal mass shown a malignant tumour with a typical epithelioid and rhabdoid cells, numerous mitoses and large necrosis. A large panel of immunohistochemistry revealed loss of SMARCA4 and SMARCA2 and allowed the diagnosis of SMARCA4-DTS. It is important to consider SMARCA4-deficient thoracic sarcoma in the differential diagnosis of tumours showing suggestive morphologic features in patients of all ages, especially in the case of metastasis associated with thoracic mass.
Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer: Percutaneous Management Using Ablation, Brachytherapy, Intra-arterial Chemotherapy, and Intra-tumoral Immunotherapy
Authors: Timmer Florentine E.F. , Geboers Bart , Nieuwenhuizen Sanne , Schouten Evelien A.C. , Dijkstra Madelon , de Vries Jan J.J. , van den Tol M. Petrousjka , de Gruijl Tanja D. , Scheffer Hester J. , Meijerink Martijn R.
Published: April 2021

Purpose of Review

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most aggressive neoplasms, bearing a terrible prognosis. Stage III tumors, also known as locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC), are unresectable, and current palliative chemotherapy regimens have only modestly improved survival in these patients. At this stage of disease, interventional techniques may be of value and further prolong life. The aim of this review was to explore current literature on locoregional percutaneous management for LAPC.

Recent Findings

Locoregional percutaneous interventional techniques such as ablation, brachytherapy, and intra-arterial chemotherapy possess cytoreductive abilities and have the potential to increase survival. In addition, recent research demonstrates the immunomodulatory capacities of these treatments. This immune response may be leveraged by combining the interventional techniques with intra-tumoral immunotherapy, possibly creating a durable anti-tumor effect. This multimodality treatment approach is currently being examined in several ongoing clinical trials.

The use of certain interventional techniques appears to improve survival in LAPC patients and may work synergistically when combined with immunotherapy. However, definitive conclusions can only be made when large prospective (randomized controlled) trials confirm these results.
Electronic health records and patient registries in medical oncology departments in Spain
Authors: Ribelles N. , Alvarez-Lopez I. , Arcusa A. , Chacon J. I. , de la Haba J. , García-Corbacho J. , Garcia-Mata J. , Jara C. , Jerez J. M. , Lázaro-Quintela M. , Leon-Mateos L. , Ramirez-Merino N. , Tibau A. , Garcia-Palomo A.
Published: April 2021

Purpose

We aimed to evaluate the current situation of electronic health records (EHRs) and patient registries in the oncology departments of hospitals in Spain.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study conducted from December 2018 to September 2019. The survey was designed ad hoc by the Outcomes Evaluation and Clinical Practice Section of the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM) and was distributed to all head of medical oncology department members of SEOM.

Results

We invited 148 heads of oncology departments, and 81 (54.7%) questionnaires were completed, with representation from all 17 Spanish autonomous communities. Seventy-seven (95%) of the respondents had EHRs implemented at their hospitals; of them, over 80% considered EHRs to have a positive impact on work organization and clinical practice, and 73% considered that EHRs improve the quality of patient care. In contrast, 27 (35.1%) of these respondents felt that EHRs worsened the physician–patient relationship and conveyed an additional workload (n = 29; 37.6%). Several drawbacks in the implementation of EHRs were identified, including the limited inclusion of information on both outpatients and inpatients, information recorded in free text data fields, and the availability of specific informed consent. Forty-six (56.7%) respondents had patient registries where they recorded information from all patients seen in the department.

Conclusion

Our study indicates that EHRs are almost universally implemented in the hospitals surveyed and are considered to have a positive impact on work organization and clinical practice. However, EHRs currently have several drawbacks that limit their use for investigational purposes.

Clinical trial registration

Not applicable
Measurement of shopping addiction and its relationship with personality traits and well-being among Polish undergraduate students
Authors: Uzarska Aleksandra , Czerwiński Stanisław K. , Atroszko Paweł Andrzej
Published: April 2021

There is still a scarcity of studies showing the relative contribution of different personality characteristics differentiating various behavioral addictions within an integrated model. In comparison to other addictions, fairly little is known about the role of specific personality traits in compulsive shopping. In addition, few studies have investigated the unique contribution of shopping addiction in terms of explaining different facets of well-being above and beyond personality characteristics previously shown to be related to psychosocial functioning. The present study shows validation of the Bergen Shopping Addiction Scale (BSAS) and a tentative integrated model of potential shopping addiction personality risk factors. BSAS was administered to 1156 Polish students. In addition, demographic variables, and personality traits (Big Five), self-esteem, self-efficacy, perceived narcissism, loneliness, social anxiety, and well-being indicators were measured. BSAS had acceptable fit with the data and demonstrated good reliability. The investigated model showed that shopping addiction was related to higher extraversion, perceived narcissism, and social anxiety, and lower agreeableness and general self-efficacy. Woman and older participants scored higher on BSAS. Shopping addiction was further related to all facets of impaired well-being and explained worse general health, and decreased sleep quality above and beyond other variables in the model. The results support the notion that shopping addiction may have specific personality risk factors with low agreeableness as an outstanding characteristic. This has implications for the development of early prevention and intervention programs.
Biomass Allocation and Root Characteristics of Early-Stage Poplars (Populus spp.) for Assessing Their Water-Deficit Response During SRC Establishment
Authors: Meyer Matthias , Morgenstern Kristin , Heilig Dávid , Heil Bálint , Kovács Gábor , Leibing Christoph , Krabel Doris
Published: April 2021

Early above- and belowground biomass fractionation, root diameter composition and allocation of cumulated fine root length per total leaf area of Populus clones have been measured for a pre-assessment of the risk for plantation establishment during spring drought conditions. Four clones of Populus × euramericana, and one P. nigra × P. maximowiczii clone (cv. Max 3), were planted in sandy mix substrate and were exposed to one normal and one deficit watering regime over 65-day greenhouse experiments conducted during early summer. The P. × euramericana hybrids showed plasticity of their root biomass fractions. Although clone Max 3 was among the productive clones, even under deficit watering, it was not able to respond plastically to deficit watering. It showed no increase in the root biomass fraction and no increase in the ratio of cumulated fine root length per total leaf area. Therefore, the clone Max 3 should not be planted under high risk for spring drought. Planting the investigated P. × euramericana clones under water deficit likely involves a lower risk, but clone differences within this group must be considered. It can be concluded that the water deficit response of biomass allocation to roots and of the ratio of fine root length per unit leaf area is suitable traits to improve drought risk assessments that are based on yield response of poplar clones to drought. Percent plant loss data and the yield at the end of the first SRC rotation will be suitable to verify the present greenhouse assessment.
Radiographic and MRI Assessment of the Thrower’s Elbow
Authors: Powell G. M. , Murthy N. S. , Johnson A. C.
Published: April 2021

Purpose of Review

Throwing athletes are vulnerable to elbow injuries, especially in the medial elbow, related to high stress and valgus load in both acute and chronic settings as a result of this complex biomechanical action. This current review details the relevant anatomy and imaging features of common elbow pathology identified with radiographs and MRI in throwing athletes.

Recent Findings

Although elbow pathology in throwing athletes is well documented, advances in imaging technology and technique, particularly with MRI, have allowed for more detailed and accurate imaging description and diagnosis.

Pathology of thrower’s elbow occurs in predictable patterns and can be reliably identified radiologically. Clinical history and physical examination should guide radiologic evaluation initially with radiographs and followed by an MRI optimized to the clinical question. Constellation of clinical, physical, and radiologic assessments should be used to guide management.
The ABC Concept—Value Added to the Earth Heritage Interpretation?
Authors: Pásková M. , Zelenka J. , Ogasawara T. , Zavala B. , Astete I.
Published: April 2021

Holistic interpretation of Earth heritage is one of the most important tasks of UNESCO Global geoparks. The ABC (abiotic, biotic, and cultural interconnections) concept is a potential interpretive approach used in Earth heritage popularization through geotourism. Apart of the deeper understanding of this concept, this study explores the application of this concept in selected geoparks. The Colca and Volcanoes Andagua UNESCO Global Geopark (Peru) and Muroto UNESCO Global Geopark (Japan) served as a case study in the frame of this qualitative research conducted during the summer 2019. Results show that the ABC approach is nearly perfectly understood by both geoparks, however there are both internal and external factors which influence the extent and form of how this concept is applied in practice. Except for specific geographical settings, different stages of geopark product development, and different managerial approaches, they mainly include the level of scientific knowledge and general education in the given geopark, as well as level of knowledge management and networking with another UNESCO global geoparks. The more experienced Muroto Geopark interpretation exhibits a comparatively higher level of visible ABC application, while the Colca and Volcanoes Andagua Geopark can benefit in the future from the natural inclination and ability of the local people to integrate the cultural aspects into their Earth heritage interpretation.
High-throughput screening identifies established drugs as SARS-CoV-2 PLpro inhibitors
Authors: Zhao Yao , Du Xiaoyu , Duan Yinkai , Pan Xiaoyan , Sun Yifang , You Tian , Han Lin , Jin Zhenming , Shang Weijuan , Yu Jing , Guo Hangtian , Liu Qianying , Wu Yan , Peng Chao , Wang Jun , Zhu Chenghao , Yang Xiuna , Yang Kailin , Lei Ying , Guddat Luke W. , Xu Wenqing , Xiao Gengfu , Sun Lei , Zhang Leike , Rao Zihe , Yang Haitao
Published: April 2021

A new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has been identified as the etiologic agent for the COVID-19 outbreak. Currently, effective treatment options remain very limited for this disease; therefore, there is an urgent need to identify new anti-COVID-19 agents. In this study, we screened over 6,000 compounds that included approved drugs, drug candidates in clinical trials, and pharmacologically active compounds to identify leads that target the SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease (PLpro). Together with main protease (Mpro), PLpro is responsible for processing the viral replicase polyprotein into functional units. Therefore, it is an attractive target for antiviral drug development. Here we discovered four compounds, YM155, cryptotanshinone, tanshinone I and GRL0617 that inhibit SARS-CoV-2 PLpro with IC50 values ranging from 1.39 to 5.63 μmol/L. These compounds also exhibit strong antiviral activities in cell-based assays. YM155, an anticancer drug candidate in clinical trials, has the most potent antiviral activity with an EC50 value of 170 nmol/L. In addition, we have determined the crystal structures of this enzyme and its complex with YM155, revealing a unique binding mode. YM155 simultaneously targets three “hot” spots on PLpro, including the substrate-binding pocket, the interferon stimulating gene product 15 (ISG15) binding site and zinc finger motif. Our results demonstrate the efficacy of this screening and repurposing strategy, which has led to the discovery of new drug leads with clinical potential for COVID-19 treatments.
Novel UV-activated biofunctionalization of up-converting nanocrystals for detection of proteins
Authors: Misiak Małgorzata , Gawłowski Maciej , Kowalczyk Agnieszka , Skowicki Michał , Prorok Katarzyna , Lipiński Tomasz
Published: April 2021

Lanthanide doped nanocrystals capable to emit higher energy photons under excitation with lower energy radiation are promising for a broad range of applications including biodetection, biosensing, and bioimaging. However, the adaptation of these nanoparticles to the biological environment that requires good water-solubility, stability and ease of further functionalization still remains a challenge. The application of nanoparticles for biodetection or in various assays encountered many difficulties arising mainly from the strong tendency of nanoparticles for aggregation or nonspecific binding. Here we present a new method to obtain soluble and stable in water-based buffers NaYF4:Yb3+Er3+ nanocrystals with modified surface ready for further conjugation with biomolecules. In the presented approach polyvinylpyrrolidone/vinyl alcohol copolymer (PVP/VA) with photo-activatable linker (N-5-Azido-2-nitrobenzoyl group—ANB-NOS) was used for initial coating due to its high non-covalent affinity to nanoparticles surface. Subsequent coating with aminated dextran by ultraviolet light activation of ANB-NOS was carried out. This step has a significant impact on nanocrystals stability in the physiological buffer as well as on protein conjugation. Conjugation of biomolecules was possible by employing another photo-linker—sulfosuccinimidyl 4,4′-azipentanoate (sulfo-SDA). Bacterial Protein G has been selected to create a universal immune-imaging agent due to its ability to bind Fc fragment of most mammalian immunoglobulins. Moreover, the direct attachment of antibodies to nanoparticles was also examined. The activity of biofunctionalized nanocrystals was tested in immunoblot test, that confirmed preserved activity of attached molecules and lack of undesired nonspecific binding or precipitation on the assay membrane.

Graphic abstract