bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Case report: fatal bleeding from a duodenal ulcer—Dieulafoy’s lesion?
Authors: Ulbricht Julia , Madea Burkhard , Doberentz Elke
Published: October 2021

A 46-year-old man was admitted to the hospital by ambulance due to syncope. A standard blood screening showed a normal Hb value. The man had known hemorrhoids and a single fresh rectal bleeding earlier at home. On the following morning, the patient suddenly required resuscitation within a few minutes and subsequently died. Autopsy revealed a fatal hemorrhage with blood loss in the stomach and small and large intestines and a mucosal defect of the duodenum. After autopsy, the question arose whether the cause of death might have been a rare Dieulafoy’s lesion—aim of this case report was to clarify the diagnosis.
Opinion, knowledge, and clinical experience with functional neurological disorders among Italian neurologists: results from an online survey
Authors: Tinazzi Michele , Fiorio Mirta , Berardelli Alfredo , Bonetti Bruno , Bonifati Domenico Marco , Burlina Alessandro , Cagnin Annachiara , Calabria Francesca , Corbetta Maurizio , Cortelli Pietro , Giometto Bruno , Guidoni Silvia Vittoria , Lopiano Leonardo , Mancardi Gianluigi , Marchioretto Fabio , Pellegrini Maria , Teatini Francesco , Tedeschi Gioacchino , Tesolin Lucia , Turinese Emanuele , Zappia Mario , Marotta Angela
Published: October 2021

Background

Functional neurological disorders (FND) are disabling medical conditions commonly seen in neurological practice. Neurologists play an essential role in managing FND, from establishing a diagnosis to coordination of multidisciplinary team-based treatment for patients. With this study, we investigated the knowledge and the clinical experience of Italian neurologists in managing patients with FND.

Methods

Members of the Italian Society of Neurology were invited via e-mail to participate in this ad hoc online survey; 492 questionnaires were returned completed.

Results

The term “Functional neurological disorders” in reference to FND was used more frequently than other psychological (e.g., psychogenic or conversion), or descriptive terms (e.g., non-organic or stress-related). When speaking with patients, the respondents stated that they preferred explaining symptoms based on abnormal functioning of the nervous system than discussing mental illness and that they would refer their patient to a psychologist rather than to a psychiatrist. Few considered that physiotherapy and psychiatric interventions are useful approaches to treating FND. Some believed that patients simulate their symptoms.

Conclusions

Overall, the responses suggest that knowledge about scientific advances in FND is somewhat sparse. A psychiatric-centered view of FND opens the way to an approach in which neurobiological and psychological aspects constitute essential factors of the condition. In this context, professional education could improve understanding of FND and optimize patient management.
Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) expert opinion/guidance on the use of clinically assisted nutrition in patients with advanced cancer
Authors: Alderman Bryony , Allan Lindsey , Amano Koji , Bouleuc Carole , Davis Mellar , Lister-Flynn Stephanie , Mukhopadhyay Sandip , Davies Andrew
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The pro
vision of clinically assisted nutrition (CAN) in patients with advanced cancer is controversial, and there is a paucity of specific guidance, and so a diversity in clinical practice. Consequently, the Palliative Care Study Group of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) formed a Subgroup to develop evidence-based guidance on the use CAN in patients with advanced cancer.

Methods

This guidance was developed in accordance with the MASCC Guidelines Policy. A search strategy for Medline was developed, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were explored for relevant reviews/trials respectively. The outcomes of the review were categorised by the level of evidence, and a “category of guideline” based on the level of evidence (i.e. “recommendation”, “suggestion”, or “no guideline possible”).

Results

The Subgroup produced 11 suggestions, and 1 recommendation (due to the paucity of evidence). These outcomes relate to assessment of patients, indications for CAN, contraindications for CAN, procedures for initiating CAN, and re-assessment of patients.

Conclusions

This guidance provides a framework for the use of CAN in advanced cancer, although every patient needs individualised management.
Future directions for chatbot research: an interdisciplinary research agenda
Authors: Følstad Asbjørn , Araujo Theo , Law Effie Lai-Chong , Brandtzaeg Petter Bae , Papadopoulos Symeon , Reis Lea , Baez Marcos , Laban Guy , McAllister Patrick , Ischen Carolin , Wald Rebecca , Catania Fabio , Meyer von Wolff Raphael , Hobert Sebastian , Luger Ewa
Published: October 2021

Chatbots are increasingly becoming important gateways to digital services and information—taken up within domains such as customer service, health, education, and work support. However, there is only limited knowledge concerning the impact of chatbots at the individual, group, and societal level. Furthermore, a number of challenges remain to be resolved before the potential of chatbots can be fully realized. In response, chatbots have emerged as a substantial research area in recent years. To help advance knowledge in this emerging research area, we propose a research agenda in the form of future directions and challenges to be addressed by chatbot research. This proposal consolidates years of discussions at the CONVERSATIONS workshop series on chatbot research. Following a deliberative research analysis process among the workshop participants, we explore future directions within six topics of interest: (a) users and implications, (b) user experience and design, (c) frameworks and platforms, (d) chatbots for collaboration, (e) democratizing chatbots, and (f) ethics and privacy. For each of these topics, we provide a brief overview of the state of the art, discuss key research challenges, and suggest promising directions for future research. The six topics are detailed with a 5-year perspective in mind and are to be considered items of an interdisciplinary research agenda produced collaboratively by avid researchers in the field.
Optimization of heterogeneous systems with AI planning heuristics and machine learning: a performance and energy aware approach
Authors: Memeti Suejb , Pllana Sabri
Published: October 2021

Heterogeneous computing systems provide high performance and energy efficiency. However, to optimally utilize such systems, solutions that distribute the work across host CPUs and accelerating devices are needed. In this paper, we present a performance and energy aware approach that combines AI planning heuristics for parameter space exploration with a machine learning model for performance and energy evaluation to determine a near-optimal system configuration. For data-parallel applications our approach determines a near-optimal host-device distribution of work, number of processing units required and the corresponding scheduling strategy. We evaluate our approach for various heterogeneous systems accelerated with GPU or the Intel Xeon Phi. The experimental results demonstrate that our approach finds a near-optimal system configuration by evaluating only about 7% of reasonable configurations. Furthermore, the performance per Joule estimation of system configurations using our machine learning model is more than 1000 $$\times $$
×
faster compared to the system evaluation by program execution.
Integrating Decomposers, Methane-Cycling Microbes and Ecosystem Carbon Fluxes Along a Peatland Successional Gradient in a Land Uplift Region
Authors: Juottonen Heli , Kieman Mirkka , Fritze Hannu , Hamberg Leena , Laine Anna M. , Merilä Päivi , Peltoniemi Krista , Putkinen Anuliina , Tuittila Eeva-Stiina
Published: October 2021

Peatlands are carbon dioxide (CO2) sinks that, in parallel, release methane (CH4). The peatland carbon (C) balance depends on the interplay of decomposer and CH4-cycling microbes, vegetation, and environmental conditions. These interactions are susceptible to the changes that occur along a successional gradient from vascular plant-dominated systems toSphagnummoss-dominated systems. Changes similar to this succession are predicted to occur from climate change. Here, we investigated how microbial and plant communities are interlinked with each other and with ecosystem C cycling along a successional gradient on a boreal land uplift coast. The gradient ranged from shoreline to meadows and fens, and further to bogs. Potential microbial activity (aerobic CO2production; CH4production and oxidation) and biomass were greatest in the early successional meadows, although their communities of aerobic decomposers (fungi, actinobacteria), methanogens, and methanotrophs did not differ from the older fens. Instead, the functional microbial communities shifted at the fen–bog transition concurrent with a sudden decrease in C fluxes. The successional patterns of decomposer versus CH4-cycling communities diverged at the bog stage, indicating strong but distinct microbial responses toSphagnumdominance and acidity. We highlight young meadows as dynamic sites with the greatest microbial potential for C release. These hot spots of C turnover with dense sedge cover may represent a sensitive bottleneck in succession, which is necessary for eventual long-term peat accumulation. The distinctive microbes in bogs could serve as indicators of the C sink function in restoration measures that aim to stabilize the C in the peat.
Arabidopsis ASYMMETRIC LEAVES2 (AS2): roles in plant morphogenesis, cell division, and pathogenesis
Authors: Machida Yasunori , Suzuki Takanori , Sasabe Michiko , Iwakawa Hidekazu , Kojima Shoko , Machida Chiyoko
Published: October 2021

The ASYMMETRIC LEAVES2 (AS2) gene in Arabidopsis thaliana is responsible for the development of flat, symmetric, and extended leaf laminae and their vein systems. AS2 protein is a member of the plant-specific AS2/LOB protein family, which includes 42 members comprising the conserved amino-terminal domain referred to as the AS2/LOB domain, and the variable carboxyl-terminal region. Among the members, AS2 has been most intensively investigated on both genetic and molecular levels. AS2 forms a complex with the myb protein AS1, and is involved in epigenetic repression of the abaxial genes ETTIN/AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR3 (ETT/ARF3), ARF4, and class 1 KNOX homeobox genes. The repressed expression of these genes by AS2 is markedly enhanced by the cooperative action of various modifier genes, some of which encode nucleolar proteins. Further downstream, progression of the cell division cycle in the developing organs is stimulated; meristematic states are suppressed in determinate leaf primordia; and the extension of leaf primordia is induced. AS2 binds the specific sequence in exon 1 of ETT/ARF3 and maintains methylated CpGs in several exons of ETT/ARF3. AS2 forms bodies (designated as AS2 bodies) at nucleolar peripheries. AS2 bodies partially overlap chromocenters, including inactive 45S ribosomal DNA repeats, suggesting the presence of molecular and functional links among AS2, the 45S rDNAs, and the nucleolus to exert the repressive regulation of ETT/ARF3. The AS2/LOB domain is characterized by three subdomains, the zinc finger (ZF) motif, the internally conserved-glycine containing (ICG) region, and the leucine-zipper-like (LZL) region. Each of these subdomains is essential for the formation of AS2 bodies. ICG to LZL are required for nuclear localization, but ZF is not. LZL intrinsically has the potential to be exported to the cytoplasm. In addition to its nuclear function, it has been reported that AS2 plays a positive role in geminivirus infection: its protein BV1 stimulates the expression of AS2 and recruits AS2 to the cytoplasm, which enhances virus infectivity by suppression of cytoplasmic post transcriptional gene silencing.
Deep learning for automatic segmentation of thigh and leg muscles
Authors: Agosti Abramo , Shaqiri Enea , Paoletti Matteo , Solazzo Francesca , Bergsland Niels , Colelli Giulia , Savini Giovanni , Muzic Shaun I. , Santini Francesco , Deligianni Xeni , Diamanti Luca , Monforte Mauro , Tasca Giorgio , Ricci Enzo , Bastianello Stefano , Pichiecchio Anna
Published: October 2021

Objective

In this study we address the automatic segmentation of selected muscles of the thigh and leg through a supervised deep learning approach.

Material and methods

The application of quantitative imaging in neuromuscular diseases requires the availability of regions of interest (ROI) drawn on muscles to extract quantitative parameters. Up to now, manual drawing of ROIs has been considered the gold standard in clinical studies, with no clear and universally accepted standardized procedure for segmentation. Several automatic methods, based mainly on machine learning and deep learning algorithms, have recently been proposed to discriminate between skeletal muscle, bone, subcutaneous and intermuscular adipose tissue. We develop a supervised deep learning approach based on a unified framework for ROI segmentation.

Results

The proposed network generates segmentation maps with high accuracy, consisting in Dice Scores ranging from 0.89 to 0.95, with respect to “ground truth” manually segmented labelled images, also showing high average performance in both mild and severe cases of disease involvement (i.e. entity of fatty replacement).

Discussion

The presented results are promising and potentially translatable to different skeletal muscle groups and other MRI sequences with different contrast and resolution.
The Effects of Micro-vessel Curvature Induced Elongational Flows on Platelet Adhesion
Authors: Spieker Christian J. , Závodszky Gábor , Mouriaux Clarisse , van der Kolk Max , Gachet Christian , Mangin Pierre H. , Hoekstra Alfons G.
Published: October 2021

The emerging profile of blood flow and the cross-sectional distribution of blood cells have far reaching biological consequences in various diseases and vital internal processes, such as platelet adhesion. The effects of several essential blood flow parameters, such as red blood cell free layer width, wall shear rate, and hematocrit on platelet adhesion were previously explored to great lengths in straight geometries. In the current work, the effects of channel curvature on cellular blood flow are investigated by simulating the accurate cellular movement and interaction of red blood cells and platelets in a half-arc channel for multiple wall shear rate and hematocrit values. The results show significant differences in the emerging shear rate values and distributions between the inner and outer arc of the channel curve, while the cell distributions remain predominantly uninfluenced. The simulation predictions are also compared to experimental platelet adhesion in a similar curved geometry. The inner side of the arc shows elevated platelet adhesion intensity at high wall shear rate, which correlates with increased shear rate and shear rate gradient sites in the simulation. Furthermore, since the platelet availability for binding seems uninfluenced by the curvature, these effects might influence the binding mechanics rather than the probability. The presence of elongational flows is detected in the simulations and the link to increased platelet adhesion is discussed in the experimental results.
Seismic performance of strengthened masonry structures: actual behaviour of buildings in Norcia and Campi Alto during the 2016 Central Italy seismic sequence
Authors: Sisti Romina , Di Ludovico Marco , Borri Antonio , Prota Andrea
Published: October 2021

The structural response of unreinforced masonry buildings designed for gravity load only or with reference to obsolete seismic provisions is widely studied in the literature in order to define proper strengthening strategies and solution to mitigate the seismic risk. However, the critical analysis of the effectiveness of past used strengthening solution is still lacking. To fill such gap, the present study deals with the evaluation of the seismic performances of buildings in Campi Alto struck by the 2016 central Italy seismic sequence. The behaviour of buildings in Campi Alto is compared with that of buildings in Norcia. A large part of the buildings in these two towns was strengthened between 1980 and 2000 during the reconstruction processes following previous earthquakes which occurred in 1979 and 1997. However, the strengthened buildings in Norcia reported limited damage while a significant and widespread level of damage was detected on several strengthened buildings in the hamlet of Campi Alto. This study focuses on the buildings in Campi Alto with the aim of investigating on the reasons of their unsatisfactory behaviour. Thus, the seismic action experienced by buildings in Norcia and Campi Alto is initially compared and the main vulnerabilities of these buildings are also evaluated. Then, 20 projects of strengthening interventions submitted to the Civil Engineering Department of the Umbria Region between 1984 and 2012 have been herein analysed and discussed in order to focus on the effectiveness of the strengthening solution adopted in the past. The analyses of such projects and of the empirical damage detected after the 2016 seismic sequence is a unique opportunity to derive useful information for future applications.
A Microbial Fermentation Mixture Reduces Fusarium Head Blight and Promotes Grain Weight but does not impact Septoria tritici blotch
Authors: Twamley Tony , Gaffney Mark , Feechan Angela
Published: October 2021

Fusarium graminearum and Zymoseptoria tritici cause economically important diseases of wheat. F. graminearum is one of the primary causal agents of Fusarium head blight (FHB) and Z. tritici is the causal agent of Septoria tritici blotch (STB). Alternative control methods are required in the face of fungicide resistance and EU legislation which seek to cut pesticide use by 2030. Both fungal pathogens have been described as either hemibiotrophs or necrotrophs. A microbial fermentation-based product (MFP) was previously demonstrated to control the biotrophic pathogen powdery mildew, on wheat. Here we investigated if MFP would be effective against the non-biotrophic fungal pathogens of wheat, F. graminearum and Z. tritici. We assessed the impact of MFP on fungal growth, disease control and also evaluated the individual constituent parts of MFP. Antifungal activity towards both pathogens was found in vitro but MFP only significantly decreased disease symptoms of FHB in planta. In addition, MFP was found to improve the grain number and weight, of uninfected and F. graminearum infected wheat heads.
Ogawa’s nipponium and its re-assignment to rhenium
Authors: Hisamatsu Yoji , Egashira Kazuhiro , Maeno Yoshiteru
Published: October 2021

We re-examine the history of the element “nipponium” discovered by a Japanese chemist Masataka Ogawa in 1908. Since 1996 H.K. Yoshihara has made extensive research into Ogawa’s work and revealed evidence that nipponium proposed for the place of the atomic number of 43 was actually rhenium (75). In this paper, we provide critical re-interpretations of the existing information and confirmed that Ogawa left indisputable evidence that nipponium was in fact rhenium. We further discuss the reasons for the existing doubts and criticism against Ogawa’s discovery and Yoshihara’s interpretation, and attempt to resolve them.
From Johann to Maurice: Science and Expression in the Philosophical Praxis of Medicine
Authors: Heinbokel Timm
Published: October 2021

Phenomenology’s return to lived experience and “to the things themselves” is often contrasted with the synthesized perspective of science and its “view from nowhere.” The extensive use of neuropsychological case reports in Merleau-Ponty’sPhenomenology of Perception, however, suggests that the relationship between phenomenology and science is more complex than a sheer opposition, and a fruitful one for the praxis of medicine. Here, I propose a new reading of how Merleau-Ponty justifies his use of Adhémar Gelb and Kurt Goldstein’s reports on Johann Schneider for his phenomenology of embodied perception. I argue that for Merleau-Ponty these neuropsychological case reports represent a coherent deformation of the intercorporeally expressed existence of Schneider that through speech fall again onto the common ground of perception, thereby allowing Merleau-Ponty to understand, in the equivalent sense delivered by language, Schneider’s total being and fundamental illness. I then discuss what Merleau-Ponty’s method implies for a phenomenological praxis of medicine, and for the role of science in this praxis.
The Multi-method Comprehensive Review: Synthesis and Analysis when Scholarship is International, Interdisciplinary, and Immense
Authors: Schnable Allison , DeMattee Anthony J. , Robinson Rachel Sullivan , Brass Jennifer N. , Longhofer Wesley
Published: October 2021

This article presents a new strategy for reviewing large, multidisciplinary academic literatures: a multi-method comprehensive review (MCR). We present this approach and demonstrate its use by the NGO Knowledge Collective, which aims to aggregate knowledge on NGOs in international development. We explain the process by which scholars can identify, analyze, and synthesize a population of hundreds or thousands of articles. MCRs facilitate cross-disciplinary synthesis, systematically identify gaps in a literature, and can create data for further scholarly use. The main drawback is the significant resources needed to manage the volume of text to review, although such obstacles may be mitigated through advances in “big data” methodologies over time.
A review on occurrence of emerging pollutants in waters of the MENA region
Authors: Haddaoui Imen , Mateo-Sagasta Javier
Published: October 2021

Little is known about the occurrence of emerging pollutants (EPs) in waters in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region despite the extensive use of low-quality water there. Available data dealing with the sources, occurrence and removal of EPs within the MENA region in different categories of water is collected, presented and analyzed in this literature review. According to the collected database, the occurrence and removal efficiency of EPs in the water matrix in the MENA region is available, respectively, for 13 and six countries of the 18 in total; no available data is registered for the rest. Altogether, 290 EPs have been observed in different water matrices across the MENA countries, stemming mainly from industrial effluents, agricultural practices, and discharge or reuse of treated wastewater (TWW). Pharmaceutical compounds figure among the most frequently reported compounds in wastewater, TWW, surface water, and drinking water. Nevertheless, pesticides are the most frequently detected pollutants in groundwater. Worryingly, 57 cases of EPs have been reported in different fresh and drinking waters, exceeding World Health Organization (WHO) and European Commission (EC) thresholds. Overall, pharmaceuticals, organic compounds, and pesticides are the most concerning EP groups. The review revealed the ineffectiveness of treatment processes used in the region to remove EPs. Negative removals of some EPs such as carbamazepine, erythromycin, and sulfamethoxazole were recorded, suggesting their possible accumulation or release during treatment. This underlines the need to set in place and strengthen control measures, treatment procedures, standards, and policies for such pollutants in the region.
Warming up und Cooling out in der Wissenschaft. Zur Entwicklung von Möglichkeitshorizonten am Beispiel von Wissenschaftskarrieren in Deutschland
Authors: Berli Oliver
Published: October 2021

Mit seinem 1952 veröffentlichten Aufsatz „On cooling the mark out“ formulierte Erving Goffman einen einflussreichen Vorschlag, um die Enttäuschung von Erwartungen sowie Strategien der Vermeidung und Bearbeitung typischerweise individuell zugerechneter Misserfolge zu konzeptualisieren. In kompetitiven Feldern, die zugleich Universalismus wie Leistungsgerechtigkeit versprechen und systematisch an der Einlösung dieser modernen Versprechungen scheitern, ist die Bearbeitung von enttäuschten Erwartungen eine Daueraufgabe. Ein Musterbeispiel für diese Kombination von feldspezifischem Glauben an die Relevanz von Leistung und hoher Dichte an Erwartungsenttäuschungen stellen Karrieren im Wissenschaftsfeld dar. Der Artikel nimmt am Beispiel von Wissenschaftskarrieren eine Erweiterung des Cooling-out-Konzepts um Prozesse des Warming up vor. Während Cooling out sich auf die Abkühlung von Erfolgserwartungen bezieht, zielt Warming up auf den Prozess des Aufbaus von Erfolgserwartungen. Auf der Grundlage von 20 erwerbsbiografischen Interviews mit Wissenschaftler*innen aus den Disziplinen BWL, Geschichte und Physik geht der Beitrag dem Management von Erfolgserwartungen und der Anpassung von Möglichkeitshorizonten nach und arbeitet zentrale Strategien heraus, die dabei zum Einsatz kommen.
Application of Numerical Simulation and Physical Modeling for Verifying a Cold Forging Process for Rotary Sleeves
Authors: Bulzak Tomasz , Winiarski Grzegorz , Wójcik Łukasz , Szala Mirosław
Published: October 2021

This paper presents the modeling of a cold forging process for a rotary sleeve. The process of forging a EN 42CrMo4 steel part was first modeled numerically by the finite element method using simulation software DEFORM 3D ver. 11.0. After that, the developed forging process was verified by experimental tests carried out in laboratory conditions with the use of 1:2 scale tools and a material model of aluminum alloy EN AW-6060. Finite element method (FEM) results demonstrated that rotary sleeves could be formed from tubes by cold forging. Results of the experimental tests showed, however, that the material inside the hole of the work piece might not adhere to the surface of the sizing pin. Distributions of strain and stress during the forging process are determined. Geometrical parameters of forged parts obtained in experimental tests are compliant with the dimensions of forged parts simulated by FEM. In addition, experimental forces of the forging process show a high agreement with the forces obtained in FEM simulations.
Strategies to self-manage side-effects of adjuvant endocrine therapy among breast cancer survivors: an umbrella review of empirical evidence and clinical guidelines
Authors: Hall Louise H. , King Natalie V. , Graham Christopher D. , Green Sophie M. C. , Barber Alice , Neal Richard D. , Foy Robbie , Clark Jane , Lloyd Kelly E. , Smith Samuel G.
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Side-effects of adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET) are common in breast cancer survivors, and can affect adherence to treatment. We synthesised the evidence for strategies to self-manage these side-effects.

Methods

We searched for systematic reviews and clinical guidelines on self-management strategies for AET side-effects (arthralgia, fatigue, hot flashes, gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, vulvovaginal symptoms, and sleep disturbance). We searched oncology organisation’s websites and eight databases (Inception-November 2020). Screening, data extraction and quality assessment were completed independently in duplicate. PROSPERO: 2019CRD4201914001.

Results

We identified 33 systematic reviews and 18 clinical guidelines. 21% of reviews were high quality, and the average quality score for guidelines was 44%. Evidence for most strategies was absent or weak. There was consensus from a low-quality review and multiple guidelines to recommend moisturisers, gels and lubricants for vulvovaginal symptoms. Evidence was weak for physical activity for self-managing most symptoms, although two high-quality reviews indicated yoga and aerobic exercise could reduce fatigue. Primary research was often biased by weak and underpowered study designs. Eleven reviews did not report information on adverse events.

Conclusions

Most self-management strategies for breast cancer survivors experiencing side-effects from AET lack evidence. Primary research is needed using high-quality well-powered designs focusing on implementable strategies.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

Patients and clinicians should be aware that although the risk of harm is low for these self-management strategies, the likelihood of benefit is often unclear. Women should consider moisturisers, gels or lubricants for self-managing vulvovaginal symptoms, and yoga or aerobic exercise for alleviating fatigue.
Video analysis of potential concussions in elite male Hurling: are players being assessed according to league guidelines?
Authors: Sokol-Randell Darek , Rotundo Mario Pasquale , Tierney Gregory , Cusimano Michael D. , Deasy Conor
Published: October 2021

Background

Hurling is a fast-paced contact sport that places players at risk of concussion. Given the consequences of repeated concussive impacts, it is imperative that concussion management guidelines are followed.

Hypothesis/Purpose.

The aim of this study is to determine if potential concussive events (PCEs) in elite Hurling are assessed in accordance with league management guidelines. The secondary objective is to investigate the effectiveness of current concussion training programs.

Methods

Investigators used a video analysis approach to identify PCEs throughout the 2018 and 2019 inter-county Hurling seasons and championships. Subsequent assessment, return to play (RTP) decision, and signs of concussion were evaluated based on previously validated methods. The results were then compared year-over-year with previous research in Gaelic Football (GF).

Results

A total of 183 PCEs were identified over 82 matches. PCEs were frequently assessed (86.3%, n = 158) by medical personnel. The majority of assessments were less than 1 min in duration (81.0%, n = 128). Thirteen (7.1%) players were removed following a PCE. There were 43 (23.5%) PCEs that resulted in one or more signs of concussion, of which 10 (23.3%) were removed from play. There was no difference in rate of assessment, duration of assessment, or rate of RTP between 2018 and 2019 in both Hurling and GF, suggesting that current concussion training programs have had limited success.

Conclusion

In Hurling, players suspected of having sustained a concussion are frequently subject to a brief assessment, and are rarely removed from play. Affirmative action is needed to ensure the consistent application of standardized concussion assessment across the Gaelic Games.
Is it feasible to learn research skills in addition to audit skills through clinical audit? A mixed methods study in general practice
Authors: Carberry Crea , Callanan Ian , McCombe Geoff , Tobin Helen , Bury Gerard , Last Jason , Cullen Walter
Published: October 2021

Background

Involving medical students in research in their undergraduate careers may increase the likelihood that they will be research active after graduation. To date, there has been a paucity of published research of students doing research in general practice.

Aim

The study aims to evaluate the impact of general practice clinical audits on early-stage graduate entry students’ audit and research self-efficacy and explore feasibility issues from the student and GP perspective.

Methods

Two student questionnaires (pre- and post-intervention), a qualitative GP survey of the 25 participating GPs and semi-structured interviews of a purposeful sample of GPs were conducted.

Results

Participating students who completed the follow-up survey found that it had a positive educational impact (55%), increased their understanding of the audit cycle (72%) and real-world prescribing (77%). Research confidence wise, there was a statistically significant difference in the student group who completed the audit project compared to those students who did not in knowledge of the audit cycle and the difference between research and audit (p = 0.001) but not in other research skills. Ninety-six percent of responding GPs would be happy for students to do future audits in their practice but some feasibility issues similar to other research initiatives in general practice were identified.

Conclusion

We found this audit initiative feasible and useful in helping students learn about audit skills, patient safety and real-world prescribing. GPs and students would benefit more if it were linked to a substantial clinical placement, focussed on a topic of interest and given protected time. Separate research projects may be needed to develop research skills confidence.
Where are the paediatric patients with testicular torsion during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Authors: Norton Sarah Marie , Considine Shane , Dowling Catherine , D’Arcy Frank
Published: October 2021

Introduction

The Irish people were put on lockdown in mid-March 2020 due to concern of the spread of coronavirus. With these societal changes came a notable reduction in emergency department attendance. Our aim was to analyse emergency urological procedures performed during the COVID-19 era versus the previous year.

Methods

A retrospective review of theatre logbooks was undertaken comparing numbers of emergency urological procedures performed between 1 March 2020 and 31 May 2020 (i.e. the COVID-19 era) with the corresponding 3-month period in 2019.

Results

A total of 173 cases were analysed between the two time periods. Similar overall numbers of cases were performed in 2019 (n = 90) and 2020 (n = 83). In particular, similar patient case numbers are also noted in both scrotal explorations (13 vs 9) and ureteric stone surgeries (69 vs 70). However, orchidectomies for testicular cancers were reduced by 63% (3/8). On further analysis of the scrotal exploration group, only 3 were performed in the period after lockdown regulations were instated.

Conclusion

Whilst patients with ureteric colic continue to present, those with acute testis pain requiring exploration attended less frequently, raising the possibility of undiagnosed testicular torsion in the community.
Can mathematical modelling work as a creativity-demanding activity? An empirical study in China
Authors: Lu Xiaoli , Kaiser Gabriele
Published: October 2021

Creativity has been identified as a key characteristic that allows students to adapt smoothly to rapid societal and economic changes in the real world. However, Chinese students appear to perform less well in mathematical problem-solving and problem-posing abilities, which are strongly connected to mathematical creativity. Mathematical modelling has recently been introduced as one of the six core competencies in the Chinese mathematical curriculum and is built on students’ ability to solve real-world problems using mathematical means. As mathematical modelling is characterised by openness regarding the understanding of complex real-world problems and the complex relationship between the real world and mathematics, for the strengthening of creativity, mathematical modelling activities seem to be adequate to accomplish this purpose. In this paper, we describe a study with 71 upper secondary school students, 50 pre-service mathematics teachers, and 66 in-service mathematics teachers, based on an extended didactical framework regarding mathematical modelling as a creativity-demanding activity. The results of the study indicate a significant correlation between modelling competencies and creativity aspects. Especially significant correlations between the adequacy of the modelling approaches and the two creativity aspects of usefulness and fluency could be identified, as well as a significant negative correlation between usefulness and originality. The results of the correlational analysis of relationships among the four criteria were not always consistent in the three participant groups. Overall, the results have implications for the promotion of creativity for various expertise groups and demonstrate the dependency of the modelling activities on the mathematical knowledge of the participants and the mathematical topic with which they are dealing.
Finding answers in lipid profile in COVID-19 patients
Authors: Sampedro-Nuñez M. , Aguirre-Moreno N. , García-Fraile Fraile L. , Jiménez-Blanco S. , Knott-Torcal C. , Sanz-Martin P. , Fernández-Jiménez G. , Marazuela M.
Published: October 2021

Introduction

A small percentage of patients will develop a severe form of COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection. Thus, it is important to predict the potential outcomes identifying early markers of poor prognosis. In this context, we evaluated the association of SARS-CoV-2 infection with lipid abnormalities and their role in prognosis.

Methods

Single-center, retrospective, observational study of COVID-19 patients admitted from March to October 2020. Clinical and laboratory data, comorbidities, and treatments for COVID-19 were evaluated. Main outcomes including intensive care unit (ICU) admission and mortality were analyzed with a multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression model.

Results

We selected 1489 from a total of 2038 consecutive patients with confirmed COVID-19, who had a complete lipid profile before ICU admission. During the follow-up performed in 1109 patients, we observed a decrease in T-c, HDL-c, and LDL-c in 28.6%, 42.9%, and 30.4% of patients, respectively, and an increase in TG in 76.8%. The decrease of both T-c and HDL- c was correlated with a decrease in albumin levels (r = 0.39 and r = 0.37, respectively). Kaplan–Meier survival curves found an increased ICU admission in patients with lower T-c (HR 0.55, CI 0.36–0.86), HDL-c (HR 0.61, CI 0.45–0.84), and LDL-c (HR 0.85, CI 0.74–0.97). Higher values of T-c (HR 0.45, CI 0.36–0.57), HDL-c (HR 0.66, CI 0.54–0.81), and LDL-c (HR 0.86, CI 0.78–0.94) showed a protective effect on mortality.

Conclusions

Abnormalities in lipid profile are a frequent complication of SARS-CoV-2 infection and might be related to morbidity and mortality.

Funding

Proyectos de Investigación en Salud (FIS) and cofinanced by FEDER.
Aplysia Neurons as a Model of Alzheimer’s Disease: Shared Genes and Differential Expression
Authors: Kron Nicholas S. , Fieber Lynne A.
Published: October 2021

Although Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia in the United States, development of therapeutics has proven difficult. Invertebrate alternatives to current mammalian AD models have been successfully employed to study the etiology of the molecular hallmarks of AD. The marine snailAplysia californicaoffers a unique and underutilized system in which to study the physiological, behavioral, and molecular impacts of AD. Mapping of theAplysiaproteome to humans and cross-referencing with two databases of genes of interest in AD research identified 898 potential orthologs of interest inAplysia. Included among these orthologs were alpha, beta and gamma secretases, amyloid-beta, and tau. Comparison of age-associated differential expression inAplysiasensory neurons with that of late-onset AD in the frontal lobe identified 59 ortholog with concordant differential expression across data sets. The 21 concordantly upregulated genes suggested increased cellular stress and protein dyshomeostasis. The 47 concordantly downregulated genes included important components of diverse neuronal processes, including energy metabolism, mitochondrial homeostasis, synaptic signaling, Ca++regulation, and cellular cargo transport. Compromised functions in these processes are known hallmarks of both human aging and AD, the ramifications of which are suggested to underpin cognitive declines in aging and neurodegenerative disease.
The origins of paraffinic oils collected from oilfields in the western Siberian Basin, Russia: implications from geochemical and physical characteristics
Authors: Hakimi Mohammed Hail , Saeed Shadi A. , Al-Muntaser Ameen A. , Varfolomeev Mikhail A. , Djimasbe Richard , Lashin Aref , Yelwa Nura Abdulmumini , Suwaid Muneer A.
Published: October 2021

Four oil samples were collected from oilfields in the western Siberian Basin, and analyzed using conventional geochemical and physical methods. The results of this study were used to evaluate the oil samples, focusing on the characteristics of their source rocks, including the origin of organic matter input; redox depositional conditions and degree of thermal maturity of their probable source rock were studied. The obtained SARA results show that the examined oils are paraffinic oils owing to their high saturated hydrocarbon fraction values of greater than 70% volume. The observed API gravity values (23.55° to 32.57°) and low sulfur content of less than 0.25% wt indicate that the examined oils are sweet oils and were generated from source rock containing Type-II, with low sulfur content. The low sulfur content combined with the vanadium (V) and nickel (Ni) ratios indicates that the examined oils were scoured from a mixture of aquatic and terrestrial organic matter, depositing under generally suboxic environmental conditions. The n-alkane and isoprenoid distributions, with their ratios and parameters further suggest that the examined oil samples were generated from source rock containing a mixed organic matter input and deposited under suboxic to relatively oxic environmental conditions. Bulk compositions and distributions of n-alkane and isoprenoid indicate that the oil samples were generated from mature source rock.
Safety evaluation of a vehicle–bridge interaction system using the pseudo-excitation method
Authors: Zhang Nan , Zhou Ziji , Wu Zhaozhi
Published: October 2021

A method for analysing the vehicle–bridge interaction system with enhanced objectivity is proposed in the paper, which considers the time-variant and random characteristics and allows finding the power spectral densities (PSDs) of the system responses directly from the PSD of track irregularity. The pseudo-excitation method is adopted in the proposed framework, where the vehicle is modelled as a rigid body and the bridge is modelled using the finite element method. The vertical and lateral wheel–rail pseudo-excitations are established assuming the wheel and rail have the same displacement and using the simplified Kalker creep theory, respectively. The power spectrum function of vehicle and bridge responses is calculated by history integral. Based on the dynamic responses from the deterministic and random analyses of the interaction system, and the probability density functions for three safety factors (derailment coefficient, wheel unloading rate, and lateral wheel axle force) are obtained, and the probabilities of the safety factors exceeding the given limits are calculated. The proposed method is validated by Monte Carlo simulations using a case study of a high-speed train running over a bridge with five simply supported spans and four piers.
Change Detection of Urban Trees in MLS Point Clouds Using Occupancy Grids
Authors: Hirt Philipp-Roman , Xu Yusheng , Hoegner Ludwig , Stilla Uwe
Published: October 2021

Trees play an important role in the complex system of urban environments. Their benefits to environment and health are manifold. Yet, especially near streets, the traffic can be impaired by a limited clearance. Even injuries could be caused by breaking tree parts. Hence, it is important to capture the trees in the frame of a tree cadastre and to ensure regular monitoring. Mobile laser scanning (MLS) can be used for data acquisition, followed by an automated analysis of the point clouds acquired over time. The presented approach uses occupancy grids with a grid size of 10 cm, which enable the comparison of several epochs in three-dimensional space. Prior to that, a segmentation of single tree objects is conducted. After cylinder-based trunk localisation, closely neighboured tree crowns are separated using weights derived from local point densities. Therefore, changes for every single tree can be derived with regard to its parameters and its point cloud. The testing area is set along an urban street in Munich, Germany, using the publicly available benchmark data sets TUM-MLS-2016/2018. In the frame of the evaluation, tree objects are geo-referenced and mapped in 2D. The tree parameters height and diameter at breast height are derived. The geometric evaluation of the change analysis facilitates not only the acquisition of stock changes, but also the detection of shape changes for the tree objects.
Tying the Delivery of Activity Step Instructions to Step Performance: Evaluating a Basic Technology System with People with Special Needs
Authors: Lancioni Giulio E. , O’Reilly Mark F. , Sigafoos Jeff , Alberti Gloria , Tenerelli Giovanna , Ricci Carlo , Marschik Peter B. , Desideri Lorenzo
Published: October 2021

Objectives

This study assessed a new technology system that automatically presented instructions for multistep activities to people with intellectual and sensory disabilities. The instructions were presented one at a time, and tied to the participants’ performance of the activity steps. That is, a new instruction occurred only after the participant had carried out the previous step.

Methods

The new system involved a Samsung Galaxy A10 with Android 10.0 operating system equipped with Amazon Alexa, MacroDroid, and Philips Hue applications and a Philips Hue indoor motion sensor. The assessment of the new system was carried out with seven participants who were exposed to two or three pairs of activities. They performed one activity of each pair with the new system and the other with a system presenting instructions at preset time intervals according to an alternating treatments design that included a cross-over phase.

Results

The mean percentage of correct responses tended to be higher with the new system than with the control system. Paired t-tests carried out to compare the sessions with the new system with the sessions with the control system of each participant showed that the differences in correct responses between the two sets of sessions were statistically significant for all participants.

Conclusions

The new system may represent a useful (advantageous) tool for supporting people like those involved in this study in the performance of multistep activities.
Contemporary Transformations in the Brazilian Popular Catholic Festivals: the Case of the Holy Divine Spirit Festival (Festa do Divino)
Authors: Siuda-Ambroziak Renata , Mariano Fabiene Passamani
Published: October 2021

The Azorean families, wherever they migrated, brought their cultural background in which there clearly stood out celebrations of the annual festival of the Divine Holy Spirit. The Festa do Divino, as it is called in Brazil, has turned, in places where they originally settled down, into one of the most famous religious festivals of the Brazilian Popular Catholicism. However, due to some contemporary sociocultural factors, mostly linked to the more and more frequent application of the laws of market economy to the sphere of religion and also to the visible liberalization of the religious festivals’ “rules of conduct,” it has been recently suffering from some important modifications. In this article, we present and analyze such changes, basing on the study of celebrations of this popular religious tradition in four different municipalities of four different states of Brazil.