bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Techno-economic assessment of common reed and sewage sludge co-fermentation improved by vapothermal pre-treatment
Authors: Scherzinger Marvin , Kaltschmitt Marvin 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThis study examines whether vapothermal pre-treatment is technically feasible and brings economic advantages for a subsequent anaerobic co-fermentation of reeds together with sewage sludge. This is illustrated by the example of remote sites located close to constructed wetlands in the Persian Gulf states. Thus, eight different biogas plant configurations with an installed electric power between 75 and 450 kW, each with and without vapothermal pre-treatment, are investigated in detail related to technical and economic figures. Within the technical assessment, suitable plant components are chosen and overall plant layouts are designed and dimensioned. Furthermore, the requirements on the substrate by means of quantity, pre-treatment and storage capacities are investigated. Based on this, an economic evaluation following the annuity method is performed in order to calculate the respective electricity production costs. The results show that the thermal energy required for vapothermal pre-treatment can be obtained completely from the residual heat of the combined heat and power unit used in each case. Additionally, the specific electricity production costs can be reduced by a vapothermal pre-treatment up to 7 % related to the systems without pre-treatment. Furthermore, a comparison shows that vapothermal pre-treatment can compete with other pre-treatment methods such as steam explosion and hydrothermal pre-treatment for plants with higher installed electric capacity. In addition, it is shown that the considered cases can compete with the production of electricity using diesel as a fuel at a fuel equivalent price of 1.00 €Graphic abstract
From embodying tool to embodying alien limb: sensory-motor modulation of personal and extrapersonal space
Authors: Berti Anna 
Published: August 2021

AbstractYears ago, it was demonstrated (e.g., Rizzolatti et al. in Handbook of neuropsychology, Elsevier Science, Amsterdam, 2000) that the brain does not encode the space around us in a homogeneous way, but through neural circuits that map the space relative to the distance that objects of interest have from the body. In monkeys, relatively discrete neural systems, characterized by neurons with specific neurophysiological responses, seem to be dedicated either to represent the space that can be reached by the hand (near/peripersonal space) or to the distant space (far/extrapersonal space). It was also shown that the encoding of spaces has dynamic aspects because they can be remapped by the use of tools that trigger different actions (e.g., Iriki et al. 1998). In this latter case, the effect of the tool depends on the modulation of personal space, that is the space of our body. In this paper, I will review and discuss selected research, which demonstrated that also in humans: 1 spaces are encoded in a dynamic way; 2 encoding can be modulated by the use of tool that the system comes to consider as parts of the own body; 3 body representations are not fixed, but they are fragile and subject to change to the point that we can incorporate not only the tools necessary for action, but even limbs belonging to other people. What embodiment of tools and of alien limb tell us about body representations is then briefly discussed.
Prediction of all-cause mortality from 24 month trajectories in patient-reported psychological, clinical and quality of life outcomes in uveal melanoma patients
Authors: Brown Stephen L. , Fisher Peter L. , Hope-Stone Laura , Heimann Heinrich , Hussain Rumana , Cherry M. Gemma 
Published: August 2021

AbstractA number of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) predict increased mortality after primary cancer treatment. Studies, though, are sometimes affected by methodological limitations. They often use control variables that poorly predict life expectancy, examine only one or two PROs thus not controlling potential confounding by unmeasured PROs, and observe PROs at only a single point in time. To predict all-cause mortality, this study used control variables affording good estimates of life expectancy, conducted multivariate analyses of multiple PROs to identify independent predictors, and monitored PROs two years after diagnosis. We recruited a consecutive sample of 824 patients with uveal melanoma between April 2008 and December 2014. PROs were variables shown to predict mortality in previous studies; anxiety, depression, visual and ocular symptoms, visual function impairment, worry about cancer recurrence, and physical, emotional, social and functional quality of life (QoL), measured 6, 12 and 24 months after diagnosis. We conducted Cox regression analyses with a census date of December 2018. Covariates were age, gender, marital and employment status, self-reported co-morbidities, tumor diameter and thickness, treatment modality and chromosome 3 mutation status, the latter a genetic mutation strongly associated with mortality. Single predictor analyses (with covariates), showed 6-month depression and poorer functional QoL predicting mortality, as did 6–12 month increases in anxiety and 6–12 month decreases in physical and functional QoL. Multivariate analyses using all PROs showed independent prediction by 6-month depression and decreasing QoL over 6–12 months and 12–24 months. Elevated depression scores six months post-diagnosis constituted an increased mortality risk. Early intervention for depressive symptoms may reduce mortality.
Income-dependent equivalence scales: A fresh look at German micro-data
Authors: Garbuszus Jan Marvin , Ott Notburga , Pehle Sebastian , Werding Martin 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIncome inequality and poverty risks receive a lot of attention in public debates and current research. To make income comparable across different types of households, applying the “(modified) OECD scale” – an equivalence scale with fixed weights for each household type – has become a quasi-standard in research. Instead, we derive a base-dependent equivalence scale allowing for scale weights that vary with income, building on micro-data from Germany. Our results suggest that appropriate equivalence scales are much steeper at the lower end of the income distribution than they are for higher income levels. We illustrate our findings by applying them to data on family income differentiated by household types. It turns out that using income-dependent equivalence scales matters for applied research on income inequality, especially if one is concerned with the composition, not just the size of the population at poverty risk.
Which East Asian herbal medicines can decrease viral infections?
Authors: Kuchta Kenny , Cameron Silke , Lee Minwon , Cai Shao-Qing , Shoyama Yukihiro 
Published: August 2021

AbstractWhilst Western research for the COVID-19 crisis focuses on vaccination, in East Asia traditional herbal prescriptions are studied for SARS-CoV2 therapy. In Japan, Maoto (Ephedrae herba 4 g, Armeniacae semen 4 g, Cinnamomi cortex 3 g, and Glycyrrhizae radix 2 g, JPXVII) is used based on clinical evidence for its effect on early phase influenza (also caused by RNA viruses) comparable to that of oseltamivir. The Health Ministry of Thailand has approved Andrographis paniculata (Jap. Senshinren) extracts for treatment of COVID-19. Its combination (4 g) with Maoto, Maoto-ka-senshinren, seems most promising for the treatment of viral pandemics. In China, the official guideline for COVID-19 treatment contains TCM medications with antiviral, as well as immunmodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects such as: Qing-Fei-Pai-Du-Tang (Jap. Seihai-haidokuto) contains 21 drugs; Shufeng Jiedu Jiaonang (Bupleuri radix 8 g, Forsythiae fructus 8 g, Glycyrrhizae radix 4 g, Isatidis radix 8 g, Patriniae herba 8 g, Phragmitis rhizoma 6 g, Polygoni cuspidati rhizoma 10 g, Verbenae herba 8 g); Fufang Yuxingcao Heiji (Forsythiae fructus 0.6 g, Houttuyniae herba 6 g, Isatidis radix 1.5 g, Lonicerae flos 0.6 g, Scutellariae radix 1.5 g) first gained prominence during the 2002 SARS epidemic. With no Western medicine available, the following overview discusses efficacy and mechanisms in view of viral entry and replication of different East Asian herbal remedies for COVID-19 treatment.
A SARS-CoV-2 mutant from B.1.258 lineage with ∆H69/∆V70 deletion in the Spike protein circulating in Central Europe in the fall 2020
Authors: Brejová Broňa , Boršová Kristína , Hodorová Viktória , Čabanová Viktória , Reizigová Lenka , Paul Evan D. , Čekan Pavol , Klempa Boris , Nosek Jozef , Vinař Tomáš 
Published: August 2021

AbstractSARS-CoV-2 mutants carrying the ∆H69/∆V70 deletion in the amino-terminal domain of the Spike protein emerged independently in at least six lineages of the virus (namely, B.1.1.7, B.1.1.298, B.1.160, B.1.177, B.1.258, B.1.375). We analyzed SARS-CoV-2 samples collected from various regions of Slovakia between November and December 2020 that were presumed to contain B.1.1.7 variant due to drop-out of the Spike gene target in an RT-qPCR test caused by this deletion. Sequencing of these samples revealed that although in some cases the samples were indeed confirmed as B.1.1.7, a substantial fraction of samples contained another ∆H69/∆V70 carrying mutant belonging to the lineage B.1.258, which has been circulating in Central Europe since August 2020, long before the import of B.1.1.7. Phylogenetic analysis shows that the early sublineage of B.1.258 acquired the N439K substitution in the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the Spike protein and, later on, also the deletion ∆H69/∆V70 in the Spike N-terminal domain (NTD). This variant was particularly common in several European countries including the Czech Republic and Slovakia but has been quickly replaced by B.1.1.7 early in 2021.
Obesity paradox in joint replacement for osteoarthritis — truth or paradox?
Authors: Kunutsor Setor K. , Whitehouse Michael R. , Blom Ashley W. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractObesity is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and other adverse health outcomes. In patients with pre-existing heart failure or coronary heart disease, obese individuals have a more favourable prognosis compared to individuals who are of normal weight. This paradoxical relationship between obesity and CVD has been termed the ‘obesity paradox’. This phenomenon has also been observed in patients with other cardiovascular conditions and diseases of the respiratory and renal systems. Taking into consideration the well-established relationship between osteoarthritis (OA) and CVD, emerging evidence shows that overweight and obese individuals undergoing total hip or knee replacement for OA have lower mortality risk compared with normal weight individuals, suggesting an obesity paradox. Factors proposed to explain the obesity paradox include the role of cardiorespiratory fitness (“fat but fit”), the increased amount of lean mass in obese people, additional adipose tissue serving as a metabolic reserve, biases such as reverse causation and confounding by smoking, and the co-existence of older age and specific comorbidities such as CVD. A wealth of evidence suggests that higher levels of fitness are accompanied by prolonged life expectancy across all levels of adiposity and that the increased mortality risk attributed to obesity can be attenuated with increased fitness. For patients about to have joint replacement, improving fitness levels through physical activities or exercises that are attractive and feasible, should be a priority if intentional weight loss is unlikely to be achieved.
Exploring students’ learning experience in online education: analysis and improvement proposals based on the case of a Spanish open learning university
Authors: Rivera-Vargas Pablo , Anderson Terry , Cano Cristina Alonso 
Published: August 2021

AbstractNot surprisingly, the number of online universities continues to expand—especially in Covid-19 times. These institutions all offer “online education” with diverse institutional, technological, and pedagogical processes. However, a fundamental element has to do with the experience of the students, and how they adapt to the educational model of the online university in which they are studying. In this article, we present the main results of the case-study developed in one of the most historical and relevant virtual universities in an international context. We have explored and analysed the process of adaptation to the educational model by the student body, and their perceptions of their interactions with the pedagogical, institutional, and technological elements designed to support their learning. Qualitative and quantitative methods are used to gather and analyse the data. From 1715 students who participated in the survey and the perceptions of 30 students individually interviewed, the results show positive evaluations regarding the integration and adoption of technological competencies, and also, that the online education generally serves as a responsive model to the emergent needs of the learner. However, the results also show that students have important concerns regarding the pedagogical and institutional support provided.
Preoperative measurement of the hiatal surface with MDCT: impact on surgical planning
Authors: Rengo Marco , Boru Cristian E. , Badia Stefano , Iossa Angelo , Bellini Davide , Picchia Simona , Panvini Nicola , Carbone Iacopo , Silecchia Gianfranco , Laghi Andrea 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Objective
To evaluate the accuracy and reproducibility of hiatal surface area (HSA) measurement on dedicated multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) acquisition, in patients, previously subjected to laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), and affected by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Intraoperative HSA measurement was considered the reference standard.

Methods
Fifty-two candidates for laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair were prospectively included in the study. MDCT images were acquired during swallowing of oral iodinated contrast media and during strain. Measurements were performed by nine readers divided into three groups according to their experience. Results were compared with intraoperative measurements by means of Spearman correlation coefficient. Reproducibility was evaluated with intra- and interreader agreement by means of weighted Cohen’s kappa and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

Results
Significant differences between MDCT and intraoperative HSA measurements were observed for swallowing imaging for less experienced readers (p = 0.037, 0.025, 0.028 and 0.019). No other statistically significant differences were observed (p > 0.05). The correlation between HSA measured intraoperatively and on MDCT was higher for strain imaging compared to swallowing (r = 0.94—0.92 vs 0.94—0.89). The overall reproducibility of MDCT HSA measurement was excellent (ICC of 0.95; 95% CI 0,8993 to 0,9840) independently of reader’s experience

Conclusion
HSA can be accurately measured on MDCT images. This method is reproducible and minimally influenced by reader experience. The preoperative measurement of HSA has potential advantages for surgeons in terms of correct approach to hiatal defects in obese patient.
Bone Mineral Density Trends During the First Year After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy—a Cohort Study on 241 Patients
Authors: Malinici Elisabeta , Sirbu Anca , Popa Miruna , Andrei Marian , Ioacara Sorin , Copaescu Catalin , Fica Simona 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Purpose
Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is an effective weight loss procedure, but detrimental effects on bone health have been described. We aimed to assess the dynamics of regional and total bone mineral density (BMD) in a cohort of patients undergoing LSG and to capture gender differences in terms of evolution.

Materials and Methods
We conducted a retrospective study on 241 patients who underwent LSG to determine the regional and total BMD changes at 6 and 12 months after the intervention.

Results
One hundred ten males and 140 females (97 pre-, 43 postmenopausal) were included. Mean baseline body mass index (BMI) was 44.16 ± 6.11 kg/m2 in males and 41.60 ± 5.54 kg/m2 in females, reaching 28.62 ± 4.26 kg/m2 and 27.39 ± 4.2 kg/m2, respectively, at 12 months. BMD showed a continuous decline, with significant loss from 6 months postoperatively. There was a positive correlation between BMD and BMI decline at 12 months (r = 0.134, p < 0.05). Total BMD loss at 12 months was significantly greater in males than premenopausal females, independent of BMI variation and age. During the first 6 months, men lost significantly more bone mass than premenopausal and postmenopausal women (BMD variation was 2.62%, 0.27%, 1.58%, respectively). The second period (6–12 months) was similar in all three groups, revealing a further steady (~ 1.4%) BMD decline.

Conclusions
Our results are consistent with previous findings that LSG negatively impacts BMD, stressing the importance of bone health-oriented measures in postoperative care. Moreover, the impact that seems more significant in males warrants future exploration, as it might change clinical practice.

Graphical abstract
Molecular Aspects in the Potential of Vitamins and Supplements for Treating Diabetic Neuropathy
Authors: Okdahl Tina , Brock Christina 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Purpose of Review
To discuss and provide evidence-based data on dietary supplements as part of treating diabetic neuropathy

Recent Findings
Few randomized controlled trials are available, but some have shown beneficial efficacy of various dietary supplements on objective primary endpoints including nerve conduction velocities and axon potentials as well as subjective patient-reported outcomes.

Summary
No medical cure for diabetic neuropathy exists, and prevention is therefore crucial. Tight glucose control slows the progression of nerve damage in diabetes, but an unmet clinical need for effective interventions is warranted. Consequently, a growing number of patients turn to dietary supplements proposed to possess neuroprotective properties. However, the postulated effects are often not evidence-based as they have not been tested scientifically. Taken together, this review will focus on dietary supplements investigated in clinical trials for their potential capabilities in targeting the molecular mechanisms involved in the underlying pathogenesis of diabetic neuropathy.
Efficacy of Ketogenic Diets on Type 2 Diabetes: a Systematic Review
Authors: Tinguely Delphine , Gross Justine , Kosinski Christophe 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Purpose of Review
To assess the pleiotropic effects of ketogenic diets (KD) on glucose control, changes in medication, and weight loss in individuals with type 2 diabetes, and to evaluate its practical feasibility

Recent Findings
KD results in improved HbA1c already after 3 weeks, and the effect seems to persist for at least 1 year. This is associated with a reduction in glucose-lowering medications. The weight loss observed after a short time period seems to be maintained with a long-term diet. Adequate support (supportive psychological counseling, enhancing positive affectivity, reinforcing mindful eating) is necessary to achieve a benefit and to assure adherence.

Summary
Despite the documented decrease in HbA1, a definitive causal effect of KD remains to be proven. KD should be performed under strict medical supervision. Future research should clarify how compliance can be maximized and how ketosis can be optimally monitored.
Thyroid testing paradigm switch from thyrotropin to thyroid hormones—Future directions and opportunities in clinical medicine and research
Authors: Fitzgerald Stephen P. , Bean Nigel G. , Hennessey James V. , Falhammar Henrik 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Purpose
Recently published papers have demonstrated that particularly in untreated individuals, clinical parameters more often associate with thyroid hormone, particularly free thyroxine (FT4), levels than with thyrotropin (TSH) levels. Clinical and research assessments of the thyroid state of peripheral tissues would therefore be more precise if they were based on FT4 levels rather than on TSH levels. In this paper we describe implications of, and opportunities provided by, this discovery.

Conclusions
The FT4 level may be the best single test of thyroid function. The addition of free triiodothyronine (FT3) and TSH levels would further enhance test sensitivity and distinguish primary from secondary thyroid dysfunction respectively. There are opportunities to reconsider testing algorithms. Additional potential thyroidology research subjects include the peripheral differences between circulating FT4 and FT3 action, and outcomes in patients on thyroid replacement therapy in terms of thyroid hormone levels. Previously performed negative studies of therapy for subclinical thyroid dysfunction could be repeated using thyroid hormone levels rather than TSH levels for subject selection and the monitoring of treatment. Studies of outcomes in older individuals with treatment of high normal FT4 levels, and pregnant women with borderline high or low FT4 levels would appear to be the most likely to show positive results. There are fresh indications to critically re-analyse the physiological rationale for the current preference for TSH levels in the assessment of the thyroid state of the peripheral tissues. There may be opportunities to apply these research principles to analogous parameters in other endocrine systems.
“Masato de Yuca” and “Chicha de Siete Semillas” Two Traditional Vegetable Fermented Beverages from Peru as Source for the Isolation of Potential Probiotic Bacteria
Authors: Rebaza-Cardenas Teresa D. , Silva-Cajaleón Kenneth , Sabater Carlos , Delgado Susana , Montes-Villanueva Nilda D. , Ruas-Madiedo Patricia 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIn this work, two Peruvian beverages “Masato de Yuca,” typical of the Amazonian communities made from cassava (Manihot esculenta), and “Chicha de Siete Semillas,” made from different cereal, pseudo-cereal, and legume flours, were explored for the isolation of lactic acid bacteria after obtaining the permission of local authorities following Nagoya protocol. From an initial number of 33 isolates, 16 strains with different RAPD- and REP-PCR genetic profiles were obtained. In Chicha, all strains were Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (formerly Lactobacillus plantarum), whereas in Masato, in addition to this species, Limosilactobacillus fermentum (formerly Lactobacillus fermentum), Pediococcus acidilactici, and Weissella confusa were also identified. Correlation analysis carried out with their carbohydrate fermentation patterns and enzymatic profiles allowed a clustering of the lactobacilli separated from the other genera. Finally, the 16 strains were submitted to a static in vitro digestion (INFOGEST model) that simulated the gastrointestinal transit. Besides, their ability to adhere to the human epithelial intestinal cell line HT29 was also determined. Following both procedures, the best probiotic candidate was Lac. plantarum Ch13, a robust strain able to better face the challenging conditions of the gastrointestinal tract and showing higher adhesion ability to the intestinal epithelium in comparison with the commercial probiotic strain 299v. In order to characterize its benefit for human health, this Ch13 strain will be deeply studied in further works.