bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Territorial Dynamics of Spanish Members of Parliament (1977–2020)
Authors: Domínguez Pablo , Portillo-Pérez Manuel F. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThe Congress of Deputies should supposedly represent the entire Spanish population and the Spanish Constitution provides mechanisms to ensure geographic representation in the lower house. However, the mobility of the members of parliament (MPs) across constituencies can generate territorial representation imbalances. Based on the territorial component of descriptive representation, this article analyses the unequal geographic representation of autonomous communities in the Congress. A descriptive statistical assessment was conducted based on MPs’ autonomous community of birth, the autonomous community for which they have a seat, the role played by political parties, and the way in which territorial representation occurs within the hyper elite. Special attention was paid to the representation of peripheral regions and to the drivers of overrepresentation (and underrepresentation) of some regions in the Congress. It was observed that—with few exceptions—territorial peripheries include more native MPs, export fewer MPs, and are generally underrepresented in the Congress and within the hyper elite. In contrast, the Basque Country (an exception), Madrid, and other central territories are overrepresented in the Congress. Finally, four models of descriptive territorial representation were identified, which correspond to Spain’s different territorial tensions.
Laser tongue base mucosectomy is a useful diagnostic tool in the management of unknown primary cancers of the head and neck region
Authors: Olaleye O , Nassif R , Fleming B , Burrows S 
Published: June 2022

AbstractObjectiveTongue base mucosectomy identified cancer in 78 per cent of cancers of unknown primary in a recent meta-analysis. The carbon dioxide laser is an alternative technique if there is no access to a robot. This study aimed to describe the steps for undertaking tongue base mucosectomy using the carbon dioxide laser and its diagnostic utility in cancers of unknown primary.MethodThis was a prospective feasibility study utilising carbon dioxide laser for tongue base mucosectomy in cancers of unknown primary. Data collected included demographic data and p16 status.ResultsThere were 14 cancers of unknown primary with 86 per cent p16 positivity on immunohistochemistry. Laser tongue base mucosectomy alone identified the cancer primary in 7 of 12 (58 per cent) cancers of unknown primary among p16 positive tumours and 0 of 2 (0 per cent) among p16 negative tumours. Combining bilateral tonsillectomy with laser tongue base mucosectomy resulted in identification of the primary cancer in 8 of 12 (67 per cent) p16 positive tumours.ConclusionIn centres without a robot, tongue base mucosectomy using the carbon dioxide laser is a viable alternative, especially in combination with bilateral tonsillectomy in p16 positive cases.
Ocean Waves in the South Pacific: Complementarity of SWIM and SAR Observations
Authors: Oruba L. , Hauser D. , Planes S. , Dormy E. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThis study focuses on ocean waves impacting the Moorea Island in French Polynesia, where coral reefs play an essential role in the biodiversity and protection of habitations. We investigate how the innovative Surface Waves Investigation and Monitoring (SWIM) instrument of the Chinese‐French Oceanography SATellite satellite enables to document on a multi‐annual basis, the spectral properties of ocean waves reaching the coasts of the Moorea Island. Our analysis is based on comparisons with in situ measurements (wave gauges deployed on the outer slope of the coral reef), and with other satellite observations (altimeter, Synthetic Aperture Radar [SAR]). Accounting for local masking effects, we show that SWIM provides relevant information on short swell or wind waves, which is missed by the SAR observations, in particular in high sea‐state conditions, owing to the dominant propagation direction being close to the azimuth. We, nevertheless, also find that wave properties in low sea‐state conditions are better documented by SAR than by SWIM. Such results are important to accurately measure and predict the wave conditions which fragilize the coral reefs and to evaluate the impact of extreme events on tropical islands and coral reefs.
Effects of Land Reclamation on a Subterranean Estuary
Authors: Shen Chengji , Fan Yu , Wang Xibin , Song Wenjing , Li Ling , Lu Chunhui 
Published: June 2022

AbstractSubmarine groundwater discharge via coastal aquifers is an important pathway for land‐derived chemicals to enter the oceans. While previous studies have mostly focused on natural coastal aquifers, little attention has been paid to those modified by land reclamation. This study used laboratory experiments and numerical simulations to investigate the effects of land reclamation on flow and mixing processes in a nearshore subterranean estuary. The results show that, regardless of the permeability, the addition of reclamation soil will shift the tide‐driven upper saline plume (USP) seaward and reduce the USP size. When the aquifer is reclaimed by low‐permeability soil, the seawater intrusion length is reduced for small tidal amplitudes but extended as tidal amplitude further increases. Depending on the tidal amplitude, high‐ and low‐permeability reclamation soils prolong or shorten the average particle travel time in the USP, the freshwater discharge zone, and the saltwater wedge. Compared to the case without reclamation, high‐/low‐permeability reclamation soil enhances/weakens the water discharge rate across the aquifer‐ocean interface, narrows/expands the freshwater discharge zone, and increases the tide‐/density‐driven recirculation percent. Findings from this study highlight the complexity of nearshore groundwater systems subject to human activities, and have significant implications for better understanding the fate of terrestrially sourced chemicals in subterranean estuaries before discharging into the coastal water.
A streamlined strain engineering workflow with genome-wide screening detects enhanced protein secretion in Komagataella phaffii
Authors: Ito Yoichiro , Ishigami Misa , Terai Goro , Nakamura Yasuyuki , Hashiba Noriko , Nishi Teruyuki , Nakazawa Hikaru , Hasunuma Tomohisa , Asai Kiyoshi , Umetsu Mitsuo , Ishii Jun , Kondo Akihiko 
Published: June 2022

AbstractExpression of secreted recombinant proteins burdens the protein secretion machinery, limiting production. Here, we describe an approach to improving protein production by the non-conventional yeast Komagataella phaffii comprised of genome-wide screening for effective gene disruptions, combining them in a single strain, and recovering growth reduction by adaptive evolution. For the screen, we designed a multiwell-formatted, streamlined workflow to high-throughput assay of secretion of a single-chain small antibody, which is cumbersome to detect but serves as a good model of proteins that are difficult to secrete. Using the consolidated screening system, we evaluated >19,000 mutant strains from a mutant library prepared by a modified random gene-disruption method, and identified six factors for which disruption led to increased antibody production. We then combined the disruptions, up to quadruple gene knockouts, which appeared to contribute independently, in a single strain and observed an additive effect. Target protein and promoter were basically interchangeable for the effects of knockout genes screened. We finally used adaptive evolution to recover reduced cell growth by multiple gene knockouts and examine the possibility for further enhancing protein secretion. Our successful, three-part approach holds promise as a method for improving protein production by non-conventional microorganisms.
Brain aging is faithfully modelled in organotypic brain slices and accelerated by prions
Authors: Liu Yingjun , Senatore Assunta , Sorce Silvia , Nuvolone Mario , Guo Jingjing , Gümüş Zeynep H. , Aguzzi Adriano 
Published: June 2022

AbstractMammalian models are essential for brain aging research. However, the long lifespan and poor amenability to genetic and pharmacological perturbations have hindered the use of mammals for dissecting aging-regulatory molecular networks and discovering new anti-aging interventions. To circumvent these limitations, we developed an ex vivo model system that faithfully mimics the aging process of the mammalian brain using cultured mouse brain slices. Genome-wide gene expression analyses showed that cultured brain slices spontaneously upregulated senescence-associated genes over time and reproduced many of the transcriptional characteristics of aged brains. Treatment with rapamycin, a classical anti-aging compound, largely abolished the time-dependent transcriptional changes in naturally aged brain slice cultures. Using this model system, we discovered that prions drastically accelerated the development of age-related molecular signatures and the pace of brain aging. We confirmed this finding in mouse models and human victims of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. These data establish an innovative, eminently tractable mammalian model of brain aging, and uncover a surprising acceleration of brain aging in prion diseases.
Hydrodynamic superradiance in wave-mediated cooperative tunneling
Authors: Papatryfonos Konstantinos , Ruelle Mélanie , Bourdiol Corentin , Nachbin André , Bush John W. M. , Labousse Matthieu 
Published: June 2022

AbstractSuperradiance occurs in quantum optics when the emission rate of photons from multiple atoms is enhanced by inter-atom interactions. When the distance between two atoms is comparable to the emission wavelength, the atoms become entangled and their emission rate varies sinusoidally with their separation distance due to quantum interference. We here explore a theoretical model of pilot-wave hydrodynamics, wherein droplets self-propel on the surface of a vibrating bath. When a droplet is confined to a pair of hydrodynamic cavities between which it may transition unpredictably, in certain instances the system constitutes a two-level system with well-defined ground and excited states. When two such two-level systems are coupled through an intervening cavity, the probability of transition between states may be enhanced or diminished owing to the wave-mediated influence of its neighbour. Moreover, the tunneling probability varies sinusoidally with the coupling-cavity length. We thus establish a classical analog of quantum superradiance.
Reihentestungen an Schulen können die Dunkelziffer von
COVID-19 Infektionen unter Schülern signifikant senken
Authors: Berger Ursula , Fritz Cornelius , Kauermann Göran 
Published: June 2022

Zusammenfassung
Ziel der Studie Die Arbeit untersucht den Effekt der
Maßnahme verpflichtender Covid-19 Tests für den
Präsenzunterricht an Schulen. In Bayern gilt diese Testpflicht seit Ende
der Osterferien 2021. Für die erste Woche nach den Osterferien ergibt
sich ein natürliches Experiment, das uns erlaubt den Effekt der
Testpflicht an Schule auf die Meldeinzidenz zu quantifizieren.
Methoden Wir vergleichen die Änderungen der
7-Tage-Meldeinzidenz von Neuinfektionen pro 100 000 Einwohner zwischen
Kreisen mit und ohne Präsenzunterricht. Für Landkreise und
kreisfreie Städte, deren Meldeinziden zum Stichtag unter 100 lag, konnte
in Kalenderwoche 15 Präsenzunterricht in geteilten Klassen bei
Testpflicht stattfinden. Dazu haben sich Schulkinder in den Klassen mit
Antigen-Schnelltest getestet. Daten zu den Testergebnissen der Schnelltests an
den Schulen liegen uns nicht vor. Bei positivem Testergebnis im
Antigen-Schnelltest wurde der Verdachtsfall mit einem PCR-Test
überprüft. Positive PCR-Testergebnisse liegen auf Kreisebene in
den betrachteten Altersgruppen als Meldeinzidenzen vor. In den Kalenderwochen 13
und 14 fand in Bayern wegen der Osterferien kein Schulunterricht an Schulen
statt. Berücksichtigt man eine Latenzzeit von etwa 3–4 Tagen und
einen Meldeverzug von 1–2 Tagen, so kann ein stärkerer Anstieg
der Meldeinzidenzen in Kreisen mit Präsenzunterricht bei Testpflicht
nicht (bzw. nur vernachlässigbar) auf Infektionen an Schulen
zurückgeführt werden, sondern spiegelt eine Reduktion der
Dunkelziffer durch die Testpflicht wider. Ergebnisse Die
Meldeinzidenz erhöht sich in Kreisen mit Präsenzunterricht und
Testpflicht an Schulen um den Faktor 6,6 bei 5–11 Jährigen bzw.
1,7 bei 12–20 Jährigen. Dieser Anstieg geht einher mit einer
Reduktion der Dunkelziffer und ist signifikant im Vergleich zu Kreisen mit
Distanzunterricht. Aufgrund der gegebenen Situation eines natürlichen
Experiments ist diese Steigerung der Meldeinzidenz in der Altersgruppe der
Schulkinder der Maßnahme den Reihentests an Schulen mit
Präsenzunterricht zuzuschreiben. Für denselben Zeitraum zeigen
sich keinerlei Unterschiede in den Meldeinzidenzen für andere
Altersgruppen.Schlussfolgerung Präsenzunterricht mit
Testpflicht ändert die Rolle der Schulen in der Pandemie. Die Analysen
zeigen, dass die Öffnung der Schulen mit einem verpflichtenden
Testkonzept aus epidemiologischer Sicht von Vorteil ist, da damit die
Dunkelziffer von COVID-19 Infektionen unter den Schülerinnen und
Schülern drastisch gesenkt werden kann.
The Portal-Venous Enhancement Ratio of the Adrenal Glands and Spleen as a Short-Term Predictor of Mortality in Intensive Care Patients
Authors: Winzer Robert , Hoffmann Ralf-Thorsten , Fedders Dieter 
Published: June 2022

Background In critically ill ICU patients, initial results showed that opposite enhancement of the adrenal glands (↑) and spleen (↓) on portal venous CT scans was associated with increased mortality over the next days to a month, with short-term mortality being best predicted. The study aimed to validate the adrenal-to-spleen ratio determined in a pilot study concerning mortality prediction.
Method 371 portal venous CT scans of 203 ICU patients (127 men, age: 68.1 ± 14.4 years) were included in the retrospective analysis. Region-of-interest (ROI)-based Hounsfield units of the adrenal glands and the spleen and their density ratio were evaluated. The Matthews correlation coefficient (MCC) and ROC analysis were used to establish a threshold for the adrenal-to-spleen ratio regarding mortality within 72 hours of imaging. The quality of the classification of survivors and deceased patients in the current collective based on the threshold determined in a pilot study and on the current threshold was determined. The precision-recall curve (PRC) was used to test the influence of the addition of patients with low vital risk on the ROC.
Results The current threshold of 1.37 for the adrenal-to-spleen ratio provides good discriminatory power between those who died and those who survived (MCC: 0.87; sensitivity: 83.7 %; specificity: 99.1 %; PPV: 93.2 %; NPV: 97.6 %) and differs only slightly from the threshold of 1.41 determined in the pilot study, which consequently has comparable discriminatory power.
Conclusion As a reproducible image-based prognostic marker, the portal venous adrenal-to-spleen ratio has a high predictive power for short-term death in ICU patients. It is, therefore, suitable as an indicator of high risk of death within 72 hours after imaging.
Key Points:
Citation Format
Zentralisierung, Spezialisierung und Ambulantisierung der Versorgung von Kopf-Hals-Tumorpatienten
Authors: Vahl Julius Malte , Böhm Felix , Brand Matthias , von Witzleben Adrian , Hoffmann Thomas Karl , Laban Simon 
Published: June 2022

ZusammenfassungDemografisch zeigt sich eine alternde, morbider werdende deutsche Bevölkerung. Gleichzeitig werden Urbanisierungstendenzen, medizinische Überkapazitäten und steigende, auch innovationsbedingte Versorgungskosten bei einem knappen Gesundheitsetat beobachtet. Zentralisierung, Spezialisierung und Ambulantisierung sollen Abhilfe verschaffen und können durch Modifikationen der Vergütung mitgesteuert werden. Dieser Umbruch birgt für Patient*innen und Ärzt*innen neue Herausforderungen, welche exemplarisch am Kopf-Hals-Tumor (KHT)-Zentrum des Universitätsklinikums Ulm analysiert wurden. Dabei handelt es sich um eine retrospektive, monozentrische Kohortenstudie zur Entwicklung des Patientenaufkommens, Einzugsgebiets, der Behandlungsmodalität und Demografie unter Einschluss von 2070 KHT-Patient*innen zwischen den Jahren 2011 und 2020 der HNO-Klinik. Es wurde beobachtet, dass die Anzahl (Neudiagnosen 2011: 134 vs. 2020: 204) und das Durchschnittsalter (2011: 61,5 Jahre vs. 2020: 65,8 Jahre; p<0,0001) der KHT-Patient*innen im zeitlichen Verlauf anstiegen. Außerdem nahmen die Patient*innen hierbei tendenziell größere Anfahrtswege auf sich (2011: 54,4km vs. 2020: 64,4km; p=0,05). Gleichzeitig wuchs die mittlere Anzahl an Konsultationen und Behandlungen pro Patient*in und 5-Jahres-Nachsorgeintervall (bei Erstdiagnose 2011: 7,8 vs. 2016: 10,4; p=0,0003), wobei sich der Anteil ambulanter Patientenkontakte von 2011–2020 von 58,9% auf 62,4% (p=0,09) erhöhte. Dementsprechend ist zu erwarten, dass klinische Zentren im Zuge der Spezialisierung, Ambulantisierung und Zentralisierung des Gesundheitssystems an Bedeutung bei der Versorgung von KHT-Patient*innen gewinnen. Daraus folgende Konsequenzen für die Patientenversorgung sollten bei Umstrukturierungsstrategien berücksichtigt werden.
Endoscopy-related injury among gastroenterology trainees
Authors: Pawa Swati , Martindale Sarah L. , Gaidos Jill K.J. , Banerjee Promila , Kothari Shivangi , D’Souza Sharlene L. , Oxentenko Amy S. , Burke Carol A. 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background and study aims Endoscopy-related injury (ERI) is widespread among practicing gastroenterologists. However, less is known about the incidence among trainees. This study assesses the rate of self-reported ERI occurrence, patterns of injury, and knowledge of preventive strategies in a nationally representative sample of gastroenterology fellows.
Methods A 38-item electronic survey was sent to members of the American College of Gastroenterology. One hundred and sixty-eight gastroenterology fellows were included in analyses. Descriptive and univariate analyses evaluated the likelihood of ERI by workload parameters and gender.
Results ERI was reported by 54.8 % of respondents. ERI was most common in the thumb (58.7 %), hand/finger (56.5 %), and wrist (47.8 %). There was no significant difference in the reported occurrence of ERI between male and female gastroenterology fellows. However, female fellows were significantly more likely to report a greater number of body areas affected by ERI, and male fellows were more likely to report elbow pain. Most respondents (85.1 %) reported discussion about, or training in, ergonomic strategies during gastroenterology fellowship.
Conclusions ERI is reported to occur as early as gastroenterology fellowship. Results of this study support this finding and highlight the need for ongoing implementation and monitoring of a formal ergonomics training program as well as development of ergonomically appropriate instruments. Implications of these findings likely extend to trainees in other procedural related specialties like orthopedics and general surgery, though further research is required. Ergonomics training in gastroenterology fellowship and monitoring of its impact on trainees reported ERI is important due to negative effects on productivity and career longevity.
A Severe Form of Familial Desminopathy Due to a Homozygous Nonsense DES Variant in Two Siblings
Authors: Claes Laura , Schil Kristof van , Dewals Wendy , Beysen Diane 
Published: June 2022

AbstractFamilial primary desminopathies are usually autosomal dominantly inherited and present at the age of 20 to 40 years with progressive muscle weakness and atrophy, cardiomyopathy, and cardiac arrhythmias. Cardiac features may precede the muscular weakness. Here, we report the rare case of two siblings presenting with a desminopathy at pediatric age, due to homozygous nonsense variations (c.700G > T [p.Glu234Ter]) in DES, representing an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. The homozygous state of these variants is expected to result in the complete absence of desmin production. Rare autosomal recessive DES variants are associated with an earlier clinical presentation (from childhood to early adulthood) and faster evolution compared with more common autosomal dominant variants. A normal resting electrocardiography (ECG) and cardiac ultrasound can be a pitfall, as seen in our patient who has extensive fibrotic scarring on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We recommend yearly cardiac ultrasound, yearly 24-hour Holter monitoring and 2 yearly cardiac MRI from the age of 10 years in all asymptomatic patients. Heterozygous patients usually have no or only mild complaints but, though not yet reported in autosomal recessive desminopathies, muscular complaints are possible, as seen in the father of our patients. The prognosis for these patients with desminopathy presenting in childhood is unpredictable but anticipated as poor.
A Randomized Controlled Trial on the Study of Effectiveness and Safety of Hormonal (ACTH) Treatment Alone versus Hormonal (ACTH) with Levetiracetam for Epileptic Spasms
Authors: Gowda Vykuntaraju K. , Hiremath Ranjeetha , Gornale Vinod , Shivappa Sanjay K. , Benakappa Naveen , Benakappa Asha 
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Background West's syndrome (WS) is a triad of epileptic spasms (ESs), psychomotor delay, and hypsarrhythmia. The treatment of ESs is still controversial. Hence, we designed a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to compare the outcomes in children with WS treated with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) alone versus ACTH and levetiracetam (LEV).

Objectives To compare the treatment outcomes and side effects in children treated with ACTH alone versus ACTH and LEV.

Methods This prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted from December 2017 to May 2019 in tertiary care center, Bangaluru. Children from 2 months to 5 years of age, diagnosed with WS were included. Fifty children in each group were analyzed for efficacy and side effects.

Results There was no difference in the baseline characteristics in both groups. There was no difference in spasms response at the end of 2 weeks between the groups (88 vs. 82%) with p-value of 0.813. The relapse rates were less in ACTH and LEV group (20%) compared with ACTH alone (22%) but statistically not significant (p > 0.1). There was no difference observed in subsequent epilepsy rates (18%) in ACTH versus 19% in ACTH with LEV group (p > 0.1) and side effects. There was improvement in milestones 48% in ACTH with LEV group versus 37% in ACTH alone however statistically not significant (p > 0.1).

Conclusion There was no difference in children treated with ACTH alone versus ACTH and LEV in terms of control of spasms and subsequent epilepsy rates. The relapse rate is less, and developmental outcome is better in ACTH with LEV group but statistically not significant.