bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the mid-term outcomes of banded and non-banded sleeve gastrectomy: safety, food tolerance, and weight regain
Authors: Hany Mohamed , Sabry Ahmed , Torensma Bart , Ahmed Khaled , Refaie Mostafa , Zidan Ahmed , Agayby Ann Samy Shafiq , Ibrahim Mohamed , Mourad Mohamed 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
Long-term weight regain (WR) after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is a major challenge. Laparoscopic banded SG (BSG) was introduced to overcome pouch dilation and, consequently, WR; however, its mid-and long-term outcomes have not been sufficiently demonstrated.

Objective
This study retrospectively evaluated the mid-term weight loss efficacy and morbidity over at least a 4-year follow-up after laparoscopic banded SG using a MiniMizer Gastric Ring® and laparoscopic non-banded SG.

Method
The data of 1586 bariatric surgeries were retrospectively evaluated. To ensure homogeneity in our study cohort, propensity score matching (PSM) was performed.

Results
The final cohort comprised 1392 patients: the non-banded SG (n = 1260) and BSG (n = 132) groups. In our matched cohort (SG, n = 655 and BSG, n = 132), WR was noted in 4 (3.0%) and 71 (10.8%) patients in the BSG and SG groups, respectively. Gastric band erosion or slippage was not noted in the BSG cohort. The levels of cholesterol and triglyceride were similar in the two groups. Postoperative glycemic control was significantly reduced in the BSG group.

Conclusion
Although the percentage of weight loss achieved in the BSG group was low in the first year postoperatively, the mid-term (sustained) weight loss associated with BSG was superior to that associated with non-banded SG. BSG is a safe procedure with no significant mid-term band-related morbidity; its impact on the resolution of comorbidities is equivalent and perhaps superior to SG.
A convergence analysis of the price of anarchy in atomic congestion games
Authors: Wu Zijun , Möhring Rolf H. , Ren Chunying , Xu Dachuan 
Published: June 2022

AbstractWe analyze the convergence of the price of anarchy (PoA) of Nash equilibria in atomic congestion games with growing total demand T.
When the cost functions are polynomials of the same degree, we obtain explicit rates for a rapid convergence of the PoAs of pure and mixed Nash equilibria to 1 in terms of 1/T and $$d_{max}/T$$

d

max

/
T

, where $$d_{max}$$

d

max

is the maximum demand controlled by an individual. Similar convergence results carry over to the random inefficiency of the random flow induced by an arbitrary mixed Nash equilibrium. For arbitrary polynomial cost functions, we derive a related convergence rate for the PoA of pure Nash equilibria (if they exist) when the demands fulfill certain regularity conditions and $$d_{max}$$

d

max

is bounded as $$T\rightarrow \infty .$$

T
→
∞
.

In this general case, also the PoA of mixed Nash equilibria converges to 1 as $$T\rightarrow \infty $$

T
→
∞

when $$d_{max}$$

d

max

is bounded. Our results constitute the first convergence analysis for the PoA in atomic congestion games and show that selfish behavior is well justified when the total demand is large.
Risk of fractures in individuals with eosinophilic esophagitis: nationwide population-based cohort study
Authors: Garber John J. , Roelstraete Bjorn , Lochhead Paul J. , Uchida Amiko M. , Michaëlsson Karl , Olén Ola , Ludvigsson Jonas F. 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background and aims
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an emerging, chronic immune-mediated disease for which swallowed topical steroids and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) represent first-line treatments. Immune-mediated diseases, steroids, and PPI use have been linked to osteoporosis. We assessed the risk of fractures in patients with EoE and determined whether the most commonly used treatments for EoE were associated with increased fracture risk.

Methods
We followed a nationwide cohort of 1263 individuals in Sweden with biopsy-verified EoE diagnosed between 2005 and 2016 for first-time fracture of any type. Age- and sex-matched reference individuals were retrieved from the Total Population Register (n = 5164). We estimated hazard ratios (HRs) for fracture in relation to EoE diagnosis, steroid exposure, and PPI use. In a separate analysis, we compared fracture risk among individuals with EoE to their siblings (n = 1394).

Results
During 4521 person-years of follow-up, 69 individuals with EoE experienced a first-time fracture (15.3/1000 person-years) compared with 234 reference individuals (12.6/1000 person-years). After adjusting for age, sex, birth year, and county of residence, EoE was not associated with a statistically significantly increased risk of fractures (HR = 1.2, 95% CI = 0.9–1.6). Among EoE individuals, exposure to PPIs and swallowed steroids did not modify the risk of fracture (p for heterogeneity 0.20 and 0.07 respectively). There was no increased risk of fractures in EoE compared to EoE-free siblings.

Conclusion
The risk of fracture in EoE was not statistically significantly elevated compared to non-EoE reference individuals. Fracture risk in EoE was not modified by PPIs or steroid use.
Enhanced activity of hyperthermostable Pyrococcus horikoshii endoglucanase in superbase ionic liquids
Authors: Hebal Hakim , Hämäläinen Joonas , Makkonen Laura , King Alistair W. T. , Kilpeläinen Ilkka , Bankar Sandip , Boucherba Nawel , Turunen Ossi 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Objectives
Ionic liquids (ILs) that dissolve biomass are harmful to the enzymes that degrade lignocellulose. Enzyme hyperthermostability promotes a tolerance to ILs. Therefore, the limits of hyperthemophilic Pyrococcus horikoschii endoglucanase (PhEG) to tolerate 11 superbase ILs were explored.

Results
PhEG was found to be most tolerant to 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate ([EMIM]OAc) in soluble 1% carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and insoluble 1% Avicel substrates. At 35% concentration, this IL caused an increase in enzyme activity (up to 1.5-fold) with CMC. Several ILs were more enzyme inhibiting with insoluble Avicel than with soluble CMC. Km increased greatly in the presence ILs, indicating significant competitive inhibition. Increased hydrophobicity of the IL cation or anion was associated with the strongest enzyme inhibition and activation. Surprisingly, PhEG activity was increased 2.0–2.5-fold by several ILs in 4% substrate. Cations exerted the main role in competitive inhibition of the enzyme as revealed by their greater binding energy to the active site.

Conclusions
These results reveal new ways to design a beneficial combination of ILs and enzymes for the hydrolysis of lignocellulose, and the strong potential of PhEG in industrial, high substrate concentrations in aqueous IL solutions.
Allografts: expanding the surgeon’s armamentarium
Authors: Ahmed Norus , Eras Volker , Pruß Axel , Perka Carsten , Brune Jan , Vu-Han Tu-Lan 
Published: June 2022

AbstractIn Germany, bone allografts are widely used and their application in clinics has increased over the years. Successful use of allografts depends on many factors such as the procurement, processing, sterilization and the surgeon’s surgical experience. Tissue banks have provided safe and sterile allografts for decades ranging from hard to soft tissue. Allografts are obtained from various tissues such as bone, tendon, amniotic membrane, meniscus and skin. An advantage of allografts is their wide applicability that has never been limited by indication restrictions thus providing a huge benefit for surgeon’s. The use of the correct allograft in different indications is extremely important. Thereby surgeons have access to various allograft forms such as mineralized, demineralized, freeze-dried, paste, powder, chips strips and putty. The vast options of allografts allow surgeon’s to use allografts in indications they deem fit. Currently, the application of allografts is at the discretion of the expert surgeon. However, regulations are often changed locally or internationally and may impact/limit allograft use to certain indications. Here, we report the different indications where our peracetic acid (PAA) sterilised bone allografts were used as well as general literature on bone allograft use in other indications.
Evaluating the potential of ozone in creating functional groups on cellulose
Authors: Valls Cristina , Cusola Oriol , Roncero M. Blanca 
Published: June 2022

AbstractSeveral eucalyptus pulps (85% of cellulose) with different lignin and HexA content (unbleached, TCF and ECF) as well as cotton linters (97% of cellulose) were treated with ozone (at different pH and ozone doses) in order to modify its fibre-components. Special interest was given in the introduction of functional groups in carbohydrates. The presence of these groups was mainly identified by the chain scissions due to carbonyl groups (CSC=O) produced in cellulose during viscosity measurement. At a dose of 0.5% odp of ozone, the greatest amount of CSC=O (0.5) was created at acidic pH and with the ECF pulp, followed by the TCF (0.3) and by the unbleached (0.2). The same CSC=O (0.2) was obtained in cotton pulp. In this pulp, the ozone concentration had to be increased for the treatment to be effective. A further increase in the accessibility in both pulps was achieved by applying a washing stage between two ozone stages at 0.5% (0.5 + 0.5). With this treatment, the CSC=O was increased to 5.3 in the ECF, to 0.8 in the TCF and only to 0.3 in cotton. Brightness reversion and the amount of DNPH consumed were also used to verify the presence of functional groups. At 0.5 + 0.5, brightness reversion was increased from 16 to 55% in ECF, from 27 to 46% in TCF and from 7 to 31% in cotton. Therefore, it is shown that functional groups can be introduced by ozone in carbohydrates, but this effect strongly depends on the lignin, HexA and hemicellulose content.
Graphical abstract
Barriers and Facilitators to Engaging Mothers and Fathers in Family-Based Interventions: A Qualitative Systematic Review
Authors: Jukes Laura M. , Di Folco Simona , Kearney Lisa , Sawrikar Vilas 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThe current systematic review examined the similarities and differences between mothers’ and fathers’ reported barriers and facilitators to engaging in family-based interventions for child and adolescent behavioural problems (aged 2–17 years). Systematic searches of six electronic databases and grey literature alongside a two-way screening process identified twenty eligible qualitative studies from 2004 to 2019. A thematic meta-synthesis identified similarities in major themes of psychological, situational, knowledge/awareness, programme/intervention, co-parenting, practitioner, and beliefs/attitudes factors, alongside group experiences and stages of engagement. However, differences emerged in subthemes related to parental, treatment, and service delivery factors that included individual ideologies of parenting, parental roles, and treatment participation; the role of mothers in facilitating engagement; and individual preferences for treatment content and delivery. Overall, findings suggest that while mothers and fathers experience similar challenges to engagement, they can also experience distinct challenges which need to be addressed at the treatment outset to maximise engagement.
Image-based morphometric analysis reveals moderate to highly heritable nut shape traits in pecan
Authors: Bhattarai Gaurab , Bonhomme Vincent , Conner Patrick 
Published: June 2022

AbstractNut shape is an important trait in determining the value of a pecan (Carya illinoensis) nut crop. Nut shape influences attractiveness to consumers, nut filling, ease of mechanical cracking, and is distinctive enough that it is the primary means of cultivar identification. Narrow sense heritability (h2) of a trait is the fraction of phenotypic variance attributed to variation in genes with additive effect. Estimation of h2is key to breeding programs as it determines the method of selection and amount of genetic gain in each breeding cycle. In the present study, we estimated the heritability of pecan nut shape characters following two different approaches. First, image-based phenotypes of pecan nuts from 34 full-sib families generated from random crosses between 31 different parents were generated and analyzed for 10 different morphometric traits using the computer program Tomato Analyzer. The narrow-sense heritability for each trait was estimated using the mid-parent offspring regression method. Second, a separate set of 19 pecan genotypes were phenotyped for the same shape traits for two years and heritabilities were estimated by variance component analysis. Heritability estimates ranged from 0.41 to 0.83 for the mid-parent offspring regression method and from 0.26 to 0.78 for variance component method. Additionally, elliptical Fourier transform was performed to study the overall variation in nut shape. The first three principal components obtained from Elliptical Fourier transform explained 65.9% of the total variation in shape attributed to the nut’s roundness and angularity of proximal and distal ends. The use of the image-based high-throughput method of phenotyping and the heritability estimates obtained in this study directly benefit pecan breeding programs focusing on nut shape traits.
Non-parallel morphological divergence following colonization of a new host plant
Authors: Nilsson Kalle J. , Ortega Jesús , Friberg Magne , Runemark Anna 
Published: June 2022

AbstractAdaptation to new ecological niches is known to spur population diversification and may lead to speciation if gene flow is ceased. While adaptation to the same ecological niche is expected to be parallel, it is more difficult to predict whether selection against maladaptive hybridization in secondary sympatry results in parallel divergence also in traits that are not directly related to the ecological niches. Such parallelisms in response to selection for reproductive isolation can be identified through estimating parallelism in reproductive character displacement across different zones of secondary contact. Here, we use a host shift in the phytophagous peacock fly Tephritis conura, with both host races represented in two geographically separate areas East and West of the Baltic Sea to investigate convergence in morphological adaptations. We asked (i) if there are consistent morphological adaptations to a host plant shift and (ii) if the response to secondary sympatry with the alternate host race is parallel across contact zones. We found surprisingly low and variable, albeit significant, divergence between host races. Only one trait, the length of the female ovipositor, which serves an important function in the interaction with the hosts, was consistently different between host races. Instead, co-existence with the other host race significantly affected the degree of morphological divergence, but the divergence was largely driven by different traits in different contact zones. Thus, local stochastic fixation or reinforcement could generate trait divergence, and additional evidence is needed to conclude whether divergence is locally adaptive.
Contract Incompleteness and the Boundaries of the Firm in Times of COVID-19
Authors: Bernasconi Marta , Galetti Sara , Gattai Valeria , Natale Piergiovanna 
Published: June 2022

AbstractIn this paper, we study the firm’s boundaries in times of COVID-19. Ownership and location decisions govern sourcing and shape firms’ boundaries. Adopting incomplete contracts theory/international economics perspective, we investigate the determinants of ownership and location decisions and explore COVID-19–induced changes in firms’ boundaries. Drawing on survey data from a sample of Italian firms, our estimates suggest that input specificity drives the ownership decision, whereas the location decision depends on productivity. Few firms re-consider sourcing because of the pandemic, suggesting a great deal of inertia in firm’s boundaries.
Patients with Chromosome 11q Deletions Are Characterized by Inborn Errors of Immunity Involving both B and T Lymphocytes
Authors: Huisman Elise J. , Brooimans A. Rick , Mayer Samone , Joosten Marieke , de Bont Louis , Dekker Mariëlle , Rammeloo Elisabeth L. M. , Smiers Frans J. , van Hagen P. Martin , Zwaan C. Michel , de Haas Masja , Cnossen Marjon H. , Dalm Virgil A. S. H. 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Disorders of the long arm of chromosome 11 (11q) are rare and involve various chromosomal regions. Patients with 11q disorders, including Jacobsen syndrome, often present with a susceptibility for bacterial and prolonged viral and fungal infections partially explained by hypogammaglobulinemia. Additional T lymphocyte or granular neutrophil dysfunction may also be present. In order to evaluate infectious burden and immunological function in patients with 11q disorders, we studied a cohort of 14 patients with 11q deletions and duplications. Clinically, 12 patients exhibited prolonged and repetitive respiratory tract infections, frequently requiring (prophylactic) antibiotic treatment (n = 7), ear-tube placement (n = 9), or use of inhalers (n = 5). Complicated varicella infections (n = 5), chronic eczema (n = 6), warts (n = 2), and chronic fungal infections (n = 4) were reported. Six patients were on immunoglobulin replacement therapy. We observed a high prevalence of low B lymphocyte counts (n = 8), decreased T lymphocyte counts (n = 5) and abnormal T lymphocyte function (n = 12). Granulocyte function was abnormal in 29% without a clinical phenotype. Immunodeficiency was found in patients with terminal and interstitial 11q deletions and in one patient with terminal 11q duplication. Genetically, FLI1 and ETS1 are seen as causative for the immunodeficiency, but these genes were deleted nor duplicated in 4 of our 14 patients. Alternative candidate genes on 11q may have a role in immune dysregulation. In conclusion, we present evidence that inborn errors of immunity are present in patients with 11q disorders leading to clinically relevant infections. Therefore, broad immunological screening and necessary treatment is of importance in this patient group.
Associations between Student-Teacher Bonds and Oppositional Behavior Against Teachers in Adolescence: A Longitudinal Analysis from Ages 11 to 15
Authors: Valdebenito Sara , Speyer Lydia , Murray Aja Louise , Ribeaud Denis , Eisner Manuel 
Published: June 2022

AbstractPrior research has found evidence for a positive effect of student-teacher bonds on children’s behavior. However, little research has investigated these relations following a transactional model of child development. This study investigated the bidirectional associations between student-teacher relationships and oppositional behaviors towards teachers using the ‘Zurich Project on the Social Development from Childhood to Adulthood’ (n = 1527; median ages 11, 13 and 15; 49% female). Results of a random-intercept cross-lagged panel model suggested that, among boys, positive student-teacher bonds at age 13 were associated with fewer teacher-reported oppositional behaviors two years later. The results indicated that negative interactions with teachers may be part of vicious cycles of poor relationships and increased levels of oppositional behavior, particularly for boys in late adolescence.
Protein kinase C-β distinctly regulates blood-brain barrier-forming capacity of Brain Microvascular endothelial cells and outgrowth endothelial cells
Authors: Kadir Rais Reskiawan A. , Alwjwaj Mansour , Bayraktutan Ulvi 
Published: June 2022

AbstractOutgrowth endothelial cells (OECs) provide an endogenous repair mechanism and thus maintain endothelial barrier integrity. As inhibition of protein kinase C-β (PKC-β) activity has been shown to attenuate endothelial damage in various pathological conditions including hyperglycaemia and ischaemic injury, the present study comparatively assessed the effect of LY333531, a PKC-β inhibitor, on the cerebral barrier integrity formed by OECs or human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs). To this end, an in vitro model of human BBB established by co-culture of astrocytes and pericytes with either OECs or HBMECs was exposed to 4 h of oxygen-glucose deprivation with/out LY333531 (0.05 µM). The inhibition of PKC-β protected the integrity and function of the BBB formed by HBMECs, as evidenced by increases in transendothelial electrical resistance and decreases in sodium fluorescein flux. It also attenuated ischaemia-evoked actin cytoskeleton remodelling, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in HBMECs. In contrast, treatments with LY333531 exacerbated the deleterious effect of ischaemia on the integrity and function of BBB formed by OECs while augmenting the levels of oxidative stress, apoptosis, and cytoskeletal reorganisation in OECs. Interestingly, the magnitude of damage in all aforementioned parameters, notably oxidative stress, was lower with low dose of LY333531 (0.01 µM). It is therefore possible that the therapeutic concentration of LY333531 (0.05 µM) may neutralise the activity of NADPH oxidase and thus trigger a negative feedback mechanism which in turn exacerbate the detrimental effects of ischaemic injury. In conclusion, targeting PKC-β signalling pathway in ischaemic settings requires close attention while using OECs as cellular therapeutic.
Quantifying success share and plant density of direct seeding of Douglas fir using a hurdle negative binomial regression model
Authors: von Lüpke Nikolas , Sennhenn-Reulen Holger 
Published: June 2022

AbstractIn recent years, direct seeding as a means of stand establishment has experienced a revival. Among other things it allows for an undisturbed root development and is assumed to be cost-efficient. While success factors have been worked out through numerous experiments, sound overviews of success and failure in practice are scarce. With the goals of (i) quantifying the success proportion and (ii) extracting the associated influencing factors, we conducted an inventory of direct seedings of Douglas fir in Northern Germany and fitted a hurdle negative binomial regression model to the data. The results reveal a high variability of plant density within, as well as between stands. We could attribute these differences, and thus the success, to stocking degree of the shelter, seed amount and age. The model shows both, a high precision and accuracy, and respects previous physical and biological knowledge of the data-generating mechanisms.
Growth and yield responses of sunflower to drainage in waterlogged saline soil are caused by changes in plant-water relations and ion concentrations in leaves
Authors: Islam Mohammad Nazrul , Bell Richard W. , Barrett-Lennard Edward G. , Maniruzzaman Mohammad 
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Purpose
While well-designed drainage systems could improve crop growth and yield by mitigating waterlogging and salinity stresses, field evidence of the yield responses to changes in plant-water relations and ion concentrations in leaves is scarce. We investigated the changes in ion concentrations in leaves and plant-water relations of sunflower caused by drainage in waterlogged saline soil, and their relationships to growth and yield.

Methods
Over two growing seasons, we tested four drainage treatments: undrained, surface drains (SD; 0.1 m deep, 1.8 m apart), subsoil drains (SSD; 0.5 m deep, 4.5 m apart) and SSD + SD. All plots were inundated (2–3 cm depth; water salinity, ECw, 1.5–2.5 dS m–1) for 24 h at vegetative emergence and at the 8-leaf stage before opening drains.

Results
Relative to the most drained treatment (SSD + SD), the undrained treatment caused higher waterlogging at 0–30 cm depth, and decreased solute potential (Ψs) of soil at 7.5 cm to 52–374 kPa, leaf K+ by 5–20%, stomatal conductance by 5–37% and leaf greenness by 12–25%, but increased leaf Na+ by 25–70%, Na+/K+ ratio by 38–100% and leaf water potential by 90–250 kPa throughout the cropping season; these changes were closely related to reduced growth and yield.

Conclusions
The improved yield from the combination of shallow surface and sub-surface drains was attributed to an alleviation of salinity-waterlogging stress early in the season and to increased soil water late in the season that increased Ψs and decreased Na+/K+ ratio in leaves.