bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ICU tracheotomies in patients with COVID-19: a lesson learned for future viral pandemic
Authors: Agata Gradys , Jakub Szrama , Piotr Nogal , Małgorzata Wierzbicka , Krzysztof Kusza 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Introduction
The coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has resulted in a large number of patients requiring intubation and prolonged mechanical ventilation. The current knowledge on the tracheotomies regarding the time form intubation, method and ventilatory parameters optimal for their performance in the mechanically ventilated patients with COVID ARDS are scarce; thus, the aim of this study is to present new data regarding their safety, adverse events and timing.

Materials and methods
This retrospective observational study is based on the data of 66 critically ill COVID patients including demographic data, timing and technique of tracheotomy, ventilatory parameters in the time of procedure, as well as complication and survival rate.

Results
A number of 66 patients with COVID-related pneumonia were included in the study, among whom 32 were tracheotomized—25 patients underwent an early tracheotomy and 7 patients had late tracheotomy. The median duration of mechanical ventilation before the tracheotomy in the early group was 8 days (IQR 6–10) compared to 11 days (IQR 11–12.5.) p < 0.001) in late group. Risk of death in tracheotomy patients was significantly growing with growing level of PEEP and FiO2 at the moment of decision on tracheotomy, OR = 1.91 CI95 (1.23;3.57); p = 0.014 and OR = 1.18 CI95(1.03;1.43); p = 0.048, respectively.

Conclusion
Early percutaneous tracheotomy is safe (both in terms of risk of viral transmission and complication rate) and feasible in COVID-19 patients. Stability of gas exchange, and ventilatory parameters are the main prognostic factors of the outcome.
A multi-step genomic approach prioritized TBKBP1 gene as relevant for multiple sclerosis susceptibility
Authors: Sorosina Melissa , Barizzone Nadia , Clarelli Ferdinando , Anand Santosh , Lupoli Sara , Salvi Erika , Mangano Eleonora , Bordoni Roberta , Roostaei Tina , Mascia Elisabetta , Zuccalà Miriam , Vecchio Domizia , Cavalla Paola , Santoro Silvia , Ferrè Laura , Zollo Alen ,   PROGEMUS, Florio Lucia , Ragonese Paolo , Gajofatto Alberto , Scarpini Elio , Caputo Domenico , Gasperini Claudio , Granella Franco , Cavalla Paola , Bergamaschi Roberto , Ristori Giovanni , Solaro Claudio , Martinelli Boneschi Filippo , Passantino Francesco , Pugliatti Maura , Gallo Antonio , Brambilla Laura , Clerico Marinella , Capone Fioravante , Trojano Maria , Barlassina Cristina , Cusi Daniele , Martinelli Vittorio , Comi Giancarlo , Leone Maurizio , Filippi Massimo , Patsopoulos Nikolaos A. , De Jager Philip L. , De Bellis Gianluca , Esposito Federica , D’Alfonso Sandra , Martinelli Boneschi Filippo 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Over 200 genetic loci have been associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) explaining ~ 50% of its heritability, suggesting that additional mechanisms may account for the “missing heritability” phenomenon.

Objective
To analyze a large cohort of Italian individuals to identify markers associated with MS with potential functional impact in the disease.

Methods
We studied 2571 MS and 3234 healthy controls (HC) of continental Italian origin. Discovery phase included a genome wide association study (1727 MS, 2258 HC), with SNPs selected according to their association in the Italian cohort only or in a meta-analysis of signals with a cohort of European ancestry (4088 MS, 7144 HC). Top associated loci were then tested in two Italian cohorts through array-based genotyping (903 MS, 884 HC) and pool-based target sequencing (588 MS, 408 HC). Finally, functional prioritization through conditional eQTL and mQTL has been performed.

Results
Top associated signals overlap with already known MS loci on chromosomes 3 and 17. Three SNPs (rs4267364, rs8070463, rs67919208), all involved in the regulation of TBKBP1, were prioritized to be functionally relevant.

Conclusions
No evidence of novel signal of association with MS specific for the Italian continental population has been found; nevertheless, two MS loci seems to play a relevant role, raising the interest to further investigations for TBKBP1 gene.
ePHex: a phase 3, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study to evaluate long-term efficacy and safety of Oxalobacter formigenes in patients with primary hyperoxaluria
Authors: Ariceta Gema , Collard Laure , Abroug Saoussen , Moochhala Shabbir H. , Gould Edward , Boussetta Abir , Ben Hmida Mohamed , De Sudarsana , Hunley Tracy E. , Jarraya Faical , Fraga Gloria , Banos Ana , Lindner Elisabeth , Dehmel Bastian , Schalk Gesa 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Primary hyperoxalurias (PHs) are rare genetic diseases that increase the endogenous level of oxalate, a waste metabolite excreted predominantly by the kidneys and also the gut. Treatments aim to improve oxalate excretion, or reduce oxalate generation, to prevent kidney function deterioration. Oxalobacter formigenes is an oxalate metabolizing bacterium. This Phase III, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial investigated the effectiveness of orally administered Oxabact™, a lyophilized O. formigenes formulation, at reducing plasma oxalate levels in patients suffering from PH.

Methods
Subjects (≥ 2 years of age) with a diagnosis of PH and maintained but suboptimal kidney function (mean estimated glomerular filtration rate at baseline < 90 mL/min/1.73 m2) were eligible to participate. Subjects were randomized to receive Oxabact or placebo twice daily for 52 weeks. Change from baseline in plasma oxalate concentration at Week 52 was the primary study endpoint.

Results
Forty-three subjects were screened, 25 were recruited and one was discontinued. At Week 52, O. formigenes was established in the gut of subjects receiving Oxabact. Despite decreasing plasma oxalate level in subjects treated with Oxabact, and stable/increased levels with placebo, there was no significant difference between groups in the primary outcome (Least Squares mean estimate of treatment difference was − 3.80 μmol/L; 95% CI: − 7.83, 0.23; p-value = 0.064). Kidney function remained stable in both treatments.

Conclusions
Oxabact treatment may have stabilized/reduced plasma oxalate versus a rise with placebo, but the difference over 12 months was not statistically significant (p = 0.06). A subtle effect observed with Oxabact suggests that O. formigenes may aid in preventing kidney stones.

Graphical abstract
A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information.
Physiological mechanisms of the impact of heat during pregnancy and the clinical implications: review of the evidence from an expert group meeting
Authors: Samuels Louisa , Nakstad Britt , Roos Nathalie , Bonell Ana , Chersich Matthew , Havenith George , Luchters Stanley , Day Louise-Tina , Hirst Jane E. , Singh Tanya , Elliott-Sale Kirsty , Hetem Robyn , Part Cherie , Sawry Shobna , Le Roux Jean , Kovats Sari 
Published: May 2022

AbstractMany populations experience high seasonal temperatures. Pregnant women are considered vulnerable to extreme heat because ambient heat exposure has been linked to pregnancy complications including preterm birth and low birthweight. The physiological mechanisms that underpin these associations are poorly understood. We reviewed the existing research evidence to clarify the mechanisms that lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes in order to inform public health actions. A multi-disciplinary expert group met to review the existing evidence base and formulate a consensus regarding the physiological mechanisms that mediate the effect of high ambient temperature on pregnancy. A literature search was conducted in advance of the meeting to identify existing hypotheses and develop a series of questions and themes for discussion. Numerous hypotheses have been generated based on animal models and limited observational studies. There is growing evidence that pregnant women are able to appropriately thermoregulate; however, when exposed to extreme heat, there are a number of processes that may occur which could harm the mother or fetus including a reduction in placental blood flow, dehydration, and an inflammatory response that may trigger preterm birth. There is a lack of substantial evidence regarding the processes that cause heat exposure to harm pregnant women. Research is urgently needed to identify what causes the adverse outcomes in pregnancy related to high ambient temperatures so that the impact of climate change on pregnant women can be mitigated.
A Numerical Characterisation of Unconfined Strength of Weakly Consolidated Granular Packs and Its Effect on Fluid-Driven Fracture Behaviour
Authors: Gago Paula A. , Konstantinou Charalampos , Biscontin Giovanna , King Peter 
Published: May 2022

AbstractSoft or weakly consolidated sand refers to porous materials composed of particles (or grains) weakly held together to form a solid but that can be easily broken when subjected to stress. These materials do not behave as conventional brittle, linear elastic materials and the transition between these two regimes cannot usually be described using poro-elastic models. Furthermore, conventional geotechnical sampling techniques often result in the destruction of the cementation and recovery of sufficient intact core is, therefore, difficult. This paper studies a numerical model that allows us to introduce weak consolidation in granular packs. The model, based on the LIGGGHTS open source project, simply adds an attractive contribution to particles in contact. This simple model allows us to reproduce key elements of the behaviour of the stress observed in compacted sands and clay, as well as in poorly consolidated sandstones. The paper finishes by inspecting the effect of different consolidation levels in fluid-driven fracture behaviour. Numerical results are compared qualitatively against experimental results on bio-cemented sandstones.
Überlegungen zum Beenden von Psychotherapien
Authors: Weilguny Barbara 
Published: May 2022

ZusammenfassungIn der einschlägigen Fachliteratur finden sich unzählige Bücher zum Thema Beginn und Verlauf einer Psychotherapie, jedoch gibt es bis heute kein klares Vorgehen beim Beenden von Psychotherapien in den unterschiedlichen Therapiemethoden. In der Ausbildung scheint diese Thematik wenig Aufmerksamkeit zu erhalten, in der Lehr-Literatur findet sich nur wenig darüber. Wesentlich erscheint als Zugang zur Öffnung dieses Themas eine Zusammenschau, um vom gegenseitigen Erkenntnisgewinn zu profitieren und einen Diskurs in Gang zu setzen.Die Bedeutung der Sprache in der sensiblen Abschlussphase einer Therapie, die Konflikte, die auf Seiten der Therapeut_innen und Klient_innen aufkommen können, die Fragestellung, wann eine Therapie überhaupt zu Ende ist, die Berücksichtigung von bindungstheoretischen Aspekten, all das fordert viel Sensibilität und Reflexionsfähigkeit. Die Kultivierung einer Haltung der Abschiedlichkeit kann dabei dienlich sein.Jede Psychotherapie ist individuell und jede Beendigung derselben ebenso. Manche Fälle bedürfen einer lebenslangen Therapie. Es erscheint bedeutsam, als Therapeut_in ein Bewusstsein zum Thema Abschied zu erlangen und eigene Trennungskompetenzen zu reflektieren. Die Metapher der Reise bietet sich für diese Thematik an. Der Steuermann (Therapeut_in) weiß um die Schwachstellen des Schiffes, richtet die Segel aus, erkennt Stärken, Potenziale, er ist Korrektiv und Regulativ zugleich, balanciert aus. Der Kapitän (Klient_in) ist Experte_in für das Schiff, gibt die Richtung und das Tempo an. Beide befinden sich auf einer Reise auf Zeit. Irgendwann erreichen sie den Hafen und werden wieder getrennte Wege gehen.
Moringa oleifera alcoholic extract protected stomach from bisphenol A–induced gastric ulcer in rats via its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities
Authors: Abo-Elsoud Reda Abo Elfath Ahmed , Ahmed Mohamed Abdelaziz Seham , Attia Abd Eldaim Mabrouk , Hazzaa Suzan Moustafa 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThis study evaluated the protective potentials of Moringa oleifera leaf alcoholic extract (MOLE) against bisphenol A (BPA)-induced stomach ulceration and inflammation in rats. Control rats received olive oil. Second group administered MOLE (200 mg/kg bwt) by oral gavage. Third group was given BPA (50 mg/ kg bwt) for 4 weeks. Fourth group administrated BPA and MOLE simultaneously. Fifth group was given MOLE for 4 weeks then administered BPA and MOLE for another 4 weeks. Bisphenol A induced gastric ulceration and decreased the volume of gastric juice, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), reduced glutathione (GSH) and interleukin 10 (IL-10) contents, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) protein in stomach tissues, while increased the titratable acidity, malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) contents, and caspase-3 and NF‑κB proteins in stomach tissue. However, MOLE ameliorated BPA-induced gastric ulceration and significantly increased the volume of gastric juice, PGE2, GSH and IL-10 contents, SOD activity, and PCNA protein while significantly decreased titratable acidity, MDA, TNF-α and IL-6 contents, and of NF‑κB and caspase-3 proteins in gastric tissue. This study indicated that MOLE protected stomach against BPA-induced gastric injury via its anti-oxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory activities.
Task model-specific operator skill assessment in routine fetal ultrasound scanning
Authors: Wang Yipei , Yang Qianye , Drukker Lior , Papageorghiou Aris , Hu Yipeng , Noble J. Alison 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Purpose
For highly operator-dependent ultrasound scanning, skill assessment approaches evaluate operator competence given available data, such as acquired images and tracked probe movement. Operator skill level can be quantified by the completeness, speed, and precision of performing a clinical task, such as biometry. Such clinical tasks are increasingly becoming assisted or even replaced by automated machine learning models. In addition to measurement, operators need to be competent at the upstream task of acquiring images of sufficient quality. To provide computer assistance for this task requires a new definition of skill.

Methods
This paper focuses on the task of selecting ultrasound frames for biometry, for which operator skill is assessed by quantifying how well the tasks are performed with neural network-based frame classifiers. We first develop a frame classification model for each biometry task, using a novel label-efficient training strategy. Once these task models are trained, we propose a second task model-specific network to predict two skill assessment scores, based on the probability of identifying positive frames and accuracy of model classification.

Results
We present comprehensive results to demonstrate the efficacy of both the frame-classification and skill-assessment networks, using clinically acquired data from two biometry tasks for a total of 139 subjects, and compare the proposed skill assessment with metrics of operator experience.

Conclusion
Task model-specific skill assessment is feasible and can be predicted by the proposed neural networks, which provide objective assessment that is a stronger indicator of task model performance, compared to existing skill assessment methods.
Official Risks and Everyday Disasters: the Interplay of Riskscapes in Two Unplanned Settlements in Monrovia
Authors: Innis Phillip Garjay 
Published: May 2022

AbstractMonrovia’s unplanned settlements provide a window into the diverse rationales and practices that go into planning and managing urban space. Even though unplanned settlements are economically, spatially, and socially integrated into cities, the desire to eliminate or formalise them persists. In the essay, I examine how everyday risks are addressed in the coexistence and co-evolution of planning and unplanned urbanisation in postwar contexts. As well as showing how expert-recommended risk management approaches cross over into local practices, I explain how and why multiple understandings of ‘risk’ and ‘resilience’ can influence practice. The unequal power dynamic suggests that the practices of state actors influence the residents of unplanned settlements, in a manner that is discernible of governmentality. As riskscapes, and by extension resilience, represent multiple realities to stakeholders, the question of coalescing the mosaic of practices into a common risk governance framework is critical. The essay emphasises that resilience-building should evolve from a thorough understanding of the dynamics of the multiplicity of riskscapes. Finally, the paper argues that an evolutionary approach to risk governance, paying attention to the interacting elements and configurations that link discourse, actors, institutions, power, and knowledge, will provide a platform for negotiating the links between risk perception and risk assessment within the emerging riskscapes. This will be the basis of a deliberative and negotiated resilience pathway that will integrate the priorities and interests of all stakeholders in the planning and decision-making process.
Digital sufficiency: conceptual considerations for ICTs on a finite planet
Authors: Santarius Tilman , Bieser Jan C. T. , Frick Vivian , Höjer Mattias , Gossen Maike , Hilty Lorenz M. , Kern Eva , Pohl Johanna , Rohde Friederike , Lange Steffen 
Published: May 2022

AbstractICT hold significant potential to increase resource and energy efficiencies and contribute to a circular economy. Yet unresolved is whether the aggregated net effect of ICT overall mitigates or aggravates environmental burdens. While the savings potentials have been explored, drivers that prevent these and possible counter measures have not been researched thoroughly. The concept digital sufficiency constitutes a basis to understand how ICT can become part of the essential environmental transformation. Digital sufficiency consists of four dimensions, each suggesting a set of strategies and policy proposals: (a) hardware sufficiency, which aims for fewer devices needing to be produced and their absolute energy demand being kept to the lowest level possible to perform the desired tasks; (b) software sufficiency, which covers ensuring that data traffic and hardware utilization during application are kept as low as possible; (c) user sufficiency, which strives for users applying digital devices frugally and using ICT in a way that promotes sustainable lifestyles; and (d) economic sufficiency, which aspires to digitalization supporting a transition to an economy characterized not by economic growth as the primary goal but by sufficient production and consumption within planetary boundaries. The policies for hardware and software sufficiency are relatively easily conceivable and executable. Policies for user and economic sufficiency are politically more difficult to implement and relate strongly to policies for environmental transformation in general. This article argues for comprehensive policies for digital sufficiency, which are indispensible if ICT are to play a beneficial role in overall environmental transformation.
The Volcanic Geoheritage of El Teide National Park (Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain)
Authors: Martí-Molist Joan , Dorado-García Olaya , López-Saavedra Marta 
Published: May 2022

AbstractEl Teide National Park on the island of Tenerife (Canary Islands) is home to one of the most spectacular volcanic landscapes in the world. Although the conservation of its geodiversity is not a major problem given that it is governed by strict Spanish laws on geoconservation and is, in addition, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the diffusion of its geological values among the general public is more of a challenge due to the lack of any specific program for scientific knowledge transfer to visitors. The volcanological history of this national park needs to be transmitted in a clear and comprehensible fashion. However, the lack of adequate outreach material and of any coherent and consistent narrative regarding the significance of the island’s geological heritage makes it difficult to incorporate its geological history into the minds of visitors. This engenders a perception of its geoheritage that underestimates its importance. To remedy this misconception, the following tasks need to be carried out: (1) a compilation of all current scientific knowledge of the geology and volcanology of the area; (2) the identification of key geosites that offer the best means of understanding the history and evolution of this volcanic area; (3) the production of outreach and diffusion programs specifically designed to transmit this scientific knowledge to the general public; and (4) the establishment of permanent training programs for park and tourist guides that will guarantee the efficacy of this knowledge transmission. This contribution summarizes the main aspects of the geological history of El Teide National Park, identifies the elements that best exhibit its geological heritage, discusses the main problems observed in transmitting these geological values to visitors, and provides some clues as to how to face up to these challenges.
Deconstructing Self-Compassion: How the Continued Use of the Total Score of the Self-Compassion Scale Hinders Studying a Protective Construct Within the Context of Psychopathology and Stress
Authors: Muris Peter , Otgaar Henry 
Published: May 2022

AbstractIn a new commentary in Mindfulness, Neff once again tried to defend the use of the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) total score by arguing that compassionate and uncompassionate self-responding (CS and UCS) are part of a bipolar continuum. In this brief reaction, we refute this notion and also clarify how the continued use of the SCS total score muddies the water of research on self-compassion as a protective variable. We also illustrate how the SCS—by separating CS and UCS—can provide more valid and valuable information on protection and vulnerability within the context of psychopathology and stress than just relying on the total score of the SCS.
Digital Forensics AI: Evaluating, Standardizing and Optimizing Digital Evidence Mining Techniques
Authors: Solanke Abiodun A. , Biasiotti Maria Angela 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe impact of AI on numerous sectors of our society and its successes over the years indicate that it can assist in resolving a variety of complex digital forensics investigative problems. Forensics analysis can make use of machine learning models’ pattern detection and recognition capabilities to uncover hidden evidence in digital artifacts that would have been missed if conducted manually. Numerous works have proposed ways for applying AI to digital forensics; nevertheless, scepticism regarding the opacity of AI has impeded the domain’s adequate formalization and standardization. We present three critical instruments necessary for the development of sound machine-driven digital forensics methodologies in this paper. We cover various methods for evaluating, standardizing, and optimizing techniques applicable to artificial intelligence models used in digital forensics. Additionally, we describe several applications of these instruments in digital forensics, emphasizing their strengths and weaknesses that may be critical to the methods’ admissibility in a judicial process.