bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Severe neuromuscular immune-related adverse events of immune checkpoint inhibitors at national cancer center in Korea
Authors: Hyun Jae-Won , Kim Ki Hoon , Kim Su-Hyun , Kim Ho Jin 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Purpose
Neuromuscular immune-related adverse events (irAEs) associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been increasingly recognized as a consequence of expanding use of ICIs in advanced cancers. We aimed to evaluate the frequency, phenotypes, rescue treatment, and clinical outcomes of severe neuromuscular irAEs of ICIs at National Cancer Center (NCC), Korea.

Materials and methods
Consecutive patients with newly developed severe neuromuscular irAEs (common terminology criteria for adverse events grade 3 or greater) after ICI treatment at NCC in Korea between December 2018 and April 2022 were included by searching neuromuscular diagnostic codes in electronic medical records and/or reviewing neurological consultation documentations.

Results
Of the 1,503 ICI-treated patients, nine (0.6%) experienced severe neuromuscular irAEs; five with pembrolizumab and four with atezolizumab. The patients included five women and four men; their median age at onset was 59 years. The irAEs included Guillain–Barre syndrome (n = 5) and myasthenia gravis (MG) crisis with myositis (n = 4), and developed after a median of one (range 1–5) ICI cycle. The median modified Rankin score (mRS) was 4 (range 3–5) at the nadir. ICIs were discontinued in all patients, and rescue immunotherapy included corticosteroids (n = 9), intravenous immunoglobulin (n = 7), and plasmapheresis (n = 2). Eight patients showed improvements, with a median mRS of 3 (range 1–4); however, one patient (who had MG crisis with myocarditis) died.

Conclusions
In this real-world monocentric study, ICI-induced neuromuscular irAEs were rare but potentially devastating; thus, physicians should remain vigilant to enable prompt recognition and management of irAEs.
The semi-sitting position in patients with indwelling CSF shunts: perioperative management and avoidance of complications
Authors: Polemikos Manolis , Bronzlik Paul , Heissler Hans E. , Hermann Elvis J. , Al-Afif Shadi , Esmaeilzadeh Majid , Krauss Joachim K. 
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Objective

Posterior fossa or midline tumors are often associated with hydrocephalus and primary tumor removal with or without perioperative placement of an external ventricular drain (EVD) is commonly accepted as first-line treatment. Shunting prior to posterior fossa surgery (PFS) is mostly reserved for symptomatic cases or special circumstances. There are limited data regarding the anticipated risk for symptomatic pneumocephalus and the perioperative management using the semi-sitting position (SSP) in such a scenario. Here, we therefore assessed the safety of performing PFS in a consecutive series of patients over a period of 15 years to allow the elaboration of recommendations for perioperative management.

Methods
According to specific inclusion and exclusion criteria a total of 13 patients who underwent 17 operations was identified. Supratentorial pneumocephalus was evaluated with semiautomatic-volumetric segmentation. The volume of pneumocephalus was evaluated according to age and ventricular size.

Results
Ten of the 13 patients had a programmable valve (preoperative valve setting range 6–14 cmH20; mean 7.5 cmH20) while 3 patients had non programmable valves. A variable amount of supratentorial air collection was evident in all patients postoperatively (range 3.2–331 ml; mean 122.32 ml). Positive predictors for the volume of postoperative pneumocephalus were higher age and a preoperative Evans ratio > 0.3. In our series, we encountered no cases of tension pneumocephalus necessitating an air replacement procedure as well as no obstruction, disconnection, infection or hardware malfunction of the shunt system.

Conclusions
Our findings indicate that a CSF shunt in situ is not a contraindication for performing PFS in the semi-sitting position and it does not increase the pre-existing risk for postoperative tension pneumocephalus. In cases of primary shunting for hydrocephalus associated with posterior fossa tumors a programmable valve set at a medium opening pressure with a gravitational device is a valid option when PFS in the semi-sitting position is opted. In patients with an indwelling shunt diversion system special caution is indicated in order to prevent and detect overdrainage especially in not adjustable valves or shunts without antisiphon devices.
How desertification in northern China will change under a rapidly warming climate in the near future (2021–2050)
Authors: Yang Jintao , Yang Kai , Wang Chenghai 
Published: December 2022

AbstractArid, semi-arid, and semi-humid regions (drylands) with fragile ecological balance have undergone dramatic climate change in past decades, and how the desertification will change under a continuous warming background still remain uncertain. In this study, the bias-corrected Community Earth System Model outputs from Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 were dynamically downscaled using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model, based on which the evolution trend of desertification over northern China (NC) in the past (1972–2000) and the near future period (2021–2050) under the RCP8.5 scenario were analyzed using the dune mobility index, and the impacts of climate change on the intensification or reversal of desertification over NC in the near future were explored. The results show that WRF downscaling can reproduce the desertification changes over NC in the past. The regions with a high risk of desertification are mainly located on the border of the desert and gobi. Under a rapidly warming climate in the near future, desertification will likely reverse in most regions of NC, especially for regions north of 40°N over NC. Potential evapotranspiration changes will exacerbate desertification, while precipitation changes will promote rehabilitation, and wind speed changes show obvious local impacts on desertification. The results in this study imply that, with rising temperatures in the future, the extent of desertification will not always continue, desertification will likely reverse at the front and margin of deserts and gobi, and responses of desertification to climate change have significant spatial differences.
Influence of dental prophylaxis procedures on the tooth veneer interface in resin-based composite and polymer-infiltrated ceramic veneer restorations: an in vitro study
Authors: Unterschütz Lena , Fuchs Florian , Mayer Laura-Antonia , Koenig Andreas , Challakh Nadia , Schulz-Kornas Ellen , Ziebolz Dirk , Hahnel Sebastian 
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Objectives
The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of dental prophylaxis cleaning procedures and artificial aging on veneers in human teeth. The external marginal and internal tooth veneer as well as the restoration surfaces were examined.

Material and methods
Thirty-two extracted premolars were restored with resin-based composite (RBC) and polymer-infiltrated ceramic network (PICN) veneers. Artificial aging by alternating thermocycling and subsequent prophylaxis procedure (glycine-based powder air polishing or ultrasonic scaling) was conducted for five consecutive cycles. The external marginal interface was examined by height profile measurements and the internal interface was investigated using micro X-ray computed tomography. In addition, the surface texture of the veneer surface was analyzed using confocal laser scanning microscopy.

Results
The application of both prophylaxis procedures resulted in a deepening of the marginal interface (10 µm ± 8 µm) for materials. Furthermore, the internal interface of PICN restorations showed marginal gaps after both treatments and artificial aging (16 µm ± 3 µm). In contrast to the RBC specimens, a significant increase in surface roughness was identified for PICN veneers after ultrasonic scaling.

Conclusions
The marginal and internal interface regions in veneers fabricated from PICN and RBC were affected by prophylaxis procedures. Furthermore, it may result in increased veneer surface roughness, especially in PICN and after ultrasonic scaling, which might affect bioadhesion and longevity.

Clinical relevance
After dental prophylaxis procedures, examination of the marginal and the internal interface as well as the veneer surface provides a precise insight into damage mechanisms and offers an assessment of longevity.
Associations between digital gaming behavior and physical activity among Finnish vocational students
Authors: Salmensalo Mikko , Ruotsalainen Heidi , Hylkilä Krista , Kääriäinen Maria , Konttila Jenni , Männistö Merja , Männikkö Niko 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Digital gaming is considered to be a major sedentary lifestyle among youth. The time spent on digital gaming may also affect the physical behavior of young adults.

Objective
This study aimed to investigate the associations between various characteristics of digital gaming behavior (i.e., gaming time, device, and game type) and participation in physical activity among Finnish vocational students.

Materials and methods
The research employed a cross-sectional survey design. The analyzed sample consisted of 773 students (455 males, 318 females) from eight vocational school units in Northern Finland who regularly played digital games. Data were collected via an online self-reported questionnaire, which included questions concerning average weekly time spent on digital gaming, preferred device, favorite types of games, and physical activity.

Results
The students spent an average of two hours each day playing digital games. Males preferred to play using personal computers (PCs), whereas mobile gaming was more popular among females. Shooter (42.4%) and entertainment (64.2%) games were the most popular game types among males and females, respectively. The results revealed that male gender and PC gaming were both positively related to physical inactivity among vocational school students. A preference toward sport games was inversely related with physical inactivity.

Conclusion
The presented findings can be utilized to develop interventions that target the prevention of sedentary behavior among vocational students. Further longitudinal studies will be required to reliably assess the relationship between digital gaming and physical activity.
Organic matter cycling in a model restored wetland receiving complex effluent
Authors: Zhou Xingzi , Johnston Sarah Ellen , Bogard Matthew J. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractWetlands have been used to treat anthropogenic effluents for decades due to their intense biogeochemical processes that transform and uptake nutrients, organic matter, and toxins. Despite these known functions, we lack generalizable knowledge of effluent-derived dissolved organic matter (DOM) cycling in wetlands. Here, we quantify the cycling of DOM in one of Canada’s more economically important wetland complexes (Frank Lake, Alberta), restored to hydrologic permanence in the 1980s using urban and agro-industrial effluents. Optical analyses and PARAFAC (parallel factor analysis) modelling showed a clear compositional change from more bioavailable and protein-like DOM at effluent input sites to more aromatic and humic-like at the wetland outflow, likely due to DOM processing and inputs from marsh plants and wetland soils. Microbial incubations showed that effluent DOM was rapidly consumed, with the half-life of DOM increasing from as low as 35 days for effluent, to 462 days at the outflow, as a function of compositional shifts toward aromatic, humic-like material. Long-term averaged dissolved organic carbon (DOC) export was low compared to many wetlands (10.3 ± 2.0 g C m−2 yr−1). Consistent with predictions based on water residence time, our mass balance showed Frank Lake was a net source of DOM across all measured years, but shifted from a source to sink among wet and drought years that respectively shortened or lengthened the water residence and DOM processing times. Overall, Frank Lake processes and transforms effluent DOM, despite being a longer-term net source of DOM to downstream environments.
Exploring the architectural design process assisted in conventional design studio: a systematic literature review
Authors: Hettithanthri Upeksha , Hansen Preben , Munasinghe Harsha 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe architectural design process is a unique process that has its inherent phases with specific activities within. Exploring and identifying the real design process which occurs within the conventional design studio is the key focus of this study. This study was carried out by adopting systematic literature review methodology. The most relevant articles for the review were identified by applying an inclusion and exclusion criteria based on a rubric developed to find answers to the research questions developed. For the literature review, 50 articles were selected by eliminating the non-related and non-suitable articles based on the rubric developed. The data was analysed by the content analysis based on the Grounded Theory. Grounded Theory was applied to generate a theory based on the data or findings. The results have given data to draw a Design Process model which is specific for architectural design studio practice. It is evident that the lack of integrating the intended user in the design process has impacted the solutions. Furthermore, many scholars have discussed the architectural design process, but there is a significant gap in discussing the involvement of users and context during the design process.
Developing an understanding of coherent approaches between primary and secondary teachers: a case study within the design and technology curriculum in Scotland
Authors: Hart-Anderson Liza , Holme Richard 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThis study is based around Education Scotland’s ambition to create a coherent learning framework for pupils aged 3–18, with particular focus on the technologies curricular area, and more specifically the subject of design and technology (D&T). The study investigates the views, definitions, and approaches adopted by primary and secondary educators applied to the D&T curricular area. Furthermore, the research explores curricular understanding and pedagogical approaches in addition to individual teacher’s understanding of technology education. A mixed method research approach was utilised and applied within one local authority region in Scotland. Data was collected from primary teachers and secondary design and technology teachers using online questionnaires and interviews. Findings reveal that there is a varied approach to teaching design and technology across primary and secondary schools with educators recognising different definitions and pedagogical approaches in the subject. This indicates that pupils transitioning from primary to secondary learning will have to cope with these differing teaching approaches when studying design and technology. However, participants agree on the importance of the design element and application of the subject to real world scenarios. It is recommended that school communities find opportunities to collaborate further with the aim of creating a more continuous, coherent learning journey for young people in the design and technology curriculum area. These findings provide a basis for future professional discussion and critical reflection for practitioners in both primary and secondary sectors, and for leaders and administrators across Scotland, the UK and around the world.
Pulsed-field ablation for the treatment of left atrial reentry tachycardia
Authors: Kueffer Thomas , Seiler Jens , Madaffari Antonio , Mühl Aline , Asatryan Babken , Stettler Robin , Haeberlin Andreas , Noti Fabian , Servatius Helge , Tanner Hildegard , Baldinger Samuel H. , Reichlin Tobias , Roten Laurent 
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Background

We describe our initial experience using a multipolar pulsed-field ablation catheter for the treatment of left atrial (LA) reentry tachycardia.

Methods
We included all patients with LA reentry tachycardia treated with PFA at our institution between September 2021 and March 2022. The tachycardia mechanism was identified using 3D electro-anatomical mapping (3D-EAM). Subsequently, a roof line, anterior line, or mitral isthmus line was ablated as appropriate. Roof line ablation was always combined with LA posterior wall (LAPW) ablation. Positioning of the PFA catheter was guided by a 3D-EAM system and by fluoroscopy. Bidirectional block across lines was verified using standard criteria. Additional radiofrequency ablation (RFA) was used to achieve bidirectional block as necessary.

Results
Among 22 patients (median age 70 (59–75) years; 9 females), we identified 27 LA reentry tachycardia: seven roof dependent macro-reentries, one posterior-wall micro-reentry, twelve peri-mitral macro-reentries, and seven anterior-wall micro-reentries. We ablated a total of 20 roof lines, 13 anterior lines, and 6 mitral isthmus lines. Additional RFA was necessary for two anterior lines (15%) and three mitral isthmus lines (50%). Bidirectional block was achieved across all roof lines, 92% of anterior lines, and 83% of mitral isthmus lines. We observed no acute procedural complications.

Conclusion
Ablation of a roof line and of the LAPW is feasible, effective, and safe using this multipolar PFA catheter. However, the catheter is less suited for ablation of the mitral isthmus and the anterior line. A focal pulsed-field ablation catheter may be more effective for ablation of these lines.

Graphical Abstract
This study shows the feasibility to ablate linear lesions with a multipolar pulsed-field ablation catheter. 27 left atrial reentry tachycardia were treated in 22 patients.
On computing the symplectic LLT factorization
Authors: Bujok Maksymilian , Smoktunowicz Alicja , Borowik Grzegorz 
Published: December 2022

AbstractWe analyze two algorithms for computing the symplectic factorization A = LLT of a given symmetric positive definite symplectic matrix A. The first algorithm W1 is an implementation of the HHT factorization from Dopico and Johnson (SIAM J. Matrix Anal. Appl. 31(2):650–673, 2009), see Theorem 5.2. The second one is a new algorithm W2 that uses both Cholesky and Reverse Cholesky decompositions of symmetric positive definite matrices. We present a comparison of these algorithms and illustrate their properties by numerical experiments in MATLAB. A particular emphasis is given on symplecticity properties of the computed matrices in floating-point arithmetic.
Bacillus spizizenii DN and microbial consortia biostimulation followed by gamma irradiation for efficient textile wastewater treatment
Authors: Gomaa Ola M. , Ibrahim Shaimaa Abd El Mohsen , Mansour Nahla M. 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Textile wastewater still poses a huge environmental problem due to its high water consumption and high effluent release that is full of toxic chemicals. In the present study, different approaches were studied to layout an operating procedure for textile wastewater treatment in order to obtain treated wastewater that is safe for non-potable uses. Our approach depended on (1) co-substrate to biostimulate indigenous microbial textile wastewater community by adding Tryptone Soy Broth (TSB) and TSB supplemented with 1% glucose, (2) co-culture (bioaugmentation) with Bacillus spizizenii DN cells (previously isolated, identified and characterized as efficient decolorizing bacteria), and (3) co-metabolites using Bacillus spizizenii DN metabolites. The obtained results show that using Bacillus spizizenii DN cells resulted in 97.78% decolorization while adding Bacillus spizizenii DN metabolites resulted in 82.92% decolorization, both after 48 h incubation under microaerophilic conditions. The phyla identified for all treatments were Bacteroidota, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria. The dynamic changes in the bacteria showed that both Clostridium and Acinetobacter disappeared for co-substrate, co-culture, and co-metabolite cultures. While Alkalibacterium and Stenotrophomonas appeared after adding Bacillus spizizenii DN cells, Flavobacterium increased for co-substrate and co-metabolic cultures while iron reducing bacteria appeared only for co-metabolic cultures. The use of 25 kGy gamma irradiation as a sterilization dose post bioremediation ensured safe use of treated wastewater. This was confirmed by cytotoxicity assay; the obtained IC50 tested on BJ fibroblasts obtained from skin showed that gamma irradiated treated wastewater are about 80.1% less toxic than non-irradiated treated wastewater. We conclude that (1) we can use combined bioaugmentation and biostimulation as initial steps for in situ bioremediation in collection tanks and that (2) the proposed protocol for bioremediation of industrial wastewater should be tailored based on the required application and level of safety needed for re-use.
Graphical abstract
Sustainable biopolymer soil stabilisation: the effect of microscale chemical characteristics on macroscale mechanical properties
Authors: Armistead Samuel J. , Smith Colin C. , Staniland Sarah S. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractSustainable biopolymer additives offer a promising soil stabilisation methodology, with a strong potential to be tuned to soil’s specific nature, allowing the tailoring of mechanical properties for a range of geotechnical applications. However, the biopolymer chemical characteristics driving soil mechanical property modifications have yet to be fully established. Within this study we employ a cross-scale approach, utilising the differing galactose:mannose (G:M) ratios of various Galactomannan biopolymers (Guar Gum G:M 1:2, Locust Bean Gum G:M 1:4, Cassia Gum G:M 1:5) to investigate the effect of microscale chemical functionality upon macroscale soil mechanical properties. Molecular weight effects are also investigated, utilising Carboxy Methyl Cellulose (CMC). Soil systems comprising of SiO2 (100%) (SiO2) and a Mine Tailing (MT) exemplar composed of SiO2 (90%) + Fe2O3 (10%) (SiO2 + Fe) are investigated. The critical importance of biopolymer additive chemical functionality for the resultant soil mechanical properties, is demonstrated..For Galactomannan G:M 1:5 stabilised soils the ‘high-affinity, high-strength’, mannose-Fe interactions at the microscale (confirmed by mineral binding characterisation) are attributed to the 297% increase in the SiO2 + Fe systems Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS), relative to SiO2 only. Conversely for SiO2 Galactomannan-stabilised soils, when increasing the G:M ratio from 1:2 to 1:5, a 85% reduction in UCS is observed, attributed to mannose’s inability to interact with SiO2. UCS variations of up to a factor of 12 were observed across the biopolymer–soil mixes studied, in line with theoretically and experimentally expected values, due to the differences in the G:M ratios. The limited impact of molecular weight upon soil strength properties is also shown in CMC-stabilised soils. When considering a soil’s stiffness and energy absorbance, the importance of biopolymer–biopolymer interaction strength and quantity is discussed, further deciphering biopolymer characteristics driving soil property modifications. This study highlights the importance of biopolymer chemistry for biopolymer stabilisation studies, illustrating the use of simple low-cost, accessible chemistry-based instrumental tools and outlining key design principles for the tailoring of biopolymer–soil composites for specific geotechnical applications.
Graphical abstract