bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Amikacin nomogram for treatment of adult cystic fibrosis exacerbations based on an external evaluation of a population pharmacokinetic model
Authors: Thirion Daniel J. G. , Pasche Valérian , Matouk Elias , Marsot Amélie
Published: March 2020

Background

In patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), amikacin is the alternative for the treatment of acute pulmonary exacerbations associated with pathogens resistant to tobramycin. Population pharmacokinetic (PK) models of amikacin in adult patients with CF have been previously published. However, current dosing recommendations remain disputed (Illamola et al. Clin Pharmacokinet. 2018;57(10):1217‐1228). We perform here the first external evaluation of a published amikacin adult CF population PK model and propose a dosing nomogram for initial dosing.

Methods

We retrospectively collected demographic, biological, and clinical data from the medical records of adult patients who had received intravenous amikacin. To assess the predictive performance of this model we applied visual comparison of predictions to observations, calculation of bias and inaccuracy, and simulation‐based diagnostics. Monte Carlo simulations from the evaluated model were used to compare maximum concentration/minimum inhibitory concentration achieved with different dosing regimens.

Results

A total of 91 concentrations from 19 adult patients with CF were collected for external evaluation. The model predicted amikacin concentrations with reasonable bias (7.2% [95% confidence interval, CI: −0.7% to 15.0%]) and inaccuracy (18.2% [95% CI: 12.0%‐24.4%]). Our simulations with this model suggest that administered amikacin doses must be adjusted to creatinine clearance and also adjusted to body weight (doses from 20 to 45 mg/kg/d). According to these simulations, we developed the Montreal amikacin nomogram to optimize amikacin dosing regimens in patients with CF.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we developed the first nomogram to optimize initial amikacin dosing regimens in patients with CF based on this external evaluation of a recently published amikacin population PK model.
Cardiac autonomic modulation assessed by heart rate variability in children with asthma
Authors: Franco Ozeia S. , Júnior Abelardo O. S. , Signori Luis U. , Prietsch Silvio O. M. , Zhang Linjie
Published: March 2020

Objective:

To assess cardiac autonomic modulation, measured by short‐term frequency domain analysis of heart rate variability (HRV), in children with asthma.

Methods:

We conducted an observational study at a tertiary care teaching hospital. The sample consisted of 119 children aged 7 to 15 years with asthma and 56 age‐matched healthy controls. Frequency domain HRV measures included low‐frequency (LF; 0.04‐0.15 Hz), high‐frequency (HF; 0.15‐0.4 Hz), and LF/HF ratio. The LF and HF components were expressed in both absolute values of power (ms2) and in normalized units (nu).

Results:

Compared with healthy controls, asthmatic children had significantly higher value of HF (nu) (mean ± standard deviation: 45.9 ± 14.6 vs 40.7 ± 13.6; P = .02), and lower values of LF (nu) (54.1 ± 14.6 vs 59.3 ± 13.6; P = .02) and LF/HF ratio (median, interquartile range: 1.12, 0.82‐1.88 vs 1.59, 1.02‐2.08; P = .03). We did not find significant differences between children with persistent and intermittent asthma, and between children with well‐controlled and partially‐controlled or uncontrolled asthma, in terms of HRV measures.

Conclusions:

Children with stable chronic asthma may have a cardiac autonomic imbalance with a possible enhanced parasympathetic modulation, as assessed by short‐term frequency domain analysis of HRV. Neither asthma severity nor asthma control was significantly associated with HRV measures, but the study did not have enough power to draw a firm conclusion on this point.
Pneumonia in Parkinson's disease: barium aspiration in videofluoroscopic swallowing study
Authors: Chang Kwang‐Hwa , Tzeng Yu‐Tien , Wey Jing‐Hwa , Liu Yuan‐Jun , Lin Yen‐Nung , Chung Wen‐Kuei
Published: March 2020

Key message

Barium aspiration into the tracheobronchial tree is a remarkable warning sign of dysphagia‐related aspiration pneumonia. Clinical swallowing assessment is warranted for patients with aspiration pneumonia and videofluoroscopic swallowing study is a good add‐on tool for dysphagia treatment plan. In patients with Parkinson's disease, dysphagia is often overlooked due to atypical presentations.
Nonidentifier‐based adaptive control for nonlinearly parameterized systems with measurement uncertainty
Authors: Zhang Xu , Lin Wei
Published: March 2020

For a family of nonlinear systems with parametric uncertainty in both state and output equations, we prove that global adaptive regulation is still achievable by output feedback. The bounds of the time‐varying parameter at the system output are unknown, and the class of nonlinear systems is assumed to be dominated by a triangular system that satisfies a linear growth condition with a polynomial output‐dependent rate. The result presented in this article has incorporated and generalized recent advances on robust output feedback control of nonlinear systems with output uncertainty, all of them are required to satisfy a linear growth condition with a constant rate. A nonidentifier‐based universal controller is proposed with a high gain estimator, rather than observer, whose gain is updated in a dynamic fashion. It is shown that a single dynamic gain is sufficient for dealing with the unknown parameter at the system output and the system parametric uncertainty simultaneously.
Voltammetrically Measuring pH of Strong Basic Solution on Au Electrode Modified with Ag3PO4 Shell@Ag Core Nanoparticles
Authors: Li Xinni , Guo Zhihui , Zheng Xingwang
Published: March 2020

Precise determination of pH values of strong basic solution is appealing and challenging. Herein, a voltammetric method for measuring pH of strong basic solution was developed using Ag3PO4 shell@Ag core nanoparticles as a pH indicator. Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) were electrodeposited on Au electrode surface and then were electrochemically oxidized to form Ag+. A layer of Ag3PO4 was in‐situ formed on the surface of AgNPs by precipitation with PO43− in solution. As an electroactive species, Ag3PO4 can undertake an electrochemical redox reaction and its reduction peak potential is linear with pH values of solution in the range of 10–14. The slope of the linear equation is about −0.0196, which is consistent with that calculated by the Nernst equation. The resultant AgNPs/Ag3PO4 modified electrode has been successfully applied in the determination of pH of strong basic solution. The proposed voltammetic method for measuring pH value overcomes the shortcoming of pH glass electrode under strong basic environments.
Radiosynthesis of a Novel 11C‐Labeled Derivative of 4’‐O‐Methylhonokiol and Its Preliminary Evaluation in an LPS Rat Model of Neuroinflammation
Authors: Kiseleva Mariia M , Vaulina Daria D , Sivak Konstantin V , Alexandrov Andrey G , Kuzmich Nikolay N , Viktorov Nikolai B , Kuznetsova Olga F , Gomzina Natalia A
Published: March 2020

Cyclooxygenase type 2 (COX‐2) is an attractive biomarker for the visualization of neuroinflammation processes by positron emission tomography (PET). Neolignan 4’‐O‐methylhonokiol (MH) is known to have high anti‐inflammatory activity and inhibits the expression of COX‐2. We synthesized 4′‐[11C]methoxy‐5‐propyl‐1,1′‐biphenyl‐2‐ol ([11C]MPbP), a compound based on the MH structure and labeled with carbon‐11 (T1/2=20.4 min) and studied its distribution in rats treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). It was shown that the new ligand has significant inhibitory activity against COX‐2 (IC50=0.14 μM) and sufficient lipophilicity (logD7.4=2.46±0.12) for penetration the blood brain barrier (BBB). [11C]MPbP was obtained by 11C‐methylation using [11C]CH3I with decay‐corrected radiochemical yield of 20% based on [11C]CH3I with molar activity 10–15 GBq/μmol, high radiochemical purity (> 99%) and low level of chemical impurities (<1 μg/ml). The radioligand did not undergo any noticeable decomposition in human plasma for 40 min. The results of ex vivo biodistribution in rats demonstrated that [11C]MPbP crossed the BBB and the observed radioactivity uptake in brain of rats with LPS‐induced neuroinflammation was 4 times higher than in intact animals. Further studies of compounds with the MH scaffold are planned for their possible application in PET, including in vivo assessment in animal neuroinflammation models.
Ermüdung geschweißter K‐Knoten aus Rundhohlprofilen – normengerechte Nachweise und Schweißnahtqualität
Authors: Kuhlmann Ulrike , Bove Simon , Dürr André , Roth Jakob , Steinhausen Ralf , Pientschke Christoph , Kiel Mario
Published: March 2020

Im Stahl‐ und Verbundbrückenbau, aber auch in der Anlagentechnik, bei Kranen oder im Offshore‐Bereich unterliegen Fachwerke aus Rundhohlprofilen mit geschweißten K‐Knoten und dickwandigen Gurten hoher Ermüdungsbeanspruchung. Für die Ermüdungsnachweise dieser Knoten fehlen bisher jedoch normative Regelungen. Dieser Beitrag gibt einen Überblick über die Ergebnisse des FOSTA‐Forschungsvorhabens P1163, das sich deshalb mit diesem Thema beschäftigt hat. Zwei wichtige Aspekte der jüngst abgeschlossenen Untersuchungen waren die Aufbereitung und Erweiterung normengerechter Nachweise auch für einen größeren Anwendungsbereich von Hohlprofilen mit d > 500 mm und die Entwicklung von praxisnahen Empfehlungen zur Ausführung und Qualitätssicherung der Schweißnahtgeometrie. Hierzu wurden Ermüdungsversuche an großformatigen Hohlprofilknoten (∅ 660 mm × 60 mm Gurte) und an K‐Knoten mit planmäßig eingebrachten Schweißnahtunregelmäßigkeiten sowie unterschiedlichen Nahtformen durchgeführt. Begleitet wurden diese Untersuchungen durch gezielte Ultraschallprüfungen mit Phased‐Array, die auch zur Entwicklung einer Prüfmethodik für die komplexe Schweißnahtgeometrie herangezogen wurden. Aufbauend auf den Ergebnissen wurde schließlich ein Vorschlag für eine DASt‐Richtlinie erarbeitet, um die Ausführung von Fachwerken aus Rundhohlprofilen mit dickwandigen Gurten in der Praxis zu fördern und einen Beitrag für die bauaufsichtliche Akzeptanz dieser Bauweise zu leisten.
Review on applications of synchrotron‐based X‐ray techniques in materials characterization
Authors: Sedigh Rahimabadi Pooria , Khodaei Mehdi , Koswattage Kaveenga R.
Published: March 2020

Synchrotron radiation (SR), as a result of its high‐intensity, brilliant, monochromatic, and collimated beams, is becoming one of the most crucial components of research in various fields of materials science such as nanomaterials, biomaterials, and energy materials. SR‐based characterization methods can be employed to analyze different systems such as powders, thin films, and bulk forms having complex crystalline or amorphous structures. In this review, peculiarities of SR are briefly explained. Moreover, various techniques carried out utilizing this instrument for material characterization such as X‐ray powder diffraction, grazing‐incidence X‐ray diffraction, small/wide‐angle X‐ray scattering, X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, different techniques of X‐ray imaging, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and X‐ray microprobes/nanoprobes are presented. As a result, by shedding light on the advantages of SR and its superiority to the equivalent laboratory experiments, researchers are recommended to exploit the capabilities of this invaluable tool in their materials characterization.
A functional equation related to generalized entropies and the modular group
Authors: Bennequin Daniel , Vigneaux Juan Pablo
Published: March 2020

We solve a functional equation connected to the algebraic characterization of generalized information functions. To prove the symmetry of the solution, we study a related system of functional equations, which involves two homographies. These transformations generate the modular group, and this fact plays a crucial role in solving the system. The method suggests a more general relation between conditional probabilities and arithmetic.
Ensemble standardization constraints on the influence of the tree growth trends in dendroclimatology
Authors: Shi Feng , Yang Bao , Linderholm Hans W. , Seftigen Kristina , Yang Fengmei , Yin Qiuzhen , Shao Xuemei , Guo Zhengtang
Published: March 2020

Tree growth trends can affect the interpretation of the response of tree-ring proxies (especially tree-ring width) to climate in the low-frequency band, which in turn may limit quantitative understanding of centennial-scale climate variability. As such, it is difficult to determine if long-term trends in tree-ring measurements are caused by age-dependent growth effects or climate. Here, a trend similarity ranking method is proposed to define the range of tree growth effects on tree-ring width chronologies. This method quantifies the inner and outer boundaries of the tree growth effect following two extreme standardization methods: curve fitting standardization and regional curve standardization. The trend similarity ranking method classifies and detrends tree-ring measurements according to the ranking similarity between the regional growth curve and their long-term trends through curve fitting. This standardization process mainly affects the secular trend in tree-ring chronologies, and has no effect on their inter-annual to multi-decadal variations. Applications of this technique to the Yamal and Torneträsk tree-ring width datasets and the maximum latewood density dataset from northern Scandinavia reveals that multi-centennial and millennial-scale temperature variations in the three regions provide substantial positive contributions to the linear warming trends in the instrumental period, and that the summer warming rate during the 20th century is not unprecedented over the past two millennia in any of the three regions.
Measuring and visualizing cyber threat intelligence quality
Authors: Schlette Daniel , Böhm Fabian , Caselli Marco , Pernul Günther
Published: March 2020

The very raison d’être of cyber threat intelligence (CTI) is to provide meaningful knowledge about cyber security threats. The exchange and collaborative generation of CTI by the means of sharing platforms has proven to be an important aspect of practical application. It is evident to infer that inaccurate, incomplete, or outdated threat intelligence is a major problem as only high-quality CTI can be helpful to detect and defend against cyber attacks. Additionally, while the amount of available CTI is increasing it is not warranted that quality remains unaffected. In conjunction with the increasing number of available CTI, it is thus in the best interest of every stakeholder to be aware of the quality of a CTI artifact. This allows for informed decisions and permits detailed analyses. Our work makes a twofold contribution to the challenge of assessing threat intelligence quality. We first propose a series of relevant quality dimensions and configure metrics to assess the respective dimensions in the context of CTI. In a second step, we showcase the extension of an existing CTI analysis tool to make the quality assessment transparent to security analysts. Furthermore, analysts’ subjective perceptions are, where necessary, included in the quality assessment concept.
Socio-technical energy scenarios: state-of-the-art and CIB-based approaches
Authors: Weimer-Jehle Wolfgang , Vögele Stefan , Hauser Wolfgang , Kosow Hannah , Poganietz Witold-Roger , Prehofer Sigrid
Published: March 2020

Energy conversion is a major source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and energy transition scenarios are a key tool for gaining a greater understanding of the possible pathways toward climate protection. There is consensus in energy research that political and societal framework conditions will play a pivotal role in shaping energy transitions. In energy scenario construction, this perspective is increasingly acknowledged through the approach of informing model-based energy analysis with storylines about societal futures, an exercise we call “socio-technical energy scenario construction” in this article. However, there is a dispute about how to construct the storylines in a traceable, consistent, comprehensive, and reproducible way. This study aims to support energy researchers considering the use of the concept of socio-technical scenarios in two ways: first, we provide a state-of-the-art analysis of socio-technical energy scenario construction by comparing 16 studies with respect to five categories. Second, we address the dispute regarding storyline construction in energy research and examine 13 reports using the Cross-Impact Balances method. We collated researcher statements on the strengths and challenges of this method and identified seven categories of promises and challenges each.
Compilation as “heutige Bildung”: Philological and Philosophical Perspectives on Compilation in Friedrich Schlegel’s Lessings Gedanken und Meinungen
Authors: Valeur Peter Svare
Published: March 2020

This article considers the role of compilation in the work of Friedrich Schlegel (1772–1829), with particular emphasis on his anthologyLessings Gedanken und Meinungen(1803–1804). While compilation was often derided in an era increasingly dominated by the quest for originality, Schlegel gives it a new dignity and holds it as essential to his belief in textual “Potenzierung”. The article highlights the philological and philosophical implications of Schlegel’s concept of compilation, as well as its significance for what Schlegel terms “Kritik”.
Impact of the used solvent on the reconstitution efficiency of evaporated biosamples for untargeted metabolomics studies
Authors: Manier Sascha K. , Meyer Markus R.
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Untargeted metabolomics intends to objectively analyze a wide variety of compounds. Their diverse physicochemical properties make it difficult to choose an appropriate reconstitution solvent after sample evaporation without influencing the chromatography or hamper column sorbent integrity.

Objectives

The study aimed to identify the most appropriate reconstitution solvent for blood plasma samples in terms of feature recovery, four endogenous compounds, and one selected internal standard.

Methods

We investigated several reconstitution solvent mixtures containing acetonitrile and methanol to resolve human plasma extract and evaluated them concerning the peak areas of tryptophan-d5, glucose, creatinine, palmitic acid, and the phophatidylcholine PC(P-16:0/P-16:0), as well as the total feature count

Results

Results indicated that acetonitrile containing 30% methanol was best suited to match all tested criteria at least for human blood plasma samples.

Conclusion

Despite identifying the mixture of acetonitrile and methanol being suitable as solvent for human blood plasma extracts, we recommend to systematically test for an appropriate reconstitution solvent for each analyzed biomatrix.
Delineating and preventing plastic waste leakage in the marine and terrestrial environment
Authors: Hahladakis John N.
Published: March 2020

Plastics are nowadays considered to be the workhorse material of our modern society with an ubiquitous presence that has increased manifold over the past 60 years, providing several benefits to the global economy. However, inappropriate and/or uncontrolled disposal practices, poor waste management infrastructure and application of insufficient recycling technologies, coupled with a lack of public awareness and incentives, have rendered plastic waste omnipresent, littering both the marine and the terrestrial environment with multi-faceted impacts. This short communication/commentary aims at delineating the plastic litter global challenge providing, at the same time, scientific views and perspectives on properly dealing with this material type, both upstream and downstream.
Benefits of applying X-ray computed tomography in bentonite based material research focussed on geological disposal of radioactive waste
Authors: Reijonen Heini Maria , Kuva Jukka , Heikkilä Pasi
Published: March 2020

Bentonite-based geomaterials are included in the designs of geological repository planning in most countries, especially in high-level radioactive waste disposal. Physical integrity of the bentonite sealant is key in assuring its hydraulic and retention properties, which affect the long-term performance of the repositories. Examination of the internal textures and structures of bentonite has been challenging until recently. Here, X-ray computed tomography (XCT) is applied to improve the textural and structural characterization of natural and man-made bentonite samples. Based on these initial analyses, clear benefits have been identified compared with conventional bentonite research methods. First, applying XCT prior to destructive analytical methods provides means to distinguish secondary features or in situ textures. It allows to eliminate false interpretations due to sample deformation and guides subsampling. Second, XCT images add the third dimension to analyses, allowing larger spatial coverage in less time. Overall, findings support the application of XCT for reducing uncertainties related to physical characterization of bentonite samples, both natural and industrial. They also show that XCT has potential to be developed to support quality assurance processes for bentonite sealant manufacturing.
Homegarden commercialization: extent, household characteristics, and effect on food security and food sovereignty in Rural Indonesia
Authors: Abdoellah Oekan S. , Schneider Mindi , Nugraha Luthfan Meilana , Suparman Yusep , Voletta Cisma Tami , Withaningsih Susanti , Parikesit  , Heptiyanggit Amanda , Hakim Lukmanul
Published: March 2020

Homegardens have long been recognized for contributing to household food security, nutritional status, and ecological sustainability in especially poor, rural areas in low-income countries. However, as markets and policies drive the commercialization of food and farming systems, and of rural livelihoods in general, it becomes increasingly difficult for small-holder farmers to maintain homegarden plots. Rather than autonomous spaces to grow food for self-consumption, farmers are transforming the land around their dwellings into an income-generating space by planting commercial crops for sale in urban and processing markets. The objective of this study was to examine homegarden commercialization in the Upper Citarum Watershed of West Java, Indonesia, and its effects on food security and food sovereignty. We employed a mixed-method approach to survey 81 village households involved in agricultural production. For quantitative analysis, we calculated a “homegarden commercialization index,” and developed indicator frameworks to examine relationships between commercialization, household food security, and food-related decision-making. Accompanied by insights from qualitative interviews, our results show that homegardens are highly commercialized, which contributes to the spread of monocultural production in the region. We argue that homegardens should be included and supported in food, agricultural, health, environmental, and rural development policy, in Indonesia and generally.
Quality of life after fragility fracture in the Russian Federation: results from the Russian arm of the International Cost and Utility Related to Osteoporotic Fractures Study (ICUROS)
Authors: Lesnyak Olga , Svedbom Axel , Belova Ksenia , Dobrovolskaya Olga , Ershova Olga , Golubev Georgij , Grebenshikov Vyacheslav , Ivanov Sergej , Kochish Alexander , Menshikova Larissa , Nikitinskaya Oxana , Nurligayanov Radik , Solodovnikov Alexander , Toroptsova Natalia , Varavko Julia , Zotkin Eugenij , Borgstrom Fredrik , Kanis John A
Published: March 2020

Summary

Changes in health-related quality of life (QoL) due to hip, humeral, ankle, spine, and distal forearm fracture were measured in Russian adults age 50 years or more over the first 18 months after fracture. The accumulated mean QoL loss after hip fracture was 0.5 and significantly greater than after fracture of the distal forearm (0.13), spine (0.21), proximal humerus (0.26), and ankle (0.27).

Introduction

Data on QoL following osteoporotic fractures in Russia are scarce. The present study evaluated the impact of hip, vertebral, proximal humerus, distal forearm, and ankle fracture up to 18 months after fracture from the Russian arm of the International Costs and Utilities Related to Osteoporotic Fractures Study.

Methods

Individuals age ≥ 50 years with low-energy-induced humeral, hip, clinical vertebral, ankle, or distal forearm fracture were enrolled. After a recall of pre-fracture status, HRQoL was prospectively collected over 18 months of follow-up using EQ-5D-3L. Multivariate regression analysis was used to identify determinants of QALYs loss.

Results

At 2 weeks, patients with hip fracture (n = 223) reported the lowest mean health state utility value (HSUV) compared with other fracture sites. Thereafter, utility values increased but remained significantly lower than before fracture. For spine (n = 183), humerus (n = 166), and ankle fractures (n = 214), there was a similar pattern of disutility with a nadir within 2 weeks and a progressive recovery thereafter. The accumulated mean QoL loss after hip fracture was 0.5 and significantly greater than after fracture of the distal forearm (0.13), spine (0.21), proximal humerus (0.26), and ankle (0.27). Substantial impairment in self-care and usual activities immediately after fracture were important predictors of recovery across at all fracture sites.

Conclusions

Fractures of the hip, vertebral, distal forearm, ankle, and proximal humerus incur substantial loss of QoL in Russia. The utility values derived from this study can be used in future economic evaluations.
The Influence of Iron in Minimizing the Microstructural Anisotropy of Ti-6Al-4V Produced by Laser Powder-Bed Fusion
Authors: Simonelli Marco , McCartney David Graham , Barriobero-Vila Pere , Aboulkhair Nesma T. , Tse Yau Yau , Clare Adam , Hague Richard
Published: March 2020

There remains a significant challenge in adapting alloys for metal-based additive manufacturing (AM). Adjusting alloy composition to suit the process, particularly under regimes close to industrial practice, is therefore a potential solution. With the aim of designing new Ti-based alloys of superior mechanical properties for use in laser powder-bed fusion, this research investigates the influence of Fe on the microstructural development of Ti-6Al-4V. The operating mechanisms that govern the relationship between the alloy composition (and Fe in particular) and the grain size are explored using EBSD, TEM, and in situ high-energy synchrotron X-ray diffraction. It was found that Fe additions up to 3 wt pct lead to a progressive refinement of the microstructure. By exploiting the cooling rates of AM and suitable amount of Fe additions, it was possible to obtain microstructures that can be optimized by heat treatment without obvious precipitation of detrimental brittle phases. The resulting microstructure consists of a desirable and well-studied fully laminar α + β structure in refined prior-β grains.
The Impact of Robotics in Learning Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: a Retrospective Analysis of 214 Laparoscopic and Robotic Procedures
Authors: Beckmann Jan Henrik , Bernsmeier Alexander , Kersebaum Jan-Niclas , Mehdorn Anne-Sophie , von Schönfels Witigo , Taivankhuu Terbish , Laudes Matthias , Schafmayer Clemens , Egberts Jan-Hendrik , Becker Thomas
Published: March 2020

Background

Proximal Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is commonly used to manage obesity, performed using laparoscopic or robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery. As the prevalence of robotic bariatric surgery increases, further data is required to justify its use.

Methods

This was a large, retrospective analysis of prospectively recorded data for Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) procedures performed using laparoscopic (LRYGB) or robotic (RRYGB; da Vinci Xi system, Intuitive Surgical Sàrl) surgery between January 2016 and March 2019. The surgical techniques did not differ apart from different trocar placements. Data collected included patient characteristics before and after RYGB, operative outcomes and complications.

Results

In total, 114 RRYGB and 108 LRYGB primary surgeries were performed. There were no significant differences between the groups, apart from a significantly shorter duration of surgery (116.9 vs. 128.9 min, respectively), lower C-reactive protein values at days 1 (31.1 vs. 44.1 mg/l) and 2 (50.3 vs. 77.8 mg/l) after the intervention, and overall complication rate (4.4 vs. 12.0%, Clavien-Dindo classification II-V) with RRYGB compared with LRYGB. There was a lower hemoglobin value in the postoperative course after RRYGB (12.1 vs. 12.6 g/dl, day 2).

Conclusions

In our experience, robotic RYGB has proven to be safe and efficient, with a shorter duration of surgery and lower rate of complications than laparoscopic RYGB. RRYGB is easier to learn and seems safer in less experienced centers. Increasing experience with the robotic system can reduce the duration of surgery over time. Further studies with higher evidence level are necessary to confirm our results.
Rice Grain Cadmium Concentrations in the Global Supply-Chain
Authors: Shi Zhengyu , Carey Manus , Meharg Caroline , Williams Paul N. , Signes-Pastor Antonio J. , Triwardhani Eridha Ayu , Pandiangan Febbyandi Isnanda , Campbell Katrina , Elliott Christopher , Marwa Ernest M. , Jiujin Xiao , Farias Júlia Gomes , Nicoloso Fernando Teixeira , De Silva P. Mangala C. S. , Lu Ying , Norton Gareth , Adomako Eureka , Green Andy J. , Moreno-Jiménez Eduardo , Zhu Yongguan , Carbonell-Barrachina Ángel Antonio , Haris Parvez I. , Lawgali Youssef F. , Sommella Alessia , Pigna Massimo , Brabet Catherine , Montet Didier , Njira Keston , Watts Michael J. , Hossain Mahmud , Islam M. Rafiqul , Tapia Yasna , Oporto Carla , Meharg Andrew A.
Published: March 2020

One of cadmium’s major exposure routes to humans is through rice consumption. The concentrations of cadmium in the global polished (white), market rice supply-chain were assessed in 2270 samples, purchased from retailers across 32 countries, encompassing 6 continents. It was found on a global basis that East Africa had the lowest cadmium with a median for both Malawi and Tanzania at 4.9 μg/kg, an order of magnitude lower than the highest country, China with a median at 69.3 μg/kg. The Americas were typically low in cadmium, but the Indian sub-continent was universally elevated. In particular certain regions of Bangladesh had high cadmium, that when combined with the high daily consumption rate of rice of that country, leads to high cadmium exposures. Concentrations of cadmium were compared to the European Standard for polished rice of 200 μg/kg and 5% of the global supply-chain exceeded this threshold. For the stricter standard of 40 μg/kg for processed infant foods, for which rice can comprise up to 100% by composition (such as rice porridges, puffed rice cereal and cakes), 25% of rice would not be suitable for making pure rice baby foods. Given that rice is also elevated in inorganic arsenic, the only region of the world where both inorganic arsenic and cadmium were low in grain was East Africa.
Contraceptive technologies for global health: ethically getting to safe, effective and acceptable options for women and men
Authors: Townsend John , Sitruk-Ware Régine , RamaRao Saumya , Sailer Jim
Published: March 2020

While the contributions of science, biomedicine, and engineering to contraceptive development offer wonder and promise to the community, what inspires many of us in the not-for-profit sector about the process of contraceptive product development is the integration of consultations with users, providers and policy makers, good clinical and manufacturing practice in product design and development, and the delivery of approved products at affordable prices to those in greatest need. The commitment to have an impact on the reproductive lives of women and men along with the ethical principles embedded in this process of achieving safe, effective, and acceptable options include the respect for persons, i.e., eventual users, beneficence for those using the product and justice in ensuring that it is available to those who are most vulnerable, including those in developing countries. It is the inspiration that drives the scientists and developers to produce public benefit and additional social value.
Body mass of honey bee drones developing in constant and in changing temperatures
Authors: Czekońska Krystyna , Tofilski Adam
Published: March 2020

The body mass of honey bee (Apis mellifera) drones was investigated during a post-capping development under four temperature regimes: constant low temperature (32 °C), constant high temperature (35 °C), low temperature in the early stage followed by high temperature in the later stage, and high temperature in the early stage followed by low temperature in the later stage. The temperature regimes had significant influence on the drones’ body mass. The heaviest drones were obtained when the temperature was high at the early stage and low at the later stage of the post-capping period. The most lightweight drones occurred at constant high temperature. The body mass of drones was changing significantly over their adult life and was highest at the age of five days. After this age, the body mass tended to decrease until the end of life. These results suggest that the highest body mass of drones can be obtained by keeping them during the post-capping development in changing and not constant temperatures.
Short-term hyperthermia at larval age reduces sucrose responsiveness of adult honeybees and can increase life span
Authors: Kablau Arne , Berg Stefan , Rutschmann Benjamin , Scheiner Ricarda
Published: March 2020

Honeybees are very sensitive to their breeding temperature. Even slightly lower temperatures during larval development can significantly affect adult behavior. Several devices which are employed for killing the honeybee ectoparasiteVarroa destructorrely on short-term hyperthermia in the honeybee hive. The device used here applies 43.7 °C for 2 h, which is highly effective in killing the mites. We study how short-term hyperthermia affects worker brood and behavior of emerging adult bees. Sucrose responsiveness was strongly reduced after treatment of larvae early or late of larval development. Hyperthermia significantly enhanced life span, particularly in bees receiving treated early in larval development. To ask whether increased life span correlated with foraging performance, we used radio frequency identification (RFID). Onset and offset of foraging behavior as well as foraging trip duration and lifetime foraging effort were unaffected by hyperthermia treatment as prepupa.
Fatigue of brazed joints made of X5CrNi18-10 and Cu110 and derivation of reliable assessment approaches
Authors: Baumgartner J. , Tillmann W. , Bobzin K. , Öte M. , Wiesner S. , Sievers N.
Published: March 2020

Brazing in a continuous belt furnace is a quite cost-effective way of joining components consisting of many individual parts. It is extensively used in many industrial sectors like the automotive or in the energy industry. Even though many components are cyclically loaded during service up to now, no approaches to assess the lifetime under in-service loads are available. In order to assess the fatigue strength of brazed joints, three different specimen types have been investigated: peel and shear as well as a component-like specimens. The specimens were characterized and tested under load control using constant and variable amplitudes. Subsequently, the fatigue life of these joints was assessed by linear-elastic notch stresses. A reference S-N curve and characteristic damage sums were derived that enable to perform a reliable fatigue assessment. Further parameters which seem to have a strong influence on the fatigue life, the surface topology, and the overall quality of the braze were identified. Their influence is discussed.
Study of the effects of adapted Tango and multidimensional intervention in pREvention of dementia in agiNG: developing healTHy lifestyle programs (STRENGTH Project)—the experimental protocol of a prospective randomised controlled trial
Authors: Giuli Cinzia , Paoloni Cristina , Santillo Elpidio , Balietti Marta , Fabbietti Paolo , Postacchini Demetrio , Piacenza Francesco
Published: March 2020

Background

Dementia represents a key health issue for older adults, with negative consequences on psycho-social and functional status. Treatments that counteract cognitive deficits in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are needed to prevent or delay it.

Aim

To describe the experimental protocol of the STRENGTH Project. This study investigates a multimodal intervention in older adults with MCI to improve cognitive, functional, biochemical and psycho-social aspects.

Methods

The prospective randomised controlled trial will enrol 300 subjects with MCI (age ≥ 60 years). Participants will be randomly assigned to: (a) the experimental group, which will undergo sessions of adapted tango, music therapy, engagement in social activities, cognitive intervention and psycho-education for 6 months or (b) the control group, which will receive psycho-education and advice on healthy lifestyle for 6 months. All outcomes will be analysed before intervention (baseline), immediately after termination (follow-up 1), after 6 months (follow-up 2) and after 2 years (follow-up 3).

Discussion

We expect that the findings of this multidisciplinary study will be useful to optimize clinical and psycho-social interventions for improving cognitive and functional status of subjects with MCI.

Conclusions

This project could have a meaningful impact on National Health Systems by providing clues on multidisciplinary management of older adults affected by cognitive decline to prevent dementia.
An experimental research of dynamic characteristics for long wall shearer cutting unit gearbox in oblique cutting
Authors: Wang Jue , Song Shiyao , Li Peng
Published: March 2020

Oblique cutting is a working condition in fully mechanized mining whose function is making it possible for coal shearer to cut coal wall. Coal shearer often exhibit large vibration amplitudes in oblique cutting since the shearer is forced to be bent. In this study, dynamic behavior in oblique cutting for the coal shearer cutting unit gearbox (SCUG) is investigated experimentally based on National Coal Mining Equipment Laboratory of China. A new long wall mining test set-up consists of a test coal shearer and other auxiliary machines is developed for operating long wall coal mining process. Realistic oblique cutting process is developed, and vibration response will be more accurate since both cutting loads and test machine in this experiment are realistic. A data-acquisition system consisting of sensors, channel conditioner and computer is developed to capture three-dimensional vibratory accelerations. A test matrix which included various combinations of key cutting load parameters is executed under realistic oblique cutting loads within a wide parameter range to establish database. Experimental data is analyzed in time, domain and time-frequency domains for investigating the rules of dynamic behavior for SCUG. Beat vibration phenomenon and the coupling of gear mesh frequencies are found in experiment, resulting in local resonance and reduce fatigue life of SCUG. The influence of cutting load on beat phenomenon and frequency coupling is demonstrated at the end, and some conclusions are obtained.
Data Analysis to Study Sub-threshold Delays Incurred by Tyne and Wear Metro Trains
Authors: Screen Daniel , Parkinson James , Shilton Christopher , Rjabovs Aleksandrs , Marinov Marin
Published: March 2020

The performance of Tyne and Wear Metro system in the UK is measured on a headway basis, and gaps in service that are 4 min or more in excess of scheduled gaps are investigated and the cause documented. The metro system has a number of infrastructure constraints including single-line sections, junctions and level crossings, all of which have to be taken account of when constructing the timetable, in order to avoid trains being held by the signalling system, causing delays. The objective of this study is to analyse delays less than 4 min, which are not investigated or attributed to a cause, known as sub-threshold delays. The purpose of the analysis is to identify regularly occurring issues which are due to the timetable, in order to recommend changes. Two different data sets were used. The first data set explored specific trains, areas and times of day where delays were highest. The second data set allowed us to drill down on each of those in greater detail by studying station departure times for each train. A number of options to resolve the issues identified during the analysis are proposed. Whilst the results are specific to the Tyne and Wear Metro system, the methodology is suitable for use by other urban rail transit systems. The study identified several areas of future work including resolving data recording issues, carrying out further investigation of trains at peak times in particular scenarios, and automating the analysis through the use of other software.
Under-Five Child Growth and Nutrition Status: Spatial Clustering of Indian Districts
Authors: Striessnig Erich , Bora Jayanta Kumar
Published: March 2020

Variation in human growth and the genetic and environmental factors that are influencing it have been described worldwide. The objective of this study is to assess the geographical variance of under-five nutritional status and its related covariates across Indian districts. We use the most recent fourth round of the Indian National Family Health Survey conducted in 2015–2016, which for the first time offers district level information. We employ principal component analysis (PCA) on the demographic and socio-economic determinants of childhood morbidity and conduct hierarchical clustering analysis to identify geographical patterns in nutritional status at the district level. Our results reveal strong geographical clustering among the districts of India, often crossing state borders. Throughout most of Southern India, children are provided with relatively better conditions for growth and improved nutritional status, as compared to districts in the central, particularly rural parts of India along the so called “tribal belt”. Here is also where girls are on average measured to have less weight and height compared to boys. Looking at average weight, as well as the proportion of children that suffer from underweight and wasting, north-eastern Indian districts offer living conditions more conducive to healthy child development. The geographical clustering of malnutrition, as well as below-average child height and weight coincides with high poverty, low female education, lower BMI among mothers, higher prevalence of both parity 4 + and teenage pregnancies. The present study highlights the importance of combining PCA and cluster analysis in studying variation in under-five child growth and of conducting this analysis at the district level. We identify the geographical areas, where children are under severe risk of undernutrition, stunting and wasting and contribute to formulating policies to improve child nutrition in India.
Fabrication of Electrospun Levodopa-Carbidopa Fixed-Dose Combinations
Authors: Bukhary Haitham , Williams Gareth R. , Orlu Mine
Published: March 2020

We report in this work coaxial electrospun fibers with potential applications in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. The fibers comprise a fixed dose combination (FDC) containing the active ingredients levodopa and carbidopa, loaded in a fast dissolving polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) shell and an insoluble but swellable Eudragit® RLPO core. Under appropriate processing conditions we are able to prepare fibers with distinct core/shell architectures and diameters of approximately 400 nm. X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry analyses revealed that the drugs are dispersed on the molecular level within the polymer carriers, and IR spectroscopy indicated the presence of intermolecular interactions. At pH 1, the composite fibers yields extended release over more than 8 h, with an initial loading dose being freed from the PVP shell and then a sustained release phase following from the insoluble core. This is markedly extended over the release period of the commercial FDC product, and thus the fibers generated here have the potential to be used to reduce the required dosing frequency.

Graphic Abstract
Expression of Stromal Progesterone Receptor and Differential Methylation Patterns in the Endometrium May Correlate with Response to Progesterone Therapy in Endometrial Complex Atypical Hyperplasia
Authors: Neal Adam S. , Nunez Miguel , Lai Tiffany , Tosevska Anela , Morselli Marco , Amneus Malaika , Zakhour Mae , Moatamed Neda A. , Pellegrini Matteo , Memarzadeh Sanaz
Published: March 2020

Progesterone therapy is a viable treatment for complex atypical hyperplasia (CAH) and endometrial adenocarcinoma, though reliable molecular determinants of response are not available. To explore if analysis of pre-therapy endometrial biopsies could yield biomarkers of response to progesterone, patients with CAH or adenocarcinoma undergoing treatment with progestins were included in this cross-sectional study. Immunohistochemistry for progesterone receptor (PR) was performed. Manual PR expression scores (PRES) were first calculated for biopsies by counting PR-positive nuclei in 12 sensitive vs 9 resistant samples. Significant differences in manual PRES were detected in the stroma (p < 0.01) and total endometrium (p < 0.01) for sensitive vs resistant patients. Manual PRES in the stroma had the highest accuracy in segregating sensitive vs resistant patients (96%). Differences in epithelial PRES were not significant. To validate these findings, a correlation between manual PRES and visual PRES was performed in the 21 patients. An additional 11 patients were analyzed to test if visual PRES would be predictive of response to progesterone. Visual PRES in epithelia and stroma in the 32 specimens was calculated. Significant differences in visual PRES were detected in the stroma for sensitive vs resistant samples (p < 0.01), while differences in epithelial and total endometrium were not significant. Whole genome bisulfite sequencing was performed on DNA isolated using pre-therapy biopsies from 6 sensitive and 6 resistant patients in this cohort. Differentially methylated regions were identified in the stroma and epithelium when evaluating sensitive vs resistant samples. Pathways involved in cell adhesion demonstrated the greatest difference in methylation in these samples.
Applications of Satellite Remote Sensing for Archaeological Survey: A Case Study from the Sinis Archaeological Project, Sardinia
Authors: Plekhov Daniel , Gosner Linda R. , Smith Alexander J. , Nowlin Jessica
Published: March 2020

Satellite imagery has long been recognized as well suited for the regional and ecological questions of many archaeological surveys. One underexplored aspect of such data is their temporal resolution. It is now possible for areas to be imaged on an almost daily basis, and this resolution offers new opportunities for studying landscapes through remote sensing in parallel with ground-based survey. This article explores the applications of these data for visibility assessment and land-cover change detection in the context of the Sinis Archaeological Project, a regional archaeological survey of west-central Sardinia. We employ imagery provided by Planet, which has a spatial resolution of 3 m, in four spectral bands, and is collected daily. Using Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) values calculated for each survey unit, we find that there is a relationship between NDVI values and field-reported visibility in general, though the strength of this correlation differs according to land-cover classes. We also find the data to be effective at tracking short-term changes in field conditions that allow us to differentiate fields of similar land cover and visibility. We consider limitations and potentials of these data and encourage further experimentation and development.