bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Office‐Based Procedure Training in Laryngology Fellowship Programs
Authors: Enver Necati , Ramaswamy Apoorva , Sulica Lucian , Pitman Michael J.
Published: October 2020

Objective

To assess the current practices and challenges of training office‐based procedures to laryngology fellows in the United States.

Methods

An anonymous web‐based survey study was distributed to laryngology fellowship program directors, as listed by the American Laryngological Association. The survey was a 19‐item questionnaire with free‐text, Likert scale, and multiple‐choice answers.

Results

Twenty‐two of 27 program directors (81.4%) replied to the survey. Many programs (8/16) have three or more laryngologists and do more than 10 procedures each week (10/16). Sixty‐nine percent (11/16) of directors had not been trained for office procedures in their fellowship. The fellows are allowed to be primary surgeon on 68.75% and 75% of vocal fold augmentation and laser procedures, respectively. The expected competencies for these procedures on graduation are average‐moderate and moderate. When program directors asked about the methods used for training, a minority of them use simulators (2/16), procedural checklists (2/16), or structured debriefing (2/16). The most commonly used methods were case‐based troubleshooting (13/16) and unstructured debriefing (13/16). Patients being awake and patients' expectations are seen as the most important obstacles. Most of the directors thought office‐based procedure training could be improved (14/16). The most common suggestions were using step‐wise checklists, simulator‐labs, and formal debriefings.

Conclusion

This is the first study evaluating the training of office‐based laryngeal procedures during laryngology fellowship. Given the increasing importance of these procedures in practice and the herein identified barriers and need for improvement, fellowships should investigate the use of systematic training tools to improve fellow competency with office‐based procedures. Laryngoscope, 131:2054–2058, 2021
Taxon‐specific primary production rates on coral reefs in the Florida Keys
Authors: Owen Daniel P. , Long Matthew H. , Fitt William K. , Hopkinson Brian M.
Published: October 2020

Coral reefs are known to have extremely high rates of primary production. However, common geochemical methods for determining bulk rates of reef metabolism cannot distinguish which organisms are responsible for primary production. Here we used a “bottom‐up” approach to estimate the contribution of diverse primary producers including hard corals, octocorals, and algae to gross primary production on coral reefs by scaling up taxon‐specific rates by the abundance of those taxa in the environment. Chamber‐based production rates of the dominant primary producers were obtained as a function of irradiance, the primary short‐term driver of photosynthesis. These rates were then combined with annotated three‐dimensional (3D) reconstructions of reef sections and a simple light field model to estimate reef‐scale gross and net primary production rates over time. At a degraded reef in the Florida Keys octocorals and algae were the main producers, but at a more intact site a scleractinian coral (Acropora palmata) was the most important producer. As a validation of the approach, rates of primary production estimated using the “bottom‐up” approach were compared with in situ eddy covariance fluxes. The daily integrated rates agreed within 16%, though maximal production was ~ 35% lower in the “bottom‐up” approach likely due to under‐representation of octocorals and macroalgae in the 3D reconstructions. The “bottom up” approach yielded results that were largely consistent with the in situ measurements of primary production and irradiance with the significant benefit of providing taxon‐specific and spatially‐explicit primary production rates.
Correlation Between Bevacizumab Exposure and Survival Does Not Necessarily Imply Causality
Authors: Le Louedec Félicien , Chatelut Etienne
Published: October 2020

This letter to the editor urges caution when interpreting and reporting trial results and suggests carefully considering whether reported correlations are indeed causal or perhaps based on other factors.
Alloyed Crystalline CdSe1‐xSxSemiconductive Nanomaterials – A Solid State113Cd NMR Study
Authors: Xing Baoyan , Ge Sai , Zhao Jianguo , Yang Hui , Song Jie , Geng Yu , Qiao Yuying , Gu Ling , Han Peide , Ma Guibin
Published: October 2020

Solid‐state NMR analysis on wurtzite alloyed CdSe1−xSxcrystalline nanoparticles and nanobelts provides evidence that the113Cd NMR chemical shift is not affected by the varying sizes of nanoparticles, but is sensitive to the S/Se anion molar ratios. A linear correlation is observed between113Cd NMR chemical shifts and the sulfur component for the alloyed CdSe1−xSx(0<x<1) system both in nanoparticles and nanobelts (δCd=169.71⋅XS+529.21). Based on this correlation, a rapid and applied approach has been developed to determine the composition of the alloyed nanoscalar materials utilizing113Cd NMR spectroscopy. The observed results from this system confirm that one can use113Cd NMR spectroscopy not only to determine the composition but also the phase separation of nanomaterial semiconductors without destruction of the sample structures. In addition, some observed correlations are discussed in detail.
Association between hospital anxiety and depression scale and problem‐related distress in patients with cancer in a Brazilian private institution
Authors: Bergerot Cristiane D. , Razavi Marianne , Philip Errol J. , Bergerot Paulo G. , Buso Marco M. , Clark Karen L. , Loscalzo Matthew , Pal Sumanta K. , Dale William
Published: October 2020

Objective

Emotional symptoms are frequently reported among patients with cancer. We evaluated the association between emotional symptoms and problem‐related distress in a sample of patients with cancer about to initiate chemotherapy within a private hospital in Brazil.

Methods

Patients were assessed before initiating chemotherapy, treatment mid‐point, and on the last day of treatment for anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS]) and for problem‐related distress (Distress Thermometer Problem List). Problem‐related distress variable was computed as the sum of practical, physical, spiritual and familial problems. Mixed‐model analysis was applied to determine the association between HADS and problem‐related distress, adjusting for age and gender.

Results

A total of 655 consecutive patients were enrolled. There was a significant main effect of time (F = 8.99, p = 0.0001), showing that emotional symptoms improve over time. A significant main effect was observed for problem‐related distress (F = 371.56, p < 0.0001) revealing that patients with elevated problem‐related distress at baseline tend to have higher HADS across the three time points, compared to patients with lower problem‐related distress. There was an interaction effect between problem‐related distress and time (F = 85.22, p < 0.0001), suggesting that HADS scores decreased differently over time, depending on patients' initial level of problem‐related distress.

Conclusion

Overall, emotional symptoms, while decreasing over time, remained associated with problem‐related distress after chemotherapy in Brazil. The potential benefit of implementing a psychosocial intervention remains high throughout cancer treatment.
Continuous state observability and mode reconstructability of switched nonlinear systems with unknown switching function
Authors: Bejarano Francisco Javier , Mera Manuel
Published: October 2020

For switched nonlinear systems, the problems of continuous state observability and mode reconstructability are tackled, assuming the switching function is unknown. First, we give a condition under which the continuous state is observable and the active mode is reconstructible. Furthermore, we provide some relaxed conditions that guarantee the observability of the continuous state vector x(t); those conditions allow estimating x(t) even if the active mode cannot be reconstructed. The observability analysis is carried out by the study of an invariant manifold on which the outputs of two systems (fixing each pair of different modes) are equal. Moreover, by assuming that there is a known minimum dwell‐time, we propose a way of reconstructing the state vector and the switching function, provided the respective observability conditions are fulfilled. The reconstruction procedure involves the use of finite‐time homogeneous sliding mode differentiator. In a short section, we show how the obtained observability conditions match with the known structural ones for linear systems. Then, we see that the proposed state reconstruction scheme can also be applied to that particular class of systems. We point out that the original system is not required to be in any specific form, which may be an advantage of the estimation method proposed in this paper. By an academic example with simulations, we illustrate the analysis carried out along the paper and the respective reconstruction method.
Einfluss der Abkühlrate auf die mechanischen Eigenschaften von additiv gefertigten Zugproben aus 316L
Authors: Diller Johannes , Auer Ulrich , Radlbeck Christina , Mensinger Martin , Krafft Frank
Published: October 2020

Das pulverbettbasierte Laserstrahlschmelzen (LPBF) ist ein additiver Fertigungsprozess, mit dem steifigkeitsoptimierte Bauteile gewichtsreduziert gefertigt werden können. Die mechanischen Eigenschaften sind vergleichbar mit denen von gegossenen Bauteilen, im Idealfall sogar mit geschmiedeten. In der Luft‐ und Raumfahrtbranche sowie im Automotive‐Bereich und Medizinsektor wird die additive Fertigung bereits eingesetzt. Für sicherheitsrelevante Bauteile wird jedoch die additive Fertigung bisher nur selten verwendet. Dies ist auf die unzuverlässige Reproduzierbarkeit der mechanischen Eigenschaften zurückzuführen. Großer Forschungsbedarf besteht bspw. bei der Verknüpfung von LPBF‐Produktionsparametern mit zuverlässigen Produktionsparametern. In diesem Bericht wird der Zusammenhang zwischen Abkühlraten im LPBF‐Prozess und den resultierenden mechanischen Eigenschaften von 316L (1.4404) untersucht. Zu diesem Zweck wurden unterschiedliche Probengeometrien additiv gefertigt und die jeweiligen Abkühlraten in situ mittels Thermografie erfasst. Anschließend wurden Zugversuche und metallografische Untersuchungen durchgeführt. Je nach Geometrie der Zugproben konnten verschiedene Abkühlraten nachgewiesen werden, die schlussendlich zu unterschiedlichen Zugfestigkeiten führten.
Three mild cases of coronavirus disease 2019 treated with saikatsugekito, a Japanese herbal medicine
Authors: Irie Yasuhito , Nakae Hajime , Fukui Shin
Published: October 2020

Cases

We report cases of three patients infected with mild coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) treated only with Kampo medicine and discharged from the hospital without symptom exacerbation.

Case 1

A 41‐year‐old healthy female suffering from headache, sore throat, and fever. Case 2: A 16‐year‐old healthy female sufferking from nasal congestion and taste disorder. Case 3: A 12‐year‐old healthy male suffering from nasal congestion and taste disorder.

Outcome

The three patients were prescribed saikatsugekito. Cases 1 and 3 initially presented with white and yellow tongue coating, which disappeared several days after the prescription of saikatsugekito. All three patients were discharged from the hospital without symptom exacerbation.

Conclusion

We believe that treatment with Kampo medicine, which is relatively safe clinically and has few side effects, should be taken at an early stage of COVID‐19 along with coping therapy. And we think that saikatsugekito may contribute to prevent the worsening of COVID‐19.
Zoo animals as “proxy species” for threatened sister taxa: Defining a novel form of species surrogacy
Authors: Kerr Kevin C. R.
Published: October 2020

The vast number of species threatened with extinction, coupled with the limited resources to support them, results in the need to prioritize species for conservation action. Similarly, zoo collection managers must prioritize species for inclusion at their institutions, which are also limited by space and resources. While conservation status is one factor considered by zoos, weight is also given to qualitative features and practical considerations when evaluating the fit of different species. Resultantly, the species prioritized by zoos have limited overlap with those prioritized for conservation. Several recent studies have highlighted that the majority of species maintained in zoos are ranked globally as least concern. Given the centrality of conservation to the modern mission of zoos, there is value in identifying clear connections between non‐threatened species in zoos and the roles they can play in conservation. Surrogate species approaches have been used in many instances to facilitate indirect conservation, and several distinctive types of surrogacy have been formally described. The aim of this study is to define a novel form of species surrogacy (i.e., “proxy species”) that draws utility from non‐threatened species maintained in zoos. A proxy species is here defined as a non‐threatened species managed ex situ that can be used as a flagship for a related threatened species that is morphologically similar but not otherwise represented in zoos. The benefits of this approach and opportunities for its application are here reviewed. This concept will provide opportunities to enhance the value of pre‐existing zoo collections, and ultimately, support conservation objectives.
Increasing browse and social complexity can improve zoo elephant welfare
Authors: Lasky Monica , Campbell Jennifer , Osborne Jason A. , Ivory Erin L. , Lasky Jacob , Kendall Corinne J.
Published: October 2020

While recent work has assessed how environmental and managerial changes influence elephant welfare across multiple zoos, few studies have addressed the effects of management changes within a single institution. In this paper, we examine how management changes related to social structure and diet affect the behavior of a group of zoo elephants over a 23‐month period while also considering underlying factors, such as time of day, hormonal cycle, and individual differences. We recorded individual behaviors using 2‐min scan samples during 60‐min sessions. We analyzed behavioral changes across several study variables using generalized linear mixed models. We found that increasing browse can improve opportunities for foraging throughout the day but may not be sufficient to reduce repetitive behaviors. We observed that increasing group size and integration of bulls with cows can lead to increased social interaction in African elephants. Our results highlight the importance of using multiple management alterations to address elephant welfare, and considering environmental factors, when making management decisions.
TAB1 regulates glycolysis and activation of macrophages in diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Zeng Hanxu , Qi Xiangming , Xu Xingxin , Wu Yonggui
Published: October 2020

Objective and design

Macrophages exhibit strong phenotypic plasticity and can mediate renal inflammation by polarizing into an M1 phenotype. They play a pivotal role in diabetic nephropathy (DN). Here, we have investigated the regulatory role of transforming growth factor β-activated kinase 1-binding protein 1 (TAB1) in glycolysis and activation of macrophages during DN.

Methods

TAB1 was inhibited using siRNA in high glucose (HG)-stimulated bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) and lentiviral vector-mediated TAB1 knockdown was used in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice. Western blotting, flow cytometry, qRT-PCR, ELISA, PAS staining and immunohistochemical staining were used for assessment of TAB1/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)/hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), iNOS, glycolysis, inflammation and the clinical and pathological manifestations of diabetic nephropathy.

Results

We found that TAB1/NF-κB/HIF-1α, iNOS and glycolysis were up-regulated in BMMs under HG conditions, leading to release of further inflammatory factors, Downregulation of TAB1 could inhibit glycolysis/polarization of macrophages and inflammation in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, albuminuria, the tubulointerstitial damage index and glomerular mesangial expansion index of STZ-induced diabetic nephropathy mice were decreased by TAB1 knockdown.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the TAB1/NF-κB/HIF-1α signaling pathway regulates glycolysis and activation of macrophages in DN.
Hämatoonkologie und Intensivmedizin
Authors: Wohlfarth P. , Schellongowski P. ,   Arbeitsgruppe für Hämato-Onkologische Intensivmedizin der Österreichischen Gesellschaft für Allgemeine und Internistische Intensivmedizin und Notfallmedizin (ÖGIAIN); Initiative „Intensive Care in Hematologic and Oncologic Patients“ (iCHOP)
Published: October 2020

Intensivmediziner werden im Kontext der Versorgung von kritisch kranken Krebspatienten vor eine zunehmende Bandbreite spezifischer Herausforderungen gestellt. Neben einer adäquaten Therapiezielfindung umfasst diese die Versorgung des akuten respiratorischen Versagens (ARV) mit speziellen differenzialdiagnostischen Überlegungen, das Management immunologischer Nebenwirkungen innovativer Krebstherapien sowie eine Vielzahl an Krankheitsbildern, die ausschließlich bei Krebspatienten auftreten. Um diesen Herausforderungen gerecht werden zu können, widmet sich die Initiative „Intensive Care in Hematologic and Oncologic Patients (iCHOP)“ seit einigen Jahren diesen Themen. Unterstützt durch mehrere österreichische und deutsche Fachgesellschaften für Intensivmedizin, Hämatologie und Onkologie wurde kürzlich der „1. Konsens zur Versorgung kritisch kranker Krebspatienten“ mit Empfehlungen zum klinischen Management sowie infrastrukturellen und ausbildungsassoziierten Themen verfasst. Das Auftreten eines ARV steht bei kritisch kranken Krebspatienten seit jeher im Fokus der Forschung. Während die nichtinvasive Beatmung lange als Goldstandard der Therapie galt, zeigen hochqualitative Studien jedoch keine relevanten klinischen Vorteile dieser Techniken inklusive der High-flow-nasal-oxygen-Therapie im Vergleich zur konventionellen Sauerstofftherapie. Hingegen rückt eine nichtgeklärte Ätiologie des ARV als einziger potenziell modifizierbarer Risikofaktor in den Fokus. Dementsprechend sind evidenzbasierte und rigoros angewendete Diagnosealgorithmen bei diesen Patienten von eminenter Bedeutung. Des Weiteren stellen das Erkennen und das Management der immer häufiger vorkommenden vielgestaltigen immuntherapieassoziierten Toxizität Intensivmediziner vor zunehmende Herausforderungen.
Effect of antenna snow intrusion on vertical GPS position time series in Antarctica
Authors: Koulali A. , Clarke P. J.
Published: October 2020

Vertical surface displacements from continuous Global Positioning System (GPS) stations often show strong seasonal signals, which in some cases may be associated with surface mass loading, including hydrological, and non-tidal oceanic and atmospheric loading. In Antarctica, many GPS stations show vertical motions in phase with seasonal snow accumulation changes, but these variations cannot be fully explained with snow load variations between seasons. Instead we show, for many sites in Antarctica, that a significant component of the annual cycle in vertical GPS coordinates time series may be related to snow/ice inside antennas causing as an artefact apparent seasonal variation, with amplitudes of up to 4 mm. We present a method based on the Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) algorithm to remove this artefact signal. The corrected GPS time series show an improvement in the agreement with displacements predicted by elastic modelling using GRACE-derived surface mass loads.
Integriertes Versorgungsmanagement für chronisch erkrankte ältere Menschen in der eigenen Häuslichkeit: Evidenz aus Cochrane-Reviews
Authors: Göhner Anne , Bitzer Eva Maria , Dreher Elena , Farin-Glattacker Erik , Heimbach Bernhard , Kohler Katharina , Maun Andy , Metzner Gloria , Voigt-Radloff Sebastian
Published: October 2020

Hintergrund

Die Anzahl multipel chronisch erkrankter Älterer steigt, und Multimorbidität geht mit hoher Inanspruchnahme von Gesundheitsleistungen einher. Um Selbstständigkeit und Verbleib in der Häuslichkeit zu erhalten, wird zunehmend ein integriertes Versorgungsmanagement eingesetzt. Zur Wirksamkeit in der Zielgruppe der multipel chronisch erkrankten Älteren liegen aber kaum belastbare Daten vor.

Ziel der Arbeit

Bewertung der Wirksamkeit von integriertem Versorgungsmanagement bei Erwachsenen und Abschätzung der Übertragbarkeit auf ältere, multimorbide Personen in Deutschland.

Methoden

Systematische Literaturrecherche in der Cochrane Library mit Einschluss von Cochrane-Reviews (CR) zu (a) den 13 häufigsten Gesundheitsproblemen im Alter, mit (b) Komponenten des integrierten Versorgungsmanagements bei (c) Erwachsenen jeden Alters. Experten schätzten die Übertragbarkeit der eingeschlossenen CR auf multipel chronisch erkrankte Ältere in Deutschland ein.

Ergebnisse

Aus 1412 Treffern wurden 126 CR eingeschlossen. Zur Endpunktkategorie Selbstständigkeit und funktionale Gesundheit zeigten 25 CR klinisch relevante Ergebnisse mit moderater Evidenzqualität. Folgende Interventionskomponenten wurden – unter Berücksichtigung identifizierter Barrieren – als übertragbar eingeschätzt und könnten für ein effektives, indikationsspezifisch integriertes Versorgungsmanagement multipel chronisch erkrankter Älterer herangezogen werden: (1) körperliche Aktivierung, (2) multidisziplinäre Interventionen, (3) das Selbstmanagement verstärkende Interventionen, (4) kognitive Therapieverfahren, (5) telemedizinische Interventionen und (6) Disease-Management-Programme.

Schlussfolgerungen

Die identifizierten Komponenten sollten in versorgungs- und patientennahen randomisierten kontrollierten Studien auf Wirksamkeit bei gebrechlichen Älteren geprüft werden.
Biomechanical comparison of screw osteosyntheses and anatomical plating for coronoid shear fractures of the ulna
Authors: Rausch Valentin , Jettkant Birger , Lotzien Sebastian , Rosteius Thomas , Mempel Eileen , Schildhauer Thomas A. , Seybold Dominik , Geßmann Jan , Königshausen Matthias
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Among the few techniques described for the treatment of coronoid fractures, osteosynthesis techniques include screw osteosynthesis from anterior to posterior (AP) or from posterior to anterior (PA) and plate osteosynthesis. The aim of this study was to test the biomechanical stability of screw osteosynthesis and plate osteosynthesis using anatomical plates in coronoid process fractures.

Materials and methods

On a total of 25 biomechanical synthetical ulnae, a coronoid shear fracture including 70% of the coronoid height was simulated. Osteosynthesis was then performed using two 2.7 mm screws from anterior, posterior and with use of three different anatomical plates of the coronoid process. For the biomechanical testing, axial load was applied to the fragment with 1000 cycles from 5 to 250 N, load to failure and load at 100 µm displacement. Displacements were measured using a point-based three-dimensional motion analysis system.

Results

Osteosynthesis using the PA-screw showed significant more displacement during cyclic loading compared with all other osteosyntheses (0.99 mm), whereas AP-screw showed the smallest displacement (0.10 mm) during cyclic loading. The PA-screw technique showed a significant lower load to failure compared to all other osteosynthesis with the highest load in AP-screw osteosynthesis. The load for 100 µm displacement was the smallest in PA-screw with a significant difference to the AP-screw and one plate osteosynthesis.

Conclusion

Osteosynthesis of large coronoid shear fractures with two small-fragment screws from anterior allows stable fixation that is not inferior to anterior plate osteosynthesis and might be an alternative in specific fracture types. Posterior screw fixation was found as the weakest fixation method.

Level of evidence

Basic science study
The dehydration- and ABA-inducible germin-like protein CpGLP1 from Craterostigma plantagineum has SOD activity and may contribute to cell wall integrity during desiccation
Authors: Giarola Valentino , Chen Peilei , Dulitz Sarah Jane , König Maurice , Manduzio Stefano , Bartels Dorothea
Published: October 2020

Main conclusion

CpGLP1 belongs to the large group of germin-like proteins and comprises a cell wall-localized protein which has superoxide dismutase activity and may contribute towards ROS metabolism and cell wall folding during desiccation.

The plant cell wall is a dynamic matrix and its plasticity is essential for cell growth and processing of environmental signals to cope with stresses. A few so-called resurrection plants like Craterostigma plantagineum survive desiccation by implementing protection mechanisms. In C. plantagineum, the cell wall shrinks and folds upon desiccation to avoid mechanical and oxidative damage which contributes to cell integrity. Despite the high toxic potential, ROS are important molecules for cell wall remodeling processes as they participate in enzymatic reactions and act as signaling molecules. Here we analyzed the C. plantagineum germin-like protein 1 (CpGLP1) to understand its contribution to cell wall folding and desiccation tolerance. The analysis of the CpGLP1 sequence showed that this protein does not fit into the current GLP classification and forms a new group within the Linderniaceae. CpGLP1 transcripts accumulate in leaves in response to dehydration and ABA, and mannitol treatments transiently induce CpGLP1 transcript accumulation supporting the participation of CpGLP1 in desiccation-related processes. CpGLP1 protein from cell wall protein extracts followed transcript accumulation and protein preparations from bacteria overexpressing CpGLP1 showed SOD activity. In agreement with cell wall localization, CpGLP1 interacts with pectins which have not been reported for GLP proteins. Our data support a role for CpGLP1 in the ROS metabolism related to the control of cell wall plasticity during desiccation in C. plantagineum.
Helminth diversity in Pimelodus blochii Valenciennes, 1840 (Osteichthyes: Pimelodidae) in two Amazon Rivers
Authors: Cavalcante Pedro Hercílio de Oliveira , da Silva Maralina Torres , Pereira Aldenice de Nazaré Silva , Gentile Rosana , Santos Cláudia Portes
Published: October 2020

Structure of the helminth community and analyses of helminth population parameters ofPimelodus blochiicollected in the Xapuri River in comparison with those in the Acre River were evaluated. Eight adult helminth species were found parasitizingP. blochiiin the Acre River: the nematodesOrientatractis moraveci,Rondonia rondoni,Philometroides acreanensis,Cucullanus(Cucculanus)pinai pinai,Procamallanus(Spirocamallanus)pimelodus,Rhadochona acuminata, andBrasilnemasp., and the trematodeDadaytrema oxycephala.For Xapuri’s fishes, nine helminth species were found: the nematodesO. moraveci,R. rondoni,C.(C.)pinai pinai,Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) rarus,P.(S.)pimelodus,R. acuminata,Brasilnemasp., and Cystidicolidae gen. sp., and the trematodeD. oxycephala.Nematode and Acanthocephala larvae were also reported. Helminth abundance, prevalence, and diversity were influenced by seasonality and locality (river). The helminth parasites from Acre’s fishes formed a subset of the helminth community of the Xapuri’s. The results indicate an influence of the environmental characteristics of the rivers on the helminth community structure and diversity. This is the first study of the parasite community ofP. blochiiin the Xapuri River. The paretheses of (Spirocamallanus) and (S.) should not be in italics all along the text and tables.
Risk of chemotherapy-related amenorrhoea (CRA) in premenopausal women undergoing chemotherapy for early stage breast cancer
Authors: Turnbull Arran K. , Patel Samir , Martinez-Perez Carlos , Rigg Anne , Oikonomidou Olga
Published: October 2020

Purpose

While chemotherapy has improved survival among younger women with breast cancer, it can induce temporary or permanent chemotherapy-related amenorrhoea (CRA), impacting survival benefit, quality of life and, importantly for younger patients, fertility.

Methods

This single institution retrospective study of 107 premenopausal women with early stage breast cancer who received neoadjuvant or adjuvant combined chemotherapy treatment investigates the association of clinicopathological factors (including age-related, gynaecological and tumour-related variables) with CRA and resumption of menses using generalised linear models for univariable and multivariate analyses.

Results

76% of women developed CRA, of which only 40% resumed menses after treatment. Age at time of treatment and at menarche were significantly associated with CRA incidence, with higher rates linked to older age (≥ 40 years) and later menarche (at ≥ 13 years), in both univariable (P = 0.043 and P = 0.009, respectively) and multivariate (P = 0.010 and P = 0.012, respectively) analyses. Age at time of treatment, age at menarche and use of tamoxifen were significantly associated with resumption of menses (with greater resumption rates linked to younger age (< 40 years old), later menarche (≥ 13 years old) or no tamoxifen use status), in both univariable (P < 0.0001, P = 0.002 and P = 0.039, respectively) and multivariate (P = 0.001, P = 0.011 and P = 0.008, respectively) analyses. Menses resumption rates were also significantly higher (P = 0.015) in women with later cessation of menses (after 3–6 chemotherapy cycles rather than sooner).

Conclusions

Age at menarche and, specially, at time of treatment are important risk factors for CRA. These variables could aid decision-making for treatment selection and fertility preservation among premenopausal women with early breast cancer.
Quantitative perfusion-CMR is significantly influenced by the placement of the arterial input function
Authors: Mia Ibnul , Le Melanie , Arendt Christophe , Brand Diana , Bremekamp Sina , D’Angelo Tommaso , Puntmann Valentina O. , Nagel Eike
Published: October 2020

The aim of this study is to provide a systematic assessment of the influence of the position on the arterial input function (AIF) for perfusion quantification. In 39 patients with a wide range of left ventricular function the AIF was determined using a diluted contrast bolus of a cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in three left ventricular levels (basal, mid, apex) as well as aortic sinus (AoS). Time to peak signal intensities, baseline corrected peak signal intensity and upslopes were determined and compared to those obtained in the AoS. The error induced by sampling the AIF in a position different to the AoS was determined by Fermi deconvolution. The time to peak signal intensity was strongly correlated (r2 > 0.9) for all positions with a systematic earlier arrival in the basal (− 2153 ± 818 ms), the mid (− 1429 ± 928 ms) and the apical slice (− 450 ± 739 ms) relative to the AoS (all p < 0.001). Peak signal intensity as well as upslopes were strongly correlated (r2 > 0.9 for both) for all positions with a systematic overestimation in all positions relative to the AoS (all p < 0.001 and all p < 0.05). Differences between the positions were more pronounced for patients with reduced ejection fraction. The error of averaged MBF quantification was 8%, 13% and 27% for the base, mid and apex. The location of the AIF significantly influences core parameters for perfusion quantification with a systematic and ejection fraction dependent error. Full quantification should be based on obtaining the AIF as close as possible to the myocardium to minimize these errors.
Religion and Faith Perception in a Pandemic of COVID-19
Authors: Kowalczyk Oliwia , Roszkowski Krzysztof , Montane Xavier , Pawliszak Wojciech , Tylkowski Bartosz , Bajek Anna
Published: October 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted religion and faith in different ways. Numerous restrictions have been implemented worldwide. Believers are in conflict with authorities’ warnings that gatherings must be limited to combat the spread of the virus. Religion has always played a role of the balm for the soul, and the regular religious participation is associated with better emotional health outcomes. In our study, we examined whether the exposure to COVID-19 enhances the faith. The instrument used was a survey verifying the power of spirituality in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.
Schuldfähigkeit bei Personen, die wegen Nutzung von Missbrauchsabbildungen angeklagt sind
Authors: Fuß Johannes , Voulgaris Alexander , Briken Peer
Published: October 2020

Die Nutzung von Missbrauchsabbildungen (umgangssprachlich „Kinderpornografie“) und damit im Zusammenhang stehende Straftaten haben in den letzten Jahren an Bedeutung gewonnen. Der vorliegende Aufsatz beleuchtet die gängigen forensisch-psychiatrischen Kriterien zur Einschätzung der Schuldfähigkeit bei Personen, die wegen des Erwerbs, Besitzes oder der Verbreitung kinderpornografischer Schriften angeklagt sind. Liegt aus forensisch-psychiatrischer Perspektive eine schwere Sexualpathologie vor, die die psychiatrischen Voraussetzungen für eine sog. schwere andere seelische Abartigkeit erfüllt, so wird sich der Gutachter die Frage einer Steuerungsminderung stellen. Im Fall von Delikten im Zusammenhang mit der Nutzung von Missbrauchsabbildungen lassen sich die Kriterien aus den Mindestanforderungen jedoch aus Sicht der Autoren schlecht anwenden. Ein weiteres Problem bei der Begutachtung ist, dass sich die angeklagten Straftaten häufig über einen längeren Zeitraum verteilen und daher der Sachverständige ggf. nach überdauernden psychopathologischen Hinweisen einer geminderten Steuerungsfähigkeit suchen muss. Die sexuelle Dranghaftigkeit, die motivationale Steuerungsfähigkeit und die Desaktualisierungspotenz sind hilfreiche Konzepte, um die Steuerungsfähigkeit in diesem Zusammenhang einzuschätzen. Eine überdauernde forensisch-relevante Steuerungsminderung, die sich ggf. über mehrere Jahre hingezogen hat, wird im Zusammenhang mit der Nutzung von Missbrauchsabbildungen in der Regel nicht vorliegen und eher einen Sonderfall darstellen.
Public Risk Perception Attitude and Information-Seeking Efficacy on Floods: A Formative Study for Disaster Preparation Campaigns and Policies
Authors: Kim Do Kyun David , Madison T. Phillip
Published: October 2020

Floods are among the most frequent and devastating natural hazards and disasters in many southern states in the United States. This study examined the relationship and reciprocal predictability between two theoretical constructs—risk perception attitude (RPA) and information-seeking efficacy (ISE)—in regard to pluvial floods. In addition, this study extended these theoretical constructs to investigate differences in RPA and ISE among potential audience segments, providing practitioners with applicable insights for designing effective flood prevention and risk management campaigns. Analysis of data from 716 residents in south Louisiana revealed a statistically strong relationship between RPA and ISE. This research also identified specific audience segments that would benefit from an increase in RPA and ISE concerning floods. These meaningful findings inform a discussion of the theoretical and practical implications of the relationship between RPA and ISE and guide future disaster preparation campaigns and policies.
Third-Rail Insulator Failure Causes and Mitigating Practices: A Comparative Study of Multiple Case Studies in the U.S.
Authors: Rouhanizadeh Behzad , Kermanshachi Sharareh
Published: October 2020

Rail transit systems are one of the most important and popular types of transit systems used daily in metropolitan areas all around the world. The third rail is one of the providers of traction power in electrified rail systems, but it faces several issues, such as insulator failures. The purpose of this study is to investigate the causes of insulator failures, which have not been comprehensively studied and presented in the literature. To accomplish this objective, eight transit systems with third rails were selected to (1) investigate the characteristics of third-rail systems, (2) determine the causes of insulator failures, (3) analyze the costs associated with insulator failures, and (4) determine mitigating practices to reduce the number and cost of insulator failures. After a thorough literature review, details of eight case studies were collected from different transit agencies, and their subject matter experts were asked to complete a survey and provide input. The results revealed that a build-up of dirt was the major cause of the 17 identified causes of insulator failures; carbon dust and dirt were identified as the most present particles in third-rail systems. It was noted that transit agencies often implement multiple mitigating practices such as cleaning the insulator, performing visual inspections, and conducting regular maintenance to reduce the number and cost of insulator failures. The findings of this study will help decision-makers for transit systems make timely decisions to prevent third-rail insulator failures and adopt appropriate practices that best fit their transit system.
Avoiding slush for hot-point drilling of glacier boreholes
Authors: Hills Benjamin H. , Winebrenner Dale P. , Elam W. T. , Kintner Paul M. S.
Published: October 2020

Water-filled boreholes in cold ice refreeze in hours to days, and prior attempts to keep them open with antifreeze resulted in a plug of slush effectively freezing the hole even faster. Thus, antifreeze as a method to stabilize hot-water boreholes has largely been abandoned. In the hot-point drilling case, no external water is added to the hole during drilling, so earlier antifreeze injection is possible while the drill continues melting downward. Here, we use a cylindrical Stefan model to explore slush formation within the parameter space representative of hot-point drilling. We find that earlier injection timing creates an opportunity to avoid slush entirely by injecting sufficient antifreeze to dissolve the hole past the drilled radius. As in the case of hot-water drilling, the alternative is to force mixing in the hole after antifreeze injection to ensure that ice refreezes onto the borehole wall instead of within the solution as slush.
The Role of Israel’s Emergency Medical Services During a Pandemic in the Pre-Exposure Period
Authors: Jaffe Eli , Sonkin Roman , Podolsky Timna , Alpert Evan Avraham , Siman-Tov Maya
Published: October 2020

Objective:

The scientific literature on coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is extensive, but little is written about the role of emergency medical services (EMS). The objective of this study is to describe the role of Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s national emergency prehospital medical organization, in the pre-exposure period, before widespread governmental action. These efforts were based on (1) phone diagnosis, dispatch, and transport; and (2) border management checkpoints.

Methods:

This is a descriptive study of MDA’s role in pandemic response during the pre-exposure period. Medical emergency telephone calls from either individuals or medical sources were identified by a dispatcher as “suspected COVID-19” based on symptoms and travel exposure. Data were also collected for travelers approaching the MDA border checkpoint at Ben-Gurion International Airport.

Results:

The total number of protected transports during this time was 121. Of these, 44 (36.3%) were referred by medical sources, and 77 (63.7%) were identified as “suspected COVID-19” by dispatchers. The checkpoint was accessed by 156 travelers: 87 were sent to home-quarantine; 12 were transported to the hospital; 18 were refused entry; and 39 required no further action.

Conclusion:

EMS can work effectively in the pre-exposure period through instructing home quarantine, providing protected transport, and staffing border control checkpoints.
Application of Health-Care Networking in COVID-19: A Brief Report
Authors: Kaliaperumal Punidha , Kole Tamorish , Chugh Neha
Published: October 2020

Health-care systems all over the world are stretched out and being reconfigured to deal with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Some countries have flattened the curve, some are still fighting to survive it, and others are embracing the second wave. Globally, there is an urgent need to increase the resilience, capacity, and capability of health-care systems to deal with the current crisis and improve upon the future responses. The epidemiological burden of COVID-19 has led to rapid exhaustion of local response resources and massive disruption to the delivery of care in many countries. Health-care networking and liaison are essential component in disaster management and public health emergencies. It aims to provide logistical support between hospitals; financial support through local or regional governmental and nongovernmental agencies for response; manpower and mechanism for coordination and to implement policies, procedures, and technologies in the event of such crisis.

This brief report describes how 4 independent private hospitals in northern India had adopted the principles of health-care networking, pooled their resources, and scaled up 1 of the partner hospitals as Dedicated COVID-19 Hospital (DCH) to treat moderate to severe category of COVID-19 patients. It brings out the importance of a unique coalition between private and public health-care system.
Surgeon choice in the use of postdischarge antibiotics for prophylaxis following mastectomy with and without breast reconstruction
Authors: Warren David K. , Nickel Katelin B. , Hostler Christopher J. , Foy Katherine , Han Jennifer H. , Tolomeo Pam , Banks Ian R. , Fraser Victoria J. , Olsen Margaret A. ,   for the CDC Prevention Epicenter Program
Published: October 2020

Multiple guidelines recommend discontinuation of prophylactic antibiotics <24 hours after surgery. In a multicenter, retrospective cohort of 2,954 mastectomy patients ± immediate breast reconstruction, we found that utilization of prophylactic postdischarge antibiotics varied dramatically at the surgeon level among general surgeons and was virtually universal among plastic surgeons.
Sharp bounds for decomposing graphs into edges and triangles
Authors: Blumenthal Adam , Lidický Bernard , Pehova Yanitsa , Pfender Florian , Pikhurko Oleg , Volec Jan
Published: October 2020

For a real constant α, let $\pi _3^\alpha (G)$ be the minimum of twice the number of K2’s plus α times the number of K3’s over all edge decompositions of G into copies of K2 and K3, where Kr denotes the complete graph on r vertices. Let $\pi _3^\alpha (n)$ be the maximum of $\pi _3^\alpha (G)$ over all graphs G with n vertices.

The extremal function $\pi _3^3(n)$ was first studied by Győri and Tuza (Studia Sci. Math. Hungar.22 (1987) 315–320). In recent progress on this problem, Král’, Lidický, Martins and Pehova (Combin. Probab. Comput.28 (2019) 465–472) proved via flag algebras that$\pi _3^3(n) \le (1/2 + o(1)){n^2}$. We extend their result by determining the exact value of $\pi _3^\alpha (n)$ and the set of extremal graphs for all α and sufficiently large n. In particular, we show for α = 3 that Kn and the complete bipartite graph ${K_{\lfloor n/2 \rfloor,\lceil n/2 \rceil }}$ are the only possible extremal examples for large n.
Tight Hamilton cycles in cherry-quasirandom 3-uniform hypergraphs
Authors: Aigner-Horev Elad , Levy Gil
Published: October 2020

We employ the absorbing-path method in order to prove two results regarding the emergence of tight Hamilton cycles in the so-called two-path or cherry-quasirandom 3-graphs.

Our first result asserts that for any fixed real α > 0, cherry-quasirandom 3-graphs of sufficiently large order n having minimum 2-degree at least α(n – 2) have a tight Hamilton cycle.

Our second result concerns the minimum 1-degree sufficient for such 3-graphs to have a tight Hamilton cycle. Roughly speaking, we prove that for every d, α > 0 satisfying d + α > 1, any sufficiently large n-vertex such 3-graph H of density d and minimum 1-degree at least $\alpha \left({\matrix{{n - 1} \cr 2 \cr } } \right)$ has a tight Hamilton cycle.
COVID-19 pneumonia in an infant with a hemodynamically significant ventricular septal defect
Authors: Kohli Utkarsh , Rosebush Julia C. , Orlov Nicola M. , Ghavam Ahmeneh
Published: October 2020

Reports thus far suggest a mild course for acute COVID-19 infection in children; however, its effects in vulnerable paediatric populations, including children with haemodynamically significant congenital heart disease, have rarely been reported. We therefore report on a 4-month-old Hispanic male with a moderate sized conoventricular ventricular septal defect and pulmonary overcirculation who presented with COVID-19-associated pneumonia.
Democracy, discourse, and design: Cape Town’s (re)turn to public space
Authors: Tomer Sharóne L.
Published: October 2020

Public spaces had been central to Cape Town’s colonial planning and spatial order, but became marginalised in the twentieth century under modernist planning and apartheid policy. As apartheid came towards its close, architects and planners began to champion public space as a way of addressing the city’s deficiencies. Books, articles, and policy documents were written celebrating public space as a humanist device and vehicle for democracy. The City of Cape Town’s emerging Urban Design Branch instituted a major public space program: the Dignified Places Programme. This paper traces the history of public space as a terrain through which political aspirations, whether of domination or contestation, have been asserted in Cape Town. The paper will argue that at the end of apartheid, a public space turn occurred which reflected the specificities of post-apartheid democracy, in both its aspirations and limitations.
Quenching rates and critical densities of c-C3H2
Authors: Ben Khalifa Malek , Sahnoun Emna , Spezzano Silvia , Wiesenfeld Laurent , Hammami Kamel , Dulieu Olivier , Caselli Paola
Published: October 2020

Cyclopropenylidene,, is a simple hydrocarbon, ubiquitous in astrophysical gases, and possessing a permanent electric dipole moment. Its readily observed multifrequency rotational transitions make it an excellent probe for the physics and history of interstellar matter. The collisional properties of with He are presented here. We computed the full Potential Energy Surfaces, and we perform quantum scattering in order to provide rates of quenching and excitation for low to medium temperature regimes. We discuss issues with the validity of the usual Local Thermodynamical Equilibrium assumption, and also the intricacies of the spectroscopy of an asymmetric top. We present the wide range of actual critical densities, as recently observed.
Molecular complexity in the interstellar medium
Authors: Belloche Arnaud
Published: October 2020

The search for complex organic molecules in the interstellar medium (ISM) has revealed species of ever greater complexity. This search relies on the progress made in the laboratory to characterize their rotational spectra. Our understanding of the processes that lead to molecular complexity in the ISM builds on numerical simulations that use chemical networks fed by laboratory and theoretical studies. The advent of ALMA and NOEMA has opened a new door to explore molecular complexity in the ISM. Their high angular resolution reduces the spectral confusion of star-forming cores and their increased sensitivity allows the detection of low-abundance molecules that could not be probed before. The complexity of the recently-detected molecules manifests itself not only in terms of number of atoms but also in their molecular structure. We discuss these developments and report on ReMoCA, a new spectral line survey performed with ALMA toward the high-mass star-forming region Sgr B2(N).
Gas-phase UV cross sections of radicals
Authors: Heays A. N. , de Oliveira N. , Lewis B. R. , Stark G. , Lyons J. R. , van Hemert M. C. , van Dishoeck E. F.
Published: October 2020

We present some new studies of the absolute photodissociation cross sections of astrophysically-relevant diatomic radicals.