bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical impact of 18F-FDG-PET among memory clinic patients with uncertain diagnosis
Authors: Perini Giulia , Rodriguez-Vieitez Elena , Kadir Ahmadul , Sala Arianna , Savitcheva Irina , Nordberg Agneta
Published: July 2020

Purpose

To assess the clinical impact and incremental diagnostic value of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG-PET) among memory clinic patients with uncertain diagnosis.

Methods

The study population consisted of 277 patients who, despite extensive baseline cognitive assessment, MRI, and CSF analyses, had an uncertain diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) (n = 177) or dementia (n = 100). After baseline diagnosis, each patient underwent an FDG-PET, followed by a post-FDG-PET diagnosis formulation. We evaluated (i) the change in diagnosis (baseline vs. post-FDG-PET), (ii) the change in diagnostic accuracy when comparing each baseline and post-FDG-PET diagnosis to a long-term follow-up (3.6 ± 1.8 years) diagnosis used as reference, and (iii) comparative FDG-PET performance testing in MCI and dementia conditions.

Results

FDG-PET led to a change in diagnosis in 86 of 277 (31%) patients, in particular in 57 of 177 (32%) MCI and in 29 of 100 (29%) dementia patients. Diagnostic change was greater than two-fold in the sub-sample of cases with dementia “of unclear etiology” (change in diagnosis in 20 of 32 (63%) patients). In the dementia group, after results of FDG-PET, diagnostic accuracy improved from 77 to 90% in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and from 85 to 94% in frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) patients (p < 0.01). FDG-PET performed better in dementia than in MCI (positive likelihood ratios >5 and < 5, respectively).

Conclusion

Within a selected clinical population, FDG-PET has a significant clinical impact, both in early and differential diagnosis of uncertain dementia. FDG-PET provides significant incremental value to detect AD and FTLD over a clinical diagnosis of uncertain dementia.
Predictors of 30‐ and 90‐Day Readmissions After Complex Abdominal Wall Reconstruction With Biological Mesh: A Longitudinal Study of 232 Patients
Authors: Gogna Shekhar , Latifi Rifat , Choi James , Con Jorge , Prabhakaran Kartik , Smiley Abbas , Anderson Patrice L.
Published: July 2020

Background

Hospital readmissions are recognized as indicators of poor healthcare services which further increase patient morbidity. The aim of this study is to analyze predicting factors for the 30‐day and 90‐day readmissions after a complex abdominal wall reconstruction (CAWR).

Methods

A pooled analysis of the prospective study and retrospective database patients undergoing CAWR with acellular porcine dermis from 2012 to 2019 was carried out. Independent t test for continuous variables and Chi‐square and Fischer's exact tests for categorical variables were used. A multivariable logistic regression model and linear regression analysis were used to analyze the independent predictors of 30‐day and 90‐day readmissions.

Results

A total of 232 patients underwent CAWR, and the readmission rate (RR) was 16.8% (n = 40). The 30‐day and 90‐day RR was 11.3% (n = 23) and 13.3% (n = 33), respectively. There were no statistical differences in age, frailty, and gender distribution between the two groups. There was no difference in ASA score, type of component separation, ventral hernia working group class, size of the biological mesh, placement of mesh, and intestinal resection rate. The Clavien–Dindo complications and mean comprehensive complication index (CCI) were higher in the readmission group as compared to no readmission group (p < 0.01). Readmitted patients had higher surgical site infections (p < 0.01) and wound necrosis (p = 0.01). Higher CCI, past or concomitant pelvic surgery, and the presence of enterocutaneous fistula were independent predictors of earlier days to readmission.

Conclusion

Surgical site occurrences were associated with 30‐day and 90‐day readmissions after CAWR, while the presence of ascites and dialysis was associated with 90‐day readmissions.
Environmental changes and plant use during the 5th-14th centuries in medieval Gdańsk, northern Poland
Authors: Święta-Musznicka Joanna , Badura Monika , Pędziszewska Anna , Latałowa Małgorzata
Published: July 2020

This paper reviews the results of the many years of investigations on the ecological aspects of settlement development in the oldest districts of the city of Gdańsk, the impacts of the changing climate and growing human pressure on the local environment, as well as the question of plant use by the inhabitants during the Middle Ages. Before the settlement was established, the landscape was dominated by alder woods and shallow water bodies of the extensive wetlands in the Wisła estuary. An important factor making settlement possible was probably the lowering of the water table around the 9th–10th centuriesad, causing a reduction of wetland. Archaeobotanical results are consistent with archaeological data on the periods at which particular town districts were settled. They provide evidence of the earliest changes to the natural environment, starting in the Stare Miasto (“Old Town”) in the 11th–12th centuries, in the Główne Miasto (“Main Town”) in the 12th–13th centuries, and on Wyspa Spichrzów (“Granary Island”) during the 13th–14th centuries. The gradual expansion of the town caused a diversification of the local flora. Natural wetland communities and semi-natural wet meadows and pastures were still common within the settled area until the 14th century. On the other hand, the rapid spread of built-up areas, roads and gardens allowed the growth of ruderal vegetation there. Archaeobotanical and historical evidence shows the diverse and changing plant foods in the diet of the inhabitants during the Middle Ages.
Predictors of adverse pathology on radical prostatectomy specimen in men initially enrolled in active surveillance for low-risk prostate cancer
Authors: Björnebo Lars , Olsson Henrik , Nordström Tobias , Jäderling Fredrik , Grönberg Henrik , Eklund Martin , Lantz Anna
Published: July 2020

Purpose

To evaluate clinical variables, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) predictive of adverse pathology (AP) at radical prostatectomy (RP) in men initially enrolled in active surveillance (AS).

Methods

A population-based cohort study of men diagnosed with low-risk prostate cancer (PCa), in Stockholm County, Sweden, during 2008–2017 enrolled in AS their intended primary treatment followed by RP. AP was defined as ISUP grade group  ≥ 3 and/or pT-stage ≥ T3. Association between clinical variables at diagnosis and time to AP was evaluated using Cox regression and multivariate logistic regression to evaluate the association between AP and clinical variables at last biopsy before RP.

Results

In a cohort of 6021 patients with low-risk PCa, 3116 were selected for AS and 216 underwent RP. Follow-up was 10 years, with a median time on AS of 23 months. 37.7% of patients had AP at RP. Clinical T-stage [Hazard ratio (HR): 1.81, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04–3.18] and PSA (HR: 1.31, 95% CI 1.17–1.46) at diagnosis and age [Odds Ratio (OR): 1.09, 95% CI 1.02–1.18), PSA (OR: 1.22, 95% CI 1.07–1.41), and PI-RADS (OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.11–2.55)] at last re-biopsy were significantly associated with AP.

Conclusion

PI-RADS score is significantly associated with AP at RP and support current guidelines recommending MRI before enrollment in AS. Furthermore, age, cT-stage, and PSA are significantly associated with AP.
An investigation of dietary intake, nutrition knowledge and hydration status of Gaelic Football players
Authors: McCrink Conor M. , McSorley Emeir M. , Grant Kirsty , McNeilly Andrea M. , Magee Pamela J.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

To assess the dietary intake, nutrition knowledge and hydration status of Irish Gaelic footballers.

Method

One hundred and sixty-eight male club/county level Irish Gaelic footballers (median [IQR]; age 23 years [20.0, 27.0]; height 1.79 m [1.74, 1.84]; body mass 78.0 kg [73.5, 84.8]) participated in this cross-sectional study. Dietary intake was assessed using a 4-day semi-quantitative food record, with the application of Goldberg cut-offs to define acceptable reporters (n  = 62). Nutrition knowledge was assessed using the validated Nutrition for Sport Knowledge Questionnaire in a sub-group of athletes (n = 24), while hydration status was measured using urine specific gravity pre-exercise (USG) in 142 athletes.

Results

Dietary analysis indicated an energy deficit at the group level (485 kcal [IQR 751,6]) (p < 0.001), with carbohydrate intakes (3.6 g/kg [IQR 3.0,4.1]) below current guidelines for athletes participating in one hour moderate intensity exercise per day (5–7 g/kg; p < 0.001). Average vitamin D (3.8 µg [IQR 1.8, 5.5]) and selenium intakes (54.2 µg [47.2, 76.7]) were significantly below the reference nutrient intakes (p < 0.001). A high proportion of individual athletes also had sub-optimal intakes for: vitamin D (95.2%), selenium (72.6%), vitamin A (38.7%), potassium (30.6%), zinc (25.8%), magnesium (19.4%) and calcium (12.9%). Nutrition knowledge was deemed poor (40.2 ± 12.4%), while pre-exercise hydration status (median USG 1.010 [IQR 1.005, 1.017]) was significantly below the cut-off to denote dehydration (1.020; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that Irish Gaelic footballers have sub-optimal dietary practices and lack nutrition knowledge. Individualised nutrition support may benefit these athletes to meet their nutrition requirements, to support health and performance.
Immune-mediated neurological syndromes in SARS-CoV-2-infected patients
Authors: Guilmot Antoine , Maldonado Slootjes Sofia , Sellimi Amina , Bronchain Maroussia , Hanseeuw Bernard , Belkhir Leila , Yombi Jean Cyr , De Greef Julien , Pothen Lucie , Yildiz Halil , Duprez Thierry , Fillée Catherine , Anantharajah Ahalieyah , Capes Antoine , Hantson Philippe , Jacquerye Philippe , Raymackers Jean-Marc , London Frederic , El Sankari Souraya , Ivanoiu Adrian , Maggi Pietro , van Pesch Vincent
Published: July 2020

Background

Evidence of immune-mediated neurological syndromes associated with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection is limited. We therefore investigated clinical, serological and CSF features of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients with neurological manifestations.

Methods

Consecutive COVID-19 patients with neurological manifestations other than isolated anosmia and/or non-severe headache, and with no previous neurological or psychiatric disorders were prospectively included. Neurological examination was performed in all patients and lumbar puncture with CSF examination was performed when not contraindicated. Serum anti-gangliosides antibodies were tested when clinically indicated.

Results

Of the 349 COVID-19 admitted to our center between March 23rd and April 24th 2020, 15 patients (4.3%) had neurological manifestations and fulfilled the study inclusion/exclusion criteria. CSF examination was available in 13 patients and showed lymphocytic pleocytosis in 2 patients: 1 with anti-contactin-associated protein 2 (anti-Caspr2) antibody encephalitis and 1 with meningo-polyradiculitis. Increased serum titer of anti-GD1b antibodies was found in three patients and was associated with variable clinical presentations, including cranial neuropathy with meningo-polyradiculitis, brainstem encephalitis and delirium. CSF PCR for SARS-CoV-2 was negative in all patients.

Conclusions

In SARS-Cov-2 infected patients with neurological manifestations, CSF pleocytosis is associated with para- or post-infectious encephalitis and polyradiculitis. Anti-GD1b and anti-Caspr2 autoantibodies can be identified in certain cases, raising the question of SARS-CoV-2-induced secondary autoimmunity.
Combined Viscoplasticity-Embedded Discontinuity Model for 3D Description of Rock Failure Under Dynamic Loading
Authors: Saksala Timo
Published: July 2020

This paper presents a combined viscoplasticity-embedded discontinuity model for 3D analyses of rock failure processes under dynamic loading. Capabilities of a rate-dependent embedded discontinuity model, implemented with the linear tetrahedral element, for mode I (tension) loading induced fractures is extended to compressive (shear) failure description by viscoplastic softening model with the Drucker–Prager yield criterion. The return mapping update formulas are derived for the corner plasticity case exploiting the consistency conditions for both models simultaneously. The model performance is demonstrated in 3D numerical simulations of uniaxial tension and compression test on a heterogeneous rock at various loading rates. These simulations corroborate the conception that the rate sensitivity of rock is a genuine material property in tension while structural (inertia) effects play the major role in compression at high loading rates (up to 1000 s−1). Finally, the model is validated with predicting the experiments of dynamic Brazilian disc test on granite.
Mid-infrared spectroscopy of alkali feldspar samples for space application
Authors: Reitze Maximilian P. , Weber Iris , Kroll Herbert , Morlok Andreas , Hiesinger Harald , Helbert Jörn
Published: July 2020

Feldspars are major components of terrestrial planetary surfaces. For future space application and the setup of a comprehensive reference database, Na- and K-rich alkali feldspars, NaAlSi3O8– KAlSi3O8, have been investigated by infrared reflectance spectroscopy. We related the feldspar spectra to the chemical composition and state of Al,Si order/disorder. The infrared measurements were analyzed with respect to band shifts and peak shapes using the autocorrelation function. Natural samples served as starting materials. Some samples were treated by the alkali exchange method to produce pure end-members, which were then heated to generate various states of Al,Si disorder. X-ray diffraction (XRD) methods served to determine the Al,Si distribution. Our autocorrelation allowed to differentiate between the compositional and the order/disorder influences seen in the spectra in the wavelength range between 7μm up to 14μm (1429 cm− 1to 714 cm− 1). Space missions often analyze the surfaces of planetary bodies using remote sensing. Therefore, our results are essential to characterize and distinguish alkali feldspars on the surfaces of terrestrial planetary bodies like Mercury.
Considering different recent advancements in GNSS on real-time zenith troposphere estimates
Authors: Hadas Tomasz , Hobiger Thomas , Hordyniec Pawel
Published: July 2020

Global navigation satellite system (GNSS) remote sensing of the troposphere, called GNSS meteorology, is already a well-established tool in post-processing applications. Real-time GNSS meteorology has been possible since 2013, when the International GNSS Service (IGS) established its real-time service. The reported accuracy of the real-time zenith total delay (ZTD) has not improved significantly over time and usually remains at the level of 5–18 mm, depending on the station and test period studied. Millimeter-level improvements are noticed due to GPS ambiguity resolution, gradient estimation, or multi-GNSS processing. However, neither are these achievements combined in a single processing strategy, nor is the impact of other processing parameters on ZTD accuracy analyzed. Therefore, we discuss these shortcomings in detail and present a comprehensive analysis of the sensitivity of real-time ZTD on processing parameters. First, we identify a so-called common strategy, which combines processing parameters that are identified to be the most popular among published papers on the topic. We question the popular elevation-dependent weighting function and introduce an alternative one. We investigate the impact of selected processing parameters, i.e., PPP functional model, GNSS selection and combination, inter-system weighting, elevation-dependent weighting function, and gradient estimation. We define an advanced strategy dedicated to real-time GNSS meteorology, which is superior to the common one. The a posteriori error of estimated ZTD is reduced by 41%. The accuracy of ZTD estimates with the proposed strategy is improved by 17% with respect to the IGS final products and varies over stations from 5.4 to 10.1 mm. Finally, we confirm the latitude dependency of ZTD accuracy, but also detect its seasonality.
Strategies for mitigation of climate change: a review
Authors: Fawzy Samer , Osman Ahmed I. , Doran John , Rooney David W.
Published: July 2020

Climate change is defined as the shift in climate patterns mainly caused by greenhouse gas emissions from natural systems and human activities. So far, anthropogenic activities have caused about 1.0 °C of global warming above the pre-industrial level and this is likely to reach 1.5 °C between 2030 and 2052 if the current emission rates persist. In 2018, the world encountered 315 cases of natural disasters which are mainly related to the climate. Approximately 68.5 million people were affected, and economic losses amounted to $131.7 billion, of which storms, floods, wildfires and droughts accounted for approximately 93%. Economic losses attributed to wildfires in 2018 alone are almost equal to the collective losses from wildfires incurred over the past decade, which is quite alarming. Furthermore, food, water, health, ecosystem, human habitat and infrastructure have been identified as the most vulnerable sectors under climate attack. In 2015, the Paris agreement was introduced with the main objective of limiting global temperature increase to 2 °C by 2100 and pursuing efforts to limit the increase to 1.5 °C. This article reviews the main strategies for climate change abatement, namely conventional mitigation, negative emissions and radiative forcing geoengineering. Conventional mitigation technologies focus on reducing fossil-based CO2 emissions. Negative emissions technologies are aiming to capture and sequester atmospheric carbon to reduce carbon dioxide levels. Finally, geoengineering techniques of radiative forcing alter the earth’s radiative energy budget to stabilize or reduce global temperatures. It is evident that conventional mitigation efforts alone are not sufficient to meet the targets stipulated by the Paris agreement; therefore, the utilization of alternative routes appears inevitable. While various technologies presented may still be at an early stage of development, biogenic-based sequestration techniques are to a certain extent mature and can be deployed immediately.
Strain Rate Effects on Head-on Quenching of Laminar Premixed Methane-air flames
Authors: Luo Yujuan , Strassacker Christina , Wen Xu , Sun Zhen , Maas Ulrich , Hasse Christian
Published: July 2020

Head-on quenching is a canonical configuration for flame-wall interaction. In the present study, the transient process of a laminar premixed flame impinging on a wall is investigated for different strain rates, while previous studies with detailed chemistry and transport focused only on unstrained conditions. Increasing strain rate leads to a reduction in the normalized quenching distance, and an increase in the normalized wall heat flux, both are considered as global flame quantities. Looking more into the local microstructure of the quenching process, CO formation and oxidation near the wall are shifted to higher temperatures under higher strain rates. Further, the local flame structure and the thermochemical state are affected by differential diffusion driven by differences in species’ gradients and diffusivities. Quenching leads to increased species’ gradients and consequently differential diffusion is amplified near the wall compared to propagating flames. However, this effect is suppressed for increasing strain rates, which is explained in more detail by a source term analysis of the transport equation for the differential diffusion parameter ZHC. Results for the global quantities and the local flame structure show that the impact of the strain rate weakens for higher wall temperatures. Finally, the analyses of the thermo-chemical quantities in the composition space shows that H2 can be a good parameter to characterize the strain rate both for propagating and quenching flamelet.
Ignition Under Strained Conditions: A Comparison Between Instationary Counterflow and Non-premixed Flamelet Solutions
Authors: Sun Z. , Hasse C. , Scholtissek A.
Published: July 2020

The transient evolution of counterflow diffusion flames can be described in physical space [i.e. by the model of Im et al. (Combust. Sci. Technol. 158:341–363, 2000)], and in composition space through flamelet equations. Both modeling approaches are employed to study the ignition of diluted hydrogen–air, methane–air and DME–air diffusion flames including detailed transport and chemistry modeling. Using the physical space solution as a reference, this work elucidates the capability of flamelet modeling to predict ignition characteristics in terms of ignition temperature and ignition delay time. Varying pressure and strain rate for the hydrogen–air configurations, the agreement between reference solution and flamelet results is shown to strongly depend on the ignition limits as characterized by Kreutz and Law (Combust. Flame 104:157–175, 1996). In limit 2 and at elevated temperatures, where the ignition kernel formation is governed by chemical reactions and less dependent on mass transport (high Damköhler numbers), the flamelet model yields accurate results. Close to the ignition limits 1 and 3 however, significant deviations can be observed. In these limits, the residence time of radicals during ignition kernel formation is strongly influenced by diffusive transport and Damköhler numbers are low. The analysis of the hydrocarbon flames shows that differences between the physical space model and the flamelet model are smaller. This is attributed to a smaller influence of differential diffusion on the ignition process for methane and DME as compared to hydrogen as fuel. This paper underlines that flamelet models can be used to describe ignition processes under strained conditions, but care should be taken if ignition takes place in certain parameter ranges, i.e. close to the ignition limits or at high strain rates.
Expression of Melatonin Receptor 1 in Rat Mesenteric Artery and Perivascular Adipose Tissue and Vasoactive Action of Melatonin
Authors: Molcan Lubos , Maier Andreas , Zemančíková Anna , Gelles Katharina , Török Jozef , Zeman Michal , Ellinger Isabella
Published: July 2020

Melatonin is released by the pineal gland and can modulate cardiovascular system function via the G protein-coupled melatonin receptors MT1 and MT2. Most vessels are surrounded by perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT), which affects their contractility. The aim of our study was to evaluate mRNA and protein expression of MT1 and MT2 in the mesenteric artery (MA) and associated PVAT of male rats by RT-PCR and Western blot. Receptor localization was further studied by immunofluorescence microscopy. Effects of melatonin on neurogenic contractions were explored in isolated superior MA ex vivo by measurement of isometric contractile tension. MT1, but not MT2, was present in MA, and MT1 was localized mainly in vascular smooth muscle. Moreover, we proved the presence of MT1, but not MT2 receptors, in MA-associated PVAT. In isolated superior MA with intact PVAT, neuro-adrenergic contractile responses were significantly smaller when compared to arteries with removed PVAT. Pre-treatment with melatonin of PVAT-stripped arterial rings enhanced neurogenic contractions, while the potentiating effect of melatonin was not detected in preparations with preserved PVAT. We hypothesize that melatonin can stimulate the release of PVAT-derived relaxing factor(s) via MT1, which can override the direct pro-contractile effect of melatonin on vascular smooth muscle. Our results suggest that melatonin is involved in the control of vascular tone in a complex way, which is vessel specific and can reflect a sum of action on different layers of the vessel wall and surrounding PVAT.
Pathogenicity of Pythium species to maize
Authors: Schmidt Christoph S. , Leclerque Andreas , Pfeiffer Tobias , Goessling Johannes W. , Orlik Marc , Jamshidi Behzad , Saar Katharina , Sellmann Jörg , Siepe Isabella , Koch Eckhard
Published: July 2020

Pythium isolates from diseased and dead bait plants of maize and cress grown in compost or various soils (maize fields, parkland under deciduous trees, grassland) were characterised and tested for pathogenicity to maize (Zea mays L.). In pot tests performed under controlled conditions, pathogenicity of the isolates to maize was apparent by reduction of root and shoot growth, whereas damping-off of maize seedlings was less frequent. Contrarily, pea seedlings were killed by pathogenic Pythium isolates. Pythium isolates from diseased maize seedlings and pathogenic strains from other gramineous plants (P. phragmitis, P. aff.phragmitis, P. catenulatum) were not necessarily more virulent to maize compared to isolates originating from dicotyledonous plants (cress). The most virulent isolates originated from compost and caused a reduction of maize shoot growth of up to 60%. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that they were very closely related to P. ultimum var. ultimum and P. arrhenomanes, respectively. Isolates originating from maize fields, grassland and parkland under deciduous trees, a reference culture of P. arrhenomanes and strains of P. phragmitis, P. aff. phragmitis and P. catenulatum with known pathogenicity on reed were non-pathogenic on maize. Isolates from compost, and from maize fields generally had a higher temperature optimum for mycelial growth (30 °C) and a faster growth rate (1.5–2.0 mm h−1) compared to the isolates from parkland under deciduous trees and grassland soil (20–25 °C, ~1.0 mm h−1), respectively. This study indicates a potential impact of pathogenic Pythium on maize plants even in the absence of visible symptoms.
Specific Tastes or Cliques of Jurors? How to Reduce the Level of Manipulation in Group Decisions?
Authors: Kontek Krzysztof , Sosnowska Honorata
Published: July 2020

We propose a modification of the standard Borda count which significantly reduces the level of manipulation demonstrated in experiments and observed in actual voting. The method may be applied in voting systems in which the Borda count is usually adopted, e.g. musical competitions, elections in educational institutions and professional and technical societies, sports awards, and even some political elections. We first analyze the actual voting results in the 2016 Henryk Wieniawski International Violin Competition. We show that some jurors are suspected of having exploited a weakness in the standard Borda count method to manipulate the final results. We then consider modifications of the Borda count with a view to designing a method more resistant to manipulation. We show that discarding all the scores of the 20% of jurors who deviate most from the jury average gives a ranking that agrees with public opinion and general expert consensus. Modifications of the Borda count were then experimentally tested against their resistance to manipulability. The results clearly show that excluding jurors has very good statistical properties to recover the objective order of the contestants. Most importantly, however, it dramatically reduces the level of manipulation demonstrated by subjects playing the role of jurors. Finally, we present the mathematical properties of the method proposed. We show that the new method is a compromise between the Majority Criterion and the standard Borda count in that it offers more “consensus-based” rankings than the former while being less vulnerable to manipulation than the latter.
First-degree atrioventricular block in patients with atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter: the prevalence of intra-atrial conduction delay
Authors: Spies Florian , Knecht Sven , Zeljkovic Ivan , Reichlin Tobias , Madaffari Antonio , Osswald Stefan , Sticherling Christian , Kühne Michael
Published: July 2020

Purpose

PR interval prolongation > 200 ms resulting in the diagnosis of first-degree atrioventricular block (AVB1) is caused by a delay in the AV nodal/His conduction and/or the right intra-atrial conduction (RIAC). The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of AVB1 due to RIAC delay (AVB1 with normal AH and HV) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial flutter (AFlu).

Methods

We included 1067 consecutive patients (33% female, age 63 ± 13 years) referred for catheter ablation of AF (AF-group) (453 patients), AF and AFlu (136 patients), AFlu (292 patients), and AVNRT/AVRT (186 patients). AH-, HV-, PR-interval, and P-wave duration were measured on the 12-lead ECG and the intracardiac electrograms in sinus rhythm. RIAC delay was defined as a prolonged PR interval > 200 ms with normal AH and HV intervals.

Results

The prevalence of AVB1 is higher in patients with AFlu (41%) and AF (21%) and patients with both arrhythmias (30%) as compared with a reference group (8%) of patients with AVNRT/AVRT. AVB1 was due to RIAC delay in 42 of 67 patients (63%) in the AF-group, in 37 of 96 patients (39%) in the AFlu-group, and in 17 of 36 patients (47%) in the AF/AFlu group, respectively. AV nodal conduction delay was more common in AFlu patients compared with AF patients.

Conclusion

RIAC delay is a common underlying cause of AVB1 in patients with AF and AFlu. These findings may impact the prescription of antiarrhythmic and AV-nodal blocking drugs.
Bridging mixed integer linear programming for truss topology optimization and additive manufacturing
Authors: Reintjes Christian , Lorenz Ulf
Published: July 2020

One crucial advantage of additive manufacturing regarding the optimization of lattice structures is that there is a reduction in manufacturing constraints compared to classical manufacturing methods. To make full use of these advantages and to exploit the resulting potential, it is necessary that lattice structures are designed using optimization. Against this backdrop, two mixed integer programs are developed in order to use the methods of mathematical optimization in the context of topology optimization on the basis of a fitted ground structure method. In addition, an algorithm driven product design process is presented to systematically combine the areas of mathematical optimization, computer aided design, finite element analysis and additive manufacturing. Our developed computer aided design tool serves as an interface between state-of-the-art mathematical solvers and computer aided design software and is used for the generation of design data based on optimization results. The first mixed integer program focuses on powder-based additive manufacturing, including a preprocessing that allows a multi-material topology optimization. The second mixed integer program generates support-free lattice structures for additive manufacturing processes usually depending on support structures, by considering geometry-based design rules for inclined and support-free cylinders and assumptions for location and orientation of parts within a build volume. The problem to strengthen a lattice structure by local thickening or beam addition or both, with the objective function to minimize costs, is modeled. In doing so, post-processing is excluded. An optimization of a static area load with a practice-oriented number of connection nodes and beams was manufactured using the powder-based additive manufacturing system EOS INT P760.
FOXP2 expression and gray matter density in the male brains of patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Sanjuán Julio , Castro-Martínez Xochitl Helga , García-Martí Gracián , González-Fernández Javier , Sanz-Requena Roberto , Haro Josep María , Meana J. Javier , Martí-Bonmatí Luis , Nacher Juan , Sebastiá-Ortega Noelia , Gilabert-Juan Javier , Moltó María Dolores
Published: July 2020

Common genetic variants of FOXP2 may contribute to schizophrenia vulnerability, but controversial results have been reported for this proposal. Here we evaluated the potential impact of the common FOXP2 rs2396753 polymorphism in schizophrenia. It was previously reported to be part of a risk haplotype for this disease and to have significant effects on gray matter concentration in the patients. We undertook the first examination into whether rs2396753 affects the brain expression of FOXP2 and a replication study of earlier neuroimaging findings of the influence of this genetic variant on brain structure. FOXP2 expression levels were measured in postmortem prefrontal cortex samples of 84 male subjects (48 patients and 36 controls) from the CIBERSAM Brain and the Stanley Foundation Array Collections. High-resolution anatomical magnetic resonance imaging was performed on 79 male subjects (61 patients, 18 controls) using optimized voxel-based morphometry. We found differences in FOXP2 expression and brain morphometry depending on the rs2396753, relating low FOXP2 mRNA levels with reduction of gray matter density. We detected an interaction between rs2396753 and the clinical groups, showing that heterozygous patients for this polymorphism have gray matter density decrease and low FOXP2 expression comparing with the heterozygous controls. This study shows the importance of independent replication of neuroimaging genetic studies of FOXP2 as a candidate gene in schizophrenia. Furthermore, our results suggest that the FOXP2 rs2396753 affects mRNA levels, thus providing new knowledge about its significance as a potential susceptibility polymorphism in schizophrenia.
Correction to: Evaluation of Liver Function Tests and Risk Score Assessment to Screen Patients for Significant Liver Disease Prior to Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery
Authors: Antypas Antony , Austin Andrew , Awad Sherif , Hughes David , Idris Iskandar
Published: July 2020

The name of author Anthony Antypas was misspelled in the original article. It is correct here.
Farewell to Suppression-Freedom
Authors: Øgaard Tore Fjetland
Published: July 2020

Val Plumwood and Richard Sylvan argued from their joint paperThe Semantics of First Degree Entailment(Routley and Routley in Noûs 6(4):335–359, 1972,10.2307/2214309) and onward that the variable sharing property is but a mere consequence of a good entailment relation, indeed they viewed it as a mere negative test of adequacy of such a relation, the property itself being a rather philosophically barren concept. Such a relation is rather to be analyzed as asufficiency relationfree of any form of premise suppression. Suppression of premises, therefore, gained center stage. Despite this, however, no serious attempt was ever made at analyzing the concept. This paper shows that their suggestions for how to understand it, either as theAnti-Suppression Principleor as theJoint Force Principle, turn out to yield properties strictly weaker than that of variable sharing. A suggestion for how to understand some of their use of the notion of suppression which clearly is not in line with these two mentioned principles is given, and their arguments to the effect that the Anderson and Belnap logicsT,EandRare suppressive are shown to be both technically and philosophically wanting. Suppression-freedom, it is argued, cannot do the job Plumwood and Sylvan intended it to do.
Combined Hot Air and Microwave-Vacuum Drying of Cranberries: Effects of Pretreatments and Pulsed Vacuum Osmotic Dehydration on Drying Kinetics and Physicochemical Properties
Authors: Liu Zi-Liang , Staniszewska Izabela , Zielinska Danuta , Zhou Yu-Hao , Nowak Konrad W. , Xiao Hong-Wei , Pan Zhongli , Zielinska Magdalena
Published: July 2020

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of sonication (S), microwave-vacuum (MWV), convective freezing (F), cryogenic freezing (N), and their combinations, as well as pulsed vacuum osmotic dehydration (PVOD) on the drying kinetics, bioactive compounds, texture and color of whole cranberries during combined hot air convective drying, and microwave-vacuum drying (HACD+MWVD). Drying of berries took from 20 to 493 min. Drying rate was enhanced by 23% and drying time of non-osmotically dehydrated fruits was shortened by 33% using F treatment, while MWV decreased moisture content before drying by 68% and shortened the drying time of PVOD berries by 96%. Generally, total phenolic (TP) content increased during processing, total flavonoids (TF), and total monomeric anthocyanins (TMA) contents decreased, while the values of ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) of dried fruits depended on the initial pretreatment. F and HACD+MWVD yielded fruits of the highest L* (33.8 ± 0.7), a* (25.2 ± 1.0), and b* (7.3 ± 0.6), inflated oval shape, and a small amount of wrinkles on the surface. PVOD and HACD+MWVD resulted in flat and wrinkled fruits.
Preliminary design of a short-medium range windowless aircraft
Authors: Moruzzi M. C. , Bagassi S.
Published: July 2020

This paper describes a new aircraft concept, where all windows, except those for emergency exits, are replaced with simulated windows, which consist of monitors connected to external cameras to overcome the discomfort for the passenger due to the absence of real windows. This concept is developed through an analytical method to estimate the potential advantages for the environment and for airline companies deriving from a windowless configuration for a short-medium range aircraft, within the boundaries of the preliminary design. Actually, the reduction in weight is directly linked to the reduction in fuel consumption, providing advantages in terms of operating costs and emissions of carbon dioxide. The method is applied to four models of short and medium range aircraft, namely Boeing 737–800, Airbus 320, ATR72 and Embraer 190. The results show the benefits of a windowless configuration that become very positive for the operating life of an aircraft and the total fleet, potentially leading to the saving of millions of tons of carbon dioxide every year when applied to the whole fleet of the analyzed aircraft.
Bounded Geometry and p-Harmonic Functions Under Uniformization and Hyperbolization
Authors: Björn Anders , Björn Jana , Shanmugalingam Nageswari
Published: July 2020

The uniformization and hyperbolization transformations formulated by Bonk et al. in“Uniformizing Gromov Hyperbolic Spaces”, Astérisque, vol 270 (2001), dealt with geometric properties of metric spaces. In this paper we consider metric measure spaces and construct a parallel transformation of measures under the uniformization and hyperbolization procedures. We show that if a locally compact roughly starlike Gromov hyperbolic space is equipped with a measure that is uniformly locally doubling and supports a uniformly localp-Poincaré inequality, then the transformed measure is globally doubling and supports a globalp-Poincaré inequality on the corresponding uniformized space. In the opposite direction, we show that such global properties on bounded locally compact uniform spaces yield similar uniformly local properties for the transformed measures on the corresponding hyperbolized spaces. We use the above results on uniformization of measures to characterize when a Gromov hyperbolic space, equipped with a uniformly locally doubling measure supporting a uniformly localp-Poincaré inequality, carries nonconstant globally definedp-harmonic functions with finitep-energy. We also study some geometric properties of Gromov hyperbolic and uniform spaces. While the Cartesian product of two Gromov hyperbolic spaces need not be Gromov hyperbolic, we construct an indirect product of such spaces that does result in a Gromov hyperbolic space. This is done by first showing that the Cartesian product of two bounded uniform domains is a uniform domain.
Awake breast cancer surgery: strategy in the beginning of COVID-19 emergency
Authors: Vanni Gianluca , Pellicciaro Marco , Materazzo Marco , Dauri Mario , D’angelillo Rolando Maria , Buonomo Chiara , De Majo Adriano , Pistolese Chiara , Portarena Ilaria , Mauriello Alessandro , Servadei Francesca , Giacobbi Erica , Chiaravalloti Agostino , Buonomo Oreste Claudio
Published: July 2020

Introduction

COVID-19 is a declared worldwide pandemic. In our country, due to shortage of hospitals and beds in intensive care unit, oncological and breast cancer (BC) resources are temporarily shifted to COVID-19 patients. In addition, risk of cross-infections should be considered in these frail patients. To accomplish more surgical procedures and to reduce the length of hospital stay (LOS), fast track awake BC surgery should be implemented. The aim of the study is to estimate the effects of surgical shift in our facility during the early COVID-19 outbreak.

Materials and methods

From 30th January 2020 to 30th of March 2020, 86 consecutive patients were retrospectively enrolled and divided into pre-COVID-19-BC and COVID-19-BC. Clinical parameters and anamnestic data were collected and analyzed. Surgical procedures, relative complications and type of anaesthesia were reported. The effect on surgical time (ST), operative room time (ORT) and length of stay (LOS) were described and examined.

Results

No statistical difference was found in complications rate, clinical data and surgical procedures (p > 0.05). Awake breast conservative surgery (BCS) was the most frequent procedure in COVID-19-BC (p = 0.006). A statistically significant decrease in ORT and LOS was reported in COVID-19-BC (p = 0.040 and p = 0.0015 respectively), while comparable time resulted for ST (p = 0.976). Mean ORT and LOS reduction were 20.79 min and 0.57 hospital bed days.

Conclusion

In the “COVID-19 era”, fast track awake breast surgery provides a reduction of ORT, LOS and potentially surgical treatment for a wider number of oncological patients.
Environment and human subsistence in Northern France at the Late Glacial to early Holocene transition
Authors: Drucker Dorothée G. , Bridault Anne , Ducrocq Thierry , Baumann Chris , Valentin Frédérique
Published: July 2020

The Late Glacial and early Holocene (ca. 15,000–6,000 cal BP) witnessed major changes in the environmental conditions which led to the establishment of temperate vegetation and animal species, thereby offering new subsistence opportunities to the population of hunter-gatherers. Measurements of the relative abundances in 13C and 15N were applied to large herbivores from northern France to document the change in their habitat. During the early Holocene, red deer show a decrease in δ13C values most likely reflecting the effect of a dense canopy and an increase in δ15N values probably linked to the increased soil activity of soils in foraged territories. Aurochs and roe deer δ13C values also revealed a more densely forested habitat at the end of the Preboreal, while the δ13C values of the wild boar indicate dependence on fruits and underground tubers that were not affected by the canopy effect. Three human individuals from Val-de-Reuil and La Chaussée-Tirancourt dated to the Preboreal period provided relatively high δ15N values when compared with the local fauna and other early Mesolithic humans, which might have resulted from the consumption of freshwater resources especially at Val-de-Reuil. The δ34S values appear to depend more on the geographical location of the individual, as demonstrated by the difference among wild boar δ34S values between sites, rather than related to the protein source of the diet, namely, terrestrial versus aquatic. Our results confirm the influence of the forest ecosystem on the environment and diet of the considered early Mesolithic human of northern France, while the possible contribution of the aquatic ecosystem still needs to be documented.
Machine learning prediction of susceptibility to visceral fat associated diseases
Authors: Aldraimli M. , Soria D. , Parkinson J. , Thomas E. L. , Bell J. D. , Dwek M. V. , Chaussalet T. J.
Published: July 2020

Classifying subjects into risk categories is a common challenge in medical research. Machine Learning (ML) methods are widely used in the areas of risk prediction and classification. The primary objective of such algorithms is to use several features to predict dichotomous responses (e.g., healthy/at risk). Similar to statistical inference modelling, ML modelling is subject to the problem of class imbalance and is affected by the majority class, increasing the false-negative rate. In this study, we built and evaluated thirty-six ML models to classify approximately 4300 female and 4100 male participants from the UK Biobank into three categorical risk statuses based on discretised visceral adipose tissue (VAT) measurements from magnetic resonance imaging. We also examined the effect of sampling techniques on the models when dealing with class imbalance. The sampling techniques used had a significant impact on the classification and resulted in an improvement in risk status prediction by facilitating an increase in the information contained within each variable. Based on domain expert criteria the best three classification models for the female and male cohort visceral fat prediction were identified. The Area Under Receiver Operator Characteristic curve of the models tested (with external data) was 0.78 to 0.89 for females and 0.75 to 0.86 for males. These encouraging results will be used to guide further development of models to enable prediction of VAT value. This will be useful to identify individuals with excess VAT volume who are at risk of developing metabolic disease ensuring relevant lifestyle interventions can be appropriately targeted.
COVID-19 what have we learned? The rise of social machines and connected devices in pandemic management following the concepts of predictive, preventive and personalized medicine
Authors: Radanliev Petar , De Roure David , Walton Rob , Van Kleek Max , Montalvo Rafael Mantilla , Santos Omar , Maddox La’Treall , Cannady Stacy
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Review, compare and critically assess digital technology responses to the COVID-19 pandemic around the world. The specific point of interest in this research is on predictive, preventive and personalized interoperable digital healthcare solutions. This point is supported by failures from the past, where the separate design of digital health solutions has led to lack of interoperability. Hence, this review paper investigates the integration of predictive, preventive and personalized interoperable digital healthcare systems. The second point of interest is the use of new mass surveillance technologies to feed personal data from health professionals to governments, without any comprehensive studies that determine if such new technologies and data policies would address the pandemic crisis.

Method

This is a review paper. Two approaches were used: A comprehensive bibliographic review with R statistical methods of the COVID-19 pandemic in PubMed literature and Web of Science Core Collection, supported with Google Scholar search. In addition, a case study review of emerging new approaches in different regions, using medical literature, academic literature, news articles and other reliable data sources.

Results

Most countries’ digital responses involve big data analytics, integration of national health insurance databases, tracing travel history from individual’s location databases, code scanning and individual’s online reporting. Public responses of mistrust about privacy data misuse differ across countries, depending on the chosen public communication strategy. We propose predictive, preventive and personalized solutions for pandemic management, based on social machines and connected devices.

Solutions

The proposed predictive, preventive and personalized solutions are based on the integration of IoT data, wearable device data, mobile apps data and individual data inputs from registered users, operating as a social machine with strong security and privacy protocols. We present solutions that would enable much greater speed in future responses. These solutions are enabled by the social aspect of human-computer interactions (social machines) and the increased connectivity of humans and devices (Internet of Things).

Conclusion

Inadequate data for risk assessment on speed and urgency of COVID-19, combined with increased globalization of human society, led to the rapid spread of COVID-19. Despite an abundance of digital methods that could be used in slowing or stopping COVID-19 and future pandemics, the world remains unprepared, and lessons have not been learned from previous cases of pandemics. We present a summary of predictive, preventive and personalized digital methods that could be deployed fast to help with the COVID-19 and future pandemics.