bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alkaline refining of crude lead: a method of arsenic removal and the behavior of arsenic in the process
Authors: Zhu Rong , Long Hailin , Li Haoyu , Xie Huimin , Yin Shaohua , Wang Yongmi , Zhang Libo , Li Shiwei
Published: January 2022

In this work, the alkaline refining of arsenic in crude lead was studied with a mixture of sodium hydroxide and sodium carbonate as alkaline refining agents. Taking the arsenic removal rate as the research object, the effects of reaction temperature, holding time, Na2CO3:NaOH, the dosage of refining agent were investigated. The arsenic removal rate is 79.09% under the optimum experimental conditions as follows: reaction temperature 823 K, holding time 60 min, Na2CO3:NaOH 1:4, refining agent dosage 10%. The oxidation purification mechanism of arsenic was studied by XPS, SEM-EDS, XRD and FT-IR. The results show that arsenic in the crude lead is gradually oxidized by oxygen and lead oxide during arsenic removal process, and the arsenic trioxide is eventually converted into sodium arsenate (Na3AsO4) and lead arsenate (Pb2As2O7) in the slag.
A joint pricing and network design model for a closed-loop supply chain under disruption (glass industry)
Authors: Ziari Matineh , Sajadieh Mohsen Sheikh
Published: January 2022

Closed-loop supply chains have attracted more attention by researchers and practitioners due to strong government regulations, environmental issues, social responsibilities and natural resource constraints over past few years. This paper presents a mixed-integer linear programming model to design a closed-loop supply chain network and optimizing pricing policies under random disruption. Reusing the returned products is applied as a resilience strategy to cope with the waste of energy and improving supply efficiency. Moreover, it is necessary to find the optimal prices for both final and returned products. Therefore, the model is formulated based on demand function and it maximizes total supply chain’s profit. Finally, its application is explored through using the real data of an industrial company in glass industry.
Decisions and coordination of retailer-led fresh produce supply chain under two-period dynamic pricing and portfolio contracts
Authors: Yan Bo , Han Liguo
Published: January 2022

Fresh agricultural produce is almost the staple food and necessity of people’s daily diet all over the world. However, natural perishability and freshness affect the demand for fresh agricultural produce. Due to the change of freshness, the retailer has to adopt a multi-period dynamic pricing strategy to deal with unsold products. The research object of this paper is the retailer’s two-echelon supply chain of fresh agricultural produce, and the aim is to achieve the optimal two-period coordination and ordering through options and wholesale contracts in the supply chain. In the case of two-period pricing, we find that the optimal wholesale order quantity increases with the decline of the price in the first period and tends to be stable with the decline of the price in the second period. In contrast, the price change in the first period has a greater impact on the retailer’s optimal order quantity. The profits of both the retailer and the supplier increase significantly with the increase of the price in the first period, while the impact of the change of the price in the second period is not obvious. Meanwhile, decentralized decision-making can only be coordinated in the supply chain through the original option contract at the first-period price. In the second period, the cost-sharing contract is introduced to coordinate the supply chain, increase orders, and increase the profits of both the retailer and the supplier. These findings are of great significance for both the retailer and the supplier in the multi-period dynamic pricing of fresh produce under the option contract.
Fuzzy-based non-bankruptcy trend forecast
Authors: Hašková Simona
Published: January 2022

Many companies face an economic downturn due to the Covid-19 pandemic outbreak, which makes their future uncertain. The practical aim of the paper is to establish a procedure for an effective prediction of a business tendency to bankrupt in the short-term period. The tool is a three-stage fuzzy model formulated in the theoreticalmethodological part and applied on the real data of an examined company. The model input parameters are objective and subjective measured data between 2008-2020 of a nature affecting the output. The output is an interval of subjectively expected values determining the non-Bankruptcy trend (non-B) of a company. The paper shows advantages of the interval fuzzy approach for bankruptcy prediction and identifies the measure of business safety.
Do companies in the Czech Republic feel a decline in ICT graduates?
Authors: Kučera Jiří , Kostiuk Yaroslava , Kortiš Daniel
Published: January 2022

The aim of this paper is to determine the possible cause of lagging Czech companies in the field of HR transformation. The basic source of data is data from the Czech Statistical Office. The paper uses the method of classification analysis of graduates in the field of information and communication technologies. The paper is divided into two parts, where the first part deals with the evaluation of tabular data and the second with the testing of the established hypothesis (H0). The number of graduates in the field of information and communication technologies in the Czech Republic has been steadily declining since 2015, although the results achieved so far do not indicate a significant change, which could be the main cause of Czech companies lagging behind in HR transformation. The low involvement of graduates in this field is also caused by older and backward employees in companies, who do not like to change established systems.
Underestimating risk leading to the collapse of a market leader in tourism
Authors: Janíková Jana , Vochozka Marek , Votava Martin
Published: January 2022

The topic of this paper, underestimating risk leading to the collapse of the market leader in tourism, is demonstrated on the example of the British travel agency Thomas Cook, which at one time was one of the oldest and largest travel agencies in the world. The aim of this paper is to analyze the development of the stock prices of Thomas Cook from May 13, 2018 to May 19, 2019 and the factors that had an impact on the share price of this company in the monitored period. The base source of data are the share prices of the travel agency Thomas Cook in the specified period from May 13, 2018 to May 19, 2019 published by MarketWatch. A statistical description of time series is used, a moving average trend line is displayed, and a cause-and-effect analysis evaluating the impact of the published information on the value of Thomas Cook’s stocks is carried out. The general lesson for companies resulting from this contribution is that every negative event, announcement or piece of information has a negative impact on the value of a company’s shares and a collapse could happen even to the leader of a given industry. The collapse of Thomas Cook provides lessons for companies doing business in tourism, so that in the event of a planned merger, a suitable company is selected, the company’s funds are under control and development trends in the field are monitored.
Training unter Blutrestriktion – Wissenschaft nachgefragt
Authors: Veit Katrin
Published: January 2022

Die Physiotherapeutin Nina Sieberer beschäftigte sich in ihrer Bachelorarbeit mit der aktuellen Evidenz zum Thema Gonarthrose und Blood Flow Restriction Training. Sie fand heraus, dass bei Gelenkbeschwerden ein intensives Training oft nicht durchführbar ist und deshalb ein Blood Flow Restriction Training sinnvoll sein kann, um die Kraft zu steigern, den Muskelquerschnitt zu vergrößern und den Schmerz zu reduzieren.
Efficacy of Gamma Knife Radiosurgery in Refractory Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: An Indian Experience
Authors: Pattankar Sanjeev , Sankhe Milind , Chavda Kersi
Published: January 2022

Background Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic debilitating psychiatric condition with adverse impact on patient's sociooccupational health. Refractoriness to pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy is not uncommon. Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) is the comprehensively used and reviewed treatment modality in refractory OCD worldwide. In India, the past two decades of increasing GKRS availability has failed to create the necessary local awareness of its usefulness in refractory OCD. Limited native literature deepens the problem.

Objective To analyze our experience with GKRS in refractory OCD, and report the safety and efficacy/long-term outcome in patients using the Yale–Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS).

Materials and Methods A retrospective review of patients receiving GKRS for refractory OCD between 2000 and 2020 was carried out. Case files of the eligible (n = 9) patients were reviewed for clinical, radiotherapeutic, and outcome data. Additionally, patients were contacted via telephone to enquire about their experiences, and to obtain retroactive consent for GKRS in June 2021. Information obtained was collated, computed, and analyzed.

Results Male-to-female sex ratio was 8:1. Mean age at the time of GKRS and mean duration of OCD prior to GKRS was 30.1 ± 9.4 and 10.2 ± 5.8 years, respectively. Mean baseline Y-BOCS score was 29.6 ± 4.7. Our first patient received cingulotomy, while the rest underwent anterior capsulotomy. Median margin dose (50% isodose) was 70 Gy. Also, 23.8 ± 7.7 was the mean Y-BOCS score at the last follow-up (median = 30 months). Overall, 44.4% patients showed full/partial response (≥25% reduction in Y-BOCS score) at the last follow-up. In anterior capsulotomy (eight patients), patients with moderate/severe OCD showed better response (4/5 responders) than those with extreme OCD (0/3 responders). Single case of cingulotomy resulted in no response (<25% reduction in Y-BOCS score). No adverse radiation effects were noted. Also, 55.6% patients gave retroactive consent telephonically.

Conclusion GKRS is a safe and effective noninvasive treatment modality for refractory OCD. Ventral anterior capsule is the preferred target. Maximum radiation doses of 120 to 160 Gy are well tolerated. Extremely severe OCD cases fared poorer. Proper awareness about the availability and efficacy of GKRS in refractory OCD is required in India.
Stroke due to Percheron Artery Occlusion: Description of a Consecutive Case Series from Southern Portugal
Authors: Macedo Miguel , Reis Diana , Cerullo Giovanni , Florêncio André , Frias Catarina , Aleluia Leonor , Drago José , Nzwalo Hipólito , Fidalgo Ana P.
Published: January 2022

The artery of Percheron (AOP) is an abnormal variant of the arterial supply of the thalamus. Stroke caused by AOP occlusion is seldom reported. AOP leads to bilateral thalamic and rostral midbrain infarct presenting with unspecific manifestations. There are few descriptions of case series of stroke caused by AOP. We sought to review the clinicoradiological characteristics of AOP infarction from Algarve, Southern Portugal. Eight consecutive cases were retrospectively identified by searching the electronic clinical charts, as well as the stroke Unit database (2015–2020). Sociodemographic (age and gender) and clinicoradiological characteristics (etiological classification, admission severity, manifestations, and short- and long-term prognoses) were retrieved. The corresponding frequency of AOP infarction was 0.17% (95% confidence interval: 0.05–0.28). The mean age was 67.1 (range: 60–80) years. The range of stroke severity evaluated assessed by the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale ranged from 5 to 23 (median = 7.5). None of the patients receive acute ischemic stroke reperfusion treatment. AOP patterns were isolated bilateral paramedian thalamic (n = 2), bilateral paramedian and anterior thalamic (n = 2), and bilateral paramedian thalamic with rostral midbrain (n = 4). Two patients (20%) died on the short term (30 days). At hospital discharge, six patients had functional disability of ≤2 on the modified Rankin scale. In the follow-up at 6 months, half (n = 3) of the survivors had persistent hypersomnia and two had vascular dementia. Stroke from AOP presents with variable clinical and radiological presentations and patients do not receive alteplase. The short-term survivor and the long-term functional independency can be compromised after AOS infarct.
Harnessing soil bacteria and their benefits for sustainable agriculture with changing climate
Authors: Mattoo Rohini , Gowda Malali
Published: January 2022

Soil bacteria contribute effectively to key biogeochemical reactions in the soil rhizosphere. They support plants in the rhizosphere to adapt quickly to changing climatic conditions. Differences in root exudates, trace gas chemistry, chemical compounds and nutrient exchange contribute to the recruitment of diverse microorganisms by plant roots. This review highlights the importance of characterizing novel microorganisms to support sustainable agricultural practices. We discuss about tools for characterizing microbes and agricultural practices that influence microbial diversity, and have reviewed how microorganisms may have important but unidentified roles in climate change. Beneficial microbes could improve the turnover of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and other minerals thereby avoiding the use of chemical inputs, which are not only causing serious environmental harm but also pose danger to human and animal health.
A new type of CGO solutions and its applications in corner scattering
Authors: Xiao Jingni
Published: January 2022

We consider corner scattering for the operator ∇ ⋅ γ(x)∇ + k
2
ρ(x) in

R

2

, with γ a positive definite symmetric matrix and ρ a positive scalar function. A corner is referred to one that is on the boundary of the (compact) support of γ(x) − I or ρ(x) − 1, where I stands for the identity matrix. We assume that γ is a scalar function in a small neighborhood of the corner. We show that any admissible incident field will be scattered by such corners, which are allowed to be concave. Moreover, we provide a brief discussion on the existence of non-scattering waves when γ − I has a jump across the corner. In order to prove the results, we construct a new type of complex geometric optics solutions.
News from the BIPM laboratories—2021
Authors: Gressier Vincent , Wielgosz Robert , Stock Michael , Tavella Patrizia , Milton Martin
Published: January 2022

In order to fulfil its mission to ensure and promote the global comparability of measurements, the BIPM operates laboratories in the fields of physical metrology, time, ionizing radiation and chemistry. These laboratories act as centres for scientific and technical collaboration between Member States providing capabilities for international measurement comparisons on a shared cost basis. They coordinate international comparisons of national measurement standards agreed to be of the highest priority, and they establish and maintain appropriate reference standards for use as the basis of key international comparisons at the highest level and provide selected calibrations from them.
Activation and transmutation of tungsten boride shields in a spherical tokamak
Authors: Windsor Colin G. , Astbury Jack O. , Morgan J. Guy , Wilson Christopher L. , Humphry-Baker Samuel A.
Published: January 2022

The FISPACT-II code is used to compute the levels of activation and transmutation of tungsten borides for shielding the central high temperature superconductor core of a spherical tokamak fusion power plant during operations at 200 MW fusion power for 30 years and after shutting down for 10 years. The materials considered were W2B, WB, W2B5 and WB4 along with a sintered borocarbide B0.329C0.074Cr0.024Fe0.274W0.299, monolithic W and WC. Calculations were made within shields composed of each material, for five reactor major radii from 1400 to 2200 mm, and for six 10B isotope concentrations and at five positions across the shield. The isotopic production and decay in each shield is detailed. The activation of boride materials is lower than for either W or WC and is lowest of all for W2B5. While isotopes from tungsten largely decay within 3 years of shut-down, those from boron have a much longer decay life. An acceptable 70% of the absorbing 10B isotope will remain after 30 years of operations behind the first wall for a 1400 mm radius tokamak. Gaseous production is problematic in boride shields, where 4He in particular is produced in quantities 3 orders of magnitude higher than in W or WC shields. The FISPACT-II displacements per atom (dpa) tend to increase with boron content, although they decrease with increased 10B isotopic content. The dpa ranges of boride shields tend to lie between those of W and WC. Overall, the results confirm that the favourable fusion reaction shielding properties of W2B5 are not seriously challenged by its irradiation and transmutation properties, although helium gas production could be a challenge to its thermal and mechanical properties.
Development and testing of an additively manufactured lattice for DEMO limiters
Authors: Mantel N. , Bowden D. , Herashchenko S.S. , Fursdon M. , Hancock A.D.L. , Garkusha I.E. , Roberts J. , Makhlai V.A. , von Müller A. , Barrett T.R. , You J.-H.
Published: January 2022

In the conceptual design of EU-DEMO, damage to plasma-facing components under disruption events is planned to be mitigated by specific sacrificial limiter components. A new limiter concept has been proposed using lattice structures fabricated with tungsten powder by additive manufacturing techniques. The major potential benefits of using a lattice structure for limiters are the possibility to customise the thermal conductivity and structural compliance of these components to manage temperatures and stress within material limits and lower the sensitivity to crack propagation. This paper presents the results of the first investigations into the production, characterisation, and high heat flux testing of these lattices to assess their suitability for DEMO limiters. First stage prototypes have been manufactured from tungsten and tungsten tantalum mixed powder with two distinct laser power bed fusion processes, namely pulsed laser and continuous laser with heated bed. The samples are characterised in terms of mass, volume, density, extent of microcracks and voids, level of un-melted or partially melted particulates, texture and grain size, as well as tantalum segregation when applicable. High transient (0.25 ms) heat load testing, with hydrogen plasma of energy density up to ∼3 MJ m−2 was carried out at Kharkov Institute of Physics and Technology on the quasi-stationary plasma accellerator Kh-50. These tests have shown that the energy absorbed by latticed targets preheated at 500 °C is close to that absorbed by solid tungsten, suggesting that they may be used for limiter applications with the added advantage of adjustment of the heat transfer and stiffness performance by geometry design or material properties.
Contrasting 20-year trends in NDVI at two Siberian larch forests with and without multiyear waterlogging-induced disturbances
Authors: Nagano Hirohiko , Kotani Ayumi , Mizuochi Hiroki , Ichii Kazuhito , Kanamori Hironari , Hiyama Tetsuya
Published: January 2022

The fate of a boreal forest may depend on the trend in its normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), such as whether the NDVI has been increasing significantly over the past few decades. In this study, we analyzed the responses of two Siberian larch forests at Spasskaya Pad and Elgeeii in eastern Siberia to various waterlogging-induced disturbances, using satellite-based NDVI and meteorological data for the 2000–2019 period. The forest at Spasskaya Pad experienced waterlogging (i.e. flooding events caused by abnormal precipitation) during 2005–2008 that damaged canopy-forming larch trees and increased the abundance of water-resistant understory vegetation. By contrast, the forest at Elgeeii did not experience any remarkable disturbance, such as tree dieback or changes in the vegetation community. Significant increasing NDVI trends were found in May and June–August at Elgeeii (p < 0.05), whereas no significant trends were found at Spasskaya Pad (p > 0.05). NDVI anomalies in May and June–August at Elgeeii were significantly associated with precipitation or temperature depending on the season (p < 0.05), whereas no significant relationships were found at Spasskaya Pad (p > 0.05). Thus, the 20 year NDVI trend and NDVI–temperature–precipitation relationship differed between the two larch forests, although no significant trends in temperature or precipitation were observed. These findings indicate that nonsignificant NDVI trends for Siberian larch forests may reflect waterlogging-induced dieback of larch trees, with a concomitant increase in water-resistant understory vegetation.
Simulation model for the coordination of environmental and economic interests
Authors: Glazyrina I P , Lavlinskii S M
Published: January 2022

The purpose of the work is to develop a simulation model that could be used as the basis for a practical methodology for forming a ‘green’ program for the development of mining industry. For this purpose, the Stackelberg model and the apparatus of two-level mathematical programming are used and thus take into account the peculiarities of the hierarchy of interaction between the state and the private investor in the mineral resource sector. The obtained data make it possible to determine the quantitative parameters of expenditures of public financial resources, at which the target function of the state reaches its maximum. It is concluded that the strategy of choosing higher operating costs and, as a result, lower postproject environmental losses is preferable for both the state and the investor.
The impact of fires on the landscapes of the Baikal-Dzhugdzhur type underclimate fluctuations
Authors: Malykh O F , Makarov V P , Zhelibo T V , Banshchikova E A
Published: January 2022

In light coniferous forests of the Baikal-Dzhugdzhur type fires are considered as factors and processes inseparable from the forest landscapes and their dynamics. The study period of 1998–2015 is highlighted as extremely arid. In 2008, 2013–2014, 2018 conducted ground studies of the state of vegetation after fires in the area of Vitim Plateau. The conditions of arid period with high frequency, duration and intensity of fires were the main factors in the dynamics of transformation of the structure of mountain-taiga larch forests. Analysis of cruising materials and expedition research showed that from 1996 to 2015 the area of larch forests with canopy density of 5–7% decreased by 45–50%. The area of burned forests and thin forests increased by 45-48%, and the area of shrubs – by 17.0%. The main part of forests is disturbed at the foot of the mountains and in intermountain depressions, at altitudes of 942 -1100 m. Strong desiccation of the ground cover and consistent ground fires with complete loss of trees and undergrowth activated natural processes of bush formation and prairiefication. The duration and degree of fluctuations in climatic parameters determine the nature of the impact of fires on Baikal-Dzhugdzhur larch forests and the degree of their transformation.
«Green» Economy and «Green» Investments in Russia
Authors: Tagaeva T O , Gilmundinov V M , Kazantseva L K , Sinigaeva D D
Published: January 2022

The authors of this scientific paper examine the current situation in the Russian Federation associated with the pollution of water and the atmospheric resources, with the problem of production and consumption waste accumulation, and draw their attention to the imperfection of statistical information, which does not allow for an objective assessment of the environmental situation. The quality of natural resources is not improving despite the statistical decrease in emissions and discharges of pollutants. They concluded an inconsistency of the economic development in the Russian Federation with the principles of sustainability and the “green” economy. It is necessary to intensify investment activities to protect the natural environment, in order to change the situation. At present, the share of the environmental investments in all national economic capital investments is negligible - less than 1%. The sluggish dynamic of investment processes led to insufficient commissioning of the main environmental funds. Recently, the situation has worsened in connection with the sequestration of the national project “Ecology” due to the pandemic problems. The article is devoted to the analyses of the “green” investment processes in Russia. The author’s definition of “green” investment is given.
Geochemical peculiarities of underground and surface waters in the area of influence of the ash dump of the Chita CHPP-1
Authors: Usmanova L I , Usmanov M T
Published: January 2022

As a result of filtration leaks from the ash dump, an envelope with a length of over 3 km up to the lake Kenon has been formed along the flow of groundwater bicarbonate-sulphate waters with a mineralization of more than 1.0 g / l, substandard in terms of drinking waters relative to the total mineralization, the magnitude of stiffness and the content of magnesium and silicon. Pollution of natural waters in the areas of disposal of ash dumps is a common problem of coal power plants and thermal power plants [1, 2]. In this regard, the Chita CHPP-1 is no exception. The purpose of this message is to show the change in the chemical characteristics of groundwater and surface water in the zone of influence of its hydraulic ash dump, based on the results of the work performed by the authors. The study was based on the results of hydrogeochemical studies of natural and man-made objects for 2002, 2008 and 2015. Samples were taken in the autumn-summer period (open water period), which, given the fairly stable hydrogeochemical regime within the annual cycle, is fairly representative.
Pannexin 2 is expressed in murine skin and promotes UVB-induced apoptosis of keratinocytes
Authors: Sanchez-Pupo Rafael E. , O’Donnell Brooke L. , Johnston Danielle , Gyenis Laszlo , Litchfield David W. , Penuela Silvia
Published: January 2022

The channel-forming protein pannexin 2 is transcriptionally regulated in the skin and promotes programmed cell death of keratinocytes after UV radiation. PANX2 is present at all ages in the mouse skin and promotes apoptosis of UV-irradiated keratinocytes regardless of its cleavage by executioner caspases.
Hierarchical integration of mitochondrial and nuclear positioning pathways by the Num1 EF hand
Authors: Anderson Heidi L. , Casler Jason C. , Lackner Laura L.
Published: January 2022

Num1 anchors mitochondria and dynein to the cell cortex. We found that the EF hand of Num1 and its ability to bind calcium function to couple dynein anchoring and activity in nuclear inheritance to the presence of mitochondria in the bud, providing a spatiotemporal mechanism to bias mitochondrial inheritance before nuclear inheritance.
Evaluation of the Value of Waist Circumference and Metabolomics in the Estimation of Visceral Adipose Tissue
Authors: Boone Sebastiaan C , van Smeden Maarten , Rosendaal Frits R , le Cessie Saskia , Groenwold Rolf H H , Jukema J Wouter , van Dijk Ko Willems , Lamb Hildo J , Greenland Philip , Neeland Ian J , Allison Matthew A , Criqui Michael H , Budoff Matthew J , Lind Lars L , Kullberg Joel , Ahlström Håkan , Mook-Kanamori Dennis O , de Mutsert Renée
Published: January 2022

Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is a strong prognostic factor for cardiovascular disease and a potential target for cardiovascular risk stratification. Because VAT is difficult to measure in clinical practice, we estimated prediction models with predictors routinely measured in general practice and VAT as outcome using ridge regression in 2,501 middle-aged participants from the Netherlands Epidemiology of Obesity study, 2008–2012. Adding waist circumference and other anthropometric measurements on top of the routinely measured variables improved the optimism-adjusted R2 from 0.50 to 0.58 with a decrease in the root-mean-square error (RMSE) from 45.6 to 41.5 cm2 and with overall good calibration. Further addition of predominantly lipoprotein-related metabolites from the Nightingale platform did not improve the optimism-corrected R2 and RMSE. The models were externally validated in 370 participants from the Prospective Investigation of Vasculature in Uppsala Seniors (PIVUS, 2006–2009) and 1,901 participants from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA, 2000–2007). Performance was comparable to the development setting in PIVUS (R2 = 0.63, RMSE = 42.4 cm2, calibration slope = 0.94) but lower in MESA (R2 = 0.44, RMSE = 60.7 cm2, calibration slope = 0.75). Our findings indicate that the estimation of VAT with routine clinical measurements can be substantially improved by incorporating waist circumference but not by metabolite measurements.
Effects and Safety of Allisartan Isoproxil Combined With Amlodipine or Indapamide in Patients With Hypertension Who Failed Allisartan Monotherapy
Authors: Wang Hong-yi , Wu Fang , Wang Ji-hua , Ma Qing-chun , Yang Fan , Lu Xi-ning , Huo Yong , Sun Ning-ling
Published: January 2022

Background

To primarily evaluate the effects and safety of a selective angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor blocker (ARB) allisartan isoproxil combined with amlodipine or indapamide in the treatment of patients with essential hypertension who failed allisartan monotherapy.

Methods

Patients aged 18–75 years with mild-to-moderate essential hypertension [office systolic blood pressure (SBP) 140 to <180 and/or office diastolic blood pressure (DBP) 90 to <110 mm Hg] in 44 study centers between 2016 and 2018 were recruited. Allisartan isoproxil tablet 240 mg was administered per day for 4 weeks, and continued for 8 weeks if office blood pressure (BP) achieved the target of SBP/DBP <140/90 mm Hg. The nonachievers were 1:1 randomly divided into allisartan isoproxil 240 mg + indapamide sustained-release tablet 1.5 mg, or allisartan isoproxil 240 mg + amlodipine besylate 5 mg groups for further 8 weeks of combined therapy. The BP target achieving rate, reduction of sitting BP from baseline, safety and compliance were evaluated as the primary efficacy endpoint.

Results

A total of 2,212 patients were enrolled, among them 2,126 patients were included in the efficacy analysis, with an average age of 55.1 ± 10.2 years. A total of 1,463 cases (68.8%) were effective after 4 weeks allisartan treatment, and the mean SBP and DBP were significantly decreased by 14.7 ± 12.2 and 8.0 ± 8.4 mm Hg compared with the baseline levels (all P < 0.001). In nonachievers, allisartan combined with indapamide for 8 weeks significantly lowered the sitting BP (SBP/DBP) by 14.0 ± 12.2/8.3 ± 9.2 mm Hg, respectively, compared with 4 weeks monotherapy with allisartan with a BP targeting rate of 57.7% (169/293). In the allisartan + amlodipine group, the SBP/DBP were significantly decreased by (14.4 ± 12.1/8.2 ± 8.2) mm Hg, respectively, with a BP targeting rate of 62.8% (181/288). There was no statistical significance in BP reduction, targeting rate, or adverse reactions between the 2 combined therapies.

Conclusions

Allisartan isoproxil combined with indapamide or amlodipine can further improve the BP targeting rate when allisartan monotherapy failed in essential hypertension. The 2 combined therapies have similar efficacy and safety.
Digital DNA lifecycle security and privacy: an overview
Authors: Alsaffar Muhalb M , Hasan Mohammad , McStay Gavin P , Sedky Mohamed
Published: January 2022

DNA sequencing technologies have advanced significantly in the last few years leading to advancements in biomedical research which has improved personalised medicine and the discovery of new treatments for diseases. Sequencing technology advancement has also reduced the cost of DNA sequencing, which has led to the rise of direct-to-consumer (DTC) sequencing, e.g. 23andme.com, ancestry.co.uk, etc. In the meantime, concerns have emerged over privacy and security in collecting, handling, analysing and sharing DNA and genomic data. DNA data are unique and can be used to identify individuals. Moreover, those data provide information on people’s current disease status and disposition, e.g. mental health or susceptibility for developing cancer. DNA privacy violation does not only affect the owner but also affects their close consanguinity due to its hereditary nature. This article introduces and defines the term ‘digital DNA life cycle’ and presents an overview of privacy and security threats and their mitigation techniques for predigital DNA and throughout the digital DNA life cycle. It covers DNA sequencing hardware, software and DNA sequence pipeline in addition to common privacy attacks and their countermeasures when DNA digital data are stored, queried or shared. Likewise, the article examines DTC genomic sequencing privacy and security.
Prion-like α-synuclein pathology in the brain of infants with Krabbe disease
Authors: Hatton Christopher , Ghanem Simona S. , Koss David J. , Abdi Ilham Y. , Gibbons Elizabeth , Guerreiro Rita , Bras Jose ,   International DLB Genetics Consortium, Bras Jose , Guerreiro Rita , Kun-Rodrigues Celia , Singleton Andrew , Hernandez Dena , Ross Owen A. , Dickson Dennis W. , Graff-Radford Neill , Ferman Tanis J. , Petersen Ronald C. , Boeve Brad F. , Heckman Michael G. , Trojanowski John Q. , Van Deerlin Vivianna , Cairns Nigel J. , Morris John C. , Stone David J. , Eicher John D. , Clark Lorraine , Honig Lawrence S , Marder Karen , Serrano Geidy E. , Beach Thomas G. , Galasko Douglas , Masliah Eliezer , Hardy John , Darwent Lee , Ansorge Olaf , Parkkinen Laura , Morgan Kevin , Brown Kristelle , Braae Anne , Barber Imelda , Troakes Claire , Al-Sarraj Safa , Warner Tom , Lashley Tammaryn , Holton Janice , Compta Yaroslau , Revesz Tamas , Lees Andrew , Zetterberg Henrik , Escott-Price Valentina , Pickering-Brown Stuart , Mann David , George-Hyslop Peter St. , Rogaeva Ekaterina , George-Hyslop Peter St. , Clarimon Jordi , Lleo Alberto , Morenas-Rodriguez Estrella , Pastor Pau , Diez-Fairen Monica , Aquilar Miquel , Compta Yaroslau , Shepherd Claire , Halliday Glenda M. , Tienari Pentti J. , Myllykangas Liisa , Oinas Minna , Santana Isabel , Lesage Suzanne , Zetterberg Henrik , Londos Elisabet , Lemstra Afina , Walker Lauren , Gelpi Ellen , Heywood Wendy , Outeiro Tiago F. , Attems Johannes , McFarland Robert , Forsyth Rob , El-Agnaf Omar M. , Erskine Daniel
Published: January 2022

Krabbe disease is an infantile neurodegenerative disorder resulting from pathogenic variants in the GALC gene that causes accumulation of the toxic sphingolipid psychosine. GALC variants are also associated with Lewy body diseases, an umbrella term for age-associated neurodegenerative diseases in which the protein α-synuclein aggregates into Lewy bodies. To explore whether α-synuclein in Krabbe disease has pathological similarities to that in Lewy body disease, we performed an observational post-mortem study of Krabbe disease brain tissue (n = 4) compared to infant controls (n = 4) and identified widespread accumulations of α-synuclein. To determine whether α-synuclein in Krabbe disease brain displayed disease-associated pathogenic properties we evaluated its seeding capacity using the real-time quaking-induced conversion assay in two cases for which frozen tissue was available and strikingly identified aggregation into fibrils similar to those observed in Lewy body disease, confirming the prion-like capacity of Krabbe disease-derived α-synuclein. These observations constitute the first report of prion-like α-synuclein in the brain tissue of infants and challenge the putative view that α-synuclein pathology is merely an age-associated phenomenon, instead suggesting it results from alterations to biological pathways, such as sphingolipid metabolism. Our findings have important implications for understanding the mechanisms underlying Lewy body formation in Lewy body disease.
Ross procedure provides survival benefit over mechanical valve in adults: a propensity-matched nationwide analysis
Authors: Gofus Jan , Fila Petr , Drabkova Svetlana , Zacek Pavel , Ondrasek Jiri , Nemec Petr , Sterba Jan , Tuna Martin , Jarkovsky Jiri , Vojacek Jan
Published: January 2022

OBJECTIVES

The choice of optimal surgical treatment for young and middle-aged adults with aortic valve disease remains a challenge. Mechanical aortic valve replacement (mAVR) is generally preferred despite promising recent outcomes of the Ross procedure. Our goal was to compare the strategies at a nationwide level.

METHODS

This study was a retrospective analysis of prospectively recorded data from the National Registry of Cardiac Surgery of the Czech Republic. Using propensity score matching, we compared the outcomes of patients undergoing the Ross procedure in 2 dedicated centres with all mAVRs performed in country between 2009 and 2020.

RESULTS

Throughout the study period, 296 adults underwent the Ross procedure and 5120 had an mAVR. We found and compared 291 matched pairs. There were no in-hospital deaths, and the risk of perioperative complications was similar in both groups. Over the average follow-up period of 4.1 vs 6.1 years, the Ross group had a lower all-cause mortality (0.7 vs 6.5%; P = 0.015). This result remained significant even when accounting for cardiac- and valve-related deaths only (P = 0.048). Unlike the Ross group, the mAVR group had a significantly lower relative survival compared with the age- and sex-matched general population. There was no difference in the risk of reoperation (4.5 vs 5.5%; P = 0.66).

CONCLUSIONS

The Ross procedure offers a significant midterm survival benefit over mAVR. The procedures have a comparable risk of perioperative complications. Patients after mAVR have reduced survival. Thus, the Ross procedure should be the preferred treatment option for young and middle-aged adults with aortic valve disease in dedicated centres.
The Politics of the Earth
Authors: Dryzek John S.
Published: January 2022

This book provides an accessible introduction to environmental politics through a powerful, discourse-centred approach which analyzes how environmental affairs are constructed and interpreted through language. It recounts developments beginning with the arrival of environmental crisis in the late 1960s, which yielded dire warnings about global shortages and ecological collapse. It moves through subsequent decades to the Paris Agreement on climate change, the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, and the anti-environmental backlash of denial and “Gray Radicalism”. The book develops an innovative approach to understanding contemporary environmental discourses, covering ecological limits and planetary boundaries, pragmatic problem-solving, sustainability, ecological modernization, and green radicalism, as well as radical anti-environmentalism. It analyzes key developments in environmental affairs alongside many examples that illustrate how discourses shape past and current debates on the environment. It concludes by examining the radical implications of the Anthropocene concept.
Whole exome sequence analysis in 51 624 participants identifies novel genes and variants associated with refractive error and myopia
Authors: Guggenheim Jeremy A , Clark Rosie , Cui Jiangtian , Terry Louise , Patasova Karina , Haarman Annechien E G , Musolf Anthony M , Verhoeven Virginie J M , Klaver Caroline C W , Bailey-Wilson Joan E , Hysi Pirro G , Williams Cathy ,   CREAM Consortium,   UK Biobank Eye Vision Consortium
Published: January 2022

Refractive errors are associated with a range of pathological conditions, such as myopic maculopathy and glaucoma, and are highly heritable. Studies of missense and putative loss of function (pLOF) variants identified via whole exome sequencing (WES) offer the prospect of directly implicating potentially causative disease genes. We performed a genome-wide association study for refractive error in 51 624 unrelated adults, of European ancestry, aged 40–69 years from the UK and genotyped using WES. After testing 29 179 pLOF and 495 263 missense variants, 1 pLOF and 18 missense variants in 14 distinct genomic regions were taken forward for fine-mapping analysis. This yielded 19 putative causal variants of which 18 had a posterior inclusion probability >0.5. Of the 19 putative causal variants, 12 were novel discoveries. Specific variants were associated with a more myopic refractive error, while others were associated with a more hyperopic refractive error. Association with age of onset of spectacle wear (AOSW) was examined in an independent validation sample (38 100 early AOSW cases and 74 243 controls). Of 11 novel variants that could be tested, 8 (73%) showed evidence of association with AOSW status. This work identified COL4A4 and ATM as novel candidate genes associated with refractive error. In addition, novel putative causal variants were identified in the genes RASGEF1, ARMS2, BMP4, SIX6, GSDMA, GNGT2, ZNF652 and CRX. Despite these successes, the study also highlighted the limitations of community-based WES studies compared with high myopia case–control WES studies.
Transcriptional repression of TaNOX10 by TaWRKY19 compromises ROS generation and enhances wheat susceptibility to stripe rust
Authors: Wang Ning , Fan Xin , He Mengying , Hu Zeyu , Tang Chunlei , Zhang Shan , Lin Dexing , Gan Pengfei , Wang Jianfeng , Huang Xueling , Gao Caixia , Kang Zhensheng , Wang Xiaojie
Published: January 2022

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are vital for plant immunity and regulation of their production is crucial for plant health. While the mechanisms that elicit ROS production have been relatively well studied, those that repress ROS generation are less well understood. Here, via screening Brachypodium distachyon RNA interference mutants, we identified BdWRKY19 as a negative regulator of ROS generation whose knockdown confers elevated resistance to the rust fungus Puccinia brachypodii. The three wheat paralogous genes TaWRKY19 are induced during infection by virulent P. striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst) and have partially redundant roles in resistance. The stable overexpression of TaWRKY19 in wheat increased susceptibility to an avirulent Pst race, while mutations in all three TaWRKY19 copies conferred strong resistance to Pst by enhancing host plant ROS accumulation. We show that TaWRKY19 is a transcriptional repressor that binds to a W-box element in the promoter of TaNOX10, which encodes an NADPH oxidase and is required for ROS generation and host resistance to Pst. Collectively, our findings reveal that TaWRKY19 compromises wheat resistance to the fungal pathogen and suggest TaWRKY19 as a potential target to improve wheat resistance to the commercially important wheat stripe rust fungus.
Developing a Parental Leave Policy in Undergraduate Medical Education: A Successful Student–Administration Collaboration
Authors: Gaghan Lindsey , Parker Bao-Tran
Published: January 2022

Problem

Most medical schools lack parental leave policies, leaving medical students vulnerable to discrimination, diminished educational opportunities, delays in graduation or matching, and breaches of privacy. This report outlines the steps taken by student-leaders to advocate for such a policy and the lessons learned along the way.

Approach

In September 2018, leaders of the Family Support Initiative, a medical student interest group at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, initiated the process of advocating for a clear, official parental leave policy. Certain elements proved essential in bringing about institutional change, including active involvement of a faculty advocate; well-documented student testimonials; commitment from top administrative leaders; involvement of the Title IX office and legal counsel; creating space for authentic collaboration; building clear, flexible mechanisms for making up missed time; and consideration of preclinical training and regional campuses.

Outcomes

The Education Committee unanimously approved the New Child Adjustment Policy in June 2019. The policy was published online; shared broadly in various formats with students, faculty, and members of the university health system; and announced at class meetings and new student orientations. Faculty advisors were trained on its content and procedures. Administrators and students report that the policy has informed their discussions around family planning and made these conversations easier to navigate.

Next Steps

The process model outlined here is intended to serve as a roadmap for other institutions. While student input should inform the development of parental leave policies, institutions are morally and ethically responsible for providing parental leave policies that address the key components outlined here. The authors will further study the impact of this policy on student satisfaction and academic performance. The authors urge the Liaison Committee on Medical Education and Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation to make clear, inclusive, student-centered parental leave policies a requirement for accreditation.
The Lapidus Procedure: The Evolution From Suture Fixation to Rigid Multiplanar Correction
Authors: Schafer Kevin A. , McCormick Jeremy J.
Published: January 2022

After nearly 30 years of performing first tarsometatarsal joint fusions in the treatment of hallux valgus deformity, Paul Lapidus described his career experience with this procedure as “most gratifying and warranting continuation.” Modified versions of his original procedure remain effective for treating large transverse plane deformities, but are also a powerful tool for simultaneous correction of sagittal and frontal plane rotational deformities. Recent investigations with weight-bearing computed tomography scan demonstrate that hallux valgus deformities are multiplanar and can have variable subcomponents between patients, suggesting a patient specific approach may yield the most predictable outcomes. We describe our preferred use of the modified Lapidus procedure for treating hallux valgus deformity, and discuss surgical indications, techniques, and complications.