bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Age and postoperative opioid prescriptions: a population‐based cohort study of opioid‐naïve adults
Authors: Bethell Jennifer , Neuman Mark D. , Bateman Brian T. , Hill Andrea D. , Ladha Karim S. , Wijeysundera Duminda N. , Wunsch Hannah
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Opioids are commonly prescribed for acute pain after surgery. However, it is unclear whether these prescriptions are usually modified to account for patient age and, in particular, opioid‐related risks among older adults. We therefore sought to describe postoperative opioid prescriptions filled by opioid‐naïve adults undergoing four common surgical procedures.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study used individually linked surgery and prescription opioid dispensing data from Ontario, Canada to create a population‐based sample of 135 659 opioid‐naïve adults who underwent one of four surgical procedures (laparoscopic cholecystectomy, laparoscopic appendectomy, knee meniscectomy, or breast excision) between 2013 and 2017. Patient age, in years, was categorized as 18 to 64, 65 to 69, 70 to 74, and 75 and over. Postoperative opioid prescriptions were identified as those filled on or within 6 days of surgical discharge date. For those who filled a prescription, we assessed the total morphine milligram equivalent (MME) dose, types of opioids, and any subsequent opioid prescriptions filled within 30 days of surgical discharge date. Results were presented stratified by surgical procedure.

Results

For three of the four surgical procedures we assessed, the proportion of patients who filled a postoperative opioid prescription decreased with age (P < 0.001 for trend), and there was a small shift in the type of opioid (more codeine or tramadol and less oxycodone; P < 0.001 for trend). However, the total MME dose of the initial prescription(s) filled showed minimal age‐related trends.

Conclusions

The proportion of opioid‐naïve patients filling postoperative opioid prescriptions decreases with age. However, postoperative opioid prescription dosage is not typically different in older adults.
Antipsychotic Medications and DNA Methylation in Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder: A Systematic Review
Authors: Burghardt Kyle J. , Khoury Audrey S. , Msallaty Zaher , Yi Zhengping , Seyoum Berhane
Published: February 2020

The pharmacoepigenetics of antipsychotic treatment in severe mental illness is a growing area of research that aims to understand the interface between antipsychotic treatment and genetic regulation. Pharmacoepigenetics may some day assist in identifying treatment response mechanisms or become one of the components in the implementation of precision medicine. To understand the current evidence regarding the effects of antipsychotics on DNA methylation a systematic review with qualitative synthesis was performed through Pubmed, Embase and Psychinfo from earliest data to June 2019. Studies were included if they analyzed DNA methylation in an antipsychotic‐treated population of patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Data extraction occurred via a standardized format and study quality was assessed. Twenty‐nine studies were identified for inclusion. Study design, antipsychotic type, sample source, and methods of DNA methylation measurement varied across all studies. Eighteen studies analyzed methylation in patients with schizophrenia, four studies in patients with bipolar disorder, and seven studies in a combined sample of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Twenty‐two studies used observational samples whereas the remainder used prospectively treated samples. Six studies assessed global methylation, five assessed epigenome‐wide, and 15 performed a candidate epigenetic study. Two studies analyzed both global and gene‐specific methylation, whereas one study performed a simultaneous epigenome‐wide and gene‐specific study. Only three genes were analyzed in more than one gene‐specific study and the findings were discordant. The state of the pharmacoepigenetic literature on antipsychotic use is still in its early stages and uniform reporting of methylation site information is needed. Future work should concentrate on using prospective sampling with appropriate control groups and begin to replicate many of the novel associations that have been reported.
Multiple point mutations in PsORP1 gene conferring different resistance levels to oxathiapiprolin confirmed using CRISPR–Cas9 in Phytophthora sojae
Authors: Miao Jianqiang , Liu Xiaofei , Li Guixiang , Du Xiaoran , Liu Xili
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND

Oxathiapiprolin is among the first commercial oxysterol‐binding protein inhibitors (OSBPIs) developed by DuPont Corporation and shows excellent activity against plant‐pathogenic oomycetes. Although more than 21 target site mutations have been identified in insensitive oomycetes, only G770V, G839W, and ΔN837 have been verified to confer oxathiapiprolin resistance in Phytophthora capsici or P. sojae. The effect of other mutations on OSBPIs sensitivity requires urgent investigation.

RESULTS

P. sojae transformants containing 16 mutations of PsORP1 were recovered using the CRISPR–Cas9 system. Transformants containing L733W, S768F, S768Y, N837Y, N837F, P861H, L863W, or I877Y showed high oxathiapiprolin resistance, with resistant factors (RFs) > 3000. Point mutations S768K, S768I, G770L, G770P, G770A, ΔG818/F819, N837I, and I877F exhibited low resistance, with RFs < 80. Phenotype assays revealed that the most highly resistant transformants showed enhanced or similar pathogenicity, oospore production, and cyst gemination. However, most transformants displayed decreased sporangia and zoospore production compared with parental wild‐type P6497.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that L733W, S768F, S768Y, N837Y, N837F, P861H, L863W, and I877Y in PsORP1 confer high oxathiapiprolin resistance in P. sojae.
Extraction and Analysis of the Characteristic Parameters in Back‐to‐Back Connected Asymmetric Schottky Diode
Authors: Wang Zuo , Zang Wanyu , Shi Yeming , Zhu Xingyu , Rao Gaofeng , Wang Yang , Chu Junwei , Gong Chuanhui , Gao Xiuying , Sun Hui , Huanglong Sibo , Yang Dingyu , Wangyang Peihua
Published: February 2020

The physical Schottky parameters of devices based on Schottky contact are important to analyze the working mechanism. This article theoretically studies the parameter characteristics of the current–voltage curve of two back‐to‐back connected Schottky contacts via the thermionic emission model, and it is found that not all the parameters are able to be extracted under some constraints. Compared with some classical extraction methods, a straightforward strategy to approach the Schottky intrinsic parameters by solving equations during the characteristic interval are presented. In addition, this method is verified on several representative standard curves and experimental curves, and the extracted parameters are highly compatible with those curves. The current extraction method will be of great significance for the design and preparation of Schottky‐based devices.
Apigenin as an anticancer agent
Authors: Imran Muhammad , Aslam Gondal Tanweer , Atif Muhammad , Shahbaz Muhammad , Batool Qaisarani Tahira , Hanif Mughal Muhammad , Salehi Bahare , Martorell Miquel , Sharifi‐Rad Javad
Published: February 2020

Apigenin is an edible plant‐derived flavonoid that has been reported as an anticancer agent in several experimental and biological studies. It exhibits cell growth arrest and apoptosis in different types of tumors such as breast, lung, liver, skin, blood, colon, prostate, pancreatic, cervical, oral, and stomach, by modulating several signaling pathways. Apigenin induces apoptosis by the activation of extrinsic caspase‐dependent pathway by upregulating the mRNA expressions of caspase‐3, caspase‐8, and TNF‐α. It induces intrinsic apoptosis pathway as evidenced by the induction of cytochrome c, Bax, and caspase‐3, while caspase‐8, TNF‐α, and B‐cell lymphoma 2 levels remained unchanged in human prostate cancer PC‐3 cells. Apigenin treatment leads to significant downregulation of matrix metallopeptidases‐2, −9, Snail, and Slug, suppressing invasion. The expressions of NF‐κB p105/p50, PI3K, Akt, and the phosphorylation of p‐Akt decreases after treatment with apigenin. However, apigenin‐mediated treatment significantly reduces pluripotency marker Oct3/4 protein expression which might be associated with the downregulation of PI3K/Akt/NF‐κB signaling.
NowPrecip: localized precipitation nowcasting in the complex terrain of Switzerland
Authors: Sideris I. V. , Foresti L. , Nerini D. , Germann U.
Published: February 2020

The new precipitation nowcasting system “NowPrecip” is introduced and its methodology is described in detail. NowPrecip is an area‐tracking application, able to generate ensembles of precipitation nowcasts. It supports the paradigm of seamless forecasting: nowcasts start from the most recent radar observation and evolve smoothly, through merging, towards the numerical weather prediction (NWP) ensemble members. NowPrecip relies on the following three pillars. (a) A geostatistics‐based optical flow algorithm, named “NowTrack”, able to determine the scales of interest automatically and equipped with an outlier control scheme. Such a scheme is particularly useful in capturing situations like fine‐scale rotation accurately. (b) A localized architecture motivated by the need to address scenarios where distinct rainfall patterns characterize different parts of the domain. This is mostly relevant for complex terrains like Switzerland, but is also useful for areal nowcasting operating on extensive regions. (c) Techniques to compute and incorporate localized growth and decay into the computation of nowcasts. This is especially useful for Alpine terrain, where there is often systematic growth and decay associated with orographic features. The growth and decay factors are based on analysis of the available NWP product, allowing for a more efficient coupling between the nowcasting sequence and the numerical model output. The main scope of this work is to present the methodology of NowPrecip in detail, but a verification of several representative events is also provided, using both deterministic and probabilistic measures.
Radiologische Diagnostik chronisch-entzündlicher Darmerkrankungen bei Kindern und Jugendlichen
Authors: Nagy E. , Sorantin E.
Published: February 2020

Dank der technischen Fortschritte nehmen bildgebende Methoden eine immer wichtigere Rolle sowohl in der Diagnostik als auch im klinischen Management chronisch-entzündlicher Darmerkrankungen (CED), insbesondere in der Pädiatrie, ein. Dieser Beitrag fokussiert charakteristische Erscheinungsformen der CED und jeweils relevante bildgebende Verfahren (Ultraschall und MRT). Außerdem werden Forschungstrends und aktueller Wissensstand zu verschiedenen bildgebenden Modalitäten dargestellt.
Current and future requirements to industrial analytical infrastructure—part 2: smart sensors
Authors: Eifert Tobias , Eisen Kristina , Maiwald Michael , Herwig Christoph
Published: February 2020

Complex processes meet and need Industry 4.0 capabilities. Shorter product cycles, flexible production needs, and direct assessment of product quality attributes and raw material attributes call for an increased need of new process analytical technologies (PAT) concepts. While individual PAT tools may be available since decades, we need holistic concepts to fulfill above industrial needs. In this series of two contributions, we want to present a combined view on the future of PAT (process analytical technology), which is projected in smart labs (Part 1) and smart sensors (Part 2). Part 2 of this feature article series describes the future functionality as well as the ingredients of a smart sensor aiming to eventually fuel full PAT functionality. The smart sensor consists of (i) chemical and process information in the physical twin by smart field devices, by measuring multiple components, and is fully connected in the IIoT 4.0 environment. In addition, (ii) it includes process intelligence in the digital twin, as to being able to generate knowledge from multi-sensor and multi-dimensional data. The cyber-physical system (CPS) combines both elements mentioned above and allows the smart sensor to be self-calibrating and self-optimizing. It maintains its operation autonomously. Furthermore, it allows—as central PAT enabler—a flexible but also target-oriented predictive control strategy and efficient process development and can compensate variations of the process and raw material attributes. Future cyber-physical production systems—like smart sensors—consist of the fusion of two main pillars, the physical and the digital twins. We discuss the individual elements of both pillars, such as connectivity, and chemical analytics on the one hand as well as hybrid models and knowledge workflows on the other. Finally, we discuss its integration needs in a CPS in order to allow its versatile deployment in efficient process development and advanced optimum predictive process control.
Identification and quantification of cannabinol as a biomarker for local hemp retting in an ancient sedimentary record by HPTLC-ESI-MS
Authors: Schmidt Theresa , Kramell Annemarie Elisabeth , Oehler Florian , Kluge Ralph , Demske Dieter , Tarasov Pavel E , Csuk René
Published: February 2020

Cannabis products have been used in various fields of everyday life for many centuries, and applications in folk medicine and textile production have been well-known for many centuries. For traditional textile production, hemp fibers were extracted from the stems by water retting in stagnant or slow-moving waters. During this procedure, parts of the plant material‚ among them phytocannabinoids‚ are released into the water. Cannabinol (CBN) is an important degradation product of the predominant phytocannabinoids found in Cannabis species. Thus, it is an excellent indicator for present as well as ancient hemp water retting. In this study, we developed and validated a simple and fast method for the determination of CBN in sediment samples using high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) combined with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), thereby testing different extraction and cleanup procedures‚ as well as various sorbents and solvents for planar chromatography. This method shows a satisfactory overall analytical performance with an average recovery rate of 73%. Our protocol enabled qualitative and quantitative analyses of CBN in samples of a bottom sediment core‚ having been obtained from a small lake in Northern India, where intense local retting of hemp was suggested in the past. The analyses showed a maximum CBN content in pollen zone 4 covering a depth range of 262–209 cm, dating from approximately 480 BCE to 1050 CE. These findings correlate with existing records of Cannabis-type pollen. Thus, the method we propose is a helpful tool to track ancient hemp retting activities.
Indikationen und Operationsmethoden für die Implantation der Artificial Iris®
Authors: Riedl Jana C. , Schuster Alexander K. , Vossmerbaeumer Urs
Published: February 2020

Hintergrund

Die Implantation der Artificial Iris® (Human Optics AG, Erlangen) wird zur Pupillen- und Irisrekonstruktion bei Patienten mit einer partiellen oder kompletten Aniridie eingesetzt. Bisher liegen nur wenige Fallberichte und kurzfristige Ergebnisse in der Literatur vor.

Ziel der Arbeit

Ziel dieser Analyse ist es, die verschiedenen Indikationsstellungen sowie das funktionelle Ergebnis darzustellen.

Material und Methode

Es wurden 51 Augen von 50 Patienten, bei denen eine Artificial Iris® implantiert wurde, in dieser retrospektiven konsekutiven Fallstudie analysiert. Alle Operationen wurden vom selben Ophthalmochirurg (UV) an der Universitäts-Augenklinik Mainz durchgeführt. Die Ausgangsbefunde wurden in Bezug zur Indikationsstellung gesetzt und funktionelle Ergebnisse untersucht.

Ergebnisse

Es wurden 51 Augen von 50 Patienten mit einem mittleren Alter von 57 ± 16,5 Jahren (16 Frauen und 34 Männer) analysiert. Während der Großteil der Patienten unter einer traumatischen partiellen oder kompletten Aniridie litt, zeigte die Minderheit angeborene Irisdefekte. Der Visus konnte bei 53 % der Patienten (p = 0,0001) postoperativ verbessert werden.

Schlussfolgerung

Diese Analyse zeigt die verschiedenen und vielfältigen Indikationen zur Implantation einer Artificial Iris® auf. Der postoperative Visusgewinn ist hierbei nicht immer die primäre Zielsetzung, vielmehr stehen die Reduktion der Blendung und zum Teil auch die kosmetische Rehabilitation – bei den zum Großteil stark vorgeschädigten Augen – im Vordergrund. Die Langzeitergebnisse werden zurzeit in einer Studie analysiert und baldmöglichst veröffentlicht.
Facial rejuvenation using photodynamic therapy with a novel preparation of ALA and hyaluronic acid in young adults
Authors: Huang Alisen , Nguyen Julie K. , Austin Evan , Mamalis Andrew , Cohen Marc , Semkhayev Boris , Ho Derek , Jagdeo Jared
Published: February 2020

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a well-established, non-invasive treatment modality that has shown desirable effects such as improvement of fine lines, dyspigmentation, and other signs of photodamage. Many patients seek to decrease, or reverse, effects of sun damage on the skin. Hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring glycosaminoglycan found in the body, has enormous potential to bind water which allows the skin to retain moisture and maintain elasticity. Topical application of HA has been found to produce anti-wrinkle effects. We conducted a pilot case series evaluating the safety and efficacy of a commercially available 2% 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) gel with hyaluronic acid (ALA-HA) and light-emitting diode-red light (LED-RL) for facial rejuvenation as determined by clinical assessments and digital skin analysis of rhytides, pore size, and erythema. All patients noted improvement of their skin and experienced minimal pain during PDT. Evaluation by dermatologists demonstrated significant improvement in overall skin appearance. Digital analysis of photographs revealed improvement of skin spots, wrinkles, pores, texture, UV spots, brown spots, red areas, and porphyrins. Our findings demonstrated safety and efficacy of this novel preparation of photodynamic gel with HA and subsequent activation with LED-RL.
Swelling of cell walls in mature sweet cherry fruit: factors and mechanisms
Authors: Schumann Christine , Knoche Moritz
Published: February 2020

Main conclusion

Swelling of sweet cherry cell walls is a physical process counterbalanced by turgor. Cell turgor prevents swelling in intact cells, whereas loss of turgor allows cell walls to swell.

Swelling of epidermal cell walls precedes skin failure in sweet cherry (Prunus avium) cracking. Swollen cell walls lead to diminished cell:cell adhesions. We identify the mechanism of cell wall swelling. Swelling was quantified microscopically on epidermal sections following freeze/thaw treatment or by determining swelling pressure or swelling capacity of cell wall extracts. Releasing turgor by a freeze/thaw treatment increased cell wall thickness 1.6-fold within 2 h. Pressurizing cell wall extracts at > 12 kPa prevented swelling in water, while releasing the pressure increased swelling. The effect was fully reversible. Across cultivars, cell wall thickness before and after turgor release in two subsequent seasons was significantly correlated (before release of turgor:r = 0.71**,n = 14; after release of turgor:r = 0.73**,n = 14) as was the swelling of cell walls upon turgor release (r = 0.71**,n = 14). Close relationships were also identified for cell wall thickness of fruit of the same cultivars grown in the greenhouse and the field (before release of turgor:r = 0.60,n = 10; after release of turgor:r = 0.78**,n = 10). Release of turgor by heating, plasmolysis, incubation in solvents or surfactants resulted in similar swelling (range 2.0–3.1 µm). Cell wall swelling increased from 1.4 to 3.0 µm as pH increased from pH 2.0 to 5.0 but remained nearly constant between pH 5.0 and 8.0. Increasing ethanol concentration decreased swelling. Swelling of sweet cherry cell walls is a physical process counterbalanced by turgor.
Health-related quality of life and distress in elderly vs. younger patients with high-grade glioma—results of a multicenter study
Authors: Renovanz Mirjam , Hickmann Anne-Katrin , Nadji-Ohl Minou , Keric Naureen , Weimann Elke , Wirtz Christian Rainer , Singer Susanne , Ringel Florian , Coburger Jan
Published: February 2020

Objective

Half of all newly diagnosed patients with glioblastoma are > 65 years still with a poor prognosis. Preserving quality of life is of high importance. However, patient reported outcome (PRO) data in this patient group is rare. The aim was to compare health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and distress between elderly and younger patients with high-grade glioma (HGG).

Methods

We used baseline data of a prospective study where HGG patients were enrolled from 4 hospitals. Distress was measured using the distress thermometer (DT), HRQoL using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Core Questionnaire (QLQ-C30) plus brain module (BN20). We compared distress and HRQoL by age (≥ 65 vs. < 65 years), gender, performance score, and time since diagnosis using multivariate linear and logistic regressions.

Results

A total ofn = 93 (30%) out ofn = 309 patients were ≥ 65 years (mean 70 years, range 65–86 years). Mean DT score of elderly patients (5.2, SD 2.6) was comparable with younger patients (4.9, SD 2.6). Elderly patients reported significantly lower global health (GHS, mean elderly vs. younger; 50.8 vs. 60.5,p = 0.003), worse physical (56.8 vs. 73.3,p < 0.001) and lower cognitive functioning (51.1 vs. 63.2,p = 0.002), worse fatigue (52.5 vs. 43.5,p = 0.042), and worse motor dysfunction (34.9 vs. 23.6,p = 0.030). KPS and not age was consistently associated with HRQoL.

Conclusion

Physical functioning was significantly reduced in the elderly compared with younger HGG patients, and at the same time, emotional functioning and DT scores were comparable. KPS shows a greater association with HRQoL than with calendric age in HGG patients reflecting the particular importance for adequate assessment of HRQoL and general condition in elderly patients.
CEO Hubris and Firm Pollution: A Tricky Relationship
Authors: Theissen Maximilian H. , Theissen Hubertus H.
Published: February 2020

This article comments on the recent study “CEO hubris and firm pollution: state and market contingencies in a transitional economy” of Zhang et al. (J Bus Ethics 161(2):459–478, 2020) in this journal. We very much appreciate the valuable initiative of Zhang et al. to study the potential effect of CEO characteristics on corporate pollution. At the same time, we are concerned with the authors’ interpretation of the regression results and their operationalization of CEO hubris. We hope to contribute to the literature on managerial hubris in two ways. First, we repair the authors’ inferences and conclusions about the actual effect of CEO hubris on firm pollution with respect to their conflicting regression results. Second, we unpack and clarify the authors’ vulnerable operationalization of CEO hubris. We hope to stimulate more research on (1) the (tricky) relationship between CEO hubris and firm pollution, and (2) managerial hubris more generally through a more rigorous operationalization and measurement of hubris.
A guide to the identification of subfossil non-chydorid Cladocera (Crustacea: Branchiopoda) from lake sediments of Central America and the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico: part I
Authors: Wojewódka M. , Sinev A. Y. , Zawisza E.
Published: February 2020

Cladocera (Crustacea: Branchiopoda) quickly respond to changes in environmental conditions and their remains are usually found in large amounts in lacustrine sediments, which make them an important biological proxy in paleolimnological studies. Variations in species composition have been used to infer paleo-climate and paleo-environmental variables including lake depth, eutrophication, and deforestation. However, despite their advantages as bioindicators in the study of past conditions, they are underutilized in paleolimnological research in Central America due to limited knowledge about their diversity and the morphological differences between the subfossil remains of different taxa. In order to address this issue, we described and analyzed cladoceran remains from 56 waterbodies located in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. Here, we provide a description of the remains from 10 different taxa that belong to the Sididae, Bosminidae, Daphniidae, Macrothricidae, and Ilyocryptidae families.
A phase-field study on polymerization-induced phase separation occasioned by diffusion and capillary flow—a mechanism for the formation of porous microstructures in membranes
Authors: Wang Fei , Ratke Lorenz , Zhang Haodong , Altschuh Patrick , Nestler Britta
Published: February 2020

The performance and the application of membranes, which are usually produced from polymer solutions, are strongly determined by their porous microstructures. One important mechanism for producing the porous microstructures of membranes is polymerization-induced phase separation (PIPS). Here, we scrutinize PIPS by employing a Cahn–Hilliard–Navier–Stokes method coupling with the Flory–Huggins model. We focus on the formation of membranes via diffusion as well as capillary flow. We report several morphological evolution characteristics of PIPS: (1) an asynchronous effect, where the polymer-rich phase and the polymer-lean phase reach their equilibrium concentrations at different times, (2) a center-to-center movement and collision-induced collision of polymer-rich particles, (3) transition of network structures into polymer particles and rebuilding of network structures from polymer particles, (4) polymer ring patterns. We expect that these findings would shed light on complex microstructures of membranes and provide guidance for the fabrication of desired membranes.
Monte Carlo co-ordinate ascent variational inference
Authors: Ye Lifeng , Beskos Alexandros , De Iorio Maria , Hao Jie
Published: February 2020

In variational inference (VI), coordinate-ascent and gradient-based approaches are two major types of algorithms for approximating difficult-to-compute probability densities. In real-world implementations of complex models, Monte Carlo methods are widely used to estimate expectations in coordinate-ascent approaches and gradients in derivative-driven ones. We discuss a Monte Carlo co-ordinate ascent VI (MC-CAVI) algorithm that makes use of Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods in the calculation of expectations required within co-ordinate ascent VI (CAVI). We show that, under regularity conditions, an MC-CAVI recursion will get arbitrarily close to a maximiser of the evidence lower bound with any given high probability. In numerical examples, the performance of MC-CAVI algorithm is compared with that of MCMC and—as a representative of derivative-based VI methods—of Black Box VI (BBVI). We discuss and demonstrate MC-CAVI’s suitability for models withhard constraintsin simulated and real examples. We compare MC-CAVI’s performance with that of MCMC in an important complex model used in nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy data analysis—BBVI is nearly impossible to be employed in this setting due to the hard constraints involved in the model.
Verunsicherungen und Herausforderungen
Authors: Ehlert Gudrun , Radvan Heike , Schäuble Barbara , Thiessen Barbara
Published: February 2020

Gesellschaftliche Veränderungen im Kontext rechtspopulistischer und extrem rechter Mobilsierungen machen auch vor den Hochschulen nicht Halt. Profession und Disziplin Sozialer Arbeit markieren den Bedarf an einem inhaltlichen Austausch und an der eigenen Strategieentwicklung. Der Beitrag stellt Perspektiven und Fragestellungen einer Arbeitstagung von zwei Fachgruppen der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Soziale Arbeit vor.
Sharp Cheeger–Buser Type Inequalities in $$ \mathsf {RCD}(K,\infty )$$ Spaces
Authors: De Ponti Nicolò , Mondino Andrea
Published: February 2020

The goal of the paper is to sharpen and generalise bounds involving Cheeger’s isoperimetric constant h and the first eigenvalue $$\lambda _{1}$$

λ
1

of the Laplacian. A celebrated lower bound of $$\lambda _{1}$$

λ
1

in terms of h, $$\lambda _{1}\ge h^{2}/4$$

λ
1

≥

h
2

/
4

, was proved by Cheeger in 1970 for smooth Riemannian manifolds. An upper bound on $$\lambda _{1}$$

λ
1

in terms of h was established by Buser in 1982 (with dimensional constants) and improved (to a dimension-free estimate) by Ledoux in 2004 for smooth Riemannian manifolds with Ricci curvature bounded below. The goal of the paper is twofold. First: we sharpen the inequalities obtained by Buser and Ledoux obtaining a dimension-free sharp Buser inequality for spaces with (Bakry–Émery weighted) Ricci curvature bounded below by $$K\in \mathbb R$$

K
∈
R

(the inequality is sharp for $$K>0$$

K
>
0

as equality is obtained on the Gaussian space). Second: all of our results hold in the higher generality of (possibly non-smooth) metric measure spaces with Ricci curvature bounded below in synthetic sense, the so-called $$ \mathsf {RCD}(K,\infty )$$

RCD
(
K
,
∞
)

spaces.
Click chemical assembly and validation of bio-functionalized superparamagnetic hybrid microspheres
Authors: Saladino Giovanni M. , Hamawandi Bejan , Vogt Carmen , Rajarao Gunaratna K. , Toprak Muhammet S.
Published: February 2020

Surface derivatized magnetic nanoparticles have been commonly used for magnetic separation. Facile mechanisms are needed to be developed for the design of bio-functionalized magnetic hybrid materials, where the surfaces can be re-generated for the re-use of the developed platforms. Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles with a diameter below 10 nm were synthesized via a novel microwave-assisted hydrothermal method in the presence of citrate ions, which allowed to obtain uniform and negatively charged nanoparticles. These were then coupled with Poly-l-lysine (PLL), forming micrometer-sized self-assembled spherical entities. Cross-linking the PLL within these microspheres with glutaraldehyde stabilized them chemically and mechanically. The active bio-functionality was introduced by a protein grafting methodology, using m-maleimidobenzoyl-N-hydroxysulfosuccinimide ester (SMBS). The Moringa oleifera Coagulant Protein (MOCP) from a seed extract was employed for its characteristic coagulation activity. The performance of the MOCP functionalized microspheres was evaluated as a function of turbidity removal of problematic colloidal clay from water via magnetic separation, resulting in over 80% of activity within 15 min. Surface of these hybrid materials can be re-generated by treatment with alcohol, allowing their easy magnetic separation and re-use. The rapid and strong response with tunable magnetic property makes these hybrid microspheres a powerful tool for many potential applications, due to the general applicability of the developed methodology.
Trajectories of physical performance in nursing home residents with dementia
Authors: Sverdrup Karen , Bergh Sverre , Selbæk Geir , Benth Jūratė Šaltytė , Røen Irene M. , Husebo Bettina , Tangen Gro G.
Published: February 2020

Background

In nursing homes (NH) the prevalence of dementia ranges from 50 to 84% and most residents have extensive physical-performance impairments. However, from time of admission, development of physical performance in NH residents with dementia remains unexplored.

Aims

To explore the overall trend in physical performance, associated characteristics, and groups following distinct trajectories from time of admission, in NH residents with dementia.

Methods

We followed newly admitted NH residents diagnosed with dementia (N = 583) from 47 NHs across Norway for 3 years. Individual assessments were conducted biannually, and main outcome measure was the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Facility-level characteristics included unit size, staff-to-resident ratio, and quality of the physical environment (Special Care Unit Environmental Quality Scale, SCUEQS).

Results

From time of admission, NH residents with dementia showed a significant overall decline in physical performance. Further, we identified three distinct trajectory groups with significantly different baseline physical-performance status (“good,” “moderate,” and “poor”), differences between groups maintained and all declined across time. Younger age, good general medical health, less-severe dementia, and less musculoskeletal pain were associated with both an average higher overall trend and better baseline group-belonging. Additionally, less apathy and more psychosis were associated with a higher overall trend, and agitation was associated with poorer baseline group-belonging.

Conclusions

To prevent excessive decline in physical performance in this population, NH clinicians should focus efforts specifically on assessment of physical performance at admission and on identification and management of musculoskeletal pain and neuropsychiatric symptoms.
Kafkas Erzählung In der Strafkolonie und ihre »unverwischbaren Fehler«
Authors: Seiler Bernd W.
Published: February 2020

Noch nie ist genauer bedacht worden, auf welche »Fehler« Kafka in seiner Strafkolonie-Erzählung aufmerksam geworden ist. Geht man der Frage nach, erkennt man, dass ein »unverwischbarer« Widerspruch die gesamte Handlung durchzieht: Einerseits ist das Hinrichtungsverfahren in der Strafkolonie allgemein bekannt, andererseits dürfen die Verurteilten nichts darüber wissen, wenn es seinen Zweck erfüllen soll. Woher kommen dann die vielen ahnungslosen Delinquenten, die der Offizier mit seinem »Apparat« hinrichtet? Diese im Text nie berührte Unklarheit hat weitere Widersprüche zur Folge und lässt überdies erkennen, dass man sich auch auf den Reisenden als Beurteiler nicht verlassen kann. Eine befriedigende Auflösung der Unstimmigkeiten findet sich nicht. Es gibt da tatsächlich einen »Wurm, der selbst das Volle der Geschichte hohl macht«, wie Kafka selbst festgestellt hat.
Crystallization Variations in Clay Minerals with Latitude in Jilin Province, China: A Climate Perspective
Authors: Chen Yating , Wang Qing , Han Yan , Han Mengxia , Shen Jiejie , Kong Yuanyuan , Zhang Xudong
Published: February 2020

In the soils of western Jilin Province in northeastern China, some significant gaps have been observed between the fraction of the soil existing as clay-size particles (<0.002 mm) and the amount attributable to crystalline clay minerals, and that the relative proportions of crystalline clay minerals to the total clay-size fraction (CP) apparently varies with latitude. The purpose of the present study was to identify the reason for this discrepancy and to explain the dependence on latitude. The grain sizes and mineral compositions of the whole soils from western Jilin Province, China, were analyzed by laser particle-size analysis (LPSA) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), and the <0.002 mm particle-size fraction was analyzed by XRD and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). The results confirmed that the percentage gaps between the clay fraction and clay minerals increased with increasing latitude. The theoretical illite percentage calculated from K2O content was compared with the illite percentage measured by XRD, and the results suggested that the measured illite accounted for only a small proportion of the theoretical illite. Structures of some special minerals below the identification threshold of XRD was suggested to be the reason for the percent gaps. The grain size and mineral crystallization both changed with latitude: the soil particle size and the CP decreased. In addition, clay minerals were more sensitive to climate than particle sizes were, and the CP of clay minerals in the soils within 0~180 cm depth all decreased with increasing latitude; however, the grain size showed patterns with latitude only in relatively shallow soil layers. The present study provides a reference and error analysis for the testing of clay minerals in alpine regions, and more suitable methods may be considered for development of clay-mineral testing in future studies.
Luteinizing Hormone Action in Human Oocyte Maturation and Quality: Signaling Pathways, Regulation, and Clinical Impact
Authors: Arroyo Armando , Kim Beomsu , Yeh John
Published: February 2020

The ovarian follicle luteinizing hormone (LH) signaling molecules that regulate oocyte meiotic maturation have recently been identified. The LH signal reduces preovulatory follicle cyclic nucleotide levels which releases oocytes from the first meiotic arrest. In the ovarian follicle, the LH signal reduces cyclic nucleotide levels via the CNP/NPR2 system, the EGF/EGF receptor network, and follicle/oocyte gap junctions. In the oocyte, reduced cyclic nucleotide levels activate the maturation promoting factor (MPF). The activated MPF induces chromosome segregation and completion of the first and second meiotic divisions. The purpose of this paper is to present an overview of the current understanding of human LH signaling regulation of oocyte meiotic maturation by identifying and integrating the human studies on this topic. We found 89 human studies in the literature that identified 24 LH follicle/oocyte signaling proteins. These studies show that human oocyte meiotic maturation is regulated by the same proteins that regulate animal oocyte meiotic maturation. We also found that these LH signaling pathway molecules regulate human oocyte quality and subsequent embryo quality. Remarkably, in vitro maturation (IVM) prematuration culture (PMC) protocols that manipulate the LH signaling pathway improve human oocyte quality of cultured human oocytes. This knowledge has improved clinical human IVM efficiency which may become a routine alternative ART for some infertile patients.
Establishing the Effectiveness of Interventions Provided to First Responders to Prevent and/or Treat Mental Health Effects of Response to a Disaster: A Systematic Review
Authors: Winders W. Tyler , Bustamante Nirma D. , Garbern Stephanie Chow , Bills Corey , Coker Amin , Trehan Indi , Osei-Ampofo Maxwell , Levine Adam C.
Published: February 2020

Objectives:

This review systematically explores the current available evidence on the effectiveness of interventions provided to first responders to prevent and/or treat the mental health effects of responding to a disaster.

Methods:

A systematic review of Medline, Scopus, PsycINFO, and gray literature was conducted. Studies describing the effectiveness of interventions provided to first responders to prevent and/or treat the mental health effects of responding to a disaster were included. Quality was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria, and the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist.

Results:

Manuscripts totaling 3869 met the initial search criteria; 25 studies met the criteria for in-depth analysis, including 22 quantitative and 3 qualitative studies; 6 were performed in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs); 18 studies evaluated a psychological intervention; of these, 13 found positive impact, 4 found no impact, and 1 demonstrated worsened symptoms after the intervention. Pre-event trainings decreased psychiatric symptoms in each of the 3 studies evaluating its effectiveness.

Conclusions:

This review demonstrates that there are likely effective interventions to both prevent and treat psychiatric symptoms in first responders in high-, medium-, and low-income countries.
Post hoc analysis of a randomised, placebo-controlled, active-reference 6-week study of brexpiprazole in acute schizophrenia
Authors: Marder Stephen R. , Eriksson Hans , Zhao Yudong , Hobart Mary
Published: February 2020

Objective:

We provide a closer look at the result of a randomised, placebo-controlled, active-reference (quetiapine XR), flexible-dose, 6-week study of brexpiprazole in schizophrenia, which did not meet its primary endpoint – change from baseline in Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total score. We also investigate potential expectancy bias from the well-known side-effect profile of the active reference that could have affected the study outcome.

Methods:

Pre-specified sensitivity analyses of the primary end point were performed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) last observation carried forward (LOCF) and observed cases (OC). Post hoc analyses of change from baseline in PANSS total score were performed using the mixed model for repeated measures approach with treatment groups split by having typical adverse events with potential for functional unblinding, for example, somnolence, increase in weight, dizziness, dry mouth and sedation.

Results:

Pre-specified sensitivity analyses showed separation from placebo for brexpiprazole at week 6: LOCF, ANCOVA: −4.3 [95% CI (−8.0, −0.5), p = 0.0254]. OC, ANCOVA: −3.9 [95% CI (−7.3, −0.5), p = 0.0260]. Patients treated with brexpiprazole experiencing typical adverse events with potential for functional unblinding before or at Week 2 had a least square (LS) mean PANSS change of −29.5 (improvement), with a difference in change from baseline to Week 6 in PANSS total score between brexpiprazole and placebo of −13.5 [95% CI (−23.1, −4.0), p = 0.0057], and those who did not had an LS mean change of −18.9 and a difference between brexpiprazole and placebo of −2.9 [95% CI (−7.2, 1.4), p = 0.1809].

Conclusion:

Pre-specified sensitivity analyses showed separation from placebo for brexpiprazole at Week 6. A post hoc analysis suggested a potential confounding of efficacy rating towards symptom improvement in patients who experience known side effects of quetiapine XR.
Delayed Hardening and Reactivation of Binder Calcite, Common Problems in Radiocarbon Dating of Lime Mortars
Authors: Lindroos Alf , Ringbom Åsa , Heinemeier Jan , Hajdas Irka , Olsen Jesper
Published: February 2020

When sampling mortars for radiocarbon (14C) dating it is crucial to ensure that the sample has hardened rapidly relative the resolution of the dating method. Soft and porous lime mortars usually fulfill this criterion if the samples are taken from an uncovered surface from less than a few centimeters deep. However, hard, concrete-like mortars may be impermeable for carbon dioxide and even the outermost centimeters may still contain uncarbonated calcium hydroxide. These mortars may harden very slowly and contain carbonate that formed centuries or even millennia after the original building phase, and they can still be alkaline and capture modern 14C, causing younger 14C ages than the actual construction age. Another problem is reactivation of the binder carbonate if it has been partly decarbonated during a fire later on in its history. It will be shown that these young carbonates dissolve rapidly in phosphoric acid and in many cases a reasonable 14C age can be read from 14C profiles in sequential dissolution if the measurements from initially formed carbon dioxide are disregarded. However, if a mortar was made waterproof deliberately by adding crushed or ground tile, as in Roman cocciopesto mortars, it may be very difficult to get a conclusive dating.
‘I try my best … I try to relieve the burden of my mum’: a narrative analysis of the everyday care-giving experiences for five intergenerational Singapore-Chinese families where one member has dementia
Authors: Koo May Yeok , Pusey Helen , Keady John
Published: February 2020

Singapore is experiencing a rapid growth in its ageing population with most of the islands’ inhabitants living in high-rise apartments due to the scarcity of land. The Chinese community living in Singapore comprises the largest ethnic group and they are more likely to live together under one roof in an intergenerational family grouping. Currently, there are gaps in understanding intergenerational Singapore-Chinese families and their approach to caring at home for a family member with dementia. The aim of this longitudinal qualitative study was to understand better this everyday care-giving experience. Using semi-structured biographical interviews and digital photographs to elicit family stories, five intergenerational Singapore-Chinese families were visited at home for a period of between six and 15 months. Each recruited intergenerational family was treated as a ‘case’. Narrative analysis of the data was applied within and between cases and resulted in the emergence of three themes that represented various dynamics in the data. The three themes were identified as: (1) family values, which is about the cultural context in which everyday care takes place, the religious beliefs and practices of the intergenerational Singapore-Chinese families, and the practice of filial piety; (2) family support, which is about everyday access to family and service networks, including the contribution of the live-in maid in caring for the family member with dementia; and (3) family bonds, which is about the maintenance of intergenerational family relations in the Chinese family kinship system.
Epidemiological features and time-series analysis of influenza incidence in urban and rural areas of Shenyang, China, 2010–2018
Authors: Chen Ye , Leng Kunkun , Lu Ying , Wen Lihai , Qi Ying , Gao Wei , Chen Huijie , Bai Lina , An Xiangdong , Sun Baijun , Wang Ping , Dong Jing
Published: February 2020

In recent years, there have been a significant influenza activity and emerging influenza strains in China, resulting in an increasing number of influenza virus infections and leading to public health concerns. The aims of this study were to identify the epidemiological and aetiological characteristics of influenza and establish seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA) models for forecasting the percentage of visits for influenza-like illness (ILI%) in urban and rural areas of Shenyang. Influenza surveillance data were obtained for ILI cases and influenza virus positivity from 18 sentinel hospitals. The SARIMA models were constructed to predict ILI% for January–December 2019. During 2010–2018, the influenza activity was higher in urban than in rural areas. The age distribution of ILI cases showed the highest rate in young children aged 0–4 years. Seasonal A/H3N2, influenza B virus and pandemic A/H1N1 continuously co-circulated in winter and spring seasons. In addition, the SARIMA (0, 1, 0) (0, 1, 2)12 model for the urban area and the SARIMA (1, 1, 1) (1, 1, 0)12 model for the rural area were appropriate for predicting influenza incidence. Our findings suggested that there were regional and seasonal distinctions of ILI activity in Shenyang. A co-epidemic pattern of influenza strains was evident in terms of seasonal influenza activity. Young children were more susceptible to influenza virus infection than adults. These results provide a reference for future influenza prevention and control strategies in the study area.