bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AdS2 × S2 × CY2 solutions in Type IIB with 8 supersymmetries
Authors: Lozano Yolanda , Nunez Carlos , Ramirez Anayeli
Published: April 2021

Abstract

We present a new infinite family of Type IIB supergravity solutions preserving eight supercharges. The structure of the space is AdS2 × S2 × CY2 × S1 fibered over an interval. These solutions can be related through double analytical continuations with those recently constructed in [1]. Both types of solutions are however dual to very different superconformal quantum mechanics. We show that our solutions fit locally in the class of AdS2 × S2 × CY2 solutions fibered over a 2d Riemann surface Σ constructed by Chiodaroli, Gutperle and Krym, in the absence of D3 and D7 brane sources. We compare our solutions to the global solutions constructed by Chiodaroli, D’Hoker and Gutperle for Σ an annulus. We also construct a cohomogeneity-two family of solutions using non-Abelian T-duality. Finally, we relate the holographic central charge of our one dimensional system to a combination of electric and magnetic fluxes. We propose an extremisation principle for the central charge from a functional constructed out of the RR fluxes.
The great escape: tunneling out of microstate geometries
Authors: Bena Iosif , Eperon Felicity , Heidmann Pierre , Warner Nicholas P.
Published: April 2021

Abstract

We compute the quasi-normal frequencies of scalars in asymptotically-flat microstate geometries that have the same charge as a D1-D5-P black hole, but whose long BTZ-like throat ends in a smooth cap. In general the wave equation is not separable, but we find a class of geometries in which the non-separable term is negligible and we can compute the quasi-normal frequencies using WKB methods. We argue that our results are a universal property of all microstate geometries with deeply-capped BTZ throats. These throats generate large redshifts, which lead to exceptionally-low-energy states with extremely long decay times, set by the central charge of the dual CFT to the power of twice the dimension of the operator dual to the mode. While these decay times are extremely long, we also argue that the energy decay is bounded, at large t, by (log(t))−2 and is comparable with the behavior of ultracompact stars, as one should expect for microstate geometries.
Decay amplitudes to three hadrons from finite-volume matrix elements
Authors: Hansen Maxwell T. , Romero-López Fernando , Sharpe Stephen R.
Published: April 2021

Abstract

We derive relations between finite-volume matrix elements and infinite-volume decay amplitudes, for processes with three spinless, degenerate and either identical or non-identical particles in the final state. This generalizes the Lellouch-Lüscher relation for two-particle decays and provides a strategy for extracting three-hadron decay amplitudes using lattice QCD. Unlike for two particles, even in the simplest approximation, one must solve integral equations to obtain the physical decay amplitude, a consequence of the nontrivial finite-state interactions. We first derive the result in a simplified theory with three identical particles, and then present the generalizations needed to study phenomenologically relevant three-pion decays. The specific processes we discuss are the CP-violating K → 3π weak decay, the isospin-breaking η → 3π QCD transition, and the electromagnetic γ* → 3π amplitudes that enter the calculation of the hadronic vacuum polarization contribution to muonic g − 2.
Intraoperative Angiographie bei A.-carotis-Rekonstruktion – pathologische Befunde, Zuverlässigkeit und Bedeutung des Verfahrens
Authors: Dillner Jasmin , Meyer Frank , Halloul Zuhir , Görtler Michael
Published: April 2021

Ziel

Der Wert der intraoperativen Angiographie und deren Ad-hoc-Beurteilung im Hinblick auf operationstechnische Unzulänglichkeiten soll geprüft werden.

Methode

Insgesamt 523 konsekutive A.-cartotis-Thrombendarteriektomie(TEA)-Patienten mit intraoperativer Kontrollangiographie, postoperativer Duplexsonographie und retrospektiver Zweitbeurteilung der Angiographie wurden in die Auswertung einbezogen.

Ergebnisse

In der retrospektiven Zweitbeurteilung der Angiographie wurden 23 (4,4%) Verschlüsse oder hochgradige Stenosen der Arteria carotis communis (ACC) oder Arteria carotis interna (ACI) im Operationsbereich (12/2,3%) bzw. in der Abstrombahn (distale extrakranielle und intrakranielle ACI, A. cerebri media [ACM]) detektiert (11/2,1%), wohingegen bei der intraoperativen Ad-hoc-Beurteilung nur 13 (2,5%) derartige Pathologien beschrieben worden waren (7/1,3% im Operationsbereich, 6/1,1% in der Abstrombahn; p=0,002). Duplexsonographisch wurden postoperativ bei 50 von 505 untersuchten Patienten (10,1%) operationstechnische Unzulänglichkeiten lokal detektiert, was signifikant mehr war als in der Angiographie (p<0,001). In den meisten Fällen handelte es sich um nicht okkludierende/nicht hochgradig stenosierende Intima-Media-Ablösungen (19), Nahteinziehungen (13) und Kinkings/Kalibersprünge am distalen Patchende (14). Nahteinziehungen und Kinkings/Kalibersprünge waren mit einer linksseitigen TEA (adjustierte OR: 2,4; 95%-KI: 1,1‑5,1), einer Operation ohne Patch (adjustierte OR: 16,6; 95%-KI: 1,3–215,0) und der Verwendung eines Dacron- vs. Polytetrafluorethylen-Patch (adjustierte OR: 3,0; 95%-KI: 1,4–6,6) assoziiert.

Schlussfolgerung

Bei der Ad-hoc-Beurteilung der intraoperativen Kontrollangiographie kann eine nicht unerhebliche Zahl auch okkludierender und hochgradig stenosierender Pathologien übersehen werden (zur Detektion nicht okkludierender und nicht hochgradig stenosierender operativer Unzulänglichkeiten methodisch nicht geeignet – Ausweich: postoperative Duplexsonographie).
Topology optimization of multi-material structures with elastoplastic strain hardening model
Authors: Li Mengxiao , Deng Yu , Zhang Hexin , Wong Simon H. F. , Mohamed Ahmed , Zheng Yu , Gao Jiaxiang , Yuen Terry Y. P. , Dong Biqin , Kuang J. S.
Published: April 2021

The paper presents a new multi-material topology optimization method with a novel adjoint sensitivity analysis that can accommodate not only multiple plasticity but also multiple hardening models for individual materials in composite structures. Based on the proposed method, an integrated framework is developed which details the nonlinear finite element analysis, sensitivity analysis and optimization procedure. The proposed method and framework are implemented and illustrated by three numerical examples presented in this paper. An in-depth analysis of the numerical results has revealed the significant impact of the selection of plasticity and hardening model on the results of topology.
Science knowledge and trust in medicine affect individuals’ behavior in pandemic crises
Authors: Sailer Michael , Stadler Matthias , Botes Elouise , Fischer Frank , Greiff Samuel
Published: April 2021

In pandemic crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals’ behavior has a strong impact on epidemiological processes. Compliance with prevention guidelines, such as social distancing, is critical to avoid further spreading an infectious disease or to slow down its spread. However, some individuals also or instead engage in panic behavior, such as hoarding. We investigate how education prepares individuals to respond adequately by modelling the path from seeking information about COVID-19 to eventual behavior. Based on a sample of N = 1182 adult Americans, gathered at the pandemic’s onset (March 2020), we conclude that science knowledge helps individuals convert information into coronavirus knowledge. This knowledge then helps individuals avoid panic behavior. Individuals lacking coronavirus knowledge and science knowledge still comply with prevention guidelines when they have a general trust in medicine. Individuals lacking knowledge still follow prevention guidelines when they trust in medicine. Facilitating science knowledge and trust in science through education and targeted public health messaging are likely to be of fundamental importance for bringing crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic under control.
Academic relationships between Hungarian professors and the Second Vienna Medical School
Authors: Szende Béla , Zalatnai Attila
Published: April 2021

This article discusses the impact of the ‘second’ Vienna Medical School, hallmarked by Karl Rokitansky, Joseph Skoda and Ferdinand Hebra, on the study and practice of medicine in Hungary. Six medical doctors’ lives and achievements are outlined, who formed a bridge between Vienna and Budapest through their studies and work. Four of them returned to Hungary and promoted the cause of medicine and medical education there. Lajos Arányi (1812–1877) founded in 1844 the Institute of Pathology at the University of Pest. János Balassa (1814–1868) took the Chair of the Surgical Department. Ignaz Philip Semmelweis (1818–1865), the ‘Saviour of Mothers’, received a position at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Vienna in 1846. Gustav Scheuthauer (1832–1894) became Arányi’s successor. Each of them continued to keep contact with their tutors in Vienna, especially with Karl Rokitansky, and followed the clinicopathological conception pioneered by the Vienna Medical School regarding diagnostics, treatment and prevention of diseases. Two physicians remained in Vienna: Mór Kaposi (1837–1902), who became known worldwide posthumously due to the connection between Kaposi’s sarcoma and AIDS, was the director of the Department of Dermatology of the Vienna University in 1878. Salomon Stricker (1837–1898) undertook the leadership of the Department of General and Experimental Pathology in 1872.
Different Susceptibility of T and B Cells to Cladribine Depends On Their Levels of Deoxycytidine Kinase Activity Linked to Activation Status
Authors: Carlini Federico , Ivaldi Federico , Gualandi Francesca , Boschert Ursula , Centonze Diego , Matarese Giuseppe , Salvetti Marco , Kerlero de Rosbo Nicole , Uccelli Antonio
Published: April 2021

Deoxycytidine kinase (dCK) and 5’ deoxynucleotidase (NT5C2) are involved in metabolism of cladribine (2CdA), the immunomodulatory drug for multiple sclerosis; by mediating phosphorylation (activation) or phosphorolysis (deactivation) of 2CdA, respectively, these enzymes promote or prevent its accumulation in the cell, which leads to cell death. In particular, lymphocytes which present with a high intracellular dCK/NT5C2 ratio are more sensitive to 2CdA than other immune cells. We aim at determining if the expression of these enzymes and/or their activity differ in specific progenitor and mature immune cells and are influenced by cellular activation and/or exposure to 2CdA. Flow cytometry analysis showed no difference in dCK/NT5C2 ratio in progenitor and mature immune cells. 2CdA induced apoptosis in stimulated T and B cells and unstimulated B cells. dCK expression was enhanced by 2CdA at mRNA and protein levels in activated T cells and mRNA level in activated B cells. dCK activity, measured through an in-house luminescence release enzyme assay was higher in activated T and B cells, and such an increase was abrogated in activated B cells, but not T cells, upon exposure to 2CdA. These results reveal an important relationship between dCK activity and the effect of 2CdA on B and T cells, according to their activation status. Further study is warranted to evaluate whether dCK activity could, in the future, be a suitable predictive biomarker of lymphocyte response to 2CdA.

Graphical Abstract

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Does Bariatric Surgery Improve Faecal Incontinence? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Mohamed Fardowsa , Jeram Megna , Coomarasamy Christin , Lauti Melanie , Wilson Don , MacCormick Andrew D.
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Obesity increases the risk of pelvic floor disorders in individuals with obesity, including faecal incontinence. Faecal incontinence (FI) is a condition with important clinical and psychosocial consequences. Though it is associated with obesity, the effect of bariatric surgery on the prevalence and severity of FI is not well reported.

Objective

To assess the effect of bariatric surgery on the prevalence and severity of FI in adult patients with obesity.

Methods

This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA statement. Two independent reviewers performed a literature search in MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane and Embase from 1 January 1980 to 12 January 2019. We included published English-language randomized control trials and observational studies assessing pre- and post-bariatric surgery prevalence or severity of FI. Random-effects models with DerSimonian and Laird’s variance estimator were used for meta-analysis.

Results

Thirteen studies were included, eight assessing prevalence (678 patients) and 11 assessing severity of FI (992 patients). There was no significant difference in prevalence post-operatively overall, though it trended towards a reduction [pooled OR=0.55; =0.075]. There was a significant reduction of FI prevalence in women post-bariatric surgery [95% CI 0.22 to 0.94, p=0.034]. There was a statistically significant reduction in FI prevalence following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and one anastomosis gastric bypass [0.46, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.81; p=0.007]. There was no significant reduction of incontinence episodes post-operatively [pooled mean difference =−0.17, 95% CI −0.90 to 0.56; p=0.65]. Quality of life (QOL) was not significantly improved post-bariatric surgery [mean differences for the following facets of QOL: behaviour −0.35, 95% CI −0.94 to 0.24; depression 0.04, 95% CI −0.12 to 0.2; lifestyle −0.33, 95% CI −0.98 to 0.33; p values of 0.25, 0.61 and 0.33, respectively].

Discussion

There was a significant reduction in FI prevalence in women and those who underwent Roux-en-Y or one anastomosis gastric bypass. Our results for FI prevalence overall, FI severity and impact on quality of life were not statistically significant. Larger studies are needed in this under-researched area to determine the true effect of bariatric surgery on FI.

Graphical abstract
Cancer Treatment–Induced Bone Loss (CTIBL): State of the Art and Proper Management in Breast Cancer Patients on Endocrine Therapy
Authors: Diana Anna , Carlino Francesca , Giunta Emilio Francesco , Franzese Elisena , Guerrera Luigi Pio , Di Lauro Vincenzo , Ciardiello Fortunato , Daniele Bruno , Orditura Michele
Published: April 2021

Opinion statement

About 70–80% of early breast cancer (BC) patients receive adjuvant endocrine therapy (ET) for at least 5 years. ET includes in the majority of cases the use of aromatase inhibitors, as upfront or switch strategy, that lead to impaired bone health. Given the high incidence and also the high prevalence of BC, cancer treatment–induced bone loss (CTIBL) represents the most common long-term adverse event experimented by patients with hormone receptor positive tumours. CTIBL is responsible for osteoporosis occurrence and, as a consequence, fragility fractures that may negatively affect quality of life and survival expectancy. As recommended by main international guidelines, BC women on aromatase inhibitors should be carefully assessed for their fracture risk at baseline and periodically reassessed during adjuvant ET in order to early detect significant worsening in terms of bone health. Antiresorptive agents, together with adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D, should be administered in BC patients during all course of ET, especially in those at high risk of osteoporotic fractures, as calculated by tools available for clinicians. Bisphosphonates, such as zoledronate or pamidronate, and anti-RANKL antibody, denosumab, are the two classes of antiresorptive drugs used in clinical practice with similar efficacy in preventing bone loss induced by aromatase inhibitor therapy. The choice between them, in the absence of direct comparison, should be based on patients’ preference and compliance; the different safety profile is mainly related to the route of administration, although both types of drugs are manageable with due care, since most of the adverse events are predictable and preventable. Despite advances in management of CTIBL, several issues such as the optimal time of starting antiresorptive agents and the duration of treatment remain unanswered. Future clinical trials as well as increased awareness of bone health are needed to improve prevention, assessment and treatment of CTIBL in these long-term survivor patients.
On evidence fiascos and judgments in COVID-19 policy
Authors: Jukola Saana , Canali Stefano
Published: April 2021

Calls for evidence-based approaches to COVID-19 have sparked up discussions on the use of evidence for policy. In this note, we expand these discussions: while the debate has mostly focused on the types of evidence to be used for policy, we argue that the assessment of judgments involved in data practices and evidence production should play a central role in evaluating policy.
Reading and Shaping Medieval Cartularies
Authors: Tucker Joanna
Published: April 2021

The physical nature of the medieval cartulary examined alongside its textual contents.
Connecting Native Students to STEM Research Using Virtual Archaeology
Authors: Cannon Molly Boeka , Cohen Anna S. , Jimenez Kelly N.
Published: April 2021

Universities struggle to provide meaningful education and mentorship to Native American students, especially in STEM fields such as archaeology and geography. The Native American Summer Mentorship Program (NASMP) at Utah State University is designed to address Native student retention and representation, and it fosters collaboration between mentors and mentees. In spring 2020, as university instruction went online due to the COVID-19 pandemic, NASMP mentors were faced with adapting hands-on activities and face-to-face interaction to an online format. Using our Water Heritage Anthropological Project as a case study, we show how virtual archaeological, archival, spatial, and anthropological labs can be adapted for online delivery. This approach may be especially useful for reaching students in rural settings but also for engaging students in virtual or remote research in the field sciences.
IS TRADING WITH CHINA DIFFERENT? SELF-INTEREST, NATIONAL PRIDE, AND TRADE PREFERENCES
Authors: Yen Wei-Ting , Kay Kristine , Chen Fang-Yu
Published: April 2021

Despite increasing economic integrations with China, worries exist in China's neighboring countries about China's implicit political intention. Do people view trading with China differently? In this article, we incorporate the political context of trade agreements by showing that trade with partners who come with political costs is less likely to be supported. Using a nationally representative survey experiment from Taiwan, we find that trading with China garners less support than trading with Japan or Malaysia, and nationalism suppresses self-interest when the proposed trading partner is China. We show that national attachment, which is neither a proxy for political identification nor a proxy for national chauvinism, becomes a stronger predictor of trade preferences toward China. While the political tension between China and Taiwan is unique, many countries see at least one other country posing a negative externality. Our finding suggests strongly identified nationalists would oppose engaging with a hostile outsider regardless of their self-interest.
What's law got to do with it? Is consumer law the solution to problems faced by student tenants?
Authors: Walsh Emily
Published: April 2021

This paper examines the extent to which law and regulation protects students renting from private individuals or private companies, as opposed to universities, in both of the main types of student accommodation, the private rented sector (PRS) and purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA). It first examines the different problems faced by students in both tenure types, notably issues of repair and the failure of PBSA providers to complete accommodation in time for the beginning of term. Secondly, it considers consumerisation of private renting and the extent to which a consumer protection law approach can assist tenants generally, and students specifically. Thirdly, the paper explains how power relationships between students and landlords and issues with access to legal advice restrict access to justice for student as tenants. It is argued that whilst consumer contract law and consumer protection law have something to offer student tenants (particularly in PBSA) a generic consumer approach to the rights of tenants is insufficient because the nature of the landlord and tenant relationship inhibits access to legal redress. It is concluded that in addition to improved consumer protections, a proactive approach by both local authorities and universities could significantly improve the experiences of students.
Neither-And Thinking: Understanding James March's Unique Solution to Paradox
Authors: Li Xin
Published: April 2021

In this article, I propose a typology of thinking pattern that helps us understand the variants of the so-called ‘both/and thinking’ shared by many organizational paradox scholars in the West and China. The variants are distinguished by the ‘primary thinking-secondary thinking’ structure between the combined elementary thinking. One of the variants, i.e., Neither-And thinking, is associated with James March's discussion of logic of consequences and logic of appropriateness. An examination of March's writings reveals an additional ‘principle-practice’ structure underlining March's unique solution to paradox. Incorporating the ‘principle-practice’ structure into the proposed typology in turn helps us better understand the other variants of ‘both/and thinking’ such as ambidexterity, contingency, and Zhong-Yong. The typology shows March's Neither-And solution is unique because it embraces a primary neither/nor thinking while all the other variants do not. To demonstrate the value of March's unique solution, I apply Neither-And thinking characterized by the ‘principle-practice’ relationship to paradoxes outside organization studies, e.g., in Deconstruction, Buddhism, and quantum physics. The wide application of Neither-And thinking implies that James March's unique solution to organizational paradox may have provided a key to understanding paradox in general.
Consumption of indigestible saccharides and administration of Bifidobacterium pseudolongum reduce mucosal serotonin in murine colonic mucosa
Authors: Tatsuoka Misa , Osaki Yosuke , Ohsaka Fumina , Tsuruta Takeshi , Kadota Yoshihiro , Tochio Takumi , Hino Shingo , Morita Tatsuya , Sonoyama Kei
Published: April 2021

SCFA increase serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) synthesis and content in the colon in vitro and ex vivo, but little is known in vivo. We tested whether dietary indigestible saccharides, utilised as a substrate to produce SCFA by gut microbiota, would increase colonic 5-HT content in mice. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a purified diet and water supplemented with 4 % (w/v) 1-kestose (KES) for 2 weeks. Colonic 5-HT content and enterochromaffin (EC) cell numbers were lower in mice supplemented with KES than those without supplementation, while monoamine oxidase A activity and mRNA levels of tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (Tph1), chromogranin A (Chga), Slc6a4 and monoamine oxidase A (Maoa) genes in the colonic mucosa, serum 5-HT concentration and total 5-HT content in the colonic contents did not differ between groups. Caecal acetate concentration and Bifidobacterium pseudolongum population were higher in KES-supplemented mice. Similar trends were observed in mice supplemented with other indigestible saccharides, that is, fructo-oligosaccharides, inulin and raffinose. Intragastric administration of live B. pseudolongum (108 colony-forming units/d) for 2 weeks reduced colonic 5-HT content and EC cell numbers. These results suggest that changes in synthesis, reuptake, catabolism and overflow of 5-HT in the colonic mucosa are not involved in the reduction of colonic 5-HT content by dietary indigestible saccharides in mice. We propose that gut microbes including B. pseudolongum could contribute to the reduction of 5-HT content in the colonic mucosa via diminishing EC cells.
Height and quality of life among older adults (50+) in India: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Selvamani Y. , Arokiasamy P.
Published: April 2021

Adult height is a summary measure of health and net nutrition in early childhood. This study examines the association between height and quality-of-life outcomes in older adults (50+) in India. Cross-sectional data from Wave 1 of the World Health Organization (WHO) Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE) conducted in 2007 were analysed. The association between height and quality of life was assessed using bivariate and multivariate logistic and linear regression models. The mean WHO quality-of-life score (WHO-QoL) increased from 45.2 among the older adults in the lowest height quintile to 53.2 for those in the highest height quintile. However, the prevalence of self-rated poor quality of life declined from 16.4% in the lowest height quintile to 6.1% in the highest height quintile. In the fully adjusted regression model, height was found to be positively associated with quality-of-life outcomes among both men and women, independent of socioeconomic and physical health confounders. The association was particularly strong for women. Women in the highest height quintile had a 2.65 point higher WHO-QoL score than those in the lowest height quintile. Similarly, the likelihood of reporting a poor quality of life was lower among women in the highest height quintile. Furthermore, measures of economic status, handgrip strength, cognitive ability and poor self-rated health were significantly associated with WHO-QoL and self-rated poor quality of life. Overall, this study revealed a significant association between height and quality of life among older adults in India, suggesting a significant role of childhood circumstances in quality of life in later life.
DNA barcoding and taxonomic validation ofCaranxspp. larvae
Authors: Silva-Segundo Claudia A. , Funes-Rodríguez René , Gómez-Gutiérrez Jaime , Gallegos-Simental Griselda , Hernández-Trujillo Sergio , Blanco-Jarvio Anidia
Published: April 2021

Of the five nominal species in the genusCaranxLacepède 1801 distributed throughout the Eastern Central Pacific,Caranx caballusandCaranx sexfasciatusare the only two that have formal fish larval descriptions based on diagnostic characteristics (morphology, meristics and pigmentation). In this study, the diagnostic characteristics of threeCaranxspecies larvae were validated using DNA barcoding analysis cytochromecoxidase subunit I (COI; 651 bp). For the first time, the morphological taxonomic assignation ofC. caballusfish larvae was confirmed using COI gene partial sequences of adults, with a genetic similarity between 99.8–100%. However, molecular evidence demonstrated that fish larvae previously described asC. sexfasciatushad high genetic similarity (99.7–100%) and low genetic distance (<1%) toCaranx caninusadults. An undescribed larval morphotype collected in the present study genetically matched (100%) with COI sequences ofC. sexfasciatusadults. The diagnostic characteristics of this new morphotype were a lack of pigmentation in the supraoccipital crest, over the gut, and at the terminal region of the gut. The combination of diagnostic characteristics and DNA barcoding evidence allowed the discrimination and validation ofC. caballus,C. caninusandC. sexfasciatuslarvae. The diagnostic characteristics and COI sequences ofCaranx lugubrisandCaranx melampyguslarvae, which are also distributed in the Eastern Central Pacific, remain to be investigated.
Assessing the effectiveness of public awareness-raising initiatives for the Hainan gibbon Nomascus hainanus
Authors: Qian Junfei , Mills Morena , Ma Heidi , Turvey Samuel T.
Published: April 2021

Many protected areas conduct awareness-raising activities to increase local knowledge and support conservation programmes, but the effectiveness of such activities is rarely assessed. Public awareness-raising has been carried out since the early 2000s around Bawangling National Nature Reserve, Hainan, China, to improve conservation knowledge about the Critically Endangered Hainan gibbon Nomascus hainanus, one of the rarest mammals. We conducted 207 interviews in 25 villages around Bawangling National Nature Reserve to evaluate the outcome of previous conservation education, through comparison of variation in local respondent knowledge and attitudes, and specific enquiries about sources of knowledge acquisition. Likelihood of accurate responses to most of our questions regarding the species was positively correlated with local exposure to gibbon-themed billboards and murals, and respondents exhibited greater knowledge about several key conservation indices for gibbons compared to their knowledge about sympatrically occurring rhesus macaques Macaca mulatta. Many respondents specifically reported they knew about local existence, population size, conservation status, and threats to gibbons from past awareness-raising activities, with village education sessions and billboards widely identified as key sources of information. However, other known awareness-raising approaches have had little detectable effect on shaping local conservation awareness. Although educational activities have improved awareness about gibbons and their conservation requirements in relative terms, overall levels of knowledge remain low in many important areas and ongoing improvement of local awareness is still needed, in particular around poorly-understood topics such as gibbon conservation status, rarity and threats, and for socio-demographic groups possessing less conservation knowledge.
Post-traumatic stress disorder as a predictor for incident hypertension: a 3-year retrospective cohort study
Authors: Mendlowicz Victoria , Garcia-Rosa Maria Luiza , Gekker Marcio , Wermelinger Larissa , Berger William , Luz Mariana Pires de , Pires-Dias Paulo Roberto Telles , Marques-Portela Carla , Figueira Ivan , Mendlowicz Mauro Vitor
Published: April 2021

Background

The goal of the present study was to investigate the association between PTSD and the onset of hypertension in previously normotensive individuals in a population living in the stressful environment of the urban slums while controlling for risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Methods

Participants were 320 normotensive individuals who lived in slums and were attending a family doctor program. Measurements included a questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, clinical status and life habits, the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist – Civilian Version, and the Beck Depression Inventory. Incident hypertension was defined as the first occurrence at the follow-up review of the medical records of (1) systolic blood pressure of 140 mm Hg or higher or diastolic blood pressure of 90 mm Hg or higher, (2) the participant started taking antihypertensive medication, or (3) a new diagnosis of hypertension made by a physician. Differences in sociodemographic, clinical, and lifestyle characteristics between hypertensive and non-hypertensive individuals were compared using the χ2 and t tests. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

Six variables – age, educational level, body mass, smoking, diabetes, and PTSD diagnosis – showed a statistically significant (p ≤ 0.20) association with the hypertensive status. In the Cox regression, only PTSD diagnosis was significantly associated with incident hypertension (multivariate HR = 1.94; 95% CI 1.11–3.40).

Conclusions

The present findings highlight the importance of considering a diagnostic hypothesis of PTSD in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
Auditory discrimination and frequency modulation learning in schizophrenia patients: amphetamine within-subject dose response and time course
Authors: Swerdlow Neal R. , Bhakta Savita G. , Talledo Jo , Benster Lindsay , Kotz Juliana , Vinogradov Sophia , Molina Juan L. , Light Gregory A.
Published: April 2021

Background

Auditory frequency modulation learning (‘auditory learning’) is a key component of targeted cognitive training (TCT) for schizophrenia. TCT can be effective in enhancing neurocognition and function in schizophrenia, but such gains require significant time and effort and elude many patients.

Methods

As a strategy to increase and/or accelerate TCT-induced clinical gains, we tested the dose- and time-course effects of the pro-attentional drug, amphetamine (AMPH; placebo, 2.5, 5 or 10 mg po; within-subject double-blind, order balanced) on auditory learning in schizophrenia patients [n = 32; M:F = 19:13; age 42.0 years (24–55)]. To understand predictors and/or mechanisms of AMPH-enhanced TCT, we also measured auditory fidelity (words-in-noise (WIN), quick speech-in-noise (QuickSIN)) and neurocognition (MATRICS comprehensive cognitive battery (MCCB)). Some measures were also acquired from age-matched healthy subjects (drug free; n = 10; M:F = 5:5).

Results

Patients exhibited expected deficits in neurocognition. WIN and QuickSIN performance at low signal intensities was impaired in patients with low v. high MCCB attention/vigilance (A/V) scores; these deficits were corrected by AMPH, maximally at 2.5–5 mg (d's = 0.79–1.29). AMPH also enhanced auditory learning, with maximal effects at 5 mg (d = 0.93), and comparable effects 60 and 210 min post pill. ‘Pro-learning’ effects of AMPH and AMPH-induced gains in auditory fidelity were most evident in patients with low MCCB A/V scores.

Conclusions

These findings advance our understanding of the impact of pro-attentional interventions on auditory information processing and suggest dose- and time-course parameters for studies that assess the ability of AMPH to enhance the clinical benefits of TCT in schizophrenia patients.
Vertebral compression fracture rate following stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy for spine oligometastases: a UK experience
Authors: Hussain Sameed , Zarkar Anjali , Elmodir Ahmed , Ford Daniel , Yahya Sundus , Heyes Geoff , Jackson Timothy , Stange Ruth , Augustus Hannah , Sherriff Jenny
Published: April 2021

Aim:

Stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR) for spine metastases is associated with a risk of vertebral compression fracture (VCF). The aim of this study was to determine the rate of VCF at one UK institution and evaluate the use of the Spinal Instability Neoplastic Score (SINS) to predict these.

Materials and methods:

A retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent SABR for spinal metastases between 2014 and 2018 at one UK institution was performed. Basic demographic data were collected, and SINS prior to SABR was calculated. The primary outcome was VCF rate. Secondary outcomes included time to VCF and need for surgical intervention following VCF.

Results:

A total of 48 oligometastases were treated with a median follow-up of 20·5 months. A maximum of two vertebral bodies were treated. The median baseline SINS was calculated as 3. The median dose was 26 Gy in three fractions. Two patients were reported to have VCF and both were successfully conservatively managed.

Findings:

SABR for spine oligometastases is being performed safely with low VCF rates which are comparable with those in international publications. This may be as a result of strict adherence to criteria for delivery of SABR with low pre-treatment SINS.
Acute toxicity of 4-week versus 5-week hypofractionated radiotherapy in localised prostate cancer
Authors: Houshyari Mohammad , Mofid Bahram , Alavi Tabatabaee Maryam , Bakhshandeh Mohsen , Taghizadeh-Hesary Farzad
Published: April 2021

Aim:

To compare the acute radiation-induced bowel and bladder toxicities of two hypofractionated radiotherapy (HFRT) regimens in localised prostate cancer (PCa).

Materials and methods:

This trial consists of patients with histologically confirmed stage T1-T3aN0M0 PCa, a prostate-specific antigen concentration of 40 ng/mL or lower, and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0–2. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to 56 Gy in 16 fractions over 4 weeks (arm A) or 70·2 Gy in 26 fractions over 5 weeks (arm B). Acute bowel and bladder toxicities were assessed using Radiation Therapy Oncology Group criteria.

Results:

Between June 2018 and December 2019, 40 patients were randomly assigned to treatment with 4-week (n = 20) and 5-week HFRT (n = 20). In the third month after completion of radiotherapy, the cumulative incidence of acute bowel and bladder toxicities of arms A and B was 20 versus 5% and 70 versus 85%, respectively. The cumulative incidence of grade 2 or worse bowel and bladder toxicities of the 5-week regimen was non-inferior to 4-week HFRT [bowel toxicity: 5% (arm A) versus 5% (arm B), bladder toxicity: 50% (arm A) versus 60% (arm B), p = 0·52).

Findings:

The 5-week regimen of HFRT is non-inferior to 4-week HFRT in terms of acute bowel and bladder toxicities.
Trade Law in a Data-Driven Economy: The Need for Modesty and Resilience
Authors: Shaffer Gregory
Published: April 2021

This article examines the social challenges posed by the data-driven economy, their implications for international trade law, the current trade negotiating context involving distinct models advanced by the United States, European Union, and China, and a way forward that can both enhance trade and regulatory efficacy. It examines seven interrelated risks. They are the rise of ‘winner-take-all’ companies; social control through public and private surveillance; social polarization; premature deindustrialization; national security threats; cybersecurity risks; and threats to personal privacy. In response to these risks, the article contends that trade agreements should be deferential to national regulation, while supporting mechanisms for regulatory learning and adaptation. In this spirit, the article advances a governance framework that goes beyond ‘liberalization' and that foregrounds the importance of building resilience and engaging in regulatory problem solving.
Intellectual History as History of Engagement? The French Scholarship
Authors: Asta Massimo
Published: April 2021

Few intellectual histories of France by non-French authors in recent years have produced the bitter polemic that Tony Judt's Past Imperfect: French intellectuals (1944–1956) elicited. Published in French at the same time as the English edition in 1992, the book was held to account for its questionable historiographical legitimacy, alleged inaccuracy in the treatment of sources, and not-so-hidden partisanship, even if it also received some positive reviews from authoritative specialists in the field in important national newspapers. Nevertheless, the general tone and content of the French academic reviews were largely negative, and in many ways this response was unsurprising: how could a study arguing that a certain dominant (and still alive) Jacobin philosophical tradition was characterized by a “marked absence of a concern with public ethics or political morality” be read otherwise? Further, in an often caustic style, Judt accused the postwar French intellectuals of being seduced by totalitarian tendencies. Such charge, not surprisingly, provoked a pointed defence of the intellectual and historiographical national sensibility, which was not above resorting to Continental stereotypes against the “Anglo-Saxon” cultural model. Nor was the negative reception surprising to Judt, who positioned himself explicitly in the text as an outsider, belonging to a different intellectual tradition. It is useful to remember this uproar today as one considers new books by Gisèle Sapiro and François Dosse, as it illustrates three important issues in a lively academic register: the continuity of a French approach to intellectual history, its difference from Anglo-American traditions, and a possible—although mediated—angle for understanding the nature of this French particularism, through the discussion of the historiographic projection of the idea of intellectual status.
Die Kopplung von Schmerz, Angst und Stress
Authors: Egloff Niklaus , Mueller Darius B. , Orlof Agnieszka M. , grosse Holtforth Martin , Blaettler Larissa T.
Published: April 2021

Zusammenfassung. Es gibt zahlreiche neurobiologische, klinische und epidemiologische Belege dafür, dass die Phänomene der Angst- und der Schmerzempfindung eng miteinander interagieren. Beide Systeme gehen mit Stressaktivierungsvorgängen einher, und beide Systeme werden ihrerseits durch Langzeitstress moduliert. Die Koppelung von Schmerz, Angst und Stress erklärt auch die hohe Komorbidität von Schmerz- und Angsterkrankungen. Diese Zusammenhänge sollen auffordern, die individuelle Patientenrealität in ihrer integrativen Gesamtheit zu erfassen, in der sich nozizeptive, affektive und vegetative Symptome oftmals bedingen und verstärken.
CME-Labor 63/Antworten: Eisenstoffwechsel-Diagnostik
Authors: von Eckardstein Arnold
Published: April 2021

Zusammenfassung. Zusammenfassung: Eisenmangel ist häufig und beeinflusst den Verlauf vieler chronischer Erkrankungen. Die Diagnose einer absoluten und manifesten Eisenmangelanämie kann leicht durch Messung der Hämoglobin- und Serumferritinspiegel gestellt werden. Bei entzündlichen Erkrankungen kann die Diagnose durch zusätzliche Laborparameter wie dem löslichen Transferrin-Rezeptor erleichtert werden. Bei mehreren chronischen Erkrankungen wie Herz- oder Niereninsuffizienz gelten je nach Krankheit und Stadium unterschiedliche und höhere Schwellenwerte für Serumferritin, manchmal auch unter zusätzlicher Berücksichtigung der Transferrinsättigung. Die Transferrinsättigung ist zudem wichtig für die Diagnostik der Hämochromatose. Bei Patienten mit Transferrinsättigung >45 % erfordert die Diagnose in der Regel den Nachweis der Homozygotie für die C282Y-Mutation im HFE-Gen.
Die hausärztliche gerontopsychiatrische Versorgung in Stadtbasler Alters- und Pflegeheimen
Authors: Kiss Niclas , Giezendanner Stéphanie , Zeller Andreas
Published: April 2021

Zusammenfassung. Hintergrund: Diese Querschnittsstudie untersucht mittels Fragebogen bei Grundversorgerinnen (n = 87, mittleres Alter 53,9 Jahre, 50,6 % Frauen) in Basel-Stadt den möglichen Bedarf an einem ambulanten gerontopsychiatrischen Dienst sowie die Häufigkeit psychiatrischer Symptome bei Alters- und Pflegeheimbewohnenden. Resultate: Neun von zehn (89 %) Hausärztinnen haben Bedarf an einem ambulanten gerontopsychiatrischen Dienst. Zwei Drittel (58,9 %) davon favorisieren einen zu Bürozeiten verfügbaren Konsiliardienst. Die Hausärztinnenschaft schätzt, dass 63 % ihrer Heimbewohnerinnen an psychiatrischen Symptomen (demenzielle Symptome in 60 %, depressive Symptome in 23 %, Schlafstörungen in 11 %) leiden. Antipsychotika werden am häufigsten (in 50,6 %) verschrieben. Diskussion: Gemäss Basler Hausärztinnen besteht der Bedarf an einem ambulanten gerontopsychiatrischen Dienst. Psychiatrische Symptome bei Bewohnerinnen von Alters-und Pflegeheimen in Basel sind häufig.
Whispering-gallery microlasers for cell tagging and barcoding: the prospects for in vivo biosensing
Authors: Toropov Nikita , Vollmer Frank
Published: April 2021

Researchers in the field of whispering-gallery-mode (WGM) microresonators have proposed biointegrated low-threshold WGM lasers, to enable large-scale parallel single-cell tracking and barcoding. Although the reported devices have so far been primarily investigated in model applications, most recent results represent important steps towards the development of in vivo tags and sensors that utilize the unique and narrow spectral features of miniature WGM lasers.
Correction to: Intracellular bacteria are common and taxonomically diverse in cultured and in hospite algal endosymbionts of coral reefs
Authors: Maire Justin , Girvan Sam K , Barkla Sophie E , Perez-Gonzalez Alexis , Suggett David J , Blackall Linda L , van Oppen Madeleine J H
Published: April 2021

A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41396-021-00970-6
Neural activity during response inhibition associated with improvement of dysphoric symptoms of PTSD after trauma-focused psychotherapy—an EEG-fMRI study
Authors: Bryant Richard A. , Williamson Thomas , Erlinger May , Felmingham Kim L. , Malhi Gin , Hinton Mark , Williams Leanne , Korgaonkar Mayuresh S.
Published: April 2021

Although trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (TF-CBT) is the frontline treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), up to one half of patients do not respond optimally to this treatment. Inhibitory functions are important for successful management of PTSD, yet there is a dearth of knowledge regarding the extent to which neural mechanisms unpinning response inhibition are associated with TF-CBT response. Treatment-seeking PTSD patients (n = 40) were assessed during a response inhibition task (the Go/No-Go task) while undergoing functional magnetic imaging (fMRI) and event-related potentials (ERP) in separate sessions. PTSD symptom severity was assessed with the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale, before undergoing nine sessions of TF-CBT. They were then reassessed post-treatment to estimate reduction in fear and dysphoric symptoms of PTSD. Although neural responses during the inhibitory task did not predict overall symptom change, reduced activation in the left precuneus and the right superior parietal cortex predicted greater improvement in dysphoric symptoms. ERP responses during response inhibition indicated that lower P3 peak latency predicted greater reduction of dysphoric symptoms. There were no significant predictors of changes of fear symptoms. These findings indicate that neural activity associated with response inhibition can act as a predictive biomarker of TF-CBT response for PTSD symptoms. This pattern of findings underscores the importance of delineating the role of biomarkers to predict remission of subtypes of PTSD.
Genetically determined telomere length and multiple myeloma risk and outcome
Authors: Giaccherini Matteo , Macauda Angelica , Orciuolo Enrico , Rymko Marcin , Gruenpeter Karolina , Dumontet Charles , Raźny Malgorzata , Moreno Victor , Buda Gabriele , Beider Katia , Varkonyi Judit , Avet-Loiseau Hervé , Martinez-Lopez Joaquín , Marques Herlander , Watek Marzena , Sarasquete Maria Eugenia , Andersen Vibeke , Karlin Lionel , Suska Anna , Kruszewski Marcin , Abildgaard Niels , Dudziński Marek , Butrym Aleksandra , Nagler Arnold , Vangsted Annette Juul , Kadar Katalin , Waldemar Tomczak , Jamroziak Krzysztof , Jacobsen Svend Erik Hove , Ebbesen Lene Hyldahl , Taszner Michał , Mazur Grzegorz , Lesueur Fabienne , Pelosini Matteo , Garcia-Sanz Ramon , Jurczyszyn Artur , Demangel Delphine , Reis Rui Manuel , Iskierka-Jażdżewska Elżbieta , Markiewicz Miroslaw , Gemignani Federica , Subocz Edyta , Zawirska Daria , Druzd-Sitek Agnieszka , Stępień Anna , Alonso M. Henar , Sainz Juan , Canzian Federico , Campa Daniele
Published: April 2021

Telomeres are involved in processes like cellular growth, chromosomal stability, and proper segregation to daughter cells. Telomere length measured in leukocytes (LTL) has been investigated in different cancer types, including multiple myeloma (MM). However, LTL measurement is prone to heterogeneity due to sample handling and study design (retrospective vs. prospective). LTL is genetically determined; genome-wide association studies identified 11 SNPs that, combined in a score, can be used as a genetic instrument to measure LTL and evaluate its association with MM risk. This approach has been already successfully attempted in various cancer types but never in MM. We tested the “teloscore” in 2407 MM patients and 1741 controls from the International Multiple Myeloma rESEarch (IMMeNSE) consortium. We observed an increased risk for longer genetically determined telomere length (gdTL) (OR = 1.69; 95% CI 1.36–2.11; P = 2.97 × 10−6 for highest vs. lowest quintile of the score). Furthermore, in a subset of 1376 MM patients we tested the relationship between the teloscore and MM patients survival, observing a better prognosis for longer gdTL compared with shorter gdTL (HR = 0.93; 95% CI 0.86–0.99; P = 0.049). In conclusion, we report convincing evidence that longer gdTL is a risk marker for MM risk, and that it is potentially involved in increasing MM survival.