bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do Laryngologists and General Otolaryngologists Manage Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Differently?
Authors: Lechien Jerome R. , Allen Jacqueline , Mouawad Francois , Ayad Tareck , Barillari Maria Rosaria , Huet Kathy , Crevier‐Buchman Lise , Hans Stéphane , Karkos Petros D. , Eun Young‐Gyu , Bobin Francois , Saussez Sven , Akst Lee M.
Published: January 2020

Objective

To investigate current practices of laryngologists and non‐laryngologists in management of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR).

Methods

An online survey was sent to members of otolaryngology societies about LPR, and subgroup analysis was performed between laryngologists and non‐laryngologists. This survey was conducted by the LPR Study Group of Young Otolaryngologists of the International Federation of Otolaryngological Societies.

Results

A total of 535 otolaryngologists completed the survey. Among them, 127 were laryngologists and 408 were non‐laryngologists. Collectively, symptoms most commonly attributed to LPR are cough after lying down/meal, throat clearing, and acid brash; most common findings are thought to be arytenoid erythema and posterior commissure hypertrophy. Respectively, 12.5% and 5% of non‐laryngologists and laryngologists believe that ≥50% of LPR patients suffer from heartburn (P = .010). Non‐laryngologists are more aware about some extra‐laryngeal findings associated with LPR (eg, pharyngeal erythema) than laryngologists. Neither laryngologists nor non‐laryngologists associated development of benign lesions of the vocal folds with reflux. The management of LPR substantially differs between groups, with laryngologists indicating increased awareness of (impedance)‐pH monitoring as well as the prevalence and treatment of nonacid/mixed LPR. Conversely, non‐laryngologists are much more likely to include gastroenterology referral in their management of presumed LPR. Respectively, 44.8% and 27.6% of non‐laryngologists and laryngologists believe themselves not sufficiently knowledgeable about LPR.

Conclusions

Significant differences exist between laryngologists and non‐laryngologists in diagnosis and treatment of LPR. Overall only one‐third of responders believe themselves to be sufficiently educated about LPR.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 130:E539–E547, 2020
Spatial patterns of large‐scale land transactions and their potential socio‐environmental outcomes in Cambodia, Ethiopia, Liberia, and Peru
Authors: Liao Chuan , Jung Suhyun , Brown Daniel G. , Agrawal Arun
Published: January 2020

Recent large‐scale land transactions, often framed as 'land grabbing,' are historically unprecedented. Millions of hectares of land have changed hands for agriculture‐driven development over the past decade, and their implementation generates substantial risk of land degradation. This paper investigates land transaction patterns and evaluate their potential socio‐environmental impacts in Cambodia, Ethiopia, Liberia, and Peru. We undertake a novel spatially explicit approach to quantify land transactions and conduct scenario‐based analyses to explore their implementation consequences on people, land, and carbon emission. Our results demonstrate that existing global datasets on land transactions substantially underestimate their incidence but can either exaggerate or underreport transacted areas. Although confirming that land transactions are more likely to occur in sparsely populated, poorer, and more forested areas, our scenario‐based analyses reveal that if fully implemented for agricultural development, land transactions in the four countries will affect more than one million people, yield over 2 Gt of carbon emissions, and disrupt vast swathes of forests. Our findings refute the 'empty land' discourse in government policy and highlight the consequences of land degradation that can occur at an unexpected scale in the 'global land rush.' Future policymaking needs to anticipate the risk of land degradation in terms of deforestation and carbon emission while pursuing agriculture‐driven development through land transactions.
Synergistic effect of talc/carbon spheres composite as oil‐based additive enhancing the lubricating properties for steel‐steel contact
Authors: Fei Jie , Qi Ying , Luo Lan , Gu Yuefeng , Huang Jianfeng
Published: January 2020

Talc/carbon spheres (TC) composite was successfully fabricated through a simple and eco‐friendly hydrothermal method. The tribology properties of the base oil were significantly improved after adding TC composites, which had been studied by a ball on disc (BOD) tribometer. The friction coefficient of oil containing 0.5‐wt% TC composite (0.5 TC‐Oil) was only 0.08, with a decrease of 35.3% compared with the base oil at 5 N. Moreover, severe abrasive wear between friction pairs changed into slight plastic deformation lubricated with 0.5 TC‐Oil, as confirmed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). These results reflected notable synergy between self‐repair performance effect of talc and ball‐bearing effect of carbon spheres. The study displayed the potential lubricating performance of the TC composite in current generation oil lubricants.
Tribocorrosion behaviour of porous anatase and rutile phases formed on surface of anodised Ti45Nb alloy
Authors: Tasdemir Muharrem , Alsaran Akgun
Published: January 2020

Titanium alloys are used across a wide range of sectors—from aerospace to health—because of their low density, high strength, and corrosion resistance properties. In recent years, the use of alloying elements such as niobium (Nb), tantalum (Ta), and zirconium (Zr) has still not eliminated existing wear problems, in spite of being preferred to conventional titanium alloys that are non‐toxic and have better corrosion and mechanical properties. In order to overcome this problem of titanium alloys, various surface treatments are applied. This study was mainly aimed at investigating tribocorrosion properties of anatase, rutile, and anatase‐rutile phases formed on the surface of Ti45Nb by anodising at different potential values. The structural and mechanical properties of these structures were examined by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy‐dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), nanoindentation, and a 3D profilometer. Tribocorrosion tests were carried out at open‐circuit potential (OCP) and two different anodic in NaCl solutions. It was found that the wear volume was affected by mechanical action rather than chemical effects for all samples during tribocorrosion. It was concluded that while a surface structure including anatase is more sensitive to chemical effects, the rutile structures were shown to be more resistant to both mechanical and chemical attacks during tribocorrosion tests.
Technical Note: A digital reference object representing Hoffman’s 3D brain phantom for PET scanner simulations
Authors: Harrison Robert L. , Elston Brian F. , Byrd Darrin W. , Alessio Adam M. , Swanson Kristin R. , Kinahan Paul E.
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Physical and digital phantoms play a key role in the development and testing of nuclear medicine instrumentation and processing algorithms for clinical and research applications, including neuroimaging using positron emission tomography (PET). We have developed and tested a digital reference object (DRO) version of the original segmented magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data used for the three‐dimensional (3D) PET brain phantom developed by Hoffman et al., which is used as the basis of a commercially available physical test phantom.

Methods

The DRO was constructed by subdividing the MRI image planes the original phantom was based on to create equal‐thickness slices and re‐labeling voxels. The digital data was then embedded in a PET Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine format and tested for compliance.

Results

We then tested the DRO by comparing it to computed tomography (CT) images of the physical phantom summed to form composite slices with axial extent similar to the DRO, but with a factor of two better in‐slice resolution. For composite slices, 91% of voxels were labeled in full agreement, 5% of the voxels were 50–75% accurate, and the remaining 4% of voxels had 25% or less agreement.

Conclusions

This DRO can be used as an input for PET scanner simulation studies or for comparing simulations to measured Hoffman phantom images.
Polypropylene Copolymers Designed for Fused Filament Fabrication 3D‐Printing
Authors: Spiegel Gunnar , Paulik Christian
Published: January 2020

Several chemical properties which influence the printability for fused filament fabrication 3D‐printing are derived from analyses of commercially available filaments. In preliminary experiments, polymerization conditions are optimized and suitable monomers and selectivity control agents (donors) are selected. An experimental series in which propene is copolymerized with the comonomers 1‐butene and 1‐hexene with an industrial Ziegler–Natta catalyst will be discussed here. The experiments are planned using design of experiments. Based on a split‐plot design, the design is adapted for mixtures and the combination of homo‐ and copolymerization. The observed factors, besides the mixture composition, are hydrogen partial pressure and the amount of donor. The obtained polymers are analyzed by means of high‐temperature size exclusion chromatography, differential scanning calorimetry, and rheology. 1‐Butene copolymers show good printing results and promising properties almost matching the desired ones. The targeted polymer properties are achieved within certain limits. 1‐Hexene copolymers result in lower molecular masses while crystallinity remains slightly higher, which does not match with the desired profile. Beneficial properties are likely to be achieved within a wider factor range, for example, higher comonomer amount and lower hydrogen partial pressure.
Analytical approach for circular‐jointed shield tunnel lining based on the state space method
Authors: Wang Jinchang , Huang Weiming , Xu Riqing , Yang Zhongxuan , Xu Rongqiao
Published: January 2020

This paper presents a new analytical solution to the circular segmental tunnel lining subjected to overburden and surrounding earth pressures. The governing equations are derived by adopting the curved Euler beam theory and the principle of minimum potential energy. Based on the state space method, the displacements and the relevant energy‐conjugated internal forces are treated as the fundamental unknown state vector and can be obtained by solving the state function. The inter‐segment joints on the lining are modeled by a set of linear springs, including shear, compression, and rotation. The presented method allows for the arbitrary distribution of the segmented joints and loads along the circumferential direction. The most striking advantages of the proposed method include the rigid body displacement treatment, lining‐displacement‐dependent soil reaction, and internal force direction dependency of the joint stiffness. Using this method, the displacements and internal forces of the entire lining can be obtained conveniently and simultaneously under the arbitrary loading and joint distribution conditions. The verification of the analytical solutions is provided by several examples.
Inferior vena cava revisited – Real‐time flow MRI of respiratory maneuvers
Authors: Joseph Arun A. , Voit Dirk , Frahm Jens
Published: January 2020

Recent MRI studies of blood flow in the inferior vena cava (IVC) resulted in findings which are inconsistent with earlier observations by invasive procedures – most likely because ECG‐gated MRI techniques are unable to resolve dynamic adjustments due to respiration. The purpose of this work was to apply real‐time phase‐contrast MRI at 50 ms resolution to re‐evaluate IVC flow in response to normal and deep breathing as well as breath holding and Valsalva maneuver (11 young healthy subjects). Real‐time flow MRI relied on highly undersampled radial gradient‐echo sequences and a model‐based nonlinear inverse reconstruction. A frequency analysis of the predominant pulsatility classified IVC flow in individual subjects as “cardiac”, “respiratory” or “mixed” type. Peak flow velocities during free breathing ranged from 30 to 58 cm s−1, while flow rates varied from 15 to 37 ml s−1. The subject‐specific IVC flow pattern persists during deep breathing although the enhanced respiratory influence may shift subjects form “cardiac” to “mixed” or from “mixed” to “respiratory” type. Peak velocities increased relative to normal breathing but led to similar flow rates of 16 to 34 ml s−1. Inspiration during deep breathing elicited brief periods of flow reversal in all subjects with mean peak velocities of −21 cm s−1. The observation of only mildly flattened parabolic velocity distributions within the IVC indicated mostly laminar flow. Breath holding reduced blood flow velocities and rates by more than 40% on average, while Valsalva maneuvers completely abolished venous return. In conclusion, IVC blood flow is dominated by the acquired respiratory behavior of individual subjects and its pressure‐induced alterations relative to cardiac pulsation. The responses to breath holding and Valsalva maneuver are in full agreement with previous invasive observations of reduced or even ceased flow, respectively.
Mechanisms of inter‐ply void formation during vacuum bag‐only cure of woven prepregs
Authors: Hu Wei , Centea Timotei , Nutt Steven
Published: January 2020

The removal of inter‐ply air is critical for limiting porosity in laminates. In this study, an in situ monitoring technique was employed to observe inter‐ply air evolution during vacuum bag‐only cure. Observations showed that reduced vacuum resulted in inefficient inter‐ply air evacuation, a more rapid bubble expansion rate, and formation of new air bubbles. A modified tow impregnation model showed that resin infiltration was impeded at reduced vacuum conditions due to the presence of intra‐tow air. However, the cured laminates showed that tows were fully impregnated in all cases, indicating that the entrapped intra‐tow air migrated to inter‐ply regions during cure. The interactions between intra‐tow and inter‐tow air at deficient vacuum conditions were revealed. Findings led to the conclusion that air remaining in intra‐tow regions contributed more to the increase of inter‐ply voids than the reduction in consolidation pressure difference associated with reduced vacuum.
Does prenatal counseling for pregnancies complicated by multiple fetal abnormalities concord with postnatal outcomes?
Authors: Baker Anna , Lagatta Joanne , Leuthner Steven , Acharya Krishna
Published: January 2020

Objective

In pregnancies complicated by multiple fetal abnormalities, our objective was to determine the degree of concordance between prenatal prognosis and postnatal outcomes.

Method

Retrospective cohort study of pregnancies with multiple fetal abnormalities referred to the Fetal Concerns Center of Wisconsin (FCCW) from 2015 to 2018. We reviewed records for anomalies, given prognostic severity, and postnatal outcomes. Prognostic severity was categorized as “likely mortality,” “severe impairment,” “moderate,” and “mild” based on predetermined criteria.

Results

In 85 pregnancies with multiple fetal abnormalities, 48% were given a prognosis of “likely mortality,” and 19% were given a prognosis of “severe impairment.” In pregnancies that were continued after being counseled as “likely mortality,” this outcome was concordant in all but one case, despite medical interventions. In pregnancies counseled as “severe impairment,” the more common outcome was mortality or severe impairment in 88% of cases and survival with severe impairment in 33% of cases. Postnatal outcomes were concordant with prenatal severity in 68% of the cases, more severe in 20% of the cases, and less severe in fewer than 5% of cases.

Conclusion

Prenatal predictions about severe outcomes are usually true in pregnancies complicated by multiple abnormalities. In cases of outcome discordance, outcomes tend to be more severe than predicted.
Different Arenas, Different Deliberative Quality? Using a Systemic Framework to Evaluate Online Deliberation on Immigration Policy in Germany
Authors: Esau Katharina , Fleuß Dannica , Nienhaus Sarah‐Michelle
Published: January 2020

One major strand of contemporary research on political participation addresses online deliberation. Over time, online deliberation has become increasingly pluralistic. Our study applies a framework derived from systemic deliberative theory to evaluate different online deliberation processes on German immigration policy. A crucial premise of the systemic deliberative theory is that the quality of deliberation varies systematically between different arenas within a political system. We differentiate between highly formal, semi‐formal, and informal deliberative arenas (arenas 1–3) and develop seven theory‐driven hypotheses concerning the quality of deliberative procedures in arenas 1–3 that we test through quantitative content analysis. Our study confirms the overarching expectation: processes’ deliberative quality varies systematically between arenas. The highest level of (aggregated) deliberative quality is displayed in arena 1—deliberations, that is, on the government‐run consultation platform. The more fine‐grained analysis of different dimensions of deliberative quality reveals that the patterns observed with regards to certain dimensions of deliberative quality (e.g., constructiveness and reciprocity) do not conform with our theory‐driven hypotheses. We discuss the theoretical and empirical implications of these findings. Future collaborations of theoretical and empirical scholars of deliberative democracy must address the specifics of online communication and the function of emotional communication in different deliberative arenas.
An evaluation of statistical approaches to postmarketing surveillance
Authors: Ding Yuxin , Markatou Marianthi , Ball Robert
Published: January 2020

Safety of medical products presents a serious concern worldwide. Surveillance systems of postmarket medical products have been established for continual monitoring of adverse events (AEs) in many countries, and the proliferation of electronic health record systems further facilitates continual monitoring for AEs. We review existing statistical methods for signal detection that are mostly in use in postmarketing safety surveillance of spontaneously reported AEs and we study their performance characteristics by simulation. We compare those with the likelihood ratio test (LRT) method (appropriately modified for use in pharmacovigilance) and use three different methods to generate data (AE based, drug based, and a modification of the method of Ahmed et al). Performance metrics include type I error, power, sensitivity, and false discovery rate, among others. The results show superior performance of the LRT method in almost all simulation experiments. An application to the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System database is illustrated using rhabdomyolysis‐related preferred terms reported to FDA during the third‐quarter of 2014 to the first‐quarter of 2017 for statin drugs. We present a critical discussion and recommendations for use of these methods.
Multiphase Microfluidics: Fundamentals, Fabrication, and Functions
Authors: Geng Yuhao , Ling SiDa , Huang Jinpei , Xu Jianhong
Published: January 2020

Multiphase microfluidics enables an alternative approach with many possibilities in studying, analyzing, and manufacturing functional materials due to its numerous benefits over macroscale methods, such as its ultimate controllability, stability, heat and mass transfer capacity, etc. In addition to its immense potential in biomedical applications, multiphase microfluidics also offers new opportunities in various industrial practices including extraction, catalysis loading, and fabrication of ultralight materials. Herein, aiming to give preliminary guidance for researchers from different backgrounds, a comprehensive overview of the formation mechanism, fabrication methods, and emerging applications of multiphase microfluidics using different systems is provided. Finally, major challenges facing the field are illustrated while discussing potential prospects for future work.
Dissipative Rahmentragwerke mit schlanken Querschnitten in Regionen mit moderater Seismizität
Authors: Degée Hervé , Hoffmeister Benno , Duchêne Yves
Published: January 2020

Im Rahmen eines europäischen Forschungsprojekts wurde die Eignung von schlanken Stahl‐ und Verbundquerschnitten für deren Verwendung in Gebieten moderater Seismizität experimentell und numerisch untersucht. Zunächst wurden zyklische Versuche an typischen Stütze‐Riegel‐Anschlüssen mit geschweißten Klasse‐3‐ und ‐4‐Querschnitten durchgeführt. Die Ergebnisse wurden im Hinblick auf die Entwicklung stabiler Hysteresen mit Dissipationspotenzial und die zyklische Degradation ausgewertet. Die Ergebnisse wurden zur Erstellung und Validierung numerischer Modelle verwendet, mit denen Untersuchungen von Stahl‐ und Verbundrahmenkonstruktionen mit erweiterten Parametern für die Anschlussknoten und für die Systemtopologie durchgeführt wurden. Die Ergebnisse der Untersuchungen wurden abschließend als Empfehlungen für die Verwendung von Klasse‐3‐ und ‐4‐Profilen in Gebieten moderater Seismizität zusammengefasst und zur Implementierung in der künftigen Version des Eurocode 8 vorgeschlagen.
A simple model for deep dynamic stall conditions
Authors: Rocchio Benedetto , Chicchiero Claudio , Salvetti Maria Vittoria , Zanforlin Stefania
Published: January 2020

The present study is focused on modeling of dynamic stall behavior of a pitching airfoil. The deep stall regime is in particular considered. A model is proposed, which has a low implementation and computational complexity but yet is able to deal with different types of dynamic stall conditions, including those characterized by multiple vortex shedding at the airfoil leading edge. The proposed model is appraised against an extensive data set of experimental (α,CL) curves for NACA0012. The results of an existing widely used model, having comparable complexity, are also shown for comparison. The proposed model is able to well reproduce not only the classic curves of deep dynamic stall but also the curves characterized by lift oscillations at high angles of attack due to the shedding of multiple vortices. Furthermore, the model appears to be robust to variations of its parameters from the optimal values and of the airfoil geometry. Finally, the model is successfully implemented in a commercial CFD software and applied to the simulation of a vertical axis wind turbine within the actuator cylinder approach. The accuracy of the prediction of the turbine power coefficient in the whole rotation cycle is very good for the optimal working condition of the turbine, for which the model parameters were calibrated. Fairly good accuracy is also obtained in significantly different working conditions without any further calibration.
Digital Divide – Soziale Unterschiede in der Nutzung digitaler Gesundheitsangebote
Authors: Cornejo Müller Alejandro , Wachtler Benjamin , Lampert Thomas
Published: January 2020

Die gesundheitliche Ungleichheit ist heute eines der wichtigsten Themen für Public Health weltweit. Der Digitalisierung von Gesundheitsangeboten wird dabei häufig das Potenzial zugesprochen, die gesundheitliche Chancengleichheit zu verbessern. Gleichzeitig ist die erfolgreiche Inanspruchnahme von digitalen Gesundheitsangeboten mit der Voraussetzung einer effektiven Nutzung des Internets verbunden, wodurch möglicherweise neue Barrieren für Menschen geschaffen werden, die entweder nicht über die notwendigen materiellen Ressourcen oder die erforderlichen digitalen oder gesundheitlichen Kompetenzen verfügen.

Wie genau sich die Digitalisierung von Gesundheitsangeboten auf die gesundheitliche Chancengleichheit auswirkt, ist bisher wenig erforscht. Ziel dieser Arbeit ist es, einen ersten Überblick über die vorhandene Literatur zu geben. Dabei zeigte ein Großteil der eingeschlossenen Studien, dass die Nutzung von digitalen Gesundheitsangeboten mit soziodemografischen Faktoren assoziiert war. Allgemein war die Inanspruchnahme bei jüngeren Menschen und solchen mit höherer Bildung und höherem Einkommen häufiger. Nur wenige Studien fanden keine Assoziation. Aus anderen Studien ging hervor, dass Menschen mit höherer Gesundheitskompetenz eher digitale Gesundheitsangebote nutzen. Dabei zeigt die Gesundheitskompetenz ebenfalls einen sozialen Gradienten zugunsten jener in höheren sozioökonomischen Positionen. Bei geringer Evidenz gibt es bisher keinen Anhalt für eine Verringerung gesundheitlicher Ungleichheit durch digitale Gesundheitsangebote.

Die analysierten Studien weisen darauf hin, dass bestehende Ungleichheiten sich auch digital fortführen. Es bedarf daher weiterer Forschung, um die Bedeutung von sozialen Determinanten für die digitalen Versorgungsangebote genauer zu verstehen.
Comparison of serum and urinary biomarker panels with albumin/creatinine ratio in the prediction of renal function decline in type 1 diabetes
Authors:   on behalf of the Scottish Diabetes Research Network (SDRN) Type 1 Bioresource Investigators, Colombo Marco , McGurnaghan Stuart J. , Blackbourn Luke A. K. , Dalton R. Neil , Dunger David , Bell Samira , Petrie John R. , Green Fiona , MacRury Sandra , McKnight John A. , Chalmers John , Collier Andrew , McKeigue Paul M. , Colhoun Helen M.
Published: January 2020

Aims/hypothesis

We examined whether candidate biomarkers in serum or urine can improve the prediction of renal disease progression in type 1 diabetes beyond prior eGFR, comparing their performance with urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR).

Methods

From the population-representative Scottish Diabetes Research Network Type 1 Bioresource (SDRNT1BIO) we sampled 50% and 25% of those with starting eGFR below and above 75 ml min−1 [1.73 m]−2, respectively (N = 1629), and with median 5.1 years of follow-up. Multiplexed ELISAs and single molecule array technology were used to measure nine serum biomarkers and 13 urine biomarkers based on our and others’ prior work using large discovery and candidate studies. Associations with final eGFR and with progression to <30 ml min−1 [1.73] m−2, both adjusted for baseline eGFR, were tested using linear and logistic regression models. Parsimonious biomarker panels were identified using a penalised Bayesian approach, and their performance was evaluated through tenfold cross-validation and compared with using urinary ACR and other clinical record data.

Results

Seven serum and seven urine biomarkers were strongly associated with either final eGFR or progression to <30 ml min−1 [1.73 m]−2, adjusting for baseline eGFR and other covariates (all at p<2.3 × 10−3). Of these, associations of four serum biomarkers were independent of ACR for both outcomes. The strongest associations with both final eGFR and progression to <30 ml min−1 [1.73 m]−2 were for serum TNF receptor 1, kidney injury molecule 1, CD27 antigen, α-1-microglobulin and syndecan-1. These serum associations were also significant in normoalbuminuric participants for both outcomes. On top of baseline covariates, the r2 for prediction of final eGFR increased from 0.702 to 0.743 for serum biomarkers, and from 0.702 to 0.721 for ACR alone. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for progression to <30 ml min−1 [1.73 m]−2 increased from 0.876 to 0.953 for serum biomarkers, and to 0.911 for ACR alone. Other urinary biomarkers did not outperform ACR.

Conclusions/interpretation

A parsimonious panel of serum biomarkers easily measurable along with serum creatinine may outperform ACR for predicting renal disease progression in type 1 diabetes, potentially obviating the need for urine testing.
Cardiovascular drug use among people with cognitive impairment living in nursing homes in northern Sweden
Authors: Svahn Sofia , Lövheim Hugo , Isaksson Ulf , Sandman Per-Olof , Gustafsson Maria
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The aim of this study was to describe changes in the pattern of cardiovascular agents used in elderly people living in nursing homes between 2007 and 2013. Further, the aim was to analyse the use of cardiovascular drugs in relation to cognitive impairment and associated factors within the same population, where prescription of loop diuretics was used as a proxy for heart failure.

Methods

Two questionnaire surveys were performed including 2494 people in 2007 and 1654 people in 2013 living in nursing homes in northern Sweden. Data were collected concerning drug use, functioning in activities of daily living (ADL) and cognition, using the Multi-Dimensional Dementia Assessment Scale (MDDAS). The use of different drugs and drug classes among people at four different levels of cognitive function in 2007 and 2013 were compared.

Results

The proportion of people prescribed ASA and diuretics was significantly lower at all four levels of cognitive function in 2013 compared to 2007. Among people prescribed loop diuretics, the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor blockers (ACEI/ARBs) increased from 37.8 to 45.6%, β-blockers from 36.0 to 41.8% and warfarin from 4.4 to 11.4%. The use of warfarin, ACEI/ARBs, β-blockers and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) were less common among individuals with more severe cognitive impairment.

Conclusion

The results indicate that cardiovascular drug treatment has improved between 2007 and 2013, but there is room for further improvement, especially regarding adherence to guidelines for heart failure. Increasing cognitive impairment had an effect on treatment patterns for heart failure and atrial fibrillation.
Long-term surviving cancer patients as a source of therapeutic TCR
Authors: Inderberg Else Marit , Wälchli Sébastien
Published: January 2020

We have established a platform for the isolation of tumour-specific TCR from T cells of patients who experienced clinical benefit from cancer vaccination. In this review we will present the rationale behind this strategy and discuss the advantages of working with “natural” wild type TCRs. Indeed, the general trend in the field has been to use various modifications to enhance the affinity of such therapeutic TCRs. This was done to obtain stronger T cell responses, often at the cost of safety. We further describe antigen targets and recent in vitro and in vivo results obtained to validate them. We finally discuss the use of MHC class II-restricted TCR in immunotherapy. Typically cellular anti-tumour immune responses have been attributed to CD8 T cells; however, we isolated mainly CD4 T cells. Importantly, these MHC class II-restricted TCRs have the potential to induce broad, long lasting immune responses that enable cancer control. The use of CD4 T cell-derived TCRs for adoptive immunotherapy has so far been limited and we will here discuss their therapeutic potential.
Restoration Scaling Approaches to Addressing Ecological Injury: The Habitat-Based Resource Equivalency Method
Authors: Baker Mary , Domanski Adam , Hollweg Terill , Murray Jason , Lane Diana , Skrabis Kristin , Taylor Robert , Moore Tom , DiPinto Lisa
Published: January 2020

Natural resource trustee agencies must determine how much, and what type of environmental restoration will compensate for injuries to natural resources that result from releases of hazardous substances or oil spills. To fulfill this need, trustees, and other natural resource damage assessment (NRDA) practitioners have relied on a variety of approaches, including habitat equivalency analysis (HEA) and resource equivalency analysis (REA). The purpose of this paper is to introduce the Habitat-Based Resource Equivalency Method (HaBREM), which integrates REA’s reproducible injury metrics and population modeling with HEA’s comprehensive habitat approach to restoration. HaBREM is intended to evaluate injury and restoration using organisms that use the habitat to represent ecological habitat functions. This paper seeks to expand and refine the use of organism-based metrics (biomass-based REA), providing an opportunity to integrate sublethal injuries to multiple species, as well as the potential to include error rates for injury and restoration parameters. Applied by NRDA practitioners in the appropriate context, this methodology can establish the relationship between benefits of compensatory restoration projects and injuries to plant or animal species within an affected habitat. HaBREM may be most effective where there are appropriate data supporting the linkage between habitat and species gains (particularly regionally specific habitat information), as well as species-specific monitoring data and predictions on the growth, density, productivity (i.e., rate of generation of biomass or individuals), and age distributions of indicator species.
Homogenization of Chiral Magnetic Materials: A Mathematical Evidence of Dzyaloshinskii’s Predictions on Helical Structures
Authors: Davoli E. , Di Fratta G.
Published: January 2020

In this paper, we investigate the influence of the bulk Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction on the magnetic properties of composite ferromagnetic materials with highly oscillating heterogeneities, in the framework of$$\Gamma $$Γ-convergence and 2-scale convergence. The homogeneous energy functional resulting from our analysis provides an effective description of most of the magnetic composites of interest nowadays. Although our study covers more general scenarios than the micromagnetic one, it builds on the phenomenological considerations of Dzyaloshinskii on the existence of helicoidal textures, as a result of possible instabilities of ferromagnetic structures under small relativistic spin–lattice or spin–spin interactions. In particular, we provide the first quantitative counterpart to Dzyaloshinskii’s predictions on helical structures.
Exploring phosphorus fertilizers and fertilization strategies for improved human and environmental health
Authors: Bindraban Prem S. , Dimkpa Christian O. , Pandey Renu
Published: January 2020

Mineral phosphorus (P) fertilizers support high crop yields and contribute to feeding the teeming global population. However, complex edaphic processes cause P to be immobilized in soil, hampering its timely and sufficient availability for uptake by plants. The resultant low use efficiency of current water-soluble P fertilizers creates significant environmental and human health problems. Current practices to increase P use efficiency have been inadequate to curtail these problems. We advocate for the understanding of plant physiological processes, such as physiological P requirement, storage of excess P as phytate, and plant uptake mechanisms, to identify novel ways of designing and delivering P fertilizers to plants for improved uptake. We note the importance and implications of the contrasting role of micronutrients such as zinc and iron in stimulating P availability under low soil P content, while inhibiting P uptake under high P fertilization; this could provide an avenue for managing P for plant use under different P fertilization regimes. We argue that the improvement of the nutritional value of crops, especially cereals, through reduced phytic acid and increased zinc and iron contents should be among the most important drivers toward the development of innovative fertilizer products and fertilization technologies. In this paper, we present various pathways in support of this argument. Retuning P fertilizer products and application strategies will contribute to fighting hunger and micronutrient deficiencies in humans. Moreover, direct soil P losses will be reduced as a result of improved P absorption by plants.
Morphological and physiological responses of the potato stem transport tissues to dehydration stress
Authors: Aliche Ernest B. , Prusova-Bourke Alena , Ruiz-Sanchez Mariam , Oortwijn Marian , Gerkema Edo , Van As Henk , Visser Richard G. F. , van der Linden C. Gerard
Published: January 2020

Main conclusion

Adaptation of the xylem under dehydration to smaller sized vessels and the increase in xylem density per stem area facilitate water transport during water-limiting conditions, and this has implications for assimilate transport during drought.

The potato stem is the communication and transport channel between the assimilate-exporting source leaves and the terminal sink tissues of the plant. During environmental stress conditions like water scarcity, which adversely affect the performance (canopy growth and tuber yield) of the potato plant, the response of stem tissues is essential, however, still understudied. In this study, we investigated the response of the stem tissues of cultivated potato grown in the greenhouse to dehydration using a multidisciplinary approach including physiological, biochemical, morphological, microscopic, and magnetic resonance imaging techniques. We observed the most significant effects of water limitation in the lower stem regions of plants. The light microscopy analysis of the potato stem sections revealed that plants exposed to this particular dehydration stress have higher total xylem density per unit area than control plants. This increase in the total xylem density was accompanied by an increase in the number of narrow-diameter xylem vessels and a decrease in the number of large-diameter xylem vessels. Our MRI approach revealed a diurnal rhythm of xylem flux between day and night, with a reduction in xylem flux that is linked to dehydration sensitivity. We also observed that sink strength was the main driver of assimilate transport through the stem in our data set. These findings may present potential breeding targets for drought tolerance in potato.
Extreme temperature drop alters hatching delay, reproductive success, and physiological condition in great tits
Authors: Glądalski Michał , Bańbura Mirosława , Kaliński Adam , Markowski Marcin , Skwarska Joanna , Wawrzyniak Jarosław , Zieliński Piotr , Bańbura Jerzy
Published: January 2020

It has been suggested that extreme weather events may be treated as natural experiments that may unravel the mechanisms by which birds adjust their phenology and breeding parameters to environmental variability. In 2017, a sudden and heavy drop of temperatures for several days affected many European bird populations. This event occurred during the laying–early incubation period in the great tit (Parus major) population in central Poland, causing a large delay in hatching and had sustained reproductive consequences. This cold snap occurring once breeding activity had already started in 2017 was followed by the warm and invariable breeding season of 2018. This natural experiment had an essential influence on great tit reproductive parameters. We found a significant difference in hatching date, number of fledglings, hatching success, and fledging success between 2017 and 2018. In 2017, there were about two fledglings per nest fewer than in 2018. Fledging success was positively associated with hatching delay in 2017, while the relation was negative in 2018. Hatching success differed significantly between both years, being higher in 2018. Mean level of hemoglobin (used as index of body, physiological condition) in the blood of nestling great tits was higher in 2017 than in 2018. We argue that the moment of hatching may be (at least in some years) more tightly related to the moment of maximum food demand of tit nestlings than the traditionally used laying date. Also in extreme years, phenotypic plasticity of hatching delays may be insufficient to adjust the timing of breeding to the upcoming extreme weather events. Further examining its limits may be an important goal for future research.
Clinical course of pain and disability following primary lumbar discectomy: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Rushton A. , Heneghan N. R. , Heymans M. W. , Staal J. B. , Goodwin P.
Published: January 2020

Purpose

To conduct a meta-analysis to describe clinical course of pain and disability in adult patients post-lumbar discectomy (PROSPERO: CRD42015020806).

Methods

Sensitive topic-based search strategy designed for individual databases was conducted. Patients (> 16 years) following first-time lumbar discectomy for sciatica/radiculopathy with no complications, investigated in inception (point of surgery) prospective cohort studies, were included. Studies including revision surgery or not published in English were excluded. Two reviewers independently searched information sources, assessed eligibility at title/abstract and full-text stages, extracted data, assessed risk of bias (modified QUIPs) and assessed GRADE. Authors were contacted to request raw data where data/variance data were missing. Meta-analyses evaluated outcomes at all available time points using the variance-weighted mean in random-effect meta-analyses. Means and 95% CIs were plotted over time for measurements reported on outcomes of leg pain, back pain and disability.

Results

A total of 87 studies (n = 31,034) at risk of bias (49 moderate, 38 high) were included. Clinically relevant improvements immediately following surgery (> MCID) for leg pain (0–10, mean before surgery 7.04, 50 studies, n = 14,910 participants) and disability were identified (0–100, mean before surgery 53.33, 48 studies, n = 15,037). Back pain also improved (0–10, mean before surgery 4.72, 53 studies, n = 14,877). Improvement in all outcomes was maintained (to 7 years). Meta-regression analyses to assess the relationship between outcome data and a priori potential covariates found preoperative back pain and disability predictive for outcome.

Conclusion

Moderate-level evidence supports clinically relevant immediate improvement in leg pain and disability following lumbar discectomy with accompanying improvements in back pain.

Graphic abstract

These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.
Gingival recession behavior with immediate implant placement in the anterior maxilla with buccal dehiscence without additional augmentation—a pilot study
Authors: Pohl Veronika , Fürhauser Lukas , Haas Robert , Pohl Sebastian
Published: January 2020

Background

Immediate implant placement in the presence of intact extraction alveoli has frequently been reported, while hardly any reports on immediate implant placement in missing buccal bone can be found in literature.

Objectives

This pilot study evaluates esthetic outcome and soft and hard tissue level changes of immediate implant placement with immediate provisionalization in patients with partially/completely missing buccal bone without any further augmentation procedure in the maxillary anterior zone.

Material and methods

Twelve patients (TG) with partially to completely missing buccal bone designated for extraction and flapless immediate implant insertion in the anterior zone of the maxilla were included. Patients randomly selected out of a larger group of patients with immediate implants with intact alveoli served as controls (CG). Immediate provisionalization was done without any further augmentation of the alveolar ridge. Marginal hard and soft tissue levels, PES, and implant success were evaluated during a 1-year observation period.

Results

The defect of the buccal alveolar bone was 4.96 mm (min., 2.26 mm; max., 9.68 mm) and the mean mesio-distal extension 4.25 mm (min., 3.2 mm; max., 5.91 mm). Preoperative PES differed significantly between TG (9.68) and CG (12.25) and improved in TG postoperatively with no significant difference to CG after 1 year (TG, 10.91; CG, 11.3). The buccal soft tissue level remained almost unchanged over the observation period (TG preop, 0.86 mm ± 0.90 mm; 1 year, 0.91 mm ± 0.96 mm; CG preop, 0.98 mm ± 0.87 mm; 1 year, 0.98 mm ± 0.87 mm and did not show any correlation with either the mesial/distal bone level or the initial buccal vertical defect at any point of time.

Conclusions

These clinical results provide evidence that immediate implant placement without additional augmentation, but with immediate provisionalization might be a viable treatment alternative even with missing buccal plate in the esthetic maxillary zone.
Penetration and bouncing during impact in shallow cornstarch suspensions
Authors: Lopez-de-la-Cruz Ricardo Arturo , van der Meer Devaraj , Pons Adeline
Published: January 2020

The impact-activated solidification of cornstarch suspensions has proven to be a multi-faceted problem and a complete explanation of the different phenomena observed during this process remains elusive. In this work, we revisit this rich problem and focus on impact on shallow suspension baths where the solidification partly leads to bouncing of the impactor. We systematically vary the depth and solid fraction of the suspension, the mass of the impactor, and the impact velocity to determine which conditions lead to bouncing. For cases where bouncing occurs we observe distinctly different dynamics as compared to those cases without it. Our results allow us to connect the velocity oscillations and stop-go cycles that were observed during settling in a deep layer, with more recent work dealing with high-force and high-speed impact on a cornstarch suspension.
Retirement Financial Behaviour: How Important Is Being Financially Literate?
Authors: Hauff J. C. , Carlander A. , Gärling T. , Nicolini G.
Published: January 2020

Using Item Response Theory to analyse survey data from a representative sample of 551 Swedish citizens, a new 16-question measure of fact-based financial literacy is developed and validated. Uni-dimensionality of the measure is verified, and expected correlations are observed with an existing measure of fact-based financial literacy, a measure of subjective financial literacy or confidence, and age, gender, and income. A significant impact of fact-based and subjective financial literacy are found on three time-ordered stages of individuals’ retirement behaviour: planning, saving, and investment management. It is concluded that policies increasing final literacy are important in different phases of the life cycle.
Downsizing and Silicon Integration of Photoacoustic Gas Cells
Authors: Glière A. , Barritault P. , Berthelot A. , Constancias C. , Coutard J.-G. , Desloges B. , Duraffourg L. , Fedeli J.-M. , Garcia M. , Lartigue O. , Lhermet H. , Marchant A. , Rouxel J. , Skubich J. , Teulle A. , Verdot T. , Nicoletti S.
Published: January 2020

Downsizing and compatibility with MEMS silicon foundries is an attractive path towards a large diffusion of photoacoustic trace gas sensors. As the photoacoustic signal scales inversely with the chamber volume, a trend to miniaturization has been followed by several teams. We review in this article the approach initiated several years ago in our laboratory. Three generations of components, namely a 40 mm3 3D-printed cell, a 3.7 mm3 silicon cell, and a 2.3 mm3 silicon cell with a built-in piezoresistive pressure sensor, have been designed. The models used take into account the viscous and thermal losses, which cannot be neglected for such small-sized resonators. The components have been fabricated either by additive manufacturing or microfabrication and characterized. Based on a compilation of experimental data, a similar sub-ppm limit of detection is demonstrated. All three versions of photoacoustic cells have their own domain of operation as each one has benefits and drawbacks, regarding fabrication, implementation, and ease of use.