bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of prone and supine positioning on the diaphragmatic work of breathing in convalescent preterm infants
Authors: Dimitriou Gabriel , Tsintoni Asimina , Vervenioti Aggeliki , Papakonstantinou Despina , Dassios Theodore
Published: July 2021

Objectives

To compare the work of breathing in the prone and supine positions in convalescent prematurely born infants.

Working Hypothesis

The work of breathing would be lower in the prone compared to the supine position.

Study Design

Prospective observational cohort study.

Patient‐Subject Selection

Consecutive preterm infants breathing unsupported in room air with a gestational age of 28–34 weeks in a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit were studied before discharge from neonatal care.

Methodology

The diaphragmatic pressure time product (PTPdi) was used to assess the work of breathing, calculated as the integration of transdiaphragmatic pressure over the inspiratory time. The PTPdi was measured in prone, supine, and supine with 45° head‐up tilt (supine‐tilt) positions.

Results

The mean (SD) PTPdi was lower in the prone (259 [68] cm H2O*s/min) compared with the supine position (320 [78] cm H2O*s/min, p= .005). The mean (SD) PTPdi was lower in the supine‐tilt position (262 [76] cm H2O*s/min) compared with the supine position (p = .032). The PTPdi was not different between the prone and supine‐tilt positions (p = .600). The difference in PTPdi between prone and supine was not independently associated with gestational age (standardized coefficient = 0.262, adjusted p= .335), birth weight (standardized coefficient = −0.249, adjusted p= .394) or postmenstrual age at study (standardized coefficient = −0.025, adjusted p= .902).

Conclusions

In convalescent preterm neonates, the work of breathing may be lower in the prone and supine‐tilt positions, compared with supine.
Anthocyanin‐rich fraction from black rice, Oryza sativa L. var. indica “Luem Pua,” bran extract attenuates kidney injury induced by high‐fat diet involving oxidative stress and apoptosis in obese rats
Authors: Laorodphun Pongrapee , Arjinajarn Phatchawan , Thongnak Laongdao , Promsan Sasivimon , Swe Myat Theingi , Thitisut Pasin , Mahatheeranont Sugunya , Jaturasitha Sanchai , Lungkaphin Anusorn
Published: July 2021

Obesity is acknowledged as being a world health problem and increases the risk of several chronic diseases including chronic kidney disease. High‐fat diet consumption and obesity‐related renal disease show a close correlation with increased oxidative stress. Black rice bran extract, (BRE) Oryza sativa L. variety “Luem Pua” contains a high anthocyanin content. This study evaluated the effects of an anthocyanin‐rich fraction from BRE on renal function and oxidative stress in obese rats. Male Wistar rats were fed a normal diet (ND) or high‐fat diet (HF) for 16 weeks. After this, the rats were given either vehicle (HF), BRE 100 (HF100) or BRE 200 mg/kg/day (HF200) orally for 8 weeks. The HF rats had increased body weight, visceral fat weight, plasma glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides. These parameters were normalized following HF100 administration and showed a decreasing trend with HF200. Serum creatinine and renal cortical MDA were increased in the HF group but these effects were attenuated by BRE. Negative kidney injury and histopathology changes were observed following a HF, but treatment with BRE reversed these deleterious effects. These results suggest that BRE could be used as a food supplement to improve metabolic disturbance and prevent kidney dysfunction in cases of obesity.
Association of clozapine metabolism and neutropenia
Authors: Lam Y. W. Francis
Published: July 2021

Clozapine is highly effective in patients with treatment‐resistant schizophrenia. However, the occurrence of neutropenia and agranulocytosis in 1% to 2% of treated patients has necessitated the requirement of frequent hematological monitoring, limiting the usefulness of clozapine for more patients. Most clinical guidelines recommend that clozapine be discontinued when the white blood cell count is less than 3,000/µl or the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) is less than 1,500/µl in treated individuals.
Navigation of iliac crest graft harvest using markerless augmented reality and cutting guide technology: A pilot study
Authors: Winnand Philipp , Ayoub Nassim , Redick Tim , Gesenhues Jonas , Heitzer Marius , Peters Florian , Raith Stefan , Abel Dirk , Hölzle Frank , Modabber Ali
Published: July 2021

Background

Defects of the facial skeleton often require complex reconstruction with vascularized grafts. This trial elucidated the usability, visual perception and accuracy of a markerless augmented reality (AR)‐guided navigation for harvesting iliac crest transplants.

Methods

Random CT scans were used to virtually plan two common transplant configurations on 10 iliac crest models, each printed four times. The transplants were harvested using projected AR and cutting guides. The duration and accuracies of the angulation, distance and volume between the planned and executed osteotomies were measured.

Results

AR was characterized by the efficient use of time and accurate rendition of preoperatively planned geometries. However, vertical osteotomies and complex anatomical settings displayed significant inferiority of AR guidance compared to cutting guides.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated the usability of a markerless AR setup for harvesting iliac crest transplants. The visual perception and accuracy of the AR‐guided osteotomies constituted remaining weaknesses against cutting guide technology.
Epidemiology of pyogenic liver abscesses in Germany: Analysis of incidence, risk factors and mortality rate based on routine data from statutory health insurance
Authors: Zimmermann Lisa , Wendt Sebastian , Lübbert Christoph , Karlas Thomas
Published: July 2021

Background

Pyogenic liver abscesses (PLAs) represent potentially life‐threatening abdominal conditions that require immediate diagnosis and therapy. European and American incidence figures vary between one and 15 per 100,000 per year. Structured epidemiological data for European countries are not available.

Objective

To systematically characterize the epidemiology and clinical outcome of PLA in Germany.

Methods

In representative statutory health insurance data from four million people in 2013–2019, the prevalence and incidence with clinical coding of International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD)‐10 code K75.0 were selected (n = 1118). Furthermore, demographics, relevant comorbidities, hospitalizations, mortality and complications were determined within one year.

Results

The incidence of PLA was approximately seven per 100,000. The average age at diagnosis was 66 years; 65% were male. Of these, biliary disease was documented in over 60% and infectious intestinal diseases were found in 21% within the same or previous calendar year. PLA patients had high comorbidity indices. Liver transplant status, malignancies of the liver and biliary system, liver cirrhosis and pancreatitis were strongly associated. Intensive care was documented in 27% of PLA cases. Nine percent died within 12 months, most with an underlying malignant disease.

Conclusion

Pyogenic liver abscess is a rare disease with high morbidity. Predisposing and risk factors include intestinal and biliary diseases as well as hepatic malignancies. Further research should focus on PLA therapy within prospective surveys and controlled clinical trials.
Integration of chemically modified nucleotides with DNA strand displacement reactions for applications in living systems
Authors: Kabza Adam M. , Kundu Nandini , Zhong Wenrui , Sczepanski Jonathan T.
Published: July 2021

Watson–Crick base pairing rules provide a powerful approach for engineering DNA‐based nanodevices with programmable and predictable behaviors. In particular, DNA strand displacement reactions have enabled the development of an impressive repertoire of molecular devices with complex functionalities. By relying on DNA to function, dynamic strand displacement devices represent powerful tools for the interrogation and manipulation of biological systems. Yet, implementation in living systems has been a slow process due to several persistent challenges, including nuclease degradation. To circumvent these issues, researchers are increasingly turning to chemically modified nucleotides as a means to increase device performance and reliability within harsh biological environments. In this review, we summarize recent progress toward the integration of chemically modified nucleotides with DNA strand displacement reactions, highlighting key successes in the development of robust systems and devices that operate in living cells and in vivo. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of commonly employed modifications as they pertain to DNA strand displacement, as well as considerations that must be taken into account when applying modified oligonucleotide to living cells. Finally, we explore how chemically modified nucleotides fit into the broader goal of bringing dynamic DNA nanotechnology into the cell, and the challenges that remain.

This article is categorized under:

Diagnostic Tools > In Vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology

Diagnostic Tools > Biosensing
Unwinding the roles ofRNAhelicaseMOV10
Authors: Nawaz Aatiqa , Shilikbay Temirlan , Skariah Geena , Ceman Stephanie
Published: July 2021

MOV10 is an RNA helicase that associates with the RNA‐induced silencing complex component Argonaute (AGO), likely resolving RNA secondary structures. MOV10 also binds the Fragile X mental retardation protein to block AGO2 binding at some sites and associates with UPF1, a principal component of the nonsense‐mediated RNA decay pathway. MOV10 is widely expressed and has a key role in the cellular response to viral infection and in suppressing retrotransposition. Posttranslational modifications of MOV10 include ubiquitination, which leads to stimulation‐dependent degradation, and phosphorylation, which has an unknown function. MOV10 localizes to the nucleus and/or cytoplasm in a cell type‐specific and developmental stage‐specific manner. Knockout ofMov10leads to embryonic lethality, underscoring an important role in development where it is required for the completion of gastrulation. MOV10 is expressed throughout the organism; however, most studies have focused on germline cells and neurons. In the testes, the knockdown ofMov10disrupts proliferation of spermatogonial progenitor cells. In brain, MOV10 is significantly elevated postnatally and binds mRNAs encoding cytoskeleton and neuron projection proteins, suggesting an important role in neuronal architecture. HeterozygousMov10mutant mice are hyperactive and anxious and their cultured hippocampal neurons have reduced dendritic arborization. Zygotic knockdown ofMov10inXenopus laeviscauses abnormal head and eye development and mislocalization of neuronal precursors in the brain. Thus, MOV10 plays a vital role during development, defense against viral infection and in neuronal development and function: its many roles and regulation are only beginning to be unraveled.

This article is categorized under:

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > RNA‐Protein Complexes

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein‐RNA Interactions: Functional Implications
Conservation Detection Dogs Increase Efficacy for Prey Detection at Carnivore GPS Cluster Sites During Summer
Authors: Petroelje Tyler R. , Fowler Nicholas L. , Kautz Todd M. , Lutto Ashley L. , Davidson Gregory A. , Beyer Dean E. , Belant Jerrold L.
Published: July 2021

Combining carnivore movements with site visits to investigate predation events can inform investigators of carnivore diets, kill rates, and risk factors for prey. However, detecting remains of prey can be challenging when prey is small or when vegetation conceals prey. Conservation detection dogs (CDDs) have assisted with wildlife surveys to locate objects of conservation interest, often improving detection over human counterparts. We hypothesized that CDDs would improve efficacy for detection of prey remains at kill locations compared to human searchers. We compared the efficacy of CDD teams (1 dog, 1 human handler) and technician teams (2 humans) for locating prey remains at 729 carnivore cluster (potential predation) sites in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, USA, during May to August of 2015. Carnivore species included gray wolves (Canis lupus), coyotes (C. latrans), bobcats (Lynx rufus), and American black bears (Ursus americanus). Overall, CDD teams identified prey remains at 2.3 times more clusters, required 42% less search time, and handlers traveled 83% less distance per detected prey remain compared to technician teams. Within carnivore species, CDD teams detected small prey remains at a greater rate than technician teams (4.0–4.3 times greater) for all carnivores except for bobcat which had similar detection rate. Detection of large prey remains (e.g., adult ungulates) was similar between CDD teams and technician teams. Our study supports CDDs ability to outperform humans when searching for objects of conservation interest which are visually cryptic but traceable by scent. Where logistics allow, we recommend use of CDDs over human searchers when it is a priority to locate remains of small prey and when vegetation is dense and may obscure even larger prey items. © 2021 The Wildlife Society.
Teil IV: Im Pflegeheim
Authors: Karl und Studierende Katrin Bente
Published: July 2021

In diesem Teil kommen größtenteils die studentischen Teilnehmerinnen von UnVergessen zu Wort und teilen aus unterschiedlichen Perspektiven ihre Erfahrungen, die sie im Laufe ihrer Projektteilnahme sammeln. Da das Projekt einen umfangreichen praktischen Teil im Pflegeheim umfasst, wird in diesem Teil besonders der Einblick in den Pflegealltag in den Mittelpunkt gestellt.
From Invariance Under Binomial Thinning to Unification of the Cauchy and the Gołąb–Schinzel-Type Equations
Authors: Baron Karol , Wesolowski Jacek
Published: July 2021

We point out to a connection between a problem of invariance of power series families of probability distributions under binomial thinning and functional equations which generalize both the Cauchy and an additive form of the Gołąb–Schinzel equation. We solve these equations in several settings with no or mild regularity assumptions imposed on unknown functions.
Rückgang der ambulanten Antibiotikaverordnungen bei Kindern und Jugendlichen in Deutschland 2010–2019. Regionale Entwicklung in den deutschen KV-Regionen
Authors: Holstiege J. , Bätzing J. , Akmatov M. K. , Tillmann R. , Hufnagel M. , Hübner J. , Berner R. , Simon A.
Published: July 2021

In den letzten 10 Jahren ist das Thema Antibiotic Stewardship (ABS) auch in der ambulanten Kinder- und Jugendmedizin immer stärker in den Vordergrund gerückt. Die vom Zentralinstitut für die kassenärztliche Versorgung in der Bundesrepublik Deutschland regelmäßig ausgewerteten bundesweiten krankenkassenübergreifenden Arzneiverordnungsdaten gemäß § 300 Abs. 2 SGB V (gesetzlich Krankenversicherte) zeigen von 2010 bis 2019 eine starke Abnahme der Antibiotikaverordnungsraten bei Kindern und Jugendlichen (0 bis 14 Jahre) pro 1000 Versicherte, insbesondere bei Säuglingen (∆ −53 %) und Kleinkindern (∆ −46 %). Aus ABS-Perspektive werden weiterhin zu häufig Oralcephalosporine (v. a. Cefaclor und Cefuroxim) verordnet. Zudem persistieren starke regionale Unterschiede, die sich nicht durch Unterschiede in der Patientenpopulation oder im Erkrankungsspektrum erklären lassen.
Morc1 as a potential new target gene in mood regulation: when and where to find in the brain
Authors: Mundorf Annakarina , Koch Jennifer , Kubitza Nadja , Wagner Selina C. , Schmidt Michaela , Gass Peter , Freund Nadja
Published: July 2021

Recent animal and human studies connected the Morc family CW-type zinc finger 1 (Morc1) gene with early life stress and depression. Moreover, the Morc superfamily is related to epigenetic regulation in diverse nuclear processes. So far, the Morc1 gene was mainly studied in spermatogenesis, whereas its distribution and function in the brain are still unknown. In a first attempt to characterize Morc1 in the brain, we performed a Western Blot analysis as well as a real-time PCR analysis during different stages of development. Additionally, we detected Morc1 mRNA using real-time PCR in different mood-regulating brain areas in adult rats. We found that MORC1 protein as well as Morc1 mRNA is already expressed in the brain at embryonic day 14 and is stably expressed until adulthood. Furthermore, Morc1 mRNA is present in many important brain areas of mood regulation like the medial prefrontal cortex, the nucleus accumbens, the hippocampus, the hypothalamus, and the amygdala. The ample distribution in the brain and its molecular structure as a zinc finger protein indicate that Morc1 might act as a transcription factor. This function and its expression in mood-regulating areas already in the early brain development turn Morc1 into a possible candidate gene for mediating early life stress and depression.
Co-clinical FDG-PET radiomic signature in predicting response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Roy Sudipta , Whitehead Timothy D. , Li Shunqiang , Ademuyiwa Foluso O. , Wahl Richard L. , Dehdashti Farrokh , Shoghi Kooresh I.
Published: July 2021

Purpose

We sought to exploit the heterogeneity afforded by patient-derived tumor xenografts (PDX) to first, optimize and identify robust radiomic features to predict response to therapy in subtype-matched triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) PDX, and second, to implement PDX-optimized image features in a TNBC co-clinical study to predict response to therapy using machine learning (ML) algorithms.

Methods

TNBC patients and subtype-matched PDX were recruited into a co-clinical FDG-PET imaging trial to predict response to therapy. One hundred thirty-one imaging features were extracted from PDX and human-segmented tumors. Robust image features were identified based on reproducibility, cross-correlation, and volume independence. A rank importance of predictors using ReliefF was used to identify predictive radiomic features in the preclinical PDX trial in conjunction with ML algorithms: classification and regression tree (CART), Naïve Bayes (NB), and support vector machines (SVM). The top four PDX-optimized image features, defined as radiomic signatures (RadSig), from each task were then used to predict or assess response to therapy. Performance of RadSig in predicting/assessing response was compared to SUVmean, SUVmax, and lean body mass-normalized SULpeak measures.

Results

Sixty-four out of 131 preclinical imaging features were identified as robust. NB-RadSig performed highest in predicting and assessing response to therapy in the preclinical PDX trial. In the clinical study, the performance of SVM-RadSig and NB-RadSig to predict and assess response was practically identical and superior to SUVmean, SUVmax, and SULpeak measures.

Conclusions

We optimized robust FDG-PET radiomic signatures (RadSig) to predict and assess response to therapy in the context of a co-clinical imaging trial.
Inter-modality assessment of medial temporal lobe atrophy in a non-demented population: application of a visual rating scale template across radiologists with varying clinical experience
Authors: Håkansson Claes , Tamaddon Ashkan , Andersson Henrik , Torisson Gustav , Mårtensson Gustav , Truong My , Annertz Mårten , Londos Elisabet , Björkman-Burtscher Isabella M. , Hansson Oskar , van Westen Danielle
Published: July 2021

Objectives

To assess inter-modality agreement and accuracy for medial temporal lobe atrophy (MTA) ratings across radiologists with varying clinical experience in a non-demented population.

Methods

Four raters (two junior radiologists and two senior neuroradiologists) rated MTA on CT and MRI scans using Scheltens’ MTA scale. Ratings were compared to a consensus rating by two experienced neuroradiologists for estimation of true positive and negative rates (TPR and TNR) and over- and underestimation of MTA. Inter-modality agreement expressed as Cohen’s κ (dichotomized data), Cohen’s κw, and two-way mixed, single measures, consistency ICC (ordinal data) were determined. Adequate agreement was defined as κ/κw ≥ 0.80 and ICC ≥ 0.80 (significance level at 95% CI ≥ 0.65).

Results

Forty-nine subjects (median age 72 years, 27% abnormal MTA) with cognitive impairment were included. Only junior radiologists achieved adequate agreement expressed as Cohen’s κ. All raters achieved adequate agreement expressed as Cohen’s κw and ICC. True positive rates varied from 69 to 100% and TNR varied from 85 to 100%. No under- or overestimation of MTA was observed. Ratings did not differ between radiologists.

Conclusion

We conclude that radiologists with varying experience achieve adequate inter-modality agreement and similar accuracy when Scheltens’ MTA scale is used to rate MTA on a non-demented population. However, TPR varied between radiologists which could be attributed to rating style differences.

Key Points

• Radiologists with varying experience achieve adequate inter-modality agreement with similar accuracy when Scheltens’ MTA scale is used to rate MTA on a non-demented population.

• Differences in rating styles might affect accuracy, this was most evident for senior neuroradiologists, and only junior radiologists achieved adequate agreement on dichotomized (abnormal/normal) ratings.

• The use of an MTA scale template might compensate for varying clinical experience which could make it applicable for clinical use.
Approximation of SDEs: a stochastic sewing approach
Authors: Butkovsky Oleg , Dareiotis Konstantinos , Gerencsér Máté
Published: July 2021

We give a new take on the error analysis of approximations of stochastic differential equations (SDEs), utilizing and developing the stochastic sewing lemma of Lê (Electron J Probab 25:55, 2020. 10.1214/20-EJP442). This approach allows one to exploit regularization by noise effects in obtaining convergence rates. In our first application we show convergence (to our knowledge for the first time) of the Euler–Maruyama scheme for SDEs driven by fractional Brownian motions with non-regular drift. When the Hurst parameter is $$H\in (0,1)$$

H
∈
(
0
,
1
)

and the drift is $$\mathcal {C}^\alpha $$

C

α

, $$\alpha \in [0,1]$$

α
∈
[
0
,
1
]

and $$\alpha >1-1/(2H)$$

α
>
1
-
1
/
(
2
H
)

, we show the strong $$L_p$$

L
p

and almost sure rates of convergence to be $$((1/2+\alpha H)\wedge 1) -\varepsilon $$

(
(
1
/
2
+
α
H
)
∧
1
)
-
ε

, for any $$\varepsilon >0$$

ε
>
0

. Our conditions on the regularity of the drift are optimal in the sense that they coincide with the conditions needed for the strong uniqueness of solutions from Catellier and Gubinelli (Stoch Process Appl 126(8):2323–2366, 2016. 10.1016/j.spa.2016.02.002). In a second application we consider the approximation of SDEs driven by multiplicative standard Brownian noise where we derive the almost optimal rate of convergence $$1/2-\varepsilon $$

1
/
2
-
ε

of the Euler–Maruyama scheme for $$\mathcal {C}^\alpha $$

C

α

drift, for any $$\varepsilon ,\alpha >0$$

ε
,
α
>
0

.
Nonlocal wrinkling instabilities in bilayered systems using peridynamics
Authors: Laurien Marie , Javili Ali , Steinmann Paul
Published: July 2021

Wrinkling instabilities occur when a stiff thin film bonded to an elastic substrate undergoes compression. Regardless of the nature of compression, this phenomenon has been extensively studied through local models based on classical continuum mechanics. However, the experimental behavior is not yet fully understood and the influence of nonlocal effects remains largely unexplored. The objective of this paper is to fill this gap from a computational perspective by investigating nonlocal wrinkling instabilities in a bilayered system. Peridynamics (PD), a nonlocal continuum formulation, serves as a tool to model nonlocal material behavior. This manuscript presents a methodology to precisely predict the critical conditions by employing an eigenvalue analysis. Our results approach the local solution when the nonlocality parameter, the horizon size, approaches zero. An experimentally observed influence of the boundaries on the wave pattern is reproduced with PD simulations which suggests nonlocal material behavior as a physical origin. The results suggest that the level of nonlocality of a material model has quantitative influence on the main wrinkling characteristics, while most trends qualitatively coincide with predictions from the local analytical solution. However, a relation between the film thickness and the critical compression is revealed that is not existent in the local theory. Moreover, an approach to determine the peridynamic material parameters across a material interface is established by introducing an interface weighting factor. This paper, for the first time, shows that adding a nonlocal perspective to the analysis of bilayer wrinkling by using PD can significantly advance our understanding of the phenomenon.
Atypical HUS and Crohn’s disease—interference of intestinal disease activity with complement-blocking treatment
Authors: Horváth Orsolya , Kelen Kata , Prohászka Zoltán , Hosszú Ádám , Szabó Attila J , Reusz George S
Published: July 2021

Background

In atypical hemolytic-uremic syndrome (aHUS), various defects of the complement system have been reported to explain pathophysiology. Therapeutic options for complement inhibition are well-recognized; however, the links between various immune-derived diseases and aHUS are unclear, and their interference with treatment efficacy during long-term complement-blocking therapy is scarcely known.

Case-diagnosis/treatment

We present a pediatric patient who developed aHUS with acute kidney injury in parallel with the onset of Crohn’s disease (CD), and who required long-term complement-blocking therapy with eculizumab (ECU). Unexpectedly, during the 6-year ECU treatment, an important intra-patient variation of the degree of complement inhibition was observed. In spite of continuous and stable doses of complement-blocking therapy, periods of incomplete blockade were observed in strong association with relapses of CD. When conventional and later biological therapy with adalimumab was introduced, with CD going into remission, complement blockade became complete again. Despite periodically low ECU levels and insufficient complement inhibition, no clinical or hematological signs of aHUS recurrence were detected during CD relapses.

Conclusion

In aHUS cases secondary to CD, close monitoring of both complement inhibition and serum ECU levels is needed as intestinal disease can interfere with complement-blocking treatment. Increased doses of ECU may be necessary to maintain therapeutic blood levels of ECU and full complement blockade, especially if the intestinal disease is not under control.
Comparative study of a novel selective urate reabsorption inhibitor “dotinurad” among patient groups with different stages of renal dysfunction
Authors: Takahashi Toshinari , Beppu Takanobu , Hidaka Yuji , Hosoya Tatsuo
Published: July 2021

Background

Dotinurad is a selective urate reabsorption inhibitor (SURI), which selectively inhibits URAT1 to lower serum uric acid levels in patients with hyperuricemia. Herein, the effects of dotinurad were compared among patient groups with different stages of renal dysfunction.

Methods

Patient data from four clinical trials were pooled and divided into four groups according to the stage of renal dysfunction to compare the effects of dotinurad at different stages. The grouping (stages G1–G3b) was based on the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of the patients. In addition, patient data from a long-term study (34 or 58 weeks) were evaluated in the same manner.

Results

In the pooled analysis, the percentage of patients achieving a serum uric acid level of ≤ 6.0 mg/dL was 64.7–100.0% at a dose of 2 or 4 mg. In the long-term analysis, the percentage of patients achieving a serum uric acid level of ≤ 6.0 mg/dL was 60.0–100.0% at a dose of 2 or 4 mg. Although the outcomes in stage G3b were worse due to higher baseline serum uric acid levels, satisfactory outcomes were observed in all stages. Even in stages G3a and G3b, when renal function declined, the eGFR remained constant throughout the dose period.

Conclusion

The efficacy of dotinurad was confirmed in hyperuricemic patients with normal renal function (stage G1) and mild to moderate renal dysfunction (stage G2–G3b). Dotinurad was found to be effective in the treatment of hyperuricemia in patients with mild to moderate renal dysfunction.
Einsamkeit bei Leihgroßeltern
Authors: Haag Sophie , Niederberger Marlen
Published: July 2021

Hintergrund

Soziale Kontakte nehmen im Alter stetig ab. Kritische Lebensereignisse, gesundheitliche Einschränkungen oder weite Entfernungen zu Familienmitgliedern bedingen diese Entwicklung. Um in dieser Lebensphase möglichen Gefühlen der Einsamkeit entgegen zu wirken, engagieren sich Ältere mitunter in der Freiwilligenarbeit. So bleiben sie in gesellschaftlichen Strukturen eingebettet und sind sozial integriert.

Ziel

Eine Möglichkeit des freiwilligen Engagements ist die Tätigkeit als Leihoma bzw. Leihopa, wie es in einer Mittelstadt in Baden-Württemberg angeboten wird. Das Projekt verspricht eine Vernetzung der Generationen und einen Beitrag zur intergenerativen Gesundheitsförderung. Die vorliegende Studie untersucht, welche Rolle Einsamkeit als Motivation zur Übernahme und Aufrechterhaltung der Tätigkeit als Leihoma oder Leihopa spielt.

Methode

Zur Datenerhebung wurden leitfadengestützte Interviews mit vier Leihgroßeltern durchgeführt. Die Interviews wurden wörtlich transkribiert und induktiv mit der qualitativen Inhaltsanalyse nach Mayring ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse

Einsamkeit erweist sich als zentrales Motiv für die Übernahme und Aufrechterhaltung der Aufgabe als Leihgroßeltern. Insbesondere die Zeit mit den LeihenkelInnen wird positiv bewertet. Die Tätigkeit in der Leihfamilie schaffe Befriedigung und unterstütze ein Gefühl der Zufriedenheit. Die Leihgroßeltern sind dankbar für die Möglichkeit, etwas Sinnvolles zu machen, sich aktiv in die Familie einbringen zu können und sind bereit, sich in die familialen Strukturen zu integrieren.

Schlussfolgerungen

Das Projekt eröffnet SeniorInnen die Chance, neuen Familienanschluss zu finden und Sozialkontakte, auch zu anderen Leihgroßeltern, aufzubauen. Doch die familiale Integration beschränkt sich mitunter auf die Zeit mit den Kindern.
Spatial Approach to Contribution of Public Policies to the Dynamization of the Rural Population
Authors: Cienfuegos Oscar Luis Alonso , Sánchez Ana Isabel Otero
Published: July 2021

In this article we will analyze the results, in terms of population, of the Common Agricultural Policy of the European Union, in a small European region, of one million inhabitants, with geographical characteristics typical of mountain agriculture. We will use spatial econometric techniques to verify whether the hypothesis that public spending destined for direct subsidization contributes positively to the territorial dynamics of certain relevant economic variables is fulfilled, specifically we will study in our case the population variable. From a methodological point of view, we will use several complementary approaches that give solidity to the results, always from the focus of spatial econometrics, essential when working with territorial data at a low level of disaggregation. On the one hand, we will carry out an exploratory spatial data analysis, which will allow us to detect possible patterns of spatial dependence, and then move on to a confirmatory analysis that will consider both, autocorrelation (models of lag and spatial error) and spatial heterogeneity (switching regressions). In addition to this cross-sectional data approach, which is based on a method of estimating the particular to the general, we will also use the estimation of spatial models of panel data, to include a temporal approach, with a method of estimating the general to the particular. The best results are obtained with a Spatial Durbin Model.
Negotiating anthropomorphism in the Ai-Da robot
Authors: Romic Bojana
Published: July 2021

The central interest of this paper is the anthropomorphic social robot Ai-Da (Aidan Meller Gallery/Oxford University), perceived as an actor in the interplay of cultural and representational gestures. These gestures determine how this robot is presented—that is, how its activities are articulated, interpreted and promoted. This paper criticises the use of a transhistorical discourse in the presentational strategies around this robot, since this discourse reinforces the so-called “myth of a machine”. The discussion focuses on the individuation and embodiment of this drawing robot. It is argued that the choice to provide Ai-Da with an evocative silicone face, coupled with an anthropomorphic body, is a socio-political decision that shapes public imaginaries about social robots in general.
Close encounters with scientific analogies of the third kind
Authors: Nappo Francesco
Published: July 2021

Arguments from non-causal analogy form a distinctive class of analogical arguments in science not recognized in authoritative classifications by, e.g., Hesse (1963) and Bartha (2009). In this paper, I illustrate this novel class of scientific analogies by means of historical examples from physics, biology and economics, at the same time emphasizing their broader significance for contemporary debates in epistemology.
Cost-of-illness for non-underweight binge-eating disorders
Authors: Jenkins Paul E.
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This study examined economic costs associated with untreated eating disorders (EDs) characterised by regular binge eating in the absence of low weight. Both direct and indirect costs were assessed, reporting a limited societal perspective of economic impact as some costs were not included.

Methods

One hundred and twenty six adults seeking treatment for recurrent binge eating were asked to report impairment associated with an ED. Costs were calculated using 2017 prices, including an examination of variables associated with costs.

Results

Estimated societal costs for the year preceding assessment were £3268.47 (€3758.54) per person. In multivariate analyses, no reliable baseline associates of cost were identified.

Conclusion

The economic burden of EDs characterised by regular binge eating is significant, and underscores the need for efficacious and cost-effective treatments. Individuals with binge-eating disorders report work impairment and healthcare use that may cost the United Kingdom economy upwards of £3.5 billion (€4bn) per annum. Further studies should consider academic impairment and the economic impact of EDs on families.

Level of evidence

III: evidence obtained from well-designed cohort or case–control analytic studies.
Atomic-Scale Layer-by-Layer Deposition of FeSiAl@ZnO@Al2O3 Hybrid with Threshold Anti-Corrosion and Ultra-High Microwave Absorption Properties in Low-Frequency Bands
Authors: Tian Wei , Li Jinyao , Liu Yifan , Ali Rashad , Guo Yang , Deng Longjiang , Mahmood Nasir , Jian Xian
Published: July 2021

Developing highly efficient magnetic microwave absorbers (MAs) is crucial, and yet challenging for anti-corrosion properties in extremely humid and salt-induced foggy environments. Herein, a dual-oxide shell of ZnO/Al2O3 as a robust barrier to FeSiAl core is introduced to mitigate corrosion resistance. The FeSiAl@ZnO@Al2O3 layer by layer hybrid structure is realized with atomic-scale precision through the atomic layer deposition technique. Owing to the unique hybrid structure, the FeSiAl@ZnO@Al2O3 exhibits record-high microwave absorbing performance in low-frequency bands covering L and S bands with a minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of -50.6 dB at 3.4 GHz. Compared with pure FeSiAl (RLmin of -13.5 dB, a bandwidth of 0.5 GHz), the RLmin value and effective bandwidth of this designed novel absorber increased up to ~ 3.7 and ~ 3 times, respectively. Furthermore, the inert ceramic dual-shells have improved 9.0 times the anti-corrosion property of FeSiAl core by multistage barriers towards corrosive medium and obstruction of the electric circuit. This is attributed to the large charge transfer resistance, increased impedance modulus |Z|0.01 Hz, and frequency time constant of FeSiAl@ZnO@Al2O3. The research demonstrates a promising platform toward the design of next-generation MAs with improved anti-corrosion properties.
Antimicrobial ethicists: Making ethics explicit in antimicrobial stewardship
Authors: Yen Christina F. , Cutrell James B.
Published: July 2021

Antimicrobial prescribing and the associated discipline of antimicrobial stewardship have inherent ethical and moral dimensions. We contend that the explicit, formal application of ethical principles and frameworks can strengthen and further justify the value of antimicrobial stewardship programs and their work. To illustrate the value of this process, we highlight 3 ethical scenarios that antimicrobial stewardship programs regularly encounter at the prescriber, institutional, and societal levels, and we analyze these scenarios using the Beauchamp and Childress biomedical ethics framework.
Interacting Corporate Political Activities with Evidence from the Tobacco Industry
Authors: Rao Kartik , Schaufele Brandon
Published: July 2021

Research on firm-level corporate political activity often treats firm-government interactions as independent of the market competition between firms. Yet, firms that compete in the market will consider rivals when making strategic nonmarket decisions. Ignoring market rivalry when studying nonmarket strategy introduces fundamental endogeneity problems and potentially overlooks a central mechanism explaining firms’ political choices. Our study demonstrates this by investigating the strategic nonmarket interactions of large US tobacco manufacturers, a case study that is independently interesting. From 1992 to 2008, the US tobacco industry experienced dramatic upheaval in its business environment as regulatory authority shifted from the state to federal level, under the Food and Drug Administration. Using firm-candidate–cycle data, a complete information campaign contributions game, played in the nonmarket environment, is estimated for two of the United States’ largest tobacco manufacturers. Results demonstrate that, rather than acting in isolation, US tobacco firms strategically coordinated their firm-level political campaign contributions.
A new species ofAspicilia(Megasporaceae), with a new lichenicolousSagediopsis(Adelococcaceae), from the Falkland Islands
Authors: Fryday Alan M. , Wheeler Timothy B. , Etayo Javier
Published: July 2021

The new speciesAspicilia malvinaeis described from the Falkland Islands. It is the first species ofMegasporaceaeto be discovered on the islands and only the seventh to be reported from South America. It is distinguished from other species ofAspiciliaby the unusual secondary metabolite chemistry (hypostictic acid) and molecular sequence data. The collections of the new species support two lichenicolous fungi:Endococcus propinquuss. lat., which is new to the Falkland Islands, and a new species ofSagediopsiswith small perithecia and 3-septate ascosporesc.18–20 × 4–5 μm, which is described here asS. epimalvinae.A total of 60 new DNA sequences obtained from species ofMegasporaceae(mostlyAspicilia) are also introduced.
Shell growth and age determined from annual lines in the southern warm-water limpet Patella depressa at its poleward geographic boundaries
Authors: Oróstica Mauricio H. , Richardson Christopher A. , Estrella-Martínez Juan , Jenkins Stuart R. , Hawkins Stephen J.
Published: July 2021

In shell-secreting molluscs, age and growth rate of individuals and hence their performance can normally be measured using growth lines that are deposited in the shell throughout their lives. An annual periodicity of growth line formation of the warm-water limpet Patella depressa was established using marked and recaptured individuals from north Wales, UK. Length at age from suitably prepared shell sections was determined in limpets from non-range-edge populations and at two range edges, where different demographic attributes have been recorded. Individuals collected from their poleward range-edge in north Wales were older when compared with individuals at their range-edge in southern England. Shells collected from southern England were characterized by rapid growth with most individuals reaching >30 mm in maximum length by the fourth or fifth year, contrasting with those from north Wales, where most shells only reached this size at 7–10 years of age. Von Bertalanffy growth coefficients (K-values) were negatively related to P. depressa density, showing faster growth in lower total densities of both P. depressa and Patella vulgata combined. Higher intra-specific effects on K-values were found in P. depressa compared with its congener P. vulgata, with stronger effects in north Wales than in southern England. These results confirm differences in population patterns and individual traits between the two leading edges of P. depressa. Understanding annual growth in P. depressa over large scales could help to disentangle the processes determining differences in shell growth and age structure seen at the two range edges of this limpet species.
An improved PDR system with accurate heading and step length estimation using handheld smartphone
Authors: Yan Dayu , Shi Chuang , Li Tuan
Published: July 2021

Pedestrian dead reckoning (PDR) is widely used in handheld indoor positioning systems. However, low-cost inertial sensors built into smartphones provide poor-quality measurements, resulting in cumulative error which consists of heading estimation error caused by gyroscope and step length estimation error caused by an accelerometer. Learning more motion features through limited measurements is important to improve positioning accuracy. This paper proposes an improved PDR system using smartphone sensors. Using gyroscope, two motion patterns, walking straight or turning, can be recognised based on dynamic time warp (DTW) and thus improve heading estimation from an extended Kalman filter (EKF). Joint quasi-static field (JQSF) detection is used to avoid bad magnetic measurements due to magnetic disturbances in an indoor environment. In terms of periodicity of angular rate while walking, peak–valley angular velocity detection and zero-cross detection is combined to detect steps. A step-length estimation method based on deep belief network (DBN) is proposed. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed PDR system can achieve more accurate indoor positioning.
Mitigating childhood food insecurity during COVID-19: a qualitative study of how school districts in California’s San Joaquin Valley responded to growing needs
Authors: Jowell Ashley H , Bruce Janine S , Escobar Gabriela V , Ordonez Valeria M , Hecht Christina A , Patel Anisha I
Published: July 2021

Objectives:

To explore best practices and challenges in providing school meals during COVID-19 in a low-income, predominantly Latino, urban–rural region.

Design:

Semi-structured interviews with school district stakeholders and focus groups with parents were conducted to explore school meal provision during COVID-19 from June to August 2020. Data were coded and themes were identified to guide analysis. Community organisations were involved in all aspects of study design, recruitment, data collection and analysis.

Setting:

Six school districts in California’s San Joaquin Valley.

Participants:

School district stakeholders (n11) included food service directors, school superintendents and community partners (e.g. funders, food cooperative). Focus groups (n6) were comprised of parents (n29) of children participating in school meal programmes.

Results:

COVID-19-related challenges for districts included developing safe meal distribution systems, boosting low participation, covering COVID-19-related costs and staying informed of policy changes. Barriers for families included transportation difficulties, safety concerns and a lack of fresh foods. Innovative strategies to address obstacles included pandemic-electronic benefits transfer (EBT), bus-stop delivery, community pick-up locations, batched meals and leveraging partner resources.

Conclusions:

A focus on fresher, more appealing meals and greater communication between school officials and parents could boost participation. Districts that leveraged external partnerships were better equipped to provide meals during pandemic conditions. In addition, policies increasing access to fresh foods and capitalising on United States Department of Agriculture waivers could boost school meal participation. Finally, partnering with community organisations and acting upon parent feedback could improve school meal systems, and in combination with pandemic-EBT, address childhood food insecurity.
Correlation of the structural and morphological property of the formation of ZnO nanoparticles using Ricinus Communis extract as a ligand and synthesized through two different precipitating agents
Authors: Gutiérrez Nancy , Tiwari Dhirendra Kumar , Villegas Javier , Reynoso Francisco
Published: July 2021

The present work defines the structural and morphological behavior of ZnO nanoparticles (ZnONP) synthesized via using Ricinus Communis (Castor) extracts. Two precipitating agents (bases) were used to regulate the pH (10), in presence of this natural extract the determination of structural, morphological and functional groups availability was performed to evaluate the enhancement in crystallite size, shape formation and colloidal stability of the nanoparticle.
Birth weight and adult earnings: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lambiris Mark J. , Blakstad Mia M. , Perumal Nandita , Danaei Goodarz , Bliznashka Lilia , Fink Günther , Sudfeld Christopher R.
Published: July 2021

While substantial evidence has identified low birth weight (LBW; <2500 g) as a risk factor for early life morbidity, mortality and poor childhood development, relatively little is known on the links between birth weight and economic outcomes in adulthood. The objective of this study was to systematically review the economics (EconLit) and biomedical literature (Medline) and estimate the pooled association between birth weight and adult earnings. A total of 15 studies from mostly high-income countries were included. On average, each standard deviation increase in birth weight was associated with a 2.75% increase in annual earnings [(95% CI: 1.44 to 4.07); 9 estimates]. A negative, but not statistically significant, association was found between being born LBW and earnings, compared to individuals not born LBW [mean difference: −3.41% (95% CI: −7.55 to 0.73); 7 estimates]. No studies from low-income countries were identified and all studies were observational. Overall, birth weight was consistently associated with adult earnings, and therefore, interventions that improve birth weight may provide beneficial effects on adult economic outcomes.