bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prescription of analgesics in patients with rheumatic diseases in Germany
Authors: Albrecht K. , Marschall U. , Callhoff J.
Published: April 2021

Zielsetzung

Mithilfe von Abrechnungsdaten wird die Verordnungshäufigkeit von Analgetika bei Patienten mit Diagnose einer rheumatoiden Arthritis (RA), axialen Spondyloarthritis (axSpA), Psoriasisarthritis (PsA) bzw. eines systemischen Lupus erythematodes (SLE) im Jahr 2019 untersucht.

Methodik

Eingeschlossen wurden Versicherte der Barmer ≥ 18 Jahre im Jahr 2019 mit Diagnose einer RA (M05, M06), axSpA (M45), PsA (M07.0–3) oder eines SLE (M32.1, 8, 9). Analgetika wurden über die ATC(Anatomisch-Therapeutisch-Chemisches Klassifikationssystem)-Codes identifiziert. Berichtet wird der Anteil an Personen mit ≥ 1 Analgetikaverordnung für die jeweiligen Krankheitsbilder im Jahr 2019 sowie für Opioide altersstandardisiert in jedem der Jahre 2005 bis 2019. Zusätzlich wird der Anteil an Opioidlangzeitverordnungen (Rezepte in ≥ 3 aufeinanderfolgenden Quartalen) im Jahr 2006 und 2019 verglichen.

Ergebnisse

Metamizol (29–33 %) war das am häufigsten verordnete Analgetikum. NSAR(nichtsteroidale Antirheumatika)/Coxibe wurden zu 35 % (SLE) bis 50 % (axSpA) verordnet; 11–13 % der Versicherten wurden schwach wirksame und 6–8 % stark wirksame Opioide verordnet. Von 2005 bis 2019 blieb der Anteil an Personen mit ≥ 1 Opioidverordnung stabil bei gleichbleibend bzw. leicht rückläufiger Verordnung schwach wirksamer Opioide und häufigerer Verordnung stark wirksamer Opioide. Der Anteil an Langzeitopioidverordnungen stieg von 2006 bis 2019 von 8,9 % auf 11,0 % (RA), von 6,9 % auf 9,1 % (axSpA), von 7,8 % auf 9,5 % (PsA) und von 7,5 % auf 8,8 % (SLE), entsprechend einer Zunahme um 17–24 %.

Schlussfolgerung

Die Verordnung von Opioiden bei Versicherten mit entzündlich rheumatischen Diagnosen ist in Deutschland nicht so hoch wie in anderen Ländern, allerdings ist der Anteil an Langzeitverordnungen deutlich angestiegen. Auffällig ist die häufige Verordnung von Metamizol.
Petrogenesis of a late-stage calc-alkaline granite in a giant S-type batholith: geochronology and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopes from the Nomatsaus granite (Donkerhoek batholith), Namibia
Authors: Aspiotis S. , Jung S. , Hauff F. , Romer R. L.
Published: April 2021

The late-tectonic 511.4 ± 0.6 Ma-old Nomatsaus intrusion (Donkerhoek batholith, Damara orogen, Namibia) consists of moderately peraluminous, magnesian, calc-alkalic to calcic granites similar to I-type granites worldwide. Major and trace-element variations and LREE and HREE concentrations in evolved rocks imply that the fractionated mineral assemblage includes biotite, Fe–Ti oxides, zircon, plagioclase and monazite. Increasing K2O abundance with increasing SiO2 suggests accumulation of K-feldspar; compatible with a small positive Eu anomaly in the most evolved rocks. In comparison with experimental data, the Nomatsaus granite was likely generated from meta-igneous sources of possibly dacitic composition that melted under water-undersaturated conditions (X H2O: 0.25–0.50) and at temperatures between 800 and 850 °C, compatible with the zircon and monazite saturation temperatures of 812 and 852 °C, respectively. The Nomatsaus granite has moderately radiogenic initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.7067–0.7082), relatively radiogenic initial εNd values (− 2.9 to − 4.8) and moderately evolved Pb isotope ratios. Although initial Sr and Nd isotopic compositions of the granite do not vary with SiO2 or MgO contents, fSm/Nd and initial εNd values are negatively correlated indicating limited assimilation of crustal components during monazite-dominated fractional crystallization. The preferred petrogenetic model for the generation of the Nomatsaus granite involves a continent–continent collisional setting with stacking of crustal slices that in combination with high radioactive heat production rates heated the thickened crust, leading to the medium-P/high-T environment characteristic of the southern Central Zone of the Damara orogen. Such a setting promoted partial melting of metasedimentary sources during the initial stages of crustal heating, followed by the partial melting of meta-igneous rocks at mid-crustal levels at higher P–T conditions and relatively late in the orogenic evolution.
Response (minimum clinically relevant change) in ASD symptoms after an intervention according to CARS-2: consensus from an expert elicitation procedure
Authors: Jurek Lucie , Baltazar Matias , Gulati Sheffali , Novakovic Neda , Núñez María , Oakley Jeremy , O’Hagan Anthony
Published: April 2021

The lack of consensual measures to monitor core change in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or response to interventions leads to difficulty to prove intervention efficacy on ASD core symptoms. There are no universally accepted outcome measures developed for measuring changes in core symptoms. However, the CARS (Childhood Autism Rating Scale) is one of the outcomes recommended in the EMA Guideline on the clinical development of medicinal products for the treatment of ASD. Unfortunately, there is currently no consensus on the response definition for CARS among individuals with ASD. The aim of this elicitation process was to determine an appropriate definition of a response on the CARS2 scale for interventions in patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). An elicitation process was conducted following the Sheffield Elicitation Framework (SHELF). Five experts in the field of ASD and two experts in expert knowledge elicitation participated in an 1-day elicitation workshop. Experts in ASD were previously trained in the SHELF elicitation process and received a dossier of scientific evidence concerning the topic. The response definition was set as the mean clinically relevant improvement averaged over all patients, levels of functioning, age groups and clinicians. Based on the scientific evidence and expert judgment, a normal probability distribution was agreed to represent the state of knowledge of this response with expected value 4.03 and standard deviation 0.664. Considering the remaining uncertainty of the estimation and the available literature, a CARS-2 improvement of 4.5 points has been defined as a threshold to conclude to a response after an intervention. A CARS-2 improvement of 4.5 points could be used to evaluate interventions' meaningfulness in indivudals. This initial finding represents an important new benchmark and may aid decision makers in evaluating the efficacy of interventions in ASD.
Correction to: Comparative de novo transcriptome analysis of barley varieties with different malting qualities
Authors: Leišová-Svobodová Leona , Psota Vratislav , Stočes Štěpán , Vácha Petr , Kučera Ladislav
Published: April 2021

A Correction to this paper has been published: 10.1007/s10142-021-00783-y
Just do it! Study time increases mathematical achievement scores for grade 4-10 students in a large longitudinal cross-country study
Authors: Spitzer Markus Wolfgang Hermann
Published: April 2021

Decades of research produced inconsistent findings on whether study time can lead to achievement gains in mathematics. Data generated by more than six thousand students from three different countries who solved more than 1.1 million problem sets using a dedicated mathematics software are analyzed regarding the effect of study time on students’ achievements in mathematics. Results showed that more study time led to higher performance scores in mathematics. Further analyses revealed that low-performing students in the first school year (2017-2018) who increased their study time in the following year (2018-2019) revealed greatest gains in performance in the same school year (2018-2019) and even in the year after (2019-2020). Finally, results replicated previous observations of robust performance scores within students over the three school years, with performance scores in 2017-2018 predicting those of 2018-2019 which predicted those of 2019-2020. These results support the idea that students, in particular low-performing students, can boost their academic abilities to upper levels when increasing their study time.
High Resolution Micro-Computed Tomography Reveals a Network of Collagen Channels in the Body Region of the Knee Meniscus
Authors: Agustoni Greta , Maritz Jared , Kennedy James , Bonomo Francesco P. , Bordas Stéphane P. A. , Barrera Olga
Published: April 2021

The meniscus is an integral part of the human knee, preventing joint degradation by distributing load from the femoral condyles to the tibial plateau. Recent qualitative studies suggested that the meniscus is constituted by an intricate net of collagen channels inside which the fluid flows during loading. The aim of this study is to describe in detail the structure in which this fluid flows by quantifying the orientation and morphology of the collagen channels of the meniscal tissue. A 7 mm cylindrical sample, extracted vertically from the central part of a lateral porcine meniscus was freeze-dried and scanned using the highest-to-date resolution Microscopic Computed Tomography. The orientation of the collagen channels, their size and distribution was calculated. Comparisons with confocal multi-photon microscopy imaging performed on portions of fresh tissue have shown that the freeze-dried procedure adopted here ensures that the native architecture of the tissue is maintained. Sections of the probe at different heights were examined to determine differences in composition and structure along the sample from the superficial to the internal layers. Results reveal a different arrangement of the collagen channels in the superficial layers with respect to the internal layers with the internal layers showing a more ordered structure of the channels oriented at 30$$^{\circ }$$

∘

with respect to the vertical, a porosity of 66.28% and the mean size of the channels of 22.14 $$\mu {\text {m}}$$

μ
m

.
Integrating Screening and Treatment of Unhealthy Alcohol Use and Depression with Screening and Treatment of Anxiety, Pain, and Other Substance Use Among People with HIV and Other High-Risk Persons
Authors: Caniglia Ellen C. , Khan Maria , Ban Kaoon , Braithwaite R. Scott
Published: April 2021

We review and synthesize results from a series of analyses estimating the benefit of screening for unhealthy alcohol use, depression, and tobacco to detect individuals at heightened risk for co-occurring anxiety, pain, depression, unhealthy alcohol use, and other substance use among people with HIV and HIV-uninfected individuals in the Veterans Aging Cohort Study. We also examine the potential impact of reducing unhealthy alcohol use and depressive symptoms on the incidence of co-occurring conditions. We found that screening for alcohol and depression may help identify co-occurring symptoms of anxiety, depression, and pain interference, treating unhealthy alcohol use may improve co-occurring pain interference and substance use, and improving depressive symptoms may improve co-occurring anxiety, pain interference, and smoking. We propose that an integrated approach to screening and treatment for unhealthy alcohol use, depression, anxiety, pain, and other substance use may facilitate diagnostic assessment and treatment of these conditions, improving morbidity and mortality.
Are We Comparing Apples with Oranges? Assessing Improvement Across Symptoms, Functioning, and Goal Progress for Adolescent Anxiety and Depression
Authors: Krause Karolin Rose , Edbrooke-Childs Julian , Singleton Rosie , Wolpert Miranda
Published: April 2021

Strategies for comparing routinely collected outcome data across services or systems include focusing on a common indicator (e.g., symptom change) or aggregating results from different measures or outcomes into a comparable core metric. The implications of either approach for judging treatment success are not fully understood. This study drew on naturalistic outcome data from 1641 adolescents with moderate or severe anxiety and/or depression symptoms who received routine specialist care across 60 mental health services in England. The study compared rates of meaningful improvement between the domains of internalizing symptoms, functioning, and progress towards self-defined goals. Consistent cross-domain improvement was observed in only 15.6% of cases. Close to one in four (24.0%) young people with reliably improved symptoms reported no reliable improvement in functioning. Inversely, one in three (34.8%) young people reported meaningful goal progress but no reliable symptom improvement. Monitoring systems that focus exclusively on symptom change risk over- or under-estimating actual impact, while aggregating different outcomes into a single metric can mask informative differences in the number and type of outcomes showing improvement. A move towards harmonized outcome measurement approaches across multiple domains is needed to ensure fair and meaningful comparisons.
Who wants ‘the worst of the worst’? Rationales for and consequences of third country resettlement of Guantanamo Bay detainees
Authors: Rietveld Gaia , van Wijk Joris , Bolhuis Maarten P.
Published: April 2021

Against the backdrop of countries increasingly being confronted with undesirable but unreturnable non-citizen terrorist suspects, this article describes the resettlement process of 150 cleared but unreturnable Guantanamo Bay detainees. Merely 13% of these detainees have been resettled in full democracies, compared to 52% in authoritarian regimes. Using Starkley et al.’s concept of ‘zone agreement’ the article explains how the U.S. particularly managed to incentivize pragmatically oriented – rather than idealistically motivated – governments to engage in third country resettlement [16]. From the perspective of the U.S. the resettlement scheme can be considered relatively successful, while the experiences of resettlement countries and the resettled detainees themselves have been very mixed.
Against Methodological Gambling
Authors: Trpin Borut
Published: April 2021

Should a scientist rely on methodological triangulation? Heesen et al. (Synthese 196(8):3067–3081, 2019) recently provided a convincing affirmative answer. However, their approach requires belief gambles if the evidence is discordant. We instead propose epistemically modest triangulation (EMT), according to which one should withhold judgement in such cases. We show that for a scientist in a methodologically diffident situation the expected utility of EMT is greater than that of Heesen et al.’s (2019) triangulation or that of using a single method. We also show that EMT is more appropriate for increasing epistemic trust in science. In short: triangulate, but do not gamble with evidence.
Association between early recurrences of atrial tachyarrhythmias and long-term outcomes in patients after repeat atrial fibrillation ablation
Authors: Darden Douglas , Aldaas Omar , Malladi Chaitanya L. , Mylavarapu Praneet S. , Munir Muhammad Bilal , Han Frederick T. , Hoffmayer Kurt S. , Raissi Farshad , Ho Gordon , Krummen David , Feld Gregory K. , Hsu Jonathan C.
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Early recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmia (ER) is predictive of late recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmia (LR) after first-time atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation, but the association in patients undergoing repeat AF ablation is unknown. We aim to determine the incidence and prognostic significance of ER after repeat ablation.

Methods

A total of 259 consecutive patients (mean age 64 years, 75.3% male) undergoing repeat AF ablation with complete follow-up data were included at a single institution from 2010 to 2015. ER and LR were defined as atrial tachyarrhythmia (AF, atrial flutter or atrial tachycardia) > 30 s within the 3-month blanking period (BP) and after the 3-month BP, respectively.

Results

ER occurred in 79/259 (30.5%), and LR occurred in 138/259 (53%) at a median follow-up of 1221 (IQR: 523–1712) days. Four-year freedom from LR was 22% and 56% in patients with and without ER, respectively (p < 0.001). After multivariate adjustment, ER was strongly associated with LR, cardioversion post BP, and repeat ablation, but not associated with hospitalization. Compared to those with no ER, there was a higher risk of LR when ER occurred within the first month of the BP [month 1: hazard ratio (HR) 2.32, confidence interval (CI) 1.57–3.74, p < 0.001; month 2: HR 2.01, CI 1.13–3.83, p = 0.02; month 3: HR 1.46, CI 0.5–3.36, p = 0.37], however the prediction of LR based on timing within the BP was poor (area under curve 0.64).

Conclusion

Following repeat AF ablation, ER is strongly associated with LR, cardioversion post BP, and repeat ablation.
Vapor Pressure and Physicochemical Properties of {LiBr + IL-Based Additive + Water} Mixtures: Experimental Data and COSMO-RS Predictions
Authors: Królikowska Marta , Skonieczny Michał , Paduszyński Kamil , Zawadzki Maciej
Published: April 2021

In recent years, many compounds have been proposed as additives to conventional working fluids to improve the performance of the absorption refrigeration system. The main aim of this research is to show the influence of ionic liquid based additives on thermodynamic and physicochemical properties of {LiBr + water} solutions. The following additives: 3-(1-methyl-morpholinium)propane-1-sulfonate, N,N-di(2-hydroxyethyl)-N,N-dimethylammonium bromide, and N,N,N-tri(2-hydroxy-ethyl)-N-methylammonium bromide have been added to aqueous lithium bromide solutions (IL to LiBr mass fraction, w2 = 0.3). The physicochemical and thermodynamic properties of {LiBr (1) + additive (2) + water (3)} and {LiBr + water} systems including (vapor + liquid) phase equilibria (VLE), density (ρ) and dynamic viscosity (η) were determined over wide temperature and composition ranges. The conductor-like screening model for real solvents (COSMO-RS) was used for the VLE data prediction. For the density and dynamic viscosity correlations, empirical equations were applied. A comparison of experimental data for {LiBr + additive + water} with those for {LiBr + water} systems shows the influence of using the additives proposed in this work. The data presented are complementary to the current state of knowledge in this area and provide directions for future research.
Classroom Predictors of National Belonging: The Role of Interethnic Contact and Teachers’ and Classmates’ Diversity Norms
Authors: van Vemde Lian , Hornstra Lisette , Thijs Jochem
Published: April 2021

Schools can be important for the development of national belonging in students with immigrant backgrounds. Following Contact Theory and prior research on diversity norms, this cross-sectional survey study examined if intergroup contact and perceived diversity norms of teachers and classmates predicted national belonging in ethnic minority (i.e., Turkish [n = 95], Moroccan [n = 73], and Surinamese [n = 15]) versus majority students (n = 213) living in the Netherlands (Mage = 10.53 years; 50.3% female). Minority students reported less national belonging than their ethnic Dutch classmates. Multilevel analyses indicated that their national belonging was affected by the presence of ethnic Dutch classmates and the relationship with their teacher. These results indicate that minority students’ national belonging could be promoted by reducing school segregation and stimulating positive teacher-student relationships.
Topological Approach to Mathematical Programs with Switching Constraints
Authors: Shikhman Vladimir
Published: April 2021

We study mathematical programs with switching constraints (for short, MPSC) from the topological perspective. Two basic theorems from Morse theory are proved. Outside the W-stationary point set, continuous deformation of lower level sets can be performed. However, when passing a W-stationary level, the topology of the lower level set changes via the attachment of a w-dimensional cell. The dimension w equals the W-index of the nondegenerate W-stationary point. The W-index depends on both the number of negative eigenvalues of the restricted Lagrangian’s Hessian and the number of bi-active switching constraints. As a consequence, we show the mountain pass theorem for MPSC. Additionally, we address the question if the assumption on the nondegeneracy of W-stationary points is too restrictive in the context of MPSC. It turns out that all W-stationary points are generically nondegenerate. Besides, we examine the gap between nondegeneracy and strong stability of W-stationary points. A complete characterization of strong stability for W-stationary points by means of first and second order information of the MPSC defining functions under linear independence constraint qualification is provided. In particular, no bi-active Lagrange multipliers of a strongly stable W-stationary point can vanish.
Urban ecosystem services in strategic planning in Swedish municipalities
Authors: Sang Åsa Ode , Hagemann Frederik Aagaard , Ekelund Nils , Svännel Jessica
Published: April 2021

Research to date on urban ecosystem services has mainly been conducted in large cities, particularly in China, the USA and some European countries. This study examined the provision of urban ecosystem services in a Swedish municipality context, based on interviews with municipal stakeholders in strategic management and planning from six municipalities and a review of existing publications readily available to practitioners. The analysis focused on (1) the ecosystem services explicitly covered, (2) whether multifunctionality was covered and specific synergies and trade-offs identified and, (3) the spatial scale and context used for ecosystem services (valuation/mapping, planning, design or maintenance) in practical application. The results showed that regulatory services are very much the focus in municipal operations as well as in publications available to practitioners. This is reflected in the implementation of the concept through problem solving often related to regulatory services, using multifunctionality and win-win situations in ecosystem service supply. These findings contribute to the growing body of work exploring how the concept of ecosystem services is adapted and utilised in practice.
Comparative toxicity of ionic and nanoparticulate zinc in the species Cymodoce truncata, Gammarus aequicauda and Paracentrotus lividus
Authors: Prato Ermelinda , Fabbrocini Adele , Libralato Giovanni , Migliore Luciana , Parlapiano Isabella , D’Adamo Raffaele , Rotini Alice , Manfra Loredana , Lofrano Giusy , Carraturo Federica , Trifuoggi Marco , Biandolino Francesca
Published: April 2021

Due to the continuous development, production and consumption of nanoparticles (NPs), their release, fate and effects in marine coastal environment can represent a major concern. The aim of this study was to evaluate the toxicity of ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and compare it to bulk ZnSO4 on three macroinvertebrates: the isopod Cymodoce truncata (i.e. used for the first time in ecotoxicology), the amphipod Gammarus aequicauda and the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus. This study showed concentration- and time-dependent relationships for all biological models for both ZnO NPs and ZnSO4. Both Zn forms elicited high toxicity to G. aequicauda and C. truncata juveniles, but ZnO NPs induced comparable responses to both species (96h-LC50 = 0.30 and 0.37 mg/L for G. aequicauda and C. truncata, respectively; p > 0.05), while differences were found after ZnSO4 exposure (96h-LC50 = 0.28 and 0.63 mg/L, respectively; p < 0.05). ZnO NPs generated sub-lethal effects on P. lividus embryos (72h-EC50 = 0.04 (0.03, 0.05) mg/L), not significantly different from ZnSO4 ones (72h-EC50 = 0.06 (0.05, 0.07) mg/L). Effects of ZnO NPs were similar to existing literature data for other testing species. C. truncata can be considered as a promising new biological model in (nano)ecotoxicology.

Graphical abstract
Erratum zu: Meinel, Florian (2019): Vertrauensfrage. Zur Krise des heutigen Parlamentarismus
Authors: Koß Michael
Published: April 2021

Ein Erratum zu dieser Publikation wurde veröffentlicht: 10.1007/s11615-020-00222-w
Evaluation of triethanolamine-cashew nutshell liquid derivatives as crude oil emulsion breakers
Authors: Victor-Oji C. O. , Chukwu U. J. , Akaranta O.
Published: April 2021

Three bio-based crude oil emulsion breakers have been prepared from agricultural waste by chemical treatment of cashew nutshell liquid (CNSL) extract with triethanolamine via a one-pot reaction at 120 ℃. The triethanolamine-ester derivatives were characterized by Fourier Transform–InfraRed spectroscopy. Their effectiveness as crude oil emulsion breakers were investigated experimentally using the bottle test method. The effect of solvent type, water content, and concentration of the emulsion breaker, was used to study the demulsification process and determine their demulsification efficiency at a temperature of 60 ℃ for a contact time of 180 min. A commercial demulsifier, PhaseTreat 4633 (PT-4633) was used as a benchmark. Performance evaluation of the prepared emulsion breakers revealed their effectiveness in descending order as: triethanolamine dianacardate (TED) > triethanolamine trianacardate (TET) > triethanolamine anacardate (TEA). The data reveals that their emulsion breaking efficiency increases with increasing emulsion water content, and concentration. PT-4633 exhibited better demulsification efficiency than the triethanolamine-esters in xylene across the concentration and water content studied. Improved water separation was however observed for the triethanolamine-esters in butanol, as triethanolamine trianacardate (TET) performed better than PT-4633 at 10 ppm to 20 ppm at 30% water content with a water separation of 83.33% and 80% respectively. The evaluated triethanolamine ester derivatives exhibited better emulsion breaking potentials in butanol than xylene at shorter times, which may be due to the synergistic effect of butanol. Therefore, butanol could be used as a sustainable solvent substitute for xylene in demulsifier formulations.
Effect of Various Types of Intermittent Fasting (IF) on Weight Loss and Improvement of Diabetic Parameters in Human
Authors: Nowosad Karolina , Sujka Monika
Published: April 2021

Purpose of Review

A number of recent studies have suggested that intermittent fasting is as effective as traditional calorie restriction (CR) for weight loss and for cardioprotection. However, it is still unclear whether IF improves diabetes risk indicators as does CR. This review provides an overview of various patterns of intermittent fasting and shows the effect of intermittent fasting on human anthropometric such as excess body weight and biochemical parameters for example high glucose and fasting insulin, which are risk factors for diabetes.

Recent Findings

There is a growing body of evidence pointing to the benefits of intermittent fasting for glucose and insulin homeostasis, but this should be confirmed by further studies in population groups with (or at high risk) type II diabetes and insulin resistance. Long-term studies are also needed that could reveal potential negative health effects that some studies report.

Eleven studies in overweight/obese adult people that included changes in weight, body composition, and diabetic parameters (fasting glucose, fasting insulin, HbA1c concentration, and HOMA-IR index) were published between 2012 and 2020. Seven studies concerning the effects of alternate day fasting (ADF) on weight loss and diabetic parameters were analyzed. All of them have shown the effects of ADF on weight loss and slight improvement in diabetic parameters. For time-restricted feeding (TRF), a significant improvement in the HOMA-IR index was observed in 2 studies. One study saw an increase in fasting glucose. An analysis of 2 studies using a complete alternate day fasting (CADF) was performed. One study showed decrease in fasting glucose and insulin, and in one a decrease in glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was observed.

Conclusion

Different types of intermittent fasting reduce body weight and reduce diabetes parameters such as fasting glucose, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR index, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c).
Simply too much: the extent to which weight bias internalization results in a higher risk of eating disorders and psychosocial problems
Authors: Gmeiner Michaela Silvia , Warschburger Petra
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Weight bias internalization (WBI) is associated with negative health consequences such as eating disorders and psychosocial problems in children. To date, it is unknown to what extent WBI considerably raises the risk of negative outcomes.

Methods

Analyses are based on cross-sectional data of 1,061 children (9–13 years,M = 11,SD = 0.9; 52.1% female) who filled in the WBI scale (WBIS-C). First, ROC analyses were run to identify critical cut-off values of WBI (WBIS-C score) that identify those who are at higher risk for psychosocial problems or eating disorder symptoms (as reported by parents). Second, it was examined whether WBI is more sensitive than the relative weight status in that respect. Third, to confirm that the cut-off value is also accompanied by higher psychological strain, high- and low-risk groups were compared in terms of their self-reported depressive symptoms, anxious symptoms, body dissatisfaction, and self-esteem.

Results

WBIS-C scores ≥ 1.55 were associated with a higher risk of disturbed eating behavior; for psychosocial problems, no cut-off score reached adequate sensitivity and specificity. Compared to relative weight status, WBI was better suited to detect disturbed eating behavior. Children with a WBIS-C score ≥ 1.55 also reported higher scores for both depressive and anxious symptoms, higher body dissatisfaction, and lower self-esteem.

Conclusion

The WBIS-C is suitable for identifying risk groups, and even low levels of WBI are accompanied by adverse mental health. Therefore, WBI is, beyond weight status, an important risk factor that should be considered in prevention and intervention.

Level of evidence

Level III, cross-sectional analyses based on data taken from a well-designed, prospective cohort study.
An enhanced chimp optimization algorithm for continuous optimization domains
Authors: Jia Heming , Sun Kangjian , Zhang Wanying , Leng Xin
Published: April 2021

Chimp optimization algorithm (ChOA) is a recently proposed metaheuristic. Interestingly, it simulates the social status relationship and hunting behavior of chimps. Due to the more flexible and complex application fields, researchers have higher requirements for native algorithms. In this paper, an enhanced chimp optimization algorithm (EChOA) is proposed to improve the accuracy of solutions. First, the highly disruptive polynomial mutation is used to initialize the population, which provides the foundation for global search. Next, Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient of the chimps with the lowest social status is calculated with respect to the leader chimp. To reduce the probability of falling into the local optimum, the beetle antennae operator is used to improve the less fit chimps while gaining visual capability. Three strategies enhance the exploration and exploitation of the native algorithm. To verify the function optimization performance, EChOA is comprehensively analyzed on 12 classical benchmark functions and 15 CEC2017 benchmark functions. Besides, the practicability of EChOA is also highlighted by three engineering design problems and training multilayer perceptron. Compared with ChOA and five state-of-the-art algorithms, the statistical results show that EChOA has strong competitive capabilities and promising prospects.
Fostering Spatial Ability Through Computer-Aided Design: a Case Study
Authors: Dilling Frederik , Vogler Amelie
Published: April 2021

Spatial ability is considered a major factor of intelligence and is increasingly important in times of digitization. This article explores the fostering of spatial ability through computer-aided design software. Different notions of spatial ability will be discussed, and, finally, a concept consisting of five aspects will be described. In addition, literature reviews on the connection between the use of computers and the fostering of spatial ability, as well as on the use of 3D printing technology in mathematics education, are given. Building on this, a case study is presented which examines the work of two middle-school students using computer-aided design software within a workshop at the University of Siegen. From the data material, basic possible actions within such software are derived. These are, based on theory, connected with the five aspects of the specific concept of spatial ability used. The results show various perspectives for the fostering of spatial ability with computer-aided design software.
Transmission of SARS-Cov-2 and other enveloped viruses to the environment through protective gear: a brief review
Authors: Petrosino Francesco , Mukherjee Debolina , Coppola Gerardo , Gaudio Maria Teresa , Curcio Stefano , Calabro Vincenza , Marra Francesco , Bhattacharya Prosun , Pal Umapada , Khélifi Nabil , Chakraborty Sudip
Published: April 2021

Over the past two decades, several deadly viral epidemics have emerged, which have placed humanity in danger. Previous investigations have suggested that viral diseases can spread through contaminants or contaminated surfaces. The transmission of viruses via polluted surfaces relies upon their capacity to maintain their infectivity while they are in the environment. Here, a range of materials that are widely used to manufacture personal protective equipment (PPE) are summarized, as these offer effective disinfection solutions and are the environmental variables that influence virus survival. Infection modes and prevention as well as disinfection and PPE disposal strategies are discussed. A coronavirus-like enveloped virus can live in the environment after being discharged from a host organism until it infects another healthy individual. Transmission of enveloped viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 can occur even without direct contact, although detailed knowledge of airborne routes and other indirect transmission paths is still lacking. Ground transmission of viruses is also possible via wastewater discharges. While enveloped viruses can contaminate potable water and wastewater through human excretions such as feces and droplets, careless PPE disposal can also lead to their transmission into our environment. This paper also highlights the possibility that viruses can be transmitted into the environment from PPE kits used by healthcare and emergency service personnel. A simulation-based approach was developed to understand the transport mechanism for coronavirus and similar enveloped viruses in the environment through porous media, and preliminary results from this model are presented here. Those results indicate that viruses can move through porous soil and eventually contaminate groundwater. This paper therefore underlines the importance of proper PPE disposal by healthcare workers in the Mediterranean region and around the world.
Spacecraft collision avoidance challenge: Design and results of a machine learning competition
Authors: Uriot Thomas , Izzo Dario , Simões Luís F. , Abay Rasit , Einecke Nils , Rebhan Sven , Martinez-Heras Jose , Letizia Francesca , Siminski Jan , Merz Klaus
Published: April 2021

Spacecraft collision avoidance procedures have become an essential part of satellite operations. Complex and constantly updated estimates of the collision risk between orbiting objects inform various operators who can then plan risk mitigation measures. Such measures can be aided by the development of suitable machine learning (ML) models that predict, for example, the evolution of the collision risk over time. In October 2019, in an attempt to study this opportunity, the European Space Agency released a large curated dataset containing information about close approach events in the form of conjunction data messages (CDMs), which was collected from 2015 to 2019. This dataset was used in the Spacecraft Collision Avoidance Challenge, which was an ML competition where participants had to build models to predict the final collision risk between orbiting objects. This paper describes the design and results of the competition and discusses the challenges and lessons learned when applying ML methods to this problem domain.
Engine performance and exhaust emissions of Garcinia gummi-gutta based biodiesel–diesel and ethanol blends
Authors: Ajith B. S. , Math M. C. , Manjunath Patel G. C. , Parappagoudar Mahesh B.
Published: April 2021

The use of abundantly available Garcinia gummi-gutta seeds grown at forest lands and ethanol a by-product of sugar industries has led to resource conservation and their use as alternate fuel to diesel engines for pollution reduction. Garcinia gummi-gutta (GGG) oil-based methyl esters blended with 20% ethanol and diesel fuel composed of six fuel samples (D100, B20E20, B30E20, B40E20, B100E20 and B100) are tested at different engine loads (0%, 20%, 40%, 80% and 100%) for their practical usefulness in diesel engine. Six fuel samples are tested for fuel properties. Biodiesel–diesel–ethanol blends showed approximately closer fuel properties to standard diesel fuel. Tests are carried out experimentally to know their performance and emission characteristics of six test samples fuelled in diesel engine varied subjected to different loads. Brake specific fuel consumption for all biodiesel blends is slightly higher for diesel fuel and its proportion decreases with increase in engine load. At full load engine condition, the brake thermal efficiency (BTE) for diesel fuel is 26.25%, and for biodiesel blends vary in the ranges of 22.5 to 25.2%. Compared to diesel fuel there is a reduction in 32.56% of carbon monoxide (CO) emission and 35.71% of hydrocarbon (HC) emission for biodiesel fuel (B100E20). For all biodiesel blended fuels tested at all engine loads, the oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions are marginally higher than diesel fuel. At full load engine condition, B100E20 (100% diesel and 20% ethanol) reduces CO emissions by 6.45%, HC emissions by 6.64%, and increases BTE by 0.8%, compared to neat biodiesel (B100). GGG based biodiesel blended with ethanol resulted with better fuel properties, performance and emission characteristics to that of diesel fuel. Garcinia gummi-gutta seed yields 45% of oil with a high conversion ratio to biodiesel of 1:0.96, which help the industry for biodiesel production in large scale at reduced cost.
Adoptees facing adolescence: What accounts for their psychological well‐being?
Authors: Ranieri Sonia , Ferrari Laura , Danioni Francesca Vittoria , Canzi Elena , Barni Petra , Rosnati Rosa , Rodriguez Maite Roman
Published: April 2021

Introduction

In accordance with the “resilience paradigm”, this study was aimed at exploring the role of the parent‐child relationship in supporting internationally adopted adolescents’ ability to develop a strong adoptive identity and a feeling of satisfaction with their own life.

Methods

Participants were 105 Italian adopted adolescents (13–17 years) asked to complete a self‐report questionnaire.

Results

Results showed that adolescents generally feel fairly comfortable discussing adoption‐related issues (especially with their mothers), have a medium‐high level of adoptive identity, and appear to be quite satisfied with their life. Moreover, while adoptive identity mediates the association between openness in communication regarding adoption and adoptees’ well‐being with mothers, father‐child communication openness has a direct influence on well‐being.

Conclusions

Findings highlighted that the quality of mother‐child and father‐child relationship plays a crucial role in guiding the process of adoptees’ identity formation and influencing their well‐being. Recommendations for professionals working with adoptive families were discussed.
PUB employs ABB technology to monitor and control key parts of the Tuas Water Reclamation Plant
Authors: Atkinson Simon
Published: April 2021

Process control and monitoring systems from ABB Energy Industries are to be deployed across multiple facilities at the Tuas Water Reclamation Plant that is being built by PUB, Singapore's National Water Agency. As this brief article reveals, this technology will be used to manage and reduce the energy needed for the process of treating and purifying water – improving plant performance and efficiency.
Real-world assessment of severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) nasopharyngeal swab testing in a region with a high burden of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Authors: Sangal Rohit B. , Peaper David R. , Rothenberg Craig , Fadlallah Hasan , Mobolaji-Lawal Motunrayo , Landry Marie L. , Sussman L. Scott , Ulrich Andrew , Venkatesh Arjun K.
Published: April 2021

Concerns persist regarding possible false-negative results that may compromise COVID-19 containment. Although obtaining a true false-negative rate is infeasible, using real-life observations, the data suggest a possible false-negative rate of ˜2.3%. Use of a sensitive, amplified RNA platform should reassure healthcare systems.
A healthy Nordic diet score and risk of incident CHD among men: the Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study
Authors: Tertsunen Hanna-Mari , Hantunen Sari , Tuomainen Tomi-Pekka , Salonen Jukka T. , Virtanen Jyrki K.
Published: April 2021

Healthy Nordic diet has been beneficially associated with CHD risk factors, but few studies have investigated risk of developing CHD. We investigated the associations of healthy Nordic diet with major CHD risk factors, carotid atherosclerosis and incident CHD in middle-aged and older men from eastern Finland. A total of 1981 men aged 42–60 years and free of CHD at baseline in 1984–1989 were investigated. Diet was assessed with 4-d food recording and the healthy Nordic diet score was calculated based on the Baltic Sea Diet Score. Carotid atherosclerosis was assessed by ultrasonography of the common carotid artery intima–media thickness in 1053 men. ANCOVA and Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were used for analyses. Healthy Nordic diet score was associated with lower serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations (multivariable-adjusted extreme-quartile difference 0·66 mg/l, 95 % CI 0·11, 1·21 mg/l) but not with serum lipid concentrations, blood pressure or carotid atherosclerosis. During the average follow-up of 21·6 years (sd 8·3 years), 407 men had a CHD event, of which 277 were fatal. The multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios in the lowest v. the highest quartile of the healthy Nordic diet score were 1·15 (95 % CI 0·87, 1·51) for any CHD event (Ptrend 0·361) and 1·44 (95 % CI 0·99, 2·08) (Ptrend 0·087) for fatal CHD event. We did not find evidence that adherence to a healthy Nordic diet would be associated with a lower risk of CHD or with carotid atherosclerosis or major CHD risk factors, except for an inverse association with serum CRP concentrations.
Uncovering prevalence of pangolin consumption using a technique for investigating sensitive behaviour
Authors: Olmedo Alegria , Veríssimo Diogo , Milner-Gulland E.J. , Hinsley Amy , Dao Huong Thi Thu , Challender Daniel W.S.
Published: April 2021

Pangolins have been exploited throughout history but evidence points to population declines across parts of their ranges since the 1960s, especially in Asia. This is the result of overexploitation for local use and international trade and trafficking of their derivatives. The prevalence of the consumption of pangolin products has been estimated for different localities in Viet Nam but, considering that national legislation prohibits the purchase of pangolin products, previous research has not accounted for the potential for biased responses. In this study, we treat pangolin consumption as a sensitive behaviour and estimate consumption prevalence of pangolin meat, scales and wine (a whole pangolin or pangolin parts or fluids soaked or mixed in rice wine) in Ho Chi Minh City using a specialized questioning method, the unmatched count technique. We also characterize the demographics of consumers. Our results suggest there is active consumption of all three pangolin products, with a best-estimate prevalence of 7% of a representative sample of Ho Chi Minh City residents for pangolin meat, 10% for scales and 6% for wine. Our prevalence estimates exceed estimates from direct questions, providing evidence for the sensitivity of pangolin consumption. We compared our analysis of consumer characteristics with existing profiles of pangolin consumers and found substantial differences, suggesting that consumption occurs among broader demographic groups than previously described. Our findings suggest that efforts to reduce demand for pangolin consumption in Viet Nam should focus on a broader range of consumers than previously identified.
Investigating conditions that induce late maturity alpha-amylase (LMA) using Northwestern US spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Liu Chang , Tuttle Keiko M. , Garland Campbell Kimberly A. , Pumphrey Michael O. , Steber Camille M.
Published: April 2021

The wheat industry rejects grain with unacceptably high α-amylase enzyme levels due to the risk of poor endproduct quality. There are two main causes of elevated grain α-amylase: (1) preharvest sprouting in response to rain before harvest and (2) late maturity α-amylase (LMA) induction in response to a cool temperature shock during late grain development. LMA induction was detected in a panel of 24 Northwestern US spring wheat lines. Thus, this problem previously described in Australian and U.K. varieties also exists in U.S. varieties. Because LMA induction results were highly variable using published methods, a characterization of LMA-inducing conditions was conducted in an LMA-susceptible soft white spring wheat line, WA8124. Problems with elevated α-amylase in untreated controls were reduced by raising the temperature, 25°C day/18°C night versus 20°C day/10°C night. LMA induction was not improved by colder temperatures (15°C day/4°C night) versus moderately cold temperatures (18°C day/7.5°C night or 10°C day/10°C night). While previous studies observed LMA induction by heat stress, it failed to induce LMA in WA8124. Thus, not all LMA-susceptible cultivars respond to heat. The timing of LMA susceptibility varied between two cultivars and within a single cultivar grown at slightly different temperatures. Thus, variability in LMA induction likely results from variability in the timing of the grain developmental stage during which cold shock induces LMA. Thus, it was concluded that the visual inspection of grain is needed to correctly identify LMA-sensitive spikes at the soft dough stage of grain development (Zadok's stage 85).