bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PP138 Current Status Of Healthcare Decision Making And Future Perspective Of The Health Technology Assessment Implementation Roadmap In Turkey
Authors: Atikeler Enver Kagan , Fasseeh Ahmad Nader , Leufkens Bert , Goettsch Wim
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Turkey's health reforms, which started in 2003, have led to increased access to health care and pharmaceuticals as well as rising public pharmaceutical expenditures. The need to improve healthcare decision making by implementing health technology assessment (HTA) has become an important priority for Turkey. This study sought to provide a tailor-made HTA implementation roadmap, drawing on insights from national stakeholders.

Our study aimed to describe the current HTA environment in Turkey and to explore long-term perspectives and suggestions from a wide spectrum of Turkish stakeholders regarding the preferred status of HTA in ten years (by 2029).

Methods

We conducted an online survey using a questionnaire previously applied in other HTA research. We assessed the current evaluation of medical and economic decision-making processes and examined the need for HTA. We also ascertained stakeholder perspectives on potential developments that can be done together with policymakers, representatives of pharmaceutical companies, and patient organizations. We also included general information about the pharmaceutical market and decision making processes in Turkey.

Results

The survey was sent to various stakeholders from different areas within the health system. Additional face-to-face interviews were conducted with a few respondents to clarify some of their answers. A total of twenty-seven Turkish stakeholders completed the survey. Of these, twenty-one (78%) participants were employed in the public sector and six (22%) were from the private sector. The majority of the participants would introduce HTA for all new health technologies being considered for public reimbursement and institute an additional review process for currently reimbursed technologies. Most of the respondents considered that only new technologies with significant budget impact should be evaluated in the next ten years.

Conclusions

It is clear that Turkey needs to implement an HTA process in the future. Our study shows stakeholder expectations, which will be helpful for creating an HTA implementation roadmap, and it is clear that different stakeholders have different views and expectations about HTA implementation in Turkey. The experiences of other countries will also be helpful during the implementation process.
PP256 Cost-Utility Analysis of Robot-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy Versus Open Or Laparoscopic Radical Nephrectomy In Korean Patients With Renal Cancer
Authors: Ahn Jeonghoon , Kang Yejee , Lee Juyeon , Bae Seowoo , Shin Minkyung , Igarashi Ataru
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Partial nephrectomy is recommended over radical nephrectomy for the surgical treatment of patients with stage cT1 renal cancer in multiple guidelines. The objective of this study is to examine the cost effectiveness of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN), compared with open radical nephrectomy (ORN) or laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (LRN), for treating stage cT1 renal cancer in Korea.

Methods

A Markov model was applied in patients with cT1 renal cancer that consisted of the following six health states: post-surgery, normal, chronic kidney disease (CKD), dialysis, death from renal failure, and natural death. Utilities and transition probabilities were obtained from systematic literature reviews. Costs were obtained from the current Korean National Health Insurance fee schedule, the Korean medical literature, and 2016 Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service inpatient claims data. Univariate and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed to check for uncertainty.

Results

RAPN was the dominant treatment, costing KRW 2.1 to 3.6 million (USD 1,700 to 2,900) less than the comparators while providing 0.45 to 0.61 more utility. Univariate sensitivity analysis showed that the most sensitive parameter was the relative risk reduction of CKD after partial nephrectomy. The sensitivity analysis also showed that the acceptability of RAPN at a cost-effectiveness threshold of KRW 30.5 million was high relative to both comparators (85.9% against LRN and 78.9% against ORN).

Conclusions

Though there might be uncertainties in non-Korean utility data and some transition probabilities derived from Japanese data, the current study suggested that partial nephrectomy is a more cost-effective option than ORN or LRN in Korea for patients with stage cT1 renal cancer.
PP313 Patient Preference For Blood Pressure Measurement: Sphygmomanometers Or Automatic Monitors?
Authors: Albuquerque Nila , Araujo Thelma , Borges Samantha , Silva Liana Queren , da Silva Lais Vitoria , Rabelo Talita , Lino Maria Kecia , Elery da Rocha Fabian , Sibele de Freitas Luzia
Published: December 2020

Introduction

The development of more accurate algorithms has encouraged the replacement of sphygmomanometers with automatic blood pressure (BP) monitors in adults. From the perspective of health professionals, these technologies are advantageous for their practicality and are less susceptible to observer errors, and many devices validated by standardized protocols are available for both clinical and home use. However, adherence to these technologies also depends on patient acceptance. No studies to date have examined patient preference for BP measurement in the Brazilian population, although Brazil has undertaken initiatives to replace auscultatory measurement with oscillometric measurement. This study aims to analyze patient preferences between sphygmomanometers and automatic monitors for BP measurement.

Methods

An analytic study was conducted with 93 subjects in a Brazilian outpatient care facility. A random sampling method was used to select participants. After obtaining informed consent, all subjects had their BP measured using a sphygmomanometer and then an automatic monitor for clinical use, both in a quiet room after 10 minutes rest. A structured interview on discomfort and preferences was then conducted. An unpaired t-test and a chi-square test were used.

Results

The mean age was 39.11 (±14.22) years. Minor discomfort was identified when an automatic monitor was used (2.34 versus 2.52). Confidence was higher with the sphygmomanometers (73.11%), and 60.21 percent preferred this technology. There was no association between gender and preferences (p = 0.88), but an association with age was identified. The average age of subjects who preferred sphygmomanometers was higher compared to those who preferred automatic monitors (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

This study revealed that, although BP measurement using automatic monitors is less uncomfortable, patients rely more on sphygmomanometers. Results show that preference is related to age, as younger people tend to prefer automatic monitors. The findings of this study indicate the need to widely disseminate information regarding the accuracy of automatic monitors among patients, especially older ones, in order to make them part of the decision-making process for replacing sphygmomanometers with automatic monitors.
PP406 Academic Detailing For Judges: Concepts Of Evidence-Based Medicine And Health Policies Adopted In Brazil
Authors: Borin Marcus Carvalho , Alves Carla Barbosa Morais , Junior Nelio Gomes Ribeiro , de Fátima Guimarães Melissa , de Assis Acurcio Francisco , Álvares-Teodoro Juliana , Guerra Junior Augusto Afonso
Published: December 2020

Introduction

The Brazilian health system has not been able to enforce the constitutional Right to Health for the entire population, leaving litigation as the last alternative for the fulfillment of the right. In order to harmonize and underpin the decision making of federal judges, an Academic Detailing (AD) program with concepts of evidence-based medicine and health policies for federal judges will be conducted nationwide in Brazil. AD is a strategy to provide information, combining an interactive outreach approach with the best evidence. This study reports the method used to define key messages to be used during visits.

Methods

Government, federal judges and academy representatives were invited to a workshop on health litigation in Brazil. They were divided into six groups to discuss five hypothetical scenarios. In each scenario, groups listed two possible key messages to disseminate during AD, addressing the legal, scientific, economic or ethical dimensions. After the definition, a vote was taken, according to the importance that each participant attributed to them (1 to 10), and then a score was generated.

Results

Of the thirty-one participants, five were from the judiciary, three prosecutors, one health insurance representative, nine managers and thirteen from the academy. From the case study presented, fifty-five key messages were suggested. After removing duplicates, twenty-five were selected to assign importance values by each participant. The key messages were sorted from highest to lowest score, the most important being “Explain what evidence-based medicine means and what scientific evidence means”.

Conclusions

Knowledge of theoretical concepts of evidence-based medicine, health policies and the technology incorporation process seem to be of fundamental importance to federal judges. This information will serve as a basis for decision making regarding litigious proceedings involving the constitutional Right to Health in Brazil. From the selected key messages, bulletins to the academic detailing program to federal judges shall be produced.
PP422 Including Empowering Community Into Primary Healthcare Team Scope Of Practice – A Technology For Ensuring Universal Healthcare Coverage
Authors: Khozhamkul Rabiga , Kosherbaeva Lyazzat , Bakdaulet Ainur , Izmukhambetov Talapkali , Jurgutis Arnoldas , Tolegenova Saule
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Considering the World Health Organization (WHO) Astana Declaration, in order to provide universal healthcare coverage, Kazakhstan through ongoing healthcare reform committed to the promotion of a people-centered Primary Healthcare (PHC) system. Since the implemented top-down policies showed low buy-in from community members and put more constraints on PHC facilities and teams, the Kazakh National Medical University, the Medeo district mayor's office and the WHO European Centre for PHC supported the initiative of a local non-governmental organization “Community health committee” and Outpatient clinic of Almaty State hospital #5, for creation of an integrated plan to develop people-centered PHC through better coverage and engagement of patients with non-communicable disease and enhancing the health literacy of the population above 65 years.

Methods

We used a community-based participatory approach. The process consisted of: forming a steering committee with at least one member from each stakeholder group; two interactive workshops where the community worked jointly with PHC professionals in defining priority health needs and proposing actions to address selected priorities; and, after, joint development by all stakeholders of an action plan for empowerment of the community, and for assessment and review of the scope of practice of PHC teams.

Results

The interactive workshops identified priority health needs such as low health literacy, low responsibility for health, low engagement of the elderly in prevention and self-management of non-communicable diseases. The main findings of semi-structured interviews were that there are no planning approaches (neither shared planning by a PHC team, or individually by PHC professionals) for addressing defined priority needs of the community, families and/or patients, and that the role of a PHC team in community empowerment is very limited.

Conclusions

Using results of the review on PHC teams’ scope of practice, we will develop, discuss and agree with the national and local stakeholders’ proposal of a conceptual model of PHC service delivery. Further, we will implement and evaluate the results of implementation.
PP459 Healthcare Resource Utilisation Of Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody Associated Vasculitis Patients: Real-World Data From English Clinical Practice Research Datalink
Authors: de Arellano Serna Antonio Ramirez , Glover Matt , Sammon Cormac , Kuo Tzu-Chun , Spearpoint Philip , Rutherford Peter
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV) is a rare, serious and often life-threatening disease. The use of available treatments options (immunosuppressants and glucocorticoids (GCs)) improves the prognosis of AAV greatly; however, GC use is associated with significant toxicity related morbidities and the management of AAV is costly. However, information of the costs associated with AAV in the United Kingdom is limited. This study aimed to quantify the burden of AAV using a large England and Wales source of real-world data, the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) linked database, to identify healthcare resource utilization and generate estimates of costs.

Methods

Incident patients (n = 220) were included if ≥ eighteen years, with diagnosis read codes G754.00/G75A.00; ICD codes M31.3/M31.7 from January 1997 to December 2017. Costs were taken from Unit Costs of Social and Health Care, National Health Service reference costs and electronic drug tariff. Distinction was made between type of consultations, outpatient visits and inpatient admission based on Healthcare Resource Grouping. Costs were summarised as mean per member per year (PMPY) in 2016 prices and presented before and after diagnosis.

Results

In the year preceding AAV diagnosis, mean costs PMPY were GBP12,012 [USD15,400], (GBP5,339 [USD6,845] inpatient, GBP766 [USD982] outpatient, GBP314 [USD403] GP, GBP5,594 [USD7,172] GP prescribing). In the year of AAV diagnosis (Y0) costs PMPY were GBP28,252 [USD36,220], GBP15,436 [USD19,790] inpatient, GBP1,863 [USD2,388] outpatient, GBP2,407 [USD3,086] GBP8,545 [USD10,956] GP prescribing). Costs in the years post-diagnosis remained higher than pre-diagnosis with a low of GBP22,839 [USD29,281] in Y4. The prescribing costs (GC, methotrexate and azathioprine) were the largest contributor in Y0-Y4 (GBP15,047 [USD19,291] Y1; GBP12,325 [USD15,801] Y4).

Conclusions

Diagnosis of AAV is associated with increased healthcare costs, including higher inpatients costs in the year of diagnosis and subsequently higher prescribing costs in the community. Given the incidence (17.2 cases per million) and considering only costs in the year of diagnosis, an additional GBP15.6 million [USD24.6 million] of healthcare resource utilization occurs every year from new diagnoses of AAV. However, this will likely be underestimated due to the lack of secondary care prescribing data in CPRD-HES and prescribing of immunosuppressant treatments in this setting.
PP548 The Design Of Long-term Care Insurance Payment: Base On Pilot Practice In Jingmen
Authors: Du Tiantian , Yang Junting , Li Ying , Zhang Meng , Liu Yuehua
Published: December 2020

Introduction

With the aging of population, miniaturization of family size and changes of diseases spectrum, the demand for long-term care of Chinese elderly is increasing, which is challenging the existing long-term care system. China is currently carrying out pilot work for a long-term care insurance system, and Jingmen is one of the pilot cities, however more detailed research on payment is needed. Therefore, this paper draws on case-mixed-adjusted prospective payment system to provide designs for long-term care insurance in pilot cities.

Methods

Adopting a case analysis method, this paper focuses on system for payment of Skilled Nursing Facility under Part A of the Medicare program—Patient Driven Payment Model, and discusses the implementation plan of a long-term care insurance in Jingmen City from the perspectives of payment methods, payment grouping and payment standards.

Results

Currently Jingmen adopts per-diem payment for long-term care insurance, so it is necessary to establish a payment based on population characteristics and demands. So, the patients should be classified into a group for each of the five case-mix adjusted components: physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, nursing and non-therapy ancillary. In addition, this payment model also includes a “variable per diem adjustment” to account for the changes in patient costs more accurately.

Conclusions

The theoretical system of a long-term care insurance payment method is developed, and a localization plan for case-mixed-adjusted prospective payment system for long-term care insurance is provided. Therefore, Jingmen long-term care insurance payment should adopt “case-mixed adjustment”, strengthening the relationship between individual clinical characteristics and payment.
PP612 Use of Rapid Review Methods In Health Technology Assessment For Central Procurement Decisions: Experience In Ukraine
Authors: Piniazhko Oresta , Rabia Kachveci , Tetyana Dumenko , Leleka Mariya , Masheiko Alona , Serediuk Valeriia
Published: December 2020

Introduction

The Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Department of the “State Expert Center of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine” was established in 2019 for conducting assessments and development of recommendations for informing decisions of the Ukrainian Ministry of Health regarding financing of the health technologies. Since 2015, procurement of medicines by the state budget in Ukraine was carried out through international specialized organizations. The central procurement program covers forty-one programs for different disease areas. The list of medicines and medical devices purchased were based of procurement agreements with specialized organizations approved by Cabinet of Ministers Decree of Ukraine № 255 of 13 March 2019.

Methods

Descriptive analysis of methodological processes around rapid review methods in HTA used for the procedure of central procurements of medicines. In the process of conducting rapid assessment we use a modern tool based on the HTA Core Model® for Rapid Relative Effectiveness Assessments version (V3.0). HTA Guidance in Ukraine was developed in 2017.

Results

The list of government programs, for which rapid review methods in HTAhave been conducted, included following diseases: adult and pediatric oncology, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, hemophilia, and orphan diseases. Reports include an overview of comparative efficacy, effectiveness and safety, as well as analysis of reports from HTA agencies and thresholds, budget impact for informing decisions for development of the central procurement programs in 2019. The HTA Department conducted more than forty reviews in less than 6 months.

Conclusions

Use of rapid review methods in HTA in Ukraine for informing decisions for the central procurement programs of medicines is the perspective for rational resource allocation and spending. This increases and improves patients’ access to effective, safe and cost-effective medicines.
Forecasting the final disease size: comparing calibrations of Bertalanffy–Pütter models
Authors: Brunner Norbert , Kühleitner Manfred
Published: December 2020

Using monthly data from the Ebola-outbreak 2013–2016 in West Africa, we compared two calibrations for data fitting, least-squares (SSE) and weighted least-squares (SWSE) with weights reciprocal to the number of new infections. To compare (in hindsight) forecasts for the final disease size (the actual value was observed at month 28 of the outbreak) we fitted Bertalanffy–Pütter growth models to truncated initial data (first 11, 12, …, 28 months). The growth curves identified the epidemic peak at month 10 and the relative errors of the forecasts (asymptotic limits) were below 10%, if 16 or more month were used; for SWSE the relative errors were smaller than for SSE. However, the calibrations differed insofar as for SWSE there were good fitting models that forecasted reasonable upper and lower bounds, while SSE was biased, as the forecasts of good fitting models systematically underestimated the final disease size. Furthermore, for SSE the normal distribution hypothesis of the fit residuals was refuted, while the similar hypothesis for SWSE was not refuted. We therefore recommend considering SWSE for epidemic forecasts.
Biomarkers as diagnostic tools for mycobacterial infections in cattle
Authors: Park Hyun-Eui , Yoo Han Sang
Published: December 2020

Mycobacterial infections are widely distributed in animals and cause considerable economic losses, especially in livestock animals. Bovine paratuberculosis and bovine tuberculosis, which are representative mycobacterial infections in cattle, are difficult to diagnose using current-generation diagnostics due to their relatively long incubation periods. Thus, alternative diagnostic tools are needed for the detection of mycobacterial infections in cattle. A biomarker is an indicator present in biological fluids that reflects the biological state of an individual during the progression of a specific disease. Therefore, biomarkers are considered a potential diagnostic tool for various diseases. Recently, the number of studies investigating biomarkers as tools for diagnosing mycobacterial infections has increased. In human medicine, many diagnostic biomarkers have been developed and applied in clinical practice. In veterinary medicine, however, many such developments are still in the early stages. In this review, we summarize the current progress in biomarker research related to the development of diagnostic biomarkers for mycobacterial infections in cattle.
Governance by Other Means: Rankings as Regulatory Systems
Authors: Kelley Judith G. , Simmons Beth A.
Published: December 2020

This article takes the challenges of global governance and legitimacy seriously and looks at new ways in which international organizations (IOs) have attempted to ‘govern’ without explicit legal or regulatory directives. Specifically, we explore the growth of global performance indicators as a form of social control that appears to have certain advantages even as states and civil society actors push back against international regulatory authority. This article discusses the ways in which Michael Zürn's diagnosis of governance dilemmas helps to explain the rise of such ranking systems. These play into favored paradigms that give information and market performance greater social acceptance than rules, laws, and directives designed by international organizations. We discuss how and why these schemes can constitute governance systems, and some of the evidence regarding their effects on actors’ behaviors. Zürn's book provides a useful context for understanding the rise and effectiveness of Governance by Other Means: systems that ‘inform’ and provoke competition among states, shaping outcomes without directly legislating performance.
In the midst of theoryandpractice: a foreword
Authors: Peltonen Hannes , Traisbach Knut
Published: December 2020

This foreword frames the Symposium in two ways. It summarises the core themes running through the nine ‘meditations’ inThe Status of Law in World Society. Moreover, it places these themes in the wider context of Kratochwil's critical engagement with how we pursue knowledge of and in the social world and translate this knowledge into action. Ultimately, also his pragmatic approach cannot escape the tensions between theoryandpractice. Instead, we are in the midst of both.
From meditation to action – a research agenda for studying informal global rule-making: remarks on ‘Cosmopolitanism, publicity, and the emergence of a “global administrative law”’
Authors: Westerwinter Oliver
Published: December 2020

Friedrich Kratochwil engages critically with the emergence of a global administrative law and its consequences for the democratic legitimacy of global governance. While he makes important contributions to our understanding of global governance, he does not sufficiently discuss the differences in the institutional design of new forms of global law-making and their consequences for the effectiveness and legitimacy of global governance. I elaborate on these limitations and outline a comparative research agenda on the emergence, design, and effectiveness of the diverse arrangements that constitute the complex institutional architecture of contemporary global governance.
The Value of Urban Flood Modeling
Authors: Rosenzweig B. R. , Herreros Cantis P. , Kim Y. , Cohn A. , Grove K. , Brock J. , Yesuf J. , Mistry P. , Welty C. , McPhearson T. , Sauer J. , Chang H.
Published: December 2020

Floods are important disturbances to urban socio‐eco‐technical systems and their meteorological drivers are projected to increase through the century due to global climate change. Urban flood models are numerical models that have the capability of representing the features of urban ecosystems and the mechanisms of flooding that impact them. They have the potential to play a critical role in flood risk assessment, operational response, and resilience planning, but existing models remain limited in their capability to represent integrated flooding processes in urban areas and provide the credible quantitative information needed to support risk assessment and resilience practice. Research to advance model development, facilitate intensive watershed monitoring for model parameterization and validation, and support collaboration between researchers and practitioners should be prioritized. This will represent a substantial, expensive effort, but will still be of great value as cities are faced with urgent challenges posed by climate change in coming decades.
Quantifying Nitrous Oxide Cycling Regimes in the Eastern Tropical North Pacific Ocean With Isotopomer Analysis
Authors: Kelly Colette L. , Travis Nicole M. , Baya Pascale A. , Casciotti Karen L.
Published: December 2020

Nitrous oxide (N2O), a potent greenhouse gas, is produced disproportionately in marine oxygen deficient zones (ODZs). To quantify spatiotemporal variation in N2O cycling in an ODZ, we analyzed N2O concentration and isotopologues along a transect through the eastern tropical North Pacific (ETNP). At several stations along this transect, N2O concentrations reached a near surface maximum that exceeded prior measurements in this region, of up to 226.1 ± 20.5 nM at the coast. Above the σθ = 25.0 kg/m3 isopycnal, Keeling plot analysis revealed two sources to the near‐surface N2O maximum, with different δ15N2Oα and δ15N2Oβ values, but each with a site preference (SP) of 6‰–8‰. Given expected SPs for nitrification and denitrification, each of these sources could be comprised of 17%–26% nitrification (bacterial or archeal), and 74%–83% denitrification (or nitrifier‐denitrification). Below the σθ = 25.0 kg/m3 isopycnal, box model analysis indicated that the observed 46‰–50‰ SPs in the anoxic core of the ODZ cannot be reproduced in a steady state context without an SP for N2O production by denitrification, and may indicate instead a transient net consumption of N2O. Furthermore, time‐dependent model results indicated that while δ15N2Oα and δ18O‐N2O reflect both N2O production and consumption in the anoxic core of the ODZ, δ15N2Oβ predominantly reflects N2O sources. Finally, we infer that the high (N2O) observed at some stations derive from a set of conditions supporting high rates of N2O production that have not been previously encountered in this region.
A Double Disturbed Lunar Plasma Wake
Authors: Rasca A. P. , Fatemi S. , Farrell W. M. , Poppe A. R. , Zheng Y.
Published: December 2020

Under nominal solar wind conditions, a tenuous wake forms downstream of the lunar nightside. However, the lunar plasma environment undergoes a transformation as the Moon passes through the Earth's magnetotail, with hot subsonic plasma causing the wake structure to disappear. We investigate the lunar wake response during a passing coronal mass ejection (CME) on March 8, 2012 while crossing the Earth's magnetotail using both a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) model of the terrestrial magnetosphere and a three‐dimensional hybrid plasma model of the lunar wake. The CME arrives at 1 AU around 10:30 UT and its impact is first detected inside the geomagnetic tail after 11:10 UT by the Acceleration, Reconnection, Turbulence and Electrodynamics of the Moon's Interaction with the Sun (THEMIS‐ARTEMIS) satellites in lunar orbit. A global magnetospheric MHD simulation using Wind data for upstream conditions with the OpenGGCM model reveals the magnetosheath compression to the lunar position from 11:20–12:00 UT, accompanied by multiple flux rope or plasmoid‐like features developing and propagating tailward. MHD results support plasma changes observed by the THEMIS‐ARTEMIS satellites. Lunar‐scale simulations using the Amitis hybrid code show a short and misaligned plasma wake during the Moon's brief entry into the magnetosheath at 11:20 UT, with plasma expansion into the void being aided by the higher plasma temperatures. Sharply accelerated flow speed and a compressed magnetic field lead to an enhanced electric field in the lunar wake capable of generating sudden changes to the nightside near‐surface electric potential.
Forming Relic Cratered Blocks: Left‐Lateral Shear on Enceladus Inferred From Ice‐Shell Deformation in the Leading Hemisphere
Authors: Leonard E. J. , Yin A. , Pappalardo R. T.
Published: December 2020

Plain Language Summary

The southern leading hemisphere of Enceladus contains a unique terrain characterized by blocks of older, cratered material surrounded by areas of younger ridged terrain. In order to, investigate how this terrain formed and its implications for the surface history of Enceladus, we create a structural map of the region, infer a formation mechanism, and apply a simplified analytical model. From the structural map, we draw a comparison to shear zones on Earth where coherent blocks are rotated while the material around them is deformed. This comparison allows us to calculate the heat flux required in the region at the time of formation. We find that the heat flux in the region of the cratered blocks may have been high when the terrain formed, similar to that in the South Polar Terrain of Enceladus today, or involved high stresses.
Identification of Seasonal Streamflow Regimes and Streamflow Drivers for Daily and Peak Flows in Alaska
Authors: Curran Janet H. , Biles Frances E.
Published: December 2020

Alaska is among northern high‐latitude regions where accelerated climate change is expected to impact streamflow properties, including seasonality and primary flow drivers. Evaluating changes to streamflow, including flood characteristics, across this large and diverse environment can be improved by identifying the distribution and influence of flow drivers. Using metrics of mean monthly streamflow data from 253 streamgages, seasonal flow regimes were clustered to guide identification of seasonal flow drivers and form hydrologic groups for identification of peak‐flow populations. Nine seasonally distinct subclasses described variability within three classes dominated by (mostly fall) rainfall, (spring) snowmelt, and (summer) high‐elevation melt. The most glacierized basins exclusively grouped into high‐elevation melt subclasses, and less glacierized basins sometimes exhibited seasonal patterns aligned with rainfall‐dominated and snowmelt‐dominated regimes. Peak‐flow populations varied by subclass from dominant rainfall or dominant snowmelt to mixed rainfall–snowmelt or mixed rainfall, snowmelt, and high‐elevation melt. Within subclasses, rainfall generated higher mean peak flows (relative to mean annual flow) than snowmelt or high‐elevation melt. Seasonal flow regimes showed clear but complex associations with basin characteristics, primarily elevation and winter temperature, and with geographic location. These dependencies provided elevation‐based analogies for changes associated with warming and insights for seasonal flow regime prediction and hydrologic region delineation. These results provide a spatially comprehensive perspective on seasonal streamflow drivers across Alaska from historical data and serve as an important historical basis for analysis.
Massiliamide, a cyclic tetrapeptide with potent tyrosinase inhibitory properties from the Gram-negative bacterium Massilia albidiflava DSM 17472T
Authors: Frediansyah Andri , Straetener Jan , Brötz-Oesterhelt Heike , Gross Harald
Published: December 2020

A cyclic tetrapeptide, designated massiliamide, was isolated from the liquid culture of the Gram-negative bacterium Massilia albidiflava DSM 17472T. The structure was elucidated through extensive spectroscopic analysis, including HR-MS and 1D and 2D NMR experiments. The absolute configuration was determined using the Marfey´s method. Massiliamide showed potent inhibitory activity towards tyrosinase with an IC50 value of 1.15 µM and no cytotoxicity.
Dapagliflozin effects on haematocrit, red blood cell count and reticulocytes in insulin-treated patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Aberle Jens , Menzen Markus , Schmid Sebastian M. , Terkamp Christoph , Jaeckel Elmar , Rohwedder Katja , Scheerer Markus F. , Xu John , Tang Weifeng , Birkenfeld Andreas L.
Published: December 2020

Recent studies have shown that high-risk patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) treated with sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have improved cardiovascular (CV) outcomes. In an exploratory analysis of data from the EMPA-REG study, elevations in haematocrit were shown to be strongly associated with beneficial CV effects. As insulin treatment has been shown to be antinatriuretic, with an associated increase in extracellular fluid volume, it is important to confirm whether haematocrit increase is maintained with concomitant insulin therapy. Here, we investigate the effect of the SGLT2 inhibitor dapagliflozin on haematocrit, red blood cell (RBC) counts and reticulocyte levels in high-risk patients with T2DM receiving insulin. A 24-week, double-blinded, randomised, placebo-controlled trial (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00673231) was reported previously with extension periods of 24 and 56 weeks (total of 104 weeks). Patients receiving insulin were randomised 1:1:1:1 to placebo or dapagliflozin at 2.5, 5 or 10 mg. Haematocrit, RBC and reticulocyte measurements were conducted during this study, and a longitudinal repeated-measures analysis was performed here to examine change from baseline during treatment. Dapagliflozin treatment in combination with insulin resulted in a dose-dependent increase in haematocrit levels and RBCs over a 104 week period. There was a short-term increase in reticulocyte levels at the start of treatment, which dropped to below baseline after 8 weeks. SGLT2 inhibition with dapagliflozin leads to a sustained increase in haematocrit in patients receiving chronic insulin treatment.
Comprehensive phenotyping revealed transient startle response reduction and histopathological gadolinium localization to perineuronal nets after gadodiamide administration in rats
Authors: Habermeyer Johanna , Boyken Janina , Harrer Julia , Canneva Fabio , Ratz Veronika , Moceri Sandra , Admard Jakob , Casadei Nicolas , Jost Gregor , Bäuerle Tobias , Frenzel Thomas , Schmitz Christoph , Schütz Gunnar , Pietsch Hubertus , von Hörsten Stephan
Published: December 2020

Gadolinium based contrast agents (GBCAs) are widely used in clinical MRI since the mid-1980s. Recently, concerns have been raised that trace amounts of Gadolinium (Gd), detected in brains even long time after GBCA application, may cause yet unrecognized clinical consequences. We therefore assessed the behavioral phenotype, neuro-histopathology, and Gd localization after repeated administration of linear (gadodiamide) or macrocyclic (gadobutrol) GBCA in rats. While most behavioral tests revealed no difference between treatment groups, we observed a transient and reversible decrease of the startle reflex after gadodiamide application. Residual Gd in the lateral cerebellar nucleus was neither associated with a general gene expression pathway deregulation nor with neuronal cell loss, but in gadodiamide-treated rats Gd was associated with the perineuronal net protein aggrecan and segregated to high molecular weight fractions. Our behavioral finding together with Gd distribution and speciation support a substance class difference for Gd presence in the brain after GBCA application.
Vitamin D moderates the interaction between 5-HTTLPR and childhood abuse in depressive disorders
Authors: Bonk Sarah , Hertel Johannes , Zacharias Helena U. , Terock Jan , Janowitz Deborah , Homuth Georg , Nauck Matthias , Völzke Henry , Meyer zu Schwabedissen Henriette , Van der Auwera Sandra , Grabe Hans Jörgen
Published: December 2020

A complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors determines the individual risk of depressive disorders. Vitamin D has been shown to stimulate the expression of the tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2) gene, which is the rate-limiting enzyme for serotonin production in the brain. Therefore, we investigate the hypothesis that serum vitamin D levels moderate the interaction between the serotonin transporter promotor gene polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) and childhood abuse in depressive disorders. Two independent samples from the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP-LEGEND: n = 1 997; SHIP-TREND-0: n = 2 939) were used. Depressive disorders were assessed using questionnaires (BDI-II, PHQ-9) and interview procedures (DSM-IV). Besides serum vitamin D levels (25(OH)D), a functional polymorphism (rs4588) of the vitamin D-binding protein is used as a proxy for 25(OH)D. S-allele carriers with childhood abuse and low 25(OH)D levels have a higher mean BDI-II score (13.25) than those with a higher 25(OH)D level (9.56), which was not observed in abused LL-carriers. This significant three-way interaction was replicated in individuals with lifetime major depressive disorders when using the rs4588 instead of 25(OH)D (p = 0.0076 in the combined sample). We conclude that vitamin D relevantly moderates the interaction between childhood abuse and the serotonergic system, thereby impacting vulnerability to depressive disorders.
Orange emissive carbon nanodots for fluorescent and colorimetric bimodal discrimination of Cu2+ and pH
Authors: Shi Lihong , Bao Yuejing , Zhang Yan , Zhang Caihong , Zhang Guomei , Dong Chuan , Shuang Shaomin
Published: December 2020

We have facilely synthesized orange emissive carbon nanodots (O-CDs) via a hydrothermal method using citric acid and 5-aminosalicylic acid.
Surface self-assembly involving the interaction between S and N atoms
Authors: Wu Tianhao , Xue Na , Wang Zhichao , Li Jie , Li Yaru , Huang Wei , Shen Qian , Hou Shimin , Wang Yongfeng
Published: December 2020

Regulation of the self-assembly nanostructures by recruiting the electrostatic interaction between S and N atoms.
Anisotropic bending and twisting behaviour of a twin crystal composed of a diarylethene
Authors: Higashiguchi Takuya , Kitagawa Daichi , Kobatake Seiya
Published: December 2020

The unusual photomechanical behaviour of a “twin crystal” consisting of a diarylethene derivative was investigated.
Space-confined CVD growth of 2D-MoS2 crystals with tunable dimensionality via adjusting growth conditions
Authors: Chen Fei , Jiang Xia , Shao Jiaqi , Lu Bin , Fu Li , Zhao Shichao , Su Weitao
Published: December 2020

2D MoS2 crystals with tunable dimensionality can be realized by the reaction of S and Mo foil under adjusted growth conditions via a space-confined chemical vapor deposition method.
Recent progress in the development of thermal interface materials: a review
Authors: Zhang Yingyan , Ma Jun , Wei Ning , Yang Jie , Pei Qing-Xia
Published: December 2020

Recent progress in the development of thermal interface materials.
A Ni-doping-induced phase transition and electron evolution in cobalt hexacyanoferrate as a stable cathode for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Quan Junjie , Xu Enze , Zhu Hanwen , Chang Yajing , Zhu Yi , Li Pengcheng , Sun Zhenjie , Yu Dabin , Jiang Yang
Published: December 2020

The charge density differences in different charge states reflect the contributions of each transition-metal atom to the electron transfer process, fundamentally revealing the formation mechanism of the three pairs of redox peaks shown by NCHCF.
Evidence of protonation induced intra-molecular metal-to-metal charge transfer in a highly symmetric cyanido bridged {Fe2Ni2} molecular square
Authors: Mudoi Prashurya Pritam , Sarma Bipul , Choudhury Anup , Gogoi Nayanmoni
Published: December 2020

A highly symmetric cyanido bridged tetranuclear square shaped [NiII2FeIII2] aggregate exhibits protonation induced intra-molecular electron transfer in solution and switching between [NiII2FeIII2] and [NiIII2FeII2] states.
Localization of metal ions in biomolecules by means of pulsed dipolar EPR spectroscopy
Authors: Abdullin Dinar , Schiemann Olav
Published: December 2020

A method is introduced in which paramagnetic metal ions are localized by means of trilateration using a combination of site-directed spin labeling and pulsed dipolar electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy.
A terbium(iii) lanthanide–organic framework as a selective and sensitive iodide/bromide sensor in aqueous medium
Authors: Liu Lan-Jun , Zhang Meng-Yao , Guo Qing-Zhong , Zhang Zhan-Hui , Guo Jun-Fang
Published: December 2020

A reversible terbium-based luminescent MOF sensor for the detection of I−/Br− in aqueous solutions with high selectivity and sensitivity.
Experimental and theoretical investigation of the reactivity of [(BDI*)Ti(Cl){η2-P(SiMe3)-PiPr2}] towards selected ketones
Authors: Ziółkowska Aleksandra , Szynkiewicz Natalia , Ponikiewski Łukasz
Published: December 2020

Reaction of [(BDI*)Ti(Cl){η2-P(SiMe3)-PiPr2}] with acetone led to new titanium complexes with a C–P–P bond by insertion of one molecule of acetone into two different Ti–P bonds (involving the phosphanyl phosphorus and the phosphido phosphorus atom).
Comprehensivein vitroantidiabetic screening ofAspalathus linearisusing a target-directed screening platform and cellomics
Authors: Pringle Nadine A. , van de Venter Maryna , Koekemoer Trevor C.
Published: December 2020

The antidiabetic screening platform incorporated five well-characterised antidiabetic targets in an attempt to address the multi-systemic nature of diabetes using variousin vitroand high content screening technologies.
Regulating TiO2/MXenes catalysts to promote photocatalytic performance of highly selective oxidation of d-xylose
Authors: Chen Liang , Huang Yiming , Zou Ren , Ma Jiliang , Yang Yunyi , Li Tingzhen , Li Mingsai , Hao Qi , Xie Haibo , Peng Xinwen
Published: December 2020

Synthesis of d-xylonic acid, a high value chemical feedstock, from biomass chemicals through a photocatalytic process is of great significance in respect of economical and sustainable concerns, and therefore has aroused considerable attention.
Phenol removal from wastewater by CWPO process over the Cu-MOF nanocatalyst: process modeling by response surface methodology (RSM) and kinetic and isothermal studies
Authors: Gholipoor Ozra , Hosseini Seyed Ali
Published: December 2020

Water-stable metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), which possess unique porous structures, have attracted attention from scientists exploring novel and efficient methods for the elimination of phenol compounds from aqueous media.
Electrochemically induced synthesis of quinazolinones via cathode hydration of o-aminobenzonitriles in aqueous solutions
Authors: Yang Li , Hou Huiqing , Li Lan , Wang Jin , Zhou Sunying , Wu Mei , Ke Fang
Published: December 2020

An efficient and practical electrochemically catalyzed transition metal-free process for the synthesis of substituted quinazolinones from simple and readily available o-aminobenzonitriles and aldehydes in water has been accomplished.
Efficient and selective DNA modification on bacterial membranes
Authors: Tian Qian , Bagheri Yousef , Keshri Puspam , Wu Rigumula , Ren Kewei , Yu Qikun , Zhao Bin , You Mingxu
Published: December 2020

A lipid-based approach to effectively modify DNA molecules onto various types of bacterial membranes after simple incubation.
Mechanically robust and superior conductive n-type polymer binders for high-performance micro-silicon anodes in lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Yu Yuanyuan , Zhu Jiadeng , Zeng Ke , Jiang Mengjin
Published: December 2020

The novel n-type conductive aromatic polyoxadiazole (POD) binders have been successfully designed for high-performance micro-silicon anodes. The cells with PODs exhibit excellent cycling performance and fast-charging ability.
Computational modeling predicts the stability of both Pd+ and Pd2+ ion-exchanged into H-CHA
Authors: Van der Mynsbrugge Jeroen , Head-Gordon Martin , Bell Alexis T.
Published: December 2020

Quantum chemical simulations show that the Al configuration determines whether Pd+ or Pd2+ is thermodynamically most favorable in Pd/H-CHA.
One-pot reprecipitation strategy to synthesize CsPbX3/Pb3(PO4)2 composite nanocrystals
Authors: Liu Jun , Zhong Qixuan , Chen Shuhua , Guan Wenhao , Qiu Yinghua , Yang Di , Cao Muhan , Zhang Qiao
Published: December 2020

A simple and facile reprecipitation approach was developed to synthesize CsPbX3/Pb3(PO4)2 composite nanocrystals.
A novel diagnostic map for computer‐aided diagnosis of skin cancer
Authors: Ashour Amira S. , Wahba Maram A. , Alaa Eman Elsaid , Guo Yanhui , Hawas Ahmed Refaat
Published: December 2020

In teledermoscopy, images are transmitted through a communication channel to the medical facility for medical consultation. This yields to bandwidth congestion and consumption of large storage size which impairs the transmission of the high‐resolution dermoscopy image. This study proposes a novel technique by generating a diagnostic feature map, named diagonal compressive sensing (CS) features map. This proposed map is generated using the significant diagnostic features by aligning the feature vector in a diagonal map, which is then compressed using CS technique. Eventually, the recovered feature map at the receiver side is applied to the classification system for decision‐making. In addition, physicians at the receiver side who were trained to read the feature maps can verify the classification decision, and then provide feedback to the patient. The results demonstrated that the proposed diagnostic map achieved less transmission time due to the small size of the feature map along with the compression process. Furthermore, the feature map has drastically improved the classification performance metrics, including the accuracy, which increased, for example, from 88.6% to 98% at 80% compression ratio compared to the traditional method on the compressed whole image.
Keypoint based comprehensive copy‐move forgery detection
Authors: Diwan Anjali , Sharma Rajat , Roy Anil K. , Mitra Suman K.
Published: December 2020

Verifying the authenticity of a digital image has been challenging problem. The simplest of the image tampering tricks is the copy‐move forgery. In copy‐move forgery copied portion of the image is pasted on another part of the same image. Geometrical transformations are used on the copied portions of the image before pasting it for the tampered image to look realistic and visually convincing. To make it more complex, other processing approaches may also be applied in the forged region for hiding traces of forgery. These processings are the scale, rotation, JPEG compression, and AWGN. In this paper, an approach based on features of the CenSurE keypoint detector and FREAK descriptor is proposed. This combination has novelty in itself as it has never been used for this purpose before to the best of authors' literature studies. CenSurE detectors are fast and give stable and accurate output even in the case of rotated images, which we club with binary descriptor FREAK. Hierarchical clustering and Neighbourhood search is applied in such a way that it can locate and detect multiple copy‐move forgeries. The authors are hopeful that the proposed approach may be used in real‐time image authentication and copy‐move forgery detection.