bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) management: an expert panel recommendation from the Latin American Cooperative Oncology Group (LACOG) and the Latin American Renal Cancer Group (LARCG)
Authors: Soares Andrey , Monteiro Fernando Sabino Marques , Maluf Fernando Cotait , Bastos Diogo Assed , Jardim Denis Leonardo , Sasse André Deeke , Gonçalves e Silva Adriano , Fay André P. , da Rosa Diogo Augusto Rodrigues , Wierman Evanius , Kater Fabio , Schutz Fabio A. , de Oliveira Fernando Nunes Galvão , Morbeck Igor Alexandre Protzner , Rinck José Augusto , da Trindade Karine Martins , Maia Manuel Caitano , Souza Vinicius Carrera , da Silva Neto Deusdedit Cortez Vieira , de Almeida e Paula Felipe , Korkes Fernando , Carvalhal Gustavo Franco , Nogueira Lucas , de Carvalho Fernandes Roni , dos Reis Rodolfo Borges , Matheus Wagner Eduardo , Busato Wilson Francisco Schreiner , da Costa Walter Henriques , de Cássio Zequi Stênio
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The outcome of RCC has improved considerably in the last few years, and the treatment options have increased. LACOG-GU and LARCG held a consensus meeting to develop guidelines to support the clinical decisions of physicians and other health professionals involved in the care of RCC patients.

Methods

Eighty questions addressing relevant advanced RCC treatments were previously formulated by a panel of experts. The voting panel comprised 26 specialists from the LACOG-GU/LARCG. Consensus was determined as 75% agreement. For questions with less than 75% agreement, a new discussion was held, and consensus was determined by the majority of votes after the second voting session.

Results

The recommendations were based on the highest level of scientific evidence or by the opinion of the RCC experts when no relevant research data were available.

Conclusion

This manuscript provides guidance for advanced RCC treatment according to the LACOG-GU/LARCG expert recommendations.
Reproduktive Autonomie oder verantwortliche Elternschaft? Kontrastierende ethische Begründungen des genetischen Anlageträger*innen-Screenings
Authors: Wehling Peter , Perera Beatrice , Schüssler Sabrina
Published: May 2020

Der Artikel beschäftigt sich mit der aktuellen internationalen ethischen Diskussion um eine „verantwortliche Implementierung“ des erweiterten Anlageträger*innen-Screenings in öffentliche Gesundheitssysteme. Erweitertes Anlageträger*innen-Screening, ein genetisches Testverfahren, das Paare mit Kinderwunsch informieren soll, ob beide Partner*innen eine genetische Anlage für die gleiche rezessiv vererbte gesundheitliche Beeinträchtigung tragen, ist 2010 von kommerziellen Labors in den USA auf den Markt gebracht worden. Seit etwa 2015 wird international über eine Einführung in die öffentlich finanzierten Gesundheitssysteme debattiert. Dabei ist zunächst die Steigerung der „reproduktiven Autonomie“ von Paaren, und nicht die Prävention von rezessiven Erkrankungen, als ethisch begründetes Ziel einer Implementierung formuliert worden. Diese Zielsetzung ist 2019 von drei prominenten niederländischen Ethiker*innen als unreflektiert kritisiert worden; sie schlagen stattdessen die ethische Leitorientierung der „verantwortlichen Elternschaft“ vor. Dieser zufolge sind autonome reproduktive Entscheidungen von Paaren oder Frauen nur dann moralisch akzeptabel, wenn das Screening erst während einer Schwangerschaft vorgenommen wird. Vor einer Schwangerschaft bestehe bei den „schlimmsten“ rezessiven Erkrankungen für die künftigen Eltern jedoch eine moralische Pflicht zur Prävention. Im vorliegenden Artikel werden diese kontrastierenden ethischen Begründungen von Anlageträger*innen-Screening kritisch analysiert: Zwar weist auch das Ziel der reproduktiven Autonomie problematische Aspekte auf, das Modell der „verantwortlichen Elternschaft“ ist jedoch deutlich fragwürdiger, weil es (unter anderem) die Freiwilligkeit der Test-Teilnahme in Frage stellt, für direktive genetische Beratung plädiert, die reproduktive Selbstbestimmung von Frauen und Paaren einschränkt und historisch belastete Begrifflichkeiten (Krankheiten, die „schlimmer als die Nicht-Existenz“ seien) in die Debatte einführt.
Functional outcome, in-hospital healthcare consumption and in-hospital costs for hospitalised traumatic brain injury patients: a Dutch prospective multicentre study
Authors: van Dijck Jeroen T. J. M. , Mostert Cassidy Q. B. , Greeven Alexander P. A. , Kompanje Erwin J. O. , Peul Wilco C. , de Ruiter Godard C. W. , Polinder Suzanne
Published: May 2020

Background

The high occurrence and acute and chronic sequelae of traumatic brain injury (TBI) cause major healthcare and socioeconomic challenges. This study aimed to describe outcome, in-hospital healthcare consumption and in-hospital costs of patients with TBI.

Methods

We used data from hospitalised TBI patients that were included in the prospective observational CENTER-TBI study in three Dutch Level I Trauma Centres from 2015 to 2017. Clinical data was completed with data on in-hospital healthcare consumption and costs. TBI severity was classified using the Glasgow Coma Score (GCS). Patient outcome was measured by in-hospital mortality and Glasgow Outcome Score–Extended (GOSE) at 6 months. In-hospital costs were calculated following the Dutch guidelines for cost calculation.

Results

A total of 486 TBI patients were included. Mean age was 56.1 ± 22.4 years and mean GCS was 12.7 ± 3.8. Six-month mortality (4.2%–66.7%), unfavourable outcome (GOSE ≤ 4) (14.6%–80.4%) and full recovery (GOSE = 8) (32.5%–5.9%) rates varied from patients with mild TBI (GCS13–15) to very severe TBI (GCS3–5). Length of stay (8 ± 13 days) and in-hospital costs (€11,920) were substantial and increased with higher TBI severity, presence of intracranial abnormalities, extracranial injury and surgical intervention. Costs were primarily driven by admission (66%) and surgery (13%).

Conclusion

In-hospital mortality and unfavourable outcome rates were rather high, but many patients also achieved full recovery. Hospitalised TBI patients show substantial in-hospital healthcare consumption and costs, even in patients with mild TBI. Because these costs are likely to be an underestimation of the actual total costs, more research is required to investigate the actual costs-effectiveness of TBI care.
Erfassung von erblichem Dickdarm- und Gebärmutterkrebs
Authors: Wimmer K. , Hulla W. , Zschocke J. , Lax S. F. , Webersinke G. , Zelger B. , Uyanik G. , Kain R. , Speicher M. , Hoefler G.
Published: May 2020

Die Möglichkeit einer Tumorerkrankung auf Basis eines familiären Tumorprädispositionssyndroms muss bei jeder Krebsdiagnose in Betracht gezogen werden. Die Erfassung erkrankter „Index“-PatientInnen ist entscheidend für die Ermittlung des Risikos für Neu- oder Wiedererkrankungen bei den Betroffenen wie auch für das Auftreten von Tumoren bei bisher gesunden Verwandten. Die Erfassung von PatientInnen mit familiärer Tumorprädisposition erlaubt es, Betroffene in Vorsorgeprogramme zur Senkung von Morbidität und Letalität aufzunehmen. Für das erbliche Brust- und Eierstockkrebssyndrom besteht in Österreich ein breites Bewusstsein. Dadurch wird eine zufriedenstellende Erfassung der PatientInnen erreicht. Das ist für das Lynch-Syndrom, welches bei 2–3 % aller Kolorektal- und Endometriumkarzinome vorliegt, leider nicht der Fall. Um die Identifizierung von Lynch-Syndrom-PatientInnen zu verbessern, empfiehlt die Österreichische Arbeitsgemeinschaft Pathologie-Humangenetik (die Österreichische Arbeitsgemeinschaft Pathologie-Humangenetik setzt sich aus jeweils fünf Delegierten der Österreichischen Gesellschaft für Klinische Pathologie und Molekularpathologie und der Österreichischen Gesellschaft für Humangenetik zusammen) in diesem Konsensus-Statement eine diagnostische Strategie, die möglichst alle Lynch-Syndrom-assoziierten Kolorektal- und Endometriumkarzinome im Rahmen der pathologischen Tumorbeurteilung erfasst. Durch eine darauf basierende systematische Zuweisung von PatientInnen mit Verdacht auf Lynch-Syndrom an ein Zentrum für medizinische Genetik zur genetischen Beratung und weiterführenden genetischen Diagnostik wird sichergestellt, dass auch Familienangehörige mit Lynch-Syndrom erfasst werden.
Above- and Below-ground Cascading Effects of Wild Ungulates in Temperate Forests
Authors: Ramirez J. Ignacio , Jansen Patrick A. , den Ouden Jan , Moktan Laxmi , Herdoiza Natalie , Poorter Lourens
Published: May 2020

Ungulates have become abundant in many temperate forests, shifting tree species composition by browsing and altering soil physical conditions by trampling. Whether these effects cascade down to other trophic levels and ecosystem processes is poorly understood. Here, we assess the paths through which ungulates have cascading effects on other trophic levels (regeneration, litter, invertebrates, rodents and organic matter decomposition). We compared ungulate effects by comparing 15 response variables related to different trophic levels between paired fenced and unfenced plots in twelve temperate forest sites across the Netherlands, and used pathway analysis model to identify the (in)direct pathways through which ungulates have influenced these variables. We found that plots with ungulates (that is, unfenced) compared to plots without (that is, fenced) had lower litter depth, sapling diversity, sapling density, rodent activity, macro-invertebrate biomass, decomposition rate of tea bags, pine and birch litter and higher soil compaction. These findings were used in a path analysis to establish potential causal relationships, which showed that ungulate presence: decreased sapling density, which indirectly decreased rodent activity; decreased litter depth, which indirectly reduced invertebrate diversity; increased soil compaction, which also decreased invertebrate diversity. Soil pH decreased invertebrate biomass, which also increased nitrogen mineralization. Yet, we did not find cascading effects of ungulates on decomposition rates. Importantly, an increase in ungulate abundance strengthens the cascading effects in this system. Our results suggest that ungulates can trigger cascading effects on lower trophic levels, yet decomposition and mineralization rates are resilient to ungulate browsing and trampling. Therefore, temperate forests conservation could benefit by limiting ungulate abundance.
Cardiovascular autonomic function testing in multiple system atrophy and Parkinson’s disease: an expert-based blinded evaluation
Authors: Leys Fabian , Fanciulli Alessandra , Ndayisaba Jean-Pierre , Granata Roberta , Struhal Walter , Wenning Gregor K.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) are sporadic neurodegenerative diseases characterized by an accumulation of misfolded α-synuclein. Cardiovascular autonomic failure develops in both MSA and PD, although studies indicate different sites of autonomic nervous system lesion. However, it is unclear whether this could potentially aid the differential diagnosis of these diseases. Here we determined whether cardiovascular autonomic function testing (CAFT) can discriminate between the parkinsonian variant of MSA (MSA-P) and PD based on either an expert-based blinded evaluation or a systematic comparison of cardiovascular autonomic function indices.

Methods

We included 22 patients aged 55–80 with neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (nOH) who had been diagnosed with either clinically probable MSA-P (n = 11) according to current consensus criteria or clinically definite PD (n = 11) according to the Queen Square criteria. Three physicians with expertise in CAFT were blinded to the neurological diagnosis and were asked to identify the correct neurological diagnosis by applying a self-created evaluation scheme to the CAFT recordings. Afterwards, a systematic comparison of clinical–demographic characteristics and CAFT parameters was carried out.

Results

Neither the raters (overall diagnostic accuracy: 58.46%) nor the evaluation scheme created post hoc (72.73%) showed reliable discriminatory capacity. The inter-rater reliability was slight (κ = 0.01). We observed no statistically significant differences in cardiovascular autonomic indices between PD and MSA-P patients.

Conclusion

CAFT is the gold standard for assessing the presence and severity of cardiovascular autonomic failure, but the results of our pilot study suggest that CAFT might be of limited value in the differential diagnosis between MSA-P and PD once nOH is present.
Does repeated dry sauna bathing change thermoregulation process in elite cross-country skiers?
Authors: Drzazga Z. , Binek M. , Pokora I.
Published: May 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of a series of ten finnish dry sauna bathing on skin temperature following exercise test for elite cross-country skiers and test, if the regular sauna baths induce any changes in physiological or haematological parameters in elite athletes. Ten elite cross-country skiers (21.7 ± 3.1 years, height: 1.79 ± 0.025 m, body mass: 71.06 ± 4.77 kg) participated in this study. They performed two continuous exercise tests, before and after a series of ten sauna baths. During experiment, the superficial temperature distributions, physiological and haematological parameters were measured. The marked temperature drop was visible in upper body and smaller in lower part of body after exercise test. 10 min after experimental exercise test slow return of the skin temperature to pre-workout values was observed in lower limbs unlike upper part of body. Results of this study indicated that passive induced heat acclimation have a moderate, positive effect (above 2%) on plasma volume and a small impact on physiological and temperature responses to exercise in elite athletes. We conclude that ten finnish dry sauna baths can induce weak changes in the superficial temperature distributions following exercise test, a certain decrease in resting heart rate and small increase in plasma volume in the elite cross-country skiers.
GmNAP1 is essential for trichome and leaf epidermal cell development in soybean
Authors: Tang Kuanqiang , Yang Suxin , Feng Xingxing , Wu Tao , Leng Jiantian , Zhou Huangkai , Zhang Yaohua , Yu Hui , Gao Jinshan , Ma Jingjing , Feng Xianzhong
Published: May 2020

Key message

Map-based cloning revealed that two novel soybean distorted trichome mutants were due to loss function of GmNAP1 gene, which affected the trichome morphology and pavement cell ploidy by regulating actin filament assembly.

Trichomes increase both biotic and abiotic stress resistance in soybean. In this study, Gmdtm1-1 and Gmdtm1-2 mutants with shorter trichomes and bigger epidermal pavement cells were isolated from an ethyl methylsulfonate mutagenized population. Both of them had reduced plant height and smaller seeds. Map-based cloning and bulked segregant analysis identified that a G-A transition at the 3ʹ boundary of the sixth intron of Glyma.20G019300 in the Gmdtm1-1 mutant and another G-A transition mutation at the 5ʹ boundary of the fourteenth intron of Glyma.20G019300 in Gmdtm1-2; these mutations disrupted spliceosome recognition sites creating truncated proteins. Glyma.20G019300 encodes a Glycine max NCK-associated protein 1 homolog (GmNAP1) in soybean. Further analysis revealed that the GmNAP1 involved in actin filament assembling and genetic information processing pathways during trichome and pavement cell development. This study shows that GmNAP1 plays an important role in soybean growth and development and agronomic traits.
“An artistic rather than a scientific achievement”: Frege and the Poeticality of Wittgenstein’s Tractatus
Authors: Bremer Józef
Published: May 2020

In this article I explore some implications of the correspondence that went on between Ludwig Wittgenstein (1889–1951) and the logician and mathematician Gottlob Frege (1848–1925). Part of this exchange was focused on the envisaged publication of Wittgenstein’s Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus, and on the philosophical or literary character of that work. The problem discussed concerned the question of whether the Tractatus should be seen not as a scientific but as an artistic achievement. My first goal is to present what, given Frege’s writings, his phrase “an artistic rather than a scientific achievement” could be understood to mean in terms of the Tractatus itself. Secondly, I seek to determine the extent to which traces of Frege’s understanding of such terms as “mock thoughts,” “fiction,” “elucidation,” “paintings” and “colouring” are to be found in the language of the Tractatus. This should then make it possible to show how Wittgenstein’s work, viewed from a Fregean perspective, can be seen as furnishing a logic and semantics not only for the languages of logic and natural science, but also for something that is “an artistic rather than a scientific achievement”, while also indicating that the content of the Tractatus as a whole could not have been captured independently of the unified form Wittgenstein himself gave it.
Learning from irregularly sampled data for endomicroscopy super-resolution: a comparative study of sparse and dense approaches
Authors: Szczotka Agnieszka Barbara , Shakir Dzhoshkun Ismail , Ravì Daniele , Clarkson Matthew J. , Pereira Stephen P. , Vercauteren Tom
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy (pCLE) enables performing an optical biopsy via a probe. pCLE probes consist of multiple optical fibres arranged in a bundle, which taken together generate signals in an irregularly sampled pattern. Current pCLE reconstruction is based on interpolating irregular signals onto an over-sampled Cartesian grid, using a naive linear interpolation. It was shown that convolutional neural networks (CNNs) could improve pCLE image quality. Yet classical CNNs may be suboptimal in regard to irregular data.

Methods

We compare pCLE reconstruction and super-resolution (SR) methods taking irregularly sampled or reconstructed pCLE images as input. We also propose to embed a Nadaraya–Watson (NW) kernel regression into the CNN framework as a novel trainable CNN layer. We design deep learning architectures allowing for reconstructing high-quality pCLE images directly from the irregularly sampled input data. We created synthetic sparse pCLE images to evaluate our methodology.

Results

The results were validated through an image quality assessment based on a combination of the following metrics: peak signal-to-noise ratio and the structural similarity index. Our analysis indicates that both dense and sparse CNNs outperform the reconstruction method currently used in the clinic.

Conclusion

The main contributions of our study are a comparison of sparse and dense approach in pCLE image reconstruction. We also implement trainable generalised NW kernel regression as a novel sparse approach. We also generated synthetic data for training pCLE SR.
Pädagogische Konzeptionen von Kindertageseinrichtungen – Deskription eines pädagogischen Instruments
Authors: Kuger Susanne , Becker Birgit , Spieß C. Katharina
Published: May 2020

Sowohl die Praxisliteratur zum Einrichtungsmanagement als auch der Gesetzgeber sehen pädagogische Konzeptionen als ein probates Mittel zur Steuerung der Qualität von Kindertageseinrichtungen. Die vorliegende Studie untersuchte 583 Kita-Konzeptionen von Einrichtungen aus ganz Deutschland mithilfe eines neu entwickelten Codierschemas und quantitativen Analysemethoden. Im Zentrum stehen zwei Fragen: erstens inwiefern Qualitätsmerkmale in den Dokumenten zu finden sind und zweitens, ob Rahmenbedingungen der Einrichtungen, die zu besserer Qualität in diesen führen sollten, mit ausgewählten Konzeptionsmerkmalen zusammenhängen. Die ausgewerteten Dimensionen umfassen Aspekte der Qualitätssicherung und -entwicklung, der Elternkooperation sowie Kooperationen im sozialen Nahraum. Die Konzeptionen stammen von Einrichtungen, in die Kinder der SOEP- und der TwinLife-Studien gingen. Die Dokumente erweisen sich sowohl hinsichtlich formaler als auch inhaltlicher Merkmale als sehr heterogen und können nur teilweise die in der öffentlichen und fachlichen Debatte formulierten Erwartungen erfüllen. Weniger formalisierte und einfache Formen der Qualitätssicherung und -entwicklung (z. B. Teamsitzungen) sowie der Kooperationen mit Eltern (z. B. Tür-und-Angel-Gespräche) sind häufiger dokumentiert als stärker formalisierte oder aufwändiger zu gestaltende Formen (z. B. externe Evaluationen). Bivariate Analysen nach Bundesland‑, Gemeinde- und Trägertypen zeigen, dass die Inhalte pädagogischer Konzeptionen sich nur teilweise systematisch nach diesen Kontextmerkmalen unterscheiden. Konzeptionen von Einrichtungen in kleineren Gemeinden sowie von freien und öffentlichen Trägern beschreiben eher Kooperationen mit Eltern und im sozialen Nahraum als die Konzeptionen von Einrichtungen in größeren Gemeinden und von anderen Trägern.
Missing Something? Comparisons of Effectiveness and Outcomes of Bariatric Surgery Procedures and Their Preferred Reporting: Refining the Evidence Base
Authors: El Ansari Walid , El-Ansari Kareem
Published: May 2020

Comparisons of effectiveness of bariatric surgery (BS) procedures encompass weight loss, metabolic/clinical outcomes, and improvements or worsening of comorbidities. Post-operative physical activity (PA) and diet influence such outcomes but are frequently not included in comparisons of effectiveness. We assessed the value and necessity of including post-operative PA/diet data when comparing effectiveness of BS. Including post-operative PA/diet data has significant benefits for BS and patients. The paper proposes an explicit preferred reporting system (Preferred REporting of post-operative PHYsical activity and Diet data in comparisons of BS effectiveness: PRE-PHYD Bariatric). Including post-operative PA/diet data could result in more accurate appraisals of effectiveness of BS procedures. This could translate into better ‘individualized’ BS by achieving a better ‘fit’ between patient and procedure.
A practical prescreening method for sloshing severity evaluation
Authors: Zheng Miao-Zi , Gou Ying , Teng Bin , Jo Hyojae
Published: May 2020

This paper aims at finding a proper way to estimate sloshing severity. First, the concept of sloshing severity RAO (SSR) is introduced, and the wave elevation on the liquid free surface is chosen as an initial index for the rough prediction of sloshing severity. Then, compared with experimental data from a 3D regular model test, this index is adjusted and a new index is generated. One step further, sloshing severity under irregular sea states can be achieved by nonlinear combinations of the new index. For validation, the same model tank is tested under a set of irregular sea conditions, and peak pressures and impulse areas are taken as comparison standards. It is found that both numerical and experimental results show a similar tendency of sloshing severity. As a real ship application on the new index, the sloshing severity of a liquefied natural gas floating production storage and offloading (LNG-FPSO) is predicted under a low filling condition. Besides, the ship motion responses with and without sloshing effects are considered for the calculation of severity. From the present observation, this proposed methodology and generated new index is expected to be applicable to the selection of severe sea states for sloshing loads analysis.
Thunbergia kasajuana, a new species of Acanthaceae from Nepal
Authors: Adhikari Bhaskar , Wood John R. I.
Published: May 2020

A new species ofThunbergia,T. kasajuanaBh.Adhikari & J.R.I.Wood is described from central Nepal. It is most closely related toT. grandifloraRoxb., because of its reduced annular calyx and similar inflorescence structure but differs in the much smaller corolla, herbaceous habit and different ecology. A description, photographs and a key to the species ofThunbergianative to Nepal are provided.
Placenta is Capable of Protecting the Male Fetus from Exposure to Environmental Bisphenol A
Authors: Lukasiewicz Monika , Czerniecki Jan , Ponikwicka-Tyszko Donata , Sztachelska Maria , Hryniewicka Marta , Nalewajko-Sieliwoniuk Edyta , Wiczkowski Wieslaw , Banaszewska Beata , Milewski Robert , Toppari Jorma , Huhtaniemi Ilpo , Rahman Nafis A. , Wolczynski Slawomir
Published: May 2020

Embryo–fetal exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) could be related to poor male reproductive parameters in rodents, but this concept has not been convincingly confirmed in humans. We investigated the association of environmental BPA exposure of pregnant women with selected endocrine and anthropometric parameters of male newborns. We analyzed plasma BPA from pregnant mothers, umbilical cord, and placental tissues (n = 117/each group) by liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. LH, FSH, AMH, TGFβ2, inhibin B, and selected sex steroids were measured in cord plasma. The infant anthropometric parameters included anogenital distance, stretched penile length, head circumference, birthweight, and length. The median BPA concentrations in maternal and umbilical cord plasma, and in placental tissue were 19.0, 8.0, and 22.2 nmol/L, respectively, the levels thus being over twofold lower in the fetal circulation than in the mother or placenta. The BPA concentrations measured were 100–1000-fold lower than those demonstrated in animal experiments to have endocrine disrupting effects. Multivariable regression analysis indicated no significant correlations between the maternal/fetal/placental BPA concentrations and any of the hormone levels or anthropometric parameter measured. Plasma concentrations of BPA confirmed both maternal, placenta, and fetal exposure to environmental BPA, but the concentrations were orders of magnitude lower than those with documented endocrine disrupting activity. Moreover, the maternal/fetal concentration gradient as well as the lack of correlations of BPA levels with any major endocrine or anthropometric parameters measured in the newborns suggest a protective role for the placenta in reducing fetal exposure to the environmental BPA.
A Statistical Approach to Study the Evolution of Groundwater of Vishwamitri River Basin (VRB), Gujarat
Authors: Siddha Swayam , Sahu Paulami
Published: May 2020

Groundwater is the most vulnerable, exploited natural resource which is a key source of freshwater in the world. Its regular decline in both quality and quantity are an important concern of research. The focus of the present study is to understand the important hydrogeochemical processes involved in the groundwater evolution of Vishwamitri River Basin (VRB), Gujarat, India, using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) technique. To achieve a symmetrical data distribution, log-transformation was applied in this study. This statistical approach decreases the data outlier. A Shapiro-Wilk statistic was employed to test the normal distribution of the data set. The results revealed that ten elements (TDS, bicarbonate, chloride, sulfate, sodium, calcium, magnesium, fluoride, iron and strontium) showed normal distribution. The PCA of 60 groundwater samples using 10 normally distributed chemical parameters indicates that the dominant geochemical process is rock-water interaction through dissolution and cation exchange reactions within the VRB aquifers. This study also reveals that, due to over use of chemical and fertilizers, the sulfate loading is high in groundwater. Therefore, the combined process of natural rock-water interaction, weathering and anthropogenic activities play a significant role in controlling the chemical composition of groundwater of VRB.
Feasibility and Acceptability of a Group Mindfulness Intervention in a Difficult Asthma Clinic
Authors: Ainsworth Ben , Patel Aarti , Eyles Caroline , Davies Gail Elaine , Kurukulaaratchy Ramesh , Thomas Mike
Published: May 2020

Objectives

Psychological dysfunction (such as anxiety) is common in people with difficult asthma and is associated with poor outcomes. Asthma guidelines increasingly emphasise the need to recognise and address co-morbidities, and it is plausible that appropriately targeted psychological interventions may be clinically and cost-effective. We hypothesised that mindfulness—facilitating adaptive responses to mental and emotional stress—would be acceptable and feasible for people with difficult asthma and undertook a pilot uncontrolled observational study.

Methods

We offered a 4-week mindfulness intervention (four group sessions with 10–20 min of daily home practice) to adult patients attending difficult asthma clinics. Seventeen patients provided informed consent. Before and 3 months after the intervention, self-report questionnaires assessed asthma control, asthma-related quality of life, anxiety, depression, medication adherence and dysfunctional breathing symptoms. We conducted a focus group and follow-up telephone interviews with patients and collected routine clinic data including lung function.

Results

Three-month follow-up patients had lower self-reported anxiety scores, but there were no significant changes in other self-report measures including asthma control and asthma quality of life—though numerical trends generally indicated improvement. Intervention adherence and study retention varied. Thematic analysis exploring qualitative data found overarching themes highlighting the acceptability of mindfulness treatments, and identified some practical challenges to attending the course.

Conclusions

Patients consenting to the mindfulness intervention found it acceptable. Self-report measures suggest potential for positive impact on their wellbeing. Patients successfully integrated mindfulness with their existing treatment, although practical barriers prevented some from attending the face-to-face group course.
Zum Verbalisierungsdilemma bei der Erfassung der situationsspezifischen Fähigkeiten von Lehrkräften
Authors: Hecker Sarah-Larissa , Falkenstern Stephanie , Lemmrich Svenja , Ehmke Timo
Published: May 2020

Anforderungsnahe Testumgebungen versprechen besonders prädiktive Hinweise auf die tatsächliche Performanz von angehenden und praktizierenden Lehrkräften. Auf Basis einer Methoden-Triangulation empirisch erhobener Daten aus einem videobasierten Kompetenztest widmet sich der Beitrag allerdings einem potentiellen Validitätsproblem bei der Erfassung der situationsspezifischen Fähigkeiten von angehenden und praktizierenden Lehrkräften aller Fächer als Indikator ihrer Kompetenz im Bereich Deutsch als Zweitsprache. In der besonders performanznahen Testumgebung werden keine geschlossenen Items eingesetzt, sondern maximal offene mündliche Antworten erfragt, also zunächst eine Verbalisierung des Wahrgenommenen, gefolgt von einer verbalisierten Handlungsreaktion. Es finden sich in der Auswertung der Antworten vonN = 124 angehenden und praktizierenden Lehrkräften Hinweise auf ein Verbalisierungsdilemma: offenbar ist die geforderte Verbalisierung der Komponente der präzisen Wahrnehmung schwieriger als die der Handlungsreaktion, der Zusammenhang zwischen beidem stellt sich als komplex dar. Dies wird in einen über diese Studie hinausgehenden Kontext eingeordnet, indem Ergebnisse aus der Expertiseforschung herangezogen und Konsequenzen für videobasierte Testumgebungen diskutiert werden.
A PSO-algorithm-based consensus model with the application to large-scale group decision-making
Authors: Liu Fang , Zhang Jiawei , Liu Tong
Published: May 2020

Group decision-making (GDM) implies a process of extracting wisdom from a group of experts. In this study, a novel GDM model is proposed by applying the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm to simulate the consensus process within a group of experts. It is assumed that the initial positions of decision-makers (DMs) are characterized by pairwise comparison matrices (PCMs). The minimum and maximum of the entries in the same locations of individual PCMs are supposed to be the constraints of DMs’ opinions. The novelty comes with the construction of the optimization problem by considering the group consensus and the consistency degree of the collective PCM. The former is to minimize the distance between the collective PCM and each individual one. The latter is to make the collective PCM be acceptably consistent in virtue of the geometric consistency index. The fitness function used in the PSO algorithm is the linear combination of the two objectives. The proposed model is applied to solve a large-scale GDM problem arising in emergency management. Some comparisons with the existing methods reveal that the developed model has the advantages to decrease the order of an optimization problem and reach a fast yet effective solution.
Condition Assessment of Low Voltage Photovoltaic DC Cables under Thermal Stress Using Non-Destructive Electrical Techniques
Authors: Mustafa Ehtasham , Afia Ramy S. A. , Tamus Zoltán Ádám
Published: May 2020

The output power of the photovoltaic system is heavily dependent on the low voltage (LV) DC cables which are exposed to multiple stresses such as climatic, mechanical, electrical, and thermal stress, hence makes them more exposed to aging as compared to other components in the system. Accordingly, it is essential to monitor the state and know the real cause of the insulation degradation of the cable. The physio-chemical changes inside the insulation during service is attributed to the thermal stress, which the cable has to endure constantly. Traditionally, destructive test techniques have been adopted to study the aging phenomenon in the cable insulation, making them unsuitable for on-line condition monitoring. This research work has been aimed to study the degradation in LV photovoltaic DC cables under thermal stress by measuring the dielectric properties; complex permittivity, tanδ with the change in frequency and decay and return voltage slopes using extended voltage response method. The non-destructive diagnostic methods used are based on the phenomenon of polarization and conduction in the insulation material. The noteworthy change in the values of the imaginary part of permittivity, tanδ at low frequencies, and the overall decrease in the values of return voltage slope showed the change in the structure of the polymer matrix under the stress which was related to the cross-linking based chemical reactions. The results show that the techniques can be adopted for the on-line condition monitoring of the cable for the PV system and the dielectric parameters can be used to study the chemical and physical changes happening inside the material effectively.
Searching for the Correlation Between the Activity of Urease and the Content of Nickel in the Soil Samples: The Role of Metal Speciation
Authors: Miśkowiec Paweł , Olech Zofia
Published: May 2020

The purpose of this study was to verify the correlation between the activity of urease and the content of nickel in soil of temperate climate in relation to the land management. Moreover, the metal speciation was taken into account in order to search for the above-mentioned correlation. Arable lands, forested lands, and wastelands were analyzed. The basic soil parameters were determined such as pH, clay fraction content, and organic matter content. The speciation of nickel was studied by using BCR (Bureau Communitaire de Reference) sequential extraction procedure and flame atomic absorption spectrometry, while the urease activity was determined spectrophotometrically. The pseudo-total content of Ni in every sample was below 30 mg kg−1of dry soil. The dominant form of nickel in the soil samples was the residual form. Although the urease activity varied slightly between the samples, the differences turned out to be statistically insignificant. However, the highly positive correlations between the urease activity, organic matter content, and the pseudo-total content of Ni were found and discussed. Moreover, the positive correlations between the urease activity and two geochemical forms of nickel, namely,activeandresidualform, were confirmed. The results of performed experiments prove that the method of land management does not significantly affect either the topsoil urease activity or the nickel distribution in the case of the extensive agriculture and forestry. However, the existence of at least two forms of the active soil urease was proposed. The first one―contained in the soil solution or loosely adsorbed on the soil particulates and the second one―strongly adsorbed onto the clay minerals. Also the complex role of the organic matter in protecting urease from external factors was presented. Finally, it was postulated that the nickel content in soil may be the indicator of the soil urease activity.
Pelvic Floor Muscle Training and Erectile Dysfunction in Radical Prostatectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial Investigating a Non-Invasive Addition to Penile Rehabilitation
Authors: Milios Joanne E. , Ackland Timothy R. , Green Daniel J.
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Pelvic floor muscle (PFM) training for postprostatectomy incontinence is considered a first line approach to rehabilitation, but PFM training for erectile dysfunction (ED) after surgery is less well known. With more than 1.4 million new cases diagnosed globally per year, there is a need for non-invasive options to assist sexual dysfunction recovery.

Aim

Commencing preoperatively and using both fast and slow twitch fibre training performed in standing postures, new protocols were developed to address clinical presentations with aims to reduce ED and impact on quality of life (QoL). Comparisons with “usual care” PFM training, prerehabilitation and postrehabilitation were then assessed.

Methods

A randomised controlled trial of 97 men undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP) were allocated to either a control group (n = 47) performing “usual care” of 3 sets/d PFMT or an intervention group (n = 50), performing 6 sets/d in standing, commencing 5 weeks before RP.

Outcome measures

Participants were assessed preoperatively and at 2, 6, and 12 weeks after RP using the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite for Clinical Practice, International Index of Erectile Function-5, and real time ultrasound measurements of PFM function.

Results

At all time points, there was a significant difference (P< 0.05) between groups; however, the only time point where this difference was clinically relevant was at 2 weeks after RP, with the intervention group reporting less distress in the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite for Clinical Practice QoL outcome. Secondary measures of EPIC-EF and real time ultrasound PFM function tests demonstrated improvement over all time points in both groups with lower bothersome scores in the intervention group.

Conclusions

Early PFM training reduces early QoL impact for postprostatectomy ED, with faster return to continence enabling earlier commencement of penile rehabilitation. While our 12-week protocol and sample size was not powerful enough to demonstrate conclusive benefits of early PFM training for ED, PFM intervention after RP over longer times has been supported by others.

Milios JE, Ackland TR, Green DJ. Pelvic Floor Muscle Training and Erectile Dysfunction in Radical Prostatectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial Investigating a Non-Invasive Addition to Penile Rehabilitation. J Sex Med 2020;8:414–421.
Prevalence of Sexual Disorders in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis and Associated Factors
Authors: Santos-Moreno Pedro , Castro Carlos Alberto , Villarreal Laura , Buitrago Diana
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic and progressive pathology, present in between 0.5% and 1% of adults. Sexual disorders (SDs) occur in between 31% and 70% of all patients with RA.

Aim

To establish the associated risk factors and the prevalence of SDs in a group of patients with RA.

Methods

An analytical cross-sectional study was performed, evaluated with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-V tool. The related factors and the activity of the disease were explored. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted.

Main Outcome Measure

The prevalence of SDs was 29.6%. There was an association between the presence of SDs and gender (women; odds ratio [OR]: 0.6, 95% CI: 0.4–0.8), age (OR: 1.4, 95% CI: 1.1–1.8), psychological alterations (OR: 12.1, 95% CI: 5.9–27.2), and Disease Activity Score 28 (OR: 1.6, 95% CI: 1.2–2).

Results

A total of 1,436 patients, with a median age of 56 years, were analyzed.

Conclusion

SDs are present in a third of patients with RA. Among the factors associated with SDs were the activity of the disease, presence of mood disorders, psychiatric disorders, alcoholism, and concomitant autoimmune pathologies. These findings suggest the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach to properly manage RA, as well as an enhancement in communication channels between the health professional team and the patient.
Challenges in the Practice of Sexual Medicine in the Time of COVID-19 in the United Kingdom
Authors: Jacob Louis , Smith Lee , Butler Laurie , Barnett Yvonne , Grabovac Igor , McDermott Daragh , Armstrong Nicola , Yakkundi Anita , Tully Mark A.
Published: May 2020

Background

On 23rd March 2020, the UK government released self-isolation/social distancing guidance to reduce the risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2. The influence such guidance has on sexual activity is not known.

Aim

To investigate levels and correlates of sexual activity during COVID-19 self-isolation/social distancing in a sample of the UK public.

Methods

This paper presents preplanned interim analyses of data from a cross-sectional epidemiological study, administered through an online survey.

Outcomes

Sexual activity was measured using the following question: “On average after self-isolating how many times have you engaged in sexual activity weekly?” Demographic and clinical data were collected, including sex, age, marital status, employment, annual household income, region, current smoking status, current alcohol consumption, number of chronic physical conditions, number of chronic psychiatric conditions, any physical symptom experienced during self-isolation, and number of days of self-isolation/social distancing. The association between several factors (independent variables) and sexual activity (dependent variable) was studied using a multivariable logistic regression model.

Results

868 individuals were included in this study. There were 63.1% of women, and 21.8% of adults who were aged between 25 and 34 years. During self-isolation/social distancing, 39.9% of the population reported engaging in sexual activity at least once per week. Variables significantly associated with sexual activity (dependent variable) were being male, a younger age, being married or in a domestic partnership, consuming alcohol, and a higher number of days of self-isolation/social distancing.

Clinical Implications

In this sample of 868 UK adults self-isolating owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, the prevalence of sexual activity was lower than 40%. Those reporting particularly low levels of sexual activity included females, older adults, those not married, and those who abstain from alcohol consumption.

Strength and Limitations

This is the first study to investigate sexual activity during the UK COVID-19 self-isolation/social distancing. Participants were asked to self-report their sexual activity potentially introducing self-reporting bias into the findings. Second, analyses were cross-sectional and thus it is not possible to determine trajectories of sexual activity during the current pandemic.

Conclusion

Interventions to promote health and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic should consider positive sexual health messages in mitigating the detrimental health consequences in relation to self-isolation/social distancing and should target those with the lowest levels of sexual activity.
COVID-19 and ophthalmology: an underappreciated occupational hazard
Authors: Kuo Irene C. , O’Brien Terrence P.
Published: May 2020

The proximity required of a thorough biomicroscopic slit-lamp examination may put ophthalmologists at increased risk for respiratory-borne infection with SARS-CoV-2. Conjunctivitis has been described in a few patients with COVID-19 and other coronavirus syndromes. Although SARS-CoV-2 has been detected in the conjunctival secretions or tears of patients with COVID-19 and conjunctivitis, transmission of infection through respiratory droplets to ophthalmologists without eye protection or masks may be the bigger concern.
Allometric equations for the invasive vine air potato (Dioscorea bulbifera) in its exotic range in Florida
Authors: Rayamajhi Min B. , Rohrig Eric , Tipping Philip W. , Pratt Paul D. , Leidi Jorge G.
Published: May 2020

Nondestructive means for estimating air potato (also known as air yam; Dioscorea bulbifera L.) biomass will help gauge its management efficacy over time. We developed allometric equations to estimate total and fractional biomass components and densities of aerial bulbils and underground tubers of field-grown D. bulbifera in Florida. We selected four naturally infested sites representing its southern, central, and northern distribution in Florida and measured three independent variables (vine densities, stem diameters, and top heights) of 84 (21 site−1) discrete D. bulbifera patches during late October to early December of 2012. We destructively harvested D. bulbifera biomass, sorted by tubers, stems, leaves, and bulbils; counted units of bulbils and underground tubers (dependent variables); and dried to a constant weight. Mean percentages of tuber, stem, leaf, and bulbil fractions in total biomass were 42.0, 15.6, 26.0, and 16.4, respectively. We developed a parameterized multiplicative prediction model and regression equation for each dependent variable. Slopes of relationships among independent and dependent variables varied by biomass and density (bulbil and tuber) of plant components. Multiplied values of independent variables: all three for total, tuber, stem, and leaf biomass; two (vine base diameter*patch height) for bulbil biomass; two (vine density*patch height) for bulbil density; and only one (stem density) for tuber density provided best (R2-based) prediction values. These models will provide nondestructive methods for estimating biomass components and density of vegetative propagules of naturally growing D. bulbifera. Models are critical for understanding the performance of D. bulbifera in its exotic range, estimating biomass to project control costs, and comparing biomass components and bulbil/tuber densities during pre- and postmanagement periods to gauge control efficacy.
Personal journey and perspective from psychiatric nurse and medical student to intern doctor during COVID-19
Authors: Lynch D.
Published: May 2020

COVID-19 or ‘Coronavirus’ has become a global pandemic since its initial report in Wuhan, China, on November 17, 2020. It is highly infectious and poses significant health risks for those in vulnerable populations. This article aims to provide perspective into an Irish experience, through the eyes of a practicing psychiatric nurse, who has recently graduated medical school and intends to work as an intern doctor.