bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The need for transformative changes in the use of Indigenous knowledge along with science for environmental decision‐making in the Arctic
Authors: Wheeler Helen C. , Danielsen Finn , Fidel Maryann , Hausner Vera , Horstkotte Tim , Johnson Noor , Lee Olivia , Mukherjee Nibedita , Amos Amy , Ashthorn Heather , Ballari Øystein , Behe Carolina , Breton‐Honeyman Kaitlin , Retter Gunn‐Britt , Buschman Victoria , Jakobsen Pâviârak , Johnson Frank , Lyberth Bjarne , Parrott Jennifer A. , Pogodaev Mikhail , Sulyandziga Rodion , Vronski Nikita
Published: September 2020

Recent attention to the role of Indigenous knowledge (IK) in environmental monitoring, research and decision‐making is likely to attract new people to this field of work.

Advancing the bringing together of IK and science in a way that is desirable to IK holders can lead to successful and inclusive research and decision‐making.

We used the Delphi technique with 18 expert participants who were IK holders or working closely with IK from across the Arctic to examine the drivers of progress and limitations to the use of IK along with science to inform decision‐making related to wildlife, reindeer herding and the environment. We also used this technique to identify participants' experiences of scientists' misconceptions concerning IK.

Participants had a strong focus on transformative change relating to the structure of institutions, politics, rights, involvement, power and agency over technical issues advancing or limiting progress (e.g. new technologies and language barriers).

Participants identified two modes of desirable research: coproducing knowledge with scientists and autonomous Indigenous‐led research. They highlighted the need for more collaborative and coproduction projects to allow further refinement of approaches and more funding to support autonomous, Indigenous‐led research.

Most misconceptions held by scientists concerning IK that were identified by participants related to the spatial, temporal and conceptual scope of IK, and the perceived need to validate IK using Western science.

Our research highlights some of the issues that need to be addressed by all participants in research and decision‐making involving IK and science. While exact approaches will need to be tailored to specific social‐ecological contexts, consideration of these broader concerns revealed by our analysis are likely to be central to effective partnerships.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
The impact of pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant timing and psychosocial factors on family and caregiver adjustment
Authors: Chardon Marie L. , Canter Kimberly S. , Pai Ahna L.H. , Peugh James L. , Madan‐Swain Avi , Vega Gabriela , Joffe Naomi E. , Kazak Anne E.
Published: September 2020

Background

The impact of pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT) on family functioning varies, but little is known about how the timing of HCT in children's treatment course contributes to this variability. This study examines how preexisting child, sibling, and family problems, the length of time between diagnosis to HCT, and children's age at HCT are associated with family and caregiver functioning.

Procedure

Caregivers (n = 140) of children (≤18 years old) scheduled to undergo their first HCT completed the Psychological Assessment Tool‐HCT and the Impact on Family Scale. Treatment information was extracted from electronic medical records. A bootstrapped multivariate path analysis was used to test the hypotheses.

Results

More preexisting family problems related to greater caregiver perceived negative impact of their child's HCT across family and caregiver functioning domains. Less time between diagnosis and HCT was associated with greater caregiver personal strain, particularly for those with younger children undergoing HCT. Younger child age at HCT was also associated with a larger negative impact on family social functioning.

Conclusions

Families with preexisting problems are the most at‐risk for experiencing negative impacts related to their child's HCT. The timing of a child's HCT within their treatment course and the child's age during HCT may impact families’ social functioning and caregiver adjustment. Screening families for preexisting family problems, particularly for families with young children or who are abruptly learning of their child's need for an HCT, may assist providers in identifying families who would benefit from earlier or more intensive psychosocial support.
Density functional theory studies on two novel poly‐nitrogen compounds: N5+N3− and N5+N5−
Authors: Xu Yuangang , Wang Pengcheng , Lin Qiuhan , Lu Ming
Published: September 2020

Density functional theory (DFT) methods with B3LYP/6‐311++g(d,p) level of theory were employed to study two poly‐nitrogen salts N5+N3− and N5+N5−. The optimized geometries and thermochemical parameters, frontier molecular orbitals, molecular electrostatic potential, and predicted infrared (IR) spectra were calculated for inspecting the molecular stabilities, electronic structures, and chemical reactivity. The energetic properties including densities, solid state heats of formation, heats of detonation, detonation velocities, and detonation pressures of N5+N3− and N5+N5− were also calculated. Results show that the planar N5+N3− and N5+N5− have higher heats of formation (>1000 kJ mol−1) than that of HMX (116.1 kJ mol−1) and CL‐20 (365.4 kJ mol−1). The detonation velocity of N5+N3− is 9.29 km s−1, which is comparable with HMX (9.22 km s−1). Especially, N5+N5− has a higher detonation velocity (10.21 km s−1) than HMX and CL‐20, which means it could be an excellent high‐energy‐density material (HEDM). However, they have a very small energy gap between the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO), which predicts that they have poor stabilities.
DynaMut2: Assessing changes in stability and flexibility upon single and multiple point missense mutations
Authors: Rodrigues Carlos H.M. , Pires Douglas E.V. , Ascher David B.
Published: September 2020

Predicting the effect of missense variations on protein stability and dynamics is important for understanding their role in diseases, and the link between protein structure and function. Approaches to estimate these changes have been proposed, but most only consider single‐point missense variants and a static state of the protein, with those that incorporate dynamics are computationally expensive. Here we present DynaMut2, a web server that combines Normal Mode Analysis (NMA) methods to capture protein motion and our graph‐based signatures to represent the wildtype environment to investigate the effects of single and multiple point mutations on protein stability and dynamics. DynaMut2 was able to accurately predict the effects of missense mutations on protein stability, achieving Pearson's correlation of up to 0.72 (RMSE: 1.02 kcal/mol) on a single point and 0.64 (RMSE: 1.80 kcal/mol) on multiple‐point missense mutations across 10‐fold cross‐validation and independent blind tests. For single‐point mutations, DynaMut2 achieved comparable performance with other methods when predicting variations in Gibbs Free Energy (ΔΔG) and in melting temperature (ΔTm). We anticipate our tool to be a valuable suite for the study of protein flexibility analysis and the study of the role of variants in disease. DynaMut2 is freely available as a web server and API at http://biosig.unimelb.edu.au/dynamut2.
PeptiDesCalculator: Software for computation of peptide descriptors. Definition, implementation and case studies for 9 bioactivity endpoints
Authors: Barigye Stephen J. , Gómez‐Ganau Sergi , Serrano‐Candelas Eva , Gozalbes Rafael
Published: September 2020

We present a novel Java‐based program denominated PeptiDesCalculator for computing peptide descriptors. These descriptors include: redefinitions of known protein parameters to suite the peptide domain, generalization schemes for the global descriptions of peptide characteristics, as well as empirical descriptors based on experimental evidence on peptide stability and interaction propensity. The PeptiDesCalculator software provides a user‐friendly Graphical User Interface (GUI) and is parallelized to maximize the use of computational resources available in current work stations. The PeptiDesCalculator indices are employed in modeling 8 peptide bioactivity endpoints demonstrating satisfactory behavior. Moreover, we compare the performance of a support vector machine (SVM) classifier built using 15 PeptiDesCalculator indices with that of a recently reported deep neural network (DNN) antimicrobial activity classifier, demonstrating comparable test set performance notwithstanding the remarkably lower degree of freedom for the former. This software will facilitate the development of in silico models for the prediction of peptide properties.
Diabetes medication regimens and patient clinical characteristics in the national patient‐centered clinical research network, PCORnet
Authors: Bachmann Katherine N. , Roumie Christianne L. , Wiese Andrew D. , Grijalva Carlos G. , Buse John B. , Bradford Robert , Zalimeni Emily O. , Knoepp Patricia , Dard Sofia , Morris Heather L. , Donahoo William T. , Fanous Nada , Fonseca Vivian , Katalenich Bonnie , Choi Sujung , Louzao Darcy , O’Brien Emily , Cook Megan M. , Rothman Russell L. , Chakkalakal Rosette J.
Published: September 2020

We used electronic medical record (EMR) data in the National Patient‐Centered Clinical Research Network (PCORnet) to characterize “real‐world” prescription patterns of Type 2 diabetes (T2D) medications. We identified a retrospective cohort of 613,203 adult patients with T2D from 33 datamarts (median patient number: 12,711) from 2012 through 2017 using a validated computable phenotype. We characterized outpatient T2D prescriptions for each patient in the 90 days before and after cohort entry, as well as demographics, comorbidities, non‐T2D prescriptions, and clinical and laboratory variables in the 730 days prior to cohort entry. Approximately half of the individuals in the cohort were females and 20% Black. Hypertension (60.3%) and hyperlipidemia (50.5%) were highly prevalent. Most patients were prescribed either a single T2D drug class (42.2%) or had no evidence of a T2D prescription in the EMR (42.4%). A smaller percentage was prescribed multiple T2D drug types (15.4%). Among patients prescribed a single T2D drug type, metformin was the most common (42.6%), followed by insulin (18.2%) and sulfonylureas (13.9%). Newer classes represented approximately 13% of single T2D drug type prescriptions (dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors [6.6%], glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists [2.5%], thiazolidinediones [2.0%], and sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors [1.6%]). Among patients prescribed multiple T2D drug types, the most common combination was metformin and sulfonylureas (63.5%). Metformin‐based regimens were highly prevalent in PCORnet's T2D population, whereas newer agents were prescribed less frequently. PCORnet is a novel source for the potential conduct of observational studies among patients with T2D.
Challenges of Topological Insulator Research: Bi2Te3 Thin Films and Magnetic Heterostructures
Authors: Pereira Vanda M. , Wu Chi-Nan , Höfer Katharina , Choa Arnold , Knight Cariad-A. , Swanson Jesse , Becker Christoph , Komarek Alexander C. , Rata A. Diana , Rößler Sahana , Wirth Steffen , Guo Mengxin , Hong Minghwei , Kwo Jueinai , Tjeng Liu Hao , Altendorf Simone G.
Published: September 2020

Topological insulators (TIs) are of particular interest in the recent solid‐state research because of their exceptional features stemming from the conducting, topologically protected surface states. The exotic properties include the occurrence of novel quantum phenomena and make them promising materials for spintronics and quantum computing applications. Theoretical studies have provided a vast amount of valuable predictions and proposals, whose experimental observation and implementation, to date, are often hindered by an insufficient sample quality. The effect of even a relatively low concentration of defects can make the access to purely topological surface states impossible. This points out the need of high‐quality bulk‐insulating materials with ultra‐clean surfaces/interfaces, which requires sophisticated sample/device preparations as well as special precautions during the measurements. Herein, the challenging work on 3D TI thin films with a focus on is reported. It covers the optimization of the molecular beam epitaxy growth process, the in situ characterization of surface states and transport properties, the influence of exposure to ambient gases and of capping layers, as well as the effect of interfacing TI thin film with magnetic materials.
Dynamic output feedback sliding mode control for Markovian jump systems under stochastic communication protocol and its application
Authors: Cao Zhiru , Niu Yugang , Reza Karimi Hamid
Published: September 2020

This article investigates the dynamic output feedback control problem for a class of networked Markovian jump systems via sliding mode control method. The stochastic communication protocol schedules the communication between sensors and the controller, by which only one sensor node can access the network at one instant. First, a compensator at the controller side is utilized to yield the available measurement signals composed of the current measurement output transmitted by the selected sensor node and the past measurement output from other sensor nodes. A joint Markovian chain incorporating the Markovian chains of the system as well as the stochastic communication protocol is introduced to model the Markovian jump system subject to the stochastic communication protocol. And then, the dynamic output feedback sliding mode controller is designed and the stochastic stability is analyzed. Moreover, a feasible solving algorithm is provided via a projection technique. Finally, the proposed control scheme is verified via an electrical motor model.
A highly pneumatic middle Cretaceous theropod from the British Lower Greensand
Authors: Barker Chris T. , Naish Darren , Clarkin Claire E. , Farrell Paul , Hullmann Gabriel , Lockyer James , Schneider Philipp , Ward Robin K. C. , Gostling Neil J.
Published: September 2020

A series of axial elements from the Aptian Ferruginous Sands Formation of the Lower Greensand Group, discovered on the foreshore near Knock Cliff on the Isle of Wight, UK are (bar some isolated teeth and fragmentary postcranial material from the Cenomanian Cambridge Greensand) the youngest non‐avian theropod remains reported from the British Mesozoic. These specimens have the potential to shed light on a poorly known section of the European dinosaur record. Consistency in size, appearance and adhering matrix indicates that the vertebrae belong to the same individual. This was a mid‐sized tetanuran, the presence of several diagnostic characters indicating that it should be recognized as a new taxon, herein named Vectaerovenator inopinatus. The cervical and dorsal vertebrae are camerate and highly pneumatic. Tetanuran features include opisthocoelous cervicals and pneumatic foramina located within fossae; however, assigning this specimen to a specific clade is problematic. Within Tetanurae, Vectaerovenator possesses axial structures and homoplastic features seen in megalosauroids, carcharodontosaurians and certain coelurosaurs. Not only is Vectaerovenator one of the UK's youngest non‐bird dinosaurs, and one of few valid British Greensand taxa, it is also the first diagnosable theropod taxon to be named from Aptian deposits of Europe.
Finite Control Set Model‐Predictive Speed Control with a Load Torque Compensation
Authors: Kawai Hiroaki , Zhang Zhenbin , Kennel Ralph
Published: September 2020

This paper presents a gain tuning method of the load torque compensator for direct speed control based on finite control set model predictive control (FCS‐MPC). In this method, the transfer function between the error in predicted speed and the load torque is constructed and used for gain parameter tuning of a load torque observer‐based prediction error correction. By using the proposed method, the stability and the responsiveness of FCS‐MPC with a load torque compensation can be improved without a fully simulating the electric drive systems and experiments. The simulation and experimental results obtained with a permanent magnet synchronous motor, fed by a two‐level three‐phase voltage source inverter, show that the tracking performance of the direct speed control tuned by the proposed method was excellent under load torque conditions. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Economic Choice Revisited: Lessons from Pre-modern Thinkers
Authors: Wincewicz-Price Agnieszka
Published: September 2020

This paper explains why economics needs a better understanding of human moral agency. It argues that more thorough conceptualisation of economic choice as human choice exposes what is missing in the neoclassical account of the economic agent. The view of human agency presented here is derived from Aristotle, Thomas Aquinas and Adam Smith. It is a view rooted in the virtue ethics tradition, one that highlights the concept and value of practical reason for agency.
Between Individual and Collective Rationality
Authors: Horodecka Anna , Vozna Liudmyla
Published: September 2020

The paper raises the question of irreducibility of collective rationality to individual rationality. The irreducibility of collective rationality to individual rationality is explained by the phenomenon of complexity and complex character of human nature. Taking the complexity theory approach to the analysis of institutions, it discusses the question of dependency of individual rationality on collective rationality. It is asserted that collective rationality emerges not merely from the human capacity for rational reasoning but from a variety of other human capabilities which influence the formation and functioning of socioeconomic institutions. Institutions, in turn, are understood here to be a specific embodiment of collective rationality.
Resummation of non-global logarithms in cross sections with massive particles
Authors: Balsiger Marcel , Becher Thomas , Ferroglia Andrea
Published: September 2020

Abstract

A factorization formalism for jet processes involving massive colored particles such as the top quark is developed, extending earlier results for the massless case. The factorization of soft emissions from the underlying hard process is implemented in an effective field theory framework, which forms the basis for the resummation of large logarithms. The renormalization group evolution giving rise to non-global logarithms is implemented into a parton shower code in the large-Nc limit. After a comparison of the massive and massless radiation patterns, the cross section for $$ t\overline{t} $$
t

t
¯

production with a veto on additional central jet activity is computed, taking into account radiation both from the production and the decay of the top quarks. The resummation of the leading logarithms leads to an improved description of ATLAS measurements at $$ \sqrt{s} $$

s

= 7 TeV.
The Z5 model of two-component dark matter
Authors: Bélanger Geneviève , Pukhov Alexander , Yaguna Carlos E. , Zapata Óscar
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Scenarios for multi-component scalar dark matter based on a single ZN (N ≥ 4) symmetry are simple and well-motivated. In this paper we investigate, for the first time, the phenomenology of the Z5 model for two-component dark matter. This model, which can be seen as an extension of the well-known singlet scalar model, features two complex scalar fields — the dark matter particles — that are Standard Model singlets but have different charges under a Z5 symmetry. The interactions allowed by the Z5 give rise to novel processes between the dark matter particles that affect their relic densities and their detection prospects, which we study in detail. The key parameters of the model are identified and its viable regions are characterized by means of random scans. We show that, unlike the singlet scalar model, dark matter masses below the TeV are still compatible with present data. Even though the dark matter density turns out to be dominated by the lighter component, we find that current and future direct detection experiments may be sensitive to signals from both dark matter particles.
Anamnese und klinische Untersuchung in der Notfall- und Intensivmedizin
Authors: Steinkellner C. , Schlömmer C. , Dünser M.
Published: September 2020

Die Anamnese und die klinische Untersuchung stellen das traditionelle Grundwerkzeug der ärztlichen Tätigkeit bei der Diagnosefindung dar. Sowohl Anamnese als auch klinische Untersuchung haben in der modernen Notfall- und Intensivmedizin zu Unrecht an praktischem Stellenwert verloren. Bei der Diagnosefindung des akut oder kritisch kranken Patienten müssen die Reihenfolge, Technik und Fokussierung der Anamnese und klinischen Untersuchung an die individuelle Situation und den Zustand des Patienten angepasst werden. In diesem Artikel wird die nach wie vor zentrale Bedeutung der Anamnese und klinischen Untersuchung bei der Diagnosefindung des Notfall- und Intensivpatienten praktisch evaluiert und beleuchtet.
Einfluss der institutionellen Erfahrung auf die Ergebnisse in Hüft- und Knietotalendoprothetik
Authors: Steinbrück Arnd , Grimberg Alexander , Melsheimer Oliver , Jansson Volkmar
Published: September 2020

Hintergrund

Ziel des Endoprothesenregisters Deutschland (EPRD) ist die langfristige Beurteilung von Implantaten und Versorgungsformen. Jedoch zeigen sich bereits in der Frühphase Faktoren, die einen Einfluss auf die Ausfallwahrscheinlichkeit von Hüft- und Knieprothesen haben. In der vorliegenden Studie wurde der Einfluss der klinikbezogenen Fallzahlen sowie eines Wechsels des Implantatherstellers auf die Revisionsraten bei Hüfttotalendoprothese (HTEP) und Knietotalendoprothese (KTEP) analysiert.

Material und Methoden

Im Zeitraum von November 2012 bis März 2019 wurden im EPRD 164.903 zementfreie HTEP und 155.577 zementierte KTEP von 656 Krankenhäusern anhand der Studienkriterien vollständig registriert und nachverfolgt. Als Erfahrung der einzelnen Krankenhäuser wurde die Anzahl der entsprechenden Versorgungen als Surrogatparameter verwendet und in bis 250, 251–500 und über 500 Implantationen pro Jahr eingeteilt. Zusätzlich wurden Herstellerwechsel innerhalb der einzelnen Kliniken anhand der dem EPRD gemeldeten Kalenderquartalszahlen analysiert.

Ergebnisse

Die Revisionsrate bei HTEP nach 3 Jahren beträgt 3,9 % bei Krankenhäusern bis 250 Implantationen, 3,3 % bei 251–500 Versorgungen und 2,9 % bei >500 Implantationen (p < 0,0001). Bei den KTEP zeigten sich ebenfalls signifikante Unterschiede mit 3,4 %, 3,3 % bzw. 2,7 % (p < 0,0001). Auch ein Herstellerwechsel innerhalb einer Klinik zeigte einen signifikanten Anstieg der Revisionswahrscheinlichkeit (HTEP p < 0,0001; KTEP p = 0,02).

Diskussion

Die Erfahrung eines Krankenhauses mit einem endoprothetischen Eingriff hat entsprechend unserer Ergebnisse einen deutlichen Einfluss auf die kurzfristige Ausfallwahrscheinlichkeit von HTEP und KTEP. Auch ein Herstellerwechsel zeigt einen deutlichen Anstieg der Revisionsrate und sollte durch das Krankenhaus kritisch geprüft werden.
[68 Ga]Ga-Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen PET/CT: a novel method for imaging patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kunikowska Jolanta , Cieślak Bartosz , Gierej Beata , Patkowski Waldemar , Kraj Leszek , Kotulski Marcin , Zieniewicz Krzysztof , Królicki Leszek
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is not only highly expressed on the surface prostate cancer cells but is also elevated during angiogenesis in other cancer cell types, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of using PET/CT imaging with [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 in HCC and its impact on patient management.

Methods

Fifteen patients (13 men and two women; aged 55.6 ± 18.2 years) with HCC were enrolled in this prospective, single-institution study. All patients underwent contrast-enhanced MRI/CT, [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT, and histopathological verification of lesions.

Results

No radiopharmaceutical-related adverse events were noted. Visual interpretation showed increased accumulation of [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 in all HCC patients. The tumor-to-liver ratio (TLR) was 3.6 ± 2.1, and the maximal standardized uptake value (SUVmax) was 13.5 ± 7.1. There were no significant differences in the SUVs or TLR between newly diagnosed and recurrent patients. No statistically significant relationship was found between serum concentration of tumor markers (i.e., AFP, CA 19-9, CEA) and PET parameters. Results of the [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT changed the treatment strategy in five (33%) patients. PSMA staining showed visible heterogeneity in terms of intensity and distribution: the reaction was weak and only observed in a few vessels in pseudoglandular patterns of HCC, while it was homogeneously strong, with some hot spots, in trabecular patterns of HCC.

Conclusion

[68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT can detect PSMA expression in vivo in patients with HCC and is useful for guiding treatment strategies. Further investigation of the clinical utility of this method in HCC is warranted.
Influence of labor on direct and indirect determinants of placental 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity
Authors: Huebner Hanna , Heussner Kirsten , Ruebner Matthias , Schmid Matthias , Nadal Jennifer , Woelfle Joachim , Hartner Andrea , Menendez-Castro Carlos , Rauh Manfred , Beckmann Matthias W. , Kehl Sven , Fahlbusch Fabian B.
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Labor is a complex process involving multiple para-, auto- and endocrine cascades. The interaction of cortisol, corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and progesterone is essential. The action of cortisol on the human feto-placental unit is regulated by 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2/HSD11B2) that converts cortisol into inactive cortisone. The majority of studies on the assessment of placental 11β-HSD2 function determined indirect activity parameters. It remains elusive if indirect measurements correlate with enzymatic function and if these parameters are affected by potential confounders (e.g., mode of delivery). Thus, we compared determinants of indirect 11β-HSD2 tissue activity with its direct enzymatic turnover rate in placental samples from spontaneous births and cesarean (C)-sections.

Methods

Using LC–MS/MS, we determined CRH, cortisol, cortisone, progesterone and 17-hydroxy(OH)-progesterone in human term placentas (spontaneous birth vs. C-section, n = 5 each) and measured the enzymatic glucocorticoid conversion rates in placental microsomes. Expression of HSD11B1, 2 and CRH was determined via qRT-PCR in the same samples.

Results

Cortisol–cortisone ratio correlated with direct microsomal enzymatic turnover. While this observation seemed independent of sampling site, a strong influence of mode of delivery on tissue steroids was observed. The mRNA expression of HSD11B2 correlated with indirect and direct cortisol turnover rates in C-section placentas only. In contrast to C-sections, CRH, cortisol and cortisone levels were significantly increased in placental samples following spontaneous birth.

Conclusion

Labor involves a series of complex hormonal processes including activation of placental CRH and glucocorticoid metabolism. This has to be taken into account when selecting human cohorts for comparative analysis of placental steroids.
Evolution of isolated systolic hypertension with normal central blood pressure in adolescents—prospective study
Authors: Obrycki Łukasz , Feber Janusz , Brzezińska Grażyna , Litwin Mieczysław
Published: September 2020

Background

The clinical significance of isolated systolic hypertension with normal central blood pressure known as spurious hypertension (sHT) in adolescents and its evolution over time is not known.

Methods

The aim of this study was to analyze changes in office, ambulatory blood pressure (ABPM), central systolic blood pressure (cSBP), hemodynamic parameters, and target organ damage (TOD) over a 1-year follow-up in a group of non-obese children with sHT.

Results

Of 294 patients referred for primary hypertension, 138 patients (31 girls; 22%) had hypertension confirmed by ABPM. 48/138 (35%) patients (7 girls; 15%) were diagnosed with sHT (elevated office and ambulatory systolic BP, but normal cSBP); 43 of them (6 girls; 14%) were followed for 12 ± 3 months during non-pharmacological therapy. At baseline 7 (16%) patients had borderline values of cIMT or LVMi indicating mild TOD. After 12 months, 10/43 (3 girls; 23%) patients developed sustained HT (elevated office, ambulatory BP and cSBP), 11/43 (1 girl; 26%) maintained sHT, and 22/43 (2 girls; 51%) evolved to white coat hypertension or normotension. The cSBP values increased in 27 patients (4 girls; 63%), but the group average remained in the normal range. Prevalence of TOD did not change during observation. The multivariate regression analysis showed that the only predictor of cSBP change over time was a change in serum uric acid level.

Conclusions

In conclusion, after 1 year of non-pharmacological treatment, 23% of adolescents with sHT developed sustained hypertension, with the main predictor of cSBP change being the change in serum uric acid.
Information, communication, and cancer patients’ trust in the physician: what challenges do we have to face in an era of precision cancer medicine?
Authors: Pichler Theresia , Rohrmoser Amy , Letsch Anne , Westphalen C. Benedikt , Keilholz Ulrich , Heinemann Volker , Lamping Mario , Jost Philipp J. , Riedmann Kristina , Herschbach Peter , Goerling Ute
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Despite promising achievements in precision cancer medicine (PCM), participating patients are still faced with manifold uncertainties, especially regarding a potential treatment benefit of molecular diagnostics (MD). Hence, MD poses considerable challenges for patient information and communication. To meet these challenges, healthcare professionals need to gain deeper insight into patients’ subjective experiences. Therefore, this qualitative study examined information aspects of MD programs in cancer patients.

Methods

In two German Comprehensive Cancer Centers, 30 cancer patients undergoing MD participated in semi-structured interviews on information transfer and information needs regarding MD. Additionally, patients provided sociodemographic and medical data and indicated their subjective level of information (visual analogue scale, VAS, 0–10).

Results

On average patients had high levels of information (mean = 7, median = 8); nevertheless 20% (n = 6) showed an information level below 5 points. Qualitative analysis revealed that patients show limited understanding of the complex background of MD and have uncertainties regarding their personal benefit. Further, patients described unmet information needs. Existential threat in awaiting the results was experienced as burdensome. To withstand the strains of their situation, patients emphasized the importance of trusting their physician.

Conclusion

The challenges in PCM consist in providing unambiguous information, especially concerning treatment benefit, and providing guidance and support. Therefore, psycho-oncology needs to develop guidelines for adequate patient communication in order to help healthcare providers and cancer patients to handle these challenges in the developing field of PCM.
Consideration of sense of coherence in a structured communication approach with stage IV lung cancer patients and their informal caregivers: a qualitative interview study
Authors: Krug Katja , Bossert Jasmin , Stooß Lydia , Siegle Anja , Villalobos Matthias , Hagelskamp Laura , Jung Corinna , Thomas Michael , Wensing Michel
Published: September 2020

Objective

Salutogenetic aspects are valuable for consideration in patient-centred care of advanced oncological diseases with a limited life expectancy. The Milestone Communication Approach (MCA), involving physician-nurse tandems, addresses specific challenges and needs over the disease trajectory of patients with stage IV lung cancer and their informal caregivers. This study aims to explore patients’ and informal caregivers’ salutogenetic experiences with the MCA concept.

Methods

This qualitative study used face-to-face semi-structured interviews with patients and informal caregivers. All generated data were audio-recorded, pseudonymised and transcribed verbatim. Data were structured using Qualitative Content Analysis. The material was coded deductively into themes related to the components of sense of coherence (Aaron Antonovsky) and emerging sub-themes. All data was managed and organised in MAXQDA.

Results

In 25 interviews, sense of coherence was referred to with all three components: “Comprehensibility” was supported by information conveyed suitably for the patients; “meaningfulness” was addressed as accepting the situation; and “manageability” led to advance care planning the patients were comfortable with. Patients and informal caregivers experienced the interprofessional tandem as an added value for patient care.

Conclusions

Participants appreciate the MCA in its support for coping with a life-limiting disease. Considering salutogenetic aspects facilitates prognostic awareness and advance care planning. Nevertheless, individual needs of patients and informal caregivers require an individualised application of the MCA.
Methylphenidate treatment of adult ADHD patients improves the degree of ADHD severity under routine conditions
Authors: Retz Wolfgang , Rösler Michael , Fischer Roland , Ose Claudia , Ammer Richard
Published: September 2020

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with substantial personal and social impairments. Besides psychosocial interventions, current guidelines recommend a therapy with methylphenidate (MPH). This prospective, non-interventional study aims to investigate the efficacy and tolerability of MPH treatment of adult ADHD patients in a real-world setting. 468 adult patients with newly diagnosed ADHD were observed for 12–14 weeks. Primary efficacy endpoint was the clinical global impression (CGI) by the physician. Secondary endpoints comprise patient evaluation (Wender–Reimherr self-report, WR-SR), safety, tolerability, and dosage of MPH. With a mean daily dose of 35.8 (±17.0) mg MPH, the population of patients being severely/most extremely ill or markedly ill decreased by 64% and 61%, respectively. According to physicians’ assessment (CGI), 74.5% of patients were identified as treatment responders. The total score of patient-based assessment (WR-SR) improved by 23.5% (50.1 ± 40.3 points) with the most profound improvement in attention deficit (−30.0%), disorganization (−26.6%), and hyperactivity / unrest (−23.3%). Self-evaluation revealed a responder rate of 35.4%. In summary, MPH treatment improves the degree of ADHD severity under routine conditions. In addition, activities of daily living were facilitated when taking MPH. The rather poor responder rates determined by patient assessment as well as the comparatively low applied mean daily dose of 35.8 mg (median 40 mg) indicate sub-optimal dosing under routine conditions, not exploiting the full beneficial therapeutic potential of MPH.
Filtration shrinkage, the structure of deflators, and failure of market completeness
Authors: Kardaras Constantinos , Ruf Johannes
Published: September 2020

We analyse the structure of local martingale deflators projected on smaller filtrations. In a general continuous-path setting, we show that the local martingale parts in the multiplicative Doob–Meyer decomposition of projected local martingale deflators are themselves local martingale deflators in the smaller information market. Via use of a Bayesian filtering approach, we demonstrate the exact mechanism of how updates on the possible class of models under less information result in the strict supermartingale property of projections of such deflators. Finally, we demonstrate that these projections are unable to span all possible local martingale deflators in the smaller information market, by investigating a situation where market completeness is not retained under filtration shrinkage.
Materiality, Agency and Evolution of Lithic Technology: an Integrated Perspective for Palaeolithic Archaeology
Authors: Hussain Shumon T. , Will Manuel
Published: September 2020

Considerations of materiality and object-oriented approaches have greatly influenced the development of archaeological theory in recent years. Yet, Palaeolithic archaeology has been slow in incorporating this emerging body of scholarship and exploring its bearing on the human deep past. This paper probes into the potential of materiality theory to clarify the material dynamics of the Plio-Pleistocene and seeks to re-articulate the debate on the evolution of our species with materiality discourses in archaeology and the humanities more broadly. We argue that the signature temporalities and geospatial scales of observation provided by the Palaeolithic record offer unique opportunities to examine the active role of material things, objects, artefacts and technologies in the emergence, stabilisation and transformation of hominin lifeworlds and the accretion of long-term trajectories of material culture change. We map three axes of human–thing relations—ecological, technical and evolutionary—and deploy a range of case studies from the literature to show that a critical re-assessment of material agency not only discloses novel insights and questions, but can also refine what we already know about the human deep past. Our exploration underscores the benefits of de-centring human behaviour and intentionality and demonstrates that materiality lends itself as a productive nexus of exchange and mutual inspiration for diverging schools and research interests in Palaeolithic archaeology. An integrated object-oriented perspective calls attention to the human condition as a product of millennial-scale human–thing co-adaptation, in the course of which hominins, artefacts and technologies continuously influenced and co-created each other.
The justification for inclusive education in Australia
Authors: Boyle Christopher , Anderson Joanna
Published: September 2020

This article discusses the justification for inclusive education in Australia, whilst being cognizant of the wider international landscape. Separate educational provision is increasing in many countries, including Australia. Inclusive education has plateaued to a degree with demand increasing for non-inclusive settings. There are three main components to the argument for and against inclusive education and these are the educational, social, and the economic justification. There is clear evidence that inclusive education in Australia can be justified across these areas. There is a dearth of evidence that inclusive education is less than beneficial for all students in mainstream schools. In fact, studies show that there is an economic advantage to being fully inclusive, but this should not be seen as an opportunity for cost saving in the education sector but rather as proper deployment of resources to ensure effective education for all students no matter what their background. The evidence for social and educational benefits is vast with both parents and students reporting positive outcomes. Inclusive education can be fraught with difficulties, but this article clearly shows the positive justification for inclusive educational environments.
Research strengths identified by esteem and bibliometric indicators: a case study at the University of Vienna
Authors: Sorz Johannes , Glänzel Wolfgang , Ulrych Ursula , Gumpenberger Christian , Gorraiz Juan
Published: September 2020

The identification of one’s own research strengths is of crucial importance for research administration at universities. In this case study, two different approaches were applied to the University of Vienna. The first relies on funding and rankings information as well as on other esteem indicators. The second is based on a bibliometric analysis of the publication output. We used two alternative clusterings for publications for the bibliometric analysis: Web of Science subject categories and lists of researchers associated with esteem-indicators. Both, esteem-indicators and bibliometric analysis proved to be useful in identifying research strengths, lead to similar results and are meant to be used together to complement each other. We found that the greatest hindrance in the bibliometric approach lies in the inherent limitations of journals-assignment-based classification systems and the considerable time and efforts for more accurate researcher-based publication analyses. Further investigation on this subject, including new and alternative metrics, is needed and will be conducted in the future. However, the preliminary results already demonstrate the benefits of using esteem-factors together with bibliometric analyses for research strengths definition of universities.
Morphological, cytological and molecular marker analyses of ‘Tapestry’ caladium variants reveal diverse genetic changes and enable association of leaf coloration pattern loci with molecular markers
Authors: Cao Zhe , Deng Zhanao
Published: September 2020

Somaclonal variation and induced mutation are highly valuable sources of genetic variation for genetic improvement and research in horticultural crops; cellular and molecular characterization can greatly facilitate their uses in these areas. In the present study, 20 caladium variants were identified among ‘Tapestry’ plants that were regenerated from leaf cultures treated with or without colchicine. These variants showed changes in leaf main vein color and coloration pattern and were separated into ten groups based on leaf morphological changes. Five variants contained 3.3–9.7% more nuclear DNA than the wildtype and gained one, two or three chromosomes, while four variants contained 3.0–4.8% less nuclear DNA and lost one chromosome. Five, out of 22, simple sequence repeat-based molecular markers detected DNA banding pattern changes in 13 of the 20 variants. Two molecular markers (CaM24 and CaM62) detected DNA banding pattern changes in the same four variants, suggesting that these two markers may be located in the same chromosomal segment. Strong association between leaf characteristics (leaf blotching and main vein color) and molecular banding pattern changes with molecular marker CaM42 were observed in six variants, indicating that CaM42 may be associated with gene loci controlling leaf blotching and leaf main vein color in caladium.
The Community Asset Transfer of Leisure Facilities in the UK: A Review and Research Agenda
Authors: Nichols Geoff , Findlay-King Lindsay , Forbes Deborah
Published: September 2020

This paper reviews recent work on community asset transfers (CAT): a transfer of management of facilities from the public sector to the third sector, largely led by volunteers. The emergence of CATs is placed in the context of the development of community organisations and their relation to the state. Transfer has been stimulated by cuts in local government budgets since 2010. The review focusses on leisure facilities because these are non-statutory and so more vulnerable to cuts in public expenditure. The experience of CATs is reviewed, including: the motivations of local government and volunteers; the transfer process and management of CATs post-transfer; and the market position of facility types. The methodological approaches and theoretical frameworks used in research are contrasted; in particular, how these have balanced agency and structure in analysing a contested neoliberalist discourse. The practicalities of research in this area are considered before concluding with research questions.
An Exploration of Well-being in Former Covert and Undercover Police Officers
Authors: Curran Liam Scott
Published: September 2020

Little is known about the stressors of working in covert and undercover policing roles and the impact these can have on the health and psychological well-being of police officers. Extant literature focuses upon the social impact of undercover and covert policing in a democratic society, especially in relation to policing political groups. Presented here are the results of an exploratory study into the lives of former police officers who have engaged in various forms of covert/undercover policing. Utilising semi-structured interviews, in a five-participant case-study design, this research investigates the impact that covert and undercover policing has on the well-being of former officers who have undertaken this role, and how they utilised coping strategies. Data were thematically analysed using Braun and Clarke’s framework (Braun and Clarke 2006). Findings were consistent in that fear of violence was a large factor that impacted the well-being and personal relationships of undercover officers. The paper concludes by outlining pertinent suggestions for future research and considers the implications for covert policing.
Hypertension and Metabolic Syndrome in Persons with HIV
Authors: Masenga Sepiso K. , Elijovich Fernando , Koethe John R. , Hamooya Benson M. , Heimburger Douglas C. , Munsaka Sody M. , Laffer Cheryl L. , Kirabo Annet
Published: September 2020

Purpose of Review

With the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy (ART), the life span of persons with HIV (PWH) has been nearly normalized. With aging, prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (MetS), including hypertension, has increased in the HIV population and exceeds that in the general population in some studies. This is due to a combination of traditional risk factors in addition to the effects attributable to the virus and ART. We review recent findings on the mechanisms contributing to MetS and hypertension in PWH, particularly those specific to the viral infection and to ART.

Recent Findings

Activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and chronic immune activation contribute to the development of MetS and hypertension in PWH. HIV proteins and some ART agents alter adipocyte health contributing to dyslipidemias, weight gain, and insulin resistance. HIV infection also contributes to hypertension by direct effects on the RAAS that intertwine with inflammation by the RAAS also contributing to T cell activation.

Recent data suggest that in addition to current ART, therapeutic targeting of the MetS and hypertension in PWH, by interfering with the RAAS, treating insulin resistance directly or by use of immunomodulators that dampen inflammation, may be critical for preventing or treating these risk factors and to improve overall cardiovascular complications in the HIV-infected aging population.
Collapsing the Boundaries Between De Jure and De Facto Slavery: The Foundations of Slavery Beyond the Transatlantic Frame
Authors: Schwarz Katarina , Nicholson Andrea
Published: September 2020

The identification of contemporary forms of slavery is often problematically demarcated by reference to transatlantic enslavement as the definitive archetype. Such an approach overlooks other historic slaveries and neglects the totality of themaangamizi—the African holocaust. This article addresses the problematics of positioning the transatlantic system as the paradigm and unpacks the constituent elements of de jure slavery to construct an understanding of slavery as a condition as well as a status. By identifying the core features of de jure chattel slavery through time, this paper displaces the assumption that legal status is determinative, giving meaning to the concept of slavery in the contemporary world.