bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
2,2,6,6‐Tetramethylpiperidinyloxyl (TEMPO) Radical Mediated Electro‐Oxidation Reactions: A Review
Authors: Prakash Nishitha , Rajeev Rijo , John Anjali , Vijayan Ajesh , George Louis , Varghese Anitha
Published: August 2021

Over the last few decades, the interest in green and sustainable chemistry has led to the development of different synthetic methodologies which utilize clean reagents. In that direction, the electro‐oxidation reactions are considered as one of the most interesting and promising methods. This is predominantly due to their environmentally benign nature, as oxidation can be achieved without the need for commonly used oxidizing agents. 2,2,6,6‐Tetramethylpiperidinyloxyl radical commonly known as TEMPO is a stable aminoxyl radical utilized for the oxidation of various classes of alcohols to carbonyl compounds by using cyclic voltammetry. The present review focuses on the various electrochemical reactions utilizing TEMPO as a mediator such as the oxidative conversion of alcohols, carbohydrates, amines, sulphur‐containing compounds, and alkenes in both laboratory as well as industrial scales and covers literature from 1950 till present date. The properties, reactivity, and yield percentages of these reactions would provide a basis for better electrocatalyst design in future studies involving TEMPO and its derivatives as mediators.
Pyrenesulfonic Acid Sodium Salt for Effective Bottom‐Surface Passivation to Attain High Performance of Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Gao Lili , Su Hang , Xu Zhuo , Hu Yingjie , Zhang Jing , Liu Shengzhong (Frank)
Published: August 2021

In perovskite solar cells, not only defects on the top perovskite film surface seriously affect device performance, those buried in the bottom perovskite–electron‐transfer layer (ETL) interface damage carrier extraction, transport, and device efficiency as well. Herein, a novel double‐sided passivation strategy is designed using a single π‐conjugation‐induced 1‐pyrenesulfonic acid sodium salt (PyNa+). It is found that it effectively passivates top and bottom interface defects to render high device performance. The π‐conjugated pyrene‐containing sodium salt electronically contributes to the surface band edges and influences the carrier dynamics by passivating defects at both top hole‐transfer layer (HTL)–perovskite and bottom perovskite–ETL interfaces. The density functional theory (DFT) calculation confirms that the Pb cluster and I—Pb antisite defects can be effectively passivated by the O···Pb coordination and electrostatic interaction of PyNa+. The carrier lifetimes are prolonged, the interface defect density is effectively reduced as measured by space‐charge‐limited current (SCLC). Through the double layer passivation of PyNa+, the device delivers improved power conversion efficiencies of 21.22% relative to that of a reference perovskite, and enhanced stability with 85% of original efficiency after 1440 h in atmospheric environment. Double‐sided passivation provides a comprehensive strategy for high‐performance perovskite solar cells.
Maternal Effects on Embryonic Development and Survival in Walleyes of Lake Nipissing, Ontario
Authors: Johnston T. A. , Harry A. J. , Montgomerie R. D. , Wiegand M. D. , Spiers G. A. , Casselman J. M. , Leggett W. C.
Published: August 2021

Life history theory predicts that females may increase reproductive allocation with advancing age as the probability for future reproduction diminishes. In iteroparous fishes, increasing age is usually accompanied by increasing fecundity, but evidence of increasing offspring quality is less consistent. We examined the developmental rate and survival of Walleye Sander vitreus embryos with respect to female age, size, condition, and various ova traits in an exploited stock dominated by young spawners. Embryo batches from individual females were collected in the field on multiple dates and reared to hatch under controlled conditions in both flow‐through and static incubation systems. Survival and thermal inputs to hatch (TU50) were analyzed with respect to spawn date, incubation method, and both maternal and ova traits. Spawning date had a relatively strong effect on embryo survival but only a minor effect on TU50, whereas incubation method had a small effect on survival but a stronger effect on TU50. Embryos reared in static incubators required greater thermal inputs to reach hatch. Using a model selection approach to assess the effects of maternal and ova traits, we found that neither maternal age nor size were strong predictors of survival or TU50. Instead, survival was more strongly related to egg size and fatty acid composition, and TU50 was not strongly related to any maternal or ova trait. Our results suggest that the nature and magnitude of maternal effects on early development and survival may vary among Walleye stocks, modified by physical conditions during incubation.
Developing intercultural competence through a linked course model curriculum: Mainstream and L2‐specific first‐year writing
Authors: Banat Hadi , Sims Rebekah , Tran Phuong , Panahi Parva , Dilger Bradley
Published: August 2021

Institutions of higher education in the United States continue to witness a dramatic shift in the spectrum of diversity in their student populations. Multiple variables of difference that mixed student demographics bring to university campuses make internationalization work necessary both inside and outside the classroom. Internationalization of higher education is a collaborative responsibility academic and nonacademic programs should share to facilitate the integration of various student populations within the broader culture of the university. However, there are few, if any, models for internationalizing introductory courses required of a large percentage of the student body, such as first‐year writing (FYW). In this article, the authors propose and argue for an intercultural competence–oriented approach to internationalizing writing programs through a linked course model curriculum that pairs international and domestic students in separate second language–specific and mainstream FYW classes. The linked course model curriculum develops and assesses students’ intercultural learning and writing skills as core learning outcomes. This article presents the curricular design and interventions, the research design of the study conducted across three semesters of curriculum implementation, and the reflective writing results from the pilot semester to communicate the preliminary effectiveness of this curricular model.
The CL&Pol polarizable force field for the simulation of ionic liquids and eutectic solvents
Authors: Goloviznina Kateryna , Gong Zheng , Padua Agilio A. H.
Published: August 2021

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, and theoretical chemistry in general, have been central tools in the study of ionic liquids (ILs) and eutectic solvents, both of which are fluid phases dominated by ionic interactions and strong hydrogen bonds. These systems are still relatively recent, so the amount of experimental information given their enormous diversity is still scarce. Computational studies have produced several important discoveries, besides helping in the interpretation of experimental findings. Here we review the latest developments in the models describing the interactions and conformations of IL phases with atomic detail, in particular polarizable force fields. In these all‐atom models, the response of electron clouds to their electrostatic environment is represented by induced dipoles, therefore moving beyond the pair‐wise additivity of fixed‐charge force fields. Most of the conceptual framework to develop polarizable force fields has been available and implemented in major MD codes, so the main challenge to develop a useful polarizable model for ILs and eutectic solvents is how to handle their diversity in chemical structures and interactions, in order to build a model that can represent solutions, mixtures and interfaces with materials, and that is not too difficult to extend to new systems. As is often the case, force field development is not only science but it is also an art! The ingredients of successful force fields are often the result of pragmatism and heuristics, rather than mathematical complexity and absolutely rigorous physics (although retaining a sound physical basis in the parameters definitely helps). We focus on the CL&Pol polarizable force field for ILs, protic ionic liquids, and eutectic solvents, improving on previous‐generation fixed charge models. The CL&Pol force field is built as a detailed but extendable and transferable model offering more reliable predictions of thermodynamic, structural, and transport properties, which should contribute to the advancement of the field and towards the design of better solvents, electrolytes, lubricants, and so on.

This article is categorized under:

Molecular and Statistical Mechanics > Molecular Interactions

Molecular and Statistical Mechanics > Molecular Dynamics and Monte‐Carlo Methods
Connecting Sequent Calculi with Lorenzen-Style Dialogue Games
Authors: Fermüller Christian G.
Published: August 2021

Lorenzen has introduced his dialogical approach to the foundations of logic in the late 1950s to justify intuitionistic logic with respect to first principles about constructive reasoning. In the decades that have passed since, Lorenzen-style dialogue games turned out to be an inspiration for a more pluralistic approach to logical reasoning that covers a wide array of nonclassical logics. In particular, the close connection between (single-sided) sequent calculi and dialogue games is an invitation to look at substructural logics from a dialogical point of view. Focusing on intuitionistic linear logic, we illustrate that intuitions about resource-conscious reasoning are well served by translating sequent calculi into Lorenzen-style dialogue games. We suggest that these dialogue games may be understood as games of information extraction, where a sequent corresponds to the claim that a certain information package can be systematically extracted from a given bundle of such packages of logically structured information. As we will indicate, this opens the field for exploring new logical connectives arising by consideration of further forms of storing and structuring information.
Optimising simulations for diphoton production at hadron colliders using amplitude neural networks
Authors: Aylett-Bullock Joseph , Badger Simon , Moodie Ryan
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Machine learning technology has the potential to dramatically optimise event generation and simulations. We continue to investigate the use of neural networks to approximate matrix elements for high-multiplicity scattering processes. We focus on the case of loop-induced diphoton production through gluon fusion, and develop a realistic simulation method that can be applied to hadron collider observables. Neural networks are trained using the one-loop amplitudes implemented in the NJet C++ library, and interfaced to the Sherpa Monte Carlo event generator, where we perform a detailed study for 2 → 3 and 2 → 4 scattering problems. We also consider how the trained networks perform when varying the kinematic cuts effecting the phase space and the reliability of the neural network simulations.
Bound states of WIMP dark matter in Higgs-portal models. Part II. Thermal decoupling
Authors: Oncala Ruben , Petraki Kalliopi
Published: August 2021

Abstract

The Higgs doublet can mediate a long-range interaction between multi-TeV particles coupled to the Weak interactions of the Standard Model, while its emission can lead to very rapid bound-state formation processes and bound-to-bound transitions. Using the rates calculated in a companion paper, here we compute the thermal decoupling of multi-TeV WIMP dark matter coupled to the Higgs, and show that the formation of metastable dark matter bound states via Higgs-doublet emission and their decay decrease the relic density very significantly. This in turn implies that WIMP dark matter may be much heavier than previously anticipated, or conversely that for a given mass, the dark matter couplings to the Higgs may be much lower than previously predicted, thereby altering the dark matter phenomenology. While we focus on a minimal singlet-doublet model in the coannihilation regime, our calculations can be extended to larger multiplets where the effects under consideration are expected to be even more significant.
Resummation of terms enhanced by trilinear squark-Higgs couplings in the MSSM
Authors: Kwasnitza Thomas , Stöckinger Dominik
Published: August 2021

Abstract

We analyze the appearance of the trilinear squark-Higgs couplings xq in Green functions in the Higgs sector of the MSSM and in threshold corrections to the SM. The results are constraints on maximal powers of xq in QCD-related loop corrections. In practice these often imply all-order resummations of leading or subleading xq contributions in SM-parametrized expressions. We present a variety of all-order resummation relations for ∆λ which include such xq-enhanced terms and different orders in Yukawa and gauge couplings. We contrast which terms cannot be resummed.
Outcomes of patients with ST-segment myocardial infarction admitted during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Rattka M. , Winsauer C. , Stuhler L. , Thiessen K. , Baumhardt M. , Stephan T. , Rottbauer W. , Imhof A.
Published: August 2021

Background

Since the beginning of the SARS-CoV‑2 outbreak, healthcare professionals reported that patients admitted with ST-segment myocardial infarction (STEMI) were in worse condition compared to STEMI patients admitted before the outbreak. However, data on their outcomes are sparse.

Methods

We conducted a prospective, observational, cohort study of STEMI patients admitted during the COVID-19 pandemic from March 21, 2020 to July 31, 2020 (COVID-19 group). Clinical outcomes, 30-day mortality, and reasons potentially related to a delay in patient presentation were assessed and compared with STEMI patients admitted between November 1, 2019 and March 20, 2020 (pre-COVID-19 group).

Results

A total of 124 patients were enrolled, comprising 57 patients in the pre-COVID-19 group and 67 patients in the COVID-19 group. Significantly more patients in the COVID-19 group had a time to first medical contact of greater than 24 h. Additionally, those admitted during the pandemic had a significantly lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), worse thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow, received circulatory support significantly more often, and had a significantly higher 30-day mortality. Furthermore, significantly more patients stated that “information by the media” made them hesitate to contact the emergency medical services as soon as possible.

Conclusion

Here, we show that STEMI patients admitted during the COVID-19 pandemic had significantly prolonged times to first medical contact, were in worse condition at admission, and had an increased 30-day mortality. Additionally, we found that “information by the media” made patients during COVID-19 hesitate to contact the emergency medical services. Consequently, public health strategies have to be developed to avoid potential excess mortality of STEMI patients during the pandemic.
Einsatz von Instrumenten bei der klinischen Untersuchung in deutschen HNO-Abteilungen und Privatpraxen heutzutage
Authors: Franzen Achim M. , Sykora Hannes , Hauptmann Michael , Coordes Annekatrin
Published: August 2021

Hintergrund

Der klassische Stirnreflektor diente dem HNO-Arzt zur Spiegeluntersuchung und ist heute Mediensymbol für den Arzt. Mit welchen Instrumenten heute in Deutschland HNO-Patienten klinisch untersucht werden, ist nicht bekannt. Es ist daher das Ziel der vorgelegten Untersuchung, dies mithilfe einer Befragung zu ermitteln.

Material und Methoden

Es erfolgte die Auswertung von 321 Fragebögen von klinisch tätigen (172) und niedergelassenen (149) HNO-Ärzten.

Ergebnisse

Die HNO-Spiegeluntersuchung wird heute mit einer selbstleuchtenden Kopflampe mit Akku und/oder Lichtleitkabel durchgeführt. Etwa 20 % der Antwortenden verwendet auch einen Stirnspiegel. Das Mikroskop wird von 90 % der teilnehmenden HNO-Ärzte zur Untersuchung der Ohren eingesetzt. Ein starres Endoskop benutzen 53,3 % zur Untersuchung des Kehlkopfs, 41 % für den Epipharynx und 35 % für die Nase/Nasennebenhöhlen (34,6 %). Flexibles Endoskop und Otoskop werden lediglich fakultativ verwendet.

Schlussfolgerung

Die selbstleuchtende, in den neuen Bundesländern häufiger kabellose Kopflampe hat den klassischen Stirnreflektor, mit dem seit ca. 20 Jahren nicht mehr ausgebildet wird, weitgehend verdrängt. Mit großer Regelmäßigkeit werden zumindest einzelne Organe auch mit dem Mikroskop oder starren Endoskop untersucht, während das flexible Endoskop und Otoskop insgesamt viel seltener, vor allem von Jüngeren und im Krankenhaus Tätigen, verwendet werden. Das diagnostische Potenzial der flexiblen Endoskopie wird durch die ambulanten Vergütungsstrukturen in Deutschland möglicherweise kompromittiert.
Die ventrale Abstützung bei dorsalen lumbalen Fusionsoperationen
Authors: Mederake Moritz , Walter Christian
Published: August 2021

Die ventrale Abstützung im Rahmen dorsaler Fusionsoperationen ist insbesondere bei instabilen Pathologien, wie Spondylolisthesen oder Spondylodiszitiden, entscheidend für das Operationsergebnis. Der komplikative Verlauf einer Patientin mit simultan bestehender Spondylolisthese und Spondylodiszitis wird dargestellt und anhand der Literatur und des eigenen Behandlungsalgorithmus reevaluiert. Bei alleiniger Spondylodiszitis ist ein Beckenkamminterponat als Abstützung ausreichend. Bei zusätzlichen Störungen des sagittalen Profils ist eine Cage-Implantation zu bevorzugen.
$$\ell _2$$-penalized approximate likelihood inference in logit mixed models for regional prevalence estimation under covariate rank-deficiency
Authors: Krause Joscha , Burgard Jan Pablo , Morales Domingo
Published: August 2021

Regional prevalence estimation requires the use of suitable statistical methods on epidemiologic data with substantial local detail. Small area estimation with medical treatment records as covariates marks a promising combination for this purpose. However, medical routine data often has strong internal correlation due to diagnosis-related grouping in the records. Depending on the strength of the correlation, the space spanned by the covariates can become rank-deficient. In this case, prevalence estimates suffer from unacceptable uncertainty as the individual contributions of the covariates to the model cannot be identified properly. We propose an area-level logit mixed model for regional prevalence estimation with a new fitting algorithm to solve this problem. We extend the Laplace approximation to the log-likelihood by an$$\ell _2$$ℓ2-penalty in order to stabilize the estimation process in the presence of covariate rank-deficiency. Empirical best predictors under the model and a parametric bootstrap for mean squared error estimation are presented. A Monte Carlo simulation study is conducted to evaluate the properties of our methodology in a controlled environment. We further provide an empirical application where the district-level prevalence of multiple sclerosis in Germany is estimated using health insurance records.
Automorphisms and periods of cubic fourfolds
Authors: Laza Radu , Zheng Zhiwei
Published: August 2021

We classify the symplectic automorphism groups for cubic fourfolds. The main inputs are the global Torelli theorem for cubic fourfolds and the classification of the fixed-point sublattices of the Leech lattice. Among the highlights of our results, we note that there are 34 possible groups of symplectic automorphisms, with 6 maximal cases. The six maximal cases correspond to 8 non-isomorphic, and isolated in moduli, cubic fourfolds; six of them previously identified by other authors. Finally, the Fermat cubic fourfold has the largest possible order (174, 960) for the automorphism group (non-necessarily symplectic) among all smooth cubic fourfolds.
Assessing prevalence and correlates of blue-colored flesh in lingcod (Ophiodon elongatus) across their geographic range
Authors: Galloway Aaron W. E. , Beaudreau Anne H. , Thomas Michael D. , Basnett Bonnie L. , Lam Laurel S. , Hamilton Scott L. , Andrews Kelly S. , Schram Julie B. , Watson Jessica , Samhouri Jameal F.
Published: August 2021

Intraspecific variation in external and internal pigmentation is common among fishes and explained by a variety of biological and ecological factors. Blue-colored flesh in fishes is relatively rare but has been documented in some species of the sculpin, greenling, and perch families. Diet, starvation, photoprotection, and camouflage have all been suggested as proximate mechanisms driving blue flesh, but causal factors are poorly understood. We evaluated the relative importance of biological and spatial factors that could explain variation in blue coloration in 2021 lingcod (Ophiodon elongatus) captured across their range in the northeastern Pacific, from southeast Alaska to southern California. The probability of having blue flesh was highest for fish that were female, caught in shallower water, and smaller in body size. The incidence of blueness varied by region (4–25% of all fish) but was also confounded by differences in sex ratios of fish caught among regions. We analyzed the multivariate fatty acid composition of a subset of 175 fish from across the sampling range to test for differences in trophic biomarkers in blue lingcod. Lingcod fatty acid composition differed between regions and flesh colors but not between sexes. Blue-fleshed fish had lower concentrations of total fatty acids, 18:1ω-9, 16:1ω-7, 18:1ω-7, and ω-6 fatty acids, suggesting differences in energetics and energy storage in blue fish. While our data indicate potential links between diet and blue flesh in lingcod, important questions remain about the physiological mechanisms governing blueness and its biological consequences.
Diagnostic performance of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose-PET/MRI versus MRI alone in the diagnosis of pelvic recurrence of rectal cancer
Authors: Plodeck Verena , Platzek Ivan , Streitzig Johannes , Nebelung Heiner , Blum Sophia , Kühn Jens-Peter , Hoffmann Ralf-Thorsten , Laniado Michael , Michler Enrico , Hoberück Sebastian , Zöphel Klaus , Kotzerke Jörg , Fritzmann Johannes , Weitz Jürgen , Radosa Christoph G.
Published: August 2021

Purpose

To compare the diagnostic performance of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose-PET/MRI and MRI in the diagnosis of pelvic recurrence of rectal cancer.

Methods

All PET/MRIs of patients in the follow-up of rectal cancer performed between 2011 and 2018 at our institution were retrospectively reviewed. Recurrence was confirmed/excluded either by histopathology or imaging follow-up (> 4 months). Four groups of readers (groups 1/2: one radiologist each, groups 3/4: one radiologist/one nuclear medicine physician) independently interpreted MRI and PET/MRI. The likelihood of recurrence was scored on a 5-point-scale. Inter-reader agreement, sensitivity, specificity, PPV/NPV and accuracy were assessed. ROC curve analyses were performed.

Results

Fourty-one PET/MRIs of 40 patients (mean 61 years ± 10.9; 11 women, 29 men) were included. Sensitivity of PET/MRI in detecting recurrence was 94%, specificity 88%, PPV/NPV 97% and 78%, accuracy 93%. Sensitivity of MRI was 88%, specificity 75%, PPV/NPV 94% and 60%, accuracy 85%. ROC curve analyses showed an AUC of 0.97 for PET/MRI and 0.92 for MRI, but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.116). On MRI more cases were scored as equivocal (12% versus 5%). Inter-reader agreement was substantial for PET/MRI and MRI (0.723 and 0.656, respectively).

Conclusion

18F-FDG-PET/MRI and MRI are accurate in the diagnosis of locally recurrent rectal cancer. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy are comparable for both modalities, but PET/MRI increases readers’ confidence levels and reduces the number of equivocal cases.

Graphic abstract
Appropriateness of hip osteoarthritis management in clinical practice compared with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) criteria
Authors: Alkaramany Eslam , Murshid Abdullah , Alhaneedi Ghalib Ahmed
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) developed the appropriate use criteria (AUC) for the management of hip osteoarthritis (OA) to guide surgeons in making decisions based on the best available evidence. This study aimed to assess the applicability of the AUC by comparing the actual treatment provided at our institution with the AUC recommendations.

Methods

A retrospective review of 115 patients who were diagnosed and treated for hip OA at our institution between December 2017 and December 2019 was performed. Data were collected and entered into the AUC application to determine the rate of appropriateness of the provided treatment according to the AUC recommendations. Then, the actual provided treatments were compared with the AUC recommendations to determine the agreement between the two.

Results

There were 115 patients, with a mean age of 50.08 years (range, 30–80 years). The most frequent patient characteristics were middle age (40–65 years) with function-limiting pain at moderate to long distances, minimal hip OA on X-ray examination, mild range of motion limitation, and presence of modifiable risk factors for negative outcomes. The overall rate of appropriateness and in agreement with the AUC recommendations was 100% for conservative treatments and 80.1% for surgical treatments.

Conclusions

This study shows that the majority of the hip OA treatments provided at our institution were appropriate and in agreement with the AUC recommendations. Furthermore, the AUC can be easily accessed through a free web application using a computer or smartphone to obtain the recommended treatment for any patient with hip OA.
Allo-suckling occurrence and its effect on lactation and nursing duration in harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) in Orkney, Scotland
Authors: Arso Civil Mònica , Hague Emily , Langley Izzy , Scott-Hayward Lindesay
Published: August 2021

Fostering and allo-suckling are widespread among pinnipeds, and several hypotheses have been formulated to explain their occurrence. Here, we describe the occurrence of allo-suckling in harbour seals from photo-identification data of females and pups in Orkney (Scotland) during the pupping seasons between 2016 and 2019. We used a generalised linear model framework to investigate the effect of allo-suckling on the duration of lactation (females) and of nursing period (pups). A generalised additive model framework was used to explore how the probability of allo-suckling varied throughout the pupping season, and with changes in mother-pup separation time. Allo-suckling was observed in 31 females, at higher rates (18–37% of lactating females and 18–47% of the pups every year) than those observed in other phocid populations, with 13 females allo-suckling in multiple years. The duration of the pups’ nursing period was not affected by allo-suckling occurrence. However, females in mother-pup pairs where both mother and pup allo-suckled had longer lactation duration than when only the pup allo-suckled, or than in pairs where no allo-suckling was observed. The probability of allo-suckling increased during the pupping season and with increased mother-pup separation time. However, the proximate causes and the consequences on future reproductive output and pup survival remain unknown.

Significance statement

Allo-suckling, where females nurse others’ young, is widespread in pinnipeds, particularly among true seals. Given the high costs of lactation in pinnipeds, allo-suckling is a puzzling behaviour. Using photo-identification and field observations, we examined the occurrence of allo-suckling in harbour seals at a colony in Orkney, Scotland. We found that allo-suckling is common among seals at the study site, and at rates higher than reported elsewhere. Our results show that allo-suckling does not appear to affect the duration of the pups’ nursing period but does increase the lactation duration of females who suckle other pups and whose own pups also allo-suckle. This study highlights an area which requires further investigation as the energetic costs and benefits of allo-suckling remain poorly understood.
Short- and long-term outcomes after heart transplantation in cardiac sarcoidosis and giant-cell myocarditis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bobbio Emanuele , Björkenstam Marie , Nwaru Bright I. , Giallauria Francesco , Hessman Eva , Bergh Niklas , Polte Christian L. , Lehtonen Jukka , Karason Kristjan , Bollano Entela
Published: August 2021

Heart transplantation (HTx) is a valid therapeutic option for end-stage heart failure secondary to cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) or giant-cell myocarditis (GCM). However, post-HTx outcomes in patients with inflammatory cardiomyopathy (ICM) have been poorly investigated. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Science Citation Index, EMBASE, and Google Scholar, screened the gray literature, and contacted experts in the field. We included studies comparing post-HTx survival, acute cellular rejection, and disease recurrence in patients with and without ICM. Data were synthesized by a random‐effects meta‐analysis. We screened 11,933 articles, of which 14 were considered eligible. In a pooled analysis, post-HTx survival was higher in CS than non-CS patients after 1 year (risk ratio [RR] 0.88, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.60–1.17; I2 = 0%) and 5 years (RR 0.72, 95% CI 0.52–0.91; I2 = 0%), but statistically significant only after 5 years. During the first-year post-HTx, the risk of acute cellular rejection was similar for patients with and without CS, but after 5 years, it was lower in those with CS (RR 0.38, 95% CI 0.03–0.72; I2 = 0%). No difference in post-HTx survival was observed between patients with and without GCM after 1 year (RR 1.16, 95% CI 0.05–2.28; I2 = 0%) or 5 years (RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.42–1.54; I2 = 0%). During post-HTx follow-up, recurrence of CS and GCM occurred in 5% and 8% of patients, respectively. Post-HTx outcomes in patients with CS and GCM are comparable with cardiac recipients with other heart failure etiologies. Patients with ICM should not be disqualified from HTx.

Graphic abstract
Identifying falls remotely in people with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Block Valerie J. , Pitsch Erica A. , Gopal Arpita , Zhao Chao , Pletcher Mark J. , Marcus Gregory M. , Olgin Jeffrey E. , Hollenbach Jill , Bove Riley , Cree Bruce A. C. , Gelfand Jeffrey M.
Published: August 2021

Background

Falling is common in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) but tends to be under-ascertained and under-treated.

Objective

To evaluate fall risk in people with MS.

Methods

Ninety-four people with MS, able to walk > 2 min with or without an assistive device (Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS ≤ 6.5) were recruited. Clinic-based measures were recorded at baseline and 1 year. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs), including a fall survey and the MS Walking Scale (MSWS-12), were completed at baseline, 1.5, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Average daily step counts (STEPS) were recorded using a wrist-worn accelerometer.

Results

50/94 participants (53.2%) reported falling at least once. Only 56% of participants who reported a fall on research questionnaires had medical-record documented falls. Fallers had greater disability [median EDSS 5.5 (IQR 4.0–6.0) versus 2.5 (IQR 1.5–4.0), p < 0.001], were more likely to have progressive MS (p = 0.003), and took fewer STEPS (mean difference − 1,979, p = 0.007) than Non-Fallers. Stepwise regression revealed MSWS-12 as a major predictor of future falls.

Conclusions

Falling is common in people with MS, under-reported, and under-ascertained by neurologists in clinic. Multimodal fall screening in clinic and remotely may help improve patient care by identifying those at greatest risk, allowing for timely intervention and referral to specialized physical rehabilitation.
Drug-eluting bead trans-arterial chemoembolization combined with microwave ablation therapy vs. microwave ablation alone for early stage hepatocellular carcinoma: a preliminary investigation of clinical value
Authors: Liu Juanfang , Zhang Wenguang , Lu Huibin , Li Hongbin , Zhou Xueliang , Li Jing , Han Xinwei
Published: August 2021

Purpose

To assess the clinical value of drug-eluting bead trans-arterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) combined with microwave ablation (MWA) vs. MWA treatment alone for early stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Materials and methods

Consecutive data from 102 HCC patients at early stage who were referred to our hospital from December 2014 to May 2016 were retrospectively collected. Forty-seven patients underwent DEB-TACE combined with MWA treatment, whereas 55 patients underwent MWA alone. After 1 month of treatment, the tumour responses of the patients were assessed using the mRECIST criteria. Treatment-related complications and hepatic function were also analysed for the two groups. In addition, overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were calculated and compared.

Results

Patients in the combined treatment group (DEB-TACE combined with MWA) presented a better objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) compared with those in the monotherapy group (MWA treatment). The median OS and PFS were longer in the combined treatment group compared with the monotherapy group. Multivariate Cox’s regression further illustrated that DEB-TACE + MWA vs. MWA was an independent protective factor for PFS and OS. No serious treatment-related complications were observed in any of the patients.

Conclusion

Combined treatment with DEB-TACE appeared to have advantages in prolonging OS and PFS compared to MWA. Therefore, combined treatment was efficient and should be strongly recommended to early stage HCC patients.
Poisson limit of bumping routes in the Robinson–Schensted correspondence
Authors: Marciniak Mikołaj , Maślanka Łukasz , Śniady Piotr
Published: August 2021

We consider the Robinson–Schensted–Knuth algorithm applied to a random input and investigate the shape of the bumping route (in the vicinity of the y-axis) when a specified number is inserted into a large Plancherel-distributed random tableau. We show that after a projective change of the coordinate system the bumping route converges in distribution to the Poisson process.
Is diversity harmful?—Mixed-brand cardiac implantable electronic devices undergoing magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: König Christoph Alexander , Tinhofer Florian , Puntus Thomas , Burger Achim Leo , Neubauer Nikolaus , Langenberger Herbert , Huber Kurt , Nürnberg Michael , Zweiker David
Published: August 2021

Background

Many patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); however, a relevant proportion have a CIED system that has not been classified as MRI-conditional because of generators and leads from different brands (mixed-brand group). The available data concerning the outcome of these mixed patients undergoing MRI is limited.

Methods

A retrospective single center study, including all patients with CIEDs undergoing MRI between January 2013 until May 2020, was performed. Primary endpoints were defined as death or any adverse event necessitating hospitalization or CIED revision. Secondary endpoints were the occurrence of any sign for beginning device or lead failure or patient discomfort during MRI.

Results

A total of 227 MRI examinations, including 10 thoracic MRIs, were carried out in 158 patients, with 1–9 MRIs per patient. Of the patients 38 underwent 54 procedures in the mixed-brand group and 89 patients underwent 134 MRIs in the MRI-conditional group. Of the patients 31 were excluded since the MRI conditionality could not be determined. No primary endpoints occurred within the mixed-brand group but in 2.2% of the MRI-conditional group (p = 1.000), with 2 patients developing new atrial fibrillation during MRI, of whom one additionally had a transient CIED dysfunction. No secondary endpoints were met in the mixed-brand group compared to 3.4% in the MRI-conditional group (p = 0.554). No complications occurred in the excluded patients.

Conclusion

The complication rate of CIED patients undergoing MRI was low. Patients with a mixed CIED system showed no signs of increased risk of adverse events compared to patients with MRI-conditional CIED systems.
Comparison of Observations and Predictions of Daytime Planetary-Boundary-Layer Heights and Surface Meteorological Variables in the Columbia River Gorge and Basin During the Second Wind Forecast Improvement Project
Authors: Bianco Laura , Muradyan P. , Djalalova I. , Wilczak J. M. , Olson J. B. , Kenyon J. S. , Kotamarthi R. , Lantz K. , Long C. N. , Turner D. D.
Published: August 2021

The second Wind Forecast Improvement Project (WFIP2) is an 18-month field campaign in the Pacific Northwest U.S.A., whose goal is to improve the accuracy of numerical-weather-prediction forecasts in complex terrain. The WFIP2 campaign involved the deployment of a large suite of in situ and remote sensing instrumentation, including eight 915-MHz wind-profiling radars, and surface meteorological stations. The evolution and annual variability of the daytime convective planetary-boundary-layer (PBL) height is investigated using the wind-profiling radars. Three models with different horizontal grid spacing are evaluated: the Rapid Refresh, the High-Resolution Rapid Refresh, and its nested version. The results are used to assess errors in the prediction of PBL height within the experimental and control versions of the models, with the experimental versions including changes and additions to the model parametrizations developed during the field campaign, and the control version using the parametrizations present in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/National Centers for Environmental Prediction operational version of the models at the start of the project. Results show that the high-resolution models outperform the low-resolution versions, the experimental versions perform better compared with the control versions, model PBL height estimations are more accurate on cloud-free days, and model estimates of the PBL height growth rate are more accurate than model estimates of the rate of decay. Finally, using surface sensors, we assess surface meteorological variables, finding improved surface irradiance and, to a lesser extent, improved 2-m temperature in the experimental version of the model.
Unequal Conditions of Care and the Implications for Social Policies on Young Carers
Authors: Alexander Chloe
Published: August 2021

Young carers are the subject of public policies in the UK, which aim to address their needs as a group experiencing disadvantage relating to their caring role. These policies are implemented in a way that aims to improve their health and their educational and social opportunities, but left unaddressed is a wider context of inequalities. Nevertheless, inequalities are a feature of the terrain upon which social policies for young carers are developed and implemented. Evaluation of the ways that young carers and their families are impacted by public policies demands an understanding of those inequalities. Academic knowledge of how experiences diverge as a result of multiple intersecting inequalities is so far limited. This paper reports from a study that aimed to contribute greater understanding of the interaction between inequalities, young carers, family life and social policies in England. Ethnographic research methods created a record of care, family life and the impact of social policies. Unequal conditions of care are an important feature of the lives of young people and their families with on-going caring responsibilities. Young carers and their families positioned at the intersection of inequalities of ‘race’/ethnicity, class and disability had different and unequal experiences of support. The paper discusses these findings and explores the implications for social policies and social work practice.
Alliance Between Therapist and Multi-stressed Families During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Effect of Family-Based Videoconferencing
Authors: Lange Aurelie. M. C. , Delsing Marc J. M. H. , van Geffen Marieke , Scholte Ron. H. J.
Published: August 2021

Background

A strong therapeutic alliance or working relationship is essential for effective face-to-face family-based psychotherapy. However, little is known about the use of VC on alliance in family-based therapy. The recent COVID-19 pandemic led to a national lockdown during which most family-based therapy transferred to VC.

Objective

The current study analyzed the development and strength of alliance prior and during lockdown for multi-stressed families participating in Multisystemic Therapy (MST).

Method

Alliance with the therapist was reported monthly by 846 caregivers (81% female). Using latent growth curve models (longitudinal approach), the development of alliance was estimated for families participating in MST prior to the lockdown, transferring to VC early in treatment or late in treatment. Using regression analyses (cross-sectional approach), lockdown (yes/no) was included as predictor of alliance. In these analyses, type of family (regular; intellectual disability; concerns regarding child abuse or neglect) and gender of caregiver were included as moderators.

Results

Both analytical approaches showed that alliance was not affected by VC, except for families with concerns of child abuse, who reported lower alliances during lockdown. However, these results where no longer significant when controlling for multiple testing.

Conclusions

Strong alliances can be developed and maintained during family-based VC sessions with multi-stressed families. However, for some subgroups, such as families with concerns of child abuse, VC might not be suitable or sufficient. Future research needs to investigate the potential and limitations of using VC with families.
An integrable model for first-order three-planet mean motion resonances
Authors: Petit Antoine C.
Published: August 2021

Recent works on three-planet mean motion resonances (MMRs) have highlighted their importance for understanding the details of the dynamics of planet formation and evolution. While the dynamics of two-planet MMRs are well understood and approximately described by a one-degree-of-freedom Hamiltonian, little is known of the exact dynamics of three-body resonances besides the cases of zeroth-order MMRs or when one of the bodies is a test particle. In this work, I propose the first general integrable model for first-order three-planet mean motion resonances. I show that one can generalize the strategy proposed in the two-planet case to obtain a one-degree-of-freedom Hamiltonian. The dynamics of these resonances are governed by the second fundamental model of resonance. The model is valid for any mass ratio between the planets and for every first-order resonance. I show the agreement of the analytical model with numerical simulations. As examples of application, I show how this model could improve our understanding of the capture into MMRs as well as their role in the stability of planetary systems.
Combining Motherhood and Work: Effects of Dual Identity and Identity Conflict on Well-Being
Authors: Zagefka Hanna , Houston Diane , Duff Leonie , Moftizadeh Nali
Published: August 2021

This study investigated whether having a dual identity as both a mother and an employed person constitutes a threat to well-being, or whether it is a positive resource. The study focused on indices of life satisfaction and self-esteem. A convenience sample of 208 mothers were exposed to a manipulation of identity conflict, whereby we manipulated whether working mothers perceived their identities as a mother and an employed person to be in conflict with each other or not. It was hypothesized that generally having multiple identities (as an employee and a mother) would be positively associated with well-being, that perceived identity conflict would have a negative impact on well-being, and that identity conflict would exacerbate the negative effects of identity-related stressors on well-being. Results supported these predictions. The applied implication is that policies that enable mothers to work will be conducive to maternal well-being, but that the policies must minimize conflict between demands associated with employment and parental responsibilities.
Neonatal seizures as onset of Inborn Errors of Metabolism (IEMs): from diagnosis to treatment. A systematic review
Authors: Falsaperla Raffaele , Sciuto Laura , La Spina Luisa , Sciuto Sarah , Praticò Andrea D. , Ruggieri Martino
Published: August 2021

Neonatal seizures (NS) occur in the first 28 days of life; they represent an important emergency that requires a rapid diagnostic work-up to start a prompt therapy. The most common causes of NS include: intraventricular haemorrhage, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, hypoglycemia, electrolyte imbalance, neonatal stroke or central nervous system infection. Nevertheless, an Inborn Error of Metabolism (IEM) should be suspected in case of NS especially if these are resistant to common antiseizure drugs (ASDs) and with metabolic decompensation. Nowadays, Expanded Newborn Screening (ENS) has changed the natural history of some IEMs allowing a rapid diagnosis and a prompt onset of specific therapy; nevertheless, not all IEMs are detected by such screening (e.g. Molybdenum-Cofactor Deficiency, Hypophosphatasia, GLUT1-Deficiency Syndrome) and for this reason neonatologists have to screen for these diseases in the diagnostic work-up of NS. For IEMs, there are not specific semiology of seizures and EEG patterns. Herein, we report a systematic review on those IEMs that lead to NS and epilepsy in the neonatal period, studying only those IEMs not included in the ENS with tandem mass, suggesting clinical, biochemical features, and diagnostic work-up. Remarkably, we have observed a worse neurological outcome in infants undergoing only a treatment with common AED for their seizures, in comparison to those primarily treated with specific anti-convulsant treatment for the underlying metabolic disease (e.g.Ketogenic Diet, B6 vitamin). For this reason, we underline the importance of an early diagnosis in order to promptly intervene with a targeted treatment without waiting for drug resistance to arise.
Complete genome analysis of African swine fever virus responsible for outbreaks in domestic pigs in 2018 in Burundi and 2019 in Malawi
Authors: Hakizimana Jean N. , Ntirandekura Jean B. , Yona Clara , Nyabongo Lionel , Kamwendo Gladson , Chulu Julius L. C. , Ntakirutimana Désiré , Kamana Olivier , Nauwynck Hans , Misinzo Gerald
Published: August 2021

Several African swine fever (ASF) outbreaks in domestic pigs have been reported in Burundi and Malawi and whole-genome sequences of circulating outbreak viruses in these countries are limited. In the present study, complete genome sequences of ASF viruses (ASFV) that caused the 2018 outbreak in Burundi (BUR/18/Rutana) and the 2019 outbreak in Malawi (MAL/19/Karonga) were produced using Illumina next-generation sequencing (NGS) platform and compared with other previously described ASFV complete genomes. The complete nucleotide sequences of BUR/18/Rutana and MAL/19/Karonga were 176,564 and 183,325 base pairs long with GC content of 38.62 and 38.48%, respectively. The MAL/19/Karonga virus had a total of 186 open reading frames (ORFs) while the BUR/18/Rutana strain had 151 ORFs. After comparative genomic analysis, the MAL/19/Karonga virus showed greater than 99% nucleotide identity with other complete nucleotides sequences of p72 genotype II viruses previously described in Tanzania, Europe and Asia including the Georgia 2007/1 isolate. The Burundian ASFV BUR/18/Rutana exhibited 98.95 to 99.34% nucleotide identity with genotype X ASFV previously described in Kenya and in Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The serotyping results classified the BUR/18/Rutana and MAL/19/Karonga ASFV strains in serogroups 7 and 8, respectively. The results of this study provide insight into the genetic structure and antigenic diversity of ASFV strains circulating in Burundi and Malawi. This is important in order to understand the transmission dynamics and genetic evolution of ASFV in eastern Africa, with an ultimate goal of designing an efficient risk management strategy against ASF transboundary spread.