bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psoriasis und Schwangerschaft
Authors: Stephan B. , Augustin M.
Published: May 2020

Die kürzlich erweiterte Zulassung von einigen TNF(Tumor-Nekrose-Faktor)-α-Blockern zur Therapie mittelschwer bis schwer ausgeprägter Psoriasis in der Schwangerschaft hat die zulassungskonforme Therapie dieser Patientinnengruppe erleichtert. Es existieren bisher keine evidenzbasierten strukturierten Therapieempfehlungen für diese Psoriasispatientinnen, sodass die Unsicherheiten der Behandler zumeist in individuellen Entscheidungen münden. Wir haben aufgrund unserer klinischen Erfahrungen und der aktuell gültigen Zulassungen der Systemtherapeutika einen Therapiealgorithmus entwickelt, der eine interdisziplinäre strukturierte Vorgehensweise in der Beratung und Begleitung psoriasiserkrankter schwangerer Patientinnen ermöglicht. Das bedeutet, dass transparente Entscheidungen für die mitbehandelnden Kollegen anderer Disziplinen, insbesondere der Gynäkologie, getroffen werden können.
A multi-scale model for diffusion of large molecules in steam-exploded wood
Authors: Kvist Patric , Gebäck Tobias , Rasmuson Anders
Published: May 2020

In this paper, multi-scale modeling was used to resolve diffusion in steam-exploded wood at tracheid scales including sub-micrometer features of bordered pits. Simulations were performed using the lattice Boltzmann method with high-resolution X-ray tomography image data as the input for the microstructure. The results show an effective method for utilizing a variable diffusion coefficient to implement two length scales. This circumvents the need to resolve the bordered pits in detail, which requires massive computing power. Instead, the effective diffusion coefficient for one bordered pit is used as input for this model. Results based on the present model are comparable to experimental data. This methodology can be extended to more structural features at the microscale of wood, such as latewood and the cell wall. Obtaining a map of different diffusion coefficients based on features and scale gives a better overall understanding of diffusion and the importance of mass transport with regard to the pretreatment of wood.
First in situ observation of Cephalopoda at hadal depths (Octopoda: Opisthoteuthidae: Grimpoteuthis sp.)
Authors: Jamieson Alan J. , Vecchione Michael
Published: May 2020

The Cephalopoda are not typically considered characteristic of the benthic fauna at hadal depths (depths exceeding 6000 m), yet occasional open-net trawl samples have implied that they might be present to ~ 8000 m deep. Previous in situ photographic evidence has placed the deepest cephalopod at 5145 m. The discrepancies between the two have meant that the maximum depth for cephalopods has gone unresolved. In this study we report on unequivocal sightings, by HD video lander, of a cephalopod at hadal depths. The demersal cirrate octopod Grimpoteuthis sp. was observed at both 5760 and 6957 m in the Indian Ocean. These observations extend the known maximum depth range for cephalopods by 1812 m and increase the potential benthic habitat available to cephalopods from 75 to 99% of the global seafloor.
Pathologie der Mamillenregion
Authors: Gutjahr Ewgenija , Streng Agathe , Aulmann Sebastian , Flechtenmacher Christa , Toberer Ferdinand , Heil Jörg , Böcker Werner , Sinn Peter
Published: May 2020

Der Mamillen-Areola-Komplex ist Ausgangspunkt verschiedener morphologisch eigenständiger Tumoren und tumorartiger Veränderungen, die sich von den besonderen Strukturen der Mamille, insbesondere den intramamillären Milchgängen, den Anhangsgebilden und dem intramamillären Stroma ableiten lassen. Im Vordergrund stehen dabei epitheliale Tumoren gutartigen Verhaltens wie das Mamillenadenom und der syringomatöse Tumor der Mamille. Seltener sind benigne mesenchymale Tumoren wie das Leiomyom der Mamille und tumorartige Veränderungen wie das Pseudolymphom der Mamillenregion. Bei den Überschussbildungen der Mamille sind die verschiedenen Formen der Polythelie und der Polymastie zu berücksichtigen.
Neue Techniken zur Quantifizierung des Farbsinns bei Störungen der Zapfenfunktion
Authors: Huchzermeyer Cord , Fars Julien , Stöhr Heidi , Kremers Jan
Published: May 2020

Hintergrund

Erbliche Netzhauterkrankungen mit Zapfendysfunktion können trotz relativ unauffälligem Fundusbefund ausgeprägte Visusminderung und deutliche Farbsinnstörungen aufweisen. Beispiele hierfür sind die autosomal-dominante okkulte Makuladystrophie (RP1L1-Gen) und die X‑chromosomale Retinitis pigmentosa (RPGR-Gen) – Letztere auch bei heterozygoten, weiblichen Merkmalsträgerinnen (Konduktorinnen). Neue Untersuchungsmethoden erlauben es, das Ausmaß der Farbsinnstörung zu quantifizieren.

Methoden

Nach einer umfangreichen klinischen Untersuchung führten wir Messungen zur Quantifizierung der Farbdiskriminierung und der Zapfenfunktion durch. Beim Cambridge-Color-Test werden pseudoisochromatische Tafeln mit Landolt-C-Figuren computergesteuert generiert, um die Farbunterscheidungsschwelle entlang mehrerer Achsen im Farbraum zu bestimmen. Bei der Untersuchung der photorezeptorspezifischen zeitlichen Kontrastempfindlichkeit kann durch geschickte zyklische Veränderung der spektralen Zusammensetzung eines Lichtreizes die Kontrastwahrnehmungsschwelle isolierter Photorezeptortypen bestimmt werden. Die molekulargenetische Diagnostik erfolgte mithilfe von Next Generation Sequencing(NGS)-basierter gezielter Genpanelanalyse sowie Sanger-Sequenzierung.

Ergebnisse

Bei 2 Patienten mit okkulter Makuladystrophie und 2 heterozygoten Trägerinnen von RPGR-Mutationen zeigten sich eine deutlich verminderte Fähigkeit zur Farbdiskriminierung und eine verminderte photorezeptorspezifische zeitliche Kontrastempfindlichkeit.

Diskussion

Bei erblichen Netzhauterkrankungen sind neben den modernen bildgebenden Verfahren (okuläre Kohärenztomographie [OCT] und Fundusautofluoreszenz) auch die sinnesphysiologischen Untersuchungen diagnostisch wegweisend – der Nachweis von Farbsinnstörungen spielt hierbei eine wichtige Rolle. Neuere Methoden erlauben eine Quantifizierung der Farbsinnstörungen und könnten in klinischen Studien zu gen- und stammzellbasierter Therapie zur Messung des Therapieerfolges dienen.
Nutrient recovery from anaerobic digestion of food waste: impacts of digestate on plant growth and rhizosphere bacterial community composition and potential function in ryegrass
Authors: Ren Ai-Tian , Abbott Lynette K. , Chen Yinglong , Xiong You-Cai , Mickan Bede S.
Published: May 2020

Global food wastage equates to about 1.3 billion tons per year, which causes serious environmental impacts. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influences of addition of digestate from food waste in comparison to a synthetic liquid urea ammonium nitrate solution on plant growth, rhizosphere bacterial community composition and diversity, and hyphal abundance of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. Plant and soil samples were collected at 25, 50, and 75 days after seedling emergence. Annual ryegrass growth was significantly increased by both liquid urea ammonium nitrate and digestate, and digestate was just as effective as liquid urea ammonium nitrate. Additionally, digestate (50 kg N ha−1) significantly increased AM fungal hyphae density. Liquid urea ammonium nitrate (50 kg N ha−1) significantly decreased AM fungal hyphae density compared with liquid urea ammonium nitrate (25 kg N ha−1) at DAE 75. Digestate and liquid urea ammonium nitrate applications significantly shifted the bacterial community composition and OTU richness and changed the abundance of microbial C and N-cycling genes, while application rates had no significant effect. Structural equation modeling showed that digestate and UAN addition both directly and indirectly affected bacterial, C and N cycling genes community composition; the indirect effects were related to increased soil NO3− content and reduced pH. This study showed that the use of digestate as a soil amendment can be environmentally effective and can provide a sustainable supply of nutrients that increases soil organic C. Moreover, the use of digestate can readily be incorporated into agricultural practices with potentially less impact on soil microflora diversity and function than conventional fertilizers.
Left-lateral thoracotomy for catheter ablation of scar-related ventricular tachycardia in patients with inaccessible pericardial access
Authors: Zhang Peng-Pai , Heeger Christian-Hendrik , Mathew Shibu , Fink Thomas , Reissmann Bruno , Lemeš Christine , Maurer Tilman , Santoro Francesco , Huang YingHao , Riedl Johannes , Schmoeckel Michael , Rillig Andreas , Metzner Andreas , Kuck Karl-Heinz , Ouyang Feifan
Published: May 2020

Objectives

We aimed to describe the feasibility of a surgical left thoracotomy for catheter ablation of scar-related ventricular tachycardia (VT) in patients with inaccessible pericardial access.

Background

Pericardial adhesion due to prior cardiac surgery or previous epicardial ablation procedures limits epicardial access in patients with drug-refractory VT originated from the epicardium.

Methods

Six patients who underwent a surgical left lateral thoracotomy epicardial access for catheter ablation of VT after failed subxiphoid percutaneous epicardial access were reviewed. Patients’ baseline characteristics and procedural characteristics including epicardial access, mapping, and ablation were described. Epicardial access was successfully obtained in all patients by a surgical left lateral thoracotomy.

Results

The reasons of pericardial adhesion were prior cardiac surgery (n = 3, 50%) and previous epicardial ablation procedures (n = 3, 50%). Epicardial mapping of the lateral and inferior left ventricle was acquired, and a total of 15 different VTs originated from those regions were abolished. Unless one patient with ST elevation myocardial infarction due to periprocedural occlusion of the posterior descending artery no further complications occurred. All patients were discharged 10.2 ± 4 days after the procedure. VT recurred in 1 patient (17%) and was controlled with oral amiodarone therapy during follow-up (median follow-up: 479 days).

Conclusions

A surgical left lateral thoracotomy is feasible and safe for selected patients. This approach provides epicardial ablation in patients with VT located at the infero-lateral left ventricle and pericardial adhesions due to previous cardiac surgery or previous ablation procedures.

Graphic abstract
First episode psychosis: register-based study of comorbid psychiatric disorders and medications before and after
Authors: Strålin Pontus , Hetta Jerker
Published: May 2020

Comorbid psychiatric disorders are common in first episode psychosis. We investigated comorbid disorders before, at, and after a first hospital-treated psychosis in a naturalistic nation-wide cohort (n = 2091) with a first psychosis hospitalization between 2007 and 2011, and at ages between 16 and 25. Swedish population registers were used to identify the cohort and to collect data on diagnoses at hospitalizations and medications. The proportions of cases with hospitalizations or medications increased year by year before and decreased in the years after the first psychosis hospitalization. In the 2 years before, 30% had hospitalizations with other psychiatric diagnoses and 60% had psychiatric medications. At the first psychosis hospitalization, 46% had other comorbid psychiatric diagnoses or self-harm. In the 2 years before or at the first psychosis hospitalization, 17% had anxiety or stress disorders at hospitalizations, 12% depressive disorders, 5.4% manic or bipolar disorders, 8.6% personality disorders, 26% substance use disorders, and 15% neurodevelopmental disorders. 8.2% had hospitalizations for self-harm. At most, around 30% of the cases were estimated not to have had any comorbid psychiatric disorders before or at the first psychosis presentation. Early comorbid affective, anxiety or personality disorders or self-harm were associated with a worse outcome, as measured by new psychiatric hospitalizations. The outcome was worst for personality disorders with 73% re-hospitalizations within 1 year and for patients with self-harm with 70% re-hospitalizations. In conclusion, most cases with a first psychosis hospitalization had clinical presentations indicating comorbid psychiatric disorders. Cases with comorbidity had a higher risk for re-hospitalizations.
Upbeat vertical nystagmus after brain stem cavernoma resection: a rare case of nucleus intercalatus/nucleus of roller injury
Authors: Meling Torstein R. , Nouri Aria , May Adrien , Guinand Nils , Vargas Maria Isabel , Destrieux Christophe
Published: May 2020

Introduction

CNS cavernomas are a type of raspberry-shaped vascular malformations that are typically asymptomatic, but can result in haemorrhage, neurological injury, and seizures. Here, we present a rare case of a brainstem cavernoma that was surgically resected whereafter an upbeat nystagmus presented postoperatively.

Case report

A 42-year old man presented with sudden-onset nausea, vomiting, vertigo, blurred vision, marked imbalance and difficulty swallowing. Neurological evaluation showed bilateral ataxia, generalized hyperreflexia with left-sided predominance, predominantly horizontal gaze evoked nystagmus on right and left gaze, slight left labial asymmetry, uvula deviation to the right, and tongue deviation to the left. MRI demonstrated a 13-mm cavernoma with haemorrhage and oedema in the medulla oblongata. Surgery was performed via a minimal-invasive, midline approach. Complete excision was confirmed on postoperative MRI. The patient recovered well and became almost neurologically intact. However, he complained of mainly vertical oscillopsia. The videonystagmography revealed a new-onset spontaneous upbeat nystagmus in all gaze directions, not suppressed by fixation. An injury of the rarely described intercalatus nucleus/nucleus of Roller is thought to be the cause.

Conclusion

Upbeat nystagmus can be related to several lesions of the brainstem, including the medial longitudinal fasciculus, the pons, and the dorsal medulla. To our knowledge, this is the first case of an iatrogenic lesion of the nucleus intercalatus/nucleus of Roller resulting in an upbeat vertical nystagmus. For neurologists, it is important to be aware of the function of this nucleus for assessment of clinical manifestations due to lesions within this region.
The TRPV3 channel of the bovine rumen: localization and functional characterization of a protein relevant for ruminal ammonia transport
Authors: Liebe Franziska , Liebe Hendrik , Kaessmeyer Sabine , Sponder Gerhard , Stumpff Friederike
Published: May 2020

Large quantities of ammonia (NH3 or NH4+) are absorbed from the gut, associated with encephalitis in hepatic disease, poor protein efficiency in livestock, and emissions of nitrogenous climate gasses. Identifying the transport mechanisms appears urgent. Recent functional and mRNA data suggest that absorption of ammonia from the forestomach of cattle may involve TRPV3 channels. The purpose of the present study was to sequence the bovine homologue of TRPV3 (bTRPV3), localize the protein in ruminal tissue, and confirm transport of NH4+. After sequencing, bTRPV3 was overexpressed in HEK-293 cells and Xenopus oocytes. An antibody was selected via epitope screening and used to detect the protein in immunoblots of overexpressing cells and bovine rumen, revealing a signal of the predicted ~ 90 kDa. In rumen only, an additional ~ 60 kDa band appeared, which may represent a previously described bTRPV3 splice variant of equal length. Immunohistochemistry revealed staining from the ruminal stratum basale to stratum granulosum. Measurements with pH-sensitive microelectrodes showed that NH4+ acidifies Xenopus oocytes, with overexpression of bTRPV3 enhancing permeability to NH4+. Single-channel measurements revealed that Xenopus oocytes endogenously expressed small cation channels in addition to fourfold-larger channels only observed after expression of bTRPV3. Both endogenous and bTRPV3 channels conducted NH4+, Na+, and K+. We conclude that bTRPV3 is expressed by the ruminal epithelium on the protein level. In conjunction with data from previous studies, a role in the transport of Na+, Ca2+, and NH4+ emerges. Consequences for calcium homeostasis, ruminal pH, and nitrogen efficiency in cattle are discussed.
Robotic-assisted versus open distal pancreatectomy for benign and low-grade malignant pancreatic tumors: a propensity score-matched study
Authors: Weng Yuanchi , Jin Jiabin , Huo Zhen , Shi Yusheng , Jiang Yu , Deng Xiaxing , Peng Chenghong , Shen Baiyong
Published: May 2020

Background

This study aimed to compare the short-term outcomes of open and robotic-assisted distal pancreatectomy (ODP and RDP) for benign and low-grade malignant tumors.

Methods

The patients who underwent RDP and ODP for benign or low-grade malignant pancreatic tumors at our center were included. After PSM at a 1:1 ratio, the perioperative variations in the two cohorts were compared.

Results

After 1:1 PSM, 219 cases of RDP and ODP were recorded. The RDP cohort showed advantages in the operative duration [120 (90–150) min vs 175 (130–210) min, P < 0.001], estimated blood loss [50 (30–175) ml vs 200 (100–300) ml, P < 0.001], spleen preservation rate (63.5% vs 26.5%, P < 0.001), infection rate (4.6% vs 12.3%, P = 0.006), and gastrointestinal function recovery [3 (2–4) vs. 3 (3–5), P = 0.019]. There were no significant differences in postoperative pancreatic fistula, postoperative hemorrhage, and delayed gastric emptying. Multivariate analysis showed that RDP (HR 0.24; 95% CI 0.16–0.36, P < 0.001), age (HR 1.02; 95% CI 1.00–1.03, P = 0.033), tumor size (HR 1.28; 95% CI 1.17–1.40, P < 0.001), pathological inflammatory neoplasm type (HR 5.12; 95% CI 2.22–11.81, P < 0.001), and estimated blood loss (HR 1.003; 95% CI 1.001–1.004, P < 0.001) were independent predictors of spleen preservation; RDP (HR 0.27; 95% CI 0.17–0.43, P < 0.001), age (HR 1.02; 95% CI 1.00–1.03, P = 0.022), elevated CA 19–9 level (HR 2.55; 95% CI 1.02–6.39, P = 0.046), tumor size (HR 1.44; 95% CI 1.29–1.61, P < 0.001), pathological inflammatory neoplasm type (HR 4.48; 95% CI 1.69–11.85, P = 0.003), and estimated blood loss (HR 1.003; 95% CI 1.001–1.004, P < 0.001) were independent predictors of spleen preservation with the Kimura technique.

Conclusion

RDP has advantages in the operative time, blood loss, spleen preservation, infection rate, and gastrointestinal function recovery over ODP in treating benign and low-grade malignant pancreatic tumors. The robotic-assisted approach was an independent predictor of spleen preservation and use of the Kimura technique.
Impact of literature reports on drug safety signals
Authors: Ochyra Bartlomiej , Szewczyk Maciej , Przybylkowski Adam
Published: May 2020

Background

Signal management is considered an important activity in pharmacovigilance and should be performed using any available source of data, including scientific literature. The main aim of this study was to assess the role of scientific literature in both indexed and unindexed journals and compare the relevance of both in the signal management process.

Methods

The study was a retrospective analysis of safety data. For the purposes of the study, drugs for which safety signals were evaluated by European Medicine Agency (EMA) were chosen. A match analysis of data collected in the EudraVigilance (EV) database with data from bibliographic databases such as MEDLINE, Embase or EBSCO (International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, IPA and the Allied and the Complementary Medicine Database, AMED) was performed.

Results

A total of 73 drug event associations (DEA) and 4160 individual case safety reports (ICSRs) were analyzed. About 33% of ICSRs were created based on scientific literature. A total of 1196 ICSRs were submitted to the EV database based on journals indexed in global bibliographic databases Embase (86.00%) or MEDLINE (81.96%) or EBSCO (IPA or AMED, 0.66%).

Conclusion

This study underlines the importance of scientific literature for the signal management process in addition to other data sources. Most literature ICSRs from this analysis were created based on scientific journals indexed in bibliographic databases; therefore, it can be concluded that a systematic review of bibliographic databases, such as Embase or MEDLINE is highly relevant for the signal management process.
Psychotherapeutische Diagnostik aus systemischer Perspektive
Authors: Wagner Elisabeth
Published: May 2020

Am Anfang des Beitrages wird die traditionell diagnosekritische Haltung der systemischen Therapie dargestellt und theoretisch begründet: sowohl aus der interaktionellen Perspektive der frühen Familientherapie, wie auch aus konstruktivistischer und systemtheoretischer Perspektive wird der Anspruch, intrapsychische Störungen objektiv zu erfassen, in Frage gestellt. Der diagnostische Fokus systemischer (Kurz)Therapie liegt dementsprechend auf der Wirklichkeitskonstruktion der_Klientinnen und Klienten, deren Zielen und Ressourcen und soll eine darauf differenziert abgestimmte therapeutische Kooperation ermöglichen.

In weiterer Folge wird argumentiert, dass trotz aller berechtigter „Diagnoseskepsis“ nicht zuletzt die Ausweitung des Interventionsrepertoires in der systemischen Therapie eine differenziertere Erfassung intrapsychischer Prozesse als Grundlage verantwortungsvollen therapeutischen Handelns erforderlich macht. Diese wird aus einer synergetischen Perspektive dargestellt und der Klassifikation psychischer Störungen nach ICD und DSM gegenübergestellt. Abschließend werden die Dimensionen eines professionellen systemischen Fallverständnisses zusammenfassend dargestellt.
Comparison of 8-year knee osteoarthritis progression in 2 siblings: a case-based review
Authors: Gourlay Margaret L. , Gourlay Linda L.
Published: May 2020

Because the pathophysiology of knee osteoarthritis is poorly understood, optimal evidence-based clinical management is uncertain. Sibling comparison studies can help inform a clinical model to guide preventive care. We compared the 8-year clinical outcomes in 2 sisters with a family history of osteoarthritis, normal BMI, and absence of knee pain at baseline. Both patients had Kellgren–Lawrence grade 1 in the affected knee at the time of twisting knee injuries leading to osteoarthritis diagnoses at age 50 (patient 1) and 51 (patient 2). Patient 1 developed a chronic right knee effusion, and progressed to Kellgren–Lawrence grade 3 bilaterally by the time she had a right total knee replacement at age 58. Patient 2 had subchondral fractures of the right knee with transient effusion, which healed after 1 year of partial weight-bearing with crutches and subsequent daily use of knee sleeves. Patient 2 had Kellgren–Lawrence grade 0 bilaterally upon surveillance imaging at age 58. The terms “osteoarthritis and knee and diagnostic imaging and subchondral bone and pathophysiology” were searched in the PubMed database to identify original research articles to inform a clinical model consistent with the patients’ outcomes. A fluid model of osteoarthritis was the best explanatory model for the discordant clinical trajectories of the age-matched siblings. Patient recommendations are presented based on these findings.
Prognostic value of preoperative hematologic biomarkers in urothelial carcinoma of the bladder treated with radical cystectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mori Keiichiro , Miura Noriyoshi , Mostafaei Hadi , Quhal Fahad , Motlagh Reza Sari , Lysenko Ivan , Kimura Shoji , Egawa Shin , Karakiewicz Pierre I. , Shariat Shahrokh F.
Published: May 2020

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the prognostic value of preoperative hematologic biomarkers in patients with urothelial carcinoma of the bladder treated with radical cystectomy. PUBMED, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases were searched in September 2019 according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis statement. Studies were deemed eligible if they compared cancer-specific survival in patients with urothelial carcinoma of the bladder with and without pretreatment laboratoryabnormalities. Formal meta-analyses were performed for this outcome. The systematic review identified 36 studies with 23,632 patients, of these, 32 studies with 22,224 patients were eligible for the meta-analysis. Several preoperative hematologic biomarkers were significantly associated with cancer-specific survival as follows: neutrophil − lymphocyte ratio (pooled hazard ratio [HR]: 1.20, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11–1.29), hemoglobin (pooled HR: 0.87, 95% CI 0.82–0.94), C-reactive protein (pooled HR: 1.44, 95% CI 1.26–1.66), De Ritis ratio (pooled HR: 2.18, 95% CI 1.37–3.48), white blood cell count (pooled HR: 1.05, 95% CI 1.02–1.07), and albumin-globulin ratio (pooled HR: 0.26, 95% CI 0.14–0.48). Several pretreatment laboratory abnormalities in patients with urothelial carcinoma of the bladder were associated with cancer-specific mortality. Therefore, it might be useful to incorporate such hematologic biomarkers into prognostic tools for urothelial carcinoma of the bladder. However, given the study limitations including heterogeneity and retrospective nature of the primary data, the conclusions should be interpreted with caution.
The excess economic burden of mental disorders: findings from a cross-sectional prevalence survey in Austria
Authors: Łaszewska Agata , Wancata Johannes , Jahn Rebecca , Simon Judit
Published: May 2020

Information about the scope of mental disorders (MDs), resource use patterns in health and social care sectors and economic cost is crucial for adequate mental healthcare planning. This study provides the first representative estimates about the overall utilisation of resources by people with MDs and the excess healthcare and productivity loss costs associated with MDs in Austria. Data were collected in a cross-sectional survey conducted on a representative sample (n = 1008) between June 2015 and June 2016. Information on mental health diagnoses, 12-month health and social care use, medication use, comorbidities, informal care, early retirement, sick leave and unemployment was collected via face-to-face interviews. Generalised linear model was used to assess the excess cost of MDs. The healthcare cost was 37% higher (p = 0.06) and the total cost was twice as high (p < 0.001) for the respondents with MDs compared to those without MDs. Lost productivity cost was over 2.5-times higher (p < 0.001) for those with MDs. Participants with severe MDs had over 2.5-times higher health and social care cost (p < 0.001) and 9-times higher mental health services cost (p < 0.001), compared to those with non-severe MDs. The presence of two or more physical comorbidities was a statistically significant determinant of the total cost. Findings suggest that the overall excess economic burden on health and social care depends on the severity of MDs and the number of comorbidities. Both non-severe and severe MDs contribute to substantially higher loss productivity costs compared to no MDs. Future resource allocation and service planning should take this into consideration.
Exploring the desiccation tolerance of the invasive bivalve Corbicula fluminea (Müller 1774) at different temperatures
Authors: Guareschi Simone , Wood Paul J.
Published: May 2020

Corbicula fluminea (Müller, 1774) (Mollusca, Corbiculidae) is among the most successful and widespread invaders of aquatic ecosystems worldwide. Given its wide geographical distribution and documented effects on aquatic ecosystems, there is considerable interest in quantifying its behaviour, propagation and control. We conducted a series of laboratory experiments to assess the effects of complete desiccation (aerial exposure at high relative humidity) on a UK population of C. fluminea for: (1) different environmental temperatures (6 scenarios: from cool winter droughts to summer heatwave thermal conditions); and (2) two size classes (> 1 cm and ≤ 1 cm). A mortality rate of 100% was obtained for all experiments, except the lowest temperature scenario of 4 °C. For both high-temperature scenarios (25 and 30 °C) 100% mortality was recorded after 48 h, and an elevated mortality rate recorded after 24 h. An extended period of desiccation of 5–6 days would be necessary to reach a mortality rate of 90% at 15 °C and 3.5 days at 20 °C. Statistical analysis demonstrated a significant effect of temperature on mortality, but both size classes displayed similar responses to desiccation. The greatest difference in mortality was recorded between the highest and lowest experimental temperatures. C. fluminea was particularly tolerant to desiccation when low temperature and high humidity conditions coincided, suggesting it could potentially spread to regions beyond its current eco-geographical range. The results will be of direct interest for regulatory authorities considering desiccation (and water level management) as a means of managing and preventing the further spread of this species.
Climate change and small pelagic fish price volatility
Authors: Pincinato Ruth Beatriz Mezzalira , Asche Frank , Oglend Atle
Published: May 2020

Price volatility, an indicative measure of price uncertainty, is an important factor influencing fisheries cost, income, food security, and pressure on fish stocks. An increase in price volatility means that prices are varying more, making it more difficult to adjust the activities accordingly. This paper explores price volatility changes for the small pelagic fish—a key group for food security—related to the potential outcomes of climate change, such as tropical widening. With the tropicalization of temperate and polar marine ecosystems due to species composition changes, one would expect that overall price volatility for the small pelagics may be reduced over time because volatility in the tropical region is on average the lowest. However, we find an empirical evidence that price volatility for small pelagic species has increased relatively in the tropical and sub-polar regions beyond what can be explained by changes in landing levels and the variation in the landings.
Atypical Topographical Organization of Global Form and Motion Processing in 5-Month-Old Infants at Risk for Autism
Authors: Nyström Pär , Jones Emily , Darki Fahimeh , Bölte Sven , Falck-Ytter Terje
Published: May 2020

Research indicates that individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are superior at local processing while the integration of local features to global percepts is reduced. Here, we compared infants at familiar risk for ASD to typically developing infants in terms of global coherence processing at 5 months of age, using steady state visually evoked potentials (SSVEP). We found a different topographical organization for global form and motion processing in infants at risk (n = 50) than in controls (n = 23). In contrast, activation patterns for local visual change were strikingly similar between groups. Although preliminary, the results represent the first neurophysiological evidence supporting the view that basic atypicalities in perception may play a role in the developmental pathways leading to ASD.
Perioperative echocardiography-guided hemodynamic therapy in high-risk patients: a practical expert approach of hemodynamically focused echocardiography
Authors: Trauzeddel R. F. , Ertmer M. , Nordine M. , Groesdonk H. V. , Michels G. , Pfister R. , Reuter D. , Scheeren T. W. L. , Berger C. , Treskatsch S.
Published: May 2020

The number of high-risk patients undergoing surgery is growing. To maintain adequate hemodynamic functioning as well as oxygen delivery to the vital organs (DO2) amongst this patient population, a rapid assessment of cardiac functioning is essential for the anesthesiologist. Pinpointing any underlying cardiovascular pathophysiology can be decisive to guide interventions in the intraoperative setting. Various techniques are available to monitor the hemodynamic status of the patient, however due to intrinsic limitations, many of these methods may not be able to directly identify the underlying cause of cardiovascular impairment. Hemodynamic focused echocardiography, as a rapid diagnostic method, offers an excellent opportunity to examine signs of filling impairment, cardiac preload, myocardial contractility and the function of the heart valves. We thus propose a 6-step-echocardiographic approach to assess high-risk patients in order to improve and maintain perioperative DO2. The summary of all echocardiographic based findings allows a differentiated assessment of the patient's cardiovascular function and can thus help guide a (patho)physiological-orientated and individualized hemodynamic therapy.
Influence of water matrix and hydrochar properties on removal of organic and inorganic contaminants
Authors: Niinipuu Mirva , Bergknut Magnus , Boily Jean-François , Rosenbaum Erik , Jansson Stina
Published: May 2020

The removal of contaminants from water using low-cost adsorbents has been widely studied, yet studies employing a realistic water matrix are still lacking. This study investigated the removal of organic compounds (trimethoprim, fluconazole, and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)) and metals (As, Zn, and Cu) from landfill leachate. Additionally, tests in pure water, humic acid, and ion matrices were carried out to better understand how the water matrix affects adsorption. The hydrochars were produced from four feedstocks at three carbonization temperatures. The results show that the removal efficiencies for organic pollutants were low and metal removal by hydrochars was comparable with commercial activated carbon. The removal of all compounds from pure water was substantially lower. Tests with humic acid and ion-containing matrices could not fully explain the increased removal in the landfill leachate, which may be due to the combination of the water matrix and presence of soluble species from the hydrochars.
Cyanotoxin release from the benthic, mat-forming cyanobacterium Microseira (Lyngbya) wollei in the St. Lawrence River, Canada
Authors: Poirier-Larabie Sylvie , Hudon Christiane , Poirier Richard Hugo-Pierre , Gagnon Christian
Published: May 2020

Benthic cyanobacterial mats occurring in the St. Lawrence River fluvial lakes Saint-Louis and Saint-Pierre are dominated by Microseira (Lyngbya) wollei which produce several cyanotoxins including LWTX-1 that is characteristic of Microseira wollei. This cyanotoxin is not only present in the filaments forming benthic mats, but was also measured in the water overlying the mats. LWTX-1 was found in all cyanobacterial filament samples (75.29–103.26 ng mg−1) and all overlying water samples (3.01–11.03 ng L−1). Toxin concentrations measured in overlying water and dry biomass were strongly correlated (r = 0.94). Furthermore, LWTX-1 concentration in water was positively correlated with the dissolved organic carbon in water (r = 0.74) and % nitrogen content in cyanobacterial filaments (r = 0.52). A preliminary study was conducted to determine the release and degradation rates of LWTX-1 from a M. wollei mat kept under laboratory conditions over a 3-month period. Toxin measurements revealed an early, massive toxin release followed by a typical decaying function, with a half-life in the order of 17 days. Our results raise concerns about the occurrence and downstream advection of dissolved cyanotoxins from Microseira mats in the aquatic environment.
Cell-Scale Degradation of Peritumoural Extracellular Matrix Fibre Network and Its Role Within Tissue-Scale Cancer Invasion
Authors: Shuttleworth Robyn , Trucu Dumitru
Published: May 2020

Local cancer invasion of tissue is a complex, multiscale process which plays an essential role in tumour progression. During the complex interaction between cancer cell population and the extracellular matrix (ECM), of key importance is the role played by both bulk two-scale dynamics of ECM fibres within collective movement of the tumour cells and the multiscale leading edge dynamics driven by proteolytic activity of the matrix-degrading enzymes (MDEs) that are secreted by the cancer cells. As these two multiscale subsystems share and contribute to the same tumour macro-dynamics, in this work we develop further the model introduced in Shuttleworth and Trucu (Bull Math Biol 81:2176–2219, 2019. 10.1007/s11538-019-00598-w) by exploring a new aspect of their interaction that occurs at the cell scale. Specifically, here we will focus on understanding the cell-scale cross talk between the micro-scale parts of these two multiscale subsystems which get to interact directly in the peritumoural region, with immediate consequences both for MDE micro-dynamics occurring at the leading edge of the tumour and for the cell-scale rearrangement of the naturally oriented ECM fibres in the peritumoural region, ultimately influencing the way tumour progresses in the surrounding tissue. To that end, we will propose a new modelling that captures the ECM fibres degradation not only at macro-scale in the bulk of the tumour but also explicitly in the micro-scale neighbourhood of the tumour interface as a consequence of the interactions with molecular fluxes of MDEs that exercise their spatial dynamics at the invasive edge of the tumour.
Species-specific biomass allometric models and expansion factors for indigenous and planted forests of the Mozambique highlands
Authors: Magalhães Tarquinio Mateus , Cossa Victoria Norberto , Guedes Benard Soares , Fanheiro Amélia Saraiva Monguela
Published: May 2020

Secondary Miombo woodlands and forest plantations occupy increasing areas in Mozambique, the former due to anthropogenic activities. Plantations, mainly species ofEucalyptusandPinus, are being established on sites previously covered by secondary Miombo woodlands. This affects the evolution, cycle and spatiotemporal patterns of carbon (C) storage and stocks in forest ecosystems. The estimation of C storage, which is indispensable for formulating climate change policies on sequestrating CO2, requires tools such as biomass models and biomass conversion and expansion factors (BCEF). In Mozambique, these tools are needed for both indigenous forests and plantations. The objective of this study is to fit species-specific allometric biomass models and BCEF for exotic and indigenous tree species. To incorporate efficient inter-species variability, biomass equations were fitted using nonlinear mixed-effects models. All tree component biomass models had good predictability; however, better predictive accuracy and ability was observed for the 2-predictors biomass model with tree height as a second predictor. The majority of the variability in BCEF was explained by the variation in tree species. Miombo species had larger crown biomass per unit of stem diameter and stored larger amounts of biomass per stem volume. However, due to relatively rapid growth, larger stem diameters, heights, and stand density, the plantations stored more biomass per tree and per unit area.
Diffusion and the choice of democratic government system at the time of democratisation
Authors: Åberg Jenny , Denk Thomas
Published: May 2020

While significant research has been conducted on both the diffusion of democracy and the various democratic government systems (parliamentary, presidential and semi-presidential), the diffusion of individual democratic government systems has rarely been addressed. Therefore, this article examines whether diffusion explains why countries have established different types of government systems at the time of democratisation. Previous studies on democratic regime types have found that the establishment of democratic government systems is spatially and temporally clustered, which could indicate that democratic regime types are diffused. Inspired by diffusion studies, we test the hypothesis that the density of a particular democratic government system in a network positively affects the probability that a country in that network established the same form of democratic government system at the time of democratisation. We test this assumption through empirical analysis, using 121 cases of democratisation in which a democratic system of government was established at the time of independence or after a period of autocracy. Using logistic regression, this paper explores the connection between the choice of government system at the time of democratisation and the composition of democratic government systems in seven networks of countries: geographic neighbourhood, regional, continental, global, cultural, post-colonial and post-autocratic. The results indicate empirical support for our hypothesis; therefore, we conclude that the choice of government system at the time of democratisation is influenced by conditions in other countries.
Meta-analysis of nutrient budgets in organic farms across Europe
Authors: Reimer Marie , Möller Kurt , Hartmann Tobias Edward
Published: May 2020

Nutrient supply to organic farms is a highly discussed topic in Europe, due to the restricted availability of external fertilizer resources and the use of contentious inputs. To optimize the flow of nutrients throughout the organic farming system, it is firstly necessary to obtain valid data on the nutrient status of organic farms. Nutrient budgets are a valid tool to investigate the nutrient demand or surplus of a system. However, there is currently no comprehensive overview of nutrient budgets of European organic farms. We therefore carried out a meta-analysis on 56 individual studies that reported either farm-gate or soil surface budgets. The analysis showed an imbalance between nutrients, a general surplus of nitrogen (45 kg N ha−1 year−1 [95% confidence interval (CI) 30, 61]), magnesium (16 kg Mg ha−1 year−1 [− 9, 40]) and sulfur (45 kg S ha−1 year−1 [− 29, 118]), a balanced phosphorus budget (0 kg P ha−1 year−1 [− 2, 2]), and a deficit for potassium (− 12 kg K ha−1 year−1 [− 21, − 3]). We observed large differences between farms that could be partly explained by farm type and budgeting method. Arable and mixed farms showed lower nitrogen, phosphor, magnesium, and sulfur budgets than dairy/beef farms or even vegetable farms, while all farm types besides dairy/beef farms showed deficits for K budgets. Further, farm-gate budget studies yielded higher budgets than soil surface budgets. Variations between studied countries could also be detected, but the coverage and comparability are low due to differences in studied farm types and budgeting method.
Physicochemical and microorganism analysis of some hand pump water in Pelengana, Segou, Mali
Authors: Toure Amadou , Wenbiao Duan
Published: May 2020

Groundwater from hand pump could be a principal supply of potable in the large part of rural areas of Mali. Indeed, it was found that this source was the safest to meet water request in remote areas (i.e., rural) of the low-income countries like Mali. However, groundwater quality is changed once external substances are available to contact with the water table. An evaluation of physicochemical and microbial qualities of hand pump water in the rural commune of Pelengana, Mali, was performed. The parameters analyzed include: physical (temperature, pH, and turbidity), chemical (nitrate, and phosphate) and microbiological (both fecal and total coliform bacteria), using standard procedures of analysis. Moreover, API 20E test was used to determine the identities of isolates. Findings have been compared with the WHO drinking water guidelines (or other) values. All physicochemical parameters in hand pump water samples were within the limit recommended by the WHO guideline (or other) values except to turbidity, and nitrate, whereas microbial concentrations during the rainy season were above the WHO acceptable limits. The presence of species such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella and Klebsiella in hand pump waters suggests that water from these sources constitute a threat to public health and is inappropriate for drinking without treatment.
A Delphi-AHP study on STCW leadership competence in the age of autonomous maritime operations
Authors: Kim Tae-eun , Mallam Steven
Published: May 2020

Accelerating technological advancement in the maritime industry is gradually increasing the range of functions once performed by humans to become automated. In the era of autonomous shipping, where the autonomous operating system takes the lead and data flows define decision-making, how the ship and its leaders can successfully navigate these new ways of working have important implications for safety, efficiency and reliability of future ship operations. It is critical that the non-technical skills requirements, in particular the leadership competencies, be re-evaluated as new operational paradigms of shipping systems emerge and evolve. This study extends the current research of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) by using a Delphi consensus survey and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) with a panel of 36 experts to (1) bridge a knowledge gap, i.e., the lack of an understanding regarding the leadership implication of autonomous shipping; (2) evaluate the applicability of current STCW leadership requirements for MASS operations; (3) identify and prioritize the leadership competences that should be accrued by the personnel involved in future ship operations. The results have shown that the current STCW framework is not fully relevant for MASS. The redefined leadership competence and the constructed hierarchy of criticality generated from this study can be valuable input for revision of the STCW and maritime education and training practices, contributing to successful ship operations of the future.
Optically Transparent Focused Transducers for Combined Photoacoustic and Ultrasound Microscopy
Authors: Park Sunghun , Kang Sungwoo , Chang Jin Ho
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Photoacoustic (PA) microscopy has emerged as a useful tool in biomedical imaging applications such as visualization of microvasculature and hemoglobin oxygen saturation, single-cell, and label-free imaging of organs including cancer. Since the ultrasound transducers used for PA signal detection are not optically transparent, the integration of optical and acoustic modules for coaxial alignment of laser and acoustic beam fields in PA microscopy is complex and costly.

Methods

Here, we report a recently developed optically transparent focused transducer for combined PA and ultrasound (US) microscopy. All the acoustic layers including the acoustic lens are optically transparent, enabling simple integration of optical and acoustic modules for both imaging modalities.

Results

The mean light transmittance of the transducer’s backing layer and acoustic lens and of the transducer itself were measured at 92%, 83%, and 66%, respectively. Results from in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated the transducer to be suitable for both US and PA imaging.

Conclusions

The results of this study represent a step toward efficient construction of probes for combined PA and US microscopy.