bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
dsmextra: Extrapolation assessment tools for density surface models
Authors: Bouchet Phil J. , Miller David L. , Roberts Jason J. , Mannocci Laura , Harris Catriona M. , Thomas Len
Published: August 2020

Forecasting the responses of biodiversity to global change has never been more important. However, many ecologists faced with limited sample sizes and shoestring budgets often resort to extrapolating predictive models beyond the range of their data to support management actions in data‐deficient contexts. This can lead to error‐prone inference that has the potential to misdirect conservation interventions and undermine decision‐making. Despite the perils associated with extrapolation, little guidance exists on the best way to identify it when it occurs, leaving users questioning how much credence they should place in model outputs. To address this, we present dsmextra, a new R package for measuring, summarizing and visualizing extrapolation in multivariate environmental space.

dsmextra automates the process of conducting quantitative, spatially explicit assessments of extrapolation on the basis of two established metrics: the Extrapolation Detection (ExDet) tool and the percentage of data nearby (%N). The package provides user‐friendly functions to (a) calculate these metrics, (b) create tabular and graphical summaries, (c) explore combinations of covariate sets as a means of informing covariate selection and (d) produce visual displays in the form of interactive html maps.

dsmextra implements a model‐agnostic approach to extrapolation detection that is applicable across taxonomic groups, modelling techniques and datasets. We present a case study fitting a density surface model to visual detections of pantropical spotted dolphins Stenella attenuata in the Gulf of Mexico.

Predictive modelling seeks to deliver actionable information about the states and trajectories of ecological systems, yet model performance can be strongly impaired out of sample. By assessing conditions under which models are likely to fail or succeed in extrapolating, ecologists may gain a better understanding of biological patterns and their underlying drivers. Critical to this is a concerted effort to standardize best practice in model evaluation, with an emphasis on extrapolative capacity.
A Middle‐Range Theory for Nurses to Diagnose Ineffective Infant Feeding Patterns
Authors: Diniz Camila Maciel , de Oliveira Lopes Marcos Venícios , da Silva Viviane Martins , Leal Luciana Pedrosa
Published: August 2020

PURPOSE

To construct a middle‐range theory, based on the Roy adaptation model, for nurses can diagnose an ineffective infant feeding pattern.

DATA SOURCE

Scientific findings were used through a literature review and the concepts of the Roy model.

DATA SYNTHESIS

The theory indicated new elements for the diagnosis: 12 etiological factors and 13 clinical indicators. Most of those are not contained in the NANDA taxonomy.

CONCLUSION

The middle‐range theory for these diagnoses highlights the need for a review of the components present in the taxonomy.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

This approach guides research on nursing diagnoses to revise the content of the theory and to expand its concepts and elements for the diagnosis of an ineffective infant feeding pattern.
Information Sharing and Rationing in Credit Markets
Authors: Flatnes Jon Einar
Published: August 2020

This article studies the effect of utilizing past credit information about borrowers on interest rates, collateral requirements, and credit rationing. Specifically, I develop a two‐period lending model with asymmetric information and endogenous contract terms, assuming a pooling equilibrium. I show that when default information is utilized privately, contract terms decrease under reasonable assumptions. When default information is also shared with other lenders, non‐defaulters enjoy better contract terms in period 2, while defaulters are offered worse terms, resulting in reduced adverse selection and more equitable terms on average for risk‐neutral borrowers. Finally, when borrowers are aware that information is utilized, information sharing also reduces moral hazard, collateral requirements, and credit rationing for all borrowers.
Histopathological imaging‐based cancer heterogeneity analysis via penalized fusion with model averaging
Authors: He Baihua , Zhong Tingyan , Huang Jian , Liu Yanyan , Zhang Qingzhao , Ma Shuangge
Published: August 2020

Heterogeneity is a hallmark of cancer. For various cancer outcomes/phenotypes, supervised heterogeneity analysis has been conducted, leading to a deeper understanding of disease biology and customized clinical decisions. In the literature, such analysis has been oftentimes based on demographic, clinical, and omics measurements. Recent studies have shown that high‐dimensional histopathological imaging features contain valuable information on cancer outcomes. However, comparatively, heterogeneity analysis based on imaging features has been very limited. In this article, we conduct supervised cancer heterogeneity analysis using histopathological imaging features. The penalized fusion technique, which has notable advantages—such as greater flexibility—over the finite mixture modeling and other techniques, is adopted. A sparse penalization is further imposed to accommodate high dimensionality and select relevant imaging features. To improve computational feasibility and generate more reliable estimation, we employ model averaging. Computational and statistical properties of the proposed approach are carefully investigated. Simulation demonstrates its favorable performance. The analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data may provide a new way of defining/examining breast cancer heterogeneity.
Qualitätssicherung Melanom: Leitlinienbasierte Qualitätsindikatoren beim Melanom – Implementierung, Evaluation und Update‐Prozess
Authors: Follmann Markus , Eigentler Thomas , Adam Henning , Wenzel Gregor , Langer Thomas , Wesselmann Simone
Published: August 2020

Hintergrund

2018 wurde ein Update der 2013 erstmalig publizierten S3‐Leitlinie für die „Diagnostik, Therapie und Nachsorge des Melanoms“ im Rahmen des Leitlinienprogramms Onkologie (OL) mit einer Aktualisierung der bestehenden leitlinienbasierten Qualitätsindikatoren (QI) veröffentlicht.

Patienten und Methodik

Eine multidisziplinäre und interprofessionelle Arbeitsgruppe überarbeitete die leitlinienbasierten Qualitätsindikatoren auf Basis der neuen, starken Empfehlungen (Empfehlungsgrad A) des Leitlinien‐Updates, einer systematischen Recherche internationaler Indikatoren und den Ergebnissen der Qualitätsindikatoren aus zertifizierten Hautkrebszentren nach einem standardisierten, mehrstufigen Prozess.

Ergebnisse

Ausgehend von ursprünglich zwölf leitlinienbasierten Qualitätsindikatoren aus dem Jahre 2013 wurde 2018 ein aktualisiertes Set mit neun Indikatoren verabschiedet. Vier Qualitätsindikatoren wurden unverändert beibehalten, zwei modifiziert, zwei gestrichen und drei neue ergänzt. Im Gegensatz zur Primärentwicklung konnten bei der Aktualisierung Ergebnisse von den in Hautkrebszentren implementierten Qualitätsindikatoren berücksichtigt werden.

Schlussfolgerungen

Leitlinienbasierte Qualitätsindikatoren können in der Onkologie durch die enge Zusammenarbeit zwischen Leitliniengruppe und Zertifizierungskommission implementiert werden. Die gemessenen Ergebnisse bilden die Basis für die Aktualisierung sowohl der Leitlinie als auch des QI‐Prozesses und geben Auskunft über die Versorgungsrealität, die Leitlinienadhärenz, aber auch über die Implementierbarkeit der Qualitätsindikatoren selbst. Dieser Prozess kann transparent dargestellt werden, ist dynamisch und muss daher regelhaft aktualisiert werden.
Systemische Immunsuppression in Zeiten von COVID‐19: Müssen wir umdenken?
Authors: Grabbe Stephan , Beissert Stefan , Enk Alexander
Published: August 2020

Die aktuelle SARS‐CoV‐2 Pandemie gefährdet vor allem ältere Menschen mit kardiopulmonalen und metabolischen Vorerkrankungen. In aktueller Diskussion ist jedoch auch, ob Patienten unter immunsuppressiver Therapie ebenfalls ein höheres Risiko haben, im Fall einer COVID‐19‐Erkrankung einen schweren Krankheitsverlauf zu erleiden. Grundsätzlich gibt es derzeit jedoch keine Datenlage für eine generelle Reduktion oder Pausierung einer Immunsuppression bei Patienten mit Autoimmunerkrankungen in Zeiten der SARS‐CoV‐2‐Pandemie. Da es jedoch derzeit weder eine wirksame Therapie, noch einen entsprechenden Impfschutz gibt, sollten wir uns gezielt mit der Problematik chronisch‐immunsupprimierter Patienten beschäftigen. Um Risiken für Patienten zu minimieren, sollte die Indikation für eine solche Therapie mit besonderer Sorgfalt gestellt werden. Insbesondere sollten Immuntherapeutika, die langfristige Effekte erzeugen (zum Beispiel Rituximab) mit besonderer Vorsicht eingesetzt werden. Demgegenüber könnten immunmodulierende Substanzen, die keine Immunsuppression induzieren (zum Beispiel systemische Immunglobuline, Doxycyclin) oder die intrinsische Wirkungen auf SARS‐CoV‐2 haben (Calcineurininhibitoren, Chloroquin, Hydroxychloroquin), eine sinnvolle Alternative darstellen.
COVID‐19 und Auswirkungen auf dermatologische und allergologische Erkrankungen
Authors: Buhl Timo , Beissert Stefan , Gaffal Evelyn , Goebeler Matthias , Hertl Michael , Mauch Cornelia , Reich Kristian , Schmidt Enno , Schön Michael P. , Sticherling Michael , Sunderkötter Cord , Traidl‐Hoffmann Claudia , Werfel Thomas , Wilsman‐Theis Dagmar , Worm Margitta
Published: August 2020

Die durch das Coronavirus SARS‐CoV‐2 verursachte Krankheit COVID‐19 hat sich zu einer Pandemie entwickelt. Bei der Betrachtung von dermatologischen und allergologischen Krankheiten, die potenziell von COVID‐19 betroffen sind, stehen wir vor komplexen Herausforderungen, die Pathogenese und Beeinflussung verschiedener immunologischer Signalwege einschließen. Medizinische Behandlungen müssen daher im Zusammenhang mit dieser Infektion oft neu bewertet und in Frage gestellt werden.

Dieser Übersichtsartikel fasst den aktuellen Wissensstand zu COVID‐19 hinsichtlich der wichtigsten dermatologischen und allergologischen Erkrankungen zusammen. Es werden aber auch die medizinischen Bereiche beschrieben, für die keine ausreichenden Daten vorliegen. Unter Zusammenfassung der publizierten Daten und grundsätzlicher pathophysiologischer Überlegungen werden hier Schlussfolgerungen für das Management unserer Patienten während der Pandemie gezogen. Wir konzentrieren uns auf häufige Hauterkrankungen mit komplexer immunologischer Pathogenese: Psoriasis, Ekzeme einschließlich atopischer Dermatitis, Typ‐I‐Allergien, blasenbildende Autoimmundermatosen, Kollagenosen, Vaskulitiden und Hautkrebserkrankung. Da viele weitere Hauterkrankungen verwandte oder vergleichbare immunologische Reaktionsmuster aufweisen, können pathophysiologisch ähnliche entzündliche Dermatosen möglicherweise auch mit ähnlichen therapeutischen Überlegungen und Schlussfolgerungen während der Pandemie behandelt werden. Daher soll diese Übersicht Behandlungsempfehlungen auf der Basis bisher publizierter Daten und Empfehlungen zu Therapieentscheidungen auch über die hier diskutierten, häufigsten Erkrankungen hinaus liefern.
Post‐socialist constitutions: The de jure–de facto gap, its effects and determinantsa
Authors: Metelska‐Szaniawska Katarzyna
Published: August 2020

The aim of this paper is to contribute to the debate on constitutional rules and their economic effects by extending focus to the de jure–de facto constitutional gap. First, evidence is provided that size of this gap matters as higher gaps lower the effectiveness of the constitutional commitment mechanism. Second, several explanations of this gap are identified, in particular relating to the democratization process, political conflict, age and comprehensiveness of the constitution. The conclusions are based on an empirical study for the unique setting of the post‐socialist countries of Europe and Asia, which all enacted new constitutional frameworks after 1989 and it is shown that in some of these countries constitutions acted as blueprints.
Inter‐observer variability of two grading systems for equine glandular gastric disease
Authors: Tallon Rose , Hewetson Michael
Published: August 2020

Background

Equine glandular gastric disease (EGGD) is recognised as a separate entity to equine squamous gastric disease (ESGD) and it is recommended that lesions are graded differently. Currently, no validated scoring system exists for EGGD.

Objectives

To determine inter‐observer reliability of two previously described grading systems for EGGD and to assess if agreement improved with gastroscopy experience, specialist training or familiarity with the descriptive system.

Study design

Cross‐sectional survey.

Methods

A link to an electronic questionnaire containing 20 images of glandular lesions was circulated. Respondents were asked to score lesions using descriptive terminology and a 0‐2 verbal rating scale (VRS). Krippendorff's alpha reliability estimate was used to assess inter‐rater agreement. A mixed effects model was used to determine which descriptive categories were associated with lesions being described as severe and decision to treat.

Results

Eighty‐two veterinarians responded, 49 diplomates and 33 non‐diplomates. There was no agreement when all four descriptive variables were combined (α = 0.19). Agreement was fair to moderate for severity (α = 0.52), distribution (α = 0.44), appearance (α = 0.38) and shape (α = 0.32). Agreement for the VRS was similar to that for severity (α = 0.53). Agreement was better among diplomates across all categories. Lesion appearance and shape, but not distribution, were associated with both a decision to treat; and lesions being described as severe (P =< .05). A VRS score 2/2 was associated with a lesion being described as severe (OR 75.2, 95% CI 51.12‐110.48, P =< .001).

Main limitations

Intra‐observer variability was not assessed. The number of images is relatively small, and the decision to treat is based on several factors in practice.

Conclusions

Overall, agreement for the descriptive system was poor. Better delineation of descriptive category boundaries and characteristics should be determined. Agreement was similar when comparing the severity category and the VRS. Extrapolation to a VRS based on lesion severity may therefore be possible.
Prevalence and risk factors of dual sensory impairment among community‐dwelling older adults in Selangor: A secondary data analysis
Authors: Mah Ho Y , Ishak Wan S , Abd Rahman Mohd H
Published: August 2020

Aim

The present study aimed to examine the prevalence of dual sensory impairment, and to identify its risk factors among community‐dwelling older adults in Selangor.

Methods

Secondary analysis was carried out on data collected by the Grand Challenge Project among older adults aged ≥65 years from Selangor. Data on sociodemographic information, medical history, cognitive function and functional performance were obtained through face‐to‐face interviews using standardized questionnaires. Visual acuity was measured using the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) chart while hearing was assessed using pure‐tone audiometry. Descriptive analysis was used to measure the prevalence of the impairments, and logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors.

Results

The prevalence of dual sensory impairment and hearing impairment were at 10.5% and 76.2% respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that participants with lower cognitive scores were associated with dual sensory impairment (odds ratio, 0.90; 95% confidence interval, 0.83–0.98), while smoking was found associated with hearing impairment (odds ratio, 6.58; 95% confidence interval, 1.51–28.65).

Conclusion

Dual sensory impairment is common among older adults in Selangor. The association between dual sensory impairment and cognitive function suggests the need to have visual and hearing screening on older adults for early detection particularly those at risk of cognitive impairment. The prevalence of hearing impairment was reported high among older adults and smokers appeared to be at higher risk of the impairment. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 911–916.
The acceptability and feasibility of using a 3D body size scale to initiate conversations about weight in toddlerhood: a mixed‐methods study
Authors: Tommerup Kristiane , Smith Andrea D. , Evans Elizabeth H. , Croker Helen , Steptoe Andrew , Tovee Martin J. , Fildes Alison , Llewellyn Clare
Published: August 2020

Background

Health Care Professionals struggle to initiate conversations about overweight in toddlerhood. A novel 3D body size scale (3D BSS) may facilitate engagement with this topic during pediatric appointments.

Objectives

To explore barriers and facilitators to using the 3D BSS through a mixed‐methods design.

Methods

For the qualitative phase, parents of toddlers (n = 38) participated in semi‐structured interviews introducing the 3D BSS of 4–5‐year‐old children. For the quantitative phase, pre‐ and post‐interview questionnaires were administered to ascertain the acceptability of the 3D BSS.

Results

Parents rated the 3D BSS as “very” (n = 20, 52.6%) to “moderately” (n = 12, 31.6%) acceptable. Thematic analysis revealed four barriers to acceptability: i) the sensitive nature of child weight, ii) the belief that weight does not determine health, iii) the visual normalisation of overweight and iv) the need to account for individual variation in growth patterns. However, these barriers could be overcome through three facilitators: i) the provision of expert guidance ii) the value of simple tools, and iii) tailoring conversations to familial needs.

Conclusions

Parents considered the 3D BSS an acceptable visual resource to discuss child weight during routine appointments. However, the acceptability of the tool was conditional on a sensitive, collaborative, and tailored delivery approach.
On Some Characteristics of Gaussian Covariance Functions
Authors: De Iaco Sandra , Posa Donato , Cappello Claudia , Maggio Sabrina
Published: August 2020

The concepts of isotropy/anisotropy and separability/non‐separability of a covariance function are strictly related. If a covariance function is separable, it cannot be isotropic or geometrically anisotropic, except for the Gaussian covariance function, which is the only model both separable and isotropic. In this paper, some interesting results concerning the Gaussian covariance model and its properties related to isotropy and separability are given, and moreover, some examples are provided. Finally, a discussion on asymmetric models, with Gaussian marginals, is furnished and the strictly positive definiteness condition is discussed.
The effectiveness and safety of beta antagonist in burned patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ma Jing , Hu Dingyao , Feng Zhen , Tang Jia , Guo Lanlan , Du Yali , Quan Jinxing
Published: August 2020

Beta antagonist is one of the most effective and the least toxic pharmacological treatments to attenuate the raised catecholamine effects for burned patients. To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of beta blocker compared with placebo or usual care in burned patients, a meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted. We searched the database of PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science to 10 April 2020. Two investigators independently assessed articles for inclusion and exclusion criteria and selected studies for the final analysis. We performed the meta‐analysis using a random‐effect model. A total of 12 RCTs were included in the study, including 1887 patients. Propranolol‐treated patients have a decrease in length of hospital stay in adults (weighted mean difference [WMD] = −9.06, 95% CIs = [−12.88, −5.24]) and prepare time of graft (WMD = −7.88, 95% CIs = [−12.27, −3.50]). Similarly, the use of propranolol could significantly decrease heart rate (WMD = −15.16, 95% CIs = [−20.37, −9.94]), rate pressure product (WMD = −1.32, 95% CIs = [−1.67, −0.97]), and mean arterial pressure (WMD = −2.75, 95% CIs = [−4.23, −1.26]). Moreover, there is no significant difference between propranolol and placebo with respect to mortality (risk difference [RD] = 0.00, 95% CIs [−0.03, 0.04]), sepsis (RD = −0.03, 95% CIs [−0.09, 0.03]), and events of post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and acute stress disorder (RD = −0.01, 95% CIs [−0.07, 0.05]), and also, there is no significant difference in subgroup analysis based on age. The use of beta antagonist in burned patients does reduce length of hospital stay in adults, shorten the preparation time for graft, and reduce heart burden, without increasing mortality, sepsis, or PTSD compared with those who had usual care or placebo. So beta antagonist can be considered as an appropriate treatment strategy in burned patients. More prospective, randomised‐controlled, multi‐centre studies were needed to define their place in therapeutic algorithms.
Urinary cMet as a prognostic marker in immunoglobulin A nephropathy
Authors: An Jung Nam , Li Lilin , Lee Junghun , Yu Seung‐Shin , Kim Jin Hyuk , Lee Jeonghwan , Kim Yong Chul , Kim Dong Ki , Oh Yun Kyu , Lim Chun Soo , Kim Yon Su , Kim Sunyoung , Yang Seung Hee , Lee Jung Pyo
Published: August 2020

The prediction of prognosis in patients with immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is challenging. We investigated the correlation between urinary cMet (ucMet) levels and clinical parameters and examined the effects of cMet agonistic antibody (cMet Ab) in an in vitro IgAN model. Patients diagnosed with IgAN (n = 194) were divided into three groups representing undetectable (Group 1), below‐median (Group 2) and above‐median (Group 3) levels of ucMet/creatinine (ucMet/Cr). Stained kidney biopsy samples were graded according to cMet intensity. Primary‐cultured human mesangial cells were stimulated with recombinant tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and treated with cMet Ab. Our results showed that ucMet/Cr levels positively correlated with proteinuria (P < .001). During the follow‐up, patients in Group 3 showed a significantly lower probability of complete remission (CR; uPCr < 300 mg/g) than those in groups 1 and 2, after adjusting for blood pressure, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and proteinuria, which influence clinical prognosis (HR 0.60, P = .038); moreover, ucMet/Cr levels were also associated with glomerular cMet expression. After TNF‐α treatment, the proliferation of mesangial cells and increased interleukin‐8 and intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 expression were markedly reduced by cMet Ab in vitro. In conclusion, ucMet/Cr levels significantly correlated with proteinuria, glomerular cMet expression, and the probability of CR. Further, cMet Ab treatment alleviated the inflammation and proliferation of mesangial cells. Hence, ucMet could serve as a clinically significant marker for treating IgAN.
Inhibition of root dentin demineralization by ion releasing cements
Authors: Huang Chan‐Te , Blatz Markus B. , Arce Celin , Lawson Nathaniel C.
Published: August 2020

Objectives

To compare the ability of resin‐modified glass ionomer (RMGI) and bioactive cements to prevent root dentin demineralization.

Materials and Methods

Fifty molars were prepared at the cementum‐enamel junction (n = 10) and restored with three bioactive cements (Activa Bioactive Cement, ACT; Ceramir Crown and Bridge, CER; and Theracem, THE), a self‐adhesive resin cement (Rely X Unicem 2, UNI), and a RMGI cement (Rely X Luting Plus, LUT). Specimens were cycled for 30 days between a demineralization solution (pH = 4) composed of 0.1 M lactic acid and 3 mM Ca3(PO4)2 for 4 hours and a remineralization solution (pH = 7.0) composed of 1.5 mM Ca, 0.9 mM P, and 20 mM Tris(hydroxymethyl)‐aminomethane for 20 hours. Specimens were sectioned to 100 μm and evaluated with polarized light microscopy. A line was drawn parallel with the zone of demineralization for each tooth. The areas of “inhibition” (external to the line) were measured as positive values and “wall lesions” (pulpal to the line) were measured as negative areas.

Results

Significant differences were found between materials for “inhibition/wall lesion” areas in root dentin (P < .001) and ranked as (μm2, mean ± SD): LUT (7700 ± 2500) > CER (3800 ± 1900), THE (2100 ± 2600), and ACT (1400 ± 700) > UNI (−2000 ± 1700).

Conclusions

Bioactive cements showed net areas of demineralization inhibition albeit at a lower level than a reference RMGI cement.

Clinical Significance

RMGI or bioactive cements may be indicated for patients at risk of secondary caries around crown margins.
Mystery pufferfish create elaborate circular nests at mesophotic depths in Australia
Authors: Bond Todd , Mueller Robert J. , Birt Matthew J. , Prince Jane , Miller Karen , Partridge Julian C. , McLean Dianne L.
Published: August 2020

In 2011, the enigma of “mystery circles,” small but complex underwater structures first observed by divers from southern Japan in 1995, was solved when a new species of pufferfish, white‐spotted pufferfish (Torquigener albomaculosus Matsuura 2014), was identified as the responsible agent. To date these circles have been described only from Japan, where they are formed on a sandy seafloor in water depths less than 30 m. A survey of oil field infrastructure on the North West Shelf of Western Australia in 2018 using a remotely operated vehicle and hybrid autonomous underwater vehicle (HAUV) recorded a high‐resolution video and bathymetric data of 21 circular formations with similar features to those described in Japan. The circles display dimensions and morphology like those described from Japan, but were observed in water depths between 129 and 137 m. The HAUV also recorded high‐resolution photographs which captured a Torquigener sp. fish in the immediate vicinity of the circles. An additional circle and Torquigener sp. were observed in images collected by baited remote underwater stereo‐video in a nearby location in 129 m depth. These circles are the first to be found in Australia. The pufferfish species responsible cannot be identified from images collected. Such a discovery not only generates intrigue and wonder among scientists and the general public but also provides an insight into the reproductive behaviour and evolution of pufferfish globally.
Co‐Occurrence of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms and Frailty among Community‐Dwelling Older Men
Authors: Bauer Scott R. , Scherzer Rebecca , Suskind Anne M. , Cawthon Peggy , Ensrud Kristine E. , Ricke William A. , Covinsky Kenneth , Marshall Lynn M. ,   for the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) Research Group
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

To estimate associations between lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and phenotypic frailty in older men.

DESIGN

Cross‐sectional study.

SETTING

Community‐dwelling men recruited from 2000 to 2002 from six U.S. academic centers for the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 5,979 men aged 65 and older.

MEASUREMENTS

The independent variable was LUTS severity (none/mild, moderate, or severe) assessed with the American Urologic Association Symptom Index. Participants were categorized as frail, intermediate stage, or robust using an adapted Cardiovascular Health Study index (components: low lean mass, weakness, exhaustion, slowness, and low physical activity). Associations were estimated with odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) from multivariable multinomial logistic regression models adjusted for potential confounders of age, other demographics, health‐related behaviors, and comorbidities.

RESULTS

The prevalence of frailty was 7%, 11%, and 18% among men with none/mild, moderate, and severe LUTS, respectively. Moderate and severe LUTS, overall and by storage and voiding subscores, were associated with higher odds of both intermediate stage and frailty in all models. After adjustment for confounders, the odds of frailty was 1.41 times higher among men with moderate LUTS (95% CI = 1.14–1.74) and 2.51 times higher among men with severe LUTS (95% CI = 1.76–3.55), compared with none/mild LUTS. Severe LUTS was associated with a greater odds of individual frailty components exhaustion and low physical activity.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of phenotypic frailty is higher among older community‐dwelling men with moderate or severe LUTS compared with those with mild or no LUTS. The positive association between LUTS severity and frailty among older men appears independent of age and known frailty risk factors. Although the temporal direction of this association and the utility of LUTS or frailty interventions in this population remain unclear, the high co‐occurrence of these conditions could lead to earlier identification of frailty when clinically appropriate.
Biomarker changes with systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Seo Joonbum , Payne Jessie Rosie , Novo Matos Jose , Fong Wesley Wynne , Connolly David J. , Luis Fuentes Virginia
Published: August 2020

Background

N‐terminal pro B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) and cardiac troponin‐I (cTnI) are biomarkers commonly evaluated in cats with suspected heart disease. Many cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) have systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve (SAM), but its influence on circulating NT‐proBNP or cTnI concentrations is currently unknown.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Cats with HCM and SAM (HCMSAM+) have higher NT‐proBNP and cTnI concentrations than do cats with HCM but without SAM (HCMSAM−).

Animals

One hundred forty cats with HCM: 70 with SAM and 70 without SAM.

Methods

Retrospective case‐to‐case study. Cats were recruited if diagnosed with HCM by echocardiography and results were available for NT‐proBNP or cTnI concentrations or both. Cats with SAM were matched to those without SAM for clinical presentation, left atrial (LA) size and left ventricular (LV) fractional shortening.

Results

A total of 119 NT‐proBNP and 123 cTnI results were available. The HCMSAM+ cats had higher median concentrations than did HCMSAM− cats for NT‐proBNP (729 pmoL/L; interquartile range [IQR], 275‐1467 versus 65 pmoL/L; IQR, 25‐271; P < .001) and cTnI (0.27 ng/mL; IQR, 0.10‐0.81 versus 0.07 ng/mL; IQR, 0.01‐0.43; P = .002). In general linear models for both NT‐proBNP and cTnI, the independent explanatory variables were SAM, congestive heart failure, maximal LV wall thickness, and LA size.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

For cats with HCM and equivalent LA size and LV systolic function, those with SAM had higher NT‐proBNP and cTnI concentrations than did those without SAM. Presence of SAM should be considered when interpreting biomarker concentrations in cats with HCM.
Interpreters of International Economic Law: Corporations and Bureaucrats in Contest over Chile's Nutrition Label
Authors: Dorlach Tim , Mertenskötter Paul
Published: August 2020

This article analyzes the everyday interpretive practices of corporations and bureaucrats that shape the meaning and force of international economic law. To understand how common practices such as public consultation submissions, corporate threat letters, and external legal assistance influence regulators' understanding of their “legally available” policy space, we study the contested introduction of a pioneering nutrition labeling regulation in Chile. The transnational food industry powerfully challenged the regulation's legality under World Trade Organization law. But Chilean health bureaucrats, in coordination with segments of the country's legally highly competent economic bureaucracy, effectively defended the legality of their proposed regulatory measure. Drawing on data from freedom-of-information requests and in-depth interviews, the article argues that the outcomes of such interpretive contests are substantially shaped by participants' knowledge of the entitlements created by international economic law and thus by the international legal expertise they have access to. This often but not always puts transnational corporations at an advantage over national regulators in the strategic interpretation of international economic law.
Coping with Precariousness: How Social Insurance Law Shapes Workers' Survival Strategies in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Tu Phuong
Published: August 2020

This article examines the role of social insurance law in the survival strategies of factory workers in Vietnam, especially when they are faced with pressing family needs and an uncertain future. Despite the official discourse of the law which encourages employees to accumulate social insurance for their pension benefits, workers in this study have considered their social insurance fund as a form of saving and opted to gain early access to it when they are in desperate need of money. Workers understand and use the law in a way that answers to their needs; however, such action simultaneously puts them outside the protection of the law. In workers' daily struggles, law generates a moral tension between rights and needs, and ultimately perpetuates their precarious, vulnerable condition. The article demonstrates how workers' legal consciousness varies according to their perception of their precariousness, a precariousness generated by the fragile nature of their work and underpinned by their traditional familial moral obligations. This research advances our understanding of the way state law in postsocialist regimes informs social action and consciousness in ways that oftentimes contradict the spirit of the law.
Developing and Validating an Academic Vocabulary List in Russian: A Computational Approach
Authors: TALALAKINA EKATERINA , STUKAL DENIS , KAMROTOV MIKHAIL
Published: August 2020

To date, attempts at empirically validating a construct of academic vocabulary in the form of a frequency list in languages other than English remain conspicuously absent in peer‐reviewed journals. This study aims to close this gap by using Russian as a case study to develop an academic vocabulary list and prove its viability through a variety of data science methods, including cross‐validation and out‐of‐sample coverage. Our findings support the utility of such a construct in Russian and its potential impact on teaching Russian for academic purposes.
Primitivism in theZhuangzi: An introduction
Authors: Saunders Frank
Published: August 2020

Books 8–10 and sections of books 11–16 of theZhuangzianthology represent an important and underappreciated contribution to Warring States ethical and political philosophy, known as “primitivism.” This article offers a general introduction to Zhuangist primitivism. It focuses on primitivism's exploration and development of a normative conception of human nature, particularlyxing性, as well as primitivism's subsequent rejection of the elaborate moral, social, political, and cultural artifices championed by their philosophical opponents, chiefly the Ruists and the Mohists. After a brief introduction to Zhuangist primitivism and the limited scholarship on it, I divide this discussion into three parts pertaining to the primitivists' three distinct approaches to and uses of human nature, which in turn serve as the basis for primitivist ethics and political thought.
Grasslands and savannahs in the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration
Authors: Dudley Nigel , Eufemia Luca , Fleckenstein Martina , Periago Maria E. , Petersen Ilka , Timmers Jean F.
Published: August 2020

Grasslands and savannahs are suffering heavy losses from degradation and conversion. The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration offers important opportunities to address these losses through a range of restoration techniques. However, if poorly planned, the Decade could undermine some remaining natural and semi‐natural grassland and savannah ecosystems by encouraging afforestation on these areas, thus acting as a perverse incentive. This article outlines the main issues and steps needed to ensure that the Decade creates positive outcomes for these important and highly biodiverse ecosystems: (1) better understanding of status and trends in degraded and converted grasslands and savannahs; (2) making the case for grassland and savannah restoration at both national and international levels; (3) ensuring post‐2020 biodiversity conservation targets address all natural ecosystems; (4) improving selection tools for restoration to avoid displacing valuable ecosystems; and (5) identifying successful grassland and savannah restoration approaches that address ecological, cultural, and social needs.
Neuromuscular fatigability amplitude and aetiology are interrelated across muscles
Authors: Chartogne Martin , Rahmani Abderrahmane , Nicolon Lucie , Jubeau Marc , Morel Baptiste
Published: August 2020

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Is neuromuscular fatigability interrelated between different muscle groups from the same individual during isometric all‐out exercise?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Although the average decrease can vary between muscles, an individual demonstrates interrelated fatigability aetiology regardless of the muscle group tested. The inter‐individual variability provides evidence of different profiles common between muscles, which can be regarded as an individual characteristic.

Neuromuscular fatigability is commonly attributed to central and peripheral origins. However, there is strong evidence of interactions between these two mechanisms. According to the idea that peripheral fatigability might be centrally regulated, one can hypothesize that neuromuscular fatigability would be correlated between different muscle groups at the individual level.

Thirty‐two healthy participants (16 women and 16 men) completed two 5 min fatiguing exercises [60 isometric maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs)] with finger flexors (FFs) and ankle plantar flexors (PFs) in two randomized sessions. Neuromuscular testing was conducted before, during (every six MVCs) and directly after the fatigue procedure. The force asymptote (FA) was calculated as the asymptote of the force–time relationship. Changes (post‐ vs. pre‐fatigue) in the exercise‐evoked force (ΔDb100), voluntary activation (ΔVA) and central activation ratio (∆CAR) were also investigated.

Significant correlations were found between FFs and PFs for FA, ΔDb100 and ΔVA (r = 0.65, r = 0.63 and r = 0.50, respectively). A significant negative correlation between ∆CAR and ∆Db100 was evidenced for both PFs (r = −0.82) and FFs (r = −0.57).

Neuromuscular fatigability is correlated between different muscle groups at the individual level. The results support the idea that a restrained motor drive prevents large peripheral perturbations and that individuals exhibit correlated fatigability aetiology regardless of the muscle group tested. Widely different central/peripheral profiles can be found amongst individuals, and a part of the fatigability aetiology can be regarded as an individual characteristic.
Mapeamento de Suscetibilidade a Movimentos de Massa a partir de Redes Neurais Artificiais
Authors: Quevedo Renata Pacheco , Oliveira Guilherme Garcia de , Guasselli Laurindo Antonio
Published: August 2020

Os movimentos de massa são um dos principais fenômenos responsáveis por desastres naturais no Brasil. O mapeamento pode auxiliar no ordenamento territorial das áreas suscetíveis. As redes neurais artificiais se destacam na modelagem e mapeamento de suscetibilidade por sua elevada acurácia, capacidade de aprendizagem e generalização dos resultados. Assim, este estudo teve como objetivo mapear áreas suscetíveis a movimentos de massa, considerando quatro conjuntos amostrais, a partir de um modelo de RNA. Para tal, foi elaborado um inventário de cicatrizes, extraídos atributos do terreno e analisados conforme sua importância para os modelos, organizados os conjuntos amostrais conforme duas áreas amostrais e dois processos de reamostragem, realizados treinamentos, validação e teste dos modelos, e reclassificação e espacialização das áreas suscetíveis. Foram identificadas 297 cicatrizes de movimentos de massa, as quais cobriram uma área de 1,06 km². As variáveis preditivas que apresentaram maior importância foram a elevação, seguida pela declividade, fator LS e profundidade do vale. Foi observado que a restrição de área para coleta de amostras aleatórias de não ocorrência pode afetar a capacidade de generalização do modelo, enquanto a redução do conjunto amostral de treinamento diminui o tempo de processamento, sem interferir significativamente na acurácia. Pode-se concluir que as RNA se mostraram capazes de modelar as áreas suscetíveis, com acurácia no mapeamento próximas ou superiores a 0,9.
Proposta de Simbologia para Representação de Ambientes Indoor por Meio de Testes com Usuários
Authors: Sarot Rhaíssa Viana , Delazari Luciene Stamato
Published: August 2020

O design dos mapas envolve o processo de generalização do ambiente físico, ou seja, do ambiente em que vivemos, através da representação dos seus elementos naturais e culturais e suas características pelo uso de símbolos. No entanto, a cartografia indoor, dedicada à elaboração de mapas que representam o interior de edifícios, não recebeu muita atenção apesar do crescimento nesta área do mercado de mapeamento. Desta forma, faz-se a proposição e avaliação de um tipo de simbologia gráfica para representação de elementos pertencentes ao ambiente indoor. A pesquisa propõe avaliar e utilizar simbologia gráfica específica para representação de elementos pertencentes ao ambiente indoor, de forma a minimizar problemas relacionados à orientação espacial do usuário decorrentes do uso de simbologia não adequada para tais ambientes. Assim, foi realizada uma pesquisa empírica qualitativa com uma amostra aleatória de usuários, para verificar a preferência subjetiva dos usuários em relação à simbologia proposta para um mapa indoor em planta baixa. Nos testes realizados os usuários foram questionados sobre suas preferências relacionadas a cor e forma dos símbolos, de modo a relacionar o uso da simbologia diretamente às atividades realizadas no ambiente físico, sendo considerado o fenômeno espacial “Tipos de uso do Espaço Indoor” como elemento a ser representado. Os resultados apontam uma tendência na escolha da cor utilizada nas classes do fenômeno representado. De acordo com os usuários os tipos de cores ciano, amarelo, vermelho, verde e azul escuro estão respectivamente relacionados aos espaços voltados aos banheiros, ensino (salas de aula e laboratórios), uso comercial, uso administrativo e escritórios. As classes “áreas de uso comum” e “sem informação” apesar de definidas respectivamente pelas cores roxo e cinza, não foram compreendidas pelos usuários. Em relação a simbologia gráfica, são fornecidos dezoito símbolos derivados de empresas privadas, do manual de simbologia da ISO e turística, que relacionam as tarefas específicas dos usuários com determinados espaços do ambiente. Os resultados mostram que símbolos derivados de empresas privadas aumentam o número de erros e incertezas em relação ao seu significado comparando com os símbolos derivados dos manuais de simbologia da ISO e simbologia turística.
Proposta Metodológica de Alta Acurácia para Delimitação de Áreas de Inundação Urbana: Um Estudo de Caso em Itaqui-RS, Brasil
Authors: Silva Robert Martins da , Moreira Virnei Silva , Lopes Alexandre Bernardino , Araújo Paulo Victor do Nascimento , Cortes Alessandra Ferreira
Published: August 2020

O conhecimento do relevo terrestre sempre foi de grande importância para a humanidade, e o modo de sua representação é objeto de constante e múltiplos estudos. O objetivo desse trabalho foi desenvolver uma proposta metodológica para elaboração de um Modelo Digital de Elevação, integrando dados geodésicos de alta acurácia e dados hidrológicos para monitoramento das áreas afetadas pelas recorrentes inundações do Rio Uruguai na cidade de Itaqui, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Para tanto foi aplicada uma metodologia baseada na associação de dados provenientes de diferentes fontes, e que juntos retornam um produto final preciso e confiável para mapeamento de inundações urbanas. Para início do trabalho foi realizado a vinculação da série temporal da cota do Rio Uruguai à rede altimétrica nacional, por meio de nivelamento geométrico entre uma Referência de Nível (RN) e a régua linimétrica do rio. Na segunda parte do trabalho foi realizado um levantamento de pontos altimétricos, utilizando o sistema de navegação global por satélites - do inglês Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). Além disso, realizou-se a conversão das altitudes geométricas em ortométricas e sua correção com o uso do modelo geoidal oficial brasileiro. A terceira etapa do trabalho consistiu na geração de modelos digitais de elevação e uma análise estatística para validação e classificação dos modelos. Conseguiu-se elaborar um mapa de zoneamento de risco e simular as áreas afetadas pelas inundações históricas ocorridas nos anos de 1983 e 2017, sendo essas simulações validadas através do comparativo entre a resposta do modelo e os registros fotográficos das épocas em questão. O estudo demonstra uma ferramenta para gerenciamento das áreas suscetíveis a inundações adequadas a realidade e a possibilidade de investimentos do município, podendo aplicá-la de forma preventiva no intuito de reduzir as perdas e gastos resultantes dos eventos extremos ocorridos na cidade.
Registro das Oscilações Climáticas do Holoceno Tardio no Estuário do Rio Piraquê-Açu (ES - Brasil)
Authors: Laut Lazaro , Clemente Iara , Pereira Egberto , Nascimento Kleverson Alencastre do , De Vasconcelos Sérgio Cadena , Belart Pierre , Bastos Alex Cardoso
Published: August 2020

Os foraminíferos têm sido usados como importante ferramenta para identificação de mudanças climáticas ao longo de todo o Cenozoico, pois apresentam alto grau de preservação e respondem rapidamente às oscilações ambientais. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo identificar mudanças climáticas e variações da influência do mar, durante o Holoceno tardio, no estuário do rio Piraquê-Açu (ES, Brasil). O estudo baseou-se na caracterização das associações de foraminíferos bentônicos e nos resultados de δ13C e δ18O nas testas de Ammonia tepida realizadas nos testemunhos PA05 (2411 AP) e PA20 (1632 AP). Nos testemunhos foram identificadas 16 espécies de foraminíferos bentônicos, sendo algumas típicas de ambientes de plataforma continental (e.g. Lagena spp., Spiroloculina eximia, Oolina spp., Pyrulina gutta, Cibicidoides variabilis) e quatro espécies comuns aos ambientes estuarinos do Brasil (Ammonia parkinsoniana, A. tepida, Cribroelphidium excavatum e Bolivina striatula). Os resultados obtidos permitem identificar ao longo da sequência sedimentar quatro períodos mais frios: final da Idade do Ferro (≈ 1000 a.C.), Greek Dark Ages (≈450 a.C. - 100 a.C.), Dark Ages (≈250 d.C. - 550 d.C.) e a Pequena Idade do Gelo (≈1200 d.C. e 1850 d.C.). Nestes períodos o estuário apresentou um aumento do confinamento que pode ser visto pela redução nos valores dos índices ecológicos e na presença somente de espécies de foraminíferos tipicamente estuarinos. Quatro períodos de aquecimento ficaram registrados na sequência sedimentar: Período de Aquecimento Grego (≈900 a.C. - 450 a.C.), Período de Aquecimento Romano (≈ 50 d.C. - 250 d.C), Período de Aquecimento Medieval (≈550 d.C - 1200 d.C.), e o quarto evento representa o aquecimento que iniciou a partir do início do século XIX. Durante os eventos de aquecimento os índices ecológicos apresentam maiores valores e as espécies de hábito marinho foram mais constantes no registro sedimentar.