bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drought tolerance in selected aerobic and upland rice varieties is driven by different metabolic and antioxidative responses
Authors: Melandri Giovanni , AbdElgawad Hamada , Floková Kristýna , Jamar Diaan C. , Asard Han , Beemster Gerrit T. S. , Ruyter-Spira Carolien , Bouwmeester Harro J.
Published: June 2021

Main conclusions

Sugar-mediated osmotic acclimation and a strong antioxidative response reduce drought-induced biomass loss at the vegetative stage in rice.

A clear understanding of the physiological and biochemical adaptations to water limitation in upland and aerobic rice can help to identify the mechanisms underlying their tolerance to low water availability. In this study, three indica rice varieties-IR64 (lowland), Apo (aerobic), and UPL Ri-7 (upland)-, that are characterized by contrasting levels of drought tolerance, were exposed to drought at the vegetative stage. Drought-induced changes in biomass, leaf metabolites and oxidative stress markers/enzyme activities were analyzed in each variety at multiple time points. The two drought-tolerant varieties, Apo and UPL Ri-7 displayed a reduced water use in contrast to the susceptible variety IR64 that displayed high water consumption and consequent strong leaf dehydration upon drought treatment. A sugar-mediated osmotic acclimation in UPL Ri-7 and a strong antioxidative response in Apo were both effective in limiting the drought-induced biomass loss in these two varieties, while biomass loss was high in IR64, also after recovery. A qualitative comparison of these results with the ones of a similar experiment conducted in the field at the reproductive stage showed that only Apo, which also in this stage showed the highest antioxidant power, was able to maintain a stable grain yield under stress. Our results show that different metabolic and antioxidant adaptations confer drought tolerance to aerobic and upland rice varieties in the vegetative stage. The effectiveness of these adaptations differs between developmental stages. Unraveling the genetic control of these mechanisms might be exploited in breeding for new rice varieties adapted to water-limited environments.
Status quo of ALK testing in lung cancer: results of an EQA scheme based on in-situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, and RNA/DNA sequencing
Authors: Jurmeister Philipp , Vollbrecht Claudia , Jöhrens Korinna , Aust Daniela , Behnke Anke , Stenzinger Albrecht , Penzel Roland , Endris Volker , Schirmacher Peter , Fisseler-Eckhoff Annette , Neumann Jens , Kirchner Thomas , Büttner Reinhard , Merkelbach-Bruse Sabine , Kreipe Hans , Jonigk Danny , Jochum Wolfram , Rodriguez Regulo , Dietel Manfred , Horst David , Hummel Michael , von Laffert Maximilian
Published: June 2021

With this external quality assessment (EQA) scheme, we aim to investigate the diagnostic performance of the currently available methods for the detection of ALK alterations in non-small cell lung cancer on a national scale, namely, in situ hybridization (ISH), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and RNA/DNA sequencing (NGS). The EQA scheme cohort consisted of ten specimens, including four ALK positive and six ALK negative samples, which were thoroughly pretested using IHC, ISH, and RNA/DNA NGS. Unstained tumor sections were provided to the 57 participants, and the results were retrieved via an online questionnaire. ISH was used by 29, IHC by 38, and RNA/DNA sequencing by 19 participants. Twenty-eight institutions (97%) passed the ring trial using ISH, 33 (87%) by using IHC, and 18 (95%) by using NGS. The highest sensitivity and interrater agreement (Fleiss ‘ kappa) was observed for RNA/DNA sequencing (99%, 0.975), followed by ISH (94%, 0.898) and IHC (92%, 0.888). However, the proportion of samples that were not evaluable due to bad tissue quality was also higher for RNA/DNA sequencing (4%) compared with ISH (0.7%) and IHC (0.5%). While all three methods produced reliable results between the different institutions, the highest sensitivity and concordance were observed for RNA/DNA sequencing. These findings encourage the broad implementation of this method in routine diagnostic, although the application might be limited by technical capacity, economical restrictions, and tissue quality of formalin-fixed samples.
Interhemispheric co-alteration of brain homotopic regions
Authors: Cauda Franco , Nani Andrea , Liloia Donato , Gelmini Gabriele , Mancuso Lorenzo , Manuello Jordi , Panero Melissa , Duca Sergio , Zang Yu-Feng , Costa Tommaso
Published: June 2021

Asymmetries in gray matter alterations raise important issues regarding the pathological co-alteration between hemispheres. Since homotopic areas are the most functionally connected sites between hemispheres and gray matter co-alterations depend on connectivity patterns, it is likely that this relationship might be mirrored in homologous interhemispheric co-altered areas. To explore this issue, we analyzed data of patients with Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and depressive disorder from the BrainMap voxel-based morphometry database. We calculated a map showing the pathological homotopic anatomical co-alteration between homologous brain areas. This map was compared with the meta-analytic homotopic connectivity map obtained from the BrainMap functional database, so as to have a meta-analytic connectivity modeling map between homologous areas. We applied an empirical Bayesian technique so as to determine a directional pathological co-alteration on the basis of the possible tendencies in the conditional probability of being co-altered of homologous brain areas. Our analysis provides evidence that: the hemispheric homologous areas appear to be anatomically co-altered; this pathological co-alteration is similar to the pattern of connectivity exhibited by the couples of homologues; the probability to find alterations in the areas of the left hemisphere seems to be greater when their right homologues are also altered than vice versa, an intriguing asymmetry that deserves to be further investigated and explained.
Discordances between pediatric and adult thresholds in the diagnosis of hypertension in adolescents with CKD
Authors: Black Elizabeth , Lee Jason , Flynn Joseph T. , McCulloch Charles E. , Samuels Joshua A. , Seth Divya , Warady Bradley , Furth Susan , Mitsnefes Mark , Ku Elaine
Published: June 2021

Background

Adolescents with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are a unique population with a high prevalence of hypertension. Management of hypertension during the transition from adolescence to adulthood can be challenging given differences in normative blood pressure values in adolescents compared with adults.

Methods

In this retrospective analysis of the Chronic Kidney Disease in Children Cohort Study, we compared pediatric versus adult definitions of ambulatory- and clinic-diagnosed hypertension in their ability to discriminate risk for left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and kidney failure using logistic and Cox models, respectively.

Results

Overall, among 363 adolescents included for study, the prevalence of systolic hypertension was 27%, 44%, 12%, and 9% based on pediatric ambulatory, adult ambulatory, pediatric clinic, and adult clinic definitions, respectively. All definitions of hypertension were statistically significantly associated with LVH except for the adult ambulatory definition. Presence of ambulatory hypertension was associated with 2.6 times higher odds of LVH using pediatric definitions (95% CI 1.4–5.1) compared to 1.4 times higher odds using adult definitions (95% CI 0.8–3.0). The c-statistics for discrimination of LVH was statistically significantly higher for the pediatric definition of ambulatory hypertension (c=0.61) compared to the adult ambulatory definition (c=0.54), and the Akaike Information Criterion was lower for the pediatric definition. All definitions were associated with progression to kidney failure.

Conclusion

Overall, there was not a substantial difference in pediatric versus adult definitions of hypertension in predicting kidney outcomes, but there was slightly better risk discrimination of the risk of LVH with the pediatric definition of ambulatory hypertension.

Graphical abstract
Mastication, swallowing, and salivary flow in patients with head and neck cancer: objective tests versus patient-reported outcomes
Authors: Vermaire Jorine A. , Raaijmakers Cornelis P. J. , Verdonck-de Leeuw Irma M. , Jansen Femke , Leemans C. René , Terhaard Chris H. J. , Speksnijder Caroline M.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Before and after treatment for head and neck cancer (HNC), many patients have problems with mastication, swallowing, and salivary flow. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between objective test outcomes of mastication, swallowing, and salivary flow versus patient-reported outcomes (PROs) measuring mastication-, swallowing-, and salivary flow–related quality of life.

Methods

Data of the prospective cohort “Netherlands Quality of Life and Biomedical Cohort Study” was used as collected before treatment, and 3 and 6 months after treatment. Spearman’s rho was used to test the association between objective test outcomes of the mixing ability test (MAT) for masticatory performance, the water-swallowing test (WST) for swallowing performance, and the salivary flow test versus PROs (subscales of the EORTC QLQ-H&N35, Swallow Quality of Life questionnaire (SWAL-QoL-NL) and Groningen Radiation-Induced Xerostomia (GRIX)).

Results

Data of 142 patients were used, and in total, 285 measurements were performed. No significant correlations were found between the MAT or WST and subscales of the EORTC QLQ-H&N35. Significant but weak correlations were found between the MAT or WST and 4 subscales of the SWAL-QoL-NL. Weak to moderate correlations were found between the salivary flow test and GRIX at 3 and 6 months after treatment, with the highest correlation between salivary flow and xerostomia during the day (Spearman’s rho =  − 0.441, p = 0.001).

Conclusion

The association between objective test outcomes and PROs is weak, indicating that these outcome measures provide different information about masticatory performance, swallowing, and salivary flow in patients with HNC.
On the Morse index of branched Willmore spheres in 3-space
Authors: Michelat Alexis
Published: June 2021

We develop a general method to compute the Morse index of branched Willmore spheres and show that the Morse index is equal to the index of certain matrix whose dimension is equal to the number of ends of the dual minimal surface (when the latter exists). As a corollary, we find that for allimmersedWillmore spheres$$\vec {\Phi }:S^2\rightarrow \mathbb {R}^3$$Φ→:S2→R3such that$$W(\vec {\Phi })=4\pi n$$W(Φ→)=4πn, we have$$\mathrm {Ind}_{W}(\vec {\Phi })\le n-1$$IndW(Φ→)≤n-1.
Managing diabetes in diabetic patients with COVID: where do we start from?
Authors: Avogaro Angelo , Bonora Benedetta , Fadini Gian Paolo
Published: June 2021

Aims

COVID-19 has and still is sweeping away the national health systems worldwide. In this review, we sought to determine the evidence base proofs on the antidiabetic treatment capable to reduce the risk of COVID-19-related mortality.

Methods

We have performed a systematic search of published articles using PubMed, and EMBASE from March 2020 to March 31st, 2021. We excluded editorials, commentary, letters to the editor, reviews, and studies that did not have mortality as an outcome. For metformin and insulin only, we performed a meta-analysis using Cochrane RevMan 5.2.

Results

Among antidiabetic drugs, metformin was the only drug associated with a reduced risk of mortality. Conversely, insulin appears associated with an increased risk. The other classes of drugs were neutral.

Conclusions

The totality of articles reports retrospective data strongly affected by “channeling bias” so that most of the existing results on each class of drugs are driven by the phenotype of patients likely to receive that specific drug by prescription.
The role of environmental sensitivity in the development of rumination and depressive symptoms in childhood: a longitudinal study
Authors: Lionetti Francesca , Klein Daniel N. , Pastore Massimiliano , Aron Elaine N. , Aron Arthur , Pluess Michael
Published: June 2021

Some children are more affected than others by their upbringing due to their increased sensitivity to the environment. More sensitive children are at heightened risk for the development of internalizing problems, particularly when experiencing unsupportive parenting. However, little is known about how the interplay between children’s sensitivity and parenting leads to higher levels of depressive symptoms. In the current study, we investigated the interaction between early parenting and children’s sensitivity on levels of depressive symptomatology in middle childhood, exploring the role of rumination as a possible mediator in a community sample. Participants included 196 USA resident families, from a middle class and mostly European–American background, and their healthy children, followed up from age 3 until 9 and 12 years. Environmental sensitivity was assessed observationally when children were 3 years old. Parenting style was based on parent-report at the age of 3 years. When children were nine, they completed questionnaires on rumination and depressive symptoms (repeated at 12 years). Analyses were run applying a Bayesian approach. Children’s sensitivity interacted with permissive parenting in predicting rumination at age 9. Rumination, in turn, was associated with depressive symptoms at age 9 and, to a lesser extent, at age 12. No relevant interactions emerged for authoritative and authoritarian parenting. Sensitive children may be at heightened risk for internalizing problems when exposed to a permissive parenting style. Permissive parenting was associated with increased ruminative coping strategies in sensitive children which, in turn, predicted higher levels of depression. Hence, rumination emerged as an important cognitive risk factor for the development of depressive symptoms in sensitive children.
Homogeneity of cognitive and behavioural processes underlying the relationship between insomnia and body image disturbance
Authors: Akram Umair , Allen Sarah F. , Stevenson Jodie C. , Lazuras Lambros , Ackroyd Millicent , Chester Jessica , Longden Jessica , Peters Chloe , Irvine Kamila R.
Published: June 2021

Specific cognitive behavioural mechanisms related to selective attention, situational avoidance and physical appearance are implicated in the development and maintenance of insomnia and negative reinforcement of body image disturbances. Therefore, we examined whether these processes potentially mediate the relationship between insomnia and body image perception. N = 728 participants completed self-reported measures of sleep-associated monitoring, insomnia symptoms, body image disturbance and coping with body image challenges. Symptoms of insomnia and sleep-associated monitoring behaviour were independently related to increased reports of body image disturbance, cognitive distortions of body image, appearance fixing (i.e. altering appearance by covering, camouflaging or correcting the perceived defect), avoidance (i.e. attempt to escape or avert stressful body image situations) and reduced levels of positive rationale acceptance (i.e. acceptance of the challenging event and positive self-care or rationale self-talk about one’s appearance). More crucially, sleep-related monitoring on awakening, cognitive distortion of body image and negative coping strategies related to body image (i.e. appearance fixing, avoidance, rationale acceptance) mediated the relationship between reports of body image disturbance and insomnia symptoms. The current findings expand upon previous research demonstrating consistent relationships between poor sleep and increased dissatisfaction with cutaneous features, by providing novel evidence that body image disturbances are associated with symptoms of insomnia. More crucially, we highlight the role of particular cognitive and behavioural mechanisms pertaining to sleep (i.e. selective attention for physical signs of poor sleep) and body image (i.e. avoidance and rationale acceptance) which may be targeted as part of cognitive behavioural treatments.
Altered capsaicin levels in domesticated chili pepper varieties affect the interaction between a generalist herbivore and its ectoparasitoid
Authors: Chabaane Yosra , Marques Arce Carla , Glauser Gaëtan , Benrey Betty
Published: June 2021

Plant domestication has commonly reduced levels of secondary metabolites known to confer resistance against insects. Chili pepper is a special case because the fruits of different varieties have been selected for lower and higher levels of capsaicin, the main compound associated with defence. This may have important consequences for insect herbivores and their natural enemies. Despite the widespread consumption of chili peppers worldwide, the effects of capsaicin on insects are poorly understood. Here, we investigated the effect of capsaicin on a generalist herbivore, Spodoptera latifascia (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and its ectoparasitoid, Euplectrus platyhypenae (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae). Using chili varieties with three pungency levels: non-pungent (Padron), mild (Cayenne) and highly pungent (Habanero), as well as artificial diets spiked with three different levels of synthetic capsaicin, we determined whether higher capsaicin levels negatively affect the performance of these insects. Overall, capsaicin had a negative effect on both herbivore and parasitoid performance, particularly at high concentrations. Caterpillars reared on highly pungent fruits and high-capsaicin diet had longer development time, reduced pupation success, lower adult emergence, but also lower parasitism rates than caterpillars reared on mild or non-capsaicin treatments. In addition, we found that the caterpillars were capable of sequestering capsaicinoids in their haemolymph when fed on the high pungent variety with consequences for parasitoids’ performance and oviposition decisions. These results increase our understanding of the role of capsaicin as a chemical defence against insects and its potential implications for pest management.
Construction of a quality model for machine learning systems
Authors: Siebert Julien , Joeckel Lisa , Heidrich Jens , Trendowicz Adam , Nakamichi Koji , Ohashi Kyoko , Namba Isao , Yamamoto Rieko , Aoyama Mikio
Published: June 2021

Nowadays, systems containing components based on machine learning (ML) methods are becoming more widespread. In order to ensure the intended behavior of a software system, there are standards that define necessary qualities of the system and its components (such as ISO/IEC 25010). Due to the different nature of ML, we have to re-interpret existing qualities for ML systems or add new ones (such as trustworthiness). We have to be very precise about which quality property is relevant for which entity of interest (such as completeness of training data or correctness of trained model), and how to objectively evaluate adherence to quality requirements. In this article, we present how to systematically construct quality models for ML systems based on an industrial use case. This quality model enables practitioners to specify and assess qualities for ML systems objectively. In addition to the overall construction process described, the main outcomes include a meta-model for specifying quality models for ML systems, reference elements regarding relevant views, entities, quality properties, and measures for ML systems based on existing research, an example instantiation of a quality model for a concrete industrial use case, and lessons learned from applying the construction process. We found that it is crucial to follow a systematic process in order to come up with measurable quality properties that can be evaluated in practice. In the future, we want to learn how the term quality differs between different types of ML systems and come up with reference quality models for evaluating qualities of ML systems.
Haushaltsklima, Alleinleben und gesundheitsbezogene Lebensqualität während des COVID-19-Lockdowns in Deutschland
Authors: Zurek Marina , Friedmann Luisa , Kempter Emilia , Chaveiro André Silva , Adedeji Adekunle , Metzner Franka
Published: June 2021

Hintergrund

Zur Eindämmung der COVID-19-Pandemie („coronavirus disease 2019“) wurden im Frühjahr 2020 Ausgang und Kontakte in Deutschland stark beschränkt. Studien weltweit lassen die Vermutung zu, dass die krisenbedingt angeordnete soziale Isolierung das Wohlbefinden der betroffenen Menschen signifikant beeinflusst. Um die gesundheitlichen Konsequenzen des Lockdowns verstehen und diesen präventiv begegnen zu können, wurde die gesundheitsbezogene Lebensqualität (gLQ) im Zusammenhang mit der Wohnsituation und dem subjektiv wahrgenommenen Haushaltsklima in diesem Zeitraum untersucht.

Methodik

Eine durch vier Strategien deutschlandweit rekrutierte Stichprobe vonn = 541 Erwachsenen (MW = 34 Jahre; 67 % weiblich) wurde mit standardisierten Instrumenten zu der gLQ und dem Haushaltsklima während des Lockdowns mittels eines Online-Surveys befragt.

Ergebnisse

In der Stichprobe wurde im Mittel eine als mäßig einzustufende gLQ während des Lockdowns gefunden, die signifikant durch das subjektiv wahrgenommene Haushaltsklima vorhersagt wurde (p < 0,001). Alleinlebende Teilnehmende meldeten eine signifikant niedrigere gLQ zurück als Teilnehmende, die mit anderen Menschen zusammen in einem Haushalt lebten. Das Haushaltsklima sagte 26 % der Varianz der gLQ vorher; soziodemographische Merkmale klärten einen zusätzlichen Varianzanteil von 5 % auf.

Diskussion

Die Hinweise dafür, dass ein besser eingeschätztes Haushaltsklima mit einer höheren gLQ während des Lockdowns zusammenhing, betonen die Bedeutung des häuslichen Umfelds. Bei zukünftigen Maßnahmen zur Pandemieeindämmung, die soziale Kontakte einschränken, sollten in der Bevölkerung das Bewusstsein für den Zusammenhang zwischen Wohlbefinden und Haushaltsklima erhöht werden sowie Hilfen für Menschen mit einem konfliktbelasteten häuslichen Umfeld zugänglich bleiben.
The efficacy of interventions to protect crops from raiding elephants
Authors: Montgomery Robert A. , Raupp Jamie , Mukhwana Methodius , Greenleaf Ashley , Mudumba Tutilo , Muruthi Philip
Published: June 2021

Both African elephants (Loxodonta spp.) and the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) across their range come into conflict with people because of their crop-raiding behavior, which presents profound impediments to farmer livelihoods. In response, a series of interventions, designed to reduce elephant crop raiding have been applied. Based on an extensive review of elephant crop-raiding studies published over a 31-year period, we identified four primary categories of interventions including: (i) detection efforts; (ii) preemptive measures; (iii) fencing and trenches; and (iv) deterrent techniques. The interventions reported to be most effective involved chili peppers (i.e., fences, spray, and briquettes) and crop guarding coupled with deterrents. The extent to which these interventions can be applied more widely is unclear as only two studies examined efficacy across sites in more than one country. Thus, future inquiry should evaluate the ability of effective interventions, or indeed a combination of interventions, to be applied across the range of elephants to reduce crop raiding at scale.
Social and Physical Distance/Distancing: A Corpus-Based Analysis of Recent Changes in Usage
Authors: Butler Christopher S. , Simon-Vandenbergen Anne-Marie
Published: June 2021

Since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic and its dramatic spread in the early months of 2020, the term social distancing has rapidly become a key term in public and private discourse. At the same time, social distance, physical distance and physical distancing have become current in the same context. This paper examines these terms in (samples of) four corpora of British English (BNC, ukWaC, NOW 2019 and NOW 2020), with the following aims: (i) to study the frequency and usage of these phrases in corpora of different kinds, representing texts created both before and during the Covid-19 pandemic; (ii) to determine whether the recent spread of the phrases in the Covid-19 context has entailed any shifts in the collocational profile of the constituent words. By looking at the most frequent collocations over time we establish to what extent the corpora reflect stability and change in patterning and to what extent the external factor of the pandemic outbreak has far reaching consequences for the lexical semantics of the language. The case of social distance/distancing has special relevance to accounts of semantic change through the sudden and radical shifts in the collocational profile of the items concerned.
Use of Slaughterhouse Sludge in the Bioremediation of an Oxyfluorfen-Polluted Soil
Authors: Ávila-Pozo Paloma , Parrado Juan , Caballero Pablo , Díaz-López Marta , Bastida Felipe , Tejada Manuel
Published: June 2021

The use of organic matter is a highly accepted environmental practice among scientists for the bioremediation of polluted soils. In this manuscript we study under laboratory conditions the bioremediation capacity of a new biostimulant obtained from slaughterhouse sludge in a soil polluted by the oxyfluorfen at a rate of 4 l ha−1 (manufacturer’s rate recommended) over a 90-day period. We determined its effects on dehydrogenase, urease, β-glucosidase and phosphatase activities, the soil microbial community structure and the evolution of the herbicide in soil. Possibly due to the high content of low molecular weight proteins in the biostimulant, the enzymatic activities were stimulated mainly at the beginning of the experiment. Soil biological parameters were inhibited in oxyfluorfen-polluted soil. At the end of the experiment and compared with the control soil, dehydrogenase, urease, β-glucosidase, and phosphatase activities significantly decreased by 47.8%, 50.5%, 36.4%, and 45.5% in the oxyfluorfen-polluted soil. At 5 days into the experiment, the use of the biostimulant in oxyfluorfen-polluted soils decreased soil enzymatic activities and microbial community inhibition. At the end of the incubation period the oxyfluorfen concentration had decreased by 60% in the polluted soil and amended with biostimulants. These results suggested that the use of this biostimulant with higher amounts of low molecular weight proteins and peptides had a positive effect on the remediating oxyfluorfen-polluted soils. Therefore, this study provides the use of a new biostimulant obtained from slaughterhouse sludge by enzymatic hydrolysis processes used in the bioremediation of a soil polluted by the oxyfluorfen herbicide.
On the effect of decoherence on quantum tunnelling
Authors: Klimenko A. Y.
Published: June 2021

This work proposes a series of quantum experiments that can, at least in principle, allow for examining microscopic mechanisms associated with decoherence. These experiments can be interpreted as a quantum-mechanical version of non-equilibrium mixing between two volumes separated by a thin interface. One of the principal goals of such experiments is in identifying non-equilibrium conditions when time-symmetric laws give way to time-directional, irreversible processes, which are represented by decoherence at the quantum level. The rate of decoherence is suggested to be examined indirectly, with minimal intrusions—this can be achieved by measuring tunnelling rates that, in turn, are affected by decoherence. Decoherence is understood here as a general process that does not involve any significant exchanges of energy and governed by a particular class of the Kraus operators. The present work analyses different regimes of tunnelling in the presence of decoherence and obtains formulae that link the corresponding rates of tunnelling and decoherence under different conditions. It is shown that the effects on tunnelling of intrinsic decoherence and of decoherence due to unitary interactions with the environment are similar but not the same and can be distinguished in experiments.
Technological Advances in Penile Implant Surgery
Authors: Barnard John Taylor , Cakir Omer Onur , Ralph David , Yafi Faysal A
Published: June 2021

Background

During the last century, surgical management of erectile dysfunction has evolved from an experimental concept to a core treatment modality with widespread use among the men’s health community. Over time, innovations in materials, mechanical design elements, device coatings, and surgical technique have provided patients with low-risk, reliable, and reproducible erectile function with high satisfaction rates.

Aim

To provide a foundation for future innovation by improving understanding of historical penile prosthetics and the rationale behind incremental technological improvements for the contemporary Men’s Health physician.

Methods

Literature review was conducted to generate a comprehensive review of historical technological innovations in penile implant surgery. Companies with FDA approved penile prosthetics in use in the United States were contacted for information regarding technological innovations in the past and future devices in development. A separate literature review was performed to identify any significant future device design elements being tested, even in the ex vivo setting, which may have future clinical applications.

Outcomes

Technological innovations in penile implant surgery were described.

RESULTS

Current options for the prosthetic surgeon include malleable penile prostheses (MPP), self-contained (2-piece) inflatable penile prostheses, and multicomponent (3-piece) inflatable penile prostheses. Current MPPs consist of a synthetic coated solid core which allow for manipulation of the penis for concealability while maintaining sufficient axial rigidity to achieve penetration when desired. Multi-component (3-Piece) IPPs currently include the Coloplast Titan and Boston Scientific/AMS 700 which consist of a fluid reservoir, intrascrotal pump, and intracavernosal cylinders. The devices have undergone numerous design updates to the cylinders, pump, reservoir, tubing, and external coatings to increase reliability and decrease short- and long-term complications.

Clinical Implications

Future innovations in penile prosthetic surgery seek to broaden the indications and applicability to the transgender community and improve both safety and functionality for patient and partner.

Strengths & Limitations

The review is limited primarily to penile prosthetics approved for current or historical clinical use in the United States and may not be representative of the global prosthetic environment. Additionally, the research and development of future innovations, particularly those provided by device manufacturers, is likely limited by non-disclosure to maintain a competitive advantage.

CONCLUSIONS

Penile prosthetic surgery will undoubtedly remain integral to the treatment of erectile dysfunction, and education regarding the current state of technological innovation will empower the prosthetic surgeon and biomedical engineering community to improve contemporary patient care and drive the development of the next generation of implantable penile prosthetics.
Innovative praxis for environmental learning in Canadian faculties of education
Authors: Sims Laura , Inwood Hilary , Elliott Paul , Gerofsky Susan
Published: June 2021

This article explores innovative praxis in Environmental and Sustainability Education (ESE) in four preservice teacher education programmes in Canada. ESE is finding its way into teacher education in a variety of innovative and interdisciplinary ways, as both part of mainstream programmes and in their co-curricular margins. Using a case study approach, each case builds on unique connections to Indigenous education, art education, cultural learning or educational gardening, which supports a variety of differing aspects in relation to ESE. These cases share a common theme of building relationships at the heart of ESE teaching and learning in the mainstream and the margins of the academy. Brought together through a Canadian network of faculty, researchers, policy-makers and community educators that was formed in 2016, these cases demonstrate a deep commitment and imaginative capacity for embedding ESE in Canada’s teacher education systems.
The controversy over Ancient Greek as a school subject: education, ideology, and politics in times of crisis
Authors: Kessareas Efstathios
Published: June 2021

This article examines the controversy over Ancient Greek [AG] as a school subject, a controversy that re-emerged in 2016, when SYRIZA was in power. The issue is ideologically charged: classical antiquity has played a fundamental role in shaping modern Greek ethnic identity. The arguments for and against teaching AG as a school subject are analysed and explained in relation to the ideological preferences, strategies and interests of the involved agents. The polarization of the arguments is interpreted within the broader context of the financial crisis, as an attempt by the agents involved to reinforce the left/right divide, which was significantly blurred after the adoption of austerity policies by both the self-proclaimed leftist SYRIZA and the conservative New Democracy parties.
P = W for Lagrangian fibrations and degenerations of hyper-Kähler manifolds
Authors: Harder Andrew , Li Zhiyuan , Shen Junliang , Yin Qizheng
Published: June 2021

We identify the perverse filtration of a Lagrangian fibration with the monodromy weight filtration of a maximally unipotent degeneration of compact hyper-Kähler manifolds.
Validation and implementation of group electronic hand hygiene monitoring across twenty-four critical care units
Authors: Leis Jerome A. , Obaidallah Maryam , Williams Victoria , Muller Matthew P , Powis Jeff E. , Johnstone Jennie , Hota Susy , Katz Kevin , Payne Michael , Castellani Lucas , Downing Mark , Mertz Dominik , Ricciuto Daniel R. , Kiss Alex , Cuthbertson Brian H.
Published: June 2021

Objectives:

An accurate estimate of the average number of hand hygiene opportunities per patient hour (HHO rate) is required to implement group electronic hand hygiene monitoring systems (GEHHMSs). We sought to identify predictors of HHOs to validate and implement a GEHHMS across a network of critical care units.

Design:

Multicenter, observational study (10 hospitals) followed by quality improvement intervention involving 24 critical care units across 12 hospitals in Ontario, Canada.

Methods:

Critical care patient beds were randomized to receive 1 hour of continuous direct observation to determine the HHO rate. A Poisson regression model determined unit-level predictors of HHOs. Estimates of average HHO rates across different types of critical care units were derived and used to implement and evaluate use of GEHHMS.

Results:

During 2,812 hours of observation, we identified 25,417 HHOs. There was significant variability in HHO rate across critical care units. Time of day, day of the week, unit acuity, patient acuity, patient population and use of transmission-based precautions were significantly associated with HHO rate. Using unit-specific estimates of average HHO rate, aggregate HH adherence was 30.0% (1,084,329 of 3,614,908) at baseline with GEHHMS and improved to 38.5% (740,660 of 1,921,656) within 2 months of continuous feedback to units (P < .0001).

Conclusions:

Unit-specific estimates based on known predictors of HHO rate enabled broad implementation of GEHHMS. Further longitudinal quality improvement efforts using this system are required to assess the impact of GEHHMS on both HH adherence and clinical outcomes within critically ill patient populations.
Rates of nosocomial infection associated with interhospital transfer of patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Marcus Joseph E. , Sams Valerie G. , Aden James K. , Batchinsky Andriy , Sobieszczyk Michal J. , Okulicz Jason F. , Barsoumian Alice E.
Published: June 2021

Objectives:

Critically ill patients requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) frequently require interhospital transfer to a center that has ECMO capabilities. Patients receiving ECMO were evaluated to determine whether interhospital transfer was a risk factor for subsequent development of a nosocomial infection.

Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting:

A 425-bed academic tertiary-care hospital.

Patients:

All adult patients who received ECMO for >48 hours between May 2012 and May 2020.

Methods:

The rate of nosocomial infections for patients receiving ECMO was compared between patients who were cannulated at the ECMO center and patients who were cannulated at a hospital without ECMO capabilities and transported to the ECMO center for further care. Additionally, time to infection, organisms responsible for infection, and site of infection were compared.

Results:

In total, 123 patients were included in analysis. For the primary outcome of nosocomial infection, there was no difference in number of infections per 1,000 ECMO days (25.4 vs 29.4; P = .03) by univariate analysis. By Cox proportional hazard analysis, transport was not significantly associated with increased infections (hazard ratio, 1.7; 95% confidence interval, 0.8–4.2; P = .20).

Conclusion:

In this study, we did not identify an increased risk of nosocomial infection during subsequent hospitalization. Further studies are needed to identify sources of nosocomial infection in this high-risk population.
Corynexochine trilobites of the Harkless Formation and Mule Spring Limestone (Cambrian Series 2, Stage 4), Clayton Ridge, Nevada
Authors: Sundberg Frederick A. , Webster Mark
Published: June 2021

Most Cambrian Series 2 faunas of Laurentia are dominated by olenelline trilobites; however, non-olenelline trilobites occur with the olenellines and sometimes dominate the assemblages. Reported here are such non-olenelline trilobites from the Harkless Formation and Mule Spring Limestone at Clayton Ridge, Nevada. At the bottom of the Saline Valley Tongue, Harkless Formation, are two assemblages that are characterized by corynexochines and/or ptychoparioids, with olenellines occurring as only rare components. The corynexochines present in these assemblages include Bonnia cf. B. brennus (Walcott, 1916), Ovatoryctocara cf. O. yaxiensis Yuan et al., 2009, Protoryctocephalus? aff. P.? arcticus Geyer and Peel, 2011, Ogygopsis sp. indet., and Oryctocephalops frischenfeldi Lermontova, 1940. These assemblages are from the mid-Dyeran Stage, below the lowermost zone in the upper Dyeran (Arcuolenellus arcuatus Biozone), and can be correlated to Series 2 Stage 4 (Cambrian) assemblages in Greenland, Siberia, and South China based on the corynexochines.

Also in the Saline Valley Tongue and the overlying Mule Spring Limestone and lowermost Emigrant Formation are olenelloid-dominated assemblages that contain the corynexochines Bonnia columbensis Resser, 1936, Zacanthopsis aff. Z. levis (Walcott, 1886), and Z. sp. indet.
A new genus and three new species of fossil braconid wasps (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonoidea) from Eocene Baltic and Rovno ambers
Authors: Belokobylskij Sergey A. , Pankowski Maximilian G. , Pankowski Madeline V. , Zaldívar-Riverón Alejandro
Published: June 2021

New parasitoid wasps of the family Braconidae are documented from Eocene Baltic and Rovno ambers. A new fossil genus belonging to the braconid subfamily Exothecinae,Palaeocolastesn. gen., with its type speciesP.bruesin. sp., is described and illustrated from Baltic amber. This represents the first reliable fossil record for a member of Exothecinae. Two additional new species from Baltic amber are also described:Ascogaster(Syntaphus)latitibialisn. sp. (Cheloninae) andMeteorus arasnitsynin. sp. (Euphorinae). Another fossil species,Microtypus eocenusn. sp. (Microtypinae), is described from coeval Rovno amber (Ukraine), representing the first braconid species described from this deposit. A new record of a female ofDiospilites brevicornisBrues, 1933 (Diospilitinae) from Baltic amber, together with variation of some diagnostic features of the species and redescription of its subfamily and genus, are also provided.

UUID:http://zoobank.org/656cb1a3-b9cf-4696-ae24-0d4df9545101.
Adherence to a Mediterranean diet and health-related quality of life: a cross-sectional analysis of overweight and obese middle-aged and older adults with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Cordwell Amy , McClure Rebecca , Villani Anthony
Published: June 2021

The relationship between adherence to a Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is unclear, particularly in vulnerable older adults. This cross-sectional analysis explored the association between adherence to a MedDiet and subscales of HRQoL in two independent cohorts of overweight and obese middle-aged to older adults with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Both cohorts were community-dwelling (T2DM aged ≥ 50 years; non-T2DM aged ≥ 60 years) with a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2. Adherence to a MedDiet was assessed using the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener, and HRQoL was determined using the 36-item short-form health survey. Multiple regression analysis was used to examine the association between adherence to a MedDiet and HRQoL subscales. A total of 152 middle-aged to older adults were included (T2DM: n 87, 71·2 (sd 8·2) years, BMI: 29·5 (sd 5·9) kg/m2; non-T2DM: n 65, 68·7 (sd 5·6) years, BMI: 33·7 (sd 4·9) kg/m2). Mean adherence scores for the entire cohort were 5·3 (sd 2·2) (T2DM cohort: 5·6(sd 2·3); non-T2DM cohort: 4·9 (sd 2·0)). In the adjusted model, using pooled data from both study cohorts, adherence to a MedDiet was significantly associated with the general health subscale of HRQoL (β = 0·223; 95 % CI 0·006, 0·044; P = 0·001). Similar findings were also observed in the T2DM cohort (β = 0·280; 95 % CI 0·007, 0·054; P = 0·001). However, no additional significant associations between adherence to a MedDiet and HRQoL subscales were observed. We showed that adherence to a MedDiet was positively associated with the general health subscale of HRQoL in middle-aged to older adults with T2DM. However, larger longitudinal data in older adults with a wider range of adherence scores, particularly higher adherence, are required to better understand the direction of this relationship.
Compton-driven beam formation and magnetization via plasma microinstabilities
Authors: Martinez Bertrand , Grismayer Thomas , Silva Luís O.
Published: June 2021

Compton scattering of gamma rays propagating in a pair plasma can drive the formation of a relativistic electron positron beam. This process is scrutinized theoretically and numerically via particle-in-cell simulations. In addition, we determine in which conditions the beam can prompt a beam-plasma instability and convert its kinetic energy into magnetic energy. We argue that such conditions can be met at the photosphere radius of bright gamma-ray bursts.
CASTING THE LIGHT OF THE THEORY OF OPPOSITION ONTO HOHFELD'S FUNDAMENTAL LEGAL CONCEPTS
Authors: de Oliveira Lima João Alberto , Griffo Cristine , Almeida João Paulo A. , Guizzardi Giancarlo , Aranha Marcio Iorio
Published: June 2021

At the core of Hohfeld's contribution to legal theory is a conceptual framework for the analysis of the legal positions occupied by agents in intersubjective legal relations. Hohfeld presented a system of eight “fundamental” concepts relying on notions of opposition and correlation. Throughout the years, a number of authors have followed Hohfeld in applying the notion of opposition to analyze legal concepts. Many of these authors have accounted for Hohfeld's theory in direct analogy with the standard deontic hexagon. This paper reviews some of these accounts and extends them employing recent developments from opposition theory. In particular, we are able to extend application of opposition theory to an open conception of the law. We also account for the implications of abandoning the assumption of conflict-freedom and admitting seemingly conflicting legal positions. This enables a fuller analysis of Hohfeld's conceptual analytical framework. We also offer a novel analysis of Hohfeld's power positions.
Acquisition, mobility and food insecurity: integrated food systems opportunities across urbanicity levels highlighted by COVID-19
Authors: Mui Yeeli , Headrick Gabby , Raja Samina , Palmer Anne , Ehsani Johnathon , Pollack Porter Keshia
Published: June 2021

Objective:

To investigate acquisition and mobility experiences of food-insecure individuals across urbanicity levels (i.e., urban, suburban, rural) in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design:

Cross-sectional study using a nationally representative online panel to measure where food-insecure individuals acquired food, food acquisition barriers and mobility to food sources, which were evaluated across urbanicity levels using chi-squared tests and 95 % CI.

Setting:

USA.

Participants:

2011 adults (18 years or older).

Results:

Food insecurity impacted 62·3 % of adults in urban areas, 40·5 % in rural areas and 36·7 % in suburban areas (P < 0·001). Food acquisition barriers that were significantly more prevalent among food-insecure adults in urban areas were a change in employment status (34·2 %; 95 % CI 27·2 %, 41·1 %; P < 0·0001) and limited availability of food in retailers (38·8 %; 95 % CI 31·7 %, 45·9 %; P < 0·001). In rural areas, food-insecure adults primarily acquired food for the household from supercentres (61·5 %; 95 % CI 50·4 %, 72·5 %; P < 0·05), while locally sourced foods were less common among food-insecure adults in rural areas (6·9 %; 95 % CI 0·01 %, 13·0 %) compared to urban areas (19·8 %; 95 % CI 14·3 %, 25·4 %; P < 0·01). Transportation as a barrier did not vary significantly by urbanicity, but food-insecure adults across urbanicity levels reported utilising a range of transportation modes to acquire food.

Conclusions:

A planning approach that links urban and rural areas could address food insecurity by enhancing the integration of food production, transportation and food distribution, building towards a more resilient and equitable food system for all Americans.
The effect of rapidly discharging psychiatric inpatients from Mental Health Act section during COVID-19: a cohort study
Authors: Payne-Gill J. , Whitfield C. , Beck A.
Published: June 2021

Aims

In March 2020, the UK government ordered mental health services to free up bed space to help manage the COVID-19 pandemic. This meant service users detained under the Mental Health Act were discharged at a higher rate than normal. We analysed whether this decision compromised the safety of this vulnerable group of service users.

Methods

We utilised a cohort study design and allocated service users to either the pre-rapid discharge, rapid discharge or post-rapid discharge group. We conducted a recurrent event analysis to assess group differences in the risk of experiencing negative outcomes during the 61 days post-discharge. We defined negative outcomes as crisis service use, re-admission to a psychiatric ward, community incidents of violence or self-harm and death by suicide.

Results

The pre-rapid discharge cohort included 258 service users, the rapid discharge cohort 127 and the post-rapid discharge cohort 76. We found no statistical association between being in the rapid discharge cohort and the risk of experiencing negative outcomes (HR: 1.14, 95% CI: 0.72–1.8, p = 0.58) but a trend towards statistical significance for service users in the post-rapid discharge cohort (HR: 1.61, 95% CI: 0.91–2.83, p = 0.1).

Conclusions

We did not find evidence that service users rapidly discharged from section experienced poorer outcomes. This raises the possibility that the Mental Health Act is applied in an overly restrictive manner, meaning that sections for some formally detained service users could be ended earlier without compromising safety.