bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of drug-drug interaction of lusutrombopag, a thrombopoietin receptor agonist, via metabolic enzymes and transporters
Authors: Katsube Takayuki , Inoue Yuji , Fukuhara Takahiro , Kano Takeshi , Wajima Toshihiro
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Drug-drug interaction (DDI) potentials of lusutrombopag, a thrombopoietin receptor agonist, on the activity of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A and of cyclosporine, which inhibits P-glycoprotein and breast cancer resistance protein, on lusutrombopag pharmacokinetics were assessed via clinical studies and physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling.

Methods

The effect of lusutrombopag on midazolam (a CYP3A probe substrate) pharmacokinetics was assessed in 15 healthy subjects receiving a single midazolam 5-mg dose with or without coadministration of lusutrombopag 0.75 mg for 6 days (first dose: 1.5-mg dose). The effect of cyclosporine on lusutrombopag pharmacokinetics was assessed in 16 healthy subjects receiving a single lusutrombopag 3-mg dose with or without a single cyclosporine 400- to 600-mg dose. PBPK modeling was employed to extrapolate the effect of lusutrombopag at the clinical dose (3 mg once daily) on midazolam pharmacokinetics.

Results

In the clinical study, mean ratios (90% confidence intervals [CIs]) of with/without lusutrombopag for maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) of midazolam were 1.01 (0.908–1.13) and 1.04 (0.967–1.11), respectively, indicating no effect of lusutrombopag on midazolam pharmacokinetics. PBPK modeling suggested no effect of lusutrombopag at the clinical dose on midazolam pharmacokinetics. Mean ratios (90% CIs) of with/without cyclosporine for lusutrombopag Cmax and AUC were 1.18 (1.11–1.24) and 1.19 (1.13–1.25), respectively, indicating a slight increase in lusutrombopag exposure.

Conclusions

In consideration with in vitro data, the in vivo and in silico results suggested no clinically significant DDI potential of lusutrombopag with other medical products via metabolic enzymes and transporters.
Maternal early pregnancy dietary glycemic index and load, fetal growth, and the risk of adverse birth outcomes
Authors: Wahab Rama J. , Scholing Judith M. , Gaillard Romy
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Maternal hyperglycemia is associated with adverse birth outcomes. Maternal dietary glycemic index and load influence postprandial glucose concentrations. We examined the associations of maternal early pregnancy dietary glycemic index and load with fetal growth and risks of adverse birth outcomes.

Methods

In a population-based cohort study of 3471 pregnant Dutch women, we assessed dietary glycemic index and load using a food frequency questionnaire at median 13.4 (95% range 10.6; 21.2) weeks gestation. We measured fetal growth in mid- and late-pregnancy by ultrasound and obtained birth outcomes from medical records.

Results

Mean maternal early pregnancy dietary glycemic index and load were 57.7 (SD 3.3, 95% range 52.8; 63.5) and 155 (SD 47, 95% range 87; 243), respectively. Maternal early pregnancy dietary glycemic index was not associated with fetal growth parameters. A higher maternal early pregnancy dietary glycemic load was associated with a higher fetal abdominal circumference and estimated fetal weight in late-pregnancy (p values < 0.05), but not with mid-pregnancy or birth growth characteristics. A higher maternal early pregnancy dietary glycemic index was associated with a lower risk of a large-for-gestational-age infant (p value < 0.05). Maternal early pregnancy glycemic index and load were not associated with other adverse birth outcomes.

Conclusion

Among pregnant women without an impaired glucose metabolism, a higher early pregnancy dietary glycemic load was associated with higher late-pregnancy fetal abdominal circumference and estimated fetal weight. No consistent associations of maternal dietary glycemic index and load with growth parameters in mid-pregnancy and at birth were present. A higher glycemic index was associated with a lower risk of a large-for-gestational-age infant.
Epigenetic clocks may come out of rhythm—implications for the estimation of chronological age in forensic casework
Authors: Koop Barbara Elisabeth , Reckert Alexandra , Becker Julia , Han Yang , Wagner Wolfgang , Ritz-Timme Stefanie
Published: July 2020

There is a growing perception that DNA methylation may be influenced by exogenous and endogenous parameters. Knowledge of these factors is of great relevance for the interpretation of DNA-methylation data for the estimation of chronological age in forensic casework. We performed a literature review to identify parameters, which might be of relevance for the prediction of chronological age based on DNA methylation. The quality of age predictions might particularly be influenced by lifetime adversities (chronic stress, trauma/post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), violence, low socioeconomic status/education), cancer, obesity and related diseases, infectious diseases (especially HIV and Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections), sex, ethnicity and exposure to toxins (alcohol, smoking, air pollution, pesticides). Such factors may alter the DNA methylation pattern and may explain the partly high deviations between epigenetic age and chronological age in single cases (despite of low mean absolute deviations) that can also be observed with “epigenetic clocks” comprising a high number of CpG sites. So far, only few publications dealing with forensic age estimation address these confounding factors. Future research should focus on the identification of further relevant confounding factors and the development of models that are “robust” against the influence of such biological factors by systematic investigations under targeted inclusion of diverse and defined cohorts.
Acquisition of landmark, route, and survey knowledge in a wayfinding task: in stages or in parallel?
Authors: Kim Kyungwan , Bock Otmar
Published: July 2020

According to an influential concept, humans acquire spatial knowledge about their environment in three distinct stages: landmark knowledge is acquired first, then route knowledge, and finally survey knowledge. The stage concept has been challenged by studies which observed that in a wayfinding paradigm, route, and survey knowledge emerge at the same time and; therefore, were seemingly acquired in parallel. However, this experimental evidence is not conclusive because the above studies suffered from a ceiling effect. The present study was designed to overcome the ceiling effect by increasing the complexity of the wayfinding task. We asked 60 young participants to find their way through an urban environment rendered in virtual reality, and assessed their landmark, route, and survey knowledge after each of ten trials. We found that all three types of knowledge gradually increased from the first to the last trial. We further found that correlations between the three types of knowledge increased from trial to trial. This outcome disagrees profoundly with the stage concept, but is compatible with the parallel concept. Specifically, it is in accordance with the view that landmark, route, and survey knowledge are acquired by multiple overlapping and interacting processes: those processes may start out more or less independently in the first trial but, due to common constraints or synergies, may gradually increase their cooperation during subsequent trials.
Die NIPT-Entscheidung des G-BA. Eine ethische Analyse
Authors: Rehmann-Sutter Christoph , Schües Christina
Published: July 2020

Aus einer ethischen Perspektive analysieren wir die vom Gemeinsamen Bundesausschuss (G-BA) im September 2019 für Deutschland vorgelegte Änderung der Mutterschaftsrichtlinien, welche die Finanzierung der nicht-invasiven Pränataldiagnostik (NIPT) durch die gesetzlichen Krankenversicherungen unter bestimmten Bedingungen vorsieht. Die Regelung enthält vier wesentliche Elemente: eine Zielbestimmung (Vermeidung invasiver Testmaßnahmen), ein Zugangskriterium (der Test muss für die Schwangere „geboten“ sein, um ihr eine Auseinandersetzung mit ihrer individuellen Situation zu ermöglichen), Aussagen zum Entscheidungsprozess (nach ärztlicher Beratung im Einzelfall) und eine in ihren Begründungen enthaltene normative Kontextualisierung (Schwangerschaftsabbruch nach §218 a StGB).

Es zeigen sich Spannungen, die um zwei Achsen oszillieren: (1) Das befürchtete Leiden aufgrund der Geburt eines Kindes mit Trisomie oder dem Nichtwissen darüber kann letztlich nur subjektiv, aus der Perspektive der Schwangeren beurteilt werden. (2) Die Bedeutung der Einzelfallentscheidung bleibt unklar, weil für die Beurteilung von Einzelfällen auch allgemeine Gesichtspunkte maßgeblich sein müssen. Gerade in seiner Paradoxie und Flexibilität könnte, wie wir argumentieren, das Modell des G‑BA aber eine gesellschaftspolitisch haltbare und ethisch letztlich vertretbare pragmatische Lösung darstellen.
Geochemical evolution of a composite pluton: insight from major and trace element chemistry of titanite
Authors: Gros Katarzyna , Słaby Ewa , Birski Łukasz , Kozub-Budzyń Gabriela , Sláma Jiří
Published: July 2020

Titanite from various rocks of the Karkonosze granitoid pluton (South-Eastern Poland) was studied, in order to evaluate its precision in recording magma evolution processes. The rocks are of lamprophyric, dioritic, granodioritic and granitic composition, including hybrid structures such as microgranular magmatic enclaves and composite dykes. Based on textures, chemistry and Zr-in-titanite geothermometry, titanites can be divided into magmatic and post-magmatic populations. Late- to post-magmatic titanite is present in almost all rock types, especially in the most evolved ones (where magmatic titanite is absent) and can be characterized by low trace element and high Al and F contents. Magmatic titanite crystallized in temperatures between 610 and 870 °C, after apatite and relatively simultaneously with amphibole and zircon. Titanite from lamprophyre exhibits compositional features typical of titanites formed in mafic rocks: low Al and F, high Ti4+/(Al + Fe3+), LREE (light rare earth elemet)-enriched chondrite-normalized REE patterns, low Y/Zr, Nb/Zr, Lu/Hf, high (Ce + Nd)/Y, Th/U and Zr. Titanite from hybrid rocks inherited these characteristics, indicating major contribution of the mantle-derived magma especially during early stages of magmatic evolution. Titanite compositional variations, as well as a wide range of crystallization temperatures in hybrid granodiorites point to prolonged crystallization from distinct magma domains of variable mafic versus felsic melt proportions. The extent of compositional variations decreases through subsequent stages of magmatic evolution, and titanite with the least contribution of the mafic component is characterized by higher total REE, Al and F contents, lower Ti4+/(Al + Fe3+), (Ce + Nd)/Y and Th/U ratios, LREE-depleted chondrite-normalized REE patterns and higher Y/Zr, Nb/Zr and Lu/Hf ratios. Titanite composition from the intermediate and late stage hybrids bears signature of decreasing amount of the mafic melt and higher degree of its evolution, however, the exact distinction between the former and the latter is very limited.
The German version of Child Perceptions Questionnaire for children aged 8 to 10 years (CPQ-G8–10): translation, reliability, and validity
Authors: Bekes Katrin , Ebel Markus , Omara Maisa , Boukhobza Sarra , Dumitrescu Nicoletta , Priller Julia , Redzic Nejra Kulovic , Nidetzky Anuscha , Stamm Tanja
Published: July 2020

Objectives

The aims of this study were to develop a German version of the Child Perceptions Questionnaire for children aged 8 to 10 years (CPQ-G8–10), a measure of oral health-related quality of life, and to assess the instrument’s reliability and validity.

Methods

The original English version of the CPQ8–10 questionnaire was translated into German (CPQ-G8–10) by a forward-backward translation method. A total of 409 8- to 10-year-old children who were recruited at the Department of Paediatric Dentistry in Vienna, Austria, participated in this study. The children self-completed the CPQ-G8–10 and were clinically examined for the presence of dental caries and plaque accumulation. Reliability of CPQ-G8–10 was investigated in a subsample of 58 children after 3 weeks.

Results

Questionnaire summary score test-retest reliability was 0.85 (intraclass correlation coefficient, 95% confidence interval (CI) ranging from 0.75 to 0.91) and internal consistency was 0.88 (Cronbach’s alpha, lower limit of the 95% CI: 0.87). Validity of the CPQ-G8–10 questionnaire was supported by correlation coefficients with global ratings of oral health of − 0.40 (95% CI − 0.49 to − 0.31) and overall well-being of − 0.26 (95% CI − 0.33 to − 0.13) which met the expectations. Mean CPQ-G8–10 scores were statistically significantly higher in children with caries (dmft+DMFT > 0) compared with caries-free children (p = 0.02).

Conclusions

The German version of the CPQ8–10 was found to be reliable and valid in children aged 8 to 10 years.

Clinical relevance

These findings enable assessments of oral health-related quality of life in German speaking 8- to 10-year-old children.
Age dependency of body mass index distribution in childhood and adolescent inpatients with anorexia nervosa with a focus on DSM-5 and ICD-11 weight criteria and severity specifiers
Authors: Engelhardt Christian , Föcker Manuel , Bühren Katharina , Dahmen Brigitte , Becker Katja , Weber Linda , Correll Christoph U. , Egberts Karin Maria , Ehrlich Stefan , Roessner Veit , Fleischhaker Christian , von Gontard Alexander , Hahn Freia , Jenetzky Ekkehart , Kaess Michael , Legenbauer Tanja , Renner Tobias J. , Schulze Ulrike M. E. , Sinzig Judith , Wessing Ida , Antony Gisela , Herpertz-Dahlmann Beate , Peters Triinu , Hebebrand Johannes
Published: July 2020

Both DSM-5 and ICD-11 have provided weight cut-offs and severity specifiers for the diagnosis of anorexia nervosa (AN) in childhood, adolescence and adulthood. The aims of the current study focusing on inpatients aged < 19 years were to assess (1) the relationship between age and body mass index (BMI; kg/m2), BMI-centiles, BMI-standard deviation scores (BMI-SDS) and body height-SDS at referral, (2) the percentages of patients fulfilling the DSM-5 and ICD-11 weight criteria and severity categories for AN, and (3) the validity of the AN severity specifiers via analysis of both weight related data at discharge and inpatient treatment duration. The German Registry for Anorexia Nervosa encompassed complete data sets for 469 female patients (mean age = 15.2 years; range 8.9–18.9 years) with a diagnosis of AN (n = 404) or atypical AN (n = 65), who were ascertained at 16 German child and adolescent psychiatric hospitals. BMI at referral increased up to age 15 to subsequently plateau. Approximately one tenth of all patients with AN had a BMI above the fifth centile. The ICD-11 specifier based on a BMI-centile of 0.3 for childhood and adolescent AN entailed two equally sized groups of patients. Discharge data revealed limited validity of the specifiers. Height-SDS was not correlated with age thus stunting had no impact on our data. We corroborate the evidence to use the tenth instead of the fifth BMI-centile as the weight criterion in children and adolescents. Weight criteria should not entail major diagnostic shifts during the transition from adolescence to adulthood. The severity specifiers based on BMI or BMI-centiles do not seem to have substantial clinical validity.
Künstliche Intelligenz in der nachhaltigen Landwirtschaft – Datenrechte und Haftungsregime
Authors: Härtel Ines
Published: July 2020

Im Zuge der dritten Agrarrevolution und der darin inkorporierten Digitalisierung verändert die
algorithmenbasierte Technologie der Künstlichen Intelligenz erheblich den Agrarbereich. Dies begünstigt
die Integration von ökonomischer Ressourceneffizienz und ökologischer Ressourcenleichtigkeit gleichermaßen.
Allerdings ergeben sich erhebliche Rechtsprobleme, die zu Regulierungsüberlegungen/-vorschlägen
im europäischen Kontext führen. Dies betrifft vor allem die Datenrechte – auch mit Bezug
zur DSGVO und zum Code of Conduct – einerseits, KI-Sicherheitsrecht und KI-Haftungsrecht andererseits.
Detection of a new strain of lymphocystis disease virus (LCDV) in captive-bred clownfish Amphiprion percula in South Sulawesi, Indonesia
Authors: Lam Chelsea , Khairunissa Isnita , Damayanti Lily , Kurobe Tomofumi , Teh Swee J. , Pfahl Heather , Rapi Saipul , Janetski Noel , Baxa Dolores V.
Published: July 2020

Breeding of ornamental marine fishes was initiated in Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia, to protect reef ecosystems from destructive fishing and to supplement income of local communities. However, stress associated with captive breeding conditions could enhance vulnerability of fish to disease. Wild- and captive-bred clownfish Amphiprion percula showed clinical signs such as white spots and warts typically associated with lymphocystis disease. Sequencing a portion of the DNA polymerase gene confirmed the identity of a lymphocystis disease virus (LCDV) in clownfish tissues that closely resembled LCDV from paradisefish; however, both strains were only 90% similar at the nucleotide level. Phylogenetic analysis suggests the LCDV is a new strain representing the first sequence of LCDV in A. percula. To determine the virus presence in clownfish and other ornamental marine species (OMS) in the hatchery, we developed conventional PCR and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays that were comparatively sensitive at detecting the new LCDV strain. Among the PCR-tested clownfish, 19.4% (n = 14/72) were positive for the LCDV DNA that were either symptomatic or apparently healthy. Other OMS (n = 29) bred in the hatchery including seahorse Hippocampus spp., mandarin fish Synchiropus spp., and pajama cardinal fish Sphaeremia nepatoptera were negative by the LCDV PCR. The PCR and LAMP assays developed in this study will facilitate disease management by early detection of the LCDV and removal of potential reservoirs of the virus.
On Moral Obligations and Our Chances of Fulfilling Them
Authors: Akhlaghi Farbod
Published: July 2020

Many actions we perform affect the chances of fulfilling our moral obligations. The moral status of such actions is important and deeply neglected. In this paper, I begin rectifying this neglect by asking: under what conditions, if any, is it morally wrong to perform an action that will lower the chance of one fulfilling a moral obligation? In §1, I introduce this question and motivate concern with its answer. I argue, in §2, that certain actions an agent has good reason to believe will drastically lower their chances of fulfilling a moral obligation in the future, relative to at least one alternative action available, are pro tanto morally wrong. This answer, I argue, captures our intuitions in a range of cases, avoids the problems that other views considered here face, and can be plausibly defended against some independent objections. I conclude in §3 by noting some consequences for normative and practical ethics of the moral wrongness of at least some actions that lower the chances of fulfilling our moral obligations, and by raising a series of important questions regarding these actions for future consideration.
Threshold selection and trimming in extremes
Authors: Bladt Martin , Albrecher Hansjörg , Beirlant Jan
Published: July 2020

We consider removing lower order statistics from the classical Hill estimator in extreme value statistics, and compensating for it by rescaling the remaining terms. Trajectories of these trimmed statistics as a function of the extent of trimming turn out to be quite flat near the optimal threshold value. For the regularly varying case, the classical threshold selection problem in tail estimation is then revisited, both visually via trimmed Hill plots and, for the Hall class, also mathematically via minimizing the expected empirical variance. This leads to a simple threshold selection procedure for the classical Hill estimator which circumvents the estimation of some of the tail characteristics, a problem which is usually the bottleneck in threshold selection. As a by-product, we derive an alternative estimator of the tail index, which assigns more weight to large observations, and works particularly well for relatively lighter tails. A simple ratio statistic routine is suggested to evaluate the goodness of the implied selection of the threshold. We illustrate the favourable performance and the potential of the proposed method with simulation studies and real insurance data.
Mentoring Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: Evaluation of Role-Specific Workshops for Mentors and Mentees
Authors: Agarwal Rumi , Heron Laura , Naseh Mitra , Burke Shanna L.
Published: July 2020

Transitioning to post-secondary education is often challenging for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). To address this, Florida International University, specifically FIU Embrace, piloted the Embrace Mentoring Program (EMP), which provided unique role-specific workshops to both faculty/staff mentors, and student mentees with IDD. A mixed-method design was used to analyze knowledge acquisition and participant perceptions of the workshops. Quantitative findings indicated knowledge improvement in a key area for mentors, while qualitative data demonstrated a positive response to workshop content, and highlighted areas of improvement for future workshops. Ultimately, the results from the pilot EMP demonstrated promise in supporting students with IDD towards academic and career-related goals, by providing mentorship training to both mentors and mentees.
Designing an adaptive production control system using reinforcement learning
Authors: Kuhnle Andreas , Kaiser Jan-Philipp , Theiß Felix , Stricker Nicole , Lanza Gisela
Published: July 2020

Modern production systems face enormous challenges due to rising customer requirements resulting in complex production systems. The operational efficiency in the competitive industry is ensured by an adequate production control system that manages all operations in order to optimize key performance indicators. Currently, control systems are mostly based on static and model-based heuristics, requiring significant human domain knowledge and, hence, do not match the dynamic environment of manufacturing companies. Data-driven reinforcement learning (RL) showed compelling results in applications such as board and computer games as well as first production applications. This paper addresses the design of RL to create an adaptive production control system by the real-world example of order dispatching in a complex job shop. As RL algorithms are “black box” approaches, they inherently prohibit a comprehensive understanding. Furthermore, the experience with advanced RL algorithms is still limited to single successful applications, which limits the transferability of results. In this paper, we examine the performance of the state, action, and reward function RL design. When analyzing the results, we identify robust RL designs. This makes RL an advantageous control system for highly dynamic and complex production systems, mainly when domain knowledge is limited.
Cellulose Acetate and Cardanol Based Seed Coating for Intraspecific Weeding Coupled with Natural Herbicide Spraying
Authors: Friuli Marco , Nitti Paola , Cafuero Luca , Prete Alessia , Zafar Muhammad Shajih , Madaghiele Marta , Demitri Christian
Published: July 2020

Agricultural pesticides can become persistent environmental pollutants and their use is destined to be reduced. Consequently, weed control is shifting to green products and strategies. A combined approach, made of pelargonic acid based herbicide spraying and interspecific competition (i.e. seeding of plants species competing for growth against weeds) could boost the weeding effect. In case of the contemporary seeding and spraying, needed to reduce costs, seed coating is necessary as barrier to herbicide toxic effects but, at the same time, the coating has to be endowed with the right features to allow germination. This work aims to verify the feasibility of using cellulose acetate/cardanol (CA/Card) as seed coating polymer–plasticizer blend and to identify possible relationship between material features and germination rate. For these purposes, untreated and pelargonic acid herbicide treated coated seeds coated through solvent evaporation methods (CA/Card ratios from 0/0 to 100/0) were subjected to germination test. Coatings were characterized through SEM, EDX, media uptake, DSC and mechanical analysis with and without conditioning in seeding conditions. Germination test showed that 70/30 seeds, treated and untreated with herbicide, presented the best germination rate. Germination assays showed that coating presence reduced and slowed (without stopping) seeds germination equally with and without herbicide treatment. Consequently, was possible to conclude that CA/Card coatings allowed germination and presented a barrier effect against herbicide. Thus coating resulted suitable for seed coating in herbicide spraying/interspecific combined applications. No strong correlations were found between material features and germination, but it is plausible to hypothesize that both water absorption and mechanical properties of the coating play an important role and have to be optimized to improve germination rate avoiding difficulty in sprouting. Finally, the study opened a new perspective in the use of cellulose acetate for seed coating from waste sources such as cigarette filters.

Graphic Abstract
Context and Literality in Idiom Processing: Evidence from Self-Paced Reading
Authors: Beck Sara D. , Weber Andrea
Published: July 2020

In a self-paced reading study, we investigated how effects of biasing contexts in idiom processing interact with effects of idiom literality. Specifically, we tested if idioms with a high potential for literal interpretation (e.g., break the ice) are processed differently in figuratively and literally biasing contexts than idioms with a low potential (e.g., lose one’s cool). Participants read sentences that biased towards a figurative or literal reading of idioms and continued with resolutions that were congruent or incongruent with these biases (e.g., [The new schoolboy/the chilly Eskimo] just wanted to break the ice [with his peers/on the lake]…). While interpretations of high-literality idioms were strengthened by supporting contexts and showed costs for incongruent resolutions, low-literality idioms did not show this effect. Rather, interpreting low-literality idioms in a literal manner showed a cost regardless of context. We conclude that biasing contexts are used in a flexible process of real-time idiom processing and meaning constitution, but this effect is mediated by idiom literality.
Dynamics of a coupled mechanical system containing a spherical pendulum and a fractional damper
Authors: Freundlich Jan , Sado Danuta
Published: July 2020

The presented work deals with nonlinear dynamics of a three degree of freedom system with a spherical pendulum and a damper of the fractional type. Vibrations in the vicinity of the internal and external resonance are considered. The system consists of a block suspended from a linear spring and a fractional damper, and a spherical pendulum suspended from the block. The viscoelastic properties of the damper are described using the Caputo fractional derivative. The fractional derivative of an order of $$0 < \alpha \le 1$$

0
<
α
≤
1

is assumed. The impact of a fractional order derivative on the system with a spherical pendulum is studied. Time histories, the internal and external resonance, bifurcation diagrams, Poincaré maps and the Lyapunov exponents have been calculated for various orders of a fractional derivative. Chaotic motion has been found for some system parameters.
Patient-guided modifications of oral anticoagulant drug intake during Ramadan fasting: a multicenter cross-sectional study
Authors: Batarfi AbdulAziz , Alenezi Haitham , Alshehri Abdulrahman , Balelah Saud , Kazim Hameedullah , Algthami Mohammed , Hussain Mariam M. , Alshehri Nada , Alsharif Rahaf , Ashour Hadeel , Althobaiti Mutaz , Alotaibi Shomokh , Steinmetz Helmuth , Foerch Christian
Published: July 2020

Fasting Ramadan is known to influence patients’ medication adherence. Data on patients’ behavior to oral anticoagulant (OAC) drug intake during Ramadan is missing. We aimed to determine patient-guided modifications of OAC medication regimen during Ramadan and to evaluate its consequences. A multicenter cross-sectional study conducted in Saudi Arabia. Data were collected shortly after Ramadan 2019. Participants were patients who fasted Ramadan and who were on long-term anticoagulation. Patient-guided medication changes during Ramadan in comparison to the regular intake schedule before Ramadan were recorded. Modification behavior was compared between twice daily (BID) and once daily (QD) treatment regimens. Rates of hospital admission during Ramadan were determined. We included 808 patients. During Ramadan, 53.1% modified their intake schedule (31.1% adjusted intake time, 13.2% skipped intakes, 2.2% took double dosing). A higher frequency of patient-guided modification was observed in patients on BID regimen compared to QD regimen. During Ramadan, 11.3% of patients were admitted to hospital. Patient-guided modification was a strong predictor for hospital admission. Patient-guided modification of OAC intake during Ramadan is common, particularly in patients on BID regimen. It increases the risk of hospital admission during Ramadan. Planning of OAC intake during Ramadan and patient education on the risk of low adherence are advisable.
Impact of chronic kidney disease on long-term outcome of patients with valvular heart defects
Authors: Kuźma Łukasz , Małyszko Jolanta , Bachórzewska-Gajewska Hanna , Niwińska Marta Maria , Kurasz Anna , Zalewska-Adamiec Małgorzata , Kożuch Marcin , Dobrzycki Sławomir
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Valvular heart diseases (VHD) are becoming a significant problem in the Polish population. Coexistence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with VHD increases the risk of death and affects further therapeutic strategy.

Aim

Analysis impact of CKD on long-term prognosis in patients with VHD.

Material and methods

The inclusion criteria were met by 1025 patients with moderate and severe VHD. Mean observation time was 2528 ± 1454 days.

Results

The average age of the studied population was 66.75 (SD = 10.34), male gender was dominant 56% (N = 579). Severe aortic valve stenosis (AVS) occurred in 28.2%, severe mitral valve insufficiency (MVI) in 20%. CKD occurred in 37.1% (N = 380) patients mostly with mitral stenosis (50%, N = 16) and those with severe MVI (44.8%, N = 94). During the observational period, 52.7% (N = 540) deaths were noted. Increased risk of mortality was associated mostly with age (OR: 1.02, 95% CI: 1.00–1.03, p < 0.001), creatinine (OR:1.27, 95% CI: 1.12–1.43, p < 0.001), CKD (OR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.17–1.44, p < 0.001), reduced ejection fraction (EF) (OR: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.97–0.99, p = 0.01) and coexisting of AVS (OR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.04–1.35, p = 0.01).

Conclusions

Mitral valve defects more often than aortic valve defects coexist with chronic kidney disease. Regardless of the stage, chronic kidney disease is an additional factor affecting the prognosis in patients with heart defects. Factors increasing the risk of death were age, creatinine concentration and reduced EF. The monitoring of renal function in patients with VHD should be crucial as well as the implementation of treatment at an early stage.
Towards control strategies for microplastics in urban water
Authors: Fältström Emma , Anderberg Stefan
Published: July 2020

Microplastics (plastic particles < 5 mm) is a pollution of growing concern. Microplastic pollution is a complex issue that requires systematic attempts to provide an overview and avoid management solutions that have marginal effects or only move the pollution problem. Substance flow analysis (SFA) has been proposed as a useful tool to receive such an overview and has been put forward as valuable for substance management. However, as the research on microplastics has only emerged recently, detailed and reliable SFAs are difficult to perform. In this study, we use three SFA studies for three pollutants (cadmium, copper and pharmaceuticals) to compare flows and strategies to control the flows. This in order to seek guidance for microplastic management and evaluate potential strategies for controlling microplastics. The analysis shows that there has been rigorous control on different levels to abate pollution from cadmium, copper and pharmaceuticals, but where in the system the major control measures have been carried out differ. For microplastics, there are many potential solutions, both in terms of preventive actions and treatment depending on the type of source. When forming management plans for microplastics, the responsibility for each measure and the impact on the whole urban system should be taken into consideration as well as which receiving compartments are particularly valuable and should be avoided.
Resistance genes mediate differential resistance to pine defensive substances α-Pinene and H2O2 in Bursaphelenchus xylophilus with different levels of virulence
Authors: Rui Lin , Liu Hongbin , Liang Rui , Wu Xiaoqin
Published: July 2020

The pine wood nematode (PWN), Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Steiner & Buhrer) Nickle, is the pathogen of pine wilt disease (PWD) which can devastate forests. PWN can be of high or low severity and the mechanisms underlying the differences in virulence are unclear. Therefore, it is necessary to study the relationship between differentiation of PWN severity and its resistance to the main defensive substances of pine species (i.e., α-pinene and H2O2). The feeding rate and fecundity of PWN was examined at different levels of virulence under conditions of α-pinene and H2O2 stress. Moreover, the expression patterns of the main resistance genes of PWN with different virulence were determined under conditions of α-pinene and H2O2 stress. The feeding rate and fecundity of the high virulence strain AMA3 were higher than those of the low virulence strain YW4. The expression levels of the autophagy gene BxATG5, cytochrome P450 gene BxCYP33D3, and glutathione S-transferase genes BxGST1 and BxGST3 in AMA3 increased significantly upon exposure to α-pinene for 2 h, while these genes showed smaller degrees of upregulation in YW4. Under conditions of H2O2 stress, the expression levels of BxATG5, catalase genes Bxy-ctl-1and Bxy-ctl-2, and the 2-cysteine peroxiredoxin gene BxPrx in AMA3 were higher than those in YW4. These findings suggest that high virulence PWN has greater resistance to pine defensive substances α-pinene and H2O2 than low virulence PWN, and resistance genes mediate the differential resistance of PWN strains. This study will contribute to the clarification of the mechanism underlying virulence differentiation of PWN and will advance understanding of the pathogenic mechanism of PWD.
Surface water quality assessment with reference to trace metals in River Mahanadi and its tributaries, India
Authors: Hussain Jakir , Dubey Arati , Hussain Ikbal , Arif Mohd. , Shankar Ajay
Published: July 2020

Trace elements (As, Cr, Cu, Cd, Hg, Fe, Pb, Ni, and Zn) in surface water of Mahanadi River and its tributaries were measured in order to investigate their geospatial metal distribution and extent of contamination. The study was designed to make water quality comparisons with local and global average values. As the river and its contributing tributaries flow through a diverse geologic, topographic, hydrologic, and industrial region, a large catchment area comprising 17 inter-distant water quality sites was chosen. A total of seventy-five water samples were analyzed for the concentration of trace metals in dissolved phases using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The contamination factor data suggest that several metals had higher concentrations than acceptable and permissible limits prescribed by World Health Organization. Principal component analysis reveals the relationships between metal groups, viz. Ni, Cr, Cu, and Fe, and Hg, Pb, and Cd, and Zn and As. It indicates a difference in the sources of their origin. Further, Pearson’s coefficient analysis revealed a strong and specific intermetal relationships among studied metals. The statistical analysis points toward various industrial wastes and municipal wastes as primary contributing factors for most of the excess dissolved metals in the Mahanadi River.
L’assorbimetria a raggi X a doppia energia: oltre l’osso c’è di più
Authors: Frigerio Francesco , Poggiogalle Eleonora , Donini Lorenzo M.
Published: July 2020

Sommario

Alla base dell’attuale epidemia di obesità (globesity) la sedentarietà occupa un posto di primo ordine: non solo perché mantiene l’eccesso di tessuto adiposo, ma perché predispone il soggetto obeso all’erosione della massa muscolare scheletrica (sarcopenia) e del patrimonio minerale osseo (osteopenia/osteoporosi). In questo scenario si inserisce la DXA che, a fronte di un costo biologico e tempi di esecuzione minimi, nella versione total-body fornisce una fotografia attendibile e dettagliata della composizione corporea (si pensi alla massa magra appendicolare o al tessuto adiposo viscerale). Dettagli che però sono essenziali proprio per le diagnosi di sarcopenia e obesità.
Ein tödlicher Kettenschuss
Authors: Gotsmy Walther , Stampfer Karl , Matzenauer Christian , Monticelli Fabio , Pittner Stefan
Published: July 2020

Ein junger Maschinist verlor während der Bedienung eines Mastseilgeräts mit Kran und Prozessor – zum Rücken, Entasten und Einschneiden von Bäumen – plötzlich das Bewusstsein und verstarb trotz Reanimationsmaßnahmen noch an der Arbeitsstätte. Bei der ärztlichen Leichenschau fiel ein ca. 1,5 × 1 cm großer Hautdefekt rechts an der Brustkorbvorderseite auf, welcher nicht genauer zugeordnet werden konnte. Die Umstände des Unfalls konnten durch die Obduktion und Untersuchungen am Unfallort geklärt werden. Die Sägekette des Prozessors war gerissen und ein Teil davon gelangte in die Sicherheitskabine des Mastseilgeräts, da die Sicherheitstür mit 12 mm Polycarbonatverglasung nicht geschlossen war. Dieser Kettenteil traf den Maschinisten in die Brust, was letztlich tödliche Verletzungen verursachte.
Piezoelectric Materials for Controlling Electro-Chemical Processes
Authors: Qian Weiqi , Yang Weiyou , Zhang Yan , Bowen Chris R. , Yang Ya
Published: July 2020

Piezoelectric materials have been analyzed for over 100 years, due to their ability to convert mechanical vibrations into electric charge or electric fields into a mechanical strain for sensor, energy harvesting, and actuator applications. A more recent development is the coupling of piezoelectricity and electro-chemistry, termed piezo-electro-chemistry, whereby the piezoelectrically induced electric charge or voltage under a mechanical stress can influence electro-chemical reactions. There is growing interest in such coupled systems, with a corresponding growth in the number of associated publications and patents. This review focuses on recent development of the piezo-electro-chemical coupling multiple systems based on various piezoelectric materials. It provides an overview of the basic characteristics of piezoelectric materials and comparison of operating conditions and their overall electro-chemical performance. The reported piezo-electro-chemical mechanisms are examined in detail. Comparisons are made between the ranges of material morphologies employed, and typical operating conditions are discussed. In addition, potential future directions and applications for the development of piezo-electro-chemical hybrid systems are described. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent studies on how piezoelectric materials and devices have been applied to control electro-chemical processes, with an aim to inspire and direct future efforts in this emerging research field.
Separation and Unity: Zen Koan in Environmental Theory and Education
Authors: Chang David
Published: July 2020

The ecological crisis has been traced to a rupture in the human-nature relationship, which sees the natural world as inert materials that serve human utility. This prevailing sense of separation is thoroughly embedded in Western culture through engrained metaphors that reinforce a view of the Earth as a subject of human mastery. To counter the disjuncture between humans and nature, some theorists have suggested a unitive view of nature, while others have argued for more expansive forms of identification that engender a more responsive ecological ethics. Despite these efforts, the human-nature dichotomy remains a perennial issue of debate, especially for environmental educators who strive to cultivate a more harmonious relationship with the earth. This article examines the Zen Koan (case or example) as a pedagogical innovation that hones the learner’s ability to entertain opposing propositions. Humans are both united withandseparate from nature at the same time. The Koan encourages an epistemological fluidity and openness to ambiguity that can enrich and deepen inquiry. In the context of environmental education, this contemplative approach to investigation can complement immersive pedagogies that enjoin somatic and sensory experience in explorations of the natural world.
Comparison of Three Instruments for Activity Disability in Acute Ischemic Stroke Survivors
Authors: Wu Qian , Tang Aijie , Niu Shuzhen , Jin Aiping , Liu Xiaoqing , Zeng Li , Jiang Jinxia , Kue Jennifer , Shi Yan , Zhu Xiaoping
Published: July 2020

Background:

Disabilities in physical activity and functional independence affect the early rehabilitation of stroke survivors. Moreover, a good instrument for assessing activity disability allows accurate assessment of physical disability and assists in prognosis determination.

Objective:

To compare three assessment tools for physical activity in acute-phase stroke survivors.

Methods:

We conducted this prospective observational study at an affiliated hospital of a Medical University in Shanghai, China, from June 2018 to November 2019. We administered three instruments to all patients during post-stroke days 5–7, including the Modified Barthel Index (MBI), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), and modified Rankin scale (mRs). We analyzed correlations among the aforementioned scales and the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) using Spearman’s rank-order correlations test. Univariate analyses were performed using the Mann–Whitney U test. We used a binary logistic regression model to assess the association between the NIHSS (30 days) and patient-related variables. Finally, we used receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to assess the predictive value of the multivariate regression models.

Results:

There was a high correlation among the three instruments; furthermore, the MBI had a higher correlation with the NIHSS (days 5–7). The NIHSS (day 30) was correlated with thrombolysis. ROC analysis revealed that the mRs-measured disability level had the highest predictive value of short-term stroke severity (30 days).

Conclusion:

The MBI was the best scale for measuring disability in physical activity, whereas the mRs showed better accuracy in short-term prediction of stroke severity.
Who trusts in the smart city? Transparency, governance, and the Internet of Things
Authors: Jacobs Naomi , Edwards Peter , Markovic Milan , Cottrill Caitlin D , Salt Karen
Published: July 2020

Internet of Things (IoT) devices such as connected sensors are increasingly being used in the public sector, often deployed and collecting data in public spaces. A theme commonly seen in the rhetoric surrounding public space IoT initiatives is empowerment, and these deployments are broadly perceived as beneficial by policy makers. However, such technology presents new governance challenges. It is important to ask who is empowered and who benefits, and we must ensure that such technological interventions follow democratic principles and are trusted by citizens. In this paper, we investigate how risk, transparency, and data governance require careful consideration in this domain, describing work which investigates how these combine to form components of trusted IoT ecosystems. This includes an overview of the landscape of public space IoT deployments, consideration of how they may often be subsumed in idealized smart city focused rhetoric, and discussion of how methodologies such as design fiction in community settings can uncover potential risks and concerns. Our findings suggest that agency, value and intent associated with IoT systems are key components that must be made transparent, particularly when multiple actors and stakeholders are involved. We suggest that good governance requires consideration of these systems in their entirety, throughout the full planning, implementation, and evaluation process, and in consultation with multiple stakeholders who are impacted, including the public. To achieve this effectively, we argue for transparency at the device and system level, which may require legislative change.
Protocols for Personal Protective Equipment in a COVID-19 Medical Shelter
Authors: Hockaday Sarah , Krause Kate , Sobieski Catherine , Li Jeffrey N. , Hurst Rachel , Ryan Benjamin , Leader Michael , Smith Dustin , Fowler Ray , Tran Andrew , McMullan Stephen , Hogan Andrew , Volk Paula , Miller Ronna , Ward B. , Flax Lindsay , Swienton Ray
Published: July 2020

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has greatly impacted health-care systems worldwide, leading to an unprecedented rise in demand for health-care resources. In anticipation of an acute strain on established medical facilities in Dallas, Texas, federal officials worked in conjunction with local medical personnel to convert a convention center into a Federal Medical Station capable of caring for patients affected by COVID-19. A 200,000 square foot event space was designated as a direct patient care area, with surrounding spaces repurposed to house ancillary services. Given the highly transmissible nature of the novel coronavirus, the donning and doffing of personal protective equipment (PPE) was of particular importance for personnel staffing the facility. Furthermore, nationwide shortages in the availability of PPE necessitated the reuse of certain protective materials. This article seeks to delineate the procedures implemented regarding PPE in the setting of a COVID-19 disaster response shelter, including workspace flow, donning and doffing procedures, PPE conservation, and exposure event protocols.
Toward a Decolonial Feminist Anticapitalism: María Lugones, Sylvia Wynter, and Sayak Valencia
Authors: Bohrer Ashley J.
Published: July 2020

This article traces the centrality of capitalism in the work of three decolonial feminists: María Lugones, Sylvia Wynter, and Sayek Valencia. Elaborating on the role of capitalism in each of their work separately, I argue that each of these thinkers conceptualizes capitalism in a novel and urgent way, charting new directions for both theory and social movement practice. I thus argue that the decolonial feminist tradition holds crucial philosophical and historical resources for understanding the emergence of capitalism and its endurance.