bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Native Tree Planting on Soil Recovery in Tropical Montane Cloud Forests
Authors: Mendoza-Vega Jorge , Ku-Quej Victor M , Messing Ingmar , Pérez-Jiménez Juan Carlos
Published: July 2020

The tropical montane cloud forest is one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth and is one of the areas most threatened by anthropogenic disturbance. This study assessed the temporal impact on soil properties (organic carbon, total nitrogen, cation exchange capacity, bulk density) following establishment of native tree species in two degraded tropical montane cloud forest areas with different soil types and land-use intensities in south-east Mexico. In Pueblo Nuevo, Chiapas, Pinus chiapensis and Alnus spp. were established at two sites with humic Nitisols with low and moderate disturbance levels, respectively. In Xalapa, Veracruz, plum pine (Podocarpus matudae), American hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana), Oaxaca walnut (Juglans pyriformis Liebm.), and sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) were established on a grassland-covered humic Andosol with a high level of disturbance. After 16 years, soil properties had generally improved, although in the initial years after planting, the values declined, indicating a possible negative impact because of disturbance during tree establishment. Land-use intensity prior to tree establishment influenced the level of recovery in soil properties. The Pueblo Nuevo sites, with low to moderate disturbance levels, regained soil quality faster than the highly disturbed Xalapa site, despite better initial soil quality in the latter.
Excessive Parallelism in Protein Evolution of Lake Baikal Amphipod Species Flock
Authors: Burskaia Valentina , Naumenko Sergey , Schelkunov Mikhail , Bedulina Daria , Neretina Tatyana , Kondrashov Alexey , Yampolsky Lev , Bazykin Georgii A
Published: July 2020

Repeated emergence of similar adaptations is often explained by parallel evolution of underlying genes. However, evidence of parallel evolution at amino acid level is limited. When the analyzed species are highly divergent, this can be due to epistatic interactions underlying the dynamic nature of the amino acid preferences: The same amino acid substitution may have different phenotypic effects on different genetic backgrounds. Distantly related species also often inhabit radically different environments, which makes the emergence of parallel adaptations less likely. Here, we hypothesize that parallel molecular adaptations are more prevalent between closely related species. We analyze the rate of parallel evolution in genome-size sets of orthologous genes in three groups of species with widely ranging levels of divergence: 46 species of the relatively recent lake Baikal amphipod radiation, a species flock of very closely related cichlids, and a set of significantly more divergent vertebrates. Strikingly, in genes of amphipods, the rate of parallel substitutions at nonsynonymous sites exceeded that at synonymous sites, suggesting rampant selection driving parallel adaptation. At sites of parallel substitutions, the intraspecies polymorphism is low, suggesting that parallelism has been driven by positive selection and is therefore adaptive. By contrast, in cichlids, the rate of nonsynonymous parallel evolution was similar to that at synonymous sites, whereas in vertebrates, this rate was lower than that at synonymous sites, indicating that in these groups of species, parallel substitutions are mainly fixed by drift.
Ion-exchange purification and structural characterization of five sulfated fucoidans from brown algae
Authors: Sichert Andreas , Le Gall Sophie , Klau Leesa Jane , Laillet Brigitte , Rogniaux Hélène , Aachmann Finn Lillelund , Hehemann Jan-Hendrik
Published: July 2020

Fucoidans are a diverse class of sulfated polysaccharides integral to the cell wall of brown algae, and due to their various bioactivities, they are potential drugs. Standardized work with fucoidans is required for structure–function studies, but remains challenging since available fucoidan preparations are often contaminated with other algal compounds. Additionally, fucoidans are structurally diverse depending on species and season, urging the need for standardized purification protocols. Here, we use ion-exchange chromatography to purify different fucoidans and found a high structural diversity between fucoidans. Ion-exchange chromatography efficiently removes the polysaccharides alginate and laminarin and other contaminants such as proteins and phlorotannins across a broad range of fucoidans from major brown algal orders including Ectocarpales, Laminariales and Fucales. By monomer composition, linkage analysis and NMR characterization, we identified galacturonic acid, glucuronic acid and O-acetylation as new structural features of certain fucoidans and provided a novel structure of fucoidan from Durvillaea potatorum with α-1,3-linked fucose backbone and β-1,6 and β-1,3 galactose branches. This study emphasizes the use of standardized ion-exchange chromatography to obtain defined fucoidans for subsequent molecular studies.
Organic matter assimilation by hard substrate fauna in an offshore wind farm area: a pulse-chase study
Authors: Mavraki Ninon , Degraer Steven , Vanaverbeke Jan , Braeckman Ulrike
Published: July 2020

The installation of offshore wind farms (OWFs) adds artificial hard substrates into naturally soft-bottom areas, changing the local biodiversity. The turbine foundations are rapidly colonized by colonizing organisms, mainly consisting of suspension feeders that can potentially reduce the local primary producer standing stock. In this study, we estimated the amount of organic matter processed by colonizing assemblages of OWFs. We conducted a laboratory pulse-chase experiment, by offering 13C-labelled fragmented microalgae to PVC panels colonized by OWF colonizing fauna. The blue mussel Mytilus edulis showed the highest biomass-specific carbon assimilation, while the high densities of the amphipod Jassa herdmani resulted in the highest total carbon assimilation. By upscaling our results to the total number of the installed offshore wind turbines in the Belgian part of the North Sea, we estimate that these species can reduce the local primary producer standing stock in the area by ca. 1.3%. Mytilus edulis and J. herdmani communities colonizing offshore wind turbine foundations significantly increase carbon assimilation compared to natural soft sediment macrofauna inhabiting the same surface area (i.e. footprint of the turbines).
Ostrea edulis beds in the central North Sea: delineation, ecology, and restoration
Authors: Bennema Floris P , Engelhard Georg H , Lindeboom Han
Published: July 2020

Until the late 19th century, extensive beds of flat oyster Ostrea edulis populated the Central North Sea, which have vanished after intensive fisheries. At present, various initiatives are being carried out to investigate the potential to restore this former key species in the area. This historical ecological study contributes by delineating the former oyster bed area and through an assessment of its limits against known gradients in the North Sea. Extensive data from historical maps, texts, and ship-based surveys were used to synthesize our knowledge on the former beds. It was revealed that the area with oyster beds covered ∼6.2% of the total North Sea bottom, with a delineation that could partly be explained by hydrodynamic and temperature gradients. The position and extent of the area are notably different from the area that is used in recent feasibility studies on the restoration of North Sea oyster beds. The offshore oysters lived on muddy sand in relatively cold conditions, and there are several indications that their reproductive rate was low. The apparent disappearance of cold water adapted flat oysters will challenge restoration projects. This study provides indispensable information for the future restoration of flat oyster beds in the North Sea.
Qualitative exploration of factors associated with shared decision-making in diabetes management: a health care provider’s perspective
Authors: Baig Amena Moazzam , Humayaun Ayesha , Mehmood Sara , Akram Muhammed Waqar , Raza Syed Abbass , Shakoori Tania
Published: July 2020

Objective

Internationally, patient–doctor interaction has shifted from the paternalist model to the shared decision-making (SDM) model, which is an essential part of effective management of chronic illnesses, especially diabetes. It is a relatively new concept in Pakistan, and data about healthcare providers’ perspectives are lacking. The aim was to explore significant facilitators and barriers to effective SDM as perceived by endocrinologists.

Design

A qualitative research using in-depth interviews based on grounded theory was done. It was written in line with the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist.

Setting

The interviews were conducted at the workplace of the endocrinologist between April and July 2019.

Participants

Prominent endocrinologists of Pakistan residing in Lahore were approached for in-depth interviews. The transcripts were analyzed simultaneously, and theme saturation was achieved in 11 interviews.

Main outcome measures

Thematic analysis of data done using grounded theory.

Results

Four major and two minor themes were identified. The most cited barriers to effective SDM from the doctors’ side were the shortage of time during consultations and the absence of formal training of clinicians in communication skills. However, the patients’ hesitation in questioning the doctor, perceiving him as a paternalist ‘messiah’ in society and lack of education limits their ability to understand and comprehend treatment options.

Conclusion

There are many barriers perceived by providers as well as clients/patients by effectively using SDM. Local cultural context is influencing a lot.
Methods for Distinguishing Aspen Seedlings from Suckers in the Field
Authors: Kreider Mark R , Mock Karen E , Yocom Larissa L
Published: July 2020

Quaking aspen is a common component of postdisturbance landscapes, in part because of its ability to regenerate via asexual suckers. Previously viewed as exceedingly rare in the western United States, sexual seedling establishment is increasingly seen as another important natural regeneration pathway for aspen, because sexual regeneration increases genetic diversity and facilitates long-distance dispersal. However, aspen seedling research is hampered by difficulties in visually distinguishing seedlings from suckers in the field, and few resources exist to guide managers and researchers. We present methods for distinguishing aspen seedlings from aspen suckers, suitable for use in field studies. Using these methods, we achieved 99 percent predictive accuracy in a recently burned area in southern Utah, although accuracy decreased to 90 percent following one summer’s growth, as seedlings and suckers became more similar in appearance.

Study Implication: Sexual regeneration may play an important role in aspen’s response to climate change, as it increases genetic diversity and adaptive capacity, and allows aspen populations and their ecological associates to better track changing climate through increased dispersal distances. The methods we present allow managers and researchers to accurately identify aspen seedling populations, which can then be protected and monitored through time to better understand aspen demography and the factors limiting establishment and survival of new clones. Aspen seedling ecology is an area with many knowledge gaps currently, and these methods remove a barrier that has hindered research in the past.
Outcomes after reirradiation of spinal metastasis with stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT): a retrospective single institutional study
Authors: Sasamura Kazuma , Suzuki Ryoko , Kozuka Takuyo , Yoshimura Ryoichi , Yoshioka Yasuo , Oguchi Masahiko
Published: July 2020

This study was aimed at assessing the feasibility and toxicity of using stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for reirradiation of spinal metastatic tumors. We conducted a retrospective review, from our institutional database, of the data of patients who received reirradiation, with overlap of some prescribed isodose lines to the vertebra from the initial radiation therapy, between 2007 and 2019. We identified 40 patients with spinal metastatic tumors, of whom 2 had 2 metastatic vertebral lesions each, totaling up to 42 target lesions. The median dose to spinal cord at the initial radiation therapy was 30 Gy. SBRT based on the intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) technique was used for reirradiation to spare the spinal cord. All patients received a prescription dose of 25 Gy in 5 fractions to the planning target volume (PTV). Among the 40 cases who had pain, pain relief was obtained in 24 (60%) after reirradiation. Neurologic improvement was obtained in 8 of 15 cases (53%). The adverse events were evaluated using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events Version 5.0. Reirradiation was well-tolerated, with only 2 patients experiencing adverse events ≥grade 2 in severity, including 1 patient with grade 3 pain, and another patient with grade 3 spinal fracture. None of the patients developed radiation myelopathy. Our data demonstrated that reirradiation of spinal metastasis using SBRT provided effective pain relief and neurologic improvement, with minimal toxicity.
Capsicum annum Hsp26.5 promotes defense responses against RNA viruses via ATAF2 but is hijacked as a chaperone for tobamovirus movement protein
Authors: Foong Siew-Liang , Paek Kyung-Hee
Published: July 2020

The expression of Capsicum annuum HEAT SHOCK PROTEIN 26.5 (CaHsp26.5) was triggered by the inoculation of Tobacco mosaic virus pathotype P0 (TMV-P0) but its function in the defense response of plants is unknown. We used gene silencing and overexpression approaches to investigate the effect of CaHsp26.5 expression on different plant RNA viruses. Moreover, we performed protein–protein and protein–RNA interaction assays to study the mechanism of CaHsp26.5 function. CaHsp26.5 binding to a short poly-cytosine motif in the 3'-untranslated region of the genome of some viruses triggers the expression of several defense-related genes such as PATHOGENESIS-RELATED GENE 1 with the help of a transcription factor, NAC DOMAIN-CONTAINING PROTEIN 81 (ATAF2). Thus, an elevated CaHsp26.5 level was accompanied by increased plant resistance against plant viruses such as Cucumber mosaic virus strain Korea. However, the movement proteins of Pepper mild mottle virus pathotype P1,2,3 and TMV-P0 were shown to be able to interact with CaHsp26.5 to maintain the integrity of their proteins. Our work shows CaHsp26.5 as a positive player in the plant defense response against several plant RNA viruses. However, some tobamoviruses can hijack CaHsp26.5’s chaperone activity for their own benefit.
Comparing the Efficiency of Software-Based Speech Recognition Versus Traditional Telephone Transcription in an Outpatient Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Practice
Authors: Minerbi Amir , Besemann Markus , Kari Tom , Gentile Christina , Gupta Gaurav
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Speech recognition (SR) uses computerized word recognition software that automatically transcribes spoken words to written text. Some studies indicate that SR may improve efficiency of electronic charting as well as associated cost and turnaround time1,2, but it remains unclear in the literature whether SR is superior to traditional transcription (TT). This study compared the impact of report generation efficiency of SR to TT at the Canadian Armed Forces Health Services Centre.

Materials and Methods

Dragon Medical Dictation™ SR software and traditional telephone dictation TT were used for two prespecified clinical days per week. In order to adjust for note length, total transcription efficacy was calculated as follows: word count/[dictation time + correction time]. The means and standard deviations were then separately calculated for TT visits and for SR visits. Differences in transcription efficacy and in visit measures, including patient demographics, visit duration, number of issues raised during the visit, and interventions performed, were compared using ANOVA, with the significance level set to 0.05.

Results

A total of 340 consecutive visits were analyzed; 198 were dictated over the phone using TT and 142 were transcribed using SR software. Dictation efficacy was significantly higher (p < 0.0001) for TT as compared to SR, while turnaround times were shorter for SR (0.12 versus 4.75 days).

Conclusions

In light of these results, the Canadian Forces Health Services Centre in Ottawa has returned to use of TT because the relative inefficiency of report generation was deemed to have a greater impact on clinical care when compared to slower dictation turnaround time.
Magnetic fields in the formation of the first stars – I. Theory versus simulation
Authors: McKee Christopher F , Stacy Athena , Li Pak Shing
Published: July 2020

While magnetic fields are important in contemporary star formation, their role in primordial star formation is unknown. Magnetic fields of the order of 10−16 G are produced by the Biermann battery due to the curved shocks and turbulence associated with the infall of gas into the dark matter minihaloes that are the sites of formation of the first stars. These fields are rapidly amplified by a small-scale dynamo until they saturate at or near equipartition with the turbulence in the central region of the gas. Analytical results are given for the outcome of the dynamo, including the effect of compression in the collapsing gas. The mass-to-flux ratio in this gas is two to three times the critical value, comparable to that in contemporary star formation. Predictions of the outcomes of simulations using smooth particle hydrodynamics (SPH) and grid-based adaptive mesh refinement are given. Because the numerical viscosity and resistivity for the standard resolution of 64 cells per Jeans length are several orders of magnitude greater than the physical values, dynamically significant magnetic fields affect a much smaller fraction of the mass in simulations than in reality. An appendix gives an analytical treatment of free-fall collapse, including that in a constant-density background. Another appendix presents a new method of estimating the numerical viscosity; results are given for both SPH and grid-based codes.
Changing look active galactic nuclei in the MaNGA survey
Authors: Hon Wei Jeat , Webster Rachel , Wolf Christian
Published: July 2020

Changing look active galactic nuclei (CLAGNs) are rare cases of AGNs, where the continuum flux increases/decreases and the broad emission lines appear/disappear within short time-scales. These extreme changes challenge our understanding of accretion disc dynamics. We present a sample of four new CLAGNs at 0.026 < z < 0.107, which were found by cross-matching the Mapping Nearby Galaxies at Apache Point Observatory (MaNGA) survey with AGNs from the SDSS spectroscopic data base. Our results show that the selection criteria of $\gt \mathopen |0.5\mathclose |$ mag change in SDSS-g band is ineffective at lower redshifts. This is, in part, due to the fact that the g band is probing a different part of the AGNs spectral energy distribution at these redshifts. The bigger issue is that the galaxy continuum dominates the spectrum and thus overwhelms any variation of the AGNs continuum that might contribute to photometric variations. This suggests the need to use different methods for future low-redshift CLAGNs searches.
Modal noise mitigation for high-precision spectroscopy using a photonic reformatter
Authors: Pike F A , Benoît A , MacLachlan D G , Harris R J , Gris-Sánchez I , Lee D , Birks T A , Thomson R R
Published: July 2020

Recently, we demonstrated how an astrophotonic light reformatting device, based on a multicore fibre photonic lantern and a 3D waveguide component, can be used to efficiently reformat the point spread function of a telescope to a diffraction-limited pseudo-slit. Here, we demonstrate how such a device can also efficiently mitigate modal noise – a potential source of instability in high-resolution multimode fibre-fed spectrographs. To investigate the modal noise performance of the photonic reformatter, we have used it to feed light into a bench-top near-infrared spectrograph (R ≈ 7000, λ ≈ 1550 nm). One approach to quantifying the modal noise involved the use of broad-band excitation light and a statistical analysis of how the overall measured spectrum was affected by variations in the input coupling conditions. This approach indicated that the photonic reformatter could reduce modal noise by a factor of 6 when compared to a multimode fibre with a similar number of guided modes. Another approach to quantifying the modal noise involved the use of multiple spectrally narrow lines, and an analysis of how the measured barycentres of these lines were affected by variations in the input coupling. Using this approach, the photonic reformatter was observed to suppress modal noise to the level necessary to obtain spectra with stability close to that observed when using a single mode fibre feed. These results demonstrate the potential of using photonic reformatters to enable efficient multimode spectrographs that operate at the diffraction-limit and are free of modal noise, with potential applications including radial velocity measurements of M-dwarfs.
Strong lensing as a giant telescope to localize the host galaxy of gravitational wave event
Authors: Yu Hai , Zhang Pengjie , Wang Fa-Yin
Published: July 2020

Standard siren cosmology of gravitational wave (GW) merger events relies on the identification of host galaxies and their redshifts. But this can be highly challenging due to numerous candidates of galaxies in the GW localization area. We point out that the number of candidates can be reduced by orders of magnitude for strongly lensed GW events, due to extra observational constraints. For the next-generation GW detectors like Einstein Telescope (ET), we estimate that this number is usually significantly less than one, as long as the GW localization uncertainty is better than $\sim 10\, \rm deg^2$. This implies that the unique identification of the host galaxy of lensed GW event detected by ET and Cosmic Explorer (CE) is possible. This provides us a promising opportunity to measure the redshift of the GW event and facilitate the standard siren cosmology. We also discuss its potential applications in understanding the evolution process and environment of the GW event.
Ultraviolet and X-ray properties of Coma’s ultra-diffuse galaxies
Authors: Lee Chris H , Hodges-Kluck Edmund , Gallo Elena
Published: July 2020

Many ultra-diffuse galaxies (UDGs) have been discovered in the Coma cluster, and there is evidence that some, notably Dragonfly 44, have Milky Way-like dynamical masses despite dwarf-like stellar masses. We used X-ray, ultraviolet (UV), and optical data to investigate the star formation and nuclear activity in the Coma UDGs, and we obtained deep UV and X-ray data (Swift and XMM–Newton) for Dragonfly 44 to search for low-level star formation, hot circumgalactic gas, and the integrated emission from X-ray binaries. Among the Coma UDGs, we find UV luminosities consistent with quiescence but NUV − r colours indicating star formation in the past Gyr. This indicates that the UDGs were recently quenched. The r-band luminosity declines with projected distance from the Coma core. The Dragonfly 44 UV luminosity is also consistent with quiescence, with SFR$\lt 6\times 10^{-4} \, \mathrm{M}_{\odot }$ yr−1, and no X-rays are detected down to a sensitivity of 1038 erg s−1. This rules out a hot corona with a $M \gt 10^8 \, \mathrm{M}_{\odot }$ within the virial radius, which would normally be expected for a dynamically massive galaxy. The absence of bright, low-mass X-ray binaries is consistent with the expectation from the Galaxy total stellar mass, but it is unlikely if most low-mass X-ray binaries form in globular clusters, as Dragonfly 44 has a very large population. Based on the UV and X-ray analysis, the Coma UDGs are consistent with quenched dwarf galaxies, although we cannot rule out a dynamically massive population.
Constraining primordial black hole fraction at the galactic centre using radio observational data
Authors: Chan Man Ho , Lee Chak Man
Published: July 2020

Recent gamma-ray and cosmic-ray observations have put strong constraints on the amount of primordial black holes (PBHs) in our universe. In this paper, we use the archival radio data of the inner Galactic Centre to constrain the PBH to dark matter ratio for three different PBH mass distributions including monochromatic, lognormal, and power law. We show that the amount of PBHs only constitutes a very minor component of dark matter at the Galactic Centre for a large parameter space.
Multi-wavelength, spatially resolved modelling of HD 48682’s debris disc
Authors: Hengst S , Marshall J P , Horner J , Marsden S C
Published: July 2020

Asteroids and comets (planetesimals) are created in gas- and dust-rich protoplanetary discs. The presence of these planetesimals around main-sequence stars is usually inferred from the detection of excess continuum emission at infrared wavelengths from dust grains produced by destructive processes within these discs. Modelling of the disc structure and dust grain properties for those discs is often hindered by the absence of any meaningful constraint on the location and spatial extent of the disc. Multi-wavelength, spatially resolved imaging is thus invaluable in refining the interpretation of these systems. Observations of HD 48682 at far-infrared (Spitzer, Herschel) and sub-millimetre (JCMT, SMA) wavelengths indicated the presence of an extended, cold debris disc with a blackbody temperature of 57.9 ± 0.7 K. Here, we combined these data to perform a comprehensive study of the disc architecture and its implications for the dust grain properties. The deconvolved images revealed a cold debris belt, verified by combining a 3D radiative transfer dust continuum model with image analysis to replicate the structure using a single, axisymmetric annulus. A Markov chain Monte Carlo analysis calculated the maximum likelihood of HD48682’s disc radius ($R_{\rm disc} = 89^{+17}_{-20}~$ au), fractional width ($\Delta R_{\rm disc} = 0.41^{+0.27}_{-0.20}$), position angle ($\theta = 66{_{.}^{\circ}} 3^{+4.5}_{-4.9}$), and inclination ($\phi = 112{_{.}^{\circ}} 5^{+4.2}_{-4.2}$). HD 48682 has been revealed to host a collisionally active, broad disc whose emission is dominated by small dust grains, smin ∼ 0.6 μm, and a size distribution exponent of 3.60  ±  0.02.
The large-scale magnetic field of the eccentric pre-main-sequence binary system V1878 Ori
Authors: Lavail A , Kochukhov O , Hussain G A J , Argiroffi C , Alecian E , Morin J ,   the BinaMIcS collaboration
Published: July 2020

We report time-resolved, high-resolution optical spectropolarimetric observations of the young double-lined spectroscopic binary V1878 Ori. Our observations were collected with the ESPaDOnS spectropolarimeter at the Canada–France–Hawaii Telescope through the BinaMIcS large programme. V1878 Ori A and B are partially convective intermediate mass weak-line T Tauri stars on an eccentric and asynchronous orbit. We also acquired X-ray observations at periastron and outside periastron. Using the least-squares deconvolution technique (LSD) to combine information from many spectral lines, we clearly detected circular polarization signals in both components throughout the orbit. We refined the orbital solution for the system and obtained disentangled spectra for the primary and secondary components. The disentangled spectra were then employed to determine atmospheric parameters of the two components using spectrum synthesis. Applying our Zeeman Doppler imaging code to composite Stokes IV LSD profiles, we reconstructed brightness maps and the global magnetic field topologies of the two components. We find that V1878 Ori A and B have strikingly different global magnetic field topologies and mean field strengths. The global magnetic field of the primary is predominantly poloidal and non-axisymmetric (with a mean field strength of 180 G). While the secondary has a mostly toroidal and axisymmetric global field (mean strength of 310 G). These findings confirm that stars with very similar parameters can exhibit radically different global magnetic field characteristics. The analysis of the X-ray data shows no sign of enhanced activity at periastron, suggesting the lack of strong magnetospheric interaction at this epoch.
Mental health and social support among public safety personnel
Authors: Vig K D , Mason J E , Carleton R N , Asmundson G J G , Anderson G S , Groll D
Published: July 2020

Background

Social support may be a protective factor for the mental health of public safety personnel (PSP), who are frequently exposed to potentially psychologically traumatic events and report substantial post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) symptoms. Research examining perceived social support and its association with PTSD and MDD in different PSP categories (e.g. firefighters, paramedics) is limited.

Aims

To examine differences in perceived social support across PSP and determine whether perceived social support is associated with differences in rates of MDD and PTSD.

Methods

We asked Canadian PSP, including correctional workers and officers, public safety communications officials, firefighters, paramedics, municipal and provincial police officers, and Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officers, to complete an online anonymous survey that assessed socio-demographic information (e.g. occupation, sex, marital status, service years), social supports and symptoms of mental disorders, including PTSD and MDD. Analyses included ANOVA and logistic regression models.

Results

Perceived social support differed by PSP occupation. RCMP officers reported lower social support than all other PSP except paramedics. For most PSP categories, PSP who reported greater social support were less likely to screen positive for PTSD (adjusted odds ratios [AORs]: 0.90–0.93). Across all PSP categories, greater perceived social support was associated with a decreased likelihood of screening positive for MDD (AORs: 0.85–0.91).

Conclusions

Perceived social support differs across some PSP categories and predicts PTSD and MDD diagnostic status. Studies involving diagnostic clinical interviews, longitudinal designs and social support interventions are needed to replicate and extend our results.
Long-Term Improvement of Parkinson Disease Motor Symptoms Derived From Lesions of Prelemniscal Fiber Tract Components
Authors: García-Gomar Maria Guadalupe , Concha Luis , Soto-Abraham Julian , Tournier Jacques D , Aguado-Carrillo Gustavo , Velasco-Campos Francisco
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

Prelemniscal radiations (Raprl) are composed of different fiber tracts, connecting the brain stem and cerebellum with basal ganglia and cerebral cortex. In Parkinson disease (PD), lesions in Raprl induce improvement of tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia in some patients, while others show improvement of only 1 or 2 symptoms, suggesting different fiber tracts mediate different symptoms.

OBJECTIVE

To search for correlations between improvements of specific symptoms with surgical lesions of specific fiber tract components of Raprl in patients with PD.

METHODS

A total of 10 patients were treated with unilateral radiofrequency lesions directed to Raprl. The improvement for tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, posture, and gait was evaluated at 24 to 33 mo after operation through the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) score, and the precise location and extension of lesions through structural magnetic resonance imaging and probabilistic tractography at 6 to 8 mo postsurgery. Correlation between percentage of fiber tract involvement and percentage of UPDRS-III score improvement was evaluated through Spearman's correlation coefficient.

RESULTS

Group average improvement was 86% for tremor, 62% for rigidity, 56% for bradykinesia, and 45% for gait and posture. Improvement in global UPDRS score correlated with extent of lesions in fibers connecting with contralateral cerebellar cortex and improvement of posture and gait with fibers connecting with contralateral deep cerebellar nuclei. Lesion of fibers connecting the globus pallidum with pedunculopontine nucleus induced improvement of gait and posture over other symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Partial lesion of Raprl fibers resulted in symptom improvement at 2-yr follow-up. Lesions of selective fiber components may result in selective improvement of specific symptoms.
The Clinical Utility of a Brief Psychological Stress Measure (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System) in Youth with Chronic Pain
Authors: Nelson Sarah , Burns Maureen , Logan Deirdre
Published: July 2020

Objective

To preliminarily examine the psychometric properties (i.e., internal consistency reliability, construct validity) and clinical utility of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) psychological stress experiences scale in a sample of youth with chronic pain.

Methods

Participant data were gathered from an institutional review board (IRB) approved clinical data registry. One hundred sixty-eight children and adolescents (age: mean = 14.97, SD = 2.78) with chronic pain presenting to a tertiary pain treatment clinic were included in the data set. Internal consistency estimates (i.e., Cronbach’s alpha), bivariate correlations, and confirmatory factor analyses were performed to preliminarily examine reliability and validity. Multivariate regression analyses were performed to examine the associations between PROMIS psychological stress and pain-related and psychosocial outcomes.

Results

Confirmatory factor analysis and correlational results indicated that the PROMIS psychological stress experiences scale shows promising reliability and validity in the current sample of youth with chronic pain. Additionally, the results indicated that almost 50% of youth with chronic pain report “high” or “very high” stress (T ≥ 60) and significantly higher rates of stress when compared with national validation samples (P < 0.001). The results also indicated that the PROMIS psychological stress experiences scale was significantly associated with both pain-related and psychosocial outcomes (all P <0.01).

Conclusions

The PROMIS psychological stress experiences scale shows promising psychometric properties in youth with pediatric pain and may be useful in assessing for psychological impairment. Future research should further examine the use of this brief measure to assess psychological stress in medical clinics as a way to enhance intervention and prevention efforts in these youth.
Which factors predict discordance between a patient and physician on a gout flare?
Authors: Jagpal Aprajita , Rahn Elizabeth J , Mudano Amy S , Dalbeth Nicola , Taylor William , Saag Kenneth G , Singh Jasvinder A , Cavagna Lorenzo , Uhlig Till , Perez-Ruiz Fernando , McCarthy Geraldine , Gerritsen Martijn , Stamp Lisa , Vazquez Mellado Janitzia , Lin Chingtsai , Vargas- Santos Ana Beatriz , Louthrenoo Worawit , Neogi Tuhina , Chen Yi-Hsing , Castelar-Pinheiro Geraldo da Rocha , Gaffo Angelo
Published: July 2020

Objective

To investigate the factors associated with discordance between patient and physician on the presence of a gout flare.

Methods

Patients’ self-reports of current gout flares were assessed with the question, ‘Are you having a gout flare today?’ which was then compared with a concurrent, blinded, physician’s assessment. Based on agreement or disagreement with physicians on the presence of a gout flare, flares were divided into concordant and discordant groups, respectively. Within the discordant group, two subgroups—patient-reported flare but the physician disagreed and physician-reported flare but the patient disagreed—were identified. The factors associated with discordance were analysed with multivariable logistic regression analysis.

Results

Of 268 gout flares, 81 (30.2%) flares were discordant, with either patient or physician disagreeing on the presence of a flare. Of the discordant flares, in 57 (70.4%) the patient reported a flare but the physician disagreed. In multivariable logistic regression analysis adjusted for demographics, disagreement among patients and physicians on the presence of a gout flare was associated with lower pain scores at rest [odds ratio (OR) for each point increase on 0–10 point pain scale 0.81 (95% Wald CI 0.73, 0.90), P < 0.0001] and less presence of joint swelling [OR 0.24 (95% CI 0.10, 0.61), P = 0.003] or joint warmth [OR 0.39 (95% CI 0.20, 0.75), P = 0.005].

Conclusion

Although patients and physicians generally agree about the presence of gout flare, discordance may occur in the setting of low pain scores and in the absence of swollen or warm joints.
1-1THE EFFECT OF SIMVASTATIN FOR CAROTID INTIMA MEDIA THICKNESS IN ACUTE ISCHEMIC STROKE PATIENT WITH HYPERTENSION
Authors: Kurnianto Aditya , Tugasworo Dodik
Published: July 2020

Background:

Acute ischemic stroke is caused by thrombotic or embolic occlusion of a cerebral artery. Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) may be measured by ultrasound, where the distance between a double-line reflex pattern representing the luminal-intimal and the medial-adventitial interfaces corresponds well with IMT measured in histological specimens. Patients with hypertension tend to develop a thickening of the intima-media carotid artery. Simvastatin inhibits further atherothrombotic process.

Objective:

To analyze the effect of simvastatin for CIMT in ischemic stroke patient with hypertension.

Method:

This study was a Randomized Pretest-Posttest Design and conducted at the Hospital Inpatient Ward Dr Kariadi Semarang from January to December 2018 for all first ischemic stroke patients with hypertension treatment in Dr. Kariadi Hospital Semarang. Subjects were divided into groups of 35 controls, and 38 patients treated groups. The treatment group were given simvastatin 20 mg each daily for 24 weeks in 38 subjects with a history of acute ischemic stroke and hypertension. Examine the CIMT at the 1st week and 24th week. The normality of the data was tested using Shapiro Wilk and the differences analyzed by using Paired t-test.

Result:

There was a significant difference between CIMT on the administration of simvastatin for ischemic stroke patients with hypertension (p = 0,04).

Conclusion:

Simvastatin significantly decreases CIMT on ischemic stroke patients with hypertension.
1-5COMPARISON OF CEREBRAL BLOOD FLOW IN POSTERIOR CIRCULATION BETWEEN HYPERTENSIVE AND NORMOTENSIVE INDIVIDUALS
Authors: Fitri Fasihah Irfani , Batubara Chairil Amin
Published: July 2020

Background and Purpose:

Hypertension is known to be associated with cerebrovascular remodelling, raised cerebrovascular resistance and reduced resting cerebral blood flow (CBF) relative to the healthy normotensive individual. This study aimed to compare the CBF in posterior circulation between hypertensive and normotensive individuals.

Methods:

We collected data of transcranial doppler (TCD) examination from Neurosonology Division in Adam Malik General Hospital from January 2014 until December 2019. We included data of the right vertebral artery (RVA), left vertebral artery (LVA) and basilar artery (BA). The parameters included were mean flow velocity (MFV) and peak systolic velocity (PSV) to measure CBF and pulsatility index to assess the vascular resistance. We excluded patients with a history of stroke and patients with signs of stenosis from TCD examination.

Results:

There were 330 subjects included in this study, consisted of 160 hypertensive patients and 170 normotensive subjects. The mean age was 62.4 ± 8.1 years old. Compared to normotensive subjects, hypertensive patients had significantly lower MFV in RVA [29.71 ± 7.97 vs32.74 ± 9.07, p = 0.001] and in LVA [29.71 ± 9.68 vs 32.61 ± 9.06, p = 0.005]; lower PSV in RVA [50.57 ± 13.9 vs 54.11 ± 14.5, p = 0.024] and in LVA [48.3 ± 15.30 vs 52.6 ± 15.01, p = 0.011. There was no significant difference of MFV and PSV in BA between hypertensive and normotensive subjects [33.2 ± 1.06 vs 34.6 ± 1.06, p = 0.23 and 56.11 ± 17.5 vs 56.3 ± 17.5, p = 0.91, respectively]. The pulsatility index was higher in hypertensive patients compared to normotensive subjects in RVA [1.08 ± 0.24 vs 1.01 ± 30, p = 0.014] and in LVA [1.06 ± 0.28 vs 0.99 ± 0.33, p = 0.052] and in BA [1.14 ± 0.24 vs 1.03 ± 0.27, p = 0.001] although these were still within normal range.

Conclusion:

Hypertensive patients exhibited lower blood flow in posterior cerebral circulation compared to healthy normotensive subjects.
2-4THE RISK OF STROKE IN HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS WITH LEFT VENTRICULAR HYPERTROPHY DETERMINED BY ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHIC DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSES
Authors: Ivan Ignatius , Budiman Fanny , Ruby Rivaldi , Leonardo  , Iskandar Archie F.
Published: July 2020

Introduction:

Hypertensive patients with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) as determined by electrocardiographic (ECG) diagnostic criteria are at increased risk for stroke. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the risk for hypertensive patients with LVH to develop stroke.

Methods:

A literature search with a predetermined search strategy was conducted based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement guidelines. Databases were gathered from Pubmed, MEDLINE Complete via EBSCOhost, and Proquest. Articles were reviewed based on following criteria: studies’ participants are hypertensive, having left ventricular hypertrophy evaluated by valid diagnostic criteria, not combined with other diagnostic tools and compared with control group having normal heart structure; outcome assessment are related to cerebrovascular event; sample size is at least 30 participants; follow-up period of at least 1 year; relevant study design, participant characteristics, and results. We assess the quality of studies using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2.0, Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) statement, and Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS). Between-study heterogeneity was evaluated using the Cochran Q test (v2).

Results:

The search strategy identified 131 studies. After article selection, we included seven articles to be analyzed qualitatively and two articles into meta-analysis. All cohort studies have adequate reporting qualities with a high-quality assessment score (8.0). All randomized trials have a low risk of bias. Our meta-analysis using fixed-effect found that LVH evaluated by Cornell Product (CP) in hypertensive patients, 45–80 years old, had a 22% higher risk for stroke compared with patients without LVH by a follow up of around five years (HR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.06–1.40; p = 0.005). When evaluated by Sokolow-Lyon criteria, the risk was increased to 61% (HR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.37–1.90; p < 0.00001). When random effects are applied, we identified an insignificant risk for patients evaluated by CP, while the result remained to be significant if using SL.

Conclusion:

There is a significantly increased risk for hypertensive patients having LVH to develop stroke within five years when analyzed by SL criteria. Evaluation using CP criteria have an inconsistent result when fixed, and the random effect was applied. Thus, future studies with a larger sample size need to be conducted.
2-6SCREENING FOR PERIPHERAL ARTERY DISEASE IN HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS AT A PRIMARY HEALTH CARE CENTRE IN BONTANG, EAST BORNEO: A STUDY USING ANKLE BRACHIAL INDEX BY PALPATION METHOD
Authors: Willim Herick Alvenus , Pakpahan Simon Prayogi , Dwiyanti
Published: July 2020

Background:

Hypertension is a significant risk factor for peripheral artery disease (PAD). Early identification and treatment of PAD could minimize disease progression and reduce cardiovascular mortality. Studies have validated ankle branchial index (ABI) by palpation as a simple and useful method for screening PAD in the setting of primary health care.

Objective:

To screen for PAD in hypertensive patients at a primary health care centre in Bontang, East Borneo.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study conducted in Puskesmas Bontang Utara II from August to September 2019. We did the screening of PAD in hypertensive patients aged ≥50 years using ABI by palpation method. PAD was defined as ABI <0.9 in either leg. Hypertension is defined as systolic BP ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥90 mmHg or taking antihypertensive medications. Patients with a history of diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and smoking were excluded from this study.

Results:

A total of 139 hypertensive patients were included, 76 (54.7%) of them were female, with a mean age was 62.45 ± 8.92 years. There were 26 (18.7%) patients diagnosed with PAD, 7 (27%) of them were asymptomatic, and 19 (73%) were symptomatic. PAD was significantly higher in patients aged ≥65 years (OR = 7.51; p < 0.001) and in patients who have suffered hypertension more than five years (OR = 3.18; p = 0.023). Sex and hypertension stage did not show a significant association with PAD.

Conclusion:

PAD affected almost one-fifth of hypertensive patients in this study population. Screening of PAD in primary health care needs to be done for hypertensive patients aged ≥50 years, especially emphasized in patients aged ≥65 years and have suffered hypertension for more than 5 years.
2-7INTRADIALYTIC HYPERTENSION AMONG REGULAR HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS FOR MORE THAN FIVE YEARS
Authors: NW Sri Wardani , G Wira Mahadita , N Paramita Ayu , Y Kandarini , IG Raka Widiana , W. Sudhana
Published: July 2020

Background:

Intradialytic hypertension was a prevalence complication of ≈5% to 15% regular hemodialysis patients and predicted cardiovascular mortality.

Objectives:

This study aims to described prevalence of intradialytic hypertension in regular hemodialysis patients who undergone hemodialysis for more than five years.

Methods:

We conducted a cross-sectional study of regular hemodialysis patients aged above 18 years who undergone hemodialysis more than 5 years. Intradialytic hypertension was defined as a rise in mean arterial pressure >15 mm Hg within or immediately post-dialysis.

Results:

This study composed of 46 (56.1%) males and 36 (43.9%) females, aged 53.49 ± 11.2973 years. Most of the patients, 73 (89%) undergone hemodialysis twice weekly and 68 (82.9%) patients with AV fistula access. 51 (62.2%) subjects were achieved Kt/V target more than equal to 1.8. Mean of hemoglobin, albumin, Tsat, Ferritin, Calcium and Phosphor were 10.75 ± 1.87 g/dL, 4.04 ± 0.42 g/dL, 31.73 ± 15.94%, 808.76 ± 878.69 ng/mL, 10.07 ± 9.65 mg/dL, and 6.24 ± 2.44 mg/dL respectively. Intradialytic hypertension was found at 9.8% (8 subjects) among HD patients for more than equal to 5 years. This study was the same as other studies that found intradialytic hypertension 5 to 15% among regular hemodialysis patients.

Conclusions:

Prevalence of Intradialytic hypertension in Sanglah Hospital was high in regular hemodialysis patients who undergone hemodialysis for more than five years.