bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Description of the first Spanish case of Gerstmann–Sträussler–Scheinker disease with A117V variant: clinical, histopathological and biochemical characterization
Authors: Eraña Hasier , San Millán Beatriz , Díaz-Domínguez Carlos M. , Charco Jorge M. , Rodríguez Rosa , Viéitez Irene , Pereda Arrate , Yañez Rosa , Geijo Mariví , Navarro Carmen , Perez de Nanclares Guiomar , Teijeira Susana , Castilla Joaquín
Published: March 2022

Gerstmann–Sträussler–Scheinker disease (GSS) is a rare neurodegenerative illness that belongs to the group of hereditary or familial Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSE). Due to the presence of different pathogenic alterations in the prion protein (PrP) coding gene, it shows an enhanced proneness to misfolding into its pathogenic isoform, leading to prion formation and propagation. This aberrantly folded protein is able to induce its conformation to the native counterparts forming amyloid fibrils and plaques partially resistant to protease degradation and showing neurotoxic properties. PrP with A117V pathogenic variant is the second most common genetic alteration leading to GSS and despite common phenotypic and neuropathological traits can be defined for each specific variant, strikingly heterogeneous manifestations have been reported for inter-familial cases bearing the same pathogenic variant or even within the same family. Given the scarcity of cases and their clinical, neuropathological, and biochemical variability, it is important to characterize thoroughly each reported case to establish potential correlations between clinical, neuropathological and biochemical hallmarks that could help to define disease subtypes. With that purpose in mind, this manuscript aims to provide a detailed report of the first Spanish GSS case associated with A117V variant including clinical, genetic, neuropathological and biochemical data, which could help define in the future potential disease subtypes and thus, explain the high heterogeneity observed in patients suffering from these maladies.
Temporal contrast adaptation in the analysis of visual function in primary open-angle glaucoma
Authors: Wu Qianru , Xie Minyue , Chen Xuhao , Zhang Di , Chen Xiaoyong , Xu Ke , Hong Ying , Zhang Chun
Published: March 2022

Purpose

To explore the utility of the recovery time (RT) after temporal contrast adaptation in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) visual function analysis, especially in severe and end-stage glaucoma, by the Erlanger Flicker Test (EFT).

Methods

This study included 80 POAG eyes (45 subjects) and 20 normal eyes (20 subjects). POAG eyes were divided into 5 groups. The diagnostic efficacy of the EFT was assessed, and the RT of POAG eyes at different stages was compared. The EFT results were compared with glaucomatous structure and function test results. A nomogram was developed to predict disease progression by the RT and structural indicators.

Results

In the normal eyes, as the test contrast increased, the RT gradually decreased. The EFT test–retest reproducibility was good, with intraclass correlation coefficient values of 0.6 (P < 0.05) for each test contrast. At 12%, 25%, and 35% contrast, the RT in the severe and end-stage glaucoma eyes was significantly prolonged compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The RT at different contrasts was significantly correlated with visual acuity, mean defect, mean sensitivity, and general and individual quadrant optic nerve fiber layer thickness (P ≤ 0.001). The receiver operating curve indicated that RT12% showed the best overall area under the curve (0.863). We included RT25% and average optic nerve fiber layer thickness in constructing the nomogram. POAG eyes were further divided into 8 stages. According to the probability distribution, this model showed good performance for visual function analysis in advanced glaucoma.

Conclusions

Combined with traditional glaucomatous structural and functional parameters, the EFT can be used in the diagnosis and visual function analysis of POAG, especially for severe and end-stage glaucoma. It could be a potential test for disease staging in severe and end-stage glaucoma.
The effect of exercise on left ventricular global longitudinal strain
Authors: Murray James , Bennett Hunter , Bezak Eva , Perry Rebecca , Boyle Terry
Published: March 2022

Exercise improves measures of cardiovascular (CV) health and function. But as traditional measures improve gradually, it can be difficult to identify the effectiveness of an exercise intervention in the short-term. Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) is a highly sensitive CV imaging measure that detects signs of myocardial dysfunction prior to more traditional measures, with reductions in LVGLS a strong prognostic indicator of future CV dysfunction and mortality. Due to its sensitivity, LVGLS may offer useful method of tracking the effectiveness of an exercise intervention on CV function in the short-term, providing practitioners useful information to improve patient care in exercise settings. However, the effect of exercise on LVGLS is unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the effect exercise has on LVGLS across a range of populations. Included studies assessed LVGLS pre–post an exercise intervention (minimum 2 weeks) in adults 18 years and over, and were published in English from 2000 onwards. Study-level random-effects meta-analyses were performed using Stata (v16.1) to calculate summary standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). 39 studies met selection criteria, with 35 included in meta-analyses (1765 participants). In primary analyses, a significant improvement in LVGLS was observed in populations with CV disease (SMD = 0.59; 95% CI 0.16–1.02; p = 0.01), however, no significant effect of exercise was observed in CV risk factor and healthy populations. In populations with CV disease, LVGLS could be used as an early biomarker to determine the effectiveness of an exercise regime before changes in other clinical measures are observed.
Sleep disorders predict the 1-year onset, persistence, but not remission of psychotic experiences in preadolescence: a longitudinal analysis of the ABCD cohort data
Authors: Reeve Sarah , Bell Vaughan
Published: March 2022

The relationship between sleep disorder and psychotic experiences in preadolescence has not been extensively studied despite the potential for intervention. The current study addressed this relationship using the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development (ABCD) cohort, which provided baseline data from 11,830 10- to 11-year-old; for 4910 of these, 1-year follow-up data were also available. A set of pre-registered multi-level regression models were applied to test whether (a) sleep disorder is associated with psychotic experiences at baseline; (b) baseline sleep disorder predicts psychotic experiences at follow-up; (c) the persistence of sleep disorder predicts persistence of psychotic experiences at follow-up; d) the remission of sleep disorder predicts the remission of psychotic experiences at follow-up. After controlling for potential confounders, sleep disorder was associated with psychotic experiences cross-sectionally (OR = 1.40, 95% CI 1.20–1.63), at 1-year follow-up (OR = 1.32, 95% CI 1.11–1.57), and the persistence of sleep disorder predicted the persistence of psychotic experiences (OR = 1.72, 95% CI 1.44–2.04). However, remission of sleep problems did not predict remission of psychotic experiences (OR = 1.041, 95% CI 0.80–1.35). The results indicate that sleep disorders in preadolescence are common and associated with psychotic experiences, although the lack of co-remission raises questions about the mechanism of association. However, given these findings, and existing evidence in later adolescence and adults, further investigation of sleep as a preventative mental health intervention target in this age group is warranted.
Small islands and climate change: analysis of adaptation policy in the Cayman Islands
Authors: Johnston Wendy , Cooper Andrew
Published: March 2022

Small, low-lying islands are highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change and development of effective adaptation strategies is regarded as an urgent need. Through an analysis of existing and emerging climate adaptation policies, this paper assesses the climate adaptation response in the Cayman Islands. Despite its strong economic status and several developments in the areas of Planning, Environment and Tourism, alongside a draft Climate Change Policy, the study reveals a focus on symbolic policies and a lack of adopted “concrete” climate change adaptation policies. Although the draft National Climate Change Policy (2011) contains a comprehensive range of substantial policies, none has been formally adopted by the Cayman Islands Government. The practical implications of this situation in the face of climate change-related hazards are assessed in the context of Seven Mile Beach, the most heavily developed stretch of the Cayman Islands coast. Here, the prevailing response to shoreline change is stabilisation and, despite several opportunities to change the situation, recent policy developments have not stimulated changes in practice.
Population structure and genetic diversity of the threatened pygmy newt Triturus pygmaeus in a network of natural and artificial ponds
Authors: Albert Eva M. , García-Navas Vicente
Published: March 2022

Pond physical characteristics (connectivity, hydroperiod) have shown to be highly relevant in explaining species presence, reproductive success, and survival in breeding-pond amphibians. However, few studies have addressed the influence that these factors may have on the genetic variability of pond populations. We examined genetic variation at 11 microsatellite loci in Iberian endemic, the pygmy newt (Triturus pygmaeus), from 58 breeding ponds in the Doñana National Park (Andalusia), including both temporary ponds and artificially deepened ponds that remain wet during the whole year. Temporary ponds are located in the North part of the region where the surrounding habitat-wet meadows-facilitates the connectivity among populations, whereas the deepest ponds (‘zacallones’) are located in the southern edge embedded in a matrix of unsuitable habitat (thickets and dry underbrush). We investigated genetic diversity and structure within and among ponds. Our results show that both regions (Doñana-North and Doñana-South) are well-differentiated and form two main clusters. We found higher genetic diversity within ponds from the North region, which also exhibited a higher degree of genetic admixture in comparison with populations from the southern edge. Although we found an isolation-by-distance pattern within each cluster, it arose due to the effect of a few isolated ponds located on the edge of each zone, suggesting the existence of substantial gene flow between ponds in the core area. According to our findings, landscape’s permeability to movement (pond connectivity) may constitute a more important factor than hydroperiod length in determining the genetic diversity and viability of pygmy newt populations in this area. Although Doñana populations show a good state, more peripheral and isolated populations present a more worrisome condition as a result of fragmentation and thus, require conservation efforts. Our study provides key insights that could help guide management practices of this threatened and poorly-studied salamander.
Ablation index-guided cavotricuspid isthmus ablation with contiguous lesions using fluoroscopy integrated 3D mapping in atrial flutter
Authors: Sakama Susumu , Yagishita Atsuhiko , Sakai Tetsuri , Morise Masahiro , Ayabe Kengo , Amino Mari , Ikari Yuji , Yoshioka Koichiro
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The feasibility and safety of cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) ablation with contiguous lesions using ablation index (AI) under the guidance of fluoroscopy integrated 3D mapping (CARTO UNIVU/CU) in typical atrial flutter (AFL) remains uncertain. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of AI-guided CTI ablation with contiguous lesions in patients with AFL.

Methods

In this single-center, prospective, non-randomized, single-arm, observational study, procedural outcomes were determined in 151 patients undergoing AI-guided CTI ablation (AI group) with a target AI value of 450 and an interlesion distance of ≤ 4 mm under CU guidance. These outcomes were compared with those of 30 patients undergoing non-AI-guided ablation (non-AI group).

Results

Among 151 patients, first-pass conduction block was achieved in 120 (80%) patients in the AI group (67% in the non-AI group, P = 0.152) with a shorter fluoroscopy time of 0.2 ± 0.4 min (1.7 ± 2.0 min in the non-AI group, P < 0.001). Conduction gaps were located at the atrial aspects near the inferior vena cava in 24 of 31 (78%) patients without first-pass conduction block. The AI group received 11 ± 5 (12 ± 4 in the non-AI group, P = 0.098) radiofrequency (RF) applications, and the RF time was 4.2 ± 2.4 (5.1 ± 2.5 min in the non-AI group, P = 0.011). Despite the occurrence of steam pop in 3 (2%) patients, none of them developed cardiac tamponade. No patients had recurrence within 6 months of follow-up.

Conclusions

AI-guided CTI ablation in combination with CU was feasible and effective in reducing radiation exposure in patients with AFL.
Partitioned hybrid learning of Bayesian network structures
Authors: Huang Jireh , Zhou Qing
Published: March 2022

We develop a novel hybrid method for Bayesian network structure learning called partitioned hybrid greedy search (pHGS), composed of three distinct yet compatible new algorithms: Partitioned PC (pPC) accelerates skeleton learning via a divide-and-conquer strategy, p-value adjacency thresholding (PATH) effectively accomplishes parameter tuning with a single execution, and hybrid greedy initialization (HGI) maximally utilizes constraint-based information to obtain a high-scoring and well-performing initial graph for greedy search. We establish structure learning consistency of our algorithms in the large-sample limit, and empirically validate our methods individually and collectively through extensive numerical comparisons. The combined merits of pPC and PATH achieve significant computational reductions compared to the PC algorithm without sacrificing the accuracy of estimated structures, and our generally applicable HGI strategy reliably improves the estimation structural accuracy of popular hybrid algorithms with negligible additional computational expense. Our empirical results demonstrate the competitive empirical performance of pHGS against many state-of-the-art structure learning algorithms.
Local Explanations via Necessity and Sufficiency: Unifying Theory and Practice
Authors: Watson David S. , Gultchin Limor , Taly Ankur , Floridi Luciano
Published: March 2022

Necessity and sufficiency are the building blocks of all successful explanations. Yet despite their importance, these notions have been conceptually underdeveloped and inconsistently applied in explainable artificial intelligence (XAI), a fast-growing research area that is so far lacking in firm theoretical foundations. In this article, an expanded version of a paper originally presented at the 37th Conference on Uncertainty in Artificial Intelligence (Watson et al., 2021), we attempt to fill this gap. Building on work in logic, probability, and causality, we establish the central role of necessity and sufficiency in XAI, unifying seemingly disparate methods in a single formal framework. We propose a novel formulation of these concepts, and demonstrate its advantages over leading alternatives. We present a sound and complete algorithm for computing explanatory factors with respect to a given context and set of agentive preferences, allowing users to identify necessary and sufficient conditions for desired outcomes at minimal cost. Experiments on real and simulated data confirm our method’s competitive performance against state of the art XAI tools on a diverse array of tasks.
Translational Modeling Identifies Synergy between Nanoparticle-Delivered miRNA-22 and Standard-of-Care Drugs in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Dogra Prashant , Ramírez Javier Ruiz , Butner Joseph D. , Peláez Maria J. , Chung Caroline , Hooda-Nehra Anupama , Pasqualini Renata , Arap Wadih , Cristini Vittorio , Calin George A. , Ozpolat Bulent , Wang Zhihui
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Downregulation of miRNA-22 in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is associated with upregulation of eukaryotic elongation 2 factor kinase (eEF2K) protein, which regulates tumor growth, chemoresistance, and tumor immunosurveillance. Moreover, exogenous administration of miRNA-22, loaded in nanoparticles to prevent degradation and improve tumor delivery (termed miRNA-22 nanotherapy), to suppress eEF2K production has shown potential as an investigational therapeutic agent in vivo.

Methods

To evaluate the translational potential of miRNA-22 nanotherapy, we developed a multiscale mechanistic model, calibrated to published in vivo data and extrapolated to the human scale, to describe and quantify the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of miRNA-22 in virtual patient populations.

Results

Our analysis revealed the dose-response relationship, suggested optimal treatment frequency for miRNA-22 nanotherapy, and highlighted key determinants of therapy response, from which combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors was identified as a candidate strategy for improving treatment outcomes. More importantly, drug synergy was identified between miRNA-22 and standard-of-care drugs against TNBC, providing a basis for rational therapeutic combinations for improved response

Conclusions

The present study highlights the translational potential of miRNA-22 nanotherapy for TNBC in combination with standard-of-care drugs.
Development of a practical aggregate spatial road freight modal demand model system for truck and commodity movements with an application of a distance-based charging regime
Authors: Hensher David A. , Wei Edward , Liu Wen , Ho Loan , Ho Chinh
Published: March 2022

We promote a view that more attention should be given to the freight sector in order to recognise that many initiatives designed to impact on passenger travel do also impact on the performance of the movement of freight vehicles and hence the ability to distribute commodities from the locations in which they are generated. This paper develops a practical freight demand model system and applies the models within an integrated passenger and freight model system for the Greater Sydney Metropolitan Area using a distance based charge for trucks and cars as a way of highlighting the importance of not ignoring truck traffic when assessing road pricing reform in the car passenger sector.
Associations of Mediterranean diet with psychological ill-being and well-being throughout the pregnancy course: The GESTAFIT project
Authors: Flor-Alemany Marta , Baena-García Laura , Migueles Jairo H. , Henriksson Pontus , Löf Marie , Aparicio Virginia A.
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The relation between diet and maternal mental health during pregnancy might be relevant to prevent adverse materno-foetal outcomes. This study examined the association of Mediterranean diet (MD) adherence and MD components with mental health during pregnancy.

Methods

This secondary analysis of the GESTAFIT trial included longitudinal data from 152 pregnant women. Dietary habits were assessed with a food frequency questionnaire, and MD adherence was derived from it using the Mediterranean Food pattern. Psychological ill-being (i.e., negative affect, anxiety, and depression) and well-being (i.e., emotional intelligence, resilience, positive affect) were assessed with the Spanish version of well-established self-reported questionnaires. Cross-sectional (16th gestational week [g.w.]) and longitudinal associations (34th g.w.) between MD and mental health were studied using linear regression models.

Results

A greater MD adherence was inversely associated with negative affect and anxiety; and positively associated with emotional regulation, resilience and positive affect at the 16th and 34th g.w. (|β| ranging from 0.179 to 0.325, all p < 0.05). Additionally, a higher intake of whole grain cereals, fruits, vegetables, fish, olive oil and nuts, and a lower intake of red meat and subproducts and sweets were associated with lower negative affect, anxiety, depression and higher emotional regulation, resilience and positive affect throughout gestation (|β| ranging from 0.168 to 0.415, all p < 0.05).

Conclusion

A higher intake of whole grain cereals, fruits, vegetables, fish, olive oil and nuts, together with a lower intake of red meat and sweets, resulted in a higher MD adherence, which was associated with a better mental health during pregnancy.
Health Impact of Street Sweeps from the Perspective of Healthcare Providers
Authors: Qi Diane , Abri Kamran , Mukherjee M. Rani , Rosenwohl-Mack Amy , Khoeur Lina , Barnard Lily , Knight Kelly Ray
Published: March 2022

Background

Homeless street sweeps are frequent operations in many cities in the USA in which government agencies move unhoused people living in public outdoor areas. Little research exists on the health impact of street sweeps operations.

Objective

This study was created at the request of community advocacy groups to investigate and document the health impacts of street sweeps from the perspective of healthcare providers.

Design

This is a qualitative study using data gathered from open-ended questions.

Participants

We recruited 39 healthcare providers who provided health and wellness services in San Francisco for people experiencing homelessness (PEH) between January 2018 and January 2020.

Interventions

We administered a qualitative, open-ended questionnaire to healthcare providers using Qualtrics surveying their perspectives on the health impact of street sweeps.

Approach

We conducted qualitative thematic analysis on questionnaire results.

Key Results

Street sweeps may negatively impact health through two outcomes. The first outcome is material loss, including belongings and medical items. The second outcome is instability, including geographic displacement, community fragmentation, and loss to follow-up. These outcomes may contribute to less effective management of chronic health conditions, infectious diseases, and substance use disorders, and may increase physical injuries and worsen mental health. Providers also reported that sweeps may negatively impact the healthcare system by promoting increased usage of emergency departments and inpatient hospital care.

Conclusions

Sweeps may have several negative consequences for the physical and mental health of the PEH community and for the healthcare system.
Coronary Artery Disease in Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis: a Review
Authors: Poledniczek Michael H.
Published: March 2022

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis is an immunologically mediated small to medium vessel vasculitis associated with the formation of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies. Advances in immunosuppressive therapy have expanded patients’ life expectancy in recent decades and have required an expansion of clinical attention to include management of chronic disease manifestations and long-term comorbidities. Though the heart and coronary arteries specifically are typically not primarily affected in GPA, studies have shown that patients are at an increased risk of cardiovascular and thromboembolic events. In many patients, metabolic risk factors promoting the formation of atherosclerotic plaques are not sufficiently controlled or screened for and potentially exacerbated by undesired treatment effects. This review aims to provide clinical physicians with an overview of the current literature on epidemiology, pathophysiology and prevention of coronary artery disease in the context of granulomatosis with polyangiitis and help to identify and lower the risk of cardiovascular events in this high-risk population.
Multi-agent reinforcement learning for cooperative lane changing of connected and autonomous vehicles in mixed traffic
Authors: Zhou Wei , Chen Dong , Yan Jun , Li Zhaojian , Yin Huilin , Ge Wanchen
Published: March 2022

Autonomous driving has attracted significant research interests in the past two decades as it offers many potential benefits, including releasing drivers from exhausting driving and mitigating traffic congestion, among others. Despite promising progress, lane-changing remains a great challenge for autonomous vehicles (AV), especially in mixed and dynamic traffic scenarios. Recently, reinforcement learning (RL) has been widely explored for lane-changing decision makings in AVs with encouraging results demonstrated. However, the majority of those studies are focused on a single-vehicle setting, and lane-changing in the context of multiple AVs coexisting with human-driven vehicles (HDVs) have received scarce attention. In this paper, we formulate the lane-changing decision-making of multiple AVs in a mixed-traffic highway environment as a multi-agent reinforcement learning (MARL) problem, where each AV makes lane-changing decisions based on the motions of both neighboring AVs and HDVs. Specifically, a multi-agent advantage actor-critic (MA2C) method is proposed with a novel local reward design and a parameter sharing scheme. In particular, a multi-objective reward function is designed to incorporate fuel efficiency, driving comfort, and the safety of autonomous driving. A comprehensive experimental study is made that our proposed MARL framework consistently outperforms several state-of-the-art benchmarks in terms of efficiency, safety, and driver comfort.
Stable Lévy Processes via Lamperti-Type Representations
Authors: Kyprianou Andreas E. , Pardo Juan Carlos
Published: March 2022

Stable Lévy processes lie at the intersection of Lévy processes and self-similar Markov processes. Processes in the latter class enjoy a Lamperti-type representation as the space-time path transformation of so-called Markov additive processes (MAPs). This completely new mathematical treatment takes advantage of the fact that the underlying MAP for stable processes can be explicitly described in one dimension and semi-explicitly described in higher dimensions, and uses this approach to catalogue a large number of explicit results describing the path fluctuations of stable Lévy processes in one and higher dimensions. Written for graduate students and researchers in the field, this book systemically establishes many classical results as well as presenting many recent results appearing in the last decade, including previously unpublished material. Topics explored include first hitting laws for a variety of sets, path conditionings, law-preserving path transformations, the distribution of extremal points, growth envelopes and winding behaviour.
Two Faces of Our Idea of Acting Together
Authors: BRATMAN MICHAEL E.
Published: March 2022

In her 2021 Lebowitz Prize Lecture, ‘A Simple Theory of Acting Together’, Margaret Gilbert seeks to articulate the ‘idea’ of acting together that ‘animates’ our commonsense talk about this important phenomenon. I seek a model that provides illuminating sufficient conditions for this phenomenon. As I see it, these are not quite the same project. After all, our commonsense idea and talk may well have two interrelated faces: an inchoate understanding of what the phenomenon is; and an inchoate understanding of norms about, very roughly, what those who participate in this phenomenon normally thereby owe to each other. Gilbert develops a rich and complex articulation of this second element, one according to which the interpersonal obligations in question are not in general moral obligations. Broadly speaking, her strategy is then to take this web of interpersonal obligations and the like and directly build it into her account of what the phenomenon of acting together is. This leads her to say that that phenomenon involves a non-reducible phenomenon in whichAandBare ‘jointly committed to endorseGas a body’––where such joint commitments are constituted at least in part by the interpersonal obligations and the like to which our commonsense idea of acting together alludes.
Resisting Marriage, Reclaiming Right: An (Early) Modern Critique of Marriage
Authors: EMMETT KELIN
Published: March 2022

Moderata Fonte's dialogueThe Worth of Women(1600) contains stinging critiques of marriage and the dowry system as well as of women's inequality. I argue that Fonte's critique of male dominance, particularly in marriage, employs a modern method of argument, which anticipates the later contractarian critiques of political authority. Given that women are naturally men's equals, Fonte argues that men's de facto authority over women is illegitimate and based on force. Moreover, by treating marriage as an artificial institution rather than as a natural institution, Fonte anticipates later feminist arguments that criticize the modern contract tradition for its failure to extend its critique of other forms of authority to patriarchal marriage, instead positing a natural basis for women's subordination to men. In light of this history, Fonte's critique of patriarchy is especially interesting: it challenges the patriarchal family structure and the institutions that collude to diminish women's agency, and this challenge to male authority is similar to later (male) challenges to de facto political authority.
The accuracy of fully automated algorithms for surveillance of healthcare-onset Clostridioides difficile infections in hospitalized patients
Authors: van der Werff Suzanne Desirée , Fritzing Mikael , Tanushi Hideyuki , Henriksson Aron , Dalianis Hercules , Ternhag Anders , Färnert Anna , Nauclér Pontus
Published: March 2022

We developed and validated a set of fully automated surveillance algorithms for healthcare-onset CDI using electronic health records. In a validation data set of 750 manually annotated admissions, the algorithm based on International Classification of Disease, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) code A04.7 had insufficient sensitivity. Algorithms based on microbiological test results with or without addition of symptoms performed well.
The Statute that Governs the Transition to Democracy and the Int'l Recognition of the Venezuela Interim President
Authors: G. José Ignacio Hernández
Published: March 2022

Since January 23, 2019, several countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, have recognized the speaker of the Venezuela National Assembly, deputy Juan Guaidó, as interim president until free and fair presidential elections are called. That recognition was a consequence of the repudiation of the 2018 presidential election, in which the incumbent president, Nicolás Maduro, was fraudulently proclaimed president for the term that began on January 10, 2019. A few days later, on February 6, 2019, the Venezuelan National Assembly approved a special law, the Statute that Governs the Transition to Democracy to Restore the Enforcement of the Constitution of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (the Transition Statute). The primary purpose of the Transition Statute was to regulate the exercise of the presidency by the speaker of the National Assembly acting as interim president, based on Article 233 of the Venezuelan Constitution.
Can Robots Understand Welfare? Exploring Machine Bureaucracies in Welfare-to-Work
Authors: CONSIDINE MARK , MCGANN MICHAEL , BALL SARAH , NGUYEN PHUC
Published: March 2022

The exercise of administrative discretion by street-level workers plays a key role in shaping citizens’ access to welfare and employment services. Governance reforms of social services delivery, such as performance-based contracting, have often been driven by attempts to discipline this discretion. In several countries, these forms of market governance are now being eclipsed by new modes of digital governance that seek to reshape the delivery of services using algorithms and machine learning. Australia, a pioneer of marketisation, is one example, proposing to deploy digitalisation to fully automate most of its employment services rather than as a supplement to face-to-face case management. We examine the potential and limits of this project to replace human-to-human with ‘machine bureaucracies’. To what extent are welfare and employment services amenable to digitalisation? What trade-offs are involved? In addressing these questions, we consider the purported benefits of machine bureaucracies in achieving higher levels of efficiency, accountability, and consistency in policy delivery. While recognising the potential benefits of machine bureaucracies for both governments and jobseekers, we argue that trade-offs will be faced between enhancing the efficiency and consistency of services and ensuring that services remain accessible and responsive to highly personalised circumstances.
Submitral aneurysm communicating with coronary sinus in a child
Authors: Méot Mathilde , Bajolle Fanny , Bonnet Damien
Published: March 2022

A newborn girl was referred for a suspected abnormal pulmonary venous return in coronary sinus. Echocardiogram revealed a large outpouching of the left ventricle creating an accessory cardiac chamber that was connected to the left ventricle behind the mural leaflet of the mitral valve, and with the right atrium via the coronary sinus. Ten years later, the orifice between the submitral aneurysm and the left ventricle was closed percutaneously.
Sweetpotato tolerance and Palmer amaranth control with indaziflam
Authors: Smith Stephen C. , Jennings Katherine M. , Monks David W. , Jordan David L. , Reberg-Horton S. Chris , Schwarz Michael R.
Published: March 2022

Field studies were conducted in North Carolina in 2018 and 2019 to determine sweetpotato tolerance to indaziflam and its effectiveness in controlling Palmer amaranth in sweetpotato. Treatments included indaziflam pre-transplant; 7 d after transplanting (DATr) or 14 DATr at 29, 44, 58, or 73 g ai ha−1; and checks (weedy and weed-free). Indaziflam applied postemergence caused transient foliar injury to sweetpotato. Indaziflam pretransplant caused less injury to sweetpotato than other application timings regardless of rate. Palmer amaranth control was greatest when indaziflam was applied pretransplant or 7 DATr. In a weed-free environment, sweetpotato marketable yield decreased as indaziflam application was delayed. No differences in storage root length to width ratio were observed.
Klinische Zeichen eines myelodysplastischen Syndroms
Authors: Wegener Nadija , Balabanov Stefan
Published: March 2022

Zusammenfassung. Myelodysplastische Syndrome sind klonale Stammzellerkrankungen und zeichnen sich durch ein meist hyperzelluläres Knochenmark mit insuffizienter, dysplastischer Hämatopoiese aus. Im Laufe des Lebens werden durch den enormen Zellumsatz im Knochenmark zunehmend somatische Mutationen akquiriert, welche ab einem bestimmtem Punkt zu einem MDS führen können. Die Krankheitsverläufe bei einem MDS reichen von milden langjährigen Verläufen bis hin zu einem raschen Übergang in eine akute Leukämie. Klinisch im Vordergrund stehen Zytopenien in einer oder mehreren Zellreihen mit den daraus folgenden Beschwerden. In den meisten Fällen liegt eine Anämie vor. Neben den Zytopenien können auch eine vermehrte Inflammation und eine Fatigue auffällig sein. Die Inzidenz der Erkrankung steigt mit dem Alter deutlich an, so dass progrediente Zytopenien nach Ausschluss eines Substratmangels oder anderer Ursachen bei älteren Menschen immer an ein MDS denken lassen sollten.
Prognose und Therapie des myelodysplastischen Syndroms
Authors: Bonadies Nicolas
Published: March 2022

Zusammenfassung. Die Myelodysplastischen Syndrome (MDS) stellen heterogene Erkrankungen der hämatopoietischen Stammzelle dar, welche durch verminderte Blutzellen (Zytopenien), Reifungsstörungen (Dysplasien) und einem erhöhten Risiko hinsichtlich Transformation in eine akute myloische Leukämie (AML) charakterisiert sind. Für eine adäquate Behandlung müssen Krankheits- und Patientenbezogene Faktoren berücksichtigt werden und die Therapien sind bei lower- und higher risk Erkrankungen sehr unterschiedlich. Bei lower-risk Erkrankungen steht die Verbesserung der Zytopenien und der Lebensqualität im Vordergrund, bei higher-risk hingegen die Verlängerung des Überlebens mit einer Verzögerung einer AML Entwicklung. Nur ein sehr kleiner Teil der higher-risk MDS Patienten qualifizieren für die potentiell kurative Behandlung mit einer Transplantation der hämatopoietischen Stammzellen. In diesem Übersichtartikel werden die wichtigsten Aspekte der Prognose und Therapie bei MDS Patienten für den praktizierenden Arzt zusammengefasst.
CME: Candidurie und Candida-Infektionen der Harnwege
Authors: Nemecek Michal , Mohammed Kais Alhaj , Wenk Benjamin , Schneemann Markus
Published: March 2022

Zusammenfassung. Candidurie ist bei hospitalisierten Menschen häufig und im allgemeinen gutartig. Eine invasive Infektion der Niere ist ungewöhnlich und schwierig zu behandeln. Die überwiegende Mehrheit der Pilzinfektionen der Niere und Blase wird durch Candida spp. (hauptsächlich C. albicans) verursacht. Im Rahmen von disseminierten Infektionen können jedoch auch weitere Pilzgattungen die Nieren befallen.
Sports Psychiatry in Competitive Sports
Authors: Claussen Malte Christian , Imboden Christian , Raas Marcel I. , Hemmeter Ulrich , Seifritz Erich , Gonzalez Hofmann Carlos
Published: March 2022

Abstract. Mental complaints and illnesses are common health problems in competitive sports, and mental health, like physical health and performance, is an integral dimension in competitive sports. The promotion of mental health and safe management of mental complaints and illnesses in competitive sports requires a qualified medical discipline for mental health: sports psychiatry as well as an interdisciplinary and interprofessional understanding of care and cooperation. In the following article, sports psychiatry in competitive sports will be addressed and (i) mental health promotion and prevention, (ii) the tandem concept of interprofessional care and collaboration, (iii) diagnosis, treatment, and aftercare of mental disorders and illnesses, and (iv) education and training in sports psychiatry will be presented and discussed.
Violence and Abuse in Competitive Sports
Authors: Raas Marcel I. , Schneeberger Andres Ricardo , Karunaharamoorthy Achudhan , Sinsel Daniela , Schmidt Ralph Erich , Hofmann Carlos Gonzalez , Imboden Christian , Hemmeter Ulrich Michael , Seifritz Erich , Claussen Malte Christian
Published: March 2022

Abstract. Violence and abuse in competitive sports, such as physical and emotional abuse, physical and emotional neglect and sexual abuse, affect children, adolescents and adults alike and lead to severe physical, psychological and social consequences. In current medical and educational care concepts of athletes, there is a lack of consistent integration of sports/psychiatric, clinical psychological and psychotherapeutic, developmental pediatric and developmental psychological expertise. Problem areas arise from fine lines between harassment, non-physical and physical violence. The present position paper includes recommendations for the development of a concept for the protection of mental health in competitive sports and for coping with mental stress and psychological disorders by qualified medical experts in mental health, i.e., child, adolescent and adult psychiatrists with specific expertise in competitive sports: sports psychiatrists. According to the recommendations, experts should also have and further develop competence in other fields, especially in ethics, child protection, protection against violence and abuse in competitive sports, awareness of and dealing with transgression of boundaries, knowledge about child development, and transparency in training structures and relationships.
Resilient California Water Portfolios Require Infrastructure Investment Partnerships That Are Viable for All Partners
Authors: Hamilton Andrew L. , Zeff Harrison B. , Characklis Gregory W. , Reed Patrick M.
Published: March 2022

Water scarcity is a growing problem around the world, and regions such as California are working to develop diversified, interconnected, flexible, and resilient water supply portfolios. To meet these goals, water utilities, irrigation districts, and other organizations will need to cooperate across scales to finance, build, and operate shared water supply infrastructure. However, planning studies to date have generally focused on partnership‐level outcomes (i.e., highly aggregated cost‐benefit analyses), while ignoring the heterogeneity of benefits, costs, and risks across the individual partners. This study contributes an exploratory modeling analysis that tests thousands of alternative infrastructure partnerships in the Central Valley of California, using a daily scale simulation model (CALFEWS) to evaluate the effects of new infrastructure on individual water providers. The viability of conveyance and groundwater banking investments are as strongly shaped by partnership design choices (i.e., which water providers are participating, and how is the project's debt distributed?) as by extreme hydrologic conditions (i.e., floods and droughts). Importantly, most of the analyzed partnerships yield highly unequal distributions of water supply and financial risks across the partners, so that only 8% of the partnerships explored are capable of providing water to each partner for under $200/ML. Partnership viability is especially rare in the absence of groundwater banking facilities (1%), or under dry hydrologic conditions (1%), even under explicitly optimistic assumptions regarding climate change. Given these results, we outline several major policy implications for institutionally complex regions such as California, which are currently investing heavily in cooperative approaches to resilient water portfolio design.
New Perspectives on the 143Nd/144Nd Palaeoceanographic Tracer on Foraminifera: The State‐of‐the‐Art Frontiers of Analytical Methods
Authors: Scheiner Filip , Ackerman Lukáš , Holcová Katarína , Rejšek Jan , Vollstaedt Hauke , Ďurišová Jana , Santolík Václav
Published: March 2022

The 143Nd/144Nd isotopic composition of foraminifera represents one of the most prominent palaeoceanographic proxies enabling tracing of particular water masses due to the short residence time of Nd in seawater and large‐scale provinciality resulting from its lithogenic origin. Despite its wide use, the applicability of foraminiferal Nd isotopic systematics as a palaeoceanographic tracer is largely hampered by the amount of material needed for precise analyses. Here, we analyzed for the first time foraminiferal samples of a combined weight of only ∼300–500 μg (ca. 300 pg to 1 ng Nd loaded). We followed a methodology that utilizes Nd separation from the matrix and provides precise 143Nd/144Nd determinations by thermal ionization mass spectrometry with sensitive 1013 Ω amplifiers. Two different techniques analyzing NdO+ and Nd+ (single/double filament configurations) were employed and tested to assess the limits both in terms of in‐run precision and accuracy concluding that the former method yielded an external reproducibility on the determined 143Nd/144Nd better than ∼90 ppm (2RSD; relative standard deviation) for 100 pg Nd loads. The overall veracity was tested by multiple analyses of Holocene and Miocene foraminifera from the Mediterranean region. Pooled data were obtained in agreement with previous studies attesting that multiple analyses of even very low Nd loads (≤1 ng) can lead to sufficient precision. As revealed by our newly obtained data, individual foraminiferal species show a significant naturally induced 143Nd/144Nd variability that needs to be considered when pursuing Nd isotopic analysis.
The Dynamics of Unlikely Slip: 3D Modeling of Low‐Angle Normal Fault Rupture at the Mai'iu Fault, Papua New Guinea
Authors: Biemiller J. , Gabriel A.‐A. , Ulrich T.
Published: March 2022

Despite decades‐long debate over the mechanics of low‐angle normal faults (LANFs) dipping less than 30°, many questions about their strength, stress, and slip remain unresolved. Recent geologic and geophysical observations have confirmed that gently dipping detachment faults can slip at such shallow dips and host moderate‐to‐large earthquakes. Here, we analyze the first 3D dynamic rupture models to assess how different stress and strength conditions affect rupture characteristics of LANF earthquakes. We model observationally constrained spontaneous rupture under different loading conditions on the active Mai'iu fault in Papua New Guinea, which dips 16°–24° at the surface and accommodates ∼8 mm/yr of horizontal extension. We analyze four distinct fault‐local stress scenarios: (1) Andersonian extension, as inferred in the hanging wall; (2) back‐rotated principal stresses inferred paleopiezometrically from the exhumed footwall; (3) favorably rotated principal stresses well‐aligned for low‐angle normal‐sense slip; and (4) Andersonian extension derived from depth‐variable static fault friction decreasing toward the surface. Our modeling suggests that subcritically stressed detachment faults can host moderate earthquakes within purely Andersonian stress fields. Near‐surface rupture is impeded by free‐surface stress interactions and dynamic effects of the gently dipping geometry and frictionally stable gouges of the shallowest portion of the fault. Although favorably inclined principal stresses have been proposed for some detachments, these conditions are not necessary for seismic slip on these faults. Our results demonstrate how integrated geophysical and geologic observations can constrain dynamic rupture model parameters to develop realistic rupture scenarios of active faults that may pose significant seismic and tsunami hazards to nearby communities.
Nickel and Chromium Stable Isotopic Composition of Ureilites: Implications for the Earth's Core Formation and Differentiation of the Ureilite Parent Body
Authors: Zhu Ke , Barrat Jean‐Alix , Yamaguchi Akira , Rouxel Olivier , Germain Yoan , Langlade Jessica , Moynier Frederic
Published: March 2022

We report the first Ni and Cr stable isotope data for ureilite meteorites that are the mantle residue of a carbon‐rich differentiated planet. Ureilites have similar Ni stable isotope compositions as chondrites, suggesting that the core‐mantle differentiation of ureilite parent body (UPB) did not fractionate Ni isotopes. Since the size of Earth is potentially larger than that of UPB; with diameter >690 km), resulting in higher temperatures at the core‐mantle boundary of Earth, it can be predicted that the terrestrial core formation may not directly cause Ni stable isotope fractionation. On the other hand, we also report high‐precision Cr stable isotope composition of ureilites, including one ureilitic trachyandesite (ALM‐A) that is enriched in lighter Cr stable isotopes relative to the main‐group ureilites, which suggests that the partial melting occurred on UPB. The globally heavy Cr in the UPB compared to chondrites can be caused by sulfur‐rich core formation processes.