bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The production cost analysis of oil palm waste activated carbon: a pilot‐scale evaluation
Authors: Lai Jia Yen , Ngu Lock Hei
Published: July 2020

Oil palm waste has been widely used in activated carbon (AC) by applying various activation methods and degrees of processing. The aim of this paper was to conduct technoeconomic assessment for pilot‐scale oil palm based AC (OPbAC) production to evaluate cost of these methods using different activation and post‐activation surface modification processes. Based on the assumptions in earlier publications, the pilot‐scale evaluation was estimated by summation of fixed capital investment with total annual operating costs according to the percentages of total equipment cost reported in the literature. The proposed investment in constructing and operating three different types of AC manufacturing facility is investigated by the net present value (NPV) method. The evaluation revealed that the physical activation process required lower fixed capital investment ($2.12 million) and annual operating cost ($1.53 million) compared to chemical and physiochemical processes with respective total fixed capital investment ($6.32 million) and total annual operating cost ($2.57 million). The NPV results reported that positive NPVs are evaluated for all three manufacturing facilities and the proposed investments associated with these facilities are acceptable. The highest production cost related to chemical activation with ZnCl2 in the presence or absence of an oxidizing gas was estimated to be $3.24 per kg AC, whereas the lowest production cost of $2.72 per kg AC was found for steam activation that required no additional purchase of commodity chemicals. On the other hand, a modification by impregnation using magnesium oxide estimates the highest additional modified AC product cost at $8.60 per kg AC given its high purchased chemical price. These findings are beneficial in providing preliminary insights in terms of economic aspects for OPbAC production. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diagnostic performance of culture filtered protein 10‐specific perforin in pediatric patients with active tuberculosis
Authors: Cai Qinzhen , Shen Xin , Li Hongze , Yao Cong , Sun Na , Wang Jun , Wu Huan , Yuan Chunhui , Xiang Jie , Xiang Yun
Published: July 2020

Background

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb)‐specific perforin were significantly increased in patients with tuberculosis. This study aims to evaluate the diagnosis value of Mtb‐specific perforin in pediatric patients with tuberculosis.

Methods

Diagnostic performance of perforin levels induced by 6‐kDa early secreted antigen target (ESAT6) or culture filtered protein 10 (CFP10) were evaluated in eighty‐six samples from children participants by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Flow cytometry was used to detect the expression of perforin and INF‐γ of CD4+, CD8+ T cells in response to CFP10 stimulation.

Results

After ex vivo stimulation, levels of ESAT6/CFP10‐specific perforin in LTBI patients were significantly higher than active TB (ATB) patients, non‐tuberculosis infection (non‐TB), and health control (HC) individuals. The diagnostic efficacy of CFP10‐specific perforin for TB diagnosis was significantly higher than ESAT6‐specific perforin and T‐SPOT assay, and when 0.74 ng/mL was taken as the cutoff value, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 97.83%, 87.5%, and 93.02%. CFP10‐specific perforin in both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were significantly higher in ATB patients compared to HCs and further increased in LTBI patients. However, INF‐γ was mainly secreted by CD4+ T cells and showed no significant difference between LTBI and ATB patients. In addition, CFP10‐specific perforin can effectively distinguish between ATB and LTBI with the cutoff value of 1.80 ng/mL. Sensitivity and specificity were 88.46% and 85.62%, respectively.

Conclusions

CFP10‐specific perforin may be used as a novel cellular immunity‐based diagnostic marker of pediatric patients with tuberculosis, and with the potential for discriminating ATB from LTBI.
Understanding global teleconnections to surface air temperatures in Japan based on a new climate classification
Authors: Oettli Pascal , Nonaka Masami , Kuroki Masahiko , Koshiba Hiroyuki , Tokiya Yosuke , Behera Swadhin K.
Published: July 2020

Utilizing the self‐organizing map (SOM), a type of artificial neural network, a new classification of the climate of Japan is proposed. The SOM is applied on the monthly mean surface air temperature (SAT) anomalies, extracted from 762 stations. Considering the strong seasonal cycle in mid‐latitudes, the classification is performed for two distinct seasons, boreal winter and boreal summer. Applied on monthly average temperature, to capture the seasonal signal, the SOM is an easily implementable interesting tool to (a) objectively capture the patterns present in the input data, and (b) identify the source of interannual variability, which is crucial for power demand forecasting. While modulated by local conditions, SAT in Japan is mainly influenced by large‐scale circulation. It is found in this study that stronger relationships exist for tropics with southern regions and for extra‐tropics with northern regions, in the seasonally oriented teleconnection patterns. In winter, the regions are organized along a north–south orientation, with a secondary west–east orientation in the central part of the country. This organization is a function of the strength of the link with the tropical Pacific and Indian Oceans sea‐surface temperatures. Changes in the speed of the westerly jet, together with the modulation of the Western Pacific (WP)‐like and Eurasian (EU)‐like patterns, are also important for SAT in Japan in winter. In summer, the main organization follows a west–east orientation. The Pacific Japan (PJ)‐like pattern plays an important role in the geographical distribution of the SAT, together with the existence of mid‐latitude and subtropical wave trains, like the Silk Road (SR)‐like pattern.
Vibration analysis of shear deformable carbon nanotubes‐based functionally graded conical shells resting on elastic foundations
Authors: Sofiyev Abdullah H. , Mammadov Ziraddin , Dimitri Rossana , Tornabene Francesco
Published: July 2020

This article deals with the vibrational behavior of composite conical shells (CCSs) reinforced with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) resting on Winkler‐ and Pasternak‐type foundations. A generalized version of the Ambartsumian's first‐order shear deformation theory (FSDT) is here proposed to handle the vibration problems for CCSs reinforced with CNTs, resting on an elastic foundation, while considering a uniform and functionally graded (FG) distribution for the reinforcement phase throughout the shell thickness. The basic equations of the problem are determined and solved in closed form by means of the Galerkin procedure. First, we check for the reliability and accuracy of the proposed formulation with respect to the available literature. It follows a systematic investigation aimed at checking the sensitivity of the structural response to the geometry, the foundation stiffness, the type of distribution, and the volume fraction of CNTs.
Stability Study and Clinical Evaluation of Lipid Injectable Emulsion in Parenteral Nutrition Admixtures Used for Preterm Neonates
Authors: Sayed Ola Abd El‐Aziz , Hassan Sahar B. , Abdelkader Ayat , Elsabahy Mahmoud , Abdelaziz Nafisa H. R. , El‐Sayed Ahmed M.
Published: July 2020

Background

Intravenous administration of parenteral nutrition (PN) admixtures containing 4‐oil lipid injectable emulsion (ILE) in preterm neonates is usually prohibited because of limited clinical data. The authors evaluated the stability, safety, and efficacy of PN admixtures containing 4‐oil ILE, for the first time, in preterm neonates.

Methods

A series of PN admixtures were prepared for consecutive administration in preterm neonates over a period of 15 days. Admixture stability was assessed after 24 hours of storage at 25 and 37 °C via visual inspection and measurement of mean droplet size (MDS). Safety and efficacy of the admixtures in preterm neonates were assessed via serum triglyceride levels and body weight increase measurements, respectively.

Results

PN admixtures were stable at 25 °C and had MDS ˂500 nm. After 15 days, there was a significant increase in body weight (P ≤ .0001) and level of serum triglycerides (P ≤ .0001), compared with the level before PN administration.

Conclusions

PN admixtures containing 4‐oil ILE were stable at 25 °C and showed instability at 37 °C. Therefore, it is recommended to keep the temperature during administration of PN admixtures at 25 °C. PN admixtures were well tolerated and safe over a period of 8 days while providing a balanced fatty acid supply. Tight monitoring of serum triglyceride level is essential, particularly in neonates of low birth weight and/or young gestational age, to avoid hypertriglyceridemia. Hence, the use of these PN admixtures is expected to be beneficial in terms of being cost‐effective and reducing the contamination risks.
Exploring the barriers of adherence to dietary recommendations among patients with type 2 diabetes: A qualitative study in Iran
Authors: Mostafavi‐Darani Firoozeh , Zamani‐Alavijeh Fereshteh , Mahaki Behzad , Salahshouri Arash
Published: July 2020

Aims

Type 2 diabetes is a major global health concern, and its prevalence is rapidly increasing throughout the world. The present study was conducted to explore the experiences of patients and healthcare providers to identify the social barriers to patients' adherence to their recommended diet and thus help the design of future interventions.

Design

This study was conducted as a qualitative study with content analysis approach.

Methods

The present qualitative study was conducted from November 2016–July 2017. Data were collected through 38 unstructured in‐depth interviews with 33 T2D patients and their treatment supervisors and field notes. The interview transcripts were coded using the MAXQDA 10 software. To extract categories and themes, the thematic analysis approach was used. We followed the COREQ Checklist to ensure rigour in our study.

Results

The analysis of the study revealed the emergence of five categories of perceived barriers including social priorities and rivalries, family's food habits, poor social support, social impasses and dominant food patterns.
Expert consensus statements for Waldeyer's ring involvement in pediatric Hodgkin lymphoma: The staging, evaluation, and response criteria harmonization (SEARCH) for childhood, adolescent, and young adult Hodgkin lymphoma (CAYAHL) group
Authors: Seelisch Jennifer , De Alarcon Pedro A. , Flerlage Jamie E. , Hoppe Bradford S. , Kaste Sue C. , Kelly Kara M. , Kurch Lars , Marks Lianna J. , Mauz‐Koerholz Christine , McCarten Kathleen , Metzger Monika L. , Stoevesandt Dietrich , Voss Stephan D. , Punnett Angela
Published: July 2020

Waldeyer's ring (WR) involvement in pediatric Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is extremely rare and criteria for determining involvement and response to treatment are unclear. The international Staging, Evaluation, and Response Criteria Harmonization for Childhood, Adolescent and Young Adult Hodgkin Lymphoma (SEARCH for CAYAHL) Group performed a systematic review of the literature in search of involvement or response criteria, or evidence to support specific criteria. Only 166 cases of HL with WR involvement were reported in the literature, 7 of which were pediatric. To date no standardized diagnostic or response assessment criteria are available. Given the paucity of evidence, using a modified Delphi survey technique, expert consensus statements were developed by the SEARCH group to allow for a more consistent definition of disease and response evaluation related to this rare site of involvement among pediatric oncologists. The available evidence and expert consensus statements are summarized.
Outpatient ADE (cytarabine, daunorubicin, and etoposide) is feasible and effective for the first relapse of pediatric acute myeloid leukemia: A prospective, phase II study
Authors: Garg Arun , Ganguly Shuvadeep , Vishnubhatla Sreenivas , Chopra Anita , Bakhshi Sameer
Published: July 2020

Background

Approximately 40% children with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) invariably relapse, after attaining the first complete remission (CR), with dismal long‐term outcome. There is little consensus regarding choice of optimal induction chemotherapy regimen for relapsed pediatric AML.

Procedure

A prospective single arm phase II study (CTRI/2017/02/007757) was carried out at our center to evaluate the safety and efficacy of outpatient cytarabine, daunorubicin, and etoposide (ADE) regimen in pediatric AML (≤18 years) at the first relapse. Response evaluation was done by bone marrow aspiration morphology along with minimal residual disease (MRD) assessment. All adverse events including need and duration of hospitalization, transfusion support, and antimicrobial use were recorded.

Results

Total 45 patients were included with median age of 12 years. The CR rate of the cohort was 66% and 54% of patients were MRD negative. The estimated 2‐year event‐free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) were 29% (±7%) and 34% (±7%), respectively. The presence of fever at relapse was associated with inferior CR rate (P = .001), positive MRD (P = .01), and inferior EFS (P = .02), while not achieving nadir absolute neutrophil count of zero during induction was associated with inferior CR rate (P = .03) and inferior OS (P = .04). Approximately all patients developed ≥Grade 3 cytopenia and febrile neutropenia. Twenty‐six (59%) patients required hospitalization for management of toxicity and there were four (9%) deaths attributed to infection.

Conclusion

ADE is an effective induction regimen for pediatric AML patients at the first relapse with reasonable toxicity profile. Outpatient administration of the regimen is feasible in the presence of proper support structure and rigorous follow up.
A novel method for noninvasive diagnosis of monogenic diseases from circulating fetal cells
Authors: Chang Liang , Zhu Xiaohui , Li Rong , Wu Han , Chen Weijian , Chen Jiucheng , Liu Hu , Li Shunjie , Liu Ping
Published: July 2020

Objective

To establish a method for noninvasive fetal cell isolation from maternal blood and prenatal testing of monogenic diseases by a combination of direct sequencing and targeted NGS‐based SNP haplotyping from single fetal cells.

Method

Peripheral blood of pregnant women in two families (congenital deafness and ichthyosis) was collected. After density‐based separation and immunostaining with multiple biomarkers, candidate fetal cells were identified by high‐throughput imagine analysis and picked up by automation. Individual fetal cells were subjected to STR‐genotyping to identify their origin. Pathogenic mutations were identified by direct Sanger sequencing, and a combination of targeted NGS and SNP haplotyping using a custom panel. All the results were compared with amniotic fluid DNA.

Results

Fetal trophoblasts were successfully harvested from maternal blood. STR‐genotyping confirmed the fetal origin. Direct sequencing of pathogenic genetic mutations in fetal cells showed consistent results with amniotic fluid samples. For congenital deafness family, NGS‐based SNP haplotyping also correctly identified the fetal haplotype. This single cell haplotyping method can be used to diagnose various genetic diseases.

Conclusion

We have established a method for noninvasive prenatal testing of monogenic diseases from circulating trophoblast cells. This cell‐based NIPT can be further applied to the prenatal diagnosis of various monogenic diseases.
Life in the treetops—An overview of forest canopy science and its future directions
Authors: Lowman Margaret
Published: July 2020

Societal Impact Statement

Forests are currently under global threat from human activities, despite the fact that recent findings confirm trees are critical for the health of humans as well as for the entire planet. Advances in whole forest research, which includes the upper reaches and not just the forest floor, are providing critical information about carbon storage, biodiversity, water cycles, and other essential ecosystem services provided by trees. The methods to study forest canopies are relatively new and vastly underfunded, despite our growing recognition of the global importance of trees. In addition to advancing exploration of the treetops, the forest canopy toolkit is also proving instrumental to jumpstart innovative actions to conserve forest ecosystems.

Forest canopies are home to an estimated 50% of terrestrial biodiversity but remain relatively unexplored until just four decades ago. As one of the first global arbornauts, I share an abbreviated history of canopy science, and how treetop access has inspired forest conservation, especially in the tropics where forests remain relatively unexplored. The arboreal toolkit of ropes and harnesses, canopy walkways, dirigible and inflatable rafts, construction cranes, drones, and LIght Detection And Ranging (LIDAR) has revealed that forests provide many important ecosystem services, essential for life on earth. Yet despite millions of research dollars, extensive time, and extraordinary intellectual capital, the degradation of tropical rain forests is accelerating and does not correlate with the extent of scientific investments. A few case studies illustrate how canopy access methods can inspire innovative approaches to conservation, especially in tropical forests where deforestation is rampant: (a) Use treetop walkways for education and ecotourism, not just research, so that indigenous communities can earn sustainable income without logging; (b) Incorporate citizen scientists into forest field research through BioBlitzes or virtual technologies that are now relatively inexpensive and far‐reaching; (c) Inspire girls, especially in low‐income countries, to become stewards of their local forests; and (d) Seek diverse stakeholders in forest conservation actions, including religious and corporate leaders. I summarize how treetop exploration can inspire a renaissance in botany, engaging the public about the importance of trees, especially tropical forests and their biodiversity.
Silver‐Alkylamine Complex Mediated Single Micelle toward Synthesis of Sub‐8 nm Silver Nanocrystals
Authors: Liu Zhipeng , Xue Jing , Wang Yao , Liu Fusheng , Zhou Xingjian , Liu Jixian , Tang Jianguo
Published: July 2020

Small size and narrow distribution are the key factors to improve performances of metal nanocrystals due to nanosize effect. Here, a silver‐alkylamine complex–mediated single micelle, a one‐pot approach, for controlled synthesis of monodisperse silver nanocrystals, in which oleylamine molecules play key roles serving both as complex agent and as micellar coalescence blocker is reported. After the synthesis, monodisperse products can be directly collected through subsequent single‐step separation as the particle size is finely adjusted during the synthesis. Dual‐soluble silver oleylamine complex is prepared through liquid phase complexing and is used as oil‐soluble precursor in single reverse micelle. The as‐synthesized silver nanocrystals are very uniform with a controlled size of 6.00 ± 0.29 or 8.0 ± 0.40 nm and a narrow size distribution with a standard deviation (σ) of ≈5.0%. The protocol offers a general platform for fast synthesis of noble metal nanocrystals with rationally designed size and structure.
Nitrification inhibitor reduces the inhibitory effect of N‐(n‐butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT) on the hydrolysis of urea
Authors: Lasisi Ahmed A. , Akinremi Olalekan O. , Kumaragamage Darshani
Published: July 2020

The addition of nitrification inhibitor (NI) with a urease inhibitor, N‐(n‐butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT), has been reported to offset the reduction of ammonia volatilization by NBPT. An incubation study was conducted to investigate the interaction between NBPT and NI (3,4‐dimethyl pyrazole phosphate) on hydrolysis of urea in five soils with a range of physico‐chemical properties. Untreated urea (UR), NBPT treated urea (URNBPT), or NBPT+NI treated urea (URDI) were surface‐applied (250 kg N ha−1) to each soil. The soils were incubated (21 °C) and destructively sampled nine times during a 22‐day period. Urea hydrolysis rate (k; d−1) was measured by the disappearance of urea with time and modeled with a first‐order kinetic. The value of k was in the order of UR (0.321) > URDI (0.183) > URNBPT (0.151) across the five soils. While the urease inhibitor, NBPT, significantly reduced k in each soil, the addition of a NI with NBPT significantly decreased the ability of NBPT to inhibit urea hydrolysis by an average of 21% across the soils. We found that NI significantly reduced the half‐life of urea by about 1 d when compared with NBPT alone. Principal component analysis showed that k did not depend on any of the soil properties, rather, it depended on the type of treatment. Net nitrification rate constant was significantly greater in UR than URNBPT in loam and clay soils but not different in sandy loam soils. We conclude that the often‐reported increase in ammonia volatilization with the double inhibitor relative to NBPT alone may not only be due to the persistence of ammonium but may also be due to an increased rate of urea hydrolysis in the presence of a NI.
Out‐of‐plane flexural behavior of full precast concrete hollow‐core slabs with lateral joints
Authors: Jiang Qing , Zhang Kun , Feng Yulong , Chong Xun , Wang Hanqin , Lei Yixiong , Huang Junqi
Published: July 2020

This paper proposed a new lateral joint to connect precast concrete hollow‐core slabs (PCHSs) and increase their structural assembly efficiency. The main sensitive parameters are the longitudinal ribs and the number of proposed joints. Out‐of‐plane bending performance tests were conducted on four PCHSs with lateral joints (PCHS‐LJs) to study the effects of the main sensitive parameters on the mechanical properties and failure modes of the PCHS‐LJs. The test results showed that there is no obvious relative slip in the joints between the precast bottom slab and the upper post‐pouring concrete before PCHS‐LJs reaching the ultimate load. The transverse directions of PCHS‐LJs are the main force bearing directions and the cracks are mainly occurred in the longitudinal direction of the specimens, which is similar to the stress characteristics of one‐way slabs. Moreover, the vertical bearing capacities of PCHS‐LJs are increased when decreasing the number of proposed joints or when adding the longitudinal ribs. For the specimens without the longitudinal ribs, a wide transverse crack appears near the first transverse ribs, whereas the specimens with the longitudinal ribs do not exhibit this phenomenon. Thus, longitudinal ribs should be added to optimize the PCHS‐LJ failure modes. Finally, solid finite element (FE) models of the test specimens were established in MSC. MARC. The analysis results are basically consistent with the experimental results.
Alzheimer's disease drug development pipeline: 2020
Authors: Cummings Jeffrey , Lee Garam , Ritter Aaron , Sabbagh Marwan , Zhong Kate
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a growing public health concern affecting millions of patients worldwide and costing billions of dollars annually. We review the pipeline of drugs and biologics in clinical trials for the treatment of AD. We use the Common Alzheimer's and Related Dementias Research Ontology (CADRO) to classify treatment targets and mechanisms of action. We review our annual pipeline reports for the past 5 years to provide longitudinal insight into clinical trials and drug development for AD.

Methods

We reviewed ClinicalTrials.gov as of February 27, 2020, and identified all trials of pharmacologic agents currently being developed for treatment of AD as represented on this widely used U.S. Food and Drug Administration registry.

Results

There are 121 agents in clinical trials for the treatment of AD. Twenty‐nine agents are in 36 Phase 3 trials, 65 agents are in 73 Phase 2 trials, and 27 agents are in 27 Phase 1 trials. Twelve agents in trials target cognitive enhancement and 12 are intended to treat neuropsychiatric and behavioral symptoms. There are 97 agents in disease modification trials. Compared to the 2019 pipeline, there is an increase in the number of disease‐modifying agents targeting pathways other than amyloid or tau.

Discussion

The 2020 pipeline has innovations in clinical trials and treatment targets that provide hope for greater success in AD drug development programs. Review of clinical trials over the past 5 years show that there is progressive emphasis on non‐amyloid targets, including candidate treatments for inflammation, synapse and neuronal protection, vascular factors, neurogenesis, and epigenetic interventions. There has been a marked growth in repurposed agents in the pipeline.

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Mine drainage: Remediation technology and resource recovery
Authors: Viadero Roger C. , Zhang Shicheng , Hu Xiaomin , Wei Xinchao
Published: July 2020

Drainage from current and historic mining operations remains a persistent environmental problem. Numerous research and development efforts were made in 2019 with a goal to minimize the impact of mine drainage on the environment, while other research endeavors addressed the mine drainage issue from a different perspective, where mine drainage was considered a resource for water and valuable products, such as metals, sulfuric acid, and rare earth elements. Thus, this review has two main sections: (a) focusing on research efforts in mine drainage remediation technology, and (b) emphasizing advances in resource recovery from mine drainage. The first section covers traditional and emerging passive and active treatment technologies. The second section summarizes resource recovery efforts using various technologies, such as selective precipitation, membrane process, and biological systems.

Practitioner points

Significant progress continued to be made in the management of mine drainage and related issues.

Recent remediation technology advances in mine drainage were presented.

Technologies focusing on resource recovery from mine drainage were reviewed.
The importance of being little: MA‐XRF on manuscripts on a Venetian island
Authors: Mazzinghi Anna , Ruberto Chiara , Castelli Lisa , Ricciardi Paola , Czelusniak Caroline , Giuntini Lorenzo , Mandò Pier Andrea , Manetti Marco , Palla Lara , Taccetti Francesco
Published: July 2020

The X‐Ray Fluorescence (XRF) scanning spectrometer developed in the framework of Cultural Heritage Network ‐ National Institute of Nuclear Physics, is specifically customised for cultural heritage applications, designed with a focus on having a lightweight scanner (weighing approximately 10 kg), easy to handle and thus easily transportable in two medium‐sized boxes. The research presented here deals with the study of a set of choir books preserved in the Abbey of San Giorgio Maggiore on the homonymous island in Venice. Produced for the Abbey itself from the mid‐15th century onwards, the manuscripts have never left the island, making the study of the materials of particular interest as they have undergone little or no modification over time. During their history in the Abbey, however, the volumes have been disassembled and reassembled in various ways, bringing complexity to the current cataloguing work. Thus, analytical investigations of the pigments and painting techniques might help identify the original arrangement of displaced leaves and provide evidence for the attribution of individual illuminations to certain artists. Thanks to its easy transportability, it was possible to take the scanner to the small island by means of the water‐based Venetian public transport. Selected results are presented, derived from the high‐quality MA‐XRF maps obtained.
Impact of COVID-19 outbreak on regional STEMI care in Germany
Authors: Scholz Karl Heinrich , Lengenfelder Björn , Thilo Christian , Jeron Andreas , Stefanow Stefan , Janssens Uwe , Bauersachs Johann , Schulze P. Christian , Winter Klaus Dieter , Schröder Jörg , vom Dahl Jürgen , von Beckerath Nicolas , Seidl Karlheinz , Friede Tim , Meyer Thomas
Published: July 2020

Aims

To assess the impact of the lockdown due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on key quality indicators for the treatment of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients.

Methods

Data were obtained from 41 hospitals participating in the prospective Feedback Intervention and Treatment Times in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (FITT-STEMI) study, including 15,800 patients treated for acute STEMI from January 2017 to the end of March 2020.

Results

There was a 12.6% decrease in the total number of STEMI patients treated at the peak of the pandemic in March 2020 as compared to the mean number treated in the March months of the preceding years. This was accompanied by a significant difference among the modes of admission to hospitals (p = 0.017) with a particular decline in intra-hospital infarctions and transfer patients from other hospitals, while the proportion of patients transported by emergency medical service (EMS) remained stable. In EMS-transported patients, predefined quality indicators, such as percentages of pre-hospital ECGs (both 97%, 95% CI = − 2.2–2.7, p = 0.846), direct transports from the scene to the catheterization laboratory bypassing the emergency department (68% vs. 66%, 95% CI = − 4.9–7.9, p = 0.641), and contact-to-balloon-times of less than or equal to 90 min (58.3% vs. 57.8%, 95%CI = − 6.2–7.2, p = 0.879) were not significantly altered during the COVID-19 crisis, as was in-hospital mortality (9.2% vs. 8.5%, 95% CI = − 3.2–4.5, p = 0.739).

Conclusions

Clinically important indicators for STEMI management were unaffected at the peak of COVID-19, suggesting that the pre-existing logistic structure in the regional STEMI networks preserved high-quality standards even when challenged by a threatening pandemic.

Clinical trial registration

NCT00794001
Involving patients as research partners exemplified by the development and evaluation of a communication-skills training programme (KOKOS-Rheuma)
Authors: Schöpf-Lazzarino A. C. , Böhm P. , Garske U. , Schlöffel M. , Stoye A. , Lamprecht J. , Mau W. , Farin E.
Published: July 2020

Despite widespread recommendations for involving patient research partners (PRPs), there is little information about how patients have been involved in research. Our aim was to describe and assess the contributions of four PRPs in a project on communication-skills training funded by Deutsche Rheuma-Liga Bundesverband e. V. (German League Against Rheumatism [GLR] is a patient organisation for people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases). The PRPs’ participation was beneficial with regards to content and organisation. Thanks to their participation, we could enlarge our sample by over a third, and they contributed their own ideas to the training. Four PRPs added their perspective of various regional organisations. Outside this project, they were also very active within GLR and experienced in managing their rheumatic disease. To achieve more representativeness, future studies might also employ strategies to engage individuals with less experience in dealing with their disease, e.g. newly diagnosed patients. While the collaboration between PRPs and researchers proved very successful, more regular discussions about tasks and responsibilities would be worthwhile.
Systematic spatial distortion of quantitative estimates
Authors: Shaki Samuel , Fischer Martin H.
Published: July 2020

Magnitude estimation has been studied since the beginnings of scientific psychology and constitutes a fundamental aspect of human behavior. Yet, it has apparently never been noticed that estimates depend on the spatial arrangement used. We tested 167 adults in three experiments to show that the spatial layout of stimuli and responses systematically distorts number estimation, length production, and weight reproduction performance. The direction of distortion depends on the observer’s counting habits, but does not seem to reflect the use of spatially associated number concepts. Our results imply that all quantitative estimates are contaminated by a “spell of space” whenever stimuli or responses are spatially distributed.
Update zystische Fibrose
Authors: Renner Sabine
Published: July 2020

Die Erkrankung zystische Fibrose (CF) ist leider immer noch unheilbar. Trotzdem können aufgrund der rein symptomatischen Therapiekonzepte der letzten 2 Jahrzehnte durchschlagende Erfolge der Lebenserwartung und der Lebensqualität erreicht werden.

Über die Hälfte der 18-jährigen Patienten, die in eine Erwachsenenbetreuung eintreten, haben eine normale Lungenfunktion, ein normales Gewicht und eine abgeschlossene Schul- oder Lehrausbildung. Ein Großteil der Erwachsenen ist lange Zeit im Beruf tätig.

Sowohl im Kindes- als auch im Erwachsenenalter ist der Therapieaufwand enorm und oft die Hauptlast der Erkrankung, die Betroffenen sollten in der Umsetzung optimal unterstützt werden. In einer Zeit der knapper werdenden Ressourcen ist eine starke Selbsthilfegruppe unumgänglich und eine enge Zusammenarbeit mit den Zentren ist sehr wünschenswert.

Die multiprofessionelle Zusammenarbeit von Pflegern, Diätologen, Physiotherapeuten, Medizinisch-Technischen Assistenten, Psychologen und Ärzten ist unabdingbar und in jedem CF-Zentrum die Basis für die Vermittlung der neuesten Erkenntnisse an die Familien und für deren Umsetzung.

Große Hoffnung für die kommenden Jahre bietet die Weiterentwicklung der kausalen Therapie. Die Modulatorentherapie ist nun schon für die Hälfte der Mutationen verfügbar; die zu erwartende Zulassung der Triple-Therapie würde diese Möglichkeit in Österreich auf bis zu 85 % erweitern.
MCDA Index Tool: an interactive software to develop indices and rankings
Authors: Cinelli Marco , Spada Matteo , Kim Wansub , Zhang Yiwen , Burgherr Peter
Published: July 2020

A web-based software, called MCDA Index Tool (https://www.mcdaindex.net/), is presented in this paper. It allows developing indices and ranking alternatives, based on multiple combinations of normalization methods and aggregation functions. Given the steadily increasing importance of accounting for multiple preferences of the decision-makers and assessing the robustness of the decision recommendations, this tool is a timely instrument that can be used primarily by non-multiple criteria decision analysis (MCDA) experts to dynamically shape and evaluate their indices. The MCDA Index Tool allows the user to (i) input a dataset directly from spreadsheets with alternatives and indicators performance, (ii) build multiple indices by choosing several normalization methods and aggregation functions, and (iii) visualize and compare the indices’ scores and rankings to assess the robustness of the results. A novel perspective on uncertainty and sensitivity analysis of preference models offers operational solutions to assess the influence of different strategies to develop indices and visualize their results. A case study for the assessment of the energy security and sustainability implications of different global energy scenarios is used to illustrate the application of the MCDA Index Tool. Analysts have now access to an index development tool that supports constructive and dynamic evaluation of the stability of rankings driven by a single score while including multiple decision-makers’ and stakeholders’ preferences.
Comparative proteomic analysis of drought and high temperature response in roots of two potato cultivars
Authors: Boguszewska-Mańkowska Dominika , Gietler Marta , Nykiel Małgorzata
Published: July 2020

A comparative analysis of drought and high temperature responsive proteins, which means to provide insight into the molecular mechanism of potato stress tolerance. In the presented study, two potato cultivars, differing in dehydration tolerance, were compared. An analysis of their morphological, physiological and root proteome related traits proved that, although water shortage, as well as high temperatures cause the dehydration of plants, the response to those stresses at the proteome level was significantly different. LC–MS/MS protein identification showed that in roots of the sensitive cultivar, in response to drought, most changes concern increased abundance of defence- and detoxification-related proteins, while in tolerant plants, significant changes in abundance of energy and carbohydrate metabolism related proteins were observed (data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD020259). Moreover, in response to high temperatures, in the sensitive cultivar, decreased abundance of proteins involved in cell energetic metabolism was detected, while in the tolerant cultivar, the majority of proteins from this group was abundant. It can be suggested that such comparative proteome analysis indicates the fine tuning metabolism as a major factor of stress tolerance of potato plants.
Against Ulysses contracts for patients with borderline personality disorder
Authors: Lundahl Antoinette , Helgesson Gert , Juth Niklas
Published: July 2020

Patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) sometimes request to be admitted to hospital under compulsory care, often under the argument that they cannot trust their suicidal impulses if treated voluntarily. Thus, compulsory care is practised as a form of Ulysses contract in such situations. In this normative study we scrutinize the arguments commonly used in favour of such Ulysses contracts: (1) the patient lacking free will, (2) Ulysses contracts as self-paternalism, (3) the patient lacking decision competence, (4) Ulysses contracts as a defence of the authentic self, and (5) Ulysses contracts as a practical solution in emergency situations. In our study, we have accepted consequentialist considerations as well as considerations of autonomy. We conclude that compulsory care is not justified when there is a significant uncertainty of beneficial effects or uncertainty regarding the patient’s decision-making capacity. We have argued that such uncertainty is present regarding BPD patients. Hence, Ulysses contracts including compulsory care should not be used for this group of patients.
Manual segmentation versus semi-automated segmentation for quantifying vestibular schwannoma volume on MRI
Authors: McGrath Hari , Li Peichao , Dorent Reuben , Bradford Robert , Saeed Shakeel , Bisdas Sotirios , Ourselin Sebastien , Shapey Jonathan , Vercauteren Tom
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Management of vestibular schwannoma (VS) is based on tumour size as observed on T1 MRI scans with contrast agent injection. The current clinical practice is to measure the diameter of the tumour in its largest dimension. It has been shown that volumetric measurement is more accurate and more reliable as a measure of VS size. The reference approach to achieve such volumetry is to manually segment the tumour, which is a time intensive task. We suggest that semi-automated segmentation may be a clinically applicable solution to this problem and that it could replace linear measurements as the clinical standard.

Methods

Using high-quality software available for academic purposes, we ran a comparative study of manual versus semi-automated segmentation of VS on MRI with 5 clinicians and scientists. We gathered both quantitative and qualitative data to compare the two approaches; including segmentation time, segmentation effort and segmentation accuracy.

Results

We found that the selected semi-automated segmentation approach is significantly faster (167 s vs 479 s,$$p<0.001$$p<0.001), less temporally and physically demanding and has approximately equal performance when compared with manual segmentation, with some improvements in accuracy. There were some limitations, including algorithmic unpredictability and error, which produced more frustration and increased mental effort in comparison with manual segmentation.

Conclusion

We suggest that semi-automated segmentation could be applied clinically for volumetric measurement of VS on MRI. In future, the generic software could be refined for use specifically for VS segmentation, thereby improving accuracy.
Investigation of using RFID for cure monitoring of glass fiber-reinforced plastics
Authors: Veigt Marius , Hardi Elisabeth , Koerdt Michael , Herrmann Axel S. , Freitag Michael
Published: July 2020

Fiber composite components play an important role in the turnaround in energy policy as well as in stopping global warming. Therefore, it is essential to improve the manufacturing efficiency of these components. RFID technology is spreading to digitize and organize processes in production and logistics more efficiently. Since cure monitoring is a crucial factor in the manufacturing of composite components, the question arises whether the RFID technology is applicable for cure monitoring. This paper presents two methods of how an into glass fiber-reinforced plastics integrated RFID transponder could monitor the curing. Following the assumption that the change in permittivity of the glass fiber-reinforced plastic during curing influence the RFID signal, experiments in a measuring chamber (low-interference environment) were conducted. It was investigated whether the optimal response frequency of the integrated RFID transponder changes and whether the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) changes at a specific frequency during curing. As a reference method, the dielectric analysis as a well-known method for cure monitoring was used and compared with the RFID measurements. The results indicate that the optimal response frequency remains constant but the RSSI increases and possess a very high linear correlation with the measurement of the dielectric analysis in a low-interference environment. Consequently, the RFID technology is applicable to monitor the curing of glass fiber-reinforced plastics by measuring the RSSI in a low-interference environment.
The outcome of pulmonary hypertension and its association with pulmonary artery dilatation
Authors: Duijnhouwer A. L. , Lemmers J. , Smit J. , van Haren-Willems J. , Knaapen-Hans H. , ten Cate T. , Hagmolen of ten Have W. , de Boer M.-J. , Roos-Hesselink J. , Vonk M. , van Dijk A.
Published: July 2020

Background

Pulmonary artery (PA) dilatation is often seen in pulmonary hypertension (PH) and is considered a long-term consequence of elevated pressure. The PA dilates over time and therefore may reflect disease severity and duration. Survival is related to the stage of the disease at the time of diagnosis and therefore PA diameter might be used to predict prognosis. This study evaluates the outcome of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and chronic thrombo-embolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) and investigates whether PA diameter at the time of diagnosis is associated with mortality.

Methods

Patients visiting an outpatient clinic of a tertiary centre between 2004 and 2018 with a cardiac catheterisation confirmed diagnosis of PAH or CTEPH and a CT scan available for PA diameter measurement were included. PA diameter and established predictors of survival were collected (New York Heart Association (NYHA) class, N‑terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) level and 6‑min walking distance (6MWD)).

Results

In total 217 patients were included (69% female, 71% NYHA class ≥III). During a median follow-up of 50 (22–92) months, 54% of the patients died. Overall survival was 87% at 1 year, 70% at 3 years and 58% at 5 years. The mean PA diameter was 34.2 ± 6.2 mm and was not significantly different among all the diagnosis groups. We found a weak correlation between PA diameter and mean PA pressure ( r = 0.23, p < 0.001). Male sex, higher age, shorter 6MWD and higher NT-proBNP level were independently associated with mortality, but PA diameter was not.

Conclusion

The prognosis of PAH and CTEPH is still poor. Known predictors of survival were confirmed, but PA diameter at diagnosis was not associated with survival in PAH or CTEPH patients.
Cities and countries in the global scientist mobility network
Authors: Verginer Luca , Riccaboni Massimo
Published: July 2020

Global mobility and migration of scientists is an important modern phenomenon with economic and political implications. As scientists become ever more footloose it is important to identify general patterns and regularities at a global scale and how it impacts a country’s scientific output. The analysis of mobility and brain circulation patterns at global scale remains challenging, due to difficulties in obtaining individual level mobility data. In this work we trace intercity and international mobility through bibliographic records. We reconstruct the intercity and international mobility network of 3.7 million life scientists moving between 5 thousand cities and 189 Countries. In this exploratory analysis we offer evidence that international scientist mobility is marked by national borders and show that international mobility boosts the scientific output of selected countries.
Downregulation of cAMP-Dependent Protein Kinase Inhibitor-b Promotes Preeclampsia by Decreasing Phosphorylated Akt
Authors: Liu Chunfeng , Wang Hao , Yang Mo , Liang Yiheng , Jiang Li , Sun Siman , Fan Shangrong
Published: July 2020

Preeclampsia is a multi-system disease that is unique to human pregnancy. Impaired extravillous trophoblast migration and invasion accompanied by poor spiral vascular remodeling is thought to be the initial reason. This study investigated cAMP-dependent protein kinase inhibitor-b(PKIB) expression in placentas and its involvement in the pathogenesis of PE. We used immunohistochemistry and western blotting to calculate PKIB levels in the placentas. Then we knocked down PKIB by siRNA and used real-time cell analysis to assess the invasion and migration ability of trophoblasts. Tube formation assay and spheroid sprouting assay were utilized to identify the ability to form vessels of trophoblasts. At last, western blotting was used to demonstrate the level of phosphorylated Akt, as well as downstream-related genes of Akt signaling pathway in trophoblasts. We first found that PKIB expression level was lower in the PE placentas than in the normal placentas. In addition, we found that downregulation of PKIB can inhibit the migration, invasion, and the ability to form vessels of HTR8/SVneo cells. Downregulation of PKIB leaded to a decrease in phosphorylated Akt, as well as downstream proteins such as matrix metalloproteinase 2, matrix metalloproteinase 9, and glycogen synthase kinase 3β, which are related to migration and invasion. Our study revealed that the downregulation of PKIB expression resulted in decreased migration, invasion, and vessel formation ability by regulating Akt signaling pathway in placental trophoblasts in PE.