bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and prognostic value of the coexistence of anaemia and frailty in older patients with heart failure
Authors: Tanaka Shinya , Kamiya Kentaro , Saito Hiroshi , Saito Kazuya , Ogasahara Yuki , Maekawa Emi , Konishi Masaaki , Kitai Takeshi , Iwata Kentaro , Jujo Kentaro , Wada Hiroshi , Kasai Takatoshi , Hamazaki Nobuaki , Nozaki Kohei , Nagamatsu Hirofumi , Ozawa Tetsuya , Izawa Katsuya , Yamamoto Shuhei , Aizawa Naoki , Wakaume Kazuki , Oka Kazuhiro , Momomura Shin‐ichi , Kagiyama Nobuyuki , Matsue Yuya
Published: December 2020

Aims

There have been no investigations of the prevalence and clinical implications of coexistence of anaemia and frailty in older patients hospitalized with heart failure (HF) despite their association with adverse health outcomes. The present study was performed to determine the prevalence and prognostic value of the coexistence of anaemia and frailty in hospitalized older patients with HF.

Methods and results

We performed post hoc analysis of consecutive hospitalized HF patients ≥65 years old enrolled in the FRAGILE‐HF, which was the prospective, multicentre, observational study. Anaemia was defined as haemoglobin < 13 g/dL in men and <12 g/dL in women, and frailty was evaluated according to the Fried phenotype model. The study endpoint was all‐cause mortality. Of the total of 1332 patients, 1217 (median age, 81 years; 57.4% male) were included in the present study. The rates of anaemia and frailty in the study population were 65.7% and 57.0%, respectively. The patients were classified into the non‐anaemia/non‐frail group (16.6%), anaemia/non‐frail group (26.4%), non‐anaemia/frail group (17.7%), and anaemia/frail group (39.3%). A total of 144 patients died during 1 year of follow‐up. In multivariate analyses, only the anaemia/frail group showed a significant association with elevated mortality rate (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.94; 95% confidence interval, 1.02–3.70; P = 0.043), compared with the non‐anaemia/non‐frail group after adjusting for other covariates.

Conclusions

Coexistence of anaemia and frailty are prevalent in hospitalized older patients with HF, and it has a negative impact on mortality.
Implications of peripheral oedema in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: a heart failure network analysis
Authors: Fudim Marat , Ashur Nicolas , Jones Aaron D. , Ambrosy Andrew P. , Bart Bradley A. , Butler Javed , Chen Horng H. , Greene Stephen J. , Reddy Yogesh , Redfield Margaret M. , Sharma Abhinav , Hernandez Adrian F. , Felker Gary Michael , Borlaug Barry A. , Mentz Robert J.
Published: December 2020

Aims

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a heterogeneous condition, and tissue congestion manifested by oedema is not present in all patients. We compared clinical characteristics, exercise capacity, and outcomes in patients with HFpEF with and without oedema.

Methods and results

This study was a post hoc analysis of pooled data of patients with left ventricular ejection fraction of ≥50% enrolled in the DOSE, CARRESS‐HF, RELAX, ATHENA, ROSE, INDIE, and NEAT trials. Patients were dichotomized by the severity of oedema. Cox proportional hazard regression and generalized linear regression models were used to assess associations between oedema, symptoms, and clinical outcomes. The ambulatory cohort included 393 patients (228 with and 165 without oedema), and the hospitalized cohort included 338 patients (249 with ≥moderate oedema and 89 with mild or none). Among ambulatory patients, patients with oedema had a higher body mass index (35.2 kg/m2 [inter‐quartile range, IQR 30.5, 41.6] vs. 31.6 kg/m2 [IQR 27.9, 36.3], P < 0.001), greater burden of co‐morbidities, higher intravascular pressures estimated on physical examination (elevated jugular venous pressure: 50% vs. 24.7%, P < 0.001), poorer renal function (creatinine: 1.2 mg/dL [IQR 0.9, 1.5] vs. 1 mg/dL [IQR 0.8, 1.3], P = 0.003), and lower peak VO2 (adjusted mean difference −1.04 mL/kg/min, 95% confidence interval [−1.71, −0.37], P < 0.003). Among hospitalized patients, despite greater in‐hospital fluid/weight loss in the ≥moderate oedema group, there was no difference in the improvement in dyspnoea by the visual analogue scale or well‐being visual analogue scale from baseline to 3–4 days and no statistically significant difference in the rate of 60 day rehospitalization/death (adjusted hazard ratio 1.44, 95% confidence interval [0.87, 2.39], P = 0.156).

Conclusions

Patients with HFpEF and oedema display higher body mass, greater burden of co‐morbidities, and more severe exercise intolerance, but clinical responses to treatment appear similar. Further research is required to better understand the nature of volume distribution in different HFpEF phenotypes.
Recent progress in the LC–MS/MS analysis of oxidative stress biomarkers
Authors: Andries Asmin , Rozenski Jef , Vermeersch Pieter , Mekahli Djalila , Van Schepdael Ann
Published: December 2020

The presence of a dynamic and balanced equilibrium between the production of reactive oxygen (ROS) and nitrogen (RNS) species and the in‐house antioxidant defense mechanisms is characteristic for a healthy body. During oxidative stress (OS), this balance is switched to increased production of ROS and RNS, exceeding the capacity of physiological antioxidant systems. This can cause damage to biological molecules, leading to loss of function and even cell death. Nowadays, there is increasing scientific and clinical interest in OS and the associated parameters to measure the degree of OS in biofluids. An increasing number of reports using LC–MS/MS methods for the analysis of OS biomarkers can be found. Since bioanalysis is usually complicated by matrix effects, various types of cleanup procedures are used to effectively separate the biomarkers from the matrix. This is an essential part of the analysis to prepare a reproducible and homogenous solution suitable for injection onto the column. The present review gives a summary of the chromatographic methods used for the determination of OS biomarkers in both urine and plasma, serum, and whole blood samples. The first part mainly describes the biological background of the different OS biomarkers, while the second part reports examples of chromatographic methods for the analysis of different metabolites connected with OS in biofluids, covering a period from 2015 till early 2020. The selected examples mainly include LC–MS/MS methods for isoprostanes, oxidized proteins, oxidized lipoproteins, and DNA/RNA biomarkers. The last part explains the clinical relevance of this review.
Optimization of fortified sponge cake by nettle leaves and milk thistle seed powder using mixture design approach
Authors: Ataei Nukabadi Fariba , Hojjatoleslamy Mohammad , Abbasi Hajar
Published: December 2020

Powdered nettle leaf and milk thistle (MT) seed were added to the cake batter with certain percentages selected by the Design‐Expert v. 10 software (0–25, 25–0, 18.75–6.25, 6.25–18.75, and 12.5–12.5). Addition of nettle and MT seeds to the cake reduced the moisture content, volume, and springiness and increased hardness of the samples. 12.5% nettle‐12.5% MT seed had the least hardness and the highest amount of springiness and cohesiveness. The highest BI, WI, SI, L*, a*, and b* and the lowest ΔE were observed in 12.5% nettle‐12.5% MT seed and 25% MT seed samples, respectively. Antioxidant activity and antimicrobial properties were increased in all samples compared to the control sample, so that 6.25% nettle‐18.75% MT exhibited the highest antioxidant activity and antimicrobial properties. The highest levels of quercetin and silymarin were observed in 25% nettle and 25% MT seeds, respectively. In the sensory evaluation, 12.5% nettle‐12.5% MT seed took the best scores regarding flavor, texture, color, and overall acceptance. Based on the lowest hardness, 13.65% nettle‐11.34% MT seed was determined as optimized points by the software, which was equivalent to desirability of 0.72. The optimum sample contained 62.90 mg quercetin and 886.70 mg silymarin. According to the HPLC analysis results, consumption of 10 optimal cakes daily could theoretically decrease the blood sugar level, which requires further studies. The remaining amount of quercetin and silymarin in 2.5 g of nettle leaves and 2.5 g of MT seeds after heating was 11 and 19 mg, respectively. In other words, heat did not have much effect on the destruction of quercetin and silymarin.
Structural abnormalities of cingulate cortex in patients with first‐episode drug‐naïve schizophrenia comorbid with depressive symptoms
Authors: Wei Gao‐Xia , Ge Likun , Chen Li‐Zhen , Cao Bo , Zhang Xiangyang
Published: December 2020

Depressive symptoms are common in patients with first‐episode psychosis. However, the neural mechanisms underlying the comorbid depression in schizophrenia are still unknown. The main purpose of this study was to characterize the structural abnormalities of first‐episodes drug‐naïve (FEDN) schizophrenia comorbid with depression by utilizing both volume‐based and surface‐based morphometric measurements. Forty‐two patients with FEDN schizophrenia and 29 healthy controls were recruited. The 24‐item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD‐24) was administrated to divide all patients into depressive patients (DP) and non‐depressive patients (NDP). Compared with NDP, DP had a significantly larger volume and surface area in the left isthmus cingulate cortex and also had a greater volume in the left posterior cingulate cortex. Correlation analysis showed that HAMD total score was positively correlated with the surface area of the left isthmus cingulate and gray matter volume of the left isthmus cingulate cortex. In addition, gray matter volume of the left isthmus cingulate was also correlated with the PANSS general psychopathology or total score. The findings suggest that prominent structural abnormalities of gray matter are mainly concentrated on the cingulate cortex in FEDN schizophrenia patients comorbid with depression, which may contribute to depressive symptoms and psychopathological symptoms.
Management of PFAS with the aid of chemical product registries—an indispensable tool for future control of hazardous substances
Authors: Steindal Eirik Hovland , Grung Merete
Published: December 2020

The Nordic countries are in the forefront of international chemical regulation and management by actively developing the domestic policy framework, while simultaneously pushing for more stringent control internationally. Norway, Sweden, and Denmark have been particularly progressive in the regulation of the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Restriction proposals have been developed under the EU Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) and PFAS have been nominated for global restriction under the Stockholm Convention. A key tool in their work has been the product registries (PRs), where all chemicals imported and produced over a certain reporting limit must be registered by the importers and/or producers. In recent years these PRs have been facing opposition, predominantly from the industry. Simultaneously, and in some contrast, several EU countries are mobilizing for measures to control PFAS as a group. We explored the role of PRs in national and international chemical management. By analyzing the Norwegian PFAS data (2009–2017) reported by industry to the government we observed changes in use and temporal trends. A diversification in use and substitutions to alternative PFAS emerged when new policies were developed, representing a challenge for future control and reduction efforts. Instead of loosening up on reporting obligations, as advocated by some industry representatives, our analysis of the PFAS group argues that governments would benefit from a tighter reporting scheme of problematic compound groups. A comprehensive overview of use, production, and import would contribute to more effective control, thereby saving society and the environment from serious damage and tremendous costs. The Nordic PRs will continue to be important supplements to REACH registration and an indispensable tool for future both national and international regulation on PFAS and other hazardous substances. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2021;17:835–851. © 2020 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC)

KEY POINTS

The Norwegian Product Register (PR) contains detailed yearly information about chemicals used. The PR has been facing opposition, predominantly from the industry. Data from the PR during 2009–2017 for PFAS document changes both in use and temporal trends. The PR is a useful tool in the ongoing work in EU to regulate PFAS as a group.
Synthesis of new azo‐dispersive dyes with benzo[d]imidazole moiety and new bis benzo[d]imidazoles using DABCO‐diacetate as a green media
Authors: Zare Fekri Leila , Nateghi‐Sabet Maryam
Published: December 2020

DABCO‐diacetate (1,4‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octaniumdiacetate) was synthesized and applied as a green media for the synthesis of new derivatives of benzo[d]imidazole with azo‐linked core and bis benzo[d]imidazoles via condensation reaction of aldehydes and 1,2‐diaminobenzene under solvent‐free conditions. This procedure has benefits such as: good productivity with high yield, short reaction times, easy and efficient process, environmental friendliness, and green aspect of chemistry. DABCO‐diacetate is reusable and can be used for eight runs without notable loss of activity. All of synthesized compounds are new and were characterized completely.
Biodegradation of total petroleum hydrocarbons in oily sludge: a comparative study of biostimulation, bioaugmentation, and combination of methods
Authors: Hamidi Yasser , Ataei Seyed Ahmad , Sarrafi Amir
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

One of the major parts of global environmental pollution is petroleum‐derived products. The purpose of this study was the biodegradation of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) in oily sludge using biostimulation and bioaugmentation methods. The oily sludge was dredged from the bottoms of kerosene and oil gas storage tanks, and it was characterized according to American Society for Testing and Materials D1796 and the CHNS (equipment for determination Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen and Sulfour) elements analysis. The TPH biodegradation potential of the indigenous bacteria in the oily sludge was investigated via biostimulation applying mineral salt medium(N). Besides it was compared with bioaugmentation with two oil degrader bacterium, namely Arthrobacter citreus (strain E) and Rhodococcus jostii (strain D), being separated from the oil‐contaminated soil. The gravimetric and GC (Gas Chromatography) methods were used for TPH removal assays.

RESULTS

The results indicated that the biodegradation efficiency was dependent on treatment time and microbial species. Increasing pH and TPH biodegradation % for samples were observed over time. The highest removal degradations of hydrocarbons (75.1%) was reported using the inoculum mixture of strains D & E (pH = 7.02) at the 5th week.

CONCLUSION

This method could be used for bioremediation purposes at petroleum hydrocarbon‐contaminated sites as a biological technique. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Application of 3D printing in the treatment of appendicular skeleton fractures: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: González‐Alonso María , Hermida‐Sánchez Miguel , Martínez‐Seijas Pedro , Ruano‐Ravina Alberto
Published: December 2020

The objective of this study is to evaluate, through a systematic review of the scientific literature and meta‐analysis, the applications of three‐dimensional (3D) printing in the surgical treatment of complex fractures of the appendicular skeleton, mainly in terms of effectiveness and safety. A systematic review of the scientific literature was conducted in MEDLINE (PubMed) and the Cochrane Library combining different keywords. A specific methodological assessment scale was developed and applied to included papers. Ten studies were included; all of them were controlled trials, except for one retrospective observational cohort study. We observed statistically significant differences between the group that used 3D printing and the control group in terms of reduction in surgical time, reduction in the volume of blood lost during surgery and reduction in the number of intraoperative fluoroscopies, in favor of the 3D printing group. No statistically significant differences were observed in terms of fracture healing time, postoperative joint function, or postoperative complications. Meta‐analysis revealed more favorable results for 3D‐printing compared with conventional surgery, with the greatest difference observed for the number of intraoperative fluoroscopies. 3D printing might be considered effective and safe in the surgical treatment of anatomically complex appendicular skeleton fractures, in terms of reducing surgical time, lost blood volume, and radiation exposure of surgeons and patients.
Combining high‐protein ingredients from pseudocereals and legumes for the development of fresh high‐protein hybrid pasta: maintained technological quality and adequate sensory attributes
Authors: Hoehnel Andrea , Bez Jürgen , Amarowicz Ryszard , Arendt Elke K. , Zannini Emanuele
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

The fortification of cereal foods, like pasta, with pseudocereal and legume ingredients promises a substantial improvement of their nutritional quality. However, partial replacement of wheat by pseudocereals and legumes in pasta formulations bears challenges regarding the products' technological and sensory quality. This study investigates the partial replacement of wheat semolina by a combination of high‐protein ingredients (HPIs) from buckwheat, faba bean and lupin to reach a protein level of 20% of calories provided by protein. This high‐protein hybrid pasta (HPHP) formulation was subjected to a thorough evaluation of technological quality characteristics and compared to regular wheat pasta and pasta formulations containing the single HPIs. Additionally, descriptive sensory profiling was performed to compare organoleptic properties of HPHP with regular wheat pasta.

RESULTS

The quality of pasta formulations containing single HPIs was significantly reduced with regard to at least one of the determined quality characteristics. For the HPHP formulation containing all three HPIs, the technological quality was found to be equal to regular wheat pasta. No significant differences were detected for the most indicative quality characteristics cooking loss, firmness and stickiness. This was attributed primarily to compensating effects of the HPIs with respect to different quality characteristics. Sensory analysis revealed only slightly inferior overall quality of HPHP in comparison to regular wheat pasta, especially promoted by similar textural properties.

CONCLUSION

The combination of selected HPIs offers the opportunity to produce high‐protein hybrid pasta with technological and sensory quality similar to regular wheat pasta at a level of wheat semolina replacement of 25%. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Pathway‐extended gene expression signatures integrate novel biomarkers that improve predictions of patient responses to kinase inhibitors
Authors: Bagchee‐Clark Ashis J. , Mucaki Eliseos J. , Whitehead Tyson , Rogan Peter K.
Published: December 2020

Cancer chemotherapy responses have been related to multiple pharmacogenetic biomarkers, often for the same drug. This study utilizes machine learning to derive multi‐gene expression signatures that predict individual patient responses to specific tyrosine kinase inhibitors, including erlotinib, gefitinib, sorafenib, sunitinib, lapatinib and imatinib. Support vector machine (SVM) learning was used to train mathematical models that distinguished sensitivity from resistance to these drugs using a novel systems biology‐based approach. This began with expression of genes previously implicated in specific drug responses, then expanded to evaluate genes whose products were related through biochemical pathways and interactions. Optimal pathway‐extended SVMs predicted responses in patients at accuracies of 70% (imatinib), 71% (lapatinib), 83% (sunitinib), 83% (erlotinib), 88% (sorafenib) and 91% (gefitinib). These best performing pathway‐extended models demonstrated improved balance predicting both sensitive and resistant patient categories, with many of these genes having a known role in cancer aetiology. Ensemble machine learning‐based averaging of multiple pathway‐extended models derived for an individual drug increased accuracy to >70% for erlotinib, gefitinib, lapatinib and sorafenib. Through incorporation of novel cancer biomarkers, machine learning‐based pathway‐extended signatures display strong efficacy predicting both sensitive and resistant patient responses to chemotherapy.
Interpreters' experiences of participating in an introduction course in the healthcare sector. An ethnographic field observation study
Authors: Nielsen Dorthe S. , Abdulkadir Leila S. , Rehling Charlotte , Sodemann Morten
Published: December 2020

Aim

We aimed to explore how interpreters experienced being part of a special designed health introduction course and to obtain their perspectives on the learning process. The overall aim was to improve health care to patients with language barriers.

Design

With a hermeneutic phenomenological approach, we used participant observations as a method for collecting data.

Method

The teaching methods used were case‐based learning, role‐play and active involvement including dialogs, discussions and critical reflections. The interpreters were divided into teams of 10–15 interpreters. Over the duration of 6 weeks, teaching sessions were conducted, with 3 hr/week planned.

Results

The findings emphasize the importance of providing the interpreters with education, supervision and a work environment where they can confidentially share and get competent feedback on their experiences and linguistic skills, in order to ensure patients get the correct information in their native language.
Registration of ‘Stingray CL+’ soft white winter wheat
Authors: Carter A. H. , Balow K. A. , Shelton G. B. , Burke A. B. , Hagemeyer K. E. , Stowe A. , Worapong J. , Higginbotham R. W. , Chen X. M. , Engle D. A. , Murray T. D. , Morris C. F.
Published: December 2020

Soft white winter (SWW) wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars with the Clearfield Production System technology are an important tool for producers in wheat production regions of Washington State. Paired with the use of the group 2 (Amino Acid Inhibitors/ALS) Beyond (BASF Corporation) herbicide (imazamox), tolerant wheat allows producers options where the current herbicide chemistry has not been adequate to control grass weeds. The objective of this research was to develop a two‐gene Beyond‐tolerant SWW wheat cultivar with improved resistance to the stripe rust pathogen and strawbreaker foot rot, maintains high yield potential across production regions, and has improved end‐use quality. ‘Stingray CL+’ (Reg. no. CV‐1171, PI 691557) SWW wheat was developed and released in March 2019 by the Agricultural Research Center of Washington State University. Stingray CL+ was tested under the experimental designations MAS100095‐2‐1‐S10‐1 and WA8275 CL+, assigned through progressive generations of advancement. Stingray CL+ is a two‐gene Beyond‐tolerant semi‐dwarf cultivar adapted for the high rainfall wheat production regions of Washington. Stingray CL+ has high‐temperature adult‐plant resistance to the stripe rust pathogen, is heterogeneous for the Pch1 gene for strawbreaker foot rot, is tolerant to the chemistry of Beyond herbicide, is intermediate in height, has midseason maturity, and has high grain volume weight and grain yield. The end‐use quality properties of Stingray CL+ are acceptable to meet both domestic and export market standards.
Investigation of the complexation behavior of polyethylene oxide with surfactant ternary mixture: Conductometry
Authors: Begum Mehnaz , Bibi Irum , Bibi Saira , Khan Muhammad Fiaz , Shah Muzafar , Bibi Nadia , Hussain Shah Syed Waqar
Published: December 2020

In binary system consisting only of the oppositely charged surfactants, a single type of aggregates (mostly probably vesicles) was identified. Upon polymer addition, a shift in aggregation concentration was observed; however, no additional clustering occurred and single inflection point was visible in all property versus concentration plots. The binding behavior in ternary mixtures comprising of poly (ethylene oxide), sodium dodecyl sulfate, and acetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide has been studied by using conductivity. The aggregation and binding phenomena were thermodynamically feasible, unraveled by the negative values of Gibbs free energy. An increased amount of adsorbed poly (ethylene oxide) caused an increase in these values, showing an alteration in interfacial free energy due to release of water molecules from vesicles' surface. The area per molecule calculated for ternary system indicted the existence of compact packing in mixed clusters.
Vascular and pulmonary comorbidities in children with congenital EA/TEF
Authors: Poore Thomas S. , Weinman Jason P. , Handley Elyse , Wine Todd , Helland Sparrow , Corbett Benjamin , Antoniolli Natalie , Somme Stig , Friedlander Joel , Prager Jeremy D , DeBoer Emily M.
Published: December 2020

Background

Esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF) is associated with many congenital and vascular malformations; however, reports utilizing computed tomography (CT) and computed tomography angiography (CTA) are limited. The objective of this study is to review CT scans of the chest from patients with EA/TEF and report their pulmonary and vascular findings.

Methods

We completed a retrospective chart review of children with congenital EA/TEF evaluated in the aerodigestive clinic at Children's Hospital Colorado. Results of the most recent CTA or CT of the chest were investigated. Demographics, medical conditions, and bronchoscopy findings were also recorded. The ratio of tracheal lumen area between inspiratory and expiratory CTA images was measured.

Results

Of the patients with congenital EA/TEF seen in the program, 47 patients had a chest CT available for review. Eight patients (17%) had bronchiectasis. Of the contrast CT scans, 15 (58%) had a vascular abnormality and 16 (62%) demonstrated tracheal compression (38% at the level of the innominate artery, 35% from other structures). Nineteen of the CTAs had volumetric expiratory images of the trachea to evaluate tracheomalacia. The mean expiratory:inspiratory area was 0.57 (SD ± 0.23) at the level of the innominate.

Conclusion

Patients with EA/TEF frequently have vascular abnormalities that may alter airway mechanics as well as pulmonary comorbidities that may affect long‐term management. For patients experiencing persistent respiratory symptoms, CTA of the chest should be considered adjunct to bronchoscopy to help with medical and surgical management of these children.
Modeling response of water temperature to channelization in a coastal river network
Authors: Miller Robert L.
Published: December 2020

This study investigates the role of channelization works on water temperatures in the Vermilion River network located in coastal Louisiana, USA. A physically based one‐dimensional (1D) approach is taken for hydrodynamics and heat exchange in the Vermilion River as an initial step toward understanding the cumulative effects of flood control on riverine water quality and aquatic population dynamics. The model performs acceptably well against available measurements for stage (root mean square deviation [RMSD] = 0.27 m, Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency [NSE] = 0.69—mean) and water temperature (RMSD = 1.6°C, NSE = 0.91—mean) for the purposes of scenario evaluation. Alternative forcing scenarios are developed to assess thermal impact sensitivities to dredge‐type channelization under various atmospheric and headwater boundary conditions. The results suggest that river dredging enhances daily temperature fluctuations in the adjacent swamp while reducing thermal variation in the river. Temperature variation and cumulative effects are also analyzed during critical biological periods at daily time scales as increased temperature fluctuation may increase thermal stress, while net cooling (cumulative temperature reduction) may affect reproduction and growth rates of riverine fish populations. The findings are relevant in the management, protection, and restoration of coastal riverine ecosystems and future modeling of the cumulative ecological effect of river channelization measures.
How climate change interacts with inequity to affect nutrition
Authors: Salm Leah , Nisbett Nicholas , Cramer Laura , Gillespie Stuart , Thornton Philip
Published: December 2020

Climate change poses a growing threat to the achievement of optimal nutritional status, both directly through affecting food production and indirectly through altering social and economic influences in people's lives. These adverse nutrition outcomes are not evenly distributed across the world, and vulnerable populations are the most impacted. Understanding how different forms of inequity interact with climate change and adverse nutritional outcomes is a novel area of research in today's challenging environment of increased climate change pressures. This article presents the results of a systematic literature search undertaken to identify the connections, trends and pathways between climate change, inequity and nutrition outcomes. Forty‐six peer‐reviewed studies are identified that explore these complex interactions with a specific focus on the extent to which equity is a fundamental component of climate change and nutrition research. The pathways captured in this body of evidence are mapped to current framework thinking to identify trends and gaps. While there is a trend for studies to acknowledge an unfair distribution of vulnerability to adverse nutrition outcomes, there is less attention given to the (lack of) recognition of the social situations which increase these groups' vulnerability and the absence of representation or inclusion of these groups as vital decision‐makers. Studies that do incorporate these core dimensions of equity take mixed‐method and qualitative approaches. This highlights an inherent value in stepping outside the usual scope of empirical climate change research, one that incorporates the voices of those most affected.

This article is categorized under:

Climate and Development > Sustainability and Human Well‐Being
On the spectrum of pure higher spin gravity
Authors: Alday Luis F. , Bae Jin-Beom , Benjamin Nathan , Jorge-Diaz Carmen
Published: December 2020

Abstract

We study the spectrum of pure massless higher spin theories in AdS3. The light spectrum is given by a tower of massless particles of spin s = 2, ⋯ , N and their multi-particles states. Their contribution to the torus partition function organises into the vacuum character of the $$ {\mathcal{W}}_N $$

W
N

algebra. Modular invariance puts constraints on the heavy spectrum of the theory, and in particular leads to negative norm states, which would be inconsistent with unitarity. This negativity can be cured by including additional light states, below the black hole threshold but whose mass grows with the central charge. We show that these states can be interpreted as conical defects with deficit angle 2π(1 − 1/M). Unitarity allows the inclusion of such defects into the path integral provided M ≥ N.
Massive gravity from double copy
Authors: Momeni Arshia , Rumbutis Justinas , Tolley Andrew J.
Published: December 2020

Abstract

We consider the double copy of massive Yang-Mills theory in four dimensions, whose decoupling limit is a nonlinear sigma model. The latter may be regarded as the leading terms in the low energy effective theory of a heavy Higgs model, in which the Higgs has been integrated out. The obtained double copy effective field theory contains a massive spin-2, massive spin-1 and a massive spin-0 field, and we construct explicitly its interacting Lagrangian up to fourth order in fields. We find that up to this order, the spin-2 self interactions match those of the dRGT massive gravity theory, and that all the interactions are consistent with a Λ3= (m2MPl)1/3cutoff. We construct explicitly the Λ3decoupling limit of this theory and show that it is equivalent to a bi-Galileon extension of the standard Λ3massive gravity decoupling limit theory. Although it is known that the double copy of a nonlinear sigma model is a special Galileon, the decoupling limit of massive Yang-Mills theory is a more general Galileon theory. This demonstrates that the decoupling limit and double copy procedures do not commute and we clarify why this is the case in terms of the scaling of their kinematic factors.
Ultrahypofractionation of localized prostate cancer
Authors: Wolf Frank , Sedlmayer Felix , Aebersold Daniel , Albrecht Clemens , Böhmer Dirk , Flentje Michael , Ganswindt Ute , Ghadjar Pirus , Höcht Stefan , Hölscher Tobias , Müller Arndt-Christian , Niehoff Peter , Pinkawa Michael , Schmidt-Hegemann Nina-Sophie , Zamboglou Constantinos , Zips Daniel , Wiegel Thomas
Published: December 2020

Due to its low fractionation sensitivity, also known as “alpha/beta ratio,” in relation to its surrounding organs at risk, prostate cancer is predestined for hypofractionated radiation schedules assuming an increased therapeutic ratio compared to normofractionated regimens. While moderate hypofractionation (2.2–4 Gy) has been proven to be non-inferior to normal fractionation in several large randomized trials for localized prostate cancer, level I evidence for ultrahypofractionation (>4 Gy) was lacking until recently. An accumulating body of non-randomized evidence has recently been strengthened by the publication of two randomized studies comparing ultrahypofractionation with a normofractionated schedule, i.e., the Scandinavian HYPO-RT trial by Widmark et al. and the first toxicity results of the PACE‑B trial. In this review, we aim to give a brief overview of the current evidence of ultrahypofractionation, make an overall assessment of the level of evidence, and provide recommendations and requirements that should be followed before introducing ultrahypofractionation into routine clinical use.
Intranasale Lidocainvernebelung als neue und nichtinvasive Therapieoption des Postpunktionskopfschmerzes
Authors: Siegler Benedikt Hermann , Gruß Marco , Oehler Beatrice , Keßler Jens , Fluhr Herbert , Weis Claudia , Schulz Frank , Weigand Markus Alexander
Published: December 2020

Hintergrund

Der Postpunktionskopfschmerz („postdural puncture headache“ [PDPH]) stellt eine ernsthafte anästhesiologische Komplikation geburtshilflich behandelter Patientinnen dar. Führen konservativ-medikamentöse Therapieversuche nicht zu einer Symptomlinderung, empfehlen aktuelle Leitlinien die frühzeitige Durchführung eines epiduralen Blut-Patch. Als potenzielle Alternative wird die transnasale Blockade des Ganglion sphenopalatinum mittels Lokalanästhetika diskutiert.

Methode

In dieser Falldarstellung wird erstmals von einer Modifikation dieser Technik unter Anwendung eines Medikamentenzerstäubers („mucosal atomization device“ [MAD]) zur Therapie eines PDPH bei zwei geburtshilflichen Patientinnen berichtet. Über dieses Verfahren existieren bislang keine Erfahrungen aus der geburtshilflichen Anästhesiologie.

Ergebnisse

Die erste Patientin (25-jährige Zweitgravida, BMI 54,7 kg/m2) zeigte am ersten Tag nach Sectio caesarea in Spinalanästhesie einen ausgeprägten PDPH mit starker Übelkeit und Erbrechen. Bei der zweiten Patientin (32-jährige Drittgravida, BMI 27,3 kg/m2) kam es 4 Tage nach Spontanpartus unter Periduralanästhesie zu einer PDPH-bedingten Wiederaufnahme. Während konservative Maßnahmen sowie Therapieversuche mit Nichtopioidanalgetika und Koffein keinen hinreichenden Behandlungserfolg erzielten, führte die intranasale Lidocainapplikation mittels MAD zu einer unmittelbaren und persistierenden Linderung der Beschwerden. Von beiden Patientinnen wurde die Lidocaingabe sehr gut vertragen; sie konnten am Folgetag aus dem Krankenhaus entlassen werden.

Schlussfolgerung

Die vorgestellte nichtinvasive und einfach durchzuführende Maßnahme stellt eine wertvolle Ergänzung bisheriger Therapieoptionen und eine potenzielle Alternative zum epiduralen Blutpatch bei geburtshilflichen Patientinnen mit PDPH dar.
Evaluation of a Motion Correction Algorithm for C-Arm Computed Tomography Acquired During Transarterial Chemoembolization
Authors: Becker Lena S. , Gutberlet Marcel , Maschke Sabine K. , Werncke Thomas , Dewald Cornelia L. A. , von Falck Christian , Vogel Arndt , Kloeckner Roman , Meyer Bernhard C. , Wacker Frank , Hinrichs Jan B.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the feasibility of a motion correction 3D reconstruction prototype technique for C-arm computed tomography (CACT).

Material and Methods

We included 65 consecutive CACTs acquired during transarterial chemoembolization of 54 patients (47 m,7f; 67 ± 11.3 years). All original raw datasets (CACTOrg) underwent reconstruction with and without volume punching of high-contrast objects using a 3D image reconstruction software to compensate for motion (CACTMC_bone;CACTMC_no bone). Subsequently, the effect on image quality (IQ) was evaluated using objective (image sharpness metric) and subjective criteria. Subjective criteria were defined by vessel geometry, overall IQ, delineation of tumor feeders, the presence of foreign material-induced artifacts and need for additional imaging, assessed by two independent readers on a 3-(vessel geometry and overall IQ) or 2-point scale, respectively. Friedman rank-sum test and post hoc analysis in form of pairwise Wilcoxon signed-rank test were computed and inter-observer agreement analyzed using kappa test.

Results

Objective IQ as defined by an image sharpness metric, increased from 273.5 ± 28 (CACTOrg) to 328.5 ± 55.1 (CACTMC_bone) and 331 ± 57.8 (CACTMC_no bone; all p < 0.0001). These results could largely be confirmed by the subjective analysis, which demonstrated predominantly good and moderate inter-observer agreement, with best agreement for CACTMC_no bone in all categories (e.g., vessel geometry: CACTOrg: κ = 0.51, CACTMC_bone: κ = 0.42, CACTMC_no bone: κ = 0.69).

Conclusion

The application of a motion correction algorithm was feasible for all data sets and led to an increase in both objective and subjective IQ parameters.

Level of Evidence

3
Parametrisation of change-permitting extreme value models and its impact on the description of change
Authors: Prosdocimi Ilaria , Kjeldsen Thomas
Published: December 2020

The potential for changes in environmental extremes is routinely investigated by fitting change-permitting extreme value models to long-term observations, allowing one or more distribution parameters to change as a function of time or some other covariate. In most extreme value analyses, the main quantity of interest is typically the upper quantiles of the distribution, which are often needed for practical applications such as engineering design. This study focuses on the changes in quantile estimates under different change-permitting models. First, metrics which measure the impact of changes in parameters on changes in quantiles are introduced. The mathematical structure of these change metrics is investigated for several change-permitting models based on the Generalised Extreme Value (GEV) distribution. It is shown that for the most commonly used models, the predicted changes in the quantiles are a non-intuitive function of the distribution parameters, leading to results which are difficult to interpret. Next, it is posited that commonly used change-permitting GEV models do not preserve a constant coefficient of variation, a property that is typically assumed to hold for environmental extremes. To address these shortcomings a new (parsimonious) model is proposed: the model assumes a constant coefficient of variation, allowing the location and scale parameters to change simultaneously. The proposed model results in changes in the quantile function that are easier to interpret. Finally, the consequences of the different modelling choices on quantile estimates are exemplified using a dataset of extreme peak river flow measurements in Massachusetts, USA. It is argued that the decision on which model structure to adopt to describe change in extremes should also take into consideration any requirements on the behaviour of the quantiles of interest.
A clue to invasion success: genetic diversity quickly rebounds after introduction bottlenecks
Authors: Kaňuch Peter , Berggren Åsa , Cassel-Lundhagen Anna
Published: December 2020

One of the fundamental questions in invasion biology is to understand the genetic mechanisms behind success or failure during the establishment of a species. However, major limitations to understanding are usually a lack of spatiotemporal population data and information on the populations’ colonisation history. In a large-scale, detailed study on the bush-cricket Metrioptera roeselii 70 groups of founders were introduced in areas outside the species’ distribution range. We examined how (1) the number of founders (2–32 individuals), (2) the time since establishment (7 or 15 years after introduction) and (3) possible gene flow affected establishment success and temporal genetic changes of the introduced populations. We found higher establishment success in introductions with larger propagule sizes but genetic diversity indices were only partly correlated to propagule size. As expected, introduced populations were more similar to their founder population the larger the propagule size was. However, even if apparent at first, most of the differentiation in the small propagule introductions disappeared over time. Surprisingly, genetic variability was regained to a level comparable to the large and outbreeding founder population only 15 generations after severe demographic bottlenecks. We suggest that the establishment of these populations could be a result of several mechanisms acting in synergy. Here, rapid increase in genetic diversity of few introductions could potentially be attributed to limited gene flow from adjacent populations, behavioural adaptations and/or even increased mutation rate. We present unique insights into genetic processes that point towards traits that are important for understanding species’ invasiveness.
A longitudinal study of multi-word constructions in L2 academic writing: the effects of frequency and dispersion
Authors: Candarli Duygu
Published: December 2020

This study examined the trajectories of the multi-word constructions (MWCs) in 98 advanced second language (L2) learners during their first-year at an English-medium university in a non-English-speaking country, using linear mixed-effects modelling, over one academic year. In addition, this study traced the academic reading input that L2 learners received at university, and it was investigated whether the frequency and dispersion of the MWCs in the input corpus would predict the frequencies of MWCs in L2 writers’ essays. The findings revealed variations in the frequencies of different functional and structural categories of MWCs over time. This study provides empirical evidence for the effects of both frequency and dispersion of MWCs in the input corpus on the frequency of MWCs in L2 writers’ essays, underscoring the importance of both frequency and dispersion in learning MWCs and the reciprocity of academic reading and writing. The findings have significant implications for usage-based approaches to language learning, modelling MWCs in L2 academic writing, and L2 materials design for teaching academic writing.
African Literature and the CIA
Authors: Davis Caroline
Published: December 2020

During the period of decolonisation in Africa, the CIA covertly subsidised a number of African authors, editors and publishers as part of its anti-communist propaganda strategy. Managed by two front organisations, the Congress of Cultural Freedom and the Farfield Foundation, its Africa programme stretched across the continent. This Element unravels the hidden networks and associations underpinning African literary publishing in the 1960s; it evaluates the success of the CIA in secretly infiltrating and influencing African literary magazines and publishing firms, and examines the extent to which new circuits of cultural and literary power emerged. Based on new archival evidence relating to the Transcription Centre, The Classic and The New African, it includes case studies of Wole Soyinka, Nat Nakasa and Bessie Head, which assess how the authors' careers were affected by these transnational networks and also reveal how they challenged, subverted, and resisted external influence and control.
The Man in the Background: The Search for Maecenas
Authors: Ridley Ronald T.
Published: December 2020

Since the late sixteenth century parts of the ‘imperial frieze’ of the Ara Pacis have been known. The most striking figure in the background of the southern frieze is that long thought to be a portrait of Maecenas, the Etruscan prince and literary patron of the Augustan era. This article attempts three things: to discover

1.

Where and how this identification originated,

2.

What evidence there now is for that identification, and

3.

What alternative identifications can be offered.

The bibliography is substantial, the trail is complicated and highly paradoxical, and fantasy has often played a large role. The ‘evidence’ in play for centuries has sometimes evaporated into thin air. The identities proposed are, in fact, numerous. Not of least interest is the hidden or mistaken identity, in turn, of crucial modern scholars. A method is proposed at last for evaluating the identifications of this background portrait, including obvious comparison with other background figures. This analysis emphasizes how much is still not known about the most famous piece of Augustan art. An attempt is nevertheless made in the last analysis, to support what can be offered, in the light of current understanding, as the most plausible identification.
The book as instrument: craft and technique in early modern practical mathematics
Authors: Jardine Boris
Published: December 2020

Early modern books about mathematical instruments are typically well illustrated and contain detailed instructions on how to make and use the tools they describe. Readers approached these texts with a desire to extract information – and sometimes even to extract illustrations which could be repurposed as working instruments. To focus on practical approaches to these texts is to bring the category of ‘making’ to the fore. But here care needs to be taken about who could make what, about the rhetoric of craft, and about the technique of working with diagrams and images. I argue that we should read claims about making instruments cautiously, but that, conversely, we should be inquisitive and open-minded when it comes to the potential uses of printed diagrams in acquiring skill and knowledge: these could be worked on directly, or cut out or copied and turned into working instruments. Books were sites of mathematical practice, and in certain disciplines this was central to learning through doing.