bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phosphorus sources, forms, and abundance as a function of streamflow and field conditions in a Maumee River tributary, 2016–2019
Authors: Williamson Tanja N. , Dobrowolski Edward G. , Kreiling Rebecca M.
Published: September 2021

Total phosphorus (TP), dissolved P (DP), and suspended sediment (SS) were sampled in Black Creek, Indiana, monthly during base flow and for 100 storm events during water years 2016–2019, enabling analysis of how each of these varied as a function of streamflow and field conditions at nested edge‐of‐field sites. Particulate P was normalized for SS (PSS = [TP − DP]/SS). Streamflow events were differentiated by maximum TP concentrations co‐occurring with maximum SS (SED) or DP (SOL). The combination of new precipitation and high antecedent soil‐water storage during months when fields were exposed coincided with higher streamflow that drove SED events. These SED events carried more SS, including sediment eroded from streambanks that added sediment P but also may have provided for sorption of DP. During SOL events, DP was higher and contributed approximately half of TP; SS was lower. These SOL events had higher PSS, more similar to that in base flow as well as composited samples of overland flow and tile‐drain discharge from fields. Base‐flow samples had significantly higher PSS concentrations than most event samples, with ≤25 times enrichment relative to soil P concentrations in fine‐grained source material. Combining base‐flow and event samples showed that PSS integrates SS, DP, and streamflow. Addition of new suspended sediment during events may provide for sorption of DP during and after events and storage in the system, delaying delivery of this P to Lake Erie relative to what would be expected for the dissolved form but adding to the legacy P stored in the stream system.
Fibromyalgia and periodontitis: Bidirectional associations in population‐based 15‐year retrospective cohorts
Authors: Ma Kevin Sheng‐Kai , Lai Jung‐Nien , Veeravalli John Jims , Chiu Lu‐Ting , Van Dyke Thomas E. , Wei James Cheng‐Chung
Published: September 2021

Background

To determine the bidirectional link between periodontitis and fibromyalgia.

Methods

In this cohort study, 196,428 periodontitis patients and 196,428 propensity score‐matched non‐periodontitis controls were enrolled. A Cox proportional hazard model was utilized to estimate the risk of fibromyalgia and survival analysis was adopted to assess the time‐dependent effect of periodontitis on fibromyalgia. Subgroup analyses stratified by age, sex, and tracking period were conducted to identify susceptible populations. A parallel and symmetrical cohort that recruited 141,439 fibromyalgia patients and 141,439 propensity score‐matched non‐fibromyalgia controls ascertained the inverse effect of fibromyalgia on incident periodontitis.

Results

Patients with periodontitis were more likely to develop fibromyalgia than non‐periodontitis controls (HR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.39–1.44, P < 0.001), which persisted in the survival analysis (log‐rank test P < 0.0001). This effect was significant in both sexes and all age subgroups, and was particularly evident in males (HR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.48–1.56, P < 0.001) and younger periodontitis patients (HR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.50‐1.60, P < 0.001). Fibromyalgia patients who never had periodontitis presented with greater risk for periodontitis over time (HR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.40 – 1.45, P < 0.001; log‐rank test P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Patients of both sexes and all age subgroups with periodontitis presented with a greater risk of fibromyalgia. Subgroups that were the most susceptible to periodontitis‐associated fibromyalgia were periodontitis patients that were males and below 30 years old. Risks of periodontitis were also greater in fibromyalgia patients who never had periodontitis.
Synergistic antimicrobial effect of photodynamic therapy and chitosan on the titanium‐adherent biofilms of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa: An in vitro study
Authors: Camacho‐Alonso Fabio , Salinas Jesús , Sánchez‐Siles Mariano , Pato‐Mourelo Jesús , Cotrina‐Veizaga Brian Davis , Ortega Nieves
Published: September 2021

Background

To date, no studies on the combined use of photodynamic therapy (PDT) and chitosan against peri‐implantitis have been published. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible synergistic antimicrobial effect of PDT and chitosan on the titanium‐adherent biofilms of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Methods

A total of 60 titanium discs were included in this study. The discs were randomized into three bacterial contaminations (n = 20 discs per bacterium). After being cultured (incubated for 48 hours) they were randomized again into four different disinfection modalities (n = 5 discs per treatment): control (without treatment), PDT, chitosan 3 mg/mL, and PDT + chitosan 3 mg/mL. After the treatments, the colony forming units (CFU) were measured to determine antimicrobial effects, and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) was used to study cell morphology and titanium adherence.

Results

For all the evaluated bacteria and all the variables studied the order from highest to lowest antimicrobial effectiveness was: PDT + chitosan 3 mg/mL > chitosan 3 mg/mL > PDT > control. Although, all disinfection methods were significantly effective when compared to control, the combined treatment of PDT + chitosan 3 mg/mL had the greatest antimicrobial effect against the three studied bacteria.

Conclusions

The combination of PDT and chitosan has a synergistic antimicrobial effect against the bacteria S. aureus, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa, all closely related to peri‐implantitis. However, further in vivo studies are needed because this study provides data based on an in vitro scenario that might not be extrapolated to patients with peri‐implantitis.
Neutrophil to apolipoprotein A‐I ratio as an independent indicator of locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Li Jing , Wu Yan‐Ling , Li Wen‐Fei , Ma Jun
Published: September 2021

Purpose

To explore the peripheral blood cells (neutrophil/monocyte/lymphocyte/platelet) to apolipoprotein AI or high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol ratio (NAR, MAR, LAR, PAR, NHR, MHR, LHR, and PHR) as independent prognostic indicators for stage III nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

Patients and methods

Between 2009 and 2014, 562 patients diagnosed with stage III NPC who were treated with a concomitant chemotherapy and intensity‐modulated radiotherapy with cumulative cisplatin dose ≥200 mg/m2 were included in this retrospective study. Routine blood and biochemical variables and baseline clinical characteristics (T and N stage, age, sex, and induction chemotherapy) were collected. After inserting 19 hematological parameters into a set, we applied the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm and restricted cubic splines regression to select valuable parameters for predicting 5‐year overall survival (OS). Subsequently, univariate and multivariate survival analyses were used to assess independent indicators of 5‐year OS, distant metastasis survival, regional recurrence‐free survival (RRFS), and disease‐free survival.

Results

NAR, MAR, serum lactated dehydrogenase (LDH), and Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV)‐DNA were selected using LASSO regression, and the optimal cut‐off values for NAR, MAR, EBV‐DNA, and, LDH were 4.39, 0.3, 1590 copies/mL, and 218.4 IU/L, respectively. In multivariate survival analysis, higher NAR was associated with both poor 5‐year OS and RRFS (hazard ratio [HR], 1.88; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09‐3.25, P = .024; HR, 3.13; 95% CI, 1.42‐6.91, P = .005, respectively).

Conclusion

NAR could be an attractive indicator for evaluating the 5‐year OS in patients with stage III NPC, which is closely related to inflammation and circulating lipid metabolism.

Level of Evidence: 4
Coverage control of unicycle multi‐agent network in dynamic environment
Authors: Sun Qihai , Liu Zhi‐Wei , Chi Ming , Dou Yangming , He Dingxin , Qin Yijie
Published: September 2021

This paper studies the coverage control problem of an unicycle multi‐agent network with external disturbance in a dynamic environment which is described by a time‐varying density function. It is a challenging task to design a coverage control to simultaneously handle the external disturbance, underactuated model and time‐varying density function. Based on Voronoi partition, we proposed a coverage control approach which can maximize the metric function via robust tracking the Voronoi centroid with external disturbance. It is worth to mentioning that the angle of motion of the unicycle agent can align with the Voronoi centroid in finite time. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed control is shown by simulation results.
A novel finite‐time terminal observer of a fractional‐order chaotic system with chaos entanglement function
Authors: Khan Ayub , Khan Nasreen
Published: September 2021

This paper has extensively investigated a new fractional‐order chaotic system based on a chaos entanglement function. The rich dynamics of the system are observed by various tools such as equilibrium point stability, Lyapunov exponents, bifurcation diagram, and limit cycles. The unexplored hidden multistability is discovered by changing the derivative order and system parameter values. We have also derived a new finite‐time terminal observer to estimate the state variables of the fractional‐order system whose convergence time solely depends on considered parameters. Simulations are realized to confirm the theoretical results.
Life satisfaction after stroke and the association with upper extremity disability, sociodemographics, and participation
Authors: Ekstrand Elisabeth , Brogårdh Christina
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Remaining disability after stroke can reduce a person's life satisfaction. Because previous studies of life satisfaction show inconsistent results, there is a need for more knowledge regarding perceived life satisfaction after stroke and associated factors.

Objective

To assess perceived life satisfaction after stroke in relation to Swedish reference values; and the association with upper extremity disability, sociodemographics, and participation.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Setting

University hospital.

Participants

Seventy‐five persons (72% male) with mild to moderate disability in a stable phase after stroke.

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measure

Life satisfaction was assessed with the Life Satisfaction Questionnaire (LiSat‐11), which includes one global item Life as a whole and 10 domain‐specific items. Global life satisfaction and explanatory factors were evaluated in two multivariate logistic regression models.

Results

Fifty‐three percent of the participants were satisfied with Life as a whole. Highest satisfaction was found for Family life (78%) and Partner relationship (77%) and lowest satisfaction for Vocational situation (32%), Sexual life (25%), and Physical health (23%). Life as a whole and most domain‐specific items showed a significantly lower proportion of satisfied persons compared to Swedish reference values. In the first regression model with factors of upper extremity disability, manual ability was the strongest explanatory variable for Life as a whole (p value = .032, Nagelkerke R Square 0.117). In the second regression model, participation, social, and working status were the final explanatory variables (p value = .006, Nagelkerke R Square = 0.207).

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that persons with mild to moderate disability after stroke perceive overall less satisfaction with Life as a whole and domain‐specific items than the general Swedish population. To increase a person's life satisfaction after stroke, rehabilitation interventions should target a variety of aspects including enhancing functioning of upper extremity, reducing participation restrictions, and providing support regarding social and vocational situation.
Predictors of cancer screening among Black and White Maryland Medicaid enrollees with serious mental illness
Authors: Murphy Karly A. , Daumit Gail L. , McGinty Emma E. , Stone Elizabeth M. , Kennedy‐Hendricks Alene
Published: September 2021

Background

Cancer is the second leading cause of death for people with serious mental illness (SMI), such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. People with SMI receive cancer screenings at lower rates than the general population.

Aims

We sought to identify factors associated with cancer screening in a publicly insured population with SMI and stratified by race, a factor itself linked with differential rates of cancer screening.

Materials and Methods

We used Maryland Medicaid administrative claims data (2010–2018) to examine screening rates for cervical cancer (N = 40,622), breast cancer (N = 9818), colorectal cancer (N = 19,306), and prostate cancer (N = 4887) among eligible Black and white enrollees with SMI. We examined individual‐level socio‐demographic and clinical factors, including co‐occurring substance use disorder, medical comorbidities, psychiatric diagnosis, obstetric‐gynecologic and primary care utilization, as well as county‐level characteristics, including metropolitan status, mean household income, and primary care workforce capacity. Generalized estimating equations with a logit link were used to examine the characteristics associated with cancer screening.

Results

Compared with white enrollees, Black enrollees were more likely to receive screening for cervical cancer (AOR: 1.18; 95% CI: 1.15‐1.22), breast cancer (AOR: 1.27; 95% CI: 1.19‐1.36), and colorectal cancer (AOR: 1.07; 95% CI: 1.02‐1.13), while similar rates were observed for prostate cancer screening (AOR: 1.06; 95% CI: 0.96‐1.18). Primary care utilization and longer Medicaid enrollment were positively associated with cancer screening while co‐occurring substance use disorder was negatively associated with cancer screening.

Conclusion

Improving cancer screening rates among populations with SMI should focus on facilitating continuous insurance coverage and access to primary care.
Label‐free quantitative proteomic and phosphoproteomic analyses of renal biopsy tissues in membranous nephropathy
Authors: Li Shanshan , Luo Zhifeng , Meng Shuhui , Qiu Xiaofen , Zheng Fengping , Dai Weier , Zhang Xinzhou , Sui Weiguo , Yan Qiang , Tang Donge , Dai Yong
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Membranous nephropathy (MN) is a common cause of nephrotic syndrome in adults. However, the underlying mechanisms of its occurrence and development are not completely clear. Thus, it is essential to explore the mechanisms.

Experimental design

Here, we employed label‐free quantification and liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry analysis techniques to investigate the proteomic and phosphoproteomic alterations in renal biopsy tissues of MN patients. Samples were collected from 16 MN patients and 10 controls. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed to validate the hub phosphoprotein.

Results

We focused on the changes in the phosphoproteome in MN group versus control group (CG). Totally, 1704 phosphoproteins containing 3241 phosphosites were identified and quantified. The phosphorylation levels of 216 phosphoproteins containing 297 phosphosites were differentially regulated in stage II MN group versus CG, and 333 phosphoproteins containing 461 phosphosites were differentially phosphorylated in stage III MN group versus CG. In each comparison, several differential phosphoproteins were factors, kinases and receptors involved in cellular processes, biological regulation and other biological processes. The subcellular location of most of the differential phosphoproteins was the nucleus. Protein–protein interaction analysis showed that the connections among the differential phosphoproteins were extremely complex, and several signalling pathways probably associated with MN were identified. The hub phosphoprotein was validated by IHC.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

This investigation can provide direct insight into the global phosphorylation events in MN group versus CG and may help to shed light on the potential pathogenic mechanisms of MN.
Parametric inference of the loss based index Cpm for normal distribution
Authors: Saha Mahendra , Dey Sanku , Wang Liang
Published: September 2021

The process capability index (PCI) has been introduced as a tool to aid in the assessment of process performance and most of the traditional PCIs performed well when process follows the normal behavior. In this article, we consider a PCI, for normal random variables. The objective of this article is five fold: First, six different methods of estimation of the PCI are addressed from frequentist approaches and compare them in terms of their mean squared errors using extensive numerical simulations. Second, we compare three bootstrap confidence intervals (BCIs) of the PCI including standard bootstrap, percentile bootstrap, and bias‐corrected percentile bootstrap. Third, Bayesian estimation is considered under four loss functions (symmetric as well as asymmetric) using normal prior for location parameter and inverse gamma prior for the scale parameter for the considered model. Also, we obtain highest posterior density (HPD) credible intervals of the PCI . Fourth, a new cost effective PCI, namely, is introduced by incorporating tolerance cost function in the index . Fifth, the power of the test is obtained, and Monte Carlo simulation study has been carried out to compare the performances of the classical BCIs and HPD credible intervals of PCIs and in terms of average widths and coverage probabilities. Finally, two real data sets have been analyzed for illustrative purposes.
Identification and inference for subgroups with differential treatment efficacy from randomized controlled trials with survival outcomes through multiple testing
Authors: Wei Yue , Hsu Jason C. , Chen Wei , Chew Emily Y. , Ding Ying
Published: September 2021

With the uptake of targeted therapies, instead of the “one‐fits‐all” approach, modern randomized controlled trials (RCTs) often aim to develop treatments that target a subgroup of patients. Motivated by analyzing the Age‐Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) data, a large RCT to study the efficacy of nutritional supplements in delaying the progression of an eye disease, age‐related macular degeneration (AMD), we develop a simultaneous inference procedure to identify and infer subgroups with differential treatment efficacy in RCTs with time‐to‐event outcomes. Specifically, we formulate the multiple testing problem through contrasts and construct their simultaneous confidence intervals, which appropriately control both within‐ and across‐marker multiplicity. Realistic simulations are conducted using real genotype data to evaluate the method performance under various scenarios. The method is then applied to AREDS to assess the efficacy of antioxidants and zinc combination in delaying AMD progression. Multiple gene regions including ESRRB‐VASH1 on chromosome 14 have been identified with subgroups showing differential efficacy. We further validate our findings in an independent subsequent RCT, AREDS2, by discovering consistent differential treatment responses in the targeted and non‐targeted subgroups identified from AREDS. This multiple‐testing‐based simultaneous inference approach provides a step forward to confidently identify and infer subgroups in modern drug development.
Penalized variable selection for cause‐specific hazard frailty models with clustered competing‐risks data
Authors: Rakhmawati Trias W. , Ha Il Do , Lee Hangbin , Lee Youngjo
Published: September 2021

Competing risks data usually arise when an occurrence of an event precludes other types of events from being observed. Such data are often encountered in a clustered clinical study such as a multi‐center clinical trial. For the clustered competing‐risks data which are correlated within a cluster, competing‐risks models allowing for frailty terms have been recently studied. To the best of our knowledge, however, there is no literature on variable selection methods for cause‐specific hazard frailty models. In this article, we propose a variable selection procedure for fixed effects in cause‐specific competing risks frailty models using a penalized h‐likelihood (HL). Here, we study three penalty functions, LASSO, SCAD, and HL. Simulation studies demonstrate that the proposed procedure using the HL penalty works well, providing a higher probability of choosing the true model than LASSO and SCAD methods without losing prediction accuracy. The proposed method is illustrated by using two kinds of clustered competing‐risks cancer data sets.
Critical Evaluation of the Undergraduate Curriculum—Are We Asking the Right Questions?
Authors: Salava A.
Published: September 2021

The curricular content in medical education needs continuous development and therefore must regularly undergo a critical evaluation. Here, the author describes an implemented shift in the teaching substance of an undergraduate dermatology course aimed to focus on relevance and practicability for general practitioners. The changes were based on a comprehensive nationwide database analysis of the spectrum of skin-related conditions seen in primary care.
Associations between mental health and job loss among middle‐ and low‐income veterans and civilians during the COVID‐19 pandemic: An exploratory study
Authors: Umucu Emre , Reyes Antonio , Nay Andrew , Elbogen Eric , Tsai Jack
Published: September 2021

This study examined the relationship between job loss and mental health during the pandemic among a nationally representative sample of middle‐ and low‐income military veterans and civilians. Participants were recruited from Amazon Mechanical Turk in May–June 2020. Our sample was comparable to the U.S. population with respect to key demographics (i.e., sex, race, ethnicity, and geographic region). More veterans were male (36.9% civilians vs. 74.1% veterans), and on average they were older than civilians (Mcivilians = 47.86 vs. Mveterans = 52.64). After controlling for sociodemographic factors, probable anxiety (adjusted odds ratio for veterans = 1.96, 95% [1.22–3.15]) was significantly associated with job loss among veterans, whereas among civilians, probable anxiety (adjusted odds ratio for civilians [AORc] = 1.48, 95% [1.21–1.81]), probable COVID‐19 era‐related stress (AORc = 1.73, 95% [1.45–2.07]), and loneliness (AORc = 1.09, 95% [1.04–1.13]) were associated with job loss. Results demonstrated that veteran sample's effect sizes were larger than civilian sample's effect sizes; however, our moderation analyses results revealed that veteran status did not moderate the relationships between mental health and job loss. The findings in this study support a relationship between job loss and poorer mental health, suggesting that increased mental health services may be important to address ongoing effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Fermions on wobbling kinks: normal versus quasinormal modes
Authors: Campos João G. F. , Mohammadi Azadeh
Published: September 2021

Abstract

The system consisting of a fermion in the background of a wobbling kink is studied in this paper. To investigate the impact of the wobbling on the fermion-kink interaction, we employ the time-dependent perturbation theory formalism in quantum mechanics. To do so, we compute the transition probabilities between states given in terms of the Bogoliubov coefficients. We derive Fermi’s golden rule for the model, which allows the transition to the continuum at a constant rate if the fermion-kink coupling constant is smaller than the wobbling frequency. Moreover, we study the system replacing the shape mode with a quasinormal mode. In this case, the transition rate to continuum decays in time due to the leakage of the mode, and the final transition probability decreases sharply for large coupling constants in a way that is analogous to Fermi’s golden rule. Throughout the paper, we compare the perturbative results with numerical simulations and show that they are in good agreement.
Flavor symmetries in the Yukawa sector of non-supersymmetric SO(10): numerical fits using renormalization group running
Authors: Ohlsson Tommy , Pernow Marcus
Published: September 2021

Abstract

We consider a class of SO(10) models with flavor symmetries in the Yukawa sector and investigate their viability by performing numerical fits to the fermion masses and mixing parameters. The fitting procedure involves a top-down approach in which we solve the renormalization group equations from the scale of grand unification down to the electroweak scale. This allows the intermediate scale right-handed neutrinos and scalar triplet, involved in the type I and II seesaw mechanisms, to be integrated out at their corresponding mass scales, leading to a correct renormalization group running. The result is that, of the 14 models considered, only two are able to fit the known data well. Both these two models correspond to ℤ2 symmetries. In addition to being able to fit the fermion masses and mixing parameters, they provide predictions for the sum of light neutrino masses and the effective neutrinoless double beta decay mass parameter, which are both within current observational bounds.
Mixed QCD-EW corrections for Higgs leptonic decay via HW+W− vertex
Authors: Ma Chichuan , Wang Yuxuan , Xu Xiaofeng , Yang Li Lin , Zhou Bin
Published: September 2021

Abstract

We consider the two-loop corrections to theHW+W−vertex at orderααs. We construct a canonical basis for the two-loop integrals using the Baikov representation and the intersection theory. By solving theϵ-form differential equations, we obtain fully analytic expressions for the master integrals in terms of multiple polylogarithms, which allow fast and accurate numeric evaluation for arbitrary configurations of external momenta. We apply our analytic results to the decay processH→νeeW, and study both the integrated and differential decay rates. Our results can also be applied to the Higgs production process viaWboson fusion.
Comparison of different treatments for children with radial neck fracture and analysis of prognostic factors
Authors: Xia Anning , You Chao , Han Jingming , Wu Dechao , Xia Yongjie , Wang Jiangsheng
Published: September 2021

Introduction

The aim of this was to analyze the effect of different treatment options on radial neck fractures in children and to explore the factors affecting the prognosis of fractures.

Methods

The clinical data of 131 children with radial neck fractures admitted to our hospital from 2010 to 2018 were retrospectively analyzed, and the patients were divided into 6 groups according to treatment methods [manual reduction with Kirschner wires (K-wires) for internal fixation (group A); manual reduction with elastic stable intramedullary nails (ESINs) for internal fixation (group B); leverage reduction with K-wires for internal fixation (group C); leverage reduction with ESINs for internal fixation (group D); manual and leverage reduction with K-wires/ESINs for internal fixation (group E); and open reduction with K-wires/ESINs for internal fixation (group F)]. Postoperative elbow function and complications were analyzed.

Results

Among the 131 patients with fractures, the median age was 8 years, the median preoperative angulation was 52°, the follow-up rate was 86.3% (113/131), the average follow-up time was 58.3 months, and the postoperative complication rate was 17.7% (20/113). The comparison among the different treatment groups showed that group B had the best recovery of elbow function, postoperatively, and the lowest postoperative complication rate. Age, duration of hospitalization, and preoperative angulation were independent factors affecting postoperative complications. Older age, longer duration of hospitalization, and higher angulation increase the postoperative complications.

Conclusion

Different treatment options have different efficacies for radial neck fractures in children, of which manipulative reduction with internal fixation using ESINs can achieve good efficacy and a low postoperative complication rate. Age, duration of hospitalization, and preoperative angulation are independent factors for postoperative complications.
Österreichisches Neugeborenen-Screening – Früherkennung von Vitamin-B12-Mangel im Fokus
Authors: Konstantopoulou Vassiliki , Greber-Platzer Susanne , Zeyda Maximilian
Published: September 2021

Das österreichische Neugeborenen-Screening ist seit mehr als 50 Jahren eine sehr erfolgreiche Errungenschaft der Präventivmedizin und wird kontinuierlich an die Entwicklungen von Diagnostika, Therapien und Kenntnissen über Zielkrankheiten angepasst. Obwohl seit Langem bekannt, aber als Nebenbefund angesehen, wurde der Vitamin-B12-Mangel bei Neugeborenen kürzlich in den Fokus des österreichischen Neugeborenen-Screenings gerückt. Diese Entwicklung ist auf technische Innovationen zurückzuführen, die den Nachweis eines Verdachts (Messung von Homozystein in aufgrund eines angepassten Screening-Algorithmus identifizierten Proben) verbessern, sowie auf aktuelle Ernährungstrends wie Vegetarismus und Veganismus, die – zumindest teilweise – für die hohe Prävalenz des Vitamin-B12-Mangels insbesondere bei gestillten Kindern verantwortlich sind. Obwohl zu diesem Thema noch Forschungsbedarf besteht, ist es schlüssig, dass durch frühzeitige, präsymptomatische Erkennung eines Vitamin-B12-Mangels im Neugeborenenalter und anschließende Behandlung Entwicklungsstörungen und andere neurologische Störungen vermieden werden können.
Sub-millisecond 2D MRI of the vocal fold oscillation using single-point imaging with rapid encoding
Authors: Fischer Johannes , Özen Ali Caglar , Ilbey Serhat , Traser Louisa , Echternach Matthias , Richter Bernhard , Bock Michael
Published: September 2021

Objective

The slow spatial encoding of MRI has precluded its application to rapid physiologic motion in the past. The purpose of this study is to introduce a new fast acquisition method and to demonstrate feasibility of encoding rapid two-dimensional motion of human vocal folds with sub-millisecond resolution.

Method

In our previous work, we achieved high temporal resolution by applying a rapidly switched phase encoding gradient along the direction of motion. In this work, we extend phase encoding to the second image direction by using single-point imaging with rapid encoding (SPIRE) to image the two-dimensional vocal fold oscillation in the coronal view. Image data were gated using electroglottography (EGG) and motion corrected. An iterative reconstruction with a total variation (TV) constraint was used and the sequence was also simulated using a motion phantom.

Results

Dynamic images of the vocal folds during phonation at pitches of 150 and 165 Hz were acquired in two volunteers and the periodic motion of the vocal folds at a temporal resolution of about 600 µs was shown. The simulations emphasize the necessity of SPIRE for two-dimensional motion encoding.

Discussion

SPIRE is a new MRI method to image rapidly oscillating structures and for the first time provides dynamic images of the vocal folds oscillations in the coronal plane.
‘Pollen potency’: the relationship between atmospheric pollen counts and allergen exposure
Authors: Tegart Lachlan J. , Johnston Fay H. , Borchers Arriagada Nicolas , Workman Annabelle , Dickinson Joanne L. , Green Brett J. , Jones Penelope J.
Published: September 2021

Pollen allergies are responsible for a considerable global public health burden, and understanding exposure is critical to addressing the health impacts. Atmospheric pollen counts are routinely used as a predictor of risk; however, immune responses are triggered by specific proteins known as allergens, which occur both within and on the surface of the pollen grain. The ratio between atmospheric pollen counts and allergen concentrations (‘pollen potency’) has been shown to be inconsistent, with potentially important implications for pollen monitoring practice. Despite this, there has been no previous synthesis of the literature and our understanding of the factors that influence pollen potency remains poor. We conducted a scoping review with the aim of deriving a current understanding of: (a) the factors that influence pollen potency; (b) its variation through time, between taxa and by location; and (c) the implications for pollen monitoring practice. Our synthesis found that pollen potency is highly variable within and between seasons, and between locations; however, much of this variability remains unexplained and has not been deeply investigated. We found no predictable pollen potency patterns relating to taxon, geography or time, and inconclusive evidence regarding possible driving factors. With respect to human health, the studies in our synthesis generally reported larger associations between atmospheric allergen loads and allergy symptoms than whole pollen counts. This suggests that pollen potency influences public health risk; however, the evidence base remains limited. Further research is needed to better understand both pollen potency variability and its implications for health.
Unknotting reciprocal causation between organism and environment
Authors: Baedke Jan , Fábregas-Tejeda Alejandro , Prieto Guido I.
Published: September 2021

In recent years, biologists and philosophers of science have argued that evolutionary theory should incorporate more seriously the idea of ‘reciprocal causation.’ This notion refers to feedback loops whereby organisms change their experiences of the environment or alter the physical properties of their surroundings. In these loops, in particular niche constructing activities are central, since they may alter selection pressures acting on organisms, and thus affect their evolutionary trajectories. This paper discusses long-standing problems that emerge when studying such reciprocal causal processes between organisms and environments. By comparing past approaches to reciprocal causation from the early twentieth century with contemporary ones in niche construction theory, we identify two central reoccurring problems: All of these approaches have not been able to provide a conceptual framework that allows (i) maintaining meaningful boundaries between organisms and environments, instead of merging the two, and (ii) integrating experiential and physical kinds of reciprocal causation. By building on case studies of niche construction research, we provide a model that is able to solve these two problems. It allows distinguishing between mutually interacting organisms and environments in complex scenarios, as well as integrating various forms of experiential and physical niche construction.
4D imaging of fetal right ventricle—feasibility study and a review of the literature
Authors: Pasieczna M. , Duliban J. , Grzyb A. , Szymkiewicz-Dangel J.
Published: September 2021

Functional analysis of the fetal cardiovascular system is crucial for the assessment of fetal condition. Evaluation of the right ventricle with standard 2D echocardiography is challenging due to its complex geometry and irregular muscle fibers arrangement. Software package TOMTEC 4D RV-Function is an analysis tool which allows assessment of right ventricular function based on volumetric measurements and myocardial deformation. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of this method in fetal echocardiography. The retrospective study was conducted in the high-flow Referral Center for Fetal Cardiology. We recorded 4D echocardiographic sequences of 46 fetuses with normal hearts. Following parameters were calculated: end-diastolic volume (EDV), end-systolic volume (ESV), stroke volume (SV) and ejection fraction (EF), right ventricle longitudinal free-wall (RVLS free-wall) and septal strain (RVLS septum). Tei index was calculated as a standard measure or RV function for comparison. 4D assessment was feasible in 38 out of 46 fetuses (83%). RV volumetric parameters—EDV, ESV and SV—increased exponentially with gestational age. Functional parameters—RV Tei index, EF and strains—were independent of gestational age. Mean EF was 45.2% (± 6%), RV free-wall strain was − 21.2% and RV septal strain was − 21.5%. There was a statistically significant correlation between septal and free-wall strains (r = 0.51, p = 0.001) as well as between EF and RV free-wall strain (r = − 0.41, p = 0.011). 4D RV assessment is feasible in most fetuses. Its clinical application should be further investigated in larger prospective studies.
COVID-19’s U.S. Temperature Response Profile
Authors: Carson Richard T. , Carson Samuel L. , Dye Thayne K. , Mayfield Samuel A. , Moyer Daniel C. , Yu Chu A.
Published: September 2021

We estimate the U.S. temperature response profile (TRP) for COVID-19 and show it is highly sensitive to temperature variation. Replacing the erratic daily death counts U.S. states initially reported with counts based on death certificate date, we build a week-ahead statistical forecasting model that explains most of their daily variation (R2 = 0.97) and isolates COVID-19’s TRP (p < 0.001). These counts, normalized at 31 °C (U.S. mid-summer average), scale up to 160% at 5 °C in the static case where the infection pool is held constant. Positive case counts are substantially more temperature sensitive. When temperatures are declining, dynamic feedback through a growing infection pool can substantially amplify these temperature effects. Our estimated TRP can be incorporated into COVID-related planning exercises and used as an input to SEIR models employed for longer run forecasting. For the former, we show how our TRP is predictive of the realized pattern of growth rates in per capita positive cases across states five months after the end of our sample period. For the latter, we show the variation in herd immunity levels implied by temperature-driven, time-varying R0series for the Alpha and Delta variants of COVID-19 for several representative states.
Branching processes with immigration in atypical random environment
Authors: Foss Sergey , Korshunov Dmitry , Palmowski Zbigniew
Published: September 2021

Motivated by a seminal paper of Kesten et al. (Ann. Probab., 3(1), 1–31, 1975) we consider a branching process with a conditional geometric offspring distribution with i.i.d. random environmental parameters An, n ≥ 1 and with one immigrant in each generation. In contrast to above mentioned paper we assume that the environment is long-tailed, that is that the distribution F of $\xi _{n}:=\log ((1-A_{n})/A_{n})$

ξ

n

:
=
log
(
(
1
−

A

n

)
/

A

n

)
is long-tailed. We prove that although the offspring distribution is light-tailed, the environment itself can produce extremely heavy tails of the distribution of the population size in the n th generation which becomes even heavier with increase of n. More precisely, we prove that, for all n, the distribution tail $\mathbb {P}(Z_{n} \ge m)$
ℙ
(

Z

n

≥
m
)
of the n th population size Zn is asymptotically equivalent to $n\overline F(\log m)$
n

F

¯

(
log
m
)
as m grows. In this way we generalise Bhattacharya and Palmowski (Stat. Probab. Lett., 154, 108550, 2019) who proved this result in the case n = 1 for regularly varying environment F with parameter α > 1. Further, for a subcritical branching process with subexponentially distributed ξn, we provide the asymptotics for the distribution tail $\mathbb {P}(Z_{n}>m)$
ℙ
(

Z

n

>
m
)
which are valid uniformly for all n, and also for the stationary tail distribution. Then we establish the “principle of a single atypical environment” which says that the main cause for the number of particles to be large is the presence of a single very small environmental parameter Ak.
Distributional effects of macroeconomic shocks in real-time
Authors: Bruckmeier Kerstin , Peichl Andreas , Popp Martin , Wiemers Jürgen , Wollmershäuser Timo
Published: September 2021

The highly dynamic nature of the COVID-19 crisis poses an unprecedented challenge to policy makers around the world to take appropriate income-stabilizing countermeasures. To properly design such policy measures, it is important to quantify their effects in real-time. However, data on the relevant outcomes at the micro level is usually only available with considerable time lags. In this paper, we propose a novel method to assess the distributional consequences of macroeconomic shocks and policy responses in real-time and provide the first application to Germany in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, our approach combines different economic models estimated on firm- and household-level data: a VAR-model for output expectations, a structural labor demand model, and a tax-benefit microsimulation model. Our findings show that as of September 2020 the COVID-19 shock translates into a noticeable reduction in gross labor income across the entire income distribution. However, the tax benefit system and discretionary policy responses to the crisis act as important income stabilizers, since the effect on the distribution of disposable household incomes turns progressive: the bottom two deciles actually gain income, the middle deciles are hardly affected, and only the upper deciles lose income.
Order Distances and Split Systems
Authors: Moulton Vincent , Spillner Andreas
Published: September 2021

Given a pairwise distanceDon the elements in a finite setX, theorder distanceΔ(D)onXis defined by first associating a total preorder ≼xonXto eachx∈Xbased onD, and then quantifying the pairwise disagreement between these total preorders. The order distance can be useful in relational analyses because usingΔ(D)instead ofDmay make such analyses less sensitive to small variations inD. Relatively little is known about properties ofΔ(D)for general distancesD. Indeed, nearly all previous work has focused on understanding the order distance of atreelike distance, that is, a distance that arises as the shortest path distances in a tree with non-negative edge weights andXmapped into its vertex set. In this paper we study the order distanceΔ(D)for distancesDthat can be decomposed into sums of simpler distances called split-distances. Such distancesDgeneralize treelike distances, and have applications in areas such as classification theory and phylogenetics.
Health-related quality of life among breast cancer patients compared to cancer survivors and age-matched women in the general population in Vietnam
Authors: Ngan Tran Thu , Mai Vu Quynh , Van Minh Hoang , Donnelly Michael , O’Neill Ciaran
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study compared the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of breast cancer (BC) patients, survivors, and age-matched women from the general population in Vietnam to address the paucity of HRQoL research and contribute to the robust assessment of BC screening and care in Vietnam.

Methods

The standardised EQ-5D-5L instrument was incorporated in an online survey and a hospital-based face-to-face survey, and together with data from the Vietnam EQ-5D-5L norms study. χ2 tests assessed EQ-5D health profile associations and a Tobit regression model investigated the association between overall health status (EQ-VAS/utility scores) and sociodemographic and clinical characteristics.

Results

A total of 309 participants (107 patients undergoing treatment and 202 survivors who had completed treatment) provided usable responses. The dimensions that affected mostly the HRQoL of women with BC were pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression. Current patients and survivors differed significantly regarding HRQoL dimensions of mobility, self-care, usual activities, and anxiety/depression. Their health utilities were 0.74 and 0.84, respectively, compared with 0.91 for age-matched Vietnamese women in the general population (p < 0.001). Treatment status (survivor vs patient), younger age, higher monthly household income, and higher education levels were associated with higher health utility.

Conclusions

The results point to unmet needs in mental health support and well-being and for attention to be given to the development of a biopsychosocial system of cancer diagnosis, treatment, and care. The results will also inform future assessments of the comparative value for money of interventions intended to impact on breast cancer in Vietnam.
Apparent digestibility and nutritional composition of Leucaena leucocephala (Lam) leaf meal incorporated in the diets of Black Australorp and Potchefstroom Koekoek chicken breeds
Authors: Thamaga Marupine Windy , Mokoboki Hilda Kwena , Sebola Nthabiseng Amenda , Ravhuhali Khuliso Emmanuel
Published: September 2021

The objective of the study was to determine the apparent digestibility and nutrient composition of Leucaena leucocephala leaf meal (LLM) inclusion in Black Australorp and Potchefstroom Koekoek diets. Tender and mature leaves were separately harvested from 10 individual trees and stored separately for chemical analyses. The leaves were air-dried in a well-ventilated laboratory to constant weight and milled to pass through a 1-mm sieve. A mixture of tender and mature leaves was also collected to produce a bulk leaf meal. The four iso-nitrogenous dietary treatments were 0 (control), 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5% of LLM, respectively. The apparent digestibility of two chicken breeds was also evaluated. The dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), ether extract (EE), cellulose and hemicellulose of the samples did not differ between tender and mature leaves. Tender leaves had higher (P < 0.05) calcium, potassium, magnesium and sodium concentration than mature leaves. Crude protein and mimosine content were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in tender than in mature leaves. The inclusion levels of L. leucocephala leaf meal affect (P < 0.05) acid detergent fibre (ADF), neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and crude protein (CP) digestibility. Crude protein digestibility decreases as the inclusion levels of L. leucocephala increase. Both tender and mature L. leucocephala leaves have a potential nutritional value that can be used in feedstuff and can be used as a protein supplement for Black Australorp and Potchefstroom Koekoek chicken breeds.
The Therapeutic Strategies for SLE by Targeting Anti-dsDNA Antibodies
Authors: Wang Yaqi , Xiao Shengxiang , Xia Yumin , Wang Huixia
Published: September 2021

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by diverse serological autoantibodies. Anti-dsDNA antibodies are involved in multiple organ damage, especially the kidney, skin, and central nervous system. Anti-dsDNA antibodies play a pivotal role in SLE, and researchers have developed therapeutic strategies targeting these antibodies. Approaches to reduce anti-dsDNA antibodies via B cell targeted biologics against B cell surface antigens, B cell survival factors, or Bruton’s tyrosine kinase have effectively eliminated B cells. However, their non-specific depletion hampers normal immune system functioning and limits the therapeutic benefits. Thus, scientists have attempted anti-dsDNA antibodies or lupus-specific strategies, such as the immature dendritic cell vaccine and immunoadsorption. Recently, synthetic mimic peptides (hCDR1, pCONs, DWEYS, FISLE-412, and ALW) that directly block anti-dsDNA autoantibodies have attracted attention, which could ameliorate lupus, decrease the serological autoantibody titer, reduce the deposition of renal autoantibodies, and improve pathological performance. These potent small peptide molecules are well tolerated, non-toxic, and non-immunogenic, which have demonstrated a benign safety profile and are expected to be hopeful candidates for SLE management. In this review, we clarify the role of anti-dsDNA antibodies in SLE, mainly focus on the current strategies targeting anti-dsDNA antibodies, and discuss their potential clinical value.