bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stent placement combined with intraluminal radiofrequency ablation and hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy for advanced biliary tract cancers with biliary obstruction: a multicentre, retrospective, controlled study
Authors: Gou Qing , Wu Lingeng , Cui Wei , Mo Zhiqiang , Zeng Dejin , Gan Liming , He Jian , Mai Qicong , Shi Feng , Chen Meng , Sun Zhonghai , Liu Yongdong , Wu Jingjing , Chen Xiumei , Zhuang Wenhang , Xu Rongde , Li Weike , Cai Qichun , Zhang Jing , Chen Xiaoming , Li Jiaping , Zhou Zejian
Published: February 2021

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of stent placement combined with intraluminal radiofrequency ablation (intra-RFA) and hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) for patients with advanced biliary tract cancers (Ad-BTCs) and biliary obstruction (BO).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed data for patients with Ad-BTCs and BO who underwent stent placement with or without intra-RFA and HAIC in three centres between November 2013 and November 2018. The stent patency time (SPT), overall survival (OS), and adverse events (AEs) were analysed.

Results

Of the 135 enrolled patients, 64 underwent stent placement combined with intra-RFA and HAIC, while 71 underwent only stent placement. The median SPT was significantly longer in the combination group (8.2 months, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.1–9.3) than in the control group (4.3 months, 95% CI: 3.6–5.0; p < 0.001). A similar result was observed for OS (combination: 13.2 months, 95% CI: 11.1–16.5; control: 8.5 months, 95% CI: 7.6–9.6; p < 0.001). The incidence of AEs related to biliary tract operation was not significantly different between the two groups (p > 0.05). The most common AE and serious AE related to HAIC were alanine aminotransferase elevation (24/64; 37.5%) and thrombocytopenia (8/64; 12.5%), respectively. All AEs were tolerable, and there was no death from AEs.

Conclusions

Stent placement combined with intra-RFA and HAIC may be a safe, potential treatment strategy for patients with Ad-BTCs and BO.

Key Points

• Advanced biliary cancers (Ad-BTCs) with biliary obstruction (BO) can rapidly result in liver failure and cachexia with an extremely poor prognosis.

• Stent placement combined with intraluminal radiofrequency ablation and hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy may be safe and effective for patients with Ad-BTCs and BO.

• The long-term efficacy and safety of the combined treatment is promising.
A multi-model study of atmosphere predictability in coupled ocean–atmosphere systems
Authors: Ma Youwei , Li Jianping , Zhang Shaoqing , Zhao Haoran
Published: February 2021

Of great importance for guiding numerical weather and climate predictions, understanding predictability of the atmosphere in the ocean − atmosphere coupled system is the first and critical step to understand predictability of the Earth system. However, previous predictability studies based on prefect model assumption usually depend on a certain model. Here we apply the predictability study with the Nonlinear Local Lyapunov Exponent and Attractor Radius to the products of multiple re-analyses and forecast models in several operational centers to realize general predictability of the atmosphere in the Earth system. We first investigated the predictability characteristics of the atmosphere in NCEP, ECMWF and UKMO coupled systems and some of their uncoupled counterparts and other uncoupled systems. Although the ECMWF Integrated Forecast System shows higher skills in geopotential height over the tropics, there is no certain model providing the most precise forecast for all variables on all levels and the multi-model ensemble not always outperforms a single model. Improved low-frequency signals from the air − sea and stratosphere − troposphere interactions that extend predictability of the atmosphere in coupled system suggests the significance of air − sea coupling and stratosphere simulation in practical forecast development, although uncertainties exist in the model representation for physical processes in air − sea interactions and upper troposphere. These inspire further exploration on predictability of ocean and stratosphere as well as sea − ice and land processes to advance our understanding of interactions of Earth system components, thus enhancing weather − climate prediction skills.
Ectopic expression of pericentric HSATII RNA results in nuclear RNA accumulation, MeCP2 recruitment, and cell division defects
Authors: Landers Catherine C. , Rabeler Christina A. , Ferrari Emily K. , D’Alessandro Lia R. , Kang Diana D. , Malisa Jessica , Bashir Safia M. , Carone Dawn M.
Published: February 2021

Within the pericentric regions of human chromosomes reside large arrays of tandemly repeated satellite sequences. Expression of the human pericentric satellite HSATII is prevented by extensive heterochromatin silencing in normal cells, yet in many cancer cells, HSATII RNA is aberrantly expressed and accumulates in large nuclear foci in cis. Expression and aggregation of HSATII RNA in cancer cells is concomitant with recruitment of key chromatin regulatory proteins including methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2). While HSATII expression has been observed in a wide variety of cancer cell lines and tissues, the effect of its expression is unknown. We tested the effect of stable expression of HSATII RNA within cells that do not normally express HSATII. Ectopic HSATII expression in HeLa and primary fibroblast cells leads to focal accumulation of HSATII RNA in cis and triggers the accumulation of MeCP2 onto nuclear HSATII RNA bodies. Further, long-term expression of HSATII RNA leads to cell division defects including lagging chromosomes, chromatin bridges, and other chromatin defects. Thus, expression of HSATII RNA in normal cells phenocopies its nuclear accumulation in cancer cells and allows for the characterization of the cellular events triggered by aberrant expression of pericentric satellite RNA.
Stress-driven cardiac calcium mishandling via a kinase-to-kinase crosstalk
Authors: McKee Charia , Bare Dan J. , Ai Xun
Published: February 2021

Calcium homeostasis in the cardiomyocyte is critical to the regulation of normal cardiac function. Abnormal calcium dynamics such as altered uptake by the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+-ATPase and increased diastolic SR calcium leak are involved in the development of maladaptive cardiac remodeling under pathological conditions. Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II-δ (CaMKIIδ) is a well-recognized key molecule in calcium dysregulation in cardiomyocytes. Elevated cellular stress is known as a common feature during pathological remodeling, and c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) is an important stress kinase that is activated in response to intrinsic and extrinsic stress stimuli. Our lab recently identified specific actions of JNK isoform 2 (JNK2) in CaMKIIδ expression, activation, and CaMKIIδ-dependent SR Ca2+mishandling in the stressed heart. This review focuses on the current understanding of cardiac SR calcium handling under physiological and pathological conditions as well as the newly identified contribution of the stress kinase JNK2 in CaMKIIδ-dependent SR Ca2+abnormal mishandling. The new findings identifying dual roles of JNK2 in CaMKIIδ expression and activation are also discussed in this review.
Low free thyroxine and normal thyroid-stimulating hormone in infants and children: possible causes and diagnostic work-up
Authors: Lauffer Peter , van Trotsenburg A. S. Paul , Zwaveling-Soonawala Nitash
Published: February 2021

Screening for hypo- or hyperthyroidism in adults is generally done by measuring the serum thyrotropin (thyroid-stimulating hormone, TSH) concentration. This is an efficient approach in case of suspected acquired thyroid disease. However, in infants and children, congenital hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis disorders also need to be considered, including primary and central congenital hypothyroidism, and even rarer thyroid hormone receptor and transporter defects. In primary congenital hypothyroidism, TSH will be elevated, but in the other congenital HPT axis disorders, TSH is usually within the normal range. Free thyroxine (FT4) assessment is essential for the diagnosis in these conditions.

Conclusion: Here we discuss a number of rare congenital HPT axis disorders in which TSH is normal, but FT4 is low, and provide a clinical algorithm to distinguish between these disorders.

What is Known:• A single thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) measurement is an appropriate screening method for primary hypothyroidism.• For central hypothyroidism and rare thyroid hormone receptor and transporter defects a free thyroxine (FT4) measurement is essential for the diagnosis because TSH is usually normal.

What is New:• Here we present a new problem-oriented clinical algorithm including a diagnostic flow-chart for low FT4 and normal TSH in infants and children.
In-peptide amino acid racemization via inter-residue oxazoline intermediates during acidic hydrolysis
Authors: Broberg Anders , Nord Christina , Levenfors Jolanta J. , Bjerketorp Joakim , Guss Bengt , Öberg Bo
Published: February 2021

Isopedopeptins are antibiotic cyclic lipodepsipeptides containing the subsequence L-Thr—L-2,3-diaminopropanoic acid—D-Phe—L-Val/L-3-hydroxyvaline. Acidic hydrolysis of isopedopeptins in D2O showed the D-Phe residues to racemize extensively in peptides with L-3-hydroxyvaline but not in peptides with L-Val. Similarly, one Leu residue in pedopeptins, which are related peptides containing the subsequence Leu—2,3-diaminopropanoic acid—Leu—L-Val/L-3-hydroxyvaline, was found to racemize in peptides with L-3-hydroxyvaline. Model tetrapeptides, L-Ala—L-Phe—L-Val/3-hydroxyvaline—L-Ala, gave the corresponding results, i.e. racemization of L-Phe only when linked to a L-3-hydroxyvaline. We propose the racemization to proceed via an oxazoline intermediate involving Phe/Leu and the L-3-hydroxyvaline residues. The 3-hydroxyvaline residue may form a stable tertiary carbocation by loss of the sidechain hydroxyl group as water after protonation. Elimination of the Phe/Leu H-2 and ring-closure from the carbonyl oxygen onto the carbocation results in the suggested oxazoline intermediate. The reversed reaction leads to either retained or inversed configuration of Phe/Leu. Such racemization during acidic hydrolysis may occur whenever a 3-hydroxyvaline residue or any amino acid that can form a stable carbocation on the C-3, is present in a peptide. The proposed mechanism for racemization was supported by incorporation of 18O in the 3-hydroxyvaline sidechain when the acidic hydrolysis was performed in H2O/H218O (1:1). The 2,3-diaminopropanoic residues of isopedopeptins and pedopeptins were also found to racemize during acidic hydrolysis, as previously described. Based on the results, the configuration of the Leu and 2,3-diaminopropanoic acid residues of the pedopeptins were reassigned to be L-Leu and D-Leu, and 2 × L-2,3-diaminopropanoic acid.
Which factors determine clinicians’ policy and attitudes towards medication and parent training for children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder?
Authors: Dekkers Tycho J. , Groenman Annabeth P. , Wessels Lisa , Kovshoff Hanna , Hoekstra Pieter J. , van den Hoofdakker Barbara J.
Published: February 2021

Behavioral parent and teacher training and stimulant medication are recommended interventions for children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, not all children with ADHD receive this evidence-based care, and the aim of the current study was to find out why. More specifically, we investigated clinicians’ policy, guideline use, and attitudes towards medication and parent training when treating children with ADHD, as well as several factors that could affect this. A total of 219 Dutch clinicians (mainly psychologists, psychiatrists and educationalists) completed a survey. Clinicians were likely to recommend medication more often than parent training, and clinicians’ policy to recommend medication and parent training was positively associated with their attitudes towards these interventions. Less experienced clinicians and those with a non-medical background reported lower rates of guideline use, whereas clinicians with a medical background reported less positive attitudes towards parent training. Furthermore, a substantial portion of the clinicians based their decision to recommend parent training on their clinical judgement (e.g., prior estimations of efficacy, perceived low abilities/motivation of parents), and many clinicians reported barriers for referral to parent training, such as waiting lists or a lack of skilled staff. To achieve better implementation of evidence-based care for children with ADHD, guidelines should be communicated better towards clinicians. Researchers and policy-makers should further focus on barriers that prevent implementation of parent training, which are suggested by the discrepancy between clinicians’ overall positive attitude towards parent training and the relatively low extent to which clinicians actually advise parent training.
Moult of overwintering Wood Warblers Phylloscopus sibilatrix in an annual-cycle perspective
Authors: Jarrett Crinan , Powell Luke L. , Claire Tabe T. Regine , Tchoumbou Melanie , Helm Barbara
Published: February 2021

Wood Warblers, an Afro-Palearctic migrant species, are declining steadily in Europe likely due to mortality outside their breeding grounds. However, little is known about their overwintering, and records about the sensitive life-cycle stage of moult in Africa are practically absent. To fill this gap, we report on moult of Wood Warblers captured over two winters (January–February) in 2019–2020 in Cameroon. We caught 14 individuals, of which 12 were monitored for flight feather moult. All inspected individuals showed advanced stages of flight feather renewal. Despite low sample sizes, Underhill-Zucchini moult models aptly explained variation in primary and secondary moult (R2 = 0.61). Estimated moult onset date was 26 December, completion date was 25 February, and moult duration was 61 days. These findings fit well with experimental data on the annual cycle and the timing of recently published migration tracks of Wood Warblers. Jointly, the data suggest that moult timing is set by an internal programme, which enables Wood Warblers to organise their multi-stage migration such that they reach suitable moulting habitat in time, and can depart in time with a fresh plumage for the breeding grounds. In our study, moult occurred during the peak of the dry season, which in Cameroon nonetheless shows high relative humidity. During our mist-netting on 28 cocoa plantations of varying shade cover, Wood Warblers were caught on 6 farms whose canopies were comparatively open. These data suggest that the birds encounter in Cameroon relatively stable climatic conditions for moult, and do not measurably prefer closed-canopy forests. Our findings are important, because successful moult increases survival prospects and because moult needs to be safely embedded in a migratory life cycle. Hence, information on moult timing and location is essential for identifying year-round vulnerabilities of Wood Warblers.
Overview of the impact of forest habitats quality and landscape disturbances on the ecology and conservation of dormice species
Authors: Fedyń Izabela , Figarski Tomasz , Kajtoch Łukasz
Published: February 2021

Arboreal mammals are a group of special concern. We reviewed the available literature to summarize the overall potential effects of forest habitat disturbances on dormice ecology and population parameters. We took into consideration the influence of forest structure, area size and fragmentation, vegetation biodiversity, forestry treatments, and the development of road networks. The vast majority of studies have only examined two species, hazel and edible dormouse, while the ecological requirements and conservation priorities of forest, garden, and Japanese dormice have rarely been studied. There has been a substantial increase in the number of dormice studies; however, many aspects of their ecology are still unknown. The current state of knowledge points to the essential role of the complex vertical structure of forest vegetation in providing arboreal movement corridors and safe nesting places for dormice species. Moreover, dormice species are cavity dwellers that depend on the presence of old trees and nest boxes, which could have ambiguous effects.
A 3D hydrodynamic flow-focusing device for cell sorting
Authors: Yuan Xiaofei , Glidle Andrew , Furusho Hitoshi , Yin Huabing
Published: February 2021

Optical-based microfluidic cell sorting has become increasingly attractive for applications in life and environmental sciences due to its ability of sophisticated cell handling in flow. The majority of these microfluidic cell sorting devices employ two-dimensional fluid flow control strategies, which lack the ability to manipulate the position of cells arbitrarily for precise optical detection, therefore resulting in reduced sorting accuracy and purity. Although three-dimensional (3D) hydrodynamic devices have better flow-focusing characteristics, most lack the flexibility to arbitrarily position the sample flow in each direction. Thus, there have been very few studies using 3D hydrodynamic flow focusing for sorting. Herein, we designed a 3D hydrodynamic focusing sorting platform based on independent sheath flow-focusing and pressure-actuated switching. This design offers many advantages in terms of reliable acquisition of weak Raman signals due to the ability to precisely control the speed and position of samples in 3D. With a proof-of-concept demonstration, we show this 3D hydrodynamic focusing-based sorting device has the potential to reach a high degree of accuracy for Raman activated sorting.
The unreliable concept of native range as applied to the distribution of the rusty crayfish (Faxonius rusticus) in North America
Authors: Guiaşu Radu Cornel , Labib Mark
Published: February 2021

The concept of native range in invasion biology is difficult to define since, in many cases, this type of range is unknown and cannot be determined. We investigate the uncertainties related to this concept by focusing on the distribution ofFaxonius rusticus(Girard, 1852), also known as the rusty crayfish, which is perceived as possibly the worst invasive crayfish species in North America. In this study, we undertake a comprehensive literature review, which includes 430 studies published between 1852 and 2018, in order to analyze the native and introduced ranges of this species. The rusty crayfish was reported to occur in 33 states in the U.S.A. and 3 Canadian Provinces. Ten of these U.S. states and one Canadian Province have been included multiple times in both the native and the non-native ranges of this crayfish. The confusion regarding the limits and history of the native range of the rusty crayfish has implications for the conservation of this species in various jurisdictions. This review also demonstrates that even for intensely studied species perceived as invasive, we often do not have a clear understanding of essential concepts such as native and non-native range.
Empirical assessment of rockfall and debris flow risk along the Karakoram Highway, Pakistan
Authors: Ali Sajid , Haider Rashid , Abbas Wahid , Basharat Muhammad , Reicherter Klaus
Published: February 2021

The Karakoram Highway links north Pakistan with southwest China. It passes through unique geomorphological, geological and tectonic setting. This study focused 200-km-long section of the highway starting from Besham until Chilas. Landslides are frequent and are mostly triggered by torrential rain during Monsoon and Westerlies, leading to highway blockade. Rockfall and debris flow are prime mode of slope failures. Regional to site-specific approach was implemented to assess risk associated with these two modes. Remote sensing-based techniques were used to identify potential hazardous sites, which were further investigated for risk assessment. Modified Pierson’s rockfall hazard rating system (RHRS) rated potential rockfalls, whereas semi-quantitative technique was employed to assess debris flows. Normalized scores of each site shaped the final map, further classified into four zones: very high, high, intermediate and low risk.
Investigating the temporal changes in the relationships between time spent on the internet and non-mandatory activity-travel time use
Authors: Wu Guoqiang , Hong Jinhyun , Thakuriah Piyushimita
Published: February 2021

The amount of time we spend online has been increasing dramatically, influencing our daily travel and activity patterns. However, empirical studies on changes in the extent to which the amount of time spent online are related to changes in our activity and travel patterns are scarce, mainly due to a lack of available longitudinal or quasi-longitudinal data. This paper explores how the relationships between the time spent using the Internet, and the time spent on non-mandatory maintenance and leisure activities, have evolved over a decade. Maintenance activities include out-of-home activities such as shopping, banking, and doctor visits, while leisure activities include entertainment activities, visiting friends, sporting activities, and so forth. Our approach uses two datasets from two major cross-sectional surveys in Scotland, i.e. the 2005/06 Scottish Household Survey (SHS) and the 2015 Integrated Multimedia City Data (iMCD) Survey, which were similarly structured and formed. The multiple discrete–continuous extreme value (MDCEV) model and difference-in-differences (DD) estimation are applied and integrated to examine how the relationships between the time spent on the Internet and travel have changed over time and the direction and magnitude of the changes. Our findings suggest that the complementary associations between Internet use and individuals’ non-mandatory activity-travel time use are diminishing over time, whereas their substitutive associations are increasing. We additionally find that such temporal changes are significant in the case of those who spent moderate to high levels of time on the Internet (5 h or more online) per week.
The BepiColombo Laser Altimeter
Authors: Thomas N. , Hussmann H. , Spohn T. , Lara L. M. , Christensen U. , Affolter M. , Bandy T. , Beck T. , Chakraborty S. , Geissbuehler U. , Gerber M. , Ghose K. , Gouman J. , HosseiniArani S. , Kuske K. , Peteut A. , Piazza D. , Rieder M. , Servonet A. , Althaus C. , Behnke T. , Gwinner K. , Hüttig C. , Kallenbach R. , Lichopoj A. , Lingenauber K. , Lötzke H.-G. , Lüdicke F. , Michaelis H. , Oberst J. , Schrödter R. , Stark A. , Steinbrügge G. , del Togno S. , Wickhusen K. , Castro J. M. , Herranz M. , Rodrigo J. , Perplies H. , Weigel T. , Schulze-Walewski S. , Blum S. , Casciello A. , Rugi-Grond E. , Coppoolse W. , Rech M. , Weidlich K. , Leikert T. , Henkelmann R. , Trefzger B. , Metz B.
Published: February 2021

The BepiColombo Laser Altimeter (BELA) is the first European laser altimeter constructed for interplanetary flight. BELA uses a 50 mJ pulsed Nd:YAG laser operating at 10 Hz with a 20 cm aperture receiver to perform the ranging. The instrument also uses a digital approach for range detection and pulse analysis. The ranging accuracy is expected to be better than 2 metres and ∼20 cm in optimum conditions. With the given, only slightly elliptical, orbit, BELA should return a consistent data set for the most if not all of the planet. The instrument is required to function in an extreme environment with the thermal issues being particularly demanding. Novel solutions have been taken to resolve these issues. BELA is described in detail and its predicted performance outlined on the basis of pre-flight testing.
Thrombotic complications in 2928 patients with COVID-19 treated in intensive care: a systematic review
Authors: Jenner William J. , Kanji Rahim , Mirsadraee Saeed , Gue Ying X. , Price Susanna , Prasad Sanjay , Gorog Diana A.
Published: February 2021

A prothrombotic state is reported with severe COVID-19 infection, which can manifest in venous and arterial thrombotic events. Coagulopathy is reflective of more severe disease and anticoagulant thromboprophylaxis is recommended in hospitalized patients. However, the prevalence of thrombosis on the intensive care unit (ICU) remains unclear, including whether this is sufficiently addressed by conventional anticoagulant thromboprophylaxis. We aimed to identify the rate of thrombotic complications in ICU-treated patients with COVID-19, to inform recommendations for diagnosis and management. A systematic review was conducted to assess the incidence of thrombotic complications in ICU-treated patients with COVID-19. Observational studies and registries reporting thrombotic complications in ICU-treated patients were included. Information extracted included patient demographics, use of thromboprophylaxis or anticoagulation, method of identifying thrombotic complications, and reported patient outcomes. In 28 studies including 2928 patients, thrombotic complications occurred in 34% of ICU-managed patients, with deep venous thrombosis reported in 16.1% and pulmonary embolism in 12.6% of patients, despite anticoagulant thromboprophylaxis, and were associated with high mortality. Studies adopting systematic screening for venous thrombosis with Duplex ultrasound reported a significantly higher incidence of venous thrombosis compared to those relying on clinical suspicion (56.3% vs. 11.0%, p < 0.001). Despite thromboprophylaxis, there is a very high incidence of thrombotic complications in patients with COVID-19 on the ICU. Systematic screening identifies many thrombotic complications that would be missed by relying on clinical suspicion and should be employed, with consideration given to increased dose anticoagulant thromboprophylaxis, whilst awaiting results of prospective trials of anticoagulation in this cohort.
Groundwater chemistry affected by trace elements (As, Mo, Ni, U and V) from a burning alum shale waste deposit, Kvarntorp, Sweden
Authors: Åhlgren Kristina , Sjöberg Viktor , Allard Bert , Bäckström Mattias
Published: February 2021

Worldwide, black shales and shale waste are known to be a potential source of metals to the environment. This project demonstrates ongoing weathering and evaluates leaching processes at a 100-m-high shale waste deposit closed in the 1960s. Some deep parts of the deposit are still burning with temperatures exceeding 500 °C. To demonstrate ongoing weathering and leaching, analyses of groundwater and solid samples of shale and shale waste have been undertaken. Largest impact on groundwater quality was observed downstream the deposit, where elevated temperatures also indicate a direct impact from the burning waste deposit. Groundwater quality is largely controlled by pH and redox conditions (e.g., for arsenic, nickel, molybdenum, uranium and vanadium), and the mixture of different waste materials, including pyrite (acidic leachates) and carbonates (neutralizing and buffering pH). Analyses of shale waste from the deposit confirm the expected pyrite weathering with high concentrations of iron, nickel and uranium in the leachates. No general time trends could be distinguished for the groundwater quality from the monitoring in 2004–2019. This study has shown that black shale waste deposits can have a complex long-term impact on the surrounding environment.
The Role of Physicians in Expanded Access to Investigational Drugs: A Mixed-Methods Study of Physicians’ Views and Experiences in The Netherlands
Authors: Bunnik Eline M. , Aarts Nikkie
Published: February 2021

Treating physicians have key roles to play in expanded access to investigational drugs, by identifying investigational treatment options, assessing the balance of risks and potential benefits, informing their patients, and applying to the regulatory authorities. This study is the first to explore physicians’ experiences and moral views, with the aim of understanding the conditions under which doctors decide to pursue expanded access for their patients and the obstacles and facilitators they encounter in the Netherlands. In this mixed-methods study, semi-structured interviews (n = 14) and a questionnaire (n = 90) were conducted with medical specialists across the country and analysed thematically. Typically, our respondents pursue expanded access in “back against the wall” situations and broadly support its classic requirements. They indicate practical hurdles related to reimbursement, the amount of time and effort required for the application, and unfamiliarity with the regulatory process. Some physicians are morally opposed to expanded access, with an appeal to safety risks, lack of evidence, and “false hope.” Some of these moral concerns and practical obstacles may be essential targets for change, if expanded access to unapproved drugs is to become available for wider groups of patients for whom standard treatment options are not—or no longer—available, on a more consistent and equal basis.
Professionelles Handeln in der Sozialen Arbeit
Authors: Ohling Maria
Published: February 2021

Mit 16 Sozialarbeiter_innen wurden qualitative Interviews geführt zur Frage, was sie unter professionellem Handeln verstehen. Im Vordergrund stehen für die Befragten Methodenwissen und Qualitätsentwicklung. Theoretische und wissenschaftliche Grundlagen sowie Professionsethik kommen weniger in den Sinn. Die Ergebnisse werden in den Kontext anderer empirischer Befunde und in den Diskurs der Sozialen Arbeit gestellt.
Backbone NMR assignments of the C-terminal domain of the human prion protein and its disease‐associated T183A variant
Authors: Sanz-Hernández Máximo , De Simone Alfonso
Published: February 2021

Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) are fatal neurodegenerative disorders associated with the misfolding and aggregation of the human prion protein (huPrP). Despite efforts into investigating the process of huPrP aggregation, the mechanisms triggering its misfolding remain elusive. A number of TSE-associated mutations of huPrP have been identified, but their role at the onset and progression of prion diseases is unclear. Here we report the NMR assignments of the C-terminal globular domain of the wild type huPrP and the pathological mutant T183A. The differences in chemical shifts between the two variants reveal conformational alterations in some structural elements of the mutant, whereas the analyses of secondary shifts and random coil index provide indications on the putative mechanisms of misfolding of T183A huPrP.
Informal Caregiving and Disaster Risk Reduction: A Scoping Review
Authors: Pickering Christina J. , Dancey Maya , Paik Karen , O’Sullivan Tracey
Published: February 2021

Informal caregivers are a population currently in the shadows of disaster risk reduction (DRR), and yet essential to the provision of healthcare services. This scoping review explored the literature to understand issues related to informal caregiving and promising practices to support resilience for disasters. Following guidelines for scoping review as outlined by Tricco et al. (2016), relevant publications were identified from five major databases—Medline, Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. Relevant studies referenced informal caregiving and disasters for a variety of population groups including children, people with disabilities or chronic illnesses, and older adults. Studies were excluded if they discussed formal caregiving services (for example, nursing), lacked relevance to disasters, or had insufficient discussion of informal caregiving. Overall, 21 articles met the inclusion criteria and were fully analyzed. Five themes were identified: (1) the need for education and training in DRR; (2) stressors around medication and supply issues; (3) factors affecting the decision-making process in a disaster; (4) barriers leading to disaster-related problems; and (5) factors promoting resilience. Recommended areas of strategic action and knowledge gaps are discussed. Many informal caregivers do not feel adequately prepared for disasters. Given the important role of informal caregivers in healthcare provision, preparedness strategies are essential to support community resilience for those requiring personal care support. By understanding and mobilizing assets to support the resilience of informal caregivers, we also support the resilience of the greater healthcare system and the community, in disaster contexts.
Using geochemical imaging data to map nickel sulfide deposits in Daxinganling, China
Authors: Chen Xiaoyan , Chen Jiang , Pan Jun
Published: February 2021

Nickel sulfide deposits occur in ultramafic rocks in the Daxinganling area, China; however, the prospectivity of these deposits has received little attention. This study transformed rasterized regional 1:200,000 geochemical data into spectral-like data and then used hyperspectral tools of the spectral angle mapper (SAM) to classify possible ultramafic lithologies and the multirange spectral feature fitting (MRSFF) method to classify prospective areas that are similar to a typical Gaxian Ni deposit. The prospective area map generated by the MRSFF implies the possible occurrence of ultramafic rocks classified by the SAM method. These results confirm the suitability of this innovative approach for prospectivity mapping of Ni sulfide deposits.
Cyanotoxins in drinking water supply reservoir (Legedadi, Central Ethiopia): implications for public health safety
Authors: Habtemariam Hanna , Kifle Demeke , Leta Seyoum , Beekman Wendy , Lürling Miquel
Published: February 2021

Cyanobacterial blooms in drinking water supply affect its quality, which ultimately impacts ecosystem and public health. Thus, this cross-sectional study was conducted to perform a preliminary study on cyanotoxins via analysis of samples collected only once from two sites during the month of peak algal bloom and to subsequently prompt a comprehensive risk assessment in a major drinking water source, Legedadi Reservoir, of Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia. Samples were collected during peak algal bloom month (January 2018) from two sampling sites, near the dam (S1) and at the center of the reservoir (S2). Identification and enumeration of phytoplankton taxa were done and the measurement of common hepatotoxin (MCs and NOD) concentrations was conducted using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. In the reservoir, cyanobacteria made up to 98% of total phytoplankton abundance, with Dolichospermum and Microcystis spp, dominating the phytoplankton community. In these first cyanotoxin analyses conducted for a drinking water supply source in Ethiopia, six major MC variants, namely MC-dmRR, MC-RR, MC-YR, MC-dmLR, MC-LR, and MC-LA, were detected in both algal seston and water samples. MC-LR was the most dominant MCs variant, while nodularin was not detected for both sampling sites. Extracellular total MC concentrations (μg L−1) of 453.89 and 61.63 and intracellular total MC concentrations (μg L−1) of 189.29 and 112.34 were recorded for samples from S1 and S2, respectively. The high concentrations of extracellular MCs, with MC-LR constituting the greatest proportion, indicate the extremely high potential public health risk for end-users.
What affects how far individuals walk?
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Aryan
Published: February 2021

The number of studies that explore contributing factors that encourage individuals to do more walking trips is proliferated in recent years. However, there is still a lot to know about differentiating between short and long walking trips and their associated influencing factors. The current research investigated the impact of the influencing factors on the share of short and long walking trips across four different trips in 112 traffic analysis zones of Rasht, Iran. The share of walking trips was defined as the proportion of walking trips that originated/ended in an area on all trips that originated/ended in that area. In four trip purposes in short, long, and all trips, the factors associated with the share of walking in origins and destinations were investigated in 24 separate models. The factors included built environmental indices, such as transportation network connectivity and land-use variables, as well as socio-demographic. To differentiate between short and long walking trips, 600 m walking distance was recognized as a proxy. According to the results, the population density was found significantly increase share of walking in both the origins and destinations of short walking trips. Moreover, the models’ goodness of fits were relatively higher in short walking trips comparing long walking trips. This research's findings would give a profound assessment to city planners and decision makers who favor expanding walking as a sustainable mode of transportation.
Dynamics of potential precipitation under climate change scenarios at Cameron highlands, Malaysia
Authors: Nasidi Nuraddeen Mukhtar , Wayayok Aimrun. , Abdullah Ahmad Fikri , Mohd Kassim Muhamad Saufi
Published: February 2021

Precipitation is sensitive to increasing greenhouse gas emission which has a significant impact on environmental sustainability. Rapid change of climate variables is often result into large variation in rainfall characteristics which trigger other forms of hazards such as floods, erosion, and landslides. This study employed multi-model ensembled general circulation models (GCMs) approach to project precipitation into 2050s and 2080s periods under four RCPs emission scenarios. Spatial analysis was performed in ArcGIS10.5 environment using Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) interpolation and Arc-Hydro extension. The model validation indicated by coefficient of determination, Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency, percent bias, root mean square error, standard error, and mean absolute error are 0.73, 0.27, 20.95, 1.25, 0.37 and 0.15, respectively. The results revealed that the Cameron Highlands will experience higher mean daily precipitations between 5.4 mm in 2050s and 9.6 mm in 2080s under RCP8.5 scenario, respectively. Analysis of precipitation concentration index (PCI) revealed that 75% of the watershed has PCI greater than 20 units which indicates substantial variability of the precipitation. Similarly, there is varied spatial distribution patterns of projected precipitation over the study watershed with the largest annual values ranged between 2900 and 3000 mm, covering 71% of the total area in 2080s under RCP8.5 scenario. Owing to this variability in rainfall magnitudes, appropriate measures for environmental protection are essential and to be strategized to address more vulnerable areas.
Ein Bild von einem Mann. Karl Marx in biografischen Publikationen zum 200. Geburtstag
Authors: Mares Detlev
Published: February 2021

Der Beitrag untersucht den Niederschlag, den das Historisierungs-Paradigma in neueren biografischen Publikationen gefunden hat, die im Umfeld des 200. Geburtstags von Karl Marx erschienen sind. Dabei wird gefragt, welche neuen Perspektiven sich auf die Biografie ergeben. Den Ausgangspunkt der Betrachtung bilden vor allem die großen Biografien von Gareth Stedman Jones und Jürgen Neffe, die Marx als eine ‚unvollendete‘ Gelehrten- und Politikerpersönlichkeit des 19. Jahrhunderts präsentieren. Anschließend werden über das Biografische hinausgehende Publikationen daraufhin befragt, inwiefern das Historisierungs-Paradigma (über das Biografische hinaus) den Blick auf Marx verändert. Zusammengefasst wird argumentiert, dass die Einzelelemente der jüngeren Studien nicht alle grundstürzend neu sind, aber in der Konzentration auf eine Revision früherer Marx-Bilder durchaus den Beginn einer neuen Auseinandersetzung mit dem berühmten ‚Klassiker‘ einleiten könnten.
When problems just bounce back: about the relation between resilience and academic success in German tertiary education
Authors: Bittmann Felix
Published: February 2021

While in the past the concept of resilience was used to explain psychological well-being in extreme situations like enduring poverty, abuse, or war, it has now found broad application in numerous fields of research. It can also be applied to examine how everyday challenges and problems are dealt with, for example in the educational and university context. This raises the question of whether resilience and academic success are correlated. Using German longitudinal data including university and university of applied sciences students in their first four years (2010–2015) we investigate how resilience and various measurements of success (satisfaction, intention to drop out, grades) are correlated using multilevel growth-curve models. We demonstrate that resilient individuals have consistently more positive academic trajectories, have lower dropout intentions, report better grades and are more satisfied with their lives. The effects are exceptionally stable over time, statistically highly significant and of considerable magnitude. This demonstrates that resilience is associated with better outcomes in university students under control of a large number of potential confounding factors and influences.
Guidelines for Industrial Symbiosis—a Systematic Approach for Content Definition and Practical Recommendations for Implementation
Authors: Azevedo João , Henriques Juan , Estrela Marco , Dias Rui , Vladimirova Doroteya , Miller Karen , Iten Muriel
Published: February 2021

The increase of industrial symbiosis (IS) activities around the world has strongly contributed to promote awareness among companies on the benefits of this business model and, consequently, their interest to apply/incorporate dedicated IS actions in their activities. In most cases, companies assume self-learning and ongoing approaches for the adaption of synergies, ignoring some fundamental aspects as the full spectrum of considerations regarding these processes. Unexpected barriers frequently appear during the implementation process and become hardly overcome due to incomplete systematic approaches and the lack of information. In this context, it is important to promote effective and sequential guidance procedures regarding IS implementation processes to support companies in their transition to full IS processes implementation. This paper aims to advance the synergy implementation emerging process, through the identification, promotion, and definition of the core steps to be considered in an IS implementation process. This study is based on a comprehensive perspective for the definition of contents to be considered in a step-by-step guideline that includes the different theoretical, technical, and strategic approaches for large-scale IS promotion. The main outputs of this paper are a final set of independent and sequential information clusters, their associated contents identification process, and a comprehensive description of the systematic approach used to support companies in the implementation of their pre-identified stages. The guideline methodology proposed in this study is an important support tool for companies, practitioners, and agents intending to initiate IS synergies implementation and also a strong contribution to the development of complementary guidance activities regarding IS implementation process.
Environmental effects of stratospheric ozone depletion, UV radiation, and interactions with climate change: UNEP Environmental Effects Assessment Panel, Update 2020
Authors: Neale R. E. , Barnes P. W. , Robson T. M. , Neale P. J. , Williamson C. E. , Zepp R. G. , Wilson S. R. , Madronich S. , Andrady A. L. , Heikkilä A. M. , Bernhard G. H. , Bais A. F. , Aucamp P. J. , Banaszak A. T. , Bornman J. F. , Bruckman L. S. , Byrne S. N. , Foereid B. , Häder D.-P. , Hollestein L. M. , Hou W.-C. , Hylander S. , Jansen M. A. K. , Klekociuk A. R. , Liley J. B. , Longstreth J. , Lucas R. M. , Martinez-Abaigar J. , McNeill K. , Olsen C. M. , Pandey K. K. , Rhodes L. E. , Robinson S. A. , Rose K. C. , Schikowski T. , Solomon K. R. , Sulzberger B. , Ukpebor J. E. , Wang Q.-W. , Wängberg S.-Å. , White C. C. , Yazar S. , Young A. R. , Young P. J. , Zhu L. , Zhu M.
Published: February 2021

This assessment by the Environmental Effects Assessment Panel (EEAP) of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) provides the latest scientific update since our most recent comprehensive assessment (Photochemical and Photobiological Sciences, 2019, 18, 595–828). The interactive effects between the stratospheric ozone layer, solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and climate change are presented within the framework of the Montreal Protocol and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. We address how these global environmental changes affect the atmosphere and air quality; human health; terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems; biogeochemical cycles; and materials used in outdoor construction, solar energy technologies, and fabrics. In many cases, there is a growing influence from changes in seasonality and extreme events due to climate change. Additionally, we assess the transmission and environmental effects of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which is responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, in the context of linkages with solar UV radiation and the Montreal Protocol.
Hearing the unheard voice‐puberty experiences of young Pakistani men: A qualitative study
Authors: Shivji Noureen A. , Lymn Joanne S. , Meade Oonagh , Watts Kim
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Puberty experiences of male adolescents can have significant impacts on physical and psychological health outcomes. This qualitative study explored the puberty experiences of young males in Pakistan, as there are limited accounts of what shapes these puberty experiences, especially for adolescent males living in a restrictive culture.

Methods

Twenty‐two young Pakistani men (aged 18–21 years) from two urban sites in Karachi participated in individual face‐to‐face (n=19) and Skype (n=3) interviews. Qualitative thematic analysis was conducted using an inductive approach to identity and examine the patterns emerging from the data.

Results

Participants described puberty as a challenging phase for which they were unprepared with a combination of various socio‐cultural factors exposing them to negative impacts. As a result, young men expressed feelings of anxiety, embarrassment and isolation. Societal and gender norms around masculinity, sexuality and the roles and responsibilities of young men had a significant impact on how participants experienced puberty. While negative reactions towards puberty were dominant, participants described adopting coping strategies (e.g. social support) to help them deal with negative experiences.

Conclusions

Findings highlight the significance of culturally appropriate puberty education and various facilitating factors that may improve the puberty experiences for future young men. While extending current literature, this study also identifies key factors that could inform the development of health promotion programmes, which may aid adolescent males’ puberty transition and positively influence their long‐term health, well‐being and identity.