bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of puberty on associations between mood/personality factors and disordered eating symptoms in girls
Authors: Vo Phuong T. , Fowler Natasha , Rolan Emily P. , Culbert Kristen M. , Racine Sarah E. , Burt S. Alexandra , Klump Kelly L.
Published: June 2021

Objective

Negative and positive urgency, anxiety, and depressive symptoms are significant factors of disordered eating (DE) symptoms in early adolescence through young adulthood. However, it is unclear how puberty—a critical developmental milestone that is associated with increased risk for DE symptoms—affects the relationship between these factors and DE symptoms, given that the role of pubertal status has rarely been considered in relation to these associations. Thus, the present study examined whether puberty moderates associations between mood/personality factors and DE in pre‐adolescent and adolescent girls.

Method

Participants included 981 girls (aged 8–16 years) from the Michigan State University Twin Registry. Mood/personality factors, pubertal status, and DE were assessed with self‐report questionnaires.

Results

Puberty significantly moderated associations between several factors (negative urgency, positive urgency, trait anxiety, depressive symptoms) and the cognitive symptoms of DE (e.g., shape/weight concerns, body dissatisfaction). Associations between mood/personality factors and cognitive DE were stronger in girls with more advanced pubertal status. By contrast, no significant moderation effects were detected for mood/personality‐dysregulated eating (e.g., binge eating, emotional eating) associations.

Discussion

Findings identify pubertal development as an important moderator of mood/personality‐DE symptom associations, especially for cognitive DE symptoms that are known to predict the later onset of clinical pathology.
Drivers of litter mass loss and faunal composition of detritus patches change over time
Authors: Seer Franziska K. , Putze Gregor , Pennings Steven C. , Zimmer Martin
Published: June 2021

Decomposition of vegetal detritus is one of the most fundamental ecosystem processes. In complex landscapes, the fate of litter of terrestrial plants may depend on whether it ends up decomposing in terrestrial or aquatic conditions. However, (1) to what extent decomposition rates are controlled by environmental conditions or by detritus type, and (2) how important the composition of the detritivorous fauna is in mediating decomposition in different habitats, remain as unanswered questions. We incubated two contrasting detritus types in three distinct habitat types in Coastal Georgia, USA, to test the hypotheses that (1) the litter fauna composition depends on the habitat and the litter type available, and (2) litter mass loss (as a proxy for decomposition) depends on environmental conditions (habitat) and the litter type. We found that the abundance of most taxa of the litter fauna depends primarily on habitat. Litter type became a stronger driver for some taxa over time, but the overall faunal composition was only weakly affected by litter type. Decomposition also depends strongly on habitat, with up to ca. 80% of the initial detrital mass lost over 25 months in the marsh and forest habitats, but less than 50% lost in the creek bank habitat. Mass loss rates of oak versus pine litter differed initially but converged within habitat types within 12 months. We conclude that, although the habitat type is the principle driver of the community composition of the litter fauna, litter type is a significant driver of litter mass loss in the early stages of the decomposition process. With time, however, litter types become more and more similar, and habitat becomes the dominating factor in determining decomposition of older litter. Thus, the major driver of litter mass loss changes over time from being the litter type in the early stages to the habitat (environmental conditions) in later stages.
Microcystins in planktonic and benthic food web components from Greenlandic lakes
Authors: Trout‐Haney Jessica V. , Cottingham Kathryn L.
Published: June 2021

There is increasing global concern regarding the social, economic, human health, and environmental health implications of cyanotoxins. However, much of what we know about cyanotoxins comes from studies of temperate or tropical systems with conspicuous surface blooms of cyanobacteria. We measured the concentrations of microcystins (MCs), potent cyanotoxins produced by many cyanobacterial taxa, within lake food webs in southwestern Greenland. We detected MCs in six taxonomic groups of organisms and found that median MC concentrations in large (>50 µm) phytoplankton were an order of magnitude higher than benthic cyanobacteria (genus Nostoc) and two orders of magnitude higher than benthic grazers and consumers (snails, dytiscid larvae, and chironomid larvae). Microcystin concentrations generally decreased with increasing trophic position, suggesting that biomagnification does not occur in these lakes. We conclude that MCs are prevalent in multiple components of these Arctic aquatic food webs and that both benthic and pelagic taxa may be sources of MCs.
Integrated ecosystems: linking food webs through reciprocal resource reliance
Authors: Baruch Ethan M. , Bateman Heather L. , Lytle David A. , Merritt David M. , Sabo John L.
Published: June 2021

Ecosystems are defined, studied, and managed according to boundaries constructed to conceptualize patterns of interest at a certain scale and scope. The distinction between ecosystems becomes obscured when resources from multiple origins cross porous boundaries and are assimilated into food webs through repeated trophic transfers. Ecosystem compartments can define bounded localities in a heterogeneous landscape that simultaneously retain and exchange energy in the form of organic matter. Here we developed and tested a framework to quantify reciprocal reliance on cross‐boundary resource exchange and calculate the contribution of primary production from adjacent ecosystem compartments cycling through food webs to support consumers at different trophic levels. Under this framework, an integrated ecosystem can be measured and designated when the boundary between spatially distinct compartments is permeable and the bidirectional exchange of resources contributes significantly to sustaining both food webs. Using a desert river and riparian zone as a case study, we demonstrate that resources exchanged across the aquatic–riparian boundary cycle through multiple trophic levels. Furthermore, predators on both sides of the boundary were supported by externally produced resources to a similar extent, indicating this is a tightly integrated river–riparian ecosystem and that changes to either compartment will substantially impact the other. Using published data on lake ecosystems, we demonstrated that benthic and pelagic ecosystem compartments are likely not fully integrated, but differences between lakes could be used to test ecological hypotheses. Finally, we discuss how the integrated ecosystem framework could be applied in urban‐preserve and field‐forest ecosystems to address a broad range of ecological concepts. Because few systems function in complete isolation, this novel approach has application to research and management strategies globally as ecosystems continue to face novel pressures that precipitate cascading ecological repercussions well beyond a bounded system of focus.
Non‐invasive home telemonitoring in patients with decompensated heart failure: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Drews Teemu E.I. , Laukkanen Jari , Nieminen Tuomo
Published: June 2021

We planned this systematic review and meta‐analysis to study an estimate of the effect of non‐invasive home telemonitoring (TM) in the treatment of patients with recently decompensated heart failure (HF). A systematic literature search was conducted in the Medline, Cinahl, and Scopus databases to look for randomized controlled studies comparing TM with standard care in the treatment of patients with recently decompensated HF. The main outcomes of interest were all‐cause hospitalizations and mortality. Eleven original articles met our eligibility criteria. The pooled estimate of the relative risk of all‐cause hospitalization in the TM group compared with standard care was 0.95 (95% CI 0.84–1.08, P = 0.43) and the relative risk of all‐cause death was 0.83 (95% CI 0.63–1.09, P = 0.17). There was significant clinical heterogeneity among primary studies. HF medication could be directly altered in three study interventions, and two of these had a statistically significant effect on all‐cause hospitalizations. The pooled effect estimate of TM interventions on all‐cause hospitalizations and all‐cause death in patients with recently decompensated heart failure was neutral.
Degree of hydrolysis, functional and antioxidant properties of protein hydrolysates from Grass Turtle (Chinemys reevesii) as influenced by enzymatic hydrolysis conditions
Authors: Islam Md. Serajul , Hongxin Wang , Admassu Habtamu , Noman Anwar , Ma Chaoyang , An wei Fu
Published: June 2021

Grass turtle muscle was hydrolyzed with papain enzyme to produce protein hydrolysate (PH) and the degree of hydrolysis (DH) was determined. Under optimal conditions, the highest DH was 19.52% and the yield was recorded as 17.26%. Protein content of the hydrolysates was ranged from 73.35% to 76.63%. Total amino acids were more than 96.77% for each PH. The PH obtained at DH 19.52% achieved excellent solubility and emulsifying activity which were 95.56% and 108.76 m2/g, respectively at pH 6. Foam capacity amounted 100% in PH of DH 19.52% at pH 2, and water‐holding capacity was 4.38 g/g. The antioxidant activity showed the strongest hydroxyl radical scavenging activity (95.25%), ABTS (84.88%), DPPH (75.89%), iron chelating (63.25%), and cupper chelating (66.90%) at DH 11.96%, whereas reducing power (0.88) at DH 19.52%. Thus, the findings indicated that utilization of grass turtle muscle protein hydrolysate is a potential alternative protein resource to improve the nutritional and functional properties in food ingredients and product formulations.
Exome sequence association study of levels and longitudinal change of cardiovascular risk factor phenotypes in European Americans and African Americans from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study
Authors: Feofanova Elena V. , Lim Elise , Chen Han , Lee MinJae , Liu Ching‐Ti , Cupples L. Adrienne , Boerwinkle Eric
Published: June 2021

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is responsible for 31% of all deaths worldwide. Among CVD risk factors are age, race, increased systolic blood pressure (BP), and dyslipidemia. Both BP and blood lipids levels change with age, with a dose‐dependent relationship between the cumulative exposure to hyperlipidemia and the risk of CVD. We performed an exome sequence association study using longitudinal data with up to 7805 European Americans (EAs) and 3171 African Americans (AAs) from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study. We assessed associations of common (minor allele frequency > 5%) nonsynonymous and splice‐site variants and gene‐based sets of rare variants with levels and with longitudinal change of seven CVD risk factor phenotypes (BP traits: systolic BP, diastolic BP, pulse pressure; lipids traits: triglycerides, total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL‐C], low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL‐C]). Furthermore, we investigated the relationship of the identified variants and genes with select CVD endpoints. We identified two novel genes: DCLK3 associated with the change of HDL‐C levels in AAs and RAB7L1 associated with the change of LDL‐C levels in EAs. RAB7L1 is further associated with an increased risk of heart failure in ARIC EAs. Investigation of the contribution of genetic factors to the longitudinal change of CVD risk factor phenotypes promotes our understanding of the etiology of CVD outcomes, stressing the importance of incorporating the longitudinal structure of the cohort data in future analyses.
Insight to the geological character of the Early Triassic strata in the Western Salt Range, Pakistan: A comparative study
Authors: Saboor Abdus , Ul Haq Moin , Nawaz Abid , Swati Muhammad Azhar Farooq , Gohar Jamal , Khan Sohrab , Ghaffari Abuzar
Published: June 2021

The sedimentary strata along the Permian–Triassic Boundary in the Western Salt Range of the sub‐Himalayas were analysed to gain an insight of its geological character regarding palaeoenvironments, palaeoclimate, and sequence stratigraphic attributes. The Early Triassic Mianwali Formation is dominated by shallow marine facies with transgressive phases, differentiation in facial character, and palaeowater depth among different sections. The study suggests that compared to the siliciclastic‐dominated Nammal Gorge Section, the Zaluch Nala Section is more carbonate‐dominated, representing algal‐laminated limestones, dolomitic marls, and siliciclastics – mainly restricted to the Mittiwali Member. There is a general decrease in ammonoids and increase in thickness from east to west, that is believed to be due to algal‐induced rapid sedimentation in the shallow marine environments as compared to deeper marine in the east. The Mianwali Formation has been deposited in two transgressive systems tracts, two highstand systems tracts, and one falling‐stage regressive systems tract. Two flooding surfaces, one each in the Mittiwali and Narmia members, have been recognized. The maximum regressive surfaces at the bottom (with the Chhidru Formation) and top (with the Tredian Formation) mark second‐order eustatic falls. The study also advocates for existence of a low‐energy platform in the temperate waters of the Palaeo‐Tethys. The sediments have similarities with various sections of Gondwanaland having the same trend of shallow marine facies and presence of algal‐laminated deposits. In the Middle Triassic, the gradual loss of sediment binding organisms shifted the low‐energy meandering patterns to high‐energy braided systems.
Outcomes of primary radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy for advanced oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma: Systematic review
Authors: Membreno Petra V. , Luttrell Jordan B. , Mamidala Madhu P. , Schwartz David L. , Hayes D. Neil , Gleysteen John P. , Gillespie M. Boyd
Published: June 2021

Background

Surgery with adjuvant radiotherapy is the accepted standard for treatment of advanced oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC); however, alternative evidence suggests that definitive (chemo)radiotherapy may have similar outcomes.

Methods

Systematic review was performed to assess the therapeutic value of radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy as a primary modality for treating OCSCC. Meta‐analysis of outcomes was performed between articles comparing radiotherapy and primary surgical treatment.

Results

Meta‐analysis showed less favorable results of radiotherapy compared to surgery: overall survival at 3‐years (odds ratio [OR] = 0.51; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.34–0.77) and 5‐years (OR = 0.42; 95% CI = 0.29–0.60); disease‐specific survival at 3‐years (OR = 0.55; 95% CI = 0.32–0.96) and 5‐years (OR = 0.55; 95% CI = 0.32–0.96). Odds of feeding tube dependency were higher in primary radiotherapy group (OR = 2.67; 95% CI = 1.27–5.64).

Conclusions

Results of this study support the current perspective favoring primary surgical treatment for OCSCC in the absence of surgical contraindications.
Endonasal access to lower cranial nerves: From foramina to upper parapharyngeal space
Authors: Li Lifeng , London Nyall R. , Prevedello Daniel M. , Carrau Ricardo L.
Published: June 2021

Lesions arising from the upper parapharyngeal space (UPPS) often involved the jugular foramen region (JFR), occasionally extending into the posterior cranial fossa. This study aims to investigate the surgical anatomy of the JFR and UPPS from the perspective of an expanded endoscopic approach (EEA), tracing the lower cranial nerves from their extracranial foramina to the UPPS. Six cadaveric specimens (12 sides) underwent a transpterygoid EEA to expose the JFR and UPPS. Distances from the medial pterygoid plate (MPP) to the internal carotid artery (ICA), hypoglossal canal (HC), and jugular tubercle (JT) were measured on anonymized Computed tomography angiography images previously obtained from 30 patients with pulsatile tinnitus. Full access to the JFR, and its medial, superior, and anterior aspects, could be adequately achieved via an EEA. Upon exiting the jugular foramen, the glossopharyngeal nerve courses posterior to the ICA, traveling inferiorly into the UPPS between ICA and IJV. The vagus nerve is in close proximity to the hypoglossal nerve traveling posterior to the ICA. The accessory nerve courses lateral to the vagus nerve, running posterior to the IJV. The minimal distances from the MPP to ICA, HC, and JT were 2.52 ± 0.34, 2.86 ± 0.36, and 3.18 ± 0.33 cm, respectively. This anatomical study strongly suggests the feasibility of using an EEA to access to the medial, superior, and anterior aspects of the jugular foramen and the adjacent UPPS.
A multistage solar still with photovoltaic panels and DC water heater using a pyramid glass cover enhanced by external cooling shower and PCM
Authors: Al‐Hamadani Ali A. F. , Yaseen Altaf Hameed
Published: June 2021

A novel multistage solar desalination system with a photovoltaic heater was manufactured. The base of the down basin of the solar still had a layer of paraffin wax with a mass of 13 kg as a phase change material. The system has been studied to evaluate the enhancement of freshwater. Saltwater was heated by solar radiation and by a direct current water heater. The surfaces of condensation vapor, such as the pyramid glass cover and lower surface of two stacked trays, were designed. This is to improve the productivity of freshwater by decreasing the resistance of condensation. The high temperature of the glass cover is modified by using a cooling water shower, especially at the highest intensity. The study includes parameters, such as cooling water shower flow rate, down basin water level, and the effect of the heater. It is observed that the novel solar desalination is proportional to solar radiation, paraffin wax, the heat input from a heater, cooling water shower flow rate, and down basin water level. The Multiple Stage Effect Photovoltaic Heater (MSEPVH) can produce 15 L/day of distilled water. The excellent flow rate of cooling water, the total freshwater, and the efficiency of MSEPVH for the optimal day were mathematically and experimentally determined.
Colorectal cancer survival in sub‐Saharan Africa by age, stage at diagnosis and Human Development Index: A population‐based registry study
Authors: Gullickson Cricket , Goodman Michael , Joko‐Fru Yvonne W. , Gnangnon Freddy Houéhanou Rodrigue , N'Da Guy , Woldegeorgis Mathewos Assefa , Buziba Nathan Gyabi , Karugu Caroline , Manraj Shyam S. , Lorenzoni Cesaltina Ferreira , Hansen Rolf , Finesse Anne , Somdyala Nontuthuzelo I. M. , Bukirwa Phiona , Chingonzoh Tatenda , Chokunonga Eric , Liu Biying , Kantelhardt Eva , Parkin Donald M. , Jemal Ahmedin
Published: June 2021

There are limited population‐based survival data for colorectal cancer (CRC) in sub‐Saharan Africa. Here, 1707 persons diagnosed with CRC from 2005 to 2015 were randomly selected from 13 population‐based cancer registries operating in 11 countries in sub‐Saharan Africa. Vital status was ascertained from medical charts or through next of kin. 1‐, 3‐ and 5‐year overall and relative survival rates for all registries and for each registry were calculated using the Kaplan‐Meier estimator. Multivariable analysis was used to examine the associations of 5‐year relative survival with age at diagnosis, stage and country‐level Human Development Index (HDI). Observed survival for 1448 patients with CRC across all registries combined was 72.0% (95% CI 69.5‐74.4%) at 1 year, 50.4% (95% CI 47.6‐53.2%) at 3 years and 43.5% (95% CI 40.6‐46.3%) at 5 years. We estimate that relative survival at 5 years in these registry populations is 48.2%. Factors associated with poorer survival included living in a country with lower HDI, late stage at diagnosis and younger or older age at diagnosis (<50 or ≥70 years). For example, the risk of death was 1.6 (95% CI 1.2‐2.1) times higher for patients residing in medium‐HDI and 2.7 (95% CI 2.2‐3.4) times higher for patients residing in low‐HDI compared to those residing in high‐HDI countries. Survival for CRC remains low in sub‐Saharan African countries, though estimates vary considerably by HDI. Strengthening health systems to ensure access to prevention, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment is critical in improving outcomes of CRC in the region.
An unusual case of cervico‐cutaneous fistula
Authors: Dorjey Yeshey
Published: June 2021

Synopsis

The development of a cervico‐cutaneous fistula following cesarean delivery is extremely rare. Once it is diagnosed, the fistulous tract must be excised promptly.
Complete response to pembrolizumab in recurrent nested variant of urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Fukuta Kyotaro , Izaki Hirofumi , Shiozaki Keito , Nakanishi Ryoichi , Inai Tohru , Kataoka Hideyuki , Kudo Eiji , Kanda Kazuya
Published: June 2021

Introduction

The nested variant of urothelial carcinoma is rare and shows poor prognosis. We report a case of complete response to pembrolizumab in recurrent nested variant.

Case presentation

A 50‐year‐old man visited another hospital with hematuria and weight loss. Clinical stage T4aN0M0 bladder cancer and acute renal failure were diagnosed. He was referred to our hospital and underwent radical cystectomy. Histological examination showed pathological stage T4aN2 nested variant of urothelial carcinoma. He received 3 cycles of gemcitabine and carboplatin adjuvant chemotherapy. However, para‐aortic lymph node metastasis appeared 7 months after cystectomy. He received pembrolizumab as systemic chemotherapy. After 10 cycles, the lesion remained undetectable and we evaluated the response as complete. He has received 18 cycles in total and no recurrences or metastases have been observed.

Conclusion

Pembrolizumab may offer effective treatment for nested variant of urothelial carcinoma.
Classification of brain tumor from magnetic resonance images using probabilistic features and possibilistic Hanman–Shannon transform classifier
Authors: Asthana Pallavi , Hanmandlu Madasu , Vashisth Sharda
Published: June 2021

A brain tumor is considered one of the deadliest forms among all types of cancer due to its aggressive nature leading to patients’ low survival rate. Detection and classification of brain tumors have a significant impact on treatment planning and patient survival. The significance and importance of this work lie in the formulation of several probabilistic features that represent higher‐level probabilistic uncertainty. To create these features, the gain function of probabilistic Hanman transform is replaced with the gain functions of Shannon, Renyi, and Tsallis entropy functions thus paving a way to the corresponding hybrid transforms, Hanman‐Shannon, Hanman‐Renyi, and Hanman‐Tsallis transforms. The new features are extracted from brain MR images to detect and classify tumor by developing the possibilistic Hanman‐Shannon transform classifier. This uses the t‐normed errors between the training and testing features. The proposed system when evaluated on the two Brain MRI datasets yields the highest accuracy of around 99%.
Secure backscatter‐enabled NOMA system design in 6G era
Authors: Khan Wali Ullah , Ali Zain , Khan Abd Ullah , Sidhu Guftaar Ahmad Sardar
Published: June 2021

The recent integration of backscatter communication (BC) with power‐domain non‐orthogonal multiple access (P‐NOMA) has triggered significant research interest due to its applications in future sixth‐generation (6G) wireless networks. However, the link security aspect of these networks has not been well investigated. This letter proposes a new optimization framework for improving the security of BC‐enabled P‐NOMA communication. Our system model takes into account the simultaneous operation of P‐NOMA users and the backscatter tag (BT). Meanwhile, multiple non‐colluding eavesdroppers (EDs) also try to target the signal of BT. Thus, the objective is to maximize the link security by finding the optimal reflection coefficient (RC) of the BT under the constraint of base station (BS) transmit power. Results demonstrate that the considered system with P‐NOMA achieves high secrecy rate than the system using conventional orthogonal multiple access.
Intravascular molecular‐structural imaging with a miniaturized integrated near‐infrared fluorescence and ultrasound catheter
Authors: Kellnberger Stephan , Wissmeyer Georg , Albaghdadi Mazen , Piao Zhonglie , Li Wenzhu , Mauskapf Adam , Rauschendorfer Philipp , Tearney Guillermo J. , Ntziachristos Vasilis , Jaffer Farouc A.
Published: June 2021

Coronary artery disease (CAD) remains a leading cause of mortality and warrants new imaging approaches to better guide clinical care. We report on a miniaturized, hybrid intravascular catheter and imaging system for comprehensive coronary artery imaging in vivo. Our catheter exhibits a total diameter of 1.0 mm (3.0 French), equivalent to standalone clinical intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) catheters but enables simultaneous near‐infrared fluorescence (NIRF) and IVUS molecular‐structural imaging. We demonstrate NIRF‐IVUS imaging in vitro in coronary stents using NIR fluorophores, and compare NIRF signal strengths for prism and ball lens sensor designs in both low and high scattering media. Next, in vivo intravascular imaging in pig coronary arteries demonstrates simultaneous, co‐registered molecular‐structural imaging of experimental CAD inflammation on IVUS and distance‐corrected NIRF images. The obtained results suggest substantial potential for the NIRF‐IVUS catheter to advance standalone IVUS, and enable comprehensive phenotyping of vascular disease to better assess and treat patients with CAD.
Intervening for HIV prevention and mental health: a review of global literature
Authors: Collins Pamela Y , Velloza Jennifer , Concepcion Tessa , Oseso Linda , Chwastiak Lydia , Kemp Christopher G , Simoni Jane , Wagenaar Bradley H
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Numerous effective HIV prevention options exist, including behaviour change interventions, condom promotion and biomedical interventions, like voluntary medical male circumcision and pre‐exposure prophylaxis. However, populations at risk of HIV also face overlapping vulnerabilities to common mental disorders and severe mental illness. Mental health status can affect engagement in HIV risk behaviours and HIV prevention programmes. We conducted a narrative review of the literature on HIV prevention among key populations and other groups vulnerable to HIV infection to understand the relationship between mental health conditions and HIV prevention outcomes and summarize existing evidence on integrated approaches to HIV prevention and mental healthcare.

Methods

We searched five databases for studies published from January 2015 to August 2020, focused on HIV prevention and mental health conditions among key populations and individuals with serious mental illness. Studies were included if they evaluated an HIV prevention intervention or assessed correlates of HIV risk reduction and included assessment of mental health conditions or a mental health intervention.

Results and discussion

We identified 50 studies meeting our inclusion criteria, of which 26 were randomized controlled trials or other experimental designs of an HIV prevention intervention with or without a mental health component. Behaviour change interventions were the most common HIV prevention approach. A majority of studies recruited men who have sex with men and adolescents. Two studies provided distinct approaches to integrated HIV prevention and mental health service delivery. Overall, a majority of included studies showed that symptoms of mental disorder or distress are associated with HIV prevention outcomes (e.g. increased risky sexual behaviour, poor engagement in HIV prevention behaviours). In addition, several studies conducted among groups at high risk of poor mental health found that integrating a mental health component into a behaviour change intervention or linking mental health services to combination prevention activities significantly reduced risk behaviour and mental distress and improved access to mental healthcare.

Conclusions

Evidence suggests that mental health conditions are associated with poorer HIV prevention outcomes, and tailored integrated approaches are urgently needed to address overlapping vulnerabilities among key populations and other individuals at risk.
The longitudinal association between depression, anxiety symptoms and HIV outcomes, and the modifying effect of alcohol dependence among ART clients with hazardous alcohol use in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Minh X , McNaughton Reyes H. Luz , Pence Brian W , Muessig Kate , Hutton Heidi E , Latkin Carl A , Dowdy David , Chander Geetanjali , Lancaster Kathryn E , Frangakis Constantine , Sripaipan Teerada , Ha Tran Viet , Go Vivian F
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Mental health disorders may negatively impact HIV outcomes, such as viral suppression (VS) and antiretroviral (ART) adherence among people with HIV (PWH) with hazardous alcohol use. This study evaluates the longitudinal association between depression, anxiety symptoms, VS and complete ART adherence among ART clients with hazardous alcohol use in Vietnam; and examines alcohol dependence as a modifier in this association.

Methods

This was a secondary data analysis of a trial for hazardous drinking ART clients in Thai Nguyen, Vietnam. From March 2016 to May 2018, 440 ART clients with an Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test‐Concise (AUDIT‐C) score ≥4 for men and ≥3 for women were enrolled. Individuals were randomized to either a combined intervention, a brief intervention or a standard of care. Data on sociodemographics, depression, anxiety symptoms, alcohol use, VS and ART adherence were collected at baseline, three, six, and twelve months. Generalized estimating equation models controlling for intervention exposure were used to estimate time‐lagged associations. Risk ratios were estimated using Poisson regression with robust variance estimation.

Results

The mean age of participants was 40.2. The majority was male (96.8%), had at least some secondary school education (85.0%) and had a history of injection drug use (80.9%). No overall effect of depression and anxiety symptoms on VS was observed. When stratified by time, increased anxiety symptoms at six months were associated with VS at 12 months (adjusted risk ratio (aRR) = 1.09; 95% CI 1.02 to 1.17). An increase in depression or anxiety symptoms was associated with a decreased probability of complete ART adherence (depression symptoms: aRR = 0.95; 95% CI: 0.91 to 0.99; anxiety symptoms: aRR = 0.93; 85% CI: 0.88 to 0.99). The negative effects of anxiety symptoms on ART adherence were stronger among participants with alcohol dependence, compared to those without.

Conclusions

Depression and anxiety symptoms had no overall effect on VS, although they were associated with a lower probability of complete ART adherence. Interventions focusing on mental healthcare for PWH with hazardous alcohol use are needed, and integration of mental healthcare and alcohol reduction should be implemented in HIV primary care settings.
Clinical valuables related to resolution of complete or advanced atrioventricular block after steroid therapy in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis
Authors: Nabeta Takeru , Hara Masahiko , Naruke Takashi , Maemura Kenji , Oki Takumi , Yazaki Mayu , Fujita Teppei , Ikeda Yuki , Ishii Shunsuke , Koitabashi Toshimi , Ako Junya
Published: June 2021

Background

Prediction of atrioventricular block (AVB) resolution after steroid therapy in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) is difficult.

Methods

We identified 24 patients with CS and complete or advanced AVB receiving steroid therapy. AVB resolution was assessed by reviewing surface electrocardiogram and the percentage of ventricular pacing required on subsequent device interrogation reports.

Results

AVB resolution was noted in eight (33%) patients 1 year after receiving steroid therapy. Univariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (hazard ratio [HR] 1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01‐1.14, P = .016), interval from recognized AVB to start of steroid therapy (HR 0.98, 95% CI 0.95‐0.99, P < .001), and lysozyme (HR 1.51, 95% CI 1.12‐2.19, P = .013) were significantly associated with resolution of AVB. Combination of area under the curve (AUC) of each variable that was significantly related to resolution of AVB (AUC, 0.969; 95% CI 0.921‐1.000, P < .001) was tended to be higher compared with each variable alone.

Conclusions

A shorter interval from recognition of AVB to start of steroid therapy, higher LVEF, and higher lysozyme levels were significantly associated with resolution of AVB after steroid therapy in patients with CS. The combination of each variable could be able to distinguish patients with resolution of AVB from those without.
Relationships between NDVI, river discharge and climate in the Okavango River Basin region
Authors: Moses Oliver , Blamey Ross C. , Reason Chris J. C.
Published: June 2021

The Okavango River Basin (ORB) is a highly sensitive and biodiverse region in southern Africa whose climate, vegetation and river discharge characteristics are not well understood. This study investigated relationships between rainfall, temperature, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and river discharge over the region as well as their trends and interannual variability. It is found that spatial patterns of NDVI are closely related to those of rainfall, but less so with temperature at monthly and seasonal time scales. The relationships between NDVI and rainfall/temperature differ north of 18.9°S where rainfall is higher than to its south. Typically, there are lags of 1–2‐months between NDVI and either rainfall or temperature. Also, there are large areas across the region that show significant warming trends in all seasons as well as wetting (mainly in the north). This increasing trend in surface temperature may act to worsen the impacts of extreme events such as severe drought and fire in the region. There is also pronounced interannual variability with significant correlations found with El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO), the subtropical South Indian Ocean Dipole and the Botswana High for rainfall and temperature, and for NDVI with ENSO. For the Southern Annular Mode, significant correlations were found with rainfall and temperature only in December and April. On longer time scales, focus was also placed on the wet 2006–2013 period relative to much drier 1999–2005 epoch for October–December. The wetter conditions during 2006–2013 appear related to La Niña Modoki conditions and warmer sea surface temperature near Angola as well as regional circulation differences.
Graphene oxide–metal oxide nanocomposites for on‐target enrichment and analysis of phosphorylated biomolecules
Authors: Jabeen Fahmida , Sajid Muhammad Salman , Fatima Batool , Saeed Adeela , Ashiq Muhammad Naeem , Najam‐ul‐Haq Muhammad
Published: June 2021

The surface of matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry target is modified for improved signal strength and detection of analytes. The developed method includes on‐target enrichment and detection of phosphopeptides/phospholipids using graphene oxide–lanthanide metal oxides (samarium, gadolinium, dysprosium, and erbium) nanocomposites. Enriched phosphopeptides are detected using material enhanced laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry and phospholipids by laser desorption/ionization‐mass spectrometry. Nanocomposites are prepared using graphene oxide with respective metal salts at high pH. They are characterized for nano‐morphology, chemistry, porosity, composition, crystallinity, and thermal stability. Phosphopeptides enrichment protocol is developed and optimized for tryptic β‐casein digest and that of phospholipids by phosphatidylcholine standard. Statistical analyses of phosphopeptides and phospholipids from milk show overlapping results for gadolinium, dysprosium, and erbium oxide nanocomposites. GO‐Gd2O3 has better enrichment efficiency and application as LDI material. Selectivity for GO‐Dy2O3 is 1:2500, for GO‐Sm2O3 is 1:3500, and 1:4000 for GO‐Gd2O3. GO‐Er2O3 has a sensitivity of 25 fmol, whereas the highest sensitivity is down to 0.5 fmol for GO‐Gd2O3. On‐target enrichment is batch to batch reproducible with a standard deviation of <1, reduced time of enrichment to 10 min, and ease of operation compared to solid‐phase batch extraction. The developed method enriches serum phosphopeptides characteristic of cancer‐related phosphoproteins.
Synergistic impacts of nutrient enrichment and climate change on long‐term water quality and ecological dynamics in contrasting shallow‐lake zones
Authors: Lin Qi , Zhang Ke , McGowan Suzanne , Capo Eric , Shen Ji
Published: June 2021

Anthropogenic and climatic stressors on freshwater ecosystems are of global concern. However, the interactions and effects of multiple stressors (e.g., nutrient enrichment, climate warming, altered wind and precipitation) acting over different spatial and temporal scales are often complex and remain controversial. Here, we reconstructed one‐century dynamics of eutrophication and primary producer communities in algal‐dominated and macrophyte‐dominated zones of a large shallow lake (Taihu, China), by integrating sedimentary photosynthetic pigments and geochemical records with water monitoring and historical archives. We aimed to explore the long‐term underlying mechanisms of the responses of water quality and lake biota to multiple environmental perturbations. We found that water quality degradation and algal community modification showed similar trends but distinct timings and trajectories in contrasting ecological zones. Onset and intensity of eutrophication in north Meiliang Bay (since the 1950s) exceeded far beyond that of macrophyte‐dominated Eastern Taihu (~1990s). Anthropogenic nutrients overtook past climatic control on production and composition of phototrophic assemblages. More importantly, lake phytoplankton responded markedly to climate warming, decreasing wind speed, and extreme weathers after cultural eutrophication. Synergistic interactions of nutrients and climate on lake ecosystems became increasingly significant in promoting harmful algal blooms (HABs) dominated by Microcystis, close to the hyper‐eutrophic north lake zones. The asynchronous limnological and ecological responses also indicated the modulating roles of lake ecological regime and catchment hydrogeomorphic characteristic. Collectively, our findings suggest that mitigation of eutrophication and HABs calls for a triple management strategy integrating anthropogenic nutrients, climate change, and lake‐catchment setting.
Allograft Fibrosis After Pediatric Liver Transplantation: Incidence, Risk Factors, and Evolution
Authors: Angelico Roberta , Spada Marco , Liccardo Daniela , Pedini Domiziana , Grimaldi Chiara , Pietrobattista Andrea , Basso Maria Sole , Della Corte Claudia , Mosca Antonella , Saffioti Maria Cristina , Alaggio Rita , Maggiore Giuseppe , Candusso Manila , Francalanci Paola
Published: June 2021

Allograft fibrosis (AF) after pediatric liver transplantation (pLT) is frequent, but its dynamics are unclear. Our aim was to assess the evolution and risk factors of AF after pLT. A retrospective single‐center analysis of pLT patients with a follow‐up of ≥5 years who underwent protocol liver biopsies at 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, 5 years, and 10 years was performed. Fibrosis was assessed using the METAVIR and Ishak systems and the liver allograft fibrosis score (LAFs). Of 219 pLTs performed from 2008 to 2018, 80 (36.5%) pLTs were included, and 320 biopsies were reviewed. At 6 months after pLT, fibrosis was found in 54 (67.5%) patients by the METAVIR/Ishak systems and in 59 (73.8%) by the LAFs (P = 0.65). By 5 years, AF was detected in 67 (83.8%), 69 (86.3%), and 72 (90%) specimens using the METAVIR, Ishak, and LAFs systems, respectively (P = 0.54); mild (METAVIR, 51 [63.8%]; Ishak, 60 [75%]; LAFs, 65 [81.2%]) and moderate (METAVIR, 16 [20%]; Ishak, 9 [11.9%]; LAFs, 7 [8.8%]) stages were detected, but severe fibrosis was not found (P = 0.09). In the LAFs, fibrosis involved the portal (85%), sinusoidal (15%), and centrolobular (12%) areas. Of 18 patients with 10‐year protocol biopsies, AF was present in 16 (90%), including 1 (5.5%) with severe fibrosis. In all systems, 36.3% of patients showed fibrosis progression from 2 years to 5 years after LT, but they remained stable at the 10‐year biopsies without clinical implications. In multivariate analysis, only donor age >40 years was a risk factor for moderate AF at 5 years after LT (odds ratio, 8.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.6‐42.1, P = 0.01). Cold ischemia time (CIT) >8 hours was associated with portal (P < 0.001)/sinusoidal fibrosis (P = 0.04), donor age >40 years was associated with sinusoidal (P = 0.01)/centrilobular (P = 0.04) fibrosis, and low tacrolimus trough level within 1 year after LT was associated with centrilobular fibrosis (P = 0.02). AF has a high incidence after pLT, occurring early after transplantation. In most cases, AF is mild or moderate and remains stable in the long run without clinical implications. Donor selection, short CIT, and immunosuppression adherence are crucial to reducing the risk of advanced AF.
Wealth and the principal–agent matching
Authors: Fagandini Paulo
Published: June 2021

I study the role the agent's wealth plays in the principal–agent matching with moral hazard and limited liability. I consider wealth and talent as the agent's type and size as the firm's (principal's) type. Wealthier agents match with bigger firms, when talent is homogeneous among them, whereas for equally wealthy agents, more talented agents will match with bigger firms. I describe economic conditions over types such that pairs of higher types will write contracts in which the agent gets more than the limited liability rents. Finally, I write conditions on wealth for assortative matching in talent to hold.
A partial element equivalent circuit‐metamodel combination for fast tolerance analysis of electromagnetic systems
Authors: Ferranti Francesco , Antonini Giulio , Nakhla Michel
Published: June 2021

In this letter, we propose a combination of the partial element equivalent circuit method with metamodelling in order to achieve fast tolerance analysis of electromagnetic systems. The proposed model combination can be interpreted as a multifidelity modeling approach. This technique is inspired by the multilevel Monte Carlo method and provides great benefits in terms of computational resources.
Compact dual‐band bandpass filter with high‐passband isolation using coupled lines and open stub
Authors: Kishore Simhadri , Arora Ayan , V. Phani Kumar Kanaparthi , Velidi Vamsi Krishna , Nayak Chittaranjan , Rao Thipparaju Rama , Rajkumar Rengasamy
Published: June 2021

This article presents the design and analysis of a compact dual‐band bandpass filter employing coupled lines and open circuit stub. The filter frequency response contains two passbands with good isolation between them and five transmission zeros in the stopband. The analytical design equations for transmission zero frequencies are obtained based on lossless transmission line theory and the even and odd mode analysis method. A dual‐band bandpass filter operating at GSM (0.9 GHz) and Wi‐Fi (2.4 GHz) frequencies is designed, fabricated, and tested. The proposed design method is verified by the excellent agreement between the simulated and measured results.
Closely‐coupled wideband MIMO antenna with isolation improvement using decoupling circuit and hexagonal split‐ring resonators
Authors: Singh Harsh Verdhan , Prasad D. Venkata Siva , Tripathi Shrivishal , Mohan Akhilesh
Published: June 2021

In this paper, a design of a closely‐coupled wideband multiple‐input–multiple‐output (MIMO) antenna using a new simple wideband decoupling circuit (DCkt) based on a 2nd order filter for isolation improvement is presented to decouple the wideband MIMO antenna array. The wideband closely‐coupled MIMO antenna and the DCkt are designed using the structure's admittance parameter. To achieve good isolation in wide‐bandwidth six hexagonal split‐ring resonators are utilized. The presented closely‐coupled wideband MIMO antenna is resonating at 5.08–6.30 GHz (WLAN) bands, with measured isolation (>25 dB) in the 5.12–5.98 GHz frequency range. The envelope correlation coefficient is less than 0.1, and channel capacity loss (Closs) is less than 0.05, along with good radiation characteristics. It exhibits an exceptional expansion that makes the proposed solution the right candidate for advanced technological applications such as 5G and IoT.
On the accuracy of permittivity profile inversion
Authors: Oweijane Frederic , Ahmad Falih
Published: June 2021

An inversion accuracy improvement technique based on the two‐port network subject taken from the microwave theory is presented. The technique is dedicated to the one‐dimensional dielectric structure where the permittivity is a function of depth. Optimization and discretization procedures are part of this technique. Applicability and validity of the technique is demonstrated through numerical experiments.
Maximum Economic Yield and Nonlinear Catchability
Authors: Pan Minling
Published: June 2021

Maximum economic yield (MEY) as derived from Schaefer’s (1957) bioeconomic model was potentially a major contribution to fishery management, but it has been hard to apply to fishery management in reality. Schaefer’s model with fixed catchability and associated linear CPUE does not match the variable nature of catchability resulting from technological progress and schooling behavior, leading to a biased estimation of MEY or economic optimal biomass (BMEY). This study improves on Schaefer’s model by incorporating nonlinear CPUE, where MEY depends on biomass relationships with catchability and with CPUE. When CPUE is constant, MEY is shown analytically to be the same as the biological optimal yield (maximum sustainable yield [MSY]) and the related optimal biomasses are equivalent (BMEY = BMSY). However, in cases of nonlinear CPUE, MEY might be closer to or further away from MSY. The less sensitive the CPUE is in response to changes in biomass, the closer the economic optimum BMEY is to the biological optimum BMSY. When CPUE is sensitive to changes in biomass, the benefit of leaving more fish in water (the stock effect) is more noticeable. Hence, this revised model can become an important component in matching fishery management goals to the realities of fisheries. Simulation analyses further illustrate that the traditional Schaefer economic optimum does not apply to all fisheries. This model provides the basis for fishery management to set a total catch limit (as a fishery management reference point) that could achieve MEY but also defines how MEY could be equal to, closer to, or further away from MSY based on characteristics of an individual fishery. For a fishery in overfished status, it helps fishery managers to decide a rebuilding target at BMSY or at a higher abundance than BMSY in order to achieve MEY and still meet biological reference points.