bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optometrische Schulreihenuntersuchungen
Authors: Kaymak Hakan , Neller Kai , Graff Birte , Körgesaar Kristina , Langenbucher Achim , Seitz Berthold , Schwahn Hartmut
Published: June 2021

Hintergrund

Wiederkehrende Schulreihenuntersuchungen dienen dazu, Kinder und Jugendliche mit erhöhtem Achslängenwachstum der Augen zu identifizieren und dafür zu sensibilisieren, dass die richtige Sehhilfe und ausreichend Aufenthalt im Freien präventive Faktoren gegen die Entwicklung einer hohen Myopie sind. Die erhobenen biometrischen Daten helfen außerdem, die epidemiologischen Datenlage zur Schulmyopie zu erweitern, die schließlich eine Grundlage für die Auswahl von Therapieoptionen bilden.

Material und Methoden

Mittels berührungsfreier Biometrie wurden Hornhautradius, zentrale Hornhautdicke, Vorderkammertiefe, Linsendicke und Achslänge der Augen ermittelt. Optische Kohärenztomographie (OCT) wurde zur Bestimmung der subfovealen Aderhautdicke eingesetzt. Zusätzlich wurden der mesopische und photopische Pupillendurchmesser bestimmt.

Ergebnisse

Biometrische Daten der Augen konnten von 257 (Alter 11,2 ± 1,1 Jahre, 31,9 % [82] weiblich, 68,1 % [175] männlich) der untersuchten 274 Schulkinder erhoben werden. Es zeigten sich ein mittlerer Hornhautradius (Mittelwert [MW] ± Standardabweichung [SD], weiblich/männlich) von 7,74 ± 0,23/7,89 ± 0,22 mm, zentrale Hornhautdicke von 556,80 ± 31,31/565,68 ± 33,12 µm, Vorderkammertiefe von 3,62 ± 0,28/3,71 ± 0,25 mm, Linsendicke von 3,48 ± 0,18/3,46 ± 0,17 mm sowie Achslänge von 23,03 ± 0,88/23,51 ± 0,88 mm. Die subfoveale Aderhautdicke konnte bei 240 Schulkindern ausgewertet werden und betrug 335,12 ± 60,5 µm. Die gemessene mesopische und photopische Pupillengröße betrug 6,38 ± 0,70 mm bzw. 3,11 ± 0,63 mm.

Diskussion

Die ermittelten Achslängen der Augen stimmen mit den Normwerten bei europäischen Kindern überein. Es zeigt sich ein Unterschied in der Biometrie zwischen weiblichen und männlichen Augen. Die geplanten Wiederholungsuntersuchungen werden das Erstellen von ersten Wachstumskurven ermöglichen.
Subthreshold laser therapy with a standardized macular treatment pattern in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy
Authors: Schworm Benedikt , Siedlecki Jakob , Keidel Leonie F. , Herold Tina R. , Luft Nikolaus , Priglinger Siegfried G.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

There is an ongoing controversial debate about the effectiveness of laser treatments in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (cCSC). We performed a prospective non-randomized interventional study to learn about the effects of a subthreshold laser treatment (Topcon Endpoint Management™, Topcon Healthcare Inc., Tokyo, Japan) in patients with cCSC.

Methods

Patients with cCSC and a minimum symptom duration of 4 months were included and treated with a standardized laser pattern covering the macular area. Retreatment was performed every 3 months if persistent subretinal fluid was observed. The primary endpoint was resolution of subretinal fluid at 6 months. Further outcome parameters included best corrected visual acuity, microperimetry, central macular and subfoveal choroidal thickness.

Results

A total of 42 eyes of 39 patients were included. Mean patient age was 48 ± 10.6 years (range 25–67). Mean symptomatic time before inclusion into the study was 134 ± 133.4 weeks (16–518). Before inclusion, 78.6% of the patients had failed to resolve subretinal fluid under mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists and 14.3% had a recurrence after half-dose photodynamic therapy. Complete resolution of subretinal fluid was observed in 42.9% at 6 months and in 53.8% at 12 months after baseline. Central retinal thickness decreased from 398 ± 135 µm to 291 ± 68 µm (p < 0.001), subfoveal choroidal thickness changed slightly (430 ± 116 µm to 419 ± 113 µm, p = 0.026), microperimetry-derived macular function improved by 19.1 ± 4.7 dB to 21.3 ± 4.8 dB (p = 0.008) and mean BCVA improved by 4.9 ± 8.6 ETDRS letters (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The results show that the investigated laser treatment is effective in reducing subretinal fluid and leads to an improvement of functional parameters.
Multiple mental representations in picture processing
Authors: Schnotz Wolfgang , Hauck Georg , Schwartz Neil H.
Published: June 2021

This article investigates whether goal-directed learning of pictures leads to multiple mental representations which are differently useful for different purposes. The paper further investigates the effects of prompts on picture processing. 136 undergraduate students were presented maps of a fictitious city. One half of the participants were instructed to learn their map as preparation to draw it from memory as precisely as possible (PrepDraw), which should stimulate the creation of an elaborated surface representation. The other half were instructed to learn the map as preparation for finding the shortest traffic connection from various locations to other locations (PrepConnect), which should stimulate the construction of a task-oriented deep-structure representation (mental model). Within both experimental groups, one-third of the participants received the map without prompts. Another third received the map with survey prompts (stimulating processing of what is where), and the final third received the map with connect prompts (stimulating processing of how train stations are connected). In the following test phase, participants received a recognition task, a recall task, and an inference task. For recognition and recall, two surface structure scores (extent, accuracy) and two deep structure scores (extent, accuracy) were calculated. The inference task served also to indicate deep structure accuracy. The PrepDraw group outperformed the PrepConnect group in terms of surface structure related variables, whereas the PrepConnect group outperformed the PrepDraw group in terms of deep structure-related variables. Map processing was not enhanced by prompts aligned with the instruction, but non-aligned prompts tended to interfere with learning.
Technology development of hyperthermic pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (hPIPAC)
Authors: Bachmann C. , Sautkin I. , Nadiradze G. , Archid R. , Weinreich F. J. , Königsrainer A. , Reymond M. A.
Published: June 2021

Background

Optimized drug delivery systems are needed for intraperitoneal chemotherapy. The aim of this study was to develop a technology for applying pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC) under hyperthermic conditions (hPIPAC).

Methods

This is an ex-vivo study in an inverted bovine urinary bladder (IBUB). Hyperthermia was established using a modified industry-standard device (Humigard). Two entry and one exit ports were placed. Warm-humid CO2 was insufflated in the IBUB placed in a normothermic bath to simulate body thermal inertia. The temperature of the aerosol, tissue, and water bath was measured in real-time.

Results

Therapeutic hyperthermia (target tissue temperature 41–43 °C) could be established and maintained over 30 min. In the first phase (insufflation phase), tissue hyperthermia was created by insufflating continuously warm-humid CO2. In the second phase (aerosolization phase), chemotherapeutic drugs were heated up and aerosolized into the IBUB. In a third phase (application phase), hyperthermia was maintained within the therapeutic range using an endoscopic infrared heating device. In a fourth phase, the toxic aerosol was discarded using a closed aerosol waste system (CAWS).

Discussion

We introduce a simple and effective technology for hPIPAC. hPIPAC is feasible in an ex-vivo model by using a combination of industry-standard medical devices after modification. Potential pharmacological and biological advantages of hPIPAC over PIPAC should now be evaluated.
Observational evaluation of outdoor cooling potential of air-source heat pump water heaters
Authors: Yamaguchi Kazuki , Ihara Tomohiko , Kikegawa Yukihiro
Published: June 2021

Heat pump water heaters are highly efficient hot water supply systems that effectively utilize the heat of outdoor air via heat pump technology. Many studies have been conducted to optimize the design and operation of heat pump water heaters from the perspective of climate change mitigation. Air-source heat pump water heaters, which absorb heat from the outdoor air and emit cold exhaust, can also be expected to alleviate the urban heat island effect; however, this has not been studied extensively. To estimate the impact of cold exhaust on building-scale climate, we conducted a multipoint measurement of the outdoor thermal environment around a low-rise apartment building equipped with air-source heat pump water heaters, in both summer and winter. Observations showed a substantial cooling effect that decreased air temperatures by 1 °C within the site boundary on summer nights when multiple heat pump water heaters operated concurrently. The analysis revealed that the sensitivity of the ambient temperatures to cold exhaust depends strongly on local atmospheric conditions. The most influential factor was the wind direction: the sensitivity increased significantly when the exhaust outlet location was at the lee side of the building. Naturally, the wind speed also affected the sensitivity, which tended to be higher when the wind speed was lower. The convective stability near the ground surface, however, showed no significant influence over the sensitivity.
A volumetric study of mandibular condyles in orthognathic patients by semiautomatic segmentation
Authors: Lentzen Max-Philipp , Riekert Maximilian , Buller Johannes , Grandoch Andrea , Zirk Matthias , Zoeller Joachim E. , Kreppel Matthias
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study was conducted to elucidate volumetric data of mandibular condyles of orthognathic patients by analyzing cone beam computed tomography images based upon semiautomatic segmentation.

Methods

Cone beam computed tomography images of 87 patients with malocclusions were analyzed in this retrospective study. Patients were between 17 and 53 years old and diagnosed with Angle class I, II, or III malocclusion. By using the validated open-source software “ITK-SNAP,” the volumetric measurements of 174 mandibular condyles were performed. Volumetric analysis was performed according to intra-subject side differences by paired Student t test. In accordance to inter-subject side, gender, age and type of malocclusion differences bivariate analysis and ANOVA were applied.

Results

The mean volume for the right condyle was 1.378 ± 0.447 cm3, with a maximum of 2.379 cm3 and a minimum of 0.121 cm3. The mean volume for the left side was 1.435 ± 0.474 cm3, with a maximum of 3.264 cm3 and a minimum of 0.109 cm3. Bivariate analysis indicated a highly significant inter-subject difference between the volume of the left and right mandibular condyles (p < 0.01). Females had a significantly smaller condyle volume than males (p < 0.05 left condyle; p < 0.01 right condyle).

Conclusion

The fact that shape and volume of mandibular condyles show a high susceptibility to pathological alterations and particularly malocclusions makes a precise knowledge about volumetric changes indispensable. Our results show that significant inter-subject differences in condyle volume could be found with respect to the side and gender. Larger volumes could be assessed for the left condyle and for male patients.
Kea (Nestor notabilis) show flexibility and individuality in within-session reversal learning tasks
Authors: Laschober Monika , Mundry Roger , Huber Ludwig , Schwing Raoul
Published: June 2021

The midsession reversal paradigm confronts an animal with a two-choice discrimination task where the reward contingencies are reversed at the midpoint of the session. Species react to the reversal with either win-stay/lose-shift, using local information of reinforcement, or reversal estimation, using global information, e.g. time, to estimate the point of reversal. Besides pigeons, only mammalian species were tested in this paradigm so far and analyses were conducted on pooled data, not considering possible individually different responses. We tested twelve kea parrots with a 40-trial midsession reversal test and additional shifted reversal tests with a variable point of reversal. Birds were tested in two groups on a touchscreen, with the discrimination task having either only visual or additional spatial information. We used Generalized Linear Mixed Models to control for individual differences when analysing the data. Our results demonstrate that kea can use win-stay/lose-shift independently of local information. The predictors group, session, and trial number as well as their interactions had a significant influence on the response. Furthermore, we discovered notable individual differences not only between birds but also between sessions of individual birds, including the ability to quite accurately estimate the reversal position in alternation to win-stay/lose-shift. Our findings of the kea’s quick and flexible responses contribute to the knowledge of diversity in avian cognitive abilities and emphasize the need to consider individuality as well as the limitation of pooling the data when analysing midsession reversal data.
Efficacy and safety of esaxerenone (CS-3150) in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes and macroalbuminuria: a multicenter, single-arm, open-label phase III study
Authors: Ito Sadayoshi , Kashihara Naoki , Shikata Kenichi , Nangaku Masaomi , Wada Takashi , Okuda Yasuyuki , Sawanobori Tomoko
Published: June 2021

Background

Esaxerenone has potential renoprotective effects and reduces the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) in patients with diabetic kidney disease and overt nephropathy. We investigated the efficacy and safety of esaxerenone in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and macroalbuminuria (UACR ≥ 300 mg/g creatinine).

Methods

We conducted a multicenter, single-arm, open-label phase III study in 56 patients with T2D and UACR ≥ 300 mg/g creatinine with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥ 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 and treated with a renin–angiotensin system inhibitor. Patients received esaxerenone for 28 weeks at 1.25 mg/day initially with titration to 2.5 mg/day based on serum potassium (K+) monitoring. Efficacy was evaluated as the change in UACR from baseline to week 28. Safety endpoints included adverse events (AEs), incidence of serum K+ increase, and change in eGFR from baseline.

Results

UACR decreased by 54.6% (95% CI 46.9%, 61.3%) on average from baseline (544.1 mg/g creatinine) to the end of treatment (246.8 mg/g creatinine); 51.8% of patients showed improvement to early nephropathy. AE incidence was 69.6%. Three patients (5.4%) had serum K+ levels ≥ 6.0 mEq/L or ≥ 5.5 mEq/L on two consecutive occasions. Hyperkalemia in two patients was transient and resolved during the treatment period. One patient discontinued following two consecutive serum K+ values ≥ 5.5 mEq/L. The maximum change from baseline in eGFR was − 8.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 at week 24.

Conclusions

Esaxerenone reduced UACR in Japanese patients with T2D and UACR ≥ 300 mg/g creatinine; more than half experienced a transition from UACR ≥ 300 mg/g creatinine to UACR < 300 mg/g creatinine.

Clinical trial registration

JapicCTI-173696
A Journey with LGMD: From Protein Abnormalities to Patient Impact
Authors: Georganopoulou Dimitra G. , Moisiadis Vasilis G. , Malik Firhan A. , Mohajer Ali , Dashevsky Tanya M. , Wuu Shirley T. , Hu Chih-Kao
Published: June 2021

The limb-girdle muscular dystrophies (LGMD) are a collection of genetic diseases united in their phenotypical expression of pelvic and shoulder area weakness and wasting. More than 30 subtypes have been identified, five dominant and 26 recessive. The increase in the characterization of new genotypes in the family of LGMDs further adds to the heterogeneity of the disease. Meanwhile, better understanding of the phenotype led to the reconsideration of the disease definition, which resulted in eight old subtypes to be no longer recognized officially as LGMD and five new diseases to be added to the LGMD family. The unique variabilities of LGMD stem from genetic mutations, which then lead to protein and ultimately muscle dysfunction. Herein, we review the LGMD pathway, starting with the genetic mutations that encode proteins involved in muscle maintenance and repair, and including the genotype–phenotype relationship of the disease, the epidemiology, disease progression, burden of illness, and emerging treatments.
An Automatic Well Planner for Complex Well Trajectories
Authors: Kristoffersen Brage S. , Bellout Mathias C. , Silva Thiago L. , Berg Carl F.
Published: June 2021

A data-driven automatic well planner procedure is implemented to develop complex well trajectories by efficiently adapting to near-well reservoir properties and geometry. The procedure draws inspiration from geosteering drilling operations, where modern logging-while-drilling tools enable the adjustment of well trajectories during drilling. Analogously, the proposed procedure develops well trajectories based on a selected geology-based fitness measure using an artificial neural network as the decision maker in a virtual sequential drilling process within a reservoir model. While neural networks have seen extensive use in other areas of reservoir management, to the best of our knowledge, this work is the first to apply neural networks on well trajectory design within reservoir models. Importantly, both the input data generation used to train the network and the actual trajectory design operations conducted by the trained network are efficient calculations, since these rely solely on geometric and initial properties of the reservoir, and thus do not require additional simulations. Therefore, the main advantage over traditional methods is the highly articulated well trajectories adapted to reservoir properties using a low-order well representation. Well trajectories generated in a realistic reservoir by the automatic well planner are qualitatively and quantitatively compared to trajectories generated by a differential evolution algorithm. Results show that the resulting trajectories improve productivity compared to straight line well trajectories, both for channelized and geometrically complex reservoirs. Moreover, the overall productivity with the resulting trajectories is comparable to well solutions obtained using differential evolution, but at a much lower computational cost.
The impact of sitting time and physical activity on mental health during COVID-19 lockdown
Authors: Pears Matthew , Kola-Palmer Susanna , De Azevedo Liane Beretta
Published: June 2021

Objective

The primary aim of this study was to investigate the association between physical activity (PA) and sitting time on adults’ mental health (i.e., depression, anxiety and wellbeing) and the influence of mediators and confounders.

Methods

An online survey was disseminated in the UK between May and June 2020. A total of 284 participants (33.5 ± 12.4 years) self-reported their PA, sitting time and mental health through validated questionnaires.

Results

Multiple stepwise regression analysis revealed that being of younger age, female, on a lower income, with one or more comorbid health conditions, with a previous diagnosis of mood disorder and increased sitting time independently correlated with higher depression scores (F (13,219) = 12.31, p < 0.001), and explained 42% of the variance. Similar results were found for wellbeing where socio-demographic, health outcomes and sitting time influenced the subjective wellbeing (F (14,218) = 5.77, p < 0.001, 27% variance), although only socio-demographic and health outcomes contributed to the variation in anxiety score (F (13,219) = 7.84, p < 0.001, 32% variance). PA did not explain variation when sitting time was taken into account in any of the models. Combined analysis revealed that participants with lower sedentary time (< 8 h) and with both low or moderate and high PA presented a significantly lower depression score [low PA: (B = −2.7, 95% CI −4.88, −0.52); moderate and high PA (B = −2.7, −4.88, −0.52)].

Conclusion

Sitting time was strongly associated with adverse mental health during COVID-19 lockdown and should be considered in future public health recommendations.
Das LEaD-Kompetenzmodell – wirksam Führen im Kontext der digitalen Transformation
Authors: Dörr Stefan L. , Schmidt-Huber Marion , Maier Günter W.
Published: June 2021

Dieser Beitrag der Zeitschrift Gruppe. Interaktion. Organisation. (GIO) stellt die Entwicklung, empirische Validierung und Anwendung des LEaD-Modells©1(Leadership Effectiveness and Development) der Führung im Rahmen der digitalen Transformation vor. Die Auswahl und Entwicklung von Führungskräften und die dazu erforderliche evidenzbasierte Diagnostik von Führungskompetenzen stellen zentrale Herausforderungen einer modernen HR-Strategie dar, wie z. B. beidhändige Führung im Kontext der digitalen Transformation und entwicklungsorientierte Diagnostik. Im Kontext des digitalen Wandels ist „LEaD“ ein Instrument für Führungskräfte und HR-Spezialist*innen, um Transformationsprozesse durch gezieltes Kompetenzmanagement erfolgreich zu bewältigen und eine neue Führungskultur zu etablieren. Praktische Anwendungsbereiche des LEaD-Modells in Organisationen sind sowohl auf individueller (z. B. als Führungsfeedback mit Selbst- und Fremdeinschätzung) als auch organisationaler Ebene (z. B. Messung der Führungseffektivität) möglich.

Dieser Beitrag beschreibt das LEaD-Modell der Führung als einen evidenzbasierten Handlungsrahmen für Führungskräfte, der Diagnose- und Interventionsmaßnahmen bietet und damit einen wichtigen Beitrag zu einer nachhaltigen und lohnenswerten Investition in Führung leistet.
Alcohol as an independent risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Yang Shanshan , Guo Xinhong , Liu Wei , Li Yanhua , Liu Yunxi
Published: June 2021

Background

To determine if alcohol consumption is a risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and nocturnal oxygen desaturation.

Methods

This case–control study evaluated patients with confirmed OSA and a control group using polysomnography (PSG). Two doctors who have worked in this field for more than 5 years provided a blinded interpretation of the patients’ monitoring results. Logistic regression models were used to identify the odds ratio (OR) for alcohol consumption on OSA.

Results

A total of 793 patients were enrolled in this study. Compared with those who did not consume alcohol, those consuming alcohol had a higher risk of OSA (OR 2.03, 95% CI 1.30–3.17) after adjustment. Regarding the risk of OSA after adjusting for former drinkers and current ones, the ORs were 1.96 (95% CI 1.19–3.22) and 2.22 (95% CI 1.06–4.63), respectively. And the P for trend = 0.002. The β of former drinkers and the current ones were 3.448 and 4.560 after adjustment; P for trend was 0.006. The relationship may have gender difference, and alcohol consumption was associated with AHI in female significantly (β = 10.190 and 15.395 for former and current drinkers, respectively, in females after adjustment, P for trend = 0.002).

Conclusions

In this study, we found that alcohol consumption was an independent risk factor of OSA and OSA with hypoxia, and alcohol consumption was related to AHI significantly after adjustment, especially in female. In order to reduce the risk and severity of OSA, it is suggested that people should avoid drinking, and drinkers should abstain from drinking.
Critical Appraisal of Amyloid Lowering Agents in AD
Authors: Decourt Boris , Boumelhem Fadel , Pope Evans D. , Shi Jiong , Mari Zoltan , Sabbagh Marwan Noel
Published: June 2021

Purpose of Review

According to the amyloid cascade hypothesis, removing amyloid beta (Aβ) should cure Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In the past three decades, many agents have been tested to try to lower Aβ production, prevent Aβ aggregation, and dissolve Aβ deposits. However, the paucity in definitive preventative or curative properties of these agents in clinical trials has resulted in more avant-garde approaches to therapeutic investigations. Immunotherapy has become an area of focus for research on disease-modifying therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we highlight the current clinical development landscape of monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapies that target Aβ plaque formation and removal in AD.

Recent Findings

Multiple potential disease-modifying therapeutics for AD are in active development. Targeting Aβ with mAbs has the potential to treat various stages of AD: prodromal, prodromal to mild, mild, and mild to moderate. Monoclonal antibodies discussed here include aducanumab, lecanemab, solanezumab, crenezumab, donanemab, and gantenerumab.

The final decision by the FDA regarding the approval of aducanumab will offer valuable insight into the trajectory of drug development for mAbs in AD and other neurodegenerative diseases. Future directions for improving the treatment of AD will include more inquiry into the efficacy of mAbs as disease-modifying agents that specifically target Aβ peptides and/or multimers. In addition, a more robust trial design for AD immunotherapy agents should improve outcomes such that objective measures of clinical efficacy will eventually lead to higher chances of drug approval.
Crossing Social Boundaries in an Immigration Context: Exogamy and Gendered Employment Patterns in Unions in Germany
Authors: Braack Mirko K. , Milewski Nadja , Trappe Heike
Published: June 2021

We study gendered employment patterns in unions by focusing on the role of exogamy for non-migrants in Germany. Classical assimilation theory has studied such mixed migrant-non-migrant unions mainly with a focus on the members of ethnic minorities. However, this perspective neglects the question of the social consequences of exogamy for the members of the majority group. We aim to fill this knowledge gap by investigating the association of being in a mixed union and the employment patterns of the couple. Our theoretical considerations and working hypotheses are derived from modernization theories, welfare state and labor market theories, gender studies, and social boundary-crossing frameworks. Drawing on the scientific use file of the German Microcensus of 2013, our sample consists of 44,499 non-migrant men (about 7% of whom are in a mixed union with a migrant) and 43,722 non-migrant women (about 5% of whom are in a mixed union). We estimate multinomial logistic regression models. We conclude that the persistent disadvantage for immigrants on the labor market in Germany shapes the gendered employment patterns of their unions, which, in turn, affect the members of the majority population. For non-migrant men, exogamy is associated with a re-traditionalization of employment patterns, whereby a man is more likely to be the main earner if he is in an exogamous union than if he is in an endogamous union. For non-migrant women, by contrast, we find evidence of a role reversal in exogamous unions, whereby the woman is more likely to be the main earner.
Novel advances in cardiac rehabilitation
Authors: Vromen T. , Brouwers R. W. M. , Jorstad H. T. , Kraaijenhagen R. A. , Spee R. F. , Wittekoek M. E. , Cramer M. J. , van Hal J. M. C. , Hofstra L. , Kuijpers P. M. J. C. , de Melker E. C. , Rodrigo S. F. , Sunamura M. , Uszko-Lencer N. H. M. K. , Kemps H. M.
Published: June 2021

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) has evolved as an important part of the treatment of patients with cardiovascular disease. However, to date, its full potential is fairly underutilised. This review discusses new developments in CR aimed at improving participation rates and long-term effectiveness in the general cardiac population. It consecutively highlights new or challenging target groups, new delivery modes and new care pathways for CR programmes. These new or challenging target groups include patients with atrial fibrillation, obesity and cardiovascular disease, chronic coronary syndromes, (advanced) chronic heart failure with or without intracardiac devices, women and frail elderly patients. Also, the current evidence regarding cardiac telerehabilitation and loyalty programmes is discussed as new delivery modes for CR. Finally, this paper discusses novel care pathways with the integration of CR in residual risk management and transmural care pathways. These new developments can help to make optimal use of the benefits of CR. Therefore we should seize the opportunities to reshape current CR programmes, broaden their applicability and incorporate them into or combine them with other cardiovascular care programmes/pathways.
Morning pulmonary artery pressure measurements by CardioMEMS are most stable and recommended for pressure trends monitoring
Authors: Crnko S. , Brugts J. J. , Veenis J. F. , de Jonge N. , Sluijter J. P. G. , Oerlemans M. I. F. , van Laake L. W.
Published: June 2021

Aims

The CardioMEMS HF system is used to measure pulmonary artery (PA) pressures of patients with heart failure (HF). The goal of this study was to determine the impact of time in the daily PA pressure measurements, considering variance and influence of circadian rhythms on cardiovascular pathophysiology.

Methods and results

The study included 10 patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (LVEF < 40%; New York Heart Association class III). Individual daily PA pressures were obtained by CardioMEMS sensors, per protocol, measured up to six times throughout the day, for a period of 5 days. Differences between variation of morning versus evening PA pressures were compared with Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

Mean PA pressures (mPAP) increased from a morning value of 19.1 ± 2 mm Hg (8 am; mean ± standard error of the mean [SEM]) to 21.3 ± 2 mm Hg late in the evening (11 pm; mean ± SEM). Over the course of 5 days, evening mPAP exhibited a significantly higher median coefficient of variation than morning mPAP (14.9 (interquartile range [IQR] 7.6–21.0) and 7.0 (IQR 5.0–12.8) respectively; p = 0.01). The same daily pattern of pressure variability was observed in diastolic (p = 0.01) and systolic (p = 0.04) pressures, with diastolic pressures being more variable than systolic at all time points.

Conclusions

Morning PA pressure measurements yield more stable values for observing PA trends. Patients should thus be advised to consistently perform their daily PA pressure measurements early in the morning. This will improve reliability and interpretation of the CardioMEMS management, indicating true alterations in the patient’s health status, rather than time-of-day-dependent variations.
Evaluation of hydrocarbon generation potential of source rock using two-dimensional modeling of sedimentary basin: a case study in North Dezful Embayment, Southwest Iran
Authors: Maleki Ashkan , Saberi Mohammad Hossein , Moallemi Seyed Ali , Jazayeri Mohammad Hassan
Published: June 2021

Early Cretaceous and Jurassic sequences in the southwestern Iran host some of the largest hydrocarbon reservoirs in the globe. This study is aimed at evaluating the maturity of hydrocarbon fluids, migration paths, and characteristics of Pabdeh, Kazhdumi, Garu and Sargelu source rocks in this region. For this purpose, 27 samples of Pabdeh and Kazhdumi Formations from wells in the northern part of Dezful Embayment were chemically evaluated by Rock–Eval pyrolysis. OpenFlow™ software was utilized to analyze the burial history, conduct 1D thermal modeling in four oilfields and perform 2D modeling on a section to estimate the maturity and extension of sediments. Results of the 1D modeling showed that the kerogens of Sargelu, Garu and Kazhdumi Formations were properly matured, leading to some hydrocarbon outflow, although the organic matter content of Pabdeh Formation was too immature to produce any hydrocarbon. Based on the plot of hydrogen index (HI) versus Tmax, it was found that the studied formations were dominated by type II kerogen and a mixed species of type II and type III kerogens. Results of the migration path modeling showed some leakage from the Kazhdumi Formation up to an overlying seal that prevented the hydrocarbons from seeping out to surface. The Early and Middle Cretaceous oil systems were found to be connected through geometrical features or faults, with the Kazhdumi Formation separating the two systems. The results further showed the migration of hydrocarbons, at a relatively high rate, into the Abadan Plate through the sub-Kazhdumi reservoirs.The Early and Middle Cretaceous petroleum systems were found to be connected through particular geometry features or possibly faults, with the two systems separated by Kazhdumi Formation. For most part, the intensity of the maturation processes was found to decrease from east to west of the study area.
Sharp Lyapunov-type inequalities for second-order half-linear difference equations with different kinds of boundary conditions
Authors: Stegliński Robert
Published: June 2021

In this work, we establish optimal Lyapunov-type inequalities for the second-order difference equation withp-Laplacian$$\begin{aligned} \Delta (\left| \Delta u(k-1)\right| ^{p-2}\Delta u(k-1))+a(k)\left| u(k)\right| ^{p-2}u(k)=0 \end{aligned}$$Δ(Δu(k-1)p-2Δu(k-1))+a(k)u(k)p-2u(k)=0with Dirichlet, Neumann, mixed, periodic and anti-periodic boundary conditions.
Can molar incisor hypomineralization cause dental fear and anxiety or influence the oral health-related quality of life in children and adolescents?—a systematic review
Authors: Jälevik B. , Sabel N. , Robertson A.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Molar Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) are first molars with developmental enamel defects and are common findings in many child populations. The porous nature of MIH enamel and the presence of post-eruptive enamel breakdown leads to the presence of hypersensitivity and pain, which is often the patient’s main complaint and can result in dental fear and affect the quality of life.

The present review aims to summarise the evidence for the ability of MIH to cause problems, such as dental fear and anxiety (DFA) and to summarise the evidence for a possibly negative impact on the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of MIH affected children and adolescents, in a systematic review.

Method

Two searches, (1) MIH AND dental anxiety and (2) MIH AND Quality of life, were performed in MEDLINE/PubMed and Scopus. Selection demands were fulfilling the MIH diagnosis criteria using validated instruments and questionnaires for assessing DFA and OHRQoL, respectively.

Results

After removing duplicates and articles not fulfilling the selection demands, 6 studies concerning MIH and DFA and 8 studies concerning MIH and OHRQoL remained.

Conclusion

Children and adolescents with diagnosed MIH did not seem to suffer from increased dental fear and anxiety, but indicated an impaired oral health-related quality of life.
MNLS simulations of surface wave groups with directional spreading in deep and finite depth waters
Authors: Barratt Dylan , van den Bremer Ton Stefan , Adcock Thomas Alan Adcock
Published: June 2021

We simulate focusing surface gravity wave groups with directional spreading using the modified nonlinear Schrödinger (MNLS) equation and compare the results with a fully-nonlinear potential flow code, OceanWave3D. We alter the direction and characteristic wavenumber of the MNLS carrier wave, to assess the impact on the simulation results. Both a truncated (fifth-order) and exact version of the linear dispersion operator are used for the MNLS equation. The wave groups are based on the theory of quasi-determinism and a narrow-banded Gaussian spectrum. We find that the truncated and exact dispersion operators both perform well if: (1) the direction of the carrier wave aligns with the direction of wave group propagation; (2) the characteristic wavenumber of the carrier wave coincides with the initial spectral peak. However, the MNLS simulations based on the exact linear dispersion operator perform significantly better if the direction of the carrier wave does not align with the wave group direction or if the characteristic wavenumber does not coincide with the initial spectral peak. We also perform finite-depth simulations with the MNLS equation for dimensionless depths ($$k_{\text {p}}d$$

k
p

d

) between 1.36 and 5.59, incorporating depth into the boundary conditions as well as the dispersion operator, and compare the results with those of fully-nonlinear potential flow code to assess the finite-depth limitations of the MNLS.
Von Lefort zu Mouffe. Populismus als Moment und Grenze radikaler Demokratie
Authors: Kim Seongcheol
Published: June 2021

In diesem Beitrag werden Chantal Mouffes jüngste Interventionen für den Linkspopulismus zum Anlass für eine theoretische Reflexion über das Spannungsverhältnis zwischen Populismus und radikaler Demokratie genommen. Im Lichte der radikalen Demokratietheorien Claude Leforts, Jacques Rancières, Ernesto Laclaus und Chantal Mouffes, der Populismustheorie Laclaus sowie der einschlägigen Rezeption wird argumentiert, dass der Populismus sowohl konstitutives Moment als auch Grenze eines radikalen Demokratieverständnisses bildet, was sich insbesondere in der Akzentverschiebung von Autonomie zu Repräsentation bei Laclau verdichtet und als Organisationsfrage bei Mouffe hervortritt. Damit öffnet sich nicht zuletzt eine empirische Forschungsperspektive zur Untersuchung des Verhältnisses von Populismus und radikaler Demokratie, die zum Schluss exemplarisch aufgegriffen und anhand einer Unterscheidung zwischen Bewegungsparteien und Volksparteien neuen Typs veranschaulicht wird.
The Tide Effects on Bioeconomic Model of Sardina pilchardus, Engraulis encrasicolus and Xiphias gladius in Atlantic Moroccan Zone
Authors: Baba Nossaiba , Agmour Imane , El Foutayeni Youssef , Achtaich Naceur
Published: June 2021

The main objective of this work is the study of the effects of high tides and low tides on fishing effort, catches as well as profits in a bioeconomic model of populations ofSardina pilchardus,Engraulis encrasicolusandXiphias gladiusin Moroccan areas. To achieve this objective, we studied the stability of the equilibrium points of our biological model then we added in our model the effect of the tides in the fishing effort which maximizes the profits of the fishermen under the constraint of the conservation of the biodiversity of these marine species using the generalized Nash equilibrium in the resolution of the bioeconomic model. As results, we were able to give the best fishing times according to the tides of each month of the whole year which will allow us to achieve better yields. Hence the importance of introducing the effect of high and low tides in bioeconomic models.
Das Harnblasenkarzinom der Frau
Authors: Garstka Nathalie , Shariat Shahrokh F.
Published: June 2021

Frauen werden bis zur endgültigen Diagnosestellung eines Harnblasenkarzinoms (BCa) häufiger symptomatisch fehlbehandelt, wodurch es zu einer Diagnoseverzögerung kommt. Bei Frauen wird zum Zeitpunkt der Erstdiagnose eher ein fortgeschrittenes BCa festgestellt als bei Männern. Die krebsspezifische Mortalität ist bei Frauen insbesondere in den ersten 2 Jahren nach der Erstdiagnose höher als bei Männern. Die meisten Studien zeigen eine schlechtere Überlebensrate bei Frauen, welche aufgrund eines BCa eine radikale Zystektomie (RC) erhalten. Allerdings ist im Fall einer durchgeführten neoadjuvanten Chemotherapie (NAC) ein besseres krebsspezifisches Überleben zu erwarten. Es gibt Hinweise, welche den Outcomeunterschied zwischen Männern und Frauen erklären; diese beziehen sich auf unterschiedliche Risikofaktoren, Diagnosestellungen, Behandlungen und hormonelle Faktoren. Weitere Studien sind notwendig, um diese Mechanismen genauer zu untersuchen. Dies gilt insbesondere auch für neuere systemische Therapie, wie Immuntherapeutika.
Under-triage of older trauma patients in prehospital care: a systematic review
Authors: Alshibani Abdullah , Alharbi Meshal , Conroy Simon
Published: June 2021

Background

It is argued that many older trauma patients are under-triaged in prehospital care which may adversely affect their outcomes. This systematic review aimed to assess prehospital under-triage rates for older trauma patients, the accuracy of the triage criteria, and the impact of prehospital triage decisions on outcomes.

Methods

A computerised literature search using MEDLINE, Scopus, and CINHAL databases was conducted for studies published between 1966 and 2021 using a list of predetermined index terms and their associated alternatives. Studies which met the inclusion criteria were included and critiqued using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool. Due to the heterogeneity of the included studies, narrative synthesis was used in this systematic review.

Results

Of the 280 identified studies, 23 met the inclusion criteria. Current trauma triage guidelines have poor sensitivity to identify major trauma and the need for TC care for older adults. Although modified triage tools for this population have improved sensitivity, they showed significantly decreased specificity or were not applied to all older people. The issue of low rates of TC transport for positively triaged older patients is not well understood. Furthermore, the benefits of TC treatment for older patients remain uncertain.

Conclusions

This systematic review showed that under-triage is an ongoing issue for older trauma patients in prehospital care and its impact on their outcomes is still uncertain. Further high-quality prospective research is needed to assess the accuracy of prehospital triage criteria, the factors other than the triage criteria that affect transport decisions, and the impact of under-triage on outcomes.
Online learning during school closure due to COVID-19
Authors: Ikeda Masato , Yamaguchi Shintaro
Published: June 2021

This paper estimates the effects of school closure on students’ study time and the number of messages sent from teachers to students using an online learning service. We find that both study time and message numbers increased significantly from the beginning of the school closure but they returned to pre-COVID-19 levels when the state of emergency ended in late May 2020. In addition, we find that students with prior access to the online learning service at home and students at higher-quality schools increased their study time more than other students. However, we find no gender differences in these outcomes.
William Wordsworth, Second-Generation Romantic
Authors: Cox Jeffrey
Published: June 2021

William Wordsworth, Second-Generation Romantic provides a truly comprehensive reading of 'late' Wordsworth and the full arc of his career from (1814–1840) revealing that his major poems after Waterloo contest poetic and political issues with his younger contemporaries: Keats, Shelley and Byron. Refuting conventional models of influence, where Wordsworth 'fathers' the younger poets, Cox demonstrates how Wordsworth's later writing evolved in response to 'second generation' romanticism. After exploring the ways in which his younger contemporaries rewrote his 'Excursion', this volume examines how Wordsworth's 'Thanksgiving Ode' enters into a complex conversation with Leigh Hunt and Byron; how the delayed publication of 'Peter Bell' could be read as a reaction to the Byronic hero; how the older poet's River Duddon sonnets respond to Shelley's 'Mont Blanc'; and how his later volumes, particularly 'Memorials of a Tour in Italy, 1837', engage in a complicated erasure of poets who both followed and predeceased him.
Development
Authors: Goodey Christopher
Published: June 2021

This book details the history of the idea of psychological development over the past two millennia. The developmental idea played a major part in the shift from religious ways of explaining human nature to secular, modern ones. In this shift, the 'elect' (chosen by God) became the 'normal' and grace was replaced by cognitive ability as the essentially human quality. A theory of psychological development was derived from theories of bodily development, leading scholars describe human beings as passing through necessary 'stages of development' over the lifespan. By exploring the historical and religious roots of modern psychological concepts and theories, this book demonstrates that history is a method for standing outside psychology and thereby evaluating its fundamental premises. It will spark new interest in the history, sociology and philosophy of the mind sciences, as well as in the rights of children and developmentally disabled people.
The Pro Arte Quartet
Authors: Barker John W.
Published: June 2021

An engaging window into a century of musical life, as seen in the history of the Pro Arte String Quartet, first organized in 1912 and still performing today.
The Appearance of Skepticism: Possibility, Conceivability and Infinite Ascent
Authors: Bangu Sorin
Published: June 2021

The paper articulates a novel strategy against external world skepticism. It shows that a modal assumption of the skeptical argument cannot be justified.
Governing Through Remorse: The Discursive Framing of Dangerous Offenders in Canada
Authors: Mussell Linda , Orsini Michael
Published: June 2021

This article examines the emotional terrain and discursive frames that govern the constitution of those subject to the “dangerous offender” (DO) designation in Canada. Focusing on the emotion of remorse, we discuss four narratives involving individuals who went through the DO hearing process, gaining significant media attention. Asking what role Indigeneity and other factors play in how the media discuss the emotional comportment of DOs, we examine the persistence of particular discursive frames in these narratives, and the counter-frames that challenge or disrupt dominant understandings of what it is appropriate to feel. The expression of emotion, and its interpretation, can be critical to the outcome of cases, criminalized people/survivor stigmatization, and normalization of punishment and may also motivate community mobilization and prompt policy change. Yet, emotion, and how it may be performed and interpreted differently, is not well understood or discussed in these narratives.
Good Learning and Epistemic Transformation
Authors: Sato Kunimasa
Published: June 2021

This study explores a liberatory epistemic virtue that is suitable for good learning as a form of liberating socially situated epistemic agents toward ideal virtuousness. First, I demonstrate that the weak neutralization of epistemically bad stereotypes is an end of good learning. Second, I argue that weak neutralization represents a liberatory epistemic virtue, the value of which derives from liberating us as socially situated learners from epistemic blindness to epistemic freedom. Third, I explicate two distinct forms of epistemic transformation: constitutive and causal epistemic transformation. I argue that compared with the ideal conception of epistemic virtue, constitutive epistemic transformation that involves good learning has a transcendent value in light of agents constantly renewing their default epistemic status toward ideal virtuousness.
Almost existence from the feral perspective and some questions
Authors: FISH JOEL W. , HOFER HELMUT H. W.
Published: June 2021

We use feral pseudoholomorphic curves and adiabatic degeneration to prove an extended version of the so-called ‘almost existence result’ for regular compact Hamiltonian energy surfaces. That is, that for a variety of symplectic manifolds equipped with a Hamiltonian, almost every (non-empty) compact energy level has a periodic orbit.
Patient notification about suspected hospital-associated outbreaks of invasive mold infections: Considerations for public health and hospital personnel
Authors: Gandhi Pooja , Benedict Kaitlin , Toda Mitsuru , Beer Karlyn D. , Chiller Tom M. , Jackson Brendan R.
Published: June 2021

A common type of fungal disease investigation involves hospital-associated clusters of invasive mold infections (IMIs), which typically occur among immunocompromised patients. Responding to IMI clusters can be challenging for public health and hospital personnel for several reasons such as difficulty of confirming the existence of an outbreak, difficulty of determining source. Although many resources exist to guide patient notification about healthcare incidents (eg, bloodborne exposures, disease outbreaks), IMI clusters involve special considerations related to the complex diseases, uncertain exposures, and differential benefits and risks of notification. Early, nuanced communication about hospital-associated IMI clusters is almost always the best course of action to help reduce risks to patients’ health and foster trust between patients and hospitals.