bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digital health and management of chronic disease: A multimodal technologies typology
Authors: Vansimaeys Camille , Benamar Lamya , Balagué Christine
Published: March 2021

This cross‐sectional descriptive study aims to (1) describe the current digital technology (DT) use of people with chronic diseases (CD) by identifying different user profiles and (2) determine whether those profiles have specific characteristics regarding health‐related variables and patient–doctor relationship quality (RQ). An online questionnaire assessing the uses of multiple types of DT (the Internet, mobile applications and connected devices) and several dimensions related to health and patient–doctor RQ was completed by 954 individuals living with CD. DT user groups were obtained by k‐means cluster analysis and then compared using Mann–Whitney tests. The results show three profiles of DT users: (1) hyperconnected (8.9%, regular users of all DTs), (2) biconnected (19.1%, regular users of the Internet and mobile apps) and (3) hypoconnected (72%, casual users of the Internet only). The hyperconnected and biconnected groups are more empowered, more knowledgeable about their treatment and more committed to their doctors than the hypoconnected group. Nonadherence to treatment, health motivations, self‐efficacy for health management and the trust dimension of the patient–doctor RQ did not differ between groups. We conclude by discussing the low use of the most recent technologies in the CD population, although these technologies seem to provide access to health information that empowers patients and leads to a better relationship with their doctors.
HDAC inhibition prevents hypobaric hypoxia‐induced spatial memory impairment through PΙ3K/GSK3β/CREB pathway
Authors: Kumar Rahul , Jain Vishal , Kushwah Neetu , Dheer Aastha , Mishra Kamla Prasad , Prasad Dipti , Singh Shashi Bala
Published: March 2021

Hypobaric hypoxia at higher altitudes usually impairs cognitive function. Previous studies suggested that epigenetic modifications are the culprits for this condition. Here, we set out to determine how hypobaric hypoxia mediates epigenetic modifications and how this condition worsens neurodegeneration and memory loss in rats. In the current study, different duration of hypobaric hypoxia exposure showed a discrete pattern of histone acetyltransferases and histone deacetylases (HDACs) gene expression in the hippocampus when compared with control rat brains. The level of acetylation sites in histone H2A, H3 and H4 was significantly decreased under hypobaric hypoxia exposure compared to the control rat's hippocampus. Additionally, inhibiting the HDAC family with sodium butyrate administration (1.2 g/kg body weight) attenuated neurodegeneration and memory loss in hypobaric hypoxia‐exposed rats. Moreover, histone acetylation increased at the promoter regions of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF); thereby its protein expression was enhanced significantly in hypobaric hypoxia exposed rats treated with HDAC inhibitor compared with hypoxic rats. Thus, BDNF expression upregulated cAMP‐response element binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation by stimulation of PI3K/GSK3β/CREB axis, which counteracts hypobaric hypoxia‐induced spatial memory impairment. In conclusion, these results suggested that sodium butyrate is a novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of spatial memory loss associated with hypobaric hypoxia, and also further studies are warranted to explore specific HDAC inhibitors in this condition.
Pursuing germline genome sequencing to reduce illness uncertainty may involve additional uncertainties for cancer patients: A mixed‐methods study
Authors: Bartley Nicci , Best Megan , Butow Phyllis
Published: March 2021

Cancer‐related illness uncertainty has been associated with poorer psychological outcomes for patients. While some cancer patients believe obtaining genomic information will reduce their illness uncertainty, the complexity of genomics has the potential to compound illness uncertainty. The aim of this mixed‐methods study was to investigate uncertainty in patients with a cancer of likely heritable origin immediately following their decision to have germline genome sequencing. Participant (N = 348) negative attitudes toward uncertainty were associated with higher satisfaction with decision to have germline genome sequencing and greater fear of cancer recurrence. Thematic analysis of semi‐structured interviews with a subset of participant (N = 20) revealed the following four themes: (a) germline genome sequencing to reduce illness uncertainty; (b) germline genome sequencing to reduce uncertainty related to relatives’ risk; (c) uncertainty generated by germline genome sequencing; and (d) resilience and coping with uncertainty. This study demonstrated the complexity of uncertainty in germline genome sequencing in cancer patients. These results provide genomic healthcare professionals with important information about cancer patient's motivation to pursue germline genome sequencing, the specific uncertainties generated by germline genome sequencing, and how cancer patients cope with uncertainty.
Men with an FMR1 premutation and their health education needs
Authors: Walsh Matthew B. , Charen Krista , Shubeck Lisa , McConkie‐Rosell Allyn , Ali Nadia , Bellcross Cecelia , Sherman Stephanie L.
Published: March 2021

Men who carry an FMR1 premutation are at‐risk to develop a late‐onset neurodegenerative disorder called fragile X‐Associated Ataxia/Tremor syndrome (FXTAS). However, little is known about their health informational needs. This qualitative study is the first to describe diagnostic experiences and identify specific health information needs of male premutation carriers. In‐depth qualitative interviews were conducted by phone with ten men who carry an FMR1 premutation. Interviews were analyzed using direct content analysis. Saturation was assessed through use of the Comparative Method for Themes Saturation in qualitative interviews (CoMeTS). Five themes were identified: diagnosis experience, sources of health information, desired health information, barriers to obtaining health information, and facilitators to desired health information. Participants desired information about inheritance, symptoms, expectations for disease, and actions available to slow progression. Facilitators to obtaining health information included healthcare provider knowledge, positive experiences with providers, beneficial family dynamics, participating in research, and access to experts. Barriers to obtaining health information included lack of personal knowledge, lack of healthcare provider knowledge, negative experiences with providers, and uncertainty. Addressing the educational needs of men with/at‐risk for FXTAS could improve the quality of life of men who carry a fragile X premutation.
Turning threats into opportunities: how to implement and advance quality TB services for people with HIV during the COVID‐19 pandemic and beyond
Authors: Roberts Teri , Sahu Suvanand , Malar James , Abdullaev Timur , Vandevelde Wim , Pillay Yogan G , Fujiwara Paula I , Reid Alasdair , Hader Shannon , Singh Satvinder , Kamarulzaman Adeeba , Ahmedov Sevim
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Until COVID‐19, tuberculosis (TB) was the leading infectious disease killer globally, disproportionally affecting people with HIV. The COVID‐19 pandemic is threatening the gains made in the fight against both diseases.

Discussion

Although crucial guidance has been released on how to maintain TB and HIV services during the pandemic, it is acknowledged that what was considered normal service pre‐pandemic needs to improve to ensure that we rebuild person‐centred, inclusive and quality healthcare services. The threat that the pandemic may reverse gains in the response to TB and HIV may be turned into an opportunity by pivoting to using proven differentiated service delivery approaches and innovative technologies that can be used to maintain care during the pandemic and accelerate improved service delivery in the long term. Models of care should be convenient, supportive and sufficiently differentiated to avoid burdensome clinic visits for medication pick‐ups or directly observed treatments. Additionally, the pandemic has highlighted the chronic and short‐sighted lack of investment in health systems and the need to prioritize research and development to close the gaps in TB diagnosis, treatment and prevention, especially for children and people with HIV. Most importantly, TB‐affected communities and civil society must be supported to lead the planning, implementation and monitoring of TB and HIV services, especially in the time of COVID‐19 where services have been disrupted, and to report on legal, policy and gender‐related barriers to access experienced by affected people. This will help to ensure that TB services are held accountable by affected communities for delivering equitable access to quality, affordable and non‐discriminatory services during and beyond the pandemic.

Conclusions

Successfully reaching the related targets of ending TB and AIDS as public health threats by 2030 requires rebuilding of stronger, more inclusive health systems by advancing equitable access to quality TB services, including for people with HIV, both during and after the COVID‐19 pandemic. Moreover, services must be rights‐based, community‐led and community‐based, to ensure that no one is left behind.
Voxel‐level Classification of Prostate Cancer on Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Improving Accuracy Using Four‐Compartment Restriction Spectrum Imaging
Authors: Feng Christine H. , Conlin Christopher C. , Batra Kanha , Rodríguez‐Soto Ana E. , Karunamuni Roshan , Simon Aaron , Kuperman Joshua , Rakow‐Penner Rebecca , Hahn Michael E. , Dale Anders M. , Seibert Tyler M.
Published: March 2021

Background

Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is integral to detection of prostate cancer (PCa), but conventional apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) cannot capture the complexity of prostate tissues and tends to yield noisy images that do not distinctly highlight cancer. A four‐compartment restriction spectrum imaging (RSI4) model was recently found to optimally characterize pelvic diffusion signals, and the model coefficient for the slowest diffusion compartment, RSI4‐C1, yielded greatest tumor conspicuity.

Purpose

To evaluate the slowest diffusion compartment of a four‐compartment spectrum imaging model (RSI4‐C1) as a quantitative voxel‐level classifier of PCa.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Subjects

Forty‐six men who underwent an extended MRI acquisition protocol for suspected PCa. Twenty‐three men had benign prostates, and the other 23 men had PCa.

Field Strength/Sequence

A 3 T, multishell diffusion‐weighted and axial T2‐weighted sequences.

Assessment

High‐confidence cancer voxels were delineated by expert consensus, using imaging data and biopsy results. The entire prostate was considered benign in patients with no detectable cancer. Diffusion images were used to calculate RSI4‐C1 and conventional ADC. Classifier images were also generated.

Statistical Tests

Voxel‐level discrimination of PCa from benign prostate tissue was assessed via receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves generated by bootstrapping with patient‐level case resampling. RSI4‐C1 was compared to conventional ADC for two metrics: area under the ROC curve (AUC) and false‐positive rate for a sensitivity of 90% (FPR90). Statistical significance was assessed using bootstrap difference with two‐sided α = 0.05.

Results

RSI4‐C1 outperformed conventional ADC, with greater AUC (mean 0.977 [95% CI: 0.951–0.991] vs. 0.922 [0.878–0.948]) and lower FPR90 (0.032 [0.009–0.082] vs. 0.201 [0.132–0.290]). These improvements were statistically significant (P < 0.05).

Data Conclusion

RSI4‐C1 yielded a quantitative, voxel‐level classifier of PCa that was superior to conventional ADC. RSI classifier images with a low false‐positive rate might improve PCa detection and facilitate clinical applications like targeted biopsy and treatment planning.

Evidence Level

3

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Time course of 3D fibrocartilage formation by expanded human meniscus fibrochondrocytes in hypoxia
Authors: Szojka Alexander R. A. , Liang Yan , Marqueti Rita de Cássia , Moore Colleen N. , Erkut Esra J. N. , Kunze Melanie , Mulet‐Sierra Aillette , Jomha Nadr M. , Adesida Adetola B.
Published: March 2021

Adult human meniscus fibrocartilage is avascular and nonhealing after injury. Meniscus tissue engineering aims to replace injured meniscus with lab‐grown fibrocartilage. Dynamic culture systems may be necessary to generate fibrocartilage of sufficient mechanical properties for implantation; however, the optimal static preculture conditions before initiation of dynamic culture are unknown. This study thus investigated the time course of fibrocartilage formation by human meniscus fibrochondrocytes on a three‐dimensional biomaterial scaffold under various static conditions. Human meniscus fibrochondrocytes from partial meniscectomy were expanded to passage 1 (P1) or P2 (3.0 ± 0.4 and 6.5 ± 0.6 population doublings), seeded onto type I collagen scaffolds, and grown in hypoxia (HYP, 3% O2) or normoxia (NRX, 20% O2) for 3, 6, and 9 weeks. Mechanical properties were not different between P1 and P2 cell‐based constructs. Mechanical properties were lower in HYP, increased continually in NRX only, and were positively correlated with glycosaminoglycan content and accumulation of hyaline cartilage‐like matrix components. The most mechanically competent tissues (NRX/9 weeks) reached 1/5 of the native meniscus instantaneous compression modulus but had an increasingly hypertrophic matrix‐forming phenotype. HYP consistently suppressed the hypertrophic phenotype. The results provide baselines of engineered meniscus fibrocartilage properties under static conditions, which can be used to select a preculture strategy for dynamic culture depending on the desired combination of mechanical properties, hyaline cartilage‐like matrix abundance, and hypertrophic phenotype.
Display interface design for rollers based on cognitive load of operator
Authors: Yan Ketong , Shao Jiang , Zhu Zhendong , Zhang Kun , Yao Jun , Tian Fangyuan
Published: March 2021

Optimizing a display interface design for rollers is the focus of this study, in which the effects of cognitive load of the operator are taken into consideration, which greatly contribute to acquiring interface information accurately and enhancing cognitive efficiency. To reduce the cognitive demand of the operator, a commonly used generic display interface is modified in this study. Three methods are used to measure the cognitive load, including subjective (NASA Task Load Index) and physiological (eye movement) measurements and through task performance. These three measurements are used with two groups of subjects: those who view the original and those who are given the modified version during four given tasks. The findings show that the modified interface has a significant impact on eye movement and completion time of the four tasks. After a comprehensive analysis of the results from the three types of measurement, it is found that the modified interface is less cognitively demanding than the original interface and allows a higher cognitive performance, which accordingly demonstrates that the modifications made are effective in reducing cognitive load. This study therefore provides the scientific basis for advancing interface designs and evaluating the display interface designs for engineering equipment.
Propensity Score–Matched Analysis of Posttransplant Outcomes in Living Donor Liver Transplantation for Older Adult Recipients
Authors: Hakeem Abdul Rahman , Fathima Rukhaiya , Padmanaban Hrishikesh , Haribabu Kulaseharan , Rajalingam Rajesh , Palaniappan Kumar , Jothimani Dinesh , Kanagavelu Rathan , Rajakumar Akila , Kaliamoorthy Ilankumaran , Reddy Mettu Srinivas , Rela Mohamed
Published: March 2021

The impact of increasing recipient age on morbidity and mortality following living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) remains controversial. The study aims to analyze the impact of recipient age on outcomes following LDLT. Data on adult LDLTs performed between November 2009 and February 2020 were retrieved from a prospectively maintained database. Patients were stratified into 2 groups based on recipient age: 18 to 65 years (younger adults) and >65 years (older adults). Propensity score matching (PSM) using nearest‐neighbor matching was used to match each older recipient with up to 2 younger adult recipients using multiple preoperative parameters. Outcomes evaluated were duration of ventilation, need for reintubation, tracheostomy, intensive care unit (ICU) readmission, length of ICU and hospital stays, postoperative complications, reoperation within 90 days, and patient survival. A total of 801 adult LDLT recipients were included in the study; 751 (93.7%) were younger adults, and 50 (6.3%) were older adults. Older recipients were more likely to be diabetic (60.0% versus 39.7%) and hypertensive (44.0% versus 20.4%) with preexisting cardiac disease (28.0% versus 11.2%). However, their pretransplant Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease score was significantly lower (14.5 versus 17.7), and they were more likely to receive a transplant because of hepatocellular carcinoma (38.0% versus 17.7%). Older recipients had longer durations of ventilation after LT both before (3.7 versus 1.9 days) and after PSM (4.0 versus 1.5 days). After PSM, the 30‐day (13.0% versus 2.4%), 90‐day (15.2% and 2.4%), and overall mortality rates (21.7% versus 7.1%) were significantly higher for older recipients when compared with younger recipients. There was no difference between the younger and older recipients with respect to other postoperative outcomes. This propensity score–matched study shows that the older LDLT recipients have higher 30‐day, 90‐day, 1‐year, and 5‐year mortality rates when compared with matched younger counterparts.
Endocrinological features of a patient with 14q microdeletion and Dubowitz phenotype
Authors: Amodeo Maria Elisa , Inzaghi Elena , Deodati Annalisa , Cianfarani Stefano
Published: March 2021

Background

Dubowitz syndrome (DS) is a complex and rare condition characterized by postnatal growth retardation, microcephaly, short stature, mild developmental delay, facial dysmorphism, skin eruption and bone marrow failure. Though approximately 200 cases have been described so far, no specific genetic analysis, laboratory tests or radiological exams are available to confirm the diagnosis which is still based on clinical and facial features. Although short stature is a major feature of the syndrome, no endocrine alterations have been reported so far and scant data are available about the efficacy and safety of GH treatment in these patients.

Methods

A 13‐year‐old male patient was referred to our attention for short stature. Endocrinological evaluation including GH axis, adrenal and gonadal functions were assessed. aCGH was performed.

Results

14q terminal microdeletion associated with Dubowitz phenotype was found. Endocrinological investigations revealed the presence of hypopituitarism which showed a satisfactory response to short‐term growth hormone therapy. The subject also started glucocorticoid replacement therapy. Disorders in pubertal progression and gonadal function were noted.

Conclusions

Dubowitz syndrome (DS) includes different clinical findings variably occurring.

Subjects with a Dubowitz phenotype should be carefully monitored for endocrinological anomalies. The prompt recognition of potential life‐threatening endocrinological condition for example adrenal insufficiency is mandatory in order to start an adequate and early treatment.
An inverse problem for a multi‐term fractional differential equation with two‐parameter fractional derivatives in time and Bessel operator
Authors: Samreen Arifa , Malik Salman A.
Published: March 2021

In this work, we investigate unique solvability of inverse source problem (ISP) of determining a time‐dependent source term along with solution for a multi‐term fractional differential equation involving two‐parameter fractional derivative in time usually known as Hilfer fractional derivative. We applied the eigenfunction expansion method, and the corresponding spectral problem consists of Bessel differential equation in space variable. The multi‐term fractional order differential equations are solved by Laplace transform and solution involve multinomial Mittag–Leffler type functions. Banach fixed‐point theorem is used to prove unique existence of time‐dependent source term whenever integral type over‐determination condition is given. Some examples are provided to support our analysis.
Dual‐channel glucose concentration sensor based on coupled cross‐stacked gratings
Authors: Li Rui , Wang Qi , Gao Xufeng , Cao Shuhua , Tao Chunxian , Hong Ruijin , Zhang Dawei
Published: March 2021

A dual‐channel glucose concentration sensor based on coupled cross‐stacked gratings is proposed. When the concentration of glucose solution is varied from 30 to 60 g/100 ml, the maximum values of the bulk sensitivity for peaks at longer and shorter resonance wavelength indicate approximately 615.57 and 262.94 nm/RIU, respectively. Therefore, the sensitivity of channel at longer wavelength is increased by 234.42% compared with that of the shorter wavelength. Advantageously, the dual‐channel sensor with different sensitivities can reduce measurement errors and noise effectively such as background noise and the fluctuation of the light source.
Detection, discrimination and quantification of amphetamine, cathinone and nor‐ephedrine regioisomers using benchtop 1H and 19F nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Authors: Hulme Matthew C. , Hayatbakhsh Armita , Brignall Rachel M. , Gilbert Nicolas , Costello Andrew , Schofield Christopher J. , Williamson David C. , Kemsley E. Kate , Sutcliffe Oliver B. , Mewis Ryan E.
Published: March 2021

Amphetamine and cathinone derivatives are abused recreationally due to the sense of euphoria they provide to the user. Methodologies for the rapid detection of the drug derivative present in a seized sample, or an indication of the drug class, are beneficial to law enforcement and healthcare providers. Identifying the drug class is prudent because derivatisation of these drugs, to produce regioisomers, for example, occurs frequently to circumvent global and local drug laws. Thus, newly encountered derivatives might not be present in a spectral library. Employment of benchtop nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) could be used to provide rapid analysis of seized samples as well as identifying the class of drug present. Discrimination of individual amphetamine‐, methcathinone‐, N‐ethylcathinone and nor‐ephedrine‐derived fluorinated and methylated regioisomers is achieved herein using qualitative automated 1H NMR analysis and compared to gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) data. Two seized drug samples, SS1 and SS2, were identified to contain 4‐fluoroamphetamine by 1H NMR (match score median = 0.9933) and GC–MS (RRt = 5.42–5.43 min). The amount of 4‐fluoroamphetamine present was 42.8%–43.4% w/w and 48.7%–49.2% w/w for SS1 and SS2, respectively, from quantitative 19F NMR analysis, which is in agreement with the amount determined by GC–MS (39.9%–41.4% w/w and 49.0%–49.3% w/w). The total time for the qualitative 1H NMR and quantitative 19F NMR analysis is ~10 min. This contrasts to ~40 min for the GC–MS method. The NMR method also benefits from minimal sample preparation. Thus, benchtop NMR affords rapid, and discriminatory, analysis of the drug present in a seized sample.
Porphyric neuropathy
Authors: Gandhi Mehta Rachana K. , Caress James B. , Rudnick Sean R. , Bonkovsky Herbert L.
Published: March 2021

Acute hepatic porphyrias are inherited metabolic disorders that may present with polyneuropathy, which if not diagnosed early can lead to quadriparesis, respiratory weakness, and death. Porphyric neuropathy is an acute to subacute motor predominant axonal neuropathy with a predilection for the upper extremities and usually preceded by a predominantly parasympathetic autonomic neuropathy. The rapid progression and associated dysautonomia mimic Guillain‐Barré syndrome but are distinguished by the absence of cerebrospinal fluid albuminocytologic dissociation, progression beyond 4 wk, and associated abdominal pain. Spot urine test to assess the porphyrin precursors delta‐aminolevulinic acid and porphobilinogen can provide a timely diagnosis during an acute attack. Timely treatment with intravenous heme, carbohydrate loading, and avoidance of porphyrinogenic medications can prevent further neurological morbidity and mortality.
A systematic review of ketamine for the management of vaso‐occlusive pain in sickle cell disease
Authors: Harris Emily M. , Vilk Emily , Heeney Matthew M. , Solodiuk Jean , Greco Christine , Archer Natasha M.
Published: March 2021

Vaso‐occlusive episodes (VOEs) are a common complication of sickle cell disease (SCD) and a significant cause of morbidity. Managing VOE pain can be difficult and complex. Ketamine, an N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, has been used to manage VOE pain. This systematic literature review synthesizes research published from 2010 to 2020 on the use of ketamine infusion to decrease VOE pain. The review demonstrates that ketamine, a safe and effective treatment for VOE pain, could be considered more widely. However, the significant variability among published clinical studies with regard to dosing, timing of initiation, duration of infusion, and timing of discontinuation highlights the need for standardized ketamine infusion protocols for the management of VOE pain. We conclude with a brief discussion of key components of a potential standardized protocol supported by the literature reviewed as well as areas for future investigation.
New Thermolysis Routes of Diaminodinitroethylene (DADNE)
Authors: Krisyuk Boris Eduardovich , Sypko Timofey Mikhailovich
Published: March 2021

Primary steps of thermolysis of the promising high‐energy compound 1,1‐diamino‐2,2‐dinitroethylene (DADNE or FOX‐7) were studied by the quantum‐chemical methods using the PBE0 hybrid functional in the cc‐pVDZ basis set and the coupled‐cluster method at the CCSD/aug‐cc‐pVDZ level. A series of thermal decomposition reactions were studied. The reactions proceeding via hydrogen transfer from the amino group to carbon, along with four variants of transformations of the aci form of DADNE insufficiently studied earlier, are shown to be the most energetically favorable channels of the DADNE thermal decomposition. The activation enthalpies ΔHa of all these channels are close to the most reliable experimental values which are in the range of 190–200 kJ mol−1.
Flavonoids as potential phytotherapeutics to combat cytokine storm in SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Gour Abhishek , Manhas Diksha , Bag Swarnendu , Gorain Bapi , Nandi Utpal
Published: March 2021

Emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection, COVID‐19, has become the global panic since December 2019, which urges the global healthcare professionals to identify novel therapeutics to counteract this pandemic. So far, there is no approved treatment available to control this public health issue; however, a few antiviral agents and repurposed drugs support the patients under medical supervision by compromising their adverse effects, especially in emergency conditions. Only a few vaccines have been approved to date. In this context, several plant natural products‐based research studies are evidenced to play a crucial role in immunomodulation that can prevent the chances of infection as well as combat the cytokine release storm (CRS) generated during COVID‐19 infection. In this present review, we have focused on flavonoids, especially epicatechin, epigallocatechin gallate, hesperidin, naringenin, quercetin, rutin, luteolin, baicalin, diosmin, ge nistein, biochanin A, and silymarin, which can counteract the virus‐mediated elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines leading to multiple organ failure. In addition, a comprehensive discussion on available in silico, in vitro, and in vivo findings with critical analysis has also been evaluated, which might pave the way for further development of phytotherapeutics to identify the potential lead candidatetoward effective and safe management of the SARS‐CoV‐2 disease.
Characterizing spatial variability in coastal wetland biomass across multiple scales using UAV and satellite imagery
Authors: Doughty Cheryl L. , Ambrose Richard F. , Okin Gregory S. , Cavanaugh Kyle C.
Published: March 2021

Coastal wetland biomass is an important indicator of wetland productivity, carbon storage, health, and vulnerability to climate change. The ability to estimate aboveground biomass (AGB) in wetlands at ecologically relevant scales is complicated by the spatial variability inherent to patterns in wetland vegetation and the biogeomorphic processes that help create them. Remote sensing provides an approach for mapping wetland biomass, but the spatial resolutions of satellite and airborne imagery often constrain the types of ecological patterns and processes that can be detected. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have previously been used to capture fine‐scale (≤1 m) variability in AGB in coastal wetland settings. However, it remains unclear if a UAV approach to estimating wetland biomass is transferrable across diverse wetland sites or how it compares to commonly used satellite‐based approaches. Here, we test the capabilities of UAVs in remotely quantifying AGB and compare biomass estimation using UAV and Landsat satellite imagery (30 m resolution) in several wetland sites in Southern California. Field surveys highlight significant spatial variability in wetland plant community AGB and height that influence remote biomass estimation. Relationships between UAV vegetation indices and AGB were site‐specific and influenced by vegetation types. Biomass estimation using UAVs (r2 = 0.40, RMSE = 534.6 g m−2) showed better correlation with NDVI than a Landsat‐based approach (r2 = 0.26, RMSE = 596.8 g m−2). We found combining high‐resolution UAV AGB maps and Landsat NDVI to develop AGB models showed the highest correlation (r2 = 0.45, RMSE = 659.7 g m−2) and provided additional spatial information to aid scaling field data to satellite imagery. Overall, UAVs captured more spatial complexity in aboveground biomass at finer scales than is possible with moderate‐resolution Landsat pixels, indicating that UAVs can be used to characterize patterns of within‐marsh variability resulting from local‐scale (≤ 100s of meters) ecological processes.
Value, rent, and profit: A stakeholder resource‐based theory
Authors: Stoelhorst J. W.
Published: March 2021

Research Summary

This article goes back to first principles to develop a stakeholder resource‐based theory grounded in a team production view of the firm. First, the firm is conceptualized as a governance structure to facilitate stakeholder cooperation in team production and innovation. Second, value creation, value appropriation, rent, and profit are defined in ways that explicitly acknowledge the collective and dynamic nature of value creation. The resulting framework is used to explain how economic profit and stakeholder payments emerge in the interplay of value creation and appropriation. One fundamental insight is that above normal returns to shareholders result from their (privileged) position in governance structures, as opposed to a competitive market logic. Implications for resource‐based theory and the notion of shareholder primacy are discussed.

Managerial Summary

How do firms generate profit? And what determines who appropriates this profit? These questions are answered by conceptualizing the firm as a coalition of stakeholders who provide resources to engage in team production and team innovation. Once the firm is seen in this way, two fundamental things become clear. First, profit is the result of how resource bundles are managed: profit depends on management's ability to assemble, develop, and deploy resource bundles that are unique in terms of novelty, complementarities, and/or scale. Second, appropriation of profit is the result of pure bargaining: who appropriates the profit generated by the firm is not determined by markets, but depends on the formal and informal governance rules that guide the bargaining over profit among the firm's stakeholders.
Das Somnium
Authors: Schaumberger Thomas , Hofmann Arne
Published: March 2021

Das Somnium des TNF‐Turms ist Teil eines 2016 ausgelobten Wettbewerbs, den das Büro Riepl Riepl Architekten für sich entscheiden konnte. Ziel des Wettbewerbs war die Erweiterung und Sanierung sowie der Neubau verschiedener Gebäude des Campus der Johannes Kepler Universität (JKU), um eine Attraktivierung und Modernisierung des gesamten Universitätsgeländes zu erzielen. Neben der Errichtung eines Willkommenszentrums und Veranstaltungsgebäudes (Kepler Hall) und der Um‐ und Neugestaltung der Bibliothek durch eine Aufstockung in ein Learning Center waren auch die Sanierung des TNF‐Turms (Technisch‐Naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät) sowie die Errichtung eines begehbaren und für viele nutzbaren Dachgartens, dem sog. Somnium, Bestandteil des Projekts. Der TNF‐Turm ist das mit 49 m höchste Gebäude am Campus der JKU und bietet den besten Ausblick über das Universitätsgelände und auf das umliegende Stadtgebiet. Das Somnium selbst ist eine Erweiterung des bestehenden Gebäudes in Gestalt einer Aussichtsterrasse auf dem Dach des Turms, die durch ein Rankgerüst räumlich gefasst wird. Die schlanke Stahlkonstruktion und ihre Errichtung, der interdisziplinäre Planungsprozess sowie der Umgang mit dem Bestand sollen hier näher beschrieben werden (Bild 1).
Agriculture trade policy measures and geopolitics in major regional trading blocs: Policy advocacy
Authors: Bala Dastagiri Madiga , Naga Sindhuja Padigapati Venkata
Published: March 2021

Trading blocs are usually groups of countries in specific regions that manage and endorse trade activities. The present status of agricultural support, tariff, and non‐tariff measures of WTO members has critical issues for debate on trade policy. The study is a quantitative analysis and framework of geopolitical effects of WTO measures on the most significant regional trading blocs and global agriculture. The study found that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) trading blocs were highly supporting the agricultural sector followed by South Asian Free Trade Area in terms of total support estimates, whereas reverse trends in terms of producer support estimates. North American Free Trade Agreement imposed the highest number of sanitary and phytosanitary measures, technical barriers to trade, anti‐dumping, countervailing, and special safeguards. However, ASEAN trading bloc imposed more number of safeguards and quantitative restrictions. European Free Trade Area and Common Market of the South, South American Regional Economic Organization trading blocs imposed higher tariff rate quotas and export subsidies, respectively. India gave more price advantage to domestic goods. The United States and the European Union imposed higher tariffs on both agriculture and non‐agriculture sectors. Globally, most of the countries' Agricultural Orientation Index (AOI) has less than unity indicating not giving priority to agriculture in budget allocation except for South Korea and Switzerland. These findings will have significant impact on world trade negotiations, world trading rules, designing WTO agreements or policies or programs, multilateral agreements.
Maßnahmen zur Bewältigung der COVID-19-Pandemie in Deutschland: nichtpharmakologische und pharmakologische Ansätze
Authors: Grote Ulrike , Arvand Mardjan , Brinkwirth Simon , Brunke Melanie , Buchholz Udo , Eckmanns Tim , von Kleist Max , Niebank Michaela , Ruehe Bettina , Schulze Kai , Stoliaroff-Pépin Anna , Thanheiser Marc , Schaade Lars , Said Dunja , Haas Walter
Published: March 2021

Beim ersten Auftreten des Erregers SARS-CoV‑2 im Dezember 2019 standen weder spezifische therapeutische Möglichkeiten noch ein Impfstoff zur Verfügung. Auch in Deutschland rückten deshalb nichtpharmakologische Maßnahmen zur Kontrolle der COVID-19-Pandemie in den Vordergrund. Am Robert Koch-Institut wurde eine Multikomponentenstrategie aus bevölkerungsbasierten und individuellen infektionshygienischen Maßnahmen entwickelt, die auf bestehenden Influenzapandemieplänen und generischen Planungen aufbaute. Der Beitrag erläutert die empfohlenen nichtpharmakologischen Maßnahmen und stellt die parallel entwickelten pharmakologischen Ansätze dar.

Zu den bevölkerungsbasierten Maßnahmen gehören u. a. allgemeine Kontaktbeschränkungen, die Versorgung mit Materialien für den Infektionsschutz, Veranstaltungsverbote, die Schließung von Bildungseinrichtungen und die Beschränkung des Reiseverkehrs. Zusätzlich sind individuelle infektionshygienische Maßnahmen notwendig: z. B. Einhaltung eines Mindestabstands, Reduktion von Kontakten, Tragen einer Mund-Nasen-Bedeckung sowie Einhaltung von Quarantäne und Isolierung. Die Maßnahmen im Gesundheitswesen bauen auf Empfehlungen der Kommission für Krankenhaushygiene und Infektionsprävention (KRINKO) auf und werden von den Fachgesellschaften spezifiziert und implementiert. Als pharmakologische Maßnahmen stehen mit Stand November 2020 eine antivirale Therapie mit Remdesivir und die Behandlung mit dem Glucocorticoid Dexamethason zur Verfügung. Monoklonale Antikörper sind zu diesem Zeitpunkt noch nicht zugelassen. Die therapeutische Antikoagulation wird empfohlen.

Die Empfehlungen werden kontinuierlich an die wachsende Kenntnis der Eigenschaften und Übertragungswege des Erregers angepasst. Eine große Herausforderung besteht darin, das Vertrauen der Bevölkerung in die empfohlenen Maßnahmen zu stärken. Viele Maßnahmen müssen individuell angewandt werden, um gemeinsam zu wirken.
Stripe rust resistance gene Yr34 (synonym Yr48) is located within a distal translocation of Triticum monococcum chromosome 5AmL into common wheat
Authors: Chen Shisheng , Hegarty Joshua , Shen Tao , Hua Lei , Li Hongna , Luo Jing , Li Hongyu , Bai Shengsheng , Zhang Chaozhong , Dubcovsky Jorge
Published: March 2021

Key messageThe stripe rust resistance geneYr34 was transferred to polyploid wheat chromosome 5AL from T. monococcumand has been used for over two centuries.

Wheat stripe (or yellow) rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), is currently among the most damaging fungal diseases of wheat worldwide. In this study, we report that the stripe rust resistance gene Yr34 (synonym Yr48) is located within a distal segment of the cultivated Triticum monococcum subsp. monococcum chromosome 5AmL translocated to chromosome 5AL in polyploid wheat. The diploid wheat species Triticum monococcum (genome AmAm) is closely related to T. urartu (donor of the A genome to polyploid wheat) and has good levels of resistance against the stripe rust pathogen. When present in hexaploid wheat, the T. monococcum Yr34 resistance gene confers a moderate level of resistance against virulent Pst races present in California and the virulent Chinese race CYR34. In a survey of 1,442 common wheat genotypes, we identified 5AmL translocations of fourteen different lengths in 17.5% of the accessions, with higher frequencies in Europe than in other continents. The old European wheat variety “Mediterranean” was identified as a putative source of this translocation, suggesting that Yr34 has been used for over 200 years. Finally, we designed diagnostic CAPS and sequenced-based markers that will be useful to accelerate the deployment of Yr34 in wheat breeding programs to improve resistance to this devastating pathogen.
Physiology, pathophysiology and (mal)adaptations to chronic apnoeic training: a state-of-the-art review
Authors: Elia Antonis , Gennser M. , Harlow P. S. , Lees Matthew J.
Published: March 2021

Breath-hold diving is an activity that humans have engaged in since antiquity to forage for resources, provide sustenance and to support military campaigns. In modern times, breath-hold diving continues to gain popularity and recognition as both a competitive and recreational sport. The continued progression of world records is somewhat remarkable, particularly given the extreme hypoxaemic and hypercapnic conditions, and hydrostatic pressures these athletes endure. However, there is abundant literature to suggest a large inter-individual variation in the apnoeic capabilities that is thus far not fully understood. In this review, we explore developments in apnoea physiology and delineate the traits and mechanisms that potentially underpin this variation. In addition, we sought to highlight the physiological (mal)adaptations associated with consistent breath-hold training. Breath-hold divers (BHDs) are evidenced to exhibit a more pronounced diving-response than non-divers, while elite BHDs (EBHDs) also display beneficial adaptations in both blood and skeletal muscle. Importantly, these physiological characteristics are documented to be primarily influenced by training-induced stimuli. BHDs are exposed to unique physiological and environmental stressors, and as such possess an ability to withstand acute cerebrovascular and neuronal strains. Whether these characteristics are also a result of training-induced adaptations or genetic predisposition is less certain. Although the long-term effects of regular breath-hold diving activity are yet to be holistically established, preliminary evidence has posed considerations for cognitive, neurological, renal and bone health in BHDs. These areas should be explored further in longitudinal studies to more confidently ascertain the long-term health implications of extreme breath-holding activity.
The habenula-targeting neurons in the mouse entopeduncular nucleus contain not only somatostatin-positive neurons but also nitric oxide synthase-positive neurons
Authors: Miyamoto Yuta , Fukuda Takaichi
Published: March 2021

The entopeduncular nucleus (EPN) in rodents is one of the two major output nuclei of the basal ganglia and corresponds to the internal segment of the globus pallidus in primates. Previous studies have shown that the EPN contains three types of neurons that project to different targets, namely, parvalbumin (PV)-, somatostatin (SOM)-, and choline acetyltransferase-positive neurons. However, we have recently reported that neurons lacking immunoreactivities for these substances are present in the EPN. Here, we demonstrate that 27.7% of all EPN neurons showed immunoreactivity for nitric oxide synthase (NOS). Among them, NOS-only positive and NOS/SOM double-positive neurons accounted for 20.1% and 6.8%, respectively, whereas NOS/PV double-positive neurons were rarely observed. NOS-containing neurons were distributed in a shell region surrounding the thalamus-targeting, PV-rich core region of the EPN, especially in the ventromedial part of the shell. The retrograde tracer fluoro-gold (FG) was injected into several target regions of EPN neurons. Among FG-labeled EPN neurons after injection into the lateral habenula (LHb), NOS-only positive, NOS/SOM double-positive, and SOM-only positive neurons accounted for 25.7%, 15.2%, and 59.1%, respectively. We conclude that NOS-positive neurons are the second major population of LHb-targeting EPN neurons, suggesting their possible involvement in behaviors in response to aversive stimuli.
Differential outcomes of novel plant-herbivore associations between an invading planthopper and native and invasive Spartina cordgrass species
Authors: Harkin Claire , Stewart Alan J. A.
Published: March 2021

Non-native plants may benefit, briefly or permanently, from natural enemy release in their invaded range, or may form novel interactions with native enemy species. Likewise, newly arrived herbivores may develop novel associations with native plants or, where their hosts have arrived ahead of them, re-establish interactions that existed previously in their ancestral ranges. Predicting outcomes from this diversity of novel and re-established interactions between plants and their herbivores presents a major challenge for invasion biology. We report on interactions between the recently arrived invasive planthopperProkelisia marginata, and the multi-ploidySpartinacomplex of four native and introduced species in Britain, each representing a different level of shared evolutionary history with the herbivore. As predicted,S. alterniflora, the ancestral host, was least impacted by planthopper herbivory, with the previously unexposed nativeS. maritima, a nationally threatened species, suffering the greatest impacts on leaf length gain, new leaf growth and relative water content. Contrary to expectations, glasshouse trials showedP. marginatato preferentially oviposit on the invasive allododecaploidS. anglica, on which it achieved earlier egg hatch, faster nymphal development, larger female body size and greatest final population size. We suggestP. marginatais in the process of rapid adaptation to maximise its performance on what is now the most abundant and widespread host in Britain. The diversity of novel and re-established interactions of the herbivore with this multi-ploidy complex makes this a highly valuable system for the study of the evolutionary ecology of plant–insect interactions and their influence on invasion dynamics.
Technical feasibility and short-term outcomes of laparoscopic isolated caudate lobe resection: an IgoMILS (Italian Group of Minimally Invasive Liver Surgery) registry-based study
Authors: Ruzzenente Andrea , Ciangherotti Andrea , Aldrighetti Luca , Ettorre Giuseppe Maria , De Carlis Luciano , Ferrero Alessandro , Dalla Valle Raffaele , Tisone Giuseppe , Guglielmi Alfredo ,   The IgoMILS – Sg1 Group, Ratti Francesca , Gringeri Enrico , Russolillo Nadia , Campagnaro Tommaso , Conci Simone , Sandri Giovanni Battista. Levi , Ardito Francesco , Boggi Ugo , Gruttadauria Salvatore , Viganò Luca , Di Benedetto Fabrizio , Rossi Giogio Ettore. , Berti Stefano , Ceccarelli Graziano , Vincenti Leonardo , Cillo Umberto , Giuliante Felice , Mazzaferro Vincenzo , Jovine Elio , Calise Fulvio , Belli Giulio , Zamboni Fausto , Coratti Andrea , Mezzatesta Pietro , Santambrogio Roberto , Navarra Giuseppe , Giuliani Antonio , Ferla Fabio , Pinna Antonio Domenico. , Parisi Amilcare , Colledan Michele , Slim Abdallah , Antonucci Adelmo , Grazi Gian Luca , Frena Antonio , Sgroi Giovanni , Brolese Alberto , Morelli Luca , Floridi Antonio , Patriti Alberto , Veneroni Luigi , Boni Luigi , Maida Piero , Griseri Guido , Filauro Marco , Guerriero Silvio , Romito Raffaele , Tedeschi Umberto , Zimmitti Giuseppe
Published: March 2021

Background

Although isolated caudate lobe (CL) liver resection is not a contraindication for minimally invasive liver surgery (MILS), feasibility and safety of the procedure are still poorly investigated. To address this gap, we evaluate data on the Italian prospective maintained database on laparoscopic liver surgery (IgoMILS) and compare outcomes between MILS and open group.

Methods

Perioperative data of patients with malignancies, as colorectal liver metastases (CRLM), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), non-colorectal liver metastases (NCRLM) and benign liver disease, were retrospectively analyzed. A propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was performed to balance the potential selection bias for MILS and open group.

Results

A total of 224 patients were included in the study, 47 and 177 patients underwent MILS and open isolated CL resection, respectively. The overall complication rate was comparable between the two groups; however, severe complication rate (Dindo–Clavien grade ≥ 3) was lower in the MILS group (0% versus 6.8%, P = ns). In-hospital mortality was 0% in both groups and mean hospital stay was significantly shorter in the MILS group (P = 0.01). After selection of 42 MILS and 43 open CL resections by PSM analysis, intraoperative and postoperative outcomes remained similar except for the hospital stay which was not significantly shorter in MILS group.

Conclusions

This multi-institutional cohort study shows that MILS CL resection is feasible and safe. The surgical procedure can be technically demanding compared to open resection, whereas good perioperative outcomes can be achieved in highly selected patients.