bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unlocking the Value of White Blood Cells for Heart Failure Diagnosis
Authors: Meier Stefan , Henkens Michiel , Heymans Stephane , Robinson Emma Louise
Published: May 2020

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the single greatest cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Inciting 85% of CVD fatalities is heart failure, often resulting in or from a myocardial infarction. Early detection along with pharmacological treatment and lifestyle adaptation can result in better prognosis. Biomarkers are molecular or physiological measures that indicate disease presence, status, and severity. However, not all forms of heart failure are created equal. Current mainstay biomarkers for heart failure, including NT-pro-BNP and ejection fraction, lack sensitivity for many patients. Circulating white blood cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) are emerging as surrogate biopsies, reflecting molecular changes in the heart. We discuss the advantages of PBMCs over other sources, as well as limitations and considerations. We urge medical center biobanks to collect, isolate and store circulating white blood cells as a rich source of biomarkers to catalyze the discovery of novel diagnostic tools for heart failure.
Anxiolytic Effects of 8-O-Acetyl Shanzhiside Methylester on Acute and Chronic Anxiety via Inflammatory Response Inhibition and Excitatory/Inhibitory Transmission Imbalance
Authors: Sun Ting , Luo Li , Tian Qin-Qin , Wang Wen-Ju , Liu Qing-Qing , Yang Le , Zhang Kun , Zhang Wei , Zhao Ming-Gao , Yang Qi
Published: May 2020

Anxiety leads to a global decline in quality of life and increase in social burden. However, treatments are limited, because the molecular mechanisms underlying complex emotional disorders are poorly understood. We explored the anxiolytic effects of 8-O-acetyl shanzhiside methylester (8-OaS), an active component in Lamiophlomis rotata (L. rotata; Benth.) or Kudo, a traditional herb that has been shown to be effective in the clinical treatment of chronic pain syndromes in China. Two mouse anxiety models were used: forced swimming stress (FSS)–induced anxiety and complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA)–induced chronic inflammatory pain. All animal behaviors were analyzed on the elevated plus maze and in the open-field test. 8-OaS significantly ameliorated anxiety-like behaviors in both anxiety models and inhibited the translation enhancement of GluN2A, GluN2B, and PSD95. Moreover, a reduction in GABA receptors disrupted the excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) balance in the basolateral amygdala (BLA), indicated by increased excitatory and decreased inhibitory presynaptic release. 8-OaS also blocked microglia activation and reduced the phosphorylation of p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), NF-κB p65, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in the BLA of anxiety mice. 8-OaS exhibits obvious anxiolytic effects by regulating the excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) synaptic transmission and attenuating inflammatory responses in the BLA.
Digital twin-based sustainable intelligent manufacturing: a review
Authors: He Bin , Bai Kai-Jian
Published: May 2020

As the next-generation manufacturing system, intelligent manufacturing enables better quality, higher productivity, lower cost, and increased manufacturing flexibility. The concept of sustainability is receiving increasing attention, and sustainable manufacturing is evolving. The digital twin is an emerging technology used in intelligent manufacturing that can grasp the state of intelligent manufacturing systems in real-time and predict system failures. Sustainable intelligent manufacturing based on a digital twin has advantages in practical applications. To fully understand the intelligent manufacturing that provides the digital twin, this study reviews both technologies and discusses the sustainability of intelligent manufacturing. Firstly, the relevant content of intelligent manufacturing, including intelligent manufacturing equipment, systems, and services, is analyzed. In addition, the sustainability of intelligent manufacturing is discussed. Subsequently, a digital twin and its application are introduced along with the development of intelligent manufacturing based on the digital twin technology. Finally, combined with the current status, the future development direction of intelligent manufacturing is presented.
Digital removable partial dentures
Authors: Tamimi Faleh , Almufleh Balqees , Caron Eric , Alageel Omar
Published: May 2020

Recently, digital techniques have revolutionized the production of partial removable dental prostheses (PRDPs). This chapter reviews current systems for PRDP production, how they are done in clinical practice, advantages and limitations, and current literature regarding their clinical performance. Currently, several digital techniques are available in the market for PRDP production including subtractive and additive techniques. Subtractive milling technique is mainly effective for non-metal PRDP, whereas additive techniques are used mainly in metal PRDP. Digital techniques expand the range of materials that can be utilized for PRDP production, including new polymers (PEEK), and facilitate previously difficult procedures such as casting titanium PRDP, which can be produced more easily with digital methods. This review shows that available evidence suggests that these techniques have promising clinical results. Laser sintering resulted in higher patient’s satisfaction compared to conventional PRDP. However, long-term clinical trials are recommended to explore the long-term effects of these techniques. Moreover, this review showed the lack of evidence on the clinical performance of non-metal partial removable dental prostheses.
Rethinking Use-Wear Analysis and Experimentation as Applied to the Study of Past Hominin Tool Use
Authors: Marreiros João , Calandra Ivan , Gneisinger Walter , Paixão Eduardo , Pedergnana Antonella , Schunk Lisa
Published: May 2020

In prehistoric human populations, technologies played a fundamental role in the acquisition of different resources and are represented in the main daily living activities, such as with bone, wooden, and stone-tipped spears for hunting, and chipped-stone tools for butchering. Considering that paleoanthropologists and archeologists are focused on the study of different processes involved in the evolution of human behavior, investigating how hominins acted in the past through the study of evidence on archeological artifacts is crucial. Thus, investigating tool use is of major importance for a comprehensive understanding of all processes that characterize human choices of raw materials, techniques, and tool types. Many functional assumptions of tool use have been based on tool design and morphology according to archeologists’ interpretations and ethnographic observations. Such assumptions are used as baselines when inferring human behavior and have driven an improvement in the methods and techniques employed in functional studies over the past few decades. Here, while arguing that use-wear analysis is a key discipline to assess past hominin tool use and to interpret the organization and variability of artifact types in the archeological record, we aim to review and discuss the current state-of-the-art methods, protocols, and their limitations. In doing so, our discussion focuses on three main topics: (1) the need for fundamental improvements by adopting established methods and techniques from similar research fields, (2) the need to implement and combine different levels of experimentation, and (3) the crucial need to establish standards and protocols in order to improve data quality, standardization, repeatability, and reproducibility. By adopting this perspective, we believe that studies will increase the reliability and applicability of use-wear methods on tool function. The need for a holistic approach that combines not only use-wear traces but also tool technology, design, curation, durability, and efficiency is also debated and revised. Such a revision is a crucial step if archeologists want to build major inferences on human decision-making behavior and biocultural evolution processes.
Overview of Exercise Prescription for Diabetes Patients and Its Application in Japan
Authors: Sato Yuzo
Published: May 2020

In recent years, the Westernization of dietary habits and increasingly sedentary lifestyle have contributed to a marked increase in the number of type 2 diabetes patients. Sedentary behavior may play a significant role in the development and aggravation of type 2 diabetes. The results of various follow-up studies have demonstrated that proper diet combined with physical exercise is useful in the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes. A nationwide survey regarding exercise therapy for diabetes patients in Japan revealed that relatively few physicians provide patients with exercise guidance because of time constraints, that the physicians do not receive additional consultation fee, and that there is a lack of specialized physical exercise educators. Physical exercise promotes the utilization of glucose and free fatty acids in the muscles, and thus lowers blood glucose (BG) levels. Dietary restriction and physical exercise are effective in the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes by improving the in vivo sensitivity to insulin. Most adults with diabetes should engage in 150 min or more of moderate-to-vigorous intensity aerobic activity per week, spread out over at least 3 days/week, with no more than two consecutive days without activity. Mild-intensity resistance training such as half squat and calf raise is recommended for elderly individuals who have decreased muscle strength and mass (sarcopenia). Prolonged sitting should be interrupted every 30 min for BG benefits, particularly in adults with type 2 diabetes. Individuals with type 2 diabetes are also encouraged to increase their total daily unstructured physical activity (daily movement).
Boundedness of dyadic maximal operators on variable Lebesgue spaces
Authors: Weisz Ferenc
Published: May 2020

We introduce three types of dyadic maximal operators and prove that under some conditions on the variable exponent $$p(\cdot )$$

p
(
·
)

, they are bounded on $$L_{p(\cdot )}$$

L

p
(
·
)

if $$1<p_-\le p_+<\infty $$

1
<

p
-

≤

p
+

<
∞

. Here we correct Theorem 4.2 of the paper, Szarvas and Weisz (Banach J Math Anal 13:675–696, 2019).
Influence of Optic Nerve Appearance on Visual Outcome in Pediatric Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension
Authors: Micieli Jonathan A. , Bruce Beau B. , Vasseneix Caroline , Blanch Richard J. , Berezovsky Damian E. , Newman Nancy J. , Biousse Valérie , Peragallo Jason H.
Published: May 2020

Objectives:

To determine whether optic disc hemorrhages (ODH) and cotton wool spots (CWS) at presentation are associated with worse visual outcomes in pediatric patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH).

Methods:

Retrospective institutional review of 100 eyes of 50 consecutive pediatric IIH patients (aged 16 years or less) who had baseline optic disc photographs before or within 30 days of their diagnostic lumbar puncture and initiation of medical treatment. Optic disc photographs were independently graded by three ophthalmologists in a standardized manner. Visual function was assessed using visual acuity (VA) and visual field grade (VFG).

Results:

At least one ODH was found in 41% of eyes, at least one CWS was found in 27% of eyes, and 20% of eyes had both ODH and CWS. At presentation, Frisén grade was associated with the presence of CWS (p = 0.013) and showed no association with ODH (p = 0.060). When controlling for Frisén grade, ODH and CWS were not associated with worse VA or VFG at final follow-up. Severe ODH were associated with worse VA and VFG at presentation (p < 0.03), but not at final follow-up. Severe CWS at presentation was strongly associated with a worse Humphrey mean deviation of 5.0 dB (95% confidence interval 1.6–8.3) at final follow-up (p = 0.002).

Conclusion:

When controlling for the severity of papilledema, ODH do not provide any additional prognostic value in pediatric IIH patients. Frisén grade and severe CWS at presentation were independently associated with worse visual outcomes at the final follow-up.
A call to action to address rural mental health disparities
Authors: Morales Dawn A. , Barksdale Crystal L. , Beckel-Mitchener Andrea C.
Published: May 2020

Rural residents in the USA experience significant disparities in mental health outcomes even though the prevalence of mental illness in rural and metropolitan areas is similar. This is a persistent problem that requires innovative approaches to resolve. Adopting and appropriately modifying the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities research framework are the potential approaches to understanding how these disparities might be addressed through research. Using this research framework can facilitate interrogation of multiple levels of influence, encompassing complex domains of influence and consideration of the entire life course trajectory, which is consistent with several National Institute of Mental Health priorities.
The Gift of Testimony
Authors: Tanesini Alessandra
Published: May 2020

In this paper I argue that in Western contemporary societies testimony is structured by norms of reciprocation and thus is best understood as involving the exchange of gifts rather than, as philosophers and game theorists have tended to presume, market transactions. My argument is based on an initial analysis of the reactive attitudes that are exhibited in testimonial exchanges. I highlight the central role played by the reciprocating attitudes of gratitude and gratification respectively in the recipient and the donor of testimony. This analysis leads to an account of the speech act of telling that is the primary vehicle of testimony. Telling, I argue, is a commissive but it is not, as it is usually presumed, akin to promising. Instead, its nature is that of an offer of a gift. Finally, I develop an account of the norms of trust and trustfulness as reciprocating social norms. I show that adopting these norms provides a particularly effective solution of the problem of cooperation. The solution is particularly effective because it incentivises both the sharing of epistemic goods and the acquisition of further such goods so that one is able to share them.
An Interactionist Approach to Cognitive Debiasing
Authors: Bland Steven
Published: May 2020

This paper examines three programmatic responses to the problem of cognitive bias: virtue epistemology, epistemic paternalism, and epistemic collectivism. Each of these programmes focuses on asinglelevel of epistemic analysis: virtue theorists on individuals, paternalists on environments, and collectivists on groups. I argue that this is a mistake in light of the fact that cognitive biases arise frominteractionsbetween these three domains. Consequently, epistemologists should spend less time defending these programmes, and more timecoordinatingthem. This paper offers empirically based arguments for the interactionist approach, and contends that its adoption is an essential step for minimizing bias in empirical science.
Sorting between and within coalitions: the Italian case (2001–2008)
Authors: Bergman Matthew Edward
Published: May 2020

How do voters sort within an electoral coalition? Voting literatures on ideology, character valence, and issue ownership provide explanations for inter-coalition or inter-party voting, yet the coalition context remains understudied. Do voters in proportional coalition-based systems use the same ideological and issue-based heuristics ascribed to them in two-party systems that favor single-party government? Voting behavior in Italy in the 2000s is used to explore this question. This paper examines what motivates the voters of the large center-left and center-right coalitions, specifically whether ideology, economic issues, or other considerations lead voters to select their party of choice. Results indicate that, on average, voters select a coalition ideologically-proximal and deemed the more competent on issues, while they select a specific party based upon character and reputation issues. Findings thus suggest that voters sort for both coalition and party-specific reasons.
A model for the spreading of fake news
Authors: Mahmoud Hosam
Published: May 2020

We introduce a model for the spreading of fake news in a community of size n. There are
$j_n = \alpha n - g_n$
active gullible persons who are willing to believe and spread the fake news, the rest do not react to it. We address the question ‘How long does it take for
$r = \rho n - h_n$
persons to become spreaders?’ (The perturbation functions
$g_n$
and
$h_n$
are o(n), and
$0\le \rho \le \alpha\le 1$
.) The setup has a straightforward representation as a convolution of geometric random variables with quadratic probabilities. However, asymptotic distributions require delicate analysis that gives a somewhat surprising outcome. Normalized appropriately, the waiting time has three main phases: (a) away from the depletion of active gullible persons, when
$0< \rho < \alpha$
, the normalized variable converges in distribution to a Gumbel random variable; (b) near depletion, when
$0< \rho = \alpha$
, with
$h_n - g_n \to \infty$
, the normalized variable also converges in distribution to a Gumbel random variable, but the centering function gains weight with increasing perturbations; (c) at almost complete depletion, when
$r = j -c$
, for integer
$c\ge 0$
, the normalized variable converges in distribution to a convolution of two independent generalized Gumbel random variables. The influence of various perturbation functions endows the three main phases with an infinite number of phase transitions at the seam lines.
Small-time moderate deviations for the randomised Heston model
Authors: Jacquier Antoine , Shi Fangwei
Published: May 2020

We extend previous large deviations results for the randomised Heston model to the case of moderate deviations. The proofs involve the Gärtner–Ellis theorem and sharp large deviations tools.
A renewal theory approach to two-state switching problems with infinite values
Authors: Ekström Erik , Olofsson Marcus , Vannestål Martin
Published: May 2020

We study a renewal theory approach to perpetual two-state switching problems with infinite value functions. Since the corresponding value functions are infinite, the problems fall outside the standard class of problems which can be analyzed using dynamic programming. Instead, we propose an alternative formulation of optimal switching theory in which optimality of a strategy is defined in terms of its long-term mean return, which can be determined using renewal theory. The approach is illustrated by examples in connection with trend-following strategies in finance.
Uniform asymptotic normality of weighted sums of short-memory linear processes
Authors: Norvaiša Rimas , Račkauskas Alfredas
Published: May 2020

Let
$X_1, X_2,\dots$
be a short-memory linear process of random variables. For
$1\leq q<2$
, let
${\mathcal{F}}$
be a bounded set of real-valued functions on [0, 1] with finite q-variation. It is proved that
$\{n^{-1/2}\sum_{i=1}^nX_i\,f(i/n)\colon f\in{\mathcal{F}}\}$
converges in outer distribution in the Banach space of bounded functions on
${\mathcal{F}}$
as
$n\to\infty$
. Several applications to a regression model and a multiple change point model are given.
Some new results on stochastic comparisons of coherent systems using signatures
Authors: Amini-Seresht Ebrahim , Khaledi Baha-Eldin , Kochar Subhash
Published: May 2020

We consider coherent systems with independent and identically distributed components. While it is clear that the system’s life will be stochastically larger when the components are replaced with stochastically better components, we show that, in general, similar results may not hold for hazard rate, reverse hazard rate, and likelihood ratio orderings. We find sufficient conditions on the signature vector for these results to hold. These results are combined with other well-known results in the literature to get more general results for comparing two systems of the same size with different signature vectors and possibly with different independent and identically distributed component lifetimes. Some numerical examples are also provided to illustrate the theoretical results.
On the occupancy problem for a regime-switching model
Authors: Grabchak Michael , Kelbert Mark , Paris Quentin
Published: May 2020

This article studies the expected occupancy probabilities on an alphabet. Unlike the standard situation, where observations are assumed to be independent and identically distributed, we assume that they follow a regime-switching Markov chain. For this model, we (1) give finite sample bounds on the expected occupancy probabilities, and (2) provide detailed asymptotics in the case where the underlying distribution is regularly varying. We find that in the regularly varying case the finite sample bounds are rate optimal and have, up to a constant, the same rate of decay as the asymptotic result.
Rationalising corporate disregard
Authors: Dignam Alan , Oh Peter
Published: May 2020

The area of corporate disregard has a poor reputation for certainty of reasoning. To provide an alternative way of approaching the issue, we conducted an empirical study of the relationship between rationale and outcome within UK corporate disregard cases from the nineteenth to the twenty-first century. We examine the evidence from three perspectives. First, we examine the broad range of instrumental rationales found in the case law by disregard rates in order to identify where issues might be arising with individual rationales. Secondly, as suggested in the wider empirical literature, we examine the rationale rates by jurisdiction in order to see whether there were problematic interpretation issues concentrated in particular parts of the court levels. Thirdly, we examine the rationale rates by substantive claim to see whether contextual aspects of the doctrine, as the court identified with family law in Prest, were influencing outcomes. By providing an empirical study on the rationales instrumental to corporate disregard outcomes we aim to introduce a broader evidential view of where concerns may lie, which can both aid critique of key judicial historical developments such as Adams and Prest and provide a broader evidence base that might aid future judicial reform of the area.
Concentration of positive solutions for a class of fractionalp-Kirchhoff type equations
Authors: Ambrosio Vincenzo , Isernia Teresa , Radulescu Vicenţiu D.
Published: May 2020

We study the existence and concentration of positive solutions for the following class of fractionalp-Kirchhoff type problems:$$ \left\{\begin{array}{@{}ll} \left(\varepsilon^{sp}a+\varepsilon^{2sp-3}b \,[u]_{s, p}^{p}\right)(-\Delta)_{p}^{s}u+V(x)u^{p-1}=f(u) & \text{in}\ \mathbb{R}^{3},\\ \noalign{ u\in W^{s, p}(\mathbb{R}^{3}), \quad u>0 & \text{in}\ \mathbb{R}^{3}, \end{array}\right.$$whereɛis a small positive parameter,aandbare positive constants,s∈ (0, 1) andp∈ (1, ∞) are such that$sp \in (\frac {3}{2}, 3)$,$(-\Delta )^{s}_{p}$is the fractionalp-Laplacian operator,f: ℝ → ℝ is a superlinear continuous function with subcritical growth andV: ℝ3→ ℝ is a continuous potential having a local minimum. We also prove a multiplicity result and relate the number of positive solutions with the topology of the set where the potentialVattains its minimum values. Finally, we obtain an existence result whenf(u) =uq−1+ γur−1, where γ > 0 is sufficiently small, and the powersqandrsatisfy 2p<q<p*s⩽r. The main results are obtained by using some appropriate variational arguments.
O–H–Sr–Nd isotope constraints on the origin of the Famatinian magmatic arc, NW Argentina
Authors: Alasino P. , Casquet C. , Galindo C. , Pankhurst R. , Rapela C. , Dahlquist J. , Recio C. , Baldo E. , Larrovere M. , Ramacciotti C.
Published: May 2020

We report a study of whole-rock O–H–Sr–Nd isotopes of Ordovician igneous and metamorphic rocks exposed at different crustal palaeodepths along c. 750 km in the Sierras Pampeanas, NW Argentina. The isotope compositions preserved in the intermediate rocks (mostly tonalite) (average δ18O = +8.7 ± 0.5‰, δD = −73 ± 14‰, 87Sr/86Srt = 0.7088 ± 0.0001 and εNdt = −4.5 ± 0.6) show no major difference from those of most of the mafic rocks (average δ18O = +8 ± 0.8‰, δD = −84 ± 18‰, 87Sr/86Srt = 0.7082 ± 0.0016 and εNdt = −4 ± 1.1), suggesting that most of their magmas acquired their crustal characteristics in the mantle. The estimate of assimilation of crustal material (δ18O = +12.2 ± 1.7‰, δD = −89 ± 21‰, 87Sr/86Srt = 0.7146 ± 0.0034 and εNdt = −6.9 ± 0.7) by the tonalite is in most samples within the range 10–20%. Felsic magmas that reached upper crustal levels had isotope values (δ18O = +9.9 ± 1.5‰, δD= −76 ± 5‰, 87Sr/86Srt = 0.7067 ± 0.0010, εNdt = −3.5 ± 1.4) suggesting that they were not derived by fractionation of the contaminated intermediate magmas, but evolved from different magma batches. Some rocks of the arc, both igneous (mostly gabbro and tonalite) and metamorphic, underwent restricted interaction with meteoric fluids. Reported values of δ18O of magmatic zircons from the Famatinian arc rocks (+6 to +9‰) are comparable to our δ18O whole-rock data, indicating that pervasive oxygen isotope exchange in the lower crust was not a major process after zircon crystallization.
Morphological and molecular data of two species of the rare genera Thada Thorne, 1941 and Tenunemellus Siddiqi, 1986 (Nematoda: Tylenchidae) from Iran
Authors: Hosseinvand M. , Eskandari A. , Ghaderi R. , Karegar A.
Published: May 2020

Thada populus n. sp. was found in the rhizosphere of Populus euphratica in the city of Dezful, south-western Iran. The new species is characterized by its 365–453 μm body length, cuticle with transverse annuli 0.9–1.2 μm wide, lateral fields with four lines, lip region low with one or two annuli, 7.0–8.5 μm wide at base, longitudinal or slightly sigmoid amphidial slit, delicate stylet 8.4–9.8 μm long with posteriorly directed knobs, dorsal pharyngeal gland opening at 1.0–1.5 μm posterior to the stylet knobs, non-muscular and valve-less median bulb, pyriform and offset basal bulb, almost oval spermatheca, posterior position of vulva (V = 75–79%) without lateral membrane, short post-vulval uterine sac and conical tail with finely to broadly rounded terminus. Morphological differences of the new species with those of the type species, Thada striata, are discussed. Molecular phylogenetic studies of the new species using partial sequences of small subunit ribosomal DNA revealed that the new species formed a clade with Malenchus spp., Filenchus facultativus, F. fungivorus and Filenchus sp. in Bayesian inference. Morphological and molecular phylogenetic studies were also performed on Tenunemellus indicus, the second recovered species, the latter analysis using partial sequences of large subunit ribosomal DNA. In the inferred Bayesian tree, T. indicus formed a clade with Labrys fuzhouensis, Lelenchus leptosoma from the Netherlands, Malenchus spp. and Filenchus discrepans.
Appetite, the enteroendocrine system, gastrointestinal disease and obesity
Authors: Crooks Benjamin , Stamataki Nikoleta S. , McLaughlin John T.
Published: May 2020

The enteroendocrine system is located in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and makes up the largest endocrine system in the human body. Despite that, its roles and functions remain incompletely understood. Gut regulatory peptides are the main products of enteroendocrine cells, and play an integral role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients through their effect on intestinal secretions and gut motility. Several peptides, such as cholecystokinin, polypeptide YY and glucagon-like peptide-1, have traditionally been reported to suppress appetite following food intake, so-called satiety hormones. In this review, we propose that, in the healthy individual, this system to regulate appetite does not play a dominant role in normal food intake regulation, and that there is insufficient evidence to wholly link postprandial endogenous gut peptides with appetite-related behaviours. Instead, or additionally, top-down, hedonic drive and neurocognitive factors may have more of an impact on food intake. In GI disease however, supraphysiological levels of these hormones may have more of an impact on appetite regulation as well as contributing to other unpleasant abdominal symptoms, potentially as part of an innate response to injury. Further work is required to better understand the mechanisms involved in appetite control and unlock the therapeutic potential offered by the enteroendocrine system in GI disease and obesity.
The diversity and distribution of chigger mites associated with rodents in the South African savanna
Authors: Matthee Sonja , Stekolnikov Alexandr A. , van der Mescht Luther , Froeschke Götz , Morand Serge
Published: May 2020

Chigger mites (Trombiculidae) are temporary habitat-specific ectoparasites that often occur on rodents. Little ecological data are available on chiggers associated with rodents in South Africa. The study aims were to (1) record the chigger species associated with rodents in the savanna, (2) assess if chigger species display parasitope preference on the rodent body and (3) compare the distribution of chigger species in natural, agricultural and urban habitats. Rodents (n= 314) belonging to eight genera were trapped in the savanna biome during 2014 and 2015. Twelve chigger species, of which five are recently described species, were recorded from 161 rodent hosts. The data include three new country locality records.Microtrombicula mastomyiawas the most prevalent species across sampling seasons and habitat types. Significant parasitope preference was recorded for two species, with the ear, face and tail base some of the preferred attachment sites. Sampling season and habitat type had a significant effect on chigger communities with summer and agricultural habitats recording the highest species richness, while the highest species diversity was recorded in natural habitats. The study contributes to our current knowledge regarding rodent-associated chigger diversity and distribution in South Africa and further highlights the importance of environmental characteristics in shaping chigger communities.
Are there any novel markers in acute rheumatic fever: neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio
Authors: Giray Dilek , Hallioglu Olgu
Published: May 2020

Objective:

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte, platelet-to-lymphocyte, and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratios in acute rheumatic fever in children.

Method:

In this retrospective study, 182 patients with acute rheumatic fever and 173 controls were included. Complete blood count parameters, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte, monocyte-to-lymphocyte, and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratios were recorded for all the patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography.

Results:

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte, monocyte-to-lymphocyte, and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratios were significantly higher in patients with rheumatic heart disease than patients without cardiac involvement (p < 0.05). C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate levels were found to have a positive correlation with neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (r = 0.228, p = 0.001; r = 0.355, p = 0.001), platelet-to-lymphocyte (r = 0.227, p = 0.01; r = 0.149, p = 0.005), and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratios (r = 0.117, p = 0.005; r = 0.107, p = 0.044). Cardiac involvement was present in 152 (83.5%) of the patients. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte, monocyte-to-lymphocyte, and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratios were significantly higher in patients with rheumatic heart disease than patients without cardiac involvement (p < 0.05). Patients with carditis were grouped according to mitral, aortic, or both valve involvement but there was no significant difference between the groups with respect to neutrophil-to-lymphocyte, monocyte-to-lymphocyte, and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratios. In addition, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratios were significantly higher in patients with Sydenham’s chorea than without chorea (p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte, platelet-to-lymphocyte, and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratios may help make the diagnosis of acute rheumatic fever and its prognosis by serial measurements in follow-up but none of them tell us the severity of carditis. Also, this is the first study showing the positive correlation between Sydenham’s chorea and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratios. Further studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis, as this is the first study in the literature on this topic.
The progression of an acceptable pulmonary stenosis immediately after total correction of tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Kim Yi-Seul , Song Jinyoung , Huh June , Kang I-Seok , Yang Ji-Hyuk , Jun Tae-Gook
Published: May 2020

Background:

A certain degree of pulmonary stenosis after total correction of tetralogy of Fallot has been considered acceptable. But the long-term outcomes are not well understood. We observed the natural course of immediate pulmonary stenosis and investigated related factors for progression.

Methods:

Fifty-two patients with acceptable pulmonary stenosis immediately after operation were enrolled. Acceptable pulmonary stenosis was defined as peak pressure gradient between 15 and 45 mmHg by Doppler echocardiography. Latent class linear mixed model was used to differentiate patients with progressed pulmonary stenosis, and the factors related to progression were analysed.

Results:

Pulmonary stenosis progressed in 14 patients (27%). Between the progression group and no progression group, there were no significant differences in operative age, sex, and the use of the transannular patch technique. However, immediate gradient was higher in the progression group (32.1 mmHg versus 25.7 mmHg, p = 0.009), and the cut-off value was 26.8 mmHg (sensitivity = 65.3%, specificity = 65.8%). Main stenosis at the sub-valve was observed more frequently in the progression group (85.7% versus 52.6%, p = 0.027). Despite no difference in the preoperative pulmonary valve z value, the last follow-up pulmonary valve z value was significantly lower in the progression group (−1.15 versus 0.35, p = 0.002).

Conclusions:

Pulmonary stenosis immediately after tetralogy of Fallot total correction might progress in patients with immediate pulmonary stenosis higher than ≥26.8 mmHg and the main site was sub-valve area.
Prazosin for treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Reist Christopher , Streja Elani , Tang Cynthia Crystal , Shapiro Bryan , Mintz Jim , Hollifield Michael
Published: May 2020

Background

Prazosin has been an accepted treatment for patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who experience sleep disturbances, including nightmares. Results of a recent large randomized control trial did not find benefit of prazosin vs placebo in improving such outcomes. A meta-analysis that includes this most recent trial was conducted to examine the pooled effect of prazosin vs placebo on sleep disturbances and overall PTSD symptoms in patients with PTSD.

Methods

A systematic review of the published literature on trials comparing prazosin vs placebo for improvement of overall PTSD scores, nightmares, and sleep quality was conducted. Hedges’ g standardized mean differences (SMD) between prazosin and placebo were calculated for each outcome across studies.

Results

Six randomized placebo-controlled studies representing 429 patients were included in the analysis, including two studies with a crossover design. Results showed prazosin significantly improved overall PTSD scores (SMD = −0.31; 95% confidence intervals [CI]: −0.62, −0.01), nightmares (SMD = −0.75; 95% CI: −1.24, −0.27), and sleep quality (SMD = −0.57; 95% CI: −1.02, −0.13). In the largest trial, prazosin showed a reduction in clinical outcome measures similar to past studies, but a relatively large placebo effect size, particularly for nightmares, contributed to no treatment differences.

Conclusions

Despite the results of a recent, large randomized study, pooled effect estimates show that prazosin has a statistically significant benefit on PTSD symptoms and sleep disturbances. Limitations that should be considered include heterogeneity of study design and study populations as well as the small number of studies conducted and included in this meta-analysis.
Challenges and opportunities for enhanced cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT-E) in light of COVID-19
Authors: Murphy Rebecca , Calugi Simona , Cooper Zafra , Dalle Grave Riccardo
Published: May 2020

In the past few weeks, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has dramatically expanded across the world. To limit the spread of COVID-19 and its negative consequences, many countries have applied strict social distancing rules. In this dramatic situation, people with eating disorders are at risk of their disorder becoming more severe or relapsing. The risk comes from multiple sources including fears of infection and the effects of social isolation, as well as the limited availability of adequate psychological and psychiatric treatments. A potential practical solution to address some of these problems is to deliver enhanced cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT-E), an evidence-based treatment for all eating disorders, remotely. In this guidance we address three main topics. First, we suggest that CBT-E is suitable for remote delivery and we consider the challenges and advantages of delivering it in this way. Second, we discuss new problems that patients with eating disorders may face in this period. We also highlight potential opportunities for adapting some aspects of CBT-E to address them. Finally, we provide guidelines about how to adapt the various stages, strategies and procedures of CBT-E for teletherapy use in the particular circumstances of COVID-19.

Key learning aims

(1)

To appreciate that CBT-E is suitable for remote delivery, and to consider the main challenges and potential advantages of this way of working.

(2)

To identify and discuss the additional eating disorder-related problems that may arise as a result of COVID-19, as well as potential opportunities for adapting some aspects of CBT-E to address them.

(3)

To learn how to adapt CBT-E for remote delivery to address the consequences of COVID-19. Specifically, to consider adaptations to the assessment and preparation phase, the four stages of treatment and its use with underweight patients and adolescents.
Wirksamkeit einer strukturierten, kindgerechten Psychoedukation bei Lernstörungen
Authors: Griepenburg Conny , Schuchardt Kirsten , Lautenschläger Pia , Mähler Claudia
Published: May 2020

Zusammenfassung. Fragestellung: In der vorliegenden Evaluationsstudie wurde untersucht, ob sich eine teilstandardisierte Psychoedukation unter Zuhilfenahme von kindgerechtem, visuellem Beratungsmaterial (Experimentalgruppe; EG) im Vergleich zu einem nicht-standardisierten Vorgehen ohne visuelle Hilfsmittel (Vergleichsgruppe; VG) bei Eltern und Kindern positiv auf das Wissen über die Pathogenese von Lernstörungen, auf das subjektive Wohlbefinden, auf die Compliance und die Zufriedenheit mit der Psychoedukation auswirkt. Methodik: Im Rahmen einer Inanspruchnahme-Stichprobe einer Institutsambulanz wurden 63 Kinder (VG: n = 31; EG: n = 32) und deren Eltern im Mittel 8 Wochen nach der Diagnosemitteilung und Psychoedukation zu einer umschriebenen Lernstörung in einem katamnestischen Telefoninterview zu den oben genannten Bereichen befragt. Ergebnisse: Die Studie zeigt, dass sowohl Kinder als auch Eltern von einer teilstandardisierten materialgestützten Psychoedukation im Hinblick auf ein größeres Störungswissen, ein höheres Wohlbefinden, eine besseren Compliance und eine höhere Zufriedenheit mit der Psychoedukation profitieren. Es zeigen sich mittlere bis große Effekte. Schlussfolgerung: Psychoedukation bei umschriebenen Lernstörungen kann durch ein systematisches und kindgerechtes Vorgehen für Eltern und Kinder optimiert werden. Die allgemeinen Ziele von Psychoedukation scheinen so besser erreicht zu werden.
Ventilation in the Arctic Ocean and the Role of Pacific Inflow Deduced From Transient Tracer Measurements
Authors: Wang Weimin , Zheng Xiaoling , Huang Peng , Chen Mian , Teng Fang , Cai Minggang , Deng Hengxiang , Luo Bojun , Zheng Xuehong , Ke Hongwei
Published: May 2020

During the seventh Chinese National Arctic Research Expedition, measurements of CFC‐12 and SF6 were used to estimate ventilation time scales and anthropogenic CO2 (Cant) concentrations in the Arctic Ocean and Bering Sea based on the transit time distribution (TTD) method. The profile distribution showed that there was a high CFC tongue entering through the Canada Basin in the intermediate layer (27.6 kg m−3 < σθ < 28 kg m−3), at latitudes between 75 and 85°N, related to the inflow of Atlantic water. The result shows that both intermediate and deep/bottom waters are better ventilated in the Arctic Ocean than in the Bering Sea. The mean age gradient of the Bering Sea Surface Water and Pacific water core of the southwest Canada Basin (24.7 < σθ < 26.2) could be a consequence of intensive mixing and entrainment of the inflow water from the Bering Sea. An expected difference in age between these areas was interpreted to reflect the transit time for the given water layers. Thus, a mean transit time from the Bering Sea (175.2–179.9°E, 59.7–61.6°N) to the western Arctic Ocean (151.6–158°W, 73.1–74.8°N) of 14.6 ± 4.6 years was estimated. The mean Cant column inventory in the upper 2,000 m was higher (~45 mol m−2) in the Arctic Ocean than in the Bering Sea (~25 mol m−2).
Zonal Wave Number Diagnosis of Rossby Wave‐Like Oscillations Using Paired Ground‐Based Radars
Authors: He Maosheng , Yamazaki Yosuke , Hoffmann Peter , Hall Chris M. , Tsutsumi Masaki , Li Guozhu , Chau Jorge Luis
Published: May 2020

Free traveling Rossby wave normal modes (RNMs) are often investigated through large‐scale space‐time spectral analyses, which therefore is subject to observational availability, especially in the mesosphere. Ground‐based mesospheric observations were broadly used to identify RNMs mostly according to the periods of RNMs without resolving their horizontal scales. The current study diagnoses zonal wave numbers of RNM‐like oscillations occurring in mesospheric winds observed by two meteor radars at about 79°N. We explore four winters comprising the major stratospheric sudden warming events (SSWs) 2009, 2010, and 2013. Diagnosed are predominant oscillations at the periods of 10 and 16 days lasting mostly for three to five whole cycles. All dominant oscillations are associated with westward zonal wave number m=1, excepting one 16‐day oscillation associated with m=2. We discuss the m=1 oscillations as transient RNMs and the m=2 oscillation as a secondary wave of nonlinear interaction between an RNM and a stationary Rossby wave. All the oscillations occur around onsets of the three SSWs, suggesting associations between RNMs and SSWs. For comparison, we also explore the wind collected by a similar network at 54°N during 2012–2016. Explored is a manifestation of 5‐day wave, namely, an oscillation at 5–7 days with m=1), around the onset of SSW 2013, supporting the associations between RNMs and  SSWs.
Hydrology of a Perennial Firn Aquifer in Southeast Greenland: An Overview Driven by Field Data
Authors: Miller Olivia , Solomon D. Kip , Miège Clément , Koenig Lora , Forster Richard , Schmerr Nicholas , Ligtenberg Stefan R. M. , Legchenko Anatoly , Voss Clifford I. , Montgomery Lynn , McConnell Joseph R.
Published: May 2020

Firn aquifers have been discovered across regions of the Greenland ice sheet with high snow accumulation and melt rates, but the processes and rates that sustain these aquifers have not been fully quantified or supported by field data. A quantitative description of the hydrology of a firn aquifer upslope from Helheim Glacier that integrates field measurements is presented to constrain melt and recharge rates and timing, temporal variations in temperature and water levels, and liquid‐water residence time. Field measurements include weather data, firn temperatures, water levels, geochemical tracers, and airborne radar data. Field measurements show that once the firn column is temperate (0°C), meltwater from the surface infiltrates to the water table in less than 2 days and raises the water table. Average recharge is 22 cm/year (lower 95% confidence interval is 13 cm/year and upper 95% confidence interval is 33 cm/year). Meltwater within the recently formed aquifer, which flows laterally downslope and likely discharges into crevasses, has a mean residence time of ~6.5 years. Airborne radar data suggest that the aquifer in the study area continues to expand inland, presumably from Arctic warming. These comprehensive field measurements and integrated description of aquifer hydrology provide a comprehensive, quantitative framework for modeling fluid flow through firn, and understanding existing and yet undiscovered firn aquifers, and may help researchers evaluate the role of firn aquifers in climate change impacts.
Associations of interruptions to leisure-time sedentary behaviour with symptoms of depression and anxiety
Authors: Hallgren Mats , Nguyen Thi-Thuy-Dung , Owen Neville , Vancampfort Davy , Smith Lee , Dunstan David W. , Andersson Gunnar , Wallin Peter , Ekblom-Bak Elin
Published: May 2020

Interruptions to time spent sitting can ameliorate detrimental metabolic-health consequences of high volumes of sedentary time, but their potential mental health benefits have not been examined. We used the Swedish Health Profile Assessment database, a general health assessment offered to all employees working for companies or organisations connected to occupational and health services. Cross-sectional analyses examined data from 40,550 employees (60% male, mean age = 42 years), collected in 2017–2019. Participants reported the proportion of time (almost always; 75% of the time; 50% of the time; 25% of the time; and almost never) usually spent in leisure-time sedentary behaviours; and, separately, the frequency (never; rarely; sometimes; often; and very often) of interruptions (every 30 min) to sedentary time. Logistic regression models assessed associations of sedentary time, and the frequency of interruptions to sedentary time, with depression/anxiety symptoms. Fully adjusted models included physical exercise. Compared to those in the lowest sedentary time category, those in the medium and high categories had 1.52 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.40–1.66) and 3.11 (95% CI = 2.82–3.42) higher odds of frequent depression/anxiety symptoms, respectively. Compared to those who never/rarely interrupted their sedentary time, those who reported interruptions sometimes, often and very often had 0.72 (95% CI = 0.65–0.80), 0.59 (95% CI = 0.53–0.65), and 0.53 (95% CI = 0.46–0.59) lower odds of depression/anxiety symptoms, respectively. In stratified analyses, more frequent interruptions to sedentary time were associated with lower odds of depression/anxiety symptoms, except among those in the lowest interruptions categories (never/25% of the time). More regularly interrupting sitting during leisure-time may reduce the odds of experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety.