bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Local Conditions for Triangulating Submanifolds of Euclidean Space
Authors: Boissonnat Jean-Daniel , Dyer Ramsay , Ghosh Arijit , Lieutier Andre , Wintraecken Mathijs
Published: August 2020

We consider the following setting: suppose that we are given a manifold M in $${\mathbb {R}}^d$$

R

d

with positive reach. Moreover assume that we have an embedded simplical complex $${\mathcal {A}}$$
A
without boundary, whose vertex set lies on the manifold, is sufficiently dense and such that all simplices in $${\mathcal {A}}$$
A
have sufficient quality. We prove that if, locally, interiors of the projection of the simplices onto the tangent space do not intersect, then $${\mathcal {A}}$$
A
is a triangulation of the manifold, that is, they are homeomorphic.
Path following algorithm application to automatic berthing control
Authors: Sawada Ryohei , Hirata Koichi , Kitagawa Yasushi , Saito Eiko , Ueno Michio , Tanizawa Katsuji , Fukuto Junji
Published: August 2020

This paper aims to verify a new automatic berthing system using a path following algorithm. Berthing operation is one of the most burdensome tasks for crews among several ship operations. The maneuverability of a ship at low speed during berthing operation deteriorates and becomes more vulnerable to disturbances such as wind. Therefore, it is necessary to support and automate operations that require advanced skills such as berthing operation. Previous studies on automatic berthing have investigated various methods to handle the nonlinearity of ship maneuvering motion and determine the optimal control variable. There is a trade-off between accuracy and real-time performance of berthing control from these studies. The algorithms must have sufficiently real-time performance while maintaining the accuracy of control. For these purposes, we propose the automatic berthing system applied a path following algorithm for a ship with one propeller and one rudder in this paper. We show the mathematical model for numerical simulation of berthing control and carried out system identification of the subject ship. In full-scale experiments, the proposed system performed automatic berthing control in both calm wind conditions around 2 m/s and strong wind conditions around 6 m/s.
An integrated DEM–FEM approach to study breakage in packing of glass cartridges on a conveyor belt
Authors: Boso Daniela Paola , Braga Tommaso , Ravasini Simone , Škrbić Tatjana , Puglisi Andrea , Pinato Odra , Chillon Alberto , Frare Maria Chiara , Giacometti Achille
Published: August 2020

The use of glass for pharmaceutical new applications such as high-technology drugs, requires the strictest container inertness. A common theme of paramount importance in glass container integrity preservation is the detailed mechanism driving the sudden failure due the crack propagation. Using a combination of discrete element method (DEM) and finite element method (FEM), a stress map for glass cartridges packed into an accumulation table and transported by a conveyor belt at a fixed velocity is obtained under realistic conditions. The DEM calculation provides a full description of the dynamics of the cartridges, as approximated by an equivalent sphere, as well as the statistics of the multiple collisions. The FEM calculation exploits this input to provide the maximum principal stress of different pairs as a function of time. Our analysis shows that, during their transportation on the conveyor belt, the cartridges are subject to several shocks of varying intensities. Under these conditions, a crack may originate inside the cartridge in the area of maximal tensile stress, and propagate outward. Estimated stresses are found in good agreement with real systems.

Graphic abstract
Fractional Laplace operator in two dimensions, approximating matrices, and related spectral analysis
Authors: Aceto Lidia , Mazza Mariarosa , Serra-Capizzano Stefano
Published: August 2020

In this work we review some proposals to define the fractional Laplace operator in two or more spatial variables and we provide their approximations using finite differences or the so-called Matrix Transfer Technique. We study the structure of the resulting large matrices from the spectral viewpoint. In particular, by considering the matrix-sequences involved, we analyze the extreme eigenvalues, we give estimates on conditioning, and we study the spectral distribution in the Weyl sense using the tools of the theory of Generalized Locally Toeplitz matrix-sequences. Furthermore, we give a concise description of the spectral properties when non-constant coefficients come into play. Several numerical experiments are reported and critically discussed.
Virulence and in vitro antifungal susceptibility of Candida albicans and Candida catenulata from laying hens
Authors: Rhimi Wafa , Aneke Chioma Inyang , Annoscia Giada , Camarda Antonio , Mosca Adriana , Cantacessi Cinzia , Otranto Domenico , Cafarchia Claudia
Published: August 2020

In spite of evidence that domestic and wild birds may act as carriers of human pathogenic fungi, data on the role of laying hens as reservoirs of drug resistant and virulent yeasts is lacking. Here, we assess several virulence factors (phospholipase and haemolysin activity) and the antifungal susceptibility profiles of 84 Candida albicans and 17 Candida catenulata strains isolated from cloacae (group A), faeces (group B) and eggs (group C) of laying hens. Of these strains, 95% C. albicans and 23% C. catenulata strains displayed phospholipase and haemolytic activities. For C. albicans, the highest values of phospholipase (Pz = 0.62) and haemolytic activities (Hz = 0.49) were recorded among the strains from group C whilst for C. catenulata (Pz = 0.54; Hz = 0.49) among those from group A. High minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for azoles and amphotericin B (AmB) were recorded irrespective of their sources in all C. albicans strains. A total of 22 C. albicans strains were multidrug resistant, displaying resistance to fluconazole, itraconazole (ITZ), voriconazole (VOR) and posaconazole (POS). All C. catenulata strains from group C were resistant to ITZ, POS, micafungin and anidulafungin and susceptible to AmB. In this study, C. albicans and C. catenulata isolated from the cloacae, faeces and eggs of laying hens produced phospholipase and haemolysin and might be multidrug resistant. In the environment (faeces) or in eggs, C. albicans and C. catenulata strains might acquire pathogenic virulence traits and/or show multidrug resistance profiles. Based on these results, breeding and handling of laying hens and/or eggs may have implications for human and animal health.
Correction of serum potassium with sodium zirconium cyclosilicate in Japanese patients with hyperkalemia: a randomized, dose–response, phase 2/3 study
Authors: Kashihara Naoki , Nishio Toshiki , Osonoi Takeshi , Saka Yosuke , Imasawa Toshiyuki , Ohtake Takayasu , Mizuno Hiroshi , Shibagaki Yugo , Kim Hyosung , Yajima Toshitaka , Sarai Nobuaki
Published: August 2020

Background

Sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (SZC) is an oral potassium binder approved to treat hyperkalemia in adults in a number of countries, including Japan.

Methods

This phase 2/3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose–response study (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03127644) was designed to determine the efficacy and safety of SZC in Japanese adults with hyperkalemia. Patients with serum potassium (sK+) concentrations ≥ 5.1– ≤ 6.5 mmol/L were randomized 1:1:1 to SZC 5 g, SZC 10 g, or placebo three times daily for 48 h (six doses total). The primary efficacy endpoint was the exponential rate of change in sK+ over 48 h. The proportion of patients with normokalemia (sK+ 3.5–5.0 mmol/L) at 48 h and adverse events (AEs) were also evaluated.

Results

Overall, 103 patients (mean age, 73.2 years; range 50–89 years) received SZC 5 g (n = 34), SZC 10 g (n = 36), or placebo (n = 33). The exponential rate of sK+ change from 0 to 48 h versus placebo was − 0.00261 (SZC 5 g) and – 0.00496 (SZC 10 g; both P < 0.0001). At 48 h, the proportions of patients with normokalemia were 85.3%, 91.7%, and 15.2% with SZC 5 g, SZC 10 g, and placebo, respectively. No serious AEs were reported. Hypokalemia (sK+  < 3.5 mmol/L) occurred in two patients in the SZC 10 g group; normokalemia was re-established within 6 days and no treatment-related AEs were reported.

Conclusion

SZC is effective and well tolerated in Japanese patients with hyperkalemia.
Conservation significance of intact forest landscapes in the Scandinavian Mountains Green Belt
Authors: Svensson Johan , Bubnicki Jakub W. , Jonsson Bengt Gunnar , Andersson Jon , Mikusiński Grzegorz
Published: August 2020

Context

As forest harvesting remains high, there is a crucial need to assess the remaining large, contiguous and intact forests, regionally, nationally and globally.

Objectives

Our objective was to analyze the spatial patterns and structural connectivity of intact and primary forests in northern Sweden with focus on the Scandinavian Mountain region; one of the few remaining large European intact forest landscapes.

Methods

Over 22 million ha with 14.5 million ha boreal and subalpine forest and with data consisting of a 60-70 year retrospective sequence, we analyzed distribution, density and connectivity of forests that have not been clear cut, using moving window and landscape analyzes derived from Circuitscape.

Results

We revealed a contiguous, connected and semi-connected intact forest landscape forming a distinct Green Belt south to north along the mountain range. Almost 60% of the forestland remains intact, including contiguous clusters 10,000 ha and larger. The connectivity is particularly high in protected areas with primary forests outside contributing substantially to overall connectivity. We found gaps in connectivity in the southern parts, and furthermore low or absent connectivity across the whole inland and coastal areas of northern Sweden.

Conclusions

Given its ecological values, the Scandinavian Mountains Green Belt is a key entity supporting ecological legacies, boreal biodiversity and ecosystem services, resilience and adaptive capacity, which needs to be safeguarded for the future. On the very large areas outside the mountain region, forestlands are severely fragmented, connectivity values are lost, and forest landscape restoration is needed for conservation and functional green infrastructure.
All policies are wrong, but some are useful—and which ones do no harm?
Authors: Brito Mario , Chipulu Maxwell , Dawson Ian G. , Hanoch Yaniv , Katsikopoulos Konstantinos V.
Published: August 2020

The five of us research and teach risk analysis with an eye towards decision support. Our work has been dedicated to taming risks and helping to make challenging decisions. But nothing had prepared us for the Covid-19 pandemic. We first had to grapple with the news coming from abroad, including, for some of us, our home countries. Then, some information and research, but mostly opinions, started coming in from our academic community, and we felt the tensions. Finally, the UK went into an unofficial and then official lockdown, and all University staff were asked to redirect their research capacity so as to support the national effort for risk analysis and decision support. As we write this on the 20th of April, many countries, including the UK, are starting to consider how to get out of lockdown. Like the previous stages of the pandemic, there is little data, perhaps a bit more research, surely many more opinions, and definitely an overwhelming amount of personal experiences and thoughts. Here we reflect on all of the above, just in case it can help the readers of this Minds in Society flash editorial to think and act, or at least, to not have to do so entirely on their own. As it can be expected, our collage introduces more questions than it can answer.
Agroforestry governance for operationalising the landscape approach: connecting conservation and farming actors
Authors: Zinngrebe Yves , Borasino Elena , Chiputwa Brian , Dobie Philip , Garcia Edwin , Gassner Anja , Kihumuro Phillip , Komarudin Heru , Liswanti Nining , Makui Permutia , Plieninger Tobias , Winter Etti , Hauck Jennifer
Published: August 2020

The expansion and intensification of agriculture as well as the associated land clearing are threatening both biodiversity and human wellbeing in tropical areas. Implementing agroforestry systems through a landscape approach has a strong potential for integrating nature conservation objectives into agricultural systems. A key challenge for implementing the landscape approach is that political processes and conservation initiatives operate in ‘silos’, being largely disconnected from farmers and local key agents responsible for tree governance. In this study we brought together different stakeholders in facilitated, structured focus discussions to analyse the role of actor groups in tree governance. We used social network analysis to quantitatively and qualitatively analyse agroforestry governance networks and actor interactions related to information exchange, finance flows, and regulation. The analyses were conducted at national, sub-national and local levels in four countries: Honduras, Peru, Indonesia, and Uganda. Using trees on farms as a boundary object enabled all participants to bridge common interests and illuminate some of the constraints and opportunities of local governance systems while overcoming institutional and ideological barriers. The quantitative results of the social network analysis identify a strong density of actor linkages. Despite this density, results indicate incoherent and fragmented actor networks undermining the support for agroforestry on all levels. Nevertheless, existing processes related to finance, information, and regulation can be better aligned to ensure an effective implementation and mainstreaming of agroforestry for biodiversity conservation. Building social capital among key actors on both national and local levels can reveal a strong potential for adaptive learning processes mainstreaming agroforestry as essential component of “good farming” and integrating incentive systems for a coherent and effective agroforestry governance. We conclude that redirecting both public and private funding towards continuous seed-funding for the facilitation of these integrated learning processes can transform landscape management and at the same time reduce transaction costs.
100 Jahre Sportwissenschaft in Deutschland – und wo steht die Sportpädagogik?
Authors: Gissel Norbert
Published: August 2020

Titel und Gegenstand dieser Arbeit erhalten ihre Legitimation durch den Beginn der universitär institutionalisierten Sportwissenschaft in Deutschland im Jahre 1920. Es gibt mehrere Argumente, diesen Beginn in Deutschland im Jahr 1920 zu verorten. Da ist zunächst die Gründung der privaten Deutschen Hochschule für Leibesübungen, die am 15. Mai 1920 erfolgte. Sie wurde vom Deutschen Reichsausschuss für Leibesübungen (DRA), dem Dachverband bürgerlicher Turn- und Sportverbände, getragen und besaß bis 1931 keine staatliche Anerkennung. Einem anderen Ereignis muss wissenschaftshistorisch vielleicht eine noch höhere Bedeutung zugesprochen werden. Im Liebighörsaal der Universität Gießen wurde am 22. Oktober 1920 ein Institut für Körperkultur gegründet. Damit drangen die Leibesübungen erstmals in den Kanon der wissenschaftlichen Fächer einer Universität ein. Das Institut wurde mit dem Anspruch gegründet, als „Musteruniversität“ zu fungieren. Aus dieser Gründungsphase liegen verschiedene Denkschriften und Eingaben vor, die sich theoretisch und konzeptionell mit dem Wissenschaftscharakter des Faches, seinen Problemen und einer möglichen institutionellen Verankerung befassten. Besonders sticht eine Denkschrift des akademischen Turn- und Sportlehrers Dr. Walter Werner aus dem Jahr 1921 hervor, in der versucht wird, eine kulturalistisch ausgerichtete pädagogische Wissenschaft der Leibesübungen zu begründen. In diesem Beitrag wird die damals entwickelte Position mit aktuellen Arbeiten zum Gegenstand, zur Identität und zum Wissenschaftscharakter der Sportpädagogik kontrastiert. Sowohl Thiele als auch Prohl attestieren dem Fach heute eine prekäre Situation: Zentrale wissenschaftstheoretische Fragen seien ungelöst. War man vor 100 Jahren konzeptionell vielleicht schon weiter?
Optimal multiparametric set-up modelled for best survival outcomes in palliative treatment of liver malignancies: unsupervised machine learning and 3 PM recommendations
Authors: Goldstein Elisha , Yeghiazaryan Kristina , Ahmad Ashar , Giordano Frank A. , Fröhlich Holger , Golubnitschaja Olga
Published: August 2020

Over the last decade, a rapid rise in deaths due to liver disease has been observed especially amongst young people. Nowadays liver disease accounts for approximately 2 million deaths per year worldwide: 1 million due to complications of cirrhosis and 1 million due to viral hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Besides primary liver malignancies, almost all solid tumours are capable to spread metastases to the liver, in particular, gastrointestinal cancers, breast and genitourinary cancers, lung cancer, melanomas and sarcomas. A big portion of liver malignancies undergo palliative care. To this end, the paradigm of the palliative care in the liver cancer management is evolving from “just end of the life” care to careful evaluation of all aspects relevant for the survivorship. In the presented study, an evidence-based approach has been taken to target molecular pathways and subcellular components for modelling most optimal conditions with the longest survival rates for patients diagnosed with advanced liver malignancies who underwent palliative treatments. We developed an unsupervised machine learning (UML) approach to robustly identify patient subgroups based on estimated survival curves for each individual patient and each individual potential biomarker. UML using consensus hierarchical clustering of biomarker derived risk profiles resulted into 3 stable patient subgroups. There were no significant differences in age, gender, therapy, diagnosis or comorbidities across clusters. Survival times across clusters differed significantly. Furthermore, several of the biomarkers demonstrated highly significant pairwise differences between clusters after correction for multiple testing, namely, “comet assay” patterns of classes I, III, IV and expression rates of calgranulin A (S100), SOD2 and profilin—all measured ex vivo in circulating leucocytes. Considering worst, intermediate and best survival curves with regard to identified clusters and corresponding patterns of parameters measured, clear differences were found for “comet assay” and S100 expression patterns. In conclusion, multi-faceted cancer control within the palliative care of liver malignancies is crucial for improved disease outcomes including individualised patient profiling, predictive models and implementation of corresponding cost-effective risks mitigating measures detailed in the paper. The “proof-of-principle” model is presented.
Experimental investigation of the effect of Vitagnus plant extract on enhanced oil recovery process using interfacial tension (IFT) reduction and wettability alteration mechanisms
Authors: Dashtaki Seyed Ramin Mousavi , Ali Jagar A. , Manshad Abbas Khaksar , Nowrouzi Iman , Mohammadi Amir H. , Keshavarz Alireza
Published: August 2020

Surfactant flooding is a chemical enhanced oil recovery (cEOR) process wherein anionic, cationic, non-ionic, and amphoteric surfactants are injected into oil reservoirs to produce more hydrocarbon. These chemical and industrial agents might cause some economic and environmental challenges. Recently, injection of natural surfactants, as new environmentally friendly EOR agents, for improving oil recovery has been proposed by researchers. In this study, the extract of Vitagnus, a natural surfactant, was used to minimize the interfacial tension (IFT) and alter the rock wettability towards the strong water-wet system, thereby improving the oil recovery from the carbonate rock The conductivity, pH, and turbidity measurements were undertaken to identify the critical micelle concentration (CMC) of the surfactant solutions prepared by mixing 500, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, and 7000 ppm of the Vitagnus extract and distilled water. The obtained experimental results reveal that the optimum CMC value of the used surfactant was 3000 ppm. At this CMC value, the IFT reduced from 29.5 to 5.28 mN/m, and the contact angle of the oil droplet on the surface of the carbonate rock decreased from 114° to 29°. Accordingly, during the tertiary process, oil recovery was improved from 44% to 54.6% OOIP (original oil in place) by injecting 2.25 PVs of the VIT3000 surfactant containing 3000 ppm of the plant extract.
Infectious complications of extra-peritoneal pelvic packing in emergency room
Authors: Reitano E. , Granieri S. , Frassini S. , Sammartano F. , Cimbanassi S. , Chiara O.
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The Extra-Peritoneal Pelvic Packing (EPP) is a procedure used in emergency conditions to control pelvic hemorrhage. This procedure can be performed in Emergency Room (ER) if the patient is too unstable to be transported into the operating room (OR), with a possible increased risk of infections linked to a less sterile environment.

Methods

All patients who underwent EPP from 2009 to 2018 were selected from the trauma registry. The patients were divided into two groups according to where EPP was performed (ER or OR). A Propensity Score Matching was realized. EPP was removed in all patients in the OR after obtaining hemodynamic stabilization within 24–48 h and surgical pads were sent to the laboratory for microbiological analysis.

Results

Eighty-four patients underwent EPP during the period of the study. After PSM, 26 couples of patients were selected. No differences were observed between the two groups in the development of pelvic infection. Patients managed in OR showed a higher rate of associated abdominal injuries (p = 0.027) and an increasing need for external fixation (p = 0,005) as well as an increased proportion of laparotomies (p = 0.023), orthopedic interventions (p = 0.005) and a higher systolic blood pressure on admission (p = 0.003).

Conclusions

The EPP is a safe procedure, even when performed out of OR. The EPP in ER allows an earlier control of bleeding in patients in extremis. To minimize the risk of infection, EPP should be removed early, as soon as hemodynamics have been stabilized.
New Partnerships for Co-delivery of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
Authors: Bucher Adrian , Collins Andrew , Heaven Taylor Ben , Pan David , Visman Emma , Norris James , Gill Joel C. , Rees John , Pelling Mark , Tufet Bayona Marta , Cassidy Sonia , Murray Virginia
Published: August 2020

Partnerships have become a corner stone of contemporary research that recognizes working across disciplines and co-production with intended users as essential to enabling sustainable resilience-building. Furthermore, research that addresses sustainable development challenges brings an urgent need to reflect on the ways that partnerships are supported, and for the disaster risk management and resilience communities, efforts to support realization of the wider 2030 Agenda for sustainable development bring particular pressures. In November 2019, the UK Disasters Research Group (DRG) brought together a number of key stakeholders focused on disaster risk, resilience, and sustainability research relevant to Official Development Assistance to consider how fit for purpose existing partnership models are for the pace of change required to deliver the priorities of the wider 2030 Agenda. Participants were invited to discuss how research partnerships across three levels (individual and project-based; national and institutional; and international) could be improved based on elements that facilitate robust partnerships and learning from aspects that hinder them. From the discussions, participants emphasized the importance of effective communication mechanisms in building partnerships, co-designing projects, and establishing shared objectives. Enhanced approaches to addressing equitable partnerships and funding more substantive timelines will be key to responding to the challenges of the 2030 Agenda.
Vitamin D deficiency as a predictor of poor prognosis in patients with acute respiratory failure due to COVID-19
Authors: Carpagnano G. E. , Di Lecce V. , Quaranta V. N. , Zito A. , Buonamico E. , Capozza E. , Palumbo A. , Di Gioia G. , Valerio V. N. , Resta O.
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Hypovitaminosis D is a highly spread condition correlated with increased risk of respiratory tract infections. Nowadays, the world is in the grip of the Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID 19) pandemic. In these patients, cytokine storm is associated with disease severity. In consideration of the role of vitamin D in the immune system, aim of this study was to analyse vitamin D levels in patients with acute respiratory failure due to COVID-19 and to assess any correlations with disease severity and prognosis.

Methods

In this retrospective, observational study, we analysed demographic, clinical and laboratory data of 42 patients with acute respiratory failure due to COVID-19, treated in Respiratory Intermediate Care Unit (RICU) of the Policlinic of Bari from March, 11 to April 30, 2020.

Results

Eighty one percent of patients had hypovitaminosis D. Based on vitamin D levels, the population was stratified into four groups: no hypovitaminosis D, insufficiency, moderate deficiency, and severe deficiency. No differences regarding demographic and clinical characteristics were found. A survival analysis highlighted that, after 10 days of hospitalization, severe vitamin D deficiency patients had a 50% mortality probability, while those with vitamin D ≥ 10 ng/mL had a 5% mortality risk (p = 0.019).

Conclusions

High prevalence of hypovitaminosis D was found in COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory failure, treated in a RICU. Patients with severe vitamin D deficiency had a significantly higher mortality risk. Severe vitamin D deficiency may be a marker of poor prognosis in these patients, suggesting that adjunctive treatment might improve disease outcomes.
Rescue blankets hamper thermal imaging in search and rescue missions
Authors: Isser Markus , Kranebitter Hannah , Kofler Andreas , Groemer Gernot , Wiedermann Franz J. , Lederer Wolfgang
Published: August 2020

Thermal imaging for unmanned aerial vehicles is used to search for victims in poor visibility conditions. We used a gimbal-mounted camera for thermo-radiation measurements of body temperature from persons covered with rescue blankets in the hibernal wilderness setting. Long-wave infrared radiation in the spectral range between 7500 and 13,500 nm was evaluated. Parts of this research have previously been published in a review on electromagnetic radiation reflectivity of rescue blankets (https://www.mdpi.com/2079-6412/10/4/375/htm). Surface temperature measurement was diminished by clothing, namely by 72.6% for fleece, by 82.2% for an additional down jacket and by 92.3% for an additional all-weather jacket, as compared to forehead temperature. Furthermore, we detected that a single-layer rescue blanket is sufficient to render recognition of a body shape impossible. With three layers covering a clothed body infrared transmission was almost completely blocked. However, rescue blankets increase visibility for thermal cameras due to high gradients in temperature. Conspicuously low temperatures from objects of 1 to 2 m length may indicate reflections from rescue blanket surfaces in a cold environment. Ideally, rescue blankets should be removed from the body to increase the chance of being located when using thermal imaging to search for victims in search and rescue missions.
Administrative coding methods impact surgical site infection rates
Authors: Alsuhaibani Mohammed A. , Alzunitan Mohammed A. , Jenn Kyle E. , Edmond Michael B. , Dains Angelique M. , Holley Stephanie A. , Kukla Mary E. , Abosi Oluchi J. , Meacham Holly M. , Diekema Daniel J. , Salinas Jorge L.
Published: August 2020

We performed a retrospective analysis of the impact of using the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision procedure coding system (ICD-10) or current procedural terminology (CPT) codes to calculate surgical site infection (SSI) rates. Denominators and SSI rates vary depending on the coding method used. The coding method used may influence interhospital performance comparisons.
Evaluation of anthelmintic drugs against egg development of rumen flukes recovered from cattle raised in the humid tropics of Mexico
Authors: González-Garduño R. , Ortiz-Pérez D.O. , Alegría-Jiménez L. , Torres-Chable O.M. , Cruz-Tamayo A.A. , Zaragoza-Vera C.V.
Published: August 2020

Paramphistomosis is a parasitic disease endemic in ruminants nearly worldwide. In the present study, anin vitroscreening of the main anthelmintics used in Mexico was carried out to determine the mean lethal dose for rumen fluke eggs from cattle in a humid, warm region. Rumen flukes were obtained from cattle slaughtered in the states of Tabasco and Chiapas in Mexico. Eggs were collected using a 37-μm sieve and quantified. Then, anin vitroincubation study was performed: 100 eggs were placed into the wells of polystyrene microtiter plates. Anthelmintic products were tested on the eggs at concentrations ranging from 0.0015 to 3.0 mg/ml for rafoxanide, 0.0025 to 10.20 mg/ml for nitroxinil and 0.0015 to 3 mg/ml for closantel to determine the median lethal dose (LD50) and maximum lethal dose (LD99). A control group (water) was included in each plate. Three different species of rumen flukes (Calicophoron brothriophoron,Calicophoron clavulaandParamphistomum cervi) belonging to five isolates were identified. Nitroxinil had the highest efficacy against rumen fluke eggs, with an LD50of 0.11 to 65 μg/ml, whereas rafoxanide showed the lowest efficacy with an LD50ranging from 500 to 1713 μg/ml. Closantel showed high variability in the LD50among the different analysed isolates (17 to 122 μg/ml). The evaluated flukicidal drugs presented differential efficacy against the development of rumen fluke eggs. The efficacy of the drugs will vary depending on the geographical area of origin of the animals.
Can differences between continental and insular habitats influence the parasites communities associated with the endemic frog Haddadus binotatus?
Authors: Aguiar A. , Morais D.H. , Yamada F.H. , dos Anjos L.A. , da Silva L.A.F. , da Silva R.J.
Published: August 2020

Habitats characterized by geographic isolation such as islands have been studied using different organisms as models for understanding the dynamic and insular patterns of biodiversity. Determinants of parasite richness in insular host populations have been conducted mainly with mammals and birds, showing that parasite richness decreases in insular areas. In the present study, we predicted that the type of environment (insular or continental) can influence the richness, diversity and abundance of parasites associated with the endemic frog Haddadus binotatus (Spix, 1824). We sampled frogs in two insular and two mainland fragments to survey their helminth parasites. The total richness was composed of 15 taxa of Nematoda and two of Acanthocephala, and the community composition of the two islands had more similarities between them than the two mainland localities. The insular effect was positive for richness and abundance of helminths, and no significant effect was observed on helminth diversity – even the mean diversity presented high numbers for the islands. We presumed that insular hosts could have lost some parasites in the colonization process when these continental islands were separated from the mainland, approximately 11,000 years ago. However, the high richness and abundance on islands can be explained by an epidemiological argument, which considers high population density due to insularity and other features of the host as factors that increase parasite transmission success among individuals.
Use of a sternocleidomastoid rotational and cervical-fascial advancement flap for closure of a persistent mastoid cutaneous fistula
Authors: Tsitsiou Y , Mantelakis A , Joshi A
Published: August 2020

Background

Post-auricular mastoid fistula is a rare occurrence. It typically appears following repeated soft tissue injury, and is commonly caused by chronic suppurative otitis media and repeated surgical treatments. Management is challenging, with few reported successful surgical techniques, which often have limited applicability.

Case report

This paper presents the case of a 58-year-old male with a persistent right-sided post-auricular cutaneous mastoid fistula resulting from two previous mastoidectomies. Although the patient underwent two simple primary closures, the fistula recurred. This was successfully treated with a new technique utilising a sternocleidomastoid rotational and cervical-fascial advancement flap, which was completely healed at the one-year follow up without a recurrence of the fistula.

Conclusion

This novel technique provided definitive obliteration of a persistent cutaneous mastoid fistula. Utilising a double-layered flap and a facelift incision results in excellent functional and cosmetic outcomes.
A comparative evaluation of northern and southernIxodes scapularisquesting height and hiding behaviour in the USA
Authors: Tietjen Mackenzie , Esteve-Gasent Maria D. , Li Andrew Y. , Medina Raul F.
Published: August 2020

Ticks display a distinct type of host-seeking behaviour called questing. It has been proposed that the questing behaviour ofIxodes scapularisexplains the geographic variation in Lyme disease (LD) risk in the eastern USA because the northern population has been shown to quest more often than the southern population. The height at which questing occurs is variable and this study aimed to characterize questing height forI. scapularis. Ticks were collected from a northern and southern state (i.e. Maryland and Texas) and bioassays were conducted. We report that nymphs from Texas quested at lower heights compared to nymphs from Maryland. In addition, only Texas nymphs exhibited a behaviour we call ‘hiding behaviour’. These results may reflect the different composition of hosts between these two areas as the south has a higher abundance of lizards. In contrast, there was no significant difference in questing height between Maryland adults and Texas adults which was to be expected since adults are feeding on white-tailed deer in both locations. If all southernI. scapularisnymphs are questing at lower heights, this might make them less likely to come into contact with humans and this may be contributing to the geographical difference in LD prevalence.
Psychiatric beds and prison populations in 17 Latin American countries between 1991 and 2017: rates, trends and an inverse relationship between the two indicators
Authors: Siebenförcher Mathias , Fritz Francesco D. , Irarrázaval Matías , Benavides Salcedo Andrés , Dedik Corinne , Fresán Orellana Ana , Herrera Ramos Alejandro , Martínez-López J. Nicolás Ivan , Molina Carla , Rivas Gomez Fany Alejandra , Rivera Guillermo , Sandia Saldivia Ignacio , Torales Julio , Trujillo Orrego Natalia , Heinz Andreas , Mundt Adrian P.
Published: August 2020

Background

In 1990, Latin American countries committed to psychiatric reforms including psychiatric bed removals. Aim of the study was to quantify changes in psychiatric bed numbers and prison population rates after the initiation of psychiatric reforms in Latin America.

Methods

We searched primary sources to collect numbers of psychiatric beds and prison population rates across Latin America between the years 1991 and 2017. Changes of psychiatric bed numbers were compared against trends of incarceration rates and tested for associations using fixed-effects regression of panel data. Economic variables were used as covariates. Reliable data were obtained from 17 Latin American countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, El Salvador, Uruguay and Venezuela.

Results

The number of psychiatric beds decreased in 15 out of 17 Latin American countries (median −35%) since 1991. Our findings indicate the total removal of 69 415 psychiatric beds. The prison population increased in all countries (median +181%). Panel data regression analyses showed a significant inverse relationship −2.70 (95% CI −4.28 to −1.11; p = 0.002) indicating that prison populations increased more when and where more psychiatric beds were removed. This relationship held up when introducing per capita income and income inequality as covariates −2.37 (95% CI −3.95 to −0.8; p = 0.006).

Conclusions

Important numbers of psychiatric beds have been removed in Latin America. Removals of psychiatric beds were related to increasing incarceration rates. Minimum numbers of psychiatric beds need to be defined and addressed in national policies.
What matters emotionally: The importance of pride for cumulative culture
Authors: Tracy Jessica L.
Published: August 2020

Osiurak and Reynaud highlight a major omission of models of cumulative technological culture. I propose an additional problematic omission: pride. By taking this emotion into account, we can address the question of why humans seek to learn, teach, and innovate – three processes essential to cumulative technological culture (CTC). By fostering achievement, prestige, and social learning, pride provides a pivotal piece of the puzzle.
Putting social cognitive mechanisms back into cumulative technological culture: Social interactions serve as a mechanism for children's early knowledge acquisition
Authors: Haber Amanda S. , Corriveau Kathleen H.
Published: August 2020

Osiurak and Reynaud offer a unified cognitive approach to cumulative technological culture, arguing that it begins with non-social cognitive skills that allow humans to learn and develop new technical information. Drawing on research focusing on how children acquire knowledge through interactions others, we argue that social learning is essential for humans to acquire technical information.
The blind men and the elephant: What is missing cognitively in the study of cumulative technological evolution
Authors: Crespi Bernard J.
Published: August 2020

I describe and explain (1) evidence regarding a key role for autism spectrum cognition in human technology; (2) tradeoffs of autistic cognition with social skills; and (3) a model of how cumulative technological culture evolves. This model involves positive feedback whereby increased technical complexity selects for enhanced social learning of mechanistic concepts and skills, leading to further advances in technology.
Development of prepubertal goat oocytes after theirin vitromaturation and chemical activation
Authors: Hong Seungbum , Vettical Binoy S. , Wani Nisar Ahmad
Published: August 2020

Experiments were conducted to studyin vitromaturation of prepubertal goat oocytes and their developmental potential after chemical activation. In Experiment 1, cumulus–oocytes complexes collected from the ovaries of prepubertal goats slaughtered at a local abattoir were maturedin vitroin TCM-199-based medium supplemented with 10 µg/ml luteinizing hormone (LH) (treatment 1) or 10 µg/ml LH + 0.1 mMl-cysteine (treatment 2). In Experiment 2, mature oocytes were activated with either 5 µM ionomycin or 7% ethanol. After 18 h, some oocytes were randomly fixed and stained to evaluate their chromatin status, while others were cultured in embryo culture medium to study their further development. In Experiment 3, oocytes activated with 5 µM ionomycin were cultured for 7 days in one of the four different culture media [Charles Rosenkrans medium (CR-1), TCM-199, potassium simplex optimization medium (KSOM) and synthetic oviductal fluid (SOF)] to study their developmental potential. The maturation rate in control, treatment 1, and treatment 2 media did not differ from each other (P> 0.05). However, the lowest degeneration of oocytes was observed in treatment 3 (P< 0.05) when compared with the other two groups. The proportion of activated oocytes was higher, while non-activated oocytes were lower in ionomycin group when compared with the group activated with ethanol (P< 0.05). The proportions of oocytes cleaved were 65.7, 56.8, 61.0 and 54.4% in CR-1, TCM-199, KSOM and SOF medium, respectively, with no significant difference. However, further development of cleaved oocytes was better in KSOM followed by SOF.
Effect of vortioxetine in subjects with major depressive and alcohol use disorders: a 6-month retrospective analysis
Authors: Di Nicola Marco , Pepe Maria , Panaccione Isabella , Moccia Lorenzo , Dattoli Luigi , Molinaro Marzia , Sani Gabriele , Janiri Luigi , McIntyre Roger S.
Published: August 2020

Background

Major depressive disorder (MDD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) are highly comorbid, with greater clinical complexity and psychosocial impairment. Several antidepressants have been used in this population, with mixed results. This preliminary study aims to investigate the effects of the multimodal antidepressant vortioxetine in MDD + AUD subjects.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 57 MDD + AUD and 56 MDD outpatients, matched for baseline characteristics. Patients were assessed after 1, 3, and 6 months treatment with vortioxetine (10-20 mg/d, flexibly dosed) in combination with continuous psychosocial support. The primary outcome was improvement in depressive symptoms measured by the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale. We also investigated changes in anxiety, anhedonia, cognition, functioning, quality of life, and clinical global severity using the following instruments: Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale, Digit Symbol Substitution Test, Perceived Deficits Questionnaire-Depression, Functioning Assessment Short Test, Quality of Life Index, and Clinical Global Impression-Severity Scale.

Results

Vortioxetine significantly improved mood in MDD + AUD patients (P < .001), with no differences when compared to MDD (P = .36). A substantial rate (45.6%) of comorbid subjects obtained clinical remission at endpoint (P = .36 vs MDD). We additionally observed baseline to endpoint improvements on all secondary outcomes (P < .001), with no significant difference between groups. Overall, vortioxetine was safe and well tolerated.

Conclusions

Given its effectiveness on mood, cognition, and functioning, its good safety and tolerability profile, and low potential for abuse, vortioxetine could represent a valid pharmacological intervention in MDD + AUD patients as part of an integrated therapeutic-rehabilitation program.
Integrating Three Characteristics of Executive Function in Non-Demented Aging: Trajectories, Classification, and Biomarker Predictors
Authors: Caballero H. Sebastian , McFall G. Peggy , Wiebe Sandra A. , Dixon Roger A.
Published: August 2020

Objective:

With longitudinal executive function (EF) data from the Victoria Longitudinal Study, we investigated three research goals pertaining to key characteristics of EF in non-demented aging: (a) examining variability in EF longitudinal trajectories, (b) establishing trajectory classes, and (c) identifying biomarker predictors discriminating these classes.

Method:

We used a trajectory analyses sample (n = 781; M age = 71.42) for the first and second goals and a prediction analyses sample (n = 570; M age = 70.10) for the third goal. Eight neuropsychological EF measures were used as indicators of three EF dimensions: inhibition, updating, and shifting. Data-driven classification analyses were applied to the full trajectory distribution. Machine learning prediction analyses tested 15 predictors from genetic, functional, lifestyle, mobility, and demographic risk domains.

Results:

First, we observed: (a) significant variability in EF trajectories over a 40-year band of aging and (b) significantly variable patterns of EF decline. Second, a four-class EF trajectory model was observed, characterized with classes differentiated by an algorithm of level and slope information. Third, the highest group class was discriminated from lowest by several prediction factors: more education, more novel cognitive activity, lower pulse pressure, younger age, faster gait, lower body mass index, and better balance.

Conclusion:

First, with longitudinal variability in EF aging, the data-driven approach showed that long-term trajectories can be differentiated into separable classes. Second, prediction analyses discriminated class membership by a combination of multiple biomarkers from demographic, lifestyle, functional, and mobility domains of risk for brain and cognitive aging decline.
Loss of Consciousness is Associated with Elevated Cognitive Intra-Individual Variability Following Sports-Related Concussion
Authors: Merritt Victoria C. , Greenberg Liora S. , Meyer Jessica E. , Arnett Peter A.
Published: August 2020

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether loss of consciousness (LOC), retrograde amnesia (RA), and anterograde amnesia (AA) independently influence a particular aspect of post-concussion cognitive functioning—across-test intra-individual variability (IIV), or cognitive dispersion.

Method:

Concussed athletes (N= 111) were evaluated, on average, 6.04 days post-injury (SD= 5.90;Mdn= 4 days;Range= 1–26 days) via clinical interview and neuropsychological assessment. Primary outcomes of interest included two measures of IIV—an intra-individual standard deviation (ISD) score and a maximum discrepancy (MD) score—computed from 18 norm-referenced variables.

Results:

Analyses of covariance (ANCOVAs) adjusting for time since injury and sex revealed a significant effect of LOC on the ISD (p = .018,ηp2 = .051) and MD (p = .034,ηp2 = .041) scores, such that athletes with LOC displayed significantly greater IIV than athletes without LOC. In contrast, measures of IIV did not significantly differ between athletes who did and did not experience RA or AA (allp > .05).

Conclusions:

LOC, but not RA or AA, was associated with greater variability, or inconsistencies, in cognitive performance acutely following concussion. Though future studies are needed to verify the clinical significance of these findings, our results suggest that LOC may contribute to post-concussion cognitive dysfunction and may be a risk factor for less efficient cognitive functioning.
Is the Weigl Colour-Form Sorting Test Specific to Frontal Lobe Damage?
Authors: Mole Joseph , Dore Charlotte , Xu Tianbo , Shallice Tim , Chan Edgar , Cipolotti Lisa
Published: August 2020

Objective:

The Weigl Colour-Form Sorting Test is a brief, widely used test of executive function. So far, it is unknown whether this test is specific to frontal lobe damage. Our aim was to investigate Weigl performance in patients with focal, unilateral, left or right, frontal, or non-frontal lesions.

Method:

We retrospectively analysed data from patients with focal, unilateral, left or right, frontal (n = 37), or non-frontal (n = 46) lesions who had completed the Weigl. Pass/failure (two correct solutions/less than two correct solutions) and errors were analysed.

Results:

A greater proportion of frontal patients failed the Weigl than non-frontal patients, which was highly significant (p < 0.001). In patients who failed the test, a significantly greater proportion of frontal patients provided the same solution twice. No significant differences in Weigl performance were found between patients with left versus right hemisphere lesions or left versus right frontal lesions. There was no significant correlation between performance on the Weigl and tests tapping fluid intelligence.

Conclusions:

The Weigl is specific to frontal lobe lesions and not underpinned by fluid intelligence. Both pass/failure on this test and error types are informative. Hence, the Weigl is suitable for assessing frontal lobe dysfunction.