Lowering Rate Research Articles

Frequency and determinants of acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine booster dose among health care providers: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundAs the COVID-19 virus spreads, it has new opportunities to change, and new variants of the virus are expected to occur. Health care workers (HCWs) are potential victims of the disease and spread it. They are more vulnerable to infection due to their occupational and nonoccupational exposure. The aim of this study was to identify the frequency and determinants of the acceptance of health care providers to receive the booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine.MethodsAn online questionnaire was used to collect data by the Egyptian HCWs. The questionnaire had four sections: the first section included the participants’ sociodemographic data, the second section included data on the participants’ previous COVID-19 infection status, the third section was on COVID-19 vaccine-related information, and the fourth section evaluated the intention to take the booster dose, causes of acceptance or refusal, and any suggestions to combat COVID-19.ResultsA total of 413 HCWs completed the questionnaire. Females represented 79.9%, and 37.3% had direct contact with COVID-19 patients, and 61.7% had previous infection. The vast majority (94.2%) received COVID-19 vaccine, 52.1% agreed to receive the booster dose, while 47.9% refused. The most common reason to receive booster dose was for increasing protection against new variants (48.4%) and lowering rate of severe illness and hospitalization (41.4%). Male gender and previous COVID-19 vaccination were the main determining factors of acceptance to receive booster doses.ConclusionAcceptance of COVID-19 booster vaccination was relatively inadequate among the HCWs. Male gender and previous COVID-19 vaccination were determinants of acceptance.

Effectiveness of the intelligent hypertension excellence centers (iHEC) therapy model in the blood pressure management of older hypertensive patients: a randomized controlled trial.

Intelligent hypertension excellence centers (iHEC) may improve blood pressure (BP) management in older hypertensive patients. However, this has not yet been rigorously evaluated, so we conducted a prospective randomized open-label clinical trial to verify this hypothesis. Older patients with hypertension were recruited between January and June 2022. The control group received conventional treatment and visited doctors in clinic. The intervention group received the iHEC therapy model, including remote BP management, online consultation, and follow-up services with support from the internet. Both groups received 12 months follow-up. Finally, 540 older patients with hypertension participated in the study; of these, 517 completed the follow-up. The average age was 71.4 ± 3.7years, 81 patients with frailty (15.7%). When follow-up was terminated, the SBP of the intervention group was 4.2 mmHg lower than that of the control group (95% CI, 2.0 to 6.4, P < 0.001), and the overall BP control rate in the intervention group was higher than that in the control group (60.2% vs. 48.1%, P < 0.05). During follow-up, the new-onset rate of excessive BP lowering in the intervention group was lower than that in the control group (3.8% vs. 9.0%, P < 0.05). Patients with a median age or above and high school education or above had higher numbers of online consultations and home BP measurements (P < 0.05).Our study confirmed those who received the iHEC therapy model achieved better BP reduction, higher rates of BP control, and alleviated the risk of excessive BP reduction.

Effect of current density and operating temperature on degradation of protonic ceramic fuel cells containing BaZr0.8Yb0.2O3-δ electrolyte during long-term operation

Barium zirconate doped with 20 mol% Yb (BaZr0.8Yb0.2O3-δ, BZYb20) is one of the most promising candidates for use as an electrolyte material in protonic ceramic fuel cells (PCFCs) due to its high proton conductivity and high chemical stability under CO2-containing fuel conditions. The long-term durabilities of PCFCs prepared using the BZYb20 electrolyte were evaluated as a function of the current density at 500 and 600 °C over a period of 1000 h. At 600 °C, the internal resistance of the cell increased even under open circuit voltage (OCV) condition. Comparing the voltage lowering rates at a current density of 0.172 A cm−2 based on the current density–voltage curves recorded during the durability tests, rates of 3.0, 5.3, and 9.0%/1000 h were achieved at the OCV, 0.047, and 0.172 A cm−2, respectively. A small amount of Ni elements diffused into the electrolyte from the anode to the cathode side, resulting in the formation of cumulus cloud shapes that corresponded to Ni element segregation at the grain boundaries in the electrolyte layer after long-term durability testing at 0.172 A cm−2. At current densities of 0.047–0.048 A cm−2, the voltage lowering rate at 500 °C was higher than that at 600 °C, with values of 6.0 and 2.6%/1000 h being recorded, respectively. This effect may be due to the higher resistance of the cell at 500 °C compared to that at 600 °C.

The influence of spatial variability of solar radiation on the mass balance of glaciers in the Grønfjorden Bay area (the Svalbard archipelago)

In this article, we investigate how the irregular insolation of two low-elevated Svalbard glaciers exerts effect on rates of their surface melting. We compare the spatial distribution of rates of the surface lowering of glaciers Vøringbreen (0.76 km2) and Aldegondabreen (5.5 km2), both are located near Barentsburg settlement in the western part of Nordenskiöld Land (the Spitsbergen Island). As an approximation of the solar radiation flux, we used the potential incoming solar radiation calculated by the ArcticDEM digital elevation model for the period July 15–September 15, which is a typical time of ice ablation in the region under consideration. Motions of both glaciers are extremely slow, which allows assuming that lowering of their surfaces are identical to the rates of surface melting. We have found that both glaciers are distinctly divided into two parts, more and less sunlit. The spatial pattern of insolation of the Vøringbreen glacier is controlled by the shading of the walls surrounding the cirque, while the Aldegondabreen one due to its concave shape has two different areas with a more southern and more northern exposure. The lowering of the surface shows that the more and less illuminated parts differ significantly in ice ablation. The maximum differences in melting caused by the irregular insolation are 2.1 m of ice depth over five years for the Aldegondabreen Glacier (2008–2013 and 2013–2018) and 2.2 m over six years for the Vøringbreen Glacier (2013–2019), that is 40, 30 and 25% of the total values of the surface depression for the corresponding periods. Within every 50-meter altitude interval, correlation coefficients between surface ablation and insolation vary from –0.33 to –0.62 for the Aldegondabreen and from –0.50 to –0.92 for the Vøringbreen glacier. When compared with the vertical gradient of the ice melting, the variability of ablation caused by the irregular insolation correspond to a difference in altitudes of 45–50 m in vertical for the Aldegondabreen and 60 m for Vøringbreen. These values are significant taking into account the small altitudinal range of the glaciers in that part of Spitsbergen.

Thinning and dynamics of the glacier terminus at the Pasterze Glacier (Austria), 2016–2021

As a result of global warming, glaciers worldwide recede and lose mass. Glacier ablation is influenced by surface characteristics, in particular the existence of debris cover. The evolution of glaciers may also be influenced by the existence of proglacial lakes, which are worldwide increasing in number and size. We examine the recent changes of the terminus of Pasterze Glacier by discussing the thinning and dynamics of the glacier terminus along with the changes of the glacial-proglacial transition zone between September 2016 and September 2021. By considering land cover in the interpretation, we find that glacier surface characteristics show different rates of elevation changes and surface movement. We mainly use orthophotos and digital elevation models (DEMs) resulting from airborne surveys of 12 different acquisition dates, but also draw on ablation stake measurements, lake water level data, water temperature data, as well as thermal infrared (TIR) imagery. While debris-covered ice lowered typically −5.0 m a−1 ± 4.6 m a−1 (mean ± standard deviation), debris-free ice was affected by ablation in the range of −7.0 m a−1 ± 2.7 m a−1, thus demonstrating that melt rates in similar elevations are related to surface characteristics. The elevation change rates were, in most cases, in a similar range throughout the observed periods of time. The horizontal displacement close to glacier-marginal crevasses amounted to up to ∼8 m a−1, but was mostly in the range of ∼1–4 m a−1. Considering both horizontal displacement and elevation changes, we find that clean and dirty ice surfaces show larger thickness losses and are moving faster compared to debris-covered glacier surfaces. Diurnal and seasonal fluctuations of lake water levels in the range of decimeters and lake water temperatures mostly clearly exceeding 0 °C are indicative of the potential influence of the proglacial lake on the glacier terminus. Given the decelerating and decaying behavior of the Pasterze Glacier in recent decades, we interpret the change rates of surface lowering and horizontal displacement 2016–2021 to be influenced by other factors such as the recently formed proglacial lake. This is also supported by direct ablation measurements that mostly show lesser ice melt differences compared to DEM-based surface elevation changes, suggesting that other factors such as thermally-induced melting contributed to an increased elevation difference.

Analysis of thermal stability in underlap and overlap DMG FinFETs including self-heating effects

This work investigates the impact of the self-heating effect (SHE) on SOI Dual-Material Gate (DMG) FinFETs with channel engineering including gate underlapped and overlapped structures. Both these structures are compared with conventional DMG FinFET to detect the possible effects of SHE on DC characteristics and thermal parameters. The drop rates of ON current (ION), Off-current (IOFF), Maximum transconductance (gm,max), ION/IOFF ratio, and Drain-induced barrier lowering (DIBL) are calculated to get the precise results. For extensive thermal reliability analysis, the two main distinguishing parameters lattice temperature and thermal resistance are also calculated and their dependency with gate/drain bias and operating temperature are also explored. Comparison between thin and thick BOX devices aimed at distinguishing possible effects of SHE on BOX thickness variation. The result shows that the SHE greatly improves ION/IOFF ratio by 220.8% in gate underlap structure due to large reduction in leakage current. Although lattice temperature is higher in gate overlap structure but thermal resistance decreases by 53.6 % due to its high ON current. Using high-k dielectric BOX materials, small improvement in device SHE characteristics is also accomplished.

Degradation and protection of cut slopes in weathered gneiss; a 40 year case study

The retreat of two roadside cut slopes in weathered gneiss in the Middle Himalaya of east Nepal has been assessed by engineering geological mapping, sequential photography and slope profiling over a 40 year period, from 1979 to 2018, allowing approximate degradation rates to be calculated. The rate of removal of completely weathered gneiss and residual soil was about twice that of highly weathered material, primarily reflecting increased micro-cracking and breakdown of feldspars and micas in the weathered fabric. Surface water erosion by rilling and gullying in the summer monsoon wet season was the dominant process affecting the slopes, with landsliding (mainly by soil falls and debris slides) playing a secondary role. Drainage and bio-engineering protection measures applied to the slopes within the first 3–12 years after excavation were effective in reducing the degradation rate by between one and two orders of magnitude once the slopes had developed a moderate vegetation cover. The total volume of material removed from the slopes over four decades is equivalent to average rates of ground lowering in the range of 150–320 and 2–4 mm a −1 before and after protection works, respectively. The latter range is similar to long-term denudation rates measured in drainage catchments in the region with similar settings. Supplementary material: One figure in three parts showing slope retreat over time for a complete set of 28 measured cross-sections and two tables giving details of calculated cross-sectional area losses and approximate intersectional volumetric losses of slope material are available at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.7005885

Glacier thinning, recession and advance, and the associated evolution of a glacial lake between 1966 and 2021 atAusterdalsbreen, westernNorway

AbstractThe Jostedalsbreen is the largest ice cap in Norway and mainland Europe. Rapid retreat of many of its outlet glaciers since the 2000s has led to the formation of several glacial lakes. Processes causing the formation and expansion of glacial lakes and their interaction with a glacier and terminal moraine have not been widely addressed yet. In this study, we investigate the degradation of the front of the southeast‐facing outlet glacier Austerdalsbreen. Based on a variety of remotely sensed data (UAV‐based and airborne orthophotos and DEMs, satellite images), we analyze the coincident glacial and proglacial changes of Austerdalsbreen and quantify the evolution of this transition zone during the last decades. In particular, we focus on the short‐term evolution of the glacial lake since 2010, we examine the context of a glacier advance in the 1990s, and we report long‐term changes by utilizing 1960s imagery. We discuss the evolution and conditions of Austerdalsbreen compared to other outlet glaciers of Jostedalsbreen. Overall, the glacier terminus has experienced a recession in the last decades. The 1990s terminus advance was more restricted than at other nearby outlet glaciers due to glacier surface debris cover, which is a critical factor for the glacier and lake evolution. However, in the most recent period, since 2012, a distinct expansion of a glacial lake is quantifiable. Since the rates of glacier surface lowering also considerably increased since approximately 2017 and the glacier retreated since the beginning of the 2000s with a clear maximum length decrease in 2015, we interpret the recently formed glacial lake as a contributory factor of glacial changes.

Growth and Characterization of Organic 2-Chloro 5-Nitroaniline Crystal Using the Vertical Bridgman Technique

In this article, we discuss the preparation of organic 2-chloro-5 nitroaniline (2C5NA) crystals and their different kinds of physical, chemical, and mechanical properties. The vertical Bridgman approach was used to effectively produce the bulk organic 2C5NA crystal. To produce a good-quality bulk crystal, the shape, dimensions, and cone angle of the ampoule were optimized. Also, the temperature profile was set for the 2C5NA crystal. The growth atmosphere and the lowering rate were identified to obtain a homogeneous mixture of the compounds and initiate the nucleation process. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD), powder XRD, proton Fourier transform nuclear magnetic resonance (FT-NMR), and Fourier transform infrared investigations were used to confirm the crystal structure, molecular structure, and presence of functional groups in the formed crystal. The formed crystal has a monoclinic crystal structure with the space group P21/c, according to single-crystal XRD analysis. The thermal stability and kinetic parameters were examined using thermogravimetric analysis and differential thermal curves. From dielectric analysis, the electrical conductivity and dielectric behavior of 2C5NA were investigated with variations in frequency and temperature. The organic 2-chloro-5-nitroaniline crystal demonstrates that the indentation size effect is observed in the Vickers micro-hardness test, which was also carried out.

The paraglacial adjustment of an Alpine lateral moraine, Bas Glacier d’Arolla, Switzerland

ABSTRACT Within Alpine catchments, glacial landforms are subject to post-depositional reworking during and following deglaciation. Ice-marginal moraines are thought to rapidly stabilise within ~200 years in this topographic context, although ice-proximal slopes are particularly prone to alteration by debris flows and solifluction. This study investigates landform transformation, documenting geomorphological change at the Bas Glacier d’Arolla, Switzerland. Gully development on a moraine slope was assessed using archive image sets obtained in 1977, 1988 and 2009 to derive historical elevation models. Raster differencing suggests that the mean rate of surface lowering on the upper moraine slope was 7.15 ± 1.83 m (± minimum level of detection) over the observation period (1977–2009), a rate of 0.22 m yr−1. The erosion of the landform resulted in an incontiguous moraine crestline. Whilst some landforms may undergo limited transformation upon deglaciation, selected sites are subject to rapid geomorphologic change, involving crestline retreat via the initial dissection by gullies, followed by the removal of inter-gully slopes.

Field observation and micro-mechanism of roots-induced preferential flow by infiltration experiment and phase-field method

Plant roots potentially contribute to slope instability by causing infiltrating water to be spatially and temporally redistributed in the soil unevenly following rainfall. But the root system's macro-scale impact on water infiltration and the formation and dynamics of pore-scale preferential flow induced by roots are still ambiguous. A field dye infiltration experiment was used to simulate rainwater infiltrating into the soil to quantify the relationship between preferential flow pathways and root characteristics such as root density and root number. A two-dimensional phase-field model was used to describe quantificationally and visually the influence of fluid pressure difference, wall contact angle, and pore throat size on vapor–liquid interface movement in the root-particle and interparticle pores. Water flows more freely along an extension direction of shallow coarse-root (diameter > 5 mm), facilitating water transfer between adjacent profiles. The dye coverage and preferential flow fraction are found to be significantly positively correlated with the fine-root (diameter < 5 mm) density and the coarse-root quantity. At the pore scale, a low difference of fluid pressure exerts more control from the root system over preferential flow, especially, the vapor–liquid interface in the root-particle pore lowers to the pore outlet about 50 % faster than the inter-particle pore for no pressure difference. The larger wall contact angle of the particle causes a more pronounced lowering rate of the vapor–liquid interface. With smaller pores, the flow rate accelerates. Smaller pores make it harder for water to flow from the interparticle pores than root-particle pores. Our findings can help to more accurately determine the depth of water infiltration in the slope and deeply understand the physical mechanism of the effect of the root system on rainwater redistribution.

Competitive actions of MnSi in the epitaxial growth of Mn5Si3 thin films on Si(111)

Some magnetically ordered phases of the ${\mathrm{Mn}}_{5}{\mathrm{Si}}_{3}$ crystal are proving to be prototypes for the study of the new fundamental spin physics related to the spontaneous breaking of the time-reversal symmetry despite a zero net magnetization. Here, we report on a route to grow epitaxial ${\mathrm{Mn}}_{5}{\mathrm{Si}}_{3}$ thin films on Si(111). To this end, we use Mn and Si codeposition in a molecular beam epitaxy system and carefully tune the deposition rates, the growth temperature, and the annealing temperature. We assessed the silicide phase-formation and morphology using reflection high-energy electron diffraction, x-ray diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and atomic force microscopy. Layers containing only ${\mathrm{Mn}}_{5}{\mathrm{Si}}_{3}$ could be stabilized under very restrictive conditions, by tuning the Mn/Si flux ratio to match the compound stoichiometry and adjusting the substrate temperature during growth to 443 K. HRTEM imaging revealed the existence of an interfacial amorphous layer of few nanometers thickness. Annealing the heterostructure up to 573 K led to the formation of MnSi at the vicinity of the ${\mathrm{Mn}}_{5}{\mathrm{Si}}_{3}$/Si(111) interface, which significantly reduced the nucleation barrier of ${\mathrm{Mn}}_{5}{\mathrm{Si}}_{3}$. High-quality crystalline ${\mathrm{Mn}}_{5}{\mathrm{Si}}_{3}$ thin films were then formed with the following epitaxial relationships: ${\mathrm{Mn}}_{5}{\mathrm{Si}}_{3}$(0001)$[01\overline{1}0]//\mathrm{MnSi}(111)[\overline{2}11]//\mathrm{Si}(111)[1\overline{1}0]$. Our experiments showed that the formation of MnSi is enhanced at a growth temperature above 473 K or for a longer annealing step, while the crystalline quality of the ${\mathrm{Mn}}_{5}{\mathrm{Si}}_{3}$ overlayer is correspondingly degraded leading to textured thin films. The growth pathways and structural properties of the manganese silicides can be rationalized in terms of reactions maximizing the free-energy lowering rate. Moreover, we found that the magnetic and the magnetotransport properties can be used as an efficient tool to track both ${\mathrm{Mn}}_{5}{\mathrm{Si}}_{3}$ crystallinity and proportion in the deposited layers.

Shore platform lowering on a Pacific coast of Japan: Present, past, and future — Applications of a weathering-controlled erosion model and a long-term platform surface evolution model

In order to investigate the lowering process of a shore platform in a tectonically active region along the Pacific microtidal coast of Japan, MEM measurements were carried out seven times during 5.8 years (2004–2010). Four measuring sites were installed on a nearly horizontal, smooth platform in the upper intertidal zone, two sites on the platform surface composed of lapilli tuff and the remaining two on that of sandstone. A time- and space-averaged lowering rate of the lapilli-tuff surface is 0.46 mm/yr and 0.35 mm/yr on the sandstone surface. Evaluations for the assailing force of waves on the platform surface, FA, and the resisting force of unweathered bedrock, FR, indicate that FA ≪ FR, which leads to a conclusion that weathering-induced rock-strength reduction is necessary for the occurrence of platform erosion. A weathering-controlled erosion model is constructed with the aid of results from laboratory experiments on rock disintegration by salt weathering. The field application of the model enables us to determine unknown coefficients included in the model. By use of the coefficient values weathering properties of lapilli tuff and sandstone are explored: lapilli tuff is more susceptible to weathering than sandstone, and weathering rates of both rock types are found to be highly time-dependent. A second model is built to examine the long-term evolution of the platform surface. The model calculations are based on the assumption that downward erosion will cease at the Mean Low Water Spring level (1.0 m below the present MSL) and that both lapilli tuff and sandstone surfaces started to erode immediately after a coseismic uplift event of 1.6 m, estimated to have occurred at 880 AD on the basis of 14C dating of fossil assemblages. It is modeled that the platform will continue to lower toward a steady state in approximate 13,000 years after the present time. Because long-term platform downwearing shows a strong nonlinearity, it is suggested that a linear extrapolation of decadal time scale erosion data to millennial and further to Holocene time scales will lead to inaccurate results. The relationship between platform lowering rates and elevations, derived from the model, indicates that the maximum rates occur in the upper to middle intertidal zone; the result is almost consistent with the previous elevational pattern reported from Canada and Australia.

Constraining a model of punctuated river incision for Quaternary strath terrace formation

In the small fraction of Earth's surface with the highest erosion rates such as the Alps and Himalayas quantifying rates of incision, rock uplift and inferring climatic controls on the landscape can be relatively straightforward once the ages of river terraces cut in bedrock (strath terraces) are constrained. However, in many mid to lower relief settings that are more typical of mountain belts worldwide, periods of net river incision and riverbed lowering are relatively short (punctuated), interrupted by long periods of sediment aggradation or stasis. We define a conceptual model of punctuated river incision and strath terrace formation for the calculation of incision and rock uplift rates, and recommend strategies for geochronological sampling and interpretation. An approach using OSL dating of terrace gravels allows us to constrain a detailed ~150 kyr history of punctuated river incision and strath terrace formation spanning two stratigraphic landform levels in the High Atlas Mountains (NW Africa). Extensive preservation and exposure of strath-top gravels, within a post-orogenic setting unaffected by eustatic influences, enables the derivation of rates of base-level fall, integrated over periods of strath-top aggradation and incision, that are consistent with independently constrained regional rock uplift rates. Combining a punctuated river incision model with our well-constrained terrace formation history allows us to demonstrate how assumptions concerning Quaternary river incision and aggradation can lead to the problematic Sadler Effect, an apparent dependence of incision rates on measured time interval. Subsequently, we demonstrate that an approach to reinterpreting previously published data using the punctuated incision model, even when combined with limited terrace age data, results in more consistent conclusions about rates of river incision, rock uplift and base-level lowering across the mountain belt. Our recommendations for sampling strategies to constrain rock uplift rates require samples to be taken just above the strath surface, and in addition towards the top of the deposit for river incision rates. In a setting with punctuated river incision and strath terrace formation, both rock uplift and incision rates require burial dates, as exclusive use of abandonment ages will not yield constraints on accurate rates of rock uplift or incision. Furthermore, we find that only with multiple along-stream locations and multiple burial dates in each terrace deposit, could a reliable climatic signal be extracted: this signal would not have shown up in terrace abandonment ages such as those derived from cosmogenic exposure dates. The demonstrated effects of assumptions about strath terrace formation, and the recommended approaches for sampling and interpretation, have implications for those attempting to constrain palaeoclimatic, tectonic, and geomorphic histories from strath terrace records in regions exhibiting punctuated river incision.

Relation between the insulin lowering rate and changes in bone mineral density: Analysis among subtypes of type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Aims/IntroductionThe bone mineral density in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus is reduced due to impaired insulin secretion. However, it is unclear whether the rate of bone mineral density reduction is affected by the type 1 diabetes mellitus subtype. This study aimed to clarify the difference in bone mineral density across type 1 diabetes mellitus subtypes: slowly progressive (SP), acute‐onset (AO), and fulminant (F).MethodsThis was a retrospective, single‐center, cross‐sectional study conducted on 98 adult type 1 diabetes mellitus patients. The main outcome included the bone mineral density Z‐score (BMD‐Z) measured at the lumbar spine and femoral neck.ResultsThe lumbar spine BMD‐Z was lower in the acute‐onset than in the slowly progressive subtype (P = 0.03). No differences were observed when compared with the fulminant subtype. The femoral neck BMD‐Z tended to be higher in the slowly progressive than in the acute‐onset and fulminant subtypes. Multiple regression analyses showed that the lumbar spine BMD‐Z was associated with subtypes (AO vs SP) (P = 0.01), but not subtypes (F vs SP), adjusted for sex, duration, retinopathy, and C‐peptide immunoreactivity (CPR). When the patients were divided into disease duration tertiles, in the first and second tertiles, the CPR levels were lower in the acute‐onset or fulminant than in the slowly progressive subtype. In contrast, the lumbar spine and femoral neck BMD‐Z differed between the acute‐onset and slowly progressive only in the second tertiles (both P < 0.01), with a similar tendency between the fulminant and slowly progressive subtypes.ConclusionsAmong the type 1 diabetes mellitus subtypes, bone mineral density undergoes time‐dependent changes, which reveals that the bone mineral density decline follows the impaired insulin secretion. These results provide novel insights into the association between the low insulin exposure duration and bone mineral density.

The Ratio of Oxygen Uptake From Ventilatory Anaerobic Threshold to Respiratory Compensation Point Is Maintained During Incremental Exercise in Older Adults.

IntroductionThe period from ventilatory anaerobic threshold (VAT) to respiratory compensation point (RCP) during incremental exercise (isocapnic buffering phase) has been associated with exercise tolerance and skeletal muscle composition. However, several reports compare younger and older healthy adults, and specific age-related changes are unclear. This study aimed to examine the oxygen uptake (VO2) from VAT to RCP and its change over time in younger and older healthy adults.MethodsA total of 126 consecutive participants were divided into two groups (95 younger and 31 older than 50 years of age) who underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing, and VAT and RCP were determined. The ratio (RCP/VAT) and difference (ΔVO2 RCP-VAT) were calculated from the VO2 of VAT and RCP and compared between groups and ages. Statistical analyses included t-tests and Spearman’s correlation tests, and the significance level was set at <5%.ResultsRCP/VAT was not significantly different (1.40 ± 0.19 vs. 1.59 ± 0.24, p = 0.057) but weakly correlated with age (r = −0.229, p = 0.013, y = −0.0031x + 1.7588, lowering rate: 0.185%/year). Conversely, ΔVO2 RCP-VAT was significantly lower in the older group (7.7 ± 3.1 vs. 13.8 ± 4.9 ml/kg/min, p < 0.001) and correlated significantly with age (r = −0.499; p < 0.001; y = −0.1303x + 16.855; lowering rate, 0.914%/year).ConclusionΔVO2 RCP-VAT was considered to be a poor indicator of lactate buffering capacity in the IB phase because both VAT and RCP were greatly affected by age-related decline. Conversely, RCP/VAT was suggested to be an index not easily affected by aging.

Effectiveness of benzbromarone versus febuxostat in gouty patients: a retrospective study.

Benzbromarone and febuxostat use different mechanisms to reduce serum urate. However, the effectiveness of benzbromarone versus febuxostat in reducing serum urate in gouty patients classified with different types of hyperuricaemia remains unclear. In this retrospective study from January 1, 2018, to September 30, 2020, subjects were identified if they were newly treated with benzbromarone 25mg daily or febuxostat 20mg daily. The subjects were classified into four types according to their 24-h urinary uric acid and fractional excretion of uric acid. The baseline data and follow-up information after 28 ± 3days of treatment were collected. Seventy-three subjects with gout were finally enrolled. Among them, 50 were treated with benzbromarone. The percent changes in serum urate from the baseline were - 33.71 ± 13.59% and - 29.45 ± 10.62% in the benzbromarone and febuxostat group, respectively, without a significant difference between the groups (P = 0.188). No differences were found between the groups in subjects classified as the renal underexcretion type, combined type, or "normal" type. In patients with eGFR ≥ 70mL/min/1.73 m2, the rate of serum urate lowering was higher in those treated with benzbromarone than in those treated with febuxostat. Febuxostat treatment significantly lowered serum creatinine from the baseline (P = 0.001). Benzbromarone 25mg daily and febuxostat 20mg daily may have comparable effectiveness in lowering the serum urate among different types of hyperuricaemia. Benzbromarone was more effective than febuxostat in lowering serum urate in subjects with eGFR ≥ 70mL/min/1.73 m2, while febuxostat had a renal protective effect. Key Points • Benzbromarone 25mg daily and febuxostat 20mg daily may have comparable effectiveness in lowering the serum urate inpatients withdifferent types of hyperuricaemia. • Benzbromarone 25mg daily was more effective than febuxostat 20mg daily in lowering serum urate in subjects with eGFR ≥ 70mL/min/1.73 m2. • Febuxostat had a renal protective effect after about 1month treatment.

Weakening of the pinning point buttressing Thwaites Glacier, West Antarctica

Abstract. The Thwaites Eastern Ice Shelf buttresses a significant portion of Thwaites Glacier through contact with a pinning point 40 km offshore of the present grounding line. Predicting future rates of Thwaites Glacier’s contribution to sea-level rise depends on the evolution of this pinning point and the resultant change in the ice-shelf stress field since the breakup of the Thwaites Western Glacier Tongue in 2009. Here we use Landsat-8 feature tracking of ice velocity in combination with ice-sheet model perturbation experiments to show how past changes in flow velocity have been governed in large part by changes in lateral shear and pinning point interactions with the Thwaites Western Glacier Tongue. We then use recent satellite altimetry data from ICESat-2 to show that Thwaites Glacier’s grounding line has continued to retreat rapidly; in particular, the grounded area of the pinning point is greatly reduced from earlier mappings in 2014, and grounded ice elevations are continuing to decrease. This loss has created two pinned areas with ice flow now funneled between them. If current rates of surface lowering persist, the Thwaites Eastern Ice Shelf will unpin from the seafloor in less than a decade, despite our finding from airborne radar data that the seafloor underneath the pinning point is about 200 m shallower than previously reported. Advection of relatively thin and mechanically damaged ice onto the remaining portions of the pinning point and feedback mechanisms involving basal melting may further accelerate the unpinning. As a result, ice discharge will likely increase up to 10 % along a 45 km stretch of the grounding line that is currently buttressed by the Thwaites Eastern Ice Shelf.

Sustainable Restoration of Degraded Farm Land by the Sheet-Pipe System

For the sustainable restoration of wet farm land degraded by the climate change-induced rise of ground water level (GWL) and soil salinity etc., the sheet pipe system is one of the most useful technologies which reduces cultivation obstacles due to the poor drainage by controlling the rapid drainage function and enabling farmers to produce profitable crops. This system is characterized mainly as a perforated polyethylene rolled-band sheet 180 mm in width and 1 mm thick which is drawn into the subsurface layer while transforming a drainage pipe with φ = 50 mm. The major advantage of this system is that since the sheet pipe is installed without trenching, the disturbance of land is minimized and the construction period can be shortened to about 1/4 (which reduces the cost approximately by 50%). In this study, by using the sheet pipe installed miniature-type model soil box, the drainage capacity of the sheet pipe was confirmed as being the same as the pipe-shaped standard drainage pipes. Based on the observations of the saturated–unsaturated flow and the maximum lowering rate of GWL was predicted. Finally, at the farm land wherein the free board of the adjoining canal was limited, the effectiveness of the sheet-pipe system was confirmed.

TRAILBLAZER‐ALZ Study: Dynamics of amyloid reduction after donanemab treatment

AbstractBackgroundAccumulation of amyloid‐β (Aβ) peptide in amyloid plaques is a pathological hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Reduction of Aβ could slow the progression of AD. Donanemab is an antibody specific for the N‐terminal pyroglutamate Aβ epitope that is only present in mature brain amyloid plaques. In the TRAILBLAZER‐ALZ study, 67.8% (n=61) of donanemab‐treated participants became amyloid negative by 76 weeks. Here we further characterize amyloid reduction after donanemab treatment.MethodParticipants (placebo N=84, donanemab N=69) that completed 4 florbetapir scans in TRAILBLAZER‐ALZ were analyzed for amyloid reduction rate, measured in centiloids (CL). Donanemab dosing was 700mg every 4 weeks (Q4W) for the first 3 doses, then 1400mg Q4W, for up to 76 weeks. Planned blinded dose reduction evaluations occurred at 24 and 52 weeks creating three periods of time between florbetapir scans: baseline‐24wk, 24wk‐52wk, or 52wk‐76wk. ANOVA were performed to compare baseline parameters.ResultAt 24wk, 15 participants in the donanemab group were assigned to 700mg dose and 19 were assigned to placebo. At 52wk, 10 participants were assigned to 700mg dose and 8 were assigned to placebo. In the 17 participants that remained on 1400mg donanemab until the end of the trial, amyloid reduction rate decreased during baseline‐24wk, 24wk‐52wk, and 52wk‐76wk (mean (SD): ‐2.7(1.5), ‐1.0 (0.7), and ‐0.5 (0.5) CL/wk, respectively). At the end of the trial, 5 out of 17 participants that remained in the 1400mg group became amyloid negative. In the 15 participants that were assigned to 700mg at 24wk, plaque lowering rate decreased from an average of ‐3.0 (1.2) CL/wk over the first 24wk to an average of ‐0.4 (0.4) CL/wk over 24wk‐52wk. At the end of the trial, 13 participants assigned to 700mg donanemab Q4W at 24wk became amyloid negative. Patients that received placebo at 24wk‐76wk (n=19) or 52wk‐76wk (n=19), had no re‐accumulation (mean (SD): 0.0 (0.1) CL/wk and ‐0.1 (0.2) CL/wk, respectively). Participants that stayed on 1400mg until study end had higher baseline amyloid (p=0.0000) and tau (p=0.0488) and were younger (p=0.0472) than those assigned to 700mg or placebo at 24wk.ConclusionDonanemab treatment reduced amyloid plaques and resulted in no re‐accumulation of amyloid over 1 year.