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Integrating mineralogy with data science is critical to modernizing Earth materials research and its applications to geosciences. Data were compiled on 95 650 garnet sample analyses from a variety of sources, ranging from large repositories (EarthChem, RRUFF, MetPetDB) to individual peer-reviewed literature. An important feature is the inclusion of mineralogical “dark data” from papers published prior to 1990. Garnets are commonly used as indicators of formation environments, which directly correlate with their geochemical properties; thus, they are an ideal subject for the creation of an extensive data resource that incorporates composition, locality information, paragenetic mode, age, temperature, pressure, and geochemistry. For the data extracted from existing databases and literature, we increased the resolution of several key aspects, including petrogenetic and paragenetic attributes, which we extended from generic material type (e.g., igneous, metamorphic) to more specific rock-type names (e.g., diorite, eclogite, skarn) and locality information, increasing specificity by examining the continent, country, area, geological context, longitude, and latitude. Likewise, we utilized end-member and quality index calculations to help assess the garnet sample analysis quality. This comprehensive dataset of garnet information is an open-access resource available in the Evolutionary System of Mineralogy Database (ESMD) for future mineralogical studies, paving the way for characterizing correlations between chemical composition and paragenesis through natural kind clustering (Chiama et al., 2022; https://doi.org/10.48484/camh-xy98). We encourage scientists to contribute their own unpublished and unarchived analyses to the growing data repositories of mineralogical information that are increasingly valuable for advancing scientific discovery.

Questions: How well do the 6-minute stepper test (6MST) and sit-to-stand test (STST) predict complications after minimally invasive lung cancer resection? Do the 6MST and STST provide supplementary information on the risk of postoperative complications in addition to the prognostic variables that are currently used, such as age and the American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) score? Design: Prospective inception cohort study with follow-up for 90 days. Participants: Consecutive sample of adults undergoing major lung resection with video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) or robot-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS). Outcome measures: Patients had a preoperative functional evaluation with the 6MST and STST. The number of steps, heart rate change, saturation and dyspnoea during the 6MST and the number of lifts during the STST were recorded. Complications graded ≥ 2 on the Clavien-Dindo classification were recorded for 90 days after surgery. Results: Between November 2018 and November 2019, 118 patients with a mean age of 65 years (SD 9) were included and analysed. Their surgeries were via VATS in 88 (75%) and via RATS in 30 (25%). For predicting a postoperative complication graded ≥ 2 on the Clavien-Dindo classification, the area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve was: 0.82 (95% CI 0.75 to 0.90) for the number of steps during the 6MST, with an optimum cut-off of 140 steps; and 0.85 (95% CI 0.77 to 0.93) for the number of lifts during the STST, with an optimum cut-off of 20 lifts. Conclusion: The 6MST and STST predicted morbidity and mortality after lung cancer resection via minimally invasive surgery. The preoperative use of these exercise tests in clinical practice may be useful for risk stratification. Registration: NCT03824977.

Question: In people with non-small cell lung cancer, what is the effect of condensing 15 prehabilitation sessions into a 3-week regimen compared with a 5-week regimen? Design: Randomised controlled trial with concealed allocation, intention-to-treat analysis and blinded assessment of the primary outcome. Participants: People with diagnosed or suspected non-small cell lung cancer and moderate-to-high risk of postoperative complications. Intervention: Fifteen supervised prehabilitation sessions delivered with either a dense regimen of five sessions/week for 3 weeks (experimental group) or a non-dense regimen of three sessions/week for 5 weeks (control group). Outcome measures: The primary outcome was the change in cardiorespiratory fitness measured by the V̇O2peak in ml/kg/min. The secondary outcomes were the change in other variables of interest measured during cardiopulmonary exercise testing, non-invasive nutritional markers, quadriceps maximal voluntary isometric contractions, maximal inspiratory pressure, quality of life, adherence and postoperative complications. Results: Changes with the experimental regimen were similar to or better than changes with the control regimen for: V̇O2peak (MD 1.2 ml/kg/min, 95% CI −0.1 to 2.6); V̇E/V̇CO2 slope (MD −3.6 points, 95% CI −8.7 to 1.5); and work rate at ventilatory threshold (MD 3.7 W, 95% CI −5.6 to 13.0). The two regimens had similar effects on: peak work rate (MD 1.3 W, 95% CI −6.4 to 9.0), V̇O2 at ventilatory threshold (MD 0.0 ml/kg/min, 95% CI −1.4 to 1.4); body mass index (MD −0.2 kg/m2, 95% CI −0.5 to 0.1); and maximal inspiratory pressure (MD −0.7 cmH2O, 95% CI −9.8 to 8.4). The relative effect was uncertain for quadriceps maximal voluntary isometric contractions, quality of life and complications. Conclusion: Condensing prehabilitation sessions led to similar or better improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness and did not decrease adherence or increase adverse events. This could increase the number of patients who can be referred for prehabilitation, despite short presurgical periods. Trial registration: NCT03936764.

The authors here report high melting temperatures of MgSiO3 at 500 GPa by direct shockwave loading of pre-synthesized dense bridgemanite. This is essential data to understand the thermal evolution of the interiors of terrestrial (exo-)planets.

Background Peak oxygen uptake (V˙O2peak) measured by a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPX) is the gold‐standard for predicting surgical risk in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The 3‐minute chair rise test (3CRT) is a simple test requiring minimal resources. This study aimed to determine the ability of 3CRT to predict V˙O2peak in patients with NSCLC. Methods Retrospective data from CPX and 3CRT carried out in 36 patients with NSCLC between March 2018 and February 2019 were included. A multivariate analysis was undertaken to derive a predictive V˙O2peak equation based on performance on the 3CRT. In addition, sensitivity‐specificity analysis was carried out to estimate a threshold 3CRT value for the prediction of V˙O2peak ≥ 15 mL/kg/minute. Results The following equation was obtained: V˙O2peak predicted = (0.04765 × FEV1) ‐ (0.207 59 × BMI) ‐ (0.115 89 × age) + (0.386 09 × vertical distance) + 16.628 69; r2 = 0.75, P

The chemical exfoliation of graphite to produce graphene and its oxide is undoubtedly an economical method for scalable production. Carbon researchers have dedicated significant resources to developing new exfoliation methods leads to graphene oxides with high quality. However, only a few studies have been dedicated to the effect of the starting graphite material on the resulting GO. Herein, we have prepared two different GOs through chemical exfoliation of graphite materials having different textural and structural characteristics. All samples have been subjected to structural investigations and comprehensive characterizations using Raman, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, TGA, N2 physisorption, and FTIR spectroscopy. Our results provide direct evidence of how the crystallite size of the raw graphite affects the oxidation degree, surface functionality, and sheet size of the resulting GO. Building on these significant understandings, the optimized GO achieves a highly specific capacitance of 191 F·g−1 at the specific current of 0.25 A·g−1 in an aqueous electrolyte. This superior electrochemical performance was attributed to several factors, among which the specific surface area was accessible to the electrolyte ions and oxygenated functional groups on the surface, which can significantly modify the electronic structure of graphene and further enhance the surface energy.

BackgroundFunctional exercise capacity assessment is recommended in children with cystic fibrosis (CF). The six-minute walk test (6MWT) is a valid evaluation of exercise capacity but can be technically complex. Inversely, the sit-to-stand test (STST) is a simple method to evaluate exercise capacity, and is validated in healthy children and adults with CF. This study aimed to evaluate STST measurement properties in children and adolescents with CF.MethodsIn this multicenter study, children with CF (6 to 18 years) performed two iterations of both the STST and the 6MWT in a randomized order. Criterion validity was determined by assessing correlations between STST repetitions and 6MWT distance (6MWD). Intra-rater reliability, test-retest repeatability, mean bias and limits of agreement were also assessed. Relationships with other outcomes (i.e. respiratory and quadriceps muscle strength) and cardio-respiratory responses were analysed for both tests.ResultsThirty-six children with CF were included (mean age 12.0 ±3.5 years and FEV1 95.8 ±25.0%). On average, 39.6 ±10.5 repetitions were performed during the STST and mean 6MWD was 596.0 ±102.6 meters. STST number of repetitions was significantly correlated with 6MWD (r = 0.48; pConclusionsThe STST is an easy-to-use functional test with moderate criterion validity when compared to the 6MWT in children with CF, probably because both tests measure different components of functional exercise capacity. The STST is useful when the 6MWT is unfeasible, however further investigations are required to explore the clinical implications of STST results in children with CF.Clinical trial registrationNCT03069625.

The current gold-standard treatment for COVID-19-related hypoxemic respiratory failure is invasive mechanical ventilation. However, do not intubate orders (DNI), prevent the use of this treatment in some cases. The aim of this study was to evaluate if non-invasive ventilatory supports can provide a good therapeutic alternative to invasive ventilation in patients with severe COVID-19 infection and a DNI. Data were collected from four centres in three European countries. Patients with severe COVID-19 infection were included. We emulated a hypothetical target trial in which outcomes were compared in patients with a DNI order treated exclusively by non-invasive respiratory support with patients who could be intubated if necessary. We set up a propensity score and an inverse probability of treatment weighting to remove confounding by indication. Four-hundred patients were included: 270 were eligible for intubation and 130 had a DNI order. The adjusted risk ratio for death among patients eligible for intubation was 0.81 (95% CI 0.46 to 1.42). The median length of stay in acute care for survivors was similar between groups (18 (10–31) vs. (19 (13–23.5); p = 0.76). The use of non-invasive respiratory support is a good compromise for patients with severe COVID-19 and a do not intubate order.

Integrating mineralogy with data science is critical to modernizing Earth materials research and its applications to geosciences. Data were compiled on 95 650 garnet sample analyses from a variety of sources, ranging from large repositories (EarthChem, RRUFF, MetPetDB) to individual peer-reviewed literature. An important feature is the inclusion of mineralogical "dark data" from papers published prior to 1990. Garnets are commonly used as indicators of formation environments, which directly correlate with their geochemical properties; thus, they are an ideal subject for the creation of an extensive data resource that incorporates composition, locality information, paragenetic mode, age, temperature, pressure, and geochemistry. For the data extracted from existing databases and literature, we increased the resolution of several key aspects, including petrogenetic and paragenetic attributes, which we extended from generic material type (e.g., igneous, metamorphic) to more specific rock-type names (e.g., diorite, eclogite, skarn) and locality information, increasing specificity by examining the continent, country, area, geological context, longitude, and latitude. Likewise, we utilized end-member and quality index calculations to help assess the garnet sample analysis quality. This comprehensive dataset of garnet information is an open-access resource available in the Evolutionary System of Mineralogy Database (ESMD) for future mineralogical studies, paving the way for characterizing correlations between chemical composition and paragenesis through natural kind clustering (Chiama et al., 2022; 10.48484/camh-xy98). We encourage scientists to contribute their own unpublished and unarchived analyses to the growing data repositories of mineralogical information that are increasingly valuable for advancing scientific discovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Open in new tab Download slide OBJECTIVES Adequate pain management after thoracoscopic surgery is a major issue in the prevention of respiratory complications. The combination of the paravertebral block (PVB) with the serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) may decrease postoperative pain. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of the combination of PVB and SAPB on the consumption of morphine and pain after video- or robot-assisted thoracic surgery. METHODS The main objective of this randomized controlled trial was to compare the cumulative postoperative morphine consumption at 24 h between a group having PVB (PVB group) and a group having PVB and SAPB (PV-SAPB group). Postoperative pain at 6 and 24 h and morphine-related complications were also assessed. RESULTS A total of 112 patients were included with 56 in each group. There was no difference in median cumulative morphine consumption at 24 h between the 2 groups (P  = 0.1640). At 6 h, the median postoperative pain was higher in the PVB group compared to the PV-SAPB group (3 [0; 4] vs 2 [0; 3], P  = 0.0231). There were no differences between the 2 groups for pain at 24 h and morphine-related complications. CONCLUSIONS We did not find any difference in morphine consumption between the 2 groups. Our results suggest that the combination of PVB and SAPB for video-assisted thoracic surgery or robot-assisted thoracic surgery is safe effective and reliable and could be an alternative to PVB alone in certain indications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mercury, the innermost planet, formed under highly reduced conditions, based mainly on surface Fe, S, and Si abundances determined from MESSENGER mission data. The minor element Cr may serve as an independent oxybarometer but only very limited Cr data have been previously reported for Mercury. We report Cr/Si abundances across Mercury's surface based on MESSENGER X‐Ray Spectrometer data throughout the spacecraft's orbital mission. The heterogeneous Cr/Si ratio ranges from 3.6 × 10−5 in the Caloris Basin to 0.0012 within the high‐magnesium region, with an average southern hemisphere value of 0.0008 (corresponding to about 200 ppm Cr). Absolute Cr/Si values have systematic uncertainty of at least 30%, but relative variations are more robust. By combining experimental Cr partitioning data along with planetary differentiation modeling, we find that if Mercury formed with bulk chondritic Cr/Al, Cr must be present in the planet's core and differentiation must have occurred at log fO2 in the range of IW‐6.5 to IW‐2.5 in the absence of sulfides in its interior and a range of IW‐5.5 to IW‐2 with an FeS layer at the core‐mantle boundary. Models with large fractions of Mg‐Ca‐rich sulfides in Mercury's interior are more compatible with moderately reducing conditions (IW‐5.5 to IW‐4) owing to the instability of Mg‐Ca‐rich sulfides at elevated fO2. These results indicate that if Mercury differentiated at a log fO2 lower than IW‐5.5, the presence of sulfides whether in the form of a FeS layer at the top of the core or Mg‐Ca‐rich sulfides within the mantle would be unlikely. Plain Language Summary: Data returned by NASA's MESSENGER mission, which orbited Mercury from 2011 to 2015, have shown that the innermost planet formed under highly reducing (relatively low‐oxygen) conditions, compared to the other terrestrial planets, but estimates of Mercury's oxidation state are highly uncertain. Chromium, a minor element in planetary materials, can exist in a wide range of oxidation states and its abundance thus can provide information about the chemical conditions under which it was incorporated into rocks. We used data from MESSENGER's X‐ray Spectrometer instrument to map the Cr/Si ratio across much of Mercury and found that Cr is heterogeneously distributed. By comparing the average measured Cr abundance to the results of planetary differentiation models (informed by experimental data on how Cr partitions between different phases under different planetary differentiation conditions), we placed new constraints on Mercury's oxidation state and show that further refinement of this quantity could be used to place limits on the presence of sulfides in the planet's deep interior. Key Points: Chromium abundance is useful as a probe of redox conditions during planet formation and evolutionWe used MESSENGER x‐ray fluorescence data to determine whether surface Cr abundance is heterogeneous on Mercury with an average value of ∼200 ppmExperimental data and differentiation modeling put constraints on Mercury's oxidation state, depending on the presence of mantle sulfides [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: One of the major issues in thoracic surgery is adequate post-operative pain management. Inadequate management leads to complications, such as atelectasis, pneumonia, respiratory failure, and the development of chronic pain. Paravertebral block (PVB) has now become the first-line locoregional technique for video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) or robot-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS). New chest wall blocks, such as the erector spinae plane block (ESPB) have been described in recent years to facilitate analgesia and limit the risk of puncturing adjacent structures (neuroaxial, pleural, or vascular punctures). The ESPB is more superficial than the PVB and some studies suggest that the anesthetic could spread into the thoracic paravertebral space. Therefore, the ESPB may have fewer complications and be more effective than PVB. We hypothesize that the ESPB could decrease post-operative pain compared to PVB block after VATS or RATS for lung cancer. Introduction: The prevention of respiratory complications is a major issue after thoracic surgery for lung cancer, and requires adequate post-operative pain management. The erector spinae plane block (ESPB) may decrease post-operative pain. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of ESPB on pain after video or robot-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS or RATS). Methods: The main outcome of this retrospective study with a propensity score analysis (PSA) was to compare the post-operative pain at 24 h at rest and at cough between a group that received ESPB and a group that received paravertebral block (PVB). Post-operative morphine consumption at 24 h and complications were also assessed. Results: One hundred and seven patients were included: 54 in the ESPB group and 53 in the PVB group. The post-operative median pain score at rest and cough was lower in the ESPB group compared to the PVB group at 24 h (respectively, at rest 2 [1; 3.5] vs. 2 [0; 4], p = 0.0181, with PSA; ESPB −0.80 [−1.50; −0.10], p = 0.0255, and at cough (4 [3; 6] vs. 5 [4; 6], p = 0.0261, with PSA; ESPB -1.48 [−2.65; −0.31], p = 0.0135). There were no differences between groups concerning post-operative morphine consumption at 24 h and respiratory complications. Conclusions: Our results suggest that ESPB is associated with less post-operative pain at 24 h than PVB after VATS or RATS for lung cancer. Furthermore, ESPB is an acceptable and safe alternative compared to PVB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oxygen uptake (V̇O2) and heart rate (HR) kinetics during a constant work-rate test (CWRT) are used to evaluate the response to exercise in healthy subjects as well as subjects with various pathologies. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the feasibility of these measures and their responsiveness to a prehabilitation program in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Method: This study is preregistered (NCT04041297) ancillary analysis of a subgroup of individuals with NSCLC included in the Preo-Dens study (NCT03936764). Thirty individuals performed a moderate-CWRT before and after a 15-session prehabilitation program between July 2019 and April 2021. V̇O2 and HR on-kinetics were extracted from the first 240 s of breath-by-breath data using Box-Jenkins transfer functions. Results: Pre/post V̇O2 on-kinetic feature values were reliable for 25/30 participants, and pre/post HR kinetic feature values were reliable for 19/30. V̇O2 time constant (τ) and mean response time reduced from pre-post prehabilitation (mean difference −7.8 s; 95% CI: −14.6 to −1.0, and −8.4 s; 95% CI: −14.7 to −2.0, respectively). For HR on-kinetics, τ did not change from pre-post prehabilitation (median difference −4.0 s; 95% CI: −36.0 to +11.0). V̇O2 and HR response amplitudes reduced significatively from pre-post prehabilitation (mean difference −38.6 mL/min; 95% CI: −73.3 to −3.9, and −3.1 beats/min; 95% CI: −6.4 to −0.2, respectively). Conclusion: V̇O2 on-kinetic analysis during moderate-CWRT is feasible in individuals with scheduled NSCLC resection, and results are responsive to prehabilitation. These results support a true speeding of the adaptation of aerobic metabolism after a 15-session prehabilitation program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional manganese oxide (MnO2)‐based supercapacitors struggle to achieve theoretical capacitance due to the material's low conductivity and large particle size. Consequently, researchers have improved MnO2's properties by incorporating conductive carbonaceous materials to obtain high‐performance composite materials. Herein, the full process of engineering a MnO2‐graphene oxide (GO) composite and its application as a positive electrode for asymmetric supercapacitors (ASC) is presented. First, GO using a novel gas expansion precursor allowing an efficient chemical exfoliation of pristine graphite is synthesized. Afterward, size‐weakened MnO2 nanoparticles are synthesized and deposited onto the GO sheets by a self‐assembly redox reaction method using different MnO2/GO mass ratios. Multiple characterization methods are used to investigate the textural and structural properties of each material. A general electrochemical characterization is conducted using a three‐electrode cell; therefore, the synthesized MnO2‐GO composite achieves 150 F g−1 at 10 mV s−1. Furthermore, an ASC in an aqueous electrolyte using GO and MnO2 or MnO2‐GO as negative and positive electrodes, respectively, is assembled. The fabricated ASC based on MnO2‐GO composite exhibits a high specific capacitance of 38 F g−1 at 1 A g−1, excellent cycling stability after 36 000 cycles, and a steady electrochemical impedance behavior after 120 h of floating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adequate postoperative morphine consumption and pain management after thoracic surgery are major issues in the prevention of respiratory complications. Opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) may decrease morphine consumption and postoperative pain. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of OFA on the consumption of morphine and pain after video-assisted thoracic surgery or robotic-assisted thoracic surgery. The main objective of this retrospective study with propensity score analysis (PSA) was to compare the cumulative postoperative morphine consumption at 48 hours between an OFA group receiving dexmedetomidine, lidocaine, and ketamine; and an opioid anesthesia (OA) group receiving remifentanil plus morphine. Postoperative pain at 24 and 48 hours and respiratory and hemodynamics complications were also assessed. Eighty-one patients were included, 48 in the OFA group and 33 in the OA group. The cumulative postoperative morphine consumption at 48 hours was lower in the OFA group than in the OA group (28.5 mg [0 to 62.25 mg] vs 55 mg [34 to 79.5 mg], P =.002, with PSA; OFA −27.67 mg [−46 mg to −11.5 mg], P =.002). The postoperative pain score was significantly lower in the OFA group compared with the OA group at 24 hours (2 [0 to 4] vs 3 [2 to 5], P =.064, with PSA; OFA −1.40 [−2.47 to −0.33], P =.0088) and 48 hours (0 [0 to 3] vs 2.5 [0 to 5], P =.034, with PSA; OFA −1.87 [−3.45 to −0.28], P =.021). There were no differences between groups concerning respiratory or hemodynamic complications. Our results suggest that OFA after video-assisted thoracic surgery or robotic-assisted thoracic surgery is safe and is associated with less postoperative morphine cumulative consumption and pain at 48 hours. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical exfoliation of graphite to produce graphene and its oxide is undoubtedly an economical method for scalable production. Carbon researchers have dedicated significant resources to developing new exfoliation methods leads to graphene oxides with high quality. However, only a few studies have been dedicated to the effect of the starting graphite material on the resulting GO. Herein, we have prepared two different GOs through chemical exfoliation of graphite materials having different textural and structural characteristics. All samples have been subjected to structural investigations and comprehensive characterizations using Raman, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, TGA, N2 physisorption, and FTIR spectroscopy. Our results provide direct evidence of how the crystallite size of the raw graphite affects the oxidation degree, surface functionality, and sheet size of the resulting GO. Building on these significant understandings, the optimized GO achieves a highly specific capacitance of 191 F·g−1 at the specific current of 0.25 A·g−1 in an aqueous electrolyte. This superior electrochemical performance was attributed to several factors, among which the specific surface area was accessible to the electrolyte ions and oxygenated functional groups on the surface, which can significantly modify the electronic structure of graphene and further enhance the surface energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Exercise training before lung resection for non-small cell lung cancer is believed to decrease postoperative complications (POC) by improving cardiorespiratory fitness. However, this intervention lacks a strong evidence base.Aim: To assess the effectiveness of preoperative exercise training compared with usual care on POC and other secondary outcomes in patients with scheduled lung resection.Methods: A systematic search of randomised trials was conducted by two authors. Meta-analysis was performed, and the effect of exercise training was estimated by risk ratios (RR) and mean differences, with their CIs. Clinical usefulness was estimated according to minimal important difference values (MID).Results: Fourteen studies involving 791 participants were included. Compared with usual care, exercise training reduced overall POC (10 studies, 617 participants, RR 0.58, 95% CI 0.45 to 0.75) and clinically relevant POC (4 studies, 302 participants, Clavien-Dindo score ≥2 RR 0.42, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.69). The estimate of the effect of exercise training on mortality was very imprecise (6 studies, 456 participants, RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.20 to 2.22). The main risks of bias were a lack of participant blinding and selective reporting. Exercise training appeared to improve exercise capacity, pulmonary function and also quality of life and depression, although the clinical usefulness of the changes was unclear. The quality of the evidence was graded for each outcome.Conclusion: Preoperative exercise training leads to a worthwhile reduction in postoperative complications. These estimates were both accurate and large enough to make recommendations for clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the use of several cluster analysis techniques to evaluate the classification of pre-solar silicon carbide (SiC) grains. The stability of clusters and the confidence of individual cluster assignments of grains are assessed using consensus clustering with resampling methods. Our analysis shows that pre-solar SiC grains can be divided into seven groups that are found to be highly stable with most of the grains being assigned to the same cluster for at least 90 per cent of the time over multiple aggregated clustering. Among the seven groups, two groups are dominated by AB grains, three groups by MS grains, one group by Z grains, and one group by X grains. The further division of X grains into two groups is highly dependent on the chosen algorithm and is therefore uncertain. Z and Y grains are clustered jointly with MS grains, with one group dominated by Z grains, pointing to their common origins from low-mass asymptotic giant branch stars. The most stable N grain-containing clusters are dominated by 15N-rich AB grains. However, some methods assign N grains with X grains, but in less stable clusters. The suggested genetic relationship among 15N-rich AB, N, and X grains is in line with the recent proposal that all three types of pre-solar SiC grains came from core collapse supernovae. We discuss the results from different clustering techniques based on our assessment of the cluster stabilities and the extent to which the cluster assignments overlap across the different methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The aim of this pilot study was to assess physical fitness and its relationship with functional dyspnea in survivors of COVID-19 6 months after their discharge from the hospital. Methods Data collected routinely from people referred for cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) following hospitalization for COVID-19 were retrospectively analyzed. Persistent dyspnea was assessed using the modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale. Results Twenty-three people with persistent symptoms were referred for CPET. Mean modified Medical Research Council dyspnea score was 1 (SD = 1) and was significantly associated with peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak; %) (rho = −0.49). At 6 months, those hospitalized in the general ward had a relatively preserved VO2peak (87% [SD = 20]), whereas those who had been in the intensive care unit had a moderately reduced VO2peak (77% [SD = 15]). Of note, the results of the CPET revealed that, in all individuals, respiratory equivalents were high, power-to-weight ratios were low, and those who had been in the intensive care unit had a relatively low ventilatory efficiency (mean VE/VCO2 slope = 34 [SD = 5]). Analysis of each individual showed that none had a breathing reserve <15% or 11 L/min, all had a normal exercise electrocardiogram, and 4 had a heart rate >90%. Conclusion At 6 months, persistent dyspnea was associated with reduced physical fitness. This study offers initial insights into the mid-term physical fitness of people who required hospitalization for COVID-19. It also provides novel pathophysiological clues about the underlaying mechanism of the physical limitations associated with persistent dyspnea. Those with persistent dyspnea should be offered a tailored rehabilitation intervention, which should probably include muscle reconditioning, breathing retraining, and perhaps respiratory muscle training. Impact This study is the first, to our knowledge, to show that a persistent breathing disorder (in addition to muscle deconditioning) can explain persistent symptoms 6 months after hospitalization for COVID-19 infection and suggests that a specific rehabilitation intervention is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is an evidence-based intervention to manage symptoms related to chronic obstructive respiratory diseases (CORD). Paradoxically, few people with CORD actually engage in PR, and of those, up to one-third do not complete the program. Additionally, some of those who complete the program do not achieve worthwhile benefits. Therefore, the main challenge for the next decades is to offer PR to as many people (that would potentially benefit from it) as possible. This raises questions about factors influencing participation, completion, and responsiveness to PR programs. Among these factors, urinary incontinence (UI) is highly prevalent among people with CORD (much more than in the general population) and may worsen during PR exercise sessions. Paradoxically, UI is poorly explored in routine and scarcely assessed in research, and none of the actual guidelines about PR mention it. However, its potential influence on engagement, completion, and response to PR is of real concern. Therefore, the aim of this perspective is to describe the mechanisms of UI, particularly in the context of CORD, as well as to highlight its prevalence among people with CORD, their burden, and how it could affect a PR approach based on sustained and regular physical activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Functional exercise capacity assessment is recommended in children with cystic fibrosis (CF). The six-minute walk test (6MWT) is a valid evaluation of exercise capacity but can be technically complex. Inversely, the sit-to-stand test (STST) is a simple method to evaluate exercise capacity, and is validated in healthy children and adults with CF. This study aimed to evaluate STST measurement properties in children and adolescents with CF. Methods: In this multicenter study, children with CF (6 to 18 years) performed two iterations of both the STST and the 6MWT in a randomized order. Criterion validity was determined by assessing correlations between STST repetitions and 6MWT distance (6MWD). Intra-rater reliability, test-retest repeatability, mean bias and limits of agreement were also assessed. Relationships with other outcomes (i.e. respiratory and quadriceps muscle strength) and cardio-respiratory responses were analysed for both tests. Results: Thirty-six children with CF were included (mean age 12.0 ±3.5 years and FEV1 95.8 ±25.0%). On average, 39.6 ±10.5 repetitions were performed during the STST and mean 6MWD was 596.0 ±102.6 meters. STST number of repetitions was significantly correlated with 6MWD (r = 0.48; p<0.01). Both tests had very good intra-rater reliability (ICCSTST = 0.91 (95%CI 0.76–0.96) and ICC6MWT = 0.94 (95%CI 0.85–0.97)), and a significant test-retest learning effect. The number of STST repetitions was not correlated with quadriceps or respiratory muscle strength test, and the STST induced fewer cardio-respiratory responses than the 6MWT. Conclusions: The STST is an easy-to-use functional test with moderate criterion validity when compared to the 6MWT in children with CF, probably because both tests measure different components of functional exercise capacity. The STST is useful when the 6MWT is unfeasible, however further investigations are required to explore the clinical implications of STST results in children with CF. Clinical trial registration: NCT03069625. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient CO2 capture capabilities of activated carbons prepared from natural coal are presented. The preparation method involved simple chemical activation using wet impregnation or dry physical mixing of the raw sample with activating agents like KOH or NaOH. The activated materials were characterized for their structural and textural properties by different analysis techniques. The activated samples exhibited well‐developed porosity, large surface area, and high pore volumes and had other active elements like oxygenated functional groups. These groups modified the surface energy of the resultant samples. The superior performance of the activated carbons was attributed to several factors, including large surface area, presence of narrow micropores, and oxygenated functional groups on the surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Peak oxygen uptake (V˙O2peak) measured by a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPX) is the gold‐standard for predicting surgical risk in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The 3‐minute chair rise test (3CRT) is a simple test requiring minimal resources. This study aimed to determine the ability of 3CRT to predict V˙O2peak in patients with NSCLC. Methods: Retrospective data from CPX and 3CRT carried out in 36 patients with NSCLC between March 2018 and February 2019 were included. A multivariate analysis was undertaken to derive a predictive V˙O2peak equation based on performance on the 3CRT. In addition, sensitivity‐specificity analysis was carried out to estimate a threshold 3CRT value for the prediction of V˙O2peak ≥ 15 mL/kg/minute. Results: The following equation was obtained: V˙O2peak predicted = (0.04765 × FEV1) ‐ (0.207 59 × BMI) ‐ (0.115 89 × age) + (0.386 09 × vertical distance) + 16.628 69; r2 = 0.75, P < 0.01. The bias between the V˙O2peak values predicted and measured during CPX was 0.0 ± 1.7 mL/kg/minute (95% limits of agreement [−3.5 to 3.5]). A performance ≥49 chair rises predicted V˙O2peak ≥ 15 mL/kg/minute with a sensitivity of 0.75 and a specificity of 0.81. Conclusions: The level of error in the prediction of V˙O2peak from 3CRT performance was too great to recommend that 3CRT should replace CPX as the sole measurement of V˙O2peak. Nevertheless, the 3CRT could help to identify those patients that require CPX prior to lung resection surgery for NSCLC, larger prospective study is needed to confirm this hypothesis. Key points: Significant findings of the study: Cardiopulmonary exercise tests can stratify the surgical risk. Prediction of the peak oxygen uptake (V˙O2peak) value from the 3CRT yields an unacceptable level of error. However, a performance of 49 chair rises or more during the 3CRT could indicate a V˙O2peak ≥ 15 mL / kg / minute. What this study adds: The 3CRT is a useful screening tool to determine the necessity for a comprehensive cardiopulmonary exercise test, whose access is limited in clinical practice. It could also allow early screening of patients requiring specific prehabilitation programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Thoracic surgery is the optimal treatment for early-stage lung cancer, but there is a high risk of postoperative morbidity. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate patients' preoperative general condition and cardiorespiratory capacity to determine the risk of postoperative complications. The objective of this study was to assess whether the stair-climbing test could be used in the preoperative evaluation of lung resection patients to predict postoperative morbidity following thoracic surgery.Methods: We performed a systematic review and a meta-analysis on the association between stair-climbing test result and morbidity/mortality after thoracic surgery. We analysed all articles published until May 2020 in the following databases: Pubmed/Medline, Pedro, The Cochrane library, Embase and CINAHL. The risk of bias was assessed using the Quality in Prognosis Studies tool. This meta-analysis is registered as PROSPERO CRD42019121348.Results: 13 articles were included in the systematic review for a total of 2038 patients and 6 in the meta-analysis. There were multiple test evaluation criteria: rise time, height, desaturation and heart rate change. For the meta-analysis, we were able to pool data on the height of rise at a variable threshold: risk ratio 2.34 (95% CI 1.59 to 3.43) with I²=53% (p=0.06). The threshold for occurrence of complications was estimated at a 10 m climb.Conclusions: Our results indicate that the stair-climbing test could be used as a first-line functional screening test to predict postoperative morbidity following thoracic surgery and that patients with a poor test result (<10 m) should be referred to formal cardiopulmonary exercise testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of a planetary magnetic field is an important ingredient for habitability. The coexistence of a solid and a liquid core can facilitate the maintenance of a compositionally driven dynamo; however, the likelihood of such a configuration in super‐Earths is unknown. Recently, shock experiments and ab initio calculations have constrained the stability, equations of state, and melting properties of ultrahigh pressure core and mantle phases. Here, we investigate the internal structure of super‐Earth exoplanets with a range of total masses and core mass fractions ranging from that of Mars (0.2) to Mercury (0.68), including an Earth‐like bulk composition. We examine the effect of the initial core‐mantle boundary temperature (TCMB) on their internal structure and identify regimes with coexisting solid and liquid cores, and deep mantle melting. We find that the range of TCMB for which an inner core is growing increases with the total planet mass and even more with the core mass fraction. Therefore, our results suggest that super‐Earths should have a crystallizing core over a large temperature range. We also find that the presence of a growing inner core is likely to be accompanied by a partially liquid lower mantle, which will likely influence planetary thermal evolution. We estimate the initial CMB temperature after super‐Earth accretion by assuming an accretional heat retention efficiency similar to Earth. We find that massive super‐Earths are expected to have an initial internal temperature consistent with a partially liquid core, allowing for the possibility of thermal and compositional dynamo action. Plain Language Summary: The presence of a magnetic field in a planetary body is an important criterion for habitability, since it may reduce atmospheric loss and shield planetary surfaces from high‐energy charged particles. In terrestrial planets, when an inner iron‐rich core crystallizes, it releases light elements in the residual liquid outer core, which can facilitate liquid iron alloy convection and contribute to the maintenance of a magnetic field. In this study, we investigate the optimal conditions for the presence of a crystallizing core in super‐Earths (i.e., large rocky exoplanets), by modeling their internal structure and using recent data on the melting properties of materials at ultrahigh pressure. We find that cores of super‐Earths of large sizes have a greater likelihood to be partially molten, which may aid in maintaining a magnetic field. In addition, the lowermost mantle of massive super‐Earths are likely to experience prolonged partial melting. Increasing the size of their core relative to their mantle increases even more the probability of a growing inner core. In addition, we calculate the initial heat retained during planetary formation, which confirms that large super‐Earths are likely to have an initial crystallizing core. Key Points: We modeled the internal structure of super‐Earths and investigated the likelihood that an inner core existsSuper‐Earths with a large core have a wide range of temperature at the core mantle boundary over which a solid and a liquid core coexistIncreasing the size of super‐Earths iron core increases the likelihood of maintaining an inner core and deep mantle melting [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distribution of heat-producing elements (HPE) potassium (K), uranium (U), and thorium (Th) within planetary interiors has major implications for the thermal evolution of the terrestrial planets and for the inventory of volatile elements in the inner solar system. To investigate the abundances of HPE in Mercury's interior, we conducted experiments at high pressure and temperature (up to 5 GPa and 1900 °C) and reduced conditions (IW-1.8 to IW-6.5) to determine U, Th, and K partitioning between metal, silicate, and sulfide (Dmet/sil and Dsulf/sil). Our experimental data combined with those from the literature show that partitioning into sulfide is more efficient than into metal and that partitioning is enhanced with decreasing FeO and increasing O contents of the silicate and sulfide melts, respectively. Also, at low oxygen fugacity (log fO2 < IW-5), U and Th are more efficiently partitioned into liquid iron metal and sulfide than K. Dmet/sil for U, Th, and K increases with decreasing oxygen fugacity, while DUmet/sil and DKmet/sil increase when the metal is enriched and depleted in O or Si, respectively. We also used available data from the literature to constrain the concentrations of light elements (Si, S, O, and C) in Fe metal and sulfide. We calculated chemical compositions of Mercury's core after core segregation, for a range of fO2 conditions during its differentiation. For example, if Mercury differentiated at IW-5.5, its core would contain 49 wt% Si, 0.02 wt% S, and negligible C. Also if core-mantle separation happened at a fO2 lower than IW-4, the bulk Mercury Fe/Si ratio is likely to be chondritic. We calculated concentrations of U, Th, and K in the Fe-rich core and possible sulfide layer of Mercury. Bulk Mercury K/U and K/Th were calculated taking all U, Th, and K reservoirs into account. Without any sulfide layer, or if Mercury's core segregated at a higher fO2 than IW-4, bulk K/U and K/Th would be similar to those measured on the surface, confirming more elevated volatile K concentration than previously expected for Mercury. However, Mercury could fall on an overall volatile depletion trend where K/U increases with the heliocentric distance if core segregation occurred near IW-5.5 or more reduced conditions, and with a sulfide layer of at least 130 km thickness. At these conditions, the bulk Mercury K/Th ratio is close to Venus's and Earth's values. Since U and Th become more chalcophile with decreasing oxygen fugacity, to a higher extent than K, it is likely that at an fO2 close to, or lower than, IW-6 both K/U and K/Th become lower than values of the other terrestrial planets. Therefore, our results suggest that the elevated K/U and K/Th ratios of Mercury's surface should not be exclusively interpreted as the result of a volatile enrichment in Mercury, but could also indicate a sequestration of more U and Th than K in a hidden iron sulfide reservoir, possibly a layer present between the mantle and core. Hence, Mercury could be more depleted in volatiles than Mars with a K concentration similar to or lower than the Earth's and Venus's, suggesting volatile depletion in the inner solar system. In addition, we show that the presence of a sulfide layer formed between IW-4 and IW-5.5 decreases the total radioactive heat production of Mercury by up to 30%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MgO exsolution has been proposed to drive an early geodynamo. Experimental studies, however, have drawn different conclusions regarding the applicability of MgO exsolution. While many studies suggest that significant Mg can dissolve into the Earth's core, the amount of MgO exsolved out of the core, which hinges on the temperature dependence of MgO solubility, remains unclear. Here we present new high‐temperature experiments to better constrain the temperature and compositional dependence of Mg partitioning between Fe alloys and silicate liquids. Our experiments show that Mg partitioning is weakly dependent on temperature, while confirming its strong dependence on oxygen content in Fe alloys. This implies that MgO exolution is limited as the core cools but can help drive an early geodyanamo if the core heat loss is slightly subadiabatic. If an exosolution‐driven geodynamo did occur, it was likely over a limited time span that depends on the core thermal history and conductivity. Plain Language Summary: The existence of Earth's magnetic field has been dated back to at least 3.5 billion years ago. Yet its origin is under intense debates. A recent hypothesis is that abundant MgO, a major component of the Earth's mantle, may exsolve out of the Earth's core, providing energy to generate long‐lasting magnetic field. However, how much MgO can exsolve out of the core is still poorly constrained. Here we conduct new high‐pressure experiments to study the geochemical behavior of MgO under the Earth's core conditions. We find that the solubility of MgO in the Earth's core is weakly dependent on temperature. This suggests that the exsolution of MgO as the core cools is limited and can only power the geodynamo over a relatively limited time. Thus, the continuous operation of the Earth's ancient magnetic field remains a mystery. Key Points: We have conducted new experiments on Mg partitioning into Fe alloy at high pressuresEffect of temperature on Mg partitioning is weak, but the role of oxygen in Fe alloy is strongMgO exsolution is limited and can power an early geodynamo only if the core cools rapidly [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors express their interest in a study comparing the 1-minute sit-to-stand test (1minSTS) with the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and argue that the conclusion regarding the assessment of exertional desaturation may be limited. It suggest that evaluating the oxygen saturation (SpO2) nadir should include the recovery period and recommend further investigation to strengthen the conclusion by analyzing individuals with and without supplemental oxygen.

The article presents the discussion on physiotherapy in the perioperative period emerging as an important component of postoperative recovery. Topics include physical therapy in the preoperative period improving physical deconditioning and potentially affecting subsequent postsurgical outcomes; and recognition of the deleterious effects of immobilization potentiated by anesthesia, narcotics, or the original illness.

Using large volume press, samples of bridgmanites (Bg) in equilibrium with both silicate melt and liquid Fe-alloy were synthesized to replicate the early period of core-mantle segregation and magma ocean crystallization. We observe that the Fe partition coefficient between Bg and silicate melt (DFeBg/melt) varies strongly with the degree of partial melting (F). It is close to 1 at very low F and adopts a constant value of ~0.3 for F values above 10 wt%. In the context of a partially molten mantle, a larger F (closer to liquidus) should yield Fe-depleted Bg grains floating in the liquid mantle. In contrast, a low F (closer to solidus) should yield buoyant pockets of silicate melt in the dominantly solid mantle. We also determined the valence state of Fe in these Bg phases using X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (XANES). Combining our results with all available data sets, we show a redox state of Fe in Bg more complex than generally accepted. Under the reducing oxygen fugacities (fO2) of this study ranging from IW-1.5 and IW-2, the measured Fe3+ content of Bg is found moderate (Fe3+/ΣFe = 21 ± 4%) and weakly correlated with Al content. When fO2 is comprised between IW-1 and IW, this ratio is correlated with both Al content and oxygen fugacity. When fO2 remains between IW and Re/ReO2 buffers, Fe3+/ΣFe ratio becomes independent of fO2 and exclusively correlated with Al content. Due to the incompatibility of Fe in Bg and the variability of its partition coefficient with the degree of melting, fractional crystallization of the magma ocean can lead to important chemical heterogeneities that will be attenuated ultimately with mantle stirring. In addition, the relatively low-Fe3+ contents found in Bg (21%) at the reducing conditions (IW-2) prevailing during core segregation seem contradictory with the 50% previously suggested for the actual Earth's lower mantle. This suggests the presence of 1.7 wt% Fe3+ in the lower mantle, which reduces the difference with the value observed in the upper mantle (0.3 wt%). Reaching higher concentrations of trivalent Fe requires additional oxidation processes such as the late arrival of relatively oxidized material during the Earth accretion or interaction with oxidized subducting slabs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Partitioning of sulphur between liquid Fe-rich metals and silicates ( ) was investigated at temperatures from 1800 °C to 2400 °C, pressures from 2 to 23 GPa and oxygen fugacities from 3.5 to 1.5 log units below the iron–wüstite buffer, using multi-anvil apparatus. The results are combined with previous experimental works to refine a multi-variable thermodynamic model of . Sulphur appears to become more siderophile with increasing pressure and FeO content of the silicate melt, and less siderophile with increasing temperature and with Si, C, O, Fe and Ni contents of the metal. We then modelled the behaviour of sulphur in the course of planetary accretion, using different possible scenarios of mantle dynamics and evolution with time of oxygen fugacity. We investigated three end-member models for metal–silicate segregation of the incoming impactors: (i) the planetary mantle does not mix and is kept chemically stratified, (ii) the magma ocean is continuously mixed chemically, and (iii) both the magma ocean and the solid lower mantle are well mixed. We show that if S is accreted along the accretion, whatever the oxidation path, its distribution between core and mantle can lead to the observed S concentration of the mantle ( ) and to the estimations of S content of the core (from its depletion in the mantle relative to the other elements with the same volatility). In the case of an Earth built with reduced material, to explain the present-day S found in the mantle, it is necessary that both the magma ocean and the solid lower mantle mix at each major step of the planetary accretion. S could also be accreted in the last 10 to 20% of Earth's growth and reach its observed present terrestrial abundances if the magma ocean is chemically mixed along the accretion. Consequently, our models show that the S terrestrial abundances do not formally require an S accretion in a late veneer but can be explained by a core–mantle equilibration alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current gold-standard treatment for COVID-19-related hypoxemic respiratory failure is invasive mechanical ventilation. However, do not intubate orders (DNI), prevent the use of this treatment in some cases. The aim of this study was to evaluate if non-invasive ventilatory supports can provide a good therapeutic alternative to invasive ventilation in patients with severe COVID-19 infection and a DNI. Data were collected from four centres in three European countries. Patients with severe COVID-19 infection were included. We emulated a hypothetical target trial in which outcomes were compared in patients with a DNI order treated exclusively by non-invasive respiratory support with patients who could be intubated if necessary. We set up a propensity score and an inverse probability of treatment weighting to remove confounding by indication. Four-hundred patients were included: 270 were eligible for intubation and 130 had a DNI order. The adjusted risk ratio for death among patients eligible for intubation was 0.81 (95% CI 0.46 to 1.42). The median length of stay in acute care for survivors was similar between groups (18 (10–31) vs. (19 (13–23.5); p = 0.76). The use of non-invasive respiratory support is a good compromise for patients with severe COVID-19 and a do not intubate order. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]