bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An analysis of factors that influence patient preference of third‐line therapy for overactive bladder
Authors: Kapur Anjali , Harandi Arshia Aalami , Cohen Tal , Ruan Heng , Dabrowski Colin , Anderson Rebecca , Hwang Kuemin , Lee Edwin , Weissbart Steven , Kim Jason
Published: September 2022

Objective

Patients with overactive bladder (OAB) refractory to first‐ and second‐line therapy may pursue third‐line therapies, including intradetrusor onabotulinum toxin‐A (BTX), peripheral tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS), and sacral neuromodulation (SNM). The factors that influence patient preference for each treatment modality have not yet been explored. This study sought to investigate the specific parameters that patients consider in choosing a third‐line therapy for OAB.

Methods

Patients refractory to first‐ and second‐line therapies for OAB were identified in our outpatient clinic and asked to watch an educational video providing information on the risks and benefits of each third‐line treatment option. They were then given a questionnaire to rank their preference of therapy and select reasons for why they found each therapy favorable and unfavorable. Patients under age 18 years, non‐English speakers, those with a developmental disability, and those with a diagnosis of neurogenic bladder were excluded.

Results

Of the 98 patients included in the study, 40 participants (40.8%) chose intradetrusor BTX injections, 34 (34.7%) chose PTNS, and 16 (16.3%) chose SNM as their first choice. Seven patients (7.1%) chose none of the offered therapies, and one patient (1.0%) chose all three therapies with equal preference. BTX was found most attractive for its long efficacy (47%); its least attractive feature was the potential need for self‐catheterization due to urinary retention (54%). PTNS was found most attractive for being a nonsurgical option (32%) and having no reported significant complications (39%); its least attractive feature was need for frequent office visits (61%). SNM was found most attractive for its potential for long‐term relief without frequent office visits (53%); its least attractive feature was need for an implanted device (33%). Patients opting for SNM had higher scores on Urinary Distress Inventory‐6 and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire‐7 questionnaires when compared to patients opting for BTX injections or PTNS (p < 0.05). 47.4% of patients eventually pursued a third‐line therapy. Of those, there was a 67.6% concordance rate between the therapy patients ranked first and the therapy they eventually underwent.

Conclusions

Patients with more severe OAB symptoms opt for more invasive and less time‐consuming therapy with the potential for long‐term relief, namely SNM. Despite thorough counseling, many patients do not progress to advanced OAB therapies. Understanding factors that influence patients' affinity toward a specific type of treatment can aid with individualized counseling on third‐line OAB therapies.
Chitosan sponges and polycaprolactone nanoparticles carrying tranexamic acid as hemostatic agent: Synthesis, characterization and bioapplication
Authors: dos Santos Maria Carolina Fernandes , dos Santos Cavalcante Luiza Peixoto , de Andrade Karlivânia Ferreira , da Silva Alan Frazão , de Araújo Ferreira Muniz Isis , de Lima Jefferson Muniz , Aguiar Rebeca Tibau , Tavares Josean Fechine , Castellano Lúcio Roberto Cançado , da Silva Sabrina Daniela , Bonan Paulo Rogério Ferreti
Published: September 2022

This study aimed to synthesize, characterize, and evaluate the hemagglutinating activity of chitosan sponges (Cs) and polycaprolactone nanoparticles transporting tranexamic acid. Sponges were prepared in various concentrations, lyophilized, and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimeter, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, zeta potential, profilometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR). Samples were evaluated for hemagglutinating potential and clotting time. The results confirmed the presence of the three components in the biomaterial, as well as stability in the oral environment since the loss of mass occurred only at high temperatures. Microscopy and profilometry demonstrated the samples' porosity. Hemagglutination was found to be complete in the Cs100PCL0, Cs75PCL25+TXA, Cs50PCL50+TXA, and Cs75PCL25 sponges, and those with chitosan in their composition presented reduced clotting times as compared to the control. The innovative Cs have stability, porosity, complete hemagglutination, and were able to significantly reduce clotting time.
Time to defervescence evaluation for extended‐ vs. standard‐infusion cefepime in patients with acute leukemia and febrile neutropenia
Authors: Crawford Robert , Perkins Nicholson B. , Hobbs Diana A. , Hobbs Athena L. V.
Published: September 2022

Background/Objectives

Febrile neutropenia (FN) occurs in up to 80% of patients with hematologic malignancies. Evidence suggests using extended infusions (EI) of beta‐lactams can improve outcomes in some populations, but there is limited clinical literature comparing cefepime standard infusion (SI) versus EI for FN. The FDA‐approved regimen for FN was used at a large community teaching hospital for patients with FN until a hospital‐wide EI beta‐lactam protocol was introduced that allowed for EI cefepime in FN at the physicians' discretion. We sought to compare outcomes between patients with FN who received SI and EI cefepime.

Methods

Patients with acute myeloid or lymphocytic leukemia who developed FN between April 2014 and January 2021 were included in this single‐center, retrospective study. The primary outcome was to compare mean time to defervescence after the initiation of cefepime SI or EI regimens. SI regimens consisted of IV cefepime 2G q8h/0.5 h, and EI regimens as IV cefepime 1G q8h/4 h. Secondary outcomes included 30‐day all‐cause mortality, hospital length of stay (LOS), duration of cefepime, and need to escalate therapy.

Results

Overall, 193 patients were included. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. Time to defervescence was significantly shorter with EI compared with the SI group (median 48 h [48–100.5] vs. 70 h [48–113], p = 0.005). Cefepime duration of therapy was significantly shorter in the EI compared with the SI group (median 6.0 days vs. 8.0 days, p = 0.002). There was no difference between other secondary outcomes including LOS, mortality, and antibiotic escalation.

Conclusion

Despite reduced total daily dose of cefepime, EI cefepime administered as a 1G/0.5 h LD followed 2 h later by 1G q8h/4 h for FN acutely achieves more rapid defervescence than the FDA‐approved SI regimen and ultimately attains comparable patient outcomes.
Parental attitude and Instagram addiction: The mediating role of obsessive‐compulsive disorder
Authors: Avci Ummuhan , Karaoglan Yilmaz Fatma Gizem , Yilmaz Ramazan
Published: September 2022

The study examined the relationship between democratic, authoritarian, and protective‐demanding parental attitudes, obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD), and Instagram addiction. It is based on the correlational research design in which the structural relationships between the variables were used. The study was carried out on 421 university students using Instagram. Of the students participating in the study, 233 were females (55.3%), and 188 were males (44.7%). Parental attitude scale, Instagram addiction scale, and OCD scale were used for the data collection, and Structural Equation Modeling was used for the data analysis. According to the study results, protective/demanding parental attitude significantly predicts OCD, OCD significantly indicates Instagram addiction, and OCD mediates the relationship between protective/demanding parental attitude and Instagram addiction. Conversely, democratic parental attitude does not predict OCD, and authoritarian parental attitude does not predict OCD. Based on the results of this study, protective/demanding parental involvement should be considered when preparing a strategic move to reduce OCD and prevent Instagram addiction among young people. In this a mediation model, the focus of intervention is OCD. Therefore, based on the results of this study, OCD should be considered when preparing a strategic move to prevent or treat Instagram addiction among young people.
Diagnostic ultrasound of the residual limb: A narrative review
Authors: Powell Jordan E. , Sparling Tawnee L. , Yuan Xiaoning
Published: September 2022

Globally, 57.7 million people lived with traumatic limb loss in 2017, with the prevalence of amputation in the United States alone expected to reach 3.6 million by 2050. Pain is a common complication after limb loss, with up to 59% of patients experiencing residual limb pain (RLP). Although RLP is often due to a structural etiology, it is difficult to treat because the exact structure involved is frequently not apparent on history and physical examination alone. This narrative review aims to summarize the available literature on diagnostic ultrasound of the residual limb and examine the utility of ultrasound in identifying specific pathology. A total of 31 peer‐reviewed manuscripts published between 1989 and 2021 were included, grouped by pathology. Although ultrasound presents a promising and cost‐effective approach to identifying pathology within the residual limb, many gaps remain in the current knowledge, and no specific protocol for a sonographic assessment of the residual limb has ever been proposed. Future studies of diagnostic ultrasound of the residual limb should focus on replicable sonographic techniques and standardized exam protocols.
Density functional and graph theory computations of vibrational, electronic, and topological properties of porous nanographenes
Authors: Balasubramanian Krishnan
Published: September 2022

We have utilized the density functional theory (DFT) in conjunction with graph‐theoretical techniques to compute the vibrational, electronic and topological properties of porous nanographenes starting with the building blocks of kekulene, septulene, extended kekulenes, and circumkekulene. Furthermore, graph theoretically based spectral polynomials and other topological properties including Kekulé counts, delocalization energies, and resonance energies are computed for such structures and larger tessellations of kekulenes which are precursors to nanographene belts with multiple pores. The success of the DFT methods is demonstrated with the computed vibrational modes and infrared and Raman spectra of several of these structures. The computed spectral polynomials and the spectra reveal the underlying patterns of the energy levels and structural features and hence suggest the possibility of integration of graph theory with quantum chemical techniques for the computations of properties of large porous graphenes including the possibility of the Pariser–Parr–Pople (PPP) method with parameters extracted from machine learning of the DFT computations on a combinatorial library of precursors. Finally, the computations reveal that the porous structures can be tailored for sequestration of various ions including heavy metal ions for environmental remediation.
Recent progress in flow‐induced polymer crystallization
Authors: Nie Cui , Peng Fan , Cao Renkuan , Cui Kunpeng , Sheng Junfang , Chen Wei , Li Liangbin
Published: September 2022

During industrial processing, such as film blowing and injection molding, semicrystalline polymers have to be subjected to external flow. Flow changes the nucleation rate, crystal morphology and polymorphism of polymers. As flow can be tunable, polymeric products with different macroscopic performance and versatile applications can be obtained. Understanding polymer crystallization with the presence of flow, or namely flow‐induced crystallization (FIC), is crucial to optimize polymer processing parameters and to understand phase transition under far‐from equilibrium conditions, as FIC is essentially a typical nonequilibrium process. Current review aims to summarizes recent achievements of FIC during last five years from three aspects: theory, experiment and simulation. First, we present the FIC model and theory, including the classical conformational entropy reduction model, the newly developed POLYdisperse STRain Accelerated Nucleation Dynamics (PolySTRAND) Model and uFIC Model. Then we discuss the FIC experiments under both well‐controlled flow and complex processing conditions. Finally, we show the recent advance of FIC in computer simulation. With the fast development in modeling efficiency, more detailed nucleation and structure transition processes during FIC can be obtained, which promote the study of molecular mechanisms of FIC.
Synthesis and characterization of a novel itaconic acid‐based internal emulsifier for anionic waterborne polyurethane
Authors: Kwon Yong Rok , Kim Hae Chan , Moon Seok Kyu , Kim Jung Soo , Chang Young‐Wook , Kim Dong Hyun
Published: September 2022

A novel bio‐based liquefied internal emulsifier is synthesized through the thiol‐ene photo‐click reaction of itaconic acid (IA) and 1‐thioglycerol (TG), with the purpose to replace dimethylol propionic acid (DMPA), an internal emulsifier commonly used in the synthesis of waterborne polyurethane (WPU). Compared to WPU prepared with DMPA, a WPU sample synthesized using the IA‐based internal emulsifier (IATG) shows a smaller particle size as well as higher storage modulus, phase separation, and tensile strength. Increasing the IATG content while maintaining the NCO/OH ratio constant increases the specific gravity of the hard segment of WPU, which leads to a significant increase in the 100% modulus of the WPU films. In addition, the content of hydrophilic functional groups increases, resulting in the formation of a stable dispersion with small particle size. IATG is also more environmentally friendly than DMPA when used in the WPU synthesis, because it does not require the use of organic solvents. These results suggest that IATG is an effective environmentally friendly alternative to DMPA.
Milestoning simulation of ligand dissociation from the glycogen synthase kinase 3β
Authors: Rathnayake Samith , Narayan Brajesh , Elber Ron , Wong Chung F.
Published: September 2022

As drug‐binding kinetics has become an important factor to be considered in modern drug discovery, this work evaluated the ability of the Milestoning method in computing the absolute dissociation rate of a ligand from the serine–threonine kinase, glycogen synthase kinase 3β, which is a target for designing drugs to treat diseases such as neurodegenerative disorders and diabetes. We found that the Milestoning method gave good agreement with experiment with modest computational costs. Although the time scale for dissociation lasted tens of seconds, the collective molecular dynamics simulations total less than 1μs. Computing the committor function helped to identify the transition states (TSs), in which the ligand moved substantially away from the binding pocket. The glycine‐rich loop with a serine residue attaching to its tips was found to undergo large movement from the bound to the TSs and might play a role in controlling drug‐dissociation kinetics.
Modeling pesticide residue uptake by leguminous plants: a geocarpic fruit model for peanuts
Authors: Li Zijian
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND

Pesticide residues are frequently found in leguminous plants; however, no modeling approaches predict residue concentrations in edible legume seeds. In this study, a geocarpic fruit model, simplified for neutral organic compounds, was proposed for high‐throughput simulations (over 700 pesticides) of the residue uptake by peanut plants, which characterized three scenarios, namely (i) pesticide foliar application during the pre‐seed development stage, (ii) foliar application during the seed development stage, and (iii) soil contamination before plant germination.

RESULTS

In the foliar application scenario, in general, lipophilic pesticides have high simulated residue unit doses (RUDs, residue concentrations in plants per 1.0 kg ha−1 of pesticide application) in peanut leaves owing to intensified uptake via surface deposition, whereas hydrophilic pesticides have high simulated RUDs in peanuts because the uptake of residues via diffusion is enhanced. For the soil‐contamination scenario, organic compounds with moderate lipophilicity have a high bioconcentration potential (i.e. the soil–plant system) in leaves and peanuts, due to large transpiration stream concentration factors (TSCFs) that boost the uptake via transpiration.

CONCLUSIONS

The simulation results have some degrees of agreement with field measurements, indicating that the proposed model can be used as a screening tool for dietary risk assessment of pesticides in peanuts. In future research, pH‐dependent physicochemical properties (e.g. soil–water partition coefficient and TSCF) and degradation rate constants of chemicals need to be refined to improve the simulation analysis. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Globalization‐driven internal migration in China: The impact of foreign direct investment and exports since 2000
Authors: Li Xue , Pan Zehan
Published: September 2022

Over the past four decades, China has been involved in an economic globalization process that has generated millions of job opportunities, thereby encouraging population migration. Many studies discuss the link between economic globalization and international immigration, but little systematic research explores its impact on internal migration. By analyzing city‐level data since 2000, we find that foreign direct investment (FDI) encourages internal migration by investing in labour‐intensive export sectors and such impact evolves over time and space. Specifically, in 2000, 2005 and 2010, FDI promotes long‐distance migration through investment in exports. In 2015, the FDI effect disappears and exports independently encourage long‐distance migration. In contrast, short‐distance migration is mainly driven by local marketization. These findings indicate that in China, economic globalization and local marketization shape migration in different ways.
The evolution of survival of pulmonary arterial hypertension over 15 years
Authors: Hendriks Paul M. , Staal Diederik P. , van de Groep Liza D. , van den Toorn Leon M. , Chandoesing Prewesh P. , Kauling Robert M. , Mager Hans‐Jurgen , van den Bosch Annemien E. , Post Marco C. , Boomars Karin A.
Published: September 2022

The prognosis of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) remains dismal. Over the years, multiple therapeutic advances have been introduced. This study evaluates the evolution of PAH survival over the past 15 years. We included 293 consecutive adult patients diagnosed with PAH between 2005 and 2019 (median age: 61.8 years, 70.3% female). Patients were divided into three cohorts based on the time of diagnosis: 2005–2009, 2010–2014, and 2015–2019 (2005–2009: n = 56; 2010–2014: n = 111; 2015–2019: n = 126). Transplant‐free survival was measured from the date of right heart catheterization until patients reached the composite endpoint of lung transplant or death. Multivariable cox‐pulmonary hypertension regression was used to study the effect of the time of diagnosis. The final cox model was fitted in both younger and older patients to evaluate the difference between these groups. During a median follow‐up time of 4.1 (interquartile range: 2.2–7.3) years, 9 patients underwent lung transplantation and 151 patients died. The median overall transplant‐free survival was 6.2 (5.5–8.0) years. Patients older than 56 years at baseline who were diagnosed in 2005–2009 showed better survival compared to patients diagnosed in 2010–2014 and 2015–2019 with an adjusted hazard ratio of, respectively, 2.12 (1.11–4.03) and 2.83 (1.41–5.69). Patients younger than 56 years showed neither an improved nor deteriorated survival over time. In conclusion, survival in patients with PAH did not improve over time, despite more available therapeutic options. This might be partly due to the changed demographic characteristics of the PAH patients and a still important diagnostic delay.
A Fluorescent Probe with a Double Reaction Site for Hydrazine Detection in Water Samples
Authors: Duan Ning , Deng Bing , Yang Shaoxiang , Tian Hongyu , Sun Baoguo
Published: September 2022

A double reaction site fluorescent probe (probe PPEO) was developed. The probe detects hydrazine by reaction with an α, β‐unsaturated ketone and o‐aminophenyl. Probe PPEO was a rare two reaction site hydrazine fluorescent probe. The strategy of double reaction sites can improve the atomic utilization of the probe. The limit of detection (LOD) of probe PPEO for hydrazine was 10.40 nM, which below the limited standard. The fluorescence of the probe solution changes from colourless to yellowish‐brown with different concentrations of N2H4. Furthermore, probe PPEO can be used to detect the content of N2H4 in tap water, river water and mineral water.
All‐Gas‐Phase Synthesis of Heterolayered Two‐Dimensional Nanohybrids Decorated with Metallic Nanocatalysts for Water Splitting
Authors: Noh Seonmyeong , Lee Seungmin , Lee Jisun , Jo Hyemi , Lee Haney , Kim Minjin , Kim Hyungwoo , Kim Yoong Ahm , Yoon Hyeonseok
Published: September 2022

Herein, a sequential gas‐phase process involving air jet milling followed by chemical vapor deposition (CVD), is demonstrated to be an efficient strategy for the fabrication of heterolayered 2D nanohybrids (2DNHs) decorated with nanocatalysts. Tens of grams of the nanohybrids, which is a substantial quantity at the laboratory scale, are produced in the absence of solvents and water, and without the need for an extra purification procedure. Air jet milling enables the development of binary/ternary heterolayered structures consisting of graphene, WSe2, and/or MoS2 via the gas‐phase co‐exfoliation of their bulk counterparts. Based on the X‐ray photoelectron and Raman spectroscopy data, the heterolayers of the 2DNHs exert chemical and electronic effects on each other, while diminishing the interactions between same‐component layers. Moreover, the electrochemically active surface area increases by >190% and the charge transfer resistance decreases by >35%. CVD is performed to introduce Pt and Ru nanoparticles with diameters of a few nanometers as additional electrocatalysts into the 2DNHs. The nanocatalyst‐decorated 2DNHs show excellent performance for the production of hydrogen and oxygen gases in water‐splitting cells. Notably, the proposed all‐gas‐phase processes allow for the large‐scale production of functional 2DNHs with minimal negative environmental impact, which is crucial for the commercialization of nanomaterials.
Touch‐Programmable Metasurface for Various Electromagnetic Manipulations and Encryptions
Authors: Chen Lei , Ma Qian , Luo Si Si , Ye Fu Ju , Cui Hao Yang , Cui Tie Jun
Published: September 2022

Previous programmable metasurfaces integrated with diodes or varactors require external instructions for field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), which usually rely on computer‐inputs or pre‐loaded algorithms. But the complicated external devices make the coding regulation process of the programmable metasurfaces cumbersome and difficult to use. To simplify the process and provide a new interaction manner, a touch‐programmable metasurface (TPM) based on touch sensing modules is proposed to realize various electromagnetic (EM) manipulations and encryptions. By simply touching the meta‐units of the TPM, the state of the diodes can be changed. Through the touch controls, the TPM can achieve independent and direct manipulations of meta‐units and efficient inputs of coding patterns without using a FPGA or other control modules. Various coding patterns are demonstrated to achieve diverse scattering‐field control and flexible near‐field EM information encryptions, which verifies the feasibility of the TPM design. The presented TPM will have wide application prospects in imaging displays, wireless communications, and EM information encryptions.
Effiziente Nachweiskonzepte für geschweißte Mischverbindungen im Stahlbau
Authors: von Arnim Mareike , Eichler Stefan , Brätz Oliver , Hildebrand Jörg , Gericke Andreas , Kuhlmann Ulrike , Bergmann Jean Pierre , Flügge Wilko
Published: September 2022

Mischverbindungen aus normalfesten und hochfesten Stählen ermöglichen einen optimierten Materialeinsatz durch die Anpassung an die einwirkenden Kräfte. Das führt ökologisch und wirtschaftlich zu Vorteilen durch einen reduzierten Materialverbrauch und kleinere Schweißnahtgeometrien. Da normativ derzeit keine Regelungen für stumpfgeschweißte Mischverbindungen aus normalfesten und hochfesten Stählen bestehen, soll im laufenden Forschungsprojekt „Effiziente Nachweiskonzepte für Mischverbindungen im Stahlbau“ ein Bemessungsansatz dafür entwickelt werden. Darüber hinaus werden die bereits bestehenden Bemessungskonzepte für Stumpfnahtverbindungen und Kehlnahtverbindungen bis zur Stahlsorte S960 erweitert, sodass die geplante neue Fassung des Teils EN 1993‐1‐12 entsprechend ergänzt werden kann. Dafür werden umfangreiche experimentelle Untersuchungen zur Tragfähigkeit durchgeführt, bei denen die Einflussgrößen Grundwerkstoff, Schweißzusatz, Energieeintrag, Blechdicke und Nahtgeometrie variieren. Mit den erzielten Ergebnissen und weiterführenden Begleituntersuchungen können die Auswirkungen variierender Einflussgrößen auf die Tragfähigkeit der Schweißverbindungen identifiziert werden. Über erste Ergebnisse wird im Folgenden berichtet.
Study on the flexural properties and fiber‐selection method of fiber‐reinforced geopolymer concrete
Authors: Zhao Chenggong , Wang Zhiyuan , Wu Xinrui , Zeng Xianshuai , Zhu Zhenyu , Guo Qiuyu , Zhao Renda
Published: September 2022

In order to study the effect of different types of fibers on the bending properties of geopolymer concrete (GPC), a series of fiber‐reinforced geopolymer concrete (FRGPC) samples were prepared, and their flexural properties were evaluated by four point bending test and bending toughness evaluation index. Then, based on the fiber characteristic value (λ), a new bending strength prediction model and a three‐dimensional (3D) curved surface prediction model of the bending toughness of FRGPC are proposed and fitted. Finally, a new method for the selection of fibers in GPC is designed by calculating the derivative of the quadratic relationship between fiber reinforcement factor (S) and λ. The results show that all types of fibers have a certain effect on improving the bending strength of GPC samples, and the lifting rate is end‐hook steel fiber (SF), basalt fiber (BF), and short polyethylene polypropylene fiber (SPPF), from high to low. Mixing the above types of fibers with long polypropylene fibers (LPPF) will produce better performance. Among them, the hybrid fiber‐containing SF has the best performance. The bending performance prediction model deduced in this paper has a good correlation coefficient, which can be used to predict the bending performance of FRGPC. By making dS/dλ = 0 can calculate the optimal λ, and this λ can maximize the parameter S and guide the selection of optical fibers.
Review of High Entropy Alloys Electrocatalysts for Hydrogen Evolution, Oxygen Evolution, and Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Huo Xiaoran , Yu Huishu , Xing Bowei , Zuo Xiaojiao , Zhang Nannan
Published: September 2022

Recently, high‐entropy alloys (HEAs) have been extensively investigated due to their unique structural design, superior stability, excellent functional feature and superior mechanical performance. However, most of the reported HEAs focus on studying the compositional design and microstructure and mechanical properties of materials. There are relatively few studies on electrochemical performance and theoretical studies of HEAs. In addition, the potential applications of HEAs as energy storage materials for electrocatalysts have attracted widely attention in the development and application aspects of electrocatalysis. It can be attributed to their high conductivity, excellent structural stability and superior electrocatalytic activities with small overpotential and abundant active sites, which is comparable to the commercial noble metal catalysts. In this review, firstly, we briefly discuss the concept and structure characteristics of high entropy alloys. Then, the research progress of high‐entropy alloys as electrocatalysis are also summarized, including hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), respectively. Finally, the future development trend of HEAs is also prospected for energy conversion fields.
Desargues’s Perspective Theory: A Critical Interpretation of the Fundamental Theorem
Authors: Baglioni Leonardo , Migliari Riccardo
Published: September 2022

This short essay gets to the heart of the debate that arose about the upper part of Table 151 of theManière universelle, written by Abraham Bosse and Girard Desargues, to illustrate how the interpretation of the figure from a perspective point of view (see Jean Pierre Le Goff) not only is legitimate, but it can be also be extended as far as to acknowledge in the figure the complete representation of lines, planes and measurement operations. TheProposition fondamentale pour la pratique de la Perspectiveproves therefore to be the foundation of a general theory of perspective.
Notfallversorgung als risikoreicher Arbeitsplatz – Maßnahmen zum Umgang mit Gewalt gegen Beschäftigte
Authors: Beringer Vanessa , Wirth Tanja , Kazmierczak Lena , Reißmann Sonja , Schnieder Wilfried , Kottkamp Hans-Werner , Ullrich Greta , Nienhaus Albert , Harth Volker , Schablon Anja , Mache Stefanie
Published: September 2022

Hintergrund

Viele Mitarbeitende in der Notfallversorgung erleben verbale und körperliche Gewalt, die von Patient:innen oder Begleitpersonen ausgeht. Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit ist es, Erkenntnisse darüber zu gewinnen, welche Maßnahmen zum Umgang mit Gewalt in der Notfallversorgung verfügbar sind und wie die Beschäftigten diese subjektiv bewerten.

Methodik

Eine deutschlandweite Querschnittserhebung wurde 2020 mittels eines Online-Fragebogens durchgeführt. Der Fragebogen enthielt Items zu Maßnahmen zur Gewaltprävention, -intervention und -nachbereitung. Quantitative Daten wurden deskriptiv, Freitextangaben gemäß der qualitativen Inhaltsanalyse nach Mayring ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse

An der Erhebung nahmen 349 Personen, davon 115 Leitungskräfte, teil. Die Verfügbarkeit von Sicherheitspersonal und eine standardisierte Meldung von Vorfällen wurden als wichtige Maßnahmen zum Umgang mit Gewalt erachtet. Von den Leitungskräften gaben 67 % an, keinen Sicherheitsdienst zu haben, während 56 % berichteten, dass gemeldete Gewaltereignisse nicht strukturiert aufgearbeitet werden. Eine hohe Arbeitsbelastung in der Notfallversorgung kann die Umsetzung von Maßnahmen behindern. Insgesamt wurde die Forderung nach verstärkter Unterstützung durch Vorgesetzte und die Klinikleitung deutlich.

Schlussfolgerung

Es zeigt sich, dass Beschäftigte bestimmte Maßnahmen als wirksam erachten, diese oft aber nicht konsequent umgesetzt werden. Es bedarf einer strukturierten Meldung von Gewaltvorfällen gegen Beschäftigte, um die Prävalenz realitätsnah abbilden zu können. Neben der Aufstockung des (Pflege‑)Personals kann der eingeschränkte Zutritt für Begleitpersonen zu einer Reduktion des Konfliktpotenzials führen.
Klinische Diagnostik, Differenzialdiagnostik, Pathogenese- und Stadienmodell der Arthrofibrose
Authors: Traut Philipp
Published: September 2022

Die Arthrofibrose (AF) gehört zu den häufigsten Komplikationen nach Verletzungen und operativen Eingriffen an Gelenken, v. a. nach Gelenk- und Kreuzbandersatz. Alle großen Gelenke können betroffen sein, am häufigsten ist es jedoch das Kniegelenk. Es kommt zur schmerzhaften Bewegungseinschränkung durch Vermehrung von fibrotischem Gewebe innerhalb und teilweise auch außerhalb des Gelenks. Der normale Heilungsprozess ist durch mechanische und emotionale Stressoren sowie starke Schmerzreize gestört. Die AF tritt zu 90 % schon wenige Tage nach der Verletzung oder Operation auf, sodass die Qualitätsstandards nicht erreicht werden können. Durch Physiotherapie und Rehabilitation kann oft keine wesentliche Verbesserung der Funktion erreicht werden, sodass die Aktivitäten des täglichen Lebens (ADL) stark eingeschränkt sind. Klinische Diagnostik, Differenzialdiagnostik sowie ein neues Pathogenese- und Stadienmodell der primären AF mit den daraus abgeleiteten therapeutischen Prinzipien werden vorgestellt.
Hosts and environments: a (large-scale) radio history of AGN and star-forming galaxies
Authors: Magliocchetti Manuela
Published: September 2022

Despite their relative sparseness, during the recent years it has become more and more clear that extragalactic radio sources (both AGN and star-forming galaxies) constitute an extremely interesting mix of populations, not only because of their intrinsic value, but also for their fundamental role in shaping our universe the way we see it today. Indeed, radio-active AGN are now thought to be the main players involved in the evolution of massive galaxies and clusters. At the same time, thanks to the possibility of being observed up to very high redshifts, radio galaxies can also provide crucial information on both the star-formation history of our universe and on its large-scale structure properties and their evolution. In the light of present and forthcoming facilities such as LOFAR, MeerKAT and SKA that will probe the radio sky to unprecedented depths and widths, this review aims at providing the current state of the art on our knowledge of extragalactic radio sources in connection with their hosts, large-scale environments and cosmological context.
A hybrid approach for the analysis of complex categorical data structures: assessment of latent distance learning perception in higher education
Authors: Iannario Maria , D’Enza Alfonso Iodice , Romano Rosaria
Published: September 2022

A long tradition of analysing ordinal response data deals with parametric models, which started with the seminal approach of cumulative models. When data are collected by means of Likert scale survey questions in which several scored items measure one or more latent traits, one of the sore topics is how to deal with the ordered categories. A stacked ensemble (or hybrid) model is introduced in the proposal to tackle the limitations of summing up the items. In particular, multiple items responses are synthesised into a single meta-item, defined via a joint data reduction approach; the meta-item is then modelled according to regression approaches for ordered polytomous variables accounting for potential scaling effects. Finally, a recursive partitioning method yielding trees provides automatic variable selection. The performance of the method is evaluated empirically by using a survey on Distance Learning perception.
Effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Starmerella bacillaris on the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of sparkling pear cider (Perry)
Authors: Guerrini Simona , Galli Viola , Barbato Damiano , Facchini Giulio , Mangani Silvia , Pierguidi Lapo , Granchi Lisa
Published: September 2022

This study was aimed to produce pear cider (Perry), using small caliber pears cv Abate Fètel, fermented by Starmerella bacillaris and Saccharomyces cerevisiae in co-inoculated (COF) and sequential (SEF) mixed cultures in comparison with S. cerevisiae monoculture fermentation (AXF), evaluating the influence of yeast starter cultures on Perry characteristics. The perries were re-fermented in bottle by S. cerevisiae strain EC1118. During primary fermentation, growth and fermentation kinetics were different in the co-inoculated and sequential fermentations in comparison with pure S. cerevisiae fermentation; however, sugars were depleted, and 6% (v/v) ethanol was produced in all the trials. Glycerol content was significantly higher in mixed fermentations due to Starm. bacillaris metabolism (+ 20% in COF, and + 42% in SEF conditions). After re-fermentation in bottle, higher levels of 3-Methyl-1-butanol, 1-propanol, acetaldehyde and esters were detected in Perry from the mixed fermentations. All the Perries were accepted by the consumers (general liking values from 6.01 to 6.26). Perries’ appearance from mixed fermentations was described as less intense and more clear. The use of small caliber pears cv Abate Fètel and Starm. bacillaris in combination with S. cerevisiae in Perry production might be a suitable tool to obtain novel beverages with distinctive organoleptic features.
Are Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Deficiency and Insufficiency Risk Factors for the Incidence of Dynapenia?
Authors: Delinocente Maicon Luís Bicigo , Luiz Mariane Marques , de Oliveira Dayane Capra , de Souza Aline Fernanda , Ramírez Paula Camila , de Oliveira Máximo Roberta , Soares Natália Cochar , Steptoe Andrew , de Oliveira Cesar , da Silva Alexandre Tiago
Published: September 2022

Epidemiological evidence showing the association between low 25(OH)D and age-related reduction in neuromuscular strength (dynapenia) is a paucity and controversial and, to date, the effect of osteoporosis and vitamin D supplementation on these associations has not been measured. Thus, we analyze whether serum 25(OH)D deficiency and insufficiency are risk factors for the incidence of dynapenia in individuals aged 50 or older and whether osteoporosis or vitamin D supplementation modify these associations. For that, 3205 participants of the ELSA study who were non-dynapenic at baseline were followed for 4 years. Vitamin D was measured at baseline by the serum concentration of 25(OH)D and classified as sufficient (> 50 nmol/L), insufficient (≥ 30 and ≤ 50 nmol/L) or deficient (< 30 nmol/L). The incidence of dynapenia was determined by a grip strength < 26 kg for men and < 16 kg for women at the end of the 4-year follow-up. Poisson regression models were adjusted by sociodemographic, behavioral, clinical and biochemical characteristics. Serum 25(OH)D deficient was a risk factor for the incidence of dynapenia (IRR = 1.70; 95% CI 1.04–2.79). When only individuals without osteoporosis and those who did not use vitamin D supplementation were analyzed, both serum 25(OH)D deficiency (IRR = 1.78; 95% CI 1.01–3.13) and insufficiency (IRR = 1.77; 95% CI 1.06–2.94) were risk factors for the incidence of dynapenia. In conclusion, a serum level of 25(OH)D < 30 nmol/L is a risk factor for the incidence of dynapenia. Among individuals without osteoporosis and those who do not take vitamin D supplementation, the threshold of risk is higher (≤ 50 nmol/L).
Improvement of dicarboxylic acid production with Methylorubrum extorquens by reduction of product reuptake
Authors: Pöschel Laura , Gehr Elisabeth , Buchhaupt Markus
Published: September 2022

The methylotrophic bacterium Methylorubrum extorquens AM1 has the potential to become a platform organism for methanol-driven biotechnology. Its ethylmalonyl-CoA pathway (EMCP) is essential during growth on C1 compounds and harbors several CoA-activated dicarboxylic acids. Those acids could serve as precursor molecules for various polymers. In the past, two dicarboxylic acid products, namely mesaconic acid and 2-methylsuccinic acid, were successfully produced with heterologous thioesterase YciA from Escherichia coli, but the yield was reduced by product reuptake. In our study, we conducted extensive research on the uptake mechanism of those dicarboxylic acid products. By using 2,2-difluorosuccinic acid as a selection agent, we isolated a dicarboxylic acid import mutant. Analysis of the genome of this strain revealed a deletion in gene dctA2, which probably encodes an acid transporter. By testing additional single, double, and triple deletions, we were able to rule out the involvement of the two other DctA transporter homologs and the ketoglutarate transporter KgtP. Uptake of 2-methylsuccinic acid was significantly reduced in dctA2 mutants, while the uptake of mesaconic acid was completely prevented. Moreover, we demonstrated M. extorquens-based synthesis of citramalic acid and a further 1.4-fold increase in product yield using a transport-deficient strain. This work represents an important step towards the development of robust M. extorquens AM1 production strains for dicarboxylic acids.

Key points

• 2,2-Difluorosuccinic acid is used to select for dicarboxylic acid uptake mutations.

• Deletion of dctA2 leads to reduction of dicarboxylic acid uptake.

• Transporter-deficient strains show improved production of citramalic acid.
Quantitative assay for farnesol and the aromatic fusel alcohols from the fungus Candida albicans
Authors: Boone Cory H. T. , Gutzmann Daniel J. , Kramer Jaxon J. , Atkin Audrey L. , Nickerson Kenneth W.
Published: September 2022

The dimorphic fungus Candida albicans is a commensal and opportunistic fungal pathogen of humans. It secretes at least four small lipophilic molecules, farnesol and three aromatic fusel alcohols. Farnesol has been identified as both a quorum sensing molecule (QSM) and a virulence factor. Our gas chromatography (GC)-based assay for these molecules exhibits high throughput, prevention of analyte loss by avoiding filtration and rotary evaporation, simultaneous cell lysis and analyte extraction by ethyl acetate, and the ability to compare whole cultures with their cell pellets and supernatants. Farnesol synthesis and secretion were separable phenomena and pellet:supernatant ratios for farnesol were high, up to 12:1. The assay was validated in terms of precision, specificity, ruggedness, accuracy, solution stability, detection limits (DL), quantitation limits (QL), and dynamic range. The DL for farnesol was 0.02 ng/µl (0.09 µM). Measurement quality was assessed by the relative error of the whole culture versus the sum of pellet and supernatant fractions (WPS). C. albicans strain SC5314 grown at 30 °C in complex and defined media (YPD and mRPMI) was assayed in biological triplicate 17 times over 3 days. Farnesol and the three aromatic fusel alcohols can be measured in the same assay. The levels of all four are greatly altered by the growth medium chosen. Significantly, the three fusel alcohols are synthesized during stationary phase, not during growth. They are secreted quickly without being retained in the cell pellet and may accumulate up to mM concentrations.

Key points

• Quantitative analysis of both intra- and extracellular farnesol, and aromatic fusel oils.

• High throughput, whole culture assay with simultaneous lysis and extraction.

• Farnesol secretion and synthesis are distinct and separate events.
The Hellenic Emergency Laparotomy Study (HELAS): A Prospective Multicentre Study on the Outcomes of Emergency Laparotomy in Greece
Authors: Lasithiotakis Konstantinos , Kritsotakis Evangelos I. , Kokkinakis Stamatios , Petra Georgia , Paterakis Konstantinos , Karali Garyfallia‐Apostolia , Malikides Vironas , Anastasiadis Charalampos S. , Zoras Odysseas , Drakos Nikolas , Kehagias Ioannis , Kehagias Dimitrios , Gouvas Nikolaos , Kokkinos Georgios , Pozotou Ioanna , Papatheodorou Panayiotis , Frantzeskou Kyriakos , Schizas Dimitrios , Syllaios Athanasios , Palios Ifaistion M. , Nastos Konstantinos , Perdikaris Markos , Michalopoulos Nikolaos V. , Margaris Ioannis , Lolis Evangelos , Dimopoulou Georgia , Panagiotou Dimitrios , Nikolaou Vasiliki , Glantzounis Georgios K. , Pappas‐Gogos George , Tepelenis Kostas , Zacharioudakis Georgios , Tsaramanidis Savvas , Patsarikas Ioannis , Stylianidis Georgios , Giannos Georgios , Karanikas Michael , Kofina Konstantinia , Markou Markos , Chrysos Emmanuel
Published: September 2022

Background

Emergency laparotomy (EL) is accompanied by high post‐operative morbidity and mortality which varies significantly between countries and populations. The aim of this study is to report outcomes of emergency laparotomy in Greece and to compare them with the results of the National Emergency Laparotomy Audit (NELA).

Methods

This is a multicentre prospective cohort study undertaken between 01.2019 and 05.2020 including consecutive patients subjected to EL in 11 Greek hospitals. EL was defined according to NELA criteria. Demographics, clinical variables, and post‐operative outcomes were prospectively registered in an online database. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of post‐operative mortality.

Results

There were 633 patients, 53.9% males, ASA class III/IV 43.6%, older than 65 years 58.6%. The most common operations were small bowel resection (20.5%), peptic ulcer repair (12.0%), adhesiolysis (11.8%) and Hartmann's procedure (11.5%). 30‐day post‐operative mortality reached 16.3% and serious complications occurred in 10.9%. Factors associated with post‐operative mortality were increasing age and ASA class, dependent functional status, ascites, severe sepsis, septic shock, and diabetes. HELAS cohort showed similarities with NELA patients in terms of demographics and preoperative risk. Post‐operative utilisation of ICU was significantly lower in the Greek cohort (25.8% vs 56.8%) whereas 30‐day post‐operative mortality was significantly higher (16.3% vs 8.7%).

Conclusion

In this study, Greek patients experienced markedly worse mortality after emergency laparotomy compared with their British counterparts. This can be at least partly explained by underutilisation of critical care by surgical patients who are at high risk for death.
The effect of rifampin on the pharmacokinetics of famitinib in healthy subjects
Authors: Li Ting , Li Xin , Jiang Xin , Wang Chenjing , Sun Feifei , Liu Yanping , Lin Pingping , Shi Ping , Fu Yao , Gao Xiaomeng , Zhang Yanyan , Cao Yu
Published: September 2022

Background

Famitinib is an oral, small-molecule, multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor under clinical investigation for the treatment of solid tumors. As famitinib is metabolized mainly by cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), the study was conducted to investigate the effect of potent CYP3A4 inducer rifampin on the pharmacokinetics of famitinb.

Methods

This single-center, single-arm and fixed-sequence drug–drug interaction study enrolled 21healthy Chinese male subjects. Subjects received a single oral dose of famitinib 25 mg on days 1 and 16 and repeated administration of oral rifampin 600 mg once daily on days 10–23. Blood samples were collected and plasma concentrations of famitinib were measured by validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using noncompartmental analysis and safety was assessed.

Results

In the presence of rifampin, the famitinib geometric mean maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time zero to infinity (AUC0–∞) decreased by 48% and 69%, respectively, and the mean elimination half-life was shortened from 33.9 to 18.2 h. The geometric mean ratio (GMR) of famitinib Cmax and AUC0–∞ and their 90% CI were 0.52 (0.50, 0.54) and 0.31 (0.29, 0.33). Single dose of famitinib 25 mg was well tolerated and eight subjects (38.1%) reported treatment emergent adverse events, which were all grade 1–2 in severity.

Conclusion

Co-administration of rifampin considerably reduces plasma concentration of famitinb due to CYP3A4 induction. Concomitant administration of famitinib and strong CYP3A4 inducers should be avoided, whereas when simultaneous use with inducers of CYP3A4, dose adjustment of famitinb is recommended.

Clinical trial registration number

NCT04494659 (July 31, 2020).