bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mg substitution in zinc selenide: Enhanced optoelectronic and thermoelectric performance
Authors: Abdelhadi Sofiane , Abid Hamza , Bensaid Djillali
Published: January 2022

In this research, we applied a full‐potential linearized muffin‐tin orbital (FP‐LMTO) method to investigate the optoelectronic properties such as electronic structures and optical properties in the first phase, and then we try to improve the thermoelectric performance through the substitution by an element alkaline earth metal (Mg). The analysis of band structure and optical properties indicate a semiconductors character with wide directly band gap along alkaline earth metal element (Mg) substitution. The present comprehensive analyses of electronic and optical properties of these alloys predict that they could be useful for optoelectronic devices. Thermal parameters such as thermal conductivity and power factor show good improvement for very small substitutions; this tells me that our material has a ZT close to promising alloys in thermoelectric applications. This result encourages going deep in order to obtain good thermoelectric performance at high temperature which requires adjusting the concentration of carriers, thermal conductance and the amount of Mg. At the end, Mg doped ZnSe is a favorable material for both optoelectronic and thermoelectric application.
Dynamic event‐triggered fixed‐time adaptive fuzzy control of nonstrict‐feedback switched nonlinear systems
Authors: Wang Fenglan , Long Lijun
Published: January 2022

In this paper, a dynamic event‐triggered fixed‐time adaptive fuzzy control method is set up to solve the tracking problem for a type of nonstrict‐feedback switched nonlinear systems with asymmetric tracking error constraints. The proposed method constructs different event‐triggered adaptive fuzzy controllers for different subsystems together with switched update laws and a switching dynamic event‐triggering mechanism (DETM). Under this switching DETM, the difficulty caused by asynchronous switching between candidate controllers of subsystems and subsystems is effectively overcome, and the known limitations on maximum asynchronous time in the existing literature are not needed. Meanwhile, Zeno behavior is avoided by deriving a strictly positive lower bound of interevent times. It is guaranteed that the asymmetric tracking error constraints are never violated and the tracking error can converge to a small neighborhood of origin in a fixed‐time under arbitrary switchings. Finally, the feasibility of the derived theoretical results is demonstrated by employing a numerical example and a switched Chua's Circuit system.
Learning event‐triggered control based on evolving data‐driven fuzzy granular models
Authors: Cordovil Luiz A. Q. , Coutinho Pedro H. S. , Bessa Iury , Peixoto Márcia L. C. , Palhares Reinaldo Martínez
Published: January 2022

This article proposes a data‐stream‐driven event‐triggered control strategy using evolving fuzzy models learned by granulation of input–output samples of nonlinear systems with unknown time‐varying dynamics. The evolving fuzzy model is obtained online from a data stream ensuring data coverage based on the principle of justifiable granularity and controlled by an event‐triggering learning mechanism dependent on the model accuracy. This evolving fuzzy model is used to design event‐triggered fuzzy controller to stabilize networked control systems while reducing the used communication resources. The event‐triggered learning mechanism is employed to determine the instants in which the event‐triggered fuzzy controller should be redesigned. Numerical examples illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed learning event‐triggered fuzzy control algorithm.
Parameter identification and state estimation for a diabetic glucose‐insulin model via an adaptive observer
Authors: Franco Roberto , Ríos Héctor , Ferreira de Loza Alejandra , Cassany Louis , Gucik‐Derigny David , Cieslak Jérôme , Henry David
Published: January 2022

In this article, an adaptive observer is designed for patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. The adaptive observer, synthesized using the so‐called Bergman's Minimal Model, simultaneously estimates the states and the parameter corresponding to the insulin‐independent glucose disappearance rate. The adaptive observer deals with parameter uncertainties, whereas the food intake is regarded as an external disturbance. The adaptive observer relies on intravenous glucose measurements. The state estimation error converges to a neighborhood of the origin despite the effects of the external disturbances and uncertainties, while the parameter estimation error converges in a fixed time to a neighborhood of the origin. The adaptive observer synthesis is given by a constructive method based on linear matrix inequalities. Simulation results show the feasibility of the proposed scheme. Moreover, the approach is validated in UVA/Padova metabolic simulator for ten in silico adult patients.
Preparation of Heteroatom‐Doped Carbon Materials and Applications in Selective Hydrogenation
Authors: Zhang Qunfeng , Zhang Deshuo , Zhou Yuan , Qian Jiacheng , Wen Xiaoyu , Jiang Piaopiao , Ma Lei , Lu Chunshan , Feng Feng , Li Xiaonian
Published: January 2022

Heteroatom‐doping of carbon materials has gained much attention recent decades since it was believed to be a brilliant strategy to endow carbon with enhanced physical and chemical properties. In addition, the doped carbon has been frequently employed in various fields such as supercapacitors, batteries, catalytic hydrogenation reactions due to its unique structure and superior features, among which selective hydrogenation is an essential procedure during organic synthesis and has wide industrial applications. It is proved that the incorporation of heteroatoms could have a great effect on the original carbon, such as charge distribution and surface defects, which could further influence the electronic effect and physical interaction between carbon carrier and supported metal, thereby enhance its catalytic performance in hydrogenation reactions. Herein, we briefly reviewed recent progress in the effect of heteroatoms on carbon properties. Meanwhile, the synthesis strategies of doped‐carbon and the application of these catalysts in series of hydrogenation reactions were also summarized.
Influence of Pd‐Doping on The Efficiency of In2O3/ZrO2 Catalysts Used for Hydrogenating Dimethyl Oxalate to Ethanol
Authors: Xue Haodong , Qin Siqian , Wang Xue , Zhang Chuancai , Wang Denghao , Dai Bin
Published: January 2022

A co‐precipitation method followed by an impregnation method was used to synthesize the xPd‐In2O3/ZrO2 catalysts that could be used for the hydrogenation of dimethyl oxalate to ethanol. The results indicated that xPd‐In2O3/ZrO2 exhibited excellent catalytic activity during the hydrogenation of dimethyl oxalate to ethanol. It was found that Pd−doping could improve the performance of the catalysts. 100 % conversion and 84 % ethanol selectivity could be achieved using the 0.5 % Pd‐In2O3/ZrO2 catalyst. In‐depth charact‐erization of the xPd‐In2O3/ZrO2 catalyst revealed the occurrence of hydrogen spillover and the formation of oxygen vacancies on the surface of the catalyst. The improvement in the catalytic activity can be attributed to the increase of activated hydrogen concentration during the process of hydrogen spillover in the presence of Pd and the enhancement of activation capacity (toward dimethyl oxalate) of the catalyst caused by the formation of oxygen vacancies.
Mechanism of Rhubarb for Diabetic Kidney Disease through the AMPK/NF‐κB Signaling Pathway Based on Network Pharmacology
Authors: Luo Jinli , Piao Chunli , Jin De , Wang Li , Zhao Xiaohua , Lian Fengmei , Tong Xiaolin
Published: January 2022

Rhubarb (Da‐huang in pinyin, Radix Rhei Et Rhizome in pharmaceutical name) is a heat‐clearing and laxative herbal medicine, which is widely used to treat diabetic kidney disease in China. The study aims to decrypt the underlying mechanisms of the treatment of diabetic kidney disease using a systems pharmacology approach. Active compounds and corresponding potential therapeutic targets were harvested by utilizing the database of TCMSP. DKD targets were adopted from DrugBank, OMIM, TTD, and GAD databases. Then a network of Rhubarb‐ compounds ‐ target ‐ DKD network was harvested. The PPI network was then generated by the String database and subjected to Cytoscape software to harvest major and core targets network by topological analysis. Genes from the core targets network were further subjected to GO and KEGG enrichment analysis to figure out potential targeting pathways. Human podocyte cells (HPC) were used to further investigate the mechanism of against DKD. A total of 6 active ingredients and 271 targets of Rhubarb were picked out. 11 cellular biological processes and 18 pathways of mostly associated with inflammatory response, apoptosis, fibrosis, and peripheral circulation. Moreover, experimental validation suggests that Rhubarb increased cell viability. Rhubarb extract significantly suppressed the expression of NF‐kappa B, Bcl‐2, Caspase‐3, and Cleaved Caspase‐3, promoted the expression of AMPK and Bax, and decreased the release of cytokines. Rhubarb could alleviate DKD via the molecular mechanisms predicted by network pharmacology.
A Facile Approach to Benzosultam‐fused 4‐Imidazolidinone Derivatives from N‐Sulfonyl Ketimine and α‐Halogenated Hydroxamates
Authors: Lan Wenjie , Lei Rong‐chao , Luo Jiayu , Qin Zhaohai , Fu Bin , Xie Lei
Published: January 2022

The novel benzosultam‐fused 4‐imidazolidinone scaffold was constructed by a concise [3+2] annulation reaction of α‐halogenated hydroxamates and N‐sulfonyl ketimine for the first time. The transformation proceeded smoothly under mild and transition‐metal‐free conditions in moderate to excellent yields (up to 95 %). Moreover the annulation products are potentially useful and promising for medicinal research.
Chemoselectivity in the Transannulaction of 1,2,3‐Thiadiazoles and Alk‐2‐enenitriles: Specific Synthesis of 3‐(Alk‐1‐enyl)isothiazoles
Authors: Wu Qiuyue , Chen Ning , Xu Jiaxi
Published: January 2022

1,2,3‐Thiadiazoles are precursors of thioacylcarbenes and thioketenes and show various reactions with unsaturated compounds. The rhodium‐catalyzed reactions of 1,2,3‐thiadiazoles and alk‐2‐enenitriles, including alkyl, aryl, and heteroaryl acrylonitriles, have been investigated, showing chemospecific reactivity to generate 3‐vinylisothiazole derivatives via the (3+2) transannulation between the cyano group of alk‐2‐enenitriles and generated thioacylcarbenes. (Z)‐Cinnamonitriles are less active than (E)‐cinnamonitriles due to the strong coordination of the (Z)‐C=C bond and the Rh catalyst. The current reaction provides a method for the synthesis of 3‐vinylisothiazole derivatives.
Interactions of a Ruthenium‐Ketoprofen Compound with Human Serum Albumin and DNA: Insights from Spectrophotometric Titrations and Molecular Docking Calculations
Authors: Sarmento Caroline O. , Pinheiro Bruno F. A. , Abrahão Josielle , Chaves Otávio A. , Moreira Mariete B. , Nikolaou Sofia
Published: January 2022

The compound [Ru2O(keto)2(py)6](PF6)2, keto=ketoprofen and py=pyridine, interacts with calf thymus‐DNA with Kb=1.08×104 M−1. It efficiently quenches HSA fluorescence in different temperatures, with Ksv values in the 104–105 M−1 range, both by dynamic and static mechanisms. The data provided by the double logarithmic and van't Hoff approximations indicated a moderate (Kb≈104 M−1) and spontaneous (ΔG<0) interaction, being enthalpically driven (ΔH=−27.1 kJ mol−1 and ΔS=−5.3 J mol−1 K−1). Molecular docking calculations confirmed that the binuclear compound interacts with HSA more strongly than with DNA. The occurrence of a high contribution from electrostatic forces was observed, fully consistent with the bicationic nature of [Ru2O(keto)2(py)6](PF6)2. The molecular docking results also revealed that the interaction occurs in an external subdomain, explaining the lack of significant conformational changes in the protein, as probed by circular dichroism spectra.
Pickering High Internal Phase Emulsions Templated CoOx−HPC Loading Bimetallic AuPd Nanoparticles for Catalytic Oxidation of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural to 2, 5‐Furan Dicarboxylic
Authors: Guan Wen , Chen Chen , Li Bing , Chen Yao , Wei Yanan , Cao Yu , Wang Fang , Yan Yongsheng , Liu Bing , Zhang Yunlei
Published: January 2022

The supported bimetallic AuPd nanoparticles hold great promise for the selective oxidation of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to 2, 5‐furan dicarboxylic acid (FDCA), a substitute for petroleum derivative terephthalic acid (TPA). Herein, by combining a versatile Pickering high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) template with subsequent carbonization process, cobalt‐based hierarchical porous carbon (CoOx−HPC) support was obtained. After loading bimetallic AuPd nanoparticles through the sol‐gel method, AuPd/CoOx−HPC catalyst was successfully synthesized. By changing the Pickering HIPEs parameters, carbonization temperature, the porous structure and cobalt valence of as‐synthesized catalyst can be adjusted. The obtained catalysts were systematically characterized by SEM, TEM, N2 adsorption‐desorption, XRD, XPS, and TGA. Benefiting from the synergistic effects of the high porosity of CoOx−HPC support and efficient AuPd nanoparticles, tandem oxidation of HMF to FDCA can be carried out in the water. We have clarified that the catalysts with various cobalt valence states showed superior performance, and the highest FDCA yield of 97.2 % will be obtained under the optimal reaction conditions. Meanwhile, the kinetics study indicated that the oxidation of FFCA to FDCA was the rate‐determining step. Moreover, the AuPd/CoOx−HPC catalyst revealed excellent stability in HMF oxidation during four cycles. The experimental results demonstrated that as‐prepared AuPd/CoOx−HPC catalysts are efficient towards FDCA production from the selective oxidation of HMF.
The Aldol Reaction of α‐Ketoamide with α,β‐Unsaturated Ketone in KOH Aqueous Medium
Authors: Qin Xin , Wu Chaofei , Lu Fanyun , Wang Zhan‐Yong , Jiang Jun , Liu Hongxin
Published: January 2022

Herein, we report for the first time the aldol reaction of a wide range of α‐ketoamide with α,β‐unsaturated ketone via the activation of potassium hydroxide in aqueous medium. The protocol provides a straightforward and atom‐efficient strategy for the synthesis of a new family of multifunctional α‐hydroxy amides contain α,β‐unsaturated ketone group from easily accessible substituted α‐ketoamide and α,β‐unsaturated ketone. The reaction features mild reaction conditions, green solvent, one of which is quaternary carbon substitution. The method can accommodate various substituents and substitution patterns, afford the products up to 95 % yields.
DNA‐Gated N‐CDs@SiO2 Nanoparticles‐Based Biosensor for MUC1 Detection
Authors: Liu Yuhong , Liu Xuan , Liu Huaxiao , Wang Jingzhi , Zhang Yawen , Zhao Wenbo , Zhou Jiahong
Published: January 2022

The ultrasensitive detection of mucin1 (MUC1), a typical breast cancer marker, is of great significance for the diagnosis of breast cancer. Here, a biosensor based on DNA‐gated nitrogen‐doped carbon quantum dots‐loaded hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles (DNA‐gated N‐CDs@SiO2 NPs) for highly sensitive detection of MUC1 were reported. The preparation process and properties of DNA‐gated N‐CDs@SiO2 NPs were characterized in detail. Results of experiments of detection of MUC1 and cell imaging indicate that the biosensor with MUC1‐specific DNA sequence is beneficial for selective detection of MUC1 by MUC1‐triggered unlocking of DNA gate and controlled release of N‐CDs. The biosensor exhibits satisfactory results with a low detection limit of 10 nM and good specificity, as well as MUC1‐positive cell imaging performance, demonstrating the potential for MUC1 detection, which provides a new method for early screening and diagnosis of breast cancer diseases.
Green Biphasic Synthesis, X‐Ray Diffraction Structure and Conformational Analysis of O‐Glycosylmethyl Isoxazoles: Potential Substrates of GLUT‐1 Glucose Transporter.
Authors: Le Pors Macarena S. , Barri Ivan A. , Riafrecha Leonardo E. , Echeverría Gustavo A. , Piro Oscar E. , Colinas Pedro A.
Published: January 2022

An efficient synthesis of new 1‐O‐β‐glycosylmethyl isoxazoles is described. The title compounds are obtained by cycloaddition of nitrile oxides generated in situ in 2‐MeTHF/sodium hypochlorite solution. The developed approach provides the first use of this green methodology to prepare isoxazole derivatives. X‐ray diffraction structure and conformational analysis in solution show that glycosyl isoxazoles possess the structural features required to be substrates of GLUT‐1.
One‐Pot Reductive Amination of Aromatic Aldehydes in [Et3NH][HSO4] using Sodium Borohydride and A Mechanistic Investigation using Computational Method
Authors: Narvariya Rajrani , Gupta Shivangi , Jain Archana , Rawal Parveen , Gupta Puneet , Panda Tarun K.
Published: January 2022

The reductive amination of aromatic aldehydes and aromatic amines, performed in the Brønsted acidic ionic liquid [Et3NH][HSO4], using sodium borohydride as a reducing agent is reported. In this protocol, the ionic liquid plays a crucial role in efficiently converting aromatic aldehydes to amines in excellent yields, without the formation of side products. In the presence of [Et3NH][HSO4], the imine was generated in situ from the reaction between the aromatic aldehydes and aromatic amines, and underwent smooth reduction with sodium borohydride. This one‐pot synthesis is practically simple and sustainable. The catalyst [Et3NH][HSO4] also has a demonstrably wide applicability, in that it can be used with a variety of aromatic aldehydes and aromatic amines substituted by various electron‐withdrawing and electron‐donating groups. The role of IL [Et3NH][HSO4] in catalytic reductive amination is validated with the help of density functional theory (DFT)‐based computational studies.
The influence of patent assertion entities on inventor behavior
Authors: Chari Mukund , Steensma H. Kevin , Connaughton Charles , Heidl Ralph
Published: January 2022

Research summary

Patent assertion entities (PAEs) are intermediaries that acquire patents from inventors and license them to firms that use the intellectual property to develop products. We consider how PAE intermediation influences inventor behavior by reducing the costs to monetize their inventions. Using a proprietary dataset that tracks PAE lawsuits, we find that, as PAE intermediation for a given class of technologies increases, larger numbers of focused inventors (i.e., small firms, universities, and labs) that typically lack commercializing capabilities begin to produce inventions in this class. Further, we find that, compared to their larger counterparts, focused inventors are particularly responsive to increasing PAE intermediation by producing greater numbers of inventions, albeit inventions that likely advance the state of the art only incrementally.

Managerial summary

Patent assertion entities (PAEs) serve as brokers of intellectual property by purchasing patents from inventors and licensing these patents to firms that develop products based on them. We investigate how PAE brokerage activities influence inventors. We find that as PAEs become more active in a particular class of patents, inventors who lack commercialization capabilities (e.g., small firms, universities, and research labs) are particularly prone to both begin patenting and increase their rate of producing patented inventions in this patent class. We also find, however, that as PAEs become more active in a given patent class, patented inventions produced by inventors lacking commercialization capabilities are increasingly incremental in nature as compared to patented inventions produced by larger firms that commercialize products.
Observing Mesoscopic Nucleic Acid Capacitance Effect and Mismatch Impact via Graphene Transistors
Authors: Zhang Mingfeng , Li Zhibo , Jia Yuan , Wang Fuquan , Tian Jinpeng , Zhang Cuiping , Han Tingting , Xing Ruiqing , Ye Weixiang , Wang Cheng
Published: January 2022

This work reports a molecular‐scale capacitance effect of the double helical nucleic acid duplex structure for the first time. By quantitatively conducting large sample measurements of the electrostatic field effect using a type of high‐accuracy graphene transistor biosensor, an unusual charge‐transport behavior is observed in which the end‐immobilized nucleic acid duplexes can store a part of ionization electrons like molecular capacitors, other than electric conductors. To elucidate this discovery, a cascaded capacitive network model is proposed as a novel equivalent circuit of nucleic acid duplexes, expanding the point‐charge approximation model, by which the partial charge‐transport observation is reasonably attributed to an electron‐redistribution behavior within the capacitive network. Furthermore, it is experimentally confirmed that base‐pair mismatches hinder the charge transport in double helical duplexes, and lead to directly identifiable alterations in electrostatic field effects. The bioelectronic principle of mismatch impact is also self‐consistently explained by the newly proposed capacitive network model. The mesoscopic nucleic acid capacitance effect may enable a new kind of label‐free nucleic acid analysis tool based on electronic transistor devices. The in situ and real‐time nucleic acid detections for virus biomarkers, somatic mutations, and genome editing off‐target may thus be predictable.
Using composition trees to matching software requirements—An external agency's approach to support software acquisition
Authors: Zhang Shaoyang , Wen Lian , Anwer Sajid , Liu Baoxing
Published: January 2022

To improve their competitiveness, companies should acquire the latest software systems. However, many small or medium‐sized companies might not be able to afford a proper software acquisition process without the resource and technical support essential for acquiring the right software system. This article proposes a meta‐process, software acquisition with an external agent (SAEA), that includes a new industry role, external agent, to substitute for that support. SAEA will significantly reduce the cost of the software acquisition process. For implementing SAEA, the authors also introduce composition trees as a modelling language to collect, integrate, and compare all software requirements from different stakeholders and to identify issues during the software acquisition process. Finally, a real industry case study, for which this process has been successfully implemented, has been provided to illustrate our approach.
Effective recycling of end‐of‐life polyvinyl chloride foams in ethylene–propylene diene monomers rubber
Authors: Mahmood Haroon , Nart Fabiano , Pegoretti Alessandro
Published: January 2022

Rigid cross‐linked interpenetrated network polyvinyl chloride (PVC) foams are widely used as core materials in the composite industry. Nevertheless, no recycling methods exist today for these materials that are currently landfilled at the end of life (EoL). In this work, various amounts of EoL PVC cross‐linked foams in the form of chips were mixed with ethylene–propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber and carbon black (CB) at 60°C for 15 min. The obtained rubber mixtures were vulcanized at 160°C for 20 min to create compacted square sheets of EPDM‐CB‐PVC composites using compression molding technique. Tensile tests revealed a progressive increase in modulus of EPDM‐CB with increasing PVC content while a subsequent decrease of the elongation‐at‐break values of the composites was noticed. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a homogeneous dispersion of PVC particles with the EPDM‐CB matrix. Improved interfacial adhesion of filler in the matrix was also observed at higher PVC content as well. Hardness tests revealed an increased Shore A values by 25% with added PVC waste in EPDM‐CB. Concurrently, a steady increase in compression set was observed in the rubber composites with the added PVC filler. Additionally, due to added filler, thermal conductivity was decreased by 35% compared to pure EPDM‐CB.
Correction to: Migrant Cine-Eye: Storytelling in Documentary and Participatory Filmmaking
Authors: Trencsényi Klára , Naumescu Vlad
Published: January 2022

The figures 7.1 and 7.2 in Chapter 7 were inadvertently published without permissions from copyright owners. It has now been updated with correct images that were taken from public domain.
Gonadal Atresia, Estrogen-Responsive, and Apoptosis-Specific mRNA Expression in Marine Mussels from the East China Coast: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Zhu Jingmin , Li Jiana , Chapman Emma C. , Shi Huahong , Ciocan Corina M. , Chen Kai , Shi Xiaodong , Zhou JunLiang , Sun Peiying , Zheng Yueyao , Rotchell Jeanette M.
Published: January 2022

This preliminary survey analysed mussel atresia incidences, estrogen-responsive and apoptotic-specific molecular end points, and aqueous and gonadal levels of selected estrogens from the East China coast. Estrogen levels were low (e.g. < LOD-28.36 ng/L, < LOD-3.88 ng/g wet weight of tissue for BPA) relative to worldwide freshwater environments, but high oocyte follicle atresia incidences (up to 26.6%) occurred at selected sites. Expression of estrogen-responsive ER2 was significantly increased in males relative to females at sites with high atresia incidences in females. A second estrogen-responsive gene, V9, was significantly increased at two sites in April in females relative to males; the opposite was true for the remaining two sites. Apoptosis-specific genes (Bcl-2, fas) showed elevated expression in males relative to females at the site with the highest atresia incidence. These results provide coastal estrogen levels and the utility of several estrogen-specific molecular-level markers for marine mussels.
Higher healing rate after meniscal repair with concomitant ACL reconstruction for tears located in vascular zone 1 compared to zone 2: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Gerritsen L. M. , van der Lelij T. J. N. , van Schie P. , Fiocco M. , van Arkel E. R. A. , Zuurmond R. G. , Keereweer S. , van Driel P. B. A. A.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine and compare the percentage of completely healed meniscal tears after arthroscopic repair combined with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) for the different vascular zones of the meniscus.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane library and Emcare were searched on 19 May 2020 for articles reporting healing rates after arthroscopic meniscal repair with concomitant ACLR for the different meniscal vascular zones as assessed by second-look arthroscopy. Data on meniscal tears were extracted as located in zones 1, 2 or 3, according to the Cooper classification. Studies were graded in quality using a modified Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Pooled analyses were performed utilizing a random-effects model. Meta-analyses were performed using R version 3.6.2 and SPSS statistical software version 25.0. The study was registered with PROSPERO (ID:CRD42020176175).

Results

Ten observational cohort studies met the inclusion criteria, accounting for 758 meniscal tear repairs in total. The pooled overall proportion of healing was 78% (95% CI 72–84%). The mean weighted proportion of healing was 83% (95% CI 76–90%) for studies (n = 10) reporting zone 1 tears and 69% (95% CI 59–79%) for studies (n = 9) reporting zone 2 tears. No study reported healing rates for zone 3 tears. The pooled overall odds ratio was 2.5 (95% CI 1.00−6.02), indicating zone 1 tears as 2.5 times more likely to heal than zone 2 tears.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that meniscal tears localized in vascular zone 1 were more likely to heal than those in zone 2.

Level of evidence

IV.
Therapeutic effect of an ayahuasca analogue in clinically depressed patients: a longitudinal observational study
Authors: van Oorsouw Kim , Toennes S. W. , Ramaekers J. G.
Published: January 2022

Rationale

Studies have suggested mental health improvements following the use of the psychotropic plant concoction ayahuasca in non-clinical and clinical samples.

Objectives

The present observational study assessed depressive symptomatology in 20 clinically depressed patients (symptom score > 13 on the Beck’s Depression Inventory) before attendance of an ayahuasca ceremony and 1 month and 1 year after. Secondary measures included ratings of altered states of consciousness and ego dissolution during the ayahuasca ceremony as well as global measures of mindfulness, satisfaction with life, depression, anxiety, and stress.

Results

Twenty participants completed baseline and 1-day follow-up, 19 completed measures at 1-month follow-up, and 17 completed measures at 1-year follow-up. BDI scores reduced from baseline (M = 22.7) to all post-ceremony measures (Ms 11.45, 12.89, and 8.88, for 1-day, 1-month, and 1-year follow-up, respectively). After 1 day, 12/20 participants were in remission (BDI < 13). Remission rates after 1 month and 1 year were 13/19 and 12/17, respectively. Three participants remained mildly depressed (BDI 14–19) at the 1-month and 1-year follow-up. Two participants did not respond and remained at a moderate/severe level of depression at 1-year follow-up. Reductions on the secondary mental health measures and increases in mindfulness and satisfaction with life were found up to 1 year post-ceremony. Improvements in clinical depression and mental health correlated with levels of experienced ego dissolution and oceanic boundlessness during the ceremony up to 1 month after the ceremony. Engagement in additional mental health treatments or use of another psychedelic during study participation may have contributed to improved mental health ratings at 1-year follow-up.

Conclusion

Ayahuasca produces long-term mental health improvements in clinically depressed patients, which highlights its therapeutic potential.
Cardy Algebras, Sewing Constraints and String-Nets
Authors: Traube Matthias
Published: January 2022

In Schweigert and Yang (Methods Appl Symmetry Integr Geom, 2021) it was shown how string-net spaces for the Cardy bulk algebra in the Drinfeld center $${\mathsf {Z}}({\mathsf {C}})$$

Z
(
C
)

of a modular tensor category $${\mathsf {C}}$$
C
give rise to a consistent set of correlators. We extend their results to include open-closed world sheets and allow for more general field algebras, which come in the form of $$({\mathsf {C}}|{\mathsf {Z}}({\mathsf {C}}))$$

(
C
|
Z
(
C
)
)

-Cardy algebras. To be more precise, we show that a set of fundamental string-nets with input data from a $$({\mathsf {C}}|{\mathsf {Z}}({\mathsf {C}}))$$

(
C
|
Z
(
C
)
)

-Cardy algebra gives rise to a solution of the sewing constraints formulated in Kong et al. (Adv Math 262:604–681, 2014) and that any set of fundamental string-nets solving the sewing constraints determine a $$({\mathsf {C}}|{\mathsf {Z}}({\mathsf {C}}))$$

(
C
|
Z
(
C
)
)

-Cardy algebra up to isomorphism. Hence we give an alternative proof of the results in Kong et al. (2014) in terms of string-nets.
Homotopical Analysis of 4d Chern-Simons Theory and Integrable Field Theories
Authors: Benini Marco , Schenkel Alexander , Vicedo Benoît
Published: January 2022

This paper provides a detailed study of 4-dimensional Chern-Simons theory on $$\mathbb {R}^2\times \mathbb {C}P^1$$

R

2

×
C

P
1

for an arbitrary meromorphic 1-form $$\omega $$
ω
on $$\mathbb {C}P^1$$

C

P
1

. Using techniques from homotopy theory, the behaviour under finite gauge transformations of a suitably regularised version of the action proposed by Costello and Yamazaki is investigated. Its gauge invariance is related to boundary conditions on the surface defects located at the poles of $$\omega $$
ω
that are determined by isotropic Lie subalgebras of a certain defect Lie algebra. The groupoid of fields satisfying such a boundary condition is proved to be equivalent to a groupoid that implements the boundary condition through a homotopy pullback, leading to the appearance of edge modes. The latter perspective is used to clarify how integrable field theories arise from 4-dimensional Chern-Simons theory.
The Impact of Major and Trace Elements in Serum and Bone on Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry-Derived Hip Strength
Authors: Miazgowski Tomasz , Rył Aleksandra , Szylińska Aleksandra , Rotter Iwona
Published: January 2022

The purpose of this study was to establish associations between both serum levels and bone content of a wide range of elements (Na, K, P, Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Pb), with hip strength (HS) indices derived from dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The study population consisted of a number of male patients aged 56–77 years following hip replacement due to osteoarthritis of the hip. Bone specimens were taken from the femoral head and neck during arthroplasty. The elemental analyses were carried out using coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The following DXA-HS parameters were assessed: buckling ratio (BR), cross-sectional area (CSA) and its moment of inertia (CSMI), section modulus, and Femoral Strength Index (FSI). Age was positively correlated with Na, K, and Cu in the bone. Ca in the bone was positively associated with BR and negatively with SM and CSMI. Of all the DXA-HS parameters, the weakest associations of elements in the bone were found with FSI and the strongest with BR. Among the elements in the serum, the strongest negative associations were found for K, Cr, Mn, and Zn with CSA, while the majority of bone elements were associated either positively (Ca, P, Mg, Zn, and Cu) or negatively (Mn, Fe, Pb, and Cr) with BR. In conclusion, the interactions between individual elements in blood serum and bone with DXA-HS could not be unequivocally established.
Relationship Among Blastocystis, the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes Ratio and Chronic Stress in Mexican University Students
Authors: Guangorena-Gómez Janeth Oliva , Lozano-Ochoa Iliana Itzel , Rivera-Medina Ilse Lizeth , Méndez-Hernández Alejandra , Espinosa-Fematt Jorge Antonio , Muñoz-Yáñez Claudia
Published: January 2022

The role played by Blastocystis in humans has been a subject of discussion due to its intestinal effects and modifications in the intestinal microbiota. We aimed to analyze the relationship between Blastocystis subtypes ST1-4 and 7, the Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio (F/B ratio) of fecal microbiota, and chronic stress in university students. This study had a cross-sectional design with a sample of 202 students. We analyzed fecal and hair samples, and stress inventories were applied to the students. The results showed a frequency of Blastocystis-colonized students of 52.97%. Regarding fecal microbiota, a median RAU of 0.801 for Firmicutes and 0.82 of Bacteroidetes were obtained, with an F/B ratio of 0.83. A low F/B ratio (66.04%) was more frequent in Blastocystis-colonized students, whereas a high F/B ratio (68.09%) (p =  < 0.0001) was found in the Blastocystis-non-colonized. Only Blastocystis ST3 did not significantly correlate with a low F/B ratio (p = 0.290). The ST4 was associated with lower values of cortisol (p = 0.030), psychological stress (p = 0.040), and lower frequency of constipation (p = 0.010). Only two students with the ST1 had abdominal pain (p = 0.007). Our results suggest that colonization by Blastocystis subtypes can modify the intestinal microbiota due to a decreased ratio between the two most representative phyla (F/B). Also, the results of this study show that ST4 colonization is related to a lower level of chronic stress.

Graphical abstract
Spatial visualization of drug uptake and distribution in Fasciola hepatica using high-resolution AP-SMALDI mass spectrometry imaging
Authors: Morawietz Carolin M. , Peter Ventura Alejandra M. , Grevelding Christoph G. , Haeberlein Simone , Spengler Bernhard
Published: January 2022

Understanding drug penetration, distribution, and metabolization is fundamental for understanding drug efficacy. This also accounts for parasites during antiparasitic treatment. Recently, we established matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) in blood flukes and liver flukes. This label-free technique is capable of visualizing the molecular distribution of endogenous and exogenous molecules, such as drug compounds. Here, we conducted atmospheric-pressure scanning microprobe MALDI MSI (AP-SMALDI MSI) of tissue sections of adult Fasciola hepatica that have been treated in vitro with 100 µM of triclabendazole (TCBZ), the drug of choice for treatment of fasciolosis, and its main metabolite triclabendazole sulfoxide (TCBZ-SO). Measurements covered an m/z mass range of 250–1,000 and provided a high spatial resolution using a pixel size of 10 µm. To support the interpretation of drug distribution, we first identified endogenous lipids that mark characteristic tissues such as the gastrodermis, the tegument, and the parenchyma. The obtained results suggested an early tegumental route of TCBZ uptake within 20 min, followed by spreading throughout the parasite after 4 h, and an even distribution in most tissues after 12 h. This coincided with a strong reduction of parasite vitality. TCBZ-SO treatment demonstrated the accumulation of this metabolite in the same tissues as the parent drug compound. These data demonstrate the auspicious potential of MALDI MSI to visualize uptake and distribution patterns of drugs or drug-candidate compounds in parasites, which might contribute to preclinical drug discovery in liver fluke research and beyond.
Wahrnehmungen zum Umgang mit Opioiden: Fokus COVID-19
Authors: Peuckmann-Post Vera , Hagedorn Carolin , Krumm Norbert , Rolke Roman , Elsner Frank
Published: January 2022

Hintergrund

Obwohl Opioide wirksam Schmerzen und Dyspnoe lindern, findet dies in Leitlinien zur Symptomkontrolle unterschiedliche Gewichtung. Hierdurch können auch bei COVID-19 Unsicherheiten bezüglich Indikationen und ethischer Implikationen im Umgang mit Opioiden entstehen.

Ziel der Arbeit

Wir untersuchten die persönliche Wahrnehmung des Umgangs mit Morphin/Opioiden (M/O) zur Symptomkontrolle inner- und außerhalb der Palliativmedizin (PM), auch bei der Betreuung COVID-19-Erkrankter, durch Befragung von Mitgliedern der Fachgesellschaften für Palliativmedizin, Innere Medizin, Anästhesiologie und Intensivmedizin.

Material und Methoden

Mittels Survey Monkey® (Momentive Inc., San Mateo, CA, USA) wurden die Mitglieder anonymisiert nach ihrer eigenen Wahrnehmung des Umgangs mit M/O zur Symptomkontrolle befragt. Diese Ergebnisse wurden bereits publiziert. Zur systematischen und strukturierten Auswertung aller Kommentare des Freitextfelds wurde Phillip Mayrings Methode der zusammenfassenden qualitativen Inhaltsanalyse gewählt.

Ergebnisse und Diskussion

Von 2202 Personen schrieben 339 im Freitextfeld „Weitere Anmerkungen“ zusätzliche Kommentare. Das induktiv entwickelte Kategoriensystem umfasste fünf Hauptkategorien: 1) Eigene Wahrnehmungen mit COVID-19-Erkrankten, 2) Anwendungsgebiet und Wirkung von M/O, 3) Beobachtungen im Bereich der Palliativmedizin, 4) Vermittlung von Wissen zum Umgang mit Opioiden bzw. Palliativmedizin, und 5) Ergänzendes.

Fazit

Einige Teilnehmende berichteten sehr persönliche Wahrnehmungen und wiesen insbesondere im Umgang mit COVID-19 auf Defizite im Gesundheitssystem hin. Einheitliche interdisziplinäre Leitlinien zur Symptomkontrolle, mehr Lehre und Unterstützung durch in der Symptomkontrolle kompetente Expert:innen erscheinen erforderlich.
Real-time detection of uncalibrated sensors using neural networks
Authors: Muñoz-Molina Luis J. , Cazorla-Piñar Ignacio , Dominguez-Morales Juan P. , Lafuente Luis , Perez-Peña Fernando
Published: January 2022

Nowadays, sensors play a major role in several fields, such as science, industry and everyday technology. Therefore, the information received from the sensors must be reliable. If the sensors present any anomalies, serious problems can arise, such as publishing wrong theories in scientific papers, or causing production delays in industry. One of the most common anomalies are uncalibrations. An uncalibration occurs when the sensor is not adjusted or standardized by calibration according to a ground truth value. In this work, an online machine-learning based uncalibration detector for temperature, humidity and pressure sensors is presented. This development integrates an artificial neural network as the main component which learns from the behavior of the sensors under calibrated conditions. Then, after being trained and deployed, it detects uncalibrations once they take place. The obtained results show that the proposed system is able to detect the 100% of the presented uncalibration events, although the time response in the detection depends on the resolution of the model for the specific location, i.e., the minimum statistically significant variation in the sensor behavior that the system is able to detect. This architecture can be adapted to different contexts by applying transfer learning, such as adding new sensors or having different environments by re-training the model with minimum amount of data.
Identifying physiological correlates of cybersickness using heartbeat-evoked potential analysis
Authors: Chang Eunhee , Kim Hyun Taek , Yoo Byounghyun
Published: January 2022

Many studies have consistently proven that repeatedly watching virtual reality (VR) content can reduce cybersickness. Moreover, the discomfort level decreases when the VR content includes an unusual orientation, such as an inverted scene. However, few studies have investigated the physiological changes during these experiences. The present study aimed to identify psychophysiological correlates, especially the neural processing, of cybersickness. Twenty participants experienced two types of VR orientation (upright and inverted), which were repeated three times. During the experience, we recorded the participants’ subjective levels of discomfort, brain waves, cardiac signals, and eye trajectories. We performed a heartbeat-evoked potential (HEP) analysis to elucidate the cortical activity of heartbeats while experiencing cybersickness. The results showed that the severity of cybersickness decreased as the participants repeatedly watched the VR content. The participants also reported less nausea when watching the inverted orientation. We only found a significant suppression at the fronto-central HEP amplitudes in the upright orientation for the physiological changes. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of bodily responses to varying degrees of cybersickness. In addition, the HEP results suggest that this approach might reflect the neural correlates of transient changes in heartbeats caused by cybersickness.
Telemedicine application to headache: a critical review
Authors: Spina Emanuele , Tedeschi Gioacchino , Russo Antonio , Trojsi Francesca , Iodice Rosa , Tozza Stefano , Iovino Aniello , Iodice Francesco , Abbadessa Gianmarco , di Lorenzo Francesco , Miele Giuseppina , Maida Elisabetta , Cerullo Giovanni , Sparaco Maddalena , Silvestro Marcello , Leocani Letizia , Bonavita Simona , Manganelli Fiore , Lavorgna Luigi ,   on behalf of Digital Technologies, Web and Social Media Study Group of the Italian Society of Neurology (SIN)
Published: January 2022

Background

Migraine affects more than a billion people all over the world and requires critical employment of healthcare resources. Telemedicine could be a reasonable tool to manage people suffering from headaches, and it received a big push from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective

This review aims to propose a practical approach for the virtual management of these patients.

Methods

To do this, we conducted a literature search, including 32 articles relevant to the topic treated in this review.

Results

The most challenging step in telemedicine applied to practical neurology remains the clinical assessment, but through a careful headache history and a recently proposed entirely virtual neurological assessment, this hitch can be easily overcome. Electronic diary compilations and virtual administration of disability-measuring scales, conversely, are the key features of effective long-term follow-up although we do not have apps that met the criteria of scientific reliability. Furthermore, tele-rehabilitation seems to be effective and has demonstrated to be a solution to alternatively treat chronic patients at home, and can be considered part of the remote management of headache patients. Moreover, virtual management of headaches finds an application in specific communities of patients, as pediatric patients and for rural communities of low- and middle-income countries suffer from health disparities, with inadequate resources and knowledge gaps.

Conclusion

Telemedicine could be promising for patients with no regular or convenient access to headache specialists and seems to be a priority in managing migraine patients to avoid non-urgent hospitalizations
Sustainable extraction of hazardous metals from crystal glass waste using biodegradable chelating agents
Authors: Mutafela Richard Nasilele , Ye Fei , Jani Yahya , Dutta Joydeep , Hogland William
Published: January 2022

Extraction of hazardous metals from dumped crystal glass waste was investigated for site decontamination and resource recovery. Mechanically activated glass waste was leached with biodegradable chelating agents of ethylenediamine-N,N′-disuccinic acid (EDDS) and nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), where the concentration and reaction time were determined by using Box–Wilson experimental design. Hazardous metals of lead (Pb), arsenic (As), antimony (Sb) and cadmium (Cd) with concentrations higher than regulatory limits were extracted wherein the extraction yield was found to vary Pb > Sb > As > Cd. Extraction was influenced more by type and concentration of chelator rather than by reaction time. A maximum of 64% of Pb could be extracted by EDDS while 42% using NTA. It is found that increase of chelator concentrations from 0.05 M to 1 M did not show improved metal extraction and the extraction improved with reaction time until 13 h. This study provides sustainable alternative for treating hazardous glass waste by mechanical activation followed by extraction using biodegradable chelator, instead of acid leaching.

Graphical abstract
Thermal analysis of MgFe-Cl Layered doubled hydroxide (LDH) directly synthetized and produced “via memory effect”
Authors: Cardinale Anna Maria , Fortunato Marco , Locardi Federico , Parodi Nadia
Published: January 2022

Layered doubled hydroxides (LDHs) are known to be an interesting class of 2D layered materials, with a wide range of possible composition and a flexible structure suitable for topochemical reactions. Thus, LDHs have been applying in different fields, such as catalysis, energy storage and all the applications in which a high exchange capability (of both cations and anions) is required. For remediation purpose, a MgFe-Cl LDH $${[({\mathrm{Mg}}_{0.66}^{2+}{\mathrm{Fe}}_{0.33}^{3+}{\left(\mathrm{OH}\right)}_{2}]}^{0.33+}{({\mathrm{Cl}}_{0.33}^{-})}^{0.33-}$$

[

(

Mg

0.66

2
+

Fe

0.33

3
+

OH

2

]

0.33
+

(

Cl

0.33

-

)

0.33
-

(MFC in the following) could be a promising candidate to capture the toxic CrO
4
2−
from water, in exchange with the Cl− in an efficient way. The synthesis of this compound might seem simple, consisting of a coprecipitation reaction, and actually, it is strongly affected by the environmental carbon dioxide able to replace the Cl− with the more stable CO
3
2−
. To avoid this problem, LDHs could be also prepared with a rehydration of their calcinated oxide (memory effect). In this work were prepared two samples of MFC: one via coprecipitation (MFC-1 in the following) and one via “memory effect” (MFC-mem in the following). Both the compounds were characterized by means of X-ray powder diffraction (PXRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and differential thermal analysis-thermogravimetry (DTA-TG) coupled with evolved gas analysis. The results demonstrated that the synthesis of pure MFC is very difficult, and only a minimum contamination of carbon dioxide led to the formation of the carbonate LDH in a massive way. It was also demonstrated that Mg-Fe LDHs in the presence of carbonate could catalyse the formation of the formic acid (HCOOH) at low temperature (< 300 °C).