bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SepsEast Registry indicates high mortality associated with COVID-19 caused acute respiratory failure in Central-Eastern European intensive care units
Authors: Benes Jan , Jankowski Miłosz , Szułdrzynski Konstanty , Zahorec Roman , Lainscak Mitja , Ruszkai Zoltán , Podbregar Matej , Zatloukal Jan , Kletecka Jakub , Kusza Krzysztof , Szrama Jakub , Ramic Estera , Galkova Katarina , Krbila Stefan , Valky Josef , Ivanic Jaka , Kurnik Marko , Mikó Angéla , Kiss Tamás , Hetényi Barbara , Hegyi Peter , Sustic Alan , Molnar Zsolt
Published: September 2022

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic caused unprecedented research activity all around the world but publications from Central-Eastern European countries remain scarce. Therefore, our aim was to characterise the features of the pandemic in the intensive care units (ICUs) among members of the SepsEast (Central-Eastern European Sepsis Forum) initiative. We conducted a retrospective, international, multicentre study between March 2020 and February 2021. All adult patients admitted to the ICU with pneumonia caused by COVID-19 were enrolled. Data on baseline and treatment characteristics, organ support and mortality were collected. Eleven centres from six countries provided data from 2139 patients. Patient characteristics were: median 68, [IQR 60–75] years of age; males: 67%; body mass index: 30.1 [27.0–34.7]; and 88% comorbidities. Overall mortality was 55%, which increased from 2020 to 2021 (p = 0.004). The major causes of death were respiratory (37%), cardiovascular (26%) and sepsis with multiorgan failure (21%). 1061 patients received invasive mechanical ventilation (mortality: 66%) without extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (n = 54). The rest of the patients received non-invasive ventilation (n = 129), high flow nasal oxygen (n = 317), conventional oxygen therapy (n = 122), as the highest level of ventilatory support, with mortality of 50%, 39% and 22%, respectively. This is the largest COVID-19 dataset from Central-Eastern European ICUs to date. The high mortality observed especially in those receiving invasive mechanical ventilation renders the need of establishing national–international ICU registries and audits in the region that could provide high quality, transparent data, not only during the pandemic, but also on a regular basis.
Ascorbate content of clinical glioma tissues is related to tumour grade and to global levels of 5-hydroxymethyl cytosine
Authors: Crake Rebekah L. I. , Burgess Eleanor R. , Wiggins George A. R. , Magon Nicholas J. , Das Andrew B. , Vissers Margreet C. M. , Morrin Helen R. , Royds Janice A. , Slatter Tania L. , Robinson Bridget A. , Phillips Elisabeth , Dachs Gabi U.
Published: September 2022

Gliomas are incurable brain cancers with poor prognosis, with epigenetic dysregulation being a distinctive feature. 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC), an intermediate generated in the demethylation of 5-methylcytosine, is present at reduced levels in glioma tissue compared with normal brain, and that higher levels of 5-hmC are associated with improved patient survival. DNA demethylation is enzymatically driven by the ten–eleven translocation (TET) dioxygenases that require ascorbate as an essential cofactor. There is limited data on ascorbate in gliomas and the relationship between ascorbate and 5-hmC in gliomas has never been reported. Clinical glioma samples (11 low-grade, 26 high-grade) were analysed for ascorbate, global DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation, and methylation status of the O-6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter. Low-grade gliomas contained significantly higher levels of ascorbate than high-grade gliomas (p = 0.026). Levels of 5-hmC were significantly higher in low-grade than high-grade glioma (p = 0.0013). There was a strong association between higher ascorbate and higher 5-hmC (p = 0.004). Gliomas with unmethylated and methylated MGMT promoters had similar ascorbate levels (p = 0.96). One mechanism by which epigenetic modifications could occur is through ascorbate-mediated optimisation of TET activity in gliomas. These findings open the door to clinical intervention trials in patients with glioma to provide both mechanistic information and potential avenues for adjuvant ascorbate therapy.
Deep learning-based patient re-identification is able to exploit the biometric nature of medical chest X-ray data
Authors: Packhäuser Kai , Gündel Sebastian , Münster Nicolas , Syben Christopher , Christlein Vincent , Maier Andreas
Published: September 2022

With the rise and ever-increasing potential of deep learning techniques in recent years, publicly available medical datasets became a key factor to enable reproducible development of diagnostic algorithms in the medical domain. Medical data contains sensitive patient-related information and is therefore usually anonymized by removing patient identifiers, e.g., patient names before publication. To the best of our knowledge, we are the first to show that a well-trained deep learning system is able to recover the patient identity from chest X-ray data. We demonstrate this using the publicly available large-scale ChestX-ray14 dataset, a collection of 112,120 frontal-view chest X-ray images from 30,805 unique patients. Our verification system is able to identify whether two frontal chest X-ray images are from the same person with an AUC of 0.9940 and a classification accuracy of 95.55%. We further highlight that the proposed system is able to reveal the same person even ten and more years after the initial scan. When pursuing a retrieval approach, we observe an mAP@R of 0.9748 and a precision@1 of 0.9963. Furthermore, we achieve an AUC of up to 0.9870 and a precision@1 of up to 0.9444 when evaluating our trained networks on external datasets such as CheXpert and the COVID-19 Image Data Collection. Based on this high identification rate, a potential attacker may leak patient-related information and additionally cross-reference images to obtain more information. Thus, there is a great risk of sensitive content falling into unauthorized hands or being disseminated against the will of the concerned patients. Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous chest X-ray datasets have been published to advance research. Therefore, such data may be vulnerable to potential attacks by deep learning-based re-identification algorithms.
The effect of surface roughness on capillary rise in micro-grooves
Authors: Bamorovat Abadi Gholamreza , Bahrami Majid
Published: September 2022

The capillary action is a unique feature of micro-grooves with numerous applications. This spontaneous flow eliminates the need for an extra pumping device to deliver a liquid. Capillary action depends on physical properties and features of the solid surface, as well as on thermophysical properties of the liquid. In this study, our previously proposed unifying capillary rise model is extended to include the effect of surface roughness. A new characteristic length scale is proposed that includes salient geometrical parameters, such as micro-grooves height, width, and surface roughness. Furthermore, it is shown that by using the proposed characteristic length scale, it can be determined whether the capillary action would occur in a given micro-groove and liquid. Various metallic and polymeric surfaces with a wide range of surface roughness are fabricated from aluminum, stainless-steel, natural graphite sheet, and 3D-printed stainless-steel and a polymer. A profilometer and sessile drop method are used to measure surface roughness and the contact angles, respectively. The present unifying model is compared against our measured data, and it is shown that it can predict the capillary rise in rough micro-grooves with less than a 10% relative difference. It is observed that the capillary height can be increased for a wetting surface by introducing surface roughness and by using optimal micro-groove cross-sections that are triangular as opposed to rectangular. The proposed compact, unifying model can be used to predict the capillary rise for any given micro-groove cross-section, and as a design tool for numerous industrial and biomedical applications, such as heat pipes, power electronic cooling solutions, sorption systems, medicine delivery devices, and microfluidics that utilize capillary micro-grooves.
Urinary marker panels for aggressive prostate cancer detection
Authors: Lih Tung-Shing Mamie , Dong Mingming , Mangold Leslie , Partin Alan , Zhang Hui
Published: September 2022

Majority of patients with indolent prostate cancer (PCa) can be managed with active surveillance. Therefore, finding biomarkers for classifying patients between indolent and aggressive PCa is essential. In this study, we investigated urinary marker panels composed of urinary glycopeptides and/or urinary prostate-specific antigen (PSA) for their clinical utility in distinguishing non-aggressive (Grade Group 1) from aggressive (Grade Group ≥ 2) PCa. Urinary glycopeptides acquired via data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry (DIA-MS) were quantitatively analyzed, where prostatic acid phosphatase (ACPP), clusterin (CLU), alpha-1-acid glycoprotein 1 (ORM1), and CD antigen 97 (CD97) were selected to be evaluated in various combinations with and without urinary PSA. Targeted parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) assays of the glycopeptides from urinary ACPP and CLU were investigated along with urinary PSA for the ability of aggressive PCa detection. The multi-urinary marker panels, combined via logistic regression, were statistically evaluated using bootstrap resampling and validated by an independent cohort. Majority of the multi-urinary marker panels (e.g., a panel consisted of ACPP, CLU, and Urinary PSA) achieved area under the curve (AUC) ranged from 0.70 to 0.85. Thus, multi-marker panels investigated in this study showed clinically meaningful results on aggressive PCa detection to separate Grade Group 1 from Grade Group 2 and above warranting further evaluation in clinical setting in future.
Incidence of tick-borne spotted fever group Rickettsia species in rodents in two regions in Kazakhstan
Authors: Wagner E. , Tukhanova N. , Shin A. , Turebekov N. , Shapiyeva Z. , Shevtsov A. , Nurmakhanov T. , Sutyagin V. , Berdibekov A. , Maikanov N. , Lezdinsh I. , Freimüller K. , Ehmann R. , Ehrhardt C. , Essbauer S. , Peintner L.
Published: September 2022

Records on the distribution of Rickettsia spp. in their natural hosts in Central Asia are incomplete. Rodents and small mammals are potential natural reservoirs for Rickettsiae in their natural lifecycle. Studies about the maintenance of Rickettsia in wild animals are available for Western nations, but—to our knowledge—no studies and data are available in the Republic of Kazakhstan so far. The first case description of Rickettsioses in Kazakhstan was made in the 1950ies in the Almaty region and now Kyzylorda, East Kazakhstan, Pavlodar and North Kazakhstan are endemic areas. The existence of murine and endemic typhus was proven in arthropod vectors in the regions Kyzylorda and Almaty. Here we show for the first time investigations on tick-borne Rickettsia species detected by a pan-rickettsial citrate synthase gene (gltA) real-time PCR in ear lobes of small mammals (n = 624) in Kazakhstan. From all analysed small mammals 2.72% were positive for Rickettsia raoultii, R. slovaca or R. conorii. Sequencing of the rickettsial gene OmpAIV and the 23S–5S interspacer region revealed a similar heritage of identified Rickettsia species that was observed in ticks in previous studies from the region. In summary, this study proves that rodents in Kazakhstan serve as a natural reservoir of Rickettsia spp.
Body size has primacy over stoichiometric variables in nutrient excretion by a tropical stream fish community
Authors: Oliveira-Cunha Priscila , McIntyre Peter B. , Neres-Lima Vinicius , Caliman Adriano , Moreira-Ferreira Beatriz , Zandonà Eugenia
Published: September 2022

Ecological Stoichiometry (ES) and the Metabolic Theory of Ecology (MTE) are the main theories used to explain consumers’ nutrient recycling. ES posits that imbalances between an animal’s body and its diet stoichiometry determine its nutrient excretion rates, whereas the MTE predicts that excretion reflects metabolic activity arising from body size and temperature. We measured nitrogen, phosphorus and N:P excretion, body N:P stoichiometry, body size, and temperature for 12 fish species from a Brazilian stream. We fitted competing models reflecting different combinations of ES (body N:P, armor classification, diet group) and MTE (body size, temperature) variables. Only body size predicted P excretion rates, while N excretion was predicted by body size and time of day. N:P excretion was not explained by any variable. There was no interspecific difference in size-scaling coefficients neither for N nor for P. Fitted size scaling coefficients were lower than the MTE prediction of 0.75 for N (0.58), and for P (0.56). We conclude that differences in nutrient excretion among species within a shared environment primarily reflect contrasts in metabolic rates arising from body size, rather than disparities between consumer and resource stoichiometry. Our findings support the MTE as the primary framework for predicting nutrient excretion rates.
Prenatal acrylamide exposure results in time-dependent changes in liver function and basal hematological, and oxidative parameters in weaned Wistar rats
Authors: Tomaszewska E. , Muszyński S. , Świetlicka I. , Wojtysiak D. , Dobrowolski P. , Arciszewski M. B. , Donaldson J. , Czech A. , Hułas-Stasiak M. , Kuc D. , Mielnik-Błaszczak M.
Published: September 2022

Acrylamide (ACR) is a toxic compound commonly found in fried, baked and heat-processed starchy foods. The current study investigated the time-dependent effects of maternal exposure to non-toxic ACR doses on the oxidative stress, liver function, and basal blood morphology of the rat offspring. Pregnant, Wistar rats were randomly divided into the control group or the groups administrated with ACR (3 mg/kg b.w./day): long exposure for 15 days, medium exposure for 10 days and short exposure for 5 days during pregnancy. Body mass, blood morphology and hematology, serum concentrations of growth hormone, IGF-1, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and insulin, liver histomorphometry, liver activity of beclin1, LC2B and caspase3, markers of oxidative stress and the activity of antioxidative enzymes in blood serum and the liver were measured in offspring at weaning (postnatal day 21). Even short prenatal exposure to ACR led to oxidative stress and resulted in changes in liver histomorphometry and upregulation of autophagy/apoptosis. However, the most significant changes were observed following the long period of ACR exposure. This study has shown for the first time that ACR is responsible for changes in body mass in a time-dependent manner, which could lead to more serious illnesses like overweight and diabetes later in life.
Mendelian randomization study of the effect of coronary artery calcification on atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Sae-jie Wichanon , Tangcharoen Tarinee , Vathesatogkit Prin , Aekplakorn Wichai , Charoen Pimphen
Published: September 2022

Calcium calcification in the wall of arteries (CAC) leads to a higher risk of atherosclerosis related outcomes, especially myocardial infarction (MI). Nevertheless, the causal role of CAC on other related outcomes is unclear. In this study, we used Mendelian randomization (MR) to systematically investigate the causal role of CAC across a broad range of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases including coronary heart disease, angina, MI, ischemic heart disease, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease. Publicly available data from the UK biobank and other data sources were used. Using the two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach, we applied 3 MR models including the inverse variance weighted, the weighted-median, and the weighted-mode methods. Eight SNPs associated with CAC were selected as instrumental variables. We observed causal evidence of CAC on MI consistently across all MR models (PIVW = 1.0 × 10−4, PW-Median = 1.1 × 10−4, PW-Mode = 3.8 × 10−2) and this causation is shown in an acute transmural MI of inferior wall (PIVW = 1.5 × 10−4, PW-Median = 4.8 × 10−5, PW-Mode = 3.2 × 10−2) but not consistently observed in an anterior wall. As each site of acute MI was suggested to have relatively specific mechanisms, our finding suggested that the causal role of CAC on MI is in an inferior wall possibly as a consequence of large calcification from a prolonged process, whereas non-calcified artery plaque or other underlying mechanisms may predominantly play role in an anterior infarction during an advanced atherosclerotic process.
Nocturia independently predicts left ventricular hypertrophy and left atrial enlargement among patients with cardiac symptoms
Authors: Kao Kuo-Wei , Cheng Weiming , Wu Ching-Ju , Fan Yu-Hua
Published: September 2022

Nocturia can be caused by urological disorders and systemic diseases, including heart diseases. We aimed to investigate the relationship between nocturia and structural abnormalities on echocardiography. Adult patients who underwent echocardiography for cardiac symptoms or heart murmur or had a history of structural heart disease were included. The voiding times during sleep hours were collected prospectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the predictive value of bothersome nocturia (nocturia ≥ 2) on echocardiographic abnormalities. Of 299 patients, 182 (60.9%) reported bothersome nocturia. In patients aged ≥ 65 years, hypertension and left atrial enlargement (LAE) were associated with higher occurrences of bothersome nocturia. On multivariate analysis, bothersome nocturia was a predictive factor of LAE (odds ratio [OR] 2.453, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.363–4.416, p = 0.003). Moreover, bothersome nocturia could predict both LAE and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) (OR 2.285, 95% CI 1.151–4.536, p = 0.018; OR 2.056, 95% CI 1.025–4.124, p = 0.043) in the elderly. Older age, hypertension, and LAE were risk factors for bothersome nocturia. Moreover, bothersome nocturia was predictive of LAE and LVH in the elderly. Patients with bothersome nocturia without other significant lower urinary tract symptoms should be referred to cardiologists.
Swept-source OCT for corneal graft quantitative evaluation in the eye bank and the correlation of the measurements to pre-excision values
Authors: Kaluzny Bartlomiej J. , Mlyniuk Patryk , Liberski Slawomir , Jimenez-Villar Alfonso , Machalińska Anna , Grulkowski Ireneusz
Published: September 2022

Quantitative evaluation of the human corneal grafts stored in the tissue banks is usually limited to endothelial cell density and central thickness. Swept-source OCT (SS-OCT) is capable of measuring the central curvatures of the corneal tissue prepared for transplantation without loss of sterileness, providing insights on its refractive state. The aim of the paper is to compare in vitro SS-OCT measurements with pre-excision values. Hand-held keratometry and ultrasound pachymetry was performed on 22 corneas before excision of corneoscleral button and insertion in the vial with Eusol-C solution (AlchimiaS.r.l, Nicolò, Italy). After 12 to 36 h of hypothermic storage the corneas were examined within the vials with custom built SS-OCT system maintaining a sterile environment. The anterior and posterior central curvatures, and central corneal thickness (CCT) were measured. Rotation of the corneoscleral button was controlled by making a 6-o'clock mark during excision. Mean pre-excision CCT was 626.45 ± 28.71 µm and 468.05 ± 52.96 µm when measured with SS OCT (r = 0.55; p < 0.001). Respective values for average keratometry were 7.74 ± 0.39 mm and 7.92 ± 0.57 mm (r = 0.6; p = 0.22). Although high differences were observed in corneal thickness, keratometric radius of curvature at the flat (r = 0.42; p < 0.001) and steep (r = 0.62; p = 0.014) meridian of the anterior corneal surface, as well as corneal anterior astigmatism (r = 0.3; p < 0.001), showed good correlation with pre-excision values. SS-OCT is capable of providing quantitative evaluation of the human corneal grafts in hypothermic storage. Good correlation between curvature measurements before excision and during banking in the vial indicates its clinical utility.
Enhancing the electrical properties of graphite nanoflake through gamma-ray irradiation
Authors: Nguyen Anh Tuan , Lee Youlim , Nguyen Phuong Quang Hoang , Dera Przemyslaw , Yoon Sang-Hee , Lee Woochul
Published: September 2022

Understanding changes in material properties through external stimuli is critical to validating the expected performance of materials as well as engineering material properties in a controlled manner. Here, we investigate a change in the c-axis electrical properties of graphite nanoflakes (GnFs) induced by gamma-ray irradiation, using conductive probe atomic force microscopy (CP-AFM). The fundamentals behind the change in their electrical properties are elucidated by analyzing the interlayer spacing, graphitization, and morphology. An increase in gamma-ray irradiation dose for GnFs leads to an exponential increase in the electrical conductance and a gradual decrease in the interlayer spacing, while accompanying indistinguishable changes in their morphology. Our experimental results suggest that the c-axis electrical conductance enhancement of GnFs with gamma-ray irradiation might be attributed to a reduction in interlayer spacing, though the created defects may also play a role. This study demonstrates that gamma-ray irradiation can be a promising route to tailor the electrical properties of GnFs.
Long-term blast control in high eating quality rice using multilines
Authors: Ishikawa Kouji , Kuroda Tomohisa , Hori Takeshi , Iwata Daisuke , Matsuzawa Seijiro , Nakabayashi Jun , Sasaki Akira , Ashizawa Taketo
Published: September 2022

Combining genetic heterogeneity and crop homogeneity serves a dual purpose: disease control and maintaining harvest quality. Multilines, which consist of a genetically uniform mixture of plants, have the potential to suppress disease while maintaining eating quality, yet practical methods that facilitate commercial use over large geographical areas are lacking. Here, we describe effective rice multiline management based on seed mixture composition changes informed by monitoring virulent blast races in Niigata Prefecture, Japan. The most elite nonglutinous cultivar, Koshihikari, was converted into the multiline, Koshihikari BL (blast resistant lines) and planted on 94,000 ha in 2005. The most destructive rice disease, blast, was 79.4% and 81.8% less severe in leaves and panicles, respectively, during the 2005–2019 period compared to the year 2004. In addition, fungicidal application was reduced by two-thirds after the introduction of BL. Our results suggest that seed mixture diversification and rotation of resistant BL provides long-term disease control by avoiding virulent race evolution.
Rac-deficient cerebellar granule neurons die before they migrate to the internal granule layer
Authors: Katayama Kei-ichi , Zheng Yi , Inoue Norimitsu
Published: September 2022

Granule neurons are the most common cell type in the cerebellum. They are generated in the external granule layer and migrate inwardly, forming the internal granule layer. Small Rho GTPases play various roles during development of the nervous system and may be involved in generation, differentiation and migration of granule neurons. We deleted Rac1, a member of small Rho GTPases, by GFAP-Cre driver in cerebellar granule neurons and Bergmann glial cells. Rac1flox/flox; Cre mice showed impaired migration and slight reduction in the number of granule neurons in the internal granule layer. Deletion of both Rac1 and Rac3 resulted in almost complete absence of granule neurons. Rac-deficient granule neurons differentiated into p27 and NeuN-expressing post mitotic neurons, but died before migration to the internal granule layer. Loss of Rac3 has little effect on granule neuron development. Rac1flox/flox; Rac3+/−; Cre mice showed intermediate phenotype between Rac1flox/flox; Cre and Rac1flox/flox; Rac3−/−; Cre mice in both survival and migration of granule neurons. Rac3 itself seems to be unimportant in the development of the cerebellum, but has some roles in Rac1-deleted granule neurons. Conversely, overall morphology of Rac1+/flox; Rac3−/−; Cre cerebella was normal. One allele of Rac1 is therefore thought to be sufficient to promote development of cerebellar granule neurons.
Intensive field measurements for characterizing the permeability and methane release with the treatment process of pressure-relief mining
Authors: Zhang Cun , Song Ziyu , Bai Qingsheng , Zhang Lei , Chen Jianhang
Published: September 2022

Characterizing the permeability evolution and methane release is of great significance for the safe mining of the high gas outburst seams, as well as coal and gas simultaneous extraction. It contributes to reduce methane emissions from coal mining for greenhouse effect control. Theoretical analysis, laboratory testing, and numerical simulation are widely used methods to characterize the permeability and methane release with the treatment process of pressure-relief mining. However, these methods cannot fully reflect the complexity of filed practice. In this study, we report the effectiveness of protective coal seam (PCS) mining and the pressure-relief area in the protected coal seam (PDCS) based on detailed and integrated field measurements in a Chinese coal mine. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first time to measure the permeability coefficient and gas pressure evolution in the PDCS during the process of PCS longwall mining. The evolution of the permeability coefficient in the pressure-relief area during PCS mining can be divided into four stages: slowly decreasing, sharply increasing, gradually decreasing, and basically stable. The maximum permeability coefficient is 322 times of the initial value and stabilized at 100 times after the goaf compacted. The gas pressure evolution in the PDCS indicates that the strike pressure relief angle is 52.2° at the active longwall face zone, and 59.3° at the installation roadway side. The inclined pressure relief angles at the lower and upper sides of the longwall face are 75° and 78.9°, respectively. The residual gas content and gas pressure of the PDCS in the pressure-relief area are reduced to less than 6 m3/t and within 0.4 MPa, respectively. The field measurements further prove that pressure-relief mining can prevent coal and gas outbursts in PDCSs. The field observations in this paper can serve as benchmark evidence for theoretical analysis and numerical simulations, and also provide insights into realizing safety mining in similar conditions.
Electrospun P3HT/PVDF-HFP semiconductive nanofibers for triboelectric nanogenerators
Authors: Lin Meng-Fang , Chang Kang-Wei , Lee Chia-Hsien , Wu Xin-Xian , Huang Yu-Ching
Published: September 2022

This paper describes a simple electrospinning approach for fabricating poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT)/poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) semiconductive nanofiber mat triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). Measurements of the electrical properties of the P3HT/PVDF-HFP semiconductive nanofiber TENGs revealed that the output voltage could be enhanced up to 78 V with an output current of 7 μA. The output power of the device reached 0.55 mW, sufficient to power 500 red light-emitting diodes instantaneously, as well as a digital watch. The P3HT/PVDF-HFP semiconductive nanofiber TENG could be used not only as a self-powered device but also as a sensor for monitoring human action. Furthermore, it displayed good durability when subjected to 20,000 cycles of an external force test.
A retrospective study on the association between urine metanephrines and cardiometabolic risk in patients with nonfunctioning adrenal incidentaloma
Authors: Parasiliti-Caprino Mirko , Lopez Chiara , Bollati Martina , Bioletto Fabio , Sola Chiara , Di Carlo Maria Chiara , Ponzetto Federico , Gesmundo Iacopo , Settanni Fabio , Ghigo Ezio , Mengozzi Giulio , Maccario Mauro , Giordano Roberta
Published: September 2022

Several studies argued that cardiovascular evaluation of patients with nonfunctioning adrenal incidentaloma is of particular importance. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the possibility of stratifying the cardiometabolic risk using metanephrine levels in this setting of patients. A retrospective cross-sectional study was designed, collecting data of metanephrine values in 828 patients with nonfunctioning adrenal incidentaloma, referred to our Division within the University of Turin between 2007 and 2021. The univariate analysis showed associations between urine metanephrines and cardiometabolic variables/parameters, particularly considering the noradrenaline metabolite. At the univariate regression, normetanephrine was associated with metabolic syndrome (OR = 1.13, p = 0.002), hypertensive cardiomyopathy (OR = 1.09, p = 0.026), microalbuminuria (OR = 1.14, p = 0.024), and eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (OR = 1.11, p = 0.013), while metanephrine was associated with microalbuminuria (OR = 1.50, p = 0.008). At multivariate regression, considering all major cardiovascular risk factors as possible confounders, normetanephrine retained a significant association with metabolic syndrome (OR = 1.10, p = 0.037). Moreover, metanephrine retained a significant association with the presence of microalbuminuria (OR = 1.66, p = 0.003). The present study showed a further role for metanephrines in the cardiovascular risk stratification of patients with nonfunctioning adrenal incidentaloma. Individuals with high levels of these indirect markers of sympathetic activity should be carefully monitored and may benefit from an aggressive treatment to reduce their additional cardiometabolic burden.
Development of the first non-hydroxamate selective HDAC6 degraders
Authors: Keuler Tim , König Beate , Bückreiß Nico , Kraft Fabian B. , König Philipp , Schäker-Hübner Linda , Steinebach Christian , Bendas Gerd , Gütschow Michael , Hansen Finn K.
Published: September 2022

In this study, we utilised a difluoromethyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole zinc-binding group to develop the first non-hydroxamate selective HDAC6 degraders (PROTACs).
Development of antithrombotic peptides based on the molecular interactions between von Willebrand factor and GPIbα
Authors: Chen Ran , Zheng Si , Zhang Lin
Published: September 2022

The molecular interactions between vWF and GPIbα were investigated by MD simulations and MM-PBSA analysis, and then used for the design of inhibitors. Effective inhibitors EGEPWDGD and EAEPWDPD were obtained and validated.
Carboxylate binding prefers two cations to one
Authors: Stevens Mark J. , Rempe Susan L. B.
Published: September 2022

The preferred optimal structure with 2 cations is favored over 1 cation in complexes of Li, Na, and K binding to carboxylates, providing an understanding of ionic cluster formation relevant for designing materials for rapid, selective ion transport.
A multi-process model for the photocatalytic reduction of CO2
Authors: Sun Chen , Xuan Yimin , Zhang Kai
Published: September 2022

An innovative multi-process photocatalytic module integrating light absorption, excitation, carrier transport and surface reactions.
Potential roles and molecular mechanisms of phytochemicals against cancer
Authors: Zheng Zhaodi , Zhang Leilei , Hou Xitan
Published: September 2022

Increasing evidence has been reported regarding phytochemicals, plant secondary metabolites, having therapeutic functions against numerous human diseases.
Super-wetting interfaces as a multiphase composite prototype for ultra-low friction
Authors: Li Mouji , Xiang Yangyang , Sun Li , Zhang Yunlei , Yang Wufang , Lu Wenshen , Zhao Xiaoduo , Bao Luyao , Cai Meirong , Yu Bo , Zhou Feng
Published: September 2022

Green ultra-low friction or negligible sliding friction with extremely low energy consumption has been the key to energy-saving, environmental friendliness and long-life machine operation in industrial applications.
3D printing lamellar Ti3C2Tx MXene/graphene hybrid aerogels for enhanced electromagnetic interference shielding performance
Authors: Hua Tianxiang , Guo Hao , Qin Jing , Wu Qixin , Li Lingying , Qian Bo
Published: September 2022

The lamellar Ti3C2Tx MXene/graphene hybrid aerogels were demonstrated by 3D printing. The hybrid aerogel exhibits an EMI SE of up to 86.9 dB at an ultralow density of 0.0219 g cm−3.
Palladium-catalyzed C–H olefination of uridine, deoxyuridine, uridine monophosphate and uridine analogues
Authors: Zhao Qin , Xie Ruoqian , Zeng Yuxiao , Li Wanlu , Xiao Guolan , Li Yangyan , Chen Gang
Published: September 2022

The palladium-catalyzed oxidative C–H olefinations of uridine, deoxyuridine, uridine monophosphate and uridine analogues are reported herein.
Ecotoxicological prediction of organic chemicals toward Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata by Monte Carlo approach
Authors: Lotfi Shahram , Ahmadi Shahin , Kumar Parvin
Published: September 2022

In the ecotoxicological risk assessment, acute toxicity is one of the most significant criteria.
Recent progress of Ga-based liquid metals in catalysis
Authors: Sun Xi , Li Hui
Published: September 2022

Liquid metal catalysts: multiple applications in energy and environmental industries.
Optimal rule-of-thumb design of NiFeMo layered double hydroxide nanoflakes for highly efficient and durable overall water-splitting at large currents
Authors: Inamdar Akbar I. , Chavan Harish S. , Seok Jun Ho , Lee Chi Ho , Shin Giho , Park Sunjung , Yeon Seungun , Cho Sangeun , Park Youngsin , Shrestha Nabeen K. , Lee Sang Uck , Kim Hyungsang , Im Hyunsik
Published: September 2022

NixFeyMozlayered double hydroxide (LDH) electrocatalysts fabricatedviaa simple hydrothermal technique for overall water splitting in an alkaline medium are reported.
Effective charge and energy transfers within a metal–organic framework for efficient photocatalytic oxidation of amines and sulfides
Authors: Wang Shao-Dan , Lai Chun-Lin , Zhang Yi-Xuan , Bao Shu-Tong , Lv Kang-Le , Wen Li-Li
Published: September 2022

Visible-light-responsive CCNU-16 exhibited excellent activity toward photocatalytic oxidation of amines and sulfides under ambient conditions, which was attributed to the combination of synergistic charge transfer and energy transfer processes.
Paraguays erste anerkannte Ergotherapeutin – Fatima Iaffei im Interview
Authors: Schiewack Michael
Published: September 2022

Insgesamt 25 Ergotherapeutinnen und Ergotherapeuten sind derzeit in Paraguay tätig. Fatima Iaffei, die erste staatlich anerkannte Ergotherapeutin in der südamerikanischen Republik, gibt einen Einblick in die Entwicklung des Berufes und in den Arbeitsalltag.
Die kleinen Angehörigen stärken – Kinder psychisch erkrankter Eltern
Authors: Liedtke Anne
Published: September 2022

Sie erleben Vernachlässigung, fühlen sich ungerecht behandelt oder ungeliebt, schwanken zwischen Wut, Angst, Schuldgefühlen und Hoffnungslosigkeit – Kinder psychisch erkrankter Eltern. Die kleinen Angehörigen sind vielfältigen alltäglichen Belastungen ausgesetzt. Erfahren Sie, welche Faktoren sie belasten, was sie davor schützen kann, selbst psychisch zu erkranken, und welche Unterstützung sie in dieser Lebenssituation benötigen.
Kompakter Online-Kurs – Im Test: Bilder sprechen lassen
Authors: Völlm Carina
Published: September 2022

Ein betätigungszentriertes Befunderhebungsinstrument für Vorschulkinder gibt es als Online-Kurs im Thieme Velag. Ergotherapeutin Carina Völlm hat sich die digitale Fortbildung genauer angeschaut.
An individuelle Bedürfnisse angepasst – Schienenherstellung
Authors: Jourdan Joanna
Published: September 2022

Der Markt bietet eine Vielzahl an Schienen, die in der Handtherapie zum Einsatz kommen können. Was ist jedoch, wenn die vorgefertigten Schienen nicht zu den Anliegen der Patient*innen passen? Dann gilt es individuell angepasste Hilfsmittel zu entwerfen und zu bauen.
Was die Chemo mit dem Körper macht – Chemotherapie
Authors: Mischner Julia Marlene
Published: September 2022

Neben der Operation und Strahlentherapie ist die Chemo eine der zentralen Säulen der Krebstherapie. Auch Ergotherapeut*innen begegnen Personen, die diese Behandlungsform erhalten. Die Chemotherapie bringt unterschiedliche Auswirkungen auf den Körper mit sich, die ergopraxis kompakt zusammengefasst hat.
A Systematic Review of Staging and Flap Choice in Gender-Affirming Phalloplasty
Authors: Wu Catherine A. , Jolly Divya , Boskey Elizabeth R. , Ganor Oren
Published: September 2022

Background As phalloplasty becomes more routinely performed, there is a growing need for an evidence base to guide surgical decision-making. Recent reviews have suggested that flap type and number of stages may affect the high rates of urethral complications seen with phalloplasty, but no rigorous comparison of both has been performed.

Methods A systematic review was conducted across PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect (PROSPERO #158722). All included studies examined urethral complications following gender-affirming phalloplasty in transgender men. Data were extracted in line with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations system. All searches, extractions, and grading were completed by two authors.

Results Twenty-five studies were included with a total of 1,674 patients. Identified flap types included radial forearm, anterolateral thigh, abdominal, and fibular flaps. Surgical techniques varied widely within the flap types. Number of stages ranged from one to four. Stricture and fistula were the most frequently reported complications with considerable variation in the reported rates between studies, even within singular flap types. Data extraction indicated serious quality issues with the published literature, with the majority of studies at high risk of bias due to short follow-up times, inconsistent and incomplete reporting of outcomes, and inconsistent reporting of surgical technique.

Conclusion To date, there is insufficient data to support a preferred flap type to minimize the urethral complication rates of phalloplasty. Further high-quality literature is required to determine the impact of potential factors affecting complications of gender-affirming phalloplasty. Improved literature quality may be facilitated by a standardized set of reporting guidelines.
Boosting sparrow search algorithm for multi-strategy-assist engineering optimization problems
Authors: Ren Jianji , Wei Huihui , Yuan Yongliang , Li Xiaojun , Luo Fen , Wu Zhiqiang
Published: September 2022

An improved optimization algorithm, namely, multi-strategy-sparrow search algorithm (MSSSA), is proposed to solve highly non-linear optimization problems. In MSSSA, a circle map is utilized to improve the quality of the population. Moreover, the adaptive survival escape strategy (ASES) is proposed to enhance the survival ability of sparrows. In the producer stage, the craziness factor integrated with ASES is introduced to enhance the search accuracy and survival ability. In the scout stage, the ASES facilitates sparrows successful escape from danger. Besides, opposition-based learning or Gaussian–Chachy variation helps optimal individuals escape from local solutions. The performance of the MSSSA is investigated on the well-known 23 basic functions and CEC2014 test suite. Furthermore, the MSSSA is applied to optimize the real-life engineering optimization problems. The results show that the algorithm presents excellent feasibility and practicality compared with other state-of-the-art optimization algorithms.
Molecular dynamic simulation of Cs corrosion in Cs oven for negative ion source applications
Authors: Zhu Yiqin , Hu Jun , Zhang Xin , Huang Jie , Xu Yuhong , Lei Guangjiu , Geng Shaofei , Li Heng , Cui Zilin , Li Xiaolong , Ni Yuxiang , Liu Haifeng , Wang Xianqu , Liu Hai , Cheng Jun , Shen Junfeng , Tang Changjian
Published: September 2022

Molecular dynamic simulation is used to simulate the corrosion process of Fe or Ni in liquid Cs by Large-scale Atomic/Molecular Massively Parallel Simulator. The embedded-atom method potential is used to describe the interaction of Fe–Fe, Ni–Ni, and Cs–Cs, and Morse two-body potential is used to describe the Fe–Cs and Ni–Cs atomic interaction. Temperature is considered as a critical condition in this work. Results indicate that corrosion is easy to occur in the systems. The increase in temperature can help the process of Cs corrosion. Compared to the Ni–Cs system, the Fe–Cs system has a higher atomic concentration function. The radial distribution function shows that Cs atoms are dissolved into the substrates, but the Fe and Ni substrates are still crystalline structures. Moreover, Cs in Fe or Ni is still a liquid phase.
How to become a successful physicist
Authors: Wieman Carl
Published: September 2022

All scientists and engineers solve research problems by calling on relevant knowledge to make a series of common, critical decisions.
Patient and family complaints concerning nursing and midwifery care: applying a taxonomy to classify and analyse consumer complaints
Authors: Street Maryann , Russell Lahiru , Considine Julie
Published: September 2022

Objective To evaluate complaints from patients, their families, and caregivers concerning nursing and midwifery care using the Healthcare Complaints Analysis Tool. Methods A prospective cross-sectional study with data coded against the domains and categories outlined in the Healthcare Complaints Analysis Tool. Complaints were received between June and December 2020 to nursing and midwifery services of a health service in Melbourne, Australia. Data were extracted, and complaints de-identified. The content was analysed using the Healthcare Complaints Analysis Tool, including three main domains and seven problem categories. Results A total of 69 written complaints were received: 45% were from patients, 49% from family members, and 6% from friends. Coding of complaints against the taxonomy in the Healthcare Complaints Analysis Tool resulted in 214 complaint categories. Almost half (49.5%) of the complaints pertained to the Relationship domain (including aspects of Patients’ Respect and Rights, Communication, and Listening), 34.6% to the Clinical domain and 15.9% to Management. The severity of the incidents described in the complaints were: 32.6% low severity, 51.6% medium severity, and 15.8% high severity. Despite having been categorised by the health service as relating to nursing or midwifery, 38% included other healthcare professionals, and 13% of the complainants (n = 9) did not refer to nurses or midwives at all. Conclusions Assessing consumer complaints with a validated taxonomy may offer ways to target areas of care and service provision that need improvement and highlight other areas performing well. Ongoing data collection and analysis may also inform training and information needs at the individual or service management level.
Corrigendum to: Molecular relationships of the red-bellied dasyure (Phascolosorex doriae) – a rare marsupial from western New Guinea
Authors: Westerman M. , Loke Stella , Tan Mun Hua
Published: September 2022

The mitochondrial genome of the rare endemic New Guinean dasyurid Phascolosorex doriae (Thomas 1886) has been used to clarify relationships within ‘phascolosoricinae’. The mitochondrial genome has the typical gene arrangement seen in other marsupials. Molecular analyses using complete mitogenomes of other dasyurids resolve the red-bellied dasyure as sister to the narrow-striped dasyure Phascolosorex dorsalis and show that these two species diverged in the early Pliocene. The invasion of emergent New Guinean rainforest habitats (in the late Miocene) by the common ancestor of Ph. doriae, Ph. dorsalis and Neophascogale lorentzii represents one of three separate such invasions by dasyurid lineages.
Understanding seed dormancy and germination aids conservation of rainforest species from tropical montane cloud forest: a case study confirming morphophysiological dormancy in the genus
Authors: Liyanage Ganesha S. , Offord Catherine A. , Crayn Darren M. , Guja Lydia K. , Worboys Stuart , Sommerville Karen D.
Published: September 2022

Context Seed dormancy is one issue hindering implementation of conservation actions for rainforest species. Aims We studied dormancy and germination in Tasmannia sp. Mt Bellenden Ker and Tasmannia membranea, two tropical montane rainforest species threatened by climate change, to develop a better understanding of dormancy in the species and the genus. Methods Dormancy was classified for T. sp. Mt Bellenden Ker on the basis of an imbibition test, analysis of embryo to seed length (E:S) ratios and germination in response to the following four dormancy-breaking treatments: (1) scarification of the seedcoat near the micropylar end; (2) removal of the seedcoat; (3) application of 100 mg L−1 or (4) 500 mg L−1 gibberellic acid. The most effective treatment was then tested on T. membranea. The requirement for light for germination was also assessed. Key results Both scarified and intact seeds imbibed water. Initial E:S ratios were <0.22 for both species and increased up to 0.74 after 40 days, just before radicle emergence, for T. sp. Mt Bellenden Ker. Germination proportions were significantly higher in Treatments 1 and 2 than the remaining treatments for T. sp. Mt Bellenden Ker; T. membranea responded similarly well to Treatment 1. Germination under alternating light/dark conditions was slightly, but not significantly, greater than germination in the dark alone. Conclusions Both species have morphophysiological dormancy and treatments that remove seedcoat resistance to embryo growth facilitate germination. These treatments may improve germination in other species from the genus Tasmannia. Implications This knowledge will aid the germination of seeds to implement conservation strategies for Tasmannia spp.
Exploring same- and different grade peer interactions among EFL young learners
Authors: Kos Tomas
Published: September 2022

Grounded in the sociocultural theoretical framework, this study compared peer interaction among same-grade (similar
proficiency) and different grade (different proficiency) pairs in terms of patterns of interaction established and learning opportunities
that such interactions afford. The same learners (N = 24) aged between 10 and 12 interacted with the
same and different grade partners during common classroom lessons in two EFL classrooms. Findings reveal
that grade matched pairs tended to establish patterns of interaction conducive to learning while different grade pairs tended not to.
However, the relationship between patterns of interaction and learning opportunities is not clear-cut.
The mathematics of thin structures
Authors: Babadjian Jean-François , Di Fratta Giovanni , Fonseca Irene , Francfort Gilles , Lewicka Marta , Muratov Cyrill
Published: September 2022

This article offers various mathematical contributions to the behavior of thin films. The common thread is to view thin film behavior as the variational limit of a three-dimensional domain with a related behavior when the thickness of that domain vanishes. After a short review in Section 1 of the various regimes that can arise when such an asymptotic process is performed in the classical elastic case, giving rise to various well-known models in plate theory (membrane, bending, Von Karmann, etc…), the other sections address various extensions of those initial results. Section 2 adds brittleness and delamination and investigates the brittle membrane regime. Sections 4 and 5 focus on micromagnetics, rather than elasticity, this once again in the membrane regime and discuss magnetic skyrmions and domain walls, respectively. Finally, Section 3 revisits the classical setting in a non-Euclidean setting induced by the presence of a pre-strain in the model.