bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on hematopoietic cell transplantation and cellular therapies in Europe 2020: a report from the EBMT activity survey
Authors: Passweg Jakob R. , Baldomero Helen , Chabannon Christian , Corbacioglu Selim , de la Cámara Rafael , Dolstra Harry , Glass Bertram , Greco Raffaella , Mohty Mohamad , Neven Bénédicte , Peffault de Latour Régis , Perić Zinaida , Snowden John A. , Yakoub-Agha Ibrahim , Sureda Anna , Kröger Nicolaus ,   for the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT)
Published: February 2022

In 2020, 45,364 HCT in 41,016 patients, 18,796 (41%) allogeneic and 26,568 (59%) autologous in 690 centers were reported. Changes observed were as follows: total number of HCT −6.5%, allogeneic HCT −5.1%, autologous HCT −7.5%, and were more pronounced in non-malignant disorders for allogeneic HCT and in autoimmune disease for autologous HCT. Main indications were myeloid malignancies 10,441 (25%), lymphoid malignancies 26,120 (64%) and non-malignant disorders 2532 (6%). A continued growth in CAR-T cellular therapies to 1874 (+65%) patients in 2020 was observed. In allogeneic HCT, the use of haploidentical donors increased while use of unrelated and sibling donors decreased. Cord blood HCT increased by 11.7% for the first time since 2012. There was a significant increase in the use of non-myeloablative but a drop in myeloablative conditioning and in use of marrow as stem cell source. We interpreted these changes as being due to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic starting early in 2020 in Europe and provided additional data reflecting the varying impact of the pandemic across selected countries and larger cities. The transplant community confronted with the pandemic challenge, continued in providing patients access to treatment. This annual report of the EBMT reflects current activities useful for health care planning.
Long noncoding RNA SNHG1 silencing accelerates hepatocyte-like cell differentiation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells to alleviate cirrhosis via the microRNA-15a/SMURF1/UVRAG axis
Authors: Sun Jia , Sun Xuedong , Hu Sean , Wang Maoqiang , Ma Na , Chen Junhui , Duan Feng
Published: February 2022

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) can differentiate into hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs) to attenuate cirrhosis. Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) SNHG1 has been demonstrated to orchestrate BMSC differentiation, whereas its role in cirrhosis remains elusive. Therefore, this study was performed to figure out whether lncRNA SNHG1 was involved in cirrhosis by affecting HLC differentiation of BMSCs. Mouse BMSCs were isolated, and the BMSC differentiation into HLCs was induced by hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). A cirrhotic mouse model was established using carbon tetrachloride and phenobarbital, followed by intravenous injection of BMSCs with manipulated expression of lncRNA SNHG1, microRNA (miR)-15a, and SMURF1. Subsequent to HGF induction, expression of hepatocyte-related genes, albumin secretion, and glycogen accumulation was increased in BMSCs, suggesting the differentiation of BMSCs into HLCs. Mechanistically, lncRNA SNHG1 bound to miR-15a that targeted SMURF1, and SMURF1 diminished ATG5 and Wnt5a expression by enhancing the ubiquitination of UVRAG. LncRNA SNHG1 or SMURF1 silencing or miR-15a overexpression promoted differentiation of BMSCs into HLCs and repressed cirrhosis of mice by upregulating ATG5 and Wnt5a via UVRAG. Conclusively, lncRNA SNHG1 silencing might facilitate HLC differentiation from mouse BMSCs and alleviate cirrhosis via the miR-15a/SMURF1/UVRAG/ATG5/Wnt5a axis.
Direct synthesis of a robust cellulosic composite from cellulose acetate and a nanofibrillated bacterial cellulose sol
Authors: Wada Naoki , Fujie Tetsuo , Sasaki Ren , Matsushima Tokuo , Takahashi Kenji
Published: February 2022

Cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) are potential candidates as environmentally friendly reinforcing fibers, and their compatibilization with plastics has attracted widespread interest. In this study, we developed a simple method to prepare a cellulose acetate (CA) composite reinforced by nanofibrillated bacterial cellulose (NFBC) directly from an aqueous sol. The key steps of our method were the utilization of a water/organic mixed solvent to maintain a good dispersion of the NFBC and good dissolution of CA, along with the evaporation of this mixed solvent without significant aggregation of the NFBC. This simple technique improved the dispersibility of the NFBC in the composite film and significantly enhanced its mechanical strength.
Lentiviral standards to determine the sensitivity of assays that quantify lentiviral vector copy numbers and genomic insertion sites in cells
Authors: Corre Guillaume , Seye Ababacar , Frin Sophie , Ferrand Maxime , Winkler Kathrin , Luc Cyril , Dorange Fabien , Rocca Céline J. , Galy Anne
Published: February 2022

With an increasing number of gene therapy clinical trials and drugs reaching the market, it becomes important to standardize the methods that evaluate the efficacy and safety of gene therapy. We herein report the generation of lentiviral standards which are stable, cloned human cells prepared from the diploid HCT116 cell line and which carry a known number of lentiviral vector copies in their genome. These clones can be used as reference cellular materials for the calibration or qualification of analytical methods that quantify vector copy numbers in cells (VCN) or lentiviral vector genomic integration sites (IS). Cellular standards were used to show the superior precision of digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) over quantitative PCR (qPCR) for VCN determination. This enabled us to develop a new sensitive and specific VCN ddPCR method specific for the integrated provirus and not recognizing the transfer plasmid. The cellular standards, were also useful to assess the sensitivity and limits of a ligation-mediated PCR (LM-PCR) method to measure IS showing that at least 1% abundance of a single IS can be detected in a polyclonal population but that not all IS can be amplified with similar efficiency. Thus, lentiviral standards should be systematically used in all assays that assess lentiviral gene therapy efficacy and safety.
Deep learning forecasting using time-varying parameters of the SIRD model for Covid-19
Authors: Bousquet Arthur , Conrad William H. , Sadat Said Omer , Vardanyan Nelli , Hong Youngjoon
Published: February 2022

Accurate epidemiological models are necessary for governments, organizations, and individuals to respond appropriately to the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic. One informative metric epidemiological models provide is the basic reproduction number ($$R_0$$

R
0

), which can describe if the infected population is growing ($$R_0 > 1$$

R
0

>
1

) or shrinking ($$R_0 < 1$$

R
0

<
1

). We introduce a novel algorithm that incorporates the susceptible-infected-recovered-dead model (SIRD model) with the long short-term memory (LSTM) neural network that allows for real-time forecasting and time-dependent parameter estimates, including the contact rate, $$\beta$$
β
, and deceased rate, $$\mu$$
μ
. With an accurate prediction of $$\beta$$
β
and $$\mu$$
μ
, we can directly derive $$R_0$$

R
0

, and find a numerical solution of compartmental models, such as the SIR-type models. Incorporating the epidemiological model dynamics of the SIRD model into the LSTM network, the new algorithm improves forecasting accuracy. Furthermore, we utilize mobility data from cellphones and positive test rate in our prediction model, and we also present a vaccination model. Leveraging mobility and vaccination schedule is important for capturing behavioral changes by individuals in response to the pandemic as well as policymakers.
Prevalence of neural epidermal growth factor-like 1- and exostosin 1/exostosin 2-associated membranous nephropathy: a single-center retrospective study in Japan
Authors: Iwakura Takamasa , Ema Chiemi , Isobe Shinsuke , Fujikura Tomoyuki , Ohashi Naro , Kato Akihiko , Yasuda Hideo
Published: February 2022

Membranous nephropathy (MN) is the leading cause of nephrotic syndrome in adults. We previously reported that the prevalence of phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R)- and thrombospondin type 1 domain containing 7A (THSD7A)-associated MN patients in Japan is 52.7% and 9.1%, respectively. In addition to PLA2R and THSD7A, we assessed the presence of newly discovered target antigens, neural epidermal growth factor-like 1 (NELL-1), semaphorin 3B (SEMA3B), and exostosin 1/exostosin 2 (Ext1/Ext2), in renal specimens from patients with primary and secondary MN by immunohistochemistry. We found enhanced glomerular staining of PLA2R, THSD7A, NELL-1, and Ext1/Ext2 in 53.6%, 8.7%, 1.5%, and 13.0% of the renal samples, respectively, in patients with primary MN. None of the patient specimens showed enhanced staining of SEMA3B. Enhanced glomerular staining of PLA2R, NELL-1, and Ext1/Ext2 was detected in 5.7%, 8.6%, and 22.9% of the patients with secondary MN, respectively. Based on our findings, we recommend the assessment of PLA2R, THSD7A and NELL-1 in addition to clinical information and IgG4 staining to differentiate between primary and secondary MN. This would aid in distinguishing secondary MN patients from primary MN patients who coincidentally have some secondary characteristics.
Prognostic impact of postoperative systemic inflammatory response in patients with stage II/III gastric cancer
Authors: Kuroda Kenji , Toyokawa Takahiro , Miki Yuichiro , Yoshii Mami , Tamura Tatsuro , Tanaka Hiroaki , Lee Shigeru , Muguruma Kazuya , Yashiro Masakazu , Ohira Masaichi
Published: February 2022

This study examined whether the systemic inflammatory response present in the early phase of the postoperative state correlates with long-term outcomes and to identify markers in patients with stage II/III gastric cancer. 444 consecutive patients who underwent radical gastrectomy for stage II/III gastric cancer were retrospectively reviewed. We evaluated maximum serum C-reactive protein (CRPmax) and white blood cell count (WBCmax), defined as the maximum serum CRP level and maximum WBC count during the interval from surgery until discharge, as systemic inflammation markers. In univariate analyses, CRPmax, WBCmax and infectious complications were significantly associated with both overall survival (OS) (p < 0.001, p < 0.001 and p = 0.011, respectively) and relapse-free survival (RFS) (p < 0.001, p = 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed that high-CRPmax (> 9.2 mg/dL) was an independent prognostic factor for OS (hazard ratio (HR) 1.68, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.19–2.36, p = 0.003) and RFS (HR 1.56, 95% CI 1.12–2.18, p = 0.009), while WBCmax and infectious complications were not. CRPmax, which reflects the magnitude of systemic inflammation induced by surgical stress and postoperative complications in the early phase after surgery, may be a promising prognostic indicator in patients with stage II/III gastric cancer who undergo curative resection.
A synthetic protein as efficient multitarget regulator against complement over-activation
Authors: Ruiz-Molina Natalia , Parsons Juliana , Müller Madeleine , Hoernstein Sebastian N. W. , Bohlender Lennard L. , Pumple Steffen , Zipfel Peter F. , Häffner Karsten , Reski Ralf , Decker Eva L.
Published: February 2022

The complement system constitutes the innate defense against pathogens. Its dysregulation leads to diseases and is a critical determinant in many viral infections, e.g., COVID-19. Factor H (FH) is the main regulator of the alternative pathway of complement activation and could be a therapy to restore homeostasis. However, recombinant FH is not available. Engineered FH versions may be alternative therapeutics. Here, we designed a synthetic protein, MFHR13, as a multitarget complement regulator. It combines the dimerization and C5-regulatory domains of human FH-related protein 1 (FHR1) with the C3-regulatory and cell surface recognition domains of human FH, including SCR 13. In summary, the fusion protein MFHR13 comprises SCRs FHR11-2:FH1-4:FH13:FH19-20. It protects sheep erythrocytes from complement attack exhibiting 26 and 4-fold the regulatory activity of eculizumab and human FH, respectively. Furthermore, we demonstrate that MFHR13 and FHR1 bind to all proteins forming the membrane attack complex, which contributes to the mechanistic understanding of FHR1. We consider MFHR13 a promising candidate as therapeutic for complement-associated diseases.
Schiff base driven denticity-fluctuated structural assortment of zinc-pseudohalide complexes: synthesis, structures and electrical transport properties
Authors: Mudi Prafullya Kumar , Singla Labhini , Chamuah Anil , Bhattacharya Sanjib , Choudhury Angshuman Roy , Biswas Bhaskar
Published: February 2022

This study aims to explore the coordination motifs of a Schiff base towards zinc ions in the presence of pseudohalides and study the electrical charge transport properties of the zinc complexes under dark and light conditions.
Two-dimensional square and hexagonal oxide quasicrystal approximants in SrTiO3 films grown on Pt(111)/Al2O3(0001)
Authors: Ruano Merchan C. , Dorini T. T. , Brix F. , Pasquier L. , Jullien M. , Pierre D. , Andrieu S. , Dumesnil K. , Parapari S. S. , Šturm S. , Ledieu J. , Sicot M. , Copie O. , Gaudry E. , Fournée V.
Published: February 2022

An all-thin-film approach allows the synthesis of novel two-dimensional quasicrystalline approximants and an atomic scale description is provided based on combined experimental and theoretical investigations.
Structural, magnetic, and electronic properties of EuSi2 thin films on the Si(111) surface
Authors: Yang Guang , Chai Jun-Shuai , Bu Kun , Xu Li-Fang , Wang Jian-Tao
Published: February 2022

A monolayer EuSi2 thin film on the Si(111) surface is a semiconductor with an indirect surface band gap of 0.45 eV, while multilayer EuSi2 thin films exhibit metallic behavior.
An immunosensor based on a high performance dual-gate oxide semiconductor thin-film transistor for rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Kim Jingyu , Jeong Sehun , Sarawut Siracosit , Kim Haneul , Son Seong Uk , Lee Seungheon , Rabbani Gulam , Kwon Hyunhwa , Lim Eun-Kyung , Ahn Saeyoung Nate , Park Sang-Hee Ko
Published: February 2022

We present an immunosensor based on a dual-gate oxide semiconductor thin-film transistor as a platform for detecting SARS-CoV-2.
Functionalized quinolizinium-based fluorescent reagents for modification of cysteine-containing peptides and proteins
Authors: Kung Karen Ka-Yan , Xu Cai-fung , O Wa-Yi , Yu Qiong , Chung Sai-Fung , Tam Suet-Ying , Leung Yun-Chung , Wong Man-Kin
Published: February 2022

New quinolizinium-based fluorescent reagents were made by visible light-mediated gold-catalyzed cis-difunctionalization of quinolinium diazonium salts and trimethylsilyl alkyne derivatives.
Anionic polymerizations in a microreactor
Authors: Jin Zhao , Wang Huiyue , Hu Xin , Liu Yihuan , Hu Yujing , Zhao Shuangfei , Zhu Ning , Fang Zheng , Guo Kai
Published: February 2022

Anionic polymerizations in a microreactor enable fast mixing, high-level control, and scale-up synthesis of polymers.
Twofold rattling mode-induced ultralow thermal conductivity in vacancy-ordered double perovskite Cs2SnI6
Authors: Jong Un-Gi , Kim Yun-Sim , Ri Chol-Hyok , Kye Yun-Hyok , Pak Chol-Jin , Cottenier Stefaan , Yu Chol-Jun
Published: February 2022

Using self-consistent phonon calculations, we reveal that strong anharmonicity and twofold rattling modes of Cs2SnI6 induce an ultralow thermal conductivity of 0.11 W m−1 K−1 at 300 K, rarely expected of simple and single-crystalline solids.
Conjugation of RNA via 2′-OH acylation: Mechanisms determining nucleotide reactivity
Authors: Jash Biswarup , Kool Eric T.
Published: February 2022

Kinetics experiments reveal the importance of steric and inductive effects in RNA acylation.
Synthesis, structure and properties of coordination polymers formed from bridging 4-hydroxybenzoic acid anions
Authors: Abrahams Brendan F. , Commons Christopher J. , Dharma A. David , Hudson Timothy A. , Robson Richard , Sanchez Arlt Robin W. , Stewart Thomas C. , White Keith F.
Published: February 2022

The combination of 4-hydroxbenzoic acid with metal ions Li+, Mg2+ and Cu2+ leads to the formation of novel 2D and 3D networks.
Signatures of coherent vibronic exciton dynamics and conformational control in the two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy of conjugated polymers
Authors: Brey Dominik , Binder Robert , Martinazzo Rocco , Burghardt Irene
Published: February 2022

The computation of 2D electronic spectroscopy signals of intra-chain excitons reveals vibronic fine structure due to high-frequency polaronic modes, along with a dynamic Stokes shift induced by soft torsional modes, indicative of exciton motion.
Visible light mediated C–H trifluoromethylation of (hetero)arenes
Authors: Xiao Fang , Lin Jin-Hong , Hao Fei , Zheng Xing , Guo Yu , Xiao Ji-Chang
Published: February 2022

Described herein is an efficient visible light mediated trifluoromethylation of (hetero)arenes using TFSP as a CF3 source. Various aromatic (hetero)cycles could undergo this protocol to give the corresponding trifluoromethylation products.
The intricate roles of RCC1 in normal cells and cancer cells
Authors: Jing Li , Kwok Hang Fai
Published: February 2022

RCC1 (regulator of chromosome condensation 1) is a highly conserved chromatin-binding protein and the only known guanine-nucleotide exchange factor of Ran (a nuclear Ras homolog). RCC1 plays an essential role in the regulation of cell cycle-related activities such as nuclear envelope formation, nuclear pore complex and spindle assembly, and nucleocytoplasmic transport. Over the last decade, increasing evidence has emerged highlighting the potential relevance of RCC1 to carcinogenesis, especially cervical, lung, and breast cancer. In this review, we briefly discuss the roles of RCC1 in both normal and tumor cells based on articles published in recent years, followed by a brief overview of future perspectives in the field.
A Mixed Methods Study of Hearing Loss, Communication, and Social Engagement in a Group Care Setting for Older Adults
Authors: Mamo Sara K. , Wheeler Kara A. , Plano Clark Vicki L. , Jacelon Cynthia S.
Published: February 2022

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to characterize the communication needs of older adults in group care environments and understand the factors that foster engaged communication.

Method:

This mixed methods study provides an in-depth analysis of communication and engagement for older adults at two Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) sites. Seventy-two PACE participants (
M
age
= 74 years) completed a hearing test, cognitive screener (Memory Orientation Screening Test [MOST]), the Institute of Medicine (IOM) Measures of Social and Behavioral Determinants of Health Questionnaire, and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Loneliness Scale. Using maximum variation sampling based on hearing status and UCLA Loneliness scores, 19 participants were invited to do (and 11 participants completed) one-on-one semistructured interviews. In addition, 35 staff members participated in five focus groups. Field observations were interspersed throughout the data collection period.

Results:

Results suggest that communication challenges such as hearing loss, cognitive decline, and social isolation are highly prevalent in this convenience sample. Sixty-seven percent have at least a mild hearing loss in the better hearing ear. Eighty-two percent scored in the “very” or “most isolated” range of the IOM Measures of Social and Behavioral Determinants of Health questionnaire. The mean score on the MOST cognitive screener was 17.6, which is below the dementia screening cutoff score of 18 points. A thematic analysis of the qualitative data suggests that the PACE programs support socialization and engagement. A conceptual framework was developed by integrating quantitative and qualitative findings to recognize what contributes to meaningful interactions or engaged communication.

Conclusions:

Identifying communication challenges can enhance the benefits individuals can experience at care facilities and lessen the burden of the staff members trying to provide safe and effective care. In order to maximize the potential benefit of attending group-based day centers, the communication challenges and motivations of older adults need to be addressed.
Model study of target discrimination in concurrent auditory events
Authors: Yihang Du , Chao Sun , Ke Niu
Published: February 2022

With the development of automation technology in human‐machine interface, the traditional visual display no longer met the needs of complicated control systems, while auditory display has become an important part of human‐machine interface design. Analysing the auditory attention selection behaviours in concurrent auditory events is essential for the design and evaluation of the auditory interface. Listeners tend to pay attention to auditory target with physical attributes which were more salient and informative with deep cognitive level. Listeners tend to focus on the important information in the concurrent auditory events. By combining the two tendencies of the selective attention mechanism, the binary Logit model was built to analyse human auditory selective attention (ASA) behaviour, and the auditory target's selection can be transformed into a probability event. The continuous speech‐shaped noise (SSN) was described by the concurrent auditory events scene, which is a typical target discrimination task for ASA. An experiment using the target discrimination task in SSN was conducted to verify the model. The results showed that the listener's attention behaviour was in good agreement with the proposed Logit model. The proposed ASA model is effective and reasonable, which is promising for use in behaviour analysis, auditory display optimization, and interface design.
Research on multiplexed colour QR code with direct readability
Authors: Huang Yuan , Cao Peng , Li Jie
Published: February 2022

With the rapid popularization of QR code technology, colour QR code is an important direction of its development, making it of great value to research a colour QR code that can be read directly while improving the data capacity. This letter proposes a novel composite colour QR code by combining colour coding and multiplexing technology. Based on the actual demands of high‐capacity, this code presents the public identification information in the form of the plain code and conceals the secret information (e.g., authentication information such as traceability, blockchain) as the hidden code. The reading conditions of colour QR codes are discussed, a colour coding model is established and the corresponding algorithm to optimize its design is given. Through code scanning tests, it is verified that this kind of code has significant value in the field of anti‐counterfeiting, commodity marketing etc.
An efficient coding‐based grayscale image automatic colorization method combined with attention mechanism
Authors: Qin Xujia , Li Mengjia , Liu Yuehui , Zheng Hongbo , Chen Jiazhou , Zhang Meiyu
Published: February 2022

The development of deep learning provides a new way for solving the colorization problem on the grayscale image. Excellent coding‐based methods appear in the automatic image colorization task, avoiding the unsaturated colour effect problem of previous methods based on the L2 loss function. Traditional neural networks come with high computational costs and a large number of parameters. Considering the limitation of memory and computing resources and aiming at lightweight, a novel grey image automatic colorization network is proposed. The basic idea of coding‐based methods is used, regarding the colorization task as a pixel‐level classification problem, meanwhile redesign and improve the colour encoding and decoding process. This network architecture leverages a lightweight convolution to reduce the computation and combines an efficient attention model to form a residual block as the kernel of the backbone network. Furthermore, an efficient image self‐attention mechanism placed at the end of the network is applied to enhance the ultimate colouring results. The method proposed in this paper can maintain the natural colouring effect and significantly reduce the computational amount and network model parameters.
Assessing the labor productivity of two methods of artificial pollination in oil palm crops from Colombia
Authors: Hernández Rendón Diego Alejandro , Daza Edison Steve , Acosta Hernández Yeiner Arturo , Mosquera-Montoya Mauricio
Published: February 2022

Oil palm interspecific hybrids Elaeis oleífera × Elaeis guineensis (O × G) are grown across approximately 68,000 hectares in Colombia. To address the limited natural pollination capacity of O × G hybrids and the difficulties associated with assisted pollination regarding the timing of E. guineensis pollen application, the Colombian Oil Palm Research Center (Cenipalma) conducted studies on induction of parthenocarpic fruits. Cenipalma confirmed that application of 1,200 ppm of 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) at different phenological stages enabled the formation of parthenocarpic fruits. This technological advance was termed artificial pollination. This paper presents the results from a research study aimed at assessing the labor productivity for two methods of NAA application (NAA in solid mixture and NAA in liquid suspension). From a methodological standpoint, a time and motion study was conducted to assess labor productivity for each NAA application method, with time data collected using the software Cybertracker on a mobile platform (smartphone). The results indicated that a worker can cover 3.9 hectares in a working day and sprinkle 303 inflorescences in a working day when applying NAA in solid mixture. On the other hand, when applying NAA in liquid suspension, the worker can cover 3.2 hectares and sprinkle 315 inflorescences (i.e. in a working day).
Carotido-subclavialer Bypass zur Revaskularisation der Arteria subclavia sinistra
Authors: Fellenberg Jana , Kowalenko Marie-Therese
Published: February 2022

Wie die Revaskularisation der linken Arteria subclavia durch einen carotido-subclavialen Bypass gelingt, schildern unsere Autorinnen vom Katharinenhospital in Stuttgart.
Influence of the Weekly and Match-play Load on Muscle Injury in
Professional Football Players
Authors: Moreno-Perez Víctor , Campos-Vazquez Miguel Angel , Toscano Javier , Sotos-Martinez Victor Javier , López-Del Campo Roberto , Resta Ricardo , Del Coso Juan
Published: February 2022

The aim of this investigation was to examine the impact of the weekly training
load and the match running patterns prior to a muscle injury as potential risk
factors of muscle injury in professional football players. Forty male
professional football players participated in the investigation. Running
distances at different intensities 5 min and 15 min prior to the
injury were compared to the same time-points in official matches of the same
player with no injury events. Furthermore, the cummulative session
rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) and training load of the week prior to the
injury were compared to a control week (mean value of training weeks without
injury). Nineteen players suffered 31 non-contact muscle injuries during
matches. The distance covered at 21–24 km/h
(p<0.001; effect size (ES)=0.62) and
at>24 km/h (p=0.004; ES=0.51) over the
5-min period prior to the injury was greater than in matches without injury. The
cumulative sRPE (p=0.014; ES=1.33) and training volume
(p=0.002; ES=2.45) in the week prior to the injury was higher
than in a control week. The current data suggest that the combination of a
training week with a high load and a short period of high intensity running
during the match might increase the risk of muscle injury in professional
footballers.
Complementary and Integrative Medicine in Pediatric Oncology
– Development and Evaluation of a Blended Learning
Program
Authors: Reis Daniela , Güthlin Corina , Engler Jennifer , Schildmann Jan , Hilje Clara Carvalho , Mach Nicolas , Molleker Christina , Längler Alfred
Published: February 2022

Background A blended learning program to promote the consultation
expertise of pediatric oncologists (POs) on complementary and integrative
medicine (CIM) was developed and completed by POs as part of a training program.
A previous study indicated that POs in Germany were in need of information and
training on CIM, and that there were no medical training offers on the subject
in Germany.

Methods Evaluation of e-learning (questionnaires) and practically oriented
one-day, face-to-face workshops (questionnaires, simulation patients), the
workshops were evaluated with regard to changes in quality of physician-patient
interaction and with regard of the participants’ feedback.

Results 32 POs signed up for the program and completed the e-learning. 22
POs participated in one of the workshops. POs agreed that they had received
professionally relevant content during the e-learning. The questionnaires on
physician-patient interaction showed neither clear positive nor negative changes
concerning the quality of interaction. The feedback from the participants on the
workshop was very positive.

Conclusion Following the end of the blended learning program the
e-learning was made available again for interested POs. 34 further applications
were received for participation in this part of the training program. With
around 300 POs in Germany, this shows a high demand for further training offers
of this kind as well as a need for further development.
Das schöne, glatte Bein: Haarentfernung durch Laser und lichtbasierte Verfahren
Authors: Braun Tatjana , Kleimann Pia , Meissner Markus , Kaufmann Roland , Valesky Eva Maria
Published: February 2022

Die Fotoepilation zählt zu den meistgefragten nichtchirurgischen Eingriffen in der ästhetischen Dermatologie. Haarlose, glatte Beine gelten dabei als Schönheitsideal.

Fotoepilation mittels Laser oder hochenergetischer Blitzlampen (sog. Intensed-Pulsed-Light-Geräte) stellt ein sicheres und effektives Verfahren dar. Der Wirkmechanismus beruht auf dem Prinzip der selektiven Fotothermolyse, wobei eine gezielte thermische Schädigung pigmentierter Haarfollikel unter Schonung des umliegenden Gewebes erfolgt. Melaninpigment des Haarschaftes absorbiert als Zielchromophor Licht eines speziellen Wellenlängenspektrums und führt durch Wärmediffusion zur Schädigung der für das Haarwachstum wichtigen Stammzellen im äußeren Haarwurzelschaft.

Patienten müssen über die Notwendigkeit wiederholter Behandlungen sowie den häufig nur partiellen und temporären Haarverlust aufgeklärt werden. Dunkle Terminalhaare bei hellen Hauttypen lassen sich effektiv entfernen. Bei dunklen Hauttypen besteht aufgrund des erhöhten epidermalen Melaninvorkommens ein erhöhtes Risiko für Nebenwirkungen wie Verbrennungen, Dyspigmentierungen und Narben. Sehr feine, helle oder rote Haare lassen sich kaum mit konventionellen Fotoepilationsverfahren entfernen. Haarentfernungsgeräte für den Heimgebrauch sind eine kostengünstige, einfach anzuwendende Alternative, weisen aber im Vergleich zur professionellen Fotoepilation eine geringere Effektivität auf.
Mehr soziale Teilhabe für Hörgeschädigte
durch Cochlea-Implantate? Zur Ambivalenz der Mensch-Maschine-Interaktion und zum
Stellenwert psycho-sozialer Begleitung
Authors: Roder Sascha , Strünck Christoph
Published: February 2022

Ziel der Studie Cochlea-Implantate können Menschen mit einer
erworbenen, progredient verlaufenden Ertaubung helfen, ihr
Hörvermögen wiederzuerlangen. Die betroffenen Personen
durchleben allerdings auch einen jahrelangen Prozess der Adaptation, in dem sie
ein neues, technisch unterstütztes Hören lernen müssen.
Die Studie zeigt, wie Betroffene diesen Prozess erleben und ob ihre Erwartungen
an das Implantat erfüllt werden.

Methodik Im Rahmen einer qualitativen Studie wurden 50
Cochlea-Implantat-Träger*innen in einem
Leitfaden-gestützten Interview befragt. 30 Personen wurden über
den Kontakt zu Selbsthilfegruppen rekrutiert, weitere 20 Personen über
ein Hörzentrum nach Vermittlung durch einen leitenden Audiologen. Die
Interviewten gaben Auskunft über ihre persönlichen Erfahrungen
mit den operierenden Kliniken, über das Erleben der sozialen,
kulturellen und beruflichen Teilhabe sowie über die auch nach der
CI-Versorgung bestehenden Hörbarrieren im Alltag. Die Befragten trugen
die Hörprothese maximal drei Jahre, ein Zeitrahmen, innerhalb dessen die
meisten der Folgetherapien beendet sind und der initiale Lernprozess mit dem CI
als abgeschlossen gilt.

Ergebnisse Auch mit einem Cochlea-Implantat bleiben
Kommunikationshindernisse bestehen. Erwartungen eines vollen
Hörverstehens im Freundes- und Bekanntenkreis werden nur bedingt
erfüllt. Schwierigkeiten im Umgang mit einer hochtechnisierten
Hörprothese sowie das Erleben als „Fremdkörper“
erschweren die Akzeptanz eines CIs.

Schlussfolgerung Die Beratung in der Versorgung mit Cochlea-Implantaten
sollte sich an realistischen Zielen und Erwartungen orientieren. Die Versorgung
mit einem CI lässt sich verbessern, wenn angeleitete
Hörtrainings und Kommunikationsangebote ausgeweitet werden. Auch
können ortsnahe Versorgungsstrukturen wie zum Beispiel über
zertifizierte Hörakustiker einbezogen werden und dabei helfen,
Unsicherheiten abzubauen.
A One-Pot Synthesis of Disubstituted Thiazoles from Chalcone C–H Bonds, Elemental Sulfur, and Glycine Ethyl Ester
Authors: Nguyen Tung T. , Phan Nam T. S. , Tran Cam T. H. , Tran Quyen D. , Ly Duc , Nguyen Thao T. , Nguyen Khang X.
Published: February 2022

A method for assembling chalcones, glycine ethyl ester hydrochloride, and elemental sulfur toward a synthesis of 4,5-disubstituted thiazoles is reported. The transformation presumably proceeds via a sequence of β-C–H amination, annulation, and dealkoxycarbonylation. This tactic represents a rare example of a method for obtaining such disubstituted thiazoles directly from chalcone C–H bonds.
Comparison of Perioperative Anesthetic Concerns in Simple and Complex Craniosynostosis Cases: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Menon Gokuldas , George Mathew , Kumar Pawan , Nair Shalini M. , Udayakumaran Suhas , Krishnadas Arjun , Subash Pramod , Vasudevan Anu
Published: February 2022

Background We compared intraoperative and postoperative anesthetic parameters between simple (S-single suture) and complex (C-more than one suture) craniosynostosis cases.

Materials and Methods Data was collected from a retrospective review of anesthetic and postoperative records of patients who underwent craniosynostosis correction surgery between April 2014 and August 2019. Pearson’s chi-square and independent sample t-tests were used for analysis.

Results We analyzed data of 98 patients (S-simple craniosynostosis: 40 and C-complex craniosynostosis: 58). Statistically significant differences between simple and complex cases were seen only in the incidence of difficult airway, failed extubation, and requirement of postoperative ventilation. Massive blood loss (S: 23.21 mL/kg; C: 22.71 mL/kg) and difficult airway (S: 2.04%; C: 19.39%) were the most common intraoperative adverse events encountered. Metabolic abnormalities, hemodynamic instability, and hypothermia occurred in few patients. The most common postoperative issue was pyrexia (S: 15.31%; C: 17.35%). Anemia and coagulopathy needing transfusion of blood products and vitamin K injection were seen in a significant number of cases. Three nonsyndromic patients developed seizures.

Conclusion The incidence of difficult airway and failed extubation with postoperative ventilation is more frequent following surgery for complex craniosynostosis than simple craniosynostosis. Complications secondary to blood loss and airway issues were the primary cause of morbidity and mortality. A staged approach to surgical management resulted in decreased surgical blood loss among the children with complex craniosynostosis.
Transient Paraplegia following Labor Epidural Analgesia
Authors: Prashanth Anitha , Chakravarthy Murali , Motiani Priya
Published: February 2022

Neurological complications following labor epidural analgesia have varied outcomes. While most of the complications resolve spontaneously, a few cases may need appropriate intervention to prevent the progression of transient deficit to a permanent sequela. There have been case reports of permanent damage as well. Here we present a report of a parturient who developed flaccid paraplegia following labor epidural but recovered completely after catheter removal. Catheter-related neurological complications do occur and irritation of the anterior spinal artery causing transient paraplegia was considered as a possible etiology here.
Evaluation of Auditory Working Memory Abilities in Children with Self Limited Epilepsy with Centrotemporal Spikes (SECTS): A Pilot Study
Authors: Sreenivasan Anuprasad , Krishna Rajalakshmi , Nair Pradeep Pankajakshan , Alexander Arun
Published: February 2022

Objectives Working memory abilities are essential in the perception of acoustic signals, especially in the presence of noise. This study aimed to measure the working memory and its associated factors in children with self-limited epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (SECTS) and compare it with the typically developing children (TDC) without epilepsy.

Materials and Methods Twenty-two children with SECTS and 22 typically developing children participated in the study. The Digit span backward test was used for measuring working memory abilities.

Statistical Analysis and Results The working memory of children with SECTS, measured with backward digit span, was significantly poor compared with the TDC (p < 0.001). Factors such as the age of onset of seizures, duration of seizures, frequency of seizures and spike load did not influence the working memory.

Conclusion The children with SECTS demonstrated impairment in working memory abilities compared with normal children. The association between poor working memory and reported speech recognition impairment in children with SECTS needs to be studied.
Development of a Pediatric Epilepsy Program: Analysis of Early Multidimensional Outcomes
Authors: Almojuela Alysa , Xu Qi , O'Carroll Aoife , MacDonald Carling , Ritchie Lesley , Serletis Demitre
Published: February 2022

Background A Pediatric Epilepsy Program was instituted in Manitoba in 2016. This report seeks to describe changes in the management of pediatric epilepsy patients in Manitoba since the inception of this Program, to provide an early analysis of local outcomes, and to present a framework for further program development.

Methods Data was collected for patients treated both before and after inception of the Program. Caregivers completed questionnaires on quality of life and program satisfaction. An online database was created to capture demographic information, seizure and quality of life outcomes, and caregiver satisfaction ratings. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the results.

Results Prior to commencement of the Program, 16 patients underwent vagal nerve stimulator (VNS) insertion. At last follow-up, 6.25% of patients achieved Engel class I outcome, 75% achieved class III outcome, and 18.75% were classified as class IV. Following inception of the Program, 11 patients underwent resective procedures and 3 underwent VNS insertions. At last follow-up, 78.6% of patients achieved Engel class I outcome, 14.3% achieved class III outcome, and 7.1% were classified as class IV. Since inception of the Program, the average Quality of Life in Childhood Epilepsy Questionnaire-55 score measuring patient quality of life was (59.7 ± 23.2)/100. The average Care-Related Quality of Life-7D score measuring caregiver quality of life was (78.3 ± 18.6)/100. Caregiver satisfaction had an average rating of (9.4 ± 0.8)/10.

Conclusion Access to epilepsy surgery has significantly improved for children in Manitoba and has led to favorable, early multidimensional outcomes. Structural organization, funding, and multidisciplinary engagement are necessary for program sustainability and growth.
Can Noninvasive Oxygen Saturation Index Match Invasive Oxygenation Index to Monitor Respiratory Disease in Critically Ill Children?—A Prospective Study
Authors: Kallenahalli Jagadish Kumar , Chowdary Satyesh , Doreswamy Srinivasa Murthy
Published: February 2022

Respiratory illnesses are common indications for mechanical ventilation in children. The adequacy of ventilatory support for oxygenation is measured using arterial blood gas analysis and calculation of oxygenation index (OI). Due to invasive nature of arterial blood sampling needed to calculate OI, several researchers have replaced blood gas-derived partial pressure of oxygen values with oxygen saturation (SpO2) obtained from pulse oximetry. This noninvasive index called oxygen saturation index (OSI) is found to be useful in neonates. Studies in pediatric population are lacking. In this prospective study on mechanically ventilated children, both OI and OSI were determined and compared against alveolar–arterial oxygen difference (AaDO2). A total of 29 children were studied. Both OSI and OI had good correlation of 0.787 and 0.792 with AaDO2, respectively. OSI of 7.3 and 9.4 had good sensitivity and specificity for AaDO2 cutoffs of 344 and 498, which represents moderate and severe respiratory illness, respectively. The correlation coefficients of both OSI and OI are similar against AaDO2. OSI can be used instead of OI for constant monitoring of children on mechanical ventilation. Arterial blood gas analysis and calculation of OI can be reserved for situations where SpO2 measurement is unreliable.
Infield magnetic measurements of (Cu0.5Tl0.5)Ba2Ca3(Cu4−xTix)O12−δ (x = 0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75) samples
Authors: Ishtiaq Amna , Khan Nawazish A. , Kanwal Anila , Abbas Syed Qamar , Khan M. Nasir , Hussain Shafaat
Published: February 2022

We have synthesized (Cu0.5Tl0.5)Ba2Ca3(Cu4−xTix)O12−δ (x = 0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75) superconductor samples at 880 °C and studied their superconducting features by XRD analysis, resistivity measurements, ac susceptibility measurements, FTIR absorption spectroscopy, and detailed infield magnetic measurements. By increasing x concentration of Ti doping, the a axis length of the tetragonal unit cell increases, whereas its c axis length decreases. Also, the Tc(onset), Tc(R = 0), and the magnitude of diamagnetism suppresses. The peak position of the apical oxygen modes stay unchanged, however the CuO2/TiO2 planar oxygen modes are softened with increasing x. The critical current density Jc of the samples suppress with an increased field. Suppression of Jc is more steep in doped samples. The doped atoms increase the population of confined defects, which act as pinning cores that increase energy per unit length of flux vortex ɛ. The pinning strength essentially depends on the ɛ; therefore, it also increases with x concentration of Ti doping. The superconductivity enhancement of doped samples is witnessed in increased coherence length ξc, suppression of the Ginzburg-Landau parameter κ, and the penetration depth λD. The superior infield characteristics of doped samples indicated that Ti atoms act as efficient flux pinning centers whereas due to their presence in the final compound, the phase coherence of Cooper pairs in various unit cells is marginalized, which induces the suppression in Tc's and magnitude of diamagnetism in ac susceptibility measurements.
IR vibrational modes and spin-phonon interplay in magnetoelectric LiNiPO4
Authors: Radionov M. S. , Klimin S. A. , Glamazda A. Yu. , Peschanskii A. V.
Published: February 2022

LiNiPO4, multifunctional material with potential ionic current and magnetoelectric applications, was studied by IR optical spectroscopy and lattice dynamic shell-model calculations. We present IR phonon parameters of lithium-nickel-phosphate, both experimental (at T = 30 K) and calculated ones. Multiferroic properties of lithium-nickel-phosphate were confirmed by temperature evolution of phonon band parameters due to spin-phonon interaction revealed for a number of phonon modes. The most pronounced effect was registered for B2u IR-vibrational mode near 202 cm−1, which demonstrates anomalous temperature behavior in the vicinity of magnetic ordering (TN = 21.8 K) indicating the coupling to the magnetic subsystem. This mode is assigned to the complex normal vibration including the librations of the PO4 tetrahedra, out-of-plane vibrations of the Li atoms, and the in-plane vibrations of the magnetic Ni atoms along the b axis. The detected phonon shift at TN can be explained by the striction phenomena.
Short notes: Photoluminescence of C60 fullerite intercalated with nitrogen molecules wide range of temperatures
Authors: Zinoviev P. V. , Zoryansky V. N.
Published: February 2022

The optical properties of C60 single crystals, intercalated with nitrogen molecules, were investigated by the spectral-luminescence method in the temperature range 20–230 K. The saturation was carried out under a pressure of 30 atm at various temperatures from 200 to 550°C. For the C60 + N2 system, the presence of a temperature boundary of the adsorption crossover of about 420°C was established (transition from the diffusion mechanism of intercalation — physisorption, to chemical interaction — chemisorption). The temperature dependence of the integrated radiation intensity of a new nitrogen-containing substance based on C60 fullerite has been recorded for the first time. Quenching of photoluminescence at low temperatures was found. The observed new effect of low-temperature quenching of photoluminescence is explained by the appearance in the process of chemical interaction between the N2 impurity molecules and the C60 matrix of effective exciton trapping centers and nonradiative deactivation of electronic excitation.
Effects of friction on stress on a plate penetrating into granular media
Authors: Liu Chuan-Ping , Wu Chuan-Yu , Zheng Chao , Wang Li
Published: February 2022

The penetration of a plate into granular media was analyzed, and the effects of particle–plate and particle–particle frictions, penetration direction, and initial plate orientation were examined. Results showed that stress was directly proportional to immersion depth for frictionless particles but jumped at the bed surface and then increased linearly for frictional particles. Moreover, stress was mostly independent of the penetration direction when the plate was frictionless. However, initial orientation always had an effect regardless of whether the plate was frictional or frictionless. Furthermore, a theoretical model was developed for stress analysis. This model revealed that friction on the plate essentially affected stress via changing the push angle of the particles that were in contact with the plate.
Modeling environment-dependent atomic-level properties in complex-concentrated alloys
Authors: Farnell Mackinzie S. , McClure Zachary D. , Tripathi Shivam , Strachan Alejandro
Published: February 2022

Complex-concentrated-alloys (CCAs) are of interest for a range of applications due to a host of desirable properties, including high-temperature strength and tolerance to radiation damage. Their multi-principal component nature results in a vast number of possible atomic environments with the associated variability in chemistry and structure. This atomic-level variability is central to the unique properties of these alloys but makes their modeling challenging. We combine atomistic simulations using many body potentials with machine learning to develop predictive models of various atomic properties of CrFeCoNiCu-based CCAs: relaxed vacancy formation energy, atomic-level cohesive energy, pressure, and volume. A fingerprint of the local atomic environments is obtained combining invariants associated with the local atomic geometry and periodic-table information of the atoms involved. Importantly, all descriptors are based on the unrelaxed atomic structure; thus, they are computationally inexpensive to compute. This enables the incorporation of these models into macroscopic simulations. The models show good accuracy and we explore their ability to extrapolate to compositions and elements not used during training.