bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Porous Polymer Scaffolds based on Cross‐Linked Poly‐EGDMA and PLA: Manufacture, Antibiotics Encapsulation, and In Vitro Study
Authors: Chesnokov Sergey A. , Aleynik Diana Ya. , Kovylin Roman S. , Yudin Vladimir V. , Egiazaryan Tatevik A. , Egorikhina Marfa N. , Zaslavskaya Maya I. , Rubtsova Yulia P. , Gusev Sergey A. , Mlyavykh Sergey G. , Fedushkin Igor L.
Published: March 2021

Porous polymer materials derived from poly(ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) (poly‐EGDMA) and antibiotic containing polylactide (PLA) are obtained for the first time. Porous poly‐EGDMA monoliths with a system of open interconnected pores are synthesized by a visible light‐induced radical polymerization of EGDMA in the presence of 70 wt% of porogenic agent, e.g., 1‐butanol, 1‐hexanol, 1‐octanol, or cyclohexanol. The porosity of the obtained polymers is 75–78%. A modal pore size depends on the nature of the porogen and varies from 0.5 µm (cyclohexanol) to 12 µm (1‐butanol). The polymer matrix made with 1‐butanol features the presence of pores ranging from 1 to 100 µm. The pore surface of poly‐EGDMA matrices is inlayered with poly‐D,L‐lactide (Mn 23 × 103 Da, PDI 1.31). The PLA‐modified poly‐EGDMA retains a porous structure that is similar to the initial poly‐EGDMA but with improved strength characteristics. The presence of antibiotic containing PLA ensures a high and continuous antibacterial activity of the hybrid polymeric material for 7 days. The nontoxicity of all the porous matrices studied makes them promising for clinical tests as osteoplastic materials.
Cotton as Precursor for the Preparation of Porous Cellulose Adsorbers
Authors: Wittmar Alexandra S. M. , Baumert Daniel , Ulbricht Mathias
Published: March 2021

Natural biopolymer‐based porous spherical adsorbers from cellulose have good efficiency for removal of metal ion pollutants from aqueous media. However, high purity celluloses, most commonly used as precursors for preparation of the adsorber spheres, require complex synthesis processes, which consume energy and chemicals, and may thus lead to other types of pollution. In this work, the possibility to prepare cellulose‐based porous spherical adsorbers directly from cotton, using an ionic liquid‐based platform is analyzed in detail. The dissolution of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), as reference, and of cotton in ionic liquid‐based solvents and the properties of the obtained polymer solutions are investigated in order to evaluate their processability toward porous macrospheres using the drop shaping cum non‐solvent induced phase separation process. The properties of the prepared spheres are assessed. The dissolution of cotton is more difficult than the dissolution of MCC and the formed cotton‐based solutions are considerably more viscous, which makes their processability possible only after careful adjustment of the cotton solution concentration. The maximum adsorption capacities toward Cu2+ are ≈110 and ≈72 mg/g for the porous cotton‐based spheres prepared from 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium acetate ([Emim][OAc]):dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) = 2:1 and 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium acetate ([Bmim][OAc]):DMSO = 2:1 solutions, respectively.
Flexible Nanobelts Array Film with Light‐Controllable Electrically Conductive Anisotropy
Authors: Diao Lijuan , Ma Qianli , Yu Wensheng , Liu Guixia , Wang Jinxian , Dong Xiangting
Published: March 2021

Novel flexible anisotropic conductive film with light‐controllable property is designed and constructed. The film is composed of electrospun polymeric nanobelts array loaded with TiO2 nanoparticles. The products are characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffractometry, thermal gravimetric analysis, and ultraviolet–visible absorption spectroscopy. The conductivity of the materials along two perpendicular directions of the film surface is investigated under dark and light irradiation conditions. The results reveal that the film is insulative in all directions under dark condition. Under irradiation, the light resistance along the length direction of the nanobelts is three orders of magnitude lower than the dark resistance, and the light resistance along the length direction of the nanobelts is two orders of magnitude lower than that along the perpendicular direction on the film surface. The effects of loading quantity of TiO2 nanoparticles and ratio of polyethylene oxide (PEO) to polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) on the properties of the products are studied, and the influencing mechanism is proposed. This kind of anisotropic conductive film with new characteristics has broad application prospects in controllable flexible circuits and other fields.
Sponsor message processing in live broadcasts—A pilot study on the role of game outcome uncertainty and emotions
Authors: Breuer Christoph , Rumpf Christopher , Boronczyk Felix
Published: March 2021

Live sport broadcasts can evoke emotions in consumers and allow companies to reach their audience in environments that allow for automatic processing of brand messages. However, only few studies have applied psychophysiological methodologies to assess how the live nature of a competition and viewers' emotions affect the processing of sponsor messages, and prior research has mostly relied on ex‐post data. Therefore, to identify the interplay of game outcome uncertainty, viewers' emotions and attention to sponsor messages, this exploratory lab study tracks continuous viewer data during live sport broadcasts. Soccer fans' (n = 11) arousal, emotional valence, and visual attention to sponsors while watching live soccer broadcasts were measured using galvanic skin response, video‐based facial expressions, and infrared eye‐tracking. In‐play betting odds served as an indicator of outcome uncertainty. Multi‐level modeling reveals that greater outcome uncertainty increases arousal and the magnitude of emotional response. Further, the data reveal that low‐to‐moderate arousal and valence‐neutral emotional states increase viewer attention to sponsor messages. This study is the first to consider the dynamics of live sports experiences in the explanation of sponsorship effectiveness. It contributes to the literature by using continuous measurements involving psychophysiological data to investigate emotions and attention to sponsors.
Palliative specialists for patients with ALS: Making best use of a limited resource
Authors: Grogan James , Simmons Zachary
Published: March 2021

See article on pages 818–823 in this issue.
Pain as a significant symptom in patients with periodic paralysis—A cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Giacobbe Alaina , Subramony Sub , Chuquilin Miguel
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Periodic paralysis (PP) is thought to be limited to episodes of muscle weakness, but there are reports of fibromyalgia‐like pain in PP. We aimed to evaluate pain and comorbid sleep, fatigue, and mood disorders in PP patients.

Methods

We administered a cross‐sectional survey to PP patients at the 2019 Periodic Paralysis Conference. The survey consisted of the Brief Pain Inventory, Widespread Pain Index, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Modified Fatigue Impact Scale, and ten‐question Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD‐10). Descriptive statistics for PP patients were calculated and compared with earlier studies.

Results

Forty‐four individuals with PP took the survey. Of these patients, 52.3% reported a moderate to severe interference of pain on their lives, and 45.5% met the study criteria for fibromyalgia. Patients with SCN4A mutations had higher rates of fibromyalgia than the next most prevalent gene mutation, CACNA1S. In patients with pain, there were increased rates of comorbid fatigue, depression, and poor sleep quality.

Discussion

Pain, akin to fibromyalgia, is a significant symptom of PP and can affect quality of life. Pain in PP was more prevalent than in the general population, at a rate comparable with other chronic neuromuscular disease groups. PP patients could benefit from a multidisciplinary approach to assess their pain, sleep, fatigue, and mood.
Analysis of nursing assessment terminology for neurological conditions and its cross‐mapping with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF): A multi‐centre cross‐sectional study
Authors: Pan Hongying , Ding Shanni , Liu Xiaona , Zou Zhaojun , Xu Qunli , Ye Zhihong
Published: March 2021

Aim

To analyse the application status of nursing assessment terminology for neurological conditions and determine whether the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) covers nursing assessment.

Design

A multi‐centre cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Four researchers extracted all nursing problems from the patients of three different hospitals and formed a pool of nursing terminology from the electronic nursing records, self‐reports, family reports, medical examinations, and clinical records for all patients. The ICF Linking Rules were then used to map the nursing assessment terminology of neurological conditions with the ICF.

Results

Though 37.5% of nursing assessment terms were closely related to neurological diseases, this does not appear in the existing electronic nursing assessment records. The unrecorded rate of 9 (16.1%) terms ranged from 40%–50%, while the unrecorded rate of 8 (14.3%) terms was more than 80%. Overall, 96.4% of nursing assessment terms could be described by the corresponding categories of the ICF, with 37 (66.1%) of the “same” concepts, 9 (16.1%) “similar” concepts, 6 (10.7%) “narrower” concepts (the nursing assessment terms were more specific than the ICF categories), and 2 (3.6%) “broader” concepts (the nursing assessment were less specific than the ICF categories).
Strategies to Understand the Weight‐Reduced State: Genetics and Brain Imaging
Authors: Loos Ruth J. F. , Burant Charles , Schur Ellen A.
Published: March 2021

Most individuals with obesity or overweight have difficulty maintaining weight loss. The weight‐reduced state induces changes in many physiological processes that appear to drive weight regain. Here, we review the use of cell biology, genetics, and imaging techniques that are being used to begin understanding why weight regain is the normal response to dieting. As with obesity itself, weight regain has both genetic and environmental drivers. Genetic drivers for “thinness” and “obesity” largely overlap, but there is evidence for specific genetic loci that are different for each of these weight states. There is only limited information regarding the genetics of weight regain. Currently, most genetic loci related to weight point to the central nervous system as the organ responsible for determining the weight set point. Neuroimaging tools have proved useful in studying the contribution of the central nervous system to the weight‐reduced state in humans. Neuroimaging technologies fall into three broad categories: functional, connectivity, and structural neuroimaging. Connectivity and structural imaging techniques offer unique opportunities for testing mechanistic hypotheses about changes in brain function or tissue structure in the weight‐reduced state.
Loss of Control Eating and Health Indicators Over 6 Years in Adolescents Undergoing Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Goldschmidt Andrea B. , Khoury Jane C. , Mitchell James E. , Jenkins Todd M. , Bond Dale S. , Zeller Meg H. , Michalsky Marc P. , Inge Thomas H.
Published: March 2021

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess associations between loss of control (LOC) eating and health outcomes among adolescents undergoing metabolic and bariatric surgery.

Methods

A total of 234 adolescents were studied before and up to 6 years after surgery in a prospective, observational cohort design. Adolescents provided self‐reports of LOC eating, pain severity, sleep quality, polycystic ovary syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and medication usage and objective measures of fasting glucose, serum insulin, glycohemoglobin A1c, cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure. χ2 tests, Wilcoxon rank sums, and generalized linear mixed models were used to assess concurrent and prospective associations between LOC eating and health indicators.

Results

LOC eating presented in 32.5% of adolescents before surgery and was positively associated with sleep disturbances and psychiatric medication usage. After surgery, LOC eating presented in 7.9% to 14.6% of participants and was correlated with improved low‐ and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and greater back pain. LOC eating was inversely associated with low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol at the next consecutive time point.

Conclusions

LOC eating was unexpectedly associated with improved low‐ and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol in adolescents undergoing metabolic and bariatric surgery. Deleterious effects of LOC eating on obesity‐related health conditions, aside from back pain, were not detected. Metabolic and other weight‐independent health benefits of surgery may persist postoperatively despite LOC eating and associated weight regain.
Can a Short Screening Tool Discriminate Between Overeating and Binge Eating in Treatment‐Seeking Individuals with Obesity?
Authors: Manasse Stephanie M. , Michael Megan L. , Lin Mandy , Gillikin Lindsay , Zhang Fengqing , Forman Evan M. , Juarascio Adrienne
Published: March 2021

Objective

Existing screening tools are inadequate in differentiating binge eating from normative overeating in treatment‐seeking individuals with overweight or obesity, as these individuals tend to overendorse loss‐of‐control (LOC; the hallmark characteristic of binge eating) on self‐report measures. In order for treatment centers to efficiently and accurately identify individuals who would benefit from specialized treatment, it is critical to develop effective brief screening tools. This study examined the sensitivity and specificity of a self‐report screener designed to be used by an outpatient treatment center on a large scale.

Methods

Participants were treatment‐seeking individuals (N = 364) with overweight or obesity who were administered the screener and who completed a subsequent interview assessing for LOC and binge eating.

Results

Discriminant analyses revealed that the screener achieved 77.6% sensitivity and 77.0% specificity in predicting clinician‐assessed LOC and 75.2% sensitivity and 74.1% specificity in predicting “full‐threshold” binge eating (i.e., ≥12 objectively large binge‐eating episodes within the past 3 months). Post hoc analyses indicated that male participants were more likely to be misclassified with the screener.

Conclusions

The self‐report screener demonstrated satisfactory predictive ability, which is notable given the challenges of discriminating between LOC and normative overeating. However, room for improvement remains. In particular, the inclusion of additional screener items that more fully capture the binge‐eating experience in males is warranted.
Formulation of electrospun Mg‐FA/poly (ε‐caprolactone) nanocomposite to adjust bioactivity, biodegradability, and cellular interactions
Authors: Fereshteh Zeinab , Fathi Mohammadhossein , Kargozar Saeid , Samadikuchaksaraei Ali
Published: March 2021

Adjusting the biological properties of scaffolds is one of the most challenging issues in tissue engineering. Here, we focus on formulating a nanocomposite with tunability for bioactivity, biodegradability, and cellular interactions by using different nanoparticles composition and concentration. Here, after optimizing Mg+2 ions concentration in fluorapatite nanoparticles (Mg‐FA NPs), we probed the influence of Mg‐FA NPs on the biological properties of the electrospun Mg‐FA/poly (ε‐caprolactone). Increasing Mg‐FA nanoparticles up to 15 wt% in the composite could enhance the bioactivity from 0.02 wt% in the pure PCL scaffold up to 3 wt% (150 times more) by gaining weight after 28‐day incubation in simulated body fluid (SBF) at 37°C. In the same order, the biodegradation of scaffolds accelerated from 3.1 wt% to 34.6 wt% (11 times more). The cell attachment assays, using MG‐63, showed that the presence of Mg‐FA NPs plays a crucial role to attach cells on the surface by improving wettability as well as biocompatibility. Also, the Mg‐FA NPs encouraged MG‐63 cells to proliferate on/inside the scaffolds and generate 3D cell networks.
On the Location of Boron in SiO2‐Embedded Si Nanocrystals—An X‐ray Absorption Spectroscopy and Density Functional Theory Study
Authors: Hiller Daniel , König Dirk , Nagel Peter , Merz Michael , Schuppler Stefan , Smith Sean C.
Published: March 2021

Doping of silicon nanostructures is crucial to understand their properties and to enhance their potential in various fields of application. Herein, SiO2‐embedded Si nanocrystals (quantum dots) ≈3–6 nm in diameter are used as a model system to study the incorporation of B dopants by X‐ray absorption near‐edge spectroscopy (XANES). Such samples represent a model system for ultimately scaled, 3D‐confined Si nanovolumes. The analysis is complemented by real‐space density functional theory to calculate the 1s (K shell) electron binding energies of B in 11 different, thermodynamically stable configurations of the Si/SiOx/SiO2 system. Although no indications for a substitutional B‐acceptor configuration are found, the predominant O coordination of B indicates the preferred B incorporation into the SiO2 matrix and near the Si‐nanocrystal/SiO2 interface, which is inherently incompatible with charge carrier generation by dopants. It is concluded that B doping of ultrasmall Si nanostructures fails due to a lack of B incorporation onto Si lattice sites that cannot be overcome by increasing the B concentration. The inability to efficiently insert B into Si nanovolumes appears to be a boron‐specific fundamental obstacle for electronic doping (e.g., not observed for phosphorus) that adds to the established nanosize effects, namely, increased dopant activation and ionization energies.
A simulation‐free group sequential design with max‐combo tests in the presence of non‐proportional hazards
Authors: Wang Lili , Luo Xiaodong , Zheng Cheng
Published: March 2021

Non‐proportional hazards (NPH) have been observed in many immuno‐oncology clinical trials. Weighted log‐rank tests (WLRT) with suitable weights can be used to improve the power of detecting the difference between survival curves in the presence of NPH. However, it is not easy to choose a proper WLRT in practice. A versatile max‐combo test was proposed to achieve the balance of robustness and efficiency, and has received increasing attention recently. Survival trials often warrant interim analyses due to their high cost and long durations. The integration and implementation of max‐combo tests in interim analyses often require extensive simulation studies. In this report, we propose a simulation‐free approach for group sequential designs with the max‐combo test in survival trials. The simulation results support that the proposed method can successfully control the type I error rate and offer excellent accuracy and flexibility in estimating sample sizes, with light computation burden. Notably, our method displays strong robustness towards various model misspecifications and has been implemented in an R package.
Laparoscopic versus robotic‐assisted Heller myotomy for the treatment of achalasia: A systematic review with meta‐analysis
Authors: Xie Julia , Vatsan Maansi S. , Gangemi Antonio
Published: March 2021

Background

Robotic‐assisted laparoscopic Heller myotomy has been proposed as an alternative minimally invasive approach to traditional laparoscopy for the treatment of achalasia. This systematic review aims to compare the safety and post‐operative outcomes of the two procedures.

Methods

Systematic literature search was performed in MEDLINE through Ovid, Scopus and Cochrane to identify clinical trials and retrospective analyses. Outcome measures used for meta‐analysis included operative time, estimated blood loss, length of stay, 30‐day readmission, intraoperative oesophageal perforation, conversion, mortality, morbidity, symptom relief beyond 1 year, re‐intervention for recurrent symptoms and gastroesophageal reflux during follow‐up rates.

Results

Seven studies were selected with a total of 3214 patients. The only factor to be statistically different is intraoperative oesophageal perforation rate, which is lower in robotic‐assisted Heller myotomy compared to laparoscopic (odds ratio = 0.1139; 95% confidence interval [0.0334, 0.3887]; p = 0.0005).

Conclusions

The results suggest a robotic approach is associated with improved patient safety.
The dynamics of power in disaster response networks
Authors: Boersma Kees , Ferguson Julie , Groenewegen Peter , Wolbers Jeroen
Published: March 2021

A major challenge for disaster scholars and policymakers is to understand the power dimension in response networks, particularly relating to collaboration and coordination. We propose a conceptual framework to study interests and negotiations in and between various civic and professional, response networks drawing on the concepts of “programming” and “switching” proposed by Manuel Castells in his work on the network society. Programming in disaster response refers to the ability to constitute response networks and to program/reprogram them in terms of the goals assigned to the network. Switching is the ability to connect different networks by sharing common goals and combining resources. We employ these concepts to understand how the US Federal Emergency Management Agency organized its response in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy. Our conceptual framework can be used both by disaster scholars and policymakers to understand how networked power is constructed and utilized.
Direct and Label‐Free Cell Status Monitoring of Spheroids and Microcarriers Using Microfluidic Impedance Cytometry
Authors: Gong Lingyan , Petchakup Chayakorn , Shi Pujiang , Tan Pei Leng , Tan Lay Poh , Tay Chor Yong , Hou Han Wei
Published: March 2021

3D cellular spheroids/microcarriers (100 µm–1 mm) are widely used in biomanufacturing, and non‐invasive biosensors are useful to monitor cell quality in bioprocesses. In this work, a novel microfluidic approach for label‐free and continuous‐flow monitoring of single spheroid/microcarrier (hydrogel and Cytodex) based on electrical impedance spectroscopy using co‐planar Field's metal electrodes is reported. Through numerical simulation and experimental validation, two unique impedance signatures (|ZLF| (60 kHz), |ZHF| (1 MHz)) which are optimal for spheroid growth and viability monitoring are identified. Using a closed‐loop recirculation system, it is demonstrated that |ZLF| increases with breast cancer (MCF‐7) spheroid biomass, while higher opacity (impedance ratio |ZHF|/|ZLF|) indicates cell death due to compromised cell membrane. Anti‐cancer drug (paclitaxel)‐treated spheroids also exhibit lower |ZLF| with increased cell dissociation. Interestingly, impedance characterization of adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cell differentiation on Cytodex microcarriers reveals that adipogenic cells (higher intracellular lipid content) exhibit higher impedance than osteogenic cells (more conductive due to calcium ions) for both microcarriers and single cell level. Taken together, the developed platform offers great versatility for multi‐parametric analysis of spheroids/microcarriers at high throughput (≈1 particle/s), and can be readily integrated into bioreactors for long‐term and remote monitoring of biomass and cell quality.
Cationic Flexible Organic Framework for Combination of Photodynamic Therapy and Genetic Immunotherapy Against Tumors
Authors: Hao Kai , Lin Lin , Sun Pingjie , Hu Yingying , Atsushi Maruyama , Guo Zhaopei , Tian Huayu , Chen Xuesi
Published: March 2021

Photodynamic therapy is a new type of anti‐tumor therapy with excellent therapeutic effects and minor side effects. The key factor for photodynamic therapy is highly efficient loading and protection of photosensitizers. Covalent organic framework is a new type of organic porous material with rich sources and has huge development potential in the loading of photosensitizers. However, the π–π interaction between the rigid monomers inevitably causes aggregation and quenching between photosensitizers, which in turn affects the rate of reactive oxygen production. Here, newly designed cationic flexible organic framework nanoparticles (PEI‐Por NPs) are synthesized via one‐step method with PEI25K and meso‐tetra(p‐formylphenyl)porphyrin under microwave irradiation. The structure of the flexible organic framework can effectively inhibit the aggregation and quenching of porphyrin. In addition, PEI‐Por NPs had excellent gene transfection ability both in vitro and in vivo. Excellent antitumor effect can be achieved by combining PEI‐Por NPs’ photodynamic therapy capacity and PEI‐Por NPs‐mediated PD‐L1 gene silencing with the guidance of fluorescence imaging and photoacoustic imaging. This cationic flexible organic framework material combines the advantages of flexible building units and rigid monomers, which provides a basis for the development of nano‐photosensitizers and excellent gene carriers, and has great potential for clinical application.
Supersymmetric gauged $$ \mathrm{U}{(1)}_{L_{\mu }-{L}_{\tau }} $$ model for electron and muon (g − 2) anomaly
Authors: Banerjee Heerak , Dutta Bhaskar , Roy Sourov
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Minimal gauged $$ \mathrm{U}{(1)}_{L_{\mu }-{L}_{\tau }} $$
U

1

L
μ

−

L
τ

models can provide for an additional source for the muon anomalous magnetic moment however it is difficult to accommodate the discrepancy in the electron magnetic moment in tandem. Owing to the relative sign between the discrepancies in these quantities, it seems unlikely that they arise from the same source. We show that a supersymmetric (SUSY) gauged $$ \mathrm{U}{(1)}_{L_{\mu }-{L}_{\tau }} $$
U

1

L
μ

−

L
τ

model can accommodate both the muon and electron anomalous magnetic moments in a very simple and intuitive scenario, without utilizing lepton flavor violation. The currently allowed parameter space in this kind of a scenario is constrained from the latest LHC and various low energy experimental data,e.g., recent COHERENT data, CCFR, Borexino, BaBaR, supernova etc. These constraints, in conjunction with the requirement to explain both lepton magnetic moments, lead to an upper bound on the first generation slepton mass, a lower bound on the second generation slepton mass and constricts the allowed range for the new gauge boson mass and coupling. The scheme can be probed at the ongoing COHERENT and Coherent CAPTAIN-Mills experiments and at future experiments, e.g., DUNE, BELLE-II etc.
Random field Ising model and Parisi-Sourlas supersymmetry. Part II. Renormalization group
Authors: Kaviraj Apratim , Rychkov Slava , Trevisani Emilio
Published: March 2021

Abstract

We revisit perturbative RG analysis in the replicated Landau-Ginzburg description of the Random Field Ising Model near the upper critical dimension 6. Working in a field basis with manifest vicinity to a weakly-coupled Parisi-Sourlas supersymmetric fixed point (Cardy, 1985), we look for interactions which may destabilize the SUSY RG flow and lead to the loss of dimensional reduction. This problem is reduced to studying the anomalous dimensions of “leaders” — lowest dimension parts of Sn-invariant perturbations in the Cardy basis. Leader operators are classified as non-susy-writable, susy-writable or susy-null depending on their symmetry. Susy-writable leaders are additionally classified as belonging to superprimary multiplets transforming in particular OSp(d|2) representations. We enumerate all leaders up to 6d dimension ∆ = 12, and compute their perturbative anomalous dimensions (up to two loops). We thus identify two perturbations (with susy- null and non-susy-writable leaders) becoming relevant below a critical dimension dc ≈ 4.2 - 4.7. This supports the scenario that the SUSY fixed point exists for all 3 < d ⩽ 6, but becomes unstable for d < dc.
Bethe/gauge correspondence for SO/Sp gauge theories and open spin chains
Authors: Kimura Taro , Zhu Rui-Dong
Published: March 2021

Abstract

In this article, we extend the work of [1] to a Bethe/Gauge correspondence between 2d (or resp. 3d) SO/Sp gauge theories and open XXX (resp. XXZ) spin chains with diagonal boundary conditions. The case of linear quiver gauge theories is also considered.
Searching for charged lepton flavor violation at ep colliders
Authors: Antusch Stefan , Hammad A. , Rashed Ahmed
Published: March 2021

Abstract

We investigate the sensitivity of electron-proton (ep) colliders for charged lepton flavor violation (cLFV) in an effective theory approach, considering a general effective Lagrangian for the conversion of an electron into a muon or a tau via the effective coupling to a neutral gauge boson or a neutral scalar field. For the photon, the Z boson and the Higgs particle of the Standard Model, we present the sensitivities of the LHeC for the coefficients of the effective operators, calculated from an analysis at the reconstructed level. As an example model where such flavor changing neutral current (FCNC) operators are generated at loop level, we consider the extension of the Standard Model by sterile neutrinos. We show that the LHeC could already probe the LFV conversion of an electron into a muon beyond the current experimental bounds, and could reach more than an order of magnitude higher sensitivity than the present limits for LFV conversion of an electron into a tau. We discuss that the high sensitivities are possible because the converted charged lepton is dominantly emitted in the backward direction, enabling an efficient separation of the signal from the background.
On the Factor Opposing the Lebesgue Norm in Generalized Grand Lebesgue Spaces
Authors: Fiorenza Alberto , Formica Maria Rosaria
Published: March 2021

We prove that if $$1<p<\infty $$

1
<
p
<
∞

and $$\delta :]0,p-1]\rightarrow ]0,\infty [$$

δ
:
]
0
,
p
-
1
]
→
]
0
,
∞
[

is continuous, nondecreasing, and satisfies the $$\Delta _2$$

Δ
2

condition near the origin, then This result permits to clarify the assumptions on the increasing function against the Lebesgue norm in the definition of generalized grand Lebesgue spaces and to sharpen and simplify the statements of some known results concerning these spaces.
An Almost Constant Lower Bound of the Isoperimetric Coefficient in the KLS Conjecture
Authors: Chen Yuansi
Published: March 2021

We prove an almost constant lower bound of the isoperimetric coefficient in the KLS conjecture. The lower bound has the dimension dependency$$d^{-o_d(1)}$$d-od(1). When the dimension is large enough, our lower bound is tighter than the previous best bound which has the dimension dependency$$d^{-1/4}$$d-1/4. Improving the current best lower bound of the isoperimetric coefficient in the KLS conjecture has many implications, including improvements of the current best bounds in Bourgain’s slicing conjecture and in the thin-shell conjecture, better concentration inequalities for Lipschitz functions of log-concave measures and better mixing time bounds for MCMC sampling algorithms on log-concave measures.
Überwachung von COVID-19 durch Erweiterung der etablierten Surveillance für Atemwegsinfektionen
Authors: Goerlitz Luise , Tolksdorf Kristin , Buchholz Udo , Prahm Kerstin , Preuß Ute , an der Heiden Matthias , Wolff Thorsten , Dürrwald Ralf , Nitsche Andreas , Michel Janine , Haas Walter , Buda Silke
Published: March 2021

Im Rahmen der nationalen Influenzapandemieplanung wurden in Deutschland neben dem Meldewesen gemäß Infektionsschutzgesetz (IfSG) weitere Überwachungssysteme etabliert. Ziel dieser Systeme sind die Beschreibung, Analyse und Bewertung der Situation bei akuten respiratorischen Erkrankungen (ARE), die Identifikation der hauptsächlich zirkulierenden Atemwegserreger und die Beschreibung des zeitlichen Verlaufs. Seit Beginn der COVID-19-Pandemie wurden die Systeme erweitert, um auch Infektionen mit SARS-CoV‑2 erfassen zu können.

In diesem Beitrag werden drei verschiedene Surveillance-Systeme für ARE vorgestellt: GrippeWeb, die Arbeitsgemeinschaft Influenza mit dem SEEDARE-Modul (Sentinel zur elektronischen Erfassung von Diagnosecodes) und das Krankenhaus-Sentinel ICOSARI (ICD-10-code-basierte Krankenhaus-Surveillance schwerer akuter respiratorischer Infektionen). Mit diesen Systemen können ARE auf Bevölkerungsebene, im ambulanten und im stationären Bereich überwacht werden. Zusammen mit dem Monitoring der Mortalität liefern sie wichtige Hinweise zur Häufigkeit verschieden schwerer Krankheitsverläufe in der Bevölkerung. Um die Systeme für SARS-CoV‑2 zu erweitern, waren nur wenige Anpassungen notwendig.

Da die Falldefinitionen für ARE nicht geändert wurden, können in den beschriebenen Systemen historische Zeitreihen zum Vergleich herangezogen werden. Alle Systeme sind so aufgebaut, dass stabile und etablierte Bezugsgrößen für die Berechnung von wöchentlichen Anteilen und Raten zur Verfügung stehen. Dies ist eine wichtige Ergänzung zum Meldewesen gemäß IfSG, welches stark von Testkapazitäten und -strategien sowie veränderten Falldefinitionen abhängt. Die Surveillance-Systeme haben sich in der COVID-19-Pandemie auch im internationalen Vergleich als praktikabel und effizient erwiesen.
Kompromittierung durch additive Cerclagen
Authors: von der Helm F. , Reuter J. , Adolf-Lisitano L. , Mayr E. , Förch S.
Published: March 2021

Einleitung

Die Therapie der Humerusschaftfraktur ist vielfältig und oft problematisch. Neben der konservativen Therapie konkurrieren Marknagel- und Plattenosteosynthese miteinander; bislang existiert kein Goldstandard. Aus biomechanischen Überlegungen bieten sich für die Versorgung von Spiralfrakturen additive Cerclagen an. Die Argumente gegen deren Verwendung sind zum einen die Gefahr von Radialisläsionen, zum anderen eine mutmaßliche Störung der Fragmentdurchblutung. Ziel dieser  Studie ist die Analyse sekundärer Radialisläsionen bei der Anwendung additiver, limitiert invasiver Cerclagen bei der antegraden Nagelosteosynthese von Humerusschaftfrakturen.

Methodik

In dieser retrospektiven Studie erfolgen die klinische und die neurologische Untersuchung von 102 Patienten, welche im Zeitraum von 5 Jahren bei einer Humerusschaftfraktur operativ versorgt wurden. Insgesamt wurden zur Marknagelosteosynthese 193 Cerclagen durch einen limitiert invasiven Zugang eingebracht.

Ergebnisse und Schlussfolgerung

Bei 4 Patienten (3,9 %) zeigte sich eine sekundäre Radialisläsion im Rahmen der operativen Stabilisierung. Die neurophysiologische und neurosonographische Untersuchung zeigten in keinem Fall eine Kompromittierung des Nerven durch Einschlingen oder gar Durchtrennung durch die additive Cerclage. Zwei Nervenläsionen erholten sich innerhalb von 3 bzw. 6 Monaten spontan. In den anderen 2 Fällen konnte der Verlauf aufgrund eines Exitus letalis nicht über 12 Monate dokumentiert werden.

Mit 3,9 % der iatrogenen Radialisläsionen liegt die Rate an Nervenläsionen im unteren Bereich dessen, was in der Literatur für die operative Therapie von Humerusschaftfrakturen beschrieben wird (3–12 %). Durch die limitiert invasive, additive Cerclage ergibt sich somit kein erhöhtes Risiko für die iatrogene Schädigung des N. radialis.
Correction to: QTL analysis and fine mapping of a QTL for yield‑related traits in wheat grown in dry and hot environments
Authors: Tura Habtamu , Edwards James , Gahlaut Vijay , Garcia Melissa , Sznajder Beata , Baumann Ute , Shahinnia Fahimeh , Reynolds Matthew , Langridge Peter , Balyan Harindra Singh , Gupta Pushpendra K. , Schnurbusch Thorsten , Fleury Delphine
Published: March 2021

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00122-021-03792-4
PET/CT imaging for evaluation of multimodal treatment efficacy and toxicity in advanced NSCLC—current state and future directions
Authors: Eze Chukwuka , Schmidt-Hegemann Nina-Sophie , Sawicki Lino Morris , Kirchner Julian , Roengvoraphoj Olarn , Käsmann Lukas , Mittlmeier Lena M. , Kunz Wolfgang G. , Tufman Amanda , Dinkel Julien , Ricke Jens , Belka Claus , Manapov Farkhad , Unterrainer Marcus
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has revolutionized the treatment of advanced NSCLC, leading to a string of approvals in recent years. Herein, a narrative review on the role of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) in the ever-evolving treatment landscape of advanced NSCLC is presented.

Methods

This comprehensive review will begin with an introduction into current treatment paradigms incorporating ICIs; the evolution of CT-based criteria; moving onto novel phenomena observed with ICIs and the current state of hybrid imaging for diagnosis, treatment planning, evaluation of treatment efficacy and toxicity in advanced NSCLC, also taking into consideration its limitations and future directions.

Conclusions

The advent of ICIs marks the dawn of a new era bringing forth new challenges particularly vis-à-vis treatment response assessment and observation of novel phenomena accompanied by novel systemic side effects. While FDG PET/CT is widely adopted for tumor volume delineation in locally advanced disease, response assessment to immunotherapy based on current criteria is of high clinical value but has its inherent limitations. In recent years, modifications of established (PET)/CT criteria have been proposed to provide more refined approaches towards response evaluation. Not only a comprehensive inclusion of PET-based response criteria in prospective randomized controlled trials, but also a general harmonization within the variety of PET-based response criteria is pertinent to strengthen clinical implementation and widespread use of hybrid imaging for response assessment in NSCLC.
Correction to: High efficacy of BGD (bendamustine, gemcitabine, and dexamethasone) in relapsed/refractory Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Swoboda Ryszard , Giebel Sebastian , Knopińska-Posłuszny Wanda , Chmielowska Ewa , Drozd-Sokołowska Joanna , Paszkiewicz-Kozik Ewa , Kulikowski Waldemar , Taszner Michał , Mendrek Włodzimierz , Najda Jacek , Czerw Tomasz , Olszewska-Szopa Magdalena , Czyż Anna , Giza Agnieszka , Spychałowicz Wojciech , Subocz Edyta , Szwedyk Paweł , Krzywon Aleksandra , Wilk Agata , Zaucha Jan Maciej
Published: March 2021

A Correction to this paper has been published: 10.1007/s00277-021-04503-1
The impact of reducing the femoral stem length in total hip arthroplasty during gait
Authors: Wiik Anatole Vilhelm , Aqil Adeel , Al-Obaidi Bilal , Brevadt Mads , Cobb Justin Peter
Published: March 2021

Aim

The length of the femoral stem in total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a practical consideration to prevent gait impairment. The aim of this study was to determine if reducing the femoral stem length in THA would lead to impaired gait biomechanics.

Methods

Patients uniformly with the same brand implant of differing lengths (100 mm vs 140–166 mm) were taken retrospectively from a prospective trial introducing a new short stem. Twelve patients without any other disorder to alter gait besides contralateral differing length stem THA were tested at differing gradients and speed on a validated instrumented treadmill measuring ground reaction forces. An anthropometrically similar group of healthy controls were analysed to compare.

Results

With the same posterior surgical approach, the offset and length of both hips were reconstructed within 5 mm of each other with an identical mean head size of 36 mm. The short stem was the last procedure for all the hips with gait analysis occurring at a mean of 31 and 79 months postoperatively for the short and long stem THA, respectively. Gait analysis between limbs of both stem lengths demonstrated no statistical difference during any walking condition. In the 90 gait assessments with three loading variables, the short stem was the favoured side 51% of the time compared 49% for the long stem.

Conclusion

By testing a range of practical walking activities, no lower limb loading differences can be observed by reducing the femoral stem length. A shorter stem demonstrates equivalence in preference during gait when compared to a reputable conventional stem in total hip arthroplasty.
Association of non-HLA antibodies against endothelial targets and donor-specific HLA antibodies with antibody-mediated rejection and graft function in pediatric kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Fichtner Alexander , Süsal Caner , Höcker Britta , Rieger Susanne , Waldherr Rüdiger , Westhoff Jens H , Sander Anja , Dragun Duska , Tönshoff Burkhard
Published: March 2021

Background

Non-HLA antibodies against endothelial targets have been implicated in the pathogenesis of antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR), but data in pediatric patients are scarce.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed a carefully phenotyped single-center (University Children’s Hospital Heidelberg, Germany) cohort of 62 pediatric kidney transplant recipients (mean age at transplantation, 8.6 ± 5.0 years) at increased risk of graft function deterioration. Patients had received their transplant between January 1, 1999, and January 31, 2010. We examined at time of late index biopsies (more than 1-year post-transplant, occurring after January 2004) the association of antibodies against the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R), the endothelin type A receptor (ETAR), the MHC class I chain-like gene A (MICA), and vimentin in conjunction with overall and complement-binding donor-specific HLA antibodies (HLA-DSA) with graft histology and function.

Results

We observed a high prevalence (62.9%) of non-HLA antibody positivity. Seventy-two percent of HLA-DSA positive patients showed additional positivity for at least one non-HLA antibody. Antibodies against AT1R, ETAR, and MICA were associated with the histological phenotype of ABMR. The cumulative load of HLA-DSA and non-HLA antibodies in circulation was related to the degree of microinflammation in peritubular capillaries. Non-HLA antibody positivity was an independent non-invasive risk factor for graft function deterioration (adjusted hazard ratio 6.38, 95% CI, 2.11–19.3).

Conclusions

Our data indicate that the combined detection of antibodies to HLA and non-HLA targets may allow a more comprehensive assessment of the patients’ immune responses against the kidney allograft and facilitates immunological risk stratification.
Are current tsunami evacuation approaches safe enough?
Authors: Muhammad Ario , De Risi Raffaele , De Luca Flavia , Mori Nobuhito , Yasuda Tomohiro , Goda Katsuichiro
Published: March 2021

Developing an effective tsunami evacuation plan is essential for disaster risk reduction in coastal regions. To develop effective tsunami evacuation plans, real transportation network, interaction among evacuees, and uncertainties associated with future tsunami events need to be considered in a holistic manner. This study aims to develop such an integrated tsunami evacuation approach using agent-based evacuation simulation and advanced stochastic tsunami hazard assessment. As a case study, a urban area in Padang, Indonesia, threatened by tsunamis from the Mentawai–Sunda subduction zone, is adopted. The uncertainty of the tsunami hazard is taken into account by generating 900 stochastic tsunami inundation maps for three earthquake magnitudes, i.e. 8.5, 8.75, and 9.0. A simplified evacuation approach considering the evacuees moving directly to evacuation areas (defined a priori) is compared with two more rigorous agent-based modeling approaches: (a) a two-destination-point tsunami evacuation plan developed by the local government and (b) a multiple-destination-point plan developed in this study. The improved agent-based stochastic tsunami evacuation framework with multiple destinations takes advantage of the extensive tsunami hazard analyses to define safe areas in a dynamic manner and is capable of capturing the uncertainty of future tsunami risk in coastal areas. In contrast, the results clearly show that the simplified approach significantly underestimates the evacuation time, and the existing tsunami evacuation routes identified by local authorities may be insufficient to save lives.
The Diamond League athletic series: does the air quality sparkle?
Authors: Hodgson James R. , Chapman Lee , Pope Francis D.
Published: March 2021

Urban air pollution can have negative short- and long-term impacts on health, including cardiovascular, neurological, immune system and developmental damage. The irritant qualities of pollutants such as ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM) can cause respiratory and cardiovascular distress, which can be heightened during physical activity and particularly so for those with respiratory conditions such as asthma. Previously, research has only examined marathon run outcomes or running under laboratory settings. This study focuses on elite 5-km athletes performing in international events at nine locations. Local meteorological and air quality data are used in conjunction with race performance metrics from the Diamond League Athletics series to determine the extent to which elite competitors are influenced during maximal sustained efforts in real-world conditions. The findings from this study suggest that local meteorological variables (temperature, wind speed and relative humidity) and air quality (ozone and particulate matter) have an impact on athletic performance. Variation between finishing times at different race locations can also be explained by the local meteorology and air quality conditions seen during races.
Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibition prevents renal fibrosis in cyclosporine nephropathy
Authors: Castoldi Giovanna , Carletti Raffaella , Ippolito Silvia , Colzani Massimiliano , Barzaghi Francesca , Stella Andrea , Zerbini Gianpaolo , Perseghin Gianluca , Zatti Giovanni , di Gioia Cira R. T.
Published: March 2021

Aims

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, a new class of antidiabetic drugs, are nephroprotective in case of diabetes, but whether a similar beneficial effect may be detectable also in case of chronic non-diabetic kidney diseases remains still unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of empagliflozin, a SGLT-2 inhibitor, on the progression of cyclosporine nephropathy, in the absence of diabetes.

Methods

Sprague Dawley rats (n = 27) have been fed with low-salt diet starting 10 days before the beginning and finished at the end of the experimental period. Cyclosporine-A (CsA, 15 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneal injection, n = 8) and CsA plus empagliflozin (Empa, 10 mg/kg/day, per os, n = 7) were administered for 4 weeks. The control groups were treated with placebo (Control, n = 7) or empagliflozin (Control + Empa, n = 5). Blood pressure (plethysmographic method) was measured at the beginning and at the end of the experimental period. At the end of the experimental protocol, the kidneys were excised for histomorphometric analysis of renal fibrosis and for immunohistochemical evaluation of inflammatory infiltrates (monocytes/macrophages), type I and type IV collagen expression, and tyrosine hydroxylase expression, used as marker of sympathetic nerve activity.

Results

CsA-treated rats showed a significant increase (p < 0.01) in blood pressure, which was reduced by administration of empagliflozin (p < 0.05). CsA administration caused an increase in glomerular and tubulo-interstitial fibrosis (p < 0.05), renal inflammatory infiltrates (p < 0.05), type I and type IV collagen expression (p < 0.01), and tyrosine hydroxylase expression (p < 0.01) as compared to the control rats and control + Empa-treated rats. Treatment with empagliflozin in CsA-treated rats reduced glomerular (p < 0.01) and tubulo-interstitial fibrosis (p < 0.05), type I and type IV collagen expression (p < 0.01), inflammatory cell infiltration (p < 0.01) and tyrosine hydroxylase expression (p < 0.05), as compared to rats treated with CsA.

Conclusion

Empagliflozin administration caused a reduction in blood pressure in CsA-treated rats and showed a protective effect on CsA nephropathy by decreasing renal fibrosis, type I and type IV collagen expression, macrophage infiltration and tyrosine hydroxylase expression. These data suggest that empagliflozin promotes nephroprotection also in non-diabetic kidney disease.