bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Duplication of 9p24.3 in three unrelated patients and their phenotypes, considering affected genes, and similar recurrent variants
Authors: Capkova Zuzana , Capkova Pavlina , Srovnal Josef , Adamova Katerina , Prochazka Martin , Hajduch Marian
Published: January 2021

Background

Recent studies suggest that duplication of the 9p24.3 chromosomal locus, which includes the DOCK8 and KANK1 genes, is associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), intellectual disability/developmental delay (ID/DD), learning problems, language disorders, hyperactivity, and epilepsy. Correlation between this duplication and the carrier phenotype needs further discussion.

Methods

In this study, three unrelated patients with ID/DD and ASD underwent SNP aCGH and MLPA testing. Similarities in the phenotypes of patients with 9p24.3, 15q11.2, and 16p11.2 duplications were also observed.

Results

All patients with ID/DD and ASD carried the 9p24.3 duplication and showed intragenic duplication of DOCK8. Additionally, two patients had ADHD, one was hearing impaired and obese, and one had macrocephaly. Inheritance of the 9p24.3 duplication was confirmed in one patient and his sibling. In one patient KANK1 was duplicated along with DOCK8. Carriers of 9p24.3, 15q11.2, and 16p11.2 duplications showed several phenotypic similarities, with ID/DD more strongly associated with duplication of 9p24.3 than of 15q11.2 and 16p11.2.

Conclusion

We concluded that 9p24.3 is a likely cause of ASD and ID/DD, especially in cases of DOCK8 intragenic duplication. DOCK8 is a likely causative gene, and KANK1 aberrations a modulator, of the clinical phenotype observed. Other modulators were not excluded.
Is it time to revisit the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire? New insights from a Rasch model analysis
Authors: Jerosch‐Herold Christina , Bland Jeremy D. P. , Horton Mike
Published: January 2021

Background

The Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) is a patient‐reported outcome measure (PROM) used to measure symptom severity and function in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Despite its wide use, investigation of its measurement properties using modern psychometric methodologies is limited.

Methods

Completed BCTQ data collected routinely in the Canterbury carpal tunnel clinic was used to investigate the structural validity and measurement properties of the BCTQ through application of a Rasch model analytic approach.

Results

A total of 600 patients with electrodiagnostically confirmed CTS in their right hand were randomly selected from the database and analyzed. Mean age was 48.8 y, and 73% were women. Initial analysis showed that the 19 items could not be reliably added up to form a single linear construct. All subsequent analyses were done by subscale only.

The Symptom Severity Subscale (SSS) displayed a large amount of local dependence. This could be accommodated through the creation of four clinically derived testlets, allowing for the ordinal SSS raw score to be transformed to a linear measure.

The Functional Status Subscale (FSS) displayed a number of issues regarding its psychometric integrity. These include scale and item fit, targeting, differential item functioning, and dimensionality.

Conclusions

This study shows that a single total score generated across all BCTQ items is not psychometrically valid, and that the SSS and FSS subscales should be treated separately. We propose a modified scoring system for the SSS, resulting in a linear measure that can be used in the analysis of future and existing datasets.
Doctor—Should I get the COVID‐19 vaccine? Infection and immunization in individuals with neuromuscular disorders
Authors: Živković Sasha A. , Gruener Gregory , Narayanaswami Pushpa ,   the AANEM Quality and Patient Safety Committee
Published: January 2021

The clinical course of neuromuscular disorders (NMDs) can be affected by infections, both in immunocompetent individuals, and in those with reduced immunocompetence due to immunosuppressive/immunomodulating therapies. Infections and immunizations may also trigger NMDs. There is a potential for reduced efficacy of immunizations in patients with reduced immunocompetence. The recent vaccination program for coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) raises several questions regarding the safety and efficacy of this vaccine in individuals with NMDs. In this Practice Topic article, we address the role of vaccine‐preventable infections in NMDs and the safety and efficacy of immunization in individuals with NMDs, with emphasis on vaccination against COVID‐19.
An extreme‐point tabu‐search algorithm for fixed‐charge network problems
Authors: Barr Richard S. , Glover Fred , Huskinson Toby , Kochenberger Gary
Published: January 2021

We propose a new algorithm for fixed‐charge network flow problems based on ghost image (GI) processes as proposed in Glover (1994) and adapted to fixed‐charge transportation problems in Glover et al. (2005). Our GI algorithm iteratively modifies an idealized representation of the problem embodied in a parametric GI, enabling all steps to be performed with a primal network flow algorithm operating on the parametric GI. Computational testing is carried out on well‐known problems from the literature plus a new set of large‐scale fixed‐charge transportation and transshipment network instances. We also provide comparisons against CPLEX 12.8 and demonstrate that the new GI algorithm with tabu search (TS) is effective on large problem instances, finding solutions with statistically equivalent objective values at least 700 times faster. The attractive outcomes produced by the current GI/TS implementation provide a significant advance in our ability to solve fixed‐cost network problems efficiently and invites its use for larger instances from a variety of application domains.
Higher‐order algorithms for stable solutions of fractional time‐dependent nonlinear telegraph equations in space
Authors: Usman Muhammad , Hamid Muhammad , Liu Moubin
Published: January 2021

In this article, three novel algorithms are developed and successfully applied to investigate the stable solutions of time‐fractional nonlinear telegraph equations. Firstly, we presented the shifted Gegenbauer polynomials through appropriate transformations. The approximation of a functionu(||x||,t) is defined via shifted Gegenbauer polynomials (SGPs) and then developed the operational matrices of a positive integer and non‐integer derivatives assisted by multi‐dimensional shifted Gegenbauer polynomials vectors. Linearized fully spectral method (LFSM) is proposed by means of function approximations and developed operational matrices whilst Picard iterative scheme is used to linearize the discussed problem. To introduce a semi‐discrete method (SDM), the temporal derivative is approximated through a central difference scheme whereas spatial derivatives are approximated assisted by novel operational matrices. A fully numerical method (FNM) is proposed by introducing the central difference for temporal and spatial variables. Proposed computational methods transform the time‐fractional nonlinear telegraph equation into a system of linear algebraic equations that are easier to tackle. An inclusive comparative study is witnesses that suggested schemes are effective, accurate and well‐matched to investigate the approximate solutions of the problems udnerstudy. Convergence and error bound of the suggested methods are investigated theoretically whereas stability analysis is performed numerically. Moreover, the developed methods can be used conveniently to examine the numerical solution of other multi‐dimensional highly nonlinear fractional or variable order problems of physical nature.
Semitotal domination number of some graph operations
Authors: Kartal Yıldız Zeliha , Aytaç Aysun
Published: January 2021

A semitotal dominating set S (abbreviated semi‐TD‐set) of graph G = (V, E) is a subset such that S is a dominating set and each vertex in the S is within 2 distance from the another vertex of S. The semitotal domination number, denoted by γt2(G), is the minimum cardinality taken over all semitotal dominating sets of G. In this paper, we examine the semitotal domination number of graphs obtained by some graph operations such as corona, join, modular product, and lexicographic product.
On the asymptotic behavior of a second‐order general differential equation
Authors: Say Fatih
Published: January 2021

Studying ordinary or partial differential equations or integrals using traditional asymptotic analysis, unfortunately, fails to extract the exponentially small terms and fails to derive some of their asymptotic features. In this paper, we discuss how to characterize an asymptotic behavior of a singular linear differential equation by the methods in exponential asymptotics. This paper is particularly concerned with the formulation of the series representation of a general second‐order differential equation. It provides a detailed explanation of the asymptotic behavior of the differential equation and its relation between the prefactor functions and the singulant of the expansion of the equation. Through having this relationship, one can directly uncover and investigate invisible exponentially small terms and Stokes phenomenon without doing more work for the particular type of equations. Here, we demonstrate how these terms and form of the expansion can be computed straight‐away, and, in a manner, this can be extended to the derivation of the potential Stokes and anti‐Stokes lines.
Advances in quantitative high‐throughput phosphoproteomics with sample multiplexing
Authors: Paulo Joao A. , Schweppe Devin K.
Published: January 2021

Eukaryotic protein phosphorylation modulates nearly every major biological process. Phosphorylation regulates protein activity, mediates cellular signal transduction, and manipulates cellular structure. Consequently, the dysregulation of kinase and phosphatase pathways has been linked to a multitude of diseases. Mass spectrometry‐based proteomic techniques are increasingly used for the global interrogation of perturbations in phosphorylation‐based cellular signaling. Strategies for studying phosphoproteomes require high‐specificity enrichment, sensitive detection, and accurate localization of phosphorylation sites with advanced LC‐MS/MS techniques and downstream informatics. Sample multiplexing with isobaric tags has also been integral to recent advancements in throughput and sensitivity for phosphoproteomic studies. Each of these facets of phosphoproteomics analysis present distinct challenges and thus opportunities for improvement and innovation. Here, we review current methodologies, explore persistent challenges, and discuss the outlook for isobaric tag‐based quantitative phosphoproteomic analysis.
Seroprevalence of anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG antibodies in children with household exposure to adults with COVID‐19: Preliminary findings
Authors: Buonsenso Danilo , Valentini Piero , De Rose Cristina , Pata Davide , Sinatti Dario , Speziale Domenico , Ricci Rosalba , Carfì Angelo , Landi Francesco , Ferrari Vittoria , De Maio Flavio , Palucci Ivana , Sanguinetti Maurizio , Sali Michela ,   the Gemelli Against COVID‐19 Post‐Acute Care Study Group
Published: January 2021

Weather and the susceptibility of children to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection is still a debated question and currently a hot topic, particularly in view of important decisions regarding opening schools. Therefore, we performed this prospective analysis of anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies in children with known household exposure to SARS‐CoV‐2 and compared their IgG status with the other adults exposed to the index case in the same household. A total of 30 families with a documented COVID‐19 index case were included. A total of 44 out of 80 household contacts (55%) of index patients had anti SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG antibodies. In particular, 16/27 (59,3%) adult partners had IgG antibodies compared with 28/53 (52,3%) of pediatric contacts (p > .05). Among the pediatric population, children ≥5 years of age had a similar probability of having SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG antibodies (21/39, 53.8%) compared to those less than 5 years old (7/14, 50%) (p > .05). Adult partners and children also had a similar probability of having SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG antibodies. Interestingly, 10/28 (35.7%) of children and 5/27 (18.5%) of adults with SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG antibodies were previously diagnosed as COVID‐19 cases. Our study shows evidence of a high rate of IgG antibodies in children exposed to SARS‐CoV‐2. This report has public health implications, highlighting the need to establish appropriate guidelines for school openings and other social activities related to childhood.
Active aging in the countryside: Space, place and the performance of leisure–work lifestyles in contemporary rural China
Authors: Chen Ningning , Chen Jingfu , Ko Pei‐Chun
Published: January 2021

This paper explores the performance of active aging by Chinese rural elders amidst rapid rural restructuring. Drawing on a study of combined leisure–work lifestyles of elderly males in rural Wenzhou, southeast China, it highlights the significance of space and place in forming and shaping active aging in the countryside. The wider rural transformation prompted by industrialisation and modernisation provides opportunities for them to (re)make a temple leisure space and an elderly porter centre in/through which they reconfigure everyday practices and aged identities as ‘modern subjects’ and ‘good parents.’ Such reconfiguration is simultaneously shaped by place‐based norms such as ‘living a self‐sufficient later life.’ It is also found that their experiences and practices of active aging are continuously mediated in time‐spaces. This is demonstrated by the influence of spatial openness and proximity and the tempo‐spatial negotiation of past experiences and differences during the performance of active aging. This paper advances a geographical approach to exploring active aging in the countryside and enriches our understanding of active aging in contemporary (rural) China.
Icarisid II promotes proliferation and neuronal differentiation of neural stem cells via activating Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway
Authors: Xiao Hong‐He , Zhang Ming‐Bo , Xu Jun‐Ting , Deng Yan , Li Ning , Gao Peng , Li Yan , Kong Liang , Li Wan‐yi , Chen Ji‐Cong , Li Hong‐Yan , Shan Guo‐Shun , Tai He , Yang Jing‐Xian
Published: January 2021

Adult neurogenesis plays a vital role in maintaining cognitive functions in mammals and human beings. Mobilization of hippocampal neurogenesis has been regarded as a promising therapeutic approach to restore injured neurons in neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Icarisid II (ICS II), an active ingredient derived from Epimedii Folium, has been reported to exhibit multiple neuroprotective effects. In the present study, we investigated the effects of ICS II on the proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells (NSCs) and amyloid precusor protein (APP)‐overexpressing NSCs (APP‐NSCs) in vitro. Our results demonstrated that ICS II dose‐dependently suppressed apoptosis and elevated viability of APP‐NSCs. ICS II (1 μM) potently promoted proliferation and neuronal differentiation of NSCs and APP‐NSCs. ICS II (1 μM) significantly upregulated Wnt‐3a expression, increased the phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase‐3β and enhanced the nuclear transfer of β‐catenin. Moreover, ICS II also promoted astrocytes to secrete Wnt‐3a, which positively modulates Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway. These findings demonstrate that ICS II promotes NSCs proliferation and neuronal differentiation partly by activating the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway.
First passage time control charts assuming power law intensity for time to jointly monitor time and magnitude
Authors: Ali Sajid
Published: January 2021

Control charts are essential tools to monitor the quality of a process and commonly used in many industries besides industrial production. Due to the industrial revolution, many products have very low failure chances and labeled as the high‐quality products, where the time‐between‐events (TBE) charts are commonly used to monitor such processes. This study purposes control charts to monitor time and magnitude assuming the power law process for the TBE whereas the magnitude is assumed cumulative as well as noncumulative over time. Besides two illustrative examples, a comparison to the existing rate and first passage time (FPT) charts is also presented in this study. It is shown numerically that the proposed charts are more efficient than the existing FPT and rate charts.
Lung cancer presenting as an acute appendicitis
Authors: Callum Jack , Paik Julie , Hibbert Michael
Published: January 2021

Appendiceal metastasis is a rare complication of primary lung cancer and an extremely rare cause of appendicitis. We present the case of a 62‐year‐old male who presented with right lower quadrant abdominal pain which revealed not only appendiceal inflammation, but also a lung mass and mediastinal lymph nodes. He then proceeded to appendicectomy and two days post‐operatively an endobronchial ultrasound‐guided biopsy. His mediastinal lymph node biopsy revealed a lung adenocarcinoma and his subsequent appendiceal immunohistochemistry revealed the same staining pattern for thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF‐1) and cytokeratin 7 (CK‐7). We conducted a literature review which revealed 12 previous case reports of lung metastasis to the appendix causing appendicitis including three patients in whom appendicitis was the presenting complaint leading to lung cancer diagnosis. This case highlights the diversity of presentations for patients suffering from metastatic lung cancer.
Learn how to assess your institution's support for student well‐being
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: January 2021

The level of each student's well‐being can influence so many aspects of success, including retention, GPAs, mental and physical health, and learning, explained Bridget Yuhas, Ed.D., Director of Student Affairs Assessment and Planning at Butler University, and Josh Downing, Butler's Director of Recreation and Wellness, during a webinar hosted by the Assessment Institute.
Did court dismiss law student's Title IX lawsuit?
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: January 2021

The plaintiff was a female University of Pittsburgh law student who was arrested and charged with assaulting a male law student.
Rapid Controllable Synthesis of Atomically Dispersed Co on Carbon under High Voltage within One Minute
Authors: Du Junyi , Wu Geng , Liang Kuang , Yang Jia , Zhang Yida , Lin Yue , Zheng Xusheng , Yu Zhen‐Qiang , Wu Yuen , Hong Xun
Published: January 2021

Developing a rapid and low cost approach to access atomically dispersed metal catalysts (ADMCs) supported by carbon is important but still challenging. Here, an electric flash strategy using high voltage for the rapid fabrication of carbon‐supported ADMCs within 1 min is reported. Continuous plasma arc results in nitrogen‐doped carbon ultrathin nanosheets, while an intermittent spark pulse constructs carbon hollow nanospheres via blasting effect, and both structures are decorated with atomically dispersed cobalt. The latter catalyst shows a half‐wave potential of 0.887 V versus RHE (47 mV higher than commercial Pt/C) in an oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in alkaline media. The authors’ work paves the way to rapid synthesis of carbon‐supported ADMCs at both low cost and mass production.
Stand‐Alone Photoelectrochemical Energy Conversions
Authors: Nath Narayan Chandra Deb , Viswanathan Perumal , Yadav Hemraj Mahipati , Yoo Kicheon , Kang Hyeon Cheol , Lee Jae-Joon
Published: January 2021

The photoelectrochemical (PEC) conversions of water and atmospheric CO2 to value‐added fuels, such as H2, CH4, and CH3OH, can provide potential alternative sources for clean and environment‐friendly solar fuels. Several efforts are reported on the designing and developing stand‐alone PEC cells that efficiently produce H2 and O2 from water and minimize atmospheric CO2 via conversion to fuels under only sunlight. However, in reality, high overpotential, poor product‐selectivity, competitive side‐reactions, and self‐reduction of a catalyst limit the performance of the PEC cells, thereby requiring high power inputs. The choice of electrode materials and architectures of PEC cells are very important for designing stand‐alone and durable PEC cells with high solar‐to‐fuels conversion efficiency (EffSTF) and high selectivity. The present review provides a complete account of recent published works on stand‐alone PEC systems with different architectures; development of electrode materials for high EffSTF, selectivity, and stability; and the current challenges. Furthermore, this review describes the future outlook on stand‐alone PEC systems for future production of clean solar fuels and mitigation of atmospheric CO2 levels by utilizing only solar energy.
Exploiting Ternary Blends to Accurately Control the Coloration of Semitransparent, Non‐Fullerene, Organic Solar Cells
Authors: An Na Gyeong , Lee Taeho , Heo Jungwoo , Kim Jae Won , Song Seyeong , Lee Woojin , Walker Bright , Lim Eunhee , Kim Jin Young
Published: January 2021

Semitransparent organic solar cells (STOSCs) have received increasing attention due to promising applications such as building‐integrated photovoltaics. Successful commercialization requires that STOSCs are aesthetically pleasing as well as having balanced power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) and average visible transmittances (AVTs). Non‐fullerene acceptors, which possess excellent electrical/chemical properties, have helped STOSCs to achieve high PCE and AVT; however, research related to modulating color and appearance of STOSCs has lagged behind. Herein, narrow bandgap donor and acceptor (PTB7‐Th and IEICO‐4F) and ultra‐wide bandgap acceptors (T2‐ORH and T2‐OEHRH) are used to achieve semitransparency and controllable device coloration. Blend films with controllable colors including cyan → blue → purple → reddish purple colors are successfully demonstrated, which are controlled by ratios of IEICO‐4F:T2‐ORH or IEICO‐4F:T2‐OEHRH with PTB7‐Th. By incorporating semitransparent electrodes (comprising Sb2O3/Ag/Sb2O3), STOSCs with PCEs of 6–7% are achieved for cyan, aqua, indigo, and purple and ≈4% PCEs for reddish‐purple colors, with AVTs in the range of 23–35%. Moreover, optical properties of blend films are studied via absorption and transmission measurements, whereas the range of colors achieved is quantified using commission internationale de l'éclairage (CIE) chromaticity and CIE L * a * b* color space then represented as RGB color models.
Integrated S‐Scheme Heterojunction of Amine‐Functionalized 1D CdSe Nanorods Anchoring on Ultrathin 2D SnNb2O6 Nanosheets for Robust Solar‐Driven CO2 Conversion
Authors: Ke Xiaochun , Zhang Jinfeng , Dai Kai , Fan Ke , Liang Changhao
Published: January 2021

Photocatalytic CO2 reduction to value‐added fuels is an appealing avenue in response to global warming and the energy crisis, but it still suffers from high energy barriers, low conversion efficiencies, and poor photostability. Herein, a novel S‐scheme SnNb2O6/CdSe–diethylenetriamine (SNO/CdSe–DET) heterojunction is designed by a microwave‐assisted solvothermal process, composed of 2D ultrathin SNO nanosheets (NSs) and amine‐modified CdSe–DET nanorods (NRs). The SNO/CdSe–DET composite without any co‐catalyst possesses a boosted performance in the solar‐driven photocatalytic conversion of CO2 to CO, and the highest CO evolution rate achieved is 36.16 μmol g−1 h−1, which is roughly 3.58 and 9.39 times greater than those of CdSe–DET and SNO under visible‐light illumination. Such a superior activity should be ascribed to the S‐scheme system, which benefits the separation of the photogenerated carriers and promotes the synergy between CdSe–DET NRs and SNO NSs by strong chemical‐bonding coordination. Meanwhile, DET can enhance CO2 adsorption/activation and precisely regulate the surface reactive sites. This innovative work provides fresh insight into the development of highly efficient S‐scheme photocatalytic heterostructures for CO2 reduction.
Effects of physical activities on dementia‐related biomarkers: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Moniruzzaman Mohammad , Kadota Aya , Akash Maksudul Shadat , Pruitt Patrick J , Miura Katsuyuki , Albin Roger , Dodge Hiroko H.
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Physical activities (PA) may lead to improved cognition in mild cognitive impairment (MCI), Alzheimer's disease (AD), and dementia. The mechanisms mediating potential PA effects are unknown. Assessment of PA effects on relevant biomarkers may provide insights into mechanisms underlying potential PA effects on cognition.

Methods

We systematically reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that studied PA effects on biomarkers in MCI, AD, and dementia populations. We examined whether biological mechanisms were hypothesized to explain associations among PA, biomarkers, and cognitive functions. We used the PubMed database and searched for RCTs with PA until October 31, 2019.

Results

Of 653 studies examining changes in biomarkers in PA trials, 18 studies met inclusion criteria for the present review. Some studies found favorable effects of PA on neurotrophic and inflammatory biomarkers. AD pathological markers were rarely investigated, with inconclusive results. Most studies were relatively small in sample size, of limited duration, and not all studies compared the changes in biomarkers between the control and experimental groups.

Discussion

There is only limited use of potentially informative biomarkers in PA trials for MCI, AD, and dementia. Most studies did not examine the role of biomarkers to study associations between PA and cognitive functions in their analyses. Several potential biomarkers remain uninvestigated. Careful use of biomarkers may clarify mechanisms underlying PA effects on cognition. Our review serves as a useful resource for developing future PA RCTs aimed at improving cognitive functions in MCI, AD, and dementias.
Companion animal veterinarians’ and veterinary clients’ perceptions of information exchanged while communicating about blood tests
Authors: Janke Natasha , Coe Jason B. , Bernardo Theresa M. , Dewey Cate E. , Stone Elizabeth A.
Published: January 2021

Background: Blood tests play a vital role in veterinary medicine, as they enable veterinarians to make decisions about their patients’ medical care and provide opportunities to engage clients in veterinary care. The objective of this study was to explore perspectives of veterinary clients and veterinarians on current reporting practices for blood tests ordered in companion animal practice. The type of information communicated and client information seeking behaviours were examined.

Methods: Two online surveys were distributed using snowball sampling: one targeting veterinary clients and one targeting veterinarians.

Results: In total, 529 veterinary client and 416 veterinarian surveys were included in analyses. Significant differences were found between what blood test information veterinarian respondents felt they provided clients and what client respondents perceived they received with regard to their pet's blood tests. Almost 60% of clients somewhat or strongly agreed that they search the Internet if they do not understand why a test was ordered or what the results mean. Half of clients reported that they never receive a written report of their pet's blood work, 81% of whom were interested in receiving a copy.

Conclusion: Results of this research demonstrate opportunities to improve veterinarians’ and clients’ communication about blood tests.
Problematische Nutzung sozialer Netzwerke
Authors: Wegmann Elisa , Jung Kim-Sarah , Antons Stephanie
Published: January 2021

Hintergrund

Die Nutzung sozialer Netzwerke ist ein zentraler Bestandteil des Alltags. Neben vielen Vorteilen wird jedoch zunehmend von subjektiven Beeinträchtigungen und negativen Konsequenzen aufgrund einer exzessiven, unkontrollierten Nutzung berichtet. Parallelen zu anderen internetbezogenen Verhaltenssüchten und substanzgebundenen Störungen lassen vermuten, dass Konstrukte wie Impulsivität, das Erleben von Craving und eine beeinträchtige Inhibitionskontrolle ebenfalls Risikofaktoren bei der Entwicklung und Aufrechterhaltung einer problematischen Nutzung sozialer Netzwerke darstellen.

Material und Methode

In der vorliegenden Experimentalstudie mit 64 Teilnehmenden im Alter von 18 bis 59 Jahren wurden ein auditives „Cue-reactivity“-Paradigma sowie eine modifizierte Version der Stopp-Signal-Aufgabe zur Erfassung von Reizreaktivität und Inhibitionskontrolle eingesetzt. Zur Erhebung von Craving, Impulsivität und der Symptomschwere einer problematischen Nutzung sozialer Netzwerke wurden Fragebogen verwendet.

Ergebnisse

Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die Tendenz einer problematischen Nutzung mit einer höheren Impulsivität und Craving einhergeht. Die Inhibitionskontrolle sowie die Interaktion zwischen den verschiedenen Konstrukten konnten keine weitere Beiträge zur Varianzaufklärung der Symptomschwere leisten.

Schlussfolgerung

Die Ergebnisse illustrieren die Bedeutsamkeit von Impulsivität und Craving bei der Entwicklung und Aufrechterhaltung einer problematischen Nutzung sozialer Netzwerke. Darüber hinaus gilt es, die Spezifität der einzelnen Reize hinsichtlich des möglichen Konfliktpotenzials und Aufforderungscharakters sowie die damit einhergehende Relevanz spezifischer kognitiver Komponenten in weiteren Studien zu prüfen.
PHI density prospectively improves prostate cancer detection
Authors: Stephan Carsten , Jung Klaus , Lein Michael , Rochow Hannah , Friedersdorff Frank , Maxeiner Andreas
Published: January 2021

Purpose

To evaluate the Prostate Health Index (PHI) density (PHID) in direct comparison with PHI in a prospective large cohort.

Methods

PHID values were calculated from prostate-specific antigen (PSA), free PSA and [− 2]proPSA and prostate volume. The 1057 patients included 552 men with prostate cancer (PCa) and 505 with no evidence of malignancy (NEM). In detail, 562 patients were biopsied at the Charité Hospital Berlin and 495 patients at the Sana Hospital Offenbach. All patients received systematic or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/ultrasound fusion-guided biopsies. The diagnostic accuracy was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves comparing areas under the ROC-curves (AUC). The decision curve analysis (DCA) was performed with the MATLAB Neural Network Toolbox.

Results

PHID provided a significant larger AUC than PHI (0.835 vs. 0.801; p = 0.0013) in our prospective cohort of 1057 men from 2 centers. The DCA had a maximum net benefit of ~ 5% for PHID vs. PHI between 35 and 65% threshold probability. In those 698 men within the WHO-calibrated PSA grey-zone up to 8 ng/ml, PHID was also significantly better than PHI (AUC 0.819 vs. 0.789; p = 0.0219). But PHID was not different from PHI in the detection of significant PCa.

Conclusions

Based on ROC analysis and DCA, PHID had an advantage in comparison with PHI alone to detect any PCa but PHI and PHID performed equal in detecting significant PCa.
Detection of non‐climatic biases in land surface temperature records by comparing climatic data and their model simulations
Authors: Scafetta Nicola
Published: January 2021

The 0.6 °C warming observed in global temperature datasets from 1940 to 1960 to 2000–2020 can be partially due to urban heat island (UHI) and other non-climatic biases in the underlying data, although several previous studies have argued to the contrary. Here we identify land regions where such biases could be present by locally evaluating their diurnal temperature range (DTR = TMax − TMin trends between the decades 1945–1954 and 2005–2014 and between the decades 1951–1960 and 1991–2000 versus their synthetic hindcasts produced by the CMIP5 models. Vast regions of Asia (in particular Russia and China) and North America, a significant part of Europe, part of Oceania, and relatively small parts of South America (in particular Colombia and Venezuela) and Africa show DTR reductions up to 0.5–1.5 °C larger than the hindcasted ones, mostly where fast urbanization has occurred, such as in central-east China. Besides, it is found: (1) from May to October, TMax globally warmed 40% less than the hindcast; (2) in Greenland, which appears nearly free of any non-climatic contamination, TMean warmed about 50% less than the hindcast; (3) the world macro-regions with, on average, the lowest DTR reductions and with low urbanization (60S-30N:120 W–90 E and 60 S–10 N:90 E–180 E: Central and South America, Africa, and Oceania) warmed about 20–30% less than the models’ hindcast. Yet, the world macro-region with, on average, the largest DTR reductions and with high urbanization (30 N–80 N:180 W–180 E: most of North America, Europe, and Central Asia) warmed just a little bit more (5%) than the hindcast, which indicates that the models well agree only with potentially problematic temperature records. Indeed, also tree-based proxy temperature reconstructions covering the 30°N–70°N land area produce significantly less warming than the correspondent instrumentally-based temperature record since 1980. Finally, we compare land and sea surface temperature data versus their CMIP5 simulations and find that 25–45% of the 1 °C land warming from 1940–1960 to 2000–2020 could be due to non-climatic biases. By merging the sea surface temperature record (assumed to be correct) and an adjusted land temperature record based on the model prediction, the global warming during the same period is found to be 15–25% lower than reported. The corrected warming is compatible with that shown by the satellite UAH MSU v6.0 low troposphere global temperature record since 1979. Implications for climate model evaluation and future global warming estimates are briefly addressed.
Brain/blood ratios of methadone and ABCB1 polymorphisms in methadone-related deaths
Authors: Iwersen-Bergmann S. , Plattner S. , Hischke S. , Müller A. , Andresen-Streichert H. , Jungen H. , Erb R. , Beer-Sandner B.
Published: January 2021

Methadone is an opioid that often leads to fatalities. Interpretation of toxicological findings can be challenging if no further information about the case history is available. The aims of this study were (1) to determine whether brain/blood ratios can assist in the interpretation of methadone findings in fatalities; (2) to examine whether polymorphisms in the gene encoding the P-glycoprotein (also known as multidrug resistance protein 1 (MDR1) or ATP-binding cassette sub-family B member 1 (ABCB1)), which functions as a multispecific efflux pump in the blood–brain barrier, affect brain/blood ratios of methadone. Femoral venous blood and brain tissue (medulla oblongata and cerebellum) from 107 methadone-related deaths were analysed for methadone by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. In addition, all the samples were genotyped for three common ABCB1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs rs1045642, rs1128503, and rs2032582) using ion-pair reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ICEMS). In nearly all cases, methadone concentrations were higher in the brain than in the blood. Inter-individual brain/blood ratios varied (0.6–11.6); the mean ratio was 2.85 (standard deviation 1.83, median 2.35). Moreover, significant differences in mean brain/blood ratios were detected among the synonymous genotypes of rs1045642 in ABCB1 (p = 0.001). Cases with the T/T genotype had significantly higher brain/blood ratios than cases with the other genotypes (T/T vs. T/C difference (d) = 1.54, 95% CI [1.14, 2.05], p = 0.002; T/T vs. C/C d = 1.60, 95% CI [1.13, 2.29], p = 0.004). Our results suggest that the rs1045642 polymorphisms in ABCB1 may affect methadone concentrations in the brain and its site of action and may be an additional factor influencing methadone toxicity.
A comparison of airway pressures for inflation fixation of developing mouse lungs for stereological analyses
Authors: Pérez-Bravo David , Myti Despoina , Mižíková Ivana , Pfeffer Tilman , Surate Solaligue David E. , Nardiello Claudio , Vadász István , Herold Susanne , Seeger Werner , Ahlbrecht Katrin , Morty Rory E.
Published: January 2021

The morphometric analysis of lung structure using the principles of stereology has emerged as a powerful tool to describe the structural changes in lung architecture that accompany the development of lung disease that is experimentally modelled in adult mice. These stereological principles are now being applied to the study of the evolution of the lung architecture over the course of prenatal and postnatal lung development in mouse neonates and adolescents. The immature lung is structurally and functionally distinct from the adult lung, and has a smaller volume than does the adult lung. These differences have raised concerns about whether the inflation fixation of neonatal mouse lungs with the airway pressure (Paw) used for the inflation fixation of adult mouse lungs may cause distortion of the neonatal mouse lung structure, leading to the generation of artefacts in subsequent analyses. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of a Paw of 10, 20 and 30 cmH2O on the estimation of lung volumes and stereologically assessed parameters that describe the lung structure in developing mouse lungs. The data presented demonstrate that low Paw (10 cmH2O) leads to heterogeneity in the unfolding of alveolar structures within the lungs, and that high Paw (30 cmH2O) leads to an overestimation of the lung volume, and thus, affects the estimation of volume-dependent parameters, such as total alveoli number and gas-exchange surface area. Thus, these data support the use of a Paw of 20 cmH2O for inflation fixation in morphometric studies on neonatal mouse lungs.
Muscle architecture and morphology as determinants of explosive strength
Authors: Maden-Wilkinson T. M. , Balshaw T. G. , Massey G. J. , Folland J. P.
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Neural drive and contractile properties are well-defined physiological determinants of explosive strength, the influence of muscle architecture and related morphology on explosive strength is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to examine the relationships betweenQuadricepsmuscle architecture (pennation angle [ΘP] and fascicle length [FL]) and size (e.g., volume; QVOL), as well as patellar tendon moment arm (PTMA) with voluntary and evoked explosive knee extension torque in 53 recreationally active young men.

Method

Following familiarisation, explosive voluntary torque at 50 ms intervals from torque onset (T50, T100, T150), evoked octet at 50 ms (8 pulses at 300-Hz; evoked T50), as well as maximum voluntary torque, were assessed on two occasions with isometric dynamometry. B-mode ultrasound was used to assess ΘPand FLat ten sites throughout the quadriceps (2–3 sites) per constituent muscle. Muscle size (QVOL) and PTMAwere quantified using 1.5 T MRI.

Result

There were no relationships with absolute early phase explosive voluntary torque (≤ 50 ms), but θP(weak), QVOL(moderate to strong) and PTMA(weak) were related to late phase explosive voluntary torque (≥ 100 ms). Regression analysis revealed only QVOLwas an independent variable contributing to the variance in T100(34%) and T150(54%). Evoked T50was also related to QVOLand θP.When explosive strength was expressed relative to MVT there were no relationships observed.

Conclusion

It is likely that the weak associations of θPand PTMAwith late phase explosive voluntary torque was via their association with MVT/QVOLrather than as a direct determinant.
Unintended fusion in cervical artificial disk replacement: a prospective study on heterotopic ossification, progression, and clinical outcome, with 5-year follow-up
Authors: Marques Catarina , MacDowall Anna , Skeppholm Martin , Canto Moreira Nuno , Olerud Claes
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Heterotopic ossification (HO) may cause unintended fusion in artificial disk replacement (ADR), failing to preserve motion. The reported incidence of HO varies hugely. This study aimed to determine prevalence of HO, progression, predisposing factors to occurrence and to progression, and potential effect on clinical outcomes.

Methods

Eighty-three patients treated with ADRs for cervical radiculopathy at one or two segments were extracted from a previously published RCT. Of the 83 patients, 59 had remaining ADR (79 implants) and sufficiently high-quality X-rays at 5 years of follow-up to allow analysis. HO was graded on plain films according to Mehren/Suchomel. Prevalence, progression, predisposing factors and effect on clinical outcome (Neck Disability Index—NDI) were analyzed.

Results

At 2 years, HO was seen in 46/55 ADR implants (84%), severe enough to affect mobility in 27/55 (49%). At 5 years, HO was seen in 92% of 79 implants, severe in 71%. Male sex was a predisposing factor to HO. No predisposing factors to progression were identified. NDI was not affected by the severity of HO.

Conclusion

Almost all ADR implants in our study have HO at 5 years of follow-up. Male sex is a risk factor. Severe HO did not affect clinical outcome.

Trial registration

Study registered at ISRCTN (registration number: 44347115).
Determination of transgene stability in Nannochloropsis sp. transformed with immunogenic peptide for oral vaccination against vibriosis
Authors: Abidin Aisamuddin Ardi Zainal , Othman Nur Adila , Yusoff Fatimah Md. , Yusof Zetty Norhana Balia
Published: January 2021

Vibriosis is one of the common diseases caused by gram-negative bacteria from the genus Vibrio. To treat vibriosis, vaccination has been proven to be the most effective treatment as it can avoid the risk of drugs or antibiotics resistance. Microalgae are commonly used as feed for aquatic organisms and Nannochloropsis sp. is one of the highly utilized species for fish feed. This study focused on the use of microalga, Nannochloropsis sp. as a vaccine carrier. Transgenic Nannochloropsis sp. harbouring an outer membrane protein kinase (OmpK) gene fragment of the Vibrio species namely V1, V2, CV1, CV2, CPV1 and CPV2 were utilized in this study. The stability of OmpK gene in transgenic Nannochloropsis sp. over a number of generations was evaluated. DNA and RNA from the Nannochloropsis sp. transgenic lines were extracted and subjected to PCR amplification of OmpK gene fragment. The OmpK gene fragment was successfully amplified and expressed up to the fifth generation (F5). For V1, V2, CV1 and CV2, the gene was present and expressed in fourth generation (F4) and F5 respectively but CPV1 and CPV2 the OmpK genes were present up to F4. From the results obtained, Nannochloropsis sp. is shown to be suitable as a vaccine carrier and can be utilized as a vaccine carrier to ameliorate vibriosis.
Personality Disorders and Their Relation to Treatment Outcomes in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Banyard Harry , Behn Alex J. , Delgadillo Jaime
Published: January 2021

Background

Previous reviews indicate that depressed patients with a comorbid personality disorder (PD) tend to benefit less from psychotherapies for depression and thus personality pathology needs to be the primary focus of treatment. This review specifically focused on studies of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for depression examining the influence of comorbid PD on post-treatment depression outcomes.

Methods

This was a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies identified through PubMed, PsychINFO, Web of Science, and Scopus. A review protocol was pre-registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42019128590).

Results

Eleven eligible studies (N = 769) were included in a narrative synthesis, and ten (N = 690) provided sufficient data for inclusion in random effects meta-analysis. All studies were rated as having “low” or “moderate” risk of bias and there was no significant evidence of publication bias. A small pooled effect size indicated that patients with PD had marginally higher depression severity after CBT compared to patients without PD (g = 0.26, [95% CI: 0.10, 0.43], p = .002), but the effect was not significant in controlled trials (p = .075), studies with low risk of bias (p = .107) and studies that adjusted for intake severity (p = .827). Furthermore, PD cases showed symptomatic improvements across studies, particularly those with longer treatment durations (16–20 sessions).

Conclusions

The apparent effect of PD on depression outcomes is likely explained by higher intake severity rather than treatment resistance. Excluding these patients from evidence-based care for depression is unjustified, and adequately lengthy CBT should be routinely offered.
Liquid crystal chemistry and poetry
Authors: Dunmur David
Published: January 2021

This paper comments on a recent article “Revolutionary poetry and liquid crystal chemistry: Herman Gorter, Ada Prins and the interface between literature and science” by Hub Zwart (Foundations of Chemistry, published online: 10 July 2020), in which the author explores the influence of the liquid crystal research of Ada Prins on the epic poem Pan written by her long-time lover Herman Gorter. The present paper reviews the basic science of liquid crystals and explains the connections between the work of Prins and its influence on the poem. Other examples of the use of “liquid crystal” as a literary device are identified from renaissance poetry, and the uses of the metaphor in these poems are analysed from a scientific perspective. From these examples it is suggested that creative concepts from poetry may contain elements of substance that appear in hitherto unrecognised scientific realities.
Are powder-technology-built stems safe? A midterm follow-up registry study
Authors: Pardo Francesco , Bordini Barbara , Castagnini Francesco , Giardina Federico , Faldini Cesare , Traina Francesco
Published: January 2021

Background

Powder technology was developed to bring together the mechanical features and high porosity of titanium. However, the high porosity may theoretically compromise mechanical resistance. Literature is deficient about the use and safety profile of cementless femoral implants built using additive manufacturing (in particular electron beam melting technology, EBM). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the survival rates and the reason for revisions (especially implant breakage) of the first two EBM-built stems at a mid-term follow-up, using a joint arthroplasty registry.

Methods

The registry of Prosthetic Orthopedic Implant (RIPO) was investigated about cementless stems implanted from 2010 to 2017. Stems built with EBM technology (Parva and Pulchra stems; Adler Ortho, Milan, Italy) were compared to all the other cementless stems implanted during the same period, acting as control group. The survival rates and reasons for revision were assessed.

Results

No stem breakage occurred. At 5-year follow-up, the survival rates of the two cohorts were not statistically different (96.8% EBM stems, 98.0% standard cementless stems; p > 0.05). In the EBM stems, aseptic loosening occurred in 1.7% of the cases at the latest follow-up.

Conclusions

This large cohort showed that mechanical resistance is not a concern in EBM stems at mid-term follow-up. However, larger populations and longer follow-ups are needed to further validate these results.