bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Secondary malignant neoplasms after bone and soft tissue sarcomas in children, adolescents, and young adults
Authors: Kube Stefanie J. , Blattmann Claudia , Bielack Stefan S. , Kager Leo , Kaatsch Peter , Kühne Thomas , Sorg Benjamin , Kevric Matthias , Jabar Susanne , Hallmen Erika , Sparber‐Sauer Monika , Klingebiel Thomas , Koscielniak Ewa , Dirksen Uta , Hecker‐Nolting Stefanie , Gerß Joachim W. O.
Published: February 2022

Background

Increased survival in young sarcoma patients comes along with a higher incidence of second malignant neoplasms (SMNs). The incidence, latency, histiotype, and outcome of these patients were analyzed because this information is essential to design evidence‐based long‐term follow‐up care programs for young sarcoma survivors.

Methods

Patients entered on clinical trials or registered in registries with a primary sarcoma in 1 of the cooperative sarcoma study groups in the framework of the Society for Pediatric Oncology and Hematology (GPOH) were screened for SMNs. Descriptive analysis, the Kaplan‐Meier method, the Gray model, the Fine‐Gray model, and the Cox regression model were used for the statistical analyses.

Results

A total of 159 out of 7079 (2.2%) patients were registered with a SMN. Among them, 104 solid SMNs (65%) and 56 hematologic SMNs (35%) occurred. Median latency from first diagnosis of sarcoma to the diagnosis of SMN was 6.8 years (range, 0‐26.7 years). Cumulative incidence of SMN was 8.8% after 30 years. Five‐year‐survival was 67.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 66.0‐68.2) for the 7079 patients and it was 45.1% (95% CI, 36.2‐53.6) after the diagnosis of a SMN (subcohort of n = 159 patients).

Conclusions

There is a remarkable high cumulative incidence of SMNs after bone and soft tissue sarcomas in children, adolescents, and young adults. Therefore, effective transition as well as risk adapted long‐term follow‐up care programs should be developed and offered to young sarcoma survivors.

Lay Summary

Bone sarcomas and soft tissue tumors are rare tumors in children, adolescents, and young adults.

The treatment varies, but may comprise chemotherapy, surgery, and/or radiotherapy.

Developing a subsequent malignant tumor is a long‐term risk for the patients.

To better characterize this risk, we analyzed the data of 7079 patients (up to 21 years old) with bone sarcomas or soft tissue tumors.

Our findings provide a basis to counsel young sarcoma survivors on their individual risk of subsequent malignant tumors.

Moreover, these data can help to establish recommendations for aftercare in young sarcoma survivors.
Mesenchymal neoplasms of the parotid gland and parapharyngeal space: an FNA cytologic study of 22 nonlipomatous tumors
Authors: Wakely Paul E.
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

Mesenchymal neoplasms of the parotid gland (PG) and para‐pharyngeal (PP) space are distinctly uncommon. Fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy experience with nonlipomatous neoplasms from this site is reviewed.

METHODS

Cytopathology and surgical pathology files were examined for mesenchymal PG and PP space neoplasms. FNA biopsy was performed using standard technique.

RESULTS

Twenty‐two PG and/or PP aspirates from 20 adults (male:female = 1.1:1; age range, 19‐84 years, mean age, 50 years) and a 10‐week‐old infant met inclusion criteria. Biopsy sites included PG (17, 77%) or PP space (5, 23%). Five of 6 malignant neoplasms (83%) were called malignant cytologically. Only 7 of 11 (63%) benign neoplasms were recognized as a benign neoplasm. None of 5 solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) cases were correctly recognized. Conversion to the Milan classification showed 8 (36%) FNA cases diagnosed as benign neoplasm, 6 (27%) malignant neoplasm, 4 (18%) neoplasm of uncertain malignant potential, 2 (9%) nondiagnostic, and single cases of suspicious for malignancy and nonneoplastic. There was 1 false‐positive and no false‐negative FNA diagnoses. Ancillary testing in 10 (45%) aspirates helped substantiate a correct specific diagnosis in 3 malignant and 3 benign cases.

CONCLUSIONS

FNA biopsy of nonlipomatous mesenchymal SG neoplasms is particularly challenging. Less than half (9 of 11, 41%) had specific FNA diagnoses that correctly matched the tissue diagnoses or clinical outcome. Accurate Milan categorization was superior for malignant neoplasms (5 of 6, 83%) in contrast to benign neoplasms (7 of 11, 63%), or neoplasms of uncertain malignant potential (SFT) (2 of 5, 40%).;
A comparison of drug‐eluting stent and coronary artery bypass grafting in mildly to moderately ischemic heart failure
Authors: Wang Kun , Wang Le , Cong Hongliang , Zhang Jingxia , Hu Yuecheng , Zhang Yingyi , Zhang Rui , Li Wenyu , Qi Wei
Published: February 2022

Aims

The best revascularization strategy for patients with ischaemic heart failure (IHF) remains unclear. Current evidence and guidelines mainly focus on patients with severe ischaemic heart failure (ejection fraction [EF] < 35%). There are limited data comparing clinical outcomes of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with implantation of drug‐eluting stents (DESs) in patients with mild to moderate ischaemic heart failure (EF 35–50%). It is therefore unknown whether percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with DES implantation can provide comparable outcomes to CABG in these patients.

Methods and results

From January 2016 to December 2017, we enrolled patients with mildly to moderately reduced EF (35–50%) who had undergone PCI with DESs or CABG. Patients with a history of CABG, presented with acute ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (MI) or acute heart failure, and patients who had undergone CABG concomitant valvular or aortic surgery were excluded. Propensity score‐matching analysis was performed between the two groups. Kaplan–Meier analysis and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression were applied to assess all‐cause mortality and individual end points. A total of 2050 patients (1330 PCIs and 720 CABGs) were included, and median follow‐up was 45 months (interquartile range 40 to 54). There were significant differences in all‐cause death between the two groups: 77 patients in the PCI group and 27 in the CABG group (DES vs. CABG: 5.8% vs. 3.8%, P = 0.045). After propensity score matching for the entire population, 601 matched pairs were obtained. The long‐term cumulative rate of all‐cause death was significantly different between the two groups (DES vs. CABG: 5.8% vs. 2.7%, P = 0.006). No differences were found in the rates of cardiac death (DES vs. CABG: 4.8% vs. 3.0%, P = 0.096), recurrent MI (DES vs. CABG: 4.0% vs. 2.8%, P = 0.234), and stroke (DES vs. CABG: 6.8% vs. 5.2%, P = 0.163). The rate of repeat coronary revascularization was significantly higher in the PCI group than in the CABG group (12.1% vs. 6.0%, P = 0.000).

Conclusions

Considering the higher long‐term survival rate and lower repeat‐revascularization rate, CABG may be superior to DES implantation in patients with mildly to moderately reduced EF (35–50%) and significant CAD.
Cracks before the crisis: Polarization prior to COVID‐19 predicts increased collective angst and economic pessimism
Authors: Crimston Charlie R. , Selvanathan Hema Preya , Álvarez Belén , Jetten Jolanda , Bentley Sarah , Casara Bruno Gabriel Salvador , Ionescu Octavia , Krug Henning , Steffens Niklas K. , Tanjitpiyanond Porntida , Wibisono Susilo
Published: February 2022

We examine how polarization within societies is associated with reduced confidence in national responses to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) crisis. We surveyed 4,731 participants across nine countries at Wave 1 (France, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Thailand, the United Kingdom and the United States), and then, at Wave 2 (3 months later), we recontacted 840 participants from two countries (the United Kingdom and the United States). We found that perceived polarization in the years preceding COVID‐19 predicted an enhanced perception that a country's COVID response was anomic (i.e., disorganized, chaotic), which in turn predicted greater collective angst and economic pessimism. Moreover, polarization measured at Wave 1 continued to predict perceptions that the COVID‐19 response was anomic at Wave 2, and, in turn, enhanced collective angst, pessimism, and the perception that dramatic political change was required to recover from COVID‐19. Our findings highlight how polarization may be associated with reduced confidence in leaders and governments at times of crisis, and how this predicts future‐focused anxiety and pessimism.
The design and optimization of novel elliptic cylindrical through‐silicon via and its temperature characterization
Authors: Guan Wenbo , Lu Hongliang , Zhang Yuming , Zhang Yimen
Published: February 2022

Through‐silicon via (TSV) technology is a key technology to realize multi‐layer chips and its structure model and transmission characteristics have attracted much attention. With the continuous reduction of chip size, higher requirements are put forward for the model and transmission characteristics of TSV. A novel elliptic cylindrical TSV structure model is proposed. The influence of axial length ratio, height, dielectric layer thickness, and spacing on the transmission characteristics of TSV is further studied by HFSS software. The results show that the transmission of TSV is facilitated by the decrease of axial length ratio, the decrease of height, the increase of dielectric layer thickness, and the increase of TSV spacing. The TSV structural parameter values are optimized by a single variable method. The optimized TSV structure is compared with the original TSV, traditional cylindrical and conical TSV, and coaxial TSV. It is concluded that the elliptic cylindrical TSV structure has better transmission performance. The temperature characteristics of the elliptic cylindrical TSV are simulated. It is indicated that the transmission characteristics of the elliptic cylindrical TSV are poor at low frequency and better at high frequency when the temperature rises.
Design of detection‐jamming shared waveform based on virtual force field algorithm
Authors: Xiong Guomiao , Li Yunpeng , Chen Chao
Published: February 2022

Due to the technical barriers between radars and jammers and the poor performance of the traditional detection‐jamming shared signal in integrated radar‐electronic warfare systems, a new detection‐jamming shared signal waveform based on the virtual force field algorithm (VFFA) is proposed in this article. First, a multiobjective and multidimensional characteristic parameter optimization model, based on a virtual force field, is established, and then the design principle of the shared signal is presented in detail. The simulation results show that the detection‐jamming shared signal based on the VFFA presents the deceptive jamming of multiple false targets in a noncollaborative target's radar screen. Further, there is better detection performance with the advantages of multiple pulse repetition frequency (PRF) and pulse accumulation numbers, which are highly sensitive to the multijagged PRF signals emitted by the noncollaborative target. According to the VFFA described in this article, the optimum detection‐jamming shared signal waveform can be output in real time for specific free space targets, to improve the efficiency of integrated radar and electronic warfare systems.
Organoleptic and Physicochemical Properties of Soy‐Milk Yoghurt Enriched withMoringa OleiferaRoot Powder
Authors: Ponka Roger , Zhung Peter Mukong , Zomegni Gaston , Tchouape Carolin Gabriel , Fokou Elie
Published: February 2022

The organoleptic and physicochemical properties of soy‐milk yoghurt enriched with moringa root powder are evaluated here.Moringa oleiferasoy‐milk yoghurt is produced at different formulations blended from cow milk: soymilk:Moringain a ratio of A (100%:0%:0%; B (60%:39.9%:0.1%); C (50%:49.9%:0.1%), D (40%:59.9%:0.1%), and E (0%:99.9%:0.1%) with sample A serving as the control. Sensory analysis is done for each formulation and the physicochemical properties of the preferred formulations are performed. The pH and titratable acidity are measured by a pH meter and titration respectively. Proximate composition is measured according to Association of Official Analytical Chemists methods. The mineral content is determined by atomic spectrophotometry. Results show that soy‐milkMoringaenriched yoghurts (B and C) are preferred after choosing the control (A) as the best. The incorporation of the soy‐milkMoringasignificantly increases the fat, fiber, protein, copper manganese, and iron content in the samples (p < 0.05). Thus Moringa enriched soy‐milk yoghurts (B and C) represent a cheaper alternative to the control (A) providing protein‐energy for low income families that is expected to help reduce the occurrence of kwashiorkor and wasting. The presence of zinc and calcium is expected to help in bone growth and development hence preventing stunting in children under five years and iron is expected to help reduce the prevalence of anemia among pregnant women.
Signatures of life course socioeconomic conditions in brain anatomy
Authors: Loued‐Khenissi Leyla , Trofimova Olga , Vollenweider Peter , Marques‐Vidal Pedro , Preisig Martin , Lutti Antoine , Kliegel Matthias , Sandi Carmen , Kherif Ferhat , Stringhini Silvia , Draganski Bogdan
Published: February 2022

Socioeconomic status (SES) plays a significant role in health and disease. At the same time, early‐life conditions affect neural function and structure, suggesting the brain may be a conduit for the biological embedding of SES. Here, we investigate the brain anatomy signatures of SES in a large‐scale population cohort aged 45–85 years. We assess both gray matter morphometry and tissue properties indicative of myelin content. Higher life course SES is associated with increased volume in several brain regions, including postcentral and temporal gyri, cuneus, and cerebellum. We observe more widespread volume differences and higher myelin content in the sensorimotor network but lower myelin content in the temporal lobe associated with childhood SES. Crucially, childhood SES differences persisted in adult brains even after controlling for adult SES, highlighting the unique contribution of early‐life conditions to brain anatomy, independent of later changes in SES. These findings inform on the biological underpinnings of social inequality, particularly as they pertain to early‐life conditions.
Pediatric males receiving hematopoietic stem cell transplant lose their male disadvantage in disease risk after the procedure: A retrospective observational study
Authors: De Nardi Laura , Simeone Roberto , Torelli Lucio , Maestro Alessandra , Zanon Davide , Barbi Egidio , Maximova Natalia
Published: February 2022

Sex differences play a relevant role in cancer susceptibility, incidence and survival. Exploring such differences is difficult because of the close interplay of genetic, epigenetic and hormonal factors. However, a better understanding of the role of such disparities in cancer mechanisms could improve its prevention and therapy. Our study explores how sex differences in pediatric outcomes vary after undergoing first and advanced‐line therapy for hematological malignancies. The primary goal was to evaluate if sex differences in pediatric outcomes after first‐line therapy persist after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The secondary goal was to analyze sex differences in disease risk at onset and pediatric outcomes after first‐line therapy to compare our results with the literature's reported results. Among a total of 485 patients (280 males, 205 females) admitted for hematological malignancies, disease risk at the onset was significantly higher in males (P < .05). One hundred and seventy‐four patients (111 males and 63 females) had a high‐risk disease requiring HSCT. Before HSCT, all patients underwent myeloablative conditioning, which substantially impaired gonadal function. Although the number of boys undergoing HSCT was almost double that of girls, there were no sex‐related differences in overall survival, cancer relapse and complications after HSCT exposure (P > .05). These findings suggest that the existing sex differences in cancer risk ab initio can be somehow flattened by a conditioning regimen, shedding new light on the role of hormonal factors in cancer mechanism and management.
Electrosprayed cefazolin‐loaded niosomes onto electrospun chitosan nanofibrous membrane for wound healing applications
Authors: Mansouri Milad , Barzi Seyed Mahmoud , Zafari Mahdi , Chiani Mohsen , Chehrazi Mojtaba , Nosrati Hamed , Shams Nosrati Mohammad Sadegh , Nayyeri Sara , Khodaei Mohammad , Bonakdar Shahin , Shafiei Morvarid
Published: February 2022

Chronic wounds are among the most therapeutically challenging conditions, which are commonly followed by bacterial infection. The ideal approach to treat such injuries are synergistic infection therapy and skin tissue regeneration. In the recent decades, nanotechnology has played a critical role in eradicating bacterial infections by introducing several carriers developed for drug delivery. Moreover, advances in tissue engineering have resulted in new drug delivery systems that can improve the skin regeneration rate and quality. In this study, cefazolin‐loaded niosomes were electrosprayed onto chitosan membrane for wound healing applications. For this purpose, niosomes were obtained by the thin‐film hydration method; electrospinning was then conducted to fabricate nanofibrous mats. In vitro characterization of the scaffold was performed to evaluate the physicochemical and biological properties. Finally, in vivo studies were carried out to evaluate the potential use of the membrane for skin regeneration. In vitro results indicated the antibacterial properties of the membrane against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) due to the gradual release of cefazolin from niosomes. The scaffolds also showed no cell toxicity. In vivo studies also confirmed the ability of the membrane to enhance skin regeneration by improving re‐epithelialization, tissue remodeling, and angiogenesis. The current study could well show the promising role of the prepared scaffold for skin regeneration and bacterial infection elimination.
An ETS‐NOCV‐based computational strategies for the characterization of concerted transition states involving CO2
Authors: Sorbelli Diego , Belanzoni Paola , Belpassi Leonardo , Lee Ji‐Woong , Ciancaleoni Gianluca
Published: February 2022

Due to the presence of both a slightly acidic carbon and a slightly basic oxygen, carbon dioxide is often involved in concerted transition states (TSs) with two (or more) different molecular events interlaced in the same step. The possibility of isolating and quantitatively evaluating each molecular event would be important to characterize and understand the reaction mechanism in depth. This could be done, in principle, by measuring the relevant distances in the optimized TS, but often distances are not accurate enough, especially in the presence of many simultaneous processes. Here, we have applied the Extended Transition State‐Natural Orbital for Chemical Valence‐method (ETS‐NOCV), also in combination with the Activation Strain Model (ASM) and Energy Decomposition Analysis (EDA), to separate and quantify these molecular events at the TS of both organometallic and organic reactions. For the former, we chose the decomposition of formic acid to CO2 by an iridium catalyst, and for the latter, a CO2‐mediated transamidation and its chemical variations (hydro‐ and aminolysis of an ester) as case studies. We demonstrate that the one‐to‐one mapping between the “molecular events” and the ETS‐NOCV components is maintained along the entire lowest energy path connecting reactants and products around the TS, thus enabling a detailed picture on the relative importance of each interacting component. The methodology proposed here provides valuable insights into the effect of different chemical substituents on the reaction mechanism and promises to be generally applicable for any concerted TSs.
A multi‐informant and multi‐polygenic approach to understanding predictors of peer victimisation in childhood and adolescence
Authors: Armitage Jessica M. , Morneau‐Vaillancourt Geneviève , Pingault Jean‐Baptiste , Andlauer Till F. M. , Paquin Stéphane , Langevin Stéphanie , Brendgen Mara , Dionne Ginette , Séguin Jean , Rouleau Guy , Vitaro Frank , Ouellet‐Morin Isabelle , Boivin Michel
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Peer victimisation is a prevalent occurrence in childhood and adolescence and can often have long‐lasting consequences. Previous research using polygenic scores (PGSs) have revealed various genetic vulnerabilities as predictive of victimisation in childhood. However, findings were based on self‐report and may therefore be influenced by varying self‐perceptions. Previous investigations also focused on average victimisation across childhood, and thus do not capture variability in polygenic predictability over time. The present study, therefore, aimed to investigate associations between PGSs and victimisation using separate and combined reports from teachers and peers in childhood, as well as self‐reports in later adolescence to explore trajectories of victimisation.

Methods

Data were derived from the Quebec Newborn Twin Study. Participants were assessed for victimisation using self‐reports from 7 to 17 years and using teacher ratings and peer nominations between 7 and 10 years (n = 536). Ten PGSs related to mental health, cognitive abilities and physical traits were examined as possible predictors of victimisation using linear regressions and growth curve models.

Results

Findings revealed that PGSs associated with victimisation are consistent across informants, but to varying extent according to estimated effect sizes. Self‐reported victimisation was predicted by PGSs related to mental health, while PGSs related to cognitive and physical traits had larger effect estimates when predicting teacher‐ and peer‐reported victimisation. The PGS for educational attainment was consistently negatively associated with victimisation across informants, producing the largest effect estimates (β = −.104, 95% CI = −.169 to −.039) when predicting a multi‐informant measure of victimisation. No PGS predicted changes in victimisation over time.

Conclusion

While the PGS for educational attainment is a robust predictor of victimisation, many PGSs are differentially associated with victimisation depending on the informant. Such findings highlight the need to pay close attention to the phenotypic assessment of victimisation, and show that using multiple informants can both strengthen and provide unique insight into how associations may occur.
The influence of the COVID‐19 pandemic on spring turkey hunting
Authors: Chizinski Christopher J. , Gruntorad Matthew P. , Lusk Jeffrey J. , Meduna Luke R. , Inselman Will M. , Fontaine Joseph J.
Published: February 2022

The rapid rise of COVID‐19 and the governmental response to slow the spread of the pandemic occurred prior to, or during, the opening of the spring wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) hunting seasons (Mar to May 2020) in the United States. The response of fish and wildlife agencies to the pandemic varied throughout the United States during the spring turkey season. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC) suspended the sale of non‐resident, spring turkey hunting permits on 30 March 2020 in a proactive effort to minimize the spread of COVID‐19. In this study, we evaluated the extent that the COVID‐19 pandemic affected the spring turkey permit sales and harvest in Nebraska, USA. We combined information from NGPC's electronic licensing system, responses from 2017–2019 spring turkey hunter surveys (pre‐pandemic), and responses from the 2020 (during the pandemic) spring turkey hunter survey, which included additional questions about the influence of COVID‐19 on respondents' hunting experiences. There was an increase in the number of resident hunters (23%) and resident permits sold (26%) and a decrease in the number of non‐resident hunters (−88%) and non‐resident permits sold (−89%) in 2020 as compared to the 3 years prior. Further, non‐residents, more so than Nebraska residents, claimed that the COVID‐19 pandemic affected their spring turkey hunting in their precautions taken, overall satisfaction, pre‐season planning for the spring turkey season, and plans made prior to the outbreak. Wildlife agencies should prepare for the potential effects that significant disruptions (like that observed with the COVID‐19 pandemic) might have on hunting participation, especially if a significant portion of revenue is derived from non‐resident permit sales, and develop plans and policies so that they can react appropriately.
Editors publishing in their own journals: A systematic review of prevalence and a discussion of normative aspects
Authors: Helgesson Gert , Radun Igor , Radun Jenni , Nilsonne Gustav
Published: February 2022

Journal editors are the main gatekeepers in scientific publishing. Yet there is a concern that they may receive preferential treatment when submitting manuscripts to their own journals. The prevalence of such self‐publishing is not known, nor the consequences for reliability and trustworthiness of published research. This study aimed to systematically review the literature on the prevalence of editors publishing in their own journals and to conduct a normative ethical analysis of this practice. A systematic review was performed using the following databases: Medline, PsycInfo, Scopus and Web of Science. Articles that provided primary data about editors publishing in own journals were included. We identified 15 studies meeting inclusion criteria. There was large variability of self‐publishing across fields, journals and editors, ranging from those who never published in their own journal to those publishing extensively in their own journal. Many studies suffered from serious methodological limitations. Nevertheless, our results show that there are settings where levels of self‐publication are very high. We recommend that editors‐in‐chief and associate editors who have considerable power in journals refrain from publishing research articles in their own journals. Journals should have clear processes in place about the treatment of articles submitted by editorial board members.
Fractional optimal reachability problems withψ‐Hilfer fractional derivative
Authors: Vellappandi M. , Govindaraj Venkatesan , Vanterler da C. Sousa José
Published: February 2022

The aim of this article is to investigate the optimal reachability problem in terms of theψ‐Hilfer fractional derivative for a fractional dynamical system. Euler–Lagrange equations are used to obtain the necessary optimality constraints for the fractional optimal reachability problem (FORP). In terms of theψ‐Hilfer fractional derivative, we developed the predictor–corrector algorithm to provide numerical solutions to the FORP. Three numerical examples are provided to show the correctness of theoretical outputs.
W‐Transformer: Accurate Cobb angles estimation by using a transformer‐based hybrid structure
Authors: Yao Yifan , Yu Wenjun , Gao Yongbin , Dong Jiuqing , Xiao Qiangqiang , Huang Bo , Shi Zhicai
Published: February 2022

Background

Scoliosis is a type of spinal deformity, which is harmful to a person's health. In severe cases, it can trigger paralysis or death. The measurement of Cobb angle plays an essential role in assessing the severity of scoliosis.

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to propose an automatic system for landmark detection and Cobb angle estimation, which can effectively help clinicians diagnose and treat scoliosis.

Methods

A novel hybrid framework was proposed to measure Cobb angle precisely for clinical diagnosis, which was referred as W‐Transformer due to its w‐shaped architecture. First, a convolutional neural network of cascade residual blocks as our backbone was designed. Then a transformer was fused to learn the dependency information between spine and landmarks. In addition, a reinforcement branch was designed to improve the overlap of landmarks, and an improved prediction module was proposed to fine‐tune the final coordinates of landmarks in Cobb angles estimation. Besides, the public Accurate Automated Spinal Curvature Estimation (AASCE) MICCAI 2019 challenge was served as data set. It supplies 609 manually labeled spine anterior–posterior (AP) X‐ray images, each of which contains a total of 68 landmark labels and three Cobb Angles tags.

Results

From the perspective of the AASCE MICCAI 2019 challenge, we achieved a lower symmetric mean absolute percentage error (SMAPE) of 8.26% for all Cobb angles and the lowest averaged detection error of 50.89 in terms of landmark detection, compared with many state‐of‐the‐art methods. We also provided the SMAPEs for the Cobb angles of the proximal‐thoracic (PT), the main‐thoracic (MT), and the thoracic‐lumbar (TL) area, which are 5.27%, 14.59%, and 20.97% respectively, however, these data were not covered in most previous studies. Statistical analysis demonstrates that our model has obtained a high level of Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.9398 (), which shows excellent reliability of our model. Our model can yield 0.9489 (), 0.8817 (), and 0.9149 () for PT, MT, and TL, respectively. The overall variability of Cobb angle measurement is less than 4, implying clinical value. And the mean absolute deviation (standard deviation) for three regions is 3.64 (4.13), 3.84 (4.66), and 3.80 (4.19). The results of Student paired ‐test indicate that no statistically significant differences are observed between manual measurement and our automatic approach (‐value is always 0.05). Regarding the diagnosis of scoliosis (Cobb angle 10), the proposed method achieves a high sensitivity of 0.9577 and a specificity of 0.8475 for all spinal regions.

Conclusions

This study offers a brand‐new automatic approach that is potentially of great benefit of the complex task of landmark detection and Cobb angle evaluation, which can provide helpful navigation information about the early diagnosis of scoliosis.
A simultaneous space‐time discretization approach to the inverse dynamics of geometrically exact strings
Authors: Ströhle Timo , Betsch Peter
Published: February 2022

A continuous space‐time Galerkin method is newly proposed for the numerical solution of inverse dynamics problems. The proposed space‐time finite element method is combined with servo‐constraints to partially prescribe the motion of the underlying mechanical system. The new approach to the feedforward control of infinite‐dimensional mechanical systems is motivated by the classical method of characteristics. In particular, it is shown that the simultaneous space‐time discretization is much better suited to solve the inverse dynamics problem than the semi‐discretization approach commonly applied in structural dynamics. Representative numerical examples dealing with elastic strings undergoing large deformations demonstrate the capabilities of the newly devised space‐time finite element method.
Optimal local truncation error method to solution of 2‐D time‐independent elasticity problems with optimal accuracy on irregular domains and unfitted Cartesian meshes
Authors: Idesman Alexander , Dey Bikash
Published: February 2022

Recently we have developed the optimal local truncation error method (OLTEM) for scalar PDEs on irregular domains and unfitted Cartesian meshes. Here, OLTEM is extended to a much more general case of a system of PDEs for the 2‐D time‐independent elasticity equations on irregular domains. Compact 9‐point uniform and nonuniform stencils (with the computational costs of linear finite elements) are used with OLTEM. The stencil coefficients are assumed to be unknown and are calculated by the minimization of the local truncation error. It is shown that the second order of accuracy is the maximum possible accuracy for 9‐point stencils independent of the numerical technique used for their derivations. The special treatment of the Neumann boundary conditions has been developed that does not increase the size of the stencils. The numerical examples are in agreement with the theoretical findings. They also show that due to the minimization of the local truncation error, OLTEM is much more accurate than linear finite elements and than quadratic finite elements (up to engineering accuracy of 0.1%–1%) at the same numbers of degrees of freedom. Due to the computational efficiency and trivial unfitted Cartesian meshes that are independent of irregular domains, the proposed technique with no remeshing for the shape change of irregular domains will be effective for many engineering applications.
Recovery lines in ancient Egyptian child mummies: Computed tomography investigations in European museums
Authors: Panzer Stephanie , Schneider Karl O. , Zesch Stephanie , Rosendahl Wilfried , Helmbold‐Doyé Jana , Thompson Randall C. , Zink Albert R.
Published: February 2022

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and anatomical distribution of recovery lines (growth arrest lines) in ancient Egyptian child mummies. Whole‐body computed tomography (CT) examinations of 21 ancient Egyptian child mummies from European museums were evaluated for estimation of age at death and sex of the children. CT examinations were systematically assessed for recovery lines by inspection for metaphyseal lines, diaphyseal transverse lines, and bone‐within‐bone appearance at several sites of the skeleton. The estimated age at death of the children ranged from about 1 year to the age of 12–14 years. Twelve children were assessed as male, seven as female, and in two, the sex was indeterminate. Recovery lines were found in 18 out of the 21 (86%) child mummies. Metaphyseal lines were present in 12 mummies (57%), diaphyseal transverse lines in 12 mummies (57%), and bone‐within‐bone appearance in 11 mummies (52%). One case showed particularly dense metaphaseal bands typical of lead lines in lead poisoning. In conclusion, systematic assessment of recovery lines on CT images of ancient Egyptian child mummies showed a high prevalence of these lines. Many children had a combination of different lines, indicating more than one episode of growth disturbance. The spectrum of recovery lines included the better known metaphyseal and diaphyseal transverse lines as well as the less known bone‐within‐bone appearance that share the same pathomechanism. The mummy with lead lines seems to be the first case of radiological evidence of lead poisoning from ancient Egypt.
Potentially modifiable mediators for socioeconomic disparities in childhood obesity in the United States
Authors: Wen Xiaozhong , Mi Baibing , Wang Youfa , Taveras Elsie M. , Bartashevskyy Maksym
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine modifiable mediators for socioeconomic disparities in childhood obesity in the United States.

Methods

This study used the data of 1,211 mother‐child dyads from a US national birth cohort from pregnancy to 6 years post partum. Socioeconomic status was indicated by maternal education (college graduate vs. less) and family income (>185% vs. ≤185% of the poverty line). Single‐ and multiple‐factor mediation analyses were conducted for socioeconomic disparities in childhood obesity at 6 years, adjusting for demographics.

Results

The confounder‐adjusted relative risk of childhood obesity was 1.79 for low maternal education and 1.42 for low family income. Low‐maternal‐education‐related obesity was individually mediated by maternal preconception BMI (percentage of indirect effect, 8.8%), smoking during pregnancy (7.0%), infant weight gain (14.4%), child sleep duration (11.4%), and TV viewing during weekdays at 6 years (4.9%). Low‐family‐income‐related obesity was mediated by maternal preconception BMI (18.5%), smoking during pregnancy (6.3%), child sleep duration (12.8%), and the home learning environment at 6 years (26.2%). In multiple‐mediator analysis, significant mediators together mediated 54.0% of maternal‐education‐related or 39.4% of family‐income‐related disparities.

Conclusions

Maternal preconception BMI, smoking during pregnancy, infant weight gain, child sleep, TV viewing, and the home learning environment substantially mediated socioeconomic disparities in childhood obesity in the United States.
Effects of an exercise program during pediatric stem cell transplantation: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Smith Charles , Farhat Ryan , Fern‐Buneo Anna , Purrington Heidi , Cobb Ellie , Matson Laura , Kang Paul , Beebe Kristen , Campbell Courtney , Schwalbach Charlotte , Salzberg Dana , Miller Holly , Adams Roberta , Ngwube Alexander
Published: February 2022

Background

During pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT), there is significant reduction in physical activity, leading to loss of strength and function, along with decline in quality of life (QoL). This study evaluates the effects of a supervised exercise program on functional ability, mobility, strength, and QoL during and following pediatric HSCT.

Methods

Patients ages 4–21 years presenting for HSCT were randomized to either an intervention group, who underwent exercise routines three times weekly and once weekly on discharge for 6 weeks supervised by a physical therapist, or the control group, which was treated per standard of care. Forty subjects were recruited for the study, 20 in each arm. Physical therapy and QoL assessments were conducted at three time points: pre‐HSCT (baseline), on the day of hospital discharge, and 6 weeks after discharge.

Results

Exercise capacity and endurance using Six‐Minute Walk test (p = .023) and strength using manual muscle testing (p = .005) were improved in the exercise group, compared to the control group. There was evidence that some QoL outcomes (measured using the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System) were improved 6 weeks post discharge, with observed decreases in anxiety (p = .0009) and fatigue (p = .037).

Conclusion

Supervised exercise program during pediatric HSCT has positive effects on endurance, functional mobility, and muscle strength, and may also result in improvements in some aspects of QoL. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT04663503.
Expressions of anger during advising on life dilemmas predict suicide risk among college students
Authors: Hu Chao S. , Huang Jinhao , Huang Chengli , Munroe Melanie , Xie Dong , Li Mei
Published: February 2022

Research has demonstrated a relationship between anger and suicidality, while real‐time authentic emotions behind facial expressions could be detected during advising hypothetical protagonists in life dilemmas. This study aimed to investigate the predictive validity of anger expressions during advising for suicide risk. Besides advising on life dilemmas (a friend's betrayal, a friend's suicide attempt), 130 adults completed the suicidal scale of the Mini‐International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Participants’ anger during advice‐giving was measured 29 times/s by artificial intelligence (AI)‐based software FaceReader 7.1. The results showed that anger was a significant predictor of suicide risk. Increased anger during advising was associated with higher suicide risk. In contrast, there was no significant correlation between suicide risk and duration or length of advising. Therefore, measuring micro expressions of anger with AI‐based software may help detect suicide risk among clinical patients in both traditional and online counseling contexts and help prevent suicide.
Plasma immersion ion‐implanted 3D‐printed PEEK bone implants: In vivo sheep study shows strong osseointegration
Authors: Kruse Hedi V. , Lewin William T. , Suchowerska Natalka , Al Maruf D. S. Abdullah , Cheng Kai , Clark Jonathan R. , McKenzie David R.
Published: February 2022

Adhesion of regenerating bone tissue to orthopaedic implants is critical to their long‐term success. Titanium has excess rigidity, interferes with imaging, and complicates radiation treatment. Poly(ether‐ether‐ketone) (PEEK) is a preferred material, but is limited by biological inertness. We show that plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII) imparts osteoadhesion on 3D printed PEEK using in vitro pull‐off tests and in vivo torque tests in a sheep scapula model. PIII‐PEEK prints incubated with bone cells in vitro show 9–14 times higher pull‐off strength, compared to untreated implants. Treated implants in vivo require seven times higher torque for release from the sheep scapula. We propose PIII‐PEEK as a scaffold material with tensile properties analogous to collagen, the fibrillar component of bone, to produce fracture‐tough fully integrating scaffolds.
Transmission and clearance of human papillomavirus infection in the oral cavity and its role in oropharyngeal carcinoma – A review
Authors: Wierzbicka Małgorzata , San Giorgi Michel R. M. , Dikkers Frederik G.
Published: February 2022

The majority of sexually active individuals becomes infected with human papillomavirus (HPV) at least once in their lifetime. Pathways for HPV transmission vary across different mucosal sites per individual. They include autoinoculation within one host, direct transmission between individuals (including perinatal transmission and transmission during sexual activity), and indirect transmission through contact with hands. The authors aim to clarify the prevalence and route of transmission per anatomic site, inter‐ and intra‐individually, using a narrative review of the literature. In conclusion, transmission of HPV to the oral cavity and oropharynx is hypothesised to occur mainly through sexual contact. Transmission of particles through saliva has not been proven and daily living activities are not a documented source of HPV infection. Oropharyngeal HPV related cancer survivors and their partners do not show increased risk of infection during sexual intercourse. Transmission of HPV to the oral cavity (autoinoculation with fingers or transmission through saliva in deep kissing) is probably of limited importance.
Modulation of Surface Oxygen Defects on ZnO/ZnS Catalysts to Promote Photocatalytic H2 Production
Authors: Wu Bo , Wang Yi , Zeng Wei , Pan Anqiang , Zhu Ting
Published: February 2022

Zinc oxide/zinc sulfide (ZnO/ZnS) microparticles with enriched surface oxygen defects (Dso) were prepared via a hydrothermal sulfurization modulated by doping sliver/copper ions (Ag+/Cu2+). Microsized ZnO precursors with different structures were firstly prepared in the presence of Ag+/Cu2+. A subsequent surface sulfurization of the precursor led to the formation of ZnS nanostructure, forming ZnO/ZnS with modulated Dso simultaneously. In addition, this in‐situ sulfurization ensured the homogeneous distribution of Ag/Cu species with ZnO/ZnS (ACZS), which significantly improved the electric conductivity of these hybrid materials. Because of the structural, compositional, and defect features, the ACZS6 sample delivered a maximum photocatalytic hydrogen (H2) production rate of 769 μmol g−1 h−1 with almost 100 % of rate retention even after 9 h under UV‐vis light. Thus, this study may provide an efficient strategy to engineering oxygen defects within microsized photocatalysts for H2 production.
Synthesis of Quercetin Functionalized Silver Nanoparticles and Their Application for the Colorimetric Detection of L‐Cysteine in Biologically Complex Fluids
Authors: Sharma Deepak , Chaudhary Abhishek
Published: February 2022

In the present manuscript authors report an eco‐friendly, simple, and cost‐effective one‐pot synthesis of quercetin functionalized silver nanoparticles (Q‐AgNPs). The synthesized Q‐AgNPs exhibited surface plasmonic resonance absorption band at 418 nm which confirmed the synthesis. The synthesized Q‐AgNPs were further characterized by X‐ray diffraction which confirmed the crystalline structure of Q‐AgNPs. FTIR analysis of Q‐AgNPs was performed to find out the functional groups present on Q‐AgNPs. The distribution, size, and morphology of Q‐AgNPs were determined through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis. SEM, TEM, and DLS analysis revealed that synthesised nanoparticles were spherical in morphology with an average size of 40 nm. Furthermore, the synthesised Q‐AgNPs were observed to selectively sense cysteine in water, urine, and foetal bovine serum with detection limit of 21.1 nM, 86 nM, and 230 nM respectively. The SEM, TEM, and DLS analysis clearly indicated the aggregation of Q‐AgNPs in the presence of l‐cysteine particles as compared to the control Q‐AgNPs (without l‐cysteine). The findings revealed that synthesized Q‐AgNPs can be utilized to detect low concentration of cysteine in water and biological complex fluids without any requirement of sophisticated instrumentation.
A Microfabricated Pistonless Syringe Pump Driven by Electro‐Conjugate Fluid with Leakless On/Off Microvalves
Authors: Matsubara Tatsuya , Choi Jong Seob , Kim Deok‐Ho , Kim Joon‐wan
Published: February 2022

In contrast to microfluidic devices, bulky syringe pumps are widely used to deliver a small amount of solution with high accuracy. Miniaturizing the syringe pump is difficult due to the scale effect in the microscale where the friction of the piston–cylinder is dominant and there are few high‐power microactuators. To solve these problems, an on‐chip microsyringe pump without mechanical sliding parts and with high power sources is proposed. The microsyringe pump utilizes the interface between water and oil (electro‐conjugate fluid, ECF) instead of a piston and an electrohydrodynamic (EHD) flow driven by ECF in place of a linear actuator. ECF as a functional fluid has two capabilities: a) making the water–oil interface in microchannels and b) generating an active ECF flow at an applied voltage to withdraw and infuse aqueous solution by the interface. To control the flow direction, ECF‐driven leakless on/off microvalves are also integrated. It is demonstrated that the proposed ECF microsyringe pump synchronized with the ECF on/off microvalves can control the withdrawing and infusing of aqueous solution with high resolution and precision. The experiments prove the feasibility of the microsyringe pump to be embedded as a module for the precise and linear control of flow rates in microfluidic devices.
Effect of Cold Plasma Treatment, Cross‐Linking, and Dual Modification on Corn Starch
Authors: Taslikh Musarreza , Abbasi Hossein , Mortazavian Amir M. , Ghasemi Jahan B. , Naeimabadi Aboutorab , Nayebzadeh Kooshan
Published: February 2022

Corn starch has limited applications due to its paste intolerance during heating, high shear processing, and low pH of foods. In this study, native corn (NC) starch is treated by both cold plasma and chemical cross‐linking to produce modified starch. The cross‐link ratio (CR), granule morphology, as well as other physicochemical properties of the modified starch are evaluated. The CR is 5.2% by plasma treatment, and it could be further increased up to 23.7% by the subsequent cross‐linking using adipic acid and acetic acid anhydride mixture. Modified granules have more cracks, pits, holes, and damages than NC ones. FTIR spectra's shows some new peaks after dual modification (1563 cm−1) and plasma treatment (1730 cm−1). The plasma and cross‐linking treatments cause a significant increase of swelling power for all the modified starches. Results of the present study indicate the possibilities of exploring cold plasma and cross‐linking treatments for starch modifications.