bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation of a Phthalocyanine – Nanometal‐Coated Silica Microparticle Conjugate as Heterogeneous Photocatalyst and Investigation of Its Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Yılmaz Yusuf
Published: July 2021

This work details the preparation and characterization of a tetracarboxyzinc phthalocyanine (ZnTCPc) immobilized onto silica gel coated with gold nanometal (Au@SiO2) and investigates its photocatalytic activity for the first time. The immobilization of ZnTCPc on the Au@SiO2 surface was performed through pre‐anchorage of cysteine (CSH) via the post‐synthesis method, and then the ZnTCPc was conjugated to the nanometal surface (Au@SiO2) with an amide bond to obtain a heterogeneous photocatalyst (ZnTCPc−Au@SiO2). The prepared photocatalyst (ZnTCPc‐Au@SiO2) were characterized using various spectroscopic techniques such as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible (UV‐vis) spectrophotometry, and energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) spectroscopy. Singlet oxygen quantum yields (ΦΔ) for both ZnTCPc and ZnTCPc‐Au@SiO2 were calculated, and the photocatalytic activity of the photocatalyst was tested for photodegradation of organic pollutants, namely Orange G (OG) and Methyl orange (MO), in aqueous solutions. The photodegradation process concluded in under 25 min. with a 20 mg dose of the ZnTCPc‐Au@SiO2 under visible light irradiation for 5 min. intervals in the presence of organic pollutants. The reusability of the photocatalyst was also tested. The results reveal that the photocatalyst (ZnTCPc‐Au@SiO2) has potential for use in the photodegradation of organic pollutants in industrial wastewater.
Synthesis and Characterization of the Complete Series [(C5H5‐n Cln)Co(C4Ph4)] (n=1–5)
Authors: Klein‐Heßling Christian , Sünkel Karlheinz
Published: July 2021

Reflux of a mixture of [CoCl(PPh3)3], Tl(C5H4Cl) and PhCCPh in toluene gave [(C5H4Cl)Co(C4Ph4)] in ca. 20 % yield. Deprotonation of this compound by lithium tetramethylpiperidinide (LiTMP) at −30 °C in THF, followed by addition of C2Cl6 at −78 °C yielded [(C5H3Cl2)Co(C4Ph4)]. By repeating this procedure, the other members of the series [(C5H5‐nCln)Co(C4Ph4)] (n=1–5) could be prepared in high yields. The molecular structures of the complexes with n=3–5 were determined by X‐ray crystallography.
Acid Mediated Sulfonylation of para‐Quinone Methides with Tosylmethyl Isocyanides for the Synthesis of Diarylmethyl Sulfones
Authors: Kumar Pawan , Kale Someshwar B. , Gonnade Rajesh G. , Das Utpal
Published: July 2021

An efficient, hydrochloric acid promoted reaction for the synthesis of diarylmethyl sulfones has been developed via unprecedented 1, 6‐conjugate addition reaction of tosylmethyl isocyanide (TosMIC) with para‐quinone methides.This catalyst free reaction provides various diarylmethyl sulfones in good to excellent yields in an operationally simple method under metal free conditions. Further transformations of the productsare also demonstrated.
Ratiometric Imaging of MMP‐2 Activity Facilitates Tumor Detection Using Activatable Near‐Infrared Fluorescent Semiconducting Polymer Nanoparticles
Authors: Zeng Wenhui , Wu Luyan , Sun Yidan , Wang Yuqi , Wang Jinfang , Ye Deju
Published: July 2021

Enzyme‐activatable ratiometric near‐infrared (NIR) fluorescent probes enabling noninvasive imaging of enzyme activity in vivo are promising for biomedical research; however, such probes with ratiometric fluorescence emissions both in NIR window under a single NIR light excitation are largely unexplored. Here, a quenched NIR fluorophore of Cy5.5 is integrated with NIR fluorescent poly[2,6‐(4,4‐bis‐(2‐ethylhexyl)‐4H‐cyclopenta[2,1‐b;3,4‐b′]dithiophene)‐alt‐4,7(2,1,3‐benzothiadiazole)] (PCPDTBT)‐based semiconducting polymer nanoparticles (SPNs), and an αvβ3 integrin‐targeting and matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2)‐activatable ratiometric fluorescent probe (SPN‐MMP‐RGD) is developed. Under excitation at 660 nm, SPN‐MMP‐RGD shows “always‐on” fluorescence of PCPDTBT (830 nm) and activatable fluorescence of Cy5.5 (690 nm) toward MMP‐2, affording a remarkable ≈176‐fold enhancement in fluorescence intensity ratio between 690 and 830 nm (I690/I830) for sensitive detection of MMP‐2 activity in vitro and in tumor cells. By virtue of ratiometric fluorescence imaging independently of probe's concentration, SPN‐MMP‐RGD can not only accurately report on MMP‐2 levels regarding different tumor sizes, but also noninvasively delineate MMP‐2‐positive tiny gastric tumors metastasis in vivo. The authors’ study reveals the potential of SPN‐MMP‐RGD for ratiometric fluorescence imaging of MMP‐2 activity via combining two independent NIR fluorophores, which can be amenable for the design of other enzyme‐activatable ratiometric NIR fluorescent probes for reliable in vivo imaging.
Ultralow Resistance Two‐Stage Electrostatically Assisted Air Filtration by Polydopamine Coated PET Coarse Filter
Authors: Tian Enze , Yu Qipeng , Gao Yilun , Wang Hua , Wang Chao , Zhang Yinping , Li Baohua , Zhu Meifang , Mo Jinhan , Xu Guiyin , Li Ju
Published: July 2021

Airborne particulate matters (PM) pose serious health threats to the population, and efficient filtration is needed for indoor and vehicular environments. However, there is an intrinsic conflict between filtration efficiency, air resistance, and service life. In this study, a two‐stage electrostatically assisted air (EAA) filtration device is designed and the efficiency‐air resistance‐filter life envelope is significantly improved by a thin coating of polydopamine (PDA) on the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) coarse filter by in situ dopamine polymerization. The 8 mm thick EAA PDA‐140@PET filter has a high filtration efficiency of 99.48% for 0.3 µm particles, low air resistance of 9.5 Pa at a filtration velocity of 0.4 m s−1, and steady performance up to 30 d. Compared with the bare PET filter, the penetration rate for 0.3 µm particles is lowered by 20×. The coated PDA is of submicron thickness, 10−3 × the gap distance between filter fibers, so low air resistance could be maintained. The filter shows steadily high filtration efficiency and an acceptable increase of air resistance and holds nearly as many particles as its own weight in a 30 day long‐term test. The working mechanism of the EAA coarse filter is investigated, and the materials design criteria are proposed.
Integrated Tapping Mode Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy with Photoinduced Force Microscopy for Correlative Chemical and Surface Potential Mapping
Authors: Jakob Devon S. , Li Nengxu , Zhou Huanping , Xu Xiaoji G.
Published: July 2021

Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) is a popular technique for mapping the surface potential at the nanoscale through measurement of the Coulombic force between an atomic force microscopy (AFM) tip and sample. The lateral resolution of conventional KPFM variants is limited to between ≈35 and 100 nm in ambient conditions due to the long‐range nature of the Coulombic force. In this article, a novel way of generating the Coulombic force in tapping mode KPFM without the need for an external AC driving voltage is presented. A field‐effect transistor (FET) is used to directly switch the electrical connectivity of the tip and sample on and off periodically. The resulting Coulomb force induced by Fermi level alignment of the tip and sample results in a detectable change of the cantilever oscillation at the FET‐switching frequency. The resulting FET‐switched KPFM delivers a spatial resolution of ≈25 nm and inherits the high operational speed of the AFM tapping mode. Moreover, the FET‐switched KPFM is integrated with photoinduced force microscopy (PiFM), enabling simultaneous acquisitions of high spatial resolution chemical distributions and surface potential maps. The integrated FET‐switched KPFM with PiFM is expected to facilitate characterizations of nanoscale electrical properties of photoactive materials, semiconductors, and ferroelectric materials.
Analysis of the Frequency Characteristics of MCR‐WPT System with Asymmetric Coils Structure
Authors: Gao Pengfei , Tian Zijian , Tian Xiaoying
Published: July 2021

At present, magnetically coupled resonant (MCR) wireless power transfer (WPT) has been widely used in many practical applications. However, the traditional symmetrical coils structure has limited the development of WPT technology, such as the mining and medical field, where the coils structure is always asymmetrical because of their special environment requirements. In the study a novel method was presented for the analysis of the frequency characteristics of the MCR‐WPT system with asymmetric coils structure. The concept of the quality factor ratio of the coils with asymmetrical coils structure was proposed, and then the mathematical relationship between the quality factor ratio and the output power was deduced. In addition, the effects of the quality factor ratio, generalized coupling factor, generalized mismatching factor and frequency splitting factor on the output power and transmission efficiency were studied respectively. The simulation results not only demonstrate the regular pattern between the frequency splitting, the quality factor ratio and the frequency splitting factor, but also validate the condition of the output power achieving the local maximum value. Besides, the results show the relationship between the coupling factor and the transmission efficiency. Finally, an experimental platform was built to verify the theoretical analysis. And the conclusions of the study not only provide theoretical and practical basis for the future study in WPT technology but also can provide beneficial references for the design of WPT system in particular applications. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Overexpression of HIF‐1α enhances the protective effect of mitophagy on steroid‐induced osteocytes apoptosis
Authors: Xu Ke , Lu Chao , Ren Xiaoyu , Wang Jing , Xu Peng , Zhang Yingang
Published: July 2021

Glucocorticoid (GC; dexamethasone, DEX) ‐induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (GIOFH) is a challenging orthopedic disease, and its underlying mechanism remains not clear. This study exposed murine long bone osteocyte‐Y4 (MLO‐Y4) cells to DEX below normoxic or hypoxic circumstances and found that cell autophagy have been reduced. At the same time, flow cytometry analysis showed increased apoptosis, which was more pronounced in hypoxic environments. Recent research also claimed that GC induces osteoporosis after osteocyte apoptosis, and subsequent microfractures lead to ischemia and hypoxia of the femoral head, resulted in GIOFH. Presently, we found that both mitophagy‐related protein hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) and BNIP3 were up‐regulated in the hypoxic environment, and their expression was down‐regulated when exposed to DEX. Besides, we demonstrated that overexpressing HIF‐1α resisted DEX‐induced apoptosis in a hypoxic environment. Here, we demonstrated that overexpression of HIF‐1α, through its downstream marker BNIP3, reduced the suppression of DEX on mitophagy induced by hypoxia and protected bone cells from apoptosis. Also, these findings may provide a direction of the promising application for better GIOFH treatment shortly.
Gross pathology associated with highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N8 and H5N1 in naturally infected birds in the UK (2020–2021)
Authors: Lean Fabian Z. X. , Núñez Alejandro , Banyard Ashley C. , Reid Scott M. , Brown Ian H. , Hansen Rowena D. E.
Published: July 2021

Background

Multiple outbreaks with highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) clade 2.3.4.4b viruses, including H5N8 and H5N1, have occurred in the United Kingdom, as well as in other European countries, since late 2020.

Methods

This report describes the pathology among poultry species (chickens, turkeys, ducks, and pheasants) and captive birds (Black Swans, a whistling duck and peregrine falcons) naturally infected with HPAIV from 22 cases of HPAIV H5N8 and two cases of HPAIV H5N1 outbreaks investigated between October 2020 and April 2021.

Results

On gross examination, pancreatic necrosis was easily identified and most commonly observed in galliformes infected with both subtypes of HPAIV but rarely in anseriformes. In addition, splenic necrosis was also frequently observed in chickens and turkeys infected with HPAIV H5N8. Other less common lesions included cardiac petechiae, serosal haemorrhages and ascites in a variety of species.

Conclusion

Given the widespread dissemination of HPAIV infection in susceptible avian species during autumn/winter 2020–2021, these data, when evaluated along with clinical information, is a valuable first step for both veterinarians and field services to evaluate gross pathology at post‐mortem to support the diagnosis of HPAIV infection.
Laparoscopic resection of retroperitoneal paraganglioma close to caudal vena cava in a dog
Authors: Park Young Tae , Minamoto Tomomi
Published: July 2021

Objective

To report laparoscopic resection of retroperitoneal paraganglioma close to the caudal vena cava in a dog.

Study design

Case report.

Animal

Twelve‐year‐old, neutered male Jack Russell terrier.

Methods

The dog had undergone three previous cystotomies for bladder stones. On follow‐up ultrasonographic evaluation, a 14‐mm × 17‐mm tumour was incidentally detected in the dorsal midline of the caudal abdomen. The dog underwent computed tomography (CT) imaging and ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration of the tumour under general anaesthesia. CT imaging showed that the tumour was close to the caudal vena cava. There was no evidence of metastasis. Neuroendocrine tumour was suspected on cytologic examination. Based on these findings, laparoscopic tumour resection was performed using a vessel‐sealing device. The operation time was 136 minutes.

Results

The dog was stable after recovery from anaesthesia and discharged to home the next day. Histopathological diagnosis of the tumour was a paraganglioma. The dog remained without clinical evidence of recurrent tumour or metastasis for 670 days after the surgery.

Conclusion

Retroperitoneal paraganglioma in dogs is uncommon, but it is one of the differential diagnoses of a retroperitoneal tumour. Laparoscopic resection of a retroperitoneal paraganglioma was successfully performed in the dog. Laparoscopic resection conferred the advantages over open surgery of being minimally invasive, providing better visualization of the surgical field through pneumoperitoneum and semisternal patient recumbency, and allowing for magnification of the operative field, which facilitated the ease and safety of the procedure.
Stimuli‐responsive polypeptide nanoassemblies: Recent progress and applications in cancer nanomedicine
Authors: Song Yingying , Ding Yue , Dong Chang‐Ming
Published: July 2021

Stimuli‐responsive polypeptide nanoassemblies exhibit great potentials for cancer nanomedicines because of desirable biocompatibility and biodegradability, unique secondary conformations, varying functionalities, and especially the stimuli‐enhanced therapeutic efficacy and reduced side effect. This review introduces the design and fabrication of stimuli‐responsive polypeptide nanoassemblies that exhibit endogenous stimuli (e.g., pH, reduction, reactive oxygen species, adenosine triphosphate and enzyme, etc.) and exogenous light stimuli (e.g., UV and near‐infrared light), which are biologically related or applied in the clinic. We also discuss the applications and prospects of those stimuli‐responsive polypeptide nanoassemblies that might overcome the biological barriers of cancer nanomedicines for in vivo administration. Much more effort is needed to accelerate the second‐generation stimuli‐responsive polypeptide nanomedicines for clinical transition and applications.

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease
Stigma and Confidentiality Indiscretions: Intersecting Obstacles to the Delivery of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis to Adolescent Girls and Young Women in East Zimbabwe
Authors: Skovdal Morten , Magoge-Mandizvidza Phyllis , Maswera Rufurwokuda , Moyo Melinda , Nyamukapa Constance , Thomas Ranjeeta , Gregson Simon
Published: July 2021

Despite efforts to scale-up biomedical HIV prevention technologies, such as oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), many countries and regions of the world are far off–track in reaching global HIV prevention targets. Uptake of, and adherence to PrEP amongst adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in sub-Saharan Africa has proved particularly challenging. Drawing on qualitative individual interviews and focus group discussions with thirty AGYW in east Zimbabwe, as well as interviews with healthcare providers, we investigate some of the root causes of this challenge, namely the social risks involved with accessing PrEP. We find that stigma and the worry of AGYW that privacy and confidentiality cannot be maintained in local health clinics and by local healthcare providers, presents a major barrier to the uptake of PrEP. We call for interventions that recognise the need to tackle the range of socio-cultural norms and social practices that interact and in synergy make engagement with PrEP an (im)possible and (un)desirable thing to do for AGYW.
The Drive to Take an HIV Test in Rural Uganda: A Risk to Prevention for Young People?
Authors: Bernays Sarah , Asiimwe Allen , Tumwesige Edward , Seeley Janet
Published: July 2021

A key component of current global HIV prevention efforts is widespread HIV testing. This strategy in part reflects the focus on the broader global targets to eliminate AIDS by achieving high rates of viral suppression. In this chapter we look at young people’s engagement with HIV prevention options in South-West Uganda. Taking a qualitative approach, using repeat in-depth interviews and participatory workshops with 50 young people aged 16–24 years old, we reflect on their accounts of how they navigate risks and opportunities within their daily lives. These risks include HIV-acquisition, but also the harms of economic precarity. Within a context in which using HIV prevention methods, such as condoms or abstinence, were for various reasons severely compromised by their contextual realities, some young people reported relying on irregular HIV testing as their singular method. The young people’s accounts demonstrate that an unintended consequence of the ‘push’ for HIV testing may be the justification of its replacement of other behavioural prevention strategies. This case study illustrates what impact such biomedical interventions may have if implemented as a priority and in isolation from the structural drivers of vulnerability: the social context of young people’s lives.
No Country for Old Men? An Introduction
Authors: Armengol Josep M.
Published: July 2021

This introductory chapter by the book editor helps to identify the main aims, objectives, organization, and rationale behind the book. The book also advances the findings of each of the chapters and points, based on the initial findings, to some possible further research venues. Traditionally, gender studies have focused on women, which is logical, but gender studies have since the late 1980s started to pay increasing attention to men’s lives as well. This volume focuses on representations of aging masculinities in contemporary U.S. fiction, and thus investigates a selection of literary texts that place old men at the center of the narrative, analyzing specific depictions of issues such as older men’s health problems, body changes and shifting perceptions of sexual prowess, depression, loneliness and loss, but also greater wisdom and confidence, legacy, changing notions and appraisals of time, new relationships, and affective patterns, among others.
Sovereignty and Network Sovereignty
Authors: Li Hui , Yang Xin
Published: July 2021

National sovereignty is the basic subject of the theory and practice of contemporary international law, occupies a crucial position. In order to studying the sovereignty of internet, we need to have an accurate cognition on the traditional concept of sovereignty. In this chapter, we introduce sovereignty from three perspectives: the historical background of traditional sovereignty, the adaptability of sovereignty in cyberspace or network sovereignty, and the sovereignty in the cyber era. Finally, we define sovereignty in cyberspace from the perspective of jurisprudence.
The Burden of Surgical Disease and Access to Care in a Vulnerable Syrian Refugee Population in Lebanon
Authors: Moustafa Moustafa K. , Al‐Hajj Samar , El‐Hechi Majed , El Moheb Mohamad , Chamseddine Zahraa , Kaafarani Haytham M. A.
Published: July 2021

Background

The Syrian conflict has produced one of the largest refugee crises in modern times. Lebanon has taken in more Syrian refugees per capita than any other nation. We aimed to study the burden of surgical disease and access to surgical care among Syrian refugees in Lebanon.

Methods

This study was designed as a convenient cross‐sectional cluster‐based population survey of all refugee camps throughout the Bekaa region of Lebanon. We used a modified version of the Surgeons OverSeas Assessment of Surgical Need to identify surgical conditions and barriers to care access. The head of household of each informal tented settlement provided demographic information after which two household members were randomly chosen and administered the survey.

Results

A total of 1,500 individuals from 750 households representing 21 camps were surveyed. Respondents had a mean age of 36.6 (15.0) years, 54.6% were female, and 59% were illiterate. Nearly 25% of respondents reported at least one surgical condition within the past year, most commonly involving the face, head, and neck region (32%) and extremities (22%). Less than 20% of patients with a surgical condition reported seeing any healthcare provider, > 75% due to financial hardship.

Conclusions

The prevalence of surgical disease among Syrian refugees is very high with a fourth of refugees suffering from one or more surgical conditions over the past year. The surgical needs of this vulnerable population are largely unmet as financial reasons prevent patients from seeking care. Local and humanitarian efforts need to include increased access to surgical care.
Long-term survival of an adolescent glioblastoma patient under treatment with vinblastine and valproic acid illustrates importance of methylation profiling
Authors: Kresbach Catena , Bronsema Annika , Guerreiro Helena , Rutkowski Stefan , Schüller Ulrich , Winkler Beate
Published: July 2021

Glioblastoma (GBM) is an exceptionally aggressive brain tumor with a dismal prognosis, demanding fast and precise classification as a base for patient-specific treatment strategies. Here, we report on an adolescent patient with a histologically bona fide GBM that shows a molecular methylation profile suggesting a low-grade glioma-like subgroup. Despite an early relapse, intolerance of temozolomide, and change of treatment strategy to vinblastine and valproic acid (VPA), the patient is now in good clinical condition after more than 5 years since initial diagnosis. This case stresses the merit of methylation array data for clinical prognosis and treatment planning.
Publication activity of chief and consultant general/visceral surgeons in German university hospitals—a ten-year analysis
Authors: Böckmann Eva C. , Debus E. S. , Grundmann R. T.
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The publication activity of 38 German general/visceral surgery university departments, documented by first or last authorship from staff surgeons (chief and consultants), was evaluated.

Methods

The observation period extended from 2007 to 2017 and all PubMed-listed publications were considered. Impact factor (IF) was evaluated through the publishing journal’s 5-year IF in 2016, as was the IF for each individual publication. Ranking was expressed in quartiles.

Results

The staff surgeons of the 38 departments comprised 442 surgeons, of which only 351 (79.4%) were active as first or last authors. Four thousand six hundred and ninety-nine publications published in 702 journals were recorded. The four leading departments in publication number published as much as the last 20 departments (1330 vs. 1336 publications, respectively). The mean of the first (most active) department quartile was 19.6 publications, the second 15.4, the third 11.0, and the last quartile 7.6 per publishing surgeon. The total cumulative impact factor was 14,130. When examining the mean number of publications per publishing surgeons per the 10 year period, the mean of the first quartile was 57.9 cumulative IF, the second 45.0, the third 29.5, and the fourth quartile 17.1. With 352 (7.5%) publications, the most frequently used journal was Chirurg, followed by Langenbeck’s Archives of Surgery with 274 (5.8%) publications. Pancreas-related topics led in terms of publication number and IF generated per individual publication.

Conclusion

A significant difference in publication performance of individual departments was apparent that cannot be explained by staff number. This indicates that there are as yet unknown factors responsible for minor publication activity in many university departments.
Dynamic changes of podocytes caused by fibroblast growth factor 2 in culture
Authors: Yaoita Eishin , Nameta Masaaki , Yoshida Yutaka , Fujinaka Hidehiko
Published: July 2021

Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) augments podocyte injury, which induces glomerulosclerosis, although the mechanisms remain obscure. In this study, we investigated the effects of FGF2 on cultured podocytes with interdigitating cell processes in rats. After 48 h incubation with FGF2 dynamic changes in the shape of primary processes and cell bodies of podocytes resulted in the loss of interdigitation, which was clearly shown by time-lapse photography. FGF2 reduced the gene expressions of constituents of the slit diaphragm, inflections of intercellular junctions positive for nephrin, and the width of the intercellular space. Immunostaining for the proliferation marker Ki-67 was rarely seen and weakly stained in the control without FGF2, whereas intensely stained cells were frequently found in the presence of FGF2. Binucleation and cell division were also observed, although no significant increase in cell number was shown. An in vitro scratch assay revealed that FGF2 enhanced migration of podocytes. These findings show that FGF2 makes podocytes to transition from the quiescent state into the cell cycle and change their morphology due to enhanced motility, and that the culture system in this study is useful for analyzing the pathological changes of podocytes in vivo.
The efficacy and safety profile of 2-weekly dosing of bevacizumab-containing chemotherapy for platinum-resistant recurrent ovarian cancer
Authors: Sekine Masayuki , Enomoto Takayuki , Watanabe Yoh , Katabuchi Hidetaka , Yaegashi Nobuo , Aoki Daisuke
Published: July 2021

Background

Despite being widely used, to date (June 2021), the regimen of bevacizumab 10 mg/kg every 2 weeks (Q2W) combined with chemotherapy is not approved in Japan for patients with platinum-resistant recurrent ovarian cancer. In this retrospective analysis, we evaluated the usage patterns of bevacizumab administered for platinum-resistant recurrent ovarian cancer.

Methods

We obtained clinical data from 155 Japanese medical facilities between November 2013 and December 2018 via a survey. Items included the number of cases of platinum-resistant recurrent ovarian cancer treated with bevacizumab according to dosage. For regimens including bevacizumab 10 mg/kg Q2W, additional information was requested relating to concomitantly administered agents, and the efficacy and safety of the regimen.

Results

Of 1739 bevacizumab-containing regimens reported in 1633 patients with recurrent ovarian cancer, 264 used 10 mg/kg Q2W. The overall response rate (ORR) with this regimen was 26.1%. Response rates varied according to regimen and were particularly favorable when bevacizumab 10 mg/kg Q2W was administered with paclitaxel (ORR, 53.0%) versus liposomal doxorubicin (15.0%; P < 0.0001) and irinotecan (7.7%; P < 0.028). The most frequent Grade ≥ 3 adverse events associated with bevacizumab 10 mg/kg Q2W were neutropenia (11.7%) and hypertension (11.7%). The most frequent bevacizumab-associated Grade ≥ 3 adverse events with bevacizumab plus paclitaxel versus bevacizumab plus liposomal doxorubicin were hypertension (9.0% versus 13.9%) and proteinuria (3.0% versus 8.4%).

Conclusions

Bevacizumab 10 mg/kg Q2W appears efficacious for patients with recurrent ovarian cancer, with a manageable toxicity profile. Approval of this regimen is clinically desirable for Japanese patients with ovarian cancer.
Asymptotic Expansions and Strategies in the Online Increasing Subsequence Problem
Authors: Seksenbayev Amirlan
Published: July 2021

We study two closely related problems in the online selection of increasing subsequence. In the first problem, introduced by Samuels and Steele (Ann. Probab. 9(6):937–947, 1981), the objective is to maximise the length of a subsequence selected by a nonanticipating strategy from a random sample of given size$n$n. In the dual problem, recently studied by Arlotto et al. (Random Struct. Algorithms 49:235–252, 2016), the objective is to minimise the expected time needed to choose an increasing subsequence of given length$k$kfrom a sequence of infinite length. Developing a method based on the monotonicity of the dynamic programming equation, we derive the two-term asymptotic expansions for the optimal values, with$O(1)$O(1)remainder in the first problem and$O(k)$O(k)in the second. Settling a conjecture in Arlotto et al. (Random Struct. Algorithms 52:41–53, 2018), we also design selection strategies to achieve optimality within these bounds, that are, in a sense, best possible.
The value-added tax and growth: design matters
Authors: Acosta-Ormaechea Santiago , Morozumi Atsuyoshi
Published: July 2021

Previous research has shown that changes in the composition of tax revenue affect long-run growth. However, little is yet known about whether the way tax revenue is raised matters for growth. This paper examines whether, in the context of OECD countries, a revenue-neutral increase in the value-added tax (VAT), offset by a fall in income taxes, may have different effects on long-run growth depending on how the VAT is raised. We show that a revenue-neutral rise in the VAT promotes growth when it is raised through a rise in C-efficiency, while it does not when it is raised through a rise in the standard VAT rate, the rate applied to the largest portion of taxed consumption. C-efficiency measures the departure of the VAT from a perfectly enforced tax levied at a single rate on all consumption, which in advanced economies is largely due to the VAT that is not levied because of exemptions and reduced rates. Thus, our results suggest that an increase in C-efficiency, possibly reflecting the broadening of the VAT base through fewer exemptions and a more uniform rate structure with fewer reduced rates, promotes growth more than a rise in the standard rate.
NMR-based metabolomics associated with chronic kidney disease in humans and animals: a one health perspective
Authors: Hunter Elena , Percival Benita , Ahmad Zeeshan , Chang Ming-Wei , Hunt John A. , Tasker Séverine , De Risio Luisa , Wilson Philippe B.
Published: July 2021

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a renal dysfunction that can lead to high rates of mortality and morbidity, particularly when coupled with late diagnosis. CKD has become a major health problem due to its challenging detection at early stages when clear symptoms are yet to be presented. Thus, CKD is likely to be identified when the substantive conditions of the disease are manifest. In order to address the development of the disease and provide necessary treatments at the initial stage, the investigation of new biomarkers and metabolites associated with early detection of CKD are needed. Identified metabolites could be used to confirm the presence of the disease, obtain information on its mechanism and facilitate the development of novel pharmaceutical treatments. Such metabolites may be detected from biofluids and tissues using a range of analytical techniques. There are a number of metabolites that have been identified by mass spectrometry at high sensitivities, whilst the detection of metabolites directly from biofluids using NMR could present a more rapid way to expand our understanding of this disease. This review is focused on NMR-based metabolomics associated with CKD in humans and animals.
A Pragmatic Approach to the Intentional Stance Semantic, Empirical and Ethical Considerations for the Design of Artificial Agents
Authors: Papagni Guglielmo , Koeszegi Sabine
Published: July 2021

Artificial agents are progressively becoming more present in everyday-life situations and more sophisticated in their interaction affordances. In some specific cases, like Google Duplex, GPT-3 bots or Deep Mind’s AlphaGo Zero, their capabilities reach or exceed human levels. The use contexts of everyday life necessitate making such agents understandable by laypeople. At the same time, displaying human levels of social behavior has kindled the debate over the adoption of Dennett’s ‘intentional stance’. By means of a comparative analysis of the literature on robots and virtual agents, we defend the thesis that approaching these artificial agents ‘as if’ they had intentions and forms of social, goal-oriented rationality is the only way to deal with their complexity on a daily base. Specifically, we claim that this is the only viable strategy for non-expert users to understand, predict and perhaps learn from artificial agents’ behavior in everyday social contexts. Furthermore, we argue that as long as agents are transparent about their design principles and functionality, attributing intentions to their actions is not only essential, but also ethical. Additionally, we propose design guidelines inspired by the debate over the adoption of the intentional stance.
Lifestyle decisions and climate mitigation: current action and behavioural intent of youth
Authors: Pickering Gary J. , Schoen Kaylee , Botta Marta
Published: July 2021

Youth carry the burden of a climate crisis not of their making, yet their accumulative lifestyle decisions will help determine the severity of future climate impacts. We surveyed 17–18 year old’s (N = 487) to establish their action stages for nine behaviours that vary in efficacy of greenhouse gas emission (GGE) reduction and the explanatory role of climate change (CC) knowledge, sociodemographic and belief factors. Acceptance of CC and its anthropogenic origins was high. However, the behaviours with the greatest potential for GGE savings (have no children/one less child, no car or first/next car will be electric, eat less meat) have the lowest uptake. Descriptive normative beliefs predicted intent to adopt all high-impact actions, while environmental locus of control, CC scepticism, knowledge of the relative efficacy of actions, religiosity and age were predictive of action stage for several mitigation behaviours (multinomial logistic regression). These findings inform policy and communication interventions that seek to mobilise youth in the global climate crisis response.
The translation and transmission of ‘diatribal’ verbs in the textual traditions of the Zlatostruj collection
Authors: Dekker Simeon
Published: July 2021

The ‘diatribe’ is a dialogical mode of exposition, originating in Hellenistic Greek, where the author dramatically performs different voices in a polemical-didactic discourse. The voice of a fictitious opponent is often disambiguated by means of parenthetical verba dicendi, especially φησί(ν). Although diatribal texts were widely translated into Slavic in the Middle Ages, the textual history of the Zlatostruj collection of Chrysostomic homilies especially suits an investigation not only of how Greek ‘diatribal’ verbs were translated, but also how the Slavic verbs were transmitted or developed in different textual traditions. Over time, Slavic redactional activity led to a homogenization of verb forms. The initial variety of the original translation was partly eliminated, and the verb forms "Equation missing" and "Equation missing" became more firmly established as prototypical diatribal formulae. Especially the (increased) use of the 2sg form "Equation missing" has theoretical consequences for the text’s dialogical structure. Thus, an important dialogical component of the diatribe was reinforced in the Zlatostruj’s textual history on Slavic soil.
Design and implementation of a cloud-based event-driven architecture for real-time data processing in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Khriji Sabrine , Benbelgacem Yahia , Chéour Rym , Houssaini Dhouha El , Kanoun Olfa
Published: July 2021

The growth of the Internet of Things (IoTs) and the number of connected devices is driven by emerging applications and business models. One common aim is to provide systems able to synchronize these devices, handle the big amount of daily generated data and meet business demands. This paper proposes a cost-effective cloud-based architecture using an event-driven backbone to process many applications’ data in real-time, called REDA. It supports the Amazon Web Service (AWS) IoT core, and it opens the door as a free software-based implementation. Measured data from several wireless sensor nodes are transmitted to the cloud running application through the lightweight publisher/subscriber messaging transport protocol, MQTT. The real-time stream processing platform, Apache Kafka, is used as a message broker to receive data from the producer and forward it to the correspondent consumer. Micro-services design patterns, as an event consumer, are implemented with Java spring and managed with Apache Maven to avoid the monolithic applications’ problem. The Apache Kafka cluster co-located with Zookeeper is deployed over three availability zones and optimized for high throughput and low latency. To guarantee no message loss and to simulate the system performances, different load tests are carried out. The proposed architecture is reliable in stress cases and can handle records goes to 8000 messages in a second with low latency in a cheap hosted and configured architecture.
Development and Evaluation of a Method for Automated Detection of Spreading Depolarizations in the Injured Human Brain
Authors: Jewell Sharon , Hobson Stephen , Brewer Grant , Rogers Michelle , Hartings Jed A. , Foreman Brandon , Lavrador José-Pedro , Sole Michael , Pahl Clemens , Boutelle Martyn G. , Strong Anthony J.
Published: July 2021

Background

Spreading depolarizations (SDs) occur in some 60% of patients receiving intensive care following severe traumatic brain injury and often occur at a higher incidence following serious subarachnoid hemorrhage and malignant hemisphere stroke (MHS); they are independently associated with worse clinical outcome. Detection of SDs to guide clinical management, as is now being advocated, currently requires continuous and skilled monitoring of the electrocorticogram (ECoG), frequently extending over many days.

Methods

We developed and evaluated in two clinical intensive care units (ICU) a software routine capable of detecting SDs both in real time at the bedside and retrospectively and also capable of displaying patterns of their occurrence with time. We tested this prototype software in 91 data files, each of approximately 24 h, from 18 patients, and the results were compared with those of manual assessment (“ground truth”) by an experienced assessor blind to the software outputs.

Results

The software successfully detected SDs in real time at the bedside, including in patients with clusters of SDs. Counts of SDs by software (dependent variable) were compared with ground truth by the investigator (independent) using linear regression. The slope of the regression was 0.7855 (95% confidence interval 0.7149–0.8561); a slope value of 1.0 lies outside the 95% confidence interval of the slope, representing significant undersensitivity of 79%. R2 was 0.8415.

Conclusions

Despite significant undersensitivity, there was no additional loss of sensitivity at high SD counts, thus ensuring that dense clusters of depolarizations of particular pathogenic potential can be detected by software and depicted to clinicians in real time and also be archived.
Non-thyroidal illness syndrome and SARS-CoV-2-associated multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children
Authors: Calcaterra V. , Biganzoli G. , Dilillo D. , Mannarino S. , Fiori L. , Pelizzo G. , Zoia E. , Fabiano V. , Carlucci P. , Camporesi A. , Corti C. , Mercurio G. , Izzo F. , Biganzoli E. , Zuccotti G.
Published: July 2021

Purpose

COVID-19 disease may result in a severe multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), which in turn may alter thyroid function (TF). We assessed TF in MIS-C, evaluating its impact on disease severity.

Methods

We retrospectively considered children admitted with MIS-C to a single pediatric hospital in Milan (November 2019–January 2021). Non-thyroidal illness syndrome (NTIS) was defined as any abnormality in TF tests (FT3, FT4, TSH) in the presence of critical illness and absence of a pre-existing hormonal abnormality. We devised a disease severity score by combining severity scores for each organ involved. Glucose and lipid profiles were also considered. A principal component analysis (PCA) was performed, to characterize the mutual association patterns between TF and disease severity.

Results

Of 26 (19 M/7F) patients, median age 10.7 (IQR 5.8–13.3) years, 23 (88.4%) presented with NTIS. A low FT3 level was noted in 15/23 (65.3%), while the other subjects had varying combinations of hormone abnormalities (8/23, 34.7%). Mutually correlated variables related to organ damage and inflammation were represented in the first dimension (PC1) of the PCA. FT3, FT4 and total cholesterol were positively correlated and characterized the second axis (PC2). The third axis (PC3) was characterized by the association of triglycerides, TyG index and HDL cholesterol. TF appeared to be related to lipemic and peripheral insulin resistance profiles. A possible association between catabolic components and severity score was also noted.

Conclusions

A low FT3 level is common among MIS-C. TF may be useful to define the impact of MIS-C on children’s health and help delineate long term follow-up management and prognosis.
Hyperprolaktinämie bei der Frau
Authors: Walch Katharina
Published: July 2021

Hyperprolaktinämie ist eine häufige Ursache für Zyklusstörungen und unerfüllten Kinderwunsch und bedarf immer der diagnostischen Abklärung. Leitsymptom ist eine – meist beidseitige – Galaktorrhö. Erhöhte Serumprolaktinspiegel können idiopathisch oder physiologisch im Rahmen von Schwangerschaft, Stillzeit, Stress, körperlicher Betätigung oder auch im Schlaf auftreten. Als pathologische Ursachen sind Schilddrüsenunterfunktion, Leber‑, Niereninsuffizienz, Einnahme bestimmter Medikamente, polyzystisches Ovar-Syndrom (PCOS), Thoraxwandverletzungen und auch Hypophysenadenome zu nennen, wobei Letztere meist mit stark erhöhten Prolaktinspiegeln einhergehen und mittels MRT abgeklärt werden sollen. Die Therapie erfolgt heute meist konservativ mit den sog. Dopaminagonisten.

Diese Übersichtsarbeit beleuchtet die verschiedenen Aspekte der Hyperprolaktinämie aus gynäkologischer Sicht.
Impact of Early Cholecystectomy on the Cost of Treating Mild Gallstone Pancreatitis: Gallstone PANC Trial
Authors: Isbell Kayla D. , Wei Shuyan , Dodwad Shah-Jahan M. , Avritscher Elenir BC. , Mueck Krislynn M. , Bernardi Karla , Hatton Gabrielle E. , Liang Mike K. , Ko Tien C. , Kao Lillian S.
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND:

The Gallstone Pancreatitis: Admission vs Normal Cholecystectomy (Gallstone PANC) Trial demonstrated that cholecystectomy within 24 hours of admission (early) compared with after clinical resolution (control) for mild gallstone pancreatitis, significantly reduced 30-day length-of-stay (LOS) without increasing major postoperative complications. We assessed whether early cholecystectomy decreased 90-day healthcare use and costs.

STUDY DESIGN:

A secondary economic evaluation of the Gallstone PANC Trial was performed from the healthcare system perspective. Costs for index admissions and all gallstone pancreatitis-related care 90 days post-discharge were obtained from the hospital accounting system and inflated to 2020 USD. Negative binomial regression models and generalized linear models with log-link and gamma distribution, adjusting for randomization strata, were used. Bayesian analysis with neutral prior was used to estimate the probability of cost reduction with early cholecystectomy.

RESULTS:

Of 98 randomized patients, 97 were included in the analyses. Baseline characteristics were similar in early (n = 49) and control (n = 48) groups. Early cholecystectomy resulted in a mean absolute difference in LOS of -0.96 days (95% CI, -1.91 to 0.00, p = 0.05). Ninety-day mean total costs were $14,974 (early) vs $16,190 (control) (cost ratio [CR], 0.92; 95% CI, 0.73–1.15, p = 0.47), with a mean absolute difference of $1,216 less (95% CI, -$4,782 to $2,349, p = 0.50) per patient in the early group. On Bayesian analysis, there was an 81% posterior probability that early cholecystectomy reduced 90-day total costs.

CONCLUSION:

In this single-center trial, early cholecystectomy for mild gallstone pancreatitis reduced 90-day LOS and had an 81% probability of reducing 90-day healthcare system costs.
KURT GÖDEL ON LOGICAL, THEOLOGICAL, AND PHYSICAL ANTINOMIES
Authors: LETHEN TIM
Published: July 2021

This paper presents hitherto unpublished writings of Kurt Gödel concerning logical, epistemological, theological, and physical antinomies, which he generally considered as “the most interesting facts in modern logic,” and which he used as a basis for his famous metamathematical results. After investigating different perspectives on the notion of the logical structure of the antinomies and presenting two “antinomies of the intensional,” a new kind of paradox closely related to Gödel’s ontological proof for the existence of God is introduced and completed by a compilation of further theological antinomies. Finally, after a presentation of unpublished general philosophical remarks concerning the antinomies, Gödel’s type-theoretic variant of Leibniz’Monadology, discovered in his notes on the foundations of quantum mechanics, is examined. Most of the material presented here has been transcribed from the Gabelsberger shorthand system for the first time.
Encouraging the scale-up of proven interventions: Infrastructure development for the “Evidence-to-Implementation” award
Authors: Quanbeck Andrew , Johnson Roberta A. , Saha-Muldowney Mondira , Resnik Felice , Hirschfield Sheena , Meline Rachael R. , Mahoney Jane E.
Published: July 2021

Background/Objective:

Although most research universities offer investigators help in obtaining patents for inventions, investigators generally have few resources for scaling up non-patentable innovations, such as health behavior change interventions. In 2017, the dissemination and implementation (D & I) team at the University of Wisconsin’s Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) created the Evidence-to-Implementation (E2I) award to encourage the scale-up of proven, non-patentable health interventions. The award was intended to give investigators financial support and business expertise to prepare evidence-based interventions for scale-up.

Methods:

The D & I team adapted a set of criteria named Critical Factors Assessment, which has proven effective in predicting the success of entrepreneurial ventures outside the health care environment, to use as review criteria for the program. In March 2018 and February 2020, multidisciplinary panels assessed proposals using a review process loosely based on the one used by the NIH for grant proposals, replacing the traditional NIH scoring criteria with the eight predictive factors included in Critical Factors Assessment.

Results:

two applications in 2018 and three applications in 2020 earned awards. Funding has ended for the first two awardees, and both innovations have advanced successfully.

Conclusion:

Late-stage translation, though often overlooked by the academic community, is essential to maximizing the overall impact of the science generated by CTSAs. The Evidence-to-implementation award provides a working model for supporting late-stage translation within a CTSA environment.